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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

Massive CASO launched by security forces in J&K’s Pulwama, Shopian

2 LeT militants surrender after gunfight in J&K's Kulgam
(Representational/file image)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Security forces have launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in southern districts of Pulwama and Shopian in a bid to flush out terrorists, official sources said.

Officials said that joint teams of Army, police and CRPF launched the search operations in several villages in Shopian district that include Nully Poshwari, Imamsahib and Yuwam. “A joint search was launched in Chuwan, Keller village of Shopian also,” officials said.

They said that CASO was also launched in many Pulwama villages including Jamia Mohalla, Tiken area.

A police officer told NVI that it’s a “speculative CASO” and so far no contact has been established with the terrorists in any of the twin districts — Pulwama and Shopian. “Such CASOs are part of the security drills as it forces terrorists to change their locations and hideouts which ultimately helps us to track them down,” he said.

This year so far, 130 terrorists have been killed in a series of anti-militancy operations which includes top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit. Hizb has borne the maximum brunt as the outfit has lost 60 terrorists alone including its chief operational commander Reyaz Naikoo.

Official figures suggest that since June 1, 50 terrorists have been killed in various counter insurgency operations across Kashmir.

-CHK

Earthquake of 4.5 magnitude hits Rajkot

quake
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): An earthquake measuring 4.5 magnitude on the Richter Scale hit Rajkot in Gujarat today morning, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said.

The earthquake struck at 7:40 am at a depth of more than 10 kilometres beneath ground, according to the NCS. The epicentre of the earthquake was 22 km southwest of Rajkot.

Several other parts of the state including Amreli and Junagadh districts felt tremors.

This was the second earthquake to hit the western state this month. On July 5, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded with its epicentre around 14 kms from Bhachau in Kutch district of Gujarat.

However, there were no reports of any damage to life or property.

-RJV

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