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India’s COVID tally near 16 lakh-mark; death toll at 34,968

New Delhi (NVI): The number of coronavirus cases in India reached 15,83,792 after 52,123 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, the biggest single-day jump so far, Union Health Ministry said.

In addition to this, this is the first time that India crossed 50,000-mark in a single day.

Meanwhile, the country’s death toll stands at 34,968 with 775 fresh fatalities being reported during this period.

So far, 1,020,582 patients have recovered all over the country. With this, the recovery rate in India improved to 64.43 per cent.

In worst-hit Maharashtra the coronavirus tally reaches 4,00,651, followed by Tamil Nadu with 2,34,114 cases and Delhi with 1,33,310 positive cases.

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

In terms of fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 14,463 deaths, ministry said.

The death toll in the national capital surged to 3,933 while another 1,19,759 patients have recovered so far, healthy ministry data shows

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to July 29 is 1,81,90,382 including 4,46,642 samples tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, the government, announced guidelines for opening up more activities outside the containment zones from August 1, when the third phase of relaxations kick in.

-RJV

J&K records 540 new Covid cases, tally mounts to 19,419

Over 3,200 cops COVID positive in J&K and 15 succumbed to virus
File photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today recorded 540 fresh Covid-19 cases including 67 travelers, taking the total number of positive cases 19,419.

With this, 15,201 cases are from Kashmir and 4218 from the Jammu division.

Officials said that among 540 new cases, 389 belong to Kashmir division while 151 are from Jammu, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 15,201 including 9086 recoveries while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 4218 including 2236 recoveries and 25 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in J&K is 7749 including 5792 from the Kashmir division and 1957 from the Jammu division.

With 437 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 11,322 which is 58.30 percent of the total cases which was over 63 percent a few days before.

Pertinently, Srinagar district alone has 4476 positive cases which is more than the total number of positive cases in Jammu where total cases are 4218.

“Cases that tested positive in J&K include 203 from Srinagar, 20 from Baramulla, 15 from Kulgam, 4 from Shopian, 26 from Anantnag, 3 from Kupwara, 67 from Pulwama, 45 from Budgam, 3 from Bandipora and 3 from Ganderbal in Kashmir division while 151 from Jammu division include 49 from district Jammu, 17 from Kathua, 33 from Rajouri, 10 from Udhampur, 08 from Ramban, 12 from Samba, 06 from Doda, 05 from Poonch, 05 from Kishtwar and 06 from Reasi,” officials said.

-ARK

Army porter killed as Pak violates ceasefire along LoC in J&K’s Baramulla

Ceasefire
Representational image

Srinagar (NVI): An army porter was killed after Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, defence officials said today.

Defence spokesman in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation today along the LoC in Uri sector of Baramulla district by firing mortars and other weapons. “An army porter got injured in the CFV, succumbed to injuries. Befitting response was given,” he added.

Defence sources identified the slain porter as Altaf Hussain, a resident of Gohalan village of Uri. They said that the slain porter was working with the Army’s 11 Mahar unit and was posted with Tika Rajput, Lachipora post along LoC in Uri.

-ARK

Kashmiri IAF officer hits headlines due to Rafale jets

(Updating earlier story)

Anantnag (NVI) As India received the first 5 Rafale fighter planes from France, an Air Commodore in the Indian Air Force hailing from this district of Kashmir came to limelight.

Air Commodore Hilal Ahmed Rather is the Defence Attache in the Indian Embassy in Paris and played a key role in ensuring timely delivery of the jets, along with the special fitments required, according to people in the know.

While he hit the headlines as his name was associated with the Rafale delivery, back home in his native place Bakshiabad area in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, people are not celebrating, fearing reprisal from terrorists.

Born and brought up in a rich family, 52-year-old Hilal is described as hardworking since childhood by his neighbours and relatives.

A next-door neighbour said Hilal is the son of a retired police officer Muhammad Abdullah Rather. He is the youngest son of his parents among five children,” he said, wishing not to be named. “Hilal did his schooling from Hanfia School Anantnag and later joined Sainik School Nagrota Jammu after which he joined National Defence Academy (NDA),” he said.

A close relative of Hilal said the first he passed out from Air Force Academy as the best pilot and won many awards and honours in the field. “He got distinction in Air War College United States,” he said. “In 1988, he was commissioned in IAF and in the year 2004, he became wing Commander followed by group captain in 2010. In 2016, he became air Commodore.”

Hilal’s cousin brother, while speaking to NVI said that Hilal has also received Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. “Hilal was a very hardworking chap from childhood. He would study like anything and had a sharp brain. Today he has made his family and all his relatives proud,” he said while requesting not to be named.

Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat, an elderly neighbour of Hilal at Bakshibabad said dreams come true when people follow them. “It’s indeed a moment of pride for Hilal’s parents. Flying Rafale is not a joke. He received a good education from childhood and worked hard, set his goal and today, he fulfilled his mission,” he said. Asked why there are no celebrations at Hilal’s native house and the village, Bhat said “certain circumstances” don’t allow them to celebrate.

“Anantnag in south Kashmir district and the entire south Kashmir district is sensitive given the strife it has witnessed over the years. There is hardly anyone who would speak about Hilal. All fear for their lives,” he added.

At his ancestral house, Hilal’s elder brother lives along with his family. Over the years, Hilal lost his father and mother and has visited the village only a couple of times to participate in the last rites of his parents.

Meanwhile, social media is also flooded with wishes for Hilal. “Proud moment, for the people of J&K. First pilot to fly Rafale is Wing Commander Hilal Ahmed Rather of Sainik School and is from Anantnag, Kashmir. Presently he is Indian Defence Attaché in Paris France. He won the Sword of honour in NDA when he passed out and is the finest fighter,” one of Hilal’s friends tweeted.

Another friend wrote: “Hilal has an impeccable record of 3,000 accident-free flying hours in mirage-2000 MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft and will be associated with Rafale in India forever.”

Pertinently, the five Rafale Jets are the first batch of the 36 supersonic combat aircraft ordered from France that were brought to India today. So far, 12 IAF fighter pilots have completed training on the Rafale fighter Jets in France and few more are being trained to fly the jet.

-ARK

Unlock 3: Gyms to reopen from Aug 5, night curfew removed

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs today issued guidelines for Unlock 3 which allow yoga institutes and gyms to open from August 5 while night curfew will be removed under the new set of rules.

These guidelines apply for areas that are not in containment zones. However, schools and colleges will remain shut. The same goes for cinema halls and public parks.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID-19, with regard to the opening of gyms and yoga institutes.

Unlock 3 guidelines were announced by the Centre even as India registers more than 15 lakh coronavirus cases. This is the third phase of the ing of coronavirus-related restrictions across the country.

As per the guidelines, schools, colleges and educational institutes will remain shut till the end of August.

“In Unlock 3, which will come into effect from August 1, 2020, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

As per the guidelines, Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols, e.g., wearing of masks, etc. To recall, MHA has already issued instructions in this regard on July 21.

International air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. Further opening-up will take place in a calibrated manner.

Apart from that, metro rail will remain closed in containment zones. The same goes for swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations will also be allowed in areas outside containment zones.

-ARK

Three wind projects dedicated to the nation by Power Minister

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): Three wind projects with 800 MW capacity, which can provide enough clean energy to power more than 6,00,000 homes and avoid over 2 million tonnes/annum of carbon dioxide emissions, were today dedicated to the nation my Union Power Minister, Raj Kumar Singh.

Sembcorp Energy India Limited (SEIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, today announced completion of its latest 800MW wind power projects, bringing its India renewable energy capacity to 1730MW.

Bhanu Pratap Yadav, Joint Secretary, MNRE, along with several other dignitaries joined Wong Kim Yin, Group President and CEO, Sembcorp Industries from Singapore and Vipul Tuli, Managing Director, Sembcorp Energy India Limited virtually, to commemorate this milestone.

With the full commissioning of its 300MW SECI’s 3 wind projects, Sembcorp becomes the first independent power producer to fully commission its projects awarded in the first three wind auctions held by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

This capacity is also the largest operational wind capacity with any developer to-date from SECI auctions.

Singh congratulated SEIL and Singapore Government for their work and commitment in their work in field of renewable energy sector. He said that we are determined to achieve energy transition for which we will ensure transparency, fairness and level playing field to our partners in the sector.

Wong Kim Yin, Group President & CEO, Sembcorp Industries, said in a virtual ceremony that, “India is a key market for Sembcorp’s Energy business. The successful completion of our SECI wind power projects is testament to the solid track record and expertise we have on the ground to deliver large-scale renewables assets. We thank the Indian government for their trust in and partnership with us to continue to provide sustainable energy solutions to support urbanisation, electrification and decarbonisation in India.”

Since entering the Indian market in 2011, SEIL has established itself as a reliable independent power producer in the country. With a presence across nine states, SEIL owns and operates 35 assets, adding up to a total power capacity of 4,370MW including 1,730MW of renewable energy.

-CHK

Cabinet approves New Education Policy, renames MHRD as Education Ministry

(Updating earlier story)

New Delhi (NVI): In a significant development, the Union Cabinet today approved the new National Education Policy (NEP), paving way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country.

The new education policy will allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India. The new policy also aims for the Universalization of Education from pre-school to secondary level with 100 % GER in school education by 2030.

“This is the first education policy of the 21st century and replaces the thirty-four-year-old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986,” the government said in an official statement.

“Built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability, this policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student,” it added.

With an emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education, the 10+2 structure of school curricula is to be replaced by a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively, according to the NEP 2020 approved by Cabinet today.

“This will bring the hitherto uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for development of mental faculties of a child. The new system will have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi/ pre-schooling,” as per the government statement.

NEP 2020 also emphasises on attaining foundational literacy and numeracy.

“Recognizing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy as an urgent and necessary prerequisite to learning, NEP 2020 calls for setting up of a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by MHRD. States will prepare an implementation plan for attaining universal foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools for all learners by grade 3 by 2025. A National Book Promotion Policy is to be formulated,” read an official statement.

As per the new education policy, the school curricula and pedagogy will aim for holistic development of learners by equipping them with the key 21st century skills, reduction in curricular content to enhance essential learning and critical thinking and greater focus on experiential learning. Students will have increased flexibility and choice of subjects.

There will be no rigid separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams.

The Cabinet has also renamed the HRD Ministry as the Ministry of Education. The name change was a key recommendation of the draft of New Education Policy.

The HRD Ministry name was adopted in 1985, during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, as it was changed from the ministry of education.

The New Education Policy (NEP) has been approved keeping in mind the need to emphasise the use of technology in education and helping students in adapting to learn through the use of technology such as online courses, educational platforms, and class-wise broadcasting on dedicated channels of education.

The new policy will replace the existing National Policy on Education which was first formulated in 1986 and last modified in 1992.

Among major suggestions under the NEP include a central regulatory body for all school boards to ensure uniform education levels across the country. And teaching in regional languages was also among the suggestions.

-CHK/ARK

Domestic tourism will help in boosting the economy post COVID-19: Prahlad Singh

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New Delhi (NVI): The pandemic has deeply impacted the travel industry and opening up of domestic tourism will help in boosting the economy post COVID-19, Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, today said.

Addressing the webinar ‘Tourism E-Conclave: Travel & Hospitality: What’s Next?’, organized by FICCI, Patel said, ”The need is to have coordinated and concerted efforts from all stakeholders including the government, state governments, various ministries and industry.”

Patel also said that the travel and hospitality industry is struggling to survive and the government should provide relief to the sector by way of considering reduction in bills and charges for hotels and other such measures.

“There are barriers in opening up of the sector and urged the industry to share its recommendations to overcome them with the tourism and finance ministries and other departments,” he said.

Alluding to the importance of collaboration and synergy among the stakeholders, the tourism minister said that he has been writing to Chief Ministers of various states to jointly work towards saving and reviving the tourism sector.

Furthermore, he has also written to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to open the tiger reserves with the requisite road infrastructure. 

The minister said that the need is to identify priority areas in the travel and hospitality sector in tandem with state governments for developing various circuits in the country. He added that with COVID-19, we are facing an unprecedented challenge but the industry has maintained a positive stance and is working towards the survival and revival of the tourism sector.

While being present on the occasion, Vishal Kumar Dev, Commissioner Cum Secretary, Tourism Department and Sports & Youth Services Department, said that COVID-19 has provided us with an opportunity to think about new tourism products and new ways of promoting tourism within the country.

He added, “Domestic tourism will be a priority for us, especially for the next few years. He added that Odisha has finalized the road itinerary between Odisha and major cities of India to give a boost to tourism sector and will start promoting it in September. “

Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI said that tourism is the most affected sector by the pandemic and to boost the local economy, many states across the country have started opening up tourism, which is encouraging. He added that during the two-day conclave policymakers and industry leaders will deliberate on how tourism industry can move forward in the changing environment.

-CHK

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, Srinagar markets abuzz with shoppers amid pandemic

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): As the Srinagar administration allowed the markets to open for three days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, thousands of shoppers thronged the historic Lal Chowk and downtown areas for shopping, amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed 337 lives in the Union Territory so far.

Kashmir was under tight grip of lockdown from July 22 to 27. The Srinagar administration said that lockdown will remain in place and markets will be allowed to open from July 29 for three days i.e. till July 31. Eid will be celebrated across Kashmir on August 1.

A large number of people flooded Lal Chowk, the city centre and the commercial hub of Srinagar for Eid purchases. Women, girls, kids also came out on the streets for shopping.

“Over the past year, Srinagar markets have hardly opened. Initially after August 4 last year, when the Centre announced abrogation of Article 370, markets remained shut till November. And when we were hoping for a tourist season this year in February, pandemic played spoilsport and triggered shutdown,” said Imtiyaz Ahmed, who runs a kids-wear store. He said that today somehow, customers arrived in the markets raising hope of hundreds of shopkeepers.

Rashid Bhat, a shopper, said he was delighted to see the markets open and abuzz but added that hardly no one was following Covid-19 guidelines. “Not even five percent of the people I saw in the market, were wearing face masks. Social distancing seemed to be a cruel joke. People of Kashmir are taking the deadly disease very lightly and results are in front of us,” he said.

Majority of the shopkeepers were, however, seen wearing masks while hand sanitizers were available at every shop. People present in the market told NVI that huge traffic snarls were also witnessed in the city centre due to the rush.

Many people were seen buying sacrificial animals too which includes sheep, goat etc. People however, alleged that those selling sacrificial animals were not following the rates fixed by the government which is 240 per kg for sheep and 210 per kg for goats. “There is no checking squad of government. People selling sacrificial animals are fleecing common people,” alleged Yasin Bhat, who purchased two sheep weighing 85 kgs at the rate of 300 per kg.

-CHK

More than half of Mumbai slum residents have COVID antibodies: Sero survey

New Delhi (NVI): A serological-survey conducted in Mumbai showed that more than half the population, or 57 per cent, tested in slums had been exposed to coronavirus, while only 16 per cent of those tested in residential societies.

The survey was conducted by Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) along with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Niti Aayog.

According to the survey, infection rate among women was found to be higher than men had developed antibodies. Among people in slums, 59.3 per cent of the 2,297 women tested, and 53.2 per cent of the 1,937 men tested had antibodies against COVID-19.

In non-slum areas, 16.8 per cent of women tested and 14.9 per cent of men tested had developed antibodies, it added.

A total of 8,870 people targeted 6,936 were surveyed indicating that people in non-slums were reluctant to take part in the survey. These samples were collected from the general population from Mumbai’s Dahisar, Chembur and Matunga areas.

The duration of this survey was 12 to 14 days in the month of July and a second round of sero-survey will be conducted a month later.

The BMC authorities who conducted the survey said, shared facilities such as toilets, high population density and lack of social distancing may be among reasons why those living in slums were 3.5 times more exposed to the virus than people in residential societies.

In view of the current prevalence, the death rate of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai is still being considered low.

This sero-survey suggests that the low death rate can also be attributed to the implementation of effective measures by the BMC along with its efforts to prevent further spread of virus.

However, the alarming rise of coronavirus cases in non-slum areas has also been reduced with the help of more cleanliness and social distancing.

So far, Mumbai has recorded 1,10,846 coronavirus cases and 6,184 deaths.

-RJV

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