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Covid-19: J&K cases cross 10,000-mark as 268 more test positive

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today crossed the 10,000-mark in the total number of coronavirus cases as 268 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

Officials said that among the new cases, 68 were tested positive at SKIMS, 12 at JVC Bemina and rest at other hospitals. “The new cases include five soldiers and six CRPF personnel. Total positive cases in J&K have crossed 10,000 mark,” they said.

Among 268 new cases, 181 belong to Kashmir division while 87 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division has reached 7,985 including 4,427 recoveries and 153 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached 2,181 including 1,468 recoveries and 16 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir stand at 4,092 including 3,395 from Kashmir division and 697 from Jammu division.

With 109 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in J&K has reached 5,895 which is 58.04 percent of the total cases which was over 63 percent a few days before.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 67 from Srinagar, 23 from Kulgam, 37 from Baramulla, 01 from Shopian, 06 from Anantnag, 37 from Kupwara, 05 from Pulwama, 04 from Budgam and 01 from Ganderbal in Kashmir division while as 87 from Jammu division include 21 from Jammu, 03 from Udhampur, 20 from Kuthua, 06 from Samba, 03 from Poonch, 29 from Rajouri, 04 from Reasi and one from Kishtiwar.

As per the official figures, 1,611 positive cases including 42 deaths and 494 recoveries are from Srinagar, 1,288 including 32 deaths and 513 recoveries are from Baramulla, 987 including 656 recoveries and 18 deaths are from Kulgam, 888 including 16 deaths and 674 recoveries are from Shopian, 781 including 14 deaths and 592 recoveries are from Anantnag, 746 including 473 recoveries and 10 deaths are from Kupwara, 645 including 343 recoveries and 05 deaths are from Pulwama, 532 including 307 recoveries and 12 deaths are from Budgam, 336 including 289 recoveries and 03 deaths are from Bandipora, 161 including 86 recoveries and 02 death are from are from Ganderbal.

In Jammu division, 473 including 329 recoveries and 09 deaths are from Jammu district, 301 including 247 recoveries and 01 death are from Udhampur, 292 including 210 recoveries and 01 death are from Kathua, 254 including 206 recoveries are from Ramban, 269 including 88 recoveries and 01 death is from Rajouri, 224 including 137 recoveries and 01 death are from Samba, 142 including 01 death and 119 recoveries are from Poonch, 124 including 68 recoveries and 02 deaths are from Doda, 57 including 39 recoveries are from Reasi and 45 including 25 recoveries are from Kishtwar.

As per the daily information bulletin, 3,11,254 people in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 38,650 people have been kept under home quarantine. 4,092 people are in hospital isolation while 36 people are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 2,23,151 people have completed surveillance period and 45,156 people are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 4,45,169 samples have been made available.

-CHK

India can become a global leader in the film industry: Piyush Goyal

Union Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal (file pic)

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today said that India can become a global leader in the film industry and we need to take it beyond the boundaries of the country.

He said this while addressing the valedictory session of FICCI Frames through virtual means.

Goyal said that the film industry can churn out quality products, win awards, and invite more investment and capital in the industry.

Talking about the restrictive practices and roadblocks created by certain countries for the Indian film industry, the Minister said that this is not acceptable, and India will reciprocate in similar manner, if such issues are brought to the notice of the Government.

He further added that the government will work to provide a single window clearance for film shootings in the country and urged FICCI along with other associations to help in devising a mechanism.

During the address of the valedictory session of FICCI FRAMES 2020 on ‘Putting COVID Behind Us: The Way Forward’, Goyal said, “I would like you to think out-of-the-box, bring innovation. We can get everybody on board, simplify the process with a single form and one fees could be done. My Ministry along with I&B Ministry will be happy to take it up. We are doing this for other industries and would love to do it for you too.”

In order to attract more foreign companies and promote domestic film shooting, the Minister said, “I will be talking to the states and within the government to ensure attracting more film making in India so that they don’t go to any other international place which will also improve our tourism sector. We all have to work together.”

Enumerating the benefits of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Yojna, Goyal also added that it is not about closing our doors, but opening the doors to greater global engagement from a position of strength, confidence, from a position where we negotiate on equal terms. “It is for a position where we ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders is equally well taken care of in the industry,” he said.

In addition to this, highlighting the challenges and opportunities posed by COVID-19, he said that it is important that industry leaders use this opportunity to prepare the country and the industry for a post COVID world.

“The world is adapting to the new way of working and to stay ahead, you need to think out-of-the-box, innovate, reimagine and redesign the framework of business and reinventing the future is going to determine the success of the industry,” Goyal added.

Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said during the ceremony, “As a recognition of the growing M&E global footprint, the Government of India has also designated audio-visual services as a Champion Sector for exports in 2018 which is in sync with our vision of India as a Vishwaguru. We have evolved in terms of technology and capability in all new-age arts, be it animation, visual effects or gaming.”

-CHK

Bangladesh COVID-19 tally exceeds 1.81 lakh; 2,305 dead

New Delhi (NVI): Coronavirus cases in Bangladesh exceeded 1.81 lakh after 2,686 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours.

In addition to this, 30 new deaths were reported during this period, taking the total number of Covid-19 fatalities in the country to 2,305, according to United News of Bangladesh.

The daily infection rate was today recorded at 21.86 percent in the country, while the overall rate of infection since March 8 is 19.43 percent.

So far, 88,034 people have recovered in the country after 1,628 more patients were recovered during this period.

According to the health experts, the number of corona cases started declining in Bangladesh as the country has already gone through a peak period of the first wave of Covid-19 and it braces for a potential second wave of deadlier outbreak after Eid-ul-Azha.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases surpass 2.46 lakh in Pakistan; death toll tops 5,100

COVID-19: Pakistan imposes mini-lockdown in Islamabad

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 2,46,351 after detection of 2,752 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll jumped to 5,123 today after 65 new fatalities were reported during this period.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh reported 1,02,368 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 85,991 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 29,775 cases, Balochistan is at 11,128, Gilgit-Baltistan at 1,630, Islamabad at 13,927 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 1,532 cases so far, according to media reports.

A total of 1,53,134 patients have recovered from the disease so far in the country.

Meanwhile, the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) has prepared guidelines for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha when cattle markets are held across the country to sell animals for sacrifice.

The NCOC also suggested setting up of cattle markets on the outskirts of the cities for a specified time period and compulsory testing of animal handlers.

-CHK

COVID cases in Afghanistan climb to 34,366; death toll at 994

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in Afghanistan saw a rise of 172 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number to 34,366, according to Afghan media reports.

Among the fresh cases, 139 positive cases were reported in Kabul, 10 in Balkh, 8 in Kandahar, 7 in Nimroz, 4 in Helmand, 3 in Uruzgan and 1 Faryab provinces, the Afghan Ministry of Public Health data shows.

The ministry also reported 23 fatalities and 23 new patients recovered in the last 24 hours.

At least, 21,135 people have recovered while 994 died from the respiratory disease in Afghanistan, it said.

Meanwhile, the laboratories have been consistently testing a decreased number of samples with Health Minister Ahmad Jawad Osmani declaring that the number of positive cases have decreased by up to 40 per cent since the end of May.

-RJV

Nepal COVID-19 tally hits 16,719; death toll 38

New Delhi (NVI): Nepal registered 70 new cases of coronavirus today, taking the national tally to 16,719, according to local media reports.

The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said, of the newly infected, 13 patients are from Province 1; five from Province 2; 14 from Bagmati Province.

Likewise, 16 patients are from Gandaki Province; 10 from Province 5; seven from Karnali Province; and five from Sudurpaschim Province.

In the last 24 hours, 431 people achieved recovery and were discharged form the hospitals, taking the tally of recovery cases to 8,442, the ministry said.

At present, six districts in Nepal have no active cases of coronavirus infection. Those districts are Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Solukhumbu, Mustang, Manang, and Humla.

Whereas, another six districts — Mahottari, Rautahat, Palpa, Achham, Kailali, and Bajura — have over 500 active cases of infection, as per the reports.

So far, there are 8,239 active cases of coronavirus across the country.

Meanwhile, three COVID-19 fatalities were reported today, which has taken the total death-toll from the disease to 38 in Nepal.

-RJV

Claims of COVID-19 monitoring committee formation is fake: MHA

Ceasefire Agreement

New Delhi (NVI): A notice, doing the rounds on social media platforms, claiming that a COVID-19 Monitoring Committee has been formed is fake, the Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

MHA clarified that no such committee has been set up by the Ministry and cautioned people to be aware of fake news and rumours.

MHA Spokesperson took to Twitter in this regard and wrote, “This Notice which claims that a #COVID19 Monitoring Committee has been formed is #Fake. Such a committee has not been set up by the Union Home Ministry. Beware of #FakeNews and rumours.”

The fake MHA order being circulated read, “Pursuant to the official orders received dated: Monday, May 18, 2020, of the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, passed in the approval of Special Status Advisory Committee for COVID-19, a COVID-19 Monitoring Committee has been constituted in the MHA vide order dated: Friday, June 12, 2020.”

-RJV/CHK

Modi congratulates Singapore PM on re-election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong.

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Lee Hsien Loong for his re-election as the Prime Minister of Singapore for the third term.

Lee Hsien Loong, the leader of People’s Action Party (PAP), has been the Prime Minister since August 2004. He is the eldest son of the founding father of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, who ruled the country for a long period since 1965.

The ruling PAP won 83 out of 93 seats, with a reduced 61.2 percent votes against 70 percent last time, in the general elections which were seen as a sort of referendum for the government’s handling of COVID-19 situation.

The Opposition Workers’ Party showed its best result so far by bagging 10 seats.

Greeting his counterpart, PM Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to Prime Minister @leehsienloong for success in the General Elections! Best wishes to the people of Singapore for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

-CHK

World Population Day 2020 focuses on health, rights of women and girls

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): This year, World Population Day is being observed amid the coronavirus pandemic, a global crisis that had a considerable impact on almost everyone, especially the world population and numbers.

World Population Day is observed on July 11 every year. The day is aimed to shift the focus towards the urgency and the significance of issues related to population.

The theme for this year focuses on “How to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the recent research by the United Nations Population Fund, if the coronavirus lockdown continues for another 6 months and there is major disruption to health services, then 47 million women in low and middle-income countries might not have access to modern contraceptives.

Hence, this would in turn lead to 7 million unintended pregnancies. Apart from that, a rise in gender-based violence, female genital mutilation and child marriages will also be witnessed.

World Population Day was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989. It is being celebrated for over three decades now and is meant to raise awareness about solutions related to the issues of the growing population.

The day highlights the problems of overpopulation, raises awareness about the effects of overpopulation on the environment and development. It also talks about the health problems faced by child bearing women and the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights.

However, every year, millions of girls are subjected to practices that harm them physically and emotionally, robbing them of their right to reach their full potential.

According to the State of World Population 2020, released by UNFPA, more than 4 million girls will be subjected to female genital mutilation and 12 million forced to marry this year. Lockdowns stemming from the pandemic are expected to make matters even worse.

The UNDP also anticipated that overpopulation would become a matter of major concern in the future with the world population currently touching 7.8 billion and expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone, everywhere, but it does not affect everyone equally. It is deepening existing inequalities and vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls,” United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said, in his statement on World Population Day.

-RJV

Next 4 months crucial, around 300 terrorists ready to infiltrate before winter: Virender Vats

Major General Virender Vats

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): General officer Commanding (GoC) of Baramulla based Army’s 19 infantry division Major General Virender Vats today said that at least 250 to 300 terrorists are ready at the launch pads across Line of Control (LoC) waiting to infiltrate into this side in the coming months.

He also said that a major infiltration bid was foiled this morning at Nowgam sector in Kupwara district in which two terrorists were killed. From their possession Indian and Pakistani currency worth Rs 1.5 lakh was recovered, besides arms and ammunition.

Addressing a press conference at Baramulla, GoC of 19 Infantry division, Major General Vats, said that ever since India announced the August 5 decision, Pakistan is trying hard to push more and more terrorists into the valley. “The move is aimed to instigate the people which they have failed to do for long now,” he said.

He said that launch pads across LoC are fully occupied by terrorists. “As per our guess, some 250 to 300 terrorists are ready to infiltrate. Pakistan only has four months left until the snowfall starts,” the army officer said.

Speaking about today’s operation at Nowgam sector, Major said that two heavily armed terrorists were killed along the LoC in Nowgam sector of Kupwara.

Arms and ammunition recovered from the terrorists today.

“They  were trying to infiltrate in the area by cutting the anti-infiltration fence and were dressed in combat fatigues had taken the route through Pakistani posts in the area, which clearly indicates that Pakistan is pushing terrorists into this side,” the army officer said.

The timely action ensured the killing of two heavily armed militants and in addition to the food and medicines the army has recovered around 1.5 lakh Indian and Pakistani currency. “To rule out the presence of any other terrorist in the area, mopping operation is on,” he said.

He added that the Indian Army remains fully committed to maintain the sanctity of LoC and any suspicious movement will get similar or appropriate response.

Talking about today’s recovery and their possible attempt of carrying out a Fidayeen attack in the valley, Vats said that two AK 47 riffles, 350 rounds including the arms and ammunition and some electronic switches were recovered.

-CHK

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