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Spain to reopen for foreign tourists from July 1

New Delhi (NVI): The government of Spain has said that it is planning to allow foreign tourists in the country from July. The Spanish government’s decision comes as it eases lockdown measures in Madrid and Barcelona.

The government expects that the two-week quarantine imposed on overseas travelers will be suspended by that time.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya on Monday in a tweet said, “The worst is behind us. In July we will gradually open Spain to international tourists, lift the quarantine, ensure the highest standards of health safety. We look forward 2 welcoming you!”

Under current restrictions, visitors from abroad must isolate themselves for two weeks on arrival, making leisure trips virtually impossible.

Spain’s Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto yesterday said that the policy would be relaxed in July.

The world’s second-most visited nation closed its doors and beaches in March to handle the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, later imposing a two-week quarantine on overseas visitors.

Now, it is gradually easing a strict lockdown though it has kept a quarantine for visitors so as to prevent a second wave of infections.

Tourism is a critical part of the country’s economy. Spain is the world’s second-most visited nation and normally draws some 80 million visitors per year, over 12 per cent of gross domestic product and an even bigger share of jobs.

At present, bars and restaurants in Madrid and Barcelona were allowed to open outside spaces at half capacity from Monday. But many stayed closed as owners weighed the value of catering to just a few.

Notably, Spain has been highly affected by the deadly pandemic, with a total of 26,834 deaths so far. However, the death toll has been below 100 in the country for the past nine days. A total of 235,000 deaths have been recorded while 150,000 have recovered.

No plan of creating a separate Himachal Regiment, Army busts rumors

The Army has requested people to guard against such misinformation and fake messages.(Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): A viral message is circulating on social media about the creation of a separate Himachal Regiment having headquarter at Kangra district of the state.

Taking note of the viral Facebook Post by the page titled- ‘Himachali Boys & girls’, the Indian Army has said that the message is fake and they have no plans to come up with a separate regiment for the state.

“There are NO such plan of creating a separate Himachal Regiment in the #IndianArmy. These Social Media messages are fake and untrue,” the Army tweeted through its official ADGPI Twitter handle.

The Army has requested people to guard against such misinformation and fake messages.

“Messages on Social Media are circulating about the creation of a #Himachal #Regiment having headquarters at #Kangra.

Request guard against misinformation and #Fake messages,” the Army said in another tweet.

In 2019, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to create a Himalayan Regiment in the Army, in a bid to provide employment to youths in his state. However, there has been no indication of the creation of such regiment by the Army or Defence Ministry so far.

Covid-19: Elderly man dies at Srinagar hospital, J&K death toll at 24

Srinagar(NVI): A 90-year-old man who was suffering from Covid-19 breathed his last at a Srinagar hospital this morning, Jammu and Kashmir health officials said.

With the fresh death, the total number of deaths due to Covid in J&K has reached 24 of which 21 were reported in Kashmir and 3 in the Jammu region.

Medical Superintendent of Police SKIMS, Soura hospital Dr Farooq Ahmed Jan said that the deceased was a resident of Kulgam district of South Kashmir. “He was referred to SKIMS from Government Medical College Anantnag. His samples were taken immediately after his admission in the hospital which came positive today morning,” he said.

He said that the condition of the patient deteriorated in the isolation ward of SKIMS on Monday afternoon and he breathed his last on the same evening.

Dr Jan said that the patient was suffering from pneumonia and had a history of chest disease.

The body of the deceased has been sent to his native village in Kulgam while following proper Covid-19 protocols. Hospital sources said that his family has been informed that only a few close relations should attend the funeral and take part in his burial while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): Coronavirus cases in India continue to surge with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat being the worst affected states in the country.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases in India has reached 1,45,380 while a total of 4,167 deaths have been reported so far, according to Union Health Ministry tally.

Maharashtra has reported over 52,000 confirmed cases so far.

The first confirmed coronavirus case in India was reported in the state of Kerala on January 30. Since then, the virus has tightened its grip across the country.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 33

Andhra Pradesh- 3,110

Arunachal Pradesh- 2

Assam- 526

Bihar- 2,730

Chandigarh- 238

Chhattisgarh- 291

Dadar Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 14,053

Gujarat- 14,460

Goa- 67

Haryana– 1,184

Himachal Pradesh- 223

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,668

Jharkhand- 377

Karnataka- 2,182

Kerala- 896

Ladakh- 52

Madhya Pradesh- 6,859

Maharashtra- 52,667

Manipur- 39

Meghalaya- 14

Mizoram- 1

Nagaland- 3

Odisha- 1,438

Puducherry- 41

Punjab- 2,060

Rajasthan- 7,300

Sikkim- 1

Tamil Nadu- 17,082

Telangana- 1,920

Tripura- 194

Uttarakhand- 349

Uttar Pradesh- 6,532

West Bengal – 3,816

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 56

Assam- 4

Bihar- 13

Chandigarh- 3

Delhi- 276

Gujarat- 888

Haryana- 16

Himachal Pradesh- 5

Jammu and Kashmir- 23

Jharkhand- 4

Karnataka- 44

Kerala- 5

Madhya Pradesh- 300

Maharashtra- 1,695

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 7

Puducherry- 1

Punjab- 40

Rajasthan- 167

Tamil Nadu- 118

Telangana- 56

Uttar Pradesh- 165

Uttarakhand- 3

West Bengal- 278

A total of 60,491 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 80,722 active cases currently, according to the Health Ministry.

Coronavirus cases nearing 5.5 million globally; death toll tops 3,46,000

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases is nearing 5.5 million around the globe with the total number of deaths have exceeded 3,46,000, according to John Hopkins University tally.

In Brazil, daily coronavirus deaths were higher than fatalities in the United States for the first time over the last 24 hours, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

Brazil registered 807 deaths over the last 24 hours, whereas 620 died in the US.

Brazil has the second worst outbreak in the world, with 374,898 cases, behind the US with 1.6 million cases. Total deaths in the US has reached 98,223, compared with Brazil at 23,473.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in Russia has climbed to 353,427, with 8,946 new infections in the past 24 hours.

In addition to this, Saudi Arabia will loosen its curfew for everywhere but Mecca from Thursday, according to the state news agency.

The World Health Organization has warned of the risks of an “immediate second peak” as countries ease up on lockdowns, urging governments in Europe and the US to step up surveillance, testing and tracking measures to keep the disease under control.

India’s COVID tally crosses 1.45 lakh; death toll 4,167

Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 1,45,380 while the death toll due to the virus has gone up to 4,167, according to the Union Health Ministry.

In the past 24 hours, 6,535 fresh COVID-19 infections and 146 more deaths were reported.

At least 60,490 patients have been cured of the virus or discharged, the ministry said.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected state with 52,667 coronavirus cases and 1,695 deaths.

Tamil Nadu is the second-worst hit in the country with 17,082 cases followed by Gujarat with 14,460 positive cases.

The other worst affected states are Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The death toll in Delhi surged to 276. While another 6,771 patients in the national captial have recovered, healthy ministry data shows.

So far, only the union territories of Lakshadweep and Daman and Diu have reported no cases and remain free of coronavirus.

Apart from this, Nagaland registered it’s first coronavirus positive cases as three people who returned to the state from Chennai tested positive for the virus.

PM speaks to Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephonic conversation with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and conveyed greetings to her and on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. PM Modi also extended Eid greetings to the people of Bangladesh.

The two leaders shared their assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Amphan in both countries, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

They also discussed the COVID pandemic situation and the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in this regard. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support to Bangladesh in addressing these challenges, PMO said.

Apart from this, the PM also talked to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and conveyed greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr to the Government and people of the UAE.


The two leaders expressed satisfaction about the effective cooperation between the two countries during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Crown Prince for the support extended to Indian citizens in UAE, the PMO said.

At 8,000 tests per day, J&K No. 1 in Covid testing in country: UT Govt

Jammu (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir government today said that the UT is conducting the highest number of Covid-19 tests– at 8,000 per day– in the country.

At a press conference in Jammu, Principal Secretary and J&K government spokesman Rohit Kansal said that at a testing rate of over 10,000 per million, J&K has now become number one in the country in testing.

“The testing capacity in the UT has gone up from just about 100 tests/day in March to 8000 tests/day today. In the last one month alone it has gone up from 1800 tests/day to 8100/day – an increase of 350 per cent,” Kansal said.

He said that aggressive and sustained testing is the only effective weapon against the disease and the administration shall continue to pursue it effectively.

On the efforts of the administration in combating the situation arising out of coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic for the last more than 8 weeks, Kansal said that the Government has taken a slew of measures on the health, economic and welfare fronts.

“Jammu and Kashmir was probably one of the first states or UTs to take note of the emerging situation and initiate action and many of our interventions have not only been fast but effective too.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in J&K is 1,668, out of which 1,374 are from Kashmir division and 294 are from Jammu division. The number of active cases is 836 of which 620 are in Kashmir Division and 216 are in Jammu division. As many as 809 recoveries which include young children and 23 deaths have also been reported.

A total of over 1.34 lakh persons have been enlisted for surveillance out of which over 72,000 have completed mandatory period of surveillance. 47 new Covid positive cases have been reported today, out of which 33 cases are from Jammu division and 14 cases are from Kashmir.

Kansal pointed out that while J&K had been able to achieve a low growth rate and a doubling rate of over 3 weeks, this should not become a cause of complacency.

Reminding that effective lockdown, strong containment policy, aggressive testing and cooperation by the people of J&K has played a key role in containment of COVID 19, the spokesperson said that there is no room for any laxity.

The spokesman said that at least two districts have seen a considerable increase in cases even when there are no returnees. “In fact, there are many areas where the positivity rate of cases is much higher for local population than for returnees,” he said.

He said that over 90,000 stranded persons have already returned to J&K in the last 4 weeks alone. They include 66,024 persons by road, 25,400 by 30 Shramik special and COVID special Rajdhani trains and 652 persons by air.

“J&K is the one state/UT which has smoothly completed more than 85% of its evacuation process. The government has consciously adopted a policy of testing 100 per cent of all returnees. All the returnees are being tested, and as a result of the strategy the administration has been successful in tracing 481 positive cases so far.”

Emphasizing on the importance of economy and livelihoods, Kansal said that UT Government has issued SoPs for the reopening of markets, industry and trade. Similarly, SOPs have been issued for returnees and passengers.

“But as responsible citizens, we need to realize that any complacency or letting down of the guard can cost us very dearly. In red zones and containment zones, there is a need to be vigilant otherwise all the efforts of the last 2 months will be wasted,” he cautioned.

The spokesperson appealed people to stay at home and go out of their homes only if it is absolutely necessary and follow the advisories, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. “Remember, the virus is alive, it is active and it has given no relaxation. So, our self-restraint and discipline must continue,” he said.

J&K LG advisor’s wife, son among 47 new Covid positive cases in UT

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The wife and son of an advisor to J&K’s Lieutenant Governor are among 47 new cases tested positive for Covid-19 in the Union Territory, apart from two fresh deaths.

The total number of people who have died of Covid-19 in J&K has now reached 23, of which 21 were reported in Kashmir and two in Jammu region. The total number of coronavirus cases in the UT also swelled to 1,668.

Officials said that among new 47 cases that were detected in J&K, 10 were tested positive at CD hospital Srinagar, 25 at Army’s command hospital Srinagar and rest at other private labs.

Among 47 new cases, 14 belong to the Kashmir division while 33 are from the Jammu division. The total number of positive cases in J&K has reached 1,668 including 809 recoveries and 23 deaths, they said.

Cases tested positive today include 5 from Anantnag, 3 from Kulgam, 3 from Srinagar and one each from Shopian, Kupwara and Pulwama in Kashmir division while 33 from Jammu including 21 from Jammu district, 4 from Kuthua, 2 each from Udhampur, Poonch and Reasi and one each from Ramban and Doda.

Officials said that the wife and son of Advisor to LG have been tested positive for the Covid-19 and both have been placed under quarantine. The Advisor too has been put under quarantine separately and his samples have also been taken.

An official, requesting anonymity said that wife of LG’s advisor is a doctor in Delhi and it is believed that she may have transmitted the virus while on duty and her son may have got it from his mother. He said that both mother and son were tested immediately on arrival in Jammu and were placed under quarantine as per protocol.

“Both are asymptomatic and are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Katra area of Reasi district of Jammu,” the official said. “Advisor to LG is doing fine with no symptoms at all. His sample reports are awaited,” they said.

Meanwhile, two more deaths were reported due to Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir today, taking the overall death toll in the UT to 23. An official said that an Income Tax lawyer from Jammu, who died last morning in a hospital in the winter capital, was tested positive for coronavirus as his reports came in today.

A woman from south Kashmir’s Kulgam area who died on March 22 was also tested positive today, the doctors at the SMHS hospital Srinagar said, adding that her test reports came today as positive.

As per officials figures, 278 positive cases including four deaths and 109 recoveries are from Anantnag, 227 including three deaths and 15 recoveries are from Kulgam, 182 including six deaths and 125 recoveries are from Srinagar, 139 including one death and 129 recoveries are from Bandipora, 137 including 98 recoveries and four deaths are from Baramulla, 129 including 107 recoveries are from Shopian, 165 including 70 recoveries are from Kupwara, 64 including 47 recoveries and two deaths are from Budgam, 27 including 24 recoveries are from Ganderbal and 26 including 10 recoveries are from Pulwama.

In Jammu division, 99 including 34 recoveries and two deaths are from Jammu district, 49 including 6 recoveries are from Kathua, 37 including 21 recoveries and one death are from Udhampur, 45 including 1 recovery is from Ramban, 27 including 7 recoveries from Samba, 13 including 4 recoveries are from Rajouri, 8 including 1 recovery is from Kishtwar, 8 with no recovery from Poonch, 6 including 1 recovery is from Reasi and 2 from Doda.

Govt’s wheat procurement surpasses last year’s target

(Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): Wheat procurement by government agencies has touched 341.56 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes), surpassing last year’s figures of 341.31 LMT, despite the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent nationwide lockdown.

“Wheat harvesting generally starts towards end of March and procurement commences in the first week of April every year. However, with the imposition of national lockdown with effect from midnight of 24 & 25.03.2020, all operations came to a standstill,” Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a statement today.

The crop had ripened by then and was ready for harvesting, the ministry said. Considering this, the Centre gave relaxation to start agricultural and related activities during the lockdown period, and the procurement could start from April 15 in most of the procuring states, it said, adding that Haryana started little late on April 20.

The ministry further said that the biggest challenge was to ensure that procurement is done in a safe manner during the pandemic. “This was achieved through a multi-pronged strategy of awareness creation, social distancing and deployment of technology,” the ministry said.

The number of purchase centers was increased substantially reducing the farmer footfalls in individual purchase centers. New centers were set up using every facility available at gram panchayat level and the numbers were increased sharply in the major procuring states like Punjab where it went up from 1836 to 3681, 599 to 1800 in Haryana and from 3545 to 4494 in Madhya Pradesh.

Using technology, farmers were provided specific dates and slots to bring their produce which helped in avoiding overcrowding. Strict social distancing norms were followed and sanitization activities were undertaken regularly. In Punjab, every farmer was allotted specific spaces earmarked for dumping of stocks and no one else was allowed to enter those areas, the ministry said.

Wheat procurement target has been set at 40.7 million tonnes (MT) for the 2020-21 marketing year. Although the wheat marketing year runs from April-March, the bulk of procurement is normally done in the first three months.

Apart from the threat of the spread of virus, there were 3 major challenges faced by the procuring agencies in wheat procurement. As all the jute mills were closed, the production of jute bags used for filling of procured wheat stopped, creating a major crisis. This was tackled by using more plastic bags, supplemented by used bags with very strict quality conditions.

The ministry said that there were unseasonal rains in all the major producing states leading to wheat getting exposed to water. This posed a major threat to the farmers as such stocks could not be procured under normal specifications. GOI and Food Corporation of India (FCI) intervened while making sure that the produce so procured meets the minimum quality requirements of the consumers. the ministry said.

“Third challenge was the tight labour supply position as well as the general fear created among the masses about the virus. This was addressed by taking a series of confidence building measures at the local level by the state administration. Labour was provided with adequate protection safety gears like masks, sanitizers etc. and other precautionary measures were also taken to ensure their safety.

With the concerted and well-coordinated efforts by GOI, FCI, State Governments and their agencies, procurement of wheat could be undertaken very smoothly in all surplus states, helping farmers and replenishing stocks in the central pool, the ministry added.

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