Wednesday, September 9, 2026
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Metro services resume across country in graded manner after 5 months

Delhi Metro resumed services on Yellow Line & Rapid Metro after 169 days. (Image credits: @OfficialDMRC)

New Delhi (NVI): Metro train services resumed in a graded manner across the country today, except in Maharashtra, after being closed for over five months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Complying with the Centre’s Unlock 4 guidelines, metro authorities in Delhi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Noida, Ahmedabad had announced the resumption of their services from today in a calibrated manner.

As the services have restarted after a gap of 169 days, all safety norms and precautionary measures have been put in place to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Commuters have been advised to follow basic COVID norms while travelling like maintaining social distancing, wearing a face mask and using hand sanitiser.

Only asymptomatic people will be allowed to board trains and stations at containment zones will stay shut.

Furthermore, use of cash transactions and tokens will be discouraged. The frequency of trains will be regulated to avoid crowding at stations and in trains. The passengers have been asked to download the Aarogya Setu app on their smartphones and will undergo thermal checks at stations.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) began its services at 7 am today on the 49-km-long Yellow Line (HUDA City Centre and Samaypur Badli), the first corridor opened as per the Centre’s guidelines easing the measures put in place in view of the pandemic.

“We are on our way. It’s been 169 days since we’ve seen you! Travel responsibly and commute if it’s only necessary. #MetroBackOnTrack,” the DMRC tweeted and posted a video clip of the first train leaving HUDA City Centre.

Hundreds of Delhi Metro ground staff and Central Industrial Security Force personnel wore face shields, masks and gloves as preventive measures against the pathogen.

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) on Monday resumed its operations on the Aqua Line with strict guidelines in place. The Aqua Line connects the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar, over a distance of 29 km through 15 stations.

The trains will run from 7 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 9 pm with a frequency of 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the services will start from 8 am.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) also resumed services on Monday. As per the guidelines, the Chennai Metro will be operational from 8 am to 8 pm. The timings will be increased gradually.

As part of stage one, the CMRL commenced services on the Blue Line — between Airport Metro Station and Washermenpet Metro Station. Chennai Metro operations on the Green Line (between St Thomas Mount and Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Metro) will resume on September 9.

In addition to this, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) resumed operations on the Purple Line today. Metro train services on the Green Line will operate from September 9.

Officials said the trains will operate from 8-11 am and 4.30-7.30 pm in the first phase. From September 11, trains on the two lines of the Benagluru Metro will operate from 7 am to 9 pm.

The BMRCL has said a maximum of 400 passengers will be permitted to travel in each train. Alternate seats in the train will be kept vacant and people will be allowed to stand only at marked areas.

-CHK

WATCH | Successful testing of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

In a historic mission today, India successfully flight-tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) using an indigenously developed scramjet propulsion system. The HSTDV is equipped with a scramjet engine and it is capable of cruising at a speed of mach 6 and move up to an altitude of 32.5 km (20 miles) in 20 seconds.

-ARK

India successfully tests Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

New Delhi (NVI): In a historic mission today, India successfully flight-tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) using an indigenously developed scramjet propulsion system.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful mission, saying that “with this success, all critical technologies are now established to progress to the next phase.”

“I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising PM’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them,” Singh tweeted.

The successful testing of HSTDV is being considered as big step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).


The HSTDV is equipped with scramjet engine and it is capable of cruising at a speed of mach 6 and move up to an altitude of 32.5 km (20 miles) in 20 seconds.

It has multiple civilian applications and can also be used for launching satellites at low cost and long-range cruise missile.

DRDO with this successful test demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology. This will serve as the building block for NextGen Hypersonic vehicles in partnership with the private industry.

After the successful operation, DRDO Chairman congratulated all the scientists, researchers and other personnel related with the mission for their resolute and unwavering efforts towards strengthening nation’s defence capabilities.

J&K: Former legislator from Rajouri dies of Covid, UT’s toll at 784

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

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A former legislator from J&K’s Rajouri district, Thakur Rashpal Singh, died due to coronavirus this morning, health officials here said.

Singh, a resident of Sialsui Kalakote, who was also senior National Conference leader, had won elections several times from the Kalakote assembly segment of Rajouri. He also served as Vice Chairman of the State Kissan Advisory Board during Omar Abdullah led government in 2009-15.

The officials said that the former legislator developed some medical issues last evening and was taken to SMVDN hospital in Katra where he breathed his last at around 2 AM. He was tested positive for coronavirus and was having multiple ailments at the same time, they said.

“I have been informed that former legislator has been tested positive for coronavirus,” said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajouri, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh. He said that the deployment of police has been made in the area to prevent any large gathering for funeral.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic in J&K, the deadly virus has claimed 784 lives that include 63 from Jammu and 721 from the Kashmir region. Srinagar district alone has 263 cases, highest in the J&K UT.

-ARK/RJV

First International Day for Clean Air calls for action to beat air pollution

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The global efforts to reduce air pollution and its effects will receive a boost, when for the first time, the world will observe the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies today.

The International Day of Clear Air was created following a December 2019 United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution recognizing the need for increased awareness and international cooperation to reduce air pollution.

However, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for facilitating observance of this Day on September 7, to promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality.

Air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, causing 7 million premature deaths annually from diseases like stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections, UNEP said in a statement.

Many air pollutants are also powerful climate forcers, harming the health and well-being of those living today and making the world less safe for future generations, it added.

This Day calls for increase international cooperation at the global, regional and sub-regional levels. It also aims to raise awareness of the many solutions available to beat air pollution and their multiple benefits.

Moreover, the Republic of Korea led global efforts to create this new International Day of Clean Air for blue skies and will host an event to start celebrations around the world on September 7.

The theme of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 2020 is “Clean Air for All”. On this first Day recognize that the air a person breathe is shared by everyone and all can do their part for clean air.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message for the Day said, “Around the world, nine out of every ten people breathe unclean air that does not meet World Health Organization guidelines for clean air.”

“The extent of this challenge requires decisive action on the part of governments, businesses and communities to end reliance on fossil fuels in favour of clean affordable renewable energy. On the first-ever International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, let us commit to no new coal for cleaner, greener economies and better health for all,” Guterres said.

On this day, people, communities, businesses and local and national governments will make commitments and take steps that lead to a future without air pollution.

This first recognition takes place as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to prevent in-person gatherings. However, most of the Day’s events will be held virtually.

-RJV

Govt should have minimal intervention in educational policy, says PM Modi on NEP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Governors' Conference for National Education Policy 2020.

New Delhi (NVI): The government should have minimal intervention in educational policy as it “belongs to everyone”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, as he addressed the inaugural session of the Governors’ Conference on the National Education Policy.

The conference was joined by President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and governors of several states including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

“Education policy and education system are important means of fulfilling the aspirations of the country. Centre, state government, local bodies, all are attached to the responsibility of education system. But it is also true that the government, its interference in education policy, its impact, should be minimal. As foreign policy, defence policy are of the country, not govt, so is education policy. It belongs to everyone,” PM Modi said.

He urged people to take the “collective responsibility to implement NEP-2020 in Letter and Spirit”.

Modi further said that the NEP 2020 focuses on “learning” instead of “studying” and goes ahead of the curriculum to focus on “critical thinking”.

“The New Education Policy focuses on learning instead of studying and goes ahead of the curriculum to focus on critical thinking. In this policy, we have stressed on passion, practicality, and performance,” Prime Minister Modi said.

The Prime Minister also said that the NEP 2020 is modern and will give a new direction to the social and economic life of the 21st century India.

“Work on National Education Policy had started over 4-5 years ago. Millions of people – both rural, urban, and people associated with the education sector had given their suggestions for the NEP,” the Prime Minister said, adding “Over 2 lakh people had sent in their suggestions.”

“We are working to make India a knowledge economy. To tackle brain drain, the NEP has paved the way for opening campuses of best international institutions in the country to bring them within reach of youth from simple families,” the Prime Minister said.

New education policy paves way for opening campus of best international institutions in India so that youth from simple families can also join them, he said.

Titled ‘Role of NEP-2020 in Transforming Higher Education’, the conference is being organised by the Ministry of education.

NEP-2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century which was announced after 34 years of the previous National Policy on Education in 1986, according to Prime Minister’s Office.

-CHK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has reached 42,04,613, after 90,802 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll has gone up to 71,642 after 1,016 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the coronavirus cases climbed to 9,07,212, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 4,98,125 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 4,63,240 cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 3,332

Andhra Pradesh- 4,98,125

Arunachal Pradesh- 5,000

Assam- 1,25,459

Bihar- 1,47,661

Chandigarh- 5,763

Chhattisgarh- 45,263

Dadra Nagar Haveli & Diu – 2,575

Delhi- 1,91,449

Gujarat- 1,04,179

Goa- 20,829

Haryana– 76,549

Himachal Pradesh- 7,415

Jammu and Kashmir- 43,557

Jharkhand- 51,063

Karnataka- 3,98,551

Kerala- 87,841

Ladakh- 3,036

Madhya Pradesh- 73,574

Maharashtra- 9,07,212

Manipur- 7,022

Meghalaya- 3,005

Mizoram- 1,114

Nagaland- 4,178

Odisha- 1,24,031

Puducherry- 17,032

Punjab- 63,473

Rajasthan- 90,956

Sikkim- 1,910

Tamil Nadu- 4,63,480

Telangana- 1,42,771

Tripura- 15,508

Uttarakhand- 24,629

Uttar Pradesh- 2,66,283

West Bengal– 1,80,788

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 50

Andhra Pradesh- 4,417

Arunachal Pradesh- 8

Assam- 360

Bihar- 750

Chandigarh- 71

Chhattisgarh- 380

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 4,567

Goa- 236

Gujarat- 3,105

Haryana- 806

Himachal Pradesh- 55

Jammu and Kashmir- 784

Jharkhand- 469

Karnataka- 6,393

Kerala- 347

Ladakh- 35

Madhya Pradesh- 1,572

Maharashtra- 26,604

Manipur- 38

Meghalaya- 16

Nagaland- 10

Odisha- 546

Puducherry- 314

Punjab- 1,862

Rajasthan- 1,137

Sikkim- 5

Tamil Nadu- 7,836

Telangana- 895

Tripura- 149

Uttarakhand- 341

Uttar Pradesh- 3,920

West Bengal- 3,562

However, a total of 32,50,429 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 8,82,542.

-CHK

Kerala at the top with highest literacy rate; Andhra ranks worst

JKBOSE results: Girls Outperform Boys in Class 10 Results in Jammu Division
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): With 96.2 per cent, Kerala has once again etched its place as the most literate state in India, followed by national capital Delhi at 89 per cent, revealed data from a report on education released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Meanwhile, the southern state of Andhra Pradesh at 66.4 per cent, has ranked the worst among all states in India in terms of literacy rate, behind Bihar’s 70.9 per cent.

According to the report, the national average for literacy stands at 77.7 per cent.

The data, which is for 2017-18 and for all aged 7 or more, showed that the popular idea of “developed states” can be misleading with regard to literacy.

As compared to the national average, Andhra’s literacy rate is at 66.4 per cent, Telangana’s is 72.8 per cent, which is worse than the national average and Karnataka’s is at 77.2 per cent.

Assam and Uttarakhand shared the top four positions with 85.9 per cent and 87.6 per cent, respectively, after Kerala and Delhi among the major states and Union Territories.

In addition to this, the gap between male and female literacy is the thinnest at just 2.2 percentage points.

For perspective, at the all-India level, the gap is 14.4 percentage points with male literacy at 84.7 per cent and female literacy at 70.3 per cent.

Besides the gender-wise gap in literacy rate, Kerala has the lowest gap between urban and rural literacy rates with 1.9 percentage points.

The worst in regard with the gap between urban and rural literacy rates are the states of Telangana, where urban literacy is 23.4 percentage points higher than rural literacy, and Andhra Pradesh, where the difference is 19.2 percentage points.

The difference between urban male literacy and rural female literacy is an alarming 27.2 percentage points at the national level.

In Rajasthan, the difference between urban male literacy and rural female literacy is 38.5 percentage points (9.1 per cent versus 52.6 per cent) and in Telangana, 38 percentage points (91.7 per cent versus 53.7 per cent). Meanwhile, the male urban literacy is under 90 per cent in only four major states and below 85 per cent in none of them.

-CHK

ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 launch may take place in 2021

Chandrayaan-2 being launched in 2019 (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) is planning to launch ‘Chandrayaan-3’, its new Moon mission early next year, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.

Singh also said that ‘Chandrayaan-3’ will not have an orbiter and only a rover and lander will be sent to the lunar surface.

He added Chandrayaan-3 will be like a repeat mission of ‘Chandrayaan-2’, which was launched on July 22, 2019.

The mission, however, has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and the follow-up lockdowns. The launch which was planned for later this year will now take off for the Lunar surface sometime in early 2021.

“As for Chandrayaan-3, the launch may now take place somewhere in early 2021. Chandrayaan-3 will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 and will include a Lander and Rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2, but will not have an orbiter,” a statement quoting Singh said.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22 last year, which was planned to land on the South Pole of the Moon.

However, the lander Vikram hard-landed on September 7, crashing India’s dream to become the first nation to successfully touch down on the lunar surface in its maiden attempt.

The orbiter of the mission is working fine and has been sending data. Isro had indicated that the third moon mission will utilise the orbiter already in the lunar orbit.

Meanwhile, preparations are going on for India’s first-ever Human Space mission Gaganyaan, Singh said, adding that, the training processes and other procedures are also in place.

“Constraints due to the COVID pandemic led to some disruptions in the plan for Gaganyaan but efforts are going on to stick to the timeline of around 2022,” he added.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases exceed 27.1 million worldwide; death toll tops 8.82 lakh

Coronavirus cases surpass 52 mn globally; US reports record 1.36 lakh infections

New Delhi (NVI): The world’s coronavirus cases have hit 27.1 million, and more than 8,82,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 18 million people have recovered.

In the US, the number of coronavirus cases has surpassed 6.2 million while the death toll is nearing 1.90 lakh in the country.

COVID-19 cases are rising in 22 of the 50 states in the United States, as the country celebrates its end-of-summer Labor Day weekend.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases have crossed 4.1 million while the number of fatalities have exceeded 1,26,000.

Germany’s infectious disease agency has reported 814 new COVID-19 cases raising the total number of infections to 2,50,799. there were no new deaths linked to the virus on Monday, keeping the death toll at 9,325.

South Korea’s Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has reported 119 new coronavirus cases, most of which are local infections. The total number of infections in the country has now reached 21,296 as of Monday, while more than 16,200 have recovered.

The Australian state of Victoria has reported 41 new cases and nine new deaths from the coronavirus, a day after extending a strict lockdown in Melbourne.

The National Health Commission in China has reported an additional 12 new coronavirus cases in the country, all of which are imported.

The health ministry of Mexico has reported 4,614 new cases and 232 deaths from COVID-19, pushing the total to 6,34,023 cases and 67,558 deaths.

-CHK

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