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Afghanistan reports 591 new coronavirus cases, total 11,582

New Delhi (NVI): With 591 fresh coronavirus cases reported in Afghanistan, the overall tally climbed to 11,582 in the country, according to Afghan media reports.

The country’s Ministry of Public Health said, over the past week, Kabul has reported the highest number of positive cases in the country.

Among the fresh cases, 390 were reported in Kabul, 62 in Herat, 36 in Balkh, 21 in Badghis, 18 in Nangarhar, 14 in Takhar.

Likewise, 14 cases were reported in Kunar, 5 in Paktia, 5 in Baghlan, 7 in Wardak, 1 in Bamiyan, 2 in Ghor, 11 in Jawzjan, 2 in Panjshir and 3 in Khost.

So far, 31,718 people have been tested in the country.

The health ministry also reported one death in the western province of Herat in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll from coronavirus to 219.

At least, 1,095 patients have been cured from virus or discharged.

Apart from this, the Kabul lockdown-which was eased over the last 10 days, became stricter once again, leaving the city empty even as the public celebrates Eid al-Fitr, as per media reports.

IAF to operationalise, equip No. 18 squadron with LCA Tejas at Coimbatore

LCA Tejas

New Delhi (NVI): The No. 18 squadron of Indian Air Force is all set to become the second IAF fleet to fly indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas FOC. The squadron will be operationalised and equipped with the fourth generation LCA in an event to be held at Air Force Station, Sulur near Coimbatore on May 27.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria will operationalise No. 18 Squadron, which will be codenamed as  ‘Flying Bullets’, PIB (Defence Wing) said in a release.

IAF’s 18 squadron was formed on 15 April, 1965 with the motto ‘Teevra aur Nirbhaya’  (Swift and Fearless). The squadron was flying MiG 27 aircraft before it got number plated on 15 April 2016. The squadron was resurrected on April 1 this year at Sulur, according to the release.

The squadron actively participated in the 1971 war with Pakistan and was decorated with the highest gallantry award ‘Param Vir Chakra’ awarded to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon posthumously. It earned the sobriquet of ‘Defenders of Kashmir Valley’ by being the first to land and operate from Srinagar. The Squadron was presented with President’s Standard in November 2015, the release said.

Tejas is an indigenous fourth generation tailless compound delta-wing aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with fly-by-wire flight control system, integrated digital avionics, multimode radar and its structure is made out of composite material.

It is the lightest and smallest in its group of fourth-generation supersonic combat aircraft.

6 new COVID-19 cases reported in Nepal, tally at 682

New Delhi (NVI): Six new cases of coronavirus cases identified in Nepal, taking the total to 682 across the country, according to local media reports.

The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said the infections have been confirmed through tests carried out at Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi, Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj, and Birgunj-based Narayani Hospital.

Among the infected are a 32-year-old male from Achham district, three males of ages 18, 22 and 24 years from Bardiya.

Likewise, a 18-year-old male from Parsa, and a 28-year-old male from Kathmandu, currently working in Kalaiya of Bara district, the ministry stated.

Of the total infected persons, 602 are males while 80 are females.

The ministry also confirmed the fourth death in Nepal due to coronavirus. A 70-year-old patient had died at the National Medical College in Birgunj.

Earlier today, 72 new coronavirus cases had taken the total COVID-19 count in the country to 675.

Meanwhile, Nepal has performed 51,642 sample tests through the PCR method so far.

At present, 112 people have been cured form the virus and discharged

COVID-19 tally surpasses 35,000 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of deaths from coronavirus in Bangladesh has reached 501 after 21 more people lost their lives in the last 24 hours, according to United News of Bangladesh.

The total number of coronavirus infections rose to 35,585 after 1,975 new infections were reported during this period.

Forty-eight labs across the country tested 9,451 samples in the last 24 hours. Out of which, 1,975 samples tested positive which constitutes 20.9 percent of the total, one of the highest proportions recorded till date.

On a positive note, 433 coronavirus-infected people completed full recovery from their infections, which upped the total number of recoveries to 7,334.

Meanwhile, no Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah Maidan this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Domestic flights resume across India after two months

Travel ban
Representational/ file image

New Delhi (NVI): After two months of shutdown amid nationwide lockdown, domestic passenger flight operations resumed in the country today with strict Covid measures in place at the airports as well as in the flights.

Indigo’s Delhi-Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights were the first to take off.

Most of the states in the country have given approval for the flights to operate, the two exceptions being Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh will start flight operations from 26 May, and West Bengal from 28 May.

Various states have also put in place protocols for incoming air travelers.

Of approximately 380 flights that were scheduled for today in Delhi, 82 were already cancelled by afternoon. More than 20 flights were also called off in Bengaluru.

New rules for domestic travel during the lockdown were released by the government yesterday. The passengers were advised to download the Aarogya Setu App on their mobile devices and asking states to ensure thermal screening at departure point of airports.

In addition to this, some states have decided to put passengers in mandatory institutional quarantine while several others have talked about putting them under home quarantine.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus cases surpass 55,000 in Pakistan; death toll at 1,155

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of positive coronavirus cases in Pakistan has increased by at least 1,500, taking the overall tally to 55,667 with at least 1,155 fatalities recorded so far.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh province has reported 22,491 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 19,557 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 7,905 cases, Balochistan is at 3,407, Gilgit-Baltistan at 619, Islamabad at 1,592 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 197 cases so far, according to Geo News.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Secretary Kazim Niaz has tested positive for Covid-19 and subsequently gone into quarantine, according to media reports.

So far, a total of 17,482 patients have recovered from the deadly contagion in the country.

The trajectory showed that the number was steadily going up with authorities fearing a rise in cases in the wake of the easing of lockdown due to Eid which was observed in the country on Sunday

PM pays tribute to Balbir Singh Sr

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of legendary hockey player and three-time Olympic gold medalist Balbir Singh Sr who passed away this morning at a Mohali hospital at the age of 95.

The hockey legend, who was admitted to the hospital on May 8, was in a semi-comatose state since May 18 after developing a blood clot in his brain.

Taking to Twitter, PM wrote: “Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr. Ji will be remembered for his memorable sporting performances. He brought home lots of pride and laurels. Undoubtedly a brilliant hockey player, he also made a mark as a great mentor. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and well wishers.”

Singh was a member of the 1948 London Olympics gold medal-winning Indian hockey team. Apart from that he was the vice-captain of the 1952 victorious side and skipper of the 1956 champions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the demise of the hockey legend. Paying tribute to Singh on Twitter, Shah also shared a picture of him meeting the hockey star.

“Pained to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr ji, a legendary hockey player, who left indelible imprint on world hockey with his stick. I was fortunate to have met the lively and joyful Balbir ji, a three time Olympic gold medalist. My condolences to his family,” he tweeted.

Balbir Singh was one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Indian sports. He was also awarded the Padma Shri award in 1957.

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief. “Sad to hear the passing of hockey legend Shri Balbir Singh Sr. A three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s greatest athletes, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” he tweeted.

Indian Cricketer, Virat Kohli also paid tribute to the late hockey legend. “Saddened to hear about the passing of the legend, Balbir Singh Sr. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow. @BalbirSenior” he tweeted.

Iceland plans to reopen for tourists by June 15

The Blue Lagoon, which is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland, is a dream destination for many.

New Delhi (NVI): The Iceland government has announced that it is planning to reopen the country’s borders to tourists by June 15. The visitors will have to take a free COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport to avoid a 14-day quarantine.

Those who test positive would have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Iceland’s prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir has made the announcement, according to Lonely Planet. In an official statement, the Iceland PM said that travel restrictions would be loosened “no later than June 15 2020, while from May 15 some professionals arriving in Iceland including scientists, filmmakers, and athletes will be eligible for a modified quarantine.”

People who can prove that they are healthy with official medical documents, won’t have to undergo another COVID-19 test, said the government.

At present, only travelers with Schengen region passports are allowed to enter Iceland, and everyone must self-isolate for 14 days upon the arrival.

The current restrictions have been in place since March 15, and the driving force behind the easing is a desire to restart the tourism industry to boost the economy, as per reports.

Meanwhile, Icelandair is said to be struggling with flights at an all-time low after 3,000 staff members having been laid off.

The decision to reopen the country to visitors has been made in a bid to boost Iceland’s tourism industry and the economy.

Iceland, which has a population of about 364,000, has so far confirmed over 1,800 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths from the disease. It has reported only a handful of new cases in May, according to John Hopkins University.

About 38 per cent of the country’s inhabitants have downloaded its COVID-19 tracing app, and any visitors this summer would probably be required to do so too.

“When travelers return to Iceland we want to have all mechanisms in place to safeguard them and the progress made in controlling the pandemic,” Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir, the Minister of Tourism told Lonely Planet.

“Iceland’s strategy of large-scale testing, tracing, and isolating have proven effective so far. We want to build on that experience of creating a safe place for those who want a change of scenery after what has been a tough spring for all of us,” she added.

PM greets nation on Eid-ul-Fitr

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. President Ram Nath Kovind was also among many leaders who greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid.

Taking to Twitter, PM wrote, “Eid Mubarak! Greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this special occasion further the spirit of compassion, brotherhood and harmony. May everyone be healthy and prosperous.”

President Ram Nath Kovind also wrote on the microblogging site: “Eid Mubarak! This festival is an expression of love, fraternity, peace & harmony. Eid reaffirms our belief in sharing with & caring for the vulnerable & needy. Let us carry the spirit of giving (Zakaat) on this Eid and follow social distancing norms to contain coronavirus spread.”

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also extended his greetings on Eid. “I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. #EidUlFitr follows weeks of fasting and marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan. It is an occasion for families and communities to come together. #EidMubarak,” he tweeted.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the ending of Ramzan, the holy fasting month for Muslims across the world.

This year, Eid is being celebrated amid a nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.

117 pvt hospitals asked to keep 20% beds for corona cases: Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said that 117 private hospitals in Delhi have been ordered to reserve 20 per cent of their beds for Covid-19 patients. He added that with effect to this, 2,000 new beds are available in private hospitals from today.

The Delhi CM was addressing a virtual press conference today on the status of coronavirus in Delhi after one week of relaxing the lockdown.


He said that there are 13,418 total coronavirus cases in Delhi so far. 6,540 have recovered, 6,617 are active and 261 have died, he said.

“There are 3,829 beds in government hospitals dedicated for Covid-19 in Delhi out of which oxygen is available in 3,164 beds,” he said.

“Out of these 3,829 beds in govt hospitals, only 1,478 are occupied. On an average 2,500 beds are vacant. The government has 250 ventilators, out of which only 11 are in use. Around 240 ventilators are free,” he added.

In private hospitals used for Covid treatment, there are total 677 beds out of which 509 are occupied. Around 150 beds are free in these private hospitals, he said.

He further said that 72 ventilators are available in private hospitals out of which 15 are in use.

“So if we combine goverment and private hospitals capacity, then there are 4,500 beds in total, out of which 2,000 beds are in use and 2,500 beds are free, he said.

Kejriwal said that most of the cases that are now coming to hospitals are mild or asymptomatic. “Around 3,314 people are getting treatment at home only. Nearly 2,000 people are getting treatment in hospitals,” he said.

Apart from this, around 1,500 beds in GTB hospital are being provided with oxygen and 1500 additional beds will be prepared for coronavirus treatment.

Overall, 5,500 beds will be available for Covid-19 treatment in Delhi, he said adding that a fresh order has been given yesterday to convert 2000 normal beds into oxygen beds.

He said that 9,755 cases were positive in Delhi on May 17 when restrictions were eased. “Today, there are 13,418 cases. Within one week around 3,500 patients have increased,” he said. Apart from this, 2,500 people went back home after treatment. He said that people are falling ill but are also getting recovered.

However, in hospitals, there were 1750 beds occupied on May 17 and now there are 2000, which means only 250 more beds have been occupied in this one week, the CM added.

He said that cases are increasing in Delhi but the situation is under control. “Most of the cases are mild or asymptomatic. They are being treated at homes and out teams are constantly monitoring them.”

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