New Delhi: A two-day national strike has begun in the country. All the central trade unions, including the AITUC, are participating in the 48 – hour strike. The strike will end at midnight on Tuesday. Milk, newspapers, hospitals, ambulances, covid prevention activities, and travel of foreign tourists have been excluded from the strike.

New Delhi: The distribution of free foodgrains in the country through the PMGKAY scheme has been extended for another six months.  Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the project has been extended till September this year.  The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.  The scheme provides 5 kg of foodgrains per month free of cost to about 80 crore beneficiaries.

New Delhi: The Central Government is considering giving a precautionary dose of covid vaccine to those going abroad.  The move comes as travelers are required to take three doses of the vaccine for employment, educational and business purposes.  Foreign travelers are also being offered free booster doses at private vaccination centers.  Currently, the precautionary dose is provided free of charge to health care professionals and those over 60 years of age.
 Dosage priority and order are based on the completion of nine months from the date of taking the second dose as per the existing guidelines.  Vaccination was launched nationwide on January 16, 2021.  Initially, the vaccine was given to health workers.  Vaccination for all those over 45 years of age started on April 1 last year.  Vaccination of children aged 12 to 14 years started from March 16 this year. Meanwhile, the Central Government has relaxed the covid restrictions on international air travel.  The requirement for flight attendants to wear a PPE kit during travel has been waived.