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Lockdown 3.0: No inter-district buses to ply in Orange Zones

Ceasefire Agreement

New Delhi (NVI): The inter-district and intra-district plying of buses remains prohibited in the orange zones, according to a clarification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs today.

The clarification comes a day after the Central Government extended the nationwide lockdown for two weeks from May 4 and issued a set of guidelines to be followed during this period in various zones.

In addition to this, taxis and cab aggregators are permitted, with one driver and two passengers only in the orange zones.

Meanwhile, inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed, only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver, in four wheeler vehicles.

The MHA release also states that, the state and UT governments based on their assessment and priorities, may choose to permit a lesser number of activities.

The largest hole in the ozone layer over the Arctic has closed

The total column ozone field (in Dobson Units) (Source: Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service)

New Delhi (NVI): The ozone layer hole, which developed to become the largest ever seen over the Arctic, has closed just weeks after opening, the scientists discovered.

The scientists monitoring hole at the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) have confirmed that the ozone in the affected area had recovered.

According to the CAMS, this disappearance is likely not due to the decrease in pollution around the world.”The Arctic ozone hole actually has nothing to do with coronavirus-related lockdowns as well,” the organisation explained repeatedly in the comments to the tweet.

The CAMS said that the hole had been driven by an unusually strong and long-lived polar vortex, and isn’t related to air quality changes.

Particularly cold temperatures and powerful winds formed a “polar vortex,” creating the frigid conditions which led to vast ozone depletion.

The gap in the vital layer, which protects the Earth from harmful radiation from the sun, set a new record for ozone depletion in the northern hemisphere when it formed.

This unprecedented hole was roughly the size of Greenland, and stretched over the top of the polar icecap.

Although previously smaller holes have appeared in the ozone layer over the northern hemisphere before, scientists said it was the first time you can speak about a real ozone hole in the Arctic.

The CAMS scientists also added, “This ozone hole was basically a symptom of the larger problem of ozone depletion, and closed because of local annual cycles, not long-term healing.

However, there’s hope the ozone layer is also healing, but slowly.

Lockdown 3.0: List of permitted and prohibited activities

New Delhi (NVI): The Central Government on Friday announced the extension of lockdown for 14 days beyond May 4, for the second time, but with some easing of restrictions.

On the basis of risk profiling of districts in the country into red, orange and green zones, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also issued new guidelines to regulate activities in this period.

The new guidelines have permitted considerable easing of restrictions in Green and Orange zones. These zones have been classified in terms of districts with either zero confirmed cases till date; or, no confirmed cases in the last 21 days.

According to the MHA notification, here is a list of what is allowed and what is not:-

Prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone:

Travel by air, rail, metro and inter-state movement by road, except for those purposed allowed by MHA; running of schools, colleges, and other educational and training/ coaching institutions.

Hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants; places of large public gatherings, such as cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes etc; social, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings and, religious places/ places of worship for public.

Movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities, shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am.

Red Zone:

In red zones, outside containment zones, certain activities are prohibited in addition to those prohibited throughout the country. These include plying of cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws; taxis and cab aggregators; intra-district and inter-district plying of buses and barber shops, spas and salons.

However, all industrial and construction activities in rural areas, including MNREGA works, food processing units and brick-kilns; agricultural and animal husbandry activities are permitted in the red zones.

Orange Zone:

In the Orange Zones, in addition to activities permitted in Red Zone, taxis and cab aggregators will be permitted with 1 driver and 1 passenger only. Inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles will be allowed for permitted activities only. Four wheeler vehicles will have maximum two passengers besides the driver and pillion riding will be allowed on two-wheelers.

Green Zone:

In the Green Zones, all activities are permitted except the limited number of activities that are prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone. However, buses can operate with up to 50% seating capacity and bus depots can operate with upto 50% capacity.

Modi speaks to Thailand PM over COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic with Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

PM Modi took to twitter and said, “Discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic with good friend @prayutofficial.”

“As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the multifarious challenges posed by this present crisis,” he added in his tweet.

So far, Thailand has reported 2,966 coronavirus cases and 54 deaths.

Gunfight rages in South Kashmir’s Pulwama

Pulwama
Representative picture of Kashmir

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): An encounter broke out between militants and security forces at Dangerpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police officials said today.

They said that after receiving a specific lead about the presence of militants, joint teams of army, police and paramilitary CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Wasbugh-Dangerpora area of main town of Pulwama district.

A police official said that when the forces zeroed in on the suspected spot where militants were believed to be hiding, the militants opened fire triggering of a gunfight. “At least two militants are believed to be hiding in a residential house,” he added.

It may be recalled that the security agencies have intensified anti-militancy operations across Kashmir amid COVID-19 pandemic.

So far 30 militants of various militant outfits have been killed in encounters with the security forces since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the Valley on March 18.

Since January, at least 50 militants have been killed in J&K, as per official figures.

Two soldiers die of injuries sustained in Pak firing in Kashmir’s Baramulla

Kashmir
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two soldiers, who were injured in firing by Pakistani troops in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district yesterday, succumbed to their injuries early this morning, defence officials said.

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Rampur sector in north Kashmir’s Uri yesterday in which two soldiers had sustained injuries and were evacuated to army base hospital for treatment. However, they succumbed to injuries early morning, they said.

“Two soldiers succumb to their injuries, a day after ceasefire violation by Pakistan along LoC in Rampur sector of Kashmir’s Baramulla,” Defence spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia told NVI.

In another incident yesterday, a 12-year-old girl and a woman were injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along LoC in Uri sector. They received minor splinter injures and were rushed to a hospital, where their condition was stable.

Defence sources said that Pakistan resorted to shelling at Hajipeer and Rampur sectors of Uri which was retaliated by the Indian army effectively. They said that the shelling intensified on Friday afternoon which triggered panic in areas that include Chrunda, Sahoora, Silikote, Balkote, Nambla, Garkote areas.

Locals at Uri, while speaking to NVI yesterday, said that they are living under constant fear and they are worried about their livestock. Notably, majority of people in border areas of Kashmir survive on cattle grazing, farming and have to move out of their houses every day. However, due to the intense shelling, the residents have confined themselves to their homes only.

Global coronavirus cases top 3.3 million

Covid cases

New Delhi (NVI): The number of coronavirus cases globally has risen to over 3.3 million, with 2,38,663 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

However, more than 1,081,600 patients have recovered from the deadly disease worldwide.

In the US, more than 1.1 million Covid-19 cases have been recorded, with at least 64,500 deaths.

Thirty million Americans have filed for unemployment due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

China confirmed COVID-19 cases stood at 82,875 with the death toll at 4,633. A total of 77,685 cases have been cured and discharged, according to the country’s health authority.

In another development, more countries are announcing plans to loosen restrictions, including Malaysia, while Australia will consider easing its lockdown early, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged caution among nations relaxing their social distancing measures, stressing the importance of monitoring for new cases of infections as lockdowns are eased.

Covid cases in India rise to 37,336; death toll at 1,218

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 37,336 while the death toll has gone up to 1,218, according to the Union Health Ministry.

In the past 24 hours, 2,293 new COVID-19 infections were reported.

Maharashtra continues to be worse-hit by Covid-19, with 11,506 positive cases and 485 deaths.

Gujarat is the second-worst hit in the country with 4,721 cases followed by Delhi with 3,738 cases, the health ministry data shows.

The other states with high number of cases are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

At least, 9,950 patients have been cured or discharged and 1 has migrated.

Meanwhile, the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic has been further extended for two more weeks from 4 May onwards.

Armed forces to honour Covid warriors on May 3; PM welcomes decision

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today welcomed the Armed Forces’ decision to undertake some special activities on Sunday to honour Covid-19 warriors, including flypasts by Air Force and performance by Army bands outside hospitals treating coronavirus patients.

“Our Armed Forces have always kept the nation safe. Even in times of disasters, they are out there helping people. Now, our Forces are, in a unique way, saying a big thank you to our frontline COVID-19 warriors for their endeavour towards making India COVID-19 free,” the PM Modi said in a tweet, hours after a press conference in which Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat addressed media along with the chiefs of three services.

PM Modi also welcomed CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) Gen Bipin Rawat’s announcements to show gratitude to “Covid warriors” by “Frontline warriors” on May 3.

“I welcome the announcements by the Chief of Defence Staff today. India has waged a strong fight against COVID-19 due to courageous frontline warriors who have cared and cured many. They are spectacular. India applauds them and their families,” he said in another tweet.

In the press conference held in Delhi today, CDS Rawat accompanied by Gen MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Air Staff addressed the media to acknowledge the efforts of the corona warriors and vowed to continue the support of front-line warriors to them in the coming days.

Gen Bipin Rawat stated that the period from 24 March 2020 to 03 May 2020 signifies a period when considerable sacrifice was asked from every Indian. Most Indians heeded the call for lockdown and worked from home, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Addressing the press conference, General Rawat said on Sunday, the armed forces will be organising multiple events like fly past by fighter and transport aircrafts of the IAF from Srinagar to Thiruvanthapuram, and from Dibrugaarh to Kacchh.

The helicopters from Indian Air Force and Indian Navy shall be showering flower petals on the Hospitals treating Covid patients. The Navy and Indian Coast Guard shall move ships in formations at sea at select locations while Army bands shall visit COVID hospitals and play tunes outside the hospitals in an expression of gratitude to the Corona Warriors.

While talking of the contribution of the police personnel, CDS thanked all stating that an exceptional and heroic effort has been put in by them too. To honour their effort, all three service Chiefs shall be laying wreath at the Police Memorial on the morning of 3rd May 2020.

The CDS also thanked all corona warriors including doctors, nurses, other health workers, hygiene and sanitation staff, police personnel, media personnel and all Indians for a remarkable effort in the unprecedented fight against Covid-19.

Andaman and Nicobar islands to receive rains for next 2 days: IMD

Cyclone
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): A low-pressure area over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal may trigger light to moderate rains in Andaman and Nicobar islands for the next two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.

In the forecast, IMD said this system is likely to intensify and concentrate into depression during the next 48 hours. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards gradually till May 5.

Under its influence, adverse weather is likely over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands during next 5 days, as per IMD.

While Nicobar islands are likely to experience heavy rainfall at isolated places on May 2 and 3, heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 5.

In addition to this, squally winds, with speed reaching from 40-50 kmph to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal from May 1 onwards, which may increase in speed to 70 kmph as the system moves till May 5.

The sea condition will be rough to very rough over south Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal for the next 5 days, according to IMD.

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