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India’s first of its kind public EV charging plaza comes up in Delhi

New Delhi (NVI): Union Power Minister RK Singh today inaugurated India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza at Chelmsford Club in New Delhi. The EV plaza has been set up in the national capital with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting e-mobility.

“The EV charging plaza is a new avenue for making e-mobility ubiquitous and convenient in India. Such innovative initiatives are imperative for the creation of a robust e-mobility ecosystem in the country. My congratulations to both EESL and NDMC,” he said on the occasion.

EESL is spearheading the EV ecosystem development in India by undertaking demand aggregation for procuring EVs and identifying innovative business models for implementation of Public Charging Station (PCS), the Ministry of Power said in a statement.

“EESL in collaboration with NDMC has established India’s first of its kind public EV Charging Plaza in Central Delhi. This plaza will host 5 Electric Vehicle Chargers of different specifications,” it added.

Speaking on the inauguration of public EV plaza, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary, Ministry of Power said, “The charging plaza, with its compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles will greatly spur e-mobility adoption. This would make EV charging hassle free and convenient for the consumers, thereby making e-mobility adoption an attractive proposition.”

Union Power Minister R K Singh also launched today “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency” (RAISE) national programme. At the launch, RK Singh said, “I believe the RAISE initiative can potentially alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces across the nation and pioneer ways to make them healthier and greener. I look forward to the success of their programme and wish both EESL and USAID best of luck for their future endeavours.

Poor air quality has been a concern in India for quite some time and has become more important in light of the COVID pandemic. As people return to their offices and public spaces, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for occupant comfort, well-being, productivity and the overall public health.

EESL has undertaken a retrofit of its office air-conditioning and ventilation system in that cotext. This is a part of the larger initiative to “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor air quality for Safety and Efficiency” developed for healthy and energy efficient buildings, in partnership with US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE programme.

EESL’s corporate office in Scope Complex has been taken up as a pilot for this initiative. The pilot focuses on improving indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, and energy efficiency (EE) in EESL office’s air conditioning system, the Power Ministry said in a statement.

As per EESL, pilot project has shown very impressive results – about 80% improvement in Air Quality parameters with almost no implementation hassles. Considering employee’s occupational health and safety is paramount in any workplace amidst the COVID-19 scenario, EESL is keen to provide such solutions across the country with standardisation and demand aggregation approach.

Both the initiatives reaffirm the pledge for ecological preservation and building a resilient energy sector, undertaken by EESL and other key stakeholders during the “#iCommit” campaign held on World Environment Day.

-ARK

Rare yellow turtle rescued in Odisha’s Balasore

Subrat Kumar Sarangi

Bhubaneswar (NVI): A rare yellow turtle was spotted and rescued in Odisha’s Balasore district. A senior wildlife officer said it is a rare spotting as the whole shell and the body of the rescued turtle are yellow.

“This is a rare turtle, I have never seen one like this,” Bhanoomitra Acharya, Wildlife Warden said.

The yellow turtle was rescued by locals from Sujanpur village in Balasore district yesterday and handed over to the forest department.

Susanta Nanda, Senior IFS officer and Chief Executive of Chilika Development Authority tweeted that most probably the rescued turtle was an albino.

“A rare yellow turtle was spotted & rescued in Balasore, Odisha yesterday. Most probably it was an albino. One such aberration was recorded by locals in Sindh few years back,” he tweeted.

While sharing the photo of turtle, Nanda said it also appeared to have pink eyes, a feature that indicates albinism.

Albinism is a lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin, and/or hair. It is an inherited condition resulting from the combination of recessive alleles passed from both parents of an individual. This condition is known to affect mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

-ARK

Pakistan’s population growing rapidly with annual fertility rate of 3.6: Report

(Photo/The Express Tribune)

New Delhi (NVI): With an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple, Pakistan’s population is growing rapidly as the country is among the top two fastest-growing in the South Asian region, according to a world population report.

Pakistan’s total population is estimated at 220.9 million at present. The 2020 World Population Data Sheet, released recently by the US Population Reference Bureau, has also estimated the current global population at 7.8 billion.

India, with 1.4 billion people has the second largest population in the world but has reduced fertility rate, as compared to Pakistan, at 2.2, according to the report.

The report has also referred to the Covid-19 crisis in its estimates, warning that “population density in urban areas, household size, and population aging contribute to our vulnerability to pandemics”.

Meanwhile, the report marks Afghanistan and Pakistan as the fastest-growing populations. Although Afghanistan has a faster growth rate than Pakistan at 4.5 per couple, with high death rates and low life expectancy the country’s population is still at 38.9 million.

As per the report, at Pakistan’s growth rate — 3.6 — a population doubles in 19.4 years. A country needs to bring its growth rate down to 2 per cent a year to reduce its population. The replacement fertility rate is 2.1, the average number of children a couple needs to have to replace themselves.

Bangladesh’s total population in 2020 is estimated at 169.8 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.3.

On the other hand, China with a total of 1.424 billion people, still has the largest population in the world but has been able to reduce its fertility rate to 1.5. China’s population is projected to decrease by 2050, says the report.

The United States has an estimated 329.9 million inhabitants and between 2020 and 2050 its population is projected to increase, but at a much slower pace than in recent decades. The US has an annual fertility rate of 1.7, which forces it to allow immigrants to strengthen its workforce, says the report.

However, total replacement rates are below replacement level in 91 countries and territories, which account for nearly 45 per cent of the world’s population.

The report further finds that Middle Africa is the youngest region where 46 per cent of the population is under the age of 15 years. Southern Europe is the world’s oldest region with 23 per cent of the population aged 65 or above.

-ARK

Atleast 85 dead in Assam floods

New Delhi (NVI): Six more people have lost their lives due to floods in Assam, taking the death toll to around 85 in the state.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda has informed that over 70 lakh people have been affected due to Assam floods and heavy rains.

In addition to this, as many as 108 animals, inluding 9 rhinoceroses have died at the Kaziranga National Park. About 136 animals have also been rescued.

About 80 percent area of the national park was inundated with flood waters due to heavy rainfall. According to park authorities, among the animals that died, there are 9 rhinos, 4 wild buffaloes, 7 wild boars, 2 swamp deer and 82 hog deer.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Sonowal over phone to take stock of the situation and assured all support to the state.

-CHK

13 Afghan forces killed in Taliban attacks in Kunduz

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New Delhi (NVI): At least 13 Afghan forces including nine policemen and four soldiers were killed, while ten others were injured in Talian attacks in northern province of Kunduz in Afghanistan early this morning, reports TOLOnews.

The Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in PD2 of Kunduz city and on the Kunduz-Ali Abad district highway, the news portal quoted the country’s security forces source as saying.

“The clashes started at 1:00 am and ended after three hours when security forces pushed back the insurgents,” one such source told the portal.

He said that the Taliban have also suffered casualties but there is no exact information yet. However, the Taliban have not yet commented on the attacks, TOLOnews reported.

Yesterday, the Afghan news website reported that Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has recorded 17 targeted and suicide attacks on worshippers, imams of mosques and worshippers over the last nine months in which 170 people have lost their lives.

The report covers data from October 17, 2019 to July 13, 2020. To recall, in one such dastardly attack in March, 27 Sikhs including women and small children were killed at a gurdwara in Kabul.

Just a week ago, 10 people were killed after Taliban militants clashed with security forces, following a car bomb blast at a government compound in northern Afghanistan. A dozen others were wounded in the attack as northern Afghanistan witnesses a surge in such attacks, adding to despair over the faltering Afghan peace process.

-RJV/ARK

Covid-19: Sikkim to impose complete lockdown from July 21-27

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New Delhi (NVI): In view of recent surge in coronavirus cases, Sikkim government has decided to impose complete lockdown of one week effective from July 21 to 27.

In addition to this, the state government has also announced night curfew on a daily basis between 7:30 pm to 6 am.

During the lockdown, all activities and movement of persons, goods and passenger vehicles have been restricted.

Besides, all government offices, shops, commercial establishments, institutions, markets and factories will also remain closed, except where a specific exemption is granted.

Movement of people and vehicles required for supply of essential goods has been allowed.

While shops selling essential goods, ration and food items, have been allowed to remain open from 8 am to 5 pm, medical shops can operate till 7 pm.

Apart from this, all educational, training and coaching institutions shall remain closed till August 31.

Notably, Sikkim was the last state in India to report COVID-19 cases. This was largely attributed to the strict pre-emptive measures taken by the government in order to curb the spread of the contagion.

So far, the state has reported 283 cases of COVID-19, of which, 193 are active cases, 90 have been cured and two have migrated to other states.

-RJV

UGC guidelines for final year exams challenged in SC by students

New Delhi (NVI): The guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) have been challenged in the Supreme Court by more than a dozen students from various universities in 13 states and one union territory.

The UGC guideline dated July 6, stated that all the universities/ colleges have been instructed to conduct final year Examinations by September 30, 2020.

The petition has sought cancellation of final-year examinations for universities across the country, according to media reports.

Results should be declared on the basis of past performance and internal assessment of a student, the petition states.

The petitioners, which include a COVID-19 positive student, have pointed out that there are many final year students, who themselves or their family members are COVID-19 positive.

Furthermore, the petitioners have also sought awarding of marksheets and degrees to successful students by July 31, 2020. They have also demanded adoption of CBSE mechanism and providing of another chance to those dissatisfied with their marks.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had permitted the conduct of exams by Universities and Institutions vide a notification dated July 6, 2020 and had ordered the universities to compulsorily conduct examination of final year students as per UGC guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure.

-CHK

Lashkar module busted in Jammu, 1 held with Rs 1.5 lakh cash

Terrorist arrested
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Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir police today said that in a joint operation with the Army, a Lashkar-e-Taiba module was busted in Jammu that was involved in “terror funding” and cash worth Rs 1.5 lakh rupees was recovered from a person who was supposed to deliver it to Lashkar militants and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) operating in Jammu region.

A police spokesman in a statement issued here said that the person arrested by the police had concealed the Hawala money in a tiffin box. “On the basis of information received from reliable sources, a special operations group of police, Jammu and Army busted a terror funding module of the Lashkar-e-Toiba,” the spokesman said.

He said that initial information revealed that banned organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had activated a module of its members for carrying out militant activities in J&K, particularly in the Jammu region and in furtherance to it, delivery of funds was to take place in Jammu.

“Acting on the information, a team of SOG Jammu and the Army apprehended one Mubashir Bhat S/O Farooq Ahmed Bhat R/O Sazan, Doda who is a part of the same module and had been tasked by the handlers from across to visit Jammu and collect a consignment of Hawla money for further use by the militants and their supporters,” the police statement read.

It said that during a bag containing 1.5 lakh rupees was recovered, with the tiffin box containing cash. “Initial questioning revealed that the money was sent by Haroon; self-styled commander of LeT from Pakistan to be delivered to the militants through their over ground workers in Doda district of Jammu,” the statement said.

A case has been registered in Peer Mitha Police Station under sections 17, 18, 20, 21, 38 and 40 of UAP Act (1967) and further investigation of the case is going on to unearth its linkages, modus operandi, etc, the statement further read.

-ARK

Consumer Protection Act 2019 comes into force from today

New Delhi (NVI): The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, comes into force from today, replacing the more than 3-decade old Consumer Protection Act 1986.

The new law aims to enforce and protect the rights of consumers, and provide an effective mechanism to address consumer grievances.

While addressing a virtual media conference, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan said, “This new Act will empower consumers and help them in protecting their rights through its various notified Rules and provisions like Consumer Protection Councils, Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, Mediation, Product Liability and punishment for manufacture or sale of products containing adulterant / spurious goods.”

He further added that the Act includes establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.

Notable, the CCPA will be empowered to conduct investigations into violations of consumer rights and institute complaints/prosecution, order recall of unsafe goods and services, order discontinuance of unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements, impose penalties on manufacturers/endorsers/publishers of misleading advertisements.

Paswan also said that the rules for prevention of unfair trade practice by e-commerce platforms will also be covered under this Act.

The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, was introduced in the Upper House of Parliament by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan, on July 8, 2019. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2019 and Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2019. The Bill was then signed into law by President Ram Nath Kovind on August 9 last year.

It has taken almost a year for the new Act to be notified, despite the President’s nod in August 2019. Until now, the Consumer Protection Act (1986) has been in force.

Under the aegis of the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a product manufacturer and seller will be liable to provide compensation for injury or damage caused by a defective product or service.

The Act provides for a simplified dispute resolution mechanism, with a provision for mediation and e-filing of cases. The consumers can file complaints at a district or state consumer commission closest to their residence, rather than the location where the service or products were sold. Consumers can drag manufacturers and sellers of adulterated and spurious products to court and claim compensation, as is applicable.

In his concluding remarks, Paswan stated, “The new Act has been introduced after many amendments to provide protection to buyers not only from traditional sellers but also from the new e-commerce retailers/platforms. He said that this Act will prove a significant tool in protecting consumer rights in the country.”

-CHK

India’s Covid fatality rate among the lowest in the world at 2.46%

COVID
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New Delhi (NVI): The Case Fatality Rate (CRF) in India continues to register a steady downfall and dropped to 2.46 percent today, which is one of the lowest in the world, Union Health Ministry said.

In an official statement, the ministry said that effective clinical management of the moderate and severe cases through a well executed Standard of Care protocol has ensured high rate of recovery among COVID-19 patients.

The ministry further added that over 7 lakh people have been cured of COVID-19 and discharged so far. This has further expanded the difference between those who are active COVID-19 patients and the recovered people (7,00,086) by 3,09,627.

In the last 24 hours, 22,664 COVID patients have recovered from COVID-19. With this, the recovery rate now stands at 62.62 percent in the country.

Currently, there are 3,90,459 active cases in the country and all are under active medical attention in hospitals and home isloation, it said.

Meanwhile, the Centre is handholding and supporting the state and UT governments in collectively combating COVID-19.

In addition to this, one such initiative is e-ICU program of AIIMS, New Delhi, which is aimed at reducing the mortality rate. AIIMS has mentored and supported 43 big hospitals in 11 states through shared experiences and technical advice from domain experts in clinical management of ICU patients.

This has, substantially boosted their capacity in treatment of critical care patients, the ministry added.

-RJV

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