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US President Trump, First Lady Melania test positive for COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for Covid-19 today.

Trump said in a tweet that he and the First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for Covid-19. The president said they will begin “quarantine and recovery process immediately.”

Donald Trump tweeted, “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!

 

Melania Trump also took to twitter to share the news and wrote, “As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.”

It was reported earlier today that Trump and the First Lady had been tested for COVID-19 and were in quarantine after Hope Hicks, one of the United States President’s top aides, tested positive for the disease.

Hicks, a top adviser to Trump, tested positive for COVID-19 and was experiencing symptoms. Hicks was known to regularly travel with the President on Air Force One and, along with other senior aides, had accompanied him to Ohio for the US presidential debate.

Furthermore, several other White House staffers including Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary, national security adviser Robert O’Brien, and one of the President’s personal valets have also tested positive for Covid-19 in the past.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surge past 34.2 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 34.2 million people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19 while the death toll has crossed 1,021,763, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. More than 23.7 million people have recovered from the disease.

In the US, the number of coronavirus infections have surpassed 7.27 million while the death toll has crossed 2,07,000 in the country.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases have exceeded 4.8 million meanwhile the number of fatalities have climbed past 1,44,000.

Italy has recorded more than 2,000 daily cases for the first time since April. The country registered 2,548 new Covid-19 infections on Thursday, the first time it has exceeded 2,000 cases in a single day since the end of April.

Paris in danger of restaurant shutdown as France records 9 per cent increase in daily infections. Paris is set to be placed on maximum Covid alert from as soon as Monday, a move likely to force the closure of restaurants and bars and impose further restrictions on public life. French authorities reported a daily rise in new COVID-19 cases exceeding 13,000 again on Thursday.

Covid cases doubled under most local lockdowns in England. Coronavirus cases have doubled in the majority of English cities and towns that are subject to long-term local lockdowns.

-CHK

India’s COVID tally nears 64 lakh, death toll at 99,773

corona
(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India increased to 63,94,069 with a single jump of 81,484 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The country’s death toll has gone up to 99,773 with 1,095 fatalities reported during this period.

So far, 53,52,078 patients have been cured and recovered all over the country while active cases stands at 9,42,217. With this, the recovery rate further improves to 84 per cent in India.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases climbed to 14,00,922, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 7,00,235 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 6,03,290 cases.

Other states with a high virus hit included Karnataka (6,11,837), Uttar Pradesh (4,03,101) and Delhi (2,82,752).

Meanwhile, of the total deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 37,056 fatalities, followed by Tamil Nadu with 9,586 deaths.

The death toll in the national capital surpassed to 5,401, while 2,50,613 patients have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 7,67,17,728 samples tested for COVID-19 up to October 1. Of these, 10,97,947 samples were tested yesterday.

Furthermore, the Delhi government has decided that cinemas, theatres, and swimming pools in the city are unlikely to open soon, to maintain status quo on prohibited and permitted activities till October 31 in the national capital.

-RJV

PM pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 151th birth anniversary.

PM Modi offered floral tribute to Bapu at Raj Ghat and paid respects to the leader.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister also tweeted on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, saying that there is much to learn from Bapu’s life and noble thoughts and shared a short clip of his remarks on the father of the nation.

“We bow to beloved Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. There is much to learn from his life and noble thoughts. May Bapu’s ideals keep guiding us in creating a prosperous and compassionate India,” Modi tweeted.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947.

He was fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in Swaraj (self-governance) and Ahimsa (non-violence) won him accolades across the world.

Globally, Gandhi’s birth anniversary is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence and several events are held in India and across the world to mark the occasion.

-RJV

J&K: Decks cleared for Rs 5,300 Cr, 850 MW Ratle Hydro project

Srinagar (NVI): In a significant decision, the Public Investment Board (PIB) under the Ministry of Finance, has recommended that the 850 MW Ratle HEP be developed through a Joint Venture company (JVC) between the JK Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), an official spokesman said today.

He said that the PIB has also recommended an investment approval for Rs 5281.94 crore for the project including an  Infusion of Equity of Rs 808.14 crore by NHPC in the Joint venture company.

“The equity contribution of JKPDC in the company pegged at  Rs. 776.44 crore will be provided as grant from the Government of India,” the official spokesman said.

“The recommendations of the PIB will pave the way for final approval of the project and an early beginning of work on the project. It may be recalled that 850 MW Ratle HEP was the first project in India which was awarded through tariff-based bidding,” he added.

However, the project was stalled due to the unilateral withdrawal by the erstwhile developer from the Project. “All the clearances for the project are already in place and the project is expected to be completed within 36 months of the start of work.

“The initiation of the project will be yet another step in adding to the revenues of the UT from its abundant hydro resources,” the spokesman said.

It may be recalled that although a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed among J&K Power Development Department, J&K State Power Development Corporation Limited and NHPC Limited on 3rd Feb, 2019, regarding the execution of the project in JV mode, yet the matter had remained pending for want of a final decsion on the mode of execution. The government of J&K had been consistently arguing for exceution of the work in the JV mode as agreed in the Feb 2019 MoU.

J&K has over 20,000 MW of hydro power potential, out of which 16000 MW has been identified. With the PIB decision, J&K would have moved another step closer to harnessing nearly 2500 MW of this potential. While the 1000 MW Pakaldul project  and 624 MW Kiru are already under exceution by Chenab Valley Power Project Private Limited (CVPPL), a Joint Venture of JKSPDC, NHPC and PTC India limited, the 540 MW Kawar is likely to be taken up shortly,” the spokesman said.

J&K’s Covid tally at 76,163 with 17 more deaths, 1,093 fresh cases

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

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Seventeen more Covid-19 patients died in Jammu and Kashmir today, while 1,093 tested positive, taking the overall tally of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Union Territory to 76,163.

The death toll due to pandemic in the UT has now reached 1,198.

Of the total 76,163 cases, 46,200 are from Kashmir and 29,963 from Jammu division. Officials said that among 1,093 new cases, 401 belong to Kashmir while 692 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 46,200 including 38,494 recoveries and 843 deaths.

The total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached 29,963 including 20,058 recoveries and 355 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in J&K is 16,423 including 6,863 from Kashmir division and 9,550 from Jammu division.

With 1,680 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in the UT has reached 58,552 which is 76.87 percent of the total cases.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 164 from Srinagar, 54 from Budgam, 39 from Baramulla, 25 from A Pulwama, 16 from Anantnag, 34 from Bandipora, 27 from Kupwara, 27 from Ganderbal, 13 from Kulgam and 02 from Shopian in Kashmir division while as 692 from Jammu division include 490 from Jammu, 39 from Rajouri, 20 from Udhampur, 16 from Kathua, 22 from Doda, 20 from Samba, 14 from Poonch, 22 from Ramban, 00 from Reasi and 49 from Kishtwar,” officials disclosed.

Notably, in the last 24 hours, 17 persons who were tested positive for COVID-19 have died, which include 4 from Kashmir division and 13 from Jammu division.

As per the media bulletin, patients who have died include two from Budgam and one each from Anantnag and Pulwama in Kashmir division while 13 from Jammu division include eight from district Jammu, three from Doda and one each from Samba and Poonch.

Apart from that, 5,79,313 persons in J&K are under observation while 15,446 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides, 16,413 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 4,95,469 persons have completed surveillance period and 50,787 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 16,43,722 samples are available out of which 15,67,559 stand negative while 76,163 have tested positive. Among positive cases, 16,413 are active, 58,552 persons have recovered and 1,198 persons have died.

-ARK

‘Back to Village’ Phase 3 kickstarts from Oct 2 in J&K                 

Srinagar (NVI): The third phase of the flagship ‘Back to Village’ programme by the J&K government — a 10 days festival of development–  is all set to begin from October 2 in J&K, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Gandhi Jayanti.

A J&K government official spokesman said that the development oriented action packed programme will witness senior government officials taking review of development scenarios at grassroot level and addressing the grievances of public.

“The unique initiative of its kind in 4,290 panchayats is expected to again witness tremendous response from the public like the earlier phases. The third phase of the B2V programme is a festival of development and democracy among the masses and to ensure redressal of grievances, the Government of J&K has earmarked Rs 450 crore for undertaking developmental works,” the statement said.

To improve the efficiency of the ambitions programme in Phase 3 of Back to Village, it has been made mandatory to carry out atleast two developmental works in every Panchayat, the official spokesman said, adding, “A senior Government official said that B2V3 is preceded by a 21 day Jan Abhiyan to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and their grievances addressed on the spot.”

-ARK

India slams Pak over its criticism of Babri Masjid verdict

MEA

New Delhi (NVI): India today rejected Pakistan’s criticism over the Babri Masjid verdict by a special CBI court, in which all 32 accused have been acquitted. It said that it may be difficult for a country like Pakistan to understand democratic ethos which has a “coercive apparatus” and where people and courts can be silenced.

“India is a mature democracy where the Government and citizens abide by the verdicts of the Court and show respect for the rule of law,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said during a weekly media briefing here.

“It may be difficult for a system with a coercive apparatus where people and the courts can be silenced at the will of the establishment, to understand such democratic ethos.,” he added.

The MEA has strongly rejected Islamabad’s criticism over the case and slammed the neighboring country government for trying to raise a controversy.

All 32 accused, including BJP leaders Lal Krishna Advani, Uma Bharti, Murali Manohar Joshi and Kalyan Singh were acquitted in the case by a special CBI court in Lucknow yesterday.

In its judgment, the court said that CBI failed to prove the case and that the accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Special court judge SK Yadav said the demolition wasn’t premeditated and it happened at the spur of the moment with no involvement by any of the accused.

Yadav said that BJP leaders including LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were among the accused, tried to stop the mob.

The verdict came 28 years after the structure was razed down by a mob in Ayodhya town in Uttar Pradesh in 1992, sparking communal riots.

-ARK

Over 150 institutions to participate in ‘US University Virtual Fair’ to be held in 2 stages

New Delhi (NVI): To address the concerns of students and parents for admissions in the US universities and institutions amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a unique ‘US University Virtual Fair’ is being organised which will be held in two stages. Over 150 accredited US educational institutions will participate in the event.

The first stage of the Virtual Fair will be held on October 2 and 3, and the second stage on October 9 and 10. The timings of virtual interaction will be 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm (Indian Standard Time) for both stages.

Education USA will host the “US University Virtual Fair 2020” for students and parents to engage directly with US university representatives and Education USA advisers, all from the safety and comfort of their home, from October 2-10, the US Embassy said in a statement here.

For students seeking Master’s or PhD degree programs, the US University Graduate Virtual Fair will be held on October 2 and 3. They can register here

For high school students seeking Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree programs, the US University Undergraduate Virtual Fair will be held on October 9 and 10 from, as per an Embassy press release. They can register here

Speaking on the significance of US higher education, David Kennedy, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy in New Delhi noted, “An education in the United States is important because it prepares you for your future.  Not only is it the best education, but it connects you to a world of opportunities after your studies. We encourage Indian students to study in the United States not just because it is a great education, but also because they join a diverse community that enriches our classrooms, research, and campus life.”

The US has over 4,500 accredited higher education institutions. This virtual fair will bring together more than 150 of these accredited US universities and colleges representing a range of academic programs, regions, campus sizes, as well as different undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

“This US University Virtual Fair is a unique opportunity for Indian students to engage with university representatives and Education USA advisers to better understand the wide spectrum of educational opportunities available in the United States,” the embassy said.

Participating in the fair will help students and parents gather valuable information about academic programs, campus life, financial aid options, scholarship possibilities, application procedures, and safety precautions at US universities in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it added.

This year, Education USA is offering the fair as a virtual experience in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of attendees and participating university representatives.

-ARK

J&K Govt notifies 2 new schemes; major relief to artisans, weavers

GI registration

Srinagar (NVI): In a major relief to artisans and weavers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the UT government today notified two new schemes to provide a fillip to the famed handicrafts and handloom sector.

The capital infusion shall provide much-needed financial support and credit facility to the traditional craft industry which has been adversely affected due to Covid-19 pandemic, as per an official statement by the J&K government.

“In a first, the Government announced a new financial support scheme for Cooperatives/ SHGs registered in the Handicrafts and Handloom Department under the J&K Self Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999 by replacement of the existing Managerial Subsidy Scheme,” read the statement.

Under the scheme, each Cooperative/SHG shall be provided a one-time financial support of Rs 1 lakh in two equal installments of Rs 50,000 each. The funds shall be transferred to the beneficiary Cooperative/SHG through DBT mode only, it said.

An annual target of 2000 Cooperatives/SHGs has been fixed for implementation in both rural and urban areas of the Union Territory.

Under the Managerial Subsidy Scheme, each Cooperative was earlier provided only Rs 19,104 over a period of three years and there had been no revision or enhancement in the subsidy since 1975.

The Government also announced a new Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers of the Handicrafts and Handloom sector by subsuming the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Micro Credit Plan Scheme for Weavers in the erstwhile Handicrafts and Handloom Departments. Under the scheme, the loan slab has been enhanced from existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh with interest subsidy of 7% for a period of five years from the date of disbursement of the loan.

All artisans and weavers who are duly registered with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department and are involved in production and manufacturing processes shall be eligible for credit facility under the scheme.

The objective of the Scheme is to provide adequate and timely assistance to the artisan community from the financial institutions to meet their credit requirement of both investment needs as well as working capital in a flexible and cost-effective manner.

The annual target under the scheme has been fixed at 5000 in J&K, with break-up of 4000 artisans in handicrafts and 1000 weavers in the handloom sector.

“Both the schemes have been notified on the recommendations made in the J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts & Handloom Policy – 2020 which has been adopted vide Government Order No.54-IND of 2020, dated 10.03.2020,” read the official statement.

The operational guidelines have also been notified along with the schemes for hassle-free implementation.

-ARK

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