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State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): India registered a spike of 37,148 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 11,55,191, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 28,084 with 587 new fatalities being recorded since yesterday.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 3,18,695, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,75,678 cases and Delhi with 1,23,747 cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 207

Andhra Pradesh- 53,724

Arunachal Pradesh- 790

Assam- 25,382

Bihar- 27,646

Chandigarh- 737

Chhattisgarh- 5,561

Dadar Nagar Haveli & Diu – 297

Delhi- 1,23,747

Gujarat- 49,353

Goa- 3,853

Haryana– 26,858

Himachal Pradesh- 1,631

Jammu and Kashmir- 14,650

Jharkhand- 5,756

Karnataka- 67,420

Kerala- 13,274

Ladakh- 1,195

Madhya Pradesh- 23,310

Maharashtra- 3,18,695

Manipur- 1,925

Meghalaya- 466

Mizoram- 297

Nagaland- 1,021

Odisha- 18,110

Puducherry- 2,092

Punjab- 10,510

Rajasthan- 30,390

Sikkim- 305

Tamil Nadu- 1,75,678

Telangana- 46,274

Tripura- 3,079

Uttarakhand- 4,642

Uttar Pradesh- 51,160

West Bengal – 44,769

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 696

Arunachal Pradesh- 3

Assam- 58

Bihar- 217

Chandigarh- 12

Chhattisgarh- 25

Delhi- 3,628

Goa- 23

Gujarat- 2,162

Haryana- 355

Himachal Pradesh- 11

Jammu and Kashmir- 254

Jharkhand- 53

Karnataka- 1,403

Kerala- 43

Ladakh- 2

Madhya Pradesh- 738

Maharashtra- 12,030

Meghalaya- 4

Odisha- 97

Puducherry- 29

Punjab- 262

Rajasthan- 568

Tamil Nadu- 2,551

Telangana- 422

Tripura- 7

Uttar Pradesh- 1,192

Uttarakhand- 55

West Bengal- 1,147

A total of 7,24,578 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 4,02,529.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surpass 14.7 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 14.7 million people around the world have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 6,08,637 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The United States has recorded nearly 141,000 deaths, the most in the world. Meanwhile, the total number of cases have surpassed 3.8 million in the country.

In Brazil, the number of infected cases have exceeded 2.1 million while the death toll has crossed 80,000.

In addition to this, France has reported up to 500 virus clusters. Despite the clusters, authorities say there are no signs of an imminent “second wave”. The total number of cases stands at more than 2,14,000 in the country.

The hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia will begin on July 29. The drastically scaled back event will include only around 1,000 Muslim pilgrims due to the pandemic.

South Africa has reported a total of 3,64,328 coronavirus cases so far and has the fifth most confirmed Covid-19 infections in the world.

The World Health Organziation (WHO) voiced alarm at the spread in Africa. It warned that South Africa’s surging numbers could be a “precursor” for outbreaks across the continent.

-CHK

Oxford University’s COVID-19 vaccine triggers immune response

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The first set of results from early-stage clinical trials of the University of Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows the vaccine is safe and induces a good immune response.

Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.

According to findings published in the scientific journal, The Lancet, results of the Phase I/II trial indicate no early safety concerns and induces strong immune responses in both parts of the immune system.

The vaccine provoked a T-cell response within 14 days of vaccination (white blood cells that can attack cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus), and an antibody response within 28 days (antibodies are able to neutralise the virus so that it cannot infect cells when initially contracted).

A UK Phase I/II trial began in April testing the Oxford coronavirus vaccine – ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.

The project has started Phase III of the human trials to assess how the vaccine works in a large number of people over the age of 18, and how well the vaccine works to prevent people from becoming infected and unwell with Covid-19.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom also tweeted in this regard and said, “This is very positive news. A huge well done to our brilliant, world-leading scientists & researchers at @UniofOxford. There are no guarantees, we’re not there yet & further trials will be necessary – but this is an important step in the right direction.”

Oxford University is working with the UK-based global bio-pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for further development, large-scale manufacture and potential distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine, with plans for clinical development and production of the Oxford vaccine progressing globally.

Meanwhile, after the initial results of Oxford’s vaccine candidate came out positive, the Serum Institute of India is reportedly eyeing the license for production of the vaccine.
Headed by Adar Poonawala, SII is likely to apply for local trials within a week.

-CHK/ARK

MP governor Lalji Tandon passes away

Lalji Tandon

New Delhi (NVI): Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away today at the age of 85, after a prolonged illness. His son Ashutosh Tandon confirmed the news.

Lalji was admitted to the hospital in Lucknow on June 13 after he complained of breathing problem, urinary problems and fever.

He, thereafter, developed complications in kidney and liver and even underwent a surgical procedure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, took to Twitter to pay condolences to the family of Lalji Tandon.

“Shri Lalji Tandon will be remembered for his untiring efforts to serve society. He played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. He made a mark as an effective administrator, always giving importance of public welfare. Anguished by his passing away,” the prime minister tweeted.

Tandon has served as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad for two terms and also as the Leader of House of the Council.

He was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Lucknow by a margin of more than 40,000 votes in May 2009.

In 2018, he was appointed as Bihar’s Governor and shifted to Madhya Pradesh in the same capacity a year later.

-RJV

India’s COVID tally tops 11.5 lakh; death toll at 28,084

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

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw a jump of 37,148 in the last 24 hours, rising the total number to 11,55,191, Union Health Ministry said.

The death toll in the country stood at 28,084 with 587 new fatalities being reported in the past 24 hours.

As many as 7,24,578 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 3,18,695, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,75,678 cases and Delhi with 1,23,747 cases.

Other states with high corona cases are Gujarat (49,353), Uttar Pradesh (51,160), Rajasthan (30,390) and West Bengal (44,769).

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of fatalities at 12,030, followed by 2,162 in Gujarat and 2,551 in Tamil Nadu.

The death toll in the national capital rose to 3,663, while 1,04,918 patients in Delhi have recovered so far, the health ministry data shows.

According to ICMR, as many as 1,43,81,303 samples tested for COVID-19 up to July 20. Of these 3,33,395 were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the West Bengal government yesterday announced a complete lockdown across the state for two days every week.

Apart from this, the Madhya Pradesh government also announced lockdown for two days consecutive days every week, including Sundays, in districts with high incidence of coronavirus cases in the state.

-RJV

J&K: Highest ever single-day spike as 751 test positive, tally at 14,650

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 the highest ever single-day spike in Covid-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic in March this year as 751 cases tested positive, taking the tally in the Union Territory to 14,650.

The new cases include 164 travelers, 50 CRPF men and 16 Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) employees. Among 751 new cases, 511 belong to Kashmir division while 240 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 11,623 including 6474 recoveries and 234 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 3027, including 1800 recoveries and 20 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in the UT is 6122 including 4915 from Kashmir and 1207 from Jammu.

With 463 more recoveries, the total recoveries in J&K has reached 8274 which is 56.47 percent of the total cases, which was over 63 percent a few days before.

Pertinently, Srinagar district alone has 3070 positive cases which is more than the total number of positive cases in Jammu where total cases are 3027.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 171 from Srinagar, 40 from Baramulla, 62 from Shopian, 11 from Anantnag, 03 from Kupwara, 111 from Pulwama, 94 from Budgam, 09 from Bandipora and 10 from Ganderbal in Kashmir while 240 from Jammu division include 12 from Jammu, 13 from Kathua, 23 from Rajouri, 33 from Udhampur, 90 from Ramban, 02 from Samba, 32 from Doda, 01 from Poonch and 12 from Reasi.

As per the daily information bulletin, 3,31,954 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 37,885 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 6122 persons are in hospital isolation while 13 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 2,44,948 persons have completed surveillance period and 42,732 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 5,18,029 samples are available out of which 503,379 stand negative, while 14,650 have been tested positive. Among positive cases, 6122 are active and 8274 persons have recovered while 254 persons have died.

-ARK

Indian Navy conducts passage exercise with US carrier Nimitz

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Navy today conducted cooperative exercises in the Indian Ocean with US Navy’s Nimitz Strike Group, which saw the participation of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, world’s largest warship.

The exercise was a big message to China amid the ongoing border row in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as China tries to expand its military influence in Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Navy units undertook the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the US Navy as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is transiting through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy spokesperson said in a tweet.

The Indian Navy had also conducted similar Passage Exercises with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the French Navy in recent past, the Naval spokesperson added.

“The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is transiting through IOR. During the passage, #IndianNavy units undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with #USNavy. Indian Navy had also conducted similar PASSEXs with #JMSDF and #FrenchNavy in recent past,” @indiannavy said in a tweet.

The US Seventh Fleet also released a statement on the exercise. “It was a privilege to operate with the Indian Navy,” said Rear Admiral Jim Kirk, commander, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.

“RADM Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, leads a powerful and highly skilled Fleet. The opportunity to have the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group join with his Fleet for a series of exercises improved our interoperability and is a testimony to the flexibility of both our Navies,” he added.

While operating together, the US and Indian naval forces conducted high-end exercises designed to maximize training and interoperability, including air defense. Nimitz CSG’s operations are designed to provide security throughout the region while building partnerships with friends and allies, the US navy said in a statement.

“Naval engagements such as these exercises improve the cooperation of U.S. and Indian maritime forces and contribute to both sides’ ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism. These engagements also present opportunities to build upon the pre-existing strong relationship between the United States and India and allow both countries to learn from each other,” it said, adding, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Indian Ocean in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

It is pertinent to mention here that the government has kept on alert all three defence forces following a bitter stand-off with China, especially after the Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

-ARK

IAF to induct first batch of 5 Rafale jets by July end amid border row with China

Rafale

New Delhi (NVI) The first batch of five Rafale Fighter jets is likely to arrive in India by July end, amid border row with China even as military and diplomatic talks are underway to resolve the situation in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“The first batch of five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale is likely to arrive in India by end July 2020. The aircraft will be inducted at Air Force Station Ambala on 29 July subject to weather,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Ministry also informed that no media coverage is planned on arrival. However, the final induction ceremony will take place in second half of August wherein full media coverage would be planned, MoD said.

Meanwhile, before of the induction of French fighter jets, IAF aircrew and ground crew have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft, including its highly advanced weapons systems and are fully operational now.

Post arrival, efforts will focus on operationalisation of the aircraft “at the earliest”, the Ministry of Defence said, in an indirect reference to the ongoing border tensions along Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Although disengagement has been seen at Patrolling Point 14 (PP14) in Galwan Valley, where the deadly clashes took place, and Hot Springs and Gogra Post areas, India’s focus is now towards disengagement at the north bank of Pangong Tso, which seems to be another challenge.

20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the June 15 deadly clashes with the Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, which escalated the tensions between the two countries at LAC.

In another development, the Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) will be conducted from 22-24 Jul 20, at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) New Delhi. The theme of the conference is “IAF in the Next Decade”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to inaugurate the AFCC on July 22. The Defence Secretary and Secretary Defence Production are also expected to be present during the inauguration, an MoD release stated.

The AFCC will be chaired by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

During the three day conference, the discussions would take stock of the current operational scenario and deployments. The plan of action for operational capability enhancement of the IAF in the next decade will also be discussed, MoD said.

-ARK

Covid-19 impact: Indigo to lay off 10% of its employees

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): With the Covid-19 hitting hard several sectors including aviation, India’s largest airline Indigo has decided to lay off a tenth of its staff or about 2,800 people, to survive the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Chief executive of the airline, Ronojoy Dutta said in a statement today said, “And from where things stand currently, it is impossible for our company to fly through this economic storm without making some sacrifices, in order to sustain our business operation.”

“Therefore, after carefully assessing and reviewing all possible scenarios, it is clear that we will need to bid a painful adieu to 10 percent of our workforce,” he added.

Indigo flies one in every two domestic passengers but the Covid-19 restrictions air travel have taken toll on the company’s prospects. Globally, aviation and tourism sectors had to bear the brunt of the pandemic amid travel and movement restrictions.

However, the impacted employees of the airline will be paid ‘notice pay in lieu of serving notice applicable to them’, apart from a severance pay which will be calculated as one month of CTC (Cost to Company) for every completed year of service, subject to a maximum of 12 months, while their insurance coverage will be extended till December 2020, according to an official statement released by the company.

The airline had as many as 23,531 employees, as of March 2019.

-ARK

India’s first of its kind public EV charging plaza comes up in Delhi

New Delhi (NVI): Union Power Minister RK Singh today inaugurated India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza at Chelmsford Club in New Delhi. The EV plaza has been set up in the national capital with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting e-mobility.

“The EV charging plaza is a new avenue for making e-mobility ubiquitous and convenient in India. Such innovative initiatives are imperative for the creation of a robust e-mobility ecosystem in the country. My congratulations to both EESL and NDMC,” he said on the occasion.

EESL is spearheading the EV ecosystem development in India by undertaking demand aggregation for procuring EVs and identifying innovative business models for implementation of Public Charging Station (PCS), the Ministry of Power said in a statement.

“EESL in collaboration with NDMC has established India’s first of its kind public EV Charging Plaza in Central Delhi. This plaza will host 5 Electric Vehicle Chargers of different specifications,” it added.

Speaking on the inauguration of public EV plaza, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary, Ministry of Power said, “The charging plaza, with its compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles will greatly spur e-mobility adoption. This would make EV charging hassle free and convenient for the consumers, thereby making e-mobility adoption an attractive proposition.”

Union Power Minister R K Singh also launched today “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency” (RAISE) national programme. At the launch, RK Singh said, “I believe the RAISE initiative can potentially alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces across the nation and pioneer ways to make them healthier and greener. I look forward to the success of their programme and wish both EESL and USAID best of luck for their future endeavours.

Poor air quality has been a concern in India for quite some time and has become more important in light of the COVID pandemic. As people return to their offices and public spaces, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for occupant comfort, well-being, productivity and the overall public health.

EESL has undertaken a retrofit of its office air-conditioning and ventilation system in that cotext. This is a part of the larger initiative to “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor air quality for Safety and Efficiency” developed for healthy and energy efficient buildings, in partnership with US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE programme.

EESL’s corporate office in Scope Complex has been taken up as a pilot for this initiative. The pilot focuses on improving indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, and energy efficiency (EE) in EESL office’s air conditioning system, the Power Ministry said in a statement.

As per EESL, pilot project has shown very impressive results – about 80% improvement in Air Quality parameters with almost no implementation hassles. Considering employee’s occupational health and safety is paramount in any workplace amidst the COVID-19 scenario, EESL is keen to provide such solutions across the country with standardisation and demand aggregation approach.

Both the initiatives reaffirm the pledge for ecological preservation and building a resilient energy sector, undertaken by EESL and other key stakeholders during the “#iCommit” campaign held on World Environment Day.

-ARK

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