NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 72nd Board Meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan in Jammu yesterday. The Board reviewed the progress of its various past decisions, progress of different developmental initiatives and held extensive deliberations on crucial aspects of pilgrim facilitation, ratified and gave in-principle approvals to as many as 27 agenda items to augment pilgrim services and to ensure smooth functioning of the Board. Early start of heli-service in the Jammu-Panchhi sector and Medical College of the Board at Kakryal, construction of different buildings in various sectors aimed at augmenting capacities etc were the major decisions taken at the meeting. The Board observed that direct helicopter service between Jammu Airport and Panchhi Helipad on the Shrine track will not only bolster emergency response capabilities but also improve pilgrimage experience of devotees. The LG, who is also the Chairman of SMVDSB, reviewed the progress of ongoing works and emphasized on timely completion of all projects for the ease of pilgrimage. The important projects in this regard were ‘New Vaishnavi Bhawan at the shrine’, ‘Cottages (near Sports Stadium), Katra’, ‘Staff Quarters (G+2) at Banganga’, ‘Covered Holding Area at Adhkuwari’, ‘Yatri Facilitation Centre at Railway Station, Katra’, ‘New Yagyashala at Bhawan’ etc. The Board appreciated the facade lighting project initiated for enhancing the aesthetics/ambience at Bhawan, Adhkuwari and Darshani Deodi through a captivating visual spectacle and spiritual enlightenment. Various new projects were also approved by the Board, which include ‘Construction of Exit Track at Bhawan’, ‘Remodelling of Manokamna Area at Bhawan’ and ’Covered Waiting Area at Darshani Deodi, Ban-Ganga’.

Chief of Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond today met Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar in New Delhi. During the meeting, they discussed on avenues to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, including increased operational engagements, training exchanges and information sharing. Earlier today, Mark Hammond laid a ceremonial wreath at the National War Memorial. During his five-day visit, Mark Hammond will visit the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command at Kochi and Western Naval Command at Mumbai. Defence Ministry said India and Australia share the commonality of perspective on several contemporary maritime security issues in the Indo-Pacific.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has called for shunning double standards in combating the menace of terrorism. He said, perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with including those involved in cross-border terrorist activities. Mr Doval was addressing a security conclave of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan yesterday. He underlined the need for holding accountable the sponsors, financiers and facilitators of terrorist activities. Mr Doval also raised the issue of the continued threat posed by various terror groups in the SCO region, including those designated by the UN Security Council such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Al Qaeda and its affiliates and ISIS. The National Security Advisor strongly condemned the barbaric terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22 and expressed condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Mr Doval said, security is India’s priority in the SCO as elaborated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in line with his vision for a SECURE SCO. The acronym SECURE stands for Security, Economic Cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environment Protection. The NSA emphasised that India’s relationship with SCO countries goes back several centuries and it is committed to further deepening it. The SCO comprises India, Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Iran.

Outgoing President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support as the island was hit by a massive 7.4 earthquake. In a social media post, Tsai Ing-wen said that PM Modi’s solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as they are working towards a swift recovery. President-elect Lai Ching-Te also expressed his gratitude to PM Modi, saying, PM Modi’s support is a source of strength to the people of Taiwan. Earlier in a social media post, Mr. Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives due to the earthquake. He said that India stands in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it. The Prime Minister also wished for a speedy recovery to the injured. At least Nine people were killed and more than 900 injured by a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale hit Taiwan’s eastern shores yesterday morning, triggering tsunami warnings in the region. The director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre Wu Chien Fu said, the earthquake is felt all over Taiwan and offshore island and it is the strongest in 25 years.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has congratulated Dipika Pallikal and Harinder Sandhu on their remarkable victory at the 2023 Asian Squash Mixed Doubles Championships at Huangzhou in China. In a tweet, the Minister said that their dedication and perseverance were evident in their performance, defeating the top two seeds. Mr. Thakur also commended the young talents Anahat and Abhay Singh for securing a bronze medal. He further added Team India's impressive run in the championship has set a strong momentum for the upcoming Asian Games 2022.

The death toll has risen to nine in the 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan, which struck the east coast this morning. The tremors severely affected the Hualien region with mountainous terrain and Capital Taipei. Officials have confirmed the death of nine people and said over 900 are injured in the most powerful earthquake in 25 years. Landslides were also trigerred by the earthquake. Rescuers are searching for more than 100 people who are still trapped including 77 people inside the Jinwen and Qingshui mountain tunnels in Hualien county. Meanwhile, some of the tsunami warnings in neighbouring countries including in Japan have been retracted. Japan has also lifted flight restrictions but people have been asked to remain vigilant.

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya today chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for the management of heat-related illness in the summer season. Highlighting the lack of accurate data from the ground, Dr Mandaviya noted the importance of creating a central database with inputs from States to share field-level data on heatwaves, including on deaths and cases, so that a realistic assessment of the situation can be made. He also highlighted the importance of timely action as soon as IMD alerts are received in the states.  He pointed out that timely, advanced and wide awareness among the people on the preventive measures will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of heat waves. The Union Health Minister also advised senior officials to meet with states for better coordination and understanding, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in the efficient management of heat-related illnesses. Later addressing media in New Delhi, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that farmers, construction workers and people including those deployed in election duties and engaged in the election campaign are advised to take an adequate quantity of water to beat the impact of heat waves and stroke. He said, they can also take fruit juices, lemon juice and seasonal fruits to remain hydrated. Dr Mandaviya also said that if anyone suffered from a heat stroke, he or she can visit the nearest Ayushman Arogya Mandir or district hospitals for treatment. The Health Minister also said, through an advisory,  States have been asked to make proper arrangements in the Ayushman Arogya Mandir. During the meeting, Minister of State for Health Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stressed on the formation of State-level and district-level committees for information and awareness campaigns among people. She stated the importance of equipping the Ayushman Arogra Mandirs with water coolers, ice packs and other necessities. She also highlighted the need for states to accelerate field-level implementation of State Action Plans for addressing the ill effects of heat waves. It was also informed that an advisory has recently been issued by the Union Health Secretary to all the Chief Secretaries requesting compliance of states of the National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses for effective preparedness of health facilities to address heat impact and management of cases. States were also advised to review health facility preparedness in terms of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, Ice-packs, ORS, drinking water as well as IEC activity for the public.

The Indian economy is projected to grow at 7.5 per cent in 2024, the World Bank has said, revising its earlier projections for the same period by 1.2 per cent. According to the World Bank’s most recent South Asia Development Update, overall growth in South Asia is forecast to be strong at 6 per cent in 2024, driven mostly by robust development in India and recoveries in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. According to the report, South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region in the world for the next two years, with growth projected to be 6.1 per cent in 2025.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers before the Returning Officer of  Wayanad Parliamentary constituency in Kerala this afternoon. He led a road show in Kalpetta town, in which thousands of UDF supporters waving placards and shouting slogans greeted him. He also briefly addressed them. Mr Gandhi was accompanied by party General Secretaries Priyanka Gandhi and KC Venugopal, leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan among others. The LDF candidate in Wayanad, Annie Raja of the CPI also filed her nomination papers. The NDA candidate and the State BJP President, K Surendran will file his nomination papers from the constituency tomorrow. The filing of nomination papers by Rahul Gandhi and Annie Raja has thrown up an interesting situation in the constituency, as they are contesting the polls, despite being part of the  I.N.D.I. Alliance, the group formed by the opposition parties. Kerala is among the 12 states / Union Territories going to the polls in the second phase, where polling is scheduled to take place on the 26th of this month. Tomorrow is the last date for filing nominations. The scrutiny will take place on the 5th and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is on the 8th of this month

The Election Commission is meeting with law enforcement agencies of States and Union Territories to review and assess the law and order situation and prevent illicit activities and seizures. The meeting will also review the steps related to strict vigil across inter-state and international borders. Yesterday, the poll body appointed Special Observers in six states to provide critical feedback and vigilant oversight for a level playing field during the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The states are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar where the population is more than seven crore along with Andhra Pradesh and Odisha where the simultaneous elections to the assemblies are to be held. The Commission has also deployed Special Expenditure Observers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha to clamp down on money power in elections and strengthen the existing election expenditure monitoring.

The Election Commission will hold a meeting with law enforcement agencies of States and Union Territories this afternoon to review and assess the law and order situation, prevention of illicit activities and seizures. The meeting will also review the steps related to strict vigil across inter-state and international borders. Yesterday, the poll body had appointed Special Observers in six states to provide critical feedback and vigilant oversight for a level playing field during the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The states are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar where the population is more than seven crore along with Andhra Pradesh and Odisha where the simultaneous elections to the assemblies are to be held. The Commission has also deployed Special Expenditure Observers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha to clamp down on money power in elections and strengthen the existing election expenditure monitoring

At least Seven people were killed and more than 700 injured by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan. An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale hit Taiwan’s eastern shores today, triggering tsunami warnings in the region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicentre 18 kilometres south of Taiwan’s Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 km. The director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre Wu Chien Fu said, the earthquake is felt all over Taiwan and offshore island and it is the strongest in 25 years. According to the initial reports, multiple buildings have partially collapsed in Hualien and are shown leaning at precarious angles.  Authorities said, dozens of people remained trapped in buildings. The tremor triggered tsunami alerts in southern Japan also. As per reports, a 30-centimeter tsunami was recorded at Yonaguni Island around 9:18 am. Japan time today. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency sounded the alarm for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, cautioning residents about imminent waves as high as 3 meters. The Philippines’ seismology agency has also issued a tsunami warning. Chinese state media said, tremors were felt in parts of China’s south-eastern Fujian province.