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Onset of Monsoon over Kerala likely to be on Jun 5 this year: IMD

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New Delhi (NVI): This year, the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed as compared to normal date of onset of 1st June, the India Meteorological Department said today.

The monsoon onset over Kerala this year is likely to be on 5th June with a model error of ± 4 days, IMD said.

The advance of the southwest monsoon over Indian main land is marked by monsoon onset over Kerala and is an important indicator characterizing the transition from hot and dry season to a rainy season, the Ministry of Earth Science said, while giving the background of the weather phenomenon.

As the monsoon progresses northward, relief from scorching summer temperatures is experienced over the areas. Southwest monsoon sets over Kerala on 1st June with a standard deviation of about 7 days, it said.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing operational forecasts for the date of monsoon onset over Kerala from 2005 onwards. An indigenously developed state of the art statistical model with a model error of ± 4 days is used for the purpose, the Ministry added.

The 6 Predictors used in the models are; i) Minimum Temperatures over North-west India, ii) Pre monsoon rainfall peak over south Peninsula, iii) Outgoing Long wave Radiation (OLR) over south China Sea, (iv) Lower tropospheric zonal wind over southeast Indian Ocean, (v) upper tropospheric zonal wind over the east equatorial Indian Ocean, and (vi) Outgoing Long wave Radiation (OLR) over the south-west Pacific region.

IMD’s operational forecasts of the date of monsoon onset over Kerala during the past 15 years (2005-2019) were proved to be correct except in 2015, the Ministry said.

WhatsApp launches ‘check it before you share it’ campaign

(Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): To flatten the misinformation curve and prevent spread of rumours through messaging, WhatsApp today launched a new campaign called ‘check it before you share it’.

The campaign is meant to serve as a simple reminder to always double-check facts before forwarding. This is another step in the company’s multi-year campaign to address rumours.

“WhatsApp continues to serve as a crucial lifeline for people across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. People rely on WhatsApp to communicate with their friends and loved ones, often isolated and separated across long distances. During this time, 90% of messages sent are between two people and we have seen a significant increase in the amount of voice and video calling across India,” the company said in a statement.

Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, WhatsApp aims to empower people with simple ways of getting accurate and credible information.

The company had last month announced the MyGov helpline to verify covid-19 related information and posts.

To promote the MyGov helpline, the WhatsApp campaign conveys the precautionary measures that people should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 like to cough in elbows, stay home, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and to keep social distancing. People will be able to see these ads on Facebook and Instagram, and message the helpline with just one tap, the company said.

“WhatsApp takes the safety of its users very seriously. People across the country are relying on WhatsApp to talk to their loved ones, doctors, teachers and businesses during  this challenging time. Our priority is to empower people to directly connect with health officials and government agencies to rely on these credible sources to receive verified updates during the pandemic. This campaign helps convey our collective responsibility and the need to always verify before sharing information.” said Shivnath Thukral, India Head of Public Policy for WhatsApp.

“WhatsApp has taken proactive steps to support MyGov in its endeavour to ensure that people have access to accurate and verified information. Through partnerships with various stakeholders and institutions, together we are making credible information available to everyone. We can all play a part in flattening the misinformation curve, and it all starts with being mindful of the information we choose to share with our communities and loved ones,” said Abhishek Singh, CEO MyGov and President & CEO, National e-Governance Division.

“Right information about Dos and Don’ts also helps in driving behavioral change, so very vital in dealing with this pandemic. We urge people to rely on the MyGov helpline and reach out for timely and reliable health information,” he added.

J&K: Over 1000 Covid cases; GMC Srinagar gatekeeper among 30 more positive

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir crossed 1000-mark today as 30 more people tested positive for Covid-19 in the Union Territory.

With this, the overall tally of cases in the UT now stands at 1013.

Among the fresh cases is a gatekeeper of Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and two non-locals. Officials said that all 30 cases were tested positive in Kashmir division.

According to the daily media bulletin, out of 1,013 positive cases, 489 are Positive, 513 have recovered and 11 have died.

28 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals of Kashmir Division.

The bulletin further said that out of 70,306 test results available, 69,293 samples have tested as negative till May 15.

Providing district-wise breakup, the bulletin said that Bandipora has 135 positive cases (including 1 reported today) with 12 active cases, 122 recovered (including 5 recoveries today), 1 death; Srinagar has 153 positive cases (including 11 reported today) with 65 active, 84 recovered, 4 deaths; Anantnag district has 145 positive cases with 118 active, 26 recovered (including 3 recoveries today), 1 death; Baramulla has 116 positive cases (including 6 reported today) with 46 active, 67 recovered (including 10 recoveries today), 3 deaths.

Shopian has 107 positive cases with 44 active cases, 63 recovered (including 3 reported today); Kupwara has 85 positive cases (including 2 reported today) with 37 active, 48 recovered (including 03 recoveries today); Budgam has 52 positive cases with 31 active and 21 recovered cases (including 3 recoveries today); Ganderbal has 23 positive cases with 9 active cases and 14 recoveries; Kulgam has 72 positive cases with 66 active and  6 recoveries; Pulwama reported 15 positive cases (including 1 cases reported today) with 10 active, 5 recovered (including 1 reported today).

In Jammu region, district Jammu has 39 positive cases (including 1 new case reported today) with 12 active cases and 26 recoveries and 1 death; Udhampur has 24 positive cases (including 1 reported today) with 4 active cases, 19 recovered and 1 death; Samba has 11 positive cases with 7 active and 4 recoveries; Rajouri has 5 positive cases (including 1 case reported today) with 1 active positive case and 4 recovered.

Kathua has 21 positive cases (including 4 cases reported today) with 20 active cases and 1 recovered; Kishtwar had only 1 positive case who has recovered; Ramban has 6 positive cases (including 2 reported today) with 5 active and 1 recovered while Reasi has 3 positive cases with 2 active cases and 1 recovered .

The bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

As per the bulletin, the public has been informed that “people of all ages can be infected by the novel coronavirus.”

“The elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable towards severe illness with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene,” it said.

“The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meters from others and frequently cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water,” the Advisory added.

 

The Advisory also urged people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap and water.”

India’s recovery rate at 34.06%, doubling rate improved: Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi (NVI): The impact of lockdown has been seen on the Doubling Rate of Covid-19 cases in the country which improved from 3.4 days in the pre-lockdown week to 12.9 days in the last week, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said today.

Speaking at the 15th meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) held here today, the Health Minister said that India’s recovery rate is now 34.06%.

“So far, a total of 27,920 people have been cured. And if seen in the last 24 hours, 1,685 patients were found cured. This takes the total recovery rate at 34.06%,” Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.

During the meeting, a detailed presentation on the present status of COVID-19 cases globally and within the country was made.

“Worldwide the total number of COVID-19 positive cases stand at 42,48,389 with 2,94,046 deaths and the fatality rate pegged at 6.92%, whereas in India, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases stand at 81,970 with 2,649 deaths and the fatality rate pegged at 3.23%,” the Ministry said.

Apart from that, discussions were held on containment strategy and management aspects of COVID-19, as well as the measures being taken by the Centre and various state governments.

The GoM was briefed that there are 30 municipal areas which constitutes of 79 per cent of India’s total coronavirus case load.

During the meeting, it was also discussed that focus of COVID-19 management strategy needs to be on the States with highest number of confirmed cases and highest number of fatalities, and on treatment and case fatality management, for which timely detection of infection and contact tracing were the best way forward.

The challenges faced by various state and UT governments arising from the returning migrant labourers and the returnees from abroad were also discussed.

The GoM was also apprised about the growing medical infrastructure in the country and was informed that as on today, there are a total of 8,694 facilities comprising of 919 dedicated COVID hospitals, 2,036 COVID Health Centres and 5,739 COVID Care Centres.

In addition to this, a total of 18,855 ventilators are now available to combat COVID-19 in the country, the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Central Government has also provided 84.22 lakh N95 masks and 47.98 lakh Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to the states, UTs and central institutions, it said.

Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR who was also present, informed that the testing capacity has increased in the country to 1,00,000 tests per day through 509 government and private laboratories. Nearly 20 lakh cumulative tests have been conducted in the country so far. Advance machines for ramping up the testing facility has also been procured and ordered, he said.

Information regarding the efforts of Ministry of External Affairs in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to bring back Indian citizens from various countries was also shared. In Phase-1 of the exercise, around 12,000 Indians have already been brought back and quarantined in the respective states.

Hardeep S Puri, Union Minister of Civil Aviation; S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs; Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs; General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff were present in the meeting, among others.

50,000 people brought back to their homes so far: J&K Govt

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir government today said that as many as 50,000 people including students and labourers from the Union Territory have been evacuated safely from various parts of India and abroad amid Covid-19 lockdown.

All these people were brought to Srinagar through Srinagar-Jammu highway after thorough screening at Lakahpur. Besides, this, the government said that 7,264 persons were also brought home through special trains at Jammu and Udhampur till May 15.

According to a detailed break up about the figures, Rajdhani Express from Delhi has brought over 900 stranded J&K residents to Jammu this morning while two trains — one from Delhi and other from Aligarh today reached at Railway station Udhampur carrying 523 and 781 passengers respectively.

In a statement issued here, the government said that at Udhampur, the trains were received by Deputy Commissioner, Piyush Singhla, who had a brief interaction with the passengers about their journey and facilities. He informed that the district administration Udhampur has made elaborate arrangements for reception and departure of these passengers to their homes in different districts of J&K. “Corona warriors are facilitating the returnees to reach their homes”, he said.

The DC informed that the district authorities are ensuring strict adherence to the guidelines issued by Ministries of Home Affairs and Health & Family Welfare regarding COVID-19 during the boarding and de-boarding process in the district. “It is being ensured that the passengers observe social distancing and wear masks,” the official statement said.

As per the official communique, of the 49,218 returnees till May 15, 2020 (morning) coming via Lakhanpur, included 11,513 from Punjab, 18,286 from Himachal Pradesh, 3,905 from Delhi, 650 from Gujrat, 1,538 from Rajasthan, 2,401 from Haryana, 96 from Chhattisgarh, 2,666 from Uttarakhand, 326 from Maharashtra, 2,766 from Uttar Pradesh, 42 from Odhisa, 35 from Assam, 814 from Madhya Pradesh, 88 from Dehradun, 486 from Chandigarh, 316 from Telengana, 142 from Bihar and 3,148 from other states and UTs.

UK flies home 16,500 citizens stranded in India

UDAN scheme
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The UK has repatriated more than 16,500 of its citizens stranded in India via 64 special charter flights in the past 38 days, the British High Commission said in a statement today.

The British nationals were picked up from 32 locations, across the length and breadth of India, the High Commission said.

“Almost half of the Brits repatriated globally thus far on UK charter flights have been from India. It has been a large and complex operation with over 500 members of staff in India working around the clock to ensure flights operated smoothly and passengers could reach airports,” it said.

The High Commission office said that it worked hand-in-hand with the Indian government and local authorities to make the repatriation process successful as there was a strict lockdown in place the country amid the coronavirus outbreak.

One British national stranded in a remote village in Manipur had to travel more than 2,700 km for their flight home from New Delhi, it said.

Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said: “The last currently scheduled charter flight left for London Heathrow from Amritsar today with over 300 passengers on board. This unprecedented repatriation effort would not have been possible without the excellent support of the Indian Government. Continued cooperation between our nations will be essential in the fight against this pandemic.”

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, the UK Government has helped 1.3 million Britons from around the world return on commercial flights and organised special charter flights from 27 different countries and territories, the High Commission said in its statement.

The BHC further informed that there is no further planned UK Government charter flights but the situation will be kept under review. “These flights were organised for British Nationals. Where possible, seats were also allocated to vulnerable non-British UK residents with Indefinite Leave to Remain and to other foreign nationals,” it added.

Nepal’s Covid tally climbs to 258 after 9 new cases identified

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases have increased to 258 in Nepal with 9 new cases confirmed today, according to the local media reports.

According to the country’s Ministry of Health and Population, the new cases were confirmed through PCR tests conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory, Kathmandu, and Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj.

The infected persons include a 37-year-old male from Makawanpur, and 18, 20, 22, 25, 25, 27, 32, and 36-year-old males from wards-1,2, and 3 of Narainapur Rural Municipality in Banke district have been tested positive.

All of the patients are in normal health condition and in touch with health workers, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, there are 222 active COVID-19 patients currently undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country, as per media reports.

So far, 36 people have been cured or recovered from the virus.

Covid-19: 2 test positive at Rohingya camp in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar

New Delhi (NVI): Two Rohingya refugees were tested positive for coronavirus today at a refugee camp in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, according to UNHRC, the UN refugee agency.

The refugee camps in southern Bangladesh are home to more than a million Rohingya refugees.

The total number of coronavirus infections in Bangladesh rose to 20,065 after 1,202 new infections were reported in the last 24 hours.

The total number of deaths from coronavirus continues to rise as 15 more people died during the period, taking the total casualties in the country to 298, according to United News of Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, in line with the extended general holidays, the Roads and Highways Division (RHD) said the public transport services will also remain suspended until May 30.

414 new Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan take tally to 6,053

New Delhi (NVI): At least 414 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Afghanistan in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 6,053 across the country, according to Afghan media reports.

Among the new cases, 162 were reported in Kabul, 132 in Herat, 26 in Nangarhar, 19 in Samangan, 13 in Kandahar, 12 in Paktia, 8 in Laghman, 2 in Ghazni, 1 in Helmand, 5 in Kunduz, 9 in Jawzjan, 6 in Faryab, 5 in Zabul, 4 in Paktika, 2 in Kapisa, 3 in Badakhshan, 1 in Sar-e-Pul, 1 in Daikundi and 3 in Khost.

Kabul still tops the list with 1,718 positive cases of coronavirus.

According to the country’s health ministry, 17 people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 153.

Meanwhile, the Afghan government increased the testing capacity to more than 1,100 samples per day. Almost 1,122 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.

So far more than 20,854 samples have been tested.

The number of confirmed cases is going up as people are not taking the lockdown seriously and markets and streets are flooded with crowd since the last two days, despite warnings by the country’s Public Health Ministry, local media reports said.

At least 745 people have been cured or completely recovered across the country.

COVID-19 cases surpass 38,000 in Pakistan; 822 dead

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of positive coronavirus in Pakistan has increased by more than 1,500 cases, taking the overall tally to 38,290 with at least 822 fatalities recorded so far.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh province has reported 14,916 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 13,914 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 5,678 cases, Balochistan is at 2,310, Gilgit-Baltistan at 501, Islamabad at 866 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 105 cases so far, according to Geo News.

In addition to this, the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan has extended the suspension of international flight operations till May 31, according to the directions of the government.

Meanwhile, Punjab government has allowed large shopping malls across the province to reopen from Monday, according to media reports.

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