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UK to operate 14 more flights to fly back citizens stranded in India

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New Delhi (NVI): The United Kingdom today announced that it will operate 14 new charter flights next week to bring back its 3,600 more nationals stranded in India amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Once completed, these additional flights will bring the total number of people flown to the UK from India on Government charter flights to over 13,000,” the British High Commission said in a statement.

The 14 additional flights, all London bound, will airlift nationals from Amritsar, Ahmedabad and Delhi.

The additional flights will depart for London from Amritsar on April 28, 29, 30, May 1, 2 (two flights will be operated), 3 and 4 May.

Five flights will operate from Ahmedabad on April 28, 29, May 1, 3 and 4.

One flight will operate from Delhi on April 30.

The UK has now chartered 52 flights from India to bring stranded British travellers home, the High Commission said.

There has been a huge demand for these flights, with seats now being allocated to those already registered via the government’s online booking portal – CTM, it said.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:  “Travel to and from India is severely restricted and so we have organised a series of charter flights.  Through these 52 UK charter flights, we will have brought back 13,000 people and our staff in India will continue to support all those UK nationals who need our help.”

Tariq Ahmad, British Foreign Office Minister of State said:  “We have already helped over 6,500 people return from India since we began our charter flight programme, with a further 7,000 due to return in the coming weeks. The 14 new flights announced today bring the total number of UK government charter flights from India to 52.  We are continuing to work around the clock to ensure all British travellers in India are supported to come back to the UK if they wish.”

Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said:  “We are extremely grateful for the close and continuing support of the Indian government and airport authorities in facilitating this unprecedented repatriation exercise. We are continuing to work around the clock to get as many British nationals home as possible.”

Stigma over Covid-19 increasing mortality, morbidity: AIIMS Director

AIIMS chief

New Delhi (NVI): Due to the stigma over Covid-19, there has been an increase in morbidity and mortality rate as patients are not coming forward on time, but only after they have developed symptoms or their condition has worsened, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said today.

“Due to the stigma we have attached, patients are not coming forward, they are coming very late when they have severe breathlessness issues, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality,” Guleria said during the daily briefing held by Union Health Ministry.

The AIIMS Director said that many of these patients can be saved by just giving them oxygen. “If they do not get oxygen, it can trigger various other problems, our strategy of expanding oxygen support is based on this,” he said.

The Union Health Ministry, during its press briefing, said that the growth of COVID-19 cases in the country has been more or less linear, not exponential. “This indicates that the strategies we have adopted have succeeded in containing the infection to a particular level,” said CK Mishra- Union Environment Secretary and the Chairman of Empowered Group 2 set up by the Centre.

The Chairman further stated that the number of dedicated COVID Hospitals has increased by 3.5 times and the number of isolation beds by 3.6 times during the last one-month lockdown period.

“There are more than 3,773 dedicated Covid facilities as on date, more are being added by the day,” he added.

Meanwhile, total coronavirus cases in India have spiked to 21,700 with 686 deaths so far. A total of 4,325 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals. There are around 16,689 active cases currently.

Robust measures in place to combat Covid in Kashmir: J-K LG

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, GC Murmu today reviewed preparedness and arrangements for dealing with coronavirus outbreak in the Union Territory while directing the administration to reach out to masses, identify vulnerable age groups, and augment a robust healthcare facility on priority.

An official spokesman said that while speaking at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan here, the LG said that COVID-19 was a “novel virus” and it demanded “novel interventions”. He urged the administration to work in close coordination and bring the mortality rate to its minimum.

“Fighting COVID-19 is a long-drawn-out battle. We all must gear up and fight it scientifically,” the LG said. “There shouldn’t be any lapse from the administration whatsoever, besides the concerned Deputy Commissioners should do profiling of the vulnerable areas and try to reach out to the affected people on priority,” he added.

Lauding Srinagar administration for putting a robust mechanism in place for fighting COVID-19 outbreak, Murmu directed all the districts to ensure safety and security for the people while urging the concerned District Magistrates to lend all necessary and possible support to the needy people in their areas.

He urged people to cooperate and follow the health advisories in letter and spirit to minimise the spread of the virus. He urged them to take special care of vulnerable age groups like elderly, children and people with existing illnesses. He also assured them that there would be no shortage of essential commodities or any service and asked them to maintain social distance as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the virus.

Reviewing the arrangements for Kashmir division, the LG lauded the efforts of frontline health workers, security forces and the staff of essential services and appealed to the general public to complement the efforts of the government and cooperate in breaking the chain.

Apart from this, Murmu also urged the divisional administration to begin aggressive profiling of vulnerable age groups in the communities, saying that people above the age group of 60 should be profiled and their medical history should be tallied by a team of experts. He also assured the locals that all necessary measures are in place to prevent the spread of the infection. However they should cooperate and come forward for getting screened, he added.

“Testing capacity should be accelerated and people above the age group of 60 should be screened and if any healthcare issue is seen they should be immediately provided healthcare facilities,” he said. “There shouldn’t be any lapse from the health department on this,” he added.

Also present at the review meeting, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole gave an overall view of the COVID-19 preparedness, saying that divisional administration was building robust capacities for contact tracing & sampling. He said that 8,211 samples have been collected so far, besides 7,410 contacts traced and 351 positive cases recorded. He said that Pulwama is the least affected district while Bandipora has the highest number of cases.

The meeting was also informed that separate teams trained at 58 medical blocks for contact tracing and sampling have been constituted. 423 Lab technicians (LTs) and 80 paramedics have been trained for sampling purposes.

“Each district is having capacity for mobile sampling and besides that sampling kiosks have been established in all the district headquarters,” Pole said. “So far 3938 RNA extraction kits have been procured,” he added.

The meeting was further informed that there are 84 containment zones, including 37 (Red Zones), 45 (Orange zones), 02 (Green zones) across Kashmir division. The officials informed the chair that there is a nearly 10,000 bed capacity for the COVID-19 patients.

Till date, 64,089 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which includes 5806 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 252 in Hospital Quarantine, 310 in hospital isolation and 15376 under home surveillance. Besides, 42340 persons have completed their surveillance period, according to an official statement.

Apart from this, the Lieutenant Governor said that clear guidelines and SOP should be adopted to deal with coronavirus-related biomedical waste. He directed concerned Deputy Commissioners to adopt guidelines for handling, treatment and safe disposal of biomedical waste generated during treatment, diagnosis and quarantine of patients confirmed or suspected to have the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The LG also directed the administration, especially heads of the tertiary care healthcare institutions and Director Health Services, Kashmir, to protect the healthcare workers. He said that healthcare workers are at risk from handling Covid-19 patients and people in quarantine centres.

He said that medical experts and specialists should send out warnings to the masses on mishandling of biomedical waste. He added that discarded masks, gloves and tissues could be potential sources for the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Among others present at the meeting were Advisors to the LG- Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar and Baseer Ahmad Khan; Chief Secretary, BVR Subhramanyam; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Director, SKIMS, Dr AG Ahnagar.

27 more test positive for Covid-19 in J&K, tally reaches 434

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Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness a surge in the Covid-19 positive cases, as 27 more tested positive for the virus today, taking the total number of cases to 434 in the Union Territory.

Among the fresh cases reported today, 26 are from the Kashmir division and one from the Jammu division. Overall, among 434 total positive cases in the UT, 377 are from Kashmir and 57 are from Jammu, said J&K government officials.

They said that among the new 26 cases in Kashmir division, nine are from Shopian, seven from Anantnag, four from Kupwara, three from Baramulla, two from Bandipora and one from Budgam district while one case has been reported at Ramban in Jammu division.

They added that 18 samples were tested positive at SKIMS, eight at CD hospital Lab and other at GMC Jammu. Officials from Kupwara said that fresh four cases are contacts of already positive patients. 84 samples were tested negative in the district today, they added.

Nodal officer for COVID-19 at SKIMS, Srinagar said that that 18 persons were tested positive today at the hospital, adding that four persons were discharged from the institute after their complete recovery.

As per officials figures, 79 positive cases including one death and 27 recoveries are from Srinagar, 99 positive cases including 18 recoveries and one death are from Bandipora, 50 including two deaths and four recoveries are from Baramulla, 41 including six recoveries from Kupwara, 55 including six recoveries are from Shopian, 14 including two recoveries are from Ganderbal, 14 including nine recoveries are from Budgam, 6 are from Kulgam, 9 from Anantnag and all 3 recovered from Pulwama in Kashmir division.

In Jammu division, 26 including five recoveries are from Jammu district, 20 including one death and eight recoveries are from Udhampur, 4  from Samba and 4 from Rajouri including three recoveries, one from Kishtiwar (who has also recovered) and one from Ramban.

As per the daily information bulletin, 64,876 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 6039 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Apart from that, 330 persons are in hospital isolation while 279 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 44,940 persons have completed surveillance period and 13,283 persons are under home surveillance. Besides, results of 10,977 samples are available so far, out of which 10,550 samples stand negative. 427 persons have been tested positive, and among them, 330 are active, 92 have recovered, 5 have died.

CIL to produce 710 million tonnes coal in current fiscal

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Coal today said that it has set the production target for Coal India Limited (CIL) for this financial year at 710 million tonnes (MT).

The company’s coal offtake target will also remain at 710 MT for this fiscal, in line with its goal to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by 2023-24, the ministry said in a statement.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Pralhad Joshi, set these targets for the state-run company while reviewing its performance through video conference yesterday, it said.

“The demand of coal will pick up again after coronavirus lockdown, so I have directed CIL to keep the production and offtake targets at 710 MT for financial year 2020-21 in line with its goal to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by year 2023-24.” Joshi said.

During the video conference yesterday, the minister stressed upon consistency in coal production throughout the year and instructed CIL management to make all necessary preparations so that production doesn’t get affected even during monsoon season.

He further asked CIL authorities to provide quality coal to all consumers and make sure that sufficient coal is available at power plant during the year.

In the meeting, the company’s Over Burden (OB) removal target for financial year 2020-21 was set at 1580 million cubic meters in alignment with its 1 BT plans, the ministry said. OB removal refers to the removal of top soil to expose the coal seams making them ready for mining.

“I am proud of our Coal Warriors who are toiling day and night to keep the lights on even during the pandemic and am hopeful that CIL will achieve all assigned targets on or before time. Government will extend all possible support to get the targets accomplished.” Joshi said.

He further asked CIL management to approach the companies presently importing coal to cater their demand and advised to chalk out a detailed plan to substitute the import of coal.

Power ministry asks states to allow construction activities in power plants

Peak power demand

New Delhi (NVI): To enable a smooth interstate and intra-state transmission network in the country amid the Covid-19 lockdown, the Ministry of Power has asked states and union territories to allow construction activities in the power projects outside municipal limits while observing necessary health protocols as per April 15 guidelines issued by Centre.

MHA, in its guidelines for the extended lockdown, had said that activities in the power sector like laying and erection of transmission lines were permitted after observing necessary health protocols to curb COVID-19.

In a letter to States/UTs, DMs, Police Authorities, Municipal Bodies on April 20, the Power Ministry has said that as per Para 16(i) of the guidelines issued by MHA, construction of all kinds of industrial projects in rural areas, i.e., outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities have been allowed to be carried out with effect from 20.04.2020.

“This is also applicable for ongoing construction activities in Thermal/Hydro Power Generation Projects outside the limits of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry has also requested to allow the intrastate and interstate movement of construction materials, equipment, spares & consumables etc., for these under-construction power projects as per the MHA order.

The Ministry has emphasised that resumption of project works at sites may be carried out while taking all mandatory precautions and norms of social distancing as well the advisories issued by MHA and Health Ministry from time to time with regard to Covid-19.

In addition to this, the Power Ministry has instructed all CMDs of Power CPSUs and IIPs and UMPPs to ensure the necessary preventive measures/ equipment/amenities for safeguard from COVID-19 to their employees and workforce deployed for construction activities.

The ministry has also advised the Chief Secretary of all States for similar action in respect of the State Generating Companies/ Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Pak PM tests negative for coronavirus; total cases at 10,927

Imran Khan
File pic of Imran Khan

New Delhi (NVI): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who underwent a test for the novel coronavirus yesterday, has been tested negative, according to the Dawn.

Meanwhile, the total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has reached 10,927 with 230 deaths so far.

Nearly half of the total confirmed cases are from Punjab province alone, at 4,706, according to Geo News.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, the Sindh province has reported 3,671 cases while Balochistan has 552 cases so far. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province has 1,453 cases, Islamabad 204, Gilgit Baltistan 290 and 51 in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Another 115 people recovered from the deadly virus in Punjab province, taking the provincial tally to 905. The total number of recovered cases stands at 2,453 in the country.

Pakistan has been under lockdown for over a month now to curb the spread of coronavirus.

COVID-19: Educational institutions to remain shut till May 5 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): All educational institutions in Bangladesh will remain shut until May 5 in line with the government’s announcement of general holidays, aiming to prevent spread of coronavirus.

The total number of deaths from coronavirus continues to rise in Bangladesh as 7 more people have died in the last 24 hours, taking the total casualties in the country to 127, according to United News of Bangladesh.

Besides, a total number of 414 people tested positive for coronavirus during the period, raising the number of such cases in the country to 4,168.

In addition to this, many suspected coronavirus carriers are either showing less interest in undergoing tests or hiding information in fear of isolation and social stigma, health experts said warning that this tendency may jeopardise the government’s efforts to contain the pandemic.

Meanwhile, among the total positive cases tested in the last 24 hours, 46 people were tested positive in Kishoreganj, Jashore, Bogura and Moulvibazar districts.

Domestic violence cases surge in Kashmir amid lockdown: Police

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Reports of domestic violence have increased in Kashmir amid Covid-19 lockdown while theft-related cases have gone down than before, according to police.

Coronavirus has tightened its grip in the whole Jammu and Kashmir Union Territoritory ever since the first Covid case was reported from Srinagar on March 18.

As per figures available with women police station Rambagh in Srinagar, before the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, it would receive normally 20 to 25 calls from women, girls and female students with regard to domestic violence, misbehavior by in-laws, beating and harassment. “We would also get calls regarding molestation and harassment from girls including college and university students,” an official at the police station disclosed.

He, however, said that though education institutions are closed, there is an obvious decline in harassment and molestation related complaints, but over the past one month, the number of complaints regarding domestic violence has gone up. “We are getting more than 30 calls where women complaint beating by husbands, intimidation and harassment by in-laws,” the official said.

He said that majority of calls are made from Srinagar, followed by South Kashmir’s Anantnag, and the north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Former chairperson, Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Commission, Vasundra Patak Masoodi also said that she is getting a lot of calls from women in Kashmir who complain about domestic violence amid Covid-19 lockdown.

She said that she is getting a lot of distress calls from women in Kashmir complaining about domestic violence against them in one way or the other. “As there is lockdown in the valley like other parts of the country, the women have nowhere to go and they also cannot register their complaints anywhere,” she said.

“I try to counsel complainants over phone. What else can I do for now. It helps a little bit as they feel someone is there to listen to them. But this surely indicates a rise in domestic violence cases in Kashmir,” she said.

Shaista (name changed), a teacher by profession said:  “I have to give lectures online and my in-laws think I am home now and don’t have to do anything else, my in-laws want me to do every household chore. When I tell them I can’t do everything, I get bashing from my mother and father in law, which adds to my mental trauma.”

Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, Haseeb Mughal told NVI that though there is a stringent lockdown in Srinagar, and elsewhere in Kashmir, it seems that women are not able to report their cases. “But the reports reaching us suggest that there is a spurt in domestic violence-related cases. Women are not able to report all cases,” he said. “At the same time, there is a significant dip in theft and burglary related cases.”

Interestingly, Jammu and Kashmir High Court division bench comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Rajnesh Oswal have recently suggested certain measures to help women and ensure their safety during the lockdown.

Not only in Kashmir, but Domestic violence reports have surged globally in the wake of massive lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of the disease.

Earlier this month, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had also urged governments across the world to include the protection of women in their response to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic.

HRD Min releases Alternative Academic Calendar for students of Class 6-8

Quality education
Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’

New Delhi (NVI): In a bid to keep students learning during their stay at home due to COVID-19, the Ministry of Human Resource Development today launched an Alternative Academic Calendar for upper primary stage (Classes VI to VIII).

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ released the academic calendar in New Delhi. This will enable students to engage meaningfully during the lockdown through educational activities at home with the help of their parents and teachers, the Ministry said.

The alternative academic calendars at primary and upper primary stage (Classes VI to VIII) have been developed by the NCERT under the guidance of the MHRD.

Earlier on April 16, the Alternative Academic Calendar for the primary stage was released.

Speaking on the occasion today, Pokhriyal said that this calendar provides guidelines to teachers on the use of various technological tools and social media tools available for imparting education in fun-filled, interesting ways, which can be used by learner, parents and teachers even while at home.

While preparing the calendar, the varying levels of access to tools like Mobile, Radio, Television, SMS and various social media, were taken into account, the Ministry said in a statement.

“It is a fact that many of us may not have internet facility in the mobile, or may not be able to use different social media tools- such as whatsapp, facebook, twitter, google etc, the calendar guides teachers to further guide parents and students through SMS on mobile phones or through voice call. Parents are expected to help elementary stage students to implement this Calendar,” Pokhriyal said.

The Minister added that very soon all the remaining classes i.e., IX to XII and subject areas will be covered under this calendar. This calendar will cater to the need of all children including Divyang children – link for Audio books, radio programmes, video programme will be included.

The calendar contains week-wise plan consisting of interesting and challenging activities, with reference to theme/chapter taken from syllabus or textbook. Most importantly, it maps the themes with the learning outcomes.

It also covers experiential learning activities such as Arts Education, Physical Exercises, yoga, pre-vocational skills, etc. This Calendar contains class-wise and subject-wise activities in tabular forms. This Calendar includes activities related to four languages as subject areas, i.e., Hindi English, Urdu and Sanskrit.

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