Top Headlines of the Day

1. 699 cops to keep a check on firecracker ban violators

As many as 699 cops, including three DSPs and 25 inspectors, will patrol markets as well as residential areas to check violation of the firecracker ban.

A spokesperson for the Chandigarh Police, DSP Charanjit Singh Virk, said staff from all police stations would patrol the city areas to ensure that people followed the UT order against the bursting of crackers. “People can also report the violation to the police on 112,” said the DSP.

Any violation of the ban will invite penal action under Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC.

 

2. Weekly Covid death count in city jumps over three times

The number of Covid deaths reported in a week has increased by over three times in the city. While 16 persons died of Covid from November 7 to 13, only five fatalities were reported during the week ending November 6.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar, former head of the Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGI, said, “The trend of increased fatalities indicates that the virus is spreading in the community. There has been an increase in the hospitalization of Covid patients as well. The cases are expected to rise more in the next two weeks. The next two months will be crucial for us to avoid the second peak.” The fatality rate of Chandigarh is currently 1.5 percent.

Active cases rise by 69%

After witnessing a decline in the number of active cases, the city has again started recording upsurge of inactive infections lately. From 593 on November 2, the number of active cases has increased to 1,009, which is an increase of 69 percent.

 

3. Gold loses sheen this Dhanteras, sales dip

Lockdown has had its impact on gold sales this Dhanteras. City jewelers have witnessed nearly 10-20 percent drop in the sales this year in comparison to last year.

Dhanteras is considered the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar for buying items ranging from gold and silver to utensils.

Last year, around Rs 5 crore worth of gold and silver was sold on Dhanteras while this year the sales were expected to be nearly Rs 4.5 crore, said a member of the association.

4. 124 new cases logged in Mohali

As many as 124 new cases of Covid-19 surfaced in the district during the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 13,435. No fatality was reported from the district till Friday evening. Among the new cases, 89 came from Mohali (urban), nine each from Dera Bassi and Gharuan, seven from Dhakoli, four from Kharar, two each from Lalru and Kurali and one each from Banur and Boothgarh.

Meanwhile, 27 more patients were cured of the disease. There are 996 active cases in the district.

5. 1,500 vacancies to be filled in Revenue Department

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has given its approval to fill more than 1,500 vacant posts in the Revenue Department. Raman Bahl, Chairman, Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB), said, “The board has also given approval to start the recruitment process for the 443 posts of junior draftsman in various departments and 1,090 posts of patwari in the Revenue Department.”

“An advertisement in this regard will be issued soon. The board has also invited applications for the recruitment of Assistant Superintendent of Jails. Candidates can apply online from November 16 to December 7. The last date to deposit fee is December 10,” he added.

“For the convenience of candidates, the syllabus of the examination for the post of Assistant Superintendent of Jail has been uploaded on the board’s website,” he added.

6. Covid cases continue to surge for the second consecutive week in Chandigarh

Incidence of coronavirus infection continues to rise in Chandigarh for the second consecutive week with the Union Territory reporting 749 more cases last week (November 6 to 12) as compared to the preceding week.

As many as 502 infections were reported between October 30 and November 5.

UT health officials attributed the increase to people not adhering to safety norms by intermingling in crowds, majorly in market areas, and extensive movement due to festivals

The surge in cases is also coupled with an increase in the number of fatalities, as per official records. Last week, 15 deaths were reported as compared to four a week before. The fatality rate has, however, been around 1.5%-1.6% in the last one month.

7. 257 test positive in Tricity, two dead in Chandigarh

 

The tricity reported 257 Covid-19 cases on Friday, with Chandigarh also confirming two deaths, while Mohali and Panchkula had none.

Mohali led with 124 cases, followed by Chandigarh with 93 and Panchkula with 40.

With 93 new cases and two casualties, Chandigarh’s case tally rose to 15,636 and death toll to 246. The number of active cases, at 1,008, remained above 1,000 for the second consecutive day.

 

Top Headlines of the Day

1. Cracker ban to stay in Chandigarh

The ban on firecrackers will continue without any relaxation, the Chandigarh administration decided on Thursday.

Rejecting the review representation made by a city-based traders’ association, UT adviser Manoj Parida said the order issued on November 6 under the Disaster Management Act, banning the sale and use of firecrackers in the city, needs no modification or relaxation.

However, Parida said that while conducting the draw of lots, it had been “clarified categorically that the allotment will be subject to a final decision by the UT administration regarding the imposition of any ban on crackers”.

“The applicants (association) were specifically asked not to go for advance purchase of crackers until November 6. A letter was also written to the president, Chandigarh Cracker Dealer Association, on November 5, stating that the purchase of crackers should be kept on hold,” the adviser said in his order.

2. Chances of light rain in Chandigarh from November 15

After no rain was witnessed in the city since the end of August, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials are predicting light rain in the city on Sunday and Monday.

The maximum temperature in the city fell down from 29.3 degrees on Wednesday to 28.8 degrees on Thursday. The minimum temperature went down from 13.1 degrees on Wednesday to 11.8 degrees on Thursday. In the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 28 and 26 degrees while the minimum temperature will remain between 12 and 13 degrees.

3. Chandigarh seeks Centre’s nod for second medical college

The Chandigarh health department has submitted a fresh detailed project report to the central government for establishing a new undergraduate medical college in the city.

Approval has been sought from the ministry of health and family welfare for a medical college with 100 MBBS seats, associated with the 500-bed Government Multi Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, officials privy to the development said.

The city currently has only 150 MBBS seats offered by Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, which also has 125 seats for postgraduate programs. The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research offers only postgraduate programs with around 310 seats.

4. Made by inmates, colorful candles up for grabs

Besides mouth-watering sweets, gel and wax candles made by inmates of the Burial jail are up for grabs at Srijan, the exclusive jail store in Sector 22, this Diwali.

These products will be sold at stalls, which will come up at Sukhna Lake, the Sector 18 market, and outside the RLA office in Sector 17 – said, Virat, The AIG (Prisons)

5. Chandigarh can host domestic games comfortably amid pandemic, says UTCA official

Having hosted a number of under-19, under-23, and Ranji Trophy matches successfully last season, the UT Cricket Association (UTCA) is keen on organizing games in the upcoming domestic season as well, by making a bio-bubble.

The domestic season was postponed owing to the outbreak. It was earlier slated to get underway in September, but now the BCCI president has said in an interview that it will be held in January 2021.

A meeting in the runup to the domestic season will be held after Diwali. Chandigarh had received BCCI affiliation last season and several of its men and women teams had also qualified to the Elite group from the Plate group.

6. Annual Chandigarh Bird Club survey: 429 migratory waterfowls spotted in and around Sukhna Lake

The Chandigarh Bird Club has identified 34 species of waterfowl and 43 species of arboreal birds in a survey conducted on Thursday at Sukhna Lake and surrounding areas.

As per the survey, which is conducted strictly between 7 am to 10 am, 429 waterfowls were identified. Of these, the most common species was the Ruddy Shelduck with 141 sightings followed by 47 sightings of the Great Cormorant and 40 of Indian Spot-Billed Duck.

7. Chandigarh’s active Covid count goes past 1,000 again

After nearly a month, the number of active Covid-19 cases in Chandigarh crossed the 1,000 marks once again on Thursday.

Following a surge, active cases had shot up to 3,171 on September 16. The pandemic hit a plateau the following month, and active cases dropped below 1,000 in mid-October. As the number of recoveries remained higher than in fresh cases, the number of active cases reached 593 on November 2, before starting to rise again.

Meanwhile, the death toll increased to 244

8. 109 new cases, 1 death in Chandigarh

The city today reported 109 fresh Covid cases, taking the case tally to 15,543. It also saw a Covid death. A 74-year-old woman from Mani Majra, who was also suffering from jaundice, died at the PGI. As many as 64 patients recovered from the disease in the past 24 hours

9. In Mohali, active cases up 49% in 8 days

Mohali district witnessed a 49 percent increase in active cases in the past eight days. From 550 on November 3, the number of active cases rose to 822 yesterday. So far, 13,311 cases have surfaced in the district and 12,159 patients have been cured. There are 899 active cases with 253 deaths in the district.

10. Panchkula sees no death in 6 days

The district today reported 72 fresh cases, taking the infection count to 7,783. No fresh death due to the virus was reported. The recovery rate of the district stands at 91.9 percent.

Even though the daily cases are on the rise, the district has witnessed no Covid death in the past six days.

Top Headlines of the Day

1. Burst crackers in Chandigarh and land in jail for up to 2 years

This Diwali abstains from bursting crackers or is ready to face up to two-year imprisonment as the Chandigarh administration has decided to invoke the Disaster Management Act 2005 against violators.

There is no relaxation. So clear instructions have been passed to station house officers to ensure strict compliance. Anyone caught selling or bursting crackers will be booked under Section 188 (for non-compliance of prohibitory order) of the Indian Penal Code and action will also be taken under the relevant section of the Disaster Management Act,” said Kuldeep Singh Chahal, senior superintendent of police, Chandigarh.

Though the offense is bailable, provisions under the Disaster Management Act are stricter as compared to Section 188 of the IPC, which carries maximum jail of only three months.

2. 2-hours window to burst green crackers in Punjab

The Punjab Government today announced a two-hour window for the use of green firecrackers on Diwali and Gurpurb across the state, barring Mandi Gobindgarh town. The fireworks timing has been restricted to 35 minutes on Christmas Eve in the state.

A complete ban has been imposed in the industrial town of Mandi Gobindgarh from November 9-10 to November 30-December 1 midnight on account of its poor air quality index (AQI) levels.

Four major towns — Amritsar, Jalandhar, Khanna, and Ludhiana — that fall in the “poor” air quality category classified by the NGT have been spared from a total ban, as per the orders issued by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today.

3. Allotment of flats in Chandigarh: Draw streamed on YouTube

To ensure that social distancing is maintained, the CHB live-telecast the draw for the allotment of flats in Maloya. The UT Administration has decided to relocate the residents of pre-fab shelters in Sector 52 and 56 to EWS flats at Maloya-I under the Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) scheme.

“For the first time, the draw was streamed live at the site of beneficiaries and on their mobile phones or computers through YouTube,” the CEO.

Garg said physical possession of the flats in Maloya-I would be handed over from November 17 in a staggered manner to avoid the rush and to ensure compliance with the social distancing norms

4. Amid Covid, demand for flu shots shoots up 30% in Tricity

While the wait for a Covid-19 vaccine continues, the demand for seasonal flu shots have risen among Tricity residents to protect themselves from other respiratory illnesses. There has been a 30 percent spurt in the demand for flu shots, according to private medical practitioners in the Tricity.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently stated, “Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

5. Covid-19: Virus kills four more in Chandigarh

The city today witnessed 90 cases of Covid-19 and four deaths, taking the tally to 15,339 and the virus toll to 241.

The city also witnessed 66 recoveries, pushing the count of cured patients to 14,176. There are now 922 active cases in the city. As many as 1,440 samples were collected in the past 24 hours.

6. Covid-19: 70 more test positive in Panchkula

Seventy more cases of Covid surfaced in the district during the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 7,644. No new fatality was reported from the district till Tuesday evening. The district has seen 7,085 patients being cured.

7. Covid-19: Two more dies in Mohali, toll 250

Two more fatalities due to Covid-19 were reported from the district during the past 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths in the district to 250. The district also reported 75 fresh cases. The number of infections has increased to 13,060. Meanwhile, 45 patients have been cured.

Top Headlines of the Day

1. 460 stalls in Sector 19 open invite to Covid?

With the MC allowing 460 stalls in the Sector 19 market alone, the possibility of a spike in Covid cases looms large ahead of Diwali.

As the civic body failed to mark slots for shopkeepers and vendors for setting up stalls, the market witnessed a huge crowd yesterday. Though the situation improved today, the city is likely to be more vulnerable to the spread of Covid in the coming days. In the absence of specified spots for vendors, they were seen rushing to occupy prime locations, triggering chaos.

According to experts, the city may witness a second Covid wave in the winter season and the situation in the market could further lead to a rise in the number of cases.

vendors, who used to sit in Sector 15, 17, and 22, were now opting for Sector 19 as there were limited vending areas in Sector 17 and 22 in line with the High Court’s directions. They said the next time, stalls would be rationalized beforehand.

2. Restore OPD facilities fully after Diwali: Governor

After nearly eight months, residents will be able to avail themselves of full OPD facilities after Diwali in the city. During a review meeting, UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore has directed all hospitals to fully restore the original OPD facilities after Diwali.

Adhering to the strict protocol of Covid-19, the PGI and the GMCH-32 started OPD services on November 2.

3. 276 Diwali stalls booked on Day 1 in Panchkula

As many as 276 shopkeepers booked Diwali stalls on Day 1 of the online booking process conducted by the Panchkula Municipal Corporation on a dedicated portal – stallbooking.online

The MC collected an amount of Rs1.49 lakh from shopkeepers for setting up stalls in various markets.

According to information, spaces in front of SCOs, SCFs, DSSs, bays, and booths could only be booked by the owner/lessee/tenant of the shop. In case the booking was made by persons other than the owner/lessee/tenant of the shop, it would be rejected and the amount would be forfeited.

4. 10K Health Care Workers in UT identified for COVID vaccine prioritization

A database of over 10,000 Health Care Workers (HCWs) has been created by the UT health department, who will be prioritized for vaccination once a COVID vaccine is available as per the directions of the central government.

The health care workers are from 45 health facilities of Chandigarh excluding the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), which is governed by the center.

The union government asked the states and union territories for collecting data of health care service providers and other workers in health care settings, both government and private. The Covid vaccination drive of the HCWs will utilize this database to identify the beneficiaries.

5. Three deaths and 115 fresh cases in Chandigarh

The city witnessed 115 fresh cases of Covid on Monday, taking the tally to 15,249. With three more deaths, the city’s death toll now stands at 237. As many as 86 patients recovered from the virus. There are 902 active Covid cases in the city and 14,110 have been cured till date.

5. Two Deaths and 88 fresh cases in Mohali

As many as 88 cases surfaced in the district, taking the case count to 12,985. A total of 35 more patients have been cured.

Among the fresh cases, 85 were reported from Mohali (urban), two from Lalru and one from Gharuan. The district has so far seen 12,985 positive cases and 11,990 patients have been cured. There are now 747 active cases, while 248 persons have died of the virus.

6. No death for 4th day in Panchkula

In a relief to the Health Department ahead of Diwali, the district reported no Covid death for the fourth consecutive day today. As many as 65 fresh cases were detected, taking the overall tally to 7,574.

Among the fresh cases, a maximum of nine were reported from Sector 4 and eight from Pinjore. While 7,064 persons have defeated the virus so far, 393 cases are still active

Top Headlines of the Day

1. Cases up 44% this week in Chandigarh

In August, the city had reported between 100 and 150 cases of Covid every day. The number steadily rose to over 300 cases per day in September. For most of October, the daily average of the number of cases fell to 50. In the last week, however, the cases have again gained momentum with at least 100 cases being reported each day.

2. 106 fresh cases in Chandigarh, 66 in Panchkula

Chandigarh’s COVID-19 tally rose to 15,134 on Sunday as 109 fresh cases were reported, while the death toll reached 234 with two more fatalities, according to a medical bulletin. A total of 1,15,589 samples have been taken for testing so far. Of these, 99,769 samples have tested negative, while reports of 106 are awaited, it said.

The district today reported 66 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 7,509. While 7,032 patients have defeated the virus so far, 360 cases are still active. The recovery rate of the district stands at 93.64 percent.

3. After a ‘complete ban’ Haryana govt allows bursting of crackers for two hours on Diwali

Two days after announcing a “complete ban” on the sale of firecrackers, the Haryana government on Sunday allowed bursting them for two hours on Diwali. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday in Fatehabad said people will be permitted to burst firecrackers for only two hours on Diwali.

4. Chandigarh admin refuses to budge, firecracker ban to stay

Notwithstanding appeals by traders, the UT administration is unlikely to give a three-hour relaxation for sale and bursting of firecrackers on Diwali.

“I am not in favor of the three-hour relaxation being demanded. The lives and health of senior citizens and patients are far more important than revelry of children,” said UT adviser Manoj Parida.

The administration on November 6 had enforced an immediate ban on the sale and use of firecrackers under the Disaster Management Act until further notice. This had prompted traders’ associations to seek a three-hour relaxation on Diwali. They have also planned to approach the Punjab and Haryana high court.

The Chandigarh Beopar Mandal on Sunday wrote a letter in this regard to UT administrator VP Singh Badnore.

5. Panchkula Govt. to begin online booking for Diwali stalls today

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation will begin online booking for Diwali stalls in the market areas from 11 am tomorrow amid a lack of clarity among shopkeepers. For this, the MC has issued terms and conditions on a dedicated portal – stallbooking.online.

A shopkeeper said: “In the past few days, the MC has altered terms and conditions for at least three times. Still, there is no clarity. I want to ask the MC authorities if any shopkeeper decides not to book a space in front of his shop, they will allot that particular space to anyone else (other than shopkeeper) or not.”

6. Chandigarh Bicycle-sharing project likely to start this month

People will be able to use bicycles and e-bikes from docking stations on an hourly rental basis after November 15. Under the bicycle sharing project, Chandigarh Cycles4Change Challenge is being organized. It is a trial before lunching all 5,000 bicycle/e-bikes at 617 docking stations. Initially, 100 bikes will be made available at 10 stations. Later, it will be doubled in another 10 days.

7. MC moves to set up night shelters for the homeless

With the winter setting in, the local Municipal Corporation has started the process of setting up temporary waterproof night shelters for the homeless in different parts of the city.

The shelters will be set up in several areas, including near the GMCH, Sector 32, the GMSH, Sector 16, the PGI, the ISBT, Sector 17, the ISBT, Sector 43, Sector 20, 22, 29, and 9, and some markets. These will have quilts, mattresses, pillows, drinking water, and lights. The temporary night shelters are put up every winter to provide relief to the homeless, who sleep in public places.

The homeless can be seen sleeping in market corridors and other open spaces even during the harsh winter.

8. Chandigarh Smart City Limited’s 24X7 water supply project in Manimajra delayed again

In the absence of bidders, the ambitious 24X7 water supply project in Manimajra has been delayed yet again.

The scope of the project entails retrofitting of the existing network, laying of the new network, including civil, electromechanical, instrumentation, smart water metering, SCADA, and operation and maintenance for 15 years.

A total of 13,700 water connections have been planned to be covered in Manimajra. One of the main focus areas will be to reduce water leakage from the existing 50% to 15%

Source: Tribune, HT times

 

 

Top Headlines of the Day

1. Ahead of the festive season, Admn bans firecrackers

Ahead of the festive season, the UT Administration has imposed a ban on the sale or use of firecrackers of any kind in the city. The ban will come into force with immediate effect and will remain in effect till further orders. The Administration imposed the ban under the Disaster Management Act. Any violation of the order will invite penal action under Section 51 to 60 of the Act, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC.

“The directions have been issued as a containment measure to prevent the risk of spread of Covid-19 due to pollution created with the bursting of crackers,” said Manoj Parida, UT Adviser-cum-Chairman, State Disaster Management Authority.

Traders will face losses

“We oppose the decision of the UT Administration to ban crackers just seven-eight days before Diwali. Traders have already purchased stock and the move will cause a big loss to them. The UT should have taken this decision at least a month before Diwali if it was required to stop the spread of the virus. The Administration should review the decision,” said Charanjiv Singh, chairman, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal.

2. One death, 133 fresh cases in Chandigarh

The city today reported 133 fresh cases of Covid. The UT tally has now reached 14,927. A total of 63 patients have been cured of the virus in the past 24 hours, taking the number of recoveries in the UT to 13,925.

3. 3 fatalities, 71 cases in Mohali

Three more Covid fatalities were witnessed in the district during the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 245, while 71 fresh cases were reported, taking the case tally to 12,730. The district has so far witnessed 12,730 cases and 11,876 patients have been cured. There are now 609 active cases.

4. 69 new cases in Panchkula; be cautious, people told

The district today reported 69 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 7,383. The recovery rate was above 96 percent on October 28 (then the third highest in the state) and now it stands at 94.5.

While 6,981 patients have defeated Covid-19 so far, 285 cases are still active.

5. Now, a new policy to check favoritism in traffic wing

With the aim of curbing favoritism and corruption in the deployment of police personnel in the traffic wing, the UT police have introduced a new manpower management policy on an experimental basis. Now, the staff will be given a fixed weekly off with fixed replacement, curtailing discretion of the deployment officer.

“Earlier, there was no fixed rest day for police personnel. However, now there will be a roster of off days. This will also end indiscipline in the force as earlier, personnel would sometimes avail several days of leave together by not taking offs,” said the SSP.

According to the system, the duty and replacement roster will continue to be randomly prepared through software with zero human interference.

6. Panel to set up a firm to take over assets

The Empowered Committee on the privatization of the Electricity Department has decided to formulate a company that will take over the assets of the department. The first meeting of the committee, which was attended by a representative of the Ministry of Power, along with the transaction adviser, was held today.

The committee finalized the Request for Proposal (RFP) and also letter to be written to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) regarding the transfer scheme.

It was also decided to create a Trust, which will manage the pension obligations for government employees, who will be shifted to the private company. Several decisions were also taken to improve competition among the bidders.

7. Elante expects a rise in footfall during Diwali

Having witnessed an increase in the footfall during the Navaratri season, Elante Mall is expecting that the footfall will further increase during Diwali. mid the pandemic, the mall is yet to witness the same footfall as it used to witness last year. However, it claims that it is improving day by day.

“With the increase in pent-up demand and ticket size, we are expecting to clock 50 percent of footfall that we did during Diwali last year. We are expecting fashion, electronics, F&B, and gifting categories to do well,” said Nishank Joshi, Chief Marketing Officer, Nexus Malls.

“Using the ‘customer-first’ approach this year, we will focus on instant gratification and décor, which will help set the festive context,” he said.

8. In Chandigarh, mismanaged tree pruning leaves residents troubled

Many residents have been complaining that the pruning of trees is not being done properly. While many overgrown trees cover streetlights and traffic lights as they await pruning, branches of trees that have been pruned litter roads for days afterward, residents allege.

Trees on the road between Sectors 32 and 33 were pruned over a week ago, but the branches have been carelessly tossed along the roadside, encroaching on cycle tracks in some places.

The Chandigarh Resident Association Welfare Federation (CRAWFED) had also highlighted the issue in their meeting recently.

9. Chandigarh admin imposes a stock limit on onion traders to contain prices

To contain the rising onion prices, the UT administration on Friday imposed stock holding limits on onions with immediate effect till December 31.

Food supplies and consumer affair departments ordered that dealers including wholesalers, distributing agents, and selling agents can stock up to 25 metric tonnes (MT) while retailers can store up to 5 MT.

The order, however, will not apply to government agencies. Also, any importer (wholesaler, retailer, or dealer) will be exempted for the imported stock of onions.

Source: Tribune, HT times

Top Headlines of the Day

1. Commuters stranded for hours as farmers protest

Various factions of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) yesterday blocked roads, causing inconvenience to commuters, who were held up in traffic jams for hours at various places in the district. Though farmers’ unions had announced a four-hour blockade of the national highway from noon to 4 pm in advance, many people moved out of their houses, causing traffic jams. However, the police managed to divert the traffic at several places.

2. Day after Karva Chauth, broken pots, diyas greet visitors at Sukhna

A day after Karwa Chauth, the Sukhna Lake was found littered with pots and diyas that were used for the rituals on Thursday morning right at the entrance.

Saying that this had become a yearly occurrence, local area councilor Maheshinder Singh Sidhu said, “It is up to people to not litter after themselves. The lake in Sector 42 has been specially made for religious ceremonies where people could have gone instead.” He added that a ban on Karwa Chauth festivities on the lake is also not possible as it will be hard for the authorities to monitor people bringing even a single diya to the lake.

Part of the lake is looked after by Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation Limited (CITCO) and part of the lake is maintained by the municipal corporation (MC). Chief general manager (CGM) of CITCO Rakesh Kumar Popli said, “We had asked that the part of the lake in front of Chef Lakeview Hotel be cleaned before opening it in the morning.”

3. Soon, homestays to come up in Morni

Haryana education and tourism minister Kanwar Pal on Thursday announced that the state government was planning to introduce a ‘homestay’ scheme for the promotion of tourism in the hilly Morni area in the Kalka assembly segment.

“After Shimla, Morni hills is the best tourism spot in the region…we are planning to start the homestay scheme in Morni on the lines of Himachal to promote tourism,” Kanwar Pal said in the Vidhan Sabha, responding to a question of Kalka MLA Pardeep Chaudhary.

The MLA wanted to know if there was any proposal to develop Morni as a tourist spot in the Kalka constituency.

The minister added that the Tikkar Taal tourist complex had also been developed.

4. PGI begins rapid antigen testing at New OPD Block

To prevent the further spread of coronavirus, the PGI has started rapid antigen testing of suspected Covid-19 patients and their attendants in the New OPD Block.

To provide sufficient space to the patients and their attendants, the PGI authorities have converted an entire floor of the multi-level parking lot into a waiting area. Dr Naveen Pandey, Deputy Medical Superintendent of the OPD, PGI, said the waiting area had been created with a seating capacity of 1,000 persons. Every middle seat on a bench for three had been blocked to maintain social distancing. A maximum of 600 patients and their attendants could be seated in the waiting area at any given point in time.

5. Apni Mandis may restart soon

The Market Committee has floated tenders for allotment of sanitation work of the mandis. The mandis were suspended in March in the wake of the pandemic. Hence, The UT Administration may restart Apni Mandis in various sectors soon.

An official said UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore would take the final decision on restarting mandis after reviewing all factors.

6. Draft Model Tenancy Act to benefit landlords, says the association

The Commercial Tenants’ Association (CTA) has raised objections to various provisions in the draft of the Model Tenancy Act, 2020. The association stated that the creation of rent authority and rent court to be presided over by an Executive Officer was in contravention of the already existing procedure and adjudication of litigation.

The UT Administration had invited suggestions and objections to the draft of the Model Tenancy Act, 2020.

The Act was drafted to benefit landlords and to make the upper class richer as compared to the weaker section of tenants, the association stated.

“The proposed Act is not balancing the rights of landlords and tenants. It has been drafted for the benefit of landlords. The Act has been framed only on the basis of a survey conducted with regard to vacant residential accommodation and not commercial. As such, the category of residential and commercial tenancies cannot be treated on a par. The hardships faced by commercial tenants have not been taken care of in the purposed draft,” said Arvind Kumar Jain, president, CTA.

7. NGT seeks Chandigarh reply on banning crackers

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the UT Administration on prohibiting the use of firecrackers. The NGT wants a response from the Administration on whether the use of firecrackers is banned from November 7 to 30. The notice was issued to the UT as the city is included in the list of 122 non-attainment cities where the air quality is poorer than the permissible limits.

The green panel stated that the state governments of Odisha and Rajasthan had already issued a notification prohibiting the sale and use of firecrackers in the wake of unsatisfactory air quality.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida said UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore would take a final decision on imposing a ban on firecrackers in a meeting tomorrow.

8. Mohali witnesses 30 pc dip in applications for cracker license

The administration received 771 applications for temporary licenses to sell firecrackers in Mohali district this year, witnessing a decline of around 30 percent as compared to last year.

Firecracker dealers have shown lesser interest in getting temporary licenses this year in the view of the pandemic. They fear that people will not come in a large number to purchase crackers this year.

Wholesale firecracker dealers at the Kurali market here claimed that the sale of firecrackers is likely to dip by nearly 70 to 75 percent this season.

9. Students seek a refund of exam fee, hold protest

ABVP along with INSO protested against the Panjab University authorities demanding adjustment or reimbursement of semester examination fee as students were promoted to next class directly.

Students claimed that the university authorities agreed to conduct a meeting to discuss the issue and also extended the date for depositing semester fee by 10 more days. The ABVP Panjab University president, Paras Ratan, said, “Families of many students are facing financial crunch due to the pandemic, but still the authorities are not bothered.

10. Pre-existing disease no reason to deny insurance claim: Panel

While directing New India Assurance Company Limited to pay a total claim of Rs2,85,833 to a city resident, along with 8 percent interest per annum, the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh, has held that an insurance claim cannot be denied on mere presumption that a person is suffering from a pre-existing disease.

The commission also directed the company to pay Rs25,000 to the complainant as compensation for causing mental agony and harassment and Rs10,000 as costs of litigation.

The commission’s order states: “It is clear from the records that treatment did not pertain to kidney problem, but a fungal infection. It has no connection or relation with the kidney disorder and is a pre-existing disease for invoking of the exclusion Clause 4.1”

The order further states: “In view of this the insurance firm is directed to pay the total claim of Rs2,85,833 to the complainant along with 8 percent interest per annum from the date of repudiation, which is December 29, 2017, till realization.”

11. 96 fresh cases in Chandigarh; 50 in Pkl along with 1 death

The city on Thursday reported 96 fresh cases of Covid. Besides, 60 patients were cured of the deadly disease. The UT tally stands at 14,794. The virus has claimed the lives of 229 persons in the city. The number of patients to have been cured of the disease has increased to 13,862.

Panchkula reported 50 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 7,314. The district also witnessed a Covid death. While 6,939 patients have defeated the coronavirus so far, 258 cases are still active. The recovery rate of the district is 94.87 percent. Panchkula has so far conducted 93,729 Covid tests

12. Mohali sees 12.93% rise in active cases in 3 days

The district saw a 12.93 percent increase in the number of active Covid cases as 192 persons tested positive for the virus in the past three days. On November 2, there were 526 active cases in the district, which increased to 594 today. During a random survey of the markets in the city and other places in the district, people were found moving around without a mask, exposing themselves to the deadly virus. The district health authorities have been warning people not to move out without a mask.

Source: Tribune, HT times

Top Headlines of the Day

1. Chandigarh Administration mulls ban on the sale of firecrackers

The city may witness a cracker-free Diwali this year. In view of the fear of a second surge of coronavirus due to an increase in pollution, the UT Administration is considering imposing a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the city this festival season. The Administration today put on hold the issuance of temporary licenses for selling firecrackers in the city even after holding a draw of lots to issue 96 licenses.

“Doctors have opined that toxic air arising out of crackers is likely to affect the lungs and, hence, residents should avoid or minimize bursting of firecrackers during the festival season,” he said, adding that there was a need to keep the city pollution-free so that there was no resurgence of lung diseases or Covid cases.

2. Chandigarh Administration withholds issuance of licenses for firecrackers

An officer said the draw of lots was held today to issue 96 licenses for selling firecrackers, but the result had been withheld. UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore would take a final call on the issue, said the officer. The Administrator was likely to consider the possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 during the festival season due to an increase in pollution before taking the final decision.

On grant of license, the shopkeepers will be allowed to sell firecrackers only on November 12, 13, and 14.

3. Bad air quality can increase Covid-19 fatalities, warns UT health department

Amid the deteriorating air quality, the Chandigarh health department has warned against the bursting of firecrackers, which experts warned will increase the Covid-related complications, including fatalities.

“Several studies conducted in Italy and the US have shown that high levels of air pollution are linked to higher rates of mortality due to Covid-19. Reports have also shown that 15% of the corona-related deaths are due to air pollution and the elderly and persons with comorbidities are at the greater risk,” the health department said.

The constant threat of the second surge of Covid-19 looming large, clubbed with air pollution caused by the bursting of crackers and fireworks, can be dangerous for the people with compromised lungs, the department has said.

It further added that as winters set in, dry air could aggravate breathing difficulties, especially among those suffering from lung ailments.

“If we add smoke to the ambient air by bursting crackers, then it could turn into a recipe for disaster. The poisonous gas that is emitted from crackers and fireworks is particularly dangerous for people who are suffering from coronavirus, whether in hospital or in quarantine. Even those who have recovered from the infection will become vulnerable if we do not restrain ourselves this Diwali,” the advisory stated.

4. Road cones for safe passage to cyclists

In a bid to ensure a safe passage for cyclists where there are no cycle tracks, the UT traffic police have decided to place cones on roads. Cones have been placed on the Sukhna Lake road on a pilot basis.

“The cones have been placed from the barricade chowk towards the lake road on a pilot basis, which will be replicated on other roads,” the DSP said. At present, cones are placed on the road during morning and evening hours. However, these will be affixed soon so that these cannot be removed. The DSP said the cones would also be affixed on the other two roads — the road separating Sector 16 and 17 and the road separating Sector 15 and 16.

5. 44 test positive in Panchkula and 55 in Mohali and 185 in Chandigarh

The district on Tuesday saw 44 fresh cases of Covid during the past 24 hours, taking the total count to 7,231. No new fatality was reported. So far, 6,871 patients have been cured of the disease in the district. There are 244 active cases with 116 deaths

A 56-year-old man from Manimajra in Chandigarh died at a private hospital in Mohali while 185 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the Tricity on Tuesday.

Chandigarh’s death toll rose to 227, while its infection tally climbed to 14,608 with 86 new cases.

With 43 patients being discharged, the number of recoveries reached 13,751, and the active cases rose to 629 from Monday’s 593.

 

6. 9 shows, none turns up at multiplex in Mohali & Zirakpur

The first day of the reopening of multiplexes in Mohali district witnessed nine shows at a Zirakpur-based multiplex but not a single viewer.

The Inox multiplex, near Zirakpur, remained empty throughout the day as no one stepped in to watch a movie on the first day of its reopening after the lockdown.

Officials said they had made all arrangements according to the guidelines and SOPs issued by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Nine shows were arranged for the public with 50 percent seating capacity in each theatre.

A multiplex representative, Ravish, said: “Mostly, there were Punjabi movies, including the Carry on Jatta sequel, a crowd favorite, but people seem to be in wait-and-not watch mode. We are open from now onwards and hope that visitors will start turning up soon.”

 

7. Chandigarh private schools to remain shut till Diwali

Private schools in the city have decided not to open until Diwali and take another survey seeking parents’ views on the reopening of schools.

In a fresh survey conducted by private schools, only 15 percent of parents have agreed to send their wards to schools. President of the Independent School Association HS Mamik said, “We will open schools only when 50 percent of the parents agree to send their children to schools. We will again carry a survey after 10 days and seek parents’ opinions. So far, the consensus is that many private schools in the city will not open till Diwali.”

 

8. Professional golf set to resume today sans scorers, spectators

With the PGTI conducting its first event – Tata Steel Players Championship 2020 – in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Panchkula and at Chandigarh Golf Club from November 4, the organizers are trying to make it a no-contact event.

The tournament will have a full turnout as all participants have cleared their Covid-19 test, a must before participating in any Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) championship.

After this event, the PGTI is hosting another Players Championship from November 9 to 12 at the same venues, followed by Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2020, from December 3 to 6, at Chandigarh Golf Club.

The prize purse for the first two events is Rs 30 lakh each while for Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational its Rs 1.5 crore.

9. Pay ‘more’ for parking from next month

Be ready to pay more for parking in the city from the next month. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has directed parking contractors to install smart features in the parking lots by November 30.

An official said the revised rates would only be implemented if the contractors equip all parking lots with smart features.

The MC House in September last year had approved the time slab-based parking rates, but the contractors were asked to collect the revised rates only after putting up parking lots with smart facilities.

Duration-based charges

After the revised rates, the parking fee for the first four hours will Rs5 for two-wheelers and Rs10 for four-wheelers.

Thereafter, the charges will be doubled for 4 to 12 hours. The charges will further be doubled if vehicles are kept parked beyond 12 hours. There will be free entry for pick and drop in the first 10 minutes.

There are 89 parking lots in the city. All parking lots will allow day passes for multiple entries and monthly passes too.

 

10. PGIMER’s knee school for patients suffering from osteoarthritis goes online

As routine healthcare services have taken a hit amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has introduced online knee schools for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

The doctors running the online clinic have reported that the preliminary experience in patients showed that e-Knee Schools(eKS) are a viable option that could reduce costs and logistical issues of both patients and doctors during these difficult times.

E-Knee School has provided a way to remotely deliver non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), disease education, and monitor patients via real-time online platforms.

As many as 25 eligible patients, previously recruited during the pilot phase, were invited to join a virtual platform for a modified protocol, with discussions and exercises, that included stretching, strengthening, warm-up, and cool down.

 

Souce: Tribune, HT Times 

 

Top Headlines of the Day

1. 700 turns up at PGI as OPDs resume

The OPDs resumed today after six months in which around 700 patients reported at the PGI and 1,200 patients consulted doctors through the telephone.

Dr. Naveen Pandey, “In the coming week, if Covid cases do not rise, we may start seeing more patients beyond the cap of 50 in each OPD. However, if the second surge hits, we may have to curtail the services.”

2. 2 deaths, 14 new cases in Panchkula

The district today reported two deaths and 14 coronavirus cases, taking the case count to 7,187 and the toll to 116. Among the fresh cases, four were reported from Pinjore, two from Sector 6, and one from Kalka, Morni, Sector 11, Sector 12, Sector 12-A, Sector 17, Sector 19 and Sector 4. While 6,862 patients have been cured so far, 209 cases are still active. The recovery rate of the district stands at 95.47 percent.

3. Mohali sees 27 cases, no death

The district reported 27 new Covid cases during the past 24 hours, taking the case tally to 12,467. No death due to the virus was reported, while 57 patients recovered from the disease. Among the fresh cases, 20 were reported from Mohali (urban), four from Dera Bassi, two from Gharuan, and one from Kurali.

4. Badnore cautions against a second surge

UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore has appealed to residents to strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines. “Chandigarh must avoid a second surge at all cost,” he said while presiding over a review meeting on the pandemic.

Though the UT has witnessed a sharp decline in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, experts fear a second wave ahead of the winter season.

Badnore said doctors had opined that toxic air arising out of crackers was likely to affect the lungs and, hence, Chandigarh residents should avoid or minimize bursting of crackers during the festival season. “There is a need to keep Chandigarh pollution-free so that there is no resurgence of lung diseases or Covid cases,” he said.

5. Social distancing on the mind, Chandigarh ups cracker sites to 14

In order to maintain social distancing, the UT Administration has decided to increase the number of designated sites for selling firecrackers to 14 in the city this year. Last year, firecrackers were allowed to sell only at nine designated sites. The UT Administration will give temporary licenses only to 96 persons to sell firecrackers. The draw for allotment of the licenses will be held tomorrow. No one would be allowed to sell crackers in the shops due to safety issues.

The official said shopkeepers would not be allowed to put up firecracker stalls in markets. They would be allowed to do business nearly 200m to 300m away from the markets. The licenses would be given as per the directions of the High Court and the Administration would give licenses to sell firecrackers only on November 12, 13, and 14 in the city.

6. Multiplexes to open with 50 pc capacity in Mohali

The Mohali Administration has allowed the opening of cinemas/theatres/multiplexes with up to 50 percent capacity. Entertainment parks and similar places in areas outside the containment zones have also been allowed to reopen.

District Magistrate Girish Dayalan has allowed more activities in areas outside the containment zones from November 1 to November 30. The orders have been issued in continuation with the directions of the Department of Home, Punjab, as per the SOPs issued by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Similarly, entertainment parks and similar places in areas outside the containment zones can also open as per the SOPs issued by the ministry.

7. Mohali MC gets machines for cleaning choked sewers

In order to clear the choked sewers in the city, the Municipal Corporation has bought two sewer suction-cum-jetting machines and a mini super suction machine at a cost of Rs 1. 45 crores. Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu flagged off these machines to the Phase 5 market to clear the choked sewers. Earlier, a machine was procured with funds from his discretionary quota for the pruning of trees at a cost of Rs 35 lakh. The MC is going to purchase two more such machines, he added.

8. Attendance doubles after regular classes resume at UT government schools

Attendance in Chandigarh government schools has doubled after regular classes resumed for Class 9 onwards on Monday, with 3,288 students showing up on the first day.

As per data shared by the UT education department, 1,525 students of Class 10 and 501 of Class 12 attended their classes in the first shift, while 922 students of Class 9 and 340 of Class 11 were present across 93 government high schools and model senior secondary schools of the city.

 

 

 

Top Headlines of the Day 

1. Chandigarh reports 61 more covid-19 cases; tally reaches 14,476

Chandigarh on Sunday reported 61 more coronavirus cases, taking the infection count to 14,476, according to a health bulletin.

There are 618 active cases as of now and the death toll stands at 226, it said.

Eighty-one patients were discharged after they recovered from the infection, taking the number of cured persons to 13,632, as per the bulletin.

2. 26 test positive in Panchkula

The district today reported 26 fresh cases of Covid and the tally rose to 7,150.

  Four new cases were from Sector 7, three each from Kalka, Sector 26 and Sector 6, two each from Pinjore, Sector 11, Sector 15, Sector 20 and Sector 8 and one each from the MDC, Sector 4, the MDC, Sector 5, and Sector 9.

3. Boating at such lake finally resumes

Boating at the Sukhna Lake finally resumed on Sunday, eight months after it was closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Residents gave a good response, with officials confirming that Rs 1.64 lakh was earned on the first day itself.

Deputy general manager of Chef Lakeview Hotel, Vineet Chopra, said, “Even though we were functioning at half capacity, there was a good amount of rush on the first day. Boating is a major attraction at Sukhna Lake and we expect more takers in the coming days.”

4. Government schools in Chandigarh reopen for classes 9 to 12

After remaining open for academic consultations for over a month, Chandigarh’s 93 government schools will begin regular classroom teaching for Classes 9 to 12 from Monday.

Schools have remained closed since March this year due to the Covid pandemic, though online classes have been going on.

To prevent congestion, classes will be organized in two batches, the first from 9 am to 11:30 am for Classes 10 and 12, and the second from 12 pm to 2:30 pm for Classes 9 and 11.

Students will need to submit the consent of their parents, and attendance won’t be compulsory. Online classes will continue to remain the preferred medium of teaching.

5. OPDs to resume at PGI, GMCH, Sector 32, today

Two tertiary care hospitals of the city — the PGI, Sector 12, and the GMCH, Sector 32, — are all set to open OPDs from Monday. Patients will be given an appointment in both hospitals through teleconsultation only. However, the PGI has planned to screen patients for Covid-19 before sending them to OPDs directly.

The timings for the registration for teleconsultation at the PGI will be from 8 am to 9.30 am. The general surgery, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and ophthalmology departments will start daily OPDs at the PGI.

Dr. Pandey said: “Patients will be called in hourly slots as mentioned in their appointment cards. One patient will be allowed with one attendant only. They will be seated in the waiting area and will be sent to their respective OPDs in batches of 10. There are only one entrance and one exit for patients. There will be a separate entry for staff.”

5. The center all set to bring Panjab university of Chandigarh under its direct control

aking another step against Punjab and the Punjabi culture, the BJP-led central government of India is all set to bring the Punjab University, Chandigarh under its direct control by replacing the university’s elected government body with a centrally nominated board of governors.

Presently, control of the university is shared between the Punjab government and the Central government. With the proposed move, it will go under full control of the latter and it will lose its autonomy. 

The present senate of the university is expiring on October 31. Neither its term has been extended, nor have its elections been conducted. This situation has paved the way for its reigns going to the hands of the Central government that has recently scrapped Punjabi as the official language in Jammu and Kashmir.

Well-wishers of Punjab, Punjabi language, and Punjabi culture are quite worried over this move as it will be a great setback for Punjab. “This is another attack by the Modi government on Punjabis. As per speculations, the central government would issue an ordinance to abolish the senate and its executive body syndicate as was threatened by BJP MP from Chandigarh Kiran Kher”, said Pali Bhupinder Singh, a Punjabi activist.

 

6. Student union opposes move to ‘change’ PU status

In a press statement released today, the PSU members said it had been learned that the UGC had sent a letter to the university stating that as per the new education policy, the Senate and Syndicate would not be formed, and instead a Board of Governors would be formed, whose members wouldn’t be elected but rather be nominated by the Central Government.

The term of the Senate, the apex body of the university, ended on October 31.

7. Citing winter, Chandigarh mc puts off-road recarpeting work again

Work to begin after March next year; earlier, the civic body had postponed it due to Covid-induced lockdown and monsoon

After Covid-19 lockdown and monsoon, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) has hit another hurdle in starting road repair and recarpeting works in the city—the onset of winters.

MC officials say they will now be able to start road repairs for the current financial year (2020-2021) only by the end of February or March when the winter season ends. The civic body has not even finished last year’s pending works, worth Rs 23 crore, the deadline for which has now been revised to November-end.

8. In-house weekly prize money tourneys gear up local golfers for the pro circuit

After almost seven-and-half months, the country’s professional golfing circuit will resume on November 4 from Chandigarh and Panchkula simultaneously. But apart from playing on their home turf, the local golfers will have the advantage of competing in the in-house weekly prize money events for the last four months.

With lockdown forcing the professional golfers to stay away from the competition since mid-March, the Chandigarh Golf Club started its own in-house weekly prize money tournament to give the professional golfers a feel of the competitive circuit. An entry fee and small prize money for the top-five finishers added more thrill to the event.

“It (referring to an in-house weekly tournament) was like playing a round of the proper competition. We faced the same amount of pressure we felt while playing in any pro event. No one can afford to take a shot lightly or for granted. Everyone played his best and winning has always been a pride,” says India’s one of the most successful professional golfers, Jeev Milkha Singh.

 

9. Planning to travel during festivals? Check the new train timetable

The Railways has changed the timetable of several trains starting today. These include about 30 Rajdhani trains. Soon, the schedule of remaining passenger trains and goods trains will also be changed.

Notably, every year the railway changes the timetable of trains from July 1 but this year, due to the corona pandemic, rail services in the country were stopped barring a few special trains. Therefore, the change in the schedule of trains is being implemented in November. Check Here

 

10. 2-day school pm from today

The state School Education Department has directed the conduct of PTM in all schools on November 2 and 3 to evaluate and improve the education standard of students of classes I to XII.