Ayurveda’s immunity boosting measures for self care during COVID 19 crisis

 In the wake of the Covid 19 outbreak, entire mankind across the globe is suffering. Enhancing the body’s natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health. We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times.

Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge base on preventive care derives from the concepts of “Dinacharya” - daily regimes and “Ritucharya” - seasonal regimes to maintain healthy life. It is a plant-based science. The simplicity of awareness about oneself and the harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting and maintaining his or her immunity is emphasized across Ayurveda’s classical scriptures.

Ministry of AYUSH recommends the following self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

 General Measures

1. Drink warm water throughout the day.
2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH (#YOGAatHome #StayHome #StaySafe)
3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.

 Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures

1. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
2. Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
3. Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.

 Simple Ayurvedic Procedures

1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (PratimarshNasya) in morning and evening.
2. Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.

  During dry cough / sore throat

1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.

The above measures can be followed to the extent possible as per an individual’s convenience.  These measures are recommended by following eminent Vaidyas from across the Country as they may possibly boost an individual’s immunity against infections: Padma ShriVaidya P R Krishnakumar, Coimbatore, Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna, Delhi, Vaidya P M Varier, Kottakkal, Vaidya Jayant Devpujari, Nagpur, Vaidya Vinay Velankar, Thane, Vaidya B S Prasad, Belgaum, Padma Shri Vaidya Gurdeep Singh, Jamnagar, Acharya Balkrishnaji, Haridwar, Vaidya M S Baghel, Jaipur, Vaidya R B Dwivedi, Hardoi UP, Vaidya K N Dwivedi, Varanasi, Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Chandigarh, Vaidya Abichal Chattopadhyay, Kolkata, Vaidya Tanuja Nesari, Delhi, Vaidya Sanjeev Sharma, Jaipur, Vaidya Anup Thakar, Jamnagar

Disclaimer: The above advisory does not claim to be treatment for COVID 19

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RJ/SK

(Release ID :200842)

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No Extension of the Financial Year -- PIB (30-03-20)

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SB Order-14 :: Waive off penalty / revival fee (default fee) in RD / PPF / SSA Accounts

IndiaPost & IPPB Providing Essential Banking Services Across Post Offices & at Customers' Doorstep " WITHOUT CHARGES " During #COVID-19 # 21Days Lockdown ....

Opening of April period for the Financial Year 2020-2021 .....for salary, Pension, GDS Payments etc ...

Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes -- MoF

Retirement of Government Servants on 31st March 2020 - Clarification :: DoPT

Position of transactions in Post Offices during Covid-19 lock down -- PIB

Position of transactions in Post offices during Covid-19 lockdown

The details of transactions in Post offices during Covid-19 lockdown are as below:

Sl. No.	Monitoring Parameter	Position as on 26th March	Position as on 27th March	Position as on 28th March
1.	No of POSB Transactions	6,38,806	7,33,614	6,45,320
2.	Value of POSB Transactions	Deposit – Rs 491.91 cr Withdrawal – Rs 264.76 cr	Deposit – Rs 533.06 cr Withdrawal – Rs 313.31 cr	Deposits- Rs 590.32 cr  Withdrawals – Rs 318.89 cr
3.	No of IPPB Transactions	1.63 Lakh	1.57 Lakh	1.18 Lakh
4.	Value of IPPB Transactions	Rs 49.35 cr	Rs 47.13 Cr	Rs 32.14 cr
5.	NO of AePS Transactions	6874	7938	8577
6.	Value of AePS transactions	RS 3.11 cr	Rs 3.33 cr	Rs 3.63 cr
7.	Number of ATM Transactions	10691	9912	10984
8.	Value of ATM Transactions	Rs  5,57,28,400	Rs 3,03,19,600	Rs 3,22,12,350
9.	No of PLI transactions	9746	12251	10190
10.	Value of PLI transactions	Rs 3,44,40,557	Rs  4,02,33,657	Rs 3,23,38,626
11.	No of  RPLI transactions	16308	21617	28045
12.	Value of RPLI transactions	RS 1,58,65,807	Rs 2,34,25,940	Rs 2,79,01,000
13.	No of Speed Post, registered letters, parcels delivered and Money orders  paid	45766	58121	46892

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RJ/NG

(Release ID :200838)

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RPLI-PLI:: Extension of date for revival drive for lapsed PLI & RPLI Policies (Upto 31-05-20)

IPPB :: Interest Rate on Savings Account 3.0% w.e.f 01-04-2020

01-04-2020

Postal employees demand closure of post offices -- NEWS item

30-03-2020 :: Minutes of VC -- MoC Video Conference with DoP, DoT & BSNL Officers

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COVID-19 --- WHY 21 DAYS LOCK DOWN IS CRUCIAL

MHA Order -- Restricting Movement Of Migrants And Strict Enforcement Of Lock-down Measures (29-03-20)

DBT payments through Post Offices ... DoP

Post Office on wheels -- Trivendrum North - Kerala Circle (SoP)

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Meet the woman behind India's first covid testing kit -- ET News (28-03-20)

In what may go down as a crucial benchmark in India's fight against the Covid-19 virus, a Pune-based diagnostic firm developed the country's first testing kit this week.

With just 6.8 tests per million, one of the lowest rates in the world, India has been criticized for not testing enough. Now, this home-grown test kit could be the breakthrough the country needed. All this was made possible because of the efforts of one virologist, who delivered on a working test kit, hours before delivering her baby.

The woman behind it all

Under Mylab's research and development Chief, Minal Dakhave Bhosale, the coronavirus testing kit called Patho Detect, was developed in just six weeks, the BBC reported.

The scientist was also battling with another deadline-- last week she gave birth to a baby girl. Bhosale began work on the programme in February, just days after leaving hospital with pregnancy complications.

"It was an emergency, so I took this on as a challenge. I had to serve my nation," she said, adding that her team of 10 worked "very hard" to make the project a success.

In the end, she submitted the kit to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for evaluation on March 18th, just a day before delivering her daughter.

First made-in-India Covid test

India's first corona virus testing kit hit Indian markets on Thursday, in a bid to increase frequency of testing and to confirm or rule out the Covid-19 infection. "Our kit gives the diagnosis in two and a half hours while the imported testing kits take six-seven hours," Bhosale said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

Mylabs Discovery Solutions, which received statutory approvals late on Monday from authorities, can manufacture over 15,000 testing kits per day from its facility at Lonavala in Pune district and the same will be ramped up to 25,000 kits per day.

Mylab shipped the first batch of 150 to diagnostic labs in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa and Bengaluru (Bangalore) this week. "Our manufacturing unit is working through the weekend and the next batch will be sent out on Monday," Dr Gautam Wankhede, Mylab's director for medical affairs, told BBC.

The molecular diagnostic company, which also makes testing kits for HIV and Hepatitis B and C, and other diseases, says it can supply up to 100,000 Covid-19 testing kits a week and can produce up to 200,000 if needed.

Each Mylab kit can test 100 samples and costs Rs 1,200, about a quarter of the Rs 4,500 that India pays to import testing kits from abroad.

Initially, India insisted on testing only those who had traveled to high-risk countries or had come in contact with an infected person or health workers treating corona virus patients. It later said that anyone admitted to hospital with severe respiratory distress would also be tested.

In the past few days, India has scaled up testing. Initially, only the state labs were allowed to test for corona virus, but permission has now been extended to several private labs too.

India now has well over 800 positive cases of corona virus, but with the circle of infection widening daily, the numbers are expected to rise further.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/meet-the-woman-behind-indias-first-covid-testing-kit/articleshow/74857787.cms

28-03-2020

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi says social distancing is the most effective way of fighting against COVID-19; urges countrymen to protect themselves and their families.

Sharing his thoughts in Mann ki Baat program, Mr. Modi asserts India will win its fight against COVID-19   PM says, certain hard decisions necessary to contain the pandemic; calls upon global community to join hands to exterminate the Coronavirus PM shares his conversations with those who have recovered and doctors; lauds their grit and determination People need to show sympathy and cooperation with those in isolation and self-quarantine; says PM.

“Many soldiers fighting the Coronavirus are not in the confines of their homes but outside their homes. These are our front line soldiers-especially our brothers and sisters on duty as nurses, doctors and paramedical staff. I spoke to some of them to express my gratitude for their service and to keep their zeal going. Their sincerity and commitment also helps me in keeping up my spirits ”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that social distancing is the most effective way of fighting against COVID-19 and by complying with the lockdown, people can protect themselves.

Sharing his thoughts in the 10th edition of the Mann Ki Baat 2.0 today, Mr Modi said, “Everyone has to protect themselves and their families and for the next many days, they have to abide by the Lakshman Rekha. The determination and restraint of each Indian will help in facing the crisis.”

Mr Modi called upon the global community to join hands  in the resolve to exterminate this virus which poses a threat to annihilate the human race.

“Corona virus has incarcerated the world. It is posing a challenge to Knowledge, science, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak alike. It is not confined to any nation's borders, nor does it make distinction of region or season. This virus has, in a way, obstinately picked up the gauntlet to annihilate the human race. And that is why humankind will have to rise unitedly, in the resolve to exterminate it”, he said.

The Prime Minister said, in order to battle Coronavirus in a country with 130 crore people, there was no other option but to go for lockdown. He emphasized that the fight against Coronavirus is between life and death and that is why such strong measures had to be resorted to. Mr Modi said, looking at the way the world is going through, this was the only way left. He said, safety of people has to be ensured.

Mr. Modi said, those breaking the rules during the lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 are playing with their lives. He made it clear that those who do not comply with the lockdown rule should understand that it will be difficult to save ourselves from the scourge of the Coronavirus.

The Prime Minister said, ”The world over, many people nursed this delusion and all of them are regretting it now. Since the battle against corona is unprecedented as well as challenging, the decisions being taken during this time are unheard of in the history of the world”.

The Prime Minister told that the steps being taken by Indians to stop the spread of corona and the efforts being made, will ensure that India conquers the pandemic. 

Mr Modi said, “Our sympathy for the poor should also be far greater. Our humanity stems from the fact that whenever we see a poor or hungry person, we first try and feed him or her in this time of crisis”.

He said, we should think of their needs and India can do it as it is part of its values and culture. The Prime Minister cited an adage which means, an illness and its scourge should be nipped in the bud itself. However, when it becomes incurable its treatment is very difficult. He said, every Indian is doing just that these days.

The Prime Minister said, corona virus has incarcerated the world and it is posing a challenge to knowledge, science, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak alike across the continents and that is the reason why he has confined to this issue in this edition of Mann Ki baat.  

Mr Modi  extended a heartfelt apology to all countrymen and said he strongly feels from the core of his heart that the people will forgive him because he had to take certain decisions may be resulting in myriad hardships. He specially mentioned the underprivileged brothers and sisters and said, he fully understands what they are going through. Citing another adage, he said good health is the greatest fortune and health is the only way to happiness in the world.

The Prime Minister said, in this war, there are many soldiers who are fighting the Corona virus, not in the confines of their homes but outside their homes.

He said, “these are our front line soldiers especially the brothers and sisters on duty as nurses, doctors and paramedical staff  who have defeated corona virus”. 

The Prime Minister shared his conversations on phone with some of those engaged in the fight against CIVID-19 boosting their zeal, in turn raising his own enthusiasm as well and said he has learnt a lot from them. 

The Prime Minister said, all these people are persevering to the best extent possible to chase out this scourge.

“What they tell us is not just for us to listen to and it is to be practised in life in the truest spirit” he said.

Prime Minister also praised the selfless spirit of the Nurses and other medical staff. 

“India has been able to fight a battle on such a massive scale, only because of the zeal and grit of frontline warriors like doctors, nurses, paramedics, Aasha, ANM workers, sanitation workers. The country is also concerned about their health and hence the government has announced a health insurance cover of upto 50 lakhs rupees for nearly 20 lakhs colleagues from these fields so that in this battle, they can lead the country with greater self-confidence” he said.  

He praised the small retail storekeeper in the neighbourhood, the drivers and workers, who are working ceaselessly, so that the nation's supply chain of essential goods is not disrupted. Mr Modi said, those working in the banking sector are leading us in this fight. He told that many people are engaged with e-commerce companies as delivery personnel and are delivering groceries in these testing times.  

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people who are enabling the people to watch uninterrupted television and making digital payments with ease. He requested them to follow all the safety precautions, take care of themselves and their family members.

The Prime Minister said, people need to understand that in the current circumstances, we need to ensure social distance, not human or emotional distance.

He said, he was pained to see that some of those quarantined are being stigmatised and ill-treated. He appreciated those who have quarantined themselves to protect other people from getting infected. 

The Prime Minister said, social distancing is the most effective way of fighting against coronavirus.  He again appealed to the countrymen to stay at home, be careful and safe in order to win this battle.

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VRRK/AK/KP

(Release ID :200782)

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Person With Disabilities - exempted :: Preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 - Guidelines for protection and safety of Persons With Disabilities (Divyangjan) during COVID-19 .... DoPT

Guidelines for Workplace of COVID-19 case :: DoPT (26-03-2020)

Post Offices provide basic postal and Financial services during COVID-19 lockdown -- PIB

           During the lockdown to curtail the spread of COVlD-19, Post Offices are providing basic postal and financial services. Priority is being given to delivery of essential Items through the postal network. Facility of withdrawal and deposit under Post Office Savings Bank and India Post Payments Bank is also available. ATM facility and AEPS (Aadhar Enabled Payment System) are made available in Post Offices for withdrawal of cash from accounts standing in any bank.

           Department of Posts is also ensuring that essential services are provided by implementing safety measures across its supply chain to protect its employees and effecting safe delivery of services to the citizens.

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RJ/NG

(Release ID :200732)

Instructions regarding execution of EOY for 2019-20 in CBS offices ..........

CGHS :: Reimbursement of OPD Medicines - Special Sanction in view of COVID-19 -- MoHFW

DoP :: Monitoring proforma regarding functioning of Post Offices on account of COVID_19 ....

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Finance Minister announces Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus

• Insurance cover of Rs 50 Lakh per health worker fighting COVID-19 to be provided under Insurance Scheme
• 80 crore poor people will to get 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses for free every month for the next three months
• 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders to get Rs 500 per month for next three months
• Increase in MNREGA wage to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182 to benefit 13.62 crore families
• An ex-gratia of Rs 1,000 to 3 crore poor senior citizen, poor widows and poor disabled
• Government to front-load Rs 2,000 paid to farmers in first week of April under existing PM Kisan Yojana to benefit 8.7 crore farmers
• Central Government has given orders to State Governments to use Building and Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide relief to Construction Workers

The Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Niramla Sitharaman today announced Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus. While addressing the press conference here today, Smt. Sitharaman said “Today’s measures are intended at reaching out to the poorest of the poor, with food and money in hands, so that they do not face difficulties in buying essential supplies and meeting essential needs.”
The Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Singh Thakur was also present besides Shri Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Shri Debashish Panda, Secretary, Department of Financial Services. Following are the components of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: —

PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN PACKAGE

I. Insurance scheme for health workers fighting COVID-19 in Government Hospitals and Health Care Centres

• Safai karamcharis, ward-boys, nurses, ASHA workers, paramedics, technicians, doctors and specialists and other health workers would be covered by a Special insurance Scheme.
• Any health professional, who while treating Covid-19 patients, meet with some accident, then he/she would be compensated with an amount of Rs 50 lakh under the scheme.
• All government health centres, wellness centres and hospitals of Centre as well as States would be covered under this scheme  approximately 22 lakh health workers would be provided insurance cover to fight this pandemic.

II.  PM Garib Kalyan Ann (अन्न) Yojana

• Government of India would not allow anybody, especially any poor family, to suffer on account of non-availability of foodgrains due to disruption in the next three months.
• 80 crore individuals, i.e, roughly two-thirds of India’s population would be covered under this scheme.
• Each one of them would be provided double of their current entitlement over next three months. 
• This additionality would be free of cost.

Pulses:

• To ensure adequate availability of protein to all the above mentioned individuals, 1 kg per family, would be provided pulses according to regional preferences for next three months.
• These pulses would be provided free of cost by the Government of India.

III. Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Benefit to farmers:

• The first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020-21 will be front-loaded and paid in April 2020 itself under the PM KISAN Yojana.

• It would cover 8.7 crore farmers

IV. Cash transfers Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana: Help to Poor:

• A total of 20.40 crores PMJDY women account-holders would be given an ex-gratia of Rs 500 per month for next three months.

Gas cylinders:

• Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, gas cylinders, free of cost, would be provided to 8 crore poor families for the next three months. 

Help to low wage earners in organised sectors:

• Wage-earners below Rs 15,000 per month in businesses having less than 100 workers are at risk of losing their employment.
• Under this package, government proposes to pay 24 percent of their monthly wages into their PF accounts for next three months.
• This would prevent disruption in their employment. 

Support for senior citizens (above 60 years), widows and Divyang:

• There are around 3 crore aged widows and people in Divyang category who are vulnerable due to economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
• Government will give them Rs 1,000 to tide over difficulties during next three months. 

MNREGA

• Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, MNREGA wages would be increased by Rs 20 with effect from 1 April, 2020. Wage increase under MNREGA will provide an additional Rs 2,000 benefit annually to a worker.
• This will benefit approximately 13.62 crore families.

V. Self-Help groups:

• Women organised through 63 lakhs Self Help Groups (SHGs) support 6.85 crore households.

1. Limit of collateral free lending would be increased from Rs 10 to Rs 20 lakhs.

VI. Other components of PM Garib Kalyan package : Organised sector:

• Employees’ Provident Fund Regulations will be amended to include Pandemic as the reason to allow non-refundable advance of 75 percent of the amount or three months of the wages, whichever is lower, from their accounts.
• Families of four crore workers registered under EPF can take benefit of this window. 

Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Fund:

• Welfare Fund for Building and Other Constructions Workers has been created under a Central Government Act.
• There are around 3.5 Crore registered workers in the Fund.
• State Governments will be given directions to utilise this fund to provide assistance and support to these workers to protect them against economic disruptions.

District Mineral Fund

• The State Government will be asked to utilise the funds available under District Mineral Fund (DMF) for supplementing and augmenting facilities of medical testing, screening and other requirements in connection with preventing the spread of CVID-19 pandemic as well as treating the patients affected with this pandemic.

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RM/KMN
(Release ID :200704)

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