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Current Affairs [PDF] - March 16-31, 2020

Highlights
It is a serological test that looks for antibodies in the blood. The test is different from the current
methodologies that use nasal or throat swabs to determine active infection. The test can be used in contact
tracing and learn about the source of infection of the person.
About the test
The test determines if the person had viral infections based on the presence of antibodies in their blood.
The antibody test is not a confirmatory test. However, it is a test for the purpose of surveillance. It helps to
generate data about number of people that got exposed to the virus.
Role of ICMR
So far, ICMR has conducted tests on random samples and no community transmission has begun in India.
However, experts believe that there are possibilities for India to enter into community transmission stage.
March 28, 2020
Indian Army launches “Operation Namaste” to combat COVID-19
On March 27, 2020, the Indian Army launched “Operation Namaste” to contain the spread of Corona Virus in
the country. Under the operation, the army will help the Government of India fight against the deadly
disease.
Highlights
Under the operation, Indian Army has established 8 quarantine so far. Also, Command wise help line
numbers have been established. Facilities for the families of the army men have been arranged to visit
nearest camps in case of emergency while they are away serving the country.
Army has also issued guidelines for army men to keep themselves safe as it is difficult to maintain social
distancing due to operational and tactical reasons.
Contingency Plan
The Indian Army has also prepared a Contingency plan at a six-hour notice. This includes 45 isolated bed
facilities, 10 ICU beds and mobilization of medical teams on call. The plan has been prepared after
analyzing the spread and containment of the virus in other countries.
What are DMF Funds that are to be used by the states to combat COVID-19?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman recently instructed the state governments to use DMF (District Mineral
Foundation) funds to fight against COVID-19. This is being done to supplement medical facilities that will
help fight against Corona Virus.
What are DMF Funds?
The District Mineral Foundation is a non-profit body. It was set up in those districts that were affected by
mining works. The Foundation works towards the benefit and interest of the persons affected due to the
mining activity. The Funds are allocated according to the rules of MMDR act.
Legislation
The DMF funds were set up under Section 9B of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) MMDR
amendment act. The act says that every mine holder has to contribute 10% of their loyalty towards the
funds.
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Khsetra Kalyana Yojana
The DMF funds are used to implement the scheme. The scheme focuses on safeguarding environment,
health and economic conditions of the tribal people. This is because, most of the productive mines in the
country are located in the tribal areas.
DMF Funds
The DMF funds so far were used for drinking water supply, health care, environment preservation, women
welfare, education, sanitation and skill development.
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