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Srinagar not militancy free, frequented by terrorists: IGP Kashmir

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar (File photo)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Srinagar is not “militancy free” as the terrorists keep on coming to the district for various purposes which include receiving medical treatment, meeting each other and to receive funds, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said today.

“Srinagar district is a central district and can never be militancy free. Militants keep on coming to the city for many purposes—medical treatment, meeting with each other, and sometimes to receive funds,” the IGP told reporters on the sidelines of a wreath-laying ceremony of a CRPF jawan who was killed in late last night encounter at Malbagh on Srinagar outskirts.

He was replying to a query that there have been three encounters in Srinagar including the one yesterday at Malbagh, in the past less than a month. The IGP said that if there is no encounter in any district, that doesn’t mean the area or the district is militancy free.

“Let me clarify, there have been no militant attacks in Srinagar. All three incidents were the outcome of proactive action of Police and the CRPF where leads were developed and militants hiding in the city were tracked down and killed. Yesterday also, a lead was developed and when the suspected spot was zeroed in, the militants fired indiscriminately in which one CRPF man was hit who later succumbed,” the IGP said. The slain CRPF soldier has been identified as Kuldeep Oraon of the 118th battalion.

The IGP Kashmir said that in Malbagh encounter, Police and CRPF killed one ISJK commander for Anantnag district- Zahid Das, who along with four other militants were involved in a series of attacks on security forces including the one at Bijbehera recently in which a minor boy was killed. “He was a big criminal for us and his killing is a major success for police and the CRPF,” he said. “The slain militant was involved in the killing of police and CRPF men in South Kashmir and also in various weapon snatching cases.”

“Zahid’s two other associates were recently killed in Bijbehara and two more militants of his group are on the run and they will be killed soon,” the IGP said.

Asked about the 12 top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba, who are on police radar, he said, “We have already announced their names and they are being tracked down”, adding that names of all the 12 have been released to the media recently.

-ARK

Japan’s new bullet train debuts, can even run during an earthquake

The new N700S bullet train commenced commercial service on July 1. (Source: @CNN)

New Delhi (NVI): Japan has introduced its latest record-breaking bullet train ‘N700S’, which not only runs faster and smoother but is also able to transport passengers safely in case of earthquakes.

The N700S bullet train, where in “S” stands for supreme, entered into service on July 1 and serves the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which links Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, reports CNN.

Reportedly, this is the first new bullet train model to be added to the line by the Central Japan Railway (JR Central) in 13 years.

According to media reports, it can run up to 360 kilometers per hour, which was a new record set during a test run last year, making it one of the fastest trains in the world. However, the operating speed will be capped at 285 kilometers per hour.

Japan had inaugurated the Tokaido Shinkansen line in 1964, connecting Tokyo and Osaka, just in time for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo that same year. It was the world’s first high speed railway line.

In appearance, the N700S doesn’t look too different from the older N700 or N700A models, apart from its elegant golden logo. While from the inside, newly designed seats allow passengers more comfort, especially for long-haul riders. Each seat has an individual power outlet.

In addition to this, to put focus on increased comfort, designers behind the new model put great emphasis on safety. This train has an upgraded automatic control and braking system that allows it to halt faster in case of an emergency.

The actual ride will be a lot quieter and smoother, too, thanks to a new active suspension system that helps absorb train movements.

Further, it’s also fitted with lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system — the first of its kind in the world. This allows the train to run for a short distance on its own during a power outage and will make it possible for it to move to a safer location at low speed if stranded in a high-risk area – on a bridge or in a tunnel during a situation like earthquake.

The upgraded components will take up less space under the train floor compared to the old model, making it possible for a more flexible configuration, from four to 16 cars.

Masayuki Ueno, deputy head of JR Central’s bullet train business department, said in an interview last year, “By making the mechanisms under the floor of the N700S lighter and more compact, we created a new standard. This new standard will also help when it comes to expanding our business overseas.”

Furthermore, it will also decrease energy consumption while speeding up production times, making it a more appealing option for operators internationally.

-RJV/CHK

 

India’s first COVID-19 vaccine may be launched by August 15

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): India’s first coronavirus vaccine ‘Covaxin’ may be launched by August 15, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) fast-tracking efforts in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited.

Balram Bhargava, Director-General of ICMR, in a letter to the institutes, said, “The vaccine is derived from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune. ICMR and BBIL are jointly working for the pre-clinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine.”

In this regard, ICMR has selected a dozen institutes for clinical trials of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

Bhargava asked these institutes to step up clinical trials as it is “priority project” monitored at the topmost level of the government.

“It is envisaged to launch the vaccine for public health use latest by August 15, 2020 after completion of all clinical trials,” ICMR stated in the letter.

The final outcome will depend on the cooperation of all clinical trial sites involved in this project, the ICMR told the institutes, advising them to speed up approvals related to clinical trials and ensure that subjects are enrolled starting this week.

“Non-compliance will be viewed very seriously. Therefore, you are advised to treat this project on highest priority and meet the given timelines without any lapse,” said ICMR’s letter.

Furthermore, the institutes selected for the clinical trial are in Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, New Delhi, Patna, Belgaum (Karnataka), Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Kattankulathur (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad, Arya Nagar, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Goa.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surpass 10.8 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases
(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases has surpassed 10.8 million around the globe, while over 5.6 million people have recovered and more than 5,21,000 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University tally.

In the US, the total number of cases have surpassed 2.7 million while more than 1,28,000 people have lost their lives due to the deadly contagion.

Brazil surpassed 61,000 deaths from coronavirus after recording more than 1,000 fatalities over the last 24 hours. the total number of infected cases in the country are also nearing 1.5 million after 48,105 new cases were reported, bringing the country’s total to at least 1,496,858.

Peru’s health ministry reported 185 new Covid-19 deaths on Thursday, bringing the country’s total to at least 10,045. 3,527 new cases were also reported, bringing the nationwide total to at least 292,004.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 446 to 1,95,674, meanwhile the death toll rose by 9 to 9,003 in the country.

The United Kingdom’s death toll from the novel coronavirus rose by 89 to 43,995 while the total number of cases crossed 2,85,000.

-CHK

COVID cases in India climb to over 6.25 lakh; death toll at 18,213

COVID tally
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw the biggest single-day spike of 20,903 in the past 24 hours, raising the total number to 6,25,544, Union Health Ministry said.

The death toll due to the virus rose to 18,213, with 379 new fatalities being reported in the last 24 hours.

As many as 3,79,891 patients have been cured of the virus or discharged so far.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state with 1,86,626 coronavirus cases in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu with 98,392 and Delhi with 92,175 positive cases.

The other worst affected states are Gujarat (33,913) Uttar Pradesh (24,825), West Bengal (19,819) and Rajasthan (18,662).

In terms of deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 8,178 fatalities, ministry said.

The death toll in the national capital surged to 2,864 while another 63,007 patients have recovered in Delhi so far, healthy ministry data shows.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said, up to July 2, 92,97,749 samples have been tested for COVID-19, of which 2,41,576 were tested yesterday.

Apart from that, after Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, another COVID-19 vaccine indigenously developed by Ahmedabad-based Cadila Healthcare Ltd has got the approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on for human trials.

-RJV

Eight UP cops killed in encounter with criminals in Kanpur

Indianapolis
Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): Eight cops in Uttar Pradesh, including a Deputy Superintendent and three sub-inspectors, were killed after a group of assailants opened fire on a police team trying to arrest a criminal in Kanpur at around 1.30am on Friday.

During the encounter, at least 3 criminals were also killed. According to the media reports, police went to arrest the wanted gangster Vikas Dubey, who has 60 cases registered against him, and managed to escape from the site.

Besides, 7 police personnel were also left injured with one being critical in the operation.

Teams from three police stations had gone to Bithoor’s Dikru village in Chaubepur police station area and raid was carried out at around 1am on July 3. A raid was planned at his village after he was accused in a fresh attempt to murder case.

As the police team was about to reach the hideout of the dreaded criminial, a hail of bullets was showered on them from a building rooftop.

On getting information, additional DG, IG (Kanpur) and the senior SP rushed to the spot, where a forensic team has started investigations.

-CHK

J&K: CRPF jawan, terrorist killed in overnight encounter in Srinagar

2 LeT militants surrender after gunfight in J&K's Kulgam
(Representational/file image)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and an unidentified terrorist were killed in a nocturnal encounter that raged between forces and militants in Malbagh area of Srinagar outskirts, late on Thursday night, police said today.

A gunfight raged between terrorists and security forces at 10:30 pm at Malbagh, Srinagar. In the initial encounter, two CRPF men sustained injuries, of which once succumbed on the way to the hospital.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar said that a CRPF man, who had sustained injuries in the initial exchange of firing, got killed. “A terrorist was also killed in the encounter,” he said adding that the identity of the slain militant is being ascertained.

Taking over to the official twitter handle of police, Vijay Kumar wrote:”#Killer of JKP & CRPF personnel at #Bijbehara #Anantnag and one 6 years old boy, #terrorist Zahid Daas killed in yesterday’s #encounter at #Srinagar. Big success for JKP & CRPF: IGP Kashmir @JmuKmrPolice”

Inspector General of CRPF Srinagar sector, Pramod Kumar Pandey said that a CRPF man was killed in the initial exchange of fire. “Search operation is on in the area,” he added.

-RJV

J&K: Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Srinagar

Pic via arrangement

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Malbagh area of Srinagar, J&K police said.

A CRPF jawan and a policeman have also been injured in the gunbattle, they said.

“#MalbaghEncounterUpdate: So far one #unidentified #terrorist killed. Operation going on. Further details shall follow,” Kashmir zone police tweeted.

Unidentified militants have taken shelter in a school building in the area, according to security officials.

The encounter broke out at the Malbagh area on the outskirts of Srinagar late today, security officials said.

“Encounter has started at #Malbagh area of #Srinagar. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” Kashmir zone police tweeted earlier.

(Further details awaited)

J&K records 10 Covid deaths in 24 hrs, 154 new cases, tally at 7,849

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

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today witnessed 10 deaths due to Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, as 154 more people including 15 BSF men and a one-year-old infant tested positive for the virus, taking the total number of cases in the Union Territory to 7,849.

The UT health officials said that of the 10 deaths, one was reported in the Jammu region and nine in Kashmir. All the deceased had underlying medical conditions especially Community Acquired Pneumonia Disease (CoPD), hypertension and diabetes. “All the 10 deceased were male and in the age group of 60 to 75 years, who died in the past 24 hours in J&K,” they said, adding that they were laid to rest with proper Covid-19 guidelines in their respective areas.

The officials further said that among the new cases that were reported today, 65 were tested positive at SKIMS, 27 at JVC Bemina and rest at other hospitals. Among 154 new cases, 134 belong to Kashmir division while 20 are from Jammu, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 6,199 including 3,770 recoveries and 102 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 1,650 including 1,204 recoveries and 15 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in J&K is 2,760 including 2,328 from Kashmir and 432 from Jammu.

With 118 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in the UT has reached 4,974 which is 63.37 percent of the total cases.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 51 from Srinagar, 15 from Kulgam, 19 from Baramulla, 1 from Shopian, 17 from Anantnag, 10 from Pulwama, 12 from Budgam, 2 from Bandipora and 07 from Ganderbal in Kashmir while 20 from Jammu division include 4 each from Jammu and Udhampur, 5 from Samba, 6 from Doda and 1 from Ramban.

As per the daily information bulletin, 2,88,136 persons in J&K are under observation while 40,953 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 2,760 persons are in hospital isolation while 33 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 1,98,514 persons have completed surveillance period and 45,761 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 3,77,961 samples are available out of which 3,70,112 stand negative while 7,849 have been tested positive. Among the positive cases, 2,760 are active and 4,974 have recovered while 117 have died.

-ARK

Software, internet application companies will have to abide by Govt rules: MEA

New Delhi (NVI): India today said that it will continue to welcome foreign investments in India, including in the area of internet technologies, but this will have to be in accordance with the rules and regulatory framework established by the Government.

While addressing a virtual press conference here, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that all software and internet applications companies are have been welcomed in the country, under an investor-friendly regime, but they have to abide by rules and regulations issued by the relevant Ministries and Departments, including those pertaining to data security and privacy of individual data.

Srivastava, while replying to questions on the banning of Chinese mobile applications said that the concerned ministry (Ministry of Information and Technology) would have an appropriate explanation, but indirectly implied that the move is not going to have any negative effects as the “world’s largest software and internet applications companies are present in India.”

“India has one of the most open regimes in the world for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In the last few years, Government has taken a host of measures for creating of a more investor-friendly regime. Similarly in the area of digital technology and internet, India has adopted a very open regime. India is today one of the world’s largest markets for digital and internet technologies with more than 680 million subscribers,” he said.

To recall, the Indian Government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat, Shareit, while citing the “emergent nature of threats” from mobile applications. The Ministry of Information and Technology on Monday said that it has banned the apps based on the information that they were engaged in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity, defence, security and public order” in India.

India and China are currently locked in a bitter standoff at multiple locations in Eastern Ladakh, especially after the June 15 violent clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

-ARK

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