THE HEADLINES,
Union Cabinet approves World Bank supported 'STARS' project to boost school education system in the country.
Covid-19 recovery rate improves to 87.05 per cent; Cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes to open today with 50 per cent seating capacity.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate simultaneous blasting for Zojila Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Anti-pollution measures under Graded Response Action Plan to come into force in Delhi-NCR region.
Centre to provide all assistance to rain battered Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
In IPL Cricket, Royal Challengers Bangalore to take on Kings XI Punjab in Sharjah this evening.
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The Union Cabinet has approved the World Bank supported Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States -STARS project. The Project seeks to support States in developing, implementing, evaluating and improving interventions with direct linkages to improved education outcomes. Briefing media after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said the total project cost is 5 thousand 718 crore rupees with the financial support of World Bank amounting to 500 million US dollars.
Mr Javadekar said, STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Department of School Education and Literacy. He said, it will cover six States, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha. The Minister said, this is an important milestone and the beginning of the New Education Policy
The Union Cabinet has approved special package of 520 crore rupees for Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for a period of five years till 2023-24 under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission. Briefing media after the Cabinet Meeting, Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, this will ensure sufficient funds under the mission, as per need to the Union Territories. He said, it is also in line with the Central Government's aim to universalize all centrally sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in a time bound manner.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission is a centrally sponsored programme that aims at eliminating rural poverty through promotion of multiple livelihoods for the rural poor households across the country.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will initiate simultaneous blasting for Zojila Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh today. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh on NH-1 and will bring about an all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will virtually launch the ceremonial blast at the tunnel sites. Both on the east portal of ZojiLa Tunnel at Meenamarg on Kargil side in UT Ladakh and the west portal of Nilagrar tunnel in Ganderbal district of UT Jammu & Kashmir, tunnel works would begin with simultaneous blasts this morning. After two years of foundation stone by PM Narendra Modi, an Expert Committee in consultation with all the stakeholders has come out with a workable project by reducing the cost to four thousand 430 crore rupees, by half of the original estimate. Today for the ceremonial blast LAHDC Kargil CEC Feroz Ahmed Khan and senior officials will witness the programme from Kargil side. Ramesh Chandra, Air News, Zojila-Ladakh."
India has now conducted over nine crore Covid tests, which is an achievement. In the last 24 hours, more than 11 lakh 45 thousand tests were conducted taking the total number of tests to 9 Crore 90 thousand. The Health Ministry has said, the country has come a long way from conducting tests from just one lab in January this year.
The Ministry said the country's COVID-19 recovery rate has now reached 87.05 per cent with more than 74 thousand COVID patients having recovered in the last 24 hours. Over 63 lakh COVID patients have recovered so far. The constantly increasing recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country has reduced and now comprises 11.42 per cent of the total positive cases.
Presently, the total number of active cases in the country is eight lakh 26 thousand. In the last 24 hours, 63 thousand 509 new cases have been reported taking the total number of positive cases in the country so far to over 72 lakh.
Cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes in the country are reopening from today with only 50 per cent seating capacity. However, screeing of films will not be allowed in containment zones.
"Cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes are going to resume their operation after a gap of almost eight months. New rules and restrictions have been set for curbing the transmission of Covid-19 while resuming the operation. Adequate physical distancing of at least six feet, use of face masks and respiratory etiquettes have to be strictly followed by visitors and staff. Spitting will be prohibited. Thermal screening is to be carried out at entry points and only asymptomatic individuals will be allowed to enter the premises. Hand sanitization will be made available at all entry points and work areas. Efforts will be made to avoid overcrowding in the common areas, lobbies and washrooms during the intermission. Besides, the cinemas, theatres and multiplexes will be sanitized after the screening. With Anand Kumar, this is Bhupendra Singh for AIR News, Delhi."
In Uttar Pradesh, ahead of the reopening of Cinema halls today, the State Government has announced exemption of license fee of multiplexes and cinema halls for a six month period, starting from the 1st of April to the 30th of September this year. The decision was taken by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to lend support to the battered industry, which has been closed for the last six months. However in Bijnor district, cinema hall owners have decided not to open the cinema halls due to growing cases of COVID patients.
A total of three thousand 324 new confirmed cases of Corona virus infection were reported in Delhi during the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to over three lakh 17 thousand. The Delhi Government said over two lakh 89 thousand people affected with Corona virus have been cured so far. In the last 24 hours, two thousand 867 people recovered and 44 deaths were reported in the National Capital taking the toll to five thousand 898. Presently, the total number of active cases in the national capital is 21 thousand 903.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath has called People of state to take a pledge of washing their hands and keeping them clean on Global Handwashing Day today. He said that washing hands at regular intervals can break the chain of Corona. Several programs will be organized in the state on the occasion.
"Functions will be organized all over state between 10 am to 12 noon focusing the importance of washing hands to keep Corona away. Information Department of the state has asked people to use 'Hath Dhona, Roke Corona' hashtag on the occasion of global hand washing day today. People can tag videos and images of washing their hands using this hashtag on Global Handwashing Day. Additional Chief Secretary Health Amit Mohan prasad has appealed to the public to make this event as a public movement and post videos and images in a group of 10 persons. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also launch the hashtag and a campaign on hand washing today.SUSHIL CHANDRA TIWARI, AIR NEWS, LUCKNOW."
In Madhya Pradesh, all the temples of Godess Durga in the state will remain open during Navratra and devotees will be able to visit temples comfortably and easily.
In view of Corona infection, the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has appealed to the people of the state to perform Pooja at home as far as possible and do not assemble in crowds in the temples.
"The State Government has urged the people to follow all precautions mandatorily like wearing masks, maintaining sufficient distance between each other and to sanitize the hands. The government has clearly instructed that no matter how big the temple premise or hall may be, there should not be a gathering of more than 200 people there at a time. The temple management committees and temples administration are required to ensure that there should be enough distance between the devotees in the lines to be made for Darshan in temples. Chief Minister said that on the occasion of Dussehra, Ravana Dahan will be permitted and Ramlila will also be performed. But in view of Corona infection, precautions like keeping sufficient distance between each other and use of masks will have to be followed mandatorily. Sanjeev Sharma, AIR News, Bhopal."
Gujarat recorded 1,175 new COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours. The recovery rate has reached 88.04 per cent.
"The total one lakh 36 thousand 541 patients recovered from COVID-19 till now. In all, 1,414 patients recovered during the last 24 hours. More than 51 lakh 65 thousand tests have been carried out in the state till date. Maximum 252 new cases reported from Surat, while Ahmedabad recorded 182 new cases. At present, total active cases in the state are 14,959, out of which 79 patients are on ventilator. Eleven patients died yesterday taking the total deaths due to COVID-19 up to 3,598. Yogesh Pandya, AIR News, Ahmedabad."
Odisha has consistently been witnessing a declining trend in COVID-19 cases. In all, 2,796 patients recovered from the infection yesterday as against 2,604 new cases. With this, the total recovery has gone up to 2,32,988 as against the cumulative caseload of 2,59,541.
"With COVID-19 recovery scoring over infection day after day, the active caseload of the state has further dipped to 25,428. With a recovery rate of 91 per cent, the state has emerged as one of the top five states performing well on this count. Despite encouraging indicators in COVID-19 management, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has cautioned people against confusing the impressive recovery with increasing complacency- particularly in view of the upcoming festive as well as winter season. Flagging the spike in cases in Kerala after Onam by the second wave of infection, he has asked the Collectors and SPs to be on their guard to ensure people do not lower their guards against COVID-19. Girish Chandra Dash, Bhubaneswar."
Karnataka conducted a record number of 1,13,771 COVID-19 tests yesterday thereby taking the total tests to 62,50,992. The state registered 9,265 new COVID cases, taking the tally to 7,35,371.
"The Karnataka Government issued a SOP for the upcoming Dussehra festival and Deepavali. The SOP says more than 100 people will not be allowed to gather and celebrate the festivals. Specific guidelines are issued against large gathering, wearing of masks and ensuring social distancing. During Deepavali the cracker shops will be allowed to open from November 1 to 17. The cracker selling kiosks must have sufficient space for entry and exit, thermal checking and sanitation will be mandatory. The health, police and municipal departments have been told to strictly impose the guidelines. R.MURTHY, AIR NEWS BENGALURU."
In Tamil Nadu, the active COVID-19 caseload has dropped further down, well below 43-thousand yesterday. In all, 4,462 people including 1,130 in Chennai tested positive for the infection in the last 24 hours. The State Health Department bulletin says, 5,083 patients recovered from the illness while 52 others succumbed to it.
"Of late in Tamil Nadu, it has become an everyday story of a gradual dip in the number of COVID-19 patients under treatment or in home isolation. The recoveries have begun to outnumber the fresh cases. The case mortality also shows a declining trend. However, the number of tests remains at higher levels, which really pays. Yesterday alone, over 93-thousand people underwent the tests and the case positivity rate on the single day has been 4.75 per cent. It is true that the medical experts normally do not look at a single-day data. But, quite encouragingly, the long period average also shows the much needed reduction in the case positivity and the doubling rates. Jayasingh, AIR News, Chennai."
According to WHO data, the number of COVID infected cases has crossed 37.88 million worldwide. The World Bank has approved 12 billion dollars in financing to help developing countries buy and distribute Corona virus vaccines, tests and treatments. It aims to support vaccination of up to one billion people. In another development, restrictions are being ramped up in parts of Europe in response to a rapid rise of COVID-19 infections.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its estimate to a somewhat less severe recession than it predicted in June. From a contraction of 5.2 per cent, the latest IMF report revised its prediction saying global growth is to contract to 4.4 per cent this year.
IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath warned that the ascent out of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be long, uneven and highly uncertain.
Anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will come into force today in the Delhi-NCR region. The Delhi Government has banned use of electricity generators, except those needed for essential or emergency services, in the national capital. Delhi Pollution Control Committee - DPCC has banned the operation of electricity generator sets of all capacities, run on diesel, petrol or kerosene in Delhi till further orders, excluding those used for essential or emergency services. The essential services include health care facilities, elevators, Railway services, Delhi Metro, airports and interstate bus terminals and the data centre run by the National Informatics Centre. The DPCC also directed power companies to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the consumers.
In Bihar, the nomination process is gaining momentum for the Second Phase of State Assembly Elections in 94 constituencies. It will be the last day for filing of nominations tomorrow in this phase.
Several prominent leaders submitted nomination papers yesterday. Sitting MLA and BJP leader Arun Kumar Sinha filed his nomination from Kumharar Assembly seat in Patna. Rebel BJP leader and former member of National Commission for Women (NCW) Sushma Sahu filed her nomination from Bankipur seat. Srikant Nirala who was denied ticket from BJP filed his nomination as an independent from Maner seat.
The Plurals Party is giving an opportunity to new faces including educationists, doctors and other professionals. Its President Pushpam Priya Choudhary filed her nomination from Bankipur.
Former MP and President of Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) Pappu Yadav has announced to contest from Madhepura. JAP-led Progressive Demoractic Alliance (PDA) has declared him as their Chief Ministerial Candidate.
Meanwhile, the poll campaign has also intensified in the poll- bound 71 Assembly Constituencies spread over 16 districts.
"After a series of virtual rallies, JD(U) President and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar started his physical rallies. Addressing his first election meeting from Amarpur in Banka, Mr Kumar said, he is committed to development of Bihar. BJP Election in-Charge and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadanavis addressed rallies in Madhubani. He said, only NDA is able to address the problems of Bihar. Chief Ministerial candidate of Grand Alliance and RJD leader Tejaswi Prasad Yadav said, the unemployment in Bihar is a bigger issue. Today the BJP Star Campaigner and President J. P. Nadda will address election rallies in support of NDA candidates in Aurangabad and Rohtas. Dharmendra Kumar Rai, AIR News, Patna."
The Centre is closely monitoring the situation in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the wake of heavy rainfall. Home Minister Amit Shah has said the Union Government is committed to provide all possible assistance to the people of both the states in this hour of need. He also said, his thoughts and prayers are with those affected. The heavy rains that lashed Hyderabad and other parts of the state left a trail of destruction. Normal life has been thrown out of gear despite a little respite in heavy rains as the depression moved west-north-westwards from Hyderabad. Met officials informed that over 10 centimetres of rainfall was recorded during the past 24 hours in Hyderabad and surrounding places.
Local authorities informed that six more people died yesterday taking the rain related toll during the past three days to 18.
"Rescue operations continued throughout last night while Army, NDRF joined the local authorities of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. Over 20 thousand houses in different localities remained drowned. Hundreds of people took shelter at the Relief camps set up at 61 locations across the capital city. The authorities are focussing on rescue and relief operations as inflows continue into Musi river and other reservoirs in and around Hyderabad city. About 1.5 lakh people have been provided food by the civic authorities. Special medical camps have been set up at 30 places for working round the clock. Meanwhile, the government has announced holiday today and asked people not to come out of their houses unless it is emergency. Met officials warned that rains are likely for two more days at several places in the state. Lakshmi, airnews, Hyderabad."
Incessant rain created havoc in Andhra Pradesh. At least six districts in the state were hit by a severe cyclone in the western central Bay of Bengal. Nearly 371 villages were affected by the floods and about 1,470 kilometers of roads were damaged.
"Department Of Agriculture Officials initially estimated that about two lakh acres had been damaged by heavy rains. Two lakh acres of crops were damaged In Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur and Kurnool districts. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held a high-level meeting and reviewed the situation. 10 people died in rain-related incidents in the state in the last two days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S . Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured of all possible support and assistance from the Centre in the rescue-and-relief work. Dr. G. Kondala Rao, AIR News, Vijayawada."
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange - thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and rains for Thane and Palghar districts along with with parts of costal Maharashtra for today. For tomorrow entire North Konkan has been put on Red Alert including Mumbai and Thane. There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain/thundershowers at isolated places in city and suburbs within the city and suburbs.
The 89th Birth Anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who served as the 11th President of India is being celebrated today. In its tribute, Films Division will be streaming the 52-minute English documentary titled ‘People’s President’ on its website and YouTube Channel.
Meanwhile the United Nations also celebrates Dr. Abdul Kalam's Birth Anniversary as World Student's Day. The theme of this year's celebrations is Learning for people, planet prosperity and peace.
Born on the 15th of October 1931, Dr. Kalam was an aerospace scientist who served for nearly four decades in the DRDO and ISRO. Home Minister Amit Shah and Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar remembered Bharat Ratna recipient Dr. Kalam on his Birth Anniversary today.
India has contributed one million dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in Near East. This aid will support the Agency's programmes and services, including education, health care, relief and social services.
The Representative Office of India in Ramallah said, India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy.
In Indian Premier League Cricket, Delhi Capitals (DC) beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 13 runs at the Dubai International Stadium last night and climbed back to the top of the IPL points table. The winning team's fast bowler Pacer Anrich Nortje, who took two wickets for 33 runs, was named Player of the Match. He also bowled the fastest ball of the tournament history. Today, Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Kings XI Punjab at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Take a look at the weather .
In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the minimum temperature was 16 degrees Celsius in Jammu while the maximum will be around 34 degrees. The city will have a mainly clear sky.
In Srinagar, the sky will be mainly clear sky. The temperature in Srinagar will hover between five and 25 degrees Celsius.
Ladakh will have mainly clear sky. The minimum temperature was minus two degrees Celsius and the maximum will be around 21 degrees Celsius.
Gilgit and Muzafarrabad will experience mainly clear sky becoming partly cloudy towards afternoon or evening. The temperature will hover between eight and 25 degrees Celsius in Gilgit. In Muzafarrabad, the minimum temperature was 12 degrees Celsius and the maximum will be around 30 degrees.
Chandigarh will witness mainly clear sky, the minimum temperature was 21 degrees Celsius while the maximum will be around 34 degrees Celsius.
The National Capital Delhi will have fog in the morning and partly cloudy sky later. The minimum temperature was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius and maximum will be around 33 degrees.
Mumbai will have generally cloudy sky with heavy rain. The minimum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius and the maximum will be around 32 degrees.
In Chennai, there will be generally clody sky. The temperature will hover between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Kolkata will have partly cloudy sky with possibility of moderate rain or thunderstorm
NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE:
"Unlock test today:Reboot begins for cinemas, schools" is the lead in The Hindustan Times.
"Centre poised to tackle Covid spike in winter; Process to import 1 lakh metric tonne liquid oxygen started", notes The Pioneer.
"Lakhs face power disruption in NCR as GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) kicks in; No Relaxation in Ban on Use of Diesel Gensets" writes The Times of India.
"Modi to begin NDA's poll drive in Bihar on October 22nd", reports The Pioneer.
"Army Chief heads to Nepal amid moves to repair ties", The Indian Express focuses on the first high-level Indian visit to Nepal after the boundary dispute escalated this summer.
And finally, "Tax Relief for Private Company Staff too for LTA Spends on Consumer Goods", along the lines of the latest scheme for Central Government employees. 'Mechanism being looked at and clarification will be issued shortly', The Economic Times quotes a government official.