Srinagar, April 22: 25 more persons were tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday in Kashmir, taking the total number of cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 405 in Jammu and Kashmir.
An official told news agency KINS that total 489 samples tested overnight at SKIMS in which 25 tested positive for COVID-19 virus.
The total number of positive cases in J&K now stands at 405.(KINS)
An employee of the Ministry who had attended office on 15 April 2020 has tested positive for COVID19 on 21st April, says the Ministry in a tweet
Some employees of the Ministry of Civil Aviation have been asked to go into self-isolation after a colleague tested positive for COVID-19.
“An employee of the Ministry who had attended office on 15 April 2020 has tested positive for COVID19 on 21st April. All necessary protocols are being stringently followed on the premises. All colleagues who came in contact are being asked to go into self-isolation as a precaution,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Twitter.
It added that the Delhi government was seized of the matter and was taking appropriate steps to conduct contact tracing and risk profiling.
“I wish him strength & speedy recovery,” Minister of State for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted. “We stand by our colleague at Ministry of Civil Aviation who has tested positive for COVID-19 and have extended all possible medical help and support.”
The two-stage satellite launch took off from Iran’s Central Desert, says Revolutionary Guard.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday it launched a military satellite into orbit amid wider tensions with the U.S., a successful launch after months of failures.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the launch of the satellite, which the Guard called “Noor,” or light.
The Guard on its official said the satellite successfully reached an orbit of 425 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
The two-stage satellite launch took off from Iran’s Central Desert, the Guard said, without elaborating.
The launch comes amid tensions between Tehran and Washington over its collapsing nuclear deal and after a U.S. drone strike killed Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in January.
Iran has suffered several failed satellite launches in recent months.
On Sunday, the Guard acknowledged it had a tense encounter with U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf last week, but alleged without offering evidence that American forces sparked the incident.
PTI
New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry allowed shops selling school books to be opened during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown.
The ministry also allowed shops selling public utilities including recharge facilities for prepaid mobile phones and those selling services of bedside attendants of senior citizens to open during lockdown.
The home ministry also said bread factories and flour mills located in urban areas can restart operations during the ongoing lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak.
In separate orders, the home ministry said the decision has been taken after receiving some queries with regard to exemptions of specific services and activities allowed through the guidelines issued so far.
Educational book stores to be allowed to operate in lockdown
Shops of educational books for students, shops of electric fans will be allowed to open during the lockdown, which is scheduled to end on May 3.
Bedside attendants and care givers of senior citizens residing in their homes and public utilities including recharge facilities for prepaid mobile connection will be allowed to offer services, the ministry said in its order.
Food processing units such as bread factories, milk processing plants, flour mills, dal mills etc., located in urban areas will be allowed to function during the lockdown.
However, the ministry made it clear that social distancing for offices, workshops, factories and establishments must be ensured.
If the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak and the flu season had peaked at the same time, it could have been “really, really difficult in terms of health capacity,” says CDC director.
A second wave of the novel coronavirus will hit the U.S. later this year with even more difficult ramifications than the current COVID-19 crisis that has claimed more than 45,000 lives and infected over 8,24,000 people in the country, a top American health official has warned.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield told The Washington Post that the U.S. will have the flu epidemic and the coronavirus epidemic at the same time.
If the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak and the flu season had peaked at the same time, it could have been “really, really difficult in terms of health capacity,” he said.
Luckily, the arrival of the novel coronavirus in the United States came as the regular flu season was waning, he said.
“There’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through,” Mr. Redfield told the daily.
“We’re going to have the flu epidemic and the coronavirus epidemic at the same time,” he said, adding that having two simultaneous respiratory outbreaks would put unimaginable strain on the health-care system.
The White House emphasised on continuing with preventive measures to fight the coronavirus and increased testing.
“We were very clear in the guidelines that we believe we can monitor, again, monitor communities at the community level by using the influenza-like illness and the syndromic respiratory and gastrointestinal temp components of this particular virus,” Dr. Deborah Brix, member of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus told reporters when asked about the second wave.
“Obviously, when we have flu, and were working on an algorithm that you test for flu and then you test for COVID-19 and making sure that we are building the testing capacity to be able to do that because I think it’s very important that you’re going to be able — on the surface, a patient, when they come in with early flu and early COVID-19 can look very close to identical,” she said.
There is need to have testing in place to be able to separate and ensure those patients receive the best treatment, Dr. Brix said.
“We are also hoping by that time we have additional treatment options for people with COVID-19 so that there will be additional treatment available in the fall,” she said.
Responding to a question, Dr. Brix said that the situation could be pretty bad if the second wave of coronavirus hits the country in the winter.
“When you see what has happened in New York, that was very bad. I believe that we’ll have early warning signals both from our surveillance that we been talking about in these on the vulnerable populations,” she said.
“We’re going to continue that surveillance from now all the way through the fall to be able to give us that early warning signal. I think what we’ve learned is how good Americans are about immediately reverting to all of those issues that they need to do in order to ensure that they are protected and their families,” Dr. Brix said.
SRINAGAR: Muslims in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and other Gulf countries will attempt to see the moon today.
The moon sighting will mark the beginning of Ramadan 2020. If the moon is sighted today in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, Ramadan (Ramzan) will begin from April 23. If the crescent moon remains invisible, the holy month of fasting will start from April 24.
Ramadan 2020: What is Permitted And Not Allowed For Muslims During Ramzan?
Under the Islamic calendar, a new month begins upon the sighting of a crescent moon on the 29th day of the ongoing month. If the moon is not sighted, the month completes 30 days and a new month begins the next day.
Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other Gulf countries will observe 29th Shabaan today. If the moon is sighted on April 22, Ramadan in will begin from April 23. If the moon remains invisible, Shabaan will complete 30 days and Ramadan will start from April 24.
According to Moroccan astronomer Abdelaziz Kharbouch Al Ifrani, Ramadan is likely to begin from April 24 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other Gulf countries. Malaysia has fixed April 23 as the date for sighting the crescent moon. During Ramzan, Muslims observe dawn-to-dusk fast and hold special prayers. Fasting in Ramadan is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline and self-restraint.
Srinagar: Two days after booking two Kashmir journalists, J&K Police have registered another case against freelance journalist and author Gowhar Geelani for “indulging in unlawful activities by using social media.”
Gowhar Geelani is a freelance journalist and author of the book ‘Kashmir: Rage and Reason.’ He has worked as Editor with Voice of Germany and appears as a commentator in various TV debates.
In a statement, police said: “Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone, Srinagar, has received information through reliable sources that an individual namely Gowher Geelani is indulging in unlawful activities through his posts and writings on Social Media platform which are prejudicial to the national integrity, sovereignty and security of India. The unlawful activities include glorifying terrorism in Kashmir Valley, causing disaffection against the country and causing fear or alarm in the minds of public that may lead to commission of offences against public tranquility and the security of State.”
“Several complaints have also been received against the said individual for threatening and intimidation,” said the statement. A Case FIR No. 11/2020 under the relevant sections of law has been registered at Cyber Police Station Kashmir and investigation initiated,” added the statement. The is 3rd such FIR registered against the media fraternity in last three days in Kashmir. Earlier, FIRs were registered in Cyber Police Station Srinagar and Police Station Anantnag. In those FIRs, freelance photojournalist Masrat Zahra and Peerzada Ashiq of The Hindu were booked and questioned.
Gowhar termed the FIR as “shocking.”
“This is beyond shocking that new and ugly pattern has started in Kashmir to hound and silence journalists,” he told that. “I am a published author and journalist for over 15 years who has reported the Kashmir conflict, German elections, European recession and other events globally with professionalism.”
Security forces launch a cordon and search operation in the Melhora area
Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday, police said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Melhora area of Shopian Tuesday night following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.
He said the hiding militants opened fire at the security forces, who retaliated, triggering a gun battle.
Two militants have been killed so far in the operation, which was going on till the last reports were received, the official said.
The identities of the slain militants are being ascertained, he added.
Facebook said the investment “underscores our commitment to India, and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country“.
Facebook on Wednesday announced an investment of $5.7 billion (₹43,574 crore) to buy a 10% stake in the firm that houses billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s telecom arm Jio, as the social media giant looks to expand presence in its largest market in terms of subscriber base.
“Today we are announcing a $5.7 billion, or ₹43,574 crore, investment in Jio Platforms Ltd, part of Reliance Industries Ltd, making Facebook its largest minority shareholder,” the company said in a statement.
Facebook said the investment “underscores our commitment to India, and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country”.
“In less than four years, Jio has brought more than 388 million people online, fueling the creation of innovative new enterprises and connecting people in new ways. We are committed to connecting more people in India together with Jio,” it added.
Reliance in a separate statement said the investment by Facebook values Jio Platforms at ₹4.62 lakh crore pre-money enterprise value. “Facebook’s investment will translate into a 9.99% equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis,” it said.
Jio Platforms, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), houses digital services of the group. Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, with 388 million subscribers, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jio Platforms.
“The partnership between Facebook and Jio is unprecedented in many ways. This is the largest investment for a minority stake by a technology company anywhere in the world and the largest FDI in the technology sector in India,” RIL said.
“The investment values Jio Platforms amongst the top 5 listed companies in India by market capitalisation, within just three-and-a-half years of launch of commercial services, validating RIL’s capability in incubating and building disruptive next-generation businesses, while delivering market defining shareholder value,” the statement said.
Commenting on the partnership with Facebook, RIL Chairman and Managin Director Mukesh Ambani said, “when Reliance launched Jio in 2016, we were driven by the dream of India’s Digital Sarvodaya — India’s Inclusive Digital Rise to improve the quality of life of every single Indian and to propel India as the world’s leading Digital Society“.
“The synergy between Jio and Facebook will help realise the goal of ‘Digital India’, he said. “In the post-corona era, I am confident of India’s economic recovery and resurgence in the shortest period of time,” he added.
The Facebook deal is part of value unlocking by RIL to cut debt. RIL has been seeking strategic partnerships across its businesses while targeting to deleverage its balance sheet. It has been talking to Saudi Aramco for sale of a 20% stake in its oil-to-chemical business for an asking of $15 billion. RIL has already tied up with BP Plc for fuel business as it targets to have a debt-free status by next year. Jio had also been reportedly talking separately to Google but the fate of those discussions is not known.
The latest deal is a win-win for both Facebook and Jio. It would give Facebook deeper access to India, the second largest internet market after China. Facebook already has 400-plus million Whatsapp users in India and is looking to launch a payment offering. Having a local partner could help it in navigating various regulatory issues, including those related to privacy and local storage. Also, having a good telecom partner could help Facebook improve its reach to masses.
From an RIL perspective, it could leverage on Facebook’s technology expertise and talent pool as well as help in its ambitions to make Jio a digital company. This apart, the deal would aid the company achieving zero debt status by March 2021.
Since launching Jio in 2016, RIL has emerged as the only Indian company capable of competing with U.S. tech groups in the fast-growing Indian market, expanding from mobile telecom into everything from home broadband to e-commerce.
Jio has emerged as the number one telecom operator in India, both in terms of traffic as well as revenue in a virtual two-player market since the third player, Vodafone-Idea is struggling under regulatory burden. Jio’s main competitor is Bharti Airtel.
Together with WhatsApp and Instagram, Facebook overall is estimated to have more users in India than any other single country. The number of internet users in India is projected to rise to about 850 million in 2022, according to consultancy PwC, up from 450 million in 2017.
RIL said that concurrent with the investment, Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail Ltd and WhatsApp have also entered into a commercial partnership agreement. This is to further accelerate Reliance Retail’s new commerce business on the JioMart platform using WhatsApp and to support small businesses on WhatsApp. JioMart provides consumer access to the nearest small merchant and kirana shops.
The transaction, RIL said, is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor and AZB & Partners and Davis Polk & Wardwell as counsels advised RIL on the transaction.
For housing such persons, 23 temporary jails have been set up in the State, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday ordered to keep the arrested Tablighi Jamaat meet participants and others, suspected of being corona-positive, in temporary jails and not in regular ones.
For housing such persons, 23 temporary jails have been set up in the State, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said here in a statement.
He said the Chief Minister has also instructed authorities to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential items to people during the holy month of Ramzan.
In view of the arrests of Tablighi Jamaat members and others for security reasons amid the coronavirus-led lockdown, the Chief Minister has instructed to keep them in temporary jail and not in regular ones, said Awasthi.
He said the instructions regarding this have been sent to all divisional commissioners, District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of all districts, besides the police commissioners of Lucknow and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
Mr. Awasthi also said if any person from the State dies outside it, the administration will make arrangements to bring his body back.
On the basis of the eligibility of the family, the administration will also arrange for the maintenance allowance, ration card and a house under any particular scheme, he said.
He also said through construction activities in Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway, around 8,500 people have been provided jobs.