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No need to panic over recent tremors in Delhi-NCR: National Seismology Centre

Mild earthquake hits Delhi
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): There is no need to panic over the recent quakes in Delhi-NCR but it is vital to undertake preparedness and take precautionary measures in this regard, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) has said.

With nearly 14 earthquakes in 2 months, jolting the Delhi-NCR regions, there have been apprehensions if it is a prelude to a big temblor, but experts say there is nothing unusual in this seismic activity.

Speaking at a meeting convened by the National Disaster Management Authority yesterday, NCS Director BK Bansal said that given the seismic history of Delhi, minor earthquakes in Delhi-NCR are not unusual.

He said that there is no proven technology in the world to predict earthquakes with certainty in terms of location, time, and magnitude, according to an MHA statement.

The NDMA has requested the state governments to take steps that include ensuring compliance of building bye-laws to make upcoming construction earthquakes resilient and avoid the addition of vulnerable building stock.

It suggested they identify the vulnerable structures, especially lifeline buildings, and retrofit them. Private buildings should also be retrofitted in a phased manner.

According to experts, the Delhi-NCR region is very peculiar with regard to seismic activities. It has several fault lines that generate earthquakes, but it also feels the impact of quakes that are epicentral as far as the Hindukush mountains in Afghanistan and even in Nepal.

Bangladesh sees record 3,471 cases, 46 COVID-19 deaths in a day

(Image source: United News of Bangladesh)

New Delhi (NVI): Bangladesh today saw another surge in coronavirus cases and deaths. A whopping 3,471 new cases were reported, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 81,523.

The country also recorded a total of 46 deaths due to the novel coronavirus during this period, raising the death tally to 1,095, according to United News of Bangladesh.

Notably, the country crossed the 1,000 mark in death toll within 91 days after recording the first death on March 11.

So far, a total of 17,249 people have recovered from the deadly contagion, after 502 more patients made recovery.

Against the total number of detected cases, the recovery rate is 21.16 per cent and the mortality rate is 1.34 per cent in the country.

Coronavirus cases exceed 1.28 lakh in Pakistan

Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): Pakistan is witnessing a spike in coronavirus cases on a daily basis and reported nearly 6,000 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 1,28,361 with at least 2,480 fatalities.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh province has reported 49,256 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 47,382 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 15,787 cases, Balochistan is at 7,673, Gilgit-Baltistan at 1,030, Islamabad at 6,699 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 534 cases so far, according to Geo News.

Ministry of National Health Services stated that nearly 38,391 patients have fully recovered from the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif, chief of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the latest top politician to be infected in the country.

Afghanistan’s COVID tally crosses 23,500, death toll at 446

New Delhi (NVI): Afghanistan today witnessed a rise in coronavirus cases with 656 new infections, taking the overall tally to 23,546 across the country, according to Afghan media reports.

Among the fresh cases, Kabul was again on top of the list with 326 new confirmed cases followed by Ghazni with 73 positive cases.

In addition, 37 cases were reported in Balkh, 33 in Kandahar, 20 in Nimroz, 18 in Laghman, 19 in Herat, 19 in Kunar, 17 in Faryab, 17 in Paktia, 16 in Nangarhar, 13 in Badghis, 12 in Baghlan, 10 in Sar-e-Pul, 8 in Helmand, 5 in Samangan and 5 in Farah.

Whereas, 20 patients have died due to COVID-19 virus in the country in the past 24 hours.

The new confirmed cases were reported in 18 provinces, with deaths in six provinces led by Herat with 13 (Kabul reported no deaths).

Other COVID-19 deaths were reported in Ghazni (2), Baghlan (2), Kandahar (1), Ghazni (1) and Sar-e-Pul (1).

Apart from this, Kabul with 400 recovered cases in the last 24 hours was on the top of the list followed by Herat (125), Balkh (32), Kandahar (12), Logar (10), Ghazni (8), Daikundi (7), Kunduz (4), Paktia (1), Nangarhar (1), Nimroz (1) and Badakhshan (1).

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health said 3,928 people have recovered while 446 from the respiratory disease in Afghanistan.

So far, 53,705 people have been tested for COVID-19 in the country, as per media reports.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K’s Poonch

Representational Image (File)

Jammu (NVI): In another ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir today, Pakistani troops resorted to firing with small arms and intense mortar shelling in Kirni and Qasba sectors of Poonch district, defence officials said.

“On 12 Jun 2020 at about 1615 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms & intense shelling with Mortars along LoC in Kirni & Qasba sectors in District Poonch(J&K),” they said, adding that the Indian Army was retaliating befittingly.

This is the second ceasefire violation by the Pakistani army today, as earlier in the morning it started shelling forward areas along LoC in the Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. A woman was killed while two civilians were injured in the intense shelling that continued till the afternoon.

Defence spokesman in Srinagar, Rajesh Kalia said that in the morning at 8:20 am, Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Rampur sector of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district by firing mortars and other weapons. “Befitting response is being given,” he said.

(More details awaited)

Defence Min extends delivery period of all capital acquisition contracts

RAJNATH-Singh
File Photo

New Delhi (NVI): Due to supply chain disruptions arising out of Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Defence has extended the delivery period for all existing capital acquisition contracts with the Indian vendors by four months.

An order to this effect was issued today by the acquisition wing of the Ministry, duly approved by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. “Force Majeure shall be applicable for a period of four months i.e. 25th March 2020 to 24th July 2020,” the order read.

“Duration of this Force Majeure will be excluded while calculating the delay in delivery of contracted equipment/service and imposition of Liquidated Damages charges,” it added.

The measure is set to bring a big relief to the domestic defence industry, whose production schedules have been adversely affected by COVID-19 situation, the MoD said in a statement.

However, the MoD order added that the Indian vendor is free to deliver the contracted items well within the extended delivery period.

Further, as per the order, no separate contract specific amendments are required to be made to give effect to this decision.

“With respect to the foreign vendors they can approach the MoD which may consider cases on the basis of the situation prevailing in their respective countries,” MoD said.

Nepal’s COVID-19 tally hits 5,062 with 448 new cases

New Delhi (NVI): Nepal reported 448 new cases of coronavirus today, taking the national tally to 5,062, according to local media reports.

The highest single-day spike so far and the first time that number of single-day cases has crossed 400.

The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said, Of the newly infected, 424 are males and 24 females. In total, 4,709 males and 353 females have been recorded to have contracted the disease, so far.

At present, 72 of the 77 districts in the country have witnessed the transmission of COVID-19 virus in the country, as per media reports.

Sixteen people, four males and 12 females have been discharged following recovery. With this the total recovery cases stands at 877, of which 786 are males while 91 females.

The ministry also said, 309,914 samples have been tested for coronavirus in Nepal so far. Of these, 121,862 samples were tested through the PCR and 188,052 through the RDT.

Meanwhile, another COVID-19 related death has been confirmed taking the total number of fatalities in the country to 16.

Woman killed, 2 injured in Pak shelling along LoC in J&K’s Baramulla

Ceasefire
Representational image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A woman was killed and two civilians were injured in intense shelling by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district today, police said.

A mortar shell hit the house of Akthar Begum (40), wife of Zahoor Ahmad at Batha-Gram village of Uri, killing her on the spot, they said.


Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom said the woman died after a mortar shell hit her house. “Two more civilians were injured in the shelling, who have been shifted to hospital,” he said. “A few residential houses and private vehicles also suffered damage in the shelling from across the LoC.”

Defence spokesman in Srinagar, Rajesh Kalia said that in the morning at 8:20 am, Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Rampur sector of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district by firing mortars and other weapons. “Befitting response is being given,” he said.

Earlier today, Pakistani troops resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling in Uri which was retaliated to effectively by the India side.

A video grab from the ceasefire violation along LoC in Uri.

“Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked firing with the small arms and light mortars in Uri area. The troops responded effectively. The Pakistani army targeted army check posts in Hajipeer sector and other posts in Uri,” a defence official said told NVI earlier.

The firing started in the morning and continued till the afternoon, he said.

The intense shelling by Pakistani troops and retaliation by the Indian Army triggered panic in almost a dozen villages close to the LoC in Uri as many residents were seen running for safety, besides taking their livestock to safer places. Abdul Aziz Khanata, a village elder in Churunda village, told NVI over phone that people of dozens of Uri villages woke up to intense shelling from across the border.

“We took our livestock to safety and asked the people of our village to stay indoors and take safety precautions,” Khatana said, adding that the children and women were gripped by fear and none of them ventured out of their homes.

This year, a record number of 1600 ceasefire violations have been recorded in J&K on LoC where in Pakistan has used small arms to mortal shells besides indiscriminate gunfire, as per security officials. “Every time Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation, the army has given them a befitting reply by retaliating effectively,” a defence official said.

J&K: Markets to open in Srinagar from tomorrow, SOPs issued

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): For the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Kashmir, the Srinagar administration today announced re-opening of shops and malls with fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SoPs) and other precautions, focusing on social distancing and wearing of masks.

The announcement comes a day after Srinagar trade bodies held hectic deliberations with the district administration headed by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary, where the majority of the traders stressed on the need of re-opening markets citing ailing economy of the Valley. During the meeting, the traders gave a written undertaking on following SoPs in a proper manner and maintaining social distancing, besides wearing of masks.

Chairman of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), an amalgam of various trade bodies, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, welcomed the Srinagar administration’s decision stating that “all the guidelines will be followed in spirit.” Markets were closed as part of the Lockdown-1, soon after the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Srinagar on March 19.

An order issued by the district administration said that in view of multifarious dimensions involved, suggestions and recommendations were obtained from SKIMS Srinagar, Govt Medical College Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina and Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, and sector-specific SOPs have been devised taking into account such recommendations and standard protocols notified by the competent authority.

“Detailed deliberations were held with all trade & business organisations and associations viz a viz notification of containment zones in the district and limited permissible activities therein, mandatory observance of SOPs particularly related to mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing, hygiene and sanitization,” the order read.

“The SOPs notified by the SEC are to be observed in letter and spirit. The said organisations undertook to ensure that all SOPs are observed for permissible opening of shops in line with SEC notification cited above. Therefore, in line with the permissible activities and opening of shops provided in the SEC notification, consultations held with stakeholders and readiness to observe SOPs and necessary steps for COVID containment expressed by the trade and business organisations,” it said.

The order further read “After assessment, District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of powers vested and provisions contained in The Disaster Management Act 2005, Section 144 CrPC, and The Epidemic Disease Act, notify the following schedule, in District Srinagar, for the opening of shops, from Saturday (June 13).”

“Monday to Saturday—following shops will remain open full day—Bookshops, stationery, Chemists, Medical products, Grocery. Fruits, Vegetables, Milk & Milk products, Meat/Poultry, Farming products (Agri/Horti/Sericulture etc). Repair workshops, e-Commerce & courier, Hotels Restaurants for home-delivery/Take-away, bakery, and other essential products,” it added.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday (From 11 am to 5:30 Pm), following shops will remain open— Readymade garments, Cloth shop, Cosmetics, Footwear Electronics & Electric Material, Jewellery, Tailors/Designers/Boutiques.

Similarly, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, following shops will remain open— Handicrafts, Handloom, Hardware, Building material, Furniture, Furnishing, Automobiles, Services stations, Saloons Beauty Parlours.

“The SOPs contained in Govt of UT of JAK vide Order No.62-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 07-06-2020 for Hotels and Restaurants, Shopping Malls and Salons/Barbershops etc shall be strictly followed. Further, concerned market association shall be responsible for observance of all SOPs,” the order said.

“Wearing mask and physical distancing shall be mandatory. Equidistant circle in paint indicating mandatory distance shall be marked outside every shop/establishment. No business shall be transacted in absence of guidelines related to mandatory wearing of Masks and Physical distancing. Every shop/establishment shall be properly sanitized before being made operational Hand sanitizers/ handwash/Soap etc shall also be compulsorily made available at every establishment,” it added.

In addition to this, the order said that night restrictions/curfew between 8 PM to 5 AM as notified vide order dated 19.05.2020 shall continue to be in place and only essential services shall be allowed during the period. As far as public transport is concerned, the order said that three-wheelers with two passengers has been allowed.

WATCH | Army retaliates to Pak shelling along LoC in J&K’s Baramulla

Civilian injured

In yet another ceasefire violation along Line of Control (LoC) in J&K, Pakistani troops today resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling in the Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Pakistani army started unprovoked firing on the LoC in Uri early this morning which was retaliated effectively by the India side. Read story

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