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Terrorists target Kabul crematorium day after attacking Sikh shrine

The terror attack on a Sikh shrine in Kabul left 25 dead and 8 injured. (Photo Credit: Twitter @TOLOnews)

(Updating earlier copy)

New Delhi (NVI): Terrorists today detonated a bomb near a Sikh crematorium in Kabul, a day after killing 25 people in an attack on a shrine of the minority community, according to local media reports.

A child was injured in today’s blast close to the crematorium, Pajhwok news agency of Afghanistan reported, quoting an unnamed official.

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that blasts were reported in Afghanistan near the cremation site of those killed during yesterday’s terror attack on a Sikh shrine in Kabul.

“Deeply concerned at the blasts reported near the cremation site of those killed during the attack on Gurudwara Sahib in #Kabul,” he tweeted.

25 people were killed and eight injured after a group of terrorists stormed a Sikh Dharamshala in Kabul yesterday. After a six-hour gun battle with Afghan special forces, all four suicide bombers were killed, Afghan media said.

India has strongly condemned the terror attack, saying such cowardly attacks on the places of religious worship of the minority community, especially at this time of COVID 19 pandemic, is “reflective of the diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers”.

In a statement yesterday, the MEA also said that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance to the affected families of the Hindu and Sikh community of Afghanistan.

COVID-19 has disrupted immunisation, health services: UNICEF

New Delhi (NVI): UNICEF has expressed concern over the disruption of immunisation and basic health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic while observing that children from the poorest families in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters are at the greatest risk.

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore in a statement today said that the pandemic is overstretching health services as health workers are diverted to support the response around the world.

She said that physical distancing is leading parents to make the difficult decision to defer routine immunization.

“Medical goods are in short supply and supply chains are under historic strain due to transport disruptions. Flight cancellations and trade restrictions by countries have severely constrained access to essential medicines, including vaccines,” she said.

As the pandemic progresses, critical life-saving services, including immunization, will likely be disrupted, especially in Africa, Asia and the Middle East where they are sorely needed, the UNICEF Executive Director further stated.

“At the greatest risk are children from the poorest families in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters,” she said.

The UNICEF is particularly concerned about countries that are battling measles, cholera or polio outbreaks while responding to COVID-19 cases, such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, the Philippines, Syria and South Sudan.

“Not only would such outbreaks tax already stretched health services, they could also lead to additional loss of lives and suffering. At a time like this, these countries can ill-afford to face additional outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases,” Henrietta said.

At a time, when social distancing has become a mandatory response, UNICEF has strongly recommended that all governments begin rigorous planning as soon as possible to intensify immunization activities once the COVID -19 pandemic is under control.

Lockdown: Air pollution levels drop in several cities, including Delhi

New Delhi (NVI): The air pollution levels have dropped significantly across several cities in the country including National Capital Delhi as the 21-day lockdown for combating COVID-19 has led to reduced vehicles on roads and ban on construction activities.

The positive effect of a limited human interference with the environment was felt on Sunday when the country observed ‘Janta Curfew’.

The national capital witnessed a significant drop in pollution levels on that day as Delhiites remained indoors and almost no vehicles were seen on the roads due to the one-day lockdown.

So we can say that the corona scare has left us with cleaner air as pollutions levels have dropped in some major cities in India including Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

According to the pollution data shared by SAFAR, there was a considerable reduction in nitrogen oxide levels in these cities in March 2020.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) has also come up with an air quality analysis comparing the 2018 and 2019 data with that of March this year.

Taking the air data with effect from March 5, the analysis says that there was a considerable reduction in Nitrogen Oxide by 45 percent in Pune, 50 percent in Ahmedabad and by 45 percent in Mumbai, as compared to 2018 and 2019.

The SAFAR report further states that in Delhi, no significant change was seen in Nitrogen Oxide (Nox) levels after last week dip but PM 2.5 shows a declining tendency. “However, individual locations in all cities are showing significant changes,” it said.

Spain records second highest COVID-19 death toll

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New Delhi (NVI): Spain has recorded more than 700 deaths over the past 24 hours and has surpassed China in the global death toll, making the country having the second-highest death toll in the world after Italy.

Meanwhile, Italy has witnessed 683 more fatalities taking the total deaths to more than 7,500 in the country, according to the media reports.

Globally, the total number of deaths in the world have now surpassed 18,500 according to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, with the positive cases crossing 4,00,000 mark.

A total of 196 countries have been affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic around the globe.

In addition to this, the United States of America now has the third-highest number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the world at 51,914 cases with the total deaths nearing 1,000.

The United Kingdom’s death toll has also reached 465 with almost 1,500 new cases being identified.

In another development, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, has tested positive for coronavirus, Clarence House announced.

France also recorded 231 new deaths taking the total death toll in the country to over 1,300.

UNICEF ramps up efforts to keep children learning amid COVID-19

(Pic Courtesy: Unicef/Twitter)

New Delhi (NVI): With more than 80 per cent students worldwide not being able to attend schools or universities due to coronavirus pandemic, UNICEF today said that it will scale up support in 145 countries to keep children learning.

The education of a large population of students worldwide has been disrupted due to nationwide school closure by the governments to prevent the virus from spreading.

“Schools in the majority of countries worldwide have closed. It is an unprecedented situation and unless we collectively act now to protect children’s education, societies and economies will feel the burden even long after we’ve beaten COVID-19. In the most vulnerable communities, the impact will span for generations,” UNICEF Global Chief of Education, Robert Jenkins said.

Jenkins added, “Based on the lessons learned with the school closures in response to Ebola, the longer children stay away from school, the less likely they are to ever return. Giving children alternative ways to learn and also by doing so, rebuild a routine is a critical part of our response.”

To help curb the disruption to children’s education and keep children learning safely, UNICEF has allocated additional funding to accelerate work with governments and partners in more than 145 low and middle-income countries

The initial global allocation of USD 13 million – nearly $9 million of which is from a contribution made by the Global Partnership for Education – will be catalytic by supporting national governments and a wide range of education partners in each country to develop plans to enable a rapid, system-wide response, UNICEF said.

The initiative will enable countries to prepare alternative learning programmes in the case of school closures and help schools keep children and their communities’ safe by providing vital information on handwashing and other hygiene practices, it said.

The funds will also help support children’s mental health and prevent stigma and discrimination by encouraging students to avoid stereotypes when talking about the virus.

Globally, the coronavirus has affected 196 countries, with more than 4,00,000 positive cases and 18,500 deaths, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

DPIIT to monitor goods transport

New Delhi (NVI): The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) sets up a control room to monitor the status of transportation and delivery of goods, manufacturing, and delivery of essential commodities, amid the coronavirus lockdown in the country.

DPIIT will also monitor difficulties being faced by various stakeholders during the lockdown period from March 25 to April 14, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

“In the event of any manufacturing, transporter, distributor, wholesaler or e-commerce companies facing ground level difficulties in transportation and distribution of goods or mobilization of resources, the same may be informed to the department,” the ministry said while sharing an email ([email protected]) and telephone number (+91 11 23062487).

The telephone number will be functional from 8 AM to 6 PM. The issues reported by various stakeholders will be taken up by the Department with the concerned state government, district and police authorities, and other concerned agencies, the ministry statement read.

WHO shares tips to remain active at home during COVID-19 outbreak

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New Delhi (NVI): The World Health Organisation has advised people across the globe to remain active during the coronavirus pandemic, as lockdowns and restrictions in several countries have kept their citizens indoors, limiting the scope of going out for a walk or exercising in gymnasiums.

To remain physically active during the Covid-19 outbreak, WHO has recommended several activities like trying exercise classes online, dance to music, play active video games, try skipping rope and do some muscle strength and balance training.

“Doing any activity around the home is better than none at all. Be active during COVID-19 outbreak to maintain your heart health, muscle strength and flexibility. It is good for your mental health too!,” the WHO has said.

The global health body has further advised that coronavirus must not stop one from remaining physically active, even if he/she has to stay indoors due to restrictions. WHO has recommended at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day for healthy adults. For children, it should be one hour per day.

For those working from home, WHO has said that they should regularly check their sitting posture.

“Break up your sitting & stand up while working, on the phone, or watching TV,” it advised.

It is also recommended that while staying or working at home, one should reduce long periods spent sitting using active breaks every 30 minutes. One may walk up and down the stairs or do some stretching exercise during such breaks.

The health body has said that being active every day is good for body, mind and spirit, especially during COVID-19 outbreak. “And more activities you do can improve your sleep which is also important for good health,” it says.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has taught some important lessons to people across the world, especially who were not able to give time to family due to busy or hectic work schedules.

“Looking after yourself, your family & friends is important through these stressful times,” says WHO while encouraging everyone at home to do simple and fun physical activities to stay healthy and active.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has also appealed to everyone to take up simple exercises like skipping rope and remain physically active at home during the 21-day lockdown.

“SAI is promoting #FitIndiaMovement during the 21-Day lockdown. I appeal everyone to take up this simple exercise of Skipping Rope (रस्सी कूदना) at home. You can share it too. let’s unite online, while maintaining social distance. रस्सी पकड़-भारत जोड़ #IndiaFightsCorona,” he said in a tweet.

PM to participate in G20 virtual summit on COVID-19 today

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra will participate in the G20 virtual summit today, to advance the coordinated response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 18,000 lives and affected life and businesses across the globe.

The emergency virtual summit will be chaired by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies are also expected to participate in the conference today that will discuss measures to protect the global economy amid coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the summit, the Saudi King yesterday said: “As the world confronts the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges to healthcare systems and the global economy, we convene this extraordinary G20 summit to unite efforts towards a global response. May God spare humanity from all harm.”

PM Modi also said in a tweet yesterday that the G-20 has an important role to play in the fight against coronavirus.

“The G20 has an important global role to play in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to productive discussions tomorrow at the G20 Virtual Summit, being coordinated by the Saudi G20 Presidency,” tweeted.

The other members of the G-20 group are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union.

In view of the coronavirus outbreak situation, several international organisations including the United Nations, World Bank, the World Health Organization, etc will also be a part of the conference.

J&K reports its first COVID-19 death

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Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir reported it’s first COVID19 death today after a 65-year-old man died at Chest Disease Hospital in Srinagar.

The patient had a long medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, officials said.

J&K Government spokesperson Rohit Kansal in a tweet said, “First death due to Coronavirus- 65-year-old Male from Hyderpora Srinagar. Four of his contacts also tested positive yesterday.”

A Srinagar resident, the deceased had returned from New Delhi, UP, and Jammu recently after being part of a ‘Tablighi Jamaat’.

He was in close contact with four persons from Hajin Bandipora who were tested positive for Coronavirus on Wednesday.

So far, 11 persons have been tested positive for Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir with one death and three recoveries.

PM shares WhatsApp helpline number for COVID-19 information

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the Centre has collaborated with messaging app WhatsApp to set up a helpdesk for providing information related to coronavirus.

PM made the announcement while interacting with people in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi via video conferencing.

“The number is 9013151515,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the helpline will provide all credible information related to COVID-19 by texting ‘Namaste’ on the number.

While interacting with the citizens in Varanasi, PM Modi said that the battle of Mahabharat was won in 18 days. “Today the country is fighting a war against corona. We are trying to win this war in 21 days,” he said.

The Prime Minister also urged the people to steer clear of all kinds of superstitions and misconceptions. He said that as a responsible citizen, we should focus on social distancing. “We should remain indoors. This is the only way in which we can prevent a pandemic like corona,” he said.

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