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COVID cases in India climb to over 1.73 lakh, death toll at 4,971

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New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 1,73,763 and fatalities from the virus have gone up to 4,971, according to Union Health Ministry.

At least 8,2369 patients have been cured of the virus or discharged.

In the past 24 hours, 7,695 fresh COVID-19 infections were reported, the highest single-day spike in the country.

In terms of total number of cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state with 62, 228 coronavirus cases followed by Tamil Nadu with 20,246 and Gujarat with 15,934 positive cases.

The other worst affected states are Rajasthan (8,365) Madhya Pradesh (7,645) and Uttar Pradesh (7,294).

In terms of deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 2,029 fatalities, ministry said.

The death toll in the national capital surged to 398 while another 7,846 patients have recovered so far, healthy ministry data shows.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has written to the World Health Organization, citing differences in dosage standards between Indian and international trials that could explain the success issues of HCQ in treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Here is full text of PM Modi’s letter to nation

PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi (NVI): As his government completes one year of its second term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written an open letter to the nation, talking about several initiatives, achievements, challenges and big decisions taken by the Centre.

In his letter, the PM said that he has more confidence in the nation than in himself and that the world is witnessing how India has emerged victorious in its battle against the coronavirus.

Here is the full text of PM’s letter:

My fellow Indian,

This day last year began a golden chapter in the history of Indian democracy. It was after several decades that the people of the country voted back a full term government with a full majority.

Once again, I bow to the 130 crore people of India and the democratic ethos of our nation.

During normal times, I would have been in your midst. However, the present circumstances do not permit that. That is why, I seek your blessings through this letter.

Your affection, goodwill and active cooperation have given new energy, and inspiration. The way you have showcased the collective strength of democracy is a guiding light for the whole world.

Back in 2014, the people of the country voted for a substantive transformation. In the last five years, the nation saw how the administrative apparatus broke itself free of status quo and from the swamp of corruption as well as misgovernance. True to the spirit of ‘Antyodaya’ the lives of millions have been transformed.

From 2014 to 2019, India’s stature rose significantly. The dignity of the poor was enhanced. The nation achieved financial inclusion, free gas and electricity connections, total sanitation coverage, and made progress towards ensuring ‘Housing for All.’

India demonstrated its mettle through the surgical strike and air strike. At the same time, decades old demands such as OROP, One Nation One Tax- GST, better MSP for farmers were fulfilled.

In 2019, the people of India voted not merely for continuity but also with a dream- of taking India to new heights. A dream of making India a global leader. The decisions taken in the last one year are directed at fulfilling this dream.

Today, 130 crore people feel involved and integrated in the development trajectory of the nation. The light of ‘Jan Shakti’ and ‘Rashtra Shakti’ has ignited the entire nation. Powered by the Mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ India is marching forward in all spheres.

My fellow Indian,

In the last one year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse.

The decision on Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Honourable Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of Triple Talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India’s compassion and spirit of inclusiveness.

But there have been many other decisions that have added momentum to the nation’s development trajectory.

The creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff  was a long pending reform that has improved coordination among the armed forces. At the same time, India has stepped up preparations for Mission Gaganyaan.

Empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained our priority.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi now includes all farmers. In just one year, more than Rupees 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crore 50 lakh farmers.

The Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable drinking water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households.

A huge campaign of free vaccination is being conducted for better health of our 50 crore livestock.

For the first time in our country’s history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs. 3000 after the age of 60 years.

Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen. Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector. This will boost the blue economy.

Similarly, it has been decided to constitute a Vyapari Kalyan Board for timely resolution of the problems of the traders. Higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self help groups. Recently the loans without guarantee for self help groups has been doubled to 20 lakh from the earlier 10 lakh.

Keeping in mind the education of tribal children, we have begun the construction of more than 400 new Ekalavya Model Residential Schools.

Several people friendly laws have been ushered in during the last year. Our Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity. As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law or laws to provide more protection to women, children and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited.

As a result of the policies and decisions of the government, the rural-urban gap is shrinking. For the first time, the number of rural Indians using internet is 10% more than the number of urban Indians.

The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigour, taking and implementing these decisions.

My fellow Indian,

As we were moving ahead at fast pace in the fulfilment of hopes and aspirations of our countrymen, the Coronavirus global pandemic engulfed our country as well.

While on one hand are powers with great economic resources and state-of-the-art healthcare systems, on the other hand is our country besieged with problems amidst a vast population and limited resources.

Many feared that India will become a problem for the world when Corona hits India. But today, through sheer confidence and resilience, you have transformed the way the world looks at us. You have proven that the collective strength and potential of Indians is unparalleled compared even to the powerful and prosperous countries of the world. Be it clapping and lighting a lamp to the honouring of Corona Warriors by India’s armed forces, Janta curfew or by faithful adherence to rules during the nationwide lockdown, on every occasion you have shown that Ek Bharat is the guarantee for ShresthaBharat.

In a crisis of this magnitude, it can certainly not be claimed that no one suffered any inconvenience or discomfort. Our labourers, migrant workers, artisans & craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering.We are working in a united and determined way to alleviate their troubles.

However, we have to take care to ensure that inconveniences that we are facing do not turn into disasters. Hence, it is very important for every Indian to follow all rules and guidelines. We have displayed patience so far and we should continue to do so. This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries. This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve.

In the last few days, a super cyclone has wreaked havoc in parts of West Bengal and Odisha. Here too, the resilience of the people of these states is noteworthy. Their courage inspires the people of India.

Dear friends,

At such a time, there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India’s, will recover. However, given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against Coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival. In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it.

It is the need of the hour that we must become self-reliant. We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it – Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India.

The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step in this direction.

This initiative will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with start ups.

The fragrance of Indian soil along with the sweat, hard work and talent of our workers will create products that will reduce India’s dependence on imports and will move towards self-reliance.

Dear friends,

In this journey of the last six years, you have continuously showered me with love and blessings.

It is the strength of your blessings that has made the nation take historic decisions and progress rapidly in the last one year. However, I am also aware that there is a lot that needs to be done. There are many challenges and problems that our country faces. I am working day and night. There could be deficiencies in me but there is nothing that our country lacks. So, I believe in you, your strength and your abilities even more than I believe in myself.

The source of strength for my resolve is you, your support, blessings and affection.

Due to the global pandemic this is certainly a time of crisis but for us Indians this is also a time for a firm resolve.

We must always remember that the present and future of 130 crore Indians will never be dictated by an adversity.

We will decide our present and our future.

We will move ahead on the path of progress and victory will be ours.

It is said that- कृतम्मेदक्षिणेहस्ते, जयोमेसव्यआहितः

This means, if we have action and duty on one hand, then success is assured in the other hand.

With prayers for our country’s success, I bow to you once again.

My heartiest wishes to you and your family.

Stay healthy, stay safe!!!

Stay aware, stay informed!!!

Your Pradhan Sevak

Narendra Modi

J&K records 28th Covid death as 128 more test positive, tally 2,164

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today recorded another coronavirus death while 128 people were tested positive taking the total number of cases in the Union Territory to 2,164.

A 70-year-old man from Kashmir who died yesterday, was tested positive today taking the number of COVID-19 deaths in the UT so far to 28 of which 25 were reported in the Valley and 3 in Jammu.

Officials said that among new 128 cases that were detected in J&K today, 58 tested positive at SKIMS, 33 at CD hospital and rest at other hospitals and private labs.

Among the new cases, 92 belong to Kashmir division while as 36 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division has reached to 1728 including 774 recoveries and 25 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached to 436 including 101 recoveries and 3 deaths.

They added that total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 1261 including 929 from Kashmir division and 332 from Jammu division.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 6 from Anantnag, 19 from Kulgam,27 from Srinagar, 1 from Budgam, 18 from Kupwara, 1 from Shopian, 8 from Baramulla and 13 from Pulwama in Kashmir division while as 36 from Jammu including 7 from Jammu, 6 from Kuthua, 1 from Udhampur, 2 from Samba, 6 from Rajouri and 14 from Poonch.

As per official figures, 295 positive cases including five deaths and 120 recoveries are from Anantnag, 273 including four deaths and 23 recoveries are from Kulgam, 246 including seven deaths and 128 recoveries are from Srinagar, 145 including one death and 132 recoveries are from Bandipora, 177 including 102 recoveries and five deaths are from Baramulla, 152 including 107 recoveries and one death are from Shopian, 255 including 74 recoveries are from Kupwara, 89 including 52 recoveries and two deaths are from Budgam, 31 including 24 recoveries are from Ganderbal and 65 including 12 recoveries are from Pulwama.

In Jammu , 128 including 37 recoveries and two deaths are from Jammu district, 65 including 19 recoveries are from Kathua, 52 including 22 recoveries and one death are from Udhampur, 75 including 03 recoveries are from Ramban, 34 including 10 recoveries from Samba, 21 including 05 recoveries are from Rajouri, 08 including 01 recovery are from Kishtwar, 38 with no recovery from Poonch, 13 including 03 recoveries are from Reasi and 02 including one recovery are from Doda.

As per the daily information bulletin, 158,733 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while as 34,495 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Apart from that 1,261 persons are in hospital isolation while as 54 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 81,410 persons have completed surveillance period and 41,525 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 156,010 samples are available.

Besides, so far results of 1,56,010 samples are available out of which 1,53,846 tested negative while as 2,164 have been tested positive. Among positive cases 1,261 are active and 875 persons have recovered and 28 have died.

4.6 magnitude quake jolts Haryana

Mild earthquake hits Delhi
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 struck in Haryana near Delhi today evening.

The epicentre of the earthquake was near Rohtak in Haryana, according to the National Center for Seismology.

Tremors were felt in Delhi and adjoining areas, prompting people to rush out of their homes.

The earthquake struck at around 9pm at a depth of 3.3 km.

Delimitation of J&K Assembly seats: NC decides to boycott, BJP slams move

Farooq Abdullah
File Photo: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference (NC) today decided to boycott the delimitation exercise, saying its participation in the exercise would tantamount to accepting all events that unfolded in J&K post August 5 last year.

The NC cleared its stance a day after Centre nominated three of its MPs as the associate members of the delimitation commission. The NC leaders who were nominated as the members of delimitation commission include party chief Dr Farooq Abdullah and Hasnain Masoodi and Muhammad Akbar Lone.

After hectic deliberations over the issue, the party came up with a detailed statement. It said that with reference to the recently-announced delimitation commission, NC rejects the process and its three members of the parliament will not participate in the delimitation exercise.

“This delimitation commission is a product of the J&K Re-organization Act 2019 which JKNC is challenging in and outside SC. Participating in this delimitation Commission will be tantamount to accepting the events of August 5, 2019, which the NC is unwilling to do,” a statement issued by the party read.

It said that according to the constitution of J&K, the constituencies were to be delimited in 2026 with rest of the country.

“The constituencies in the state were last delimited in ‘90s. Thereafter an amendment was made in the constitution of J&K unanimously passed in the State Assembly in which all the regional parties, Congress and BJP voted for this amendment to go with the delimitation with rest of the country in 2026. Therefore, the constitution of the delimitation commission is unwarranted,” the statement further said.

Five Lok Sabha MPs from J&K were nominated by Speaker Om Birla as associate members of the delimitation commission which was constituted on March 6.

Headed by former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ranjana Desai, Election Commissioner, Sushil Chandra and Chief Electoral Officer, Hirdesh Kumar are members of the panel which was constituted under the Delimitation Commission Act.

Before August 5, 2019, the delimitation of Assembly was not possible in Jammu and Kashmir till first census after 2026 – that is at least not before 2031 – due to amendments carried out in J&K Constitution and J&K Representation Act, 1957, under which delimitation exercises were carried in the erstwhile state of J&K in 1975 and 1995.

The Re-Organisation Act enacted by the BJP-led Central government paved way for the first delimitation exercise in J&K after abolishing its statehood.

In the erstwhile, Legislative Assembly, Kashmir region had 46 seats, Jammu 37 and Ladakh had 4 seats.

Meanwhile, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed NC for its decision of boycotting the delimitation exercise. “This is very unfortunate that they have decided to drag their feet from the exercise for which people of J&K have been yearning for long,” said BJP’s J&K Affairs incharge and national vice president, Avinash Rai Khanna. He said the main aim of the delimitation is to address the regional imbalance.

J&K police identifies Hizb militant who owned explosive-laden car

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI):  After averting a major terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir police has achieved a significant breakthrough as it has found out the explosive-laden car’s owner, who is a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Hidayatullah Malik.

Malik, a resident of Shopian district, had joined the Pakistan-based terror outfit last year, according to an official, who said a manhunt has been launched to track him down.

Security forces yesterday averted a major terror attack by intercepting in Pulwama district a Santro car, which carried about 45 kgs of explosives and was possibly to be used in an attack on the lines of one carried out on CRPF convoy on February 14 last year in the same district. At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed in that attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit.

Effort is to catch Malik alive so that he can be interrogated to unravel the entire terror plot, the official said.

The ownership of the car, which had fake registration number and was driven by a terrorist who escaped after being fired upon by security forces, was traced after taking samples of the engine and other details of the car, which was exploded yesterday in a control manner to neutralise the bomb.

The car was destroyed in a “technical way” by the Bomb Disposal Squad of security forces at Ayegund area of Rajpora in Southern district of Pulwama. The police along with other security agencies had sought the help of forensic experts in tracing the owner of the car and today a “major breakthrough was achieved.”

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar had yesterday said it was a joint plot of Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad and two more terrorists, along with the one who was driving the vehicle, were involved.

It is being investigated as to where the car was prepared for the explosion.

“We are also looking for the Over Ground Workers (OGWs), who helped the militants prepare the car-bomb and how they got the explosive material in such a huge quantity,” the official said.

“One thing needs to be appreciated that the lead was perfect and it was reacted to in a timely manner, thereby a major tragedy was averted,” the official said.

Director General of CRPF A P Maheswari lauded the role of CRPF men, who were part of joint check post at Ayegund village of Rajpora, Pulwama, where the car was intercepted. According to Junaid Khan, CRPF’s spokesman for operations in Kashmir, Maheswari appreciated the timely action of CRPF men in detecting the car laden with explosives beforehand.

“The DG CRPF announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh to the CRPF team involved in the operation. And also announced a commendation disc,” Khan said.

PM condoles demise of Ajit Jogi

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Ajit Jogi, saying he had strived to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor, especially tribal communities.

Ajit Jogi passed away today at the age of 74, at a private hospital in Raipur after battling for life for the last 20 days.

“Shri Ajit Jogi Ji was passionate about public service. This passion made him work hard as a bureaucrat and as a political leader,” PM Modi wrote on twitter

“He strived to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor, especially tribal communities. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family. RIP,” Modi added.

Bangladesh COVID-19 tally tops 42,000; 582 dead

(Image source: United News of Bangladesh)

New Delhi (NVI): Bangladesh saw the highest-ever jump in coronavirus cases in a single day as 2,523 new patients were found coronavirus positive in the last 24 hours, raising the total cases to 42,844.

The total number of deaths from coronavirus has reached 582 after 23 more people lost their lives in the last 24 hours, according to United News of Bangladesh.

On a positive note, 590 more patients made recovery, taking the total number of recovered caseds to 9,015 in the country.

Against the total number of detected cases, the recovery rate is 21.04 per cent and the mortality rate is 1.36 per cent in country.

In addition to this, although public transport remains suspended, thousands of people have started coming back to their workplaces in Dhaka after celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr at home, availing all kinds of transport from ferries through river routes to three-wheelers, pickup vans, private cars on roads.

623 new COVID cases in Afghanistan; tally hits 13,659

New Delhi (NVI): Afghanistan witnessed a rise in coronavirus cases with 623 new cases, taking the overall tally to 13,659 across the country, according to Afghan media reports

In the past 24 hours, 11 patients have died due to COVID-19 virus.

Of the total 623 positive cases across the country, 271 were registered in Kabul, 67 in Herat, 23 in Balkh, 67 in Kandahar and 13 in Laghman province.

In addition, 10 cases were reported in Parwan, 10 in Badakhshan, 9 in Paktika, 9 in Bamiyan, 7 in Paktia, 3 in Logar, 2 in Takhar, 1 in Kunar, and 1 in Daikundi.

The Ministry of Public Health said 1,259 people have recovered while 246 died from the respiratory disease

So far, 35,921 people have been tested in the country.

Whereas, recoveries were reported in Kabul (15), Paktika (21), Herat (5), Farah (5), Khost (3), and Nuristan (1), the ministry data shows.

According to the Afghan officials, this comes as a lockdown has been eased unofficially in Kabul, but people should follow some rules, including not carrying more than three people in a taxi while buses are banned.

At least, 1,259 patients have been cured from virus or discharged.

Coronavirus cases exceed 64,000 in Pakistan; death toll at 1,334

New Delhi (NVI): Pakistan is witnessing a sharp surge in the number of positive coronavirus cases as nearly 2,000 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 64,028 with at least 1,334 fatalities recorded so far.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Sindh province has reported 25,309 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Punjab has 22,964 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 8,842 cases, Balochistan is at 3,928, Gilgit-Baltistan at 658, Islamabad at 2,100 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 227 cases so far, according to Geo News.

On the positive side, the country’s Health Ministry said, 22,305 patients have been recovered so far from the deadly contagion.

Meanwhile, a senior journalist have died due to coronavirus in Peshawar, making him the first media casualty of the virus in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, according to media reports.

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