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World AIDS Vaccine Day 2020: History and Significance

New Delhi (NVI): World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed on May 18 every year across the globe to spread awareness about the disease. We all know that there is no HIV vaccine yet. This day is primarily celebrated to emphasise upon the need for an effective and safe vaccine for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

This day also marks the efforts of thousands of researchers, scientists, health professionals who have contributed to the process of finding safe and effective AIDS medicine. It is also an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Humans can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use.

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids that include: blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, breast milk. The virus doesn’t spread in air or water, or through casual contact. It causes AIDS and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections. It damages the immune system. The virus was first clinically reported in the US back in 1981.

More than four decades have passed since the outbreak of the epidemic, but an effective vaccine against the disease has still not been developed.

In 1997, during a speech, Bill Clinton, the then United States President, asked scientists from around the world to work towards creating a vaccine for AIDS. He said that this would be the only way to limit its spread and eventually wipe it out.

The first World Aids Vaccine Day was first observed on May 18 in 1998, one year exactly after Clinton’s speech. Every year since then, the ceremony takes place and activities are organised around the globe.

The main objective of these activities is to raise awareness of the need for AIDS vaccines and to educate people about how HIV can be prevented.

In 2019, on this day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that there were approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2018.

Among them, 79 per cent have been diagnosed with the disease and 62 per cent were receiving some kind of immunity treatment.

However, due to COVID-19 lockdown, no gatherings will take place this year to observe the day. Interactions with scientists and healthcare professionals will be held through video-conferencing.

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): India is into the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown now which will be in force till the end of this month. After the first confirmed coronavirus case in India, which was reported in the state of Kerala on January 30, the virus has tightened its grip across the country, with Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh being the most affected states.

The total number of confirmed cases at present is 96,169 with 3,029 deaths so far, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 33

Andhra Pradesh- 2,407

Arunachal Pradesh- 1

Assam- 101

Bihar- 1,262

Chandigarh- 191

Chhattisgarh- 86

Dadar Nagar Haveli- 1

Delhi- 10,054

Gujarat- 11,379

Goa- 29

Haryana– 910

Himachal Pradesh- 80

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,183

Jharkhand- 223

Karnataka- 1,147

Kerala- 601

Ladakh- 43

Madhya Pradesh- 4,977

Maharashtra- 33,053

Manipur- 3

Meghalaya- 13

Mizoram- 1

Odisha- 828

Puducherry- 13

Punjab- 1,935

Rajasthan- 5,202

Tamil Nadu- 11,224

Telangana- 1,551

Tripura- 167

Uttarakhand- 92

Uttar Pradesh- 4,259

West Bengal – 2,677

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andhra Pradesh- 50

Assam- 2

Bihar- 8

Chandigarh- 3

Delhi- 160

Gujarat- 659

Haryana- 14

Himachal Pradesh- 3

Jammu and Kashmir- 13

Jharkhand- 3

Karnataka- 37

Kerala- 4

Madhya Pradesh- 248

Maharashtra- 1,198

Meghalaya- 1

Odisha- 4

Puducherry- 1

Punjab- 35

Rajasthan- 131

Tamil Nadu- 78

Telangana- 34

Uttar Pradesh- 104

Uttarakhand- 1

West Bengal- 238

A total of 36,824 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 56,316 active cases currently, according to the Health Ministry.

Coronavirus cases surpass 4.7 mn worldwide, death toll tops 3,15,000

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 4.7 million people have been infected by COVID-19 globally, with nearly 3,15,000 people losing their lives due to the contagion, according to US-based John Hopkins University data.

Meanwhile, positive cases in Brazil are on a whopping rise with a total of 2,41,080 cases reported till now with a total of 16,118 fatalities in the country, making it the fourth-worst affected country in the world.

In the US, nearly 1.5 million positive cases of coronavirus have been reported with more than 89,000 deaths in the country.

South Korea has reported 15 new cases of coronavirus after a cluster was formed in a night club in Seoul, with one fatality. The total cases from the nightclub outbreak now stand at 263.

Spain reported a daily death toll below 100 for the first time in two months, while Italy’s was the lowest since the start of its lockdown.

So far, over 1.7 million people have recovered from the deadly virus around the globe.

Covid-19 cases in India climb to 96,169, death toll at 3,029

New Delhi (NVI): As India enters the fourth phase of lockdown, the death toll due to coronavirus in India rose to 3,029 while the total number of positive cases increased to 96,169, according to Union Health Ministry.

In the last 24 hours, 5,242 fresh COVID-19 infections were reported, biggest one-day spike in the country.

According to the ministry, there are 56,316 active cases, while 36,824 people have been cured and discharged so far.

Maharashtra, the worst-affected state by COVID-19 pandemic, with over 30,000 cases followed by Gujarat with 10,988 cases, Tamil Nadu with 10,585 cases and Delhi with 9,333 positive cases.

The state of Maharashtra has also recorded the most casualties at 1,135, followed by Gujarat at 625 and Madhya Pradesh at 243, healthy ministry data shows.

On Sunday, the government extended the lockdown for two more weeks which will now be in place till May 31.

Meanwhile, many relaxations have been eased, specially in non-containment zones, as per the new MHA guidelines.

WATCH | INS Jalashwa arrives in Kochi with 588 more Indians from Maldives

Indian Naval ship INS Jalashwa today reached Kochi carrying 588 more Indian citizens who were stranded in the Maldives, under phase 2 of ‘Operation Samudra Setu’. This was the Indian Navy ship’s second voyage to bring back Indians from the island country. The ship reached Cochin Port Trust at 11.30 am and was received by the personnel from Indian Navy, State Government, District Administration and Port Trust. Read more

J&K: 14 cops, pregnant woman among 62 new cases, tally at 1,183

Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir government today said that 62 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the tally of Covid-19 cases in the Union Territory to 1,183. The new cases include a pregnant lady and 14 policemen.

Earlier in the day, coronavirus claimed the life of a woman from Srinagar, taking the total number of deaths in the UT due to the pandemic to 13.

Officials said that out of 62 cases, 16 were reported from Jammu region and 46 were from Kashmir. They said that in the 46 new positive cases in the Valley were 14 policemen and a pregnant woman. The government said that 1,11,368 people were enlisted for observation in the UIT while 105 were kept in hospital quarantine.

“65,788 people completed their surveillance. The number of results available were 80,934 of which 1,183 have tested positive so far,” the government said.

It said that at present, there were 595 active positive cases in the UT of which 86 were from Jammu and 509 from Kashmir. “There have been two deaths in Jammu and 11 in Kashmir. Total cases in Kashmir so far are 1,035 and 148 in Jammu,” the government said.

As per the district wise break of positive cases, Anantnag district of Kashmir has 141 positive cases, Srinagar 56, Bandipora 9, Kulgam 138, Baramulla 35, Shopian 33, Kupwara97, Budgam 57, Ganderbal 9, and Pulwama 11. Similarly in Jammu, Jammu district has 17 positive cases, Udhampur 5, Kathua 31, Ramban 22, Samba 7, Rajouri 1, Reasi 2 and Poonch 1.

As per the daily Covid bulletin, the government said that spitting in public places is a public nuisance and spreads the Covid infection. “People are therefore advised to quit chewing tobacco and pan masala for a safer and better health,” it said. “The best way to protect yourself against Covid-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least two meter from others and frequently cleaning your hands with an alcohol based hand rub or a soap with water.”

The bulletin said that as a measure for social distancing in public places, and workplaces, wearing a face mask is compulsory. The government reiterated its stay home, stay safe mantra, asking people not to venture out of homes, unless very important.

Lockdown 4.0 till May 31, MHA issues fresh guidelines

MHA

New Delhi (NVI): With the extension of Covid-19 lockdown till May 31, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today issued fresh guidelines to be followed in the fourth phase of nationwide restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus.

According to MHA guidelines, barbershops, salons, shopping complexes and markets can now open from Monday.

However, all domestic and international air travel of passengers will remain prohibited throughout the country, the order said.

“All domestic and international air travel of passengers, except for domestic medical services, domestic air ambulance and for security purposes or purposes as permitted by MHA,” the order read.

Apart from that, the government has also allowed inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with mutual consent of states. There are no zone-wise restrictions from the Centre, barring containment zones. The states can decide delineation of red, green and orange zones now.

“The delineation of Red, Green and Orange Zones will be decided by the respective State and UT Governments, after taking into consideration the parameters shared by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), GOI,” the order read.

Lockdown 4.0 will focus on a gradual revival of economic activities while keeping in mind social distancing norms and the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Metro rail services will also remain closed.

Apart from that, schools, colleges, educational/training/coaching institutions etc. will remain closed. “Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged,” MHA states in the order.

Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services will also remain closed, except those meant for housing health/police/Government officials/healthcare workers/stranded persons including tourists and for quarantine facilities, the order said. Besides, running of canteens at bus depots, railway stations and airports will remain prohibited. However, restaurants will be permitted to operate kitchens for home delivery of food items.

All cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places shall continue to remain closed throughout the country till 31st May, according to the revised MHA guidelines. “Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open; however, spectators will not be allowed,” the order read.

All religious places/places of worship shall be closed for public. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited for now, MHA said.

Among other activities, all social/political/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious functions/ other gatherings and large congregations will also remain prohibited.

The following activities shall be permitted with restrictions, except in the Containment zones:

i) Inter-State movement of passenger vehicles and buses, with mutual consent of the State(s)/UT(s) involved

ii) Intra-State movement of passenger vehicles and buses, as decided by the States and UTs

iii) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the movement of persons

The MHA order came just after NDMA issued a letter to Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, directing all ministries/departments of the Government of India and state governments/authorities to extend the lockdown measures up to May 31, 2020. The order was issued under NDMA’s exercise of the powers vested to it under Section 6 (2) (i) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Here is a brief summary of things allowed and not allowed in lockdown 4.0 as per the MHA order issued today:

CHANGES IN THE NEW MHA GUIDELINES:

1) States allowed to decide zoning and rules applicable in those zones, barring containment zones

2) Inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with the consent of states, or as decided by the state

3) Staggered work timings for offices, shops, markets. Work From Home as much as possible

4) Stadia and sporting complexes allowed to open, but without spectators

5) Restaurants permitted to keep kitchens open for takeaways

STILL CONTINUE IN LOCKDOWN 4:

1) Restrictions on the number of people in weddings and funerals

2) Curfew from 7 PM to 7 AM, except for essential activities

3) Metro services remain closed

4) Schools, colleges, education institutes remain shut

5) Malls, theatres, gyms, bars, pools remain shut

6) No domestic or international flights

7) Senior citizens, children below 10 and pregnant women shall stay at homes

8)Religious places to be closed for public. Religious congregation still prohibited

J&K: Hizbul commander, soldier killed in Doda encounter

July 18 Shopian encounter: Army completes summary of evidence
An encounter site in Kashmir (File Pic)

(Updating earlier copy)

Abid Bashir

Jammu (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir police today said that the terrorist killed in the Doda gunfight in Jammu region has been identified as wanted Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Tahir Ahmed Bhat of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The police said that the slain militant commander was a close aide of Hizbul top commander Dr Saifullah, and had been sent to Doda district of Jammu to revive militancy.

A soldier was also killed in the encounter that broke out in the dense forest area of Doda early this morning.

A detailed statement issued by the Jammu police said that late last night, information was received regarding the presence of Hizbul commander Tahir Ahmed Bhat of Pulwama in the Khotra village in district Doda.

“An operation was launched and the village was cordoned by early morning by the forces of Police, Army, CRPF and SSB. During the search, militant hiding in a house opened indiscriminate fire on the Police /Army,” the statement said.

It said that in the ensuing gunfight, Tahir was killed and an AK 47 Rifle and magazine have been recovered. “Tahir had joined Hizb early last year (2019). His name had figured in the fabrication of IED which was exploded near a CRPF convoy at Banihal in March 2019. He had subsequently visited Chenab Valley and was given the task of recruiting youth and reviving HM activities in the Chenab valley,” the statement read.

He was also a part of a group of Hizbul terrorists who killed RSS activist Chanderkant Sharma and his PSO in April 2019.

“The same AK 47 Rifle which was taken away from the slain PSO of Sharma was recovered at the encounter site today,” the statement said. “With this operation, an attempt of Hiz to revive activities in Doda has been nipped. The designs of the HM to target forces convoy and camps has also been thwarted.”

Tahir was a close associate of present Operational Commander of Hizbul outfit Saifullah alias Dr Saif, who took over the outfit chief after the killing of Reyaz Naikoo. Police said slain Tahir was assigned the task of revival of militancy in Chenab Valley by recruiting more youth from there, as the Chenab valley had got rid of militancy in late 1990’s.

“The slain militant was directed by his mentors to target the security forces and carry out some sensitive and sensational attacks in Chenab Valley to create insecurity among the people and to disturb the peaceful atmosphere,” the police statement said.

Meanwhile, a search operation is still on in the Doda as police had earlier received inputs about the presence of two more terrorists in the area.

J&K witnesses 13th Covid death as 29-yr-old woman dies in Srinagar

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today witnessed its 13th Covid death after a young woman from Srinagar breathed her last at Chest Diseases hospital in the city, officials said.

A 29-year-old woman from Habba Kadal area of Srinagar was tested positive for Covid-19, a few days before at SMHS hospital, where she underwent multiple ENT related surgeries, they said. “Soon after she was tested positive, we referred her to Chest Diseases hospital Srinagar, which is a designated Covid hospital,” a doctor at SMHS said.

Head of the Department, Chest Diseases hospital, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah said that the woman died at CD hospital. “She was Covid positive and was referred to CD hospital from SMHS a few days back,” he said.

Sources in CD hospital said that the condition of the woman deteriorated in the afternoon as she complained of breathing issues and chest pain. “She breathed her last at 3 pm,” they said.

With the fresh death, the number of people, who died of Covid infection has jumped to 13 of which 11 are from Kashmir and two from Jammu region of the Union Territory.

Op Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa brings back 588 more Indians from Maldives

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Naval ship INS Jalashwa today reached Kochi carrying 588 more Indian citizens who were stranded in the Maldives, under phase 2 of ‘Operation Samudra Setu’.

This was the Indian Navy ship’s second voyage to bring back Indians from the island country.

“INS Jalashwa, deployed for Op Samudra Setu, entered Kochi harbour today morning concluding her second voyage to bring back Indians from Male, Maldives,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.


The ship disembarked 588 Indian citizens including 70 women (06 expectant mothers) and 21 children at the Samudrika Cruise Terminal, of Cochin Port Trust,” it added.

The ship reached Cochin Port Trust at 11.30 am and was received by the personnel from Indian Navy, State Government, District Administration and Port Trust.

Extensive arrangements were also made by the Port authorities for streamlining the process of COVID screening and immigration procedures as also by the civil administration for transportation for the evacuated Indian nationals to respective districts/States for further quarantining, the Ministry said.

Indian citizens had embarked the ship at Male on May 15. The ship’s scheduled departure on 15 May was, however, delayed due to inclement weather, accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds, the Ministry said, adding that the ship had departed Male on 16 May (yesterday).


The Indian government has launched ‘Operation Samudra Setu’ to facilitate return of Indian citizens from foreign shores. Similarly, Mission Vande Bharat was launched earlier this month to fly back Indian nationals stranded in foreign countries amid coronavirus crisis and lockdown.

Both the missions were launched this month and have entered stage 2 from May 16-22.

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