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PM Modi inaugurates submarine optic fibre cable connecting Chennai-Port Blair

PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Chennai and Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Modi said that the inauguration of the submarine OFC will ensure high-speed broadband connectivity, fast mobile and landline telecom services and will give a big boost to the local economy.

Ahead of the launch, PM Modi had tweeted, “Today, 10th August is a special day for my sisters and brothers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. At 10:30 this morning, the submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Chennai and Port Blair will be inaugurated.”

“Inauguration of the submarine Optical Fibre Cable in Andaman and Nicobar Islands ensures: High-speed broadband connectivity, fast and reliable mobile and landline telecom services, big boost to the local economy, delivery of e-governance, telemedicine and tele-education,” the Prime Minister added.

Furthermore, the submarine cable will also connect Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Long Island, and Rangat of the Island.

About 2,300 km of submarine OFC cable has been laid at a cost of about Rs 1,224 crore and the project has been completed in time, a release from Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated.

PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project on December 30, 2018, in Port Blair.

-CHK

J&K: BJP worker injured in Budgam attack succumbs to injuries

Indianapolis
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): BJP worker, who was critically wounded in yesterday’s terrorist attack at Ompora area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, succumbed to his injuries in Srinagar this morning, triggering strong condemnation from the BJP leaders across the Valley.

A doctor at the SMHS hospital, Srinagar, said that Abdul Hameed Najar, who was critically injured yesterday in Ompora area, succumbed at the hospital this morning. “He had serious bullet wounds on his body,” the doctor said.

Hameed was shot at by suspected terrorists near a railway track when he was out on a morning walk. He becomes the second casualty in the BJP ranks since August 5.

“We strongly condemn the killing of Hameed. He was our committed worker and was the district president of Open Backward Committee (OBC), Morcha, for Budgam district,” said BJP JK spokesman Altaf Thakur. He termed the killing as barbaric and inhuman. “I strongly condemn the killing of BJP worker,” Thakur said.

On August 5, terrorists had shot dead BJP Sarpanch Sajad Ahmed Khanday at Vessu area of Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Back to back attacks on BJP workers and sarpanches has forced many BJP men in south Kashmir to announce their resignation from the party. Yesterday, 20 BJP workers including a few sarpanches have tendered resignations through video messages out of fear of getting killed.

On July 8, BJP suffered a big jolt as terrorists killed the party’s young face in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Waseem Bari, his father and younger brother at their residence. Top BJP leaders including party General Secretary Ram Madhav, J&K affairs incharge, Avinash Rai Khanna, and MoS PMO Jitendera Singh had visited the Bandipora residence of the slain leader to offer their condolences.

-CHK

COVID claims 4 more lives in J&K, toll mounts to 480

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The coronavirus today claimed four more lives in Jammu and Kashmir, all from Kashmir region, taking the number of people who have died of the virus in the Union Territory to 480, health officials said.

Officials said that four patients who died since last evening, today morning, include a 47-year-old man from Rainawari, a 45-year-old man from Palpora, Srinagar, a 55-year-old man from Arampora, Ganderbal and a 65-year-old woman from Budgam.

An official at SKIMS said that a 45-year-old man from Palpora, Srinagar who was admitted on July 21 died today.

He further added that a 55-year-old man from Arampora, Ganderbal who was admitted on 06 August also died today.

An official from SMHS said that a 47-year-old man from Rainawari Srinagar who was admitted with bilateral pneumonia on August 1 died late yesterday night.

He added that a 65-year-old woman from Budgam who was admitted on July 23 with bilateral pneumonia died today morning.

With four more deaths, the death toll in J&K has reached 480 that includes 445 from Kashmir division and only 35 from Jammu region.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases near 20 million worldwide; death toll tops 7.30 lakh

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): At least 19.8 million people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while the global death toll crossed 7,31,000. More than 11.9 million have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

Brazil’s health ministry has reported 23,010 new cases of COVID-19, with 572 new fatalities, as the country continues to struggle with containing the spread of the deadly disease.

In Brazil, the total number of cases has exceeded 3 million while the death toll has hit more than 1,01,000.

In the US, the number of infections have crossed 5 million while the death toll has surged past 1,62,000 in the country.

Australia reported on Monday its highest number of fatalities. The state of Victoria recorded 19 deaths overnight as it battles a resurgence of the virus in Melbourne.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 436 to 2,16,327. The reported death toll rose by one to 9,197, the tally showed.

New locally transmitted cases of coronavirus in China fell to just 14 over the past 24 hours, the National Health Commission reported.

South Korea reported 28 new coronavirus cases on Monday, including 17 local infections raising the country’s total to 14,626.

-CHK

India’s COVID tally crosses 22 lakh; death toll at 44,386

New Delhi (NVI): India coronavirus tally stands at 22,15,074, with the confirmation of 62,064 new cases in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry said.

The country’s death toll stands at 44,386 with 1,007 fresh fatalities being reported during this period.

The ministry said that, recoveries in India have crossed the 15-lakh mark and the COVID-19 cases remained concentrated in 10 states across the country. These states account for over 80 per cent of the new cases

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst affected state in India with 5,15,332 coronavirus cases followed by Tamil Nadu (2,96,901), Andhra Pradesh (2,27,860) and Delhi (1,45,427).

The other worst affected states includes Karnataka (1,78,087), Uttar Pradesh (1,22,609), West Bengal (95,554) and Gujarat (70,967).

In terms of fatalities, Maharashtra again tops the tally with 17,757 deaths, ministry said.

The death toll in Delhi rose to 4,111 while 1,30,587 patients in the national capital have recovered so far, healthy ministry data shows.

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to August 9 is 2,45,83,558 including 4,77,023 samples tested yesterday

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai, gyms reopen from today as part of the relaxations of restrictions under Unlock 3.

-RJV

J&K: 64 travelers among 507 fresh cases, tally gets closer to 25,000 

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu  and Kashmir today recorded 507 fresh cases of  coronavirus including 64 travelers, taking the total number of positive cases closer to 25,000 in the Union Territory.

With 507 new cases, the tally of positive cases in J&K has reached 24,897 including 19,286 from Kashmir and 5,611 from Jammu division.

Officials said that among 507 new cases, 378 belong to Kashmir division while129 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division has reached 19,286 including 13,237 recoveries while the total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached 5,611 including 3,766 recoveries and 35 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in J&K is 7,422 including 5,612 from Kashmir division and 1,810 from Jammu division.

With 336 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 17,003 which is 68.29 percent of the total cases.

 Pertinently, Srinagar district alone has 6,155 positive cases which is more than the total number  of positive cases in Jammu where total cases are 5,611.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 155 from Srinagar, 44 from Baramulla, 22 from Pulwama, 15 from Kulgam, 06 from Shopian, 32 from Anantnag, 10 from Budgam, 26 from Kupwara, 50 from Bandipora and 18 from Ganderbal in Kashmir division while as 129 from Jammu division include 42 from Jammu, 05 from Kathua, 02 from Rajouri, 13 from Ramban, 04 from Udhampur, 32 from Samba, 09 from Doda, 10 from Poonch and 12 from Reasi, ” officials said.

As per the daily information bulletin, 391,304 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 41,318 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 7,422 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 293,650 persons have completed surveillance period and 48,442 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 717,110 samples are available out of which  692,213 tested negative and 24,897 have been tested positive. Among them, 7,422 are active and 17,003 persons have recovered.

Pak shells forward areas along LoC in J&K’s Poonch

LoC

Srinagar (NVI): Pakistani troops today violated ceasefire in Shahpur, Kirni & Krishna Ghati sectors in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, defence officials said.

“At about 1750 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC by firing with small arms & shelling with mortars in Shahpur, Kirni & Krishna Ghati sectors in District Poonch (J&K),” a defence official said, adding that the Indian Army was retaliating befittingly.

This is yet another ceasefire violation by Pakistan along LoC in J&K, especially Poonch which was targetted 2-3 times last week.

On Friday, a 60-year-old man was killed in Mendhar sector of Poonch while six other civilians were injured in Tangdhar Sector of Kupwara district along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistani troops targeted residential areas while firing mortars and other weapons, a senior defence official said.

Apart from that, a terrorist was killed while two others were seriously injured by the Indian Army Friday while foiling an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district, a senior defence official said today.

-ARK

Afghan council approves release of Taliban prisoners to set up peace talks

(Pic courtesy: TOLO news)

New Delhi (NVI): Loya Jirga, the Afghan council called for deciding the fate of 400 Taliban prisoners today approved their release with certain conditions after intense talks to bring about a ceasefire and put an end to the years-long war.

The council has issued a resolution, which has 25 articles, to expedite the process of initiating intra-Afghan talks. Apart from President Ashraf Ghani, former President Hamid Karzai was also present at the negotiating table, reports TOLO news.

All the members of Loya Jirga agreed to bring peace and stability in the country by the release of remaining Taliban prisoners on certain conditions.

For instance, the resolution stated that if foreign fighters are among the 400 Taliban prisoners “they must be handed over to their countries with valid guarantee.”

It also said that the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners must come with the assurance that the direct talks between the government and the Taliban will start “without any excuses”, as per the Afghan news website.

The resolution also called for an immediate and long-lasting ceasefire and called on the International Community and the United States to implement their commitment regarding this.

Apart from that, the people and the government of Afghanistan must be assured that the released Taliban prisoners “will not return to war and their activity will be monitored,” as per the resolution, reports TOLO news.

The resolution also urged the international community to cease direct and indirect intervention in Afghanistan’s affairs and to cease their support for terrorist groups.

They urged the Taliban and Afghan government to end the violence and conflict in the country and to solve the rifts through negotiations.

Apart from that, the resolution also pointed out that women, as half of the body of society must have a legal and political status and play a constructive role and participation in all stages of the process.

As per the Afghan government data, of the 400 prisoners in question, 156 of them have been sentenced to death, 105 of them are accused of murder, 34 of them are accused of kidnapping that led to murder, 51 of them are accused of drug smuggling, 44 of them are on the blacklist of the Afghan government and its allies, 6 of them are accused of other crimes, 4 are unknown, reports TOLO news.

The list of 5,000 prisoners was given to the Afghan government by the Taliban to be released ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, which are now expected to be held in Doha.

So far, the government has released 4,600 of the prisoners on the Taliban list, and an additional 500 who were not on the Taliban list. These last 500 were freed during Eid in response to the Taliban’s announcement of a ceasefire, reports the Afghan news website.

-ARK

J&K: Army foils infiltration bid in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district

Ceasefire
Representational image

Jammu (NVI): A terrorist was killed while two others were seriously injured by the Indian Army while foiling an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district, a senior defence official said today.

The incident took place on Friday when a group of terrorists was attempting to infiltrate across LoC in Krishna Ghati Sector, said defence spokesperson in Jammu, Lt Colonel Devendra Anand.

“The alert Indian Army troops detected the terrorists close to LoC and immediately engaged them resulting in on the spot killing of one terrorist and seroius injuries to other two,” he said.

A subsequent search in the area showed that the dead body of terrorist had been dragged away from the incident site, he added.

“One AK 47 rifle, two AK 47 magazines and some eatables were recovered from the incident site. Pakistan markings on the eatables and a few other items clearly indicate the complicity of Pakistan in sponsoring terror activities in J&K.” he said.

Meanwhile, security forces are maintaining a robust counter-infiltration grid along the LoC to foil any such infiltration bids by Pakistan.

-ARK

Doctor among 5 more Covid-19 deaths in J&K, toll climbs to 473

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

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The Covid-19 pandemic today claimed five more lives in Jammu and Kashmir including a doctor, taking the total number of people who died of coronavirus in the UT to 473.

Health officials said that of the total 473 deaths, 439 were reported in Kashmir alone and 34 in Jammu region.

A health official said that six patients who died since morning include a 65-year-old woman from Pattan, Baramulla, a 45-old-doctor from Pampore, Pulwama, an 80-year-old woman from Hawal, Srinagar, a 70-year-old man from Magam, Budgam and an 85-year-old-woman from Buchpora, Srinagar.

Another health official at SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar said that the 45-year-old doctor from Konibal, Pampore Pulwama, who was admitted to SKIMS on July 25, died on Sunday.

“He was posted at district hospital Pulwama and was suffering from liver ailments,” he said, adding that the doctor had tested positive for the virus a few days ago.

He further said that the 80-year-old woman from Hawal, Srinagar who was admitted on July 25 died on Sunday.

“The 85-year-old woman from Buchpora, Srinagar who was admitted on 31 July died on Saturday evening,” he said.

An official at SMHS hospital Srinagar said that a 65-year-old woman from Tangmarg, Baramulla, who was admitted on Saturday morning also died today.

With five more deaths taking place in J&K since morning today, the total number of people who died of Covid-19 in the UT so far has reached 473 including 439 from Kashmir division and 34 from Jammu region.

The rising mortality in J&K, according to the leading experts is because of the “casual approach” of people towards Covid. Leading medical expert Dr Muhammad Sultan Khuroo said that since virus is already in the community, people are taking it for granted and no protocol is followed. “Hardly anyone wears a mask and maintains a social distance.”

Temperature has gone up a bit in Kashmir, and people are thronging river and lake banks in Srinagar, without wearing masks let alone social distancing,” he said, adding that if this approach continues, “time is not far when Kashmir will turn into another hotspot.”

-ARK

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