Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Home Blog Page 1233

Red alert issued for Mumbai, nearby areas due to heavy rains

Many areas in Mumbai flooded after extremely heavy rain. (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): Red alert has been issued for ‘extremely heavy’ rainfall for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and some other part of Maharashtra by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as heavy showers continued for over 24 hours.

“Intense rain is likely in Mumbai today. The city received heavy rainfall at isolated places in the last 12 hours. More impact was on western suburbs with rainfall more than 150 mm,” the IMD said

Normal life was disrupted as heavy rainfall triggered waterlogging at various places in Mumbai.

The red alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts of Maharashtra. While the warning for Mumbai is just for Wednesday, that for Thane, Palghar and Nashik is for both Wednesday and Thursday.

Mumbai recorded its second-highest 24-hour rain (268.6mm) in August in 10 years, while also surpassing the 2,000-mm rainfall mark for the season.

In addition to this, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to residents to stay at home.

The intensity of rain is likely to decrease from August 6.

-CHK

Balasubramanyam tests corona positive

SP Balasubrahmanyam

New Delhi (NVI): Veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who lent his voice to movies in the south, confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus after showing mild symptoms.

Balasubrahmanyam posted a video on his official Facebook page and stated that he had chest congestion for a few days, along with cold and fever.

Later, he was tested for the novel coronavirus and found positive and chose to stay in the hospital for a quick recovery.

He added that he could have stayed home in self-quarantine, but he didn’t want to put his family in danger, so he got admitted in order to recover quickly.

“I am in good hands. And I have good health. Nobody has to worry about this. Please don’t bother to call me to find out how I am. I’m perfectly alright excepting cold and fever. Even the fever has subsided. In two days, I will be discharged and I will be home. Thanks for the concern. Lots of people are calling me. I could not attend so many calls,” the singer said.

Last weekend, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit had tested positive for Covid-19. The health bulletin earlier today said the governor continues to be asymptomatic and active.

Tamil Nadu recorded 5,609 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 2,63,222 while the death toll stands at 4,349 in the state.

-RJV

BJP celebrates first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 in J&K, strict curbs put in place

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The BJP’s Kashmir unit today celebrated the first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.

BJP leaders and workers celebrated the day by unfurling the flag and distributing sweets among each other at the party headquarters. The biggest function was held in BJP’s Srinagar office where the national flag was hoisted amid a pledge that all the party leaders will serve J&K to the best of their capabilities.

However, strict restrictions have been imposed by the authorities across Jammu and Kashmir to avoid large public gatherings.

The district magistrate, Srinagar, yesterday evening stated that curfew has been lifted from Srinagar but people of the city woke up to strict curbs especially in the volatile downtown Srinagar where heavy deployment of security forces was made on all major roads to keep an eye on the suspects.

People in the city told NVI that pools of concertina wires were put in places on major roads in Srinagar district to prevent major public movement.

Officials said that Section 144 of IPC, that prohibits gathering of more than four persons at one place at a time, was strictly being implemented across Srinagar and other major towns in districts across the Valley especially in southern districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag.

Officials from Srinagar administration said that restrictions were in place to prevent Covid-19 spread and it had nothing to do with the August 5.

However, Srinagar administration disallowed the crucial meeting convened by the former chief minister of J&K, Dr Farooq Abdullah at his Gupkar, Srinagar residence. Dr Farooq had invited all the leaders from various political parties to evolve a consensus on the future strategy post abrogation of Article 370.

Talking to NVI, Dr Farooq said that roads leading to his house have been sealed by the security forces and nobody is allowed to walk on the road. “The leaders I had invited for the meeting have been put under house arrest.”

Meanwhile, J&K BJP spokesman, Altaf Thakur, said that the party celebrated one year of Article 370 revocation at all district headquarters and the main function was held in Srinagar office of the party. “The celebrations will last for 15 days and there will be virtual rallies followed by the visits of various union ministers of J&K in the days ahead. They will meet people and listen to their grievances,” Thakur said.

-CHK

UN, partners launch COVID-19 response plan to aid 5.4 mn poorest Filipinos

UN, humanitarian partners launch largest COVID-19 response plan to aid 5.4M poorest Filipinos (Source: @UNPhilippines)

New Delhi (NVI): The United Nations and partners have launched a humanitarian response plan against coronavirus pandemic that will benefit 5.4 million poor people in the Philippines.

According to UN statement, the P6-billion Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) COVID-19 Response Plan aims to provide critical health services to poor Filipinos.

The plan also prioritizes the safety and well-being of women and girls and will provide health, food security, water and sanitation, protection, and risk communication services to its beneficiaries, it added.

“The pandemic is challenging the capacity of response of any single country in the world”, UN resident coordinator, Gustavo Gonzalez said in a statement

“Our role is to make best use of our global knowledge and resources to join Government’s efforts to contribute to the safety and well-being of the Filipino people,” he added.

UN said this will be the largest international humanitarian response plan in the Philippines since 2013, when Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda ravaged the country and claimed around 7,800 lives.

Around 50 UN and local and international non-government partners are involved in the plan, with a price tag of about P6 billion – USD 122 million, 23 per cent of the response plan has already been mobilized, the UN said.

The plan is being kicked off as the epicenter of Manila and surrounding provinces have returned to lockdown after eased quarantine measures saw a surge in cases.

Millions of people also remain out of jobs, while the already crippled economy face bleak forecasts, according to reports.

The response plan spans until the end of the year, but it will be updated according to needs as they arise throughout the deadly pandemic.

Furthermore, it is also a stepping stone to the UN’s mid and long-term support to COVID-19 recovery, which will be developed in the upcoming UN Socio-economic and Peacebuilding Framework.

“As we work together to support government efforts to contain the virus against the demand to restore the economy, the UN and humanitarian partners will continue to seize opportunities to build greater resiliency, equity and inclusivity, in short, to build forward better,” Gonzalez said.

However, the Philippines has been included in the humanitarian response plan, with a total of USD 10.3 billion, the largest in history, bringing together the response plans of 63 of the hardest hit and most vulnerable countries.

-RJV

PM Modi lays foundation stone for Ram temple in Ayodhya

(Image credits: @CMOfficeUP)

New Delhi (NVI): Today is a historic day for millions of Indians and devotees of Lord Ram as Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple. He participated in the bhoomi poojan rituals at the temple site and offered prayers.

As many as 175 eminent guests, including 135 seers, were invited for the ceremony.

While addressing the foundation laying ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said people struggled for 500 years for the temple and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilment of dream to build temple in Ayodhya.

(Image credits: @CMOfficeUP)

Prior to the stone laying ceremony at Ram Janmabhoomi, PM Modi offered dandavat pranam at pre-fabricated makeshift Ram Mandir and performed arti of Ram Lalla.

From Varanasi to Tamil Nadu, many devotees have sent gifts for the ceremony, like silver bricks and coins.

Ayodhya has been decorated with paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Uttar Pradesh government has also made elaborate security arrangement for the event.

UP governor Anandiben Patel, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uma Bharti are among the guests who are taking part in the ceremony.

Special prayers were started on Monday and have concluded with the PM laying the foundation stone for the temple.

President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, “Felicitations to all for the foundation laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Being built in tune with law, it defines India’s spirit of social harmony and people’s zeal. It will be a testimony to ideals of RamRajya and a symbol of modern India.”

-CHK

PM condoles death of ex Maharashtra CM

Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the passing away of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar, saying he served the state diligently.

Nilangekar died in Pune today after a brief illness at the age of 89.

“Shri Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar Ji was a stalwart of Maharashtra politics. He served the state diligently, especially working for the welfare of farmers and the poor,” the Prime Minister’s office tweeted quoting PM Modi.

“Anguished by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” the prime minister said.

He recently tested positive for coronavirus but had recovered and was discharged after testing negative.

Nilangekar, senior Congress leader from Latur in Marathwada region, was the state chief minister from June 1985 to March 1986.

He had to resign when the Bombay High Court passed strictures against him after his daughter’s marks in the MD exams were found to have been fudged.

-RJV

J&K: Terrorists toss grenade at security forces party in Shopian

J&K Encounter
Security forces in Kashmir (File Pic)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Terrorists today hurled a grenade at a security forces party in Bon Bazar area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district. However, no loss of life or injury was reported in the incident.

A police official said that the terrorists tossed a grenade at the security forces party at Bon Bazar area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

He also said a massive manhunt has been launched to nab the attackers. “A vast area has been cordoned off,” the officials said. This is the third attack in South Kashmir in the past 24 hours.

On Tuesday evening, terrorists attacked a police party in Wanpora of Pulwama district in which two policemen were injured. A Sarpanch was also shot at and injured in Akhran area of Kulgam late evening yesterday, who is battling for life at SKIMS Soura.

These attacks took place despite a high alert being maintained by the security forces across Kashmir in the wake of the first anniversary of roll back of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.

-RJV

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India have reached 19,08,254, after 52,509 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 39,795 after 857 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

Maharashtra remains to be worst-hit state with 4,57,956 coronavirus cases, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 928

Andhra Pradesh- 1,76,333

Arunachal Pradesh- 1,790

Assam- 48,161

Bihar- 61,788

Chandigarh- 1,206

Chhattisgarh- 10,202

Dadar Nagar Haveli & Diu – 1,325

Delhi- 1,39,156

Gujarat- 65,599

Goa- 7,075

Haryana– 37,796

Himachal Pradesh- 2,879

Jammu and Kashmir- 22,396

Jharkhand- 13,940

Karnataka- 1,45,830

Kerala- 27,956

Ladakh- 1,534

Madhya Pradesh- 35,082

Maharashtra- 4,57,956

Manipur- 3,018

Meghalaya- 917

Mizoram- 504

Nagaland- 2,405

Odisha- 37,681

Puducherry- 4,147

Punjab- 19,015

Rajasthan- 46,679

Sikkim- 783

Tamil Nadu- 2,68,285

Telangana- 70,958

Tripura- 5,628

Uttarakhand- 8,008

Uttar Pradesh- 1,00,310

West Bengal – 80,984

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 12

Andhra Pradesh- 1,604

Arunachal Pradesh- 3

Assam- 115

Bihar- 347

Chandigarh- 20

Chhattisgarh- 69

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 4,033

Goa- 60

Gujarat- 2,533

Haryana- 448

Himachal Pradesh- 14

Jammu and Kashmir- 417

Jharkhand- 128

Karnataka- 2,704

Kerala- 87

Ladakh- 7

Madhya Pradesh- 912

Maharashtra- 16,142

Manipur- 7

Meghalaya- 5

Nagaland- 5

Odisha- 216

Puducherry- 58

Punjab- 462

Rajasthan- 732

Sikkim- 1

Tamil Nadu- 4,349

Telangana- 576

Tripura- 30

Uttar Pradesh- 1,817

Uttarakhand- 95

West Bengal- 1,785

However, a total of 12,82,215 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 5,86,244.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases exceed 18.5 million worldwide, death toll tops 7 lakh

New Delhi (NVI): More than 18.54 million people around the world have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus as of Wednesday, up more than 4,00,000 in just one day. More than 11 million have recovered, while over 7,00,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

In the US, the total number of cases have surpassed 4.7 million while the number of fatalities have crossed 1,56,000 in the country.

In Brazil, the number of infections have climbed to more than 2.8 million while the death toll is nearing 96,000.

Mexico’s health ministry has reported 6,148 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 857 additional deaths, bringing the total in the country to 449,961 cases and 48,869 deaths.

Latin America has surpassed Europe to become the region with the highest coronavirus death toll worldwide. The region has now recorded more than 2,06,000 deaths, approximately 30 percent of the global total.

Germany has reported 741 new cases of the virus. The total number of cases in Germany is now at 2,12,022 with 9,168 deaths. It is estimated 1,94,600 people have survived the disease.

Australia’s second-most populous state of Victoria has reported its deadliest day of the coronavirus outbreak with 15 deaths in the last 24 hours and 725 new cases compared with 439 a day earlier.

Meanwhile, Queensland state of Australia will close its border with New South Wales (NSW) state to hold back a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

-CHK

COVID-19 tally in India tops 19 lakh; death toll nears 40,000

File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India today crossed the 19 lakh-mark and have reached 19,08,254 after the country reported 52,509 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry said.

The country’s death toll stands at 39,795 with 857 new fatalities being reported during this period.

As many as 12,82,215 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far. With this, the recovery rate improved to 66.31 percent in India.

Maharashtra remains to be worst-hit state with 4,57,956 coronavirus cases, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.

The other worst affected states are, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal.

In terms of fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 16,142 deaths, ministry said.

The death toll in the national capital surged to 4,033 while another 51,706 patients have recovered so far, healthy ministry data shows.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 2,14,84,402 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to August 3 with 6,19,652 samples being tested yesterday.

-CHK

1...1,2321,2331,234...1,730Page 1,233 of 1,730

MUST READ