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Punjab bans all gatherings except weddings, funerals till Aug 31

Amarinder Singh

New Delhi (NVI): Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today ordered a series of emergency measures, including a total ban on all gatherings except weddings and funerals across the state till August 31.

Singh also ordered the extension of weekend lockdown with daily night curfew from 7 pm to 5 am in all the 167 cities and towns of the state from tomorrow.

He while making the announcement today, called for war-like preparedness to deal with the spike in coronavirus cases in the state

“Enough is enough. We need to be tough without affecting the state’s economy,” the Chief Minister said, adding that each of the 920 Covid-linked deaths in the state pains me.

He further said, “The projections for the coming weeks are grim, asserting the state was in an “emergency health situation that necessitated harsh measures”.

As part of measures announced today, all government and private offices will work at 50 per cent capacity till the end of this month, as per the directives issued by the Chief Minister during a meeting with top officials to review the COVID-19 situation in Punjab.

Meanwhile, in five worst affected districts of Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali), restrictions on vehicular capacity have been imposed again, buses and other public transport to operate with 50 per cent capacity and private four-wheelers not allowed to carry more than 3 passengers per vehicle.

Singh asked the DCs in these five districts to allow only 50 per cent of the non-essential shops to open on a daily basis to check crowding. However, these five districts are currently accounting for 80 per cent of the active cases of COVID-19 in the state.

He also underlined the need to promote public participation in creating awareness on the measures to check the spread of COVID-19 and asked the health department to promote public participation by involving all other departments, NGOs to educate the people.

Punjab’s coronavirus tally rose to 36,084 after 1,684 more people tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, while 23 fresh fatalities pushed it’s COVID-19 death toll to 921.

-RJV

Sardar Patel National Unity Award nominations extended till Oct 31

New Delhi (NVI): The online nomination process for Sardar Patel National Unity Award, the highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India, has been extended till October 31, 2020, Ministry of Home Affairs stated.

The nominations are being received online by the Ministry of Home Affairs website.

The Central Government has instituted the award in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – first Home Minister of India and crusader of integration of 565 princely states into Union of India.

The Award seeks to recognize notable and inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of a strong and united India.

A notification in this regard was issued on September 20, 2019, calling in for nominations/recommendations for the Award.

-CHK

Govt sanctions 1.22 crore Kisan credit cards with Rs 102,065 crore limit

New Delhi (NVI): The government has sanctioned 1.22 crore Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) with credit limit of Rs 1,02,065 crore as on August 17, to help farmers meet financial requirements during the COVID-19 crisis, the Ministry of Finance said today.

“In an effort to buffer the agricultural sector from the shock of COVID-19, a special saturation drive is underway to provide concessional credit to farmers through Kisan Credit Card. As on 17.08.2020, 1.22 crore KCCs have been sanctioned with credit limit of Rs 1,02,065 crore,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added this will go a long way in reviving the rural economy and accelerating agricultural growth.

Notably, under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package, the government had announced provision of a concessional credit of Rs 2 lakh crore which is likely to benefit 2.5 crore farmers, including fishermen and dairy farmers.

On May 15, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced to cover 2.5 crore new farmers under the KCC scheme and this will provide an additional liquidity of Rs 5 lakh crore to farmers, who are suffering from the recent downturn of economy.

However, this reflects an increase of Rs 12,255 crore, over Rs 89,810 crore sanctioned to 1.1 crore KCC holders as on July 24.

-RJV

Gmail, Docs, Drive and more Google services hit by widespread disruption

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): A number of Google services including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Groups, Chat, Keep and Voice have experienced service disruptions since today morning, according to the company’s G Suite Status Dashboard.

The issue seemed to have impacted many users globally. Several users on social media reported problems in sending emails through Gmail and uploading files on Google Drive.

Additionally, some users also faced connectivity issues while working with Google Docs and Google Meet.

Google said it is investigating the issue, however, has not specified a reason for the outage that seems to be affecting some users in various parts of the globe, including India.

The GSuite status dashboard, which provides performance information on various Google services, said earlier in the day that the company is “investigating reports of an issue with Gmail.”

In its latest update at around 2 pm, it said, “Our team is continuing to investigate this issue.”

As per the dashboard, services like Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Meet have also been affected.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and continued support,” Google wrote on G Suite Status Dashboard. “Please rest assured that system reliability is a top priority at Google, and we are making continuous improvements to make our systems better.”

The various service issues that people were dealing today included – Gmail sending issues, Meet recording issues, creating files issues in Drive, CSV user upload issues in Admin Console, posting message issues in Google Chat, Sites adding new pages issues, Keep issues, Voice mail issues.

-CHK

PM Modi pens heartfelt letter for MS Dhoni

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to MS Dhoni, who announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, hailing him as one of the most successful captains and one whose impact is a ‘phenomenon’ beyond just statistics.

“Dhoni is the illustration of the spirit of New India, inspiring several people who have not been to ‘cushy’ schools but have the talent to distinguish themselves. Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed,” the letter read.

It further read, “In your trademark unassuming style, you shared a video that was enough to become a passionate discussion point for the entire nation. 130 crore Indians were disappointed but also eternally grateful for all that you have done for the Indian cricket.”

Furthermore, PM also praised Dhoni for his association with the Indian Armed forces.

“No matter what hairstyle you sported, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat,” the PM said adding that it is a very important lesson for Indian youth.

Modi congratulated the former captain for a terrific and trophy-laden career while thanking him for his incredible contribution to India. He also recalled some of the most iconic moments of Dhoni’s career, especially the 2011 World Cup final and 2007 World T20 while lauding him for inspiring many to work towards their dreams.

Dhoni responded to the letter on twitter and said, “An Artist,Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes.”

-CHK

COVID-19: India’s recovery rate to touch 74%; nearly 21 lakh cured

Covid variant
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): India’s coronavirus recoveries have reached nearly 21 lakh and stands at 20,96,664, pushing the recovery rate to 73.91 per cent in the country, the Union Health Ministry said.

In an official statement, the ministry said that the recovery of 20,96,664 has been made possible because of effective implementation of the policy of TESTING aggressively, TRACKING comprehensively and TREATING efficiently.

“Focus on standard of care protocol including use of non-invasive oxygen, better skilled doctors in the ICUs and hospitals, and improved ambulance services have culminated in yielding the desired results,” it added.

In the last 24 hours, with 58,794 recoveries, India’s recovery rate amongst the COVID-19 patients has reached nearly 74 per cent (73.91 per cent) reflecting that the number of patients recovering is on a steady rise over the past several months, the ministry said.

“India has posted 14,10,269 more recoveries than the active cases. There are 6,86,395 active cases of coronavirus which are under active medical care,” it said.

The ministry also informed that, the record high recoveries have ensured that the active cases, the actual caseload of the country, currently comprise only 24.19 per cent of the total cases.

Early identification through TESTING, surveillance and contact TRACING along with focus on timely and appropriate clinical TREATMENT of COVID-19 patients have ensured that not only is the case fatality rate (CFR) is lower than the global average and progressively declining, but also a small proportion of the active cases are on ventilator support, it added.

-RJV

 

Delhi-NCR to witness moderate rains for next 24 hours: IMD

Street in Delhi after heavy rains.

New Delhi (NVI): Moderate rains will continue till Friday morning and thereafter, Delhi-NCR will witness on and off light rains, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).

An orange alert has been issued to allow citizens and government agencies to prepare for the impact of heavy rain such as traffic disruption on roads, increased chance of vehicle accidents and water accumulation in the low-lying areas and on roads.

Parts of Delhi-NCR, especially Gurugram, have been witnessing heavy spells of rain since Tuesday, resulting in extensive waterlogging and traffic chaos.

The Safdarjung Observatory recorded 46 mm rainfall between 8.30 am on Wednesday and 8.30 am on Thursday, according to weather department.

In addition to this, Urban Affairs Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri said, “Delhi received 80% of the season’s rainfall in 11 days. I urge all our partners-Delhi govt, urban local bodies & others to learn from experiences year after year. I’m confident we can solve problems of common man.”

-CHK

Top structure of militancy has collapsed in Kashmir: DGP Dilbagh Singh

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): With the killing of 26 wanted terror commanders in the past seven months and four top commanders of Lashkar in the past few weeks, the top structure of militancy has collapsed in Kashmir, J&K Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said today.

He termed the killing of top Lashkar commander Sajad alias Haider who was neutralised in Kreeri, Baramulla encounter on August 18 and Naseer-u-Din Lone, who was killed yesterday in a brief shootout at Handwara area of Kupwara, as a major success for the security forces.

The DGP said that Sajad was operating on the lines of slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani to recruit youths while Naseer was Lashkar’s “sharpshooter” involved in the killing of seven security forces personnel and a grenade incident at Sopore in which 20 civilians were injured.

Addressing a joint press conference with Army officials at District Police Office Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kuwpara district, DGP Singh said that situation is improving on ground across Kashmir and security forces have achieved major successes in a series of successful operations conducted this year since January.

“This year in the successful anti-militancy operations conducted across Kashmir, 26 top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and other outfits were killed,” said DGP Singh, who was flanked by IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and Brigadier MS Rathore of Army’s north Kashmir based Kilo Force.

The DGP said that in the past few weeks, there were many successful operations especially the two operations- one at Kreeri, Baramulla and another one at Handwara, Kuwpara.

“In Kreeri area of Barmaulla, three militants, including top Lashkar commander Sajad alias Haider were killed. Haider was operating on the lines of slain Hizb commander Burhan Wani and had lured large number of youth into militancy fold. Another Lashkar commander Naseer, who was killed yesterday evening at Handwara, was the outfit’s sharpshooter and had killed seven security forces personnel,” the DGP said.

“With the killing of Haider and Naseer, the overall structure of militancy including that of Lashkar stands collapsed which is a good sign.”

He said in the ensuing year, 26 top commanders were killed in various anti-militancy operations.

The DGP said that after the killing of Haider at Kreeri, Baramulla, Lashkar had given the control of outfit to Naseer for the entire north Kashmir. “Naseer was active since long and had received arms training in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the police has the video evidenced how Naseer killed three CRPF men in Sopore this year.

He said that two AK 47 riffles, one pistol, one magazines, AK magazines and over three dozen of AK-47 rounds were recovered from the slain Lashkar commander Naseer and his associate.

“In the past couple of days, six militants including four top commander of Lashkar were killed in different operations,” the DGP said.

Asked whether local militancy was curbed or youth continue to join militant ranks, the J&K police chief said that at least 16 active militants have shunned the path of violence and resumed their normal life and the overall local recruitment was less compared to previous years.

On whether Srinagar was militancy free, the DGP said that militants come to Srinagar to meet each other and to gather information and fresh directions from their mentors. “We have launched operations in Srinagar also and recovered arms and ammunition meant to be delivered to militants,” he added.

-ARK

Gajendra Shekhawat tests COVID positive

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

New Delhi (NVI): Union Cabinet Minister in Ministry of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a hospital this afternoon.

The politician from Rajasthan announced the news on his Twitter handle.

In his tweet, the 52-year-old minister appealed to all those who have come in contact with him to get tested for COVID-19.

“After noticing some symptoms, I got tested for coronavirus. My result has come out to be positive. I am getting admitted to a hospital on doctors’ advice. I appeal to all those who have come in contact me in the last few days to isolate themselves and get tested. All of you please stay healthy and take care,” he wrote in Hindi.

He is the sixth Union Minister to test positive for the highly contagious disease in the country.

-CHK

Indore India’s cleanest city, tops Swachh Survekshan 2020

Indore is India’s cleanest city 4th year in a row (Source: @HardeepSPuri)

New Delhi (NVI): Indore in Madhya Pradesh became India’s cleanest city for the fourth time in a row, according to the ‘Swachh Survekshan 2020’ survey results.

The Swachh Survekshan awards 2020, were announced by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the Swachh Mahotsav being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) today.

The second and third positions were bagged by Gujarat’s Surat and Maharashtra’s Navi Mumbai respectively in terms of clean cities with population more than a lakh.

Taking to twitter, Puri said, “Heartiest congratulations! Indore is India’s cleanest city 4th year in a row. The city & its people have shown exemplary dedication towards cleanliness.Congratulations to MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, people, political leadership & Municipal Corporation for this superlative performance,” he added.

Puri in another tweet said, the ancient holy town along the banks of river Ganga, Varanasi is rightfully the cleanest town.

“Ancient holy town of Varanasi is rightfully the cleanest town on the banks of river Ganga. Heartiest congratulations to PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who represents the city in Lok Sabha, for his visionary leadership which has inspired the people of the town for this achievement,” the Minister tweeted.

 

Furthermore, Jalandhar Cantt has been declared India’s cleanest cantonment in the Swachh Bharat Survekshan 2020.

This is the fifth edition of the survey that was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2016. In the first edition of the survey, Mysuru had won the award for the cleanest city of India.

This year, around 1.87 crore citizens participated in the survey of 4,242 cities, 62 cantonment boards and 92 towns along the Ganga river. 129 awards were handed over to the top performing cities and States in today’s Swachh Mahotsav event

The ‘Swachh Survekshan 2020’ was completed in 28 days. It saw registration of 1.7 crore citizens on Swachhata App, over 11 crore impressions on social media, more than 5.5 lakh sanitary workers linked to social welfare schemes and over 84,000 informal waste-pickers integrated into the mainstream.

The government introduced Swachh Survekshan with the objective of generating large scale citizen participation in the Mission, along with inculcating a spirit of healthy competition among cities towards becoming India’s cleanest cities.

-RJV

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