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8 injured in fire at Hyd factory

New Delhi (NVI): As many as eight people were injured in a major fire that broke at chemical factory in industrial area of Hyderabad today.

According to the reports, the fire was triggered due to blasts in the reactor. The injured have been shifted to the nearby Mamatha Hospital.

The incident took place around 1 pm at Vindhya Organics private Ltd, which is located in the village of Bolaram in Sangareddy district of Hyderabad, the reports added.

So far, there has been no confirmation on the casualty and currently three fire tenders are at the spot trying to get the blaze under control.

Reportedly, 40 people were present at the spot and the fire team is trying to ensure that everyone has been evacuated safely.

-RJV

Govt to notify 10 new PLI schemes by April 2021: DPIIT Secy

New Delhi (NVI): The government is working towards notifying 10 new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes by April 2021, said Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Addressing the virtual panel discussion on ‘Inspired India’ with Secretaries, at FICCI’s 93rd Annual General Convention, Dr Mohapatra said that PLI Scheme introduced for the mobile will be a gamechanger and will push the electronic manufacturing as well.

“The government has already launched the PLI Scheme in the medical devices and API sector,” he added.

He further said that DPIIT is also working to introduce a single window for investors, which will be connected with various ministers along with their IT systems.

Emphasizing the compliance burden, Mohapatra said that the government’s highest priority is to reduce the compliance burden and simplify the procedures that business must follow in certain sectors.

Tarun Bajaj, Secretary, Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance said that the government’s focus is on the economy. “We are going to see an improved economic condition in the coming year,” he added.

Speaking on the new PSE policy, Bajaj said that there has been some delay in the policy, and it is because we want to create more ambition in the policy. “The policy will be very ambitious, more than what is anticipated. This will bring a paradigm change in the way we think and do things in the government. The implementation will also come along with it,” he added.

-CHK

Technology being adopted at scale to transform future business: Microsoft CEO

Tech adopted at scale to transform future business amid pandemic: Microsoft CEO
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): Digital technology is being adopted at scale for core resilience, not only for future transformation but for business continuity, despite the constraint caused by the pandemic, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer, Satya Nadella said today.

In a fireside chat with Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI, at 93rd FICCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) Nadella said, “The ability to use the digital tools and our built-in infrastructure and capability around the digital track is going to create resilience and transformation.”

Speaking further on the future the Microsoft CEO said that the broad paradigms are re-shaping the expectations especially the exponential changes and the exponential change is technology, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) statement read.

“The innovation in India around digital infrastructure in every field, from financial services, healthcare to retail is tremendous due to the ubiquity of computing fabric that is available through every Indian business and every Indian citizen,” he said.

In addition to this, Nadella explained, “Computation and computing fabric is now embedded in the real world and the layer of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data capability is getting embedded in every consumer and business application is tremendous.”

According to the Microsoft CEO, the public sector is being supported in their modernization. “To develop the economy, a catch-up growth is possible when both the public institution and public sector can move rapidly,” he said.

Asserting on the necessary conditions to be able to deal with complexities, Nadella informed that, there must be a sense of purpose that drives and gives meaning to the organization and the culture that exists in the organization, which are the core of the foundation.

“We must create technology which will enable other people to create technology,” he noted. While speaking on his leadership mantra, he said, creating clarity, energy, and the ability to drive success are the core qualities of a leader. “We can’t wait for the perfect pitch but we have to keep working despite what the world throws on us,” Nadella added.

In the meeting, Eric Schmidt, ex-Chairman Alphabet and Chairman of National Security Commission on AI (NSCAI) said, “AI is a game-changer and the most powerful tool in generations for expanding knowledge, freedom, and increasing knowledge. “Science and engineering will leverage Artificial Intelligence,” said Schmidt.

He further mentioned that strong AI partnerships will be important to renew and protect individual rights, restricting commercial competition based on fair rules, and strengthening defence ties.

“India is a natural central piece of a collation of democracy and strong bilateral partner which possess a thriving economy, shares economic value and a common interest against authoritarianism in Indo Pacific area,” Schmidt added.

 

-RJV

J&K: Army soldier slips to death along LoC in Rajouri

Policeman
Representational Pic.

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): An Army soldier was killed after he slipped into a deep gorge while patrolling along Line of Control in Nowshera Sector of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Official sources said that Army’s Lance Naik Gorgery S patrolling along with his comrades at a forward location in Kalal slipped into a deep gorge along Line of Control (LOC).

The soldier was evacuated from the gorge and shifted to hospital but succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

They added that police have registered a case in this regard.

-RJV

After two consecutive ‘grim’ phases, tourism picks up in Kashmir Valley

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI):  Tourist graph has started showing an upward trend in Kashmir Valley while tourism players are hopeful that more and more tourists will visit the valley after the grim phase that was experienced due to abrogation of Article 370 and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Since August 5, 2019 when Article 370 was scrapped, tourism was badly hit and the situation was further aggravated due to Covid-19 lockdown.

“I think the ugly phase is over and we are getting bookings and enquiries from both domestic and international tourists. Graph is showing upward trend and there is a surge in winter bookings,” Mukhtar Ahmed Shah, President Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg, told News Vibes of India.

Shah is hopeful and believes that tourist graph this winter particularly in world famous ski-resort Gulmarg will show an upward trend.

“Tourists in large numbers are already present in Gulmarg to enjoy winter sports. Foreign tourists are less in number but keeping the situation in view, we expect the arrival of more tourists from foreign countries,” Shah said.

The tourist spots in Kashmir including Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are abuzz with activities these days. Tourists can be seen enjoying fresh snowfall particularly in Gulmarg.

“Emperor Jahangir was right in terming Kashmir as paradise. It is of course a paradise on earth. We have been enjoying in Gulmarg. Everything is white and this sight is turning us frenzy,” Sonali, a tourist from Mumbai said.

Abdul Karim, a tourist from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, said he arrived in Valley last week along with his family.

“Back home in UP, my friends advised us not to visit the valley, but here I found everything normal. Electronic media is portraying Kashmir in a negative way and here I realized Kashmir is not what media is portraying. I appeal people to visit Kashmir and enjoy its beautiful landscape,” Karim added.

In addition to this, tourists are also enjoying shikara rides in Dal Lake as well that is in the heart of Srinagar city. “We have been to multiple locations here including Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal, Dal Lake and we didn’t face any problem. People of Kashmir are so sweet and friendly. In fact, Kashmir is crime free,” Aditya Kumar, a resident of Gujarat said.

He however lamented that such a beautiful place faces power shortage. “Except electricity problem, we found everything alright,” Kumar added.

Director of Tourism, Kashmir, Nisar Ahmed said the arrival of tourists is good for tourism sector. “Tourist arrivals are increasing and day by day it is showing an upward trend. We are hopeful that tourists will come in large numbers to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir Valley,” he said.

-CHK

Govt exempts Handicraft and GI Toys from quality control order

Govt exempts Handicraft and GI Toys from quality control order
(Representational/ file image)

New Delhi (NVI): The government has exempted handicraft, geographical indication (GI) toys from Quality Control order, for standardization and quality adherence, the Ministry of Commerce said.

This development comes after Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released the Toys (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2020, to provide strength to the medium, small and micro toy production units in the country.

In a official statement, Ministry of Commerce said that, “Taking steps towards the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a global manufacturing hub for sale and exports of toys, DPIIT has devised a comprehensive action plan with steps being taken to boost production and sale of indigenous toys across the country.”

The ‘Quality Control’ order has been issued by the department for standardization and quality adherence of toys. It will come into effect from January 1st 2021.

This order aims to bring forward the synergized efforts of the government, states and the stakeholders to promote ‘Team up for toys’ vision keeping quality standards of the indigenous toys as the priority.

Thereafter, the ‘Amendment Order 2020’ exempts goods manufactured and sold by artisans registered with Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), from use of Standard Mark under licence from Bureau of Indian Standards, as per Scheme1 of Schedule-II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

It also exempts products registered as Geographical Indications from following Indian Toy Standards and compulsory use of Standard Mark licence from Bureau as per Scheme 1 of Schedule-II of BIS (CA) Regulations, 2018, the statement further said.

“The Gazette notification issued by the department says that “nothing in this Order shall apply to goods or articles manufactured and sold by Registered proprietor and Authorised user of a product registered as Geographical Indication by the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM),” it added.

-RJV

 

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

COVID cases

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India crossed 98 lakh-mark and currently stands at 98,26,775 after 30,005 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The country’s death toll stands at 1,42,628 after 442 new fatalities were reported during the same period.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases climbed to 18,72,440, followed by Karnataka with 8,99,011 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 8,74,515 positive cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 4,798

Andhra Pradesh- 8,74,515

Arunachal Pradesh- 16,497

Assam- 2,14,432

Bihar- 2,41,222

Chandigarh- 18,502

Chhattisgarh- 2,54,129

Dadra and Nagar Haveli– 3,355

Delhi- 6,03,535

Gujarat- 2,25,304

Goa- 49,235

Haryana– 2,50,394

Himachal Pradesh- 48,354

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,15,207

Jharkhand- 1,11,177

Karnataka- 8,99,011

Kerala- 6,58,683

Ladakh- 9,112

Madhya Pradesh- 2,21,115

Maharashtra- 18,72,440

Manipur- 26,859

Meghalaya- 12,645

Mizoram- 4,024

Nagaland- 11,602

Odisha- 3,23,029

Puducherry- 37,406

Punjab- 1,59,099

Rajasthan- 2,88,692

Sikkim- 5,291

Tamil Nadu- 7,96,475

Telangana- 2,77,151

Tripura- 33,015

Uttarakhand- 81,211

Uttar Pradesh- 5,62,722

West Bengal – 5,16,505

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 61

Andhra Pradesh- 7,049

Arunachal Pradesh- 55

Assam- 1,000

Bihar- 1,312

Chandigarh- 299

Chhattisgarh- 3,068

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 9,934

Goa- 703

Gujarat- 4,148

Haryana- 2,699

Himachal Pradesh- 793

Jammu and Kashmir- 1,786

Jharkhand- 995

Karnataka- 11,928

Kerala- 2,562

Ladakh- 123

Madhya Pradesh- 3,382

Maharashtra- 48,059

Manipur- 320

Meghalaya- 124

Mizoram- 7

Nagaland- 68

Odisha- 1,798

Puducherry- 619

Punjab- 5,036

Rajasthan- 2,514

Sikkim- 118

Tamil Nadu- 11,870

Telangana- 1,489

Tripura- 375

Uttar Pradesh- 8,025

Uttarakhand- 1,341

West Bengal- 8,966

However, a total of 93,24,328 people have been cured and discharged. The total active cases stands at 3,59,819 in the country.

-CHK

90% inmates in J&K jails are undertrial prisoners, reveals RTI

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): The Prisons Department of Jammu has revealed that over 90 percent of the prisoners lodged in jails of Jammu and Kashmir are under trial prisoners.

The department also said that less than 2 per cent of all individuals arrested in militancy-related cases have been convicted.

The reply by the Director-General of Police (DGP), Prisons Department, Jammu and Kashmir in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by two students – Tajamul Islam and Aabid Mushtaq, of the University of Kashmir’s Law Department.

According to the data on 7 December, a total of 4,131 prisoners are stated to be held in jails across Jammu and Kashmir as on December 6, which includes 4,005 men and 126 women.

Of these prisoners, 3,735 are currently under trial, of which 747 have been arrested in militancy-related cases, merely 1.8 per cent individuals have been convicted. Overall, a staggering 90.4 per cent of the total prisoners lodged in the prisons are still undergoing trial.

Notably, the total intake capacity of the fourteen jails across Jammu and Kashmir is 3,660, indicating that these jails presently lodge prisoners beyond its holding capacity.

The Central Jail in Jammu’s Kot Balwal holds the highest number of prisoners with 709 prisoners as on 6 December, 2020 in J&K.

While the most number of prisoners —147, accused in militancy-related cases are lodged in a single facility of Srinagar’s Central Jail.

As per the response filed by the office of DGP Prisons, 2,195 undertrial prisoners and 41 convicted prisoners were released on bail or parole since April 2020

However, the office of the DGP said that, “does not have information about all the prisoners of J&K lodged in prisons outside J&K” under preventive detention laws.

The DGP office only had partial information on this aspect, divulging that there were 43 prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently held outside the Union Territory, in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

-RJV

1 killed, another wounded as multiple rockets hit Kabul

Representative pic of a blast.

New Delhi (NVI): At least one person was killed and another wounded after series of rockets were fired in different parts of Afghanistan’s capital Kabul early this morning.

The rockets were fired from Lab-e-Jar area in the north of Kabul, close to the place from where last month’s rocket attacks happened, according to the reports.

Afghanistan Ministry Of Interior Affairs informed that, “At least 10 rockets were fired from the Lab-e-Jar area in Kabul on various parts of the city, including areas near the airport, Hawashinasi area in PD9, Zan Abad area in PD9 and Khwaja Rawash area in PD15.”

The rockets that landed near residential houses in Khwaja Rawash area east of Kabul left one dead and one wounded, ministry added.

Meanwhile, a video circulated on social media also showed that around 10 rockets are fired from a vehicle.

This is the second rocket attack in Kabul in a month, Earlier on November 21, eight people were killed when 23 rockets slammed Kabul in an attack.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases surge past 70 million worldwide

Global Covid-19 cases
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The global count of coronavirus cases has reached more than 70 million, with over 15,92,700 deaths reported, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

Over 45 million patients have recovered from the deadly contagion globally.

In the US, the total number of coronavirus cases have reached more than 15.83 million. The total number of fatalities have surpassed 2,94,800 in the country.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases has surpassed 6.78 million, while the country accounts for the second highest number of fatalities at 1,79,765.

The health ministry of Mexico registered 12,253 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 693 additional fatalities in last 24 hours, bringing the total in the country to 12,29,379 cases and 1,13,019 deaths.

Russia is ranked fourth in terms of the reported positive COVID-19 cases. To date, 25,74,319 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 45,370 fatalities nationwide.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) to make decisions on whether to give emergency use approval to COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca in coming weeks.

-RJV

 

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