Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Home Blog Page 1237

Day of Seafarer 2020: History, significance and campaign for this year

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): Almost 90 per cent of the world’s goods trade are transported by ships and behind these ships are the seafarers who are working hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly, according to International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Each year on June 25, the Day of the Seafarer is celebrated to pay respect to seafarers and sailors who help the entire world function by conducting sea transport. The annual ay of the Seafarer will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

In 2010, the International Maritime Organization, which is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping, decided to designate June 25 as International Day of the Seafarer. It was done to highlight the fact that almost everything we use in our daily lives is either directly or indirectly affected by sea transport.

This year, seafarers are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods, such as food, medicines and medical supplies.

However, the crisis has led to difficult working conditions for seafarers, including uncertainties and difficulties about port access, re-supply, crew changeovers and repatriation.

The Day of the Seafarer campaign calls on Member States to recognize seafarers as key workers–to provide them with the support, assistance and travel options open to all key workers during the pandemic.

The campaign pays tribute to seafarers, acknowledging their sacrifice and the issues they face. In support, IMO will be holding a webinar on the theme “Seafarers are key workers: Essential to shipping, essential to the world”

-RJV

Coronavirus cases exceed 9.4 million worldwide

Coronavirus

New Delhi (NVI): More than 9.4 million cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed worldwide, while more than 4,80,000 people have died due to the deadly contagion, according to John Hopkins University tally.

In the US, more than 2.3 million coronavirus cases have been recorded. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will require travelers from states with high cases to quarantine for two weeks. At least 26 US states are seeing rising infections.

The total number of cases in Brazil have crossed 1.18 million, reporting more than 1,03,000 new cases in the past three days alone.

Mexico recorded more than 5,000 new coronavirus cases, as the country nears 2,00,000 total confirmed infections.

China confirmed 19 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Beijing has increased daily nucleic acid testing capicity to more than 300,000 samples a day, compared with about 40,000 previously after spike in cases in being reported.

In addition to this, the Australian airline Qantas is firing at least 6,000 people – 20 percent of its workforce – as part of a series of drastic measures to deal with the impact of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the number of cases worldwide is expected to reach 10 million next week, the World Health Organization has said, warning that the virus has yet to peak in the America.

-CHK

Encounter rages in north Kashmir’s Baramulla

encounter
File photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): An encounter broke out today between security forces and terrorists in Hardshiva area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said.

A police official said that joint teams of police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of terrorists in village Hardshiva in the apple town of Sopore.

When the joint teams of security forces zeroed in on a suspected house, the hiding terrorists opened fire at the forces triggering an encounter. “Heavy exchange of fire is going on from both sides,” a police officer said, adding that two to three terrorists are believed to be hiding in the house.

This is the first encounter in north Kashmir after a long gap as 108 terrorists have been killed this year so far of which 90 per cent were killed in South Kashmir districts — Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar had stated recently that militancy would be wiped out from South Kashmir in the remaining months of the ensuing month and the focus will be shifted to north Kashmir.

-CHK

India’s COVID tally crosses 4.73 lakh cases, death toll at 14,894

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw the highest single-day rise of 16,922 in the last 24 hours, raising the total number to 4,73,105, Union Health Ministry said.

The death toll due to the virus rose to 14,894, with 418 new fatalities, highest every in a day, were reported in the past 24 hours.

So far, 2,71,697 patients have been cured or discharged from the hospitals in the country.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 1,42,900, followed by Delhi with 70,390 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 67,468 cases.

The other worst affected states are Gujarat (28,943), Uttar Pradesh (19,557), Rajasthan (16,009) and West Bengal (15,173).

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of fatalities at 6,739, followed by 1,735 in Gujarat and 866 in Tamil Nadu.

The death toll in the national capital rose to 2,365, while 41,437 patients in Delhi have recovered so far, the healthy ministry data shows.

Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Bengaluru is witnessing a sudden rise in cases and the state’s Health Minister B Sriramulu has hinted that if this continues, there might be a complete lockdown in the city soon. Today, 397 fresh cases and 14 more deaths were reported in Karnataka, as the tally crossed the 10,000 mark.

-RJV

Solid waste management plant inaugurated in Chhattisgarh

Raipur/Hyderabad (NVI): A large solid waste management plant with a capacity of treating 700 tons of solid waste per day was inaugurated in Raipur today.

The project was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel.

The project was launched with an outlay of Rs 197 crore, of which Rs 127 crore has been used in setting up the processing plant by Hyderabad-based Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL), a leading provider of comprehensive environment management services.

”The plant is spread across 67 acres of land and has a capacity of managing 700 tons per day and the potential to generate 12 MW of power in the future,” REEL said in a press release.

The company has also built a processing plant and scientific landfill at the location and is operating as per PPP (Public Private Partnership) model, it added.

As per a 15-year contract between the Municipal Corporation of Raipur and Delhi MSW Solution Limited (A Ramky Company), the treatment plant has been set up in Sakri, a district located at 15 kms north of Raipur city.

Masood Mallick, Joint Managing Director of REEL, said, “We are extremely pleased to announce the launch of Ramky’s largest plant in the State of Chhattisgarh that has the capacity of managing 700 to 1000 tons of waste per day.”

Speaking about the launch of the new plant, Mr Aijaz Dhebar, Mayor of Raipur said, “We are delighted to have witnessed the inauguration of Chhattisgarh’s largest solid waste management plant, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and its impact on human health plus the economy is intensifying with every passing day.”

J&K: 15 cops, 3 CRPF men among 186 new positive cases, tally at 6,422

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 186 new Covid-19 cases that include 11 policemen, three CRPF personnel, a BSF jawan and a pregnant woman, taking the total number of positive cases in the Union Territory to 6,422.

Officials said that among 186 new cases, 80 were tested positive at SKIMS, 64 at CD hospital, 19 at JVC Bemina and rest at other hospitals. “The new cases include 11 policemen, three CRPF personnel, a BSF man and a pregnant woman too,” they said.

Among 186 new cases, 160 belong to Kashmir division while 28 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 4,998 including 2,900 recoveries and 78 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 1,424 including 918 recoveries and 10 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in J&K is 2,516 including 2,020 from Kashmir and 496 from Jammu.

With 176 more recoveries, the tally of total persons recovered in the UT has reached 3,838 which is 59.45 percent of the total cases.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 2 from Kulgam, 29 from Srinagar, 35 from Shopian, 8 from Anantnag, 37 from Baramulla, 22 from Kupwara, 19 from Pulwama and 1 from Budgam, 2 from Bandipora and 3 from Ganderbal in Kashmir while 28 from Jammu division include 7 from district Jammu, 2 each from Poonch and Kathua, 3 from Udhampur, 4 from Samba, 8 from Rajouri and 1 each from Doda and Reasi.

As per officials figures, 711 positive cases including 11 deaths and 489 recoveries are from Kulgam, 752 including 21 deaths and 228 recoveries from Srinagar, 671 including 452 recoveries and 10 deaths from Shopian, 622 including 6 deaths and 443 recoveries from Anantnag, 670 including 14 deaths and 334 recoveries from Baramulla, 482 including 344 recoveries and 5 deaths from Kupwara, 280 including 235 recoveries and 1 death from Bandipora, 387 including 163 recoveries and 4 deaths from Pulwama, 347 including 153 recoveries and 6 deaths are from Budgam, and 76 including 59 recoveries are from Ganderbal.

In Jammu division, 318 including 240 recoveries and 7 deaths are from Jammu district, 217 including 150 recoveries and 1 death are from Udhampur, 213 including 134 recoveries are from Ramban, 203 including 117 recoveries are from Kathua, 132 including 60 recoveries from Samba, 118 including 87 recoveries are from Poonch, 91 including 1 death and 37 recoveries are from Rajouri, 71 including 54 recoveries and 1 death are from Doda, 36 including 24 recoveries are from Reasi and 25 including 15 recoveries are from Kishtwar.

As per the daily information bulletin, 2,65,652 persons in J&K are under observation while 39,599 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Apart from that, 2,516 persons are in hospital isolation while 31 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 1,75,758 persons have completed surveillance period and 47,660 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 3,26,430 samples are available out of which 3,20,008 have tested negative. 6,422 have been tested positive out of which 2,516 are active and 3,818 persons have recovered while 88 have died.

Amarnath Yatra: J&K LG’s Advisor reviews preparedness, security arrangements

Amarnath Yatra
File pic of Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar (NVI): Even though there is no final word from the J&K government over the time frame of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, J&K LG’s Advisor, Bashir Ahmed Khan today reviewed the pilgrimage arrangements with the officials from the administration and security top brass.

Officials told NVI that given the way administration is ensuring preparedness for the annual pilgrimage, it seems that the annual Yatra which is otherwise scheduled to be held in the month of July, is likely to be allowed amid certain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. Earlier, the J&K administration was in a dilemma whether to allow this year’s pilgrimage in the wake of deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Officials said that the LG’s Advisor asked each department to rise up to the occasion and make foolproof arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra. He asked the Divisional Commissioners to physically take stock of all the arrangements much before the commencement of yatra.

“Khan advised them to complete all the arrangements like clearing of track, installation of lights, water tanks, toilets, generators, PSPs, Public Address System, communication towers and road signage’s before the scheduled date,” official spokesman said in a statement here, adding that the Advisor enjoined upon the officers that medical teams, fire tenders, temporary ration depots and service providers like tents, beddings, ponies and Palkiwalas should be deployed days before the initiation of the yatra.

As per the official spokesman, Advisor Khan stressed that no dearth of essentials should be felt either by yatris (pilgrims) or administrative facilitators deployed there.

According to the official spokesman, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole gave a detailed brief of the arrangements made at the holy cave and en route for the yatra.

He informed the meeting that most of the arrangements have already been made and the Deputy Commissioners are now giving finishing touches to the arrangements as per the standard practices.

He further informed the meeting that all the service providers and facilities to be created have been finalised. He informed that most of the works to be carried out have been completed or are at the final stages of completion.

The concerned DCs informed the meeting that all the camp locations and facilities required there have already been finalized and worked upon. Moreover, the required men and machinery of all the concerned line departments are ready to move to the locations where they are scheduled to reach along with necessary supplies.

The official spokesman said that later, the Advisor also held a meeting with the security agencies to inoculate them about the security-related arrangements to be made at their end.

“He asked them to extend helping hand to the yatris especially in higher reaches as the forces have required set of skills and training for doing the same,” the spokesman said, adding that “the security officers informed the meeting that they are abreast with the requirements and are going to make requisite arrangements as per ground situation.”

Yesterday, J&K LG GC Murmu, who is also chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), reviewed the preparedness for the yatra at a high-level meeting. This year, the annual Amarnath pilgrimage is likely to be held for a shorter duration from a shorter Baltal route from July 23 to August 3.

-ARK

Baby born on Secunderabad-Howrah special train in Odisha

Subrat Kumar Sarangi

Bhubaneswar (NVI): A 32-year-old lady gave birth to a baby boy on Secunderabad-Howrah Special train at Khurda Road station today, as Railway doctors and a medical team sprung into action after getting information and helped in safe delivery.

Saira Fatima gave birth to the baby in Coach Number S-7 of 02074 Secunderabad-Howrah Special train at about 11:30 am, officials said.

“On getting information about the labor pain by the lady, Railways acted quickly and train was detained at Khurda Road where Railway doctors and medical team attended the lady to deliver the baby,” they said.

Later, the Railways arranged an ambulance and sent both mother and newborn baby to a local hospital. Both the newborn and mother are in good condition.

-ARK

Taiwan stepping up military preparedness as China increases activity

Representational Image (Twitter)

New Delhi (NVI): Chinese military has increased its activity around Taiwan recently, prompting a wary Taiwan to step up its military preparedness, including through deployment of assets to prevent Chinese troops from entering by sea.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND), Chinese military aircraft have flown into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone eight times this month only.

As part of the preparedness, the Taiwan Navy has held an exercise to hone its skills in naval mine warfare. Its Minesweeper Fleet conducted drills on deploying, detecting and sweeping for sea mines in strategic waters around Taiwan, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), which quoted the Navy.

At least one of the mines used in the drills was indigenously-developed WSM-II, it said.

The exercise, aimed at improving the Navy’s capabilities in deterring hostile naval vessels from invading Taiwan, came at a time when the Chinese military is becoming more active around Taiwan, the CNA report said.

Quoting an unnamed high-ranking military officer, CNA reported that the MND has made the acquisition of new-generation smart mines and fast minelayers a priority.

This is to increase the Navy’s ability to block Chinese troops from landing in Taiwan by sea during war, said the officer, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

A smart mine is capable of distinguishing and selecting its target through sophisticated sensors, posing a threat to enemies but keeping Taiwan’s troops safe, he said.

On the other hand, a fast minelayer can shorten the time needed to deploy mines, effectively disrupting enemies’ pace of attack and operation plans, he said.

The officer said Taiwan needs to develop more smart mines that fit the country’s needs, especially in shallow water areas, as the existing mines are mostly designed against deepwater vessels but not shallow water ones, such as amphibious vehicles and hovercraft.

He also suggested that Taiwan should build more fast minelayers or equip all Navy ships under construction with build-in mine tracking to enable them to lay mines in times of emergency, as the present practice of commissioning fishing boats to do the job is unreliable.

India, China hold diplomatic level talks on border stand-off in Ladakh

New Delhi (NVI): India and China today discussed the way forward in normalising the situation on the border along Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, as both the sides agreed to strictly observe and respect LAC during the diplomatic level talks.

The 15th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held through video-conference, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia), while Director General of the Department of Boundary & Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese MFA led the Chinese delegation, MEA said.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas in particular the situation in Eastern Ladakh. The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley area on 15th June that had resulted in casualties, the external affairs ministry said.

“In this regard, it was emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control,” it said.

The two sides recalled the conversation last week between the Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and reaffirmed that both sides should sincerely implement the understanding on disengagement and de-escalation that was reached by the Senior Commanders on June 6.

“The two delegations agreed that implementation of this understanding expeditiously, in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols, would help ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas and the development of broader relationship between the two countries,” the MEA said in a statement.

In this context, they also took note of the discussions in the second meeting of the Senior Commanders held on 22 June, it added

The two sides also agreed to maintain communication both at diplomatic and military level including under the framework of WMCC to resolve the existing situation peacefully.

-ARK

1...1,2361,2371,238...1,645Page 1,237 of 1,645

MUST READ