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Maharana Pratap and Gokhle remembered

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to freedom fighter and social reformer Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Maharana Pratap, a great warrior and king of Mewar, on their birth anniversaries.

Taking to twitter, PM Modi remembered Gokhle and wrote, “A remarkable personality blessed with immense wisdom, he made outstanding contributions towards education and social empowerment.”

“He also provided exemplary leadership to India’s freedom movement”, Modi added.

In another tweet, Prime Minister praised Maharana Pratap Singh and said, “A great tribute to Maharana Pratap, the great son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary.”

“His saga full of patriotism, self-respect and might will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen.”

Who killed prominent Pashtun leader in Pak?

Arif Wazir

New Delhi (NVI): The trending hashtag #StateKilledArifWazir on Twitter says it all. It talks about the assassination of Arif Wazir, a prominent leader of Pashtun community, by “unidentified gunmen” in Waziristan region of Pakistan and the needle of suspicion clearly points towards Pakistan’s notorious state agencies.

Wazir, who had been raising voice against human rights violations by the state forces against Pashtuns in Waziristan and the ‘enforced disappearances’, was shot at on May 1 when he was travelling by car in Wanna town. The leader of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) succumbed to his injuries a day later.

Interestingly, less than a fortnight before his killing, the Pakistani police had arrested him on April 17 on the pretext of delivering “anti-Pakistan” speech during a recent visit to Afghanistan. In a speech in Afghanistan, Wazir had pitched for unity among Pashtuns living in Pakistan and Afghanistan while talking about the impact of war on their lives.

Significantly, he was released on bail just four days before being attacked by the gunmen.

Wazir was detained by the Pakistani forces six times and altogether spent more than 13 months in detention.

It is well known that Pakistani intelligence agencies and forces use the pretext of ‘anti-Pakistan’ activities to target those raising voice against human rights abuses and ‘enforced disappearances’, which is a major menace in that country.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the authorities have made allegations of anti-state activities “an expedient label for human rights defenders, particularly those associated with the PTM.”

Thousands of Wazir’s supporters and PTM activists have held demonstrations at various places in Waziristan against the killing, which they are convinced was carried out by the state agencies.

“A peaceful protest recorded by PTM supporters at #LandiKotal against the brutal killing of #ArifWazir by state sponsored terrorists,” tweeted one Ijaz Pashteen, along with pictures of a demonstration.

“Reasons may be best known to our Czars for condoning the murder of #ArifWazir, official silence on the incident not only raised questions, but doubts. Incidentally, the tragedy also triggered debate on the details of criminal apathy towards Waziristan,” tweeted Sangeen Khan, a Pashtun leader and advocate.

“Candles lit in memory of Arif Wazir Shaheed in Khost ! Those who fight for rights of voiceless people, Pakistan puts them in jails and brutally kills them,” wrote Nida Qureshi.

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (meaning Movement for Protection of Pashtun) was formed in January 2018 and ever since has been campaigning for civil rights of  Pashtuns living in Waziristan, where the Pakistani military has been committing all kinds of atrocities under the pretext of fighting Taliban.

The Pakistan government is so unnerved by PTM that it does not allow its peaceful rallies and arbitrarily imprisons its leaders and cadres by even slapping sedition charges. Some just go missing and are never found again, suspect for which are the Pakistani intelligence agencies.

According to estimates, thousands of Pashtuns have been killed or have disappeared and lakhs have moved out, abandoning everything.

One of the main demands of the PTM has been removal of Pakistani military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to “enforced disappearances,” in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

The Pakistani forces have been regularly targeting PTM leaders and have filed cases against them, including on charges of committing sedition. The cases are filed besides the illegal means of harassment and killings.

Last year, Ibrahim Arman Loni, a core committee member of PTM, was killed in Balochistan Province in a manner similar to that of Wazir.

The arbitrary detentions include those of women’s rights defenders like Gulalai Ismail. Even her family has been harassed by the Pakistani forces.

Mohsin Dawar has faced arrests and legal harassment at the behest of the Pakistani establishment.

In January this year, the Pakistani authorities also arrested PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen along with 23 other human rights defenders. They were released on February 15.

World migratory bird day highlights Covid-19 lockdown as a boon for birds

New Delhi (NVI): Today is the World Migratory Bird Day but in view of COVID-19 pandemic this year, you may celebrate while staying at home.

The day is celebrated to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.

On this day, each year a variety of events are held to raise awareness. Various bird watching events too are held for bird enthusiasts. But, this year such events have been cancelled due to pandemic.

The theme of World Migratory Bird Day “Birds Connect Our World” reflects the importance of conserving the integrity of ecosystems that support the natural cycles essential for the survival and well-being of migratory birds.

It also underlines the fact that migratory birds depend on a network of sites along their migration routes for breeding, feeding, resting and overwintering.

The day was first observed in 2006 after the Secretariat of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and the Secretariat of Agreement on the Conversation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) came up with a proposal.

The COVID-19 lockdown seems to be a blessing for nature. Every year, migratory birds, especially flamingoes flock to certain parts of Mumbai during the summer.

However, it has been reported that there is a significant rise in the number of flamingos that arrived in Mumbai this year.

All of these birds are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As global warming is affecting the breeding areas of wading birds, and even their eating habits.

Apart from this, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also work hard to support member states and natural World Heritage sites to assess climate vulnerability and plan climate adaptation initiatives.

Earlier this year, during the 2020 international waterbird census, Banc d’Arguin National Park (Mauritania) broke all records, with a surprising count of 1.7 million waterbirds, as per UNESCO reports.

If birds are healthier and encounter less impacts from human activities, they will be able to cope with the changing conditions. The more we protect our natural world, the more we all benefit, it added.

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): As the nation is now in the third phase of the countrywide lockdown, amid rapid spike in COVID-19 cases, the total number of confirmed cases have been reported at 59,662 with 1,981 deaths so far, according to the Union Health Ministry.

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 nation.

Total positive cases in different states/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 33

Andhra Pradesh- 1,887

Arunachal Pradesh- 1

Assam- 59

Bihar- 571

Chandigarh- 150

Chhattisgarh- 59

Dadar Nagar Haveli- 1

Delhi- 6,318

Gujarat- 7,402

Haryana– 647

Himachal Pradesh- 50

Jammu and Kashmir- 823

Jharkhand- 132

Karnataka- 753

Kerala- 503

Ladakh- 42

Madhya Pradesh- 3,341

Maharashtra- 19,063

Meghalaya- 12

Mizoram- 1

Odisha- 271

Puducherry- 9

Punjab- 1,731

Rajasthan- 3,579

Tamil Nadu- 6,009

Telangana- 1,133

Tripura- 65

Uttarakhand- 63

Uttar Pradesh- 3,214

West Bengal – 1,678

State/UT wise total death toll in the country:

Andhra Pradesh- 41

Assam- 1

Bihar- 5

Chandigarh-1

Delhi- 68

Gujarat- 449

Haryana- 8

Himachal Pradesh- 2

Jammu and Kashmir- 9

Jharkhand- 3

Karnataka- 30

Kerala- 4

Madhya Pradesh- 200

Maharashtra- 731

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 2

Punjab- 29

Rajasthan- 101

Tamil Nadu- 40

Telangana- 29

Uttar Pradesh- 66

Uttarakhand- 1

West Bengal- 160

A total of 17,847 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 39,834 active cases currently.

Global COVID cases surpass 3.9 million

Covid cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 3.9 million people have been confirmed infected with coronavirus globally, and over 2,74,000 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The United States, which is the worst-hit by the pandemic, has now confirmed a total of 12,83,829 coronavirus cases. The death toll in the country rose to 77,178.

In the US, vice president’s spokeswoman became the second White House staffer this week to test positive for coronavirus, officials said.

In the UK, the death toll rose to 31,316. The UK currently has the highest deaths in Europe.

Russia is now the world’s fifth-most infected country, with more than 1,87,800 cases, surpassing Germany and France, as per Johns Hopkins University data.

China’s total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 82,887, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,643, the country’s health authority said.

Meanwhile, over 10,000 cases and 428 deaths were recorded in Colombia, so the government announced the country will continue lockdown measures until May 25.

Germany will have to work on another budget to help the national social security system curb the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, as per media reports.

India’s Covid cases rise to 59,662, death toll 1,981

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has increased to 59,662, while the death toll rose to 1,981, Union Health Ministry said today.

 

So far, 17,847 coronavirus patients have been cured or discharged.

Maharashtra continued to be worst affected state, with 19,063 COVID-19 cases and 731 deaths, followed by Gujarat where cases rose to 7,402 with 449 deaths.

Delhi reported 6,318 cases, including 68 deaths so far.

Other states with big number of cases included Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

While, the lockdown is on across the country with several relaxations, violation of social distancing norms has become a cause of concern.

Meanwhile, four flights bringing home Indian nationals from Bangladesh, UAE, Muscat and Malaysia are expected to arrive today.

The government of Karnataka has permitted bars, restaurants and club to sell liquor in takeaway form at MRP till May 17 to clear their existing stock.

Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan rise to 3,778, death toll 109

Representational Image (Credit: TOLO News)

New Delhi (NVI): Afghanistan witnessed a further spike in coronavirus cases with 215 new cases, which takes the overall tally to 3,778 across the country, Afghan media reported.

In the last 24 hours, three COVID-19 patients have died, bringing total deaths in the country to 109. Meanwhile, there have been 472 recoveries so far.

Of the 215 fresh cases, 57 cases were reported in Herat, 50 in Kabul, 31 in Balkh, 17 in Kandahar, 11 in Jawzjan, 9 in Paktia, 8 in Ghor, 7 in Kunar, 6 in Logar, 5 in Nangarhar, 4 in Faryab, 3 in Paktika, 3 in Zabul, 2 in Laghman and 2 in Khost, reports TOLO news.

Over 15,000 samples have been tested so far, which analysts say is too low a number when compared to the country’s population. Apart from this, there have been reports that lockdown rules are not being followed in Kabul and other major Afghan cities.

Meanwhile, the Afghan health ministry said that four COVID-19 patients recovered in Herat province in the last 24 hours.

To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the Afghan government has put big cities including Kabul under quarantine since late March.

In a latest effort to support the COVID-19 response, the government has extended the quarantine for a third time for a further 21 days which is expected to end on May 30, as per media reports.

Fact check: WhatsApp message on 10-day military lockdown in Mumbai fake

New Delhi (NVI): A viral message is doing rounds on social media, especially WhatsApp, claiming that there will be a military lockdown in Mumbai for 10 days, starting Saturday.

The message reads: “Entire Mumbai military lockdown for 10 days from Saturday please stock everything Only milk and medicine will be available.”

Taking note of the message being forwarded on WhatsApp, the Fact Check unit of Press Information Bureau (PIB) today said that it is fake and no Army or Navy personnel are being deployed in Mumbai for law and order situation.

“Claim: A #WhatsApp forward says there’ll be a military lockdown in Mumbai for 10 days, starting from Saturday

“#PIBFactCheck: Message is #Fake. No Army/Navy personnel are being deployed for maintaining law and order in the city,” PIB tweeted.

“Beware of panic mongers,” PIB said.

Social media platforms are flooded with fake news and misinformation around coronavirus. To counter such viral fake messages, PIB has initiated Fact Check handle. One can also submit such messages or claims on PIB’s official website.

CBSE to conduct pending class 10, 12 board exams from Jul 1 to 15

(File/Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): Clearing air around the remaining papers of class 10 and 12, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today said that it will conduct the pending exams between July 1 and 15.

The exams were suspended midway following the coronavirus outbreak in India and the subsequent nationwide lockdown.

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank made an announcement in this regard today.

“There was a long wait for final dates for the pending exams of CBSE class 10 and 12; today the dates for these exams have been finalised between 1.07.2020 to 15.07.2020. I extend my wishes to all students going for these exams,” the HRD minister said in a video message.

The remaining board exams of Class 10 in northeast Delhi which were canceled due to anti—CAA protests, much before COVID-19 lockdown, will also be held during the first half of July.

While class 12 students have to appear for 12 core papers, class 10 students of north east Delhi will be sitting for six pending papers. However, CBSE will soon announce the exact dates.

AIIB approves $500 mn loan for India to combat COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): India today signed a USD 500 million “COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project” with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) today to take forward its efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen its public health preparedness.

“This is the first-ever health sector support from the Bank to India,” the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

The agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Rajat Misra, Director General, AIIB.

The funds provided will support all the states and Union Territories across the country and address the needs of infected people, population at-risk, medical and emergency personnel and service providers, medical and testing facilities, and national and animal health agencies.

Khare said that AIIB’s timely assistance will help the government to strengthen the national health systems. Responding to the urgency of the pandemic, this project was prepared in record time, underlying the efforts of the officials from the Finance and Health Ministries and the AIIB.

The funds will enable to enhance disease detection capacities by scaling up procurement of PPE, oxygen delivery systems, and medicines, build resilient health systems to provide core public health, prevention, and patient management functions to manage COVID-19 and future disease outbreaks.

In addition to this, it will also support the research works on COVID-19 by Indian and other global institutions working in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), address significant negative externalities expected in the event of a widespread COVID-19 outbreak and strengthen public structures for the coordination and management of the project.

DJ Pandian, AIIB vice-president (Investment Operations), said, “Building a resilient health system that can effectively treat COVID-19 patients and prevent its spread is the immediate priority. This funding will address this need and strengthen India’s capacity to effectively manage future disease outbreaks.”

Today, about 75 per cent of new infectious diseases begin with human-to-animal contact, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and SARS, the Finance Ministry said. The project will develop capacity and systems to detect existing and emerging zoonoses, support biomedical research on COVID-19 by Indian institutions, and upgrade viral research and diagnostic laboratories for testing and research, it added.

The project is being financed by the World Bank and AIIB in the amount of $1.5 billion, of which $1.0 billion will be provided by World Bank and $500 million will be provided by AIIB, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

The project will be implemented by the National Health Mission (NHM), the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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