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Coronavirus cases surge past 49 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases surge past 85 million mark worldwide
(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): More than 49 million people have been infected by coronavirus worldwide, with over 12,41,900 deaths reported, according to Johns Hopkins University tally.

Over 32 million patients have been cured and recovered from the deadly contagion globally.

In the US, the total number of coronavirus cases have exceeded 9.7 million as it reported rise of over 1,20,000 new cases for third consecutive day. The country’s death toll stood at 2,36,064.

Brazil’s coronavirus infections have crossed 5.63 million, while the country’s death toll tops 1,62,100 with 279 fatalities in past 24 hours.

France reported a record 60,486 new confirmed coronavirus cases, pushing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 1.66 million, close behind Russia, which has 1.73 million cases, fourth worst-affected country worldwide.

Meanwhile, the southern European country Greece said that it will close all secondary schools from Monday, as the country enters its second nationwide lockdown for three weeks, to battle a second wave of the coronavirus.

Italy also registered 37,809 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, the country’s highest ever daily tally. The total number COVID-19 cases in Italy rise to 862,681, the health ministry said.

-RJV

COVID cases in India climb to over 84.6 lakh; death toll tops 1.25 lakh

COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw a jump of 50,357 in the last 24 hours, raising the total number to 84,62,081, Union Health Ministry said.

The country’s death toll due to the virus rose to 1,25,562, with 577 new fatalities being reported in the past 24 hours.

So far, 78,19,887 patients have been cured an recovered all over the country and the active cases stands at 5,16,632.

However, this is for the seventh consecutive day when active COVID-19 cases in the country remained below the six lakh mark.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 17,10,314, followed by Karnataka with 8,41,889 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 8,35,953 cases.

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of fatalities at 44,965 followed by 11,347 in Karnataka and 11,299 in Tamil Nadu.

The other worst affected states are Tamil Nadu (7,39,147) Uttar Pradesh (4,93,527), Kerala (4,73,468) and Delhi (4,23,831).

The death toll in the national capital rose to 6,833, while 3,77,276 patients in Delhi have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, a total 11.65 crore samples tested for COVID-19 up to November 6. Of these 11,13,209 samples were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma has said that experts believe that the second wave of COVID-19 may come before December 15, hence, people need to be cautious and follow all protocols, as per the reports.

-RJV

J&K Election Commission announces dates for DDC polls

J&K govt

Lubna Fayaz

Srinagar (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has announced the dates for conduct of elections to the District Development Councils (DDC) in the Union Territory.

According to the notification issued, November 16 will be the last date for filling of the nominations, while November 17 for scrutiny of nominations and November 19 for withdrawal of candidature.

Similarly, December 1 will be the polling date starting from 7am to 2:00pm and will also be the date of counting after the conclusion of the poll in respect of vacant Sarpanch or Panch constituencies, unless notified otherwise.

However, the counting for the rest will be done on December 22 unless notified and elections would be completed on December 24.

-RJV

Army chief meets Nepal PM, reiterates long-standing relationship

Kathmandu (NVI): Army Chief General MM Naravane today called on Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and reiterated India’s long-standing relationship with the neighbouring country, amidst strained ties between the two countries over border issues recently.

During his meeting with the Nepal PM, Gen Naravane assured him of further defence cooperation. He also conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Oli and the people of Nepal.

The COAS also expressed his personal gratitude for the warm hospitality extended Nepal during his visit.

Both sides also exchanged views on the extensive bilateral partnership between India and Nepal, the Indian Embassy in Nepal said.

Gen Naravane reaffirmed that he would work to further strengthen the defence cooperation between the two countries. Earlier in the day, Naravane visited Nepali Army Command and Staff College at Shivapuri and addressed the students and staff there.

As the last stop before concluding his tour, The Army Chief visited the Indian Embassy where he was briefed about the welfare activities being carried out for roughly over two lakh thirty thousand Indian Army veterans and their families in Nepal.

During the visit, Gen Naravane also presented a welfare grant to Havildar Dil Bahadur Chhettri (Retired), a winner of Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest gallantry award of India.

General Naravane has completed a successful and productive three-day visit to Nepal and departed to India later this afternoon.

Naravane had arrived in Kathmandu Wednesday on a three-day visit to Nepal and met his Nepali counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa yesterday.

-ARK

UNEP, MOEFCC come up with ‘digital crackers’ to make this Diwali pollution-free

New Delhi (NVI): Diwali is around the corner, and with the festival of lights comes the burst of fireworks, adding to the existing sources of air pollution.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have come up with an option to make this year’s Diwali lung-friendly through augmented reality (AR) crackers under the campaign, E-PATAAKHE – ISS DIWALI, KHULKE PHODO E -PATAAKHE! (This Diwali, burst e–crackers to your heart’s content!).

The campaign allows the bursting of vivid traditional e-crackers with family and friends through augmented reality.

The digital crackers allow communities to carry on beloved traditions without any adverse impact on air quality, be it celebrating Diwali, Christmas, weddings or even cricket victories. The e-crackers also help spread awareness of the importance of beating air pollution, according to a UN statement.

The AR filters are hosted on the UN in India’s Instagram and Facebook pages under the effects tab, and on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change website to enable easy and universal access. This campaign has been specially created by Ogilvy for UNEP India.

Head of UNEP’s India Office, Atul Bagai said, “The airpocalypse in Delhi is a complex interplay of anthropogenic actions and meteorological conditions. We have documented statistics from Diwali 2019 that are worrying – the ambient concentration of several pollutants were significantly higher than WHO standards. This campaign, therefore, is timely and imperative for raising awareness. I am optimistic that this unique initiative for encouraging virtual celebrations will further increase momentum for the pursuit of pollution-free festivities.”

United Nations India Resident Coordinator, Renata Dessallien said: “During the lockdown, we have observed that by regulating human actions, there has been a demonstrable cleansing effect on air quality. This campaign is a unique opportunity for us to continue to maintain this better air quality as we open up the economy. This creative initiative combining tradition with sustainability will go a long way in ensuring cleaner air – and our greener future”.

-ARK

India summons Pak envoy over shifting Kartarpur gurdwara’s management

Kartarpur

New Delhi (NVI): India today summoned the Pakistan High Commission Charge d’Affaires (CDA) and lodged a strong protest over transferring the management and maintenance of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara to the administrative control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, a non-Sikh body.

“It was also conveyed to him that this unilateral decision by Pakistan is highly condemnable and runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He said that the ministry has received representations from the Sikh community expressing grave concern at this decision by Pakistan targeting the rights of the minority Sikh community in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is called upon to reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive the Sikh minority community its right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib,” Srivastava added.

While condemning Pakistan’s decision yesterday, MEA had said, “Such actions only expose the reality of the Pakistani government and its leadership’s tall claims of preserving and protecting the rights and welfare of the religious minority communities.”

The Imran Khan-led Pakistan government officially took away the full control of the Gurdwara at Kartarpur in Punjab’s Narowal District from the PSGPC and gave it to Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), a Muslim body. The ETPB manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan.

Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara is located in Pakistan’s Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine.

India and Pakistan in 2019 signed an agreement to operationalise the Kartarpur corridor to allow Indian pilgrims a visa-free visit to the holy gurdwara.

-ARK

BJP wants to divide people of J&K on religious lines: Mehbooba

Lubna Fayaz

Srinagar(NVI): On her maiden visit to Jammu after her release from 14-month detention, PDP president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti alleged that Bhartiya Janta Party wanted to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir on religious lines.

“We all have to be united to defeat their designs. We should not allow them to divide us on religious lines. We have to be united to save our identity,” she said.

At the same time, the PDP chief talked about the “Dogra identity” in this region of the Union Territory which has an overwhelming population of the community. “You have to save Dogra identity,” she said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign during the ongoing Bihar Assembly polls, Mehbooba said he spoke about Jammu and Kashmir in his speeches and questioned, “Why are BJP leaders silent on China which entered into 1000 square kilometer of our territory and martyred 20 of our jawans in Ladakh. Why are they afraid of China which constructed permanent barracks there?”

She said the government wants to suppress the voice of people. “We are not allowed to hold protest such has become the state,” she said.

-CHK/ARK

Andhra Pradesh to set up energy conservation cells at all govt offices

(Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): In a noble initiative towards enhancing energy security in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has directed all departments to set up Energy Conservation Cells in all state and district level offices.

With this, Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in the country to pursue the energy conservation programme on a massive scale by involving each and every department.

The main purpose of Energy Conservation Cell is to ensure reduction of energy consumption as well as electricity bills by effectively implementing energy conservation and energy efficiency activities so that economical burden shall be reduced among the departments, as per an order issued by Energy secretary Srikant Nagulapalli.

The Energy Secretary has directed all district collectors, heads of departments and chairpersons of corporations/societies to set up the cells within a month.

“The Energy Conservation Cell shall champion the cause of conservation of Energy and take all necessary measures for creation of necessary awareness and bringing about sustainable behavioral change leading to economical consumption of energy,” read the order.

As per the order, the HoD will nominate an official in the rank of Chief General Manager (CGM) as Nodal Officer for the Energy Conservation (EC) Cell and two Technical officers and one Finance personnel as members for the cell in the department.

A Nodal Officer will be responsible for proper implementation of provisions of Energy Conservation Act, 2001 in their jurisdiction, among other responsibilities.

A Technical Officer will have to identify the potentiality of energy efficiency in the department by accessing technologies across the world and prepare technical Action Plan and ensuring implementation of the same in co-ordination with APSECM, among other functions.

The Finance Personnel will deal with the budget requirement for implementing energy efficiency programs from the finances of the department, among other tasks.

Under the initiative, Andhra Pradesh State Energy Efficiency Development Corporation Limited, a joint venture of AP Power utilities, shall engage reputed energy audit agencies through tendering process and shall award the energy audit in various sectors in the state to ascertain the possible energy-saving opportunities and submit the recommendations for implementation.

The audit is expected to be completed in six months. So, the implementation of the first phase of energy conservation is expected to take about seven months.

The top three departments that achieve substantial savings, shall also be given State Energy Conservation Awards in the category of Gold, Silver & Bronze every year.

-ARK

National Water Awards to be presented

New Delhi (NVI): The 2nd National Water Awards (NWAs) 2019 distribution ceremony will take place on November 11-12, organized by Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The awards are given to motivate the individuals/organizations who are doing commendable work in the field of water resources conservation and management. Also, it strives to create awareness among the people about importance of water and motivate them to adopt the best water usage practices, a statement by Ministry of Jal Shakti read.

The NWAs focuses on the good work and efforts made by individual and organisations across the country, and the government’s vision for the path to a ‘JalSamridh Bharat’.

The event provides a good opportunity to start-ups as well as leading organisations to engage and deliberate with senior policymakers on how to further accelerate the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ in India.

The event also provides an occasion for all people and organisations to further cement a strong partnership and people engagement in water resources conservation and management activities.

The award winners in different categories will be given a citation, trophy and cash prize.

-CHK

Gadkari calls upon automakers to reduce costs of EVs

Road safety month

New Delhi (NVI): Union Minister of Transport Nitin Gadkari today called upon the automobile industry to reduce cost of the electric vehicles (EVs) for enhancing sales While maintaining quality.

Addressing the ‘Electric Mobility Conference 2020’, organized by FICCI Karnataka State Council, Gadkari said the future is very bright and India has the potential to become the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the world as the government continues to push for EV adoption.

The Union Minister noted that with higher output the automobile industry would be able to cater to growing market. He said, “Indian manufacturers have the capability to make efficient EVs that can not only create more jobs but also provide opportunities for exports.”

“e-Mobility is going to be the future mode of transport with greater efficiency and less impact on the environment. Import of crude oil and air pollution are two major concerns for the country. We need to have an integrated approach for EVs,” he added.

Gadkari further said that the government is working towards making India a global automobile manufacturing hub in the next five years and is already making policies to support the industry.

He urged FICCI and other stakeholders to come up with an integrated approach towards developing the EV sector in India.

Gadkari said that India needs a minimum of 10 GWs per hour of cells by 2022, which will be expanded to 50 GWs by 2025, referring to the NITI Aayog report. “We need to encourage the manufacturing of these cells in India. I urge the industry to think about manufacturing e-batteries in the country. We need to have a policy that promotes cost-effectiveness, and substitute import, pollution-free and indigenous.”

He stated that the government is working towards making e-Highway on Delhi and Mumbai Expressway where e-buses and trucks would run.

“We are going ahead with a pilot project, the Delhi-Mumbai corridor will become the lifeline of India and we plan to install new electric roads. Electricity as a fuel is available in the country, hence mass rapid transport on electricity is the most important solution for the country,” the minister said.

“Road transport in the country is undergoing a shift and Gadkari urged everyone to adopt eco-friendly mobility solutions. “I hope to see cleaner and more sustainable innovation from the industry as we move towards a greener tomorrow,” he added.

Gadkari has also emphasised upon promoting use of bio fuels like CNG, LNG and informed that he would soon launch tractors run on Bio-CNG.

-RJV

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