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PM Modi to address nation at 8 PM tonight

PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 PM tonight and he is expected to clear the air around a further extension of lockdown that is slated to end on May 17.

PM’s address comes amid speculations regarding lockdown 4.0 and a day after he held a virtual interaction with Chief Ministers of all states and discussed the way ahead. This was PM’s fifth such video conference meeting with the CMs.

In his meeting with CMs yesterday, PM Modi asked states to share by May 15 (Friday) a broad strategy on how they would want to deal with the lockdown regime. “I want states to make a blueprint on how to deal with various nuances during and after the gradual easing of the lockdown”, he said.

The PM’s Office tweeted about today’s address: “Shri @narendramodi will be addressing the nation at 8 PM this evening.”

India is currently in the last week of an extended lockdown that initially kicked in on March 24 after the PM’s announcement.

The lockdown was been extended twice. This will be the PM’s third such address since he announced the lockdown on March 24 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 infection.

In his meeting with CMs yesterday, PM said that the lockdown would continue, but with lesser restrictions. He said the biggest challenge will be to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t spread to villages after relaxations.

Meanwhile, the death toll due to coronavirus in India has risen to 2,293 while the total number of positive cases has reached 70,756, according to Union Health Ministry.

Two CRPF personnel commit suicide in Kashmir by shooting themselves

Kashmir
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two CRPF personnel committed suicide in Kashmir today by shooting themselves with their service rifles, the force officials said.

The first incident took place in Mattan area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district where a CRPF Sub Inspector identified as Fatah Singh of 96 battalion shot himself dead with his service rifle. He left behind a suicide note that read: “I am afraid, I may have Corona.”

Barely an hour after, A CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Bengali Babu committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at his 49th battalion camp in Srinagar.

In the first case, the police said that they followed the proper protocol and took the samples of the deceased sub-inspector to find out whether he was infected with Covid. “His post-mortem has been conducted and now we are waiting for his report which is expected to come in the evening,” a police officer said.

CRPF spokesperson in Srinagar said two CRPF personnel have committed suicide in Kashmir in the morning. “Our men are not able to see their families since the lockdown. This may be one of the reasons why they took the extreme step. We are still trying to look as to what forced them to commit suicide,” he said.

Talking to NVI exclusively, Special Director General of CRPF for (J&K), Zulfikar Hassan said that two “unfortunate incidents” have happened since morning in Kashmir. “We are trying to find out what prompted these boys to shoot themselves. This is being looked into,” he said.

Asked whether the lockdown has increased the stress levels among the CRPF personnel in Kashmir, Hassan said that constant de-stressing exercises, lessons and frequent counseling sessions are being given to the CRPF men deployed across J&K. “We are ascertaining what led these two boys to take the extreme step,” he said.

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): 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 country has now entered the last week of the third phase of the nationwide lockdown that is slated to end on May 17. The total number of confirmed cases have been reported at 70,756 with 2,293 deaths so far, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 33

Andhra Pradesh- 2,018

Arunachal Pradesh- 1

Assam- 65

Bihar- 747

Chandigarh- 174

Chhattisgarh- 59

Dadar Nagar Haveli- 1

Delhi- 7,233

Gujarat- 8,541

Haryana– 730

Himachal Pradesh- 59

Jammu and Kashmir- 879

Jharkhand- 160

Karnataka- 862

Kerala- 519

Ladakh- 42

Madhya Pradesh- 3,785

Maharashtra- 23,401

Meghalaya- 13

Mizoram- 1

Odisha- 414

Puducherry- 12

Punjab- 1,877

Rajasthan- 3,988

Tamil Nadu- 8,002

Telangana- 1,275

Tripura- 152

Uttarakhand- 68

Uttar Pradesh- 3,573

West Bengal – 2,063

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 45

Assam- 1

Bihar- 6

Chandigarh- 1

Delhi- 73

Gujarat- 513

Haryana- 11

Himachal Pradesh- 2

Jammu and Kashmir- 10

Jharkhand- 3

Karnataka- 30

Kerala- 4

Madhya Pradesh- 221

Maharashtra- 868

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 3

Punjab- 31

Rajasthan- 113

Tamil Nadu- 53

Telangana- 29

Uttar Pradesh- 80

Uttarakhand- 1

West Bengal- 190

A total of 22,455 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 46,008 active cases currently, according to the Health Ministry.

International Nurses Day 2020 resonates amid Covid-19 pandemic

New Delhi (NVI): International Nurses Day this year bears more significance than usual as medical professionals around the world including nurses and paramedics are going beyond their call of duty amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The day, observed on May 12 every year across the world also marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The theme for this year is ‘Nursing the World to Health’, which rings rightly with the current pandemic situation. Nurses are undoubtedly playing a vital role in treating coronavirus patients and at times, putting their own lives at risk.

On the occasion of the International Day of the Nurses and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the World Health Organization (WHO) joins hundreds of partners worldwide to highlight the importance of nurses in the healthcare sector.

WHO has said that the coronavirus pandemic is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play. Without nurses and other health workers, we will not be able to win the battle against such outbreaks, it said.

Nurses account for more than half of all the world’s health workers, yet there is an urgent shortage of nurses worldwide with at least 5.9 million more nurses still needed.

WHO has designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, and said that it is essential that governments support and invest in their nurses. COVID-19 reinforces the need for investment in nursing jobs, education and leadership.

Back in January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate International Nurses Day in honour of Florence Nightingale. Nurses have been at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics, providing high quality and respectful treatment and care, for a long time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applauded nurses on International Nurses Day, for their role in keeping people healthy.

“International Day of the Nurse is a special day to express gratitude to the phenomenal nurses working round the clock to keep our planet healthy. Presently, they are doing great work towards defeating COVID-19,” the PM Modi said in a tweet.

In another tweet PM Modi said, “Inspired by Florence Nightingale,” the hardworking nursing staff personify abundant compassion.”

“Today, we also reiterate our commitment to keep working for welfare of nurses and devote greater attention to opportunities in this field so that there is no shortage of caregivers,” he added.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have come up together to celebrate the day.

The aim is to laud nurses around the globe and in particular those managing an unprecedented workload by treating patients with COVID-19 while also maintaining other essential health services.

Coronavirus cases exceed 4.1 mn globally; more than 2,86,000 dead

US sees highest single-day spike in Covid cases

New Delhi (NVI): Globally, more than 4.15 million cases of the coronavirus have now been confirmed, and 1.45 million people have recovered, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. More than 2,86,330 people have died from COVID-19.

In the US, more than 80,000 people are now known to have died from COVID-19, with more than 1.3 million people infected with the virus, with the US remaining the worst hit country due to the contagion.

Russia is due to start easing coronavirus restrictions from today, despite reporting a record number of cases the previous day. A total of 2,21,334 positive cases of the virus have been reported from the country.

Meanwhile, France and Spain, two of the hardest pandemic-hit countries in Europe, are gradually easing the restrictions they imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In addition to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has appealed for more funding to accelerate vaccine development for about seven to eight “top” candidates, according to the UN agency’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

In South Korea, the number of coronavirus cases linked to a 29-year-old man who went clubbing in the district of Itaewon in the South Korean capital has risen to 101 nationwide.

COVID-19 cases rise to 70,756 in India, death toll at 2,293

Covid-19 cases

New Delhi (NVI): The death toll due to coronavirus in India rose to 2,293 while the total number of positive cases increased to 70,756, according to Union Health Ministry.

In the last 24 hours, 3,604 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported across the country with at least 87 new deaths.

According to the ministry, Maharashtra remains the worst affected state with 23,401 cases followed by Gujarat with 8,541 cases and Tamil Madu with 8,002 positive cases.

The state of Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of deaths, as many as 868, which is followed by Gujarat with 513 and Madhya Pradesh with 221 deaths.

Meanwhile, three other states which have reported more than 3,000 cases are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Apart from this, Indian Railways, has decided to gradually resume passenger train services amid the ongoing lockdown with 15 special trains from today.

The recovery rate in the country stands at 31 per cent, as per Health Ministry data.

At least, 22,455 patients have been cured or recovered from the virus across the country.

J&K: Western Army Commander reviews operational readiness of troops

Jammu (NVI): Western Army Commander Lt Gen RP Singh visited forward areas in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir today to review the current security situation and operational readiness.

The Army Commander was accompanied by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, GOC, Rising Star Corps. Lt Gen Singh interacted with the Commanders of the field formations and was briefed about the operational and logistics preparedness and up-gradation of security infrastructure.

The Army Commander interacted with troops and lauded them for their high morale and motivation.

He appreciated the high state of preparedness of the Rising Star Corps to thwart any threat. He also commended the efforts of the formations in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

J&K records 10th Covid death; 18 new cases take UT’s total to 879

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): The Covid-19 death toll in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 10 today after an elderly man succumbed to the disease at CD Hospital in Srinagar. With this, the total number of coronavirus cases recorded in the Union Territory has risen to 879.

There are 442 active Covid cases in the UT at present while 427 have recovered.

Out of 18 fresh cases recorded today, 6 are from Jammu and 12 from Kashmir, the UT government said in a health bulletin.

Srinagar is at the top of the list with 4 deaths and 136 positive cases, of which 56 are active.

44 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals of Kashmir division, the bulletin said.

It further said that out of 51,334 test results available, 50,455 samples have tested as negative to date.

Apart from that, 95,419 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 22,708 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 190 in Hospital Quarantine, 442 in hospital isolation and 10188 under home surveillance. Besides, 61,881 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the bulletin said that Bandipora has 134 positive cases with 26 active cases, 107 recovered (including 32 recoveries today), 1 death; Srinagar has 136 positive cases with 56 active, 76 recovered, 4 deaths; Anantnag district has 123 positive cases with 110 active, 12 recovered (including 9 recoveries today), 1 death.

Baramulla has 109 positive cases (including 1 reported today) with 61 active, 45 recovered, 3 deaths; Shopian has 103 positive cases with 52 active, 51 recovered; Kupwara has 73 positive cases with 30 active, 43 recovered (including 1 recovery today); Budgam has 46 positive cases with 32 active and 14 recovered cases (including 1 recovery today).

Ganderbal has 23 positive cases with 9 active cases and 14 recoveries; Kulgam has 42 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 36 active and 6 recoveries (including 1 recovery today); Pulwama reported 13 positive cases with 9 active, 4 recovered.

Coming to Jammu division, it has 35 positive cases (including 3 new cases reported today) with 9 active cases and 26 recoveries; Udhampur has 22 positive cases with 2 active case, 19 recovered and 1 death; Samba has 7 positive cases with 3 active and 4 recoveries; Rajouri has 4 positive cases and all have recovered; Kathua has 6 positive cases (including 3 reported today) with 5 active and 1 recovered; Kishtwar had only 1 positive case who has recovered while Ramban and Reasi have 1 active case each.

The J&K health advisory has also cautioned the public that drinking methanol, ethanol or bleach does not prevent or cure COVID-19 and can be extremely dangerous.

“Methanol, ethanol, and bleach are poisons and drinking them can lead to disability and death. Methanol, ethanol, and bleach are sometimes used in cleaning products to kill the virus on surfaces – however, you should never drink them. They will not kill the virus in your body but will harm your internal organs. To protect yourself against COVID-19, disinfect objects and surfaces, especially the ones you touch regularly. You can use diluted bleach or other disinfectants for that. Make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose,” the bulletin read.

2G internet to be partially restored in Kashmir tonight: J&K Police

Social Media

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): 2G mobile internet will be partially restored in the Valley tonight, except for Pulwama and Shopian in south Kashmir, J&K police said today.

A senior J&K police official told NVI that internet services (2G) will be restored partially in Kashmir at around 10 PM tonight, after a gap of five days.

Internet and mobile phone services (SMS+voice calling) were suspended last Wednesday when an operation to nab Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo was launched in Beighpora in Pulwama. Naikoo was killed along with his aide in the ensuing encounter with security forces on the same day.

Following his death, authorities had forced a massive communication blockade across Kashmir to prevent any law and order situation.

4G internet services are suspended since August 5 last year, following the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir. The Central Government scrapped Article 370 in August last year, ending special provisions accorded to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating it into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today asked Centre to set up a committee to look into the demands for restoration of 4G in Jammu and Kashmir while seeking to strike a balance between national security interests and the needs of common people in the Union Territory.

The Apex court was hearing a bunch of petitions demanding restoration of 4G internet services in J&K. The pleas have claimed that the 2G internet services being provided in Jammu and Kashmir are not sufficient.

Biggest challenge will be to prevent Covid-19 spread in villages: PM

New Delhi (NVI): In his virtual interaction with Chief Ministers of all States today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a balanced strategy needs to be devised and implemented regarding the road ahead and challenges encountered on the coronavirus front.

He said the biggest challenge will be to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t spread to villages after relaxations. “Wherever we have not followed social distancing, our problems have increased,” he said during his fifth video conference meeting with Chief Ministers, six days ahead of the end of lockdown.

“We now have reasonably clear indication as to the geographical spread of the pandemic in India, including the worst affected areas. Moreover, over the past few weeks, officials have understood operating procedures in a time such as this, right up to the district level,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that the country is now facing a twofold challenge – to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, and to increase public activity gradually while adhering to all the guidelines. “We will have to work towards achieving both these objectives”, PM said.

“We will be able to determine the direction of our country on the basis of suggestions you provide today,” the PM Modi told CMs.

He further said that economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country and this process will gather pace in the coming days. He said that the fight against Covid-19 has to be more focussed now.

The Prime Minister said the suggestions made by the States for a roadmap on economy have been given due consideration.

During the meeting, the Chief Ministers appreciated PM’s leadership in the country’s fight against COVID-19 and also highlighted the need to strengthen the medical and health infrastructure in the country.

CMs from several states pointed out that with the return of migrants, there is a need to concentrate on strict implementation of the social distancing guidelines, usage of masks and sanitization in order to curb the spread through fresh infection, especially in rural areas.

The compulsory quarantining of the stranded Indians returning from abroad was also highlighted during the meeting. The Chief Ministers in their suggestions on economy have sought support to MSMEs, Infrastructure projects like Power, easing of interest rates on loans and assured market access to the agricultural produce, PMO said in a statement.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked the Chief Minister’s for their proactive role in the country’s fight against the COVID-19.

He said that the World has fundamentally changed post COVID-19. “Now the World will be Pre-Corona, Post-Corona just like the case of the World Wars. And this would entail significant changes in how we function,” he said.

He said the new way of life would be on the principle of “Jan Se lekar Jag Tak” (from an individual to the whole of humanity”.

“Even as we look at the gradual withdrawal of the lockdown, we should constantly remember that till we do not find a vaccine or a solution, the biggest weapon with us to the fight the virus is social distancing”, he said.

PM reaffirmed the importance of ‘Do Gaz Ki doori’ (distance of two steps) and added that suggestion of night curfew raised by many CMs would surely reaffirm the feeling of caution among people.

He requested all the Chief Ministers for specific feedback on lockdown. “I request you all to share with me by 15th May, a broad strategy on how you each one of you would want to deal with the lockdown regime in your particular states. I want states to make a blue print on how to deal with various nuances during and after the gradual easing of the lockdown”, he said.

“With the onset of Monsoon, there will be proliferation of many non-COVID19 diseases, for which we must prepare and strengthen our medical and health systems,” he told the CMs.

He asked the policy makers to also keep in mind how to embrace new models of teaching and learning in the education sector.

Referring to Tourism, the Prime Minister said he saw potential for domestic tourism but added that there is a need to think of the contours of the same.

“I am of the firm view that the measures needed in the first phase of lockdown were not needed during the 2nd phase and similarly the measures needed in the 3rd Phase are not needed in the fourth,” he added.

Referring to the resumption of train Services, the Prime Minister said, this is needed to rev up the economic activity, but said that all the routes will not be resumed. Prime Minister said only a limited number of trains would ply.

Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were also present in the meeting.

Unlike previous meetings where only select Chief Ministers attended the meeting, this time all CMs were given an opportunity to share their views on the current situation.

The nationwide lockdown is slated to end on May 17 and the government is looking forward to easing restrictions in a phased manner.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry today said that there are 67,152 confirmed Covid-19 cases so far with 4,213 new cases since yesterday. 44,029 cases are under active medical supervision and 20,917 people have been cured so far, with 1,559 recoveries in the last 24 hours. India’s total recovery rate now stands at 31.15 per cent.

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