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Coronavirus cases exceed 42,000 in Pakistan; death toll nearing 1,000

(Image source: Dawn.com)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of positive coronavirus in Pakistan has increased by more than 1,000 cases, taking the overall tally to 42,989 with at least 907 fatalities recorded so far.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh province has reported 17,241 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 15,346 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 6,061 cases, Balochistan is at 2,692, Gilgit-Baltistan at 540, Islamabad at 997 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 112 cases so far, according to Geo News.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan today launched the Emergency Ehsaas Cash Programme to help those unemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to this, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Gulzar Ahmed, today issued directions to reopen shopping malls across the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Dawn news.

Nepal reports 9 new coronavirus cases, total climbs to 304

New Delhi (NVI): Nine new coronavirus cases were detected in Nepal today, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Himalayan nation to 304, local media reports said.

According to Nepal health officials, the newly identified cases belong to Bara and Rautahat districts.

Of the infected, seven males– aged between 21 and 30 years, and a 28-year-old female are from Rautahat while another male is from Bara.

The 38-year-old male from Bara district, who tested positive for the virus, has been known to be a journalist from Karaiyamai Rural Municipality-5 in Bara district and working in district headquarters Kalaiya, reports said.

Earlier, a 25-year-old male journalist of Triyuga Municipality in Udayapur district and two other journalists from Parsa were also detected with COVID-19 infection.

So far, two people have succumbed to the disease in Nepal.

A 25-year-old man from Banke passed away on Sunday while the first case, that of a 29-year-old new mother from Sindhupalchok, was reported on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Nepal government has extended the ongoing nationwide lockdown till June 2.

There are 266 active cases in Nepal, while 36 patients have recovered so far.

CBSE announces datesheet for pending Class 10 & 12 board exams 

CBSE
(File/Representational Image)

New Delhi (NVI): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today released the datesheet for pending board exams of Class 10 and 12 which were deferred due to Covid-19 outbreak.

The examinations will be now held from July 1 to 15.

Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank tweeted in this regard and shared date sheets for Class 10 as well as Class 12 pending board exams.

The exams will be conducted for the remaining 29 papers of 10th and 12th standard at various centers.

While class 12 Board Exams had been affected due to coronavirus lockdown, class 10 exams were disrupted due to anti-CAA riots and protests in the northeast Delhi.

The CBSE also issued safety instructions for the students. All students would have to carry their own hand sanitiser in a transparent bottle, cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth and follow physical distance norms.

CBSE also suggested that parents must ensure their ward is not sick, and candidates must follow physical-distancing norms.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2020: ‘Our solutions are in nature’

(Source: Twitter @UNEP)

New Delhi (NVI): In the run-up to ‘International Day of Biodiversity 2020’ on May 22, a Biodiversity Week will be observed from May 18-22 as the global community will come together online and re-examine our relationship to the natural world.

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) takes place every year on May 22. It is the United Nations-sanctioned international day for promoting awareness around biodiversity issues.

This year’s theme, “Our solutions are in nature,” reminds us that biodiversity is the basis for a sustainable future.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the day this year will be commemorated through its first-ever online-only campaign, according to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

“This year, IDB offers an opportunity for us as a global community to re-examine our relationship to the natural world, reflect on challenges and accomplishments, and renew our determination in overcoming the environmental challenges facing the world today,” says Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN).

Biodiversity builds on a growing movement toward nature-based solutions, which harness the power of ecosystem services to mitigate effects of the climate crisis. In addition, biological diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms.

On December 29, 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity came into force and each anniversary of this date was designated the International Day for Biological Diversity. From 2001 onwards the date of this celebration was moved to May 22 due to the number of holidays that fell in late December.

This year’s theme- ‘Our solutions are in nature’ emphasises hope, solidarity and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature.

The theme will cover 3 topics during the week leading up to the observance: 18 May will cover the importance of knowledge and science; 19-21 May will raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity; and finally, the day of the observance, will issue a call to action.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a convention under the UN system, which aims its work to preserve biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. Given the ongoing pandemic, for the first time, CBD will celebrate this day in a digital format via online-only campaign.

This year, CBD Secretariat is in the process of creating digital assets to support celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity (IDB).

COVID effect: Japan’s economy falls into recession, shrinks 3.4%

New Delhi (NVI): Japan, the third-largest economy in the world, has entered recession amid the coronavirus pandemic as its economy shrank 3.4 per cent from the previous quarter in the period of January-March, according to reports in foreign media.

This decline is being witnessed for the second consecutive quarter in the country, as per the Japanese government data.

The country now meets the technical definition of a recession of at least two consecutive quarters of negative GDP – following a 7.3 per cent slump during October-December – for the first time since the fourth quarter in 2015, reports Kyodo News.

The recent GDP data shows the broadening impact of the outbreak, with the country’s exports plunging a record high since global lockdowns and supply chain disruptions affecting shipments of Japanese goods.

According to reports, Japan’s economy was already struggling before the outbreak. The economic activity contracted late last year as the country absorbed a sales tax hike and grappled with the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis, a powerful storm that hit the country.

Although the virus started weighing on the country in early 2020, analysts warn that Japan’s first-quarter does not capture the full effect of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, private consumption, which contributes to more than half of Japan’s economy, fell 0.7 per cent — and that was before the government declared a state of emergency that led to nationwide restaurant and retail closures.

In addition to this, the Japanese government, meanwhile, has already announced a roughly $1 trillion stimulus package to protect the economy from the fallout of the pandemic. That’s equivalent to about 20% of Japan’s annual output. Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration is likely to announce even more measures before the end of the month, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, the country has reported 16,340 confirmed cases so far, with 756 deaths and 11,415 recoveries.

‘Amphan’ likely to intensify into ‘Super Cyclone’; Bengal, Odisha on alert

New Delhi (NVI): Extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘AMPHAN’, currently raging in the Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify further as ‘Super Cyclone’, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.

IMD has issued a weather warning for West Bengal and north Odisha coasts. The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall in Bengal on Wednesday.

Issuing a warning, the weather office tweeted: “Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’: 18th May 2020 (1000 to 1027 IST). Likely to intensify further as Super Cyclone.”

(Source: IMD)

In another tweet this morning, IMD said: “Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘AMPHAN’ (pronounced as UM-PUN) over west-central & adjoining central parts of South BoB: Cyclone Warning for West Bengal and north Odisha coasts. To intensify further as SuCS.”

IMD had issued a yellow alert yesterday. The cyclone is likely to cross West Bengal and Bangladesh by May 20 evening, IMD said. Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal are likely to be affected while Odisha also braces for a severe storm. IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall in these areas and 12 coastal districts are on alert.

In view of the approaching cyclone, 17 teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in Odisha and West Bengal, NDRF said yesterday.

World AIDS Vaccine Day 2020: History and Significance

New Delhi (NVI): World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed on May 18 every year across the globe to spread awareness about the disease. We all know that there is no HIV vaccine yet. This day is primarily celebrated to emphasise upon the need for an effective and safe vaccine for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

This day also marks the efforts of thousands of researchers, scientists, health professionals who have contributed to the process of finding safe and effective AIDS medicine. It is also an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Humans can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use.

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids that include: blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, breast milk. The virus doesn’t spread in air or water, or through casual contact. It causes AIDS and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections. It damages the immune system. The virus was first clinically reported in the US back in 1981.

More than four decades have passed since the outbreak of the epidemic, but an effective vaccine against the disease has still not been developed.

In 1997, during a speech, Bill Clinton, the then United States President, asked scientists from around the world to work towards creating a vaccine for AIDS. He said that this would be the only way to limit its spread and eventually wipe it out.

The first World Aids Vaccine Day was first observed on May 18 in 1998, one year exactly after Clinton’s speech. Every year since then, the ceremony takes place and activities are organised around the globe.

The main objective of these activities is to raise awareness of the need for AIDS vaccines and to educate people about how HIV can be prevented.

In 2019, on this day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that there were approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2018.

Among them, 79 per cent have been diagnosed with the disease and 62 per cent were receiving some kind of immunity treatment.

However, due to COVID-19 lockdown, no gatherings will take place this year to observe the day. Interactions with scientists and healthcare professionals will be held through video-conferencing.

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): India is into the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown now which will be in force till the end of this month. After the first confirmed coronavirus case in India, which was reported in the state of Kerala on January 30, the virus has tightened its grip across the country, with Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh being the most affected states.

The total number of confirmed cases at present is 96,169 with 3,029 deaths so far, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 33

Andhra Pradesh- 2,407

Arunachal Pradesh- 1

Assam- 101

Bihar- 1,262

Chandigarh- 191

Chhattisgarh- 86

Dadar Nagar Haveli- 1

Delhi- 10,054

Gujarat- 11,379

Goa- 29

Haryana– 910

Himachal Pradesh- 80

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,183

Jharkhand- 223

Karnataka- 1,147

Kerala- 601

Ladakh- 43

Madhya Pradesh- 4,977

Maharashtra- 33,053

Manipur- 3

Meghalaya- 13

Mizoram- 1

Odisha- 828

Puducherry- 13

Punjab- 1,935

Rajasthan- 5,202

Tamil Nadu- 11,224

Telangana- 1,551

Tripura- 167

Uttarakhand- 92

Uttar Pradesh- 4,259

West Bengal – 2,677

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 50

Assam- 2

Bihar- 8

Chandigarh- 3

Delhi- 160

Gujarat- 659

Haryana- 14

Himachal Pradesh- 3

Jammu and Kashmir- 13

Jharkhand- 3

Karnataka- 37

Kerala- 4

Madhya Pradesh- 248

Maharashtra- 1,198

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 4

Puducherry- 1

Punjab- 35

Rajasthan- 131

Tamil Nadu- 78

Telangana- 34

Uttar Pradesh- 104

Uttarakhand- 1

West Bengal- 238

A total of 36,824 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 56,316 active cases currently, according to the Health Ministry.

Coronavirus cases surpass 4.7 mn worldwide, death toll tops 3,15,000

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 4.7 million people have been infected by COVID-19 globally, with nearly 3,15,000 people losing their lives due to the contagion, according to US-based John Hopkins University data.

Meanwhile, positive cases in Brazil are on a whopping rise with a total of 2,41,080 cases reported till now with a total of 16,118 fatalities in the country, making it the fourth-worst affected country in the world.

In the US, nearly 1.5 million positive cases of coronavirus have been reported with more than 89,000 deaths in the country.

South Korea has reported 15 new cases of coronavirus after a cluster was formed in a night club in Seoul, with one fatality. The total cases from the nightclub outbreak now stand at 263.

Spain reported a daily death toll below 100 for the first time in two months, while Italy’s was the lowest since the start of its lockdown.

So far, over 1.7 million people have recovered from the deadly virus around the globe.

Covid-19 cases in India climb to 96,169, death toll at 3,029

New Delhi (NVI): As India enters the fourth phase of lockdown, the death toll due to coronavirus in India rose to 3,029 while the total number of positive cases increased to 96,169, according to Union Health Ministry.

In the last 24 hours, 5,242 fresh COVID-19 infections were reported, biggest one-day spike in the country.

According to the ministry, there are 56,316 active cases, while 36,824 people have been cured and discharged so far.

Maharashtra, the worst-affected state by COVID-19 pandemic, with over 30,000 cases followed by Gujarat with 10,988 cases, Tamil Nadu with 10,585 cases and Delhi with 9,333 positive cases.

The state of Maharashtra has also recorded the most casualties at 1,135, followed by Gujarat at 625 and Madhya Pradesh at 243, healthy ministry data shows.

On Sunday, the government extended the lockdown for two more weeks which will now be in place till May 31.

Meanwhile, many relaxations have been eased, specially in non-containment zones, as per the new MHA guidelines.

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