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2.08 lakh Indians repatriated in 1,103 flights under Vande Bharat Mission

File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The national carriers of the country, Air India and Air India Express have operated 1,103 flights to bring back 2,08,000 stranded Indians from abroad under Vande Bharat Mission, Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal said today.

Addressing a media briefing, Bansal said that these two national carriers have also ferried back 85,289 passengers to various countries around the world.

“As part of the Vande Bharat Mission for repatriation flights for stranded Indians, as on July 13, Air India & Air India Express has operated 1,103 flights and brought back 2,08,724 Indians & helped repatriate 85,289 individuals to abroad as well,” Bansal said.

This development comes after Air India on last Sunday said that it will operate 14 more flights between India and the United Kingdom under Vande Bharat Mission for repatriation of stranded Indians.

These flights of Air India will be in operation from July 15 to 24. Moreover, the bookings for these flights have already been in process from July 13.

Furthermore, Air India will also operate additional flights under Vande Bharat Mission from July 21 to 24 connecting Frankfurt, Germany with Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi.

The government started Vande Bharat Mission – one of the largest initiatives to repatriate nationals back to India – on May 7, 2020.

Under this mission, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with Ministry of External Affairs and the state governments to carry out the evacuation.

-RJV/CHK

WHO, UNICEF warn decline in children’s vaccination due to COVID-19

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The disruptions in the delivery and uptake of immunization services due to the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to an alarming decline in the number of children receiving life-saving vaccines around the world, WHO and UNICEF have warned.

The new data by WHO and UNICEF indicate that these disruptions threaten to reverse hard-won progress to reach more children and adolescents with a wider range of vaccines, which has already been hampered by a decade of stalling coverage.

The latest data on vaccine coverage estimates from WHO and UNICEF for 2019 shows that improvements such as the expansion of the HPV vaccine to 106 countries and greater protection for children against more diseases are in danger of lapsing.

For example, preliminary data for the first four months of 2020 points to a substantial drop in the number of children completing three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3).

This is the first time in 28 years that the world could see a reduction in DTP3 coverage – the marker for immunization coverage within and across countries, according to the report.

“Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in the history of public health, and more children are now being immunized than ever before,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“But the pandemic has put those gains at risk. The avoidable suffering and death caused by children missing out on routine immunizations could be far greater than COVID-19 itself. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Vaccines can be delivered safely even during the pandemic, and we are calling on countries to ensure these essential life-saving programmes continue,” he added.

Regarding Covid-19 disruptions due to the pandemic, at least 30 measles vaccination campaigns were or are at risk of being cancelled, which could result in further outbreaks in 2020 and beyond, the report said.

According to a new UNICEF, WHO and Gavi pulse survey, conducted in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control, the Sabin Vaccine Institute and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, three quarters of the 82 countries that responded reported COVID-19 related disruptions in their immunization programmes as of May 2020.

The report also said that most people were unable to access the services because of reluctance to leave home, transport interruptions, economic hardships, restrictions on movement, or fear of being exposed to people with COVID-19.

Several health workers are also unavailable because of restrictions on travel or redeployment to COVID-19 response duties as well as a lack of protective equipment.

“COVID-19 has made previously routine vaccination a daunting challenge,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “We must prevent a further deterioration in vaccine coverage and urgently resume vaccination programs before children’s lives are threatened by other diseases. We cannot trade one health crisis for another,” she added.

There has been some progress though. Regional coverage for the third dose of DTP in South Asia has increased by 12 percentage points over the last 10 years, notably across India, Nepal and Pakistan, as per the report.

However, that hard-won progress could be undone by COVID-19 related disruptions. Countries that had recorded significant progress, such as Ethiopia and Pakistan, are now also at risk of backsliding if immunization services are not restored as soon as feasible, says the report.

In 2019, nearly 14 million children missed out on life-saving vaccines such as measles and DTP3. Most of these children live in Africa and are likely to lack access to other health services.

Two-thirds of them are concentrated in 10 middle- and low-income countries: Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Philippines.

Meanwhile, UNICEF and WHO have suggested the following measures:

• Restoring services so countries can safely deliver routine immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic, by adhering to hygiene and physical distancing recommendations and providing protective equipment to health workers.

• Helping health workers communicate actively with caregivers to explain how services have been reconfigured to ensure safety.

• Rectifying coverage and immunity gaps

• Expanding routine services to reach missed communities, where some of the most vulnerable children live.

-RJV/ARK

Debut container ship to Agartala via Kolkata port flagged off

New Delhi (NVI): Union Minister of State for Shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya, today flagged off the first trial container ship from Kolkata to Agartala through Chattogram Port of Bangladesh, in a virtual ceremony.

The container ship was sailed under the Agreement on use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports for movement of India’s transit cargo through Bangladesh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mandaviya said, “The route will open doors of new opportunities for both the countries. It will provide the alternative and shorter route to connect the North East Region through Bangladesh.”

“This is a historic move to utilize Chattogram and Mongla Port for movement of India’s transit cargo. It will be a new chapter in India-Bangladesh maritime relations,” the Minister added.

This movement will reduce distance and time taken in transportation of goods for India and is a win-win for both the economies.

In addition to this, it will also create jobs, enhance business services and generate revenue for both the countries.

The trial runs highlight the efforts that both sides have undertaken to strengthen the connectivity between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India, as per the understanding reached between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in October 2019.

During her visit, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India, were concluded.

-CHK

Disengagement process at LAC intricate, requires constant verification: Army

New Delhi (NVI): Two days after the fourth round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China, the Army today said that although the two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement at Line of Actual Control (LAC), the process is “intricate” and requires “constant verification”.

The military-level talks held were on Tuesday at Chushul on the Indian side of LAC to finalise modalities for the next phase of de-escalation and disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh.

In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Defence said that July 14 Commanders’ meeting was consistent with the consensus reached between the Special Representatives of India and China to discuss complete disengagement.

To recall, the SR level talks were held on July 5, in which the Indian side was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Chinese side was represented by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Meanwhile, hours after Army’s statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the process of disengagement along the LAC is complex and therefore, unsubstantiated and inaccurate reports need to be avoided.

At the same time, the MEA said that there is absolutely no change with respect to India’s position on the Line of Actual Control. “We are fully committed to observing and respecting the LAC. Any unilateral attempts to change the status quo along the LAC are not acceptable.” it added.

The July 14 meeting was held between XIV Corps Commander Harinder Singh and South Xinjiang Military Region Commander Major General Liu Lin to resolve the standoff which started early May.

At the military level meeting, the Senior Commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement, the MoD said in a statement.

However, the mention of intricacy and constant verification in disengagement of troops at LAC indicates that the process will take some more time.

Although disengagement has been seen at Patrolling Point 14 (PP14) in Galwan Valley, where the deadly clashes took place, and Hot Springs and Gogra Post areas, India’s focus is now towards disengagement at the north bank of Pangong Tso, which seems to be another challenge.

In the first signs of withdrawal of Chinese troops along LAC in Eastern Ladakh earlier last week, the PLA removed tents and dismantled its structures in the disputed area.

India and China are currently locked in a bitter standoff at multiple locations in Eastern Ladakh, especially after the June 15 violent clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

-ARK

IMD issues red alert for Mumbai as heavy rains continue

(File/representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) today issued red alert for Mumbai and other coastal areas of Maharashtra following heavy rainfall in the region.

The Met department said that the rains in Mumbai continued for the third consecutive day. The city has been witnessing heavy rains since Tuesday night, resulting in water logging in many areas.

In the last 24 hours, several Mumbai areas like Bandra, Bandra Kurla Complex, Santacruz, Colaba, Mahalaxmi, Worli have received over 10 cm of rainfall.

The Met department has predicted that the captial would continue to receive heavy rains for almost six more hours.

The city is also likely to experience a general cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rainfall in the city and suburbs. Isolated regions are also expected to receive very heavy rain as well, IMD said.

 

However, to ensure the safety of the public, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged everyone to follow all necessary precautions, stay away from the shore, and not venture out into waterlogged areas.

-RJV

PM to address High-Level Segment of UN Economic & Social Council tmrw

PM expresses happiness over rise in India's leopard population
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a keynote address tomorrow at this year’s High-Level Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council session.

The Prime Minister will deliver the address virtually. PM will be speaking at the valedictory session along with the Prime Minister of Norway and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the PMO said in a statement.

The annual high-level segment convenes a diverse group of high-level representatives from the Government, the private sector, civil society and academia. The theme of this year’s High-level Segment is “Multilateralism after COVID19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th anniversary”.

Set against the changing international environment and the COVID-19 pandemic, this session will focus on critical forces shaping the course of multilateralism and explore ways to bolster the global agenda through strong leadership, effective international institutions, a broadening of participation and enhanced significance of global public goods.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, this will be first opportunity for PM to address the broader UN membership since India’s overwhelming election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on 17th June, for the term 2021-22.

The theme of the High-Level Segment of the ECOSOC, on the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the UN, also resonates with India’s Security Council priority, wherein we have called for ‘reformed multilateralism’ in a post-COVID-19 world.

It also recalls India’s role, as the holder of the inaugural Presidency of ECOSOC (Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar, in 1946).

PM Modi had earlier delivered the keynote address virtually at the 70th anniversary of ECOSOC in January 2016, the PMO said.

-ARK

Odisha starts plasma therapy to combat COVID-19

Subrat Kumar Sarangi

Bhubaneswar (NVI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Plasma Bank at SCB Medical College & hospital, Cuttack, for providing treatment to the seriously ill COVID-19 patients.

Odisha becomes the third state in the country to adopt plasma therapy after Maharastra & Delhi.

A dedicated plasma bank has been set up at SCB Medical College and Hospital, designated as the nodal centre for the therapy. It will maintain a centralised registry of patients recovered from novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the therapy will be rolled out at Ashwini Hospital in Cuttack, SUM and KIMS Covid Hospitals in Bhubaneswar.

“This therapy will be made available free of cost to the people of the state,” Patnaik said.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister made an appeal to all the COVID survivors to come forward for donating plasma to help in the treatment process.

According to the experts, bodies of coronavirus recovery patients produce plasma in the blood which is given to a critical patient to fight COVID.

In addition to this, a 48-year-old critically-ill COVID-19 patient became the first person to receive the plasma therapy in Odisha at Ashwini COVID Hospital.

-CHK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): India’s coronavirus cases saw the highest single-day spike of 32,695, taking the total number of cases to 9,68,876, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 24,915 with 606 new fatalities being recorded since yesterday.

In worst-hit Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 2,75,640, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,51,820 cases, and Delhi with 1,17,993 cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 176

Andhra Pradesh- 35,451

Arunachal Pradesh- 462

Assam- 18,666

Bihar- 20,612

Chandigarh- 625

Chhattisgarh- 4,539

Dadar Nagar Haveli & Diu – 297

Delhi- 1,16,993

Gujarat- 44,552

Goa- 2,951

Haryana– 23,306

Himachal Pradesh- 1,341

Jammu and Kashmir- 11,666

Jharkhand- 4,320

Karnataka- 47,253

Kerala- 9,553

Ladakh- 1,142

Madhya Pradesh- 19,643

Maharashtra- 2,75,640

Manipur- 1,700

Meghalaya- 346

Mizoram- 238

Nagaland- 902

Odisha- 14,898

Puducherry- 1,596

Punjab- 8,799

Rajasthan- 26,437

Sikkim- 220

Tamil Nadu- 1,51,820

Telangana- 39,342

Tripura- 2,268

Uttarakhand- 3,785

Uttar Pradesh- 41,383

West Bengal – 34,427

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 452

Arunachal Pradesh- 3

Assam- 46

Bihar- 180

Chandigarh- 11

Chhattisgarh- 20

Delhi- 3,487

Goa- 18

Gujarat- 2,079

Haryana- 319

Himachal Pradesh- 11

Jammu and Kashmir- 206

Jharkhand- 38

Karnataka- 928

Kerala- 35

Ladakh- 1

Madhya Pradesh- 682

Maharashtra- 10,928

Meghalaya- 2

Odisha- 77

Puducherry- 21

Punjab- 221

Rajasthan- 530

Tamil Nadu- 2,167

Telangana- 386

Tripura- 3

Uttar Pradesh- 1,012

Uttarakhand- 50

West Bengal- 1,000

A total of 6,12,815 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 3,3,146.

-CHK

PM pays tribute to Swamishree Maharaj

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his condolences to Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, who was tested positive for coronavirus and had succumbed after falling seriously ill this morning in Surat, Gujarat.

He was admitted at CIMS hospital, Science City, on June 28 after he was tested positive for Covid-19. He was put on ventilator and also administered two doses of plasma therapy.

Taking to twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj was blessed with immense wisdom. His emphasis on community service, education and women empowerment will always be remembered. I will never forget my many interactions with him. Om Shanti.”

“We will always remember Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj for his noble service to society. He worked hard to alleviate human suffering and further compassion. He will be remembered by countless people, not only in India but globally,” PM further tweeted.

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s last rites were performed this morning and were broadcasted live at www.SwaminarayanGadi.com.

However, social distancing norms were compromised during the last rituals by his followers.

Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj was the fifth spiritual leader in Supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan’s divine lineage and was a successor of Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, and current Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases surpass 13.5 million worldwide

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 13.5 million people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, 7.5 million people have recovered, and more than 5,84,100 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

In the US, the number of cases rose by 65,682 for a total of 3.9 million with at least 919 new deaths added to the tally of around 1,37,000.

In Brazil, the total number of coronavirus cases are nearing 2 million and currently stands at more than 1.96 million while the death toll in the country has crossed 75,000.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has again tested positive for coronavirus. Since catching the virus, the president has said he remains in good health and he would resume his normal work schedule if he tested negative this week.

Mexico’s health ministry recorded 6,149 newly confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the country’s total to 3,17,635. The ministry also reported 579 new deaths from the virus, bringing Mexico’s death toll to 36,906.

In Australia, the state of Victoria reported two more deaths and 317 cases on Thursday, the largest daily increase in cases for an Australian state since the start of the pandemic.

South Africa surpassed 300,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. The country’s 311,049 cases make up close to half of Africa’s total.

-CHK

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