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Lockdown 2: All domestic, international flights suspended till May 3

New Delhi (NVI): In view of the extension of the nationwide lockdown by 19 days, all passenger flight services will remain suspended till May 3, the Government said today.

“All domestic and international commercial passenger flights will remain suspended till 11.59 pm of May 3,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri also tweeted on the further suspension of flights, saying he understands the problems being faced by the people who need to travel.

“There were good reasons for the Lockdown to be extended till 3rd May. We can consider lifting restrictions on both domestic & international flights thereafter. I understand the problems being faced by people who need to travel & request them to bear with us,” he tweeted.

Apart from that, the Railway board has also decided to suspend all passenger train services till May 3. However, the special freight and parcel services of railways are active to transport essential commodities like medicine and food across the country, amid the COVID-19 situation.

Earlier, both the train and flight services were suspended till May 14, under the 21-day lockdown.

In his address to the nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Government has decided to extend the lockdown till May 3, on the basis of suggestions from the state governments and experts on current coronavirus situation in the country.

129th birth anniv of BR Ambedkar

New Delhi (NVI): India is observing Ambedkar Jayanti today, as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on this day.

He was born in the town and military cantonment of Mhow, Maharashta in 1891.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to Ambedkar while addressing the nation on the lockdown.

“Humble tribute to Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary on behalf of all countrymen,” PM Modi also tweeted in this regard.

Babasaheb was the first minister of Law and Justice of India from August 29, 1947, to January 24, 1950.

He is also known as the principal architect of the country’s Constitution and is called the Father of Indian Constitution.

He protested against the social injustices faced by people belonging to backward castes in India and also published scores of journals and advocated for Dalits rights.

Bhimrao Ambedkar also received the Bharat Ratna posthumously after 40 years of his death.

Coronavirus cases nearing 2 million globally; deaths top 1,19,500

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of cases worldwide have reached 1.92 million with more than 1,19,500 fatalities, according to the data compiled by John Hopkins University.

Nearly 4,50,000 people have fully recovered or have cured of the novel coronavirus that has affected more than 180 countries around the globe.

In addition to this, New York state alone has now reported more than 10,000 deaths, with a total of 21,662 deaths across US.

In addition to this, New York state alone has now reported more than 10,000 deaths, with a total of 21,662 deaths across US. Whereas, the total number of positive coronavirus cases have reached 5,47,627 in the US, making it the worst affected country in the world.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) is due to release its latest strategic advice on tackling the outbreak. It will include six criteria for lifting restrictions on movement.

The death rate in Italy, Spain and France – three of the countries worst-affected by the coronavirus in Europe – appears to be slowing.

In another development, China has reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases at 108 in nearly six weeks.

PM Modi extends COVID-19 lockdown till May 3

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the nationwide lockdown has been further extended by 19 days, till May 3, on the basis of suggestions from the state governments and experts, regarding the current coronavirus situation in the country.

He said that the extended lockdown will be enforced strictly till April 20 and there will be conditional relaxation after that.

“Till 20th April, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored, as to how strictly they are implementing norms. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions,” he said.


The PM also announced lockdown relaxations for daily wagers who have suffered a severe blow due to the situation.

He said that detailed guidelines on lockdown will be issued tomorrow and the main focus would be on providing some relief to the poor class.

Hotspots will be under special vigilance, he said, adding that farmers will be given some relaxation because of the reaping season of rabi crop.

“In case of any positive development in any particular area or district, we can give a conditional concession from April 20. In case of any violation, development of any new hotspots, those concessions will be rolled back in those areas,” the Prime Minister said.

In his speech, the PM also urged the citizens to maintain social distancing and follow the lockdown restrictions so as to curb the virus spread.

He also lauded the people across the country for their support and efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. “With fast action and early lockdown, India has done much better than the bigger nations. The figures from these developed nations show that we are doing much better,” he said.

PM Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown on March 24, which ended today.

COVID-19 cases reach 10,815 in India, death toll at 353

New Delhi (NVI): As the 21-day nationwide lockdown ends today, the total number of coronavirus cases in India increased to 10,815 with 353 deaths from the pandemic, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The ministry also said that 1,211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state in the country with 2,334 cases followed by Delhi with 1,510 cases and Tamil Nadu which has reported 1,173 cases.

Other states with a high virus hit included Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, of the total deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 160 fatalities, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 43, Delhi at 28 and Gujarat at 26, shows the Health Ministry’s data.

There are 9272 active cases, 1189 cured/discharged and one migrated case, so far.

Use technology for online teaching: VP

New Delhi (NVI): Vice President Venkaiah Naidu today asked universities and other educational institutions to ensure continuity of academic calendar during the lock-down period by fully harnessing the power of technology.

While interacting with the Vice Chancellors of Delhi, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Punjab, Makhanlal Chaturvedi Universities and Director of the Indian Institute of Public Administration through a video conference, the Vice President observed that it might take some more time for normalcy to return and enquired about their plans to cope with the disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Naidu, who is also the President of IIPA and Chancellor of three Universities, urged the institutions to reach out to students, promote collaborative learning and self-learning. He asked them to optimally utilize technological tools for ensuring interactive learning for all students.

“Ensure continuity of the teaching and learning process during lockdown by using technology,” he said.

Libya: Bombs, bullets and now Covid-19

The protracted conflict in Libya had forced thousands of people to leave their home. Many sought sanctuary in the city of Benghazi, where ICRC distribute food and other essential household items to the most vulnerable. (Credit: ICRC)

New Delhi (NVI): A war-torn Libya, which was caught between bombs and bullets, is facing another challenge in the form of COVID-19, as the pandemic threatens to spread and debilitate the country’s fragile health system.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), there are fears that the virus will compound the suffering of conflict-affected families, who are already struggling to meet basic needs, from shelter to food, water, and medical care.

“The Libyan health care system was struggling before COVID-19,” said Willem de Jonge, ICRC’s head of operations for Libya.

“Today, some medical professionals who need to be trained on COVID-19 infection prevention protocols keep being called back to the frontlines to treat the injured. Clinics and hospitals are overwhelmed caring for war-wounded and those with chronic illnesses, so their capacity to receive COVID-19 patients is limited. They need more support and resources to face this challenge,” he said.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, fighting in Tripoli has escalated, forcing people to flee their homes and damaging civilian infrastructure, says ICRC in its report. Some areas in Tripoli like Abu Salim have seen their patient-load quadruple in recent months, mostly due to the influx of displaced families, many of whom live in collective centres, it says.

“Displaced Libyans, including some of our colleagues, have told us they have no choice but to return to their homes near the frontline, for fear they could bring the virus into the homes of their elderly parents or family members,” said Maria Carolina, ICRC’s deputy head of sub-delegation for Tripoli.

“This highlights the unimaginable choices some people are now forced to make as they struggle to decide whether shelling and airstrikes pose a greater threat to their lives than COVID-19,” she said.

The ICRC says that special preventive measures must also be taken to ensure that COVID-19 does not enter prisons, as physical distancing is impossible. Migrants in Libya are also highly vulnerable to the disease, as many have only limited access to information, health care, or income, it said.

At the same time, restrictions such as curfews and border closures, while important in curbing the spread of the disease, are creating new challenges to deliver humanitarian aid and keep the supply chains for food, medicine, and basic needs open.

“Authorities must ensure that delivery of humanitarian aid is facilitated while maintaining preventive measures such as physical distancing, or those who depend on it will suffer tremendously,” said Jonge.

“We are already seeing the cost of food and other essential supplies increase, putting an additional strain on some of Libya’s most vulnerable families. COVID-19 comes on top of years of conflict in which families have seen their public services interrupted and job opportunities vanish,” he added.

In the wake of Covid-19 crisis in Libya, ICRC continues to provide food and household items to internally displaced people, residents and returnees. In March, these efforts reached more than 8,200 people.

The ICRC is also giving cash to health care facilities to help them buy equipment and medical consumables such as masks, soap and disinfectants. Three hospitals will also receive generators, so they can keep working through power cuts, the committee said in its report.

AICTE launches free e-learning portal for students amid Covid-19

New Delhi (NVI): Amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused extreme distress to students, and is a setback to academic activity, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced an online ELIS portal which will offer e-learning content.

In order to foster digital learning and support the student community across the country at this time, Enhancement in Learning with Improvement In Skills (ELIS) portal has been designed by AICTE and is available at free.aicte-india.org.

ELIS portal has been created to provide all students with content that not only enhances learning for regular subjects but also aims to build up valuable skill sets as required in the actual work environment, according to a statement released by the AICTE.

The e-learning content on the portal has been sourced from 18 leading Ed-tech companies with 26 different courses, the Council said.

Under normal circumstances, these are selectively available at prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000. However, all participating companies have offered to enrol students in the present lockdown period without any cost till 15 May 2020, it said.

All companies have also gracefully agreed to keep the course free, the Council said. In effect, there shall be no charges whatsoever to be paid by learners who enrol now till the course is
completed, it added.

The portal was formally launched yesterday (April 12) by Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman AICTE along with Prof MP Poonia, Vice-chairman AICTE and Prof Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary, AICTE.

Kashmir’s youngest Covid-19 victims return home after two-week quarantine

Doctors and other medical staff gave an emotional farewell to the two kids.

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): It was an emotional moment at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) hospital in Srinagar today, when two siblings– Kashmir’s youngest coronavirus victims aged four and seven– were ready to return home after completing 14-day mandatory quarantine period.

Their samples were taken thrice and they tested negative every time. Their mother, who was tested negative, chose to stay with her two daughters for all 14 days and boosted their morale to fight the disease.

When the two kids turned up to leave for their home at the hospital today, doctors and para-medical staff, some with teary eyes, presented bouquets to them amid prayers- “may you live long.”

The children, who reside in a posh Srinagar locality, were tested positive on March 26, after coming in contact with their grandfather, who had a travel history to Saudi Arabia. Their grandfather had travelled in the same flight in which first Covid-19 positive case of Srinagar was on board from Delhi to Srinagar on March 16.

Deputy Medical Superintendent, JLNM hospital, Dr Tabasum told NVI that after testing positive, the samples of siblings were taken thrice. “And thank God, they tested negative every time. We wanted to be doubly sure that these young victims of Covid are negative,” she said.

She said that despite being negative herself, the mother of two minors spent all 14 days with her kids.

“We had kept these small kids in a separate room where they completed their quarantine period. Their mother used protective gear while being with her children. She didn’t go home for all these days,” the doctor said.

Doctors at the hospital said that they were so happy to bid a see-off to the two little siblings. “It was our treatment and their mother’s love and affection that paid in the end. There were tears in the eyes of female medical staff while saying good-bye to the siblings. They have been advised to stay in home quarantine so that they could stay away from the pandemic,” a doctor at the hospital said.

As the siblings were discharged, J&K government spokesman Rohit Kansal tweeted: “Great News…Mubarak to the families and gratitude to the entire medical team”. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary also tweeted: “I take a humble bow in respect of doctors at JLNM hospital and for resilience of a brave mother as two kids who had earlier tested positive are discharged after repeated samples testing negative. Congratulations!”

J&K: 12 non-locals among 25 new positive cases, tally reaches 270

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Twenty-five new cases, that include 12 non-locals, were tested positive in Kashmir today, taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 270.

“25 more test positive today in Kashmir. Total in J&K is 270. Further details awaited,” tweeted the UT Government spokesman Rohit Kansal.

Officials said that among the 25 new positive cases, 13 were confirmed at Chest Diseases Hospital. Among them, 12 are non-local residents belonging to Tableegi Jammat from Delhi, Gujarat and Kerala.

Dr Qazi Masood, Nodal officer of Covid-19 for Kashmir division said that the contact tracing process in Kashmir is still going on as many people are not cooperating with the authorities.

“Many people in Kashmir concealed their travel history until they developed symptoms. That’s why it is taking time to trace all suspects,” he said.

He appealed people of Kashmir to cooperate with the administration and help in stopping the spread of covid-19.

As per the daily bulletin, 53,679 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 8,581 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Besides that, 250 persons are in hospital isolation while 354 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 13,856 persons have completed the surveillance period and 30,634 persons are under home surveillance. So far, results of 4,065 samples are available.

“Out of 4,065 the number of samples tested negative stands at 3,795 while as 270 have been tested positive, among them 250 are active,” the bulletin read.

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