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India records 12,584 new Covid cases, lowest spike in 7 months

COVID-19 cases
Representative image

New Delhi (NVI): India recorded 12,584 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest case spike in seven months, taking the total number of cases to 10,479,179, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll has gone up to 1,51,327 with 167 fatalities registered during this period.

Meanwhile, more than 10.1 million people have recovered from the virus and the total recoveries currently stands at 10,111,294 while active Covid-19 cases have dropped further to 2.1 lakh mark and stands at 2,16,558.

In addition to this, with less than a week left before India starts its nationwide inoculation drive, the first consignment of Oxford-Astrazena’s Covishield vaccine was dispatched from Pune early today.

Three temperature-controlled trucks left for Pune Airport before 5 am from where the vaccines will be delivered across the country. From here, the vaccines will be dispatched to 13 locations across the country by 10 am.

On the other hand, the number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India has climbed to 96, the health ministry stated.

Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state with total 19,71,552 confirmed Covid-19 cases which include 50,101 deaths. The active cases in the state stand at 53,463 and 18,67,988 recoveries.

It is followed by Karnataka (9,28,055), Andhra Pradesh (8,85,037), Tamil Nadu (8,26,943) and Kerala (8,14,258).

-CHK

In a first, gorillas at San Diego zoo test positive for COVID-19

Gorillas

New Delhi (NVI): Several gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the coronavirus in what is believed to be the first known cases among such primates in the world.

“On Wednesday, January 6, two of the gorillas began coughing. Given current circumstances, San Diego Zoo Global initiated the process of testing fecal samples from the gorillas for SARS-CoV-2 through the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CA HFS),” San Diego zoo stated in an official statement.

“On January 8, the preliminary tests detected the presence of the virus in the gorilla troop. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the positive results on Monday, January 11,” the statement added.

Three animals are currently showing symptoms of the virus, and it is suspected that they were infected by an asymptomatic staff member.

“Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well,” parks executive director, Lisa Peterson said.

“The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery,” she added.

This is the first known instance of coronavirus in great apes, the zoo said, though previous research has shown that some non-human primates are susceptible.

Furthermore, the gorillas live as a family, so it is assumed that all members have been exposed, zoo officials added.

San Diego Zoo has been closed to the public since early December.

-CHK

Coronavirus cases near 91 mn globally; recoveries top 50 mn

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): More than 90.8 million people around the world have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, while the death toll has crossed 19,44,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. Over 50.2 million patients have recovered from the deadly disease globally.

The number of coronavirus infections in the US have surpassed 22.6 million, while the number of fatalities caused due to the deadly contagion have exceeded 3,76,000 in the country.

Furthermore, nearly 9 million Americans had been given their first Covid-19 vaccination dose as of Monday morning, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases have crossed the 8.1 million-mark and stands at 8,131,612 while the number of deaths have surged past 2,03,500.

Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities have tightened a nationwide lockdown, including an 11-day, 24-hour curfew, amid a dramatic surge in coronavirus infections

Egypt expects to start receiving Covid-19 vaccines through the Geneva-based GAVI vaccine alliance in the coming weeks, the health minister said on Monday.

In addition to this, several gorillas at the San Diego zoo safari park have tested positive for coronavirus, with some experiencing symptoms, in what is believed to be the first outbreak among such primates in captivity.

Despite vaccines against Covid-19 being rolled out in a number of countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that herd immunity would not be achieved this year.

-CHK

10,000 Chinese troops move back from areas near LAC in Eastern Ladakh: Reports

Chinese troops

New Delhi (NVI): China has moved back around 10,000 troops from positions near Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, where the Chinese and Indian armies have confronted each other since April-May last year, according to reports.

This is a significant development as diplomatic and military level talks between the two countries have not reached a conclusion yet. Although reports have claimed the movement of 10,000 Chinese troops, the deployment of troops in frontline areas has remained the same.

The 10,000 Chinese troops have moved back from their traditional training areas opposite Eastern Ladakh sector and areas near it, as per the reports.

Notably, the Chinese traditional areas cover a huge area, around 150 kilometers and beyond the Indian side of LAC. China has deployed a huge number of troops along with heavy weaponry in these areas since April-May last year.

The reports have claimed that Chinese troops may be moving from the depth areas due to extreme winters and sub-zero temperatures. However, it is difficult to say if these troops will be back once there is a rise in temperature in February-March.

Pertinent to mention here that China had deployed around 50,000 troops near the Indian side of LAC in Eastern Ladakh, in aggressive posturing. The Indian Army had also done mirror deployment of troops in the area to counter any misadventure by the Chinese.

Since April-May last year, the Chinese troops started transgressing into Indian territory in the garb of training exercises and provoked Indian troops multiple times. This also led to a number of clashes between both sides including the deadly Galwan Valley face-off in Eastern Ladakh.

However, the Indian Army has been able to push the Chinese troops back in key strategic areas and keeping a track of PLA’s movement in extreme weather conditions. The Indian Army has kept a vigil at the northern and southern banks of Pangong Tso lake.

-ARK

Amshipora encounter: Army says it has no system of cash rewards for killing militants

Amshipora encounter

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): A day after reports surfaced that an Army Captain had staged a fake encounter in South Kashmir’s Shopian to grab Rs 20 lakh award money, the Army today made it clear that there is no system of cash awards for its personnel for any acts in “combat situations or otherwise in the line of duty”.

“There are media reports quoting that Amshipora encounter actions were driven by a Rs 20 Lakh award for killing of terrorists. It is clarified that Indian Army has no system of cash awards for its personnel for any acts in combat situations or otherwise in the line of duty. The report is malafide misleading and not based on facts of the processes internal to Indian Army,” Srinagar based Defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

The Army had on July 18 said that it killed three militants in Amshipora village of South Kashmir’s Shopian district. All the three slain later turned out to be labourers from Rajouri district who were identified as Abrar Ahmed (25), Imtiyaz Ahmed (20) and Mohammed Ibrar (16).

A section of press, quoting a police charge-sheet, have carried a report that Army Captain Bhupinder Singh, who is currently facing disciplinary proceedings for the alleged fake encounter in Amshipora, and is in Army custody, killed the three labourers from Rajouri and later passed them as militants to get a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh.

-ARK

Terror plot to attack temples in Poonch foiled, arms recovered: IGP Jammu

Poonch

Neyaz Elahi

Poonch (NVI): A major terror plot to attack temples and other religious places in Poonch district of Jammu region has been foiled with militant modules busted and over half a dozen militant associates held by security forces in the past few months, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh said today.

IGP Mukesh Singh visited Mendhar Police Station in Pooch where a huge cache of arms and ammunition was on display, recovered from militant associates in Poonch district of Jammu region from past couple of months.

He responded to media queries saying that the police, with the help of Army have managed to arrest various militant associates and recovered arms and ammunition from them.

Singh said the arrested militant associates were planning to attack a temple in the border district of Poonch and disturb communal harmony.

“Mendhar area of Poonch is peaceful from past decade and attempts are being made to disturb its tranquil atmosphere. We are alert and won’t allow anyone to disrupt peace here. Militants are desperate to recruit local youth into their ranks but they have miserably failed,” IGP said.

“I appreciate the role of police for arresting those who were planning to carry out a grenade attack on a temple at the behest of their handler to disturb peace and communal amity in the district,” he said.

Singh said that an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 1 binocular, 2 pouches, militant outfit flags, 3 pistols, 270 bullets and 6 grenades have been recovered from the arrested militant associates.

 -ARK

IAF chief visits air bases, advanced landing grounds in Ladakh

Ladakh

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria today visited Air Force Stations and Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Ladakh and interacted with field commanders there to take stock of the security situation in the forward areas in the wake of India-China border stand-off.

The IAF Chief was briefed on the operational preparedness and status of deployed forces at air bases as well as in the forward areas, the IAF said in a statement. He also interacted with IAF and Indian Army personnel deployed at these locations.

Notably, the Air Chief has paid multiple visits to forward areas in Ladakh since the conflict with China’s PLA broke out in April-May of last year.

During his visit to Thoise today, he reviewed the ongoing logistic operations for support and sustenance of troops in the winter season. He also visited Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Nyoma ALGs where he was given a security overview in the respective sub-sectors.

At DBO, the CAS laid a wreath in homage to the fallen heroes. Prior to his departure, CAS joined CDS Gen Bipin Rawat for a comprehensive discussion on operational matters with senior IAF and Indian Army Commanders at Air Force Station Leh.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat also visited forward areas in Ladakh today where he interacted with the personnel.

The Air Chief also conveyed his deep appreciation for the exceptionally high levels of morale and dedication with which all personnel continue to maintain operational preparedness; despite the harsh weather and an inhospitable terrain, the IAF said in an official statement.

Pertinent to mention here that troops from both sides are deployed along the LAC since the friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops.

-ARK

Power Ministry organises 30th National Energy Conservation Awards

New Delhi (NVI): Ministry of Power, in association with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), organised the 30th National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) function today. Union Power Minister RK Singh was the chief guest on this occasion.

This year, due to the COVID pandemic, the function was organised as a Hybrid event transmitted from Vigyan Bhawan.

Stakeholders from across the country and the Awardees participated through virtual platform, the Ministry of Power said in a statement.

Power Minister R K Singh congratulated the winners and said the power sector continued to function through-out the lockdown period. “Energy Efficiency is not only good for the world but also for companies and industries themselves. Our country has one of the lowest per capita emission and per capita energy consumption.

“Despite this the country has made ambitious commitments to meet the global challenge posed by climate change. Our country has target to reduce the emission intensity to 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 level, as part of commitments made during COP 21,” he said.

“Prime Minister’s vision aims at climate mitigation goal, with target for renewable energy capacity to be increased to 450 GW by 2030. While emphasising the importance of energy efficiency he highlighted the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme being implemented by BEE, as a ‘flag bearer’, as the scheme has not only demonstrated its promise in the country but also has found interest among many other countries,” he added.

Singh also mentioned the impact of PAT Cycle II achieved emission reduction of 61 million ton of CO2.

“We should be alert and prepared for such pandemics in future. The situation brought a huge challenge for our economy. The Minister desired that a system of ranking of states can be developed on the basis of Energy Efficiency and resource conservation,” he said.

The Minister also added that the states can prepare broad commitments to meet climate goals inline with the NDCs. In conclusion, he called up-on to strive for being energy efficient on individual and corporate level without expecting from others.

Sanjiv NandanSahai, Secretary (Power) also congratulated the winners at the occasion and thanked all the industry players and colleagues for putting their efforts towards energy conservation. The NECA event witnessed award presentations to 57 units from various sectors.

This year, it is reported that 409 units have participated in NECA 2020 and collectively achieved saving of 3,007 Million units and substantial thermal energy savings resulting in Rs. 1,503 crores.

“The Ministry of Power has undertaken a lot of pilot projects for energy intensive MSME sectors to enhance their performance and drawing sectoral policy roadmap for MSMEs. Agriculture is the next important sector to focus on energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is a national cause and hence we all should join our hands to make India an energy efficient country,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The virtual event was organised with an aim to promote energy conservation among all the sectors of economy, followed by an award distribution ceremony for the industrial units& other establishments to encourage more actions in achieving efficient utilization of energy sources. The dignitaries and delegates could also visit a virtual exhibition on various initiatives for energy efficiency and their current progress highlighting major contribution to country’s energy security.

The Star Labelling Programme for Air Compressor and UHD TV is launched on a voluntary basis and the energy consumption standards will be effective from 01st January 2021. This initiative is expected to save around 8.41 Billion Units of electricity for Air Compressors and 9.75 Billion Units for UHD TV till 2030.

BEE has developed a Management Information System (MIS) portal namely State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency (SAATHEE) which will facilitate real-time monitoring of the progress of implementation of various Energy Conservation endeavours at State level.

The event also included a virtual exhibition on achievements on Energy Efficiency. The awards were presented to the winners from different industries and sector establishments. During the event, the Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV on voluntary basis was initiated.

SAATHEE (State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency) – A portal for State Designated Agency for state level activities was also launched.

-ARK

Imminent Threat Of Pakistan

Imran Khan

COLUMN

By RC GANJOO

Why India, presently is in an uncomfortable spot? The answer is simple and clear that it is because of Pakistan’s ISI evil design execution, which they had conceived in 2009 to destabilise India by 2020.

Two maps were circulated to the Pakistani army’s top brass to achieve the target of destabilising India. One map spells out drastic changes in the topography of Mumbai, which, as per Islamabad’s Inter-Service-Investigation plan, would turn the metropolis into ‘Muslimabad’ by 2012. The two secret maps underline Pakistan’s diabolical plan that goes beyond the 26/11 terrorist strikes in Mumbai.

Pakistan has never changed its policy against India, keeping Kashmir on its agenda. On the disclosure of the terrorist’s affiliation with terrorist outfits, Pakistan’s secret agency ISI had been working on a multi-pronged strategy against India.

These maps were found in possession of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) activist Ghulam Fareed, identified as a Pakistani soldier, (Belt No 4319184, 10 Azad Kashmir Regiment) from Ruperi village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK’s) Bhimber district and other two – Mohammad Abdullah from NWFP and Mohammad Imran from Dera Nawab in Pakistan’s Punjab – belonged to Harkat-ul-Jehad terrorist group. They traveled from Karachi to Dhaka to enter into India from Kolkata and from there they landed at Jammu.

Another map of India targets entire North India, converting it into ‘The Islamic Republic of Pakistan’ by 2020, leaving South India as a disputed territory and treating Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal as its neighboring countries. It has been recently revealed that Pakistan is planning an operation in India to divert attention from several of its internal issues and the consequent criticism from international institutions and media.

Pakistan is keeping the whole world away from its genocide activities in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is facing multiple challenges which include economic downturn, domestic insurgencies, widespread demonstrations, tensions between ethnic groups, and religious bigotry.

The rising friction between Pakistan and India, and Islamabad’s continuing alert of limited war is seemingly being overshadowed by the recent India-China border stand-off. Imran Khan, PM of Pakistan has given the task of setting the field for propagating false propaganda to Pakistan political and military leadership along with media.

Modi government has isolated Pakistan internationally and the world is no longer buying Pakistan’s terrorism mantra on India. Pakistan embassies and consulates along the Pak-Afghan border is functioning as a “hub of terror sponsorship against India.”

According to intelligence reports, there had been at least four meetings between Pakistan intelligence officials and terrorist factions. Pakistan has also planned to “upscale terrorist activities in India” in the coming months. Evidently, Pakistan has created a difficult situation for itself concerning the South Asian neighbourhood.

India-China standoff has already entered into a prolonged stalemate and now disengagement seems round the corner. India’s relations with all the regional countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar are as cordial as they were in the past.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is diplomatically isolated in the South Asian context and after COVID-19, it is on the verge of bankruptcy. In such a scenario, to divert international critics, Pakistan in frustration will resort to the operation against India.

Rajnath lauds BRO for building Atal Tunnel despite Covid challenges

Rajnath
Rajnath Singh inaugurates webinar on Atal Tunnel with other defence officials

New Delhi (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today inaugurated a webinar on Atal Rohtang Tunnel organized by Border Road Organization and lauded the efforts of BRO team during 2020, amidst COVID-19 challenges.

During the inauguration, Singh appreciated BRO engineers for building this engineering marvel despite many technical challenges amid COVID-19 restrictions, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

He cited the example of Seri Nalla, a fault Zone, which posed a serious challenge to even engineers from foreign countries.

“But our engineers succeeded in overcoming the Seri Nalla challenge,” Defence Minister said, adding that for building such a great structure like Atal Tunnel not just bricks and mortar but the spirit of the national pride is of paramount importance.

Singh also recalled various past achievements of Indian scientists and engineers and said they have always shown their prowess in various streams.

Praising the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Singh stated, to overcome the COVID-19 challenges, “we were able to quickly mobilize our resources to produce PPE kits, masks, sanitizers etc. not only for our domestic requirements but also for supplying to other countries.”

He said government has given high priority to the development of border areas and BRO deployed 67 per cent of its workforce in northern borders.

Further, lauding the BRO’s efforts and achievements during 2020, amidst COVID-19 restrictions, Defence Minister said there had been no cut in BRO budget.

At the event, Singh also released a compendium documents listing the experiences and challenges encountered during the construction of the largest tunnel of 9.020 km in the World above 3000 meter elevation.

BRO organized a webinar to disseminate the experiences gained on this tunnel, for the benefit of IITs, NITs and other technical institutions, the statement said.

“Inaugurating the Atal Rohtang Tunnel on October 3, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested that such a compendium be brought out for the benefit of students and professionals of engineering institutes,” it added.

This webinar will further enhance knowledge of all the faculty members and aspiring students, especially of final term students in tackling future challenges in tunnel construction, while more than 1,000 people have participated in the webinar, the ministry noted.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General MM Naravane, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and DG BRO Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry also attended the inaugural event.

-RJV

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