New Delhi, Aug 15: With 14,917 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s case tally rose to 4,42,68,381, while the active cases have increased to 1,17,508, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.
The death toll has climbed to 5,27,069 with 32 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. In the latest figure, Kerala has reconciled four earlier fatalities.
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 7.52 per cent. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 4.65 per cent, according to the ministry.
The active cases account for 0.27 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.54 per cent, the ministry said.
An increase of 647 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,36,23,804, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.
According to the ministry, 208.25 crore doses of Covid vaccines have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.
India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020; 30 lakh on August 23; 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.
It went past 60 lakh on September 28; 70 lakh on October 11; 80 lakh on October 29; and 90 lakh on November 20. It surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore cases on May 4, three crore on June 23 last year and four crore on January 25 this year.
The 28 new fatalities included five from Delhi, three each from Karnataka and Maharashtra and two each from Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and one each from Assam, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha and Uttarakhand. (Agencies)
COVID-19: India reports 14,917 cases, 32 deaths
Kashmir
Moderate to heavy rains lash J&K, MeT predicts more
Aug 15: Heavy rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir, causing waterlogging at several places on Monday.
Widespread moderate to heavy rains lashed most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, mostly today morning causing waterlogging at several places due to the heavy rainfall in Srinagar and elsewhere, news agency GNS reported.
A meteorological department said that in last 24 hours till 0830 hours, Jammu district recorded 84.2mm of rain followed by Batote 59.0mm, Katra 55.2mm, Qazigund 37.2mm, Banihal 13.3mm, Bhaderwah 11.7mm, Pahalgam 2.9mm, Kokernag 1.4mm and Gulmarg 0.4mm.
J&K scripting history in every sector: LG
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday joined people from all walks of life in a walkathon from Lalit Ghat to Botanical Garden to celebrate the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Utsav.
An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that congratulating the organisers and participants of the walkathon which saw massive participation of people from all walks of life, the LG said, “It’s a new dawn of hopes and dreams.”
He recalled the words of Mahatma Gandhi delivered at the Tank Maidan, Mumbai on August 8, 1942, which inspired the people across the country to overthrow the British.
Advisor Bhatnagar hoists tri-colour | 75 Amrit Sarovars completed in district Samba well before deadline
Samba, Aug 14: As part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today hoisted the National Flag at Amrit Sarovar Badhori at a simple but impressive function here.
After hoisting the National Flag, Advisor Bhatnagar in his speech said that J&K administration has been successful in completing Amrit Sarovars within the timelines, which is much more than the set target under the Mission Amrit Sarovar launched by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on National Panchayat Day at Panchayat Palli in this district on April 24, 2022. The pace of creation and rejuvenation of water bodies has been very quick in J&K to fulfill the PM’s vision of 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district including Samba, Advisor said.
Divisional Commissioner, while congratulating the administration along with RDD department, IWMP, Soil conservation department, NHAI and other concerned departments for doing outstanding work under Mission Sarovar in the district, called upon PRI members and locals to further strengthen the initiative by planting saplings around all Amrit Sarovars to give strength to the bund, and maintain ecological balance.
He added that the administration has taken steps to prevent encroachment of water bodies under the Mission Amrit Sarovar and to spread awareness among the locals on the need to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around the rejuvenated Amrit Sarovars
Deputy Commissioner Samba Anuradha Gupta while welcoming the dignitaries said that like all districts in the country, District Administration Samba was also given the target of completing 75 Amrit Sarovars by 31st March 2023, however the task was completed well before the deadline. She further revealed that by the end of this financial year, district Samba will complete 170 Amrit Sarovars.
Independence Day | Two big challenges before the country- corruption and nepotism: PM Modi
AUG 15: PM says ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ has begun and everybody’s effort is required to bring results. Calls for ‘Team India’, to take the country forward
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the ninth consecutive time, Mr. Modi offered tributes to a galaxy of freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, Bhagat Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru among others.
In India, where people are fighting poverty, we need to fight against corruption with all our might. Corruption and nepotism might come in the way of what the country should achieve in the next 25 years, Mr. Modi said.
In line with the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to wear a white safa with tricolour stripes and a long trail for his 76th Independence Day look.
The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebration.
PM Modi inspects Guard of Honour, hoists national flag at Red Fort
August 15: On the occasion of 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hoisted the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Prior to that, he inspected the Guard of Honour which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
The GoC Delhi area conducted the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guards presented the general salute to him, following which PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.
On his arrival in the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar.
Later, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.
Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till Monday.
The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional, said the Union Ministry of Culture.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to our 76th anniversary of independence. (Agencies)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists national flag at his residence
With the nation echoing with zeal and enthusiasm on the 76th Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoisted the tricolour at his residence in the national capital on Monday.
“Unfurled the National Flag at my residence on the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence,” tweeted Singh. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi after hoisting the national flag.
Prior to that, he inspected the Guard of Honour which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the government has created a foolproof security apparatus to ensure that no anti-India element can cast an evil eye on the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.
Rajnath Singh unveiled the statue of renowned Marwari warrior Veer Durgadas Rathore in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
He asserted that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords top priority to the safety and security of the people of India and assured the nation that a befitting reply would be given to anyone who tries to disturb peace and harmony in the country.
He stated that the Armed Forces are being equipped with the latest weapons/platforms, adding that they are ready to deal with all future threats and safeguard national interests.
The Raksha Mantri underlined the importance of achieving self-reliance in defence production to build a strong military and said that the Ministry of Defence has undertaken a number of reforms to manufacture indigenous weapons/platforms for the Armed Forces under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
He listed some of the reforms, including earmarking 68 per cent of the capital procurement budget for the domestic industry in 2022-23 and allocating 25 per cent of the domestic capital procurement budget for private industry.
The Defence Minister added that due to the measures taken by the Government in the last few years, India has leapfrogged to find a place among the top 25 defence exporters of the world.
“By the end of this decade, India will not only make defence equipment for itself but also fulfil the needs of friendly foreign countries. ‘Make in India, Make for the World’s’ is the new mantra of our Department of Defence Production.
Our resolve is to make India a net exporter of defence equipment in the times to come,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri paid glowing tribute to Veer Durgadas Rathore on the occasion, terming him as the symbol of social harmony, honesty, bravery and devotion.
He stated that people, irrespective of caste or religion, should take inspiration from Veer Durgadas Rathore, who strived for peace and harmony against divisive elements in society.
Jammu-Srinagar National highway blocked
Aug 15: The Jammu-Srinagar National highway has been closed for vehicular traffic due to shooting stones and landslides at Ramban, officials said on Monday.
“Jammu-Srinagar (NH-44) blocked at Cafeteria, Mehar, Ramban due to mudslide and shooting stones. Also SSG road blocked at Drass due to cloud brust. However, Mughal road through for vehicular movement,” Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police said.
The highway is the lifeline of the Kashmir and the main road link connecting valley with the rest of the country.
Kashmir bound trucks laden with essential supplies and other vehicles pass through the highway and fruit carrying trucks from the valley head for rest of the country through this road.
J&K Police’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign gets overwhelming response across UT
Officers and personnel of J&K Police led by DGP Dilbag Singh on Sunday morning participated in Tiranga Walkathon in Srinagar. Hundreds of Kashmiri civilians also joined the programme.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was the chief guest on the occasion. The Walkathon started from Lalit Ghat, Dal Lake, and culminated at Botanical Gardens.
Meanwhile, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police across the union territory is witnessing an overwhelming response from people.
Har Ghar Tiranga programmes were organized by District Police Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Budgam, RPHQ-Baramulla, Awantipora, Kupwara, Samba, Reasi, Sopore, IRP 3rd Bn. IRP 12th Bn Samba and IRP 5th Bn.
Around 3000 police personnel, employees of various departments, members of civil society, and school students participated in the rally at Rajouri.
The rally received wide applause from the general public. DIG R-P Range Dr. Haseeb Mughal, DC Rajouri Vikas Kundal, SSP Rajouri Mohammad Aslam, ADDC Rajouri, ASP Rajouri, and other senior officers of Police, CAPFs, and civil administration also participated in the rally.
In Doda, a joint mega rally was organized from Sports Stadium to Old Bus Stand in which civil administration, district Police, IRP-5th Bn Doda, Police Band DPL Doda, CRPF-33 Bn, SSB-7th Bn, NCC Cadets, Home Guards, and nearly 1000 students of various schools of Doda participated. Tiranga rallies were also organised at Bhaderwah, Thathri, Gandoh, Assar Kastighar, Bhalla, and Goha.
Led by SSP Poonch, Rohit Baskotra, District Police Poonch organized a Tiranga Rally from DPL Poonch and covered the whole of Poonch town.
Rallies and cultural events were also organised at Baramulla, Awantipura, Budgam, and other places in Kashmir.
Courtesy : The Statesman
World’s highest Chenab railway bridge inaugurated today
August 13: The golden joint of the world’s highest Chenab railway bridge was inaugurated on Saturday.
For the first time ever since independence, Srinagar will be linked to the rest of India after the overarch deck on the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge over Chenab River will be launched.
From the two ends of the Chenab River valley, the bridge superstructure on the arch was being gradually pushed, and it will eventually connect at the Center of the arch.
Sanjay Gupta, Chairman and MD, Konkan Railway said, “This has been a long journey. The term ‘Golden Joint’ was coined by civil engineers… It’s the world’s highest railway bridge.”
Chenab Bridge was a famous bridge with intricate engineering that had to overcome several challenges. The geology, the harsh terrain, and the hostile environment were just a few of the challenges that the engineers and railway officials had to overcome to get to this point.
“We can confidently state that the bridge would be roughly 98 per cent complete after the golden joint is finished,” said Giridhar Rajagopalan, Deputy Managing Director of Afcons.
“When we completed the arch closure project last year, we felt a great sense of relief about our ability to complete the project accurately so that there was no mismatch. And that gave us a great deal of confidence to easily handle the project’s balance portion. We are excitedly anticipating the upcoming golden joint milestone with NR and KRCL,” Giridhar continued.
The world’s highest railway bridge is now being built, and when it is finished, it will be 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.
Afcons is building 16 additional railway bridges for Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) in the dangerous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir in addition to the Chenab Bridge. All the bridges are part of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Afcons recently finished the main deck slab concreting of a bridge that is even higher than the Qutub Minar as part of the 16 KRCL bridges project. In under 70 days, four levels of concreting totalling over 1,550 cum were completed.
The entire event took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s steep Sangaldan at a height of more than 90 meters above the surrounding countryside. (AGENCIES)