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India’s COVID tally surge to 86.36 lakh with 44,281 new cases

Covid cases
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): India has reported 44,281 fresh coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, taking the overall caseload to 86,36,012, Union Health Ministry said.

The country’s death toll has reached to 1,27,571, with 512 new fatalities being reported in the same period.

Notably, the active cases stand at 4,94,657 and 80,13,784 patients have been cured or discharged so far, as per the ministry data.

This is for the first time since August 7 when the active coronavirus cases remained below 5 lakh mark in the country.

In the worst-affected Maharashtra, COVID-19 confirmed cases jumped to 17,26,962 which include 45,435 deaths. The active cases in the state stand at 93,400 and 15,88,091 recoveries.

Maharashra is followed by Karnataka (8,51,212), Andhra Pradesh (8,46,258), Tamil Nadu (7,48,225), Uttar Pradesh (5,01,311) and Kerala (4,95,712).

Meanwhile, the national capital has registered 4,51,382 cases after a record of 7,830 new cases, while 7,143 people have died of the virus in Delhi.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, a total of 12 crore samples tested for COVID-19 up to November 10. Of these 11,53,294 samples were tested yesterday.

Furthermore, with new COVID-19 cases in the national capital showing an upward trend, the Delhi government has requested the Centre to provide additional beds with manpower as there is a shortage of 4,900 beds.

-RJV

Bihar: Nitish retains power

Bihar

New Delhi (NVI): In a nail-biting contest, the Janta Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party coalition clinched 125 seats in the 243-member State Assembly while the Grand Alliance Mahagathbandhan secured 110 seats.

The Mahagathbandhan refused to accept the results, accusing the returning officers of succumbing to the pressure of ruling alliance. However, the Election Commission has refuted the allegation and clarified that the votes counting continued til late night due to shortage of proper space as only a few benches were allowed in a room/hall due to the Covid-related restrictions.

In terms of vote share, the NDA secured less than 40 per cent. On the other hand, the RJD-led grand alliance managed around 37 per cent votes. The RJD topped the vote share with 23.1 per cent and emerged as the single largest party. The BJP had a vote share of 19.5 per cent.

With 15.4 per cent, the JD(U) was third on the list, followed by others at 18.8 per cent. Congress managed to get just 9.5 per cent of the votes, while the BSP and AIMM ended up with a vote share of 1.49 per cent and 1.24 per cent. respectively. Over 7 lakh Bihar voters chose NOTA option, which is around 1.68 per cent.

-ARK

Movement for opening of Sharda Peeth in POJK for Indian Hindus gains momentum

Movement for opening of Sharda Peeth in POJK for Indian Hindus gains momentum

New Delhi (NVI): After the opening of Kartarpur Sahib corridor, the movement for opening of Sharda Peeth, an ancient Hindu temple in Neelum district of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has gained momentum.

The Sharda Peeth is 10 km inside PoK from the LoC (Line of Control). Hindus in PoJK as well as in India have already been demanding access to the ancient temple which has been denied by Pakistan since 1948.

The temple, which is one of the most sacred places for the Hindus of J&K, has turned into ruins since 1947 and there has been no caretaker left to look after the premises.

However, some civil society groups and political parties in PoJK have expressed solidarity with the Hindu groups’ quest for pilgrimage access to the temple.

Yesterday, National Equality Party JKGBL from Gilgit Baltistan region visited Sharda Peeth and demanded a visa free entry for Hindus across the LoC.

JKGBL Chairman Prof. Sajjad Raza, who is also s human rights activist from the region, shared pictures and a video of the visiting team on Twitter.

“Sharda Peeth is one of the most sacred places for the Hindus of J&K. But since 1947 this place has turned into ruins & no Hindu is left in POJK to look after the MANDIR. Our party delegation inspected Sharda Peeth today & we demand a visa free entry for Hindus across the LoC,” Pro. Raza tweeted.

The JKGBL party has demanded that Sharda Peeth pilgrimage for Hindus should be facilitated and all restrictions must be lifted off.

In 2018, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had assured Indian journalists of the opening of Sharda Peeth after the inauguration of the Kartapur corridor but never fulfilled his promise.

Meanwhile, the movement to gain unrestricted access to the temple has also been intensified in India as Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (SSCK) has taken up the issue at various platforms including the United Nations (UN).

Notably, the Indian Hindus have been demanding an amendment in the LoC permit rules to include the annual Sharda pilgrimage which has been denied by the Pakistan government.

-ARK

J&K: 2 Al-Badr militants killed in Shopian encounter

Shopian encounter
File Photo

(Updating earlier copy)

Lubna Fayaz

Srinagar (NVI): Two militants killed in an encounter at Kutpora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district today were affiliated with Al-Badr terror outfit, according to J&K police.

The slain militants have been identified as Irfan Ahmad Thoker, resident of Kutpora, Shopian and Umer Ahmad Lone, resident of Naidgam Lone Mohallah.

A police spokesman said that a joint Cordon and Search Operation was launched by Shopian Police, Army’s 34 RR and 178 Bn CRPF in the area on the basis of specific inputs.

The spokesman said that during the search operation, the presence of militants got verified.

An opportunity to surrender was also given to the militants, however, they fired upon the joint search party, which led to an encounter.

“In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter,” he said.

-RJV/ARK

J&K Govt bans private practice by all SKIMS medical professionals

J&K Govt bans private practice by all SKIMS medical professionals
SKIMS, Srinagar (File)

Srinagar (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir administration today banned the private practice by medical professionals and practitioners associated with Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences here, under a specific order.

The order issued by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha envisages penal action besides the action warranted under service rules. In pursuance of the said order, Director SKIMS/Exofficio Secretary to Govt Dr AG Ahangar has sought absolute compliance of the said Government Order which he said served the public interest.

He said, “The order casts legal and moral responsibility on in-service faculty and medical professionals associated with the Institute and added that any deviation or non-compliance noticed at any stage from any faculty or staff member will be responded with strict action as envisaged in the government order banning the private practice.”

Dr. Ahangar expressed hope and exuded confidence that the faculty and medical staff of the Institute will uphold the established precedent of moral standards and professional responsibility befitting their reputation and professional demands.

While appreciating the incredible contribution from all the medical professionals and other Supportive Services, Dr Ahangar  saidthe SKIMS staff will continue to render exemplary performance in managing COVID-19 pandemic at SKIMS and offered his best wishes to them, at the same time expressed confidence in upholding the medical ethics and their professional values of the highest order.

He simultaneously appealed to the public at large to observe all the SOP’s and guidelines in facing the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic. He solicited the support of public in their own interest and not to lower the guard till the pandemic is over.

-ARK

ISI, Rangers involved in Sindh IGP’s ‘abduction’ acted ‘overzealously’, admits Pak Army

ISI, Rangers involved in Sindh IGP's 'abduction' acted 'overzealously', admits Pak Army

New Delhi (NVI): The Pakistan Army today said that ISI and Rangers officials who were involved in Sindh IGP’s “illegal arrest” had decided to act “overzealously” while stating that the officials have now been “removed” pending further proceedings.

IGP Karachi, Mushtaq Mehar was illegally confined on Oct 18-19 night by ISI and Rangers officials after which Sindh police had carried out a virtual revolt against the Pakistan Army for humiliation meted out to its top officer.

In its statement today, the ISPR said the court of inquiry constituted to redress the grievances of the Sindh Inspector General Mushtaq Mehar has been completed on the orders of Pak Army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

“The court of inquiry has established that on night 18/19 Oct officers from Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and ISI headquarters Karachi were considerably seized with the fall out of desecration of Mazar-e-Qaid. They were under increasing public pressure to ensure prompt action as per the law.

“Assessing the response of police authorities against this developing yet volatile situation to be slow and wanting, in a charged environment, the concerned ISI/Rangers decided to act, rather over zealously,” it said.

“They were indeed experienced enough to have acted more prudently and could have avoided creating an unwarranted situation that led to misunderstanding between the two state institutions,” it added.

“Based on the recommendations of the Court of Inquiry, it has been decided to remove the concerned officers from their current assignments for further departmental proceedings and disposal at GHQ,” the Pakistan Army’s media affairs wing said.

Last month, the ISPR said the Army chief had taken notice of and ordered an immediate inquiry into the “Karachi incident”, a Dawn report said.

Last month, the police brass en masse, from the rank of Inspector General of Police to the level of Assistant Sub-Inspector, had announced decision to go on long leave in protest against the army’s ill-treatment, which they all said had hit the morale of the police force.

The police force was angry over the illegal confinement of IGP of Karachi Mushtaq Mehar by the personnel of paramilitary Pakistan Rangers and coercion to make him sign arrest warrant against Mohd Safdar, the son-in-law of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after a rally by opposition parties in Karachi on October 18. The Rangers are controlled by the Pakistan Army.

The protest by the police force led to panic and anxiety in Pakistan and triggered all kinds of rumours and speculations, like clashes between police and army in Karachi.

However, hours later, the Sindh Police tweeted past midnight that the decision regarding long leave had been deferred for 10 days as Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa had promised an impartial inquiry into the incident related to Mehar.

-ARK

Afghan forces kill senior al-Qaeda leader in western Afghanistan

Afghanistan
Afghan troops moving towards border amid high tensions with Pakistan.

New Delhi (NVI): National Directorate of Security (NDS), the intelligence and security service of Afghanistan, today said that a senior leader of AQIS (al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent), identified as Mohammad Hanif alias Abdullah, was killed in an operation in Bakwa district of Farah province.

Taking to Twitter, NDS said that Hanif was from Karachi in Pakistan and was given a safe haven by the Taliban in Farah province in western Afghanistan.

“Mohammad Hanif aka Abdullah, a senior leader of AQIS, was killed during an NDS operation in Bakwa,Farah where he was given a safe haven and protection by TB. Hanif, from Karachi, Pakistan, was a very close aide to Asim Omar He also was deputy Amir for AQIS for a period,” the NDS tweeted.

Al-Qaeda has openly acknowledged its cordial relations with the Taliban in the past.

Hanif was a very close aide to Asim Omar, AQIS leader who was killed in a joint US-Afghan military raid in the Afghan Province of Helmand On 23 Sep, 2019. He was also deputy ‘Amir’ for AQIS for a period.

Abdullah’s killing takes place amid the ongoing intra-Afghan peace process that began in Doha in September. Despite the talks, fighting between Taliban and Afghan government forces has continued in recent weeks.

Before this, on October 24-25 night, Abu Muhsen Almisry, a key al-Qaeda leader for Indian sub-continent, was killed during a special operation by Afghan security forces in Ghazni province in eastern Afghanistan.

Almisry was reportedly one of the most wanted individuals on the list of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

-ARK

Kolkata: Massive fire in slum area

Kolkata: Massive fire in slum area

New Delhi (NVI): A massive fire broke out at a slum in Kolkata’s Topsia area this afternoon. At least 6 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blazing flames.

At least 50-60 shanties were gutted in fire, according to media reports.

The fire was eventually brought under control. Minister of Fire and Emergency Services Sujit Basu rushed to the scene to take stock of the situation.

Later, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also arrived at the stop.

A thick cloud of smoke was seen billowing out from the area.

-CHK

India among countries with lowest covid cases per million population: Health Min

positivity rate
Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan

New Delhi (NVI): With the consistent decline in the active cases, India’s cases per million population is amongst the lowest in the world and stands at 6,225, whereas the global average is 6,439, according to Union Health Ministry.

While addressing a media briefing, Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan said, “In India, 235 new cases per million population were reported in last 7 days, whereas global average of new cases per million population stands at 482.”

“India’s deaths per million population is also amongst the lowest in the world, standing at 92 deaths per million population,” Bhushan added.

He further stated that the country recorded an average of 3 new deaths per million population in the last 7 days, whereas global average stands at 7 new deaths per million population.

The active caseload in the country has shrunk to 5,05,265. Present contribution of active cases to India’s total positive cases stands at 5.88 per cent, following a declining curve, according to Health Ministry data.

The recovery rate has also, as a consequence, increased to 92.64 per cent. Total recoveries as of today is 79,59,406. The gap between recovered cases and active cases has widened to 74,54,141.

Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 caseload rose to 85,91,730 with 38,073 infections being reported in a day.

For the third day in a row, daily new cases have been sustained below the 50,000 mark.

-CHK

India Army gifts 20 military horses, 10 mine-detection dogs to Bangladesh

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Army today gifted 20 fully trained military horses and 10 mine detection dogs to Bangladesh Army, in an endeavour to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The equines and canines were trained by the Remount and Veterinary Corps of Indian Army. The Army also trained Bangladesh Army personnel for handling and training these specialist dogs and horses, Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

During the handover, the Indian Army delegation was led by Major General Narinder Singh Khroud, Chief of Staff of Brahmastra Corps. Whereas, the Bangladesh Army delegation was led by Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, who is commanding the Jessore based division.

The presentation ceremony was held at Petrapole- Benapole Integrated Check Post (ICP) on the India – Bangladesh border.

Brigade JS Cheema from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was also present at the event.

Narinder Singh during the event said that, “The performance of military dogs in Indian Army has been commendable. We are always ready to extend our assistance to a friendly country like Bangladesh in issues concerning security.”

“When it comes to security, the dogs have proven their mettle. The dogs which have been handed over, are extremely effective in mine detection and contraband items,” Singh added.

India’s partnership with Peoples Republic of Bangladesh stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations. However, with this gesture the bond which two countries share is expected to grow even stronger, the ministry said.

-RJV

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