India is working toward covid free neighbourhood-PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is working towards a healthy and COVID-19 free neighbourhood. Addressing a Workshop on COVID-19 Management-Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward with nearly ten neighboring countries virtually, Modi said all countries have learned from each other from best practices.The Prime Minister said India has achieved the lowest fatality rate globally. Modi said all countries should maintain collaborative spirit during the vaccination and suggested that there should be special visas for medical professionals and arrangement for special Air ambulance. Prime minister said, India's Ayushman Bharat can be a case study for all the regional countries for healthcare. The Prime Minister insisted that a regional platform may be created for studies on forecasting future pandemics. Modi emphasised that the 21st century is Asia's century and it can not be achieved without greater integration of South Asia and Indian Ocean Island countries

-Foreign Ministers of Quad countries - India, Australia, Japan and US - discussed the necessity to promote freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar represented India at the Third Quad Ministerial Meeting held on Thursday.. The Foreign Ministers emphasized their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes. It was noted that the Indo-Pacific concept had gathered growing international support, including in Europe.The Ministers highlighted their shared attributes as political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies. They recognized that the changes underway in the world makes a strong case for their countries working closely together. It was important for the international community that the direction of changes remains positive and beneficial to all.

-Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harshvardhan has said that India is providing leadership to the entire world in the sphere of public health and stimulating the dissemination of valuable knowledge. While delivering the valedictory address on Exchange of Good Practices in tackling COVID pandemic and the way forward, the Minister appreciated the role played by India in providing the vaccines to the neighbouring countries through the Vaccine Maitri initiative.He said, when the world faced a crisis of confidence regarding the shortage of diagnostics and vaccines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that India’s production capacity will be used to help humanity in fighting the virus. He said, the humane and caring attitude of India led by the Prime Minister is being appreciated by the entire world. He said, despite many constraints, India has managed to keep its cases lowest in comparison with other countries of the world.

-The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Arbor Day Foundation have recognized Hyderabad as a 2020 Tree City of World, for its commitment to growing and maintaining urban forests.Officials said the recognition was a testament to the city’s sustained and institutional efforts to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, development of urban and peri-urban forestry actions, projects and strategic planning and commitment to building a healthy city.Most of the other cities were from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

-Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday issued fresh guidelines for Mumbai amid rising cases of COVID-19. According to BMC Commissioner I.S. Chahal, a building will be sealed, if five or more Coronavirus patients are spotted in the premises.The BMC said stamps will be put on the back of the hands of the patients staying in home quarantine. About 300 Marshals will be hired to keep an eye on people traveling in local trains without face masks. Besides, Additional Marshals will be hired to keep an eye on violators in Mumbai. People returning from Brazil will also have to undergo mandatory institutional quarantine, the BMC said. Tests will be increased in areas where more patients are found. Meanwhile, a one-day lockdown will be imposed in Maharashtra's Amravati on 21st of February amid rising Coronavirus cases in the region. All markets, offices, shops will be closed except for the essential services.

-Manoj Kumar from Ranchi has been selected for showcasing his toys during the Toy Fair scheduled to begin from 27th of February to 2nd of March this year.Manoj said that his selection for the esteemed Toy Fair has boosted his morale and he is happy to promote PM Narendra Modi’s motto of Vocal for Local.