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Singapore ‘cruise to nowhere’ returns after passenger tests positive for Covid

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): A “cruise to nowhere” off Singapore has returned to port after a passenger tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Quantum of the Seas set sail from Singapore on Monday for a four-day round trip as part of a ‘safe cruising’ pilot programme announced in October.

According to the reports, the ship has already returned to Singapore and is currently docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre.

In an official statement, Royal Caribbean said, “One guest aboard Quantum of the Seas tested positive for coronavirus after checking in with our medical team.”

“All guests and crew who came into close contact with the infected passenger have been identified and isolated — they have all tested negative so far,” the company added.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said, the 83-year-old passenger tested positive for COVID-19 after reporting to the ship’s medical center with diarrhea and went through a mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test as per protocol.

“Prior to boarding, the passenger had tested negative for the disease,” the board said.

The vessel, with 1,680 guests and 1,148 crew members on board, arrived in Singapore at around 8 am after turning back on day three of a four-day cruise to nowhere.

Annie Chang, director for cruise at the country’s tourism board also said in a statement, “As part of the protocols for a positive test during a cruise, the passenger was immediately isolated and his initial close contacts were identified and isolated.”

“All on-board leisure activities also ceased immediately and passengers were asked to stay in their respective cabins,” she added.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hammered the travel and tourism sectors this year, including the cruise industry, Singapore’s ‘cruise to nowhere’ program was an attempt to bolster travel demand in the middle of the pandemic.

The ‘cruise to nowhere’— a concept that is being tested in the city-state which allows cruise ships to make round trips to Singapore with no port of call in between.

On the other hand, the daily infections in the city-state have remained mostly under control.

Singapore has not reported any new local transmissions since December 5. So far, there have been 58,285 cases of COVID-19 and 29 deaths in the country, the Johns Hopkins University data shows.

-RJV

Coronavirus cases surpass 68.2 million worldwide

Coronavirus

New Delhi (NVI): More than 68.2 million people around the world have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, while the death toll has crossed 15,56,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. Over 43.9 million patients have recovered from the deadly disease globally.

The number of coronavirus infections in the US have surpassed 15.1 million while the number of fatalities due to the deadly contagion have crossed 2,86,000.

Brazil’s coronavirus cases have crossed the 66 lakh-mark and stands at 6,674,999 while the number of deaths have surged past 1,78,000 in the country.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s health ministry on Tuesday reported 11,006 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 800 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 1,193,255 cases and 110,874 deaths.

South Korea reported 686 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday as it battles a third wave of infection that is threatening to overwhelm its medical system.

The daily tally was the second-highest since the start of the pandemic, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. New cases have been consistently around 600 over the past week.

Germany inched towards stricter measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, as an eastern region said it would close schools and most businesses and the health minister warned a partial lockdown had not stopped the disease.

Furthermore, Hong Kong is set to impose new virus restrictions to battle a fourth wave of coronavirus – evening dining at restaurants will be banned, fitness centres closed and people urged to work at home as the government tries to reduce the number of people on the streets.

-CHK

India’s COVID-19 tally surge to 97.35 lakh, death toll at 1.41 lakh

India’s COVID tally tops 10.34 million with 16,505 new cases
(File/ Representational image)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India increased to 97,35,850 with a single-day rise of 32,080 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

With 402 fresh deaths reported in last 24 hours, the country’s overall death toll has reached to 1,41,360.

Currently, 92,15,581 patients have been cured and recovered all over the country, while active cases remained below the 4-lakh mark and stands at 3,78,909.

In worst-affected Maharashtra, the COVID-19 cases surpassed 1859,367 followed by Karnataka with 8,95,285 cases, and Andhra Pradesh with 8,72,389 positive cases.

Other states with a high virus hit included Tamil Nadu (7,92,788), Kerala (6,44,696) and Uttar Pradesh (5,58,373).

Meanwhile, of the total deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 47,827 fatalities, followed by Karnataka with 11,880 deaths. Delhi has also registered 5,97,112 cases of coronavirus, while the death toll from the virus has reached 9,763 in the national capital, the ministry data shows.

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), more than 14.98 crore samples tested for COVID-19 up to December 8. Of these, 10,22,712 samples were tested yesterday,

Furthermore, the health ministry yesterday said that three COVID-19 vaccines, developed by Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute of India and Pfizer, are under active consideration of India’s drug regulator, adding that there is hope that early licensing is possible for all or any of them.

-RJV

 

J&K: 3 militants killed, civilian injured in Pulwama gunfight

File Photo

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): One more militant has been killed and a civilian injured in a ongoing gunfight in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, taking the number of slain militants to three.

Official sources said that after receiving input about the presence of militants, a joint team of Police, Army’s 55 RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Tiken village of the district.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

The gunfight was underway till the filing of this report. A police spokesman confirmed the killing of three militants in the gunfight which is still underway.

Moreover, the identity of the slain militant couldn’t be established yet. Sources, however said that both slain militants are affiliated with Al-badar militant outfit.

Sources further said a civilian has also been injured during exchange of fire who was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for treatment and is said to be stable. “This was the first encounter of this month,” they added.

-RJV

PM Modi congratulates Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled on re-appointment as Kuwait PM

PM Modi congratulates Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid on re-appointment as Kuwait PM

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight congratulated Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, on his re-appointment as the Prime Minister of Kuwait.

Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah re-appointed Sheikh Sabah as Kuwait PM in after the successful National Assembly elections on December 5.

“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, on his re-appointment as the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, after the successful National Assembly elections on December 5th,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.

“I am confident that our excellent bilateral relations will continue to expand and flourish under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait,” the PM said in his second tweet.

Sheikh Sabah had submitted his government’s resignation in a procedural step following parliamentary elections in Kuwait. The country’s Emir (ruler) accepted his resignation before reappointing him on the position today.

-ARK

Foundation stone of head regulator works of Indo-Nepal Link Canal laid

Foundation stone of head regulator works of Indo-Nepal Link Canal laid

New Delhi (NVI): NHPC, India’s premier hydropower company and a PSU under Ministry of Power, today laid the foundation stone of head regulator works of the 1.2 km long Indo-Nepal canal that is being constructed under ‘Mahakali Treaty’ signed between the two countries.

AK Singh, CMD, NHPC, laid the foundation stone of the proposed canal at barrage of 94.2 MW Tanakpur Power Station of NHPC located in Banbasa in Champawat district of Uttarakhand.

Speaking on the occasion, CMD, NHPC said, “NHPC is India’s leading organization for hydropower development. It has the capability to undertake all the activities from conceptualization to commissioning in relation to setting up of hydro projects and has also diversified in the field of Solar and Wind Power.”

He also congratulated all the officers and employees of the power station for record generation since commissioning for FY 2019-20 and also extended his good wishes for the future, the Ministry of Power said in a release.

Rajesh Sharma, Executive Director, Regional Office, Chandigarh and Suresh Kumar Sharma, GM (I/c), Tanakpur Power Station were also present on the occasion along with other senior officers and employees. AK Singh, CMD, NHPC is currently on inspection tour to NHPC’s 94.2 MW Tanakpur Power Station, the Ministry said.

-ARK

Amit Shah meets farmer leaders

Amit Shah meets farmer leaders
File Photo: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

New Delhi (NVI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah met farmers leaders this evening, a day before the crucial sixth round of talks with representatives of protesting famers.

The meeting was called at 7 pm and began at around 8 pm, with farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also in attendance. The meeting was organised at PUSA campus, a few km from Amit Shah’s residence.

The farmers groups’ meeting with the Home Minister came as a nationwide protest or Bharat Bandh was called by protesting farmers against the Centre’s recently passed farm bills.

The Bharat Bandh today witnessed road and rail traffic getting hit in some parts of the country, highways blocked and markets shut down which affected supplies.

Today’s meeting was called in a bid to break the deadlock between some farmers groups and the Central government over the contentious bills.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK and TRS, will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind tomorrow to convey their stand. These parties backed today’s protest by the farmers.

-ARK

Centre lauds J&K on effective implementation of flagship schemes

GI registration

Jammu (NVI): The Central government today lauded the J&K government for efficient implementation of several flagship schemes while reviewing the progress of these schemes in all Union Territories in the country.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pramod Kumar Mishra today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of flagship schemes of the Centre in all the UTs.

During the meeting, the Principal Secretary lauded the efforts of the J&K UT to efficiently implement schemes like One Nation One Ration Card, PM SVANidhi, Ayushman Bharat, and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises.

Chief Secretary, J&K, BVR Subrahmanyam, along with Secretaries of various departments also participated in the meeting.

Extensive deliberations were held to review the progress of 16 flagship schemes including One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), PM SVANidhi, PM formalization of micro food processing enterprises, among others.

The meeting was also informed that J&K has ensured universal digitisation of ration cards, Aadhar seeding of beneficiaries, installation of ePoS devices at all fair price shops to ensure the bio-metric authenticated sale of subsidized ration, besides providing nation-wide portability services to the beneficiaries.

Further, under PM-JAY, the Chief Secretary informed that J&K has empanelled 229 hospitals, besides augmenting the government health and wellness infrastructure to provide cashless healthcare to approximately 6 lakh eligible families covering approximately 27 lakh population. Additionally, the UT Government is shortly rolling out its prestigious universal healthcare scheme ‘SEHAT’, to extend free-of-cost healthcare to all its citizens.

Under PM SVANidhi, it was apprised that in Jammu and Kashmir a working capital loan up to Rs. 10,000 is sanctioned within 16 days; to the registered street vendor through the Housing & Urban Development Department.

While reviewing the progress of all the Union Territories, Principal Secretary PK Mishra emphasized ensuring coverage of all the eligible beneficiaries under the flagship schemes in a time-bound manner. He directed the concerned ministries to develop suitable review mechanisms to ensure that the intended benefits reach the targeted population.

-ARK

Some vaccine candidates may get license in next few weeks: Health Secretary

Some vaccine candidates may get license in next few weeks: Health Secretary

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Health Ministry today said that there are multiple vaccine candidates in different stages of development in India and some of them may get licensed in the next few weeks.

“Vaccines require 2-3 doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart. Even after vaccination, COVID precautions must be undertaken,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said during a media briefing on Covid-19 here.

The Secretary noted that while the Covid situation around the world is deteriorating, India has seen a steady and continuous decline in new cases since mid-September.

“The active cases have drastically declined to 3.83 lakh. The total positive cases of the country are 3,83,866. Case Per Million at 7,031 is amongst the lowest in the world. Death Per Million at 102 is also amongst the lowest globally,” he said.

Pertinent to mention here that the Vaccine Task Force, constituted by Central Government on April 14 is co-chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to GOI and Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

The Secretary further said that the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have applied for emergency use approval (EAU) of their respective vaccine candidates against coronavirus in India.

“Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have applied to Emergency Use Approval. PM Modi has interacted with all vaccine manufacturers and scientists. 6 vaccine candidates in clinical trial stage in India,” he said

Notably, Astra Zeneca and Pfizer have already applied for emergency use approval in India. Six vaccines, including Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Astra Zeneca’s Covidshield, are in trial stages, Bhushan added.

The remarks from the top Health Ministry official came four days after PM Modi said that as per experts, a vaccine is expected to be ready in the next few weeks. He said this during an all-party meet today to take stock of the Covid-19 situation in the country.

-ARK

Govt to start 1,000 Khelo India centres to employ retired sportspersons: Rijiju

New Delhi (NVI): Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju today said that the government will start 1,000 Khelo India small centres across the country that will help retired sportspersons get employment or some role in shaping the sports culture of the country.

Speaking at the 10th Global Sports Summit, TURF 2020, organized by FICCI, Rijiju said, “The government has made various policy changes and taken up initiatives to encourage and support sportspersons and the sporting community even after they retire.”

“When a sportsperson suffers, it discourages generations. The government is also ensuring that the prize money, financial support from the government reaches the athletes and the designated beneficiaries uninterrupted,” he said.

The minister emphasised on the importance of making citizens pro-sports and pro-fitness.

“We must make citizens pro-sports and pro-fitness; we cannot talk about a prosperous India with citizens being unfit. We cannot talk about a sporting culture without first creating success in the sporting arena,” Rijiju said.

He urged the industry, business, and corporate houses to come together with the government in helping create a sporting obsessive society. “There is no lack in terms of government support, but we are not a sporting country. The government’s efforts alone are never enough. It is the people’s efforts, people’s participation that will define the success of sports,” he added.

“Even if two per cent of India’s population watches one sport, whether in stadiums or on the television, it will make the game popular and will bring in the money for its development. We must ensure that sport becomes a big industry in India. It can be a huge contributor to the country’s economy,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, the minister said that the Khelo India and the Fit India movements are going on strongly. “Even during the pandemic, we didn’t stop activities. Mechanisms using digital technologies were created in aiding athletes acquire knowledge and continue with their training. I have set a target of putting India in the top-10 medal grossing nations in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. To this effort, we have initiated various policy changes.”

Addressing the event, PV Sindhu, Olympic Medallist- Badminton, said that it is high time that we go on and formulate pathways for our youngsters so that they are able to continue following their dreams and can have the support of their parents as well.

The event was also attended by Madhya Pradesh sports minister Yoshodhara Raje Scindia, Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carrol and FICCI president Dr Sangita Reddy, among others.

-CHK

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