Author: Newsdesk

Categories
COVID-19 India News

Delhi’s door to door COVID test covers 3.70L residents

A house-to-house Covid-19 survey in Delhi screened more that 3.70 lakh city residents on the first day in order to find out the real picture vis-a-vis the prevalence of the deadly disease, official sources said on Sunday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that 3,70,729 persons were surveyed on Saturday during the screening, which will conclude on November 25.

The screening exercise involving coordination between the MHA and Delhi Government was undertaken to check people for signs of flu such as fever, sore throat, cough and to seek their travel history.

The aim is to identify people with Covid-like symptoms, and create a comprehensive database and then get them tested.

The plan for the survey was taken was in a high-level meeting on November 15 between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with officials concerned in the wake of increasing Covid-19 cases in the national capital.

District officials have roped in civil defence volunteers, accredited social health activists (Asha), auxiliary nurse midwife workers, booth-level officials and municipal staff, including licensing inspectors and sanitation workers — apart from the government health workers who have experience on the job — in the survey.

After the November 15 meeting, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) increased RT-PCR testing capacity from 27,000 tests per day to 37,200 on Shah’s directions. A total of 30,735 RT-PCR samples were collected in Delhi on November 19 compared with 12,055 RT-PCR samples on November 15.

Shah had said that the ICMR and the Delhi government must work together to increase the RT-PCR testing capacity to 60,000 tests by November-end.

Covid-19 cases in Delhi started to rise after October 20. In the week ending November 14, Delhi recorded previously unseen levels of new cases, as daily fatalities hovered close to 100 a day.

Following the inputs from Delhi, the Home Minister had reviewed the situation in the wake of spike in Covid-19 cases, assuring to provide 750 more ICU beds to Delhi and many more steps to fight the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Delhi has reported 5,23,117 coronavirus cases so far, including 4,68,143 recoveries and 8,270 deaths. As per the latest 24-hour data, 5,879 more corona patients were detected in Delhi.

Also Read: India reports below 50K infections for 15 days in a row

Also Read: India Witnesses Decline In The Number Of Fresh Cases

Categories
-Top News World News

Moderna vaccine to cost $25-37 per dose for Govts

Governments seeking to purchase Moderna’s potential Covid-19 vaccine may have to shell out $25 and $37 per dose, depending on the size of the order, the company’s CEO Stephane Bancel told German weekly ‘Welt am Sonntag’ (WamS).

Bancel said that the price he quoted was a “fair price” and that the company was not interested in “maximum profit,” according to the report on Sunday.

The US pharma giant last week said that its vaccine has shown more than 94.5 per cent effectiveness in preliminary data from the company’s ongoing study, raising hope delivering a potent weapon to beat the pandemic.

By the end of 2020, Moderna expects to produce approximately 20 million doses of its mRNA-1273 vaccine.

The company said it remains on track to manufacture 500 million to 1 billion doses globally in 2021.

The Moderna CEO told WamS that his company was engaged in negotiations with the EU Commission for the delivery of its vaccine against Covid-19.

Saying that the talks have been “constructive”, Bancel said that it was “only a matter of days” before the contract is signed.

Before Moderna, Pfizer and BioNTech said that their vaccine candidate was found to be more than 90 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19.

Pfizer on Friday said that it was moving ahead with its request of asking the US regulators to grant emergency approval of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, which has shown 95 per cent efficacy in a totality of two data sets released recently.

Also Read: Lee suggests ensuring affordable vaccines

Also Read: G20 Summit: Saudi Calls For Equitable Access To Vaccines

Categories
Economy

Global transition to renewables affected coal auction: Ind-Ra

The transition to clean energy sources led to subdued participation in the recently concluded first round of commercial coal mine auction, said India Ratings and Research.

Accordingly, in a report, the agency said that domestic coal mining has opened up at a time when the world is transitioning away from coal as a fossil fuel to cleaner energy sources.

“Hence, participation from the players in the recently concluded first round of commercial coal mine auction has remained limited,” the report said.

In the first round of commercial coal mines auction a total of 19 mines have been allocated to the bidders.

These mines have an estimated annual output production of 51 million tonnes (mt) with total reserves of 3,045 mt.

“Globally, the funding sources to fossil fuel has declined as large financial institutions and equity investors have stayed away from the sector. Additionally, the awarding of mines is just the first step and multiple challenges will still remain before the commercial production commences at these mines.”

Historically, the report cited a gap of three-to-seven years between the awarding of mines and the commencement of production.

“Thus, Ind-Ra believes the benefit from the auctioned mines would only be visible after a considerable time gap,” Ind-Ra said.

According to the report, global players did not participate at all in the first round of auction, despite the government of India (GoI) allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment in commercial coal mining.

Coal.

“Ind-Ra expects the participation of international players in coal auctions to remain weak in the future as well, owing to the overall transition towards cleaner fuels from fossil fuels,” the report projected.

During 2019, the share of renewables globally increased by 176 gigawatt (GW) yoy to 2,537GW and is likely to increase to 3,500GW-3,800GW by 2025, as per the International Energy Agency.

Additionally, large global lending institutions have pledged to reduce their exposure to fossil-fuel lending by 2030.

“This move has made it difficult for investors to secure funding for setting up new coal-based power plants and the development of coal mines,” the agency highlighted.

“The quality of domestic coal, as reflected through calorific value and ash content, is significantly inferior than international traded coal, hence, there exists limited export potential for the output produced.”

Besides, the report pointed out the low interest shown by the domestic private sector as only 19 mines could be auctioned out of the 38 on the block.

“Moreover, few very large mines like Chhendipada, Kurloi (A) North, Machhakata, Brahmanbil-Kardabahal, North Dhadu with average annual production of around 15mt received one or no bids and hence, were not eligible for being awarded,” it added.

Also Read: India reports below 50K infections for 15 days in a row

Also Read: India’s GDP Contraction Rate Narrows to 9.5% in Q2

Categories
Business

Mukesh Ambani lauds PM Modi’s leadership

Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) said on Saturday that the passionate and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the world sit up and take notice of the emergence of a New India.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) virtually, Ambani who is also President, PDPU said, “His confidence and conviction have inspired and galvanised the entire nation. I am sure that the bold reforms introduced under his leadership will pave the way for India’s swift recovery and rapid economic progress in the years to come.”

“His passionate and dynamic leadership has made the world sit up and take notice of the emergence of a New India,” Ambani added at the convocation.

“All of us know that PDPU itself is a product of Prime Minister Narendrabhai’s ‘Atma Nirbhar’ vision. It is a vision he cherished even when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat… … to make India self-reliant in the areas of Energy, Energy Education, Research and Innovation”, Ambani said.

“By the middle of this century, the world will use twice as much energy as we use today. In the next two decades, India’s own per-capita energy needs will be more than twice as much as today. Therefore, India is required to simultaneously pursue two goals: To become an economic superpower. To become a green and clean energy superpower,” Ambani said.

Ambani added, “To achieve these twin goals, we need disruptive solutions in renewables, low carbon and carbon recycle technologies. We need breakthroughs in new energy sources such as green and blue hydrogen. We also need great innovations in energy storage, saving and utilization.”

Addressing Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Ambani said, “Gujarat is a trailblazer state. It has always shown the pioneer spirit. Today the entire world acknowledges that New Gujarat has paved the path for New India. The visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modiji that Gujarat received is now available to the nation. I must compliment you and your team for making Vibrant Gujarat even more vibrant under the guidance of Shri Modiji and Shri Amit Shahji,” Ambani added.

Ambani while addressing the students said, “The future is very bright for India, for you, and for all Indians. This, our ancient nation, has faced many adversities in the past. And has emerged stronger each time. This is because resilience is in the very DNA of Indian people, Indian culture. In the post-COVID era, I clearly foresee explosive and exponential growth in the Indian economy. Within a couple of decades, India will be among the Top 3 economies in the world. Growth will create unprecedented opportunities and possibilities for young and talented people like you,” he added.

Also Read: Reliance Retail Takes Over Urban Ladder

Also Read: Mukesh Ambani tops Hurun India Rich List for the Ninth Year

Categories
-Top News India News

India reports below 50K infections for 15 days in a row

India reported less than 50,000 new single-day coronavirus cases for the 15th consecutive day on Sunday as its total tally reached 90,95,806.

With 45,209 new cases and 43,493 more patients discharged in last 24 hours, the country’s active cases totalled 4,40,962, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data said. As many as 85,21,617 persons have recovered so far from the disease.

In all 501 more fatalities in the last 24 hours took its death toll to 1,33,227.

The last time the daily new cases crossed the 50,000-mark was November 7.

While India’s recovery rate is 93.69 per cent, the fatality rate is 1.46 per cent, the data said.

Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state with 80,878 active cases and 46,573 deaths so far. The recoveries in the state total 16,47,004.

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also reported high number of cases, while states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal witnessed a surge in infection too.

According Indian Council of Medical Research data, 10,75,326 more samples were tested on Saturday. So far, 13,17,33,134 samples have been tested across the country.

For the second day in a row, recovered patients outnumbered new infections by 1,084 in Delhi, yet the number of fatalities remained a cause of worry.

The national capital reported 5,879 new infections and 6,963 more recoveries in the last 24 hours. However, Delhi’s fatalities totalled 111, Delhi government data showed.

Across the world, 5,80,95,887 persons were infected across 191 nations, of which the maximum numbers were in the US. The global coronavirus death toll totalled 13,79,839, with maximum reported in the US (2,55,830).

TUS remains the worst-hit country with 1,20,88,409 corona cases, followed by India, Brazil, France and Russia.

Also Read: Modi calls for coordinated efforts to recover from COVID crisis

Also Read: US Covid-19 cases reach 12 million

Categories
-Top News India News

India Daily Digital – November 22, 2020 – ‘Terrorism From Pakistan Derail Afghan Peace’

T.S. Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative at UN

‘Terrorism From Pakistan Derail Afghan Peace’; Trump Test Dose Gets Panel Nod; OBIT: Khadim Hussain Rizvi; Erdogan meets Abdullah amid peace talks stalemate – all in India Daily Digital – please click here to read.

Categories
-Top News India News

Modi calls for coordinated efforts to recover from COVID crisis

Speaking at the G20 summit on Saturday, Narendra Modi said that coordinated efforts by the largest economies of the world will surely lead to faster recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was attending the 15th edition of the G20 Summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia this year.

Modi tweeted that he had a very fruitful discussion with the G20 leaders and thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit virtually. Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the top world leaders who joined Modi through video conferencing to discuss the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“At the G20 Summit, I put forward a need to develop a new global index based on talent, technology, transparency and trusteeship towards the planet,” he said in another tweet.

“Transparency in our processes helps in inspiring our societies to fight crisis collectively and with confidence. Spirit of trusteeship towards planet Earth will inspire us for a healthy and holistic lifestyle,” Modi added.

In another tweet, the Prime Minister said: “Multi-skilling and re-skilling to build a talent pool will enhance dignity and resilience of our workers. Value of new technologies should be measured by their benefit to humanity. #G20RiyadhSummit.”

Also Read: India Witnesses Decline In The Number Of Fresh Cases

Also Read: India’s GDP Contraction Rate Narrows to 9.5% in Q2

Categories
Cricket Sport

Tendulkar’s 98 against Pak one of the best: Inzamam

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. (File Photo: IANS)

Inzamam-ul-Haq believes Sachin Tendulkar’s 98-run knock against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup was one of the “best innings” played by the former Indian batsman during his stellar career.

In the group-stage match played on March 1, 2003 at Centurion in South Africa, the Pakistan team failed to defend a target of 274. India rode on Tendulkar’s 98 to chase down the target with more than four overs to spare.

“I have seen Sachin play a lot but the way he batted in that match; I have never seen him play like that before. The way he played against our fast bowlers in those conditions was superb. I think he scored 98 before getting out to Shoaib Akhtar,” Inzamam told India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube show ‘DRS with Ash’.

Former Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq

“I feel that innings of Sachin was one of his best. He broke all the pressure that existed. He played a top-quality innings against genuine quality fast bowlers like ours. The way he hit those boundaries, the pressure got released on the batsmen who came after him. If someone were to ask Sachin, he too would absolutely love that innings of his,” he added.

Inzamam also said Pakistan were confident about winning that game after scoring 273 as they had a very good bowling line-up consisting of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Akhtar.

“Our bowling line-up consisted of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar and the conditions were favouring the fast bowlers. The match was being played at Centurion in South Africa. So we felt that we had put up a pretty good score,” said Inzamam.

Earlier, Akhtar had said that the 2003 World Cup loss against India was the “most disappointing match” of his entire career.

“The most disappointing match for me in my entire career was the 2003 World Cup match against India at Centurion. We had failed to defend a target of 274 despite having a very good bowling line-up,” Akhtar had earlier said.

In his stellar career that spanned over two decades, Tendulkar scored 100 centuries across Tests and ODIs — a record that still stands. In 463 ODIs, Tendulkar scored 18,426 runs, including 49 tons, and in Tests, he tallied 15,921, including 51 centuries. In his lone T20I appearance which came against South Africa in 2006, he scored 10 runs.

Also Read: ‘Universe Boss’ becomes the first to score 1,000 sixes in T20 cricket

Categories
Cricket Sport

Pacer Mohammed Siraj sticks to duty even at father’s demise

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj’s father passed away on Friday as the player is currently on tour of Australia with the Indian team. However, the pacer has decided to stay with the team though the BCCI gave him an option of flying back home.

“India fast bowler lost his father on Friday after a brief illness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had a discussion with Siraj and he was offered the option of flying back and be with his family in this hour of grief,” the Board said in a statement.

“The fast bowler has decided to stay with the Indian contingent and continue performing his national duties. The BCCI shares his grief and will be supportive of Siraj in this extremely challenging phase,” the statement added.

Earlier, BCCI president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly offered condolences on Twitter.

“May Mohammed Siraj have a lot of strength to overcome this loss..lots of good wishes for his success in this trip.. tremendous character @bcci,” he tweeted on Saturday.

His Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) too offered condolences.

“Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to Mohammed Siraj and his family, on the loss of his father. The entire RCB family is with you during this difficult time. Stay strong, Miyan,” tweeted the official handle of RCB.

Mohammed Siraj with his father.

Siraj is part of India’s Test squad and is in the Sydney quarantine hub.

Although the 26-year-old has played in ODIs (1) and T20Is (3), this has been his maiden entry into the Test squad.

Siraj had been among the wickets in first-class cricket at home, leading his team Hyderabad’s pace attack in Ranji Trophy and also featuring with wickets for India A.

He took an eight-wicket haul against Australia A in Bengaluru in 2018 to come into national contention. The haul, a record for India A, followed a few fifers and four-wicket hauls against South Africa A and West Indies A that year. He also performed against England Lions.

His bowling spell against Kolkata Knight Riders last month, when he bowled two maiden overs, and picked three wickets in the powerplay got him further accolades.

Also Read: Aussie Coach Justin Langer Heaps Praise on Virat Kohli

Also Read: Aussies to do ‘barefoot circle’ against racism

Categories
Business Economy

Rupee projected to weaken this week

“74 is a strong support for the USD/INR pair and it is unlikely that RBI will allow it to appreciate much further from 74 mark this week. On the higher side 74.5 will act as a resistance this week,” says evarsh Vakil, Deputy Head of Research at HDFC Securities…writes Rohit Vaid

An expected slowdown in the rate of foreign fund inflows along with the upcoming Q2FY21 GDP figures is expected to weaken the Indian rupee during this week.

Besides, expectations on a further stimulus has fanned fears of higher government borrowings.

Nonetheless, rising virus infection in the US amid hopes of more stimulus is expected to keep the US dollar subdued.

Consequently, the rupee is projected to range between 73.70 to 74.50 per greenback.

“Flows into equity markets have been robust and supported the rupee,” said Sajal Gupta, Head, Forex and Rates, Edelweiss Securities.

As per estimates, more than Rs 25,000 crore have flown into the country’s stock markets till now during November.

“However, we expect the flows to slow down going forward and that can put some pressure on rupee and rising imports owing to normalisation can also keep strong rupee in check.”

Last week, rupee appreciated to 74.11 levels but saw strong support at 74 handle.

Nonetheless, dollar purchases from RBI as reflected in the forex reserve capped further appreciation.

On Friday, official data showed that India’s foreign exchange reserves rose $4.277 billion during the week ended November 13.

Accordingly, the reserves increased to $572.771 billion from $568.494 billion reported for the week ended November 6.

The RBI is known to enter the markets via intermediaries to either sell or buy US dollars to keep the rupee in a stable orbit.

“RBI as expected supported Rupee this week and bought dollars in the spot market,” said Devarsh Vakil, Deputy Head of Research at HDFC Securities.

“74 is a strong support for the USD/INR pair and it is unlikely that RBI will allow it to appreciate much further from 74 mark this week. On the higher side 74.5 will act as a resistance this week.”

Reserve Bank Of India

According to Gaurang Somaiya, Forex & Bullion Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services: “Rupee gained but in the last four weeks the currency has consolidated in a range 73.70 and 74.70 despite sharp gains in domestic and global equities.”

“Next week, global factors will continue to remain in focus. Preliminary manufacturing PMI number will be released from the US, EZ and the UK will be important to watch.”

“Apart from this, from the US, preliminary GDP and consumer spending number will be in focus and better-than-expected number could support the dollar at lower levels that have been under pressure in the past few weeks.”

Also Read: Corporate fund inflows to empower rupee

Also Read: Uncertain US elections erode rupee value