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Four Italian regions, including Milan, put under lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): Four Italian regions have been put under “red-zone” lockdown, with severe limits imposed on the circumstances under which people can leave home.

The stringent restrictions begin from today for Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta in the north, and for Calabria, which forms the southern toe of the Italian peninsula.

Lasting at least two weeks, it will involve some 16.5 million of Italy’s 60 million residents and include the country’s financial capital, Milan.

The lockdown is aimed at tamping down a surge in COVID-19 infections and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed with cases.

Barring very few exceptions, no one will be able to leave or enter the “red zone” regions. People must stay home, except to go to work or shop for essentials. They can also exercise near their homes and while wearing masks.

After days of consultations with regional governors, Health Minister Roberto Speranza decided which regions received the “red-zone” designation.

-CHK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

covid
Representative image

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed the 84 lakh-mark and stands at 84,11,724 after 47,638 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll stands at 1,24,985 after 670 new fatalities were reported during the same period.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the coronavirus cases surpassed 17-lakh mark followed by Karnataka with 8,38,929 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 8,35,953 positive cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 4,403

Andhra Pradesh- 8,35,953

Arunachal Pradesh- 15,244

Assam- 2,08,054

Bihar- 2,19,349

Chandigarh- 14,794

Chhattisgarh- 1,96,233

Dadra and Nagar Haveli– 3,268

Delhi- 4,16,653

Gujarat- 1,77,436

Goa- 44,544

Haryana– 1,76,146

Himachal Pradesh- 23,809

Jammu and Kashmir- 97,224

Jharkhand- 1,03,543

Karnataka- 8,38,929

Kerala- 4,66,466

Ladakh- 6,633

Madhya Pradesh- 1,74,825

Maharashtra- 17,03,444

Manipur- 19,725

Meghalaya- 9,893

Mizoram- 2,990

Nagaland- 9,264

Odisha- 2,97,274

Puducherry- 35,550

Punjab- 1,35,83

Rajasthan- 2,25,800

Sikkim- 4,093

Tamil Nadu- 7,36,777

Telangana- 2,47,284

Tripura- 31,347

Uttarakhand- 64,065

Uttar Pradesh- 4,91,354

West Bengal – 3,93,524

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 60

Andhra Pradesh- 6,757

Arunachal Pradesh- 43

Assam- 934

Bihar- 1,121

Chandigarh- 229

Chhattisgarh- 2,360

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 6,769

Goa- 630

Gujarat- 3,744

Haryana- 1,859

Himachal Pradesh- 361

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,517

Jharkhand- 894

Karnataka- 11,312

Kerala- 1,613

Ladakh- 79

Madhya Pradesh- 2,992

Maharashtra- 44,804

Manipur- 189

Meghalaya- 91

Mizoram- 2

Nagaland- 45

Odisha- 1,378

Puducherry- 597

Punjab- 4,281

Rajasthan- 1,955

Sikkim- 75

Tamil Nadu- 11,272

Telangana- 1,366

Tripura- 354

Uttar Pradesh- 7,131

Uttarakhand- 1,047

West Bengal- 7,122

However, a total of 77,65,966 people have been cured and discharged. The total active cases stands at 5,20,773 in the country.

-CHK

Maharashtra govt issues SOPs ahead of Diwali to curb spread of COVID-19

(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The government of Maharashtra issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of COVID-19, ahead of Diwali festival, which will be celebrated during the pandemic.

This announcement came a day after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said that it will ban bursting of all fire-crackers at public places during Diwali festival.

Under the new guidelines, the state government has urged citizens to avoid bursting crackers to curb noise and air pollution which could pose a problem for coronavirus patients.

However, the government release appealed for subdued celebration of Diwali, like that of other festivals since the coronavirus outbreak.

The guidelines said that, “Those affected by COVID-19 are likely to be troubled directly due to the air pollution caused by bursting of firecrackers. Considering this, people should avoid bursting firecrackers this year. Instead, they can light lamps on a big scale and celebrate the festival.”

Social distancing norms should be strictly followed, while senior citizens and children in particular should avoid stepping out of home during the festival period, the guidelines noted.

SOPs on preventive measures to contain Covid during Diwali

Also, events should be organised through online platforms instead of holding physical gatherings, the SOP said, adding that, instead of cultural programs, priority should be given to health initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Meanwhile, in the worst-affected Maharashtra COVID-19 tally crossed crossed the 17 lakh-mark after, while more than 44,800 people died due to the pandemic in the state.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases exceed 48.6 mn worldwide; US breaks new cases record

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 48.6 million people around the world have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, while the death toll is nearing 12,32,516, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. Over 32.1 million patients have recovered from the deadly disease globally.

United States has again broke the global high for cases reported in 24 hours on Thursday, beating its own Wednesday record by 20,000 cases, with 1,23,085 new infections confirmed.

In the US, the number of coronavirus infections have surged past 9.6 million while the number of fatalities due to virus has climbed past 2,34,000 in the country.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases have crossed 5.6 million while the death toll has surpassed 1,61,000.

The UK death toll from coronavirus rose by 378, taking the tally of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 to 48,120, government data showed. There had been a further 24,141 lab-confirmed cases in the UK, taking the cumulative total of confirmed infections to 1,123,197.

Greece will go back into lockdown from Saturday for three weeks to battle a second wave of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced.

The World Health Organization in Europe on Thursday said it was seeing an “explosion” of coronavirus cases in the region and warned of a “tough time” ahead as mortality rates rose.

-CHK

India’s COVID tally crosses 84-lakh mark; death toll nears 1.25 lakh

corona
(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): India’s coronavirus tally has crossed the 84-lakh mark and currently stands at 84,11,724 with a single-day jump of 47,638 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The country’s death toll has gone up to 1,24,985 with 670 fatalities reported during the same period.

So far, 77,65,966 patients have been cured and recovered all over the country while active cases stands at 5,20,773.

However, this is for the sixth consecutive day when the active coronavirus cases remained below 6-lakh mark.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the coronavirus cases surpassed 17-lakh mark followed by Karnataka with 8,38,929 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 8,35,953 positive cases.

Other states with a high virus hit included Tamil Nadu (7,36,777), Uttar Pradesh (4,91,354), Kerala (4,66,466) and Delhi (4,16,653).

Moreover, of the total deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 44,804 fatalities, followed by Karnataka with 11,312 deaths.

The death toll in the national capital rose to 6,769, while 3,71,155 patients in Delhi have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows

Meanwhile, the Centre expressed concern over the surge in cases in Delhi and asked for mandatory retesting of all persons who test negative in rapid antigen tests and develop symptoms of influenza-like illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) later.

-RJV

 

Shopkeeper shot dead by unknown gunmen in South Kashmir’s Tral

Indianapolis
Representational Image

LUBNA FAYAZ

Srinagar (NVI): A 45-year-old shopkeeper was shot dead by suspected terrorists in South Kashmir’s Tral this evening.

The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Ayoub Ahanger, a resident of Pohnu Tral.

He was fired upon by unidentified gunmen at his home this evening.

The injured man was rushed to nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injures later. Meanwhile, the entire area has been cordoned off after the incident.

In another case in Pulwama, terrorists fired upon a sumo-driver identified as Mohammad Aslam Wani, a resident of Wanpora in Pulwama. He was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Accordingly, cases have been registered under relevant sections of law in PS Tral and PS Pulwama respectively.

The investigation is in progress to establish the full circumstances of these terror crimes. Areas have been cordoned off and a search is underway.

-ARK

Two civilians injured at encounter site in South Kashmir

Representational Image

LUBNA FAYAZ

Srinagar (NVI): Two civilians were injured at the site of an ongoing encounter between militants and security forces at Meej area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Awantipora district as the terrorists started fired indiscriminately during a Cordon and Search Operation.

The two injured civilians have been shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to police sources.

A police officer said lights have been installed at the site of the encounter as the gunfight is still on.

Earlier, a joint team of J&K police, Army’s 50 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation in the area, according to Police.

When the joint forces reached the suspected spot, the militants hiding there fired upon them, triggering the encounter, they said.

-ARK

Aus art exhibition from Nov 6-22

New Delhi (NVI): A digital exhibition showcasing the history, culture and achievements of Australia’s indigenous people will be on display from November 6-22.

The Australian High Commission is hosting the online exhibition of Australian Indigenous Art from the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Nation from 6-22 November.

The online exhibition, in partnership with Australia’s Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF) and ArtsNexus, is in celebration of NAIDOC Week, Australia’s yearly celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week celebrations in 2020 were moved from July to November due to COVID-19.

The exhibition will be opened on 6 November with a Welcome to Country ceremony from representatives of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Cairns Region. CIAF Chair, Tom Moseby, and Australia’s High Commissioner to India, The Hon Barry O’Farrell AO, will be featuring as part of the program.

-ARK

Gigantic iceberg threatens remote penguin sanctuary in Antarctica

A handout photo made available by NASA shows the iceberg A68a drifting in the South Atlantic between Antarctica and South Georgia.

New Delhi (NVI): The world’s biggest iceberg is on a collision course with a remote South Atlantic island that is home to thousands of penguins and seals, and could impede their ability to gather food.

Icebergs naturally break off from Antarctica into the ocean, but climate change has accelerated the process — in this case, with potentially devastating consequences for abundant wildlife in the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia, according to British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists.

Shaped like a fist with a pointing finger, the iceberg known as A68a split off in 2017 from Larsen Ice Shelf on the West Antarctic Peninsula, which has warmed faster than any other part of the Earth’s southernmost continent.

At its current rate of travel, it will take the giant iceberg – which is several times the area of greater London – 20 to 30 days to run aground in the island’s shallow waters.

A68a is 160 kilometres (93 miles) long and 48 kilometres (30 miles) across at its widest point, but the iceberg is less than 200 metres deep, which means it could get dangerously close to the island.

“We put the odds of collision at 50/50,” Andrew Fleming from the British Antarctic Survey said.

Many thousands of King penguins – a species with a bright splash of yellow on their heads – live on the island, alongside Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins.

Seals also populate South Georgia, as do wandering albatrosses, the largest flying bird species.

If the iceberg runs aground near South Georgia, foraging routes could be blocked, hampering the ability of parents to feed their young, and thus threatening the survival of seal pups and penguin chicks.

Furthermore, the incoming iceberg would also crush organisms and their seafloor ecosystem, which would need decades or centuries to recover.

Carbon stored by these organisms would be released into the ocean and atmosphere, adding to carbon emissions caused by human activity, the researchers said.

However, as A68a drifted with currents across the South Atlantic, the iceberg did a great job of distributing microscopic edibles for the ocean’s tiniest creatures, said Tarling.

“Over hundreds of years, this iceberg has accumulated a lot of nutrients and dust, and they are starting to leach out and fertilise the oceans,” researchers added.

-CHK

Govt issues SOPs to reopen museums, art galleries, exhibitions from Nov 10

Delhi's National Museum (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Culture today issued standard operating procedures (SOP) for reopening of museums, art galleries and exhibitions from November 10, to contain the further spread of COVID-19.

“Since the festive season is here, it has been decided to reopen all museums, art galleries and exhibitions with effect from November 10, so that the public can once again enjoy exploring rich cultural heritage of India,” the Ministry of Culture said in a statement.

The new guidelines contain SOPs to be followed by the management of museums, art galleries and exhibitions (both temporary and permanent), as well as the visitors to these spaces, the ministry added.

These comprehensive guidelines have been issued for adequate cleaning, purchase of tickets and for ensuring safety of visitors and staff at museums, exhibitions and art galleries.

They shall come into effect immediately, and will continue to be in effect until further orders.

“While the museums, exhibitions and art galleries would be reopened from November 10 onwards, others can be reopened as per convenience with relevant to State/city rules and regulations or Unlock guidelines in force,” the ministry noted.

It is also clarified that no museums and art galleries shall re-open inside containment zones and State and Union Territory governments may also consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment, it added.

Under the new guidelines, the sanitization of premises should be done at regular intervals and wearing of masks and social distancing by all visitors has been made mandatory. The standard operating procedures (SOP) have also barred use of audio guides unless they can be disinfected after every use.

It added that lift operations are to be limited, preferably reserved for physically challenged or elderly persons. The ministry guidelines has also advised limited use of touch-based digital technology except in cases where disinfection can be ensured after every use.

Meanwhile, the national directives for COVID-19 management and the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, State/UT governments, etc. shall be strictly complied with all activities and operations, the ministry said.

All museums and art galleries under administrative control of the Culture Ministry were closed since March 17, to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

However, as museums and art galleries are slowly resuming their operations and re-opening their premises, it is important that comprehensive guidelines are laid down to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and ensure safety of visitors and staff.

-RJV

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