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India placed better than many nations in fight against COVID: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi (NVI): India is much better placed than many other nations in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic but “we have to be even more careful now”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today as the corona cases continued to record rapid increase.

“The world is fighting a strong battle against a global pandemic. COVID-19 is not only a physical sickness that is a threat to lives of people. It also takes our attention to unhealthy life-styles,” he said.

He was delivering the inaugural address to mark the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of Reverend Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan.

“You would be happy to know that powered by our Corona warriors, India is firmly fighting COVID-19. Earlier this year, some people had predicted that the impact of the virus in India would be very severe. Due to the lockdown, initiatives taken by the Government and a people-driven fight, India is much better placed than many other nations. India’s recovery rate is rising,” PM Modi stated.

Modi also urged everyone to be careful and follow social distancing norms and wear mask.

“A people driven fight has given good results so far but can we let our guard down? No, Not at all. Infact, we have to be even more careful now. Wearing masks, Social distancing, avoiding crowded places, regular hand washing, such things remain important,” he said.

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): India saw the highest ever single-day rise in coronavirus cases after 18,552 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases to 5,08,953, according to Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the total number of fatalities due to the deadly contagion rose to 15,685 in the country after 384 new fatalities were reported during this period.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 1,52,765, followed by Delhi with 77,240 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 74,622 cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 72

Andhra Pradesh- 11,489

Arunachal Pradesh- 172

Assam- 6,607

Bihar- 8,716

Chandigarh- 425

Chhattisgarh- 2,545

Dadar Nagar Haveli- 26

Delhi- 77,240

Gujarat- 30,095

Goa- 1,039

Haryana– 12,884

Himachal Pradesh- 864

Jammu and Kashmir- 6,762

Jharkhand- 2,290

Karnataka- 11,005

Kerala- 3,876

Ladakh- 946

Madhya Pradesh- 12,798

Maharashtra- 1,52,765

Manipur- 1,075

Meghalaya- 47

Mizoram- 145

Nagaland- 371

Odisha- 6,180

Puducherry- 502

Punjab- 4,957

Rajasthan- 16,660

Sikkim- 86

Tamil Nadu- 74,622

Telangana- 12,349

Tripura- 1,325

Uttarakhand- 2,725

Uttar Pradesh- 20,943

West Bengal – 16,190

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 148

Arunachal Pradesh- 1

Assam- 9

Bihar- 58

Chandigarh- 6

Chhattisgarh- 13

Delhi- 2,492

Goa- 2

Gujarat- 1,771

Haryana- 211

Himachal Pradesh- 9

Jammu and Kashmir- 91

Jharkhand- 11

Karnataka- 180

Kerala- 22

Ladakh- 1

Madhya Pradesh- 546

Maharashtra- 7,106

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 17

Puducherry- 9

Punjab- 122

Rajasthan- 380

Tamil Nadu- 957

Telangana- 237

Tripura- 1

Uttar Pradesh- 630

Uttarakhand- 37

West Bengal- 616

A total of 2,95,881 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 1,97,387 active cases currently, according to the Health Ministry.

-CHK

182nd birth anniv of Bankim Chatterjee

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

New Delhi (NVI): The Bengali literary giant Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the man behind our National Song – Vande Mataram, is remembered on his 182nd birth anniversary today.

Born on June 27, 1838, in Naihati, Bengal Presidency, during British India. He played a key role in the literary Renaissance movement with his impactful writings.

Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu remembered the great writer and poet on twitter and wrote, “Remembering the great nationalist and illustrious author Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on his birth anniversary today.”

Besides, several other people also took to twitter and remembered the great writer.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay or Chatterjee wrote 13 novels in Bengali, ranging from serious, satirical to critical and socio-political.

His notable works include Durgeshnandini, Radharani, Krishnakanter Uil, Kapalkundala, Devi Chaudhurani, Rajsimha, Ananda Math, Vande Mataram amongst many others.

He also had a Law degree and in 1858, was appointed as a Deputy Collector of Jessore.

-RJV

Global coronavirus cases surpass 97 lakh

World Covid cases

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases worldwide have increased to over 97 lakh while the death toll has reached nearly 5 lakh, according to John Hopkins University tally.

More than 48 lakh patients have recovered globally.

The US now has a higher number of reported cases than all European nations put together. It has recorded over 24.5 lakh confirmed cases, with a death toll of over 1,24,000.

South American country Brazil has come up to the second position with 12,74,974 confirmed cases and 55,961 deaths so far.

Beijing registered 17 new domestically transmitted cases on Saturday . The Chinese capital has seen a total of 297 local infections since June 11.

A day earlier, Latin American nation Mexico recorded 6,104 new cases of the coronavirus, with 736 fatalities. The number of coronavirus cases had increased to 208,392 in the country.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO)-led coalition, fighting the coronavirus, needs 31.3 billion USD over the next 12 months to develop and roll out tests, treatments and vaccines, it said.

-RJV

COVID cases in India climb to over 5 lakh, deaths at 15,685

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw the highest single-day spike of 18,552 in the last 24 hours, taking the total number to 5,08,953, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The death toll due to the virus rose to 15,685, with 384 new fatalities being reported in the last 24 hours.

So far, 2,95,881 patients have recovered all over the country.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 1,52,765, followed by Delhi with 77,240 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 74,622 cases.

Other states with high corona cases are Gujarat (30,095), Uttar Pradesh (20,943), Rajasthan (16,660) and West Bengal (16,190).

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of fatalities at 7,106, followed by 1,771 in Gujarat and 957 in Tamil Nadu.

The death toll in the national capital rose to 24,92, while 47,091 patients in Delhi have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

Meanwhile, the government of Jharkhand yesterday extended the lockdown to combat COVID-19 till July 31. The Assam government also announced a two-week lockdown in Guwahati from Sunday midnight.

However, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, said there would be no fresh lockdown in Bengaluru to control the spread of the coronavirus.

-RJV

J&K: 5 BSF personnel, 5 minors among 213 new cases, tally at 6,762

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 another surge in Covid-19 cases with five BSF personnel, three policemen and five minors among 213 fresh cases, taking the total number of cases to 6,762.

Officials said that among new 213 new cases that were detected in Jammu and Kashmir today, 74 were tested positive at SKIMS, 70 at CD hospital, 13 at JVC Bemina, 34 at Army’s Command Hospital Udhampur and rest at other hospitals. “Among new cases were five BSF men, three cops and five minors also,” they said.

Among 213 new cases, 155 belong to Kashmir division while 58 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 5,266 including 3,088 recoveries and 80 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 1,496 including 992 recoveries and 11 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir is 2,591 including 2,098 from Kashmir and 493 from Jammu.

With 113 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 4,080 which is 60.33 percent of the total cases.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 7 from Kulgam, 10 from Srinagar, 18 from Shopian, 63 from Baramulla, 5 from Anantnag, 17 from Kupwara, 1 from Bandipora and 23 from Pulwama in Kashmir division while 58 from Jammu 40 from Udhampur, 5 from Kuthua, 7 from Rajouri, 3 from Reasi, 2 from Poonch and one from Samba.

As per officials figures, 751 positive cases including 11 deaths and 494 recoveries are from Kulgam, 795 including 22 deaths and 234 recoveries are from Srinagar, 704 including 518 recoveries and 10 deaths are from Shopian, 627 including 6 deaths and 456 recoveries are from Anantnag, 748 including 14 deaths and 359 recoveries are from Baramulla, 508 including 369 recoveries and 05 deaths are from Kupwara, 284 including 238 recoveries and 01 death are from Bandipora, 409 including 172 recoveries and 04 death are from Pulwama, 358 including 186 recoveries and 07 deaths are from Budgam, 82 including 62 recoveries are from Ganderbal.

In Jammu, 322 including 255 recoveries and 7 deaths are from Jammu district, 257 including 160 recoveries and 1 death from Udhampur, 213 including 154 recoveries are from Ramban, 211 including 128 recoveries are from Kathua, 135 including 69 recoveries from Samba, 120 including 93 recoveries and one death are from Poonch, 101 including 1 death and 37 recoveries from Rajouri, 72 including 54 recoveries and 1 death are from Doda, 40 including 26 recoveries are from Reasi and 25 including 16 recoveries are from Kishtwar.

As per the daily information bulletin, 2,71,009 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 39,303 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 2,591 persons are in hospital isolation while 31 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 1,81,320 persons have completed surveillance period and 47,673 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 3,38,903 samples are available out of which 3,32,141 tested negative while 6762 have been tested positive. Among them, 2,591 are active and 4,080 persons have recovered while 91 have died.

Germany commits 460 mn Euros for India’s Covid response

New Delhi (NVI): Under the Indo-German development cooperation, Germany has committed 460 million Euros (3,893 crore) help to India as an emergency support measure in the country’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an official statement, the German Embassy confirmed the financial support today, which will focus on providing for social protection system catering to the needs of especially urban poor and vulnerable groups such as migrant workers in the wake of COVID 19 pandemic.

Germany has joined hands with the Government of India along with the World Bank to address the urgent situation that calls for huge socio-economic security for the most vulnarable in the country amid the pandemic.

“As an emergency support measure, a fast disbursing loan in the volume of EUR 460 Million (Rs 3893 Crores) has been committed to support India’s move towards a systematic social protection scheme,” the Embassy said.

The salient features of the intended system based social protection are:

* Develop systems and processes which will allow coordinated action across ministries and states

* Achieve a good balance between social assistance and social insurance programmes

* Allow for portability of ‘in kind benefits’ which could improve outreach to vulnerable groups e.g. migrant workers

* Through digitalisation, capacity building at state levels and streamlining of efforts and existing central, state and local government programmes achieve targeted delivery, need based flexibility and rapid response

The Embassy further said that Germany’s support towards strengthening the social protection system in India is a stepping stone to reach and raise the quality of life and livelihoods of millions in India.

Elephant Hospital in Mathura comes forward to help handicapped pachyderm

Wildlife SOS vets conducting an X-ray of Zara's leg.

New Delhi (NVI): 25-year-old ‘Zara’ is suffering from severe handicap including foot ailments and osteoarthritis. At 2000 kilograms, she is highly underweight and is in extremely poor health due to severe neglect, complete lack of medical attention in the past, coupled with years of poor nutrition.

Elephant Hospital in Mathura, first of its kind in the country, established by Wildlife SOS has come forward to help Zara who to recover from the poor condition that has led to her lameness and stunted growth.

Due to the Zara’s rapidly deteriorating health and illness, she was rushed for treatment to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital to meet her urgent medical needs. Upon her arrival, she was subjected to a detailed medical examination which revealed her severe medical issues including her debilitated body condition, said Wildlife SOS.

“The preliminary veterinary assessment carried out by Wildlife SOS veterinarians confirms that Zara elephant who is around 25 years old is suffering from severe handicap including foot ailments, abnormal forelimb conformation, osteoarthritis, stunted body confirmation,” the nonprofit organisation said in a statement.

She will require long term care and specialized treatment along with other medical procedures like Laser Therapy, Hydrotherapy treatment, Digital Radiology, Thermal Imaging etc.

Dr Pramod Rajput, Veterinarian at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital said, “The elephant is suffering from severe handicap caused by arthritis and resulting in difficulty in bearing weight on forelimbs. We are monitoring her progress while we conduct some more health examinations.”

Raghunath Mishra, DFO Mathura said, “The elephant is in weak condition. She has been sent to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital where she will get the best medical care possible.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder & CEO Wildlife SOS said, “The Elephant Hospital in Mathura was established in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. Over thirty elephants have received medical help at the hospital. Zara elephant’s chronic medical condition is a classic case of what kind of elephants are under our medical care. Zara will benefit from the specialized medical equipment and veterinary care provided at the Elephant Hospital.”

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder & Secretary of Wildlife SOS said, “To see Zara suffering from such crippling injuries at such an early age is heartbreaking. One can only imagine the extent of physical and emotional stress she must have endured. Zara requires a stress-free environment and a lot of medical attention with round-the-clock care to help her on her path to recovery.”

Baiju Raj M.V, Director – Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS said, “The Elephant Hospital’s goal is to provide specialized & critical care for elephants in distress. Under the dedicated care of our veterinarians, Zara can finally get the medical attention she needs and deserves.”

India’s very first Elephant Hospital in Mathura established by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department is providing specialized medical care for several ailing and sick elephants.

-ARK

Navy inducts indigenously developed anti-torpedo decoy system ‘Maareech’

INS Kolkata (Used as Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Navy’s Anti-submarine warfare capability received a major boost today, as it inducted Advanced Torpedo Decoy System ‘Maareech’, capable of being fired from all frontline warships.

Design & Development of this anti-torpedo decoy system has been undertaken indigenously DRDO labs (NSTL and NPOL), the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited would undertake the production of this decoy system. The prototype of this system installed onboard a nominated naval platform had successfully completed all user evaluation trials and demonstrated the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements, the MoD said.

“This induction not only stands testimony to the joint resolve of the Indian Navy and DRDO towards indigenous development of Defence technology but has also given a major fillip to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the country’s resolve to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ in niche technology,” the Ministry said.

-RJV/ARK

J&K: 5-yr-old killed in Anantnag terror attack went out with father to get birthday gift

Five-year-old Muhammad Naheen died in the terror attack on a CRPF party in Bijbehara.

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Muhammad Naheen turned five last month but he wasn’t able to celebrate his fifth birthday due to the Covid-19 pandemic due to which the assembly of more than a dozen people has been barred. His father had promised him a birthday gift soon after the markets would open.

Muhammad Yasin, father of the deceased boy is a resident of Yaripora, Kulgam, and works in a school at Bijbehara, Anantnag district as a physical education teacher. “Today, Naheen insisted his father take him to the market to get his promised birthday gift,” said Shabir Ahmed, Naheen’s maternal uncle, as tears roll down on his cheeks.

He said Naheen was the lone son among three children. “Today at 11 am, Naheen along with his father left for Bijbehara market to get the gift for himself,” said Shabir.

A heart-broken father was left cursing his luck. “I should have rejected my son’s request of going to the market. He asked for an ice-cream and I bought one for him as the temperature was high today. He was asking for a gift—a dress, jeans pant and a cotton shirt. I had chosen one for him, but he rejected it saying that colour wasn’t good,” said Yasin amid tears.

The father-son duo spent almost half-an-hour in the market and all of a sudden, bullets started raining. “I saw everybody running for cover. I asked Naheen to run. I was holding his hand very tightly but suddenly he fell down. I saw blood oozing from his right shoulder. I thought he fell down and must have got injured,” said Yaseen. “When I opened my son’s shirt, I found a bullet had hit him. After seeing it, I shouted loudly and a private vehicle driver stopped and he shifted my son to sub-district hospital Bijbehera, where doctors tried their best to save my son.”

Yasin said his son was breathing slowly till he was handed over to the doctors. “But just after 15 minutes of seeing him, doctors declared him dead. I fell down on the hospital floor. My son was my only hope. We were planning to get him admitted in school this year. I wanted him to be an engineer or a doctor, but one single bullet killed all our dreams.”

When the boy’s dead body reached his native village, Yaripora, Kulgam, a pall of gloom descended on the entire village with women beating their chests amid wails. Yasin sat beside his son’s body, in a deep shock and grief. Naheen was later laid to rest at a graveyard in Yaripora with a heavy heart and moist eyes.

In another cowardly attack by terrorists in the Valley today, a CRPF jawan also lost his life when a security forces party was fired upon at Bijbehara area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

-ARK

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