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USAID announces additional $3 mn to help India fight COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): The US government, through its aid agency USAID, has announced an additional grant of USD 3 million to help India combat COVID-19 pandemic.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the leading aid agencies globally.

This grant by USAID is in addition to the earlier aid announced on April 6 of USD 2.9 million to help India fight the spread of COVID-19.

US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, stated, “This funding will support India in its continuing efforts to combat COVID-19, and is yet another example of the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and India.”

The USAID is providing these funds to the Partnerships for Affordable Healthcare Access and Longevity (PAHAL) project, an innovative financing platform, the release said.

USAID has provided a total of USD 5.9 million till date to assist India in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. This assistance will enable India to curb the spread of COVID-19, provide care for the affected, disseminate essential public health messages to communities, and strengthen case finding and surveillance.

“Through this PAHAL project, USAID will support the National Health Authority (NHA) to establish a financial facility that can mobilize resources from the private sector to assist over 20,000 health facilities enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), scheme for 500 million poor and vulnerable people” release added.

For decades, the United States has been the world’s largest provider of bilateral assistance in public health.

In India, the US Government, through USAID, has provided in total nearly USD 2.8 billion assistance, which includes more than USD 1.4 billion in health assistance, which the US has provided to India over the last 20 years.

United States has called on other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

Covid-19 cases

New Delhi (NVI): On the 16th day of the extended nationwide lockdown, COVID-19 cases keep on increasing, with total confirmed cases at 33,050 and 1,074 deaths so far, according to the Union Health Ministry.

After the first confirmed coronavirus case in India, which was reported in the state of Kerala on January 30, the virus has tightened its grip across the nation.

Total positive cases in different states/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 33

Andhra Pradesh- 1,332

Arunachal Pradesh- 1

Assam- 38

Bihar- 392

Chandigarh- 56

Chhattisgarh- 38

Delhi- 3,439

Gujarat- 4,082

Haryana – 310

Himachal Pradesh- 40

Jammu and Kashmir- 581

Jharkhand- 107

Karnataka- 535

Kerala- 495

Ladakh- 22

Madhya Pradesh- 2,561

Maharashtra- 9,915

Meghalaya- 12

Mizoram- 1

Odisha- 125

Puducherry- 8

Punjab- 357

Rajasthan- 2,438

Tamil Nadu- 2,162

Telengana- 1,012

Uttarakhand- 55

Uttar Pradesh- 2,134

West Bengal – 758

State/UT wise total death toll in the country:

Andhra Pradesh- 31

Assam- 1

Bihar- 2

Delhi- 56

Gujarat- 197

Haryana- 3

Himachal Pradesh- 1

Jammu and Kashmir- 8

Jharkhand- 3

Karnataka- 21

Kerala- 4

Madhya Pradesh- 129

Maharashtra- 432

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 1

Punjab- 19

Rajasthan- 51

Tamil Nadu- 2

Telangana- 26

Uttar Pradesh- 39

West Bengal- 22

A total of 8,325 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 23,651 active cases currently.

Coronavirus cases top 3.1 million globally

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of positive coronavirus cases globally has crossed 3.1 million with the total number of fatalities due to the contagion has reached 2,27,600, according to John Hopkins University tally.

South Korea, which has recorded no new domestic cases of Covid-19 for the first time since February.

Four new infections were reported, all imported cases, taking the national tally to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, while 9,059 have been discharged, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, the total number of positive cases in the US has crossed 1 million with 58,000 people losing their lives due to the virus.

The US economy has taken its hardest hit since the height of the Great Recession, with its GDP contracting 4.8 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

The official death toll in UK went up by 4,419, after the government included deaths outside hospital for the first time, taking the total to 26,097 deaths in the country so far.

In addition to this, Brazil has become the new hotspot for coronavirus pandemic with a whopping 6,276 new cases being reported in a single day, taking the total cases in the country to 78,162.

Actor Rishi Kapoor passes away at 67

New Delhi (NVI): Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, known for his roles in films like ‘Bobby’ and ‘Karz’, passed away today at the age of 67 in Mumbai after a long battle with cancer.

The actor has been fighting cancer since last 2 years and was hospitalised at H N Reliance Hospital by his family members last night.

The actor had returned to India last September after undergoing treatment for cancer in the US for almost a year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid condolence to the veteran actor and also tweeted in this regard saying, “Multifaceted, endearing and lively…this was Rishi Kapoor Ji. He was a powerhouse of talent. I will always recall our interactions, even on social media. He was passionate about films and India’s progress. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti.”

Amitabh Bachchan, who worked with Rishi Kapoor in films like Amar Akbar Anthony and Coolie, wrote on Twitter on the actor’s demise: “T 3517 – He’s GONE .. ! Rishi Kapoor .. gone .. just passed away .. I am destroyed !”

Superstar Rajinikanth also paid tribute to the late actor. “Heartbroken … Rest In Peace … my dearest friend #RishiKapoor,” he tweeted.

Actress Priyanka Chopra also took to Twitter and paid tribute to the legendary Bollywood actor.

“My heart is so heavy. This is the end of an era. #Rishisir your candid heart and immeasurable talent will never be encountered again. Such a privilege to have known you even a little bit. My condolences to Neetu maam, Ridhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir,” she wrote.

In another loss to Bollywood, actor Irrfan Khan passed away at the age of 53 in a Mumbai hospital yesterday. Known for his roles in films like ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ and ‘Maqbool’, Khan had been unwell for a long time and was hospitalised after being diagnosed with colon infection earlier this week.

Covid-19 cases in India mount to 33,050; death toll at 1,074

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 33,050 and fatalities from the virus have gone up to 1,074, according to the Union Health Ministry.

In the last 24 hours, there have been 1,718 fresh cases of COVID-19 across the country and 66 people have died in a day.

Maharashtra continues to record the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 9,915 followed by Gujarat at 4,082 and Delhi at 3,439, as per Health Ministry data.

The other worst affected states are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

With no new cases reported in Goa, Tripura, and Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, these four states have become coronavirus-free.

Meanwhile, the mortality rate in COVID-19 patients in India is 3% as compared to 7% globally, ministry said.

At least 8,325 people have been discharged or cured.

Cop, 3 SSB personnel injured in grenade attack at Nowhatta in Srinagar

Kashmir
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Three Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel and a policeman were injured after militants hurled a grenade at Nowhatta area of old Srinagar late today.

A police official said that militants hurled a grenade towards police personnel in Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar at around 9:30 pm, resulting in injuries to three SSB men and a cop. “The attack took place near the main gate of historic Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta,” he said.

The injured cop has been identified as Constable Abdul Majeed while the three SSB men were identified as Sub-Inspector Anurag Roa, Head Constable Sananta Kumar and Constable Dugesh.

Officials said that the injured persons have been shifted to Police Control Room (PCR) hospital for treatment.

Civilian critical after being shot in Kashmir’s Handwara

Representational Picture

Srinagar (NVI): A civilian was critically injured after he was shot at by unidentified gunmen at his home in Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, police officials said.

The mother of the injured person, who was also present at the spot, fell unconscious and was taken to hospital for treatment, they said.

Officials said that unidentified gunmen barged into a house in Beigh Mohalla, Kralgund, Handwara and fired at Ali Muhammad Beigh, leaving him critically injured.

They said the injured person was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment with the help of locals and police, where his condition is stated to be critical.

A police officer said that Habibullah was fired from a close range by the unidentified gunmen. “His condition is stated as critical,” the officer said. Meanwhile, police and other forces have launched a massive manhunt to nab the attackers.

New guidelines on lockdown to come into effect from May 4: MHA

MHA

New Delhi (NVI): Considerable relaxations shall be given to many districts in the country from May 4, the central government said tonight.

The Union Home Ministry said new guidelines to combat Covid-19 will come into effect from May 4.

The ministry said that details regarding this shall be communicated soon.

MHA’s announcement regarding the new guidelines came five days before the final day (May 3) of extended 19-day nationwide lockdown by the Centre.

The Home Ministry had issued fresh guidelines on the extended lockdown on May 14, after the initial 21-day lockdown to combat Covid-19 had ended.

The development also comes hours after MHA issued a fresh order on the movement of stranded people across the country amid lockdown including migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, and students.

This also comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with chief ministers to discuss the situation arising out of Covid-19 in the country. In his virtual interaction with CMs, the Prime Minister had asked them to keep their plans or suggestions regarding the Covid exit plan ready, keeping in mind the gravity of the situation in their respective states.

The coronavirus deaths in the country have surpassed 1000-mark, with a total of 31,787 confirmed cases so far. However, some districts in the country have not reported even a single coronavirus case.

India entered an initial 21-day lockdown to contain coronavirus from spreading on March 24. It was further extended by 19 days (to May 3 ) on April 14 after an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

To enforce social distancing, several restrictions on the movement of people are in place including the freezing of bus, train and air travel services.

J&K: 16 more test positive in Kashmir, overall Covid cases at 581

Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today reported 16 fresh Covid-19 cases, pushing the tally to 581 cases in the Union Territory.

Officials said that all the 16 cases were reported from Kashmir alone. Of the new cases, Anantnag reported 9, Budgam 4, Srinagar 1, Baramulla 1 and Kulgam 1 case.

The J&K government said that 16 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals, of which five belonged to Jammu and 11 from Kashmir. As far as the district wise positive cases are concerned, Bandipora has 127 cases of which 102 are active, Srinagar 87 with 34 active cases, Shopian 71 with 58 active cases, Baramulla 73 with 49 active cases, Anantnag 71 with 70 active cases, Kupwara 49 with 30 active cases Budgam 19 with 10 active cases, Ganderbal 14 with 9 active cases, Kulgam seven with as many active cases and Pulwama 5 with 2 active cases.

The government in its bulletin said that in Jammu, 26 cases were reported so far of which 3 are active, Udhampur 20 with three active cases, Samba 4 with zero active cases, Rajouri 4 with 1 active case, Kathua 1 with 1 active case, Kishtwar 1 with zero active cases, Ramban 1 with 1 active case and Reasi one with one active case.

“Total cases reported in Kashmir so far are 523 while Jammu has recorded 58 cases. Kashmir has registered seven deaths and Jammu one so far,” the bulletin stated.

It said that so far, 68,846 persons were enlisted for observation while as surveillance of 53,110 has been completed. “Total number of active positive cases in J&K UT is 381,” the bulletin read. It said that J&K government has devised a robust mechanism of integrated health audit and intensive screening framework through mobile “Swasthya Nidhi App” for door to door survey to ascertain the spread of Covid-19 on real-time basis for large areas that would enable the administration in taking measures for effective combat against the spread of novel coronavirus.

The government, while reiterating its appeal to people to stay at home once again clarified that all social, religious and other gatherings are strictly prohibited.

J&K: Pak violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

Ceasefire
Representational image

Jammu (NVI): In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops resorted to firing with small arms and mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mankote and Mendhar sectors in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, defence sources said.

“After ceasefire violations in Shahpur & Kirni, again at about 1910 hours initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms & shelling with Mortars along LoC in Mankote & Mendhar sectors in District Poonch(J&K),” they said while adding that the Indian Army was retaliating befittingly.

Yesterday also, Pakistan violated ceasefire along the LoC in Shahpur, Kirni & Qasba sectors in Poonch, J&K.

In another earlier incident today, three militants were killed in an overnight encounter that started yesterday at Mehloora village of South Kashmir’s Shopian district. An army officer was also injured in the gunbattle, defence officials said.

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