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COVID-19: 195 cases in India, four dead so far

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 195 after 35 new cases were reported from various parts of the country.

Several new cases were reported from Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, according to reports.

In another case, 69-year-old Italian tourism has died in Jaipur. As per some news reports, the elderly tourist had recovered from COVID-19 and tested positive. He died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital later. However, an official word in this regard is still awaited.

At present, there are 171 active coronavirus patients in the country, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation yesterday and urged people to stay indoors and called for a ‘janata curfew’ on March 22, asking citizens to voluntarily stay indoors from 7 am to 9 pm.

In another development, as India continues to reel under the threat of COVID-19, the government yesterday decided to not allow any international commercial passenger aircraft to land during March 22-29.

The number of global deaths due to the pandemic has cross 10,000 while at least 2,44,500 people have been infected. The most deaths have been reported from Italy, where more than 3,400 people have died, followed by China with 3,132 fatalities.

Rains, thundershowers expected in Pb, Hry, Delhi-NCR

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): With the western disturbance reaching northern parts of Jammu and Kashmir, rains and thundershowers may occur in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR over the next 24 hours.

Apart from this, light to medium rains are also expected in some parts in J&K and Himachal Pradesh. This has also raised hopes for light snowfall in some higher areas in the region.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, the maximum temperature today was recorded at 31 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 16 degrees Celsius. The national capital witnessed light to medium rains late last night as Delhiites woke up to a cool breezy morning.

However, the maximum and minimum temperature is expected to rise over the next few days, according to IMD. rain activities may see another surge from March 22 in Delhi-NCR.

Apart from that, many parts of east Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will continue to witness rains and thundershowers today while isolated pockets of the Vidarbha region may also observe similar weather activities.

The phenomenon is expected to continue till tomorrow in the region. Thereafter, the rainfall activities will subside from the Vidarbha region but East Madhya Pradesh will continue to receive isolated rains.

Since last 24 hours, the eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and South Chhattisgarh have been experiencing intense showers.

According to SkymetWeather, the reason for these rains can be attributed to the strengthening of an anti cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal that is feeding moisture towards the central and eastern parts of the country so far.

Meanwhile, the state of Chhattisgarh will continue with light to moderate rain and thundershowers.

The unseasonal rains that started at the beginning of winters are still continuing in the month of March.

For now, rains are expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours in many parts of Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and East Madhya Pradesh.

Nirbhaya case: All 4 convicts hanged in Tihar jail

New Delhi (NVI): The four convicts in Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case were finally hanged to death today. They were hanged just before the crack of the dawn at Tihar Jail in New Delhi after their petitions filed before a lower court, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court were rejected in late-night hearings.

Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31) were executed at 5.30 am. They were sentenced to death for the rape and brutal assault of a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on December 16, 2012.

This is also the first time that four convicts have been simultaneously executed in the history of Tihar jail. It is South Asia’s largest prison complex that houses more than 16,000 inmates.

The horrific crime shocked the nation as many people, including Nirbhaya’s parents waited for justice for the past seven years. The incident had sparked massive nation-wide protests, calling for stricter laws for crimes against women and tighter security.

After the execution today, Nirbhaya’s mother said the justice was delayed but finally delivered. As per media reports, she has also said the top court must lay guidelines for dealing with delaying tactics in such cases and ensure speedy trial and justice.

10 earth imaging satellites among ISRO’s 36 missions for FY21

Gyanganga Mission

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has planned to launch 36 missions including 10 earth observation satellites by 2020-21, MoS PMO Jitendra Singh said today.

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Singh said, ”ISRO has planned 36 missions including satellites and launch vehicles for the fiscal year 2020-21.”

The missions launching by ISRO will include 10 earth observation satellites, 3 communication satellites, 2 navigation satellites, 3 space science satellite, 1 technology demonstration, 10 PSLV, 3 GSLV MK II, 1 GSLV MK III, 1 Small Satellite Launch Vehicle and 2 Gaganyaan ( Unmanned).

During the current fiscal year of 2019-20 till date, 11 out of the total targeted missions have been completed, Singh said in a written statement.

”Indian Space Programme is focused on peaceful uses of Outer Space,” Singh said adding that Space Technology should be used for benefit of the country and society, provide solutions for developmental activities and address problems of the society at large.

Rlys suspends concessional bookings to avoid unnecessary travel

New Delhi (NVI): In an effort to combat novel coronavirus, Indian Railways today suspended concessional booking of all tickets till further orders.

”To discourage unnecessary travel and to prevent the vulnerable category of Senior Citizens from undertaking unnecessary travels, concessional booking of all tickets except Patients, students and Divyangjan category for Unreserved & Reserved segment are being suspended from 00:00 hrs of 20th March till further advisory, ” the Railways said in an advisory.

The railways has also raised the price of Platform Ticket to Rs. 50 wherever necessary, to avoid unnecessary crowding at Railway Stations in wake of spread of COVID 19. It also instructed DRMs to review the situation over railway stations.

As a precautionary measure and to discourage nonessential travel and overcrowding of trains, so far total 155 pairs of low occupancy trains are cancelled up to 31.03.20, the Rail authorities said.

”Trains are cancelled keeping in view the availability of alternate trains for passengers and ensuring that no passenger shall remain stranded. Full refund is being given to all the passengers whose train has been cancelled, ”it added.

Indian Railways has also facilitated return of students stranded in Northern part of country due to sudden closure of Educational Institutions to their homes in Southern, Northern-Eastern and Eastern regions of India.

The advisories have also been issued to passengers to avoid non-essential train journeys and to ensure that they do not have a running fever while they are commencing the journey. At any point of journey, if a passenger feels that he is having fever, he can contact the Railway Staff for medical attention and further assistance, the statement said.

Regular announcement are being done on PA System of Railway Stations & Trains to sensitize the public about various Do’s & Don’ts highlighting Keeping hands clean by frequent washing of hands; Maintain social distance & covering the mouth while sneezing and coughing, it added.

Coronavirus: PM appeals for ‘janata curfew’ on Mar 22

New Delhi (NVI): As the world battles coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation tonight, saying all citizens need to contribute to check the pandemic and in this direction, called for observing 14-hour “janata curfew (people’s curfew)” on March 22.

He said the pandemic was deadlier than even the two World Wars as it has impacted more countries and cautioned the countrymen against taking it lightly.

In his 30-minute televised address, the Prime Minister urged people to exercise all precautions necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus and implement all the directives issued by the governments, be it the state or central.

“You have always heeded to me whenever I asked for something… I want your ‘sankalp’ (commitment) and ‘sanyam’ (patience)…. I will need a few weeks of yours,” Modi said to the masses.

He asked people to limit their movements to necessary activities and work from home, if possible, except in the case of government departments and emergency services.

In this regard, Prime Minister urged the citizens to observe “janata curfew” on Sunday, March 22 from 7am to 9pm.

“This will prepare us for future circumstances. I urge all state governments to help comply with this janta curfew,” he said.

“By being safe yourself, you will make a huge contribution towards fight against coronavirus,” he told the public.

While stating this, Modi recalled how certain measures, like blackouts, used to be adopted during Wars for public safety.

Besides, the PM also gave a call to people express gratitude to medical staffers, media persons and all others working amid coronavirus outbreak. “You can do this by standing at your door, window or balcony for five minutes at 5 PM on Sunday, March 22,” he said.

He appreciated the initiative of social distancing being taken in the country as well as across the world to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.

The Prime Minister said the pandemic is going to impact the economy also and announced formation of ‘COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force’ to see that economic situation doesn’t deteriorate due to coronavirus.

The Task Force, to be headed by Finance Minister, will be in touch with stakeholders and take decisions shortly in an effort to insulate the people, especially the poor ones, he said.

Sports entities advised to suspend all events till April 15

Ayush Minister Kiren Rijiju (file pic)

New Delhi (NVI): All sports organisations and their affiliate units in the country have been advised to suspend all sports events till April 15, as a precautionary measure to contain coronavirus spread.

Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry today advised sports authorities against holding any sports events, including competitions or selection trials till 15th April 2020.

However, the athletes who are preparing for the Olympics, which is scheduled to be held in Tokyo this year, are allowed to get trained within the campus following some preventive measures outlined by the Ministry.

”Training of athletes preparing for Olympics 2020 may outline subject to following restrictions such as no exposure to athlete be allowed from outside in the campus where training is underway,” the statement said.

”No coach, technical/support staff, athlete etc presently not in the training camp and not staying in the training campus be allowed to interact or mingle with trainee athletes without following the quarantine protocols, ” it added.

It further requested to communicate the above for compliance to all affiliate entities.

West Pakistan Refugees can now claim relief in easier way

Jammu (NVI):  The Jammu and Kashmir government today announced simplification of procedures to enable West Pakistan Refugees avail benefit of one-time compensation of Rs. 5.5 lakh per family under the Rehabilitation Package.
The Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, decided to do away with the requirement of submission of Succession Certificate for all West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) to claim the benefit under the Rehabilitation Package, in case the original WPR entitled for relief under the package has died.
Instead, an applicant now has to produce a Legal Heir Certificate issued by the concerned Tehsildar, an official spokesman said.
Besides, a copy of any one of the Parliamentary voter lists of J&K from 1951 to 1984 may also be accepted as an alternate in case a family did not figure in the 1971/75 voter lists,
The AC has also stressed the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu who is also the Nodal Officer for speedy implementation of the said scheme under these simplified procedures, to ensure that the disbursement of financial assistance under the one-time relief package is completed by or before May 30, 2020.

Govt directs metro, buses to decrease frequency of services

New Delhi (NVI): The government today directed all the public transport to consider a decrease in the frequency of their services and alternate seating to ensure social distancing, in its latest set of measures to prevent coronavirus from spreading further in the country.

Addressing the media, Ministry of Health, Joint Secretary Lav Aggarwal said, “With respect to public transport, it is directed that metros, railways, buses and airplanes shall consider a decrease in the frequency of their services, alternate seating to ensure social distancing.”

“Effective disinfection and crowd management be ensured in places like railway stations, metro stations, bus stands, and airports,” he said.

In a briefing, the government also requested Indian nationals to ensure hand and respiratory hygiene, environmental sanitation measures like routine cleaning of frequently used surfaces, minimizing the sharing of objects; and ensuring appropriate ventilation besides social distancing.

“There shouldn’t be any kind of panic among the community, We all have to put the collective effort,” said Lav Agarwal.

In continuation of already issued advisories, Department of Personnel and Training has issued orders to reduce the contact and congestion in government offices, the Ministry informed in a briefing.

“These include allowing Group C & D employees to attend offices on alternate weeks and staggered timings for Group A & B employees,” it said adding that states shall issue instructions for regulating hours in all services except for essential services.

Industrial establishments to consider staggered timings and regulation of crowd in the market should also be resorted, the ministry said.

“In order to protect the most vulnerable of our population, all states shall issue appropriate instructions wherein all citizens above 65 years except for public representatives/government servants/medical professionals should be advised to remain at home,” said Lav Aggarwal.

“Avoid gatherings except for medical reasons and need for essential services. Similarly, all children below 10 years of age should be advised to remain at home and avoid going to public parks, picnics and other games requiring large number of participants,” he added.

In consultation with medical professionals, detailed advisory shall be issued for all health establishments to avoid non-urgent hospitalization and minimize elective surgeries. This is being done to avoid hospital-related infections to the vulnerable and prepare hospitals for meeting challenges posed by Coronavirus.

Youth and citizens are urged to become volunteers to support the government’s ongoing efforts in the management of COVID-19, he added.

Union Home Secretary reviews security for Amarnath Yatra

Jammu (NVI):  Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla today convened a high-level meeting here to review the security and other arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2020.

The meeting was attended by Advisors to JK Lt Governor- Baseer Ahmad Khan and R R Bhatnagar.

The meeting was also attended by Director General of Police, J&K; Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education; Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department; Chief Executive Officer of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; ADGP, CID, J&K; IGP Jammu; IGP Kashmir and other senior officers of CRPF and Army.

The meeting was convened through video conferencing.

Threadbare discussion on security arrangements, Telecom Connectivity, Disaster Management, Heath Care Plan, Fire Safety Measures, electricity, water supply, accurate weather forecasting services, and other issues were held during the meeting.

The Union Home Secretary, stressed on effective coordination among all the concerned departments for ensuring fool-proof and smooth conduct of the Yatra.

The Home Secretary discussed various matters with police and civil administration and also sought suggestions from them to ensure timely and fool-proof arrangements for the smooth conduct of annual pilgrimage. He assured of full support from the Union Home Ministry.

Advisor Baseer Ahmad Khan gave a detailed presentation of the arrangements being made for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. He informed that more amenities would be provided this year to Yatris on all routes.

The Advisor also informed the Home Secretary that advance placement of medical staff is being done on Yatra duty for better healthcare facility to the Yatris.

He said that the routes leading to Yatra would be cleared of snow and the matter has already been taken with the concerned department.

The Advisor also said that night helicopter service for the Yatris would be taken up with the concerned. The discussion was also held on various issues to strategise appropriate communication tools to help the pilgrims seeking registration for the Yatra, including need for compulsory health certificate for registration during the annual pilgrimage.

The Advisor also discussed the need for effective traffic regulation to ensure smooth movement of the pilgrim to the respective Base Camps.

Advisor Bhatnagar, on the occasion, said that LG’s Administration is making all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

He expressed hope that all the arrangements would complete before commencement of the Yatra.

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