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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

Representational Image

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

Representational image

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.

UK to extend visas of foreigners till May 31

New Delhi (NVI): Amidst the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the United Kingdom today provided relief to all the foreign nationals in the country by offering to extend their visas till May 31.

The foreign nationals, who are currently living in the UK and whose visa expired after January 24, will have to send mail at [email protected], regarding their visa extension until May 31, the British High Commission said in a release today.

“Emails should outline the situation for why individuals are unable to return, their name and their previous visa reference number,” the release said.

For any query related to visa, individuals can contact at free helpline number- 0800678 1767 from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, it said.

However, this timeline will be kept under review in case further extension is needed.

The UK is also temporarily expanding the in-country switching provisions. This will mean people can apply to switch routes, such as from Tier 4 (student) to Tier 2 (General Worker), whilst remaining in the UK, the release said.

It added that the visas of International visitors in India can be extended until midnight, April 15, upon submission of an online application to the Foreigners Registration Office or else they can contact at given helpline numbers—New Delhi: +91 (11) 2419 2100; Chennai: + 91 (44) 42192151; Mumbai: +91 (22) 6650 2222.

“We are also collecting information on British nationals in India who want to return to the UK, to help us understand how best to support them and to advise them when commercial flights to the UK become available,” the High Commission said.

“Please email [email protected]with your details including name, age, date of birth, passport number, visa status, date of arrival and planned return, contact, location, and any special circumstances (such as medical condition),” the commission added.

“UK continues to put the health and wellbeing of people first and nobody will be punished for circumstances outside of their control. By extending people’s visas, we are giving people peace of mind and also ensuring that those in vital services can continue their work,” British Home Secretary Priti Patel said.

“I am acutely aware of how distressing the current situation is for travellers unable to return home. This announcement will hopefully provide some reassurance to the many Indian nationals currently in the UK. Separately, in India, my staff and I are working around the clock to make sure that British nationals in India who need help are receiving support,” the Acting High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson said.

AIMO urges Govt to provide support package to MSMEs

New Delhi (NVI): All India Manufacturers Organisation (AIMO) today lauded the Government’s 21-day lockdown to tackle the COVID-19 crisis but at the same time also expressed concerns over the hardships being faced by the MSME sector due to the situation.

AIMO, an apex trade body, has urged the Government to provide support packages and incentives to the MSME sector so that it can bear the impact of coronavirus amid the lockdown.

While endorsing the lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the trade body also called for the government’s attention to take necessary measures and help the MSME sector.

Shrikant Dalmia, Zonal Vice President West (AIMO) said, “We would like to acknowledge the steps taking by the Finance Minister regarding the easing of Compliance which was taken to ease the business situation.”

“Several sectors like Automobile, Aviation, Hospitality, Apparel, Consumer Durables, Electronics, Hotels, Tourism, Restaurants And Bars, The Entertainment Industry, Airlines, BPO, Seafood and Livestock, Construction And Real Estate, Transportation are among the worst hit by this epidemic,” he said.

Dalmia added that all the MSME’s/Self Employed Individuals/Entrepreneurs associated or whose revenues depend either directly or indirectly on these sectors “have been on the verge of a Shutdown situation.”

Sushil Vyas, Secretary, AIMO said, “According to our reports from our members and State Boards and their clusters of the MSME sector over the past few weeks across the country, over 60 odd million MSME’s are in real danger due to market issues with over 92% drop in domestic sales compared to same time last year and over 100% drop in export sales compared to same time last year.”

“Apart from the manufacturers, our services industry players in tourism, hotel, retail and entertainment have suffered major impact. Contrary to popular opinion, even our online startups have seen a huge decline in demand except from the healthcare start ups and some even have an unsold inventory increase of about 58% currently. MSMEs re feeling the Impact of Inter-State restrictions on transportation of goods and impact of Import restrictions from China has hit many of our Entrepreneurs as a source of raw material,” he added.

Dalmia further said that Work from Home (WFH) is applicable to less than 8% of the core MSME and services sector. He said that WFH has seen a drop in over 63% productivity in the service industry. The Services sector has seen mass migration of Labour to their villages, he said.

J&K: COVID-19 suspect traced, readmitted after escaping hospital

CDH Hospital in Srinagar (File)

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): A Hungary-returned girl who fled Chest Diseases Hospital (CDH) in Srinagar today was traced and later re-admitted to the hospital, officials said.

“Tracked. Admitted again. Legal action to follow,” tweeted DC Srinagar, Dr Shahid Choudhary.

According to the hospital authorities, the girl who hails from Batamaloo area of Srinagar had returned from Hungary, and arrived at CD Hospital yesterday.

“The girl was suffering from fever and flu and samples were collected and sent to laboratory. But without informing anyone, she fled from the hospital,” officials said.

But soon, a team was sent after her and she was tracked and brought back to the hospital.

Last week, a youth from Padshahi Bagh whose test turned out to be negative later on was detained by police after he ran away from the same hospital.

Afghan nationals to be evacuated soon from India: Envoy

New Delhi (NVI): The Afghan nationals stranded in India are expected to be evacuated shortly, according to Afghan Envoy to India Tahir Qadiry.

“Following vigorous follow-ups, the proposal of evacuating all stranded Afghan citizens in India is likely to be approved by the Indian Govt starting tomorrow. We ask our stranded fellow Afghans to contact KamAir for their flight details. Thanks to our Indian partners,” Qadiry tweeted.

He, however, did not give any figure about the Afghan nationals stranded in India.

India has enforced a 21-day ‘curfew-like’ nationwide lockdown from last night to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has caused havoc across the world.

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