President appoints new Governors in four states

President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed new Governors in Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. Nagaland Governor RN Ravi has been appointed as Governor of Tamil Nadu. Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmit Singh has been appointed Governor of Uttarakhand.Governor of Tamil Nadu Banwarilal Purohit who was holding additional charge of the Governor of Punjab has been appointed as regular Governor of Punjab. The President's Secretariat said, Governor of Assam Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has been appointed to discharge the functions of the Governor of Nagaland in addition to his own duties, until regular arrangements are made.

-One dose of COVID-19 vaccine is 96.6 percent effective in prevention of death against the disease while with the two doses the effectiveness is 97.5 percent. Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava said, this protective effectiveness of vaccine was revealed in an analysis done through synergizing the data from Co-WIN, COVID-19 India portal and COVID-19 testing portal. He said this vaccine protective effects against death were observed in all age groups from above 60  years and 45 to 59 years olds to 18 years and above. Dr  Bhargava  said the data was analyzed between 18th April to 15th August this year. Dr Bhargav added that data has revealed that death among the non-vaccinated people is high while mortality rate after two doses is nearly zero. The ICMR DG said the government is developing a COVID-19 vaccine tracker with synergised data giving a week by week of doses. He said, it will be up on the Health Ministry's website in a few days time. Dr Bhargava said, low-key celebrations of festivals should be encouraged to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and  responsible travel rather than revenge travel should be practiced.

-The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated on Friday across the country with great devotion. The day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. People place clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their home and worship them during the 10-day long festival. Ganesh Chaturthi is a major attraction in Maharashtra, where people celebrate it with great zeal.President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have greeted citizens on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.In a message, Kovind called upon everyone to celebrate this festival in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and harmony while adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, in India, it is a common practice to invoke and chant the name of Lord Ganesh to remove any obstacles in one’s endeavours. He hoped that the festival will usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on Ganesh Chaturthi.. Modi said, may this auspicious occasion bring happiness, peace, good fortune and health in everyone's life. 

-Government has said that it will release 56 thousand 27 crore rupees in the current Financial Year itself in order to disburse all pending export incentives due to exporters. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, the amount will be disbursed to more than 45 thousand exporters and the amount will be disbursed this year only. Goyal said, the benefits will help sectors to maintain cash flows and meet export demand in international market.The amount is over and above duty remission of 12 thousand 454 crore rupees for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) Scheme and 6 thousand 946 crore rupees for Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme already announced. Exports in India have seen robust growth in recent months.

-Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundarajan on Thursday flagged off Central Reserve Police Force - CRPF’s Kanya Kumari to Raj Ghat Cycle Rally at People’s Plaza, Hyderabad. Speaking on this occasion, the Governor recalled the role played by the CRPF and its sacrifices towards our nation. She felicitated CRPF Martyrs' families and appreciated the efforts of CRPF for conducting such programmes promoting spirit of patriotism as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations commemorating 75 years of Independence. The Governor also emphasised the need for following COVID Appropriate Behaviour. The CRPF’s Cycle Rally began at Kanyakumari on 22nd of August this year. The rally consisting 20 CRPF personnel and being led by South Zone commandant Lt. Col. Jasbir Pratap Sharma has left Hyderabad for Nagpur. It will traverse through the states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and will culminate at Raj Ghat on 2nd of October this year covering a total distance of 2,850 kilometres.

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