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Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till August 31; complete shutdown on Sundays

Odisha

New Delhi (NVI): Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Tamil Nadu has extended the lockdown across the state till August 31 midnight, with certain relaxations. However, a complete lockdown will be observed on all Sundays until August 31.

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said lockdown has been extended with fresh relaxations both for areas under Chennai City Police and in other parts of the state.

As for areas under the Chennai City Police jurisdiction, the Chief Minister said groceries and provision stores which were earlier allowed to operate between 6am and 6pm, would be allowed to operate till 7pm. The government has extended by an hour, till 7 pm, the timing of all shops and marketplaces

Furthermore, E-commerce will be allowed to ship both essential and non-essential goods. Restaurants and tea shops would be allowed to take in customers up to 50 percent of their seating capacity. Theatres, gyms, swimming pools and parks will remain closed across the state.

Night curfew will remain in place from 9 pm onward. Schools and colleges will remain closed until further notice.

In addition to this, the Metro and electric train services will remain closed. The ban on international flights will also remain, except for operations approved by the central government. The ban of buses will also continue. The existing operations of the Railways will continue. Theatres, gyms, swimming pools and parks will remain closed across the state.

Tamil Nadu is currently the second-most coronavirus-affected state in the country after Maharashtra, with 57,073 cases currently active out of the total confirmed cases of 2,27,688.

-CHK

Red Cross to buy 1.80 lakh Khadi face masks from KVIC

New Delhi (NVI): The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has received a purchase order from Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) to supply 1 lakh 80 thousand face masks.

The IRCS masks will be made of 100 per cent double-twisted handcrafted cotton fabric in brown colour with red piping, the KVIC in a statement said.

“KVIC has especially designed these double-layered cotton masks for the Indian Red Cross Society as per the samples provided by them. The mask will have suitably printed IRCS logo on the left side and the Khadi India tag on the right side. The supply of masks will begin by next month.” the statement added.

Furthermore, the execution of this order will require over 20,000 meter of fabric which will generate 9000 additional man days for the Khadi artisans.

KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena said that, the massive demand of Khadi Face Masks is a major step in the direction of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

“This order will help our Khadi artisans to produce more yarn and fabric and will further add to their income in these difficult times,” he said.

So far, KVIC has sold over 10 lakh face masks which include double layered Cotton Masks and triple-layered silk masks. The biggest order for face masks that the KVIC received was from the Jammu and Kashmir government for 7 lakh masks that has been delivered on time.

Approximately 1 lakh meter of Cotton fabric worth over Rs 1 crore and nearly 2,000 meters of Silk fabric of different colors and prints has been used in making these masks till now.

The KVIC received repeat orders from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister’s Office, Central Government ministries and orders from general public through KVIC’s E-portal. It has also supplied over 20,000 face masks to the Indian Railways too, the statement further said.

Apart from the sale, it has free distributed nearly 10 lakh Khadi masks to the district authorities though its Khadi Institutions across the country.

“Face Masks are the most critical tool to fight the coronavirus pandemic. These masks prepared from double twisted Khadi fabric not only meet the quality and scale of demand but are cost effective, breathable, washable, reusable and bio-degradable” Saxena added.

-RJV

Extensive use of antibiotic in dairy sector is making milk unsafe for use: Survey

New Delhi (NVI): Antibiotics are extensively misused in the dairy sector and its residues remain largely untested in milk, which is an integral part of Indian diets, particularly of children, according to a recently published CSE survey report.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Wednesday organised an online meeting on antibiotic use in the dairy sector.

India is the world’s largest milk producer — it produced 188 million tonnes in 2018-19.

Urban areas consume 52 percent of it, and the unorganised sector, comprising milkmen and contractors, caters to 60 percent of this consumer base; the remaining demand is met by dairy cooperatives and private dairies which represent the organised sector.

Dairy farmers indiscriminately use antibiotics for diseases such as mastitis (infection / inflammation of the udder), a common ailment in dairy animals.

Often, these include critically important antibiotics for humans; the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that these antibiotics should be preserved in view of the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.

“The abused antibiotics — despite a law against it — are easily available without the prescription of a registered veterinarian and stocked at farms. Farmers often inject animals based on their own judgment of signs and symptoms of a disease without any veterinary supervision,’’ noted the CSE in its report.

CSE Director General Sunita Narain said, “We are concerned. While we continue to struggle against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we are staring at another pandemic like situation — that of antibiotic resistance fueled by the way we are producing our food, which has become chemical-intensive.”

“Farmers often sell milk while the animal is under treatment, which increases the chances of antibiotic residues. While milk sold directly to consumers is not tested, contrary to what one would expect, processed milk sold in packets is also largely unchecked for antibiotic residues,” says Amit Khurana, programme director, food safety and toxins programme, CSE.

CSE has suggested a series of measures such as limiting misuse of antibiotics, particularly CIAs, and no-use of HPCIAs; modifying existing standards for antibiotic residues in milk accordingly; ensuring antibiotics are not available without prescription; and undertaking routine surveillance of antibiotic residues in milk.

The meeting was attended by a wide spectrum of experts and participants from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and representatives from specialised educational and research institutions, civil society bodies, and departments concerned from States.

-CHK

NIA raids truck driver in Kashmir in drug case

Lashkar-e-Mustafa

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The National Investigation Agency today conducted raids on the South Kashmir residence of a truck driver who was involved in a narco-terrorism case and was recently arrested with Rs 29 lakh hawala money that he was supposed to hand over to slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Reyaz Naikoo.

An NIA official said that a team conducted a raid in Nowgam in Khandaypora area of Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district at the residence of Hilal Ahmad Wagay who was arrested on April 26 in Amritsar, Punjab.

“The case was taken over by NIA after Hilal was arrested with Rs 29 lakh rupees Indian currency in Punjab,” the official said.

In a statement issued here, the NIA said that Punjab Police had also traced inter-state links of slain Hizbul Mujhahideen chief Riyaz Ahmed Naikoo with the arrest of his two accomplices including Ranjit Singh and Iqbal Singh who were in touch with Hilal Ahmed Wagay. Following the lead, NIA along with teams of Punjab Police and Haryana Police had carried out intelligence-based raids in Sirsa, Haryana.

“On May 9, National Investigation Agency (NIA) nabbed former Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo’s aide, Ranjit Singh, from Haryana’s Sirsa,” an NIA statement read. “The investigation found damning evidence against Pakistan based militant organisations that was using narcotic trade to generate funds for militant activities in India. The proceeds of narcotic trade are transferred to Kashmir valley through couriers and Hawala channel for militancy purposes,” it added.

Sources said that NIA teams recovered incriminating material from the residence of Hilal Ahmed Wagay. “Further investigation is on,” they said.

-ARK

Terrorists attack Army vehicle in J&K’s Pulwama

Army Casspir vehicle (File)

Srinagar (NVI): Terrorists attacked a security forces vehicle in Drabgam area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama today but no loss of life was reported in the incident, police said.

A police official said that militants fired indiscriminately at Army’s Casspir vehicle that was passing through Drabgam Payeen area of Pulwama district. “There was no injury or loss of life reported in the incident,” he said.

Joint teams of security forces including Police, Army and CRPF launched a massive search in the area to nab the attackers. Traffic was also disrupted for half-an-hour due to the attack and was later restored in the area.

-ARK

PM inaugurates new Supreme Court building in Mauritius

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth today jointly inaugurated the new Supreme Court building in the island nation that has been built with India’s assistance.

The building is first India assisted infrastructure project within the capital city of Port Louis to be inaugurated after the Covid pandemic, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The landmark project has been completed with grant assistance of USD 28.12 million from the Government of India, it said.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said the new Supreme Court Building in Port Louis is a symbol of “our cooperation and our shared values.”

“Both India and Mauritius respect our independent judiciaries as important pillars of our democratic systems. This impressive new building, with its modern design and construction, is a mark of this respect,” PM said while virtually addressing the inauguration ceremony that was attended by dignitaries from both the countries.

The PM noted the importance of human-centric approach as the underlying philosophy of India’s development cooperation and commended the role of people-oriented infrastructure projects in further cementing the close ties between India and Mauritius.

He said the new Supreme Court building with modern design and state-of-the-art facilities will be a fitting seat for the Mauritius judiciary. He also pointed out that the project had been completed on schedule and at a cost below initial estimates.

While underlining that the development cooperation with Mauritius is at the heart of India’s approach to development partnerships, the Prime Minister stressed that India’s development cooperation does not come with any conditions, nor is it influenced by any political or commercial considerations.

“India’s core principle for development cooperation is respect for our partners and the central motivation is sharing of our development lessons,” he said.

This, he emphasized, distinguishes the Indian development cooperation as marked by the core values of ‘Respect’, ‘Diversity’, ‘Care for the Future’, and ‘Sustainable Development’.

Noting that India takes pride in the achievements of the people of Mauritius, Modi expressed his confidence that the India-Mauritius partnership is destined to soar even higher in the coming years.

On the occasion, Mauritius PM Jugnauth expressed his deep appreciation for India’s support for the project as reflective of the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the construction of the Supreme Court Building with Indian assistance is a new milestone in the modernization of infrastructure in Mauritius and will help make the Mauritius justice system more efficient, accessible and inclusive.

The PMO further stated that the new Supreme Court building is in line with India’s vision of ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region’, and it demonstrates India’s role as a reliable partner of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean region as also India’s steadfast commitment to strengthen the future-oriented partnership between the two countries.

“With Mauritius, we share not only the waters of the Indian Ocean, but also a common heritage of kinship, culture and language,” PM Modi said in his address.

In his address, the PM also mentioned the landmark Metro project and a new state-of-the-art hospital that was jointly inaugurated only a few months back.

-ARK

Delhi Cabinet decides to lower VAT on diesel to 16.75%

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The Delhi government today anounced reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel from the existing 30 per cent to 16.75 per cent in the national capital.

In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, it was decided to reduce the VAT on diesel from 30 per cent to 16.75 per cent. The reduction will bring down diesel prices in Delhi to Rs 73.64 from Rs 82, the chief minister said.

He also added that, this is one of the several measures taken by our government to revive Delhi’s economy. Earlier this week, we had launched a portal to connect job seekers with potential employers.

The rate of diesel vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT, the national capital has the cheapest diesel rate while in Rajasthan a litre of diesel costs Rs 82.64.

Likewise in Madhya Pradesh Rs 81.29 while in Maharashtra Rs 79.81 and in Chhattisgarh one has to shell out Rs 79.68 for a litre of diesel.

The fuel prices have been on the rise since the daily price revision resumed after a pause of 82 days on June 7.

However, the rates of diesel have continued to be revised now and then in July. The cumulative increase in diesel price since June 7 now totals Rs 12.55 per litre while the petrol prices have risen by Rs 9.17 a litre.

-RJV

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India jumped to 15,83,792, after 52,123 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, the biggest single-day jump so far, according to Union Health Ministry data.

This is the first time that India crossed 50,000-mark in a single day.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 34,968 after 775 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 428

Andhra Pradesh- 1,20,390

Arunachal Pradesh- 1,410

Assam- 36,295

Bihar- 46,80

Chandigarh- 978

Chhattisgarh- 8,539

Dadar Nagar Haveli & Diu – 1,026

Delhi- 1,33,310

Gujarat- 59,126

Goa- 5,489

Haryana– 33,631

Himachal Pradesh- 2,403

Jammu and Kashmir- 19,419

Jharkhand- 9,861

Karnataka- 1,12,504

Kerala- 21,797

Ladakh- 1,347

Madhya Pradesh- 30,134

Maharashtra- 4,00,651

Manipur- 2,458

Meghalaya- 784

Mizoram- 398

Nagaland- 1,513

Odisha- 29,175

Puducherry- 3,177

Punjab- 14,946

Rajasthan- 38,964

Sikkim- 596

Tamil Nadu- 2,34,114

Telangana- 58,906

Tripura- 4,485

Uttarakhand- 6,866

Uttar Pradesh- 77,334

West Bengal – 65,258

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 2

Andhra Pradesh- 1,213

Arunachal Pradesh- 3

Assam- 92

Bihar- 278

Chandigarh- 14

Chhattisgarh- 48

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 3,907

Goa- 39

Gujarat- 2,396

Haryana- 413

Himachal Pradesh- 14

Jammu and Kashmir- 348

Jharkhand- 95

Karnataka- 2,147

Kerala- 68

Ladakh- 6

Madhya Pradesh- 843

Maharashtra- 14,463

Meghalaya- 5

Nagaland- 5

Odisha- 159

Puducherry- 47

Punjab- 361

Rajasthan- 650

Sikkim- 1

Tamil Nadu- 3,741

Telangana- 492

Tripura- 21

Uttar Pradesh- 1,530

Uttarakhand- 72

West Bengal- 1,490

However, a total of 10,20,582 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 5,28,242.

-CHK

Maharashtra extends lockdown till August 31; malls, gyms to open

Maharashtra
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The government of Maharashtra yesterday announced that it has extended the lockdown in the state till August 31 midnight under its Mission Begin Again plan.

The state government order stated certain relaxations and phase-wise opening in an attempt to contain the further spread of virus in the state.

This announcement came after Centre’s Unlock 3 guidelines, while keeping in mind the activities permitted and prohibited outside containment zones in the country.

According to the order, malls and market complexes without cinema halls, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am and 7 pm from August 5.

All other activities including barber shops, salons, spas, gyms etc, which were allowed earlier, will also remain open as per the current order.

Whereas, non-essential shops will also remain open from 9 am to 7 pm and liquor shops will be allowed to operate if permitted for home delivery, or otherwise.

The order further stated that concerned District Collector, Municipal corporations in the state may enforce certain measures and necessary restrictions in specified local areas on the permitted non-essential activities and movement of people.

The state government also added that such movement of the people in outdoor shall be restricted only till the neighbouring areas provided all prescribed and mandatory social distancing norms are maintained.

Earlier, the government extended the lockdown till July 31 amid a steady growth in the coronavirus cases in the state.

However, in worst-hit Maharashtra COVID-19 tally crossed 4 lakh-mark with 14,463 deaths while the recovery rate in the state stands at 59.84 per cent.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases surge past 16.9 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): Nearly 17 million people around the world have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus. Some 9.9 million patients have recovered, and more than 6,66,000 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

In the US, the total number of infections have crossed 4.4 million while the death toll has surged past 1,50,000 in the country.

In Brazil, the number of infections have exceeded 2.5 million meanwhile the number of fatalities have climbed past 90,000.

Australia has reported the highest number of confirmed cases since the coronavirus pandemic began. The state of Victoria is the worst-hit with outbreaks centred around care homes and workplaces in Melbourne and its sprawling suburbs. State authorities reported 723 new cases since yesterday and 13 deaths.

In Saudi Arabia, a scaled-down hajj has begun. This year, for the first time in modern history, Saudi officials have drastically restricted the number of pilgrims allowed to participate and enforced strict new health measures. Just 10,000 Muslims, all resident in the kingdom, are being allowed to perform the hajj.

China recorded more than 100 new coronavirus cases for a second consecutive day on Wednesday.

-CHK

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