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President launches several development projects in Diu

President launches several development projects in Diu
President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi (NVI): President Ram Nath Kovind today inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several development projects on the second day of his four-day visit to Diu in the Union Territory of Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The development projects include – first academic session of IIIT Vadodara-International Campus Diu; and Kamleshwar School, Ghoghla.

Furthermore, he laid foundation stone for – construction of a school at Saudwadi; improvement of 1.3 kilometers heritage walk-way on Diu City Wall; conservation and facade restoration of heritage precincts (Zampa and market precinct); upgradation of fruits and vegetable market at Fort Road; and development of integrated municipal solid waste management system for entire urban and rural areas of Diu district.

Speaking on the occasion, the President praised the people and administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu for their efforts in building and maintaining the civic amenities in this Union Territory.

He noted that due to their efforts, this Union Territory has received about 40 awards and honours in the field of social development from various Ministries of the Government of India in the past 4 years.

He also praised the efforts for preservation and beautification of historical and cultural heritage sites in Diu.

In addition to this, The President was happy to note that the campaign for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ is moving ahead rapidly in this UT.

“The environment friendly food stalls established under these initiatives for the sale of local products will not only provide employment to the locals but also provide native taste to tourists,” the president noted.

The President said that this Union Territory has played a leading role in implementing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. It is a matter of pride that all the three districts of this Union Territory have been declared ‘Open Defecation Free’.

Due to the vibrant participation of the people and the tireless efforts of the administration, Daman and Diu got the first place in the ‘Swachh Survekshan’ of 2019, he added.

-CHK

Two Afghan policemen killed as Kabul hit by bomb blasts

Two Afghan policemen killed as Kabul hit by bomb blasts
A soldier keeping vigil somewhwere in Afghanistan. (Representational/ file image)

New Delhi (NVI): Two Afghan policemen were killed when three separate sticky bombs exploded in Kabul, the latest violence to hit the Afghan capital in recent weeks.

The policemen were killed when the bomb attached to their vehicle exploded in a central district of Kabul, according to media reports.

A civilian was also wounded in the blast, the reports added.

In addition to this, two security personnel were wounded in another similar bomb attack targeting a second police pick-up truck in a western district of Kabul.

Meanwhile, a third bomb also exploded in the city but caused no casualties.

In recent months, Kabul and several other provinces of Afghanistan have been rocked by deadly violence, including bombings, rocket attacks and targeted killings.

-CHK

WB announces state board exam dates

Maharashtra
(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) today announced West Bengal’s class 10 and 12 board examinations dates for year 2021.

According to the WBCHSE notification, the state’s secondary education or class 10 board exams will start from June 1 and higher secondary education (HS) or class 12 board exams will be held from June 15.

On December 23, West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee had said that the board examinations for class 10 and 12 will be held in June one after another, according to the reports.

The class 10 (Madhyamik) exams will be held first and the class 12 examinations after that, he said.

However, the examinations are usually held between February and March every year.

Chatterjee also said, “We have accepted the recommendations of the WBCHSE and the West Bengal Council of Higher Education Education on holding the exams on later dates in view of the pandemic situation.”

“If the situation changes, the board and council will take decisions accordingly,” he noted.

Meanwhile, CBSE board examinations for classes 10 and 12 will not be conducted till February next year, in view of the COVID-19 situation, Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal earlier said.

-RJV

EU faces tighter coronavirus restrictions as vaccine rollout begins

coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): The European Union (EU) began vaccine rollout today, even as countries in the bloc were forced back into lockdown by a new strain of the virus, believed to be more infectious, that continues to spread from Britain.

Vaccinations in all 27 European Union countries have kickstarted, after regulators approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 21.

Meanwhile, millions of people will face harsher coronavirus restrictions from Boxing Day, as tier changes come into force in England, and restrictions were imposed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Hours before the first vaccine doses arrived in France, Paris’ health ministry also confirmed that it had detected its first case of the new variant in a citizen returned from Britain.

Several countries have reported cases of the new strain, which has sent jitters through already overstretched health services.

The new strain of the virus, which experts fear is more contagious, prompted more than 50 countries to impose travel restrictions on the UK, where it first emerged.

So far, the pandemic has claimed more than 1.7 million lives and is still running rampant in much of the world, but the recent launching of inoculation campaigns has boosted hopes that 2021 could bring a respite.

-CHK

Russia allows use of ‘Sputnik V’ Covid vaccine for people above 60

Expert panel recommends Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for restricted emergency use
Representational/File image

New Delhi (NVI): The government of Russia approved the use of the its COVID-19 vaccine ‘Sputnik V’ for the mass vaccination of people aged 60 years and above, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced today.

“The Health Ministry approved amendments to the instructions for medical use (of the vaccine). The ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine is now approved for use in persons aged 18 and over. Thereby, citizens over 60 years old can now be vaccinated against the new coronavirus infection,” Russia’s Tass news agency quoted Murashko as saying.

The minister also said the vaccine had been deemed safe and effective for the older generation.

“Clinical studies have been carried out on the use of the Russian vaccine in people over 60 years old, while the expert examination has confirmed its safety and efficacy,” Murashko noted.

Previously, elderly people, who form a particularly vulnerable group, had been excluded from the nation’s mass vaccination program.

The world’s first coronavirus vaccine, ‘Sputnik V’ throughout its clinical trials has demonstrated to be more than 95 percent effective at preventing the deadly contagion after three control points.

Earlier on December 10, Russia began its vaccination drive against COVID-19. In addition to this, Murashko on December 14 said that the vaccine had been delivered to all regions as part of the large-scale vaccination campaign.

However, the ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine is capable of building up immunity for more than two years, according to the researchers.

Russia fourth on the list of hardest-hit countries worldwide has reported over 29,92,100 coronavirus infection and 53,539 deaths.

-RJV

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed 10.1 million and currently stands at 10,169,118 after 22,272 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll stands at 1,47,343 after 251 new fatalities were reported during the same period.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases increased to 19,13,382 followed by Karnataka with 9,14,488 and Andhra Pradesh with 8,80,430 positive cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 4,912

Andhra Pradesh- 8,80,430

Arunachal Pradesh- 16,678

Assam- 2,15,836

Bihar- 2,48,945

Chandigarh- 19,345

Chhattisgarh- 2,73,279

Dadra and Nagar Haveli– 3,370

Delhi- 6,21,439

Gujarat- 2,40,105

Goa- 50,534

Haryana– 2,60,153

Himachal Pradesh- 54,058

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,19,628

Jharkhand- 1,13,954

Karnataka- 9,14,488

Kerala- 7,32,084

Ladakh- 9,355

Madhya Pradesh- 2,36,400

Maharashtra- 19,13,382

Manipur- 27,943

Meghalaya- 13,369

Mizoram- 4,178

Nagaland- 11,895

Odisha- 3,27,867

Puducherry- 37,914

Punjab- 1,64,821

Rajasthan- 3,03,732

Sikkim- 5,684

Tamil Nadu- 8,12,142

Telangana- 2,84,391

Tripura- 33,226

Uttarakhand- 88,844

Uttar Pradesh- 5,79,982

West Bengal – 5,44,755

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 62

Andhra Pradesh- 7,091

Arunachal Pradesh- 56

Assam- 1,033

Bihar- 1,373

Chandigarh- 314

Chhattisgarh- 3,263

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 10,414

Goa- 728

Gujarat- 4,268

Haryana- 2,858

Himachal Pradesh- 902

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,861

Jharkhand- 1,016

Karnataka- 12,044

Kerala- 2,930

Ladakh- 126

Madhya Pradesh- 3,536

Maharashtra- 49,129

Manipur- 344

Meghalaya- 135

Mizoram- 8

Nagaland- 77

Odisha- 1,853

Puducherry- 629

Punjab- 5,269

Rajasthan- 2,657

Sikkim- 125

Tamil Nadu- 12,048

Telangana- 1,529

Tripura- 385

Uttar Pradesh- 8,279

Uttarakhand- 1,463

West Bengal- 9,536

However, a total of 97,40,108 people have been cured and discharged. The total active cases stands at 2,81,667 in the country.

-CHK

J&K police recover arms, ammo from Kashmir-bound vehicle in Narwal

J&K police recover arms, ammo from Kashmir-bound vehicle in Narwal
(Source: Twitter @JmuKmrPolice )

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police today said that it averted a major tragedy after recovering arms and ammunition from Kashmir bound vehicle in Narwal area of Jammu.

The J&K Police also said two persons of Kashmir have been arrested and investigation set into motion.

According to a police spokesman, based on a reliable input regarding movement of militants with automatic weapons in Narwal area heading towards Srinagar, a team of Special Operations Group of Jammu laid a special check-point at Narwal area at about 17:30 hours.

During vehicle checking in the area, SOG team signaled a white coloured Alto car (JK18A 9967) to stop, but it tried to escape check-point (Naka).

Observing the suspicious movement, SOG team immediately chased the vehicle and apprehended it with two suspects onboard namely Raees Ahmad Dar resident of Churath, Qazigund and Subzar Ahmad Sheikh resident of Ashmuji, Kulgam.

On checking of the bag in possession of Rayees, SOG team recovered 01 AK series rifle, 01 pistol, 02 magazines of AK series, 60 AK-rounds and 15 pistol rounds.

In this regard, a case vide FIR No. 359/20 under Sections 120-B, 121, 121-A, 122 of IPC, 7/25 of A.Act, 18, 20, 38 & 39 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) 1967, was registered at Police Station Bahu Fort and investigation has been taken up, J&K Police said.

Pertinently, Raees Ahmad Dar has a previous history of involvement in militant activities, having 4 cases registered against him.

Initial investigation revealed that he is working for TRF and the role of his associate is also being ascertained as there seems an apprehension of a militant attack at some place.

In this regard, more arrests are likely to take place as Kashmir-based militant supporter has revealed some names, following which Police conducted raids at some places, which were in progress till filing of this report.

“Jammu police is investigating case to unearth complete network of associates providing support to militant activities,” the police spokesperson added.

-RJV

PM launches SEHAT scheme to extend health insurance coverage to all J&K residents

PM launches PM-JAY SEHAT to extend health insurance coverage to all J&K residents
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of PM-JAY SEHAT scheme

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme via video-conferencing to extend health insurance coverage to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The scheme will ensure universal health coverage, and focus on providing financial risk protection and ensuring quality and affordable essential health services to all individuals and communities,” according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The scheme will provide free-of-cost insurance cover to all residents of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and will extend financial cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family on a floater basis, the PMO said.

Nearly 229 govt hospitals and 35 private hospitals have been listed under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

After launching the scheme which will benefit 21 lakh eligible people, PM Modi interacted with two beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

While interacting with a cancer patient, the Prime Minister said, “Ayushman Bharat has made your life ‘ayushman’. I urge you to tell everyone you meet about this scheme and its benefits.”

“This is a historic day for J&K. Every person of J&K will get benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme. I wanted to launch this scheme yesterday on the occasion of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. Atalji had a special connection with J&K, which is now prospering on his way of ‘Insaniyat, Jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat,’” PM Modi said.

Commenting on the recently held District Development Council elections in J&K, PM Modi stated, “Jammu and Kashmir has won Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘gram swaraj’. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have voted for strengthening democracy in the state. People of all walks of life came out and voted for development in DDC elections.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Union Territory’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, also spoke on the occasion.

Lauding the leadership of PM Modi, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said 10,70,000 farmers have been benefitted by Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. “From August last year, there has been a new wave of development in Jammu and Kashmir,” the L-G said listing out the new development projects in the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Today is a very significant day for J&K. This is being launched a day after Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. Everyone is aware of Vajpayeeji’s sentiment for Kashmir.”

“The scheme is in force everywhere. But everywhere else, it is only meant for the poor. J&K is the first place where all residents will be able to reap the benefits of this scheme,” Amit Shah added.

-CHK

Jagannath temple reopens for locals

Jagannath Temple (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri reopened today for the local residents of the district, after remaining closed for over 9 months due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The locals are allowed for darshan of the Trinity from 26 to 31 December till 5 pm, the Puri District Administration said.

During the first three days (December 23, 24 and 25), only the family members of the servitors were permitted for darshan inside the Temple premises, according to the reports.

The temple, however, will remain closed on January 1 and 2 to avoid any possibility of spike in transmission of COVID-19 as huge congregation is expected on the occasion of New Year.

Meanwhile, devotees from other parts of Odisha and country will be allowed to visit the temple from January 3 with a COVID-19 negative report, which is not more than four days old.

The district administration also said that, people above 65 years age and children below 10 years will be not allowed to enter the temple premises.

-RJV

WHO says new COVID variant identified in 8 European countries

WHO says new COVID variant identified in 8 European countries
Hans Kluge, WHO's Regional Director for Europe

New Delhi (NVI): The World Health Organization (WHO) has informed that the new coronavirus variant has already been identified in eight European countries and the organization is continuing to monitor the situation.

WHO’s Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge took to Twitter to share the information about the new COVID-19 variant.

He also warned that the new strain seems to be spreading among younger age groups unlike the previous strains and stressed upon the need to boost the protective measures.

“8 countries in the @WHO_Europe region have now identified the new COVID19 variant VOC-202012/01. It is vital to strengthen existing protective measures: distancing/masks/staying in core support bubbles. WHO is continuing to monitor & will provide updates solidarity is key,” Kluge tweeted.

“The variant also seems to be spreading among younger age groups unlike previous strains. Vigilance is important while research is ongoing to define its impact,” he said in another tweet.

Earlier this month, the new variant of the novel coronavirus was discovered first in the United Kingdom, which is said to be 70 percent more transmissible than the existing strain.

Meanwhile, around 40 countries have imposed new UK travel restrictions following the emergence of the new strain to contain its further spread.

-RJV

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