Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 1378

MHA says video conference app Zoom not safe, issues advisory

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs today said that video conferencing app Zoom is not safe as it is vulnerable to cyberattacks while asking government officials not to use the platform for official purposes in an advisory.

The ministry’s advisory bears significance as many companies are asking their employees to work from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Cyber Coordination Centre (CyCord), under MHA, issued the advisory, along with details of protective measures to be taken by individuals.

“The broad objective of this advisory is to prevent any unauthorized entry into a Zoom Conference Room and prevent the unauthorized participant to carry out malicious attacks on the terminals of other users in the conference,” the MHA said in a statement.

Earlier, India’s nodal cybersecurity agency – Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-in) had also cautioned that the video conferencing app Zoom is not safe and vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Twin sisters among 14 new Covid cases in Kashmir, J&K tally at 314

J&K Govt bans private practice by all SKIMS medical professionals
SKIMS, Srinagar (File)

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Fourteen more people were tested positive for novel coronavirus in Kashmir today, including twin sisters. With fresh cases showing a spurt, the total number of positive Covid-19 cases has jumped to 314 in J&K Union Territory.

“14 new cases- all from Kashmir Division. Total cases now 314. Jammu Division-54 and Kashmir Division-260,” Rohit Kansal, government spokesman tweeted.

With 38 recoveries and four deaths reported in J&K Union Territory so far, the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir is 272.

Officials told NVI that the fresh 14 cases include twin sisters who have a history of contact with positive cases.

Dr G H Yatoo, Nodal officer for Covid-19 at SKIMS hospital in Soura, Srinagar said that 11 persons were tested positive at SKIMS today and among them, 10 are from Bandipora and one Ganderbal district.

As per officials figures, 78 positive cases including one death and 12 recoveries are from Srinagar, 66 including eleven recoveries and one death are from Bandipora, 42 including one death are from Baramulla, 12 including three recoveries from Budgam, three from Pulwama including one recovery, 14 from Shopian including two recoveries, 25 from Kupwara, 13 from Ganderbal, 4 from Kulgam and two from Anantnag in Kashmir division.

As per the daily information bulletin, 58,076 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 7,463 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 272 persons are in hospital isolation. It said that 265 persons are under hospital quarantine.

The bulletin said that 20,706 persons have completed surveillance period and 29,366 persons are under home surveillance. “Out of 5,680 the number of samples tested negative stands at 5366 while as 314 have been tested positive, among them 272 are active and 38 persons have recovered and 4 have died,” the bulletin said.

Army Chief General MM Naravane reviews security situation in Kashmir

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Army Chief General MM Naravane today arrived in Kashmir to review the security situation in the Valley amid escalation in ceasefire violations on the Line of Control.

General Naravane exhorted the troops to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges at all times.

Defence spokesperson in Srinagar Colonel Rajesh Kalia told NVI that the Army chief reached Kashmir today on a two-day visit and reviewed the prevailing security situation. He arrived in the valley amid COVID-19 pandemic which has affected Kashmir also.

“He was accompanied by the northern army commander, Lt Gen YK Joshi and Srinagar based 15 Corps Commander, Lt Gen BS Raju,” Colonel Kalia said. He said that General Naravane visited the formations and units in the hinterland today.

“While interacting with jawans, the army chief highlighted that it was the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and applauded them for their high level of morale and motivation,” the defence spokesperson said.

He said that the Army chief further reinforced the need to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges effectively at all times. “General Naravane extolled the close coordination among all government agencies towards maintaining vigil and peace in the valley and reaching out to the people wholeheartedly to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic together,” he said.

Later in the day, the army chief visited 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where he appreciated the excellent work and vital critical care being provided by the doctors and support staff.

“He commended them for being the lifeline of the Valley. He was then briefed by the GoC 15 Corps in Srinagar on the overall situation pertaining to the Line of Control and the hinterland,” Colonel Kalia said.

The army chief also met members of the civil society later in the evening today, the defence spokesperson said.

Tensions along the border have escalated after the recent infiltration bid by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, which was foiled by the Indian Army. Five militants were killed in the operation as the Army lost its five soldiers from elite Special Forces.

In another incident on Sunday, three civilians including a woman and a minor boy were killed in heavy mortar shelling by Pakistan at Chowkibal area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

UNICEF India reaches out to faith leaders amid COVID-19 pandemic

New Delhi (NVI): As public health emergencies like COVID-19 pandemic lead to fear and anxiety among populations, that give rise to stress, violence and stigma, UNICEF India has urged faith leaders to emphasize solidarity and help people in neutralising the negative effects of the crisis.

The need of the hour is solidarity, kindness, cooperation and support towards each other, UNICEF said in a statement.

Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India has said that in times of humanitarian crisis, faith can be a powerful sustaining force. Faith leaders play a critical role in influencing values, attitudes, behaviours and actions that affect the development and wellbeing of the world’s children, she said.

“The need of the hour is solidarity and compassion. Let us only look at facts and not misinformation. Let us be supportive of each other and observe social distancing. We are reaching out to leaders across faiths for their support to ensure that the most vulnerable women and children are supported, and their rights protected at this crucial time”, she added.

Faith traditions can play a critical role in containing the spread of the disease and helping people cope with its fallout, UNICEF said. By focusing on spiritual calmness and inner serenity, faith leaders have an important role in urging followers to take the necessary precautions to protect oneself, society and community in accordance with government directives, it said.

UNICEF has urges faith-based welfare organizations to:

  1. To honour national health authorities’ guidance on gatherings, physical distancing and other matters of public health
  2. Focus on hygiene and sanitation in keeping with religious teachings that emphasize cleanliness as an element of holiness.
  3. To counter all forms of stigma and discrimination with active promotion of attitudes and behaviours to uphold the principles of love that are central to all religions and the dignity and rights of all people.
  4. Provide spiritual and emotional care and support to everyone and specially to those experiencing disruption and distress during the pandemic.
  5. Stand together in hope and solidarity for the survival, protection and development of our children, families and communities.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President, Parmarth Niketan said: “It’s heartening to note that faith leaders are lending their voice to spread the message of togetherness and unity in times of crisis.   All health workers, media professionals are all working tirelessly to support humanity. So help them to help you. Stay at home. We are getting to know that violence in the home is increasing a lot in this time.”

“Instead of turning to violence, let us support each other in the home and share the work in the household with love, especially in spending time with and looking after our children who can also get scared and anxious during this time. It is time to spread love and kindness and work together. This is the time to be peaceful and meditate. People are also getting swayed by misinformation and I urge them to only follow government instructions and guidelines,” said Swami Chidanand, also the founder of Ganga Action Parivar and Co-founder, Global Interfaith Wash Alliance.

Maulana Mahmood Madani, Secretary-General, Jamiat Ulema E Hind said, “At this time when humanity is under threat, we want to stand behind in full support of all our health workers. It is a shame that we are assaulting health workers. This is not the spirit of our country. To protect yourself and to protect your community is each one of our duty.”

“It is sin, haram if any of us do not follow the rules and do not practice social distancing or observe lockdown. It should not be that because of our selfishness or carelessness we risk our lives or lives of others. Let us be loving in our homes and in our communities,” he added.

Father Paul, Executive Director, Caritas India said, “Stay at home. Keep Social Distancing. Social Distancing is the best medicine to address this pandemic. Comply with all advisories given by Government authorities. And go with the principle that do no harm to anyone.”

“We are all one family. We are inspired and motivated by our faith. But, faith without action has no meaning. We see god in the lives of those people who are sick and ailing with corona and with people on the street who are suffering. Service to humanity is service to god – ManavaSeva hi Madhava Seva.” he added.

9 Tablighi Jamaat members test positive in Pakistan; cases at 6,865

(Image source: Geo.tv)

New Delhi (NVI): At least 9 Tablighi Jamaat activists have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan’s Punjab province today.

The new cases emerged in different districts of the Punjab province. Two weeks back, 198 Tableeghi Jamaat workers were quarantined in Pakpattan and 9 of them have tested positive, Dawn newspaper reported.

In addition to this, the total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has reached 6,865, while 128 people have died of the disease so far, according to Geo news.

Around 1,648 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the virus in the country, including people from Sindh and Punjab province.

Nearly half of the total confirmed cases are from Punjab province alone, at 3,232.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, the Sindh province has reported 2,008 cases while Balochistan has 291 cases so far. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province has 912 cases, Islamabad 145, Gilgit Baltistan 237 and 46 in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Bangladesh reports 10 more deaths; COVID-19 cases reach 1,572

Bangladesh lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): Bangladesh has been witnessing an alarming rise in coronavirus cases in the past week, with 314 infected cases being reported in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of infected people to 1,572.

Besides, 10 more people died from the virus raising the number of total deaths to 60, the highest number of deaths in a day, according to United News of Bangladesh.

The sample collection rate is 4 per cent higher than Wednesday and the test rate is 16 per cent higher, Additional Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Nasima Sultana today said.

Meanwhile, the local administration has put Sherpur, a district in central Bangladesh, under lockdown yesterday night to limit transmission of coronavirus.

The decision comes after Sherpur confirmed 9 coronavirus cases in the last 10 days, according to media reports.

No new cases of recovery have been reported.

35,000 foreigners from 38 countries repatriated from India: Govt sources

New Delhi (NVI): A total of 35,000 foreigners from 38 countries have been repatriated from India so far, government sources said today.

The information came on a day when Australia evacuated its 425 nationals from India as a special charter plane left for Melbourne from Delhi airport today.

The Ministry of Tourism has also launched ‘Stranded in India’ online portal where foreign nationals stuck in India can reach out for help.

Apart from that 3,336 Indians have been infected by coronavirus in 53 countries while 25 have died of it abroad, sources said.

India is currently under an extended lockdown till May 3 to contain any spread of the virus through social distancing. To this effect, all domestic and international flights have been suspended till May 3.

Apart from that, MEA’s 24 hour COVID19 control room has received 18,000 emails from across the world, 5000 phone calls and 2000 public grievances, they said.

In another effort, India has decided to supply anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to 55 countries, sources said. Initially, India had shortlisted 13 countries for the supply of the anti-malarial drug, including the United States.

India is the biggest manufacturer of HCQ, seen as helpful in treating Covid-19 patients.

COVID-19: Australia evacuates 425 citizens from India

Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): Australia today airlifted its 425 citizens stranded in India amid the coronavirus pandemic, the second evacuation flight operated by the country from Delhi.

A special charter flight left for Melbourne from Delhi today. The flight was organized by a group of Australians led by Simon Quinn.

The Australian High Commission in India confirmed the development, while tweeting: “Another charter, JT2846, supported by the High Commission, took off from #Delhi for #Melbourne with 425 passengers. It was organised by Australians led by Simon Quinn. Thanks to the Indian authorities for facilitation.”

Before this, Australia had operated the first evacuation flight from India on April 12, repatriating 444 people.

Australia began airlifting its citizens from India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured his counterpart from Canberra Scott Morrison of “necessary facilitation and support to any Australian citizens stranded in India due to travel restrictions”. Both the leaders had a telephonic conversation recently.

The Australian Government stepped up efforts last week to bring back its nationals stuck in various affected parts of the world.

AICTE issues instructions to colleges for extended lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) has issued instructions to educational institutions and colleges for the extended lockdown, while warning them against demanding fees from students amid the current situation.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued fresh guidelines with regard to the extended lockdwon till May 3, while informing the ministries and departments on measures to be taken to contain the spread if COVID-19 in the country.

While issuing specific guidelines to colleges and institutions, AICTE said, “heads of institutions have the onerous responsibility of safeguarding the health and associated interests of all stakeholders of their respective colleges/institutions.”

Regarding the payment of fees, AICTE noted: “that certain standalone institutions are insisting that students should pay the fees, including admission fees, during the lockdown.” The Council clarified that colleges/institutions should not insist on payment of fees till the ongoing lockdown is lifted and normalcy is restored. The educational institutes have been directed to display this information on their websites and also inform the students about the revised timeline for fee payment.

The council further said that it has been learnt that various institutions have not paid salary to their faculty and staff members, for the duration of the lockdown. “Certain institutions have terminated the services of certain faculty/staff members,” the Council noted while clarifying that salary and otherdues to the faculty/staff members will be released for the duration of lockdown and also terminations, if any, made during the lockdown will be withdrawn.

Apart from that, AICTE has urged the institutions and colleges to discourage fake news. “lt also advised that any information published on the official website of MHRD/UGC/AICTE only may be relied upon,” it said.

The Council also mentioned the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) in its guidelines, saying that due to ongoing lockdown and restricted access to the internet, the activities pertaining to PMSSS for the academic year 2020-2021 have been delayed. It clarified that the scheme will be continued as in the past, once the lockdown is lifted. “A calendar of events, laying down fresh timelines will be published in the AICTE website in due course,” it said.

However, online classes for the current semester will be continued during the extended lockdown, the Council said. “A revised academic calendar will be issued by UGC/AICTE subsequently. Regarding the conduct of semester examinations, it is clarified that UGC has constituted a committee for recommending the modalities of conduct of examinations, award of marks and passing criteria in examinations,” it said. The council has advised students to keep watch on UGC/AICTE websites.

As the summer internship may not take place due to the lockdown, AICTE has advised students to pursue internships from home. “ln case the same is not feasible, this requirement may be fulfilled in December 2020,” it said.

Considering the lockdown impact due to restrictions, the Council has advised institutions to allow students of other colleges/institutions in their vicinity to access the internet facility.

“Colleges/ institutions may accordingly permit students of other colleges/institutions to share their campus internet facility. Attendance rule may be relaxed in the light of lockdown and unavailability of good bandwidth in certain rural areas,” AICTE said in a statement.

 

UNICEF says children at increased risk of harm online amid Covid-19

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): With the closure of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of children across the world are at an increased risk of harm online, as they are spending more time on virtual platforms to take classes as well as socialising, the UNICEF said today.

“The coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented rise in screen time,” said Global Partnership to End Violence Executive Director, Howard Taylor.

School closures and strict containment measures mean more and more families are relying on technology and digital solutions to keep children learning, entertained and connected to the outside world, but not all children have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to keep themselves safe online, Taylor added.

More than 1.5 billion children and young people have been affected by school closures worldwide, UNICEF said, adding that spending more time on virtual platforms can leave children vulnerable to online sexual exploitation and grooming, as predators look to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.

A lack of face-to-face contact with friends and partners may lead to heightened risk-taking such as sending sexualized images, while increased and unstructured time online may expose children to potentially harmful and violent content as well as greater risk of cyberbullying, it said.

Commenting on the issue, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said, “Under the shadow of COVID-19, the lives of millions of children have temporarily shrunk to just their homes and their screens. We must help them navigate this new reality.”

“We call on governments and industry to join forces to keep children and young people safe online through enhanced safety features and new tools to help parents and educators teach their children how to use the internet safely,” she said.

Considering the situation, UNICEF has made recommendations in a ‘new technical note’, aimed at urging governments, ICT industries, educators and parents to be alert, take urgent measures to mitigate potential risks, and ensure children’s online experiences are safe and positive during COVID-19.

As per the preliminary recommended actions, governments gave been urged to bolster core child protection services to make sure they remain open and active throughout the pandemic. They have been asked to train health, education and social service workers on the impacts that COVID-19 may have on child well-being, including increased online risks.

UNICEF has also asked countries to step up awareness raising and educational initiatives on child online safety, and make sure social service providers, schools, parents and children are aware of local reporting mechanisms and have support numbers of local helplines and hotlines.

The Information technology industry including social networking platforms has been asked to ensure that online platforms have enhanced safety and safeguarding measures, especially virtual learning tools, and that they are clearly accessible to educators, parents and children.

The Schools have been asked to update current safeguarding policies to reflect the new realities for children learning from home, promote and monitor good online behaviours and ensure that children have continued access to school-based counselling services.

In its recommendations to parents, UNICEF has asked them to ensure that children’s devices have the latest software updates and antivirus programs. Parents have also been urged to have open dialogues with children on how and with whom they are communicating online, be alert to signs of distress in children that may emerge in connection with their online activity, and be familiar with school district policies and local reporting mechanisms.

Coming to India, UNICEF said that a recent report of the India Child Protection Fund using Pornhub data shows that there is an increase in online searches of child sexual abuse materials. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing in India has also warned of this risk in a recent statement, it said.

In India, CHILDLINE, which is the largest child helpline in the world with over two million calls a year, has been declared an emergency service and is allowed to access and respond to cases in the current situation.

1...1,3771,3781,379...1,660Page 1,378 of 1,660

MUST READ