Over 3.5 lakh people reeling under floods in Assam

Delhi Government has issued Standard Operating Procedure, SOP for reopening of schools, colleges and other educational institutions. These institutions will be reopened in a phased manner from the 1st of next month. Delhi Disaster Management Authority has directed that classes to function at 50 per cent capacity to maintain social distancing. It is mandatory to ensure availability of quarantine room in the school and institutes’ premises for emergency use. Students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to come. It has also been directed to follow staggered timings to avoid crowding in the classrooms, lunch breaks and at the main entrance and exit gates. In the morning and evening shifts, there will be a gap of at least one hour between the two shifts. Children have been asked not to share their food, books and other stationery items.Heads of schools and institutes have been advised to regularly sanitize class rooms, common areas and entry gates. Thermal scanner will be mandatory at entry gates and masks will be mandatory for children, teachers and staff.

-In Assam, three lakh 63 thousand people are reeling under the fury of floods in 21 districts. Two persons died due to flood related incidents during last 24 hours. Several rivers are flowing contantly flowing near the danger level. Seventy per cent areas of the Kaziranga National Park are also inundated. District Administrations are distributing essential food items at multiple places. Flood water also damaged large crop areas.
-In Bangladesh,the festival of Janmashtami was celebrated with enthusiam.  The festival of Janmashtami marking the birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated with religious fervour in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Though the event was kept confined to the temple premises due to COVID 19 pandemic, a large number of people took part in the programme at the Dhakeshwari temple, Ramana Kali temple, ISKCON temple and other important temples in Dhaka city. Bhajan and kirtans along with religious discourses were organised in the temples in which a large number of people took part. Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh TV  and other private channels also mounted special programmes on the occasion. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the members of Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami. The day is observed as a public holiday in Bangladesh. Speaking virtually at a programme Road Transport Minister and Senior Awami League leader Obaidul Quaderthe said that the government has taken a tough stance against those who want to destabilise the country. Condemning the recent attack on the Hindu community in Khulna and Sunamganj, Obaidul Quader said that the government has taken punitive action against those involved in the incident. He said that all the Hindu community has equal rights as enjoyed by Muslims in the country and there is no reason to fear.

-President, Vice President and Prime Minister have congratulated Sumit Antil on winning Gold Medal in javelin throw at Tokyo Paralympics.In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, Sumit Antil's historic performance in javelin throw is a moment of great pride for the country. Mr Kovind said, every Indian is elated to hear the national anthem at the podium.Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said, India is on a medal-winning spree. He said, Indian Paralympians have made the entire nation proud. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Indian athletes continue to shine at the Paralympics. He telephoned Sumit Antil and congratulated him for a historic performance. The Prime Minister told him that he made the nation proud and youngsters would be inspired by him.Youth Affairs, Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minster Anurga Thakur posted the emotional video of Sumit while talking to the Prime Minister.The Prime Minister has congratulated Shooter Avani Lekhara on winning Gold Medal at Tokyo Paralympics. Prime Minister  spoke to Avani Lekhara and said this win is a matter of great pride. The Prime Minister said, this is truly a special moment for Indian sports. Avani expressed happiness at the support she has received from the entire nation.

-India has crossed yet another milestone in the COVID vaccination drive with the total vaccination crossing the 64 crore markon Sunday. Union Health Ministry said, more than 49 crore vaccine doses have been  administered as first dose and over 14 crore vaccine doses given as second doses so far. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st of June this year.The Ministry said, more than 53 lakh vaccine doses were administered today. It said, the vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level. Health Ministry said, the COVID Recovery Rate in the country stands at 97.51 per cent.