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Pranab Mukherjee remains critical, on ventilator support after brain surgery

Former President Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi (NVI): Former President Pranab Mukherjee, who underwent surgery to remove a clot in his brain yesterday, continues to remain critical and is on ventilator support, the Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital said in a statement.

Mukherjee, 84, was also tested positive for coronavirus before surgery and is admitted at the Army hospital in Delhi Cantt.

“Former President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee was admitted to Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi Cantt at 12:07 hours on 10 August 2020 in a critical condition. Workup at the hospital revealed a large brain clot for which he underwent emergency life-saving surgery. Post surgery he continues to remain critical on ventilatory support. He was also found to be COVID-19 positive,” statment from the hospital read.

On Monday, the former President had tweeted: “On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for Covid-19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self isolate and get tested for Covid-19.”

In addition to this, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited the R&R Hospital on Wednesday to enquire about the former president’s health.

Mukherjee was a senior Congress leader before he was elected as India’s 13th President. He served as President from July 2012 to 2017.

-CHK

Hizbul’s terror module busted in J&K’s Kupwara, 5 held

Kashmir terror attack
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Security Forces have busted a Hizbul Mujahideen terror module in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district by arresting one active terrorist of the outfit along with four Over Ground Workers (OGWs) while recovering arms and ammunition from them.

In an official statement, the police said that acting on inputs regarding the cross-LOC weapons smuggling module, a joint operation was launched by the Police, Army and CRPF late last night in Kupwara.

Arms and ammunition recovered (Photo via arrangement)

The module was active in north Kashmir and would receive arms and ammunition through sources near LoC and later handover the same to the militants’ active in the Valley.

“Large quantity of weapons and war-like stores were recovered while as an active militant of Hizb was arrested besides four militant associates as well,” the statement read, adding that the local militant was identified as 22-year-old Pervez Ahmed Bhat of Lalpora in Lolab area of Kupwara.

“From Pervez’s possession, one AK-47 rifle and one 9mm Chinese pistol with magazines were recovered,” the statement said.

The four militant associates, who according to the police were supplying weapons to Hizbul militants operating in north Kashmir, have been identified as Altaf Ahmad Mir (35), resident of Hajibal in Kupwara, Gh Mohammad Kohli (35) R/O Warnnow, Lolab, Nizam Din Gujjar (44), R/O Gujarpati, Bandipora, and Ab Qayoom Gujar (29) R/O Khenura, Bandipora.

“In this well-coordinated operation executed by Kupwara Police, Army and CRPF, large quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered that include 60 AK-47 rounds, one pistol, two pistol magazines, 12 pistol rounds and one pouch,” the statement said.

The security forces have stated that preliminary investigation revealed that these militant associates had established contacts with militant commanders Reyaz and Amjad, both hailing from Bandipora district of north Kashmir and were assigned the task of supplying arms and ammunition to them.

A case under relevant sections of law including UAPA has been registered at police station Lalpora, Kupwara and investigations have been taken up, police said.

-ARK

Lebanon govt resigns as public anger mounts over Beirut explosion

New Delhi (NVI): Lebanon’s government has stepped down as Prime Minister Hassan Diab blamed endemic corruption for a devastating explosion last week that tore through the capital city, Beirut, and left more than 200 people dead.

The announcement was made in a national TV address by PM Hassan yesterday evening.

“Today we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years, and their desire for real change,” PM said in a speech announcing the resignation.

President Michel Aoun accepted the resignation and asked Diab’s government – formed in January with the backing of Iran’s powerful Hezbollah group and its allies – to stay as a caretaker until a new cabinet is formed.

Ahead of Diab’s announcement, protesters have taken to the streets and clashed with police for a third day in a row.

Many people have accused the country’s leaders of culpability through their alleged negligence and corruption.

Negligence by officials has sparked widespread public anger, which had already been stoked over the past year due to serious economic woes.

The massive blast on August 4 was caused by the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port since 2013 with few safeguards despite numerous warnings of the danger.

About 20 people have been detained over the blast, including the head of Lebanon’s customs department and his predecessor, as well as the head of the port, according to media reports.

-CHK

Expert committee on Covid vaccine administration to meet tmrw

A look at Bharat Biotech and SII's efforts to develop Covid vaccines approved by DCGI
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The expert committee on Covid-19 vaccine administration under the chairmanship of NITI Aayog member VK Paul will meet tomorrow, to consider the logistics and ethical aspects of procurement and administration of the vaccine, the Union Health Ministry said today.

The committee on vaccine administration will also engage with all the stakeholders including state governments and vaccine manufacturers, the Ministry said.

In a Tweet, the Ministry wrote, “The Expert Committee on Vaccine Administration under the chairmanship of Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog will meet on 12th August to consider logistics & ethical aspects of procurement & administration of COVID-19 vaccine.”

At present, there are three Indian COVID-19 vaccines in different phases of clinical human trials, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

Out of them, two vaccine candidates of Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the ICMR and Zydus Cadila Ltd have completed Phase 1 clinical testing and will begin Phase 2 soon.

Meanwhile, the Pune-based Serum Institute of India has also been permitted to conduct Phase 2 and 3 human trials of the Oxford University developed vaccine candidate in the country.

India’s COVID-19 cases have crossed 22.6 lakh including 15,83,490 recoveries, while the death toll mounted to 45,257, the Ministry data shows.

-RJV/ARK

4G internet in 2 J&K districts on trial basis after Aug 15: Centre to SC

New Delhi (NVI): The 4G internet services will be allowed in one district each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions on a trial basis after Independence Day i.e., August 15, the Centre told Supreme Court today, as per the decision made by a special committee in this regard.

Attorney General KK Venugopal, representing Centre said that carefully calibrated easing of internet restrictions subject to strict monitoring in certain areas could be done on a trial basis in selected areas.

However, it will not be in any area adjoining the international border or the Line of Control (LoC). 4G internet restoration will only be done in areas that have a low intensity of terrorist activities, he said.

The relaxation from 2g to 4G will be done in one district in Jammu and one district in Kashmir on a trial basis for two months.

The easing will come into effect after August 15 and a review will be done after 2 months. The Government said that given the current security scenario, it is not yet conducive to restore high-speed internet access to mobile phones.

The high-speed internet services have been suspended in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5 last year, after Centre abolished Article 370 that gave special status to J&K and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

-RJV/CHK/ARK

ICC, IOM launch guidance for the protection of migrants during pandemic

Burmese migrants work on fishing boats and in coastal communities in Phang Nga, southern Thailand. (Source @IOM)

New Delhi (NVI): As migrants continue to be on the front lines of the collective response to COVID-19, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are releasing new employer guidance for measures to protect them during pandemic.

According to IOM, migrant workers are a crucial part of the global workforce, accounting for 3.5 per cent of the world’s population.

Worldwide, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, rely on them, including sectors providing essential commodities and services, as well as industries hard-hit by COVID-19, it added.

Marina Manke, Head of the IOM Labour Mobility and Human Development Division, said that, migrants are not only working as “doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, but as the agricultural, transport and retail workers that keep our cities and towns functioning.”

Moreover, as the economic and human consequences of coronavirus continue to impact local communities, businesses can play a decisive role in addressing the unique challenges faced by migrant workers, the IOM said.

They are susceptible to job loss, salary cuts, and various health and safety concerns, migrant workers often are far away from family support networks, can face clear language or cultural barriers and often lack social protection. Many also suffer from discrimination.

Meanwhile, overseas economies that rely on financial contributions from migrant workers, especially low- and middle-income countries are facing a steep decline in cross-border remittances.

Therefore, to address the specific challenges migrant workers face during pandemic, IOM and ICC published a set of employer guidelines highlighting the role of the private sector, the advice includes a set of general principles, such as treating all workers with “equality, dignity, and respect”– regardless of gender or migratory status.

The guidence is presented in the five categories of physical and mental health; living and working conditions; economic support; ethical recruitment; and supply chain transparency.

Manke also said, “Employers are in a unique position to ensure full protection for these workers both at the workplace and in their communities of operation and supply chains. We hope this guide will serve them well.”

However, the ICC-IOM guidance document has been adapted from the IOM’s COVID-19 guidance for employers and business to enhance migrant worker protection during the current health crisis and complements other ICC recommendations on health and safety measures for employees.

-RJV

Trump exits media briefing after Secret Service shoots man near White House

President Donald Trump being escorted from media briefing by a Secret Service agent.

New Delhi (NVI): US President Donald Trump was rushed out of the media briefing room on Monday evening by a Secret Service agent, after shots were fired outside the White House.

The President returned moments later to say the situation was under control and a man had been shot.

After he returned to continue his coronavirus response briefing, Trump said he had been taken to the Oval Office by the Secret Service and told that law enforcement had shot someone outside the White House.

The US Secret Service (USSS) took to Twitter and confirmed the incident: “The Secret Service can confirm there has been an officer involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Law enforcement officials are on the scene. More information to follow.”

In a statement, the USSS also said that the White House Complex was not breached during the incident and no Secret Service protectees were ever in danger.

After resuming the briefing, Trump said, “I’d like to thank the Secret Service for doing their always quick and very effective work, but there was an actual shooting, and somebody’s been taken to the hospital. I don’t know the condition of the person. Seems that the person was shot by Secret Service, so we’ll see what happens.”

In addition to the Secret Service, the Metropolitan Police Department was assisting with the investigation.

-CHK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has reached 22,68,675, after 53,601 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 45,257 after 871 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

In worst-affected Maharashtra the coronavirus tally reaches 5,24,513, followed by Tamil Nadu (3,02,815), Andhra Pradesh (2,35,525) and Delhi (1,46,134).

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 1,625

Andhra Pradesh- 2,35,525

Arunachal Pradesh- 2,231

Assam- 61,737

Bihar- 82,550

Chandigarh- 1,595

Chhattisgarh- 12,448

Dadar Nagar Haveli & Diu – 1,613

Delhi- 1,46,134

Gujarat- 72,031

Goa- 9,029

Haryana– 42,429

Himachal Pradesh- 3,463

Jammu and Kashmir- 25,367

Jharkhand- 18,723

Karnataka- 1,82,354

Kerala- 35,515

Ladakh- 1,717

Madhya Pradesh- 39,891

Maharashtra- 5,24,513

Manipur- 3,853

Meghalaya- 1,114

Mizoram- 623

Nagaland- 3,011

Odisha- 47,455

Puducherry- 5,624

Punjab- 24,889

Rajasthan- 53,670

Sikkim- 910

Tamil Nadu- 3,02,815

Telangana- 82,647

Tripura- 6,372

Uttarakhand- 10,021

Uttar Pradesh- 1,26,722

West Bengal – 98,459

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 20

Andhra Pradesh- 2,116

Arunachal Pradesh- 3

Assam- 151

Bihar- 397

Chandigarh- 25

Chhattisgarh- 99

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 4,131

Goa- 80

Gujarat- 2,672

Haryana- 489

Himachal Pradesh- 17

Jammu and Kashmir- 478

Jharkhand- 188

Karnataka- 3,312

Kerala- 115

Ladakh- 9

Madhya Pradesh- 1,015

Maharashtra- 18,050

Manipur- 11

Meghalaya- 6

Nagaland- 8

Odisha- 286

Puducherry- 89

Punjab- 604

Rajasthan- 800

Sikkim- 1

Tamil Nadu- 5,041

Telangana- 645

Tripura- 43

Uttar Pradesh- 2,120

Uttarakhand- 134

West Bengal- 2,100

However, a total of 15,83,489 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 6,39,929.

-CHK

Worldwide coronavirus cases surpass 20 million

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): Worldwide coronavirus cases have surpassed 20 million. More than 12.2 million have recovered, and almost 7,35,000 have died from the disease, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

In the US, the total number of coronavirus cases have surpassed 5 million while the death toll has crossed 1,63,000 in the country.

In addition to this, Brazil and Mexico reported a combined 27,000 infections in just one day.

With this, the number of infections in Brazil have climbed to more than 3.05 million while in Mexico the cases have exceeded to more than 4,85,000.

Australia’s second-most populous state of Victoria reported 19 new deaths from the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 331 new cases.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 966 to 2,17,293. The reported death toll rose by four to 9,201, the tally showed.

New Zealand, which has managed to largely contain the spread of the coronavirus, has gone more than 100 days without community transmission of COVID-19.

-CHK

Urdu poet Rahat Indori dies of Covid-19

New Delhi (NVI): Noted Urdu poet and lyricist Rahat Indori, who was tested positive for the coronavirus yesterday, passed away at Aurobindo Hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh today where he was admitted last night.

In a tweet yesterday, Rahat Indori shared the news of his test results, “My corona test was done yesterday after the onset of symptoms of Covid-19, the report of which has come positive. Pray that I should beat this disease as soon as possible.”

“There is another request, do not call me or people at home. You will continue to get news regarding my health on Twitter and Facebook,” he tweeted.

Indori, an acclaimed Urdu poet from Indore in MP, has also written lyrics of several Hindi film songs. Some of which he has written are M Bole To from Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Dil Ko Hazar Bar from Murder and many more.

Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded a total of 39,891 cases of COVID-19, including 29,674 recoveries and 1,015 deaths.

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