Month: August 2021

Delhi for the fourth time in August reported zero deaths on Wednesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the daily positivity rate dipped to 0.06 per cent.

The metropolis had earlier reported no deaths on August 2, then on August 4, followed by August 8.
According to the state health bulletin, the case fatality rate stands at 1.74 per cent. Delhi recorded 37 new cases out of the 66,886 tests conducted in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative case tally to 14,36,889. Presently, there are 494 active cases in the national capital and the death toll in the state stands at 25,068.

A total of 47 recoveries were also registered on Wednesday, with which the total recoveries climbed to 14,11,327. The bulletin further stated that the cumulative positivity rate in Delhi is 5.89 per cent.

As on date, there are 262 containment zones in Delhi.

Meanwhile, 1,40,849 eligible beneficiaries were vaccinated in the last 24 hours out of which 84,245 were first dose beneficiaries and 56,604 were second dose beneficiaries.

Delhi government in its COVID vaccination bulletin said that the balance stock of Covaxin is 3,07,940 doses and that of Covishield is 3,26,720 as on Wednesday morning.

There are 915 government vaccination centres at 512 locations, with a total capacity of inoculating 1,77,496 doses per day.

The available vaccine stock is said to last for three days. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur following a massive landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur which claimed the lives of two people and trapped over 50 people under the debris.

The prime minister assured CM Thakur of all possible support for the ongoing rescue operations in the landslide that occurred on Reckong Peo-Shimla Highway in Nugulsari area of Kinnaur.
“PM @narendramodi spoke to Himachal Pradesh CM @jairamthakurbjp regarding the situation in the wake of the landslide in Kinnaur. PM assured all possible support in the ongoing rescue operations,” tweeted Prime Minister’s office.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, two people have been confirmed killed in the incident, and teams of the Army, the ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police have been sent to the spot to undertake rescue operations.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the prime minister and said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji took detailed information about the situation on the phone from us, regarding the tragic accident in Nugulsari, Kinnaur.”

According to the Thakur, about 50-60 people are feared to be trapped under the debris and search operations for the missing persons are underway.

“50-60 people could be trapped in the debris following a landslide on a road in Nugulsari area of Kinnaur district. Four people including the driver and conductor of a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus carrying passengers that was trapped in the debris have been rescued,” he said.

While the Army, ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police have been sent to the spot to undertake rescue operations, they have been hindered due to falling boulders.

“Teams of Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), NDRF and police are on the spot for rescue operation. Sliding and shooting stones are continuing. The rescue teams are trying to start the rescue operation,” said the Chief Minister.

ITBP personnel of 17th battalion, 19th battalion and 43rd battalion have reached the landslide site and according to spokesperson Vivek Pandy, 40 people are believed to be trapped under the debris.

“Around 200 jawans of three battalions of ITBP are the spot where landslide is happening. The teams are waiting for more than one hour for the shooting stones to stop. It is believed that around 40 people are trapped. The area is currently very dangerous,” he said.

Four vehicles including a bus and a truck reported trapped in the rubble. Casualties feared,” ITBP said earlier.

Kinnaur MLA JS Negi told ANI that a few cars are also believed to be trapped, while two persons have been rescued so far.

“The landslide incident has taken place near Nigulsari. A bus is buried under the rubble there. A few cars and a truck are suspected to be trapped. The bus driver and one more person rescued. ITBP rescue teams at the spot, operation hindered due to falling boulders,” he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party National President JP Nadda urged party workers to extend all possible help in the affected area.

“Landslide in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is extremely disturbing as many people are reported to be trapped. ITBP teams have been deployed for rescue. I request the party workers to extend all possible help in affected areas. My prayers for the well-being of the people,” he tweeted. (ANI)

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday felicitated the players from the state who were part of the Indian hockey team in the just concluded Tokyo Olympics. The function was held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas, Deep Grace Ekka, and Namita Toppo were part of the Indian teams which created history at the showpiece event.
The Chief Minister handed over the cash award of Rs 2.5 crore to Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas. He also handed over the offer letter for appointment as Deputy Superintendent of Police in the State Police department. He appreciated the performance of the players in winning a bronze medal for the country.

The Chief Minister handed over a cash award of Rs 50 lakh each to Deep Grace Ekka and Namita Toppo, who were part of the Indian women’s team. He commended the spirited fight of the women’s team in reaching the semi-finals and creating history in Indian hockey.

Lauding their performance, Chief Minister Patnaik advised them to continue their hard work and bring more laurels to the country.

Kalinga Stadium has become the global hub of Hockey. The next edition of the Men’s Hockey World Cup will also be played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The players were excited to be back at their home turf where they had competed against the best in the world which helped them in their journey to the Olympics.

They expressed their deep sense of gratitude towards the Chief Minister for supporting Indian hockey which led to wonderful results in the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympians were elated that the State Government has fulfilled its commitment of cash rewards and jobs on their arrival in the state.

Birendra Lakra, vice-captain of the men’s team, presented to the Chief Minister the Team Jersey with the signatures of all the team members. Deep Grace Ekka, vice-captain of the women’s team, presented to the Chief Minister the women’s Team Jersey with the signatures of all the team members.

The hockey players from the High-Performance Center and the Sports hostel were present during the ceremony. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik assured all support to the emerging players from Odisha.

Minister for Sports and Youth Services Tusharkanti Behera and Chairman, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council, Dilip Tirkey, and Secretary Sports R. Vineel Krishna also graced the ceremony. (ANI)

While the team of ‘Shershaah’ awaits the release of the film, which is streaming from tomorrow, early reviews for the biopic have applauded the remarkable performances of the cast.

Flooding social media with praises, industry friends and critics showered their love on Sidharth and Kiara. Receiving a special compliment from her upcoming co-star Vicky Kaushal, Kiara’s emotional performance has found its way into the audience’s hearts.

Kaushal took to Instagram Stories and shared how much he loved the movie. He wrote, “Loved the Film. The valour and sacrifice of Capt. Batra had me in tears. Salute to all the bravehearts. Kudos to the entire team of #Shershaah #VishnuVardhan @karanjohar @sidhmalhotra you have had a long journey with the FIlm and it’s all so worth it. You are absolutely smashing brother.”

Appreciating Kiara, he added, “@kiaraaliaadvani tum toh yaar rula kar hi manogi. So so good. Must watch… kyunki, YEH DIL MAANGE MORE!!!” Replying to the same, Kiara said, “Big Hug Vicky”

Recently, Kiara had revealed that her last scene in the film got the entire crew and unit teary eyed owing to the emotional quotient of the funeral sequence.

Juggling a busy schedule packed with back to back commitments, Kiara just returned from Delhi post ‘Shershaah’ promotions on Tuesday and immediately landed on the sets of her upcoming film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’.

She will also star in Shashank Khaitan’s next with ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’, and Shankar’s next co-starring opposite Ram Charan.

Beginning Wednesday with a brand event alongside Aamir Khan, the actor has currently left for the shoot of Shashank Khaitan’s next. (ANI)

Condemning the ruckus created by Opposition MPs on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu got emotional and said he was distressed to see the sacredness of the House being destroyed over a difference of opinion.

“I am distressed as the way this sacredness was destroyed yesterday when some members sat on the table some others climbed on the tables of the house, perhaps to be more visible, was an act of sacrilege. I have no words to condemn the act as I spent a sleepless night,” he said.
As the Chairman made the remark, the Opposition MPs continued sloganeering, following which the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon.

“Destroying any place amounts to an act of sacrilege. We are a land of temples, churches, mosques and gurudwaras. These are holy places with demarcated sacred areas which are known as sanctum sanctorum. The Parliament is regarded as the temple of democracy. The table and area where the officers and reporters of the house and presiding officers are seated are said as holy Sanctum Sanctorum of the house. A certain degree of secretness is attached to this place. Devotees are allowed only up to Sanctum Sanctorum and not beyond,” said the Chairman.

“Last night I struggled to find out the provocation or reason to forcing this august house to reach such low yesterday. A discussion on agriculture problems was listed. there can be a difference of opinion, they could have discussed it in house and protested and voted against it,” he said.

The business of both the Houses of the Parliament remained majorly disrupted due to the continuous ruckus created by the Opposition over the issues including farmers’ protest, Pegasus spyware, COVID-19, and inflation.

The Monsoon Session commenced on July 19. (ANI)

Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases and in view of approaching festivals, Kerala has decided to implement new guidelines from Wednesday and enforce “special intensified stringent” lockdown restrictions in the panchayats or urban wards wherein Weekly Infection Population Ratio (WIPR) is above 8.

The government has also decided that all senior citizens above 60 years of age who have not received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine shall be vaccinated before August 15.
“All bedridden patients above 18 years of age to be identified and vaccinated by August 15. District Collectors will coordinate with Health Department for planning vaccination,” the government said.

For Sabarimala pilgrimage and darshan from August 15, the government notification said a maximum of 15,000 devotees per day will be permitted and virtual queue registration will continue for crowd management.

However, in view of upcoming festivals like Muharram, Onam, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Pooja, the Kerala government said all persons are allowed to undertake certain essential activities.

“It is clarified that those who are yet to receive COVID-19 vaccination or cannot take the vaccine due to drug allergy or other ailments, can move out of their homes for essential activities like purchase of food items, including grocery, milk, meat, fish etc. if there are no other persons in the household belonging to point,” the notification said.

“If they are required to visit shops they shall be given priority service by the traders. Traders and LSGIs concerned shall give special attention to these categories of persons and ensure home delivery of essential items,” it added. (ANI)

India on Wednesday reported 38,353 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the active caseload to 3,86,351; lowest in 140 days.

As per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the highest ever recovery rate of 97.45 per cent has been recorded; 40,013 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the total recoveries across the country to 3,12,20,981.
The daily positivity rate remains less than 3 per cent for the last 16 days; presently 2.16 per cent.

The ministry also informed that 51.90 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered under Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The testing capacity has also been ramped up; a total of 48.50 crore COVID-19 tests have been conducted across India.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to August 10 was 48,50,56,507, including 17,77,962 samples tested yesterday. (ANI)

New COVID-19 mutants can reach anywhere at any time, said the Central government on Tuesday, adding that it is monitoring Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Delta Plus variants.

Addressing media on the COVID-19 situation, National Centre for Disease Control Director Dr SK Singh said, “The variants of concern that we monitor are Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Delta Plus. There are two variants under investigation – Kappa and B1617.3.”
“We were doing two kinds of surveillance – to monitor variants of concern (coming from outside) and to monitor the impact of the Delta variant in the country. Today, we need to look for new mutants because they can reach anywhere any time,” he added.

He further explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) came out with a strategy that the sentinel sites need to be identified and representative samples from every district of every state be subjected to genome sequencing.

“WHO came out with a strategy that the sentinel sites need to be identified and representative samples from every district of every state be subjected to genome sequencing. It should be tested if there is any mutant that will cause a public impact in the time to come,” said Singh.

“Sentinel sites were affixed across the country and all states were asked to identify a minimum of 5 labs and 5 tertiary care hospitals and see if the sentinel sites represented samples of a representative district. Around 277 sentinel sites have been identified while 8,000 samples have been sent in July,” he added.

Further speaking about Kerala’s Covid situation, Singh said, “Central Team was sent to Kerala. First, to see how the ‘test-track-treat’ strategy is being implemented, second, surveillance of containment zones with contact tracing being an important factor, the third infrastructure of hospitals and fourth progress of vaccination.”

“The caseload and positivity trend was found to be more than 10. Some districts indicated an increasing trend of positivity rate – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Pathanamthitta. 80 per cent of cases were found to be positive for Delta variant, like other states,” he added. (ANI)

Six people including Supreme Court lawyer and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay were arrested by the Delhi Police on Tuesday in connection with the alleged inflammatory sloganeering near Jantar Mantar.

According to the police, besides Upadhyay other arrested persons include Vinod Sharma, Deepak Singh, Vinit Kranti, Preet Singh, and Deepak.
Earlier in the day, they were detained and questioned by the police.

A protest march called by Ashwini Upadhyay on August 8 over “Colonial Laws and Make Uniform Laws” near Jantar Mantar. After the march, some people allegedly raised the slogans. However, Delhi Police sources said that Upadhyay was not present at the site when the slogans were raised.
A day later on August 9, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against an unknown group of people in connection with the incident.

Delhi Police has said that the matter is being handled as per law and any communal disharmony will not be tolerated.
Deepak Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), East Delhi, had earlier said that people who had gathered at Jantar Mantar had no permission.

“People who had gathered at Jantar Mantar had no permission. It has come to our due notice that some people raised inciting and objectionable slogans as well. We have also received a video and have registered FIR in the case,” he said. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh would meet Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday in the national capital. Singh is likely to discuss the state’s Cabinet expansion and reshuffle of ministers with the Congress chief ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections.

This will be the first meeting between both the leaders after Navjot Singh Sidhu was appointed as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).
Navjot Singh Sidhu took over as the chief of the Punjab unit of Congress last month replacing Congress leader Sunil Jakhar.

Singh had earlier said that his government and party leadership would work unitedly towards steering Congress to victory in the ensuing assembly elections.

Earlier on Thursday, political strategist Prashant Kishor had tendered his resignation from the post of Principal Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. (ANI)