Jammu & Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh said, the encounter broke out after terrorists opened fire on security forces while carrying out a search operation in Batamaloo area. So far 177 terrorists including 22 foreigners have been neutralized in 2020, 12 in Jammu division and 165 in Kashmir division. 20 terrorists have surrendered so far. Pakistan desperate to disturb peace in UT's informed DGP Dilbagh Singh. 

During the last 24 hours, more than 82 thousand COVID patients have been recovered. Health Ministry said, the total number of recoveries has reached over 40.25 lakh. The constantly increasing recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country has reduced and currently comprises only 19.73 per cent of the total positive cases. It said, that the active cases of Covid 19 in the country is less than one fifth of the total cases.
 
Presently, the total number of active cases in the country is 10,09,000. The Ministry said, effective implementation of Centre's strategic and graded Test-Track-Treat approach has led to higher recoveries and lower fatality. Currently, India’s Case Fatality Rate is at 1.63 per cent, which is one of the lowest globally. In the last 24 hours, 1132 deaths have been reported taking the toll to 83,198.
 
According to ICMR, during the last 24 hours, more than 11,36,000 thousand tests have been conducted. The total sample tested so far has reached to over six crore five lakhs. The Testing strategy also ensured a steady expansion of the national lab network.

Today, with 1059 labs in the government sector and 692 private labs, 1751 labs are providing comprehensive testing facilities to the people.

In Mumbai, there will be Generally cloudy sky with Light rain. The temperature is likely to hover between 26 and 32 degree Celsius. Chennai is likely to witness Generally cloudy sky with Light rain. The minimum temperature was 26 degree Celsius while the maximum is expected to be around 32 degree Celsius. Kolkata may have a Partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 28 degree Celsius while the maximum is likely to be 34 degrees.
       
On to the North, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the minimum temperature was recorded at 25 degree Celsius in Jammu while the maximum will be around 36 degrees. The city will have mainly clear sky. In Srinagar, the temperature will hover between 12 and 30 degree celsius. The city is likely to have mainly clear sky.
         

Ladakh will also have Mainly Clear sky. The temperature may hover between 9 and 26 degree Celsius. In Gilgit, the minimum temperature was 13 degrees and the maximum will be 28 degree Celsius. The city will have a mainly clear sky.
Muzzafarabad is also likely to have Mainly Clear sky. The minimum temperature was 18 degree Celsius and the maximum is expected to be around 35 degree Celsius.
         
In Dehradun, the minimum temperature was 24 degree Celsius and the maximum will be around 33 degrees. The city is expected to have Partly cloudy sky with possibility of development of thunder lightning. Chandigarh may witness Partly cloudy sky. The temperature may hover between 27 and 36 degree Celsius.
         
In Hyderabad, the minimum temperature was 22 degree Celsius while the maximum is expected to be around 29 degree Celsius. The city will experience Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain. The temperature in Ahmedabad is expected to hover between 27 and 34 degree Celsius. The city will have Generally cloudy sky with Light rain. Guwahati may experience a Generally cloudy sky with Light Rain or Drizzle. The minimum temperature was recorded at 26 degree Celsius while the maximum will be around 34 degrees.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin refused to give any clear-cut response to the question on disengagement by sending the troops back to their respective positions and restoring the status quo of April. Wang expressed hope that both sides will follow through the 5-point agreement reached between both the foreign ministers in Moscow. He also said China is ready to work with India to resolve the border standoff peacefully. Both the sides are working to implement the 5-point consensus after the Moscow agreement between both the foreign ministers.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh had said, India wanted to peacefully resolve the border standoff with China and would like the Chinese side to work with India. He stated that there is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the border areas between India and China and there is no common perception of the entire LAC.

That’s the reason why India and China have many agreements and well-defined protocols in place for border and troops management and to avoid any escalation at the border. Two sides in a meeting on June 6, 2020 agreed on a process of disengagement that involved reciprocal actions.

Both sides also agreed to respect and abide by the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo. However, in violation of this the Chinese side created a violent face off on June 15th at Galwan. China has not yet responded to India’s demand of restoring the status quo ante of April 2020 when reports first came in of movement of Chinese troops and armament in Eastern Ladakh.

Report by Anshuman Mishra/ Beijing

Welfare activities are being organised across the country to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Bharatiya Janata Party is organising a week-long Seva Saptah to mark the occasion. Several programmes related to cleanliness, distribution of sanitation pads, wheel chairs and social service are being organized from 14th to 20th of this month across the country.

Party leaders and workers all over the country are undertaking various welfare programmes to celebrate the birthday. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Home Minister Amit Shah and other Cabinet colleagues extend greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli greets PM Narendra Modi on his birthday. In a tweet, PM Oli says, the two leaders will continue to work closely together, towards strengthening relations between the two countries.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Goyal said, despite the presence of several IT platforms for investing in India such as in departments of the central government, and state single window clearances, investors have to visit multiple platforms to gather information and obtain clearances from different stakeholders.
 
He also said the cell is being planned as a one-stop digital platform to obtain all requisite central and state clearances and approvals to start business operations in the country. Goyal said, the investment clearance cell will be a national portal that integrates the existing clearance systems of various ministries and departments of the government and of states without disrupting the existing IT portals of ministries.

Moving at an agonizing 3 mph, or about as fast as a person can walk, the storm made landfall at 4:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday close to Gulf Shores, Alabama, about 30 miles from Pensacola. It accelerated to a light jog as it battered the Pensacola and Mobile, Alabama, metropolitan areas encompassing nearly 1 million people.

It cast boats onto land or sank them at the dock, flattened palm trees, peeled away roofs, blew down signs and knocked out power to more than a half-million homes and businesses. A replica of Christopher Columbus' ship the Nina that had been docked at the Pensacola waterfront was missing, police said.

Sally tore loose a barge-mounted construction crane, which then smashed into the new Three Mile Bridge over Pensacola Bay, causing a section of the year-old span to collapse, authorities said. The storm also ripped away a large section of a fishing pier at Alabama's Gulf State Park on the very day a ribbon-cutting had been scheduled following a USD 2.4 million renovation.

By the afternoon, authorities in Escambia County, which includes Pensacola, said at least 377 people had been rescued from flooded areas. More than 40 people trapped by high water were brought to safety within a single hour, including a family of four found in a tree, Sheriff David Morgan said.

Authorities in Pensacola said 200 National Guard members would arrive Thursday to help. Officials also announced a three-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in the county, where the storm turned some Pensacola streets into white-capped rivers for a time. By early afternoon, Sally had weakened into a tropical storm, with winds down to 70 mph (110 kph), but the worst may be yet to come, with heavy rain expected into Thursday as the storm pushes inland over Alabama and into Georgia. For much of the day, it was moving at just 5 mph (7 kph), concentrating the amount of rain dropped on any one place.

Morgan estimated thousands more will need to flee rising waters in the coming days. County officials urged residents to rely on text messages for contacting family and friends to keep cellphone service open for 911 calls. “There are entire communities that we're going to have to evacuate,” the sheriff said. “It's going to be a tremendous operation over the next several days.”

West of Pensacola, power poles leaned halfway over in Perdido Key, Florida, as Joe Mirable arrived at his real estate business to find the two-story building shattered, its contents scatted on the ground. Digging through the ruins, Mirable pointed out a binder labeled “Hurricane Action Plan.” “I think the professionals got this one wrong,” he said before the wind blew away his hat.

More than 2 feet of rain (61 centimetres) was recorded near Naval Air Station Pensacola, and nearly 3 feet (1 metre) of water covered streets in downtown Pensacola, the National Weather Service reported.
“It's not common that you start measuring rainfall in feet,” said forecaster David Eversole. “Sally's moving so slowly, so it just keeps pounding and pounding and pounding the area with tropical rain and just powerful winds. It's just a nightmare.”

It was the second hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in less than three weeks and the latest blow in one of the busiest hurricane seasons ever recorded, so frenetic that forecasters have nearly run through the alphabet of storm names with 2 1/2 months still to go. At the start of the week, Sally was one of a record-tying five storms churning simultaneously in the Atlantic, strung out like charms on a bracelet.

Like the wildfires raging on the West Coast, the onslaught of hurricanes has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is causing slower, rainier, more powerful and more destructive storms. An emergency crew rescued two people on Dauphin Island, Alabama, after the hurricane ripped the roof off their home and the rest of the house began to crumble. “As things started to peel off and fall apart, they got scared and called for assistance,” Mayor Jeff Collier said. He said no one was injured.

In Orange Beach, Alabama, the wind blew out the walls in one corner of a condominium building, exposing the interiors of condos on at least five floors, video posted online showed. At least 50 people were rescued from flooded homes and taken to shelters, Mayor Tony Kennon said. “We got a few people that we just haven't been able to get to because the water is so high,” Kennon said. “But they are safe in their homes. As soon as the water recedes, we will rescue them.”

"The IBSA Foreign meeting attended by foreign ministers of all three members of the group adopted a joint statement on the Reform of the UN Security Council, as a common endeavour of the Global South. The Ministers emphasized the need for the international community to redouble efforts and bolster commitment to not only reform of the UN Security Council but also towards the expansion of its membership by including representation from emerging and developing countries.  
 
The representation, in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, should be for achieving a representative, inclusive, equitable, responsive, and effective UN Security Council said the joint statement. 
 
Highlighting that, while a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system remains a crucial international undertaking, on which there has been some progress, the minister reiterated that advancing the reform of the Security Council should remain an urgent and key priority.
 
The failure to reform the Security Council has serious implications for international peace and security. Significant and accelerated reform is critical to ensure that this organ is more representative, effective and responsive, and remains capable of delivering on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, said the Joint statement.
 
Expressing dissatisfaction on the transparency and frustratingly slow pace of reforms in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process, the three ministers insisted that the time has come to move towards a result-oriented process, with provision for substantive negotiations based on a single comprehensive text, in a formal setting.
 
The IBSA meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday was held virtually. The meeting was chaired by EAM Jaishakar and attended by his South African Counterpart Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor and Brazilian counterpart Fabio Marzano.
 
The Ministers also discussed various issues of global significance including peace, security, countering terrorism, climate change, sustainable development, multilateral trading system, disarmament, non-proliferation issues and South-South Cooperation. 
 
Further, the Ministers shared their experience on COVID-19 pandemic situation and appreciated the work done by the IBSA Fund for Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger. Brazil and South Africa also congratulate India on its successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2021-2022.

Abhishek Jha

Apart from this the Prime Minister shall also inaugurate 12 rail projects related to passenger facilities for the benefit of the Bihar State. These include a new railway bridge on the Kiul River, two new railway lines, 5 Electrification projects, one Electric Locomotive Shed and 3rd Line Project between Barh-Bakhtiyarpur.

The dedication of the Kosi Rail Mahasetu is a watershed moment in the history of Bihar and the entire region connecting to the North East.

In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh). During the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period.

The Kosi Mega Bridge line project was sanctioned by Government of India during 2003-04. The Kosi Rail Mahasetu is 1.9 KM long and its construction cost is Rs. 516 Crore. This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border. The project was completed during the COVID-Pandemic where the migrant labour also participated in its completion.

The dedication of this project will fulfil the 86 year old dream and the long wait of the people of the region. Along with the dedication of the Mahasetu, the Prime Minister shall also be flagging off the Saharsa- Asanpur Kupha demo train from the Supaul Station. Once the regular train service begins, this would prove to be highly beneficial to the Supaul, Arariya and Saharsa districts. It would also make it easy for long distance travel to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai for the people of the region.

The Prime Minister shall also be inaugurating two New Line projects at Hajipur-Ghoswar-Vaishali and Islampur-Nateshar. Shri Modi shall also be inaugurating the Karnauti-Bakhtiyarpur link bypass and 3rd line between Barh-Bakhiyarpur.

The Prime Minister shall also be inaugurating the Railway Electrification projects of Muzaffarpur – Sitamarhi, Katihar–New Jalpaiguri, Samastipur-Darbhanga-Jaynagar, Samastipur-Khagaria, Bhagalpur-Shivnarayanpur Sections.

The Lt Governor made an impromptu visit to block Khanmoh of the district in connection with the 21-days long Jan Abhiyan/ Awami Muhim, which is being held as a prelude to the flagship Back to Village-3 programme throughout Jammu & Kashmir. During the tour, he inspected the proceedings of the administration’s efforts in providing door-step governance to the public.

He also interacted with the locals availing benefits of the program as well as the field staff of departments, enquiring about the progress on beneficiary oriented schemes in the block and the steps being taken for reaching out to the deserving and needy people by ensuring universal coverage of beneficiaries under various Social Assistance and Welfare schemes.

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar briefed the Lt Governor about the coverage of beneficiaries under various schemes in the block, road development works, interventions in the education & health sector, and about public demands related to water supply and sports.

Interacting with the public, the Lt Governor underscored the commitment of the government for ensuring participatory planning and empowering the people by providing opportunities for the articulation of their demands and issues. He assured the people that all their issues shall be considered and addressed on merit. ‘Government officials have been directed to attend weekly programme to help the PRIs and the local public for formulation of plans, working out solutions for local issues, judicious use of financial resources for best possible outcomes on the developmental and socio-economic landscape’, he remarked.

The Lt Governor observed that under the Jan Abhiyan/ Awami Muhim, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police shall conduct weekly public hearings in their offices every day except Wednesdays and Sundays, 10.30 am to 11.30 am, and advised the public to project their issues and demands. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police and senior district officers shall personally visit each sub-divisional headquarters every Wednesday during the Jan Abhiyan/Awami Muhim period and hear public grievances.

He further stressed upon them to address public grievances religiously and visit all subdivisions on a rotational basis for a larger reach of the Jan Abhiyan. ‘Once the system is established thoroughly, the initiative shall be extended up to the block/tehsil headquarter level’, announced the Lt Governor.

Later, responding to the public demands the Lt Governor stated that his vision for development is based on realistic planning backed by financial and technical aspects; and he encourages actual developmental initiatives instead of mere announcements. He directed Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar to submit proposals on demands projected by the locals including up-gradation of hospital and schools, sports grounds, water supply schemes, road development, and other demands. He further asked the Deputy Commissioner for clearing the bottlenecks and expedite the process for the establishment of Degree College.

The Lt Governor reiterated that all panchayats of the UT are free to utilize funds under 14 FC, MGNREGA, and the additional amo

unt of Rs 10 lakh according to the needs and demands of the local population. He stressed on cleanliness and hygiene in villages and directed for dovetailing of funds under 14th FC, MGNREGA, and B2V for local interventions in both creation of infrastructure and working out labour component for manpower to ensure this. He also called for prioritizing the procurement of transformers under B2V funds for the creation of buffer stock to ensure timely replacement of transformers in case of damage.

Addressing the youth, the Lt Governor announced that a number of initiatives have been launched and many others are in pipeline for their overall development. He said that the government is committed to provide the requisite handholding to the youth and measures for skill development are already in offing. He announced that an online career counseling platform has been launched on a pilot basis in district Ganderbal and Udhampur for students, which aims to provide career education guidance to the students at an early stage of their studies to choose an appropriate academic and career options.

Similarly, the Lt Governor informed the public about the establishment of two Centers for Invention, Innovation, Incubation & Training (CIIITs) in Jammu & Kashmir in collaboration with Tata Technologies. The two centers are being built at Government Polytechnic College, Jammu and Government Polytechnic College, Baramulla and shall be established at a cost of approximately Rs 360 crores, which are aimed at bringing qualitative improvements in the field of technical education and to create a learning environment for training manpower to cater to the industry requirements in J&K and outside.

‘The District Development Plan shall be based on the ground assessment made with feedback of the local populace and the officers of the administration would act as facilitators in the overall developmental processes’, assured the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor said that under a comprehensive approach adopted by the UT administration, all roads from UT headquarters to District headquarters and from District headquarters to Block/Tehsil headquarters shall be made pothole-free in the first phase.

The Lt Governor stressed that people should not face any difficulty in accessing the services of the government. The Lt Governor also called for saturation of individual beneficiaries of all Centrally Sponsored Social Assistance and Welfare schemes on a mission mode.

Later, the Lt Governor also handed over various certificates and sanction letters to beneficiaries under different departmental schemes as a token of service delivery to be ensured by the Government in such camps regularly.

During the tour, the Lt Governor was accompanied by Advisor, Sh Baseer Ahmad Khan; Principal Secretary Information Department & PDD; Sh Rohit Kansal and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and other senior officers.

Representing India, Union Environment Minister, Prakash Javadekar, congratulated the Saudi Presidency for exemplary work in bringing together the nations of the world to address the urgent environmental challenges and propose impactful solution.  He also shared the efforts made by India towards achieving land degradation neutrality, and towards attainment of global goals of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Prakash  Javadekar said, India is committed to work with G20 nations for a better world. He said, India is blessed with vast bio-diversity and ecosystem.

Union Minister Prakash Javedkar elaborated on efforts made by India for protection of environment, forests and wildlife as well as for combating pollution, coral reef management and climate change. The Minister highlighted the efforts made by National Coastal Mission Programme under which government has taken several steps to protect coral reefs in the country. He said that India is walking the talk on Paris Agreement and its Climate commitments. Javadekar said, India has taken significant steps to protect environment and forest and wildlife as well as combating pollution and climate change. 

Union Minister applauded the launch of Global Initiative to Reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program at the G20 Environment Ministers meeting.As the world is arising out of the Global pandemic of Covid-19, Union Minister Prakash Javedkar at the Environment Ministers Meeting  committed to scale up the efforts in addressing the environmental challenges at all levels and to urgently take concrete actions to conserve and restore the environment.

- Tapas Bhattacharya’s report

Government has allowed the sale of fifty percent of the tickets on intercity trains online while the rest of the tickets are to be sold on the stations. No standing ticket will be issued. Prior to this, only 50 percent of the seats on the trains were allowed to be occupied by passengers in order to maintain social distancing. 

In the meanwhile, Bangladesh reported 21 deaths and 1615 new cases of Corona infection in the country on Wednesday. According to the latest figures released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) till Wednesday, 4823 people have died due to Corona in the country. The number of people infected by the virus  stands at  3.42 lakh after testing 17.70 lakh people.

Even though the sample to infection ratio has been above 19 percent in the country, the number of active cases has been declining. The number of recoveries in the last few weeks has consistently been above the number of new cases bridging down the total number of active cases in the country to 89,879. The recovery rate in Bangladesh has gone up to 72.36 percent. 

Adding to the number of high profile cases in Bangladesh, the state Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has been diagnosed with Coronavirus infection.

- Rajesh Jha/Dhaka

"According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister," lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima told parliament after the votes were counted.

Suga, 71, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

He bowed deeply as lawmakers applauded following the announcement, but made no immediate comment.

He is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's government.

Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has congratulated Excellency Yoshihide Suga on the appointment as Prime Minister of Japan. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Heartiest congratulations to Excellency Yoshihide Suga on the appointment as Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to jointly taking our Special Strategic and Global Partnership to new heights."

She was formerly a member of parliament and also served as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Education, where she was responsible for the establishment of a large number of national institutions of higher education.

She served as the founding director of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. She was former President of India International Centre (IIC) and an IIC Life Trustee and the Chairperson of the IIC International Research Division. She was 91.

- Jyotika Grover

Sources said that during his visit which lasted a few hours only, he called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishakar in the presence of National security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. During the meeting, Khalilzad briefed the Indian side about the US assessment of the ongoing Intra Afghan Negotiation and shared the US perspective on the Afghan peace. The two sides discussed future steps and possible cooperation between India and the US in furthering the Afghan peace process.
 
EAM Jaishankar had participated in the inaugural session of the intra-Afghan negotiations held in Doha on 12 September via video conferencing. During his address, EAM had conveyed that India’s policy on Afghanistan had been consistent. India believes any peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, has to respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and preserve the progress made in the establishment of a democratic Islamic Republic in Afghanistan. He also underlined that the interests of minorities, women, and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed.

The US interlocutor’s Delhi visit precedes his meeting with senior leaders and officials of the Pakistan government in Islamabad on Monday.

During his interaction in Delhi Khalilzad appreciated India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan Negotiations. The two sides also deliberated upon how to promote regional and international cooperation with regard to Afghanistan. India has always maintained that it will continue its support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity, and protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society. India enjoys goodwill among all factions of Afghanistan and has been actively engaged in the development and humanitarian work in the strife-torn nation. India is one of the largest development partners of Afghanistan, with a commitment of more than US $ 3 billion, and over 400 projects have been completed in all the 34 provinces of Afghanistan with Indian assistance.

Today’s discussions of Khalilzad with senior Indian leaders are a reflection of the India-US strategic partnership which provides for close consultations between the two countries on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
 
The formal negotiations between the Afghan Government and the Taliban have begun on Monday. The talks are happening to negotiate a power-sharing arrangement between the warring factions to eventfully put an end to decades of war. Apart from the US, Afghanistan, the Taliban, and Qatar which is hosting the talks, the discussions over the weekend were also attended by representatives from India, Pakistan, Russia, Germany, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Norway, and the United Nations.

Report by Abhishek Jha

The scheme has now been extended for another 180 days i.e. 6 months. This Central Sector Scheme provides an insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh to healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and therefore at risk of being infected. It also includes accidental loss of life on account of contracting COVID-19.

The scheme also covers private hospital staff/ retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of Central/States/UTs, AIIMS & INIs/ hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities.

The insurance provided under this scheme is over and above any other insurance cover being availed of by the beneficiary.

There is no age limit for this scheme and individual enrolment is not required. The entire amount of premium for this scheme is being borne by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The benefit/claim under this policy is in addition to the amount payable under any other policies. Ministry of Health and Family welfare has collaborated with the New India Assurance (NIA) Company Limited for providing the insurance amount based on the guidelines prepared for the scheme.

Till date, under the scheme, a total of 61 claims are processed and paid. 156 claims are under examination by New India Assurance (NIA) Company Limited, and in 67 cases claims forms are yet to be submitted by the States.

The SOP is in continuation of the SOP released by SAI earlier, and includes procedural changes with regard to new trainees joining the training camps.

The key points in the upgraded SOP are: 

1. Testing: The cost of all Covid 19 tests to be undertaken by athletes, coaches and support staff joining training, will be paid by SAI. All those joining the camp will have to adhere to the following protocols of testing: 

i. Self-isolation: As far as possible, athletes are to self isolate themselves 15 days prior to joining of training along with a declaration for it.

ii. All the athletes, coaches and support staff  have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR test for COVID19, 96 Hrs before travelling to the centres and would be allowed to enter the centre on production of COVID-19 negative certificate.

iii. If the athlete, coach or support staff is unable to undergo the test before travelling, due to unavoidable reason he/she shall be tested through an RT-PCR test immediately on arrival.

iv. Further, only athletes, coaches and support staff who are found negative for COVID-19 on retesting through RT-PCR on 6th day of quarantine after reaching the camp, would be allowed to resume sports activity after a total quarantine period of 7 days. However, these athletes should not mingle with the athletes, coaches, support staff who are already in the bio-bubble/secure training environment from before, for a further period of 7 more days. 

v. For any athlete/coach/support staff who is found positive for COVID-19, the standard protocol as prescribed by the Government of India, State Government, SAI SOP, and the local bodies, would be followed. Further, all athletes, coaches and support staff joining the NCOEs would have to adhere to the guidelines of the Government of India, State Government, SAI SOP and the guidelines of local bodies, with regard to COVID-19. 

By: Tapas Bhattacharya

Remdesivir medicine is regarded as a broad-spectrum anti-viral medication for treating moderate to severely ill patients on oxygen therapy. According to medical research, the drug is proven to significantly reduce the duration of hospital stay and also diminish the recovery time of patients. 

Indian ambassador in Kathmandu Vinay M. Kwatra handed over these medicines to the Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. 

Earlier India has extended help to Nepal in the form of ICU ventilators, COVID-19 Test Kits, and essential medicines including Paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine.

The medicines are part of the Government of India’s ongoing assistance to Nepal in meeting the challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

By- Abhishek Jha

Inflation is expected to moderate to 5.5 percent and current account deficit is likely to narrow to 1.1 percent of GDP in FY 2021.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its latest report Asian Development Outlook 2020 released on Tuesday says that Bangladesh's economy has started recovering from the pandemic. 

It pointed out that prudent macroeconomic management and speedy implementation of the government stimulus measures are key imperatives to ensure the projected recovery. The report cautioned that the main risk to this growth projection is a prolonged pandemic in Bangladesh or its export destinations.

ADB Country Director Manmohan Parkash said that recent economic performance in exports and remittances, and government’s macroeconomic management including securing foreign funds for economic stimulus and social protection measures have made this recovery feasible. 

He said that the crisis provides an opportunity for Bangladesh to undertake further reforms in resource mobilization, export diversification, employment generation, skills development, as well as social protection.

ADB has provided an initial assistance of USD 600 million in loans and USD 4.4 million in grants for managing socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting quick recovery.

It has programmed USD 5.9 billion firm and USD 5.2 billion standby assistance for Bangladesh in 2021-2023. 
 

Rajesh Jha/ Dhaka

Explaining India’s response to the pandemic globally he said “India’s answer has been to immediately come to the support of countries vulnerable to the pandemic rush urgently needed medical supplies, strengthen national health capacities and mitigate the diverse socio-economic impact of this crisis.”
 
 Marking the third year of India-UN Development Partnership Fund within the United Nations Fund for South-South, Tirumurti said ‘it embodies the spirit of South-South cooperation’. He added that it is guided by the priorities of the partner countries to foster sustainable development and is completely demand-driven.
 
Established in 2017, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund focuses on least developed countries and small island developing states. United Nations agencies implement the projects in close collaboration with partnering governments. 
 
 Sustainability has been the focus of India’s developmental efforts. “India shuns any effort to impose conditionalities or to create indebtedness or to constrain developmental space for developing countries,” said the Indian PR.

The Fund now encompasses 59 projects, approved in partnership with nine United Nations agencies in 48 countries. “India has always remained a strong votary of non-earmarked resources for development in multilateral institutions,” said the permanent representative.
 
The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), is working rapidly to support projects responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects are supplying medical equipment and aim to build healthcare capacities, mitigating socio-economic impact, and catalyzing transformative recovery.

 Lauding India's developmental works Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland said that the projects of Indian supported funds in collaboration with the Commonwealth are just the beginning. “India’s ambitious support is a statement of intent that is greatly welcomed,” said Scotland

Congratulating the Indian initiative permanent representative of  Fiji at UN, Satyendra Prasad said that some of the most catalytic-innovative SDG investments are supported through this South-South Partnership. “Fiji welcomes India’s support for risk financing”
 
In his address  Tirumurti said that India has through history prioritised cooperation over conflict, co-existence over competition, sharing over receiving, plurality over hegemony and inclusivity, and democracy over exclusion and control. "This has underpinned our approach to development cooperation as well," he added

The Fund, managed by UNOSSC, is working rapidly to support projects responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects are supplying medical equipment and will be building healthcare capacities, mitigating socio-economic impact, and catalyzing transformative recovery.

 On the occasion, Palau’s envoy to the UN appreciated the gesture of solidarity from India and said that the Fund is an important partner of Palau and is valuable especially in the time of the Pandemic. Under India supported Fund a budget of USD 153,000 was approved for Palau for the purchase of medical supplies, equipment, and strengthening testing capacity to deal with the COVID Pandemic.
 
The Envoy of Antigua and Barbuda at the UN said that the Fund has been extremely cooperative and helpful. A total budget of $1 million has been approved for UNDP implementation in Antigua Barbuda.  As the pandemic spiked in the country, on an urgent basis, USD 150,000 were disbursed immediately to purchase 5 medical ventilators that are now installed and operationally ready.
 
Sustainability has been the focus of India’s developmental efforts. The Fund project portfolio aims to contribute to the efforts of developing countries towards the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

-Abhishek Jha

The Union Minister laid foundation for a Synthetic Track & Astroturf for football in Lehat Open Stadium. The estimated project cost is 10.68 crore and scheduled to be completed by January, 2021. Similarly, construction of Gymnasium Hall in NDS indoor stadium would cost about 1.52 crore rupees and construction will be completed by March 2021.

Speaking on the occasion, Kiren Rijiju said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the Union Government is inculcating a sporting culture in the country which in turn is keeping the people healthy and fit. He said that his ministry is contemplating to put sporting culture into a policy framework.

The Minister also added that Khelo India, University Games and Winter Games at various places of the country are encouraging the students, youth and people to participate in sporting activities. The Sports Minister emphasized the importance of Sports and highlighted the efforts of Government to establish the predominance of India in the world sports events.

Rijiju suggested Ladakh UT Administration to constitute awards and incentives like jobs for local sports persons to encourage them to excel in the sporting field. He also asked the Ice Hockey Associations across the country to come together to get the recognition for the sport, by following the laid down procedures. He reminded the federations that in principle his ministry has recognized Ice Hockey as national sport.

For sports infrastructure and development in Ladakh, Kiren Rijiju announced relaxations at the function. He asked the UT administration to send proposals to develop sporting infrastructure in places with a thousand population in Ladakh. Under Khelo India programme, his ministry would relax the norms and provide funds and the facilities meant for Districts in the places suggested by the Administration as Khelo India district sub centres. Similarly, sportspersons excelled in local events would get training in 23 centres of excellence across the country, depending on their sporting disciplines.

Speaking on the occasion, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur appealed to the Sports Minister to tap the potential in Ladakh for sports development. He suggested that during the winters, people from other parts of the country should come to Ladakh to experience and learn winter sports. As part of month and half long Fit India Freedom Run from 15th August to 2nd October, the Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju personally participated in Cyclothon earlier in the day along with MP Jamyang Namgyal and local cyclists. Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, LAHDC CEC Gyal P Wangyal, senior officials from Ladakh UT and Sports Authority of India were also present at various programmes held on Monday.

-Tapas Bhattacharya

The House also paid obituary references to the passing away of former president and ex-member of the Upper House Pranab Mukherjee as well as three sitting MPs, Beni Prasad Verma, MP Veerendra Kumar and Amar Singh. The house also paid obituary to other former members who passed away recently.

The seminar was organised under the aegis of Vice President, Delhi Police Gazetted Officer Association, Vijay Malik, T R Kakkar, the Chief Patron of the Association and was attended by a few lawyers, general representatives of the public, and retired senior officials of Delhi Police. The seminar discussed that many interested groups for the reasons best known to them are questioning on the investigation of riots in North East Delhi and the role played by Delhi Police in the same. 

Delhi Police Commissioner S. N. Shrivastava put to rest all false accusations and claims made against the the Delhi Police force in the riots and reasserted that all actions thereof taken by the Delhi Police were in absolute compliance of law and the investigation was conducted with utmost care without any dictate of political interest or pressure. Commissioner congratulated the Association for conducting such a seminar and also reiterated the continued assistance of the association and its members with Delhi Police.

By Tapas Bhattacharya

The 71-year-old is now expected to win a vote at an extraordinary Diet session on Wednesday to become Prime Minister, the country's national broadcaster NHK reported.

Suga was elected at a joint plenary meeting of party members from both houses of the Diet (Parliament) and delegates from local chapter, reports Xinhua news agency.

In the scaled-down vote, 394 Diet members cast their ballots.

A total of 141 votes were cast by three delegates each from the country's 47 prefectural chapters.

Besides Suga, the two other candidates in the fray were Shigeru Ishiba, 63, a former Defence Minister, and Fumio Kishida, 63, the LDP's policy chief.

Under normal circumstances, the top leader of the LDP would be chosen with Diet members belonging to the party and rank-and-file members holding 394 votes each.

However, due to Abe's resignation in the middle of his term and the Covid-19 pandemic, the LDP decided to hold an abridged version of presidential election to simplify the process and to avoid a political vacuum.

On August 28, Abe, Japan's longest serving Prime Minister, abruptly announced his intent to resign citing his chronic illness, but said he would remain in power until a successor was chosen.

In his announcement, the premier said that he needed to be treated for a flare-up of his intestinal disease that led his first one-year stint to end abruptly in 2007.

After stepping down in 2007 over a medical issue, he returned to the top job in 2012 after a landslide election win in the Lower House.

Abe, prior to his health condition, was set to spend one more year at the helm.