CSIR - CDRI have championed the cause of affordable drugs

Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) has championed the cause of affordable drugs and has given the world breakthrough molecules like Centchroman amongst others. Addressing the 70th Annual Day celebrations of CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow through video-conferencing on Wednesday, he said the contribution of the Institute has been immense, not only in terms of drugs it gave to the human kind but also in terms of quality fundamental research and human resource development. The Minister highlighted that CSIR-CDRI with its talented team, participated in the fight against COVID-19 through its multi-pronged approach. He informed that as of today, 90 lakh doses of vaccines have been administered in India and the country is supplying vaccines to 23 countries and 40 countries in all have requested the vaccine. He said, the institute established COVID testing laboratory within a record time of two months and took complete charge of testing from two districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Minister added that the Indian scientists are taking forward the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi  in building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat and a New India.

-Cabinet on Wedneday approved enhanced delegation of Financial Powers under Capital Procurement to levels below Vice-Chief of Armed Forces. Defence Ministry said that as per the approval, under Other Capital Procurement Procedure of Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020, financial powers up to Rs 100 crore has been delegated to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at Services Command and Regional Commanders, Indian Coast Guard.
Powers up to Rs 200 crore has been delegated to Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Material, Air Officer Maintenance, Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff and Additional Director General Indian Coast Guard.This delegation of powers within Service Headquarters and up to Command Level for items of Capital nature such as overhauls, refits, and upgrades will enhance the utility of existing assets and will facilitate faster processing and implementation of projects for modernization of Armed Forces to meet the security challenges of the nation.

-Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said that the recently passed three farmer laws are not against the farmers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government is ready to discuss with the farmers on the laws.Addressing a Press Conference in Imphal, Athawale said that these laws are passed to support the farmers. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been elected two times by farmers and how his government will pass laws against the farmers. These laws were passed in Parliament with majority and these laws could be repealed.He said, the government is always ready to discuss the laws with the farmers and Union Agriculture Ministers have talked with the farmers many times. The farmers have been informed that the government is ready to amend the laws. The leader also appealed to all the agitated farmers to cool down and settle the issue with talks.

-Civil Aviation Ministry and Directorate General of Civil Aviation have granted permission for usage of drones to Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Kerala. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is to be used for Integrated Urban Regeneration & Water Transport System Project. The permission is valid till 31st December this year from the date of issue of the letter or until the full operationalization of Digital Sky Platform (Phase-1), whichever is earlier. This permission shall be valid only if all conditions and limitations specified are strictly adhered to. In case of violation of any condition, the permission shall become null and void.

-Railways Minister Piyush Goyal has said that Railways can play an important role in the development of West Bengal by expanding passenger connectivity and connectivity of freight trains. He said, with the help of Railways, availability of raw materials can be ensured and the products can be moved from West Bengal to all parts of the country.While, dedicating to the nation, Manigram-Nimtita Railway electrified section and other passenger amenity works in West Bengal, Goyal said, our efforts will be directed towards making the West Bengal a premier state in trading and business activity in the country as envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He said, there are projects in West Bengal that were approved many years ago but still have not seen the light of day due to various reasons. He added, many of the projects can be resolved, if the State government would cooperate with the Indian Railways.