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Modi speaks to Thailand PM over COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic with Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

PM Modi took to twitter and said, “Discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic with good friend @prayutofficial.”

“As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the multifarious challenges posed by this present crisis,” he added in his tweet.

So far, Thailand has reported 2,966 coronavirus cases and 54 deaths.

Gunfight rages in South Kashmir’s Pulwama

Pulwama
Representative picture of Kashmir

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): An encounter broke out between militants and security forces at Dangerpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police officials said today.

They said that after receiving a specific lead about the presence of militants, joint teams of army, police and paramilitary CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Wasbugh-Dangerpora area of main town of Pulwama district.

A police official said that when the forces zeroed in on the suspected spot where militants were believed to be hiding, the militants opened fire triggering of a gunfight. “At least two militants are believed to be hiding in a residential house,” he added.

It may be recalled that the security agencies have intensified anti-militancy operations across Kashmir amid COVID-19 pandemic.

So far 30 militants of various militant outfits have been killed in encounters with the security forces since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the Valley on March 18.

Since January, at least 50 militants have been killed in J&K, as per official figures.

Two soldiers die of injuries sustained in Pak firing in Kashmir’s Baramulla

Kashmir
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two soldiers, who were injured in firing by Pakistani troops in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district yesterday, succumbed to their injuries early this morning, defence officials said.

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Rampur sector in north Kashmir’s Uri yesterday in which two soldiers had sustained injuries and were evacuated to army base hospital for treatment. However, they succumbed to injuries early morning, they said.

“Two soldiers succumb to their injuries, a day after ceasefire violation by Pakistan along LoC in Rampur sector of Kashmir’s Baramulla,” Defence spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia told NVI.

In another incident yesterday, a 12-year-old girl and a woman were injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along LoC in Uri sector. They received minor splinter injures and were rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stable.

Defence sources said that Pakistan resorted to shelling at Hajipeer and Rampur sectors of Uri which was retaliated by the Indian army effectively. They said that the shelling intensified on Friday afternoon which triggered panic in areas that include Chrunda, Sahoora, Silikote, Balkote, Nambla, Garkote areas.

Locals at Uri, while speaking to NVI yesterday, said that they are living under constant fear and they are worried about their livestock. Notably, majority of people in border areas of Kashmir survive on cattle grazing, farming and have to move out of their houses every day. However, due to the intense shelling, the residents have confined themselves to their homes only.

Global coronavirus cases top 3.3 million

Covid cases

New Delhi (NVI): The number of coronavirus cases globally has risen to over 3.3 million, with 2,38,663 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

However, more than 1,081,600 patients have recovered from the deadly disease worldwide.

In the US, more than 1.1 million Covid-19 cases have been recorded, with at least 64,500 deaths.

Thirty million Americans have filed for unemployment due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

China confirmed COVID-19 cases stood at 82,875 with the death toll at 4,633. A total of 77,685 cases have been cured and discharged, according to the country’s health authority.

In another development, more countries are announcing plans to loosen restrictions, including Malaysia, while Australia will consider easing its lockdown early, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged caution among nations relaxing their social distancing measures, stressing the importance of monitoring for new cases of infections as lockdowns are eased.

Covid cases in India rise to 37,336; death toll at 1,218

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 37,336 while the death toll has gone up to 1,218, according to the Union Health Ministry.

In the past 24 hours, 2,293 new COVID-19 infections were reported.

Maharashtra continues to be worse-hit by Covid-19, with 11,506 positive cases and 485 deaths.

Gujarat is the second-worst hit in the country with 4,721 cases followed by Delhi with 3,738 cases, the health ministry data shows.

The other states with high number of cases are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

At least, 9,950 patients have been cured or discharged and 1 has migrated.

Meanwhile, the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic has been further extended for two more weeks from 4 May onwards.

Armed forces to honour Covid warriors on May 3; PM welcomes decision

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today welcomed the Armed Forces’ decision to undertake some special activities on Sunday to honour Covid-19 warriors, including flypasts by Air Force and performance by Army bands outside hospitals treating coronavirus patients.

“Our Armed Forces have always kept the nation safe. Even in times of disasters, they are out there helping people. Now, our Forces are, in a unique way, saying a big thank you to our frontline COVID-19 warriors for their endeavour towards making India COVID-19 free,” the PM Modi said in a tweet, hours after a press conference in which Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat addressed media along with the chiefs of three services.

PM Modi also welcomed CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) Gen Bipin Rawat’s announcements to show gratitude to “Covid warriors” by “Frontline warriors” on May 3.

“I welcome the announcements by the Chief of Defence Staff today. India has waged a strong fight against COVID-19 due to courageous frontline warriors who have cared and cured many. They are spectacular. India applauds them and their families,” he said in another tweet.

In the press conference held in Delhi today, CDS Rawat accompanied by Gen MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Air Staff addressed the media to acknowledge the efforts of the corona warriors and vowed to continue the support of front-line warriors to them in the coming days.

Gen Bipin Rawat stated that the period from 24 March 2020 to 03 May 2020 signifies a period when considerable sacrifice was asked from every Indian. Most Indians heeded the call for lockdown and worked from home, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Addressing the press conference, General Rawat said on Sunday, the armed forces will be organising multiple events like fly past by fighter and transport aircrafts of the IAF from Srinagar to Thiruvanthapuram, and from Dibrugaarh to Kacchh.

The helicopters from Indian Air Force and Indian Navy shall be showering flower petals on the Hospitals treating Covid patients. The Navy and Indian Coast Guard shall move ships in formations at sea at select locations while Army bands shall visit COVID hospitals and play tunes outside the hospitals in an expression of gratitude to the Corona Warriors.

While talking of the contribution of the police personnel, CDS thanked all stating that an exceptional and heroic effort has been put in by them too. To honour their effort, all three service Chiefs shall be laying wreath at the Police Memorial on the morning of 3rd May 2020.

The CDS also thanked all corona warriors including doctors, nurses, other health workers, hygiene and sanitation staff, police personnel, media personnel and all Indians for a remarkable effort in the unprecedented fight against Covid-19.

Andaman and Nicobar islands to receive rains for next 2 days: IMD

Cyclone
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): A low-pressure area over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal may trigger light to moderate rains in Andaman and Nicobar islands for the next two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.

In the forecast, IMD said this system is likely to intensify and concentrate into depression during the next 48 hours. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards gradually till May 5.

Under its influence, adverse weather is likely over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands during next 5 days, as per IMD.

While Nicobar islands are likely to experience heavy rainfall at isolated places on May 2 and 3, heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 5.

In addition to this, squally winds, with speed reaching from 40-50 kmph to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal from May 1 onwards, which may increase in speed to 70 kmph as the system moves till May 5.

The sea condition will be rough to very rough over south Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal for the next 5 days, according to IMD.

No separate permission needed for activities allowed till May 3: MHA

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs today said that no separate or fresh permissions will be required from authorities for activities already permitted to operate under the guidelines on lockdown measures up to May 3.

The Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) issued by MHA will continue to operate such as:

  1. Transit arrangement for foreign national(s) in India
  2. Release of quarantine persons
  3. Movement of stranded labour within States/UTs
  4. Sign-on and sign-off of Indian seafarers
  5. Movement of stranded migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons by road and rail

MHA issued instructions in this regard to avoid confusion among the citizens after it extended the lockdown by two more weeks till May 17, effective from May 4.

MHA issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 this evening, two days ahead of the ending of extended lockdown which is in place since April 14. Earlier, a 21-day lockdown was in place from March 25 to combat the spread of coronavirus in the country.

India has reported 1,993 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number in the country to 35,365 today. 1,152 deaths have been recorded due to the virus so far, the Union Health Ministry said in the daily press conference today. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of infections, nearly 10,500, followed by Gujarat (4,395) and Delhi (3,515).

COVID-19 cases reach 2,335 in Afghanistan, 68 deaths so far

Representational Image (Credit: TOLO News)

New Delhi (NVI): At least 164 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Afghanistan in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 2,335 across the country, according to Afghan media.

The country’s Health Ministry said that 168 out of 569 samples from 14 provinces tested COVID-19 positive.

Among the new coronavirus cases, 45 were reported in Kandahar, 44 in Kabul, 24 in Herat, 13 in Baghlan, 6 in Nangarhar, 6 in Jawzjan, 4in Balkh, 4 in Badghis, 3 in Laghman, 4 in Bamiyan, 3 in Samangan, 5 in Kapisa, 1 in Parwan, and 2 in Wardak.

The spread of the coronavirus in the community is very high and no one is safe, Ministry of Public Health spokesman Wahidullah Mayar was quoted as saying by Tolo news. 228 health workers have been infected with COVID-19 in the country and most of them are in Herat province, he added.

According to the ministry, so far more than 10,593 samples have been tested.

So far, 310 people have been cured or discharged and 68 people died from the pandemic in the country.

India reports 1,993 new coronavirus cases in 24 hrs, total 35,365

New Delhi (NVI): A total of 1,993 new Covid positive cases were reported in the last 24 hours in India, which is one of the highest single-day spike in the country, taking the total number of cases to 35,365, the Union Health Ministry said today.

The death toll has reached 1,152, the ministry said. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of infections, nearly 10,500, followed by Gujarat (4,395) and Delhi (3,515).

“The recovery rate in the country has also increased. Total 8,888 patients have recovered so far, pushing the recovery rate to 25.37 per cent,” Joint Secretary, Health ministry, Lav Agarwal said at a media briefing here.

The Joint Secretary also asked the citizens to download Aarogya Setu App and urged them to follow precautions like using mask and washing hands regularly.

In another development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today extended lockdown for two more weeks till May 17 with effect from May 4 after issuing an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Earlier today, the Centre divided the districts in the country into ‘red’, ‘green’ and ‘orange’ zones as per the doubling rate and number of cases. At least 130 districts are in red zone, 284 districts in orange zone and 319 in green zone.

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