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No need to pay heed to rumors, restrict sale of poultry: Giriraj Singh on bird flu

Giriraj Singh

New Delhi (NVI): With bird flu cases reported from at least 10 states across the country, Union Animal Husbandry Minister Giriraj Singh today urged people not to pay heed to rumors while suggesting shopkeepers and sellers not to shut mandis or restrict the sale of poultry products.

The Minister said that there is no need to panic as no scientific reports on the transmission of bird flu to humans have surfaced.

States, including Delhi, should not shut mandis or restrict sale of poultry products, Singh said.

He also said that consumers should not be scared as there is no risk to humans if the animal or poultry products are cooked properly before consuming.

The Minister urged people to not pay heed to rumors about bird flu. “There is a need for precautionary steps which states are taking. States administrations are taking steps to close shops if needed,” he said.

He emphasised that bird flu cannot infect humans from properly cooked chicken meals and boiled eggs.

-ARK

Telangana schools, colleges to reopen

Telangana
K Chandrasekhar Rao (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today announced that schools and colleges across the state would reopen from February 1, after the gap of almost 10 months.

The schools would reopen for classes 9 and 10 and intermediate and degree classes in colleges would also resume on the same day.

Rao announced the decision to reopen educational institutions in Telangana at a high-level meeting with the ministers and other higher officials of education department.

During the meeting, he directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for conducting classes.

The state government will impose all the stand operating procedures (SOP) released by the Center for schools reopening.

Under the SOPs, students, teachers, and non-teaching staff will have to wear facemasks and will have to keep washing their hands at regular intervals. Also, a minimum of 6 feet distance has to be maintained in classes and in school premises.

The body temperature of all will be checked through thermal scanning and hand sanitizers will be installed at the entrance of the schools.

So far, Telangana has registered 2,90,008 coronavirus cases, while the death toll stands at 1,566 in the state, the Health Ministry data shows.

-RJV

Centre releases 11th tranche of GST compensation of Rs 6,000 cr to states

SDRF
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): In a bid to bridge the Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue shortfall, the Finance Ministry has released the 11th weekly instalment of Rs 6,000 crore to 23 states and 3 Union Territories under a special borrowing window today.

Out of this, an amount of Rs 5,516.60 crore has been released to 23 States and an amount of Rs 483.40 crore has been released to the 3 Union Territories with Legislative Assembly (Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir & Puducherry) who are members of the GST Council, according to a statement released by Ministry of Finance.

The remaining 5 states, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim do not have a gap in revenue on account of GST implementation, the statement added.

Now, 60 per cent of the estimated GST compensation shortfall has been released to the States & UT with Legislative Assembly.

Out of this an amount of Rs.60,066.36 crore has been released to the States and an maount of Rs.5,933.64 crore has been released to the 3 UTs with Legislative Assembly.

The Government of India had set up a special borrowing window in October, 2020 to meet the estimated shortfall of Rs 1.10 lakh crore in revenue arising on account of implementation of GST.

The borrowings are being done through this window by the Centre on behalf of the states and UTs.

The borrowings have been done in 11 rounds. The amount borrowed so far was released to the States on October 23, November 2, November 9, November 23, December 1, December 7, December 14, December 21, December 28, January 4 and January 11.

The amount released this week was the 11th instalment of such funds provided to the States. The amount has been borrowed this week at an interest rate of 5.1057 per cent.

So far, an amount of Rs.66,000 crore has been borrowed by the Central Government through the special borrowing window at an average interest rate of 4.7271 per cent.

In addition to providing funds through the special borrowing window to meet the shortfall in revenue on account of GST implementation, the Centre has also granted additional borrowing permission equivalent to 0.50 per cent of Gross States Domestic Product (GSDP) to the states choosing Option-I to meet GST compensation shortfall to help them in mobilising additional financial resources.

-CHK

Centre to bear cost for vaccination of 3 cr health workers in 1st phase: PM

PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi (NVI): In his virtual interaction with Chief Ministers of States ahead of January 16 Covid-19 vaccine rollout, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that in the first phase, the cost of vaccination of 3 crore corona warriors and frontline workers would be borne by the Central Government.

The Prime Minister also made it clear that public representatives will not part of 3-crore corona-warriors, frontline workers to be vaccinated first.

“In the first phase, vaccines will be given to frontline workers, health workers, safai karamcharis, people in defence services, etc. In the second phase, those above 50 years and those under 50 years with co-morbid conditions will be vaccinated,” he said.

“The most important thing in this vaccination campaign is the identification and monitoring of those who have to be vaccinated. For this, a digital platform named Co-WIN has also been created using modern technology,” PM said.

Apart from that, he said that the two already approved made-in-India Covid-19 vaccines are most cost-effective than any other vaccine in the world and have been developed as per the country’s needs.

“From January 16, India will begin the world’s biggest vaccination campaign. It is a matter of pride that the two vaccines which have been given approval for emergency use are made in India,” he said.

At the same time, PM said that people must continue to follow COVID protocols during the vaccination campaign. “All States and UTs must ensure that rumors around the vaccination program are not allowed to spread,” he added.

Notably, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given authorisation to two coronavirus vaccines — Covishield by Serum Institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech, so far.

Speaking after his virtual interaction with Chief Minister, PM said that apart from the two already approved vaccines, four others are in pipeline.

-ARK

Indian Navy to conduct coastal security exercise ‘Sea Vigil’ on Jan 12, 13

Indian Navy

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Navy is going to organize the second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil-21’ on January 12-13, 2020, in order to validate and further strengthen the coastal defence mechanism by synergizing efforts of various central and state agencies.

The exercise, inaugural edition of which was conducted in January 2019; will be undertaken along the entire 7,516 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and will involve all the 13 coastal States and Union Territories, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence.

It will also involve other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities, it added.

Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs and other maritime agencies will participate in Sea Vigil, the conduct of which is also being facilitated by the Ministries of Defence and Home Affairs.

The exercise will be conducted in two phases. In 1st phase, deployment of assets and internal/ external audit/ assessment would be undertaken. Whereas, in 2nd phase, teams role playing as anti national elements would try to make incursions on the coast from sea, PRO Defence stated.

The entire coastal security set up was reorganised after the 26/11 Terror attack at Mumbai which was launched via the sea route.

Notably, the scale and conceptual expanse of the exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met.

The exercise is a build up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years, according to the statement.

The conduct of a security exercise at national-level is aimed to serve a larger purpose as it provides opportunity, at the apex level, to assess preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence.

Extensive utilisation of technological infrastructure and assets of all stakeholders will be undertaken to conduct the exercise.

Effectiveness of fishing community in serving as ‘Eyes and Ears’ for early warning of threats will also be assessed.

In addition to this, the exercise ‘Sea Vigil 21’ will provide a realistic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Navy and will help in further strengthening maritime and national security.

-CHK

PM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to kin of Bhandara hospital fire victims

Representative Image

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those who died in the hospital fire at Maharashtra’s Bhandara.

He also approved the compensation of Rs 50,000 from the same fund to those seriously injured in the fire incident.

“PM @narendramodi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic hospital fire in Bhandara, Maharashtra. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured,” Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

At least 10 newborn babies died while 7 were rescued, after the massive fire broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital in wee hours on Saturday.

Earlier, the state government also announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of dead infants and also ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire.

-RJV

ISRO to adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Labs to promote STEM, space education

ISRO

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) today announced that it will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country to promote education in the field of STEM, space education and technology related innovations for school students.

According to an official statement, it would be a collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog.

Speaking at the virtual event, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said, “I am extremely elated that different departments and ministries of the Government of India are working in synergy to create an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

“This is a great opportunity for our young budding space researchers and astronauts to learn from the best minds of our country, and become living inspirations for their school, families and local communities,” he added.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan also expressed hope that the step shall help promoting innovation and the spirit of experiential learning among the school kids compared to traditional learning.

He added that, “With today’s adoption of 100 ATLs, distributed geographically in line with ISRO’s presence across the country, the organization is taking a small step in engaging with the students, towards giving them direction in pursuing their space dreams as a part of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.”

An Atal Tinkering Lab provides a makerspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode and and learn innovation skills, the NITI Aayog said in a statement.

It added that, to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has established over 7,000 ATLs across the country so far, which enabled over 3 million students between Grade VI to Grade XII acquire a problem solving, tinkering and innovative mindset.

With this collaboration, ISRO will facilitate coaching and mentoring of students in advanced cutting-edge technologies of the 21st century including those related to space, the statement added.

Moreover, the students will not only gain theoretical but also practical and application-based knowledge of STEM and space education related concepts such as electronics, physics, optics, space technology, material sciences among others.

“I am glad that to nurture our future space scientists, ISRO in collaboration with their regional research centers are adopting 100 Atal Tinkering Labs, where ISRO scientists and researchers will personally guide and mentor the young innovators in the field of STEM education and Space technology.” NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said.

Earlier, Atal Innovation Mission in collaboration with ISRO for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC Initiative along with four other ministries to spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and startups.

-RJV

Chinese soldier, who transgressed into Indian side, returned     

Chinese soldier
Representational Image

New Delhi (NVI): A Chinese PLA soldier, who was apprehended by the Indian troops after he transgressed into the Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Friday, was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo border today.

The PLA soldier, who was apprehended by the Indian Army from an area south of the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh in the early hours of Friday, was handed over to the Chinese side at 10.10 AM at Chushul Moldo border, defence official said.

Pertinently, 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.

Notably, this is the second such incident wherein a Chinese soldier has been apprehended for crossing the LAC in eastern Ladakh in the last few months.

Last year in October, a Chinese soldier identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long was apprehended after he crossed the LAC in Demchok sector. He was handed over to Chinese Army later as per the protocol.

-ARK

Uttarakhand becomes the 10th state to confirm bird flu

Bird Flu
Representational/file

New Delhi (NVI): Uttarakhand has become the 10th state in the country to confirm bird flu, amid strenuous efforts to contain the spread.

The Flu was confirmed after a total of 165 birds were found dead, including 121 crows in the Bhandari Bagh area in Dehradun. More than 30 birds were found dead at different places in and around Rishikesh.

Furthermore, at least 28 crows and a pigeon were found dead on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) premises.

Other states that have reported bird flu are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

In Haryana, culling of infected birds is underway for the control and containment of the spread of the disease. A Central team has visited Himachal Pradesh and will reach Panchkula today for carrying out monitoring the epicentre sites and conducting an epidemiological investigation, according to a statement released by Ministry of Animal Husbandry.

States/ UTs have been requested to increase surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. along with proper disposal of carcass, and strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms.

Moreover, maintaining adequate stock of PPE kits and accessories is required for culling operations.

Secretary DAHD has requested State Animal Husbandry departments to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans.

-CHK

Two terrorist associates held with arms and ammunition in J&K’s Awantipora

woman SPO

Pulwama (NVI): Two terrorist associates of Jaish-e-Mohammad were today arrested from Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. They were involved in providing shelter, support, logistics as well as transporting arms of terrorists in Awantipora and Tral and passing sensitive information to JeM terrorists, police said.

Awantipora police along with the help of soldiers from Army’s 42 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF personnel from 130 Battalion held the two militant associates who were affiliated with banned militant outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad, they said.

The arrested militant associates have been identified as Shezaan Gulzar Beigh from Gadhikhal, Chersoo and Waseem-ul-Rehman Sheikh from Midoora in Awantipora.

A police official said that incriminating material including explosive material and ammunition has been recovered from both of them.

-ARK

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