News Flash (23rd April’2020): Top 13 Stories Of The Day

1. Actress, Priyanka Chopra donates 10k pairs of shoes to the healthcare workers in India

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas is going to donate a total of 10 thousand pairs of footwear to the Indian healthcare workers who are helping the nation fight COVID-19. This donation to the healthcare workers will happen in collaboration with Crocs and the footwear will be given to the government hospitals of the Indian states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka. She said, “Healthcare professionals across the country are our true superheroes, working every day to ensure our safety and fighting for us on the frontlines. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifices are saving innumerable lives in this global pandemic. While we cannot even imagine what’s it like to be in their shoes, we can at least help them be comfortable in them. Because of the nature of their work, it is critical for them to have easy-to-clean shoes and apparel for themselves… We are so glad to be able to offer this support and hope this helps these caregivers in the fight against this virus.”

2. Google Duo announces 4 new features. Enables users to take pictures of calls

Google Duo is all set to release its new features to enable its users to connect with more ease. It will soon be releasing its four new features in the next few weeks. Under this, Google Duo will enable its users to take a snapshot of the video chat. It will also increase the number of people who can video call each other at a single time. Currently, only 12 participants are allowed to video call or voice call each other at one single time. More updates from the company are expected to be rolled out soon. 

3. IIT-Kharagpur receives top rank in India and ranks 57th globally by THE Impact Rankings

As per THE Impact Rankings which was released on 22nd April, IIT Kharagpur is the most impactful educational institute in India. Globally, it stands on the 57th position out of around 766 universities from 89 countries and regions. These rankings are based on the social and economic impact they leave on society. So far, this is India’s best-ever result in a THE global ranking.

4. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma become educators for a day on Unacademy

Power couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma came together on, Unacademy, one of India’s largest online learning platform to host an inspiring Live Class for its students. During this hour-long session, the duo spoke about each of their respective career’s struggle and success stories. About 50,000 students attended this live session where the two speakers urged the viewers to never give up on their dreams. 

5. Lions, Tigers and, cats too have been tested positive for Coronavirus in the US

Four more tigers and 3 lions have been infected with Coronavirus. Not just this, but New York reported the first case of two pet cats being tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. Eight wild cats of the Bronx Zoo were tested positive after they had come in close contact with the staff member who was infected with the virus. On the other hand, out of the two pet cats of New York who were tested positive, one was infected because the owner too was tested positive of coronavirus. The other cat, however, had picked up the virus from coming in close contact with someone from outside its family. The fact that animals were catching the infection from humans has sent a sense of fear in the hearts of all. 

6. The geological map of the moon released for the very first time by scientists

The first-ever geological map of the moon was released by the scientist of the USGS Astrogeology Science Center in association with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute. This geological map was created by using the information from the six Apollo-era regional maps and with the information collected by the recent satellite missions sent to the Moon. In addition to this, scientists also developed a detailed description of the Moon’s rock layers.  

7. Attacks on healthcare workers to be made a cognizable and non-bailable offence: Union Minister

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on 22nd April said that the cabinet has cleared an ordinance of making any kind of violence and attack on the doctors and other healthcare workers, a cognizable and non-bailable offence in the Indian law. This came as a protective step towards doctors, healthcare workers after the medical fraternity complained of the rise in the number of attacks on the doctors while they were protecting the nation from the epidemic. Those attacking the doctors in any way will be sentenced to imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years. 

8. Indian doctor Uma Madhusudan receives 100-car-salute in US for her service during COVID-19 times

Indian origin Dr. Uma Madhusudan who is treating the COVID-19 patients in the United States received a 100 car salute in front of her house by the US citizens for her commendable service. A clip of the same was shared by Indian actor Adil Hussain on Twitter. In the clip, cars are seen around her house, people cheering and honks blaring. The doctor is also seen receiving the salute by the wave of hands.  

9. Savita Kovind, President Kovind’s wife stitches masks for shelter homes

The first lady of India, Savita Kovind stitched face masks for the numerous shelter homes of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board. Wearing a red face mask herself, she stitched the face masks at the Shakti Haat in the President’s Estate to contribute to helping the nation fight the coronavirus. Her picture of stitching the mask was first shared from an official twitter handle of BJP Karnataka that read  “Here is our First Lady, Smt Savita Kovind, stitching face masks to be distributed at numerous shelter homes in New Delhi. Thank You Amma for leading by example”.

10. Arnab Goswami attacked on his way home after criticizing Sonia Gandhi on his show

Popular TV journalist and news reporter Arnab Goswami and his wife were attacked by two goons at around 2:00 am on 23rd April. The TV anchor has alleged that the two goons belonged to Congress. The two assailants who were on a bike, attacked the couple while they were on their way back home in a car. They hurled abuses, broke the glass of the car, and threw black ink on the car as well. After the attack, the assailants were arrested at the NM Joshi Marg Police Station in Mumbai. This attack on the journalist came after he held Sonia Gandhi responsible for the recent Palghar mob lynching incident. Both, Arnab and his wife were fortunately not injured. 

11. Space to store crude oil fully sold out says World’s largest oil storage company

The world’s largest oil storage company, Royal Vopak, has confirmed that almost all the spaces to store crude oil and other refined products have been sold out.  Worldwide, the demand for oil has drastically dipped due to coronavirus. Since the entire world has come to a standstill, the global transportation system has come to a halt, thus effectively bringing to halt, the demand for oil. 

12. To help students stranded during the lockdown, Bihar launches a new helpline number

The state of Bihar has launched a helpline number to help students who are stranded in educationals and coaching institutes in different parts of the country during the lockdown period and provide them with speedy solutions and help. An estimated 30,000 students are stranded in different parts of the country away from their homes. For help, the students can reach out for help at 0612-2294600

13. Instagram working on account memorialization of users’ accounts who passed away

 As the number of deceased are increasing the day due to Coronavirus, Instagram has started working on memorializing the account of those who have succumbed to death. The company feels the need to highlight the accounts that are rendered inactive. As a solution to this, the photo-sharing app will tag the inactive accounts under the “Remembering” banner to acknowledge the account of those who lost their lives to the highly contagious Coronavirus.