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India’s COVID tally tops 11.5 lakh; death toll at 28,084

India’s COVID tally tops 10.34 million with 16,505 new cases
(File/ Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in India saw a jump of 37,148 in the last 24 hours, rising the total number to 11,55,191, Union Health Ministry said.

The death toll in the country stood at 28,084 with 587 new fatalities being reported in the past 24 hours.

As many as 7,24,578 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 3,18,695, followed by Tamil Nadu with 1,75,678 cases and Delhi with 1,23,747 cases.

Other states with high corona cases are Gujarat (49,353), Uttar Pradesh (51,160), Rajasthan (30,390) and West Bengal (44,769).

Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of fatalities at 12,030, followed by 2,162 in Gujarat and 2,551 in Tamil Nadu.

The death toll in the national capital rose to 3,663, while 1,04,918 patients in Delhi have recovered so far, the health ministry data shows.

According to ICMR, as many as 1,43,81,303 samples tested for COVID-19 up to July 20. Of these 3,33,395 were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the West Bengal government yesterday announced a complete lockdown across the state for two days every week.

Apart from this, the Madhya Pradesh government also announced lockdown for two days consecutive days every week, including Sundays, in districts with high incidence of coronavirus cases in the state.

-RJV

J&K: Highest ever single-day spike as 751 test positive, tally at 14,650

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 the highest ever single-day spike in Covid-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic in March this year as 751 cases tested positive, taking the tally in the Union Territory to 14,650.

The new cases include 164 travelers, 50 CRPF men and 16 Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) employees. Among 751 new cases, 511 belong to Kashmir division while 240 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 11,623 including 6474 recoveries and 234 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 3027, including 1800 recoveries and 20 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in the UT is 6122 including 4915 from Kashmir and 1207 from Jammu.

With 463 more recoveries, the total recoveries in J&K has reached 8274 which is 56.47 percent of the total cases, which was over 63 percent a few days before.

Pertinently, Srinagar district alone has 3070 positive cases which is more than the total number of positive cases in Jammu where total cases are 3027.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 171 from Srinagar, 40 from Baramulla, 62 from Shopian, 11 from Anantnag, 03 from Kupwara, 111 from Pulwama, 94 from Budgam, 09 from Bandipora and 10 from Ganderbal in Kashmir while 240 from Jammu division include 12 from Jammu, 13 from Kathua, 23 from Rajouri, 33 from Udhampur, 90 from Ramban, 02 from Samba, 32 from Doda, 01 from Poonch and 12 from Reasi.

As per the daily information bulletin, 3,31,954 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 37,885 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 6122 persons are in hospital isolation while 13 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 2,44,948 persons have completed surveillance period and 42,732 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 5,18,029 samples are available out of which 503,379 stand negative, while 14,650 have been tested positive. Among positive cases, 6122 are active and 8274 persons have recovered while 254 persons have died.

-ARK

Indian Navy conducts passage exercise with US carrier Nimitz

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Navy today conducted cooperative exercises in the Indian Ocean with US Navy’s Nimitz Strike Group, which saw the participation of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, world’s largest warship.

The exercise was a big message to China amid the ongoing border row in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as China tries to expand its military influence in Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Navy units undertook the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the US Navy as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is transiting through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy spokesperson said in a tweet.

The Indian Navy had also conducted similar Passage Exercises with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the French Navy in recent past, the Naval spokesperson added.

“The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is transiting through IOR. During the passage, #IndianNavy units undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with #USNavy. Indian Navy had also conducted similar PASSEXs with #JMSDF and #FrenchNavy in recent past,” @indiannavy said in a tweet.

The US Seventh Fleet also released a statement on the exercise. “It was a privilege to operate with the Indian Navy,” said Rear Admiral Jim Kirk, commander, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.

“RADM Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, leads a powerful and highly skilled Fleet. The opportunity to have the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group join with his Fleet for a series of exercises improved our interoperability and is a testimony to the flexibility of both our Navies,” he added.

While operating together, the US and Indian naval forces conducted high-end exercises designed to maximize training and interoperability, including air defense. Nimitz CSG’s operations are designed to provide security throughout the region while building partnerships with friends and allies, the US navy said in a statement.

“Naval engagements such as these exercises improve the cooperation of U.S. and Indian maritime forces and contribute to both sides’ ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism. These engagements also present opportunities to build upon the pre-existing strong relationship between the United States and India and allow both countries to learn from each other,” it said, adding, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Indian Ocean in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

It is pertinent to mention here that the government has kept on alert all three defence forces following a bitter stand-off with China, especially after the Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

-ARK

IAF to induct first batch of 5 Rafale jets by July end amid border row with China

Rafale

New Delhi (NVI) The first batch of five Rafale Fighter jets is likely to arrive in India by July end, amid border row with China even as military and diplomatic talks are underway to resolve the situation in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“The first batch of five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale is likely to arrive in India by end July 2020. The aircraft will be inducted at Air Force Station Ambala on 29 July subject to weather,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Ministry also informed that no media coverage is planned on arrival. However, the final induction ceremony will take place in second half of August wherein full media coverage would be planned, MoD said.

Meanwhile, before of the induction of French fighter jets, IAF aircrew and ground crew have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft, including its highly advanced weapons systems and are fully operational now.

Post arrival, efforts will focus on operationalisation of the aircraft “at the earliest”, the Ministry of Defence said, in an indirect reference to the ongoing border tensions along Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

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.

20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the June 15 deadly clashes with the Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, which escalated the tensions between the two countries at LAC.

In another development, the Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) will be conducted from 22-24 Jul 20, at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) New Delhi. The theme of the conference is “IAF in the Next Decade”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to inaugurate the AFCC on July 22. The Defence Secretary and Secretary Defence Production are also expected to be present during the inauguration, an MoD release stated.

The AFCC will be chaired by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

During the three day conference, the discussions would take stock of the current operational scenario and deployments. The plan of action for operational capability enhancement of the IAF in the next decade will also be discussed, MoD said.

-ARK

Covid-19 impact: Indigo to lay off 10% of its employees

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): With the Covid-19 hitting hard several sectors including aviation, India’s largest airline Indigo has decided to lay off a tenth of its staff or about 2,800 people, to survive the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Chief executive of the airline, Ronojoy Dutta said in a statement today said, “And from where things stand currently, it is impossible for our company to fly through this economic storm without making some sacrifices, in order to sustain our business operation.”

“Therefore, after carefully assessing and reviewing all possible scenarios, it is clear that we will need to bid a painful adieu to 10 percent of our workforce,” he added.

Indigo flies one in every two domestic passengers but the Covid-19 restrictions air travel have taken toll on the company’s prospects. Globally, aviation and tourism sectors had to bear the brunt of the pandemic amid travel and movement restrictions.

However, the impacted employees of the airline will be paid ‘notice pay in lieu of serving notice applicable to them’, apart from a severance pay which will be calculated as one month of CTC (Cost to Company) for every completed year of service, subject to a maximum of 12 months, while their insurance coverage will be extended till December 2020, according to an official statement released by the company.

The airline had as many as 23,531 employees, as of March 2019.

-ARK

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

Representational image

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

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