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Pak violates ceasefire along LoC in J&K’s Rajouri

Ceasefire
Representational image

Jammu (NVI): In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops today resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling along LoC in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, defence sources said.

The Pakistani army violated ceasefire around 07:15 pm in the evening.

“On 17 Jun 2020, at about 1915 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms & intense shelling with Mortars along LoC in Sunderbani sector, District Rajouri (J&K),” a defence official said, adding that Indian Army is retaliating befittingly.

Earlier on June 13 and 14, Pakistan had violated ceasefire in the forward areas along LoC in Poonch and Baramulla districts.

An Indian Army jawan was killed while two other soldiers were injured in intense shelling by Pakistani troops at Shahpur and Kirni sectors in Poonch district on June 13 night.

-ARK

Boycott all Chinese products to avenge soldiers’ killing: J&K BJP leader

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): BJP General Secretary for Jammu and Kashmir Ashok Koul today called for boycotting all Chinese products in J&K while terming the Chinese aggression in Galwan Valley of Ladakh “as a large conspiracy against India” and appealed the people to “use indigenous goods”.

This, he said, will be the best way to avenge the killing of 20 soldiers including an Army officer in a violent face-off with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley along LAC. In an exclusive chat with NVI, Koul said: “Our soldiers had gone for peaceful negotiations but they were attacked and killed. The act is highly condemnable.”

The BJP leader said that Chinese aggression is a part of a larger conspiracy hatched to disintegrate a fast developing country—India. “On one hand, there is Pakistan, and on the other, Nepal. Now there is China. This is a well-thought-out plan to destabilise India. But these countries should note that India is a stable nation, with a growing economy and military power and any attempt to disintegrate will backfire,” Koul said.

Asked whether there is a call for boycotting the Chinese products across the country, he said this is not exactly a call but a mission, rather a dream, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our prime minister has announced that for becoming a self-reliant nation, we must rely on our own produce and products. This means we need not use Chinese, or for that matter, products of any other country, be that Japan or any other nation,” Koul, who is looking after organizational matters of J&K unit of BJP, told NVI.

Asked whether there would be a military response to Chinese action in Galwan Valley, the BJP leader said that India is a peace-loving country but that doesn’t mean “we will compromise on territorial integrity.”

“We will not allow China to grab our land in Ladakh. We will convene meetings with the Chinese authorities and start peace talks and stress that Chinese men should withdraw from the Indian Territory peacefully. This will be done,” he said, adding that “if India is pushed into a war, the country is ready to face it and give a befitting reply in that case.”

-ARK

Bangladesh COVID-19 tally surges past 98,000; 1,305 dead

New Delhi (NVI): Bangladesh saw the highest-ever jump in coronavirus cases in a single day as the health authorities confirmed the detection of 4,008 new patients and 43 new deaths in the span of 24 hours.

With this the death toll rose to 1,305 and the number of confirmed cases reached 98,489, according to United News of Bangladesh.

So far, 38,189 people have recovered in the country after 1,925 more patients were recovered in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has been infected with coronavirus.

The minister is now undergoing treatment at Bashundhara Ever Care Hospital (former Apollo Hospital), according to media reports.

Coronavirus cases exceed 1.54 lakh in Pakistan

New Delhi (NVI): Pakistan has been witnessing a daily surge in the number of coronavirus cases as the tally crossed 1,54,760 today with 2,975 deaths.

Looking at the breakdown of cases, Punjab province has reported 58,239 coronavirus cases, highest among all the provinces, while Sindh has 57,868 positive cases.

On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 19,107 cases, Balochistan is at 8,437, Gilgit-Baltistan at 1,164, Islamabad at 2,242 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is at 703 cases so far, according to Geo News.

So far, nearly 58,437 people have recovered from the deadly contagion in the country.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Karachi to take a stock of the steps taken by the Sindh province to control the spread of the virus.

Jaishankar speaks to Chinese FM, conveys protest in ‘strongest terms’ on Galwan face-off

Jaishankar

New Delhi (NVI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over the phone and conveyed India’s protest in “strongest terms” on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15.

At least 20 Indian troops have been killed in the clashes with China’s PLA on the intervening night of June 15 and 16.

Lodging a strong protest over the incident, the EAM underlined that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. “The need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps,” he said in his conversation with Wang Yi.

Jaishankar also recalled that at the meeting of senior Military Commanders held on 6th June, an agreement was reached on de-escalation and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “Ground commanders were meeting regularly to implement this consensus throughout the last week,” he said.

He further conveyed that while there was some progress on the de-escalation process, the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of the LAC.

“While this became a source of dispute, the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo,” he said.

The EAM added that the two sides should scrupulously and sincerely implement the understanding that was reached by the Senior Commanders on 6th June. “Troops of both sides should also abide by the bilateral agreements and protocols. They should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control and should not take any unilateral action to alter it,” he said.

MEA said that at the conclusion of the discussion, it was agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of 6 June sincerely.

“Neither side would take any action to escalate matters and instead, ensure peace and tranquillity as per bilateral agreements and protocols,” the Ministry said.

-ARK

Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan cross 26,800 as 564 more test positive

New Delhi (NVI): At least 564 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Afghanistan in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 26,874 across the country, according to Afghan media reports.

According to country’s Ministry of Public Health, 13 people lost their lives over the past 24 hours and 650 more recovered.

Of the new COVID-19 reported in last 24 hour cases, the highest count was reported in Kabul with 192, followed by Bamiyan 65 positive cases.

Likewise, 64 cases were reported in Takhar, 27 in Kandahar, 51 in Balkh, 40 in Paktia, 6 in Nangarhar, 21 in Baghlan, 27 in Kunduz, 24 in Wardak, 5 in Kunar, 12 in Kapisa, 6 in Badakhshan, 2 in Zabul, 14 in Daikundi and 8 in Nuristan.

In terms of deaths, the ministry reported three COVID-19 deaths in Kabul, two in Nangarhar, three in Takhar, three in Bamiyan, one in Badghis and one in Wardak in the last 24 hours, as per reports.

At least, 60,298 people have been tested for coronavirus in the country, the ministry said.

So far, 6,158 patients have been cured or discharged, while 504 died from the pandemic.

Nepal Covid-19 tally crosses 7,100; death toll 20

New Delhi (NVI): 586 new positive coronavirus cases have been reported from Nepal, taking the toll in the Himalayan nation to 7,177, according to local media reports.

The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said, Of the newly infected, 546 are males and 40 females. In total, 6,638 males and 539 females have been recorded to have contracted the disease, so far.

As of today, 73 of the 77 districts in the country have witnessed the transmission of COVID-19 virus, as per media reports.

In the last 24 hours, nine persons have been discharged from health facilities following recovery. With this total recovery cases stands at 1,167, of which 1,055 are males while 112 females.

The ministry also said that, 367,257 samples have been tested for coronavirus in Nepal so far. Of these, 143,738 samples were tested through the PCR and 233543 through the RDT.

Meanwhile, one COVID-19 related death was confirmed in Nepal by the ministry, taking the total death-toll of the disease to 20 in the country.

‘Sacrifice won’t go in vain’: PM on India-China border face-off

New Delhi (NVI): In his first remarks over the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in Ladakh will not go in vain.

PM Modi, while speaking at virtual meeting Chief Ministers on Covid-19 situation, spoke on the latest India-China border clashes in which 20 Indian troops were killed on the intervening night of June 15 and 16.

The Prime Minister said that India wants peace on border with China, but when instigated, it is capable of giving a befitting reply.

In his brief speech, referring to the Ladakh stand-off, the PM said that India has always tried that differences do not become disputes.

At the end of the speech, PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and CMs of 15 Union Territories also observed a two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash.

The Prime Minister will also hold an all-party meeting at 5 PM on Friday to discuss the situation in India-China border areas and specifically the escalation in tensions between the two countries after the violent clashes in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley along LAC.

Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting, the PMO said in a tweet today.

Earlier in the day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said that the loss of soldiers is “deeply disturbing and painful.”

“The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army,” he tweeted.

“The Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s breavehearts,” he said in another tweet.

The Indian Army released a statement yesterday, stating that total 20 troops were killed in the clashes due to serious injuries and hypothermia. It also added that the troops on both sides have disengaged after the face-off.

“Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at the Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June 2020. 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at the stand-off location and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries, taking the total that were killed in action to 20,” read the official statement.

KVIC taps Indian palm industry to create new jobs, organic products

New Delhi (NVI): The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched a project that aims at promoting Neera — a sweet sap extracted from the inflorescence of coconut palms– as a substitute to soft drinks and Palmgur (jaggery) while also creating self-employment to Adivasis and traditional trappers.

KVIC has rolled out a unique project to produce Neera and Palmgur which has huge potential to create employment in the country, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) said in a statement today.

The project was launched yesterday at Dahanu in Palghar district of Maharashtra, a state with more than 50 lakh palm trees.

On the occasion, KVIC also distributed tool kits for extraction of Neera and making palmgur to 200 local artisans who were given 7 days training by the commission.

“A tool kit worth Rs 15,000 comprises food grade stainless steel Kadhai, perforated moulds, canteen burners and other equipment like knives, rope and axes for extraction of Neera. The initiative will provide direct employment to 400 local traditional trappers,” the ministry said.

Neera, extracted from the palm trees before sunrise, is a nutrient-rich health drink consumed in many Indian states. However, due to lack of institutionalized market technique, the commercial production and large scale marketing of Neera has not commenced yet, as per the ministry.

The ministry said that the project has been rolled out on the initiative of Union Minister of MSME, Nitin Gadkari who is also exploring the feasibility of engaging some big players of the state to start using Neera as soft drinks to make it commercially useful.

There are approximately 10 crore palm trees across the country. Further, a wide range of products like candies, milk chocolates, palm cola, ice-cream and traditional sweets can be produced from Neera if properly marketed. At present palmgur Neera worth Rs 500 crore is traded in the country. The turnover is likely to increase manifold with commercial production of Neera, the ministry said in a release.

The KVIC has prepared a detailed project report on production of Neera and Palmgur (jaggery). It is proposed to start standardized collection, processing and packing of Neera under controlled conditions so as to prevent it from fermentation. The processed Neera, through cold chain, is intended to reach the B2C supply chain, the MSME ministry said.

“On the lines of coconut water, we are working to promote Neera as a substitute to the soft drinks available in the market. Neera is organic and rich in nutrients and thus a complete health drink. With increasing the production and marketing of Neera, we are trying to establish it as a key vertical of India’s village industry,” KVIC Chairman Vinai Saxena said, while distributing tool kits to the artisans via video-conference.

He said the production of Neera has high potential in terms of sale as well as creation of self-employment. “Palm industry can be a major employment generator in India. It is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of self-reliance and vocal for local,” Saxena said.

According to the MSME Ministry, Neera has high export potential as it is also consumed in countries like Sri Lanka, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar. India has an abundance of palm fields in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that can make India a leading producer of Neera globally.

PM Modi, Trudeau talk over phone

File

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau had a telephonic conversation last night and both the leaders updated each other about the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic in their countries.

They also discussed the possibilities of international collaboration to address the health and economic crisis, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

PM Modi and Trudeau agreed that the India-Canada partnership can be a force for good in the post-COVID world, including for advancing humanitarian values in the global discourse.

Apart from that, the leaders emphasised the need to strengthen multilateral institutions including the WHO, and agreed to work closely together at various international fora, on health, social, economic and political issues.

On the occasion, PM Modi warmly appreciated the assistance extended by Canadian authorities in recent days to the Indian citizens in Canada, and for facilitating their repatriation to India.

Prime Minister Trudeau similarly expressed his happiness at the facilitation offered for the return of Canadian citizens from India, the PMO said.

“The two leaders agreed to continue their mutual consultations in coming days. They agreed that as large economies wedded to democratic values, India and Canada have a natural convergence on many global issues,” it added.

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