Friday, June 26, 2026
Home Blog Page 1199

Deadline for reimport of cut and polished diamonds extended by 3 months

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The government has extended the deadline for re-import of cut and polished diamonds, which have been sent abroad for certification and grading, by three months, in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

The step will provide relief to the gems and jewelry sector amid the ongoing pandemic.

In an official statement, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said that this extended time period would be available to exporters to bring back cut and polished diamonds after due certification and grading by specified laboratories abroad.

“This extension shall apply to all cut and polished diamonds that should have been re-imported between February 1 to July 31 but which could not be brought back due to disruption on account of coronavirus pandemic situation,” it said.

Further, CBIC said that this relief was announced by suitably amending the notification no 09/2012-customs, dated March 9, 2012.

It added that the re-import in the extended period would be without payment of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and IGST.

This facility is available to exporters with an average annual export turnover of Rs 5 crore for the last three years.

“It may be noted that this relief is given to those exporters whose graded cut and polished diamonds were stuck abroad as a period of three months, ordinarily allowed for re-import had expired due to pandemic. A number of such consignments were also awaiting clearance with Customs, the CBIC statement read.

-RJV/ARK

Bangladesh COVID-19 tally exceeds 1.86 lakh; 2,391 dead

(Image source: United News of Bangladesh)

New Delhi (NVI): Coronavirus cases in Bangladesh exceeded 1.86 lakh after 3,099 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours.

In addition to this, 39 new deaths were reported during this period, taking the total number of Covid-19 fatalities in the country to 2,391, according to United News of Bangladesh.

The daily infection rate was today recorded at 24.95 percent in the country, while the overall rate of infection since March 8 is 19.43 percent.

So far, 98,317 people have recovered in the country after 4,709 more patients were recovered during this period.

According to the health experts, the number of corona cases started declining in Bangladesh as the country has already gone through a peak period of the first wave of Covid-19 and it braces for a potential second wave of deadlier outbreak after Eid-ul-Azha.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surpass 2.50 lakh in Pakistan; death toll tops 5,200

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan today crossed the 2,50,000-mark after detection of 2,769 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll jumped to 5,226 today after 69 new fatalities were reported during this period.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh reported 1,05,533 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 87,043 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 30,486 cases, Balochistan is at 11,185, Gilgit-Baltistan at 1,671, Islamabad at 14,108 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 1,599 cases so far, according to media reports.

A total of 1,61,917 patients have recovered from the disease so far in the country. Another 1,837 patients were in critical condition.

-CHK

NITI Aayog presents ‘Decade of Action: Taking SDGs From Global to Local’ report at UN

New Delhi (NVI): NITI Aayog today presented India’s VNR 2020 report titled ‘Decade of Action: Taking SDGs from Global to Local’ at the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, 2020.

The India VNR 2020 report highlights the key features of India’s response to the pandemic under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign.

The report is a comprehensive account of the adoption and implementation of the 2030 Agenda in India. Apart from presenting a review of progress on the 17 SDGs, the report discusses at length the policy and enabling environment, India’s approach to localising SDGs, and strengthening means of implementation.

The report also includes a chapter which draws from the rich body of data, knowledge and analysis that emanated from the CSO led community-centric consultations, which took place across the length and breadth of the country.

The HLPF is the foremost international platform for follow-up and review of progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the HLPF this year, which is being hosted virtually in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, 47 Member States are set to present their VNRs between 10th-16th July 2020.

While presenting the report, Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, said, “We should all obliterate all divisions and distinctions amongst us and come together to try and convert the prevailing situation into an opportunity for accelerating our progress towards achieving the SDG targets”

Kumar presented the efforts towards ensuring no one is left behind. He also dwelt on the remarkable progress India has achieved in reducing multidimensional poverty, providing food safety, ensuring education for all, universalising access to electricity, clean cooking fuel and sanitation, while also operationalising the world’s largest health insurance programme by covering 500 million citizens.

“We are deeply committed to building on existing efforts and undertake newer initiatives to accelerate progress on the SDG targets for long term transformation,” Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog said.

The India VNR 2020 report was presented by Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, V.K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, and Sanyukta Samaddar, Adviser (SDGs), NITI Aayog.

India presented its VNR along with other second time presenters like Bangladesh, Georgia, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda.

-CHK

Afghanistan’s COVID tally crosses 34,600; death toll at 1,038

New Delhi (NVI): With the confirmation of 154 new cases, Afghanistan’s coronavirus infection tally has reached 34,605 today, according to Afghan media reports.

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said, death toll due to the virus stands at 1,038 with 28 new fatalities being reported in the last 24 hours.

The fresh cases were reported in Kabul (78), Daykundi (26), Badakhshan (11), Bamyan (11), Takhar (8), Kandahar (4), Paktia (4), Baghlan (3), Parwan (3), Kapisa (2), Helamnd (1), Panjshir (1), Zabul (1) and Nimroz (1), it said.

Kabul also topped the list with 24 deaths reported in the Province.

The ministry also added that 64 patients have been discharged from hospitals in the past 24 hours, bringing the total recoveries to 21,280 in the country.

Meanwhile, the local health experts believe that the actual number of infections could be much higher than the official figures as scores of patients did not visit hospitals and there was no system to register them.

-RJV

Nepal coronavirus tally nears 17,000-mark

New Delhi (NVI): Nepal reported 144 new cases of coronavirus today, taking the national tally to 16,945, according to local media reports.

The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said, of the newly infected, six persons are from Province 1; 41 from Province 2; 13 from Bagmati Province.

Likewise, eight people were from Gandaki Province; 14 from Province 5; 46 from Karnali Province; and 16 from Sudurpaschim Province.

In the past 24 hours, 1,705 people achieved recovery and were discharged form the hospitals, taking the tally of recovery cases to 10,294, the ministry said.

At present, there are 6,613 active cases of infection across the country.

Out of this, there are 183 active cases of infection in Province 1; 1,872 active cases in Province 2; 458 cases in Bagmati Province; 498 cases in Gandaki Province; 729 cases in Province 5; 361 cases in Karnali Province; and 2,512 cases in Sudurpaschim Province.

As of today, five districts have no active cases of coronavirus infection. Those are Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Mustang, Manang, and Humla. While four districts — Mahottari, Rautahat, Kailali, and Bajura — have over 500 active cases of infection.

Meanwhile, 38 people died from the pandemic in Nepal as no coronavirus related death was reported today in the country.

-RJV

Internet denied to Gilgit-Baltistan; citizens vent their anger

New Delhi (NVI): People of Gilgit-Baltistan, the territories of Jammu and Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are being denied proper access to internet since past many months, prompting the exasperated citizens to openly voice their agitation against the discrimination and subjugation.

The denial of internet has hit the people of the region very hard as it has come in the midst of coronavirus pandemic and the increased need for internet. The studies of their children and work of others have been adversely impacted by the lack of internet.

The people have staged protests in Gilgit Baltistan and its citizens living outside have launched a social media campaign #Internet4GilgitBaltistan to highlight the denial of the important facility, which amounts to denial of rights.

What is worse is that Special Communications Organization (SCO), a Pakistan government entity and the only telecom provider in the region, has been dubbing those demanding internet as ‘anti-State”.

“The #Internet4GilgitBaltistan campaign is far bigger than just speaking against a service provider whose system is faulty yet charges more for less. #HumanRights organisations should take notices of the digital disparity that has become evident during the #Covid19 crisis,” tweeted Imran Hunzai, who introduces himself as a documentary photographer and filmmaker living in Islamabad.

“High time we raise our voices for everything we have been kept deprived of,” tweeted Nida Ibrahim Shah, a corporate professional from Gilgit-Baltistan living in Lahore.

Basharat Issa, a lecturer, also tweeted, “We are much more than your tourist destination, detox spot, destination wedding plan, summer houses, camping, strategic asset and soft image! We are people, we are a civilisation! Think before dehumanising us!” The tweet was clearly addressed to the Pakistani authorities.

These are just a few examples of angst being expressed by the citizens of Gilgit Baltistan on social media.

Gilgit-Baltistan is a part of undivided Jammu and Kashmir and it was illegally occupied by Pakistan by military force in 1947. Since then, the mountainous region has been witnessing immense subjugation at the hands of Pakistan and its Army.

Complete lockdown in Bengaluru from July 14-22 as Covid-19 cases rise

COVID guidelines

New Delhi (NVI): The Karnataka government has announced that its capital city Bengaluru will go under complete lockdown from July 14 to 22 in the wake of coronavirus cases surging since the beginning of this month.

However, essential services such as hospitals, grocery shops as well as scheduled exams will be allowed in the city.

Karnataka Chief Minister Office (CMO) stated, “Complete lockdown in Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts from 8 pm on 14th July to 5 am on 22nd July in view rising Covid-19 cases.”

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has announced that it will be operating 800 buses to various destinations on Monday and Tuesday in view of the lockdown in the state capital Bengaluru.

Karnataka Minister Jagadish Shettar today announced lockdown in Dharwad district from July 15 to July 24. Furthermore, lockdown has also been announced in Dakshina Kannada district starting from Thursday.

Bengaluru reported 1,525 coronavirus positive cases and 45 deaths in the last 24 hours. The coronavirus cases tally in the city now stands at 18,387.

-CHK

Chinese projects in Odisha left in limbo amid India-China border tension

Subrat Kumar Sarangi

Bhubaneswar (NVI): Amid the escalating border tensions between India and China after violent Galwan Valley clashes last month, many Chinese projects and investment proposals worth crores of rupees are staring at uncertainty in Odisha.

Following the stand-off between India and China at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, there has been a strong anti-China sentiment and people have been demanding ban and boycott of all Chinese products.

The Centre has already banned 59 Chinese Apps last week. The developments have definitely put a question mark over the investment proposals in Odisha as well as in India, as many tenders offered to Chinese Companies have been canceled.

During September 2019, Odisha Industries Minister had conducted a roadshow in China to attract Chinese Investors and during April 2020, Odisha Single Window Clearance Authority had approved three Chinese companies for investment in the state.

Besides, one Chinese firm- Wuhuan Engineering Company Limited, had secured tender for the total restructuring of Talcher Fertilizers Limited, Odisha at Rs 13,277 crore during September 2019 for which MOU was signed with GAIL India Ltd, Rashtriya CF, Coal India Ltd, FCI.

During December 2019, when coronavirus spread in Wuhan, China, the project got delayed. More importantly, Odisha is the highest exporter of iron ore to China to the tune of 700 crores approximately every month.

Also, the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority had given its nod to the Chinese footwear manufacturing unit, promising employment of people in the state. The said company has two plants in China and Hong Kong. Apart from this investment, SLSWCA had given clearance to three other investments to the tune of around Rs 188 crore.

The authority had also approved two high-value investments for Odisha under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the future of which seems to be uncertain now.

All these projects will definitely have to wait if the border tensions between India and China are to continue. Meanwhile, Industry experts say that the suspension of projects and investments will affect Odisha too.

At present, the Indian Government is reviewing around 50 investment proposals involving Chinese companies under a new screening policy.

All investments by entities based in neighbouring countries need to be approved by the government, whether for new or additional funding, under new rules announced in April. Notably, China is of the biggest investors in India but the recent escalation in tensions will definitely impact the business prospects between the two countries.

According to reports, the new investment rules were aimed at curbing opportunistic takeovers during the coronavirus outbreak.

-ARK

Army Chief visits forward areas along India-Pak border in Jammu

New Delhi (NVI): Army Chief General MM Naravane today visited forward areas along the India-Pakistan International Border in the Jammu-Pathankot region and review the current security situation and operational readiness of the troops deployed on the ground.

“The COAS was briefed by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, GOC, Rising Star Corps on the operational preparedness, up-gradation of security infrastructure and the internal security matters,” PRO Defence Jammu, Lt Colonel Devender Anand said in an official release by PIB’s Defence Wing.

During his visit, Gen Naravane reiterated the ‘zero tolerance’ policy against ceasefire violations by Pakistan and infiltration attempts by terrorists along LoC.

“He further highlighted that all agencies of the services and Govt are working together relentlessly and will continue to do the same to defeat the nefarious design of proxy war being fueled by our adversaries,” said the Defence PRO.

The Army Chief, accompanied by GOC Tiger Division, also reviewed operational preparedness in forward areas. He interacted with the field formation Commanders and troops on the ground. The General also visited the forward areas of Gurj Division and was briefed by Maj Gen YP Khanduri, GOC Gurj Division.

The Army Chief addressed all ranks of Western Command through video conferencing and lauded the morale of the troops. He expressed complete confidence in the Indian Army’s capabilities to thwart any misadventure by the enemies of our country and handle any situation, the defence spokesman said.

He also commended the efforts of all the formations of Western Command in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting the ongoing ‘Op Namaste’.

Operation Namaste has been launched by the Army Chief to combat the spread of COVID-19 among security forces.

On his arrival in Jammu, the Army Chief was received by Lt Gen RP Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, GOC Rising Star Corps, Maj Gen VB Nair, GOC Tiger Division and Air Cmde AS Pathania, AOC, AF Stn Jammu, as per the official release.

-ARK

1...1,1981,1991,200...1,648Page 1,199 of 1,648

MUST READ