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Coronavirus cases exceed 32.4 million worldwide

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

New Delhi (NVI): More than 32.4 million people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus around the world, while the deaths were nearing 9,88,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

Over 22.2 million patients have been cured and recovered from the deadly disease globally.

In the US, the total number of coronavirus cases stand around 7.02 million, while 2,03,657 people have lost their lives due to the deadly virus.

Brazil, remains number one COVID-19 affected country in Latin America, recorded 31,911 cases within 24-hours and surpassed 4.6 million. The country’s death toll stands at 1,40,537.

Russia also registered 7,212 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking its nationwide count to 1,136,048. The country’s total death toll stands at 20,056.

Canada is currently experiencing the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and now has more than 1,50,000 reported positive cases with the death toll shooting over 9,000. As per the country’s health agency, there are more than 11,000 active virus cases in Canada.

Peru has decided to extend the state of national emergency until October 31, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the country has reported 788,930 cases, the second highest infection rate in Latin America, with over 31,000 deaths.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the global death toll from COVID-19 could double to two million before a successful vaccine is widely in use and that number can be even higher without concerted action to curb the pandemic.

-RJV

India’s COVID tally crosses 59-lakh mark, death toll nearing 94,000

corona
(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): India coronavirus tally has crossed the 59-lakh mark and stands at 59,03,933, with a single-day spike of 85,362 new cases in last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry said.

The country’s death toll has reached 93,379 with 1,089 fatalities reported during this period.

Notably, the number of active cases stands at 9,60,969, while 48,49,585 patients have been cured and discharged from the hospitals across the country.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases climbed to 13,00,757, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 6,61,458 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 5,69,370 cases.

The other worst affected states in the country are Karnataka (5,57,212), Uttar Pradesh (3,78,533) and Delhi (2,64,450).

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of death toll at 34,761 followed by 9,148 deaths in Tamil Nadu.

The death toll in the national capital surpassed to 5,147, while 2,28,436 patients have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total 7,02,69,975 samples tested up to September 25 for COVID-19. Of these, 13,41,535 samples were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Tripura government announced that schools in the state will reopen for the students of classes 11 and 12 from October 5, although coronavirus cases are rising on daily basis.

-RJV

Earthquake of 3.7 magnitude hits Ladakh

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New Delhi (NVI): An earthquake measuring 3.7 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck Ladakh in the wee hours today, the National Centre for Seismology said.

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) tweeted, “Earthquake of Magnitude:3.7, Occurred on 26-09-2020, 02:14:39 IST, Lat: 34.80 & Long: 78.05, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Ladakh.”

However, there were no reports of injuries or damage to the property as a result of the earthquake.

Earlier yesterday, two earthquakes measuring 5.4 magnitude and 3.6 magnitude were felt in Ladakh.

-RJV

21 more deaths, 1,218 new cases take J&K’s Covid tally to 69,832

Over 3,200 cops COVID positive in J&K and 15 succumbed to virus
File photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today recorded 1,218 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the toll of positive cases in the Union Territory to 69,832. The pandemic has claimed 21 more lives in the UT, pushing the death toll up to 1,105.

Of the total 69,832 cases, 43,718 are from Kashmir and 26,114 from Jammu division. Officials said that among 1,218 new cases, 576 belong to Kashmir division while 642 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division has reached 43,718 including 34,757 recoveries and 811 deaths.

The total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached 26,114 including 14,800 recoveries and 294 deaths.

They said that total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir is 19,170 including 8,150 from Kashmir division and 11,020 from Jammu division.

With 1,478 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in J&K has reached 49,557 which is 70.96 percent of the total cases and was over 78 percent over three weeks back.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 224 from Srinagar, 61 from Budgam, 64 from Baramulla, 51 from Pulwama, 36 from Anantnag, 26 from Bandipora, 31 from Kupwara, 53 from Ganderbal, 05 from Kulgam and 25 from Shopian in Kashmir division while as 642 from Jammu division include 240 from Jammu, 44 from Rajouri, 60 from Udhampur,  39 from Kathua, 61 from Doda, 30 from Samba, 51 from Poonch, 48 from Ramban, 14 from Reasi and 55 from Kishtwar,” officials disclosed.

Pertinently, in the last 24 hours, 21 persons who were tested positive for COVID-19 have died which include ten from Kashmir division and 11 from Jammu division.

As per the daily information bulletin, 5,61,149 persons in J&K are under observation while 14,482 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 19,170 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 4,77,640 persons have completed surveillance period and 48,752 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 15,13,224 samples are available out of which 14,43,392 stand negative while 69,832 have tested positive. Among positive cases, 19,170 are active and 49,557 persons have recovered while 1,105 persons have died.

-ARK

India, Aus, Japan, US officials hold talks on regional, global issues

New Delhi (NVI): Senior officials from India, Australia, Japan and the United States today held consultations, with special focus promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

“Senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Australia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Department of State of the United States of America held a video conference on 25 September 2020 for consultations on regional and global issues of common interest,” the MEA said.

During the consultations, the officials reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on shared values and principles and respect for international law, MEA said.

The last such official level discussions were held in November 2019. Follwing the last year’s talks and the Ministerial engagement of September 2019, the officials exchanged views on ongoing and proposed practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development, and security matters, including counter-terrorism, cyber and maritime security, with the objective of promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry said in a statement.

The officials reiterated their firm support for ASEAN-Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms particularly the leaders-led East Asia Summit, in the regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific, and their readiness to work with ASEAN and all other countries towards realizing a common and promising vision for the Indo-Pacific.

They also appreciated the Vietnamese chairmanship of the ASEAN and looked forward to the 15th East Asia Summit in November this year. The officials looked forward to the Ministerial consultations to be held later this year.

-ARK

Cvoter survey predicts NDA set to win Bihar  

J&K DDC polls: Voting for first phase tomorrow
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New Delhi (NVI): As per an opinion poll by CVoter survey, the Bharatiya Janata Party- Janata Dal (United) alliance is all set to come back to power in Bihar.

The poll indicates that the NDA government will be a force to reckon with, in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, which are slated to be held in three phases.

The election commission announced the dates for the Bihar Assembly polls today. The polling will take place in three phases: 28 October, 3 November and 7 November and the results will be declared on 10 November.

The CVOTER survey revealed that as per public opinion, NDA is leading with 44.8% vote share (141 to 161 seats), whereas UPA stands second with 33.4% vote share (64 to 84 Seats). Others grab the third spot with mere 21.8% vote share (13 to 23 seats).

The survey conducted with Centre for Voting Opinion & Trends in Election Research (CVOTER) keeps the viewers apprised of the various developing political opinions, while also understanding the voters’ frame of mind.

Current projections are based on CVOTER daily tracking poll conducted from 01st September 2020 to September 25th 2020, among 18+ adults, including likely voters.

As for the methodology and survey details, the survey reached out to a total of approximately 25,789 people in Bihar and was conducted through CATI (Telephonic survey). The sample spread of the survey covers all 243 assembly segments. The margin of error is +/- 3% at State level and +/-5% at regional level.

71 constituencies and 16 Districts will go for polls in 31,000 polling stations. This will be followed by the 2nd phase on 3rd November, 2020 wherein 94 constituencies, and 17 Districts will go for polls in 42,000 Polling Stations. Lastly, the 3rd phase will be held on 7th November, 2020 wherein 78 constituencies and 15 Districts will go for polls in 33000 polling stations. The counting will take place on 10th November, 2020.

On the opinion poll, Yashwant Deshmukh, CVoter said, “CVoer is pleased to be ABP News’ research partner for Bihar Assembly Election 2020 Polls. In the light of this year’s political battle, voters appear to be making up their minds. Their decision-making is crucial as the reverberations of this year’s election verdict will be felt in national politics, giving great ammunition to the winning party. Our opinion poll, on the other hand, will help gain a deeper understanding of the unique political dynamics at work in the state of Bihar.”

AHSP responsibility of Pinaka weapon system handed over to DRDO by DGQA

File Photo

New Delhi (NVI): The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) responsibility of Pinaka weapon system was handed over by DRDO to DGQA ( Directorate General of Quality Assurance) today in another important milestone for defence procurement today.

Pinaka is a free flight artillery rocket system having a range of 37.5 km. Pinaka rockets are launched from a multi barrel rocket launcher which has capability to launch salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) had on Monday announced that it’s acquisition wing had signed contracts with three Indian companies for supply of six regiments of the Pinaka Rocket System to be deployed along borders with Pakistan and China.

he weapon system is designed and developed by Pune based DRDO lab, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with HEMRL, VRDE and CAIR. Pinaka rockets and its ground systems are currently under bulk production at Ordnance Factories, BEML, BEL, Tata Power and L&T Defence.

The developed rocket system named after Lord Shiva’s bow, has its own significance in the wake of India-China border row.

“AHSP transfer marks successful establishment of production of Pinaka rockets, Launchers, Battery Command Posts, Loader Cum Replenishment and Replenishment Vehicles as well as successful establishment of Quality Assurance processes.

“AHSP handing over took place at ARDE, Pune wherein the documentation required by various Production agencies, Quality Assurance agencies, Maintenance agencies and Users were formally handed over by ARDE, HEMRL and VRDE to CQA (A),” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Joining the event by video conferencing Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DD R&D and Chairman DRDO described the AHSP transfer as a landmark event in the development of Pinaka Rocket Systems and stated that the Pinaka Rocket Systems will go a long way in fulfilling the requirement of services.

-ARK

Ayush Ministry takes up clinical studies of medicinal herbs for COVID mgmt

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of AYUSH has approved a proposal for carrying out a clinical study to assess the role of Vasa and Guduchi in therapeutic management of symptoms in COVID-19 positive patients.

This will be a randomized, open label three armed study, and will be conducted at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, in collaboration with the IGIB unit of CSIR, the ministry said.

In view of the need for accelerated solutions for COVID-19, the Ministry of AYUSH has taken up systematic studies on different possible solutions through multiple channels.

“As part of this effort, a proposal for a clinical study to assess the role of Vasa Ghana, Guduchi Ghana and Vasa-Guduchi Ghana in therapeutic management of symptoms in COVID-19 positive cases has recently been approved,” the ministry said in a statement.

The detailed proposal with methodology including outcome measures, clinical and laboratory parameters, the logistics of the research has been prepared.

The study will use a unique case report forum (CRF), suitable for Ayush mode research.

The CRF and study protocol has also been peer reviewed by experts from different domains including modern medicine and their suggestions have been incorporated.

The study will be undertaken subject to the required approvals like that of the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC).

The project would look into the efficacy/action of mono-herbal formulations of whole extracts of Vasa and Guduchi respectively, and polyherbal formulation of Vasa-Guduchi whole extract on therapeutic management of SARS-CoV2 positive asymptomatic and/ or mild COVID-19 symptomatic cases.

The project would also assess the impact of the formulations on the speed of viral replication and “Whether the said mono-herbal and polyherbal formulations can alter the expression profiles of key bio markers associated with COVID-19 disease,” the statement said.

Vasa and Guduchi are time tested herbs in Indian healthcare traditions, used in a variety of disease conditions.

The outcome of this study would therefore be of considerable interest to the entire Ayush sector, the ministry said.

-CHK

I-T Department launches faceless income tax appeals system

ITR
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The Income Tax Department today launched the faceless income tax appeals system under which all appeals will be finalised in a faceless manner barring cases of major tax evasion, sensitive and search matters, international tax and black money Act, the Ministry of Finance said.

“It may be noted that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 13 while launching the Faceless Assessment and Taxpayers’ Charter as part of “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” platform, had announced launching of Faceless Appeals on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay,” the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

Also, in recent years the Income Tax Department has carried out several reforms in direct taxes for the simplification of tax processes and for ease of compliance for the taxpayers, it added.

The statement noted that under the faceless appeals, from now on, in income tax appeals, everything from “e-allocation of appeal, e-communication of notice or questionnaire, e-verification or e-enquiry to e-hearing and finally e-communication of the appellate order,” the entire process of appeals will be beginning online.

It added, the taxpayers now can make submissions from the comfort of their home and save their time and resources as there will be no physical interface between the taxpayers or their counsel and the income tax department.

Moreover, the faceless appeals system will include allocation of cases through Data Analytics and AI under the dynamic jurisdiction with central issuance of notices which would be having Document Identification Number (DIN), the statement read.

Under this dynamic jurisdiction, the draft appellate order will be prepared in one city and will be reviewed in some other city resulting in an objective, fair and just order.

Furthermore, the faceless appeal will provide not only great convenience to the taxpayers but will also ensure just and fair appeal orders and minimise any further litigation. The new system will also be ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of the income tax department, the statement said.

As per the data from Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), as on date there is a pendency of almost 4.6 lakh appeals at the level of the Commissioner (Appeals) in the department.

Out of this, about 4.05 lakh appeals, which is about 88 per cent of the total appeals will be handled under the faceless appeal mechanism and almost 85 per cent of the present strength of Commissioners (Appeals) shall be utilised for disposing off the cases under the new mechanism, the statement added.

-RJV

Gandhi memorials in Bangladesh, Barrackpore, Chennai renovated

New Delhi (NVI): As India celebrates the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, his memorials in Noakhali (Bangladesh), Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya (Barrackpore), Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha (Chennai) have been renovated.

The Indian government has decided to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at national and international levels to propagate his message.

Mahatma Gandhi camped in Noakhali for four months and toured the district in a mission to restore peace and communal harmony. However, the peace mission failed to restore confidence among the survivors, who could not be permanently rehabilitated in their villages.

In the meantime, the Congress leadership accepted the Partition of India and the peace mission and other relief camps were abandoned. The majority of the survivors migrated to West Bengal, Tripura and Assam.

The Gandhi Smarak Smarak Sangrahalaya at Barrackpore is distinct because of its offerings and programs and its integrated approach as a museum properly utilising all present day museological media and having developed a range of galleries depicting facets of Gandhi’s life and Philosophy along with different phases of India’s Freedom Movement.

Meanwhile, as part of the grand finale of two years celebration of Gandhiji’s 150th Birth Anniversary, Films Division, Ministry of Information Broadcasting is organizing ‘Gandhi Filmotsav’.

The online film festival will be streamed on its Website www.filmsdivision.org and YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/FilmsDivision from 26th September to 2nd October 2020.

The Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October 2018 marked the beginning of two years celebration of the sesquicentennial of Mahatma Gandhi which is slated to conclude on 2nd October 2020.

-ARK

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