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Taiwan thanks ‘Indian friends’ for their support on its 109th National Day

New Delhi (NVI): On the occasion of 109th National Day, Taiwan expressed its gratitude to all the people around the world and especially to its “Indian friends” who congratulated and extended support to the nation on its National Day.

“Proud to see our flag fly high and be recognized all over the world. We thank the people from so many countries who today expressed congratulations and support. Especially our Indian friends. Namaste!” Taiwanese Vice-President Lai Ching-te tweeted.

Taiwan in India took to its twitter handle and wrote, “TECC in India is deeply grateful to Indian friends for their vibrant support on the 109th National Day of the ROC Taiwan. Taiwan looks forward to working closely with India to harness the challenges posed by the pandemic and to enhance our cooperation on global supply chains.”

“Hats off to friends from around the world this year, #India in particular, for celebrating #TaiwanNationalDay. With your support, #TaiwanFlag of Taiwan will definitely be more resilient in meeting challenges, especially those “Get Lost” types. JW,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC Taiwan also tweeted.

Furthermore, in a strong message to Beijing, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on the National Day celebrations today said that Taiwan will play an active role in establishing new regional and international order in the face of Chinese aggression against democracies.

Earlier this week, the Chinese embassy in Delhi had written to Indian media and called upon them to not refer to Taiwan as a “nation”.

India had responded to the Chinese diktat by saying that Indian media is a “free” entity and they can report on any issue they deem “fit”.

Meanwhile, following the Chinese embassy’s opposition to Indian media’s coverage of Taiwan National Day, large poster wishing Taiwan on its ‘National Day’ was put up outside the Chinese Embassy complex in New Delhi.

In addition to this, National Taiwan Day 2020 became one of the top trends on Twitter in India, with several Indian citizens, top journalists and politicians wishing the nation on the historic day.

-CHK

40% of world’s plant species at risk of extinction: Report

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): About 40 per cent of the world’s plant species are facing the risk of extinction, as a result of the destruction of the nature, according to a new report.

The State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2020 report, led by the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Kew, was the result of an international collaboration of 210 scientists from 42 countries who analyzed the health of thousands of species.

The researchers looked at how people are interacting with plants, how plants and fungi are being used, and what opportunities people are missing.

Alexandre Antonelli, director of science at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said that, “The fact that 40 percent of plant species are at risk paints a very worrying picture of risk and urgent need for action.”

“We are also losing the race against time, species are probably disappearing faster than we can find and name, and many of them could hold important clues for solving many of the pressing challenges of medicine and perhaps even some of the emerging or current pandemics,” he added

The report highlights that plants are crucial to sustaining life as they provide food, medicine, raw materials, fuel and food. And yet, the report notes, “Never before has the biosphere, the thin layer of life we call home, been under such intensive and urgent threat.”

“Deforestation rates have soared as we have cleared land to feed ever-more people, global emissions are disrupting the climate system, new pathogens threaten our crops and our health, illegal trade has eradicated entire plant populations, and non-native species are outcompeting local floras. Biodiversity is being lost – locally, regionally and globally,” it added.

The researchers also believe that the primary threat to plant species is the destruction of wild habitat for agricultural land.

Moreover, the report also noted that scientists are racing against the clock to rescue plant and fungi species and they are also working to figure out how to leverage plants and fungi to combat the climate crisis and food insecurity.

Earlier in 2016, Kew issued its first report that found 20 percent of plant species were at risk. That number has doubled in just four years.

However, that does not mean that twice as many plant species are at risk. Instead, the huge jump in percentage is due to advances in assessments that now make a more accurate account for plants that were over- or underrepresented in the 2016 report.

Furthermore, the scientists involved in the research noted that more than 4,000 plant and fungi species were discovered last year. These plants are an untapped resource that holds tremendous promise as food, medicine and biofuels, as per the report. Some of the new species discovered include members of the onion family, plants similar to spinach, and relatives of the staple crop cassava.

Around the world, billions depend on herbal medicines as their primary source of healthcare, the report said, adding that, 723 species that are used medicinally are already threatened with extinction.

“We would not be able to survive without plants and fungi. All life depends on them, and it is really time to open the treasure chest. Every time we lose a species, we lose an opportunity for humankind,” Antonelli said.

-RJV

Centre issues SOPs for training at swimming pools

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Sports has issued the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for training of sportspersons, as the swimming pools reopen from October 15 in areas outside the containment zones.

The standard operating procedures, released yesterday, will be applied to all Sports Authorities of India (SAI) and non-SAI centres wherein training of sportspersons may resume, provided no orders of the local authorities prohibit such facilities to resume operations.

According to the guidelines, a maximum of 20 swimmers can train in a pool size of 50 M-10 lane, while 16 swimmers are permitted in 25/50 m eight lane pools.

Other than that, swimmers will be required to furnish “Obligatory self declaration” and residential trainees will have to submit a mandatory COVID-19 negative report before being allowed inside the premises.

The guidelines also said, a COVID-19 negative report is a must for residential trainees. “For residential trainees, they need to produce a negative COVID-19 report 72 hour/96 hours before arrival to the centre followed by 14 days quarantine period,” it said.

“On the 6th or 7th day of quarantine period, another COVID-19 test must be conducted. Thereafter, trainees can mix with the other quarantined trainees only and not with other trainees staying in the campus. Only after completing 7 more days, they can mix with other trainees,” it added.

Moreover, athletes, coaches, facility staff who begin to cough/ sneeze or have above normal temperature for any reason, must move away from others until coughing and sneezing dissipates.

“In case of above normal temperature, a coach or staff member should ask athletes, as they come into practice, specifically listing certain symptoms, and send home those athletes reporting illness or experiencing symptoms.”

Meanwhile, the use of Arogya Setu app shall be made mandatory for all athletes and staff at the centre, as per the SOP.

The guidelines also applies to competitive swimmers, coaches and support staff besides staffs of the facilities.

“All personal training equipment belonging to an athlete shall be disinfected while the athlete is inducted into the training centre. Athletes and staff shall be screened before being allowed access to common field-of-play or training facilities. RT-PCR test shall be conducted for new and returning athletes,” it said.

The SOP also bars residential athletes from sharing soaps, towels and any other utility in common shower areas. Besides, spitting and clearing of nasal or respiratory secretions on the pool especially during swimming or at any place within the facility other than toilets shall be prohibited. “Athletes shall also perform hand-hygiene before and after use of all training equipment, ” it added.

Notably, swimming pool operators should have a dedicated officer responsible for COVID-19 considerations, making sure that they are up to date with central or local government recommendations.

“A Covid Task Force will also be constituted at each training centre to guide and monitor all trainees, coaches and staff within the centres and it shall be responsible for overall implementation of protocols outlined in this SOP,” as per the guidelines.

Also, while swimming, swimmers will be required to maintain a distance of at least six feet and not making any physical contact with others and coaches are advised to follow workouts to maintain basic fitness and endurance of the swimmers.

The guidelines concluded that, it would be the responsibility of the centre head and coach in-charge to ensure complete adherence to training protocols and to secure agreement from respective athletes that any training activity undertaken shall be in full compliance to the protocols mentioned in the SOP.

-RJV

J&K: 30 infiltrators have managed to sneak into Kashmir this year, says BS Raju

Lt Gen BS Raju (File photo)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Only 30 infiltrators have sneaked into Kashmir this year from across the Line of Control (LoC) compared to 130 during the same period last year, Indian Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps commander (Chinar Corps), Lt Gen BS Raju, today said.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the passing out cum attestation parade at JAKLI centre in Rangreth, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Lt Gen Raju credited the decline in the infiltration to effective counter infiltration measures of the Army.

“This year we have stopped infiltration to large extent,” he said, adding that, “Last year, 130 infiltrators managed to sneak into Kashmir, however, this year it is less than 30.”

BS Raju said that much change has been happening. “I hope this will also reflect in the change on the ground also,” he added.

The Lt Gen stated that this morning, Army foiled a weapons smuggling bid into Kashmir across the Kishenganga river in Keran sector and recovered four AK rifles, 8 magazines and 240 rounds.

He said the cache was recovered because of the surveillance devices.

GoC Raju said that the terrorists are being killed in the operations in the hinterland.

“This morning we killed two terrorists including one foreigner in the Kulgam encounter,’’ he informed.

He further added that after six months the recruitment of terrorists went up again last month, but for the last 15 days it has gone down.

BS Raju also stated that the recruitment of terrorists is little more in south Kashmir than in the north.

He further said that the economic activity has also started in Kashmir, apple and paddy cultivation has also begun. “I hope slowly people of Kashmir will tread on the  path of happiness,’’ he added.

Replying to a question about presence of terrorists at the launch pads, the 15 Corps commander said some 250-300 terrorists are at the launch pads but despite their efforts the Army has been able to prevent infiltration.

Replying to another question about surrender policy, the Army officer said that they have recommended a policy but it is yet to be formalised. “Even in the absence of a policy we have been taking care of those who return,” he said.

Speaking about Shopian fake encounter, he said the court of inquiry has been completed and on the basis of the inquiry they found some wrongs were committed. “We have ordered a summary of evidence and we have covered some distance and hopefully we will reach the next stage soon,” he said.

-CHK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

corona
(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India are nearing the 7 million-mark and stands at 69,79,424 after 73,272 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll stands at 1,07,416 after 926 new fatalities were reported during the same period.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases crossed the 15 lakh-mark and stands at 15,06,018, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 7,44,864 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 6,46,128 cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 3,976

Andhra Pradesh- 7,44,864

Arunachal Pradesh- 11,760

Assam- 1,91,397

Bihar- 1,94,329

Chandigarh- 12,985

Chhattisgarh- 1,37,570

Dadra Nagar Haveli & Diu – 3,140

Delhi- 3,03,693

Gujarat- 1,49,032

Goa- 37,591

Haryana– 1,39,932

Himachal Pradesh- 16,977

Jammu and Kashmir- 82,429

Jharkhand- 91,254

Karnataka- 6,90,269

Kerala- 2,68,100

Ladakh- 4,987

Madhya Pradesh- 1,43,629

Maharashtra- 15,06,018

Manipur- 12,810

Meghalaya- 7,388

Mizoram- 2,162

Nagaland- 6,888

Odisha- 2,46,839

Puducherry- 30,904

Punjab- 1,22,459

Rajasthan- 1,54,785

Sikkim- 3,278

Tamil Nadu- 6,46,128

Telangana- 2,10,346

Tripura- 28,153

Uttarakhand- 54,063

Uttar Pradesh- 4,30,666

West Bengal – 2,87,603

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 55

Andhra Pradesh- 6,159

Arunachal Pradesh- 23

Assam- 802

Bihar- 934

Chandigarh- 188

Chhattisgarh- 1,196

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 5,692

Goa- 491

Gujarat- 3,547

Haryana- 1,562

Himachal Pradesh- 245

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,306

Jharkhand- 781

Karnataka- 9,789

Kerala- 955

Ladakh- 6

Madhya Pradesh- 2,574

Maharashtra- 39,732

Manipur- 86

Meghalaya- 61

Nagaland- 17

Odisha- 991

Puducherry- 558

Punjab- 3,773

Rajasthan- 1,621

Sikkim- 51

Tamil Nadu- 10,120

Telangana- 1,217

Tripura- 313

Uttar Pradesh- 6,293

Uttarakhand- 716

West Bengal- 5,501

However, a total of 59,88,822 people have been cured or discharged. The total active cases stands at 8,83,185 in the country.

-CHK

J&K: Army foils major smuggling bid in Kupwara

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The Indian Army today foiled a major weapon smuggling bid at Kishanganga river along the Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district and recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition.

Army officials said that they noticed suspicious movement of two to three men who were transporting weapons in a tube through Kishanganga river and with timely action the weapon smuggling bid was foiled by alert troops.

Defence officials also said that Army men foiled the weapon smuggling bid by three persons who had tied a tube with huge quantity of arms and ammunition with a rope across Kishanganga river from Pakistan administered Kashmir side.

“The timely action of alert forces have foiled another smuggle of war like store successfully”, the officials added.

They further said that after the timely action troops reached the spot and recovered huge amount of war like stores that include, 4 AK 47 Rifles, 8 Magazines and 240 rounds.

Pertinently, the Army earlier claimed a number of weapon recoveries in forward areas in Uri and stated that the weapons dumped close to LoC were meant for the militancy related activities in the valley.

The Army had also stated that terrorists are without proper weapons and are desperate to get fresh supplies from across but alert troops are foiling all such attempts.

-RJV

World Mental Health Day 2020: History, significance and theme

New Delhi (NVI): Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health, around 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder but only few have access to quality mental-health care, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

On October 10, World Mental Health Day is observed every year across the globe for mental health education, awareness, advocacy against the social stigma that is often attached to it.

The main aim of such a day is to help people come out and talk about any mental health issues they might be suffering from.

This year, World Mental Health Day theme is related to the need for investment in mental health. According to the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), the World Mental Health Day theme for year 2020 is “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access.”

The theme is self explanatory. There is a need of more and more psychological support, investing in mental health programmes and reducing the prevalence of death owing to mental health conditions.

Moreover, the World Health Organisation said, a good mental health has been of utmost importance to live a quality life. But, now, due to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, it has become urgency to highlight the significance of mental health and increase investment in chronically underfunded sectors.

Nearly, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health.

During this hard time, “Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones,” the WHO said.

COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the cases of alcohol abuse, drug use, insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression. If not addressed or treated on time, these problems can turn into complications like agitation, heart attack and even death.

The pandemic has also affected and interrupted the essential mental health services across the globe at a time when they were needed the most.

World Mental Health Day day was first observed in 1992 when the World Federation for Mental Health’s Deputy Secretary-General Richard Hunter felt the need to raise the topic in everyone’s life.

However, there was no theme given to the day until 1994. In that year, the theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.”

-RJV

Coronavirus cases surge past 36.8 million globally

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

New Delhi (NVI): More than 36.8 million people have been infected by coronavirus worldwide, with over 10,66,800 deaths reported, according to Johns Hopkins University tally.

At least 25.5 million patients have been cured and recovered from the deadly contagion globally.

In the US, the total number of coronavirus cases have reached more than 7.66 million while the total number of fatalities have surpassed 2,13,500 in the country.

Brazil, remains number one COVID-19 affected country in Latin America, registered 27,444 cases within past 24 hours and surpassed 5.05 million. The country’s death toll stands at 1,49,639.

Canada reported 2,554 new coronavirus in past 24 hours, setting another record high for daily reported infections, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 177,931.

In addition to this, Canada’s largest province ordered indoor businesses including bars, gyms, casinos, movie theaters and restaurant dining rooms to close for 28 days, starting from today.

French health authorities also reported highest single-day rise of 20,339 coronavirus cases, pushing the total caseload to 6,91,977 while the death toll stands at 32,593 in the country.

The government of Spain declared a state of emergency in Madrid, taking control of efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19, after a regional court struck down restrictions as the region faces one of the most significant outbreaks in Europe.

Notably, the World Health Organization’s top emergencies expert have said that European governments must take decisive action to shut down transmission of the coronavirus, by curbing mass gatherings, to avoid more painful lockdowns.

-RJV

India’s COVID tally nears 70 lakh, death toll at 1,07,416

India’s COVID tally tops 10.34 million with 16,505 new cases
(File/ Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): India registered a single-day rise of 73,272 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 69,79,424, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The country’s death toll has gone up to 1,07,416 with 926 fatalities reported during this period.

Notably, the number of active cases stands at 8,83,185, while 59,88,823 patients have been cured and discharged from the hospitals across the country. With this, the recovery rate stood at 85.52 per cent in the country.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases crossed the 15 lakh-mark and stands at 15,06,018, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 7,44,864 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 6,46,128 cases.

The other worst affected states in the country are Karnataka (6,90,269), Uttar Pradesh (4,30,666) and Delhi (3,03,693).

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of death toll at 39,732 followed by 10,120 deaths in Tamil Nadu.

The death toll in the national capital surpassed to 5,692, while 2,76,046 patients have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, a total 8,57,98,698 samples tested for COVID-19 in the country up to October 9. Of these 11,64,018 samples were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police asked Durga Puja organisers in the city to rigorously follow all COVID-19 regulations and ensure that revellers mandatorily wear masks while entering the marquees during the five-day festival which will begin on October 23.

-RJV

2 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J&K’s Kulgam

J&K Encounter
Security forces in Kashmir (File Pic)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two unidentified terrorists were killed in a night long encounter between security forces and terrorists at Chingam village of Frisal area in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, security officials said today.

Officials said that two terrorists including a Pakistani terrorist were killed in the operation that started late on Friday night on the basis of a specific information about presence of terrorists.

An official said that a joint team of Police, Army’s 1 RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of terrorists in the area.

He also said that as the joint teams of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

The Army on its official twitter handle said thay the cordon included two mosques while as civilians were evacuated with the first light.

Defence spokesman in Srinagar Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that two terrorists were killed in the encounter including a Pakistani national. “One US-made M-4 carbine and a pistol was recovered. Operation is over in the area,” he added.

-RJV

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