TikTok facilitates Rs 30 crore donations to PM-CARES Fund with in-app quiz; post criticism

Chinese video-sharing social networking service TikTok has facilitated donations to PM-CARES Fund with an in-app quiz called 'Kheloge Aap, Jeetega India' organised to bring user community toger and build awareness around spre of coronavirus. quiz was available to users in 11 local langus. Within five days, it received over 70 lakh entries from TikTok users across country. 

"We have been encourd by support and enthusiasm for this initiative, and are w donating over 10x of our original pledge. Our total donation to PM CARES Fund w amounts to Rs 30 crore and commemorates overwhelming response to our efforts by users" TikTok said in a statement.

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TikTok Earlier heavily criticised

Since February, TikTok says has undertaken several initiatives to create awareness about safety measures related to COVID-19 by elevating content shared by partners like MyGov, PIB, WHO, UNDP India, and UNICEF India on platform, even amid severe criticism for also being a medium of significant fake-news on Covid.

"As a socially responsible platform, we are committed to supporting safety and well-being of people through our platform. We deeply appreciate and thank our users for coming forward to spre awareness and contribute to India's fight against COVID-19," said social networking app trying to make amends. 

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PM CARES Fund

On March 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund), where citizens can contribute to aide government's efforts in supporting those affected by disasters.

fund will provide relief to affected from any walk of life dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation. PM Modi also urged Indians to donate generously. fund is chaired by PM Modi and includes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

According to latest update of Union Health Ministry, re are currently a total of 29,435 Coronavirus cases in country, including 21,632 active cases. While 934 deaths have been reported overall, around 6,868 people have been cured.

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(with ANI inputs)