#Manipur schools reopened

[todayworldnews2k21]

Students, teachers face issues as Manipur reopens schools, colleges

As schools and colleges reopened in violence-hit Manipur on Friday, teachers and students expressed concerns that they are facing many problems related to syllabus and extracurricular activities. The Manipur government on Thursday announced that schools and colleges in Manipur’s Imphal Valley districts and Jiribam would resume classes from November 29, following a 13-day shutdown due to violence…

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] GUWAHATI: The Manipur government’s order to reopen schools has faced significant challenges in violence-affected districts, the latest being miscreants setting fire to a school building near the border of Churachandpur and Bishnupur on Saturday evening amid reports of gunfights between two groups in the region.A woman was hit by a bullet during violencein Kwakta of Bishnupur district.She was rushed to a hospital in Imphal for treatment.Tensions rise as gunfights erupt againThe situation escalated in the state, resulting in a prolonged gunfight that lasted until Sunday morning. Security personnel were deployed in the area to bring the situation under control as the day progressed, a senior police officer said.The residential school’s management reported property damages worth Rs 1.5 crore, including books, furniture and utensils. The campus had been deserted since the outbreak of violence in the state on May 3. The watchman and his family members fled out of fear of an attack about two weeks ago.04:54Manipur Viral Video: Two more women gang-raped, murdered on day of Viral Video, says Supriya Shrinate“Fortunately, no one was there in the hostel on the first floor of the building. We were anticipating an attack because several houses were set ablaze near our campus,” said Lian Kho Thamg Vaiphei, founder and owner of Children’s Treasure High School, which has about 500 students.03:17Manipur viral video: Police arrest sixth person involved in parading two naked womenEducation has been severely disrupted in Churachandpur, where schools were used to accommodate displaced people. The recent arson has further complicated the possibility of reopening schools in vulnerable areas, leaving students longing for peace to return so they can resume their studies. “We miss our teachers, friends and classes every day,” said a class 7 student!(function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) ; var TimesApps = window.TimesApps; TimesApps.toiPlusEvents = function(config) var isConfigAvailable = "toiplus_site_settings" in f && "isFBCampaignActive" in f.toiplus_site_settings && "isGoogleCampaignActive" in f.toiplus_site_settings; var isPrimeUser = window.isPrime; if (isConfigAvailable && !isPrimeUser) loadGtagEvents(f.toiplus_site_settings.isGoogleCampaignActive); loadFBEvents(f.toiplus_site_settings.isFBCampaignActive); else var JarvisUrl=" window.getFromClient(JarvisUrl, function(config) if (config) loadGtagEvents(config?.isGoogleCampaignActive); loadFBEvents(config?.isFBCampaignActive); ) ; )( window, document, 'script', ); [ad_2]

[everythingshouldbereality]

Manipur govt approves reopening of schools for class 6 to 8 students from March 8

Manipur govt approves reopening of schools for class 6 to 8 students from March 8

Image Source : FILE/PTI Manipur govt approves reopening of schools for class 6 to 8 students from March 8 The Manipur government has approved re-opening of schools for students of Class 6 to 8 from March 8, officials said on Wednesday. Schools have reopened for students of class 9 to 12 from January 27, they said. Schools are also allowed to come up with their own system of evaluation for…

[classyfoxdestiny]

Covid Live News Updates: US announces new protocol for international travelers from November

Covid Live News Updates: US announces new protocol for international travelers from November

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has allowed fully vaccinated flyers from several countries, including India, to enter America from early November. The US announced that strict protocols will be in place from early November to curb the spread of COVID-19 from international passengers. According to a senior government official, once the protocol is in place, passengers from several countries, including the UK, India and Brazil and Europe would be allowed to enter the US with proof of vaccination.

!1 New UpdateClick here for latest updates

Schools reopen for classes 10 &12 in Srinagar after months of Covid-19 induced lockdown

Jammu and Kashmir: Explosive material was detected near Gogoo Gali at Humhama area of Airport road in Budgam district

Explosive material was detected near Gogoo Gali at Humhama area of Airport road in Budgam dist, by security forces,… https://t.co/Fq8XbIXXO5

— ANI (@ANI) 1632199829000

Major incident averted as IED detected in J&K

Security forces averted a major incident with the timely detection of an improvised explosive device in high security Gogo area of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. The area is close to several sensitive defence and civilian installations, including Srinagar airport, Technical airport, headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry of the Army.

Mumbai Police Crime Branch has issued Look Out Circular against absconding accused (in a pornography case) Yash Thakur alias Arvind Srivastava and Pradeep Bakshi, an aide of businessman Raj Kundra, says the police.

National Investigation Agency today morning carried out searches at seven locations including Anantnag, Baramulla, Srinagar, Doda, Kishtwar in connection with June 27 case linked to IED recovery in Jammu: NIA sources

During the investigation (in a pornography case), police found 119 porn videos from businessman Raj Kundra’s mobile, laptop, and a hardrive disk. He was planning to sell these videos for Rs 9 crores: Mumbai Police Crime Branch

Muzaffarnagar riots: 20 acquitted due to lack of evidence

Twenty persons, accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, have been acquitted by a local court. Additional district and sessions judge, Baburam, acquitted them on Monday saying that the prosecution had failed to provide evidence against them.

Active COVID-19 cases in country decline to 3,09,575: Union Health Ministry

Manipur polls: BJP ready to field candidates in 60 seats

With the key target to win two-third majority in the assembly polls due early next year, the ruling BJP has completed the organisational ground work for fielding its candidates in all 60 seats.

President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Narendra Giri death case: FIR registered against his disciple Anand Giri under IPC Section 306 (Abetment of suicide). The FIR has been registered on the basis of the complaint filed by another disciple Amar Giri Pawan Maharaj.

The post mortem of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad chief, Mahant Narendra Giri, will be done on Tuesday afternoon after which his mortal remains will be kept in the Baghambari Mutt to enable people to pay their last respect. According to Mutt sources, the saint will be given ‘samadhi’ within the Mutt complex in the evening.

Jaishankar raises COVID-19 quarantine issue during his meeting with UK counterpart

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged for an “early resolution” of the COVID-19 quarantine issue and discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the developments in the Indo-Pacific during his meeting with the newly appointed British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss.

ED arrests MD of Andheri firm for cheating banks, laundering Rs 916 crore

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Vinod Chaturvedi, managing director of Andheri-based company Usher Agro Ltd, in a Rs 916 crore money laundering case and produced him before a court on Saturday. The court remanded Chaturvedi in five days’ ED custody. The ED alleged Chaturvedi and director Manoj Pathak, along with others, conspired to cheat banks after taking loan and had siphoned off the money through fictitious transactions.

Joe Biden aims to enlist allies in tackling climate, COVID, more

President Joe Biden planned to use his first address before the U.N. General Assembly to reassure other nations of American leadership on the global stage and call on allies to move quickly and cooperatively to address the festering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and human rights abuses.

Schools in Himachal Pradesh to be closed till September 25

The state executive committee on Monday ordered that all schools, except residential ones, in Himachal Pradesh will continue to remain closed until September 25. Teaching and non-teaching staff will continue to attend the school. All the residential schools are expected to follow the SOPs developed by the department of education to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Mumbai: 45+ can take only second dose of Covid-19 vaccines at public centres on Tuesday

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) vaccination centres on Tuesday will operate between 9 am and 5 pm. Only second dose of Covishield and Covaxin will be administered to those above 45 years of age at General Hospitals in Vashi, Nerul and Airoli. Each centre has been given only 500 doses. Frontline and healthcare workers, who wish to take their second dose, can take the jab at these Covid vaccination centres.

India reports 26,115 new Covid-19 cases, 252 deaths and 34,469 recoveries in last 24 hrs

India reports 26,115 new Covid-19 cases, 252 deaths and 34,469 recoveries in last 24 hrs, says Health Ministry

Total Cases: 3,35,04,534

Total Active cases: 3,09,575

Total Recoveries: 3,27,49,574

Total Death toll: 4,45,385

Total vaccination: 81,85,13,827 (96,46,778 in 24 hrs)

Indian shares open higher as tech, banking stocks gain

Indian shares bounced back on Tuesday, helped by gains in the technology and banking sectors, while increasing worries that Chinese property giant China Evergrande could default on its debt pile gripped global markets. The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index climbed 0.31% to 17,450.5 by 0340 GMT, and the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex rose 0.24% to 58,630.06.

Today, President Biden announced that beginning in early Nov, US will be putting in place strict protocols to prevent spread of COVID-19 from pax flying internationally into US by requiring that adult foreign nationals traveling here be fully vaccinated: Senior US admn official

BJP using ED, CBI to threaten Maharashtra govt: Shiv Sena

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using the central agencies like Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to threaten the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, alleged Saamana editorial on Tuesday.

The Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece said that BJP leaders in Maharashtra think that central investigation agencies like ED, CBI are in their pockets and at their behest, they can threaten political opponents.

In Pics: Several areas in Kolkata partially submerged after heavy rain in the city

West Bengal | Several areas in Kolkata partially submerged after heavy rain in the city (Visuals from Golf Green) https://t.co/hHvK3lfpdr

— ANI (@ANI) 1632194473000

55,50,35,717 samples tested for COVID-19 up to 20th September 2021. Of these, 14,13,951 samples were tested yesterday

– Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

BJP doesn’t run on a single leadership, In BJP, it is the team that takes a decision, not an individual. Here also we’ll work as a team. We’ll perform better in upcoming elections, including panchayat, municipalities & Lok Sabha: West Bengal BJP’s new president, Sukanta Majumdar

Canadians re-elect Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party

Canadians gave Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party a victory in Monday’s parliamentary elections, but it was unclear whether his gamble to win a majority of seats paid off.

The Liberals were on track to win the most seats of any party. The 49-year-old Trudeau channeled the star power of his father, the Liberal icon and late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, when he first won election in 2015 and now appeared to have led his party to the top finish in two elections since.

The Liberals were leading in 148 ridings, the Conservatives in 103, the Quebec-based Bloc Quebecois in 28 and the leftist New Democratic Party in 22.

Afghanistan: 40 arrested in connection with Nangarhar explosions

At least 40 people have been arrested in connection with explosions that rocked Jalalabad city of eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday and Sunday.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s head of intelligence directorate in Nangarhar said on Monday that 40 people have been arrested in connection with explosions that rocked Jalalabad city on Saturday and Sunday,” reported Ariana News.

On Sunday, a child was killed and two people including a Taliban member injured in an explosion in Nangarhar province.

Meanwhile, on Saturday three persons were killed and 21 injured in three consecutive explosions targeting the Taliban in Police District 5 of Jalalabad city of eastern Nangarhar province.

Pakistan says no rush to recognize Taliban govt

Pakistan’s foreign minister says Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers should understand that if they want recognition and assistance in rebuilding the war-battered country “they have to be more sensitive and more receptive to international opinion and norms.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Monday evening that countries are watching to see how things evolve in Afghanistan before considering recognition. He says, “I don’t think anyone is in a rush to recognize at this stage.”

The Pakistani minister says his country’s objective is peace and stability in Afghanistan and to achieve that “we would suggest to Afghans that they should have an inclusive government.” He says their initial statements indicate they aren’t averse to the idea, so “let’s see.”

Qureshi expresses hope the Taliban live up to their promise “that girls and women would be allowed to go to school, college and university.”

635,000 people displaced in Afghanistan this year, says UN

UN humanitarians said on Monday that 635,000 people in Afghanistan were routed from their homes this year because of violence, with more than 12,000 recently displaced to Kabul, mainly from Panjshir Province.

The world organization and its partners have reached 8 million people in the first half of 2021, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a release.

Some 1,300 displaced people in Kabul are about to receive aid.

The office said the UN Refugee Agency and the International Organization for Migration handed out relief to more than 9,300 people displaced by the violence in Kunar Province.

White House condemns border guard use of whip-like cord against Haitian migrants

The White House on Monday criticized the use of horse reins to threaten Haitian migrants after images circulated of a U.S. border guard on horseback charging at migrants near a riverside camp in Texas.

No Iran nuclear deal ministers’ meeting at U.N., says EU’s Borrell

Ministers from Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia will not meet with Iran on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations this week, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on Monday.

Daesh not capable of posing threat to Afghanistan, says Taliban

The Taliban on Monday said that it can restrain Islamic State (Daesh) in Afghanistan and they are not capable of posing a threat to the country. Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Zabihullah Mujahid speaking to Tolo News said, “Daesh is not a threat, because the thought of Daesh is a hated thought among the people. No one supports them. Second, our combat against Daesh was effective in the past and we know how to neutralize their techniques.” Considering the last attacks in Nangarhar and Kabul, some political analysts said that the group seems to be present in Afghanistan.

EU ministers voice “solidarity” with France on submarine deal: Borrell

Reports AFP

Gujarat: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence arrested two persons over seizure of nearly 3,000 kgs of heroin at Kutch’s Mundra Port

US Vice-Prez Kamala Harris to meet PM Narendra Modi on September 23

US Vice-President Kamala Harris will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, a day ahead of the maiden bilateral meet between him and President Joe Biden and the Quad Summit at the White House, officials have said. Biden will host Modi for their first in-person bilateral meeting at the White House on September 24. Later on that day, Biden will host the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit at the White House with Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Firefighters race to protect giant sequoias in California fires

Hundreds of firefighters were battling to protect several groves of giant sequoias in the United States on Monday, warning the enormous ancient trees were at risk from out-of-control blazes. A number of separate fires were converging on the California woodland that is home to the huge trees, highlighting the terrifying power of wildfires to consume everything in their path.

Assam CM apprises Amit Shah about progress on implementation of central schemes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and apprised him of the progress in the implementation of various central schemes.

Modi-Biden bilateral meet will strengthen India-US relation, boost QUAD, says White House official

The maiden bilateral meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on Thursday will allow taking the relationship between the two countries from strength to strength while helping in reinforcing and giving momentum to the Quad grouping, a White House official has said.

Assam reports 455 COVID-19 cases, 10 fatalities. Infection tally rises to 5,98,423, death toll 5,807. The state now has 3,637 active cases of the disease.

Income Tax Dept conducted searches &seizure operations at over 30 premises on Sept 17 in case of a prominent public figure in Nagpur&his family members. Group has wide business interest spanning in education, warehousing &agri-business areas, in Maharastra:Finance Ministry

Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi decided to launch pro-poor initiatives from October 2, 2021 in the state, to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi: Chief Minister’s Office, Punjab

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[gameofbuzz]

Maharashtra, Punjab, Manipur to Reopen Schools from Today, Know Guidelines, SOPs Here

Maharashtra, Punjab, Manipur to Reopen Schools from Today, Know Guidelines, SOPs Here

Register for Result Update School Reopening News: With several state governments relaxing COVID-19 restrictions, schools in Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana are slated to reopen from today onwards i.e. 27th January 2021 onwards. Schools are slated to reopen in these three states after a gap of 10 months since lockdown was imposed in March 2020. School Reopening is being carried out in line with…

[superpruchika99world]

Coronavirus Unlock: List of states that will reopen schools; Key guidelines

Coronavirus Schools will not re-open in the following states until further notice: Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha and Tamil Nadu have announced that they will not allow classes to resume for now.

In Punjab, only higher education institutes will reopen for PhD and post-graduate students pursuing technical and professional courses that require them to do experimental work.

ALSO READ: Covid-19 in numbers: Here's the Latest data on cases and deaths globally

States that are yet to take a call on re-opening of schools: States like Manipur, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and others are yet to take a final decision on resuming classes.

States that have allowed schools to re-open from today: Andhra Pradesh,Assam, Haryana, Madhya pradesh, Meghalaya, Jammu and kashmir, Nagalad, Himachal Pradesh.Unlock 4.0 guidelines for schools: Students and teachers residing in containment zones are not permitted to attend school...Read more.

[sharmaheena850]

Coronavirus Unlock: List of states that will reopen schools; Key guidelines

After a hiatus of six months, schools in India are set to re-open partially from today. According to the latest standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, schools across the country are allowed to partially reopen for students of Class 9 to 12 from today. However, in view of the worsening Covid-situation in the country, several states have decided against re-opening schools.

Schools will not re-open in the following states until further notice:

Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha and Tamil Nadu have announced that they will not allow classes to resume for now. In Punjab, only higher education institutes will reopen for PhD and post-graduate students pursuing technical and professional courses that require them to do experimental work.

States that are yet to take a call on re-opening of schools:

States like Manipur, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and others are yet to take a final decision on resuming classes. Read More

[brajeshupadhyay]

Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package LIVE Updates: FM begins presser to announce third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus; agriculture, allied activities to be in focus

16:14 (IST)

Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates:

FM to announce 11 steps to boost agro and agro-allied sectors

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman started off her presser by praising the Indian farmers, who she said have endured all odds but propelled India on the global stage. She said that she will lay out 11 pointers in total, of which eight will be dedicated to strengthening of infrastructure and logistical needs of the sector. The last three points will be about governance reforms. 

16:09 (IST)

Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates:

FM's third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus aimed at agriculture, allied activities

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced at the outset that today's focus will be on agriculture and allied sectors. The FM was announcing the third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus package. 

16:05 (IST)

EPFO not charging penalty from cos for delay in payment of provident fund dues

15:56 (IST)

Markets slips ahead of announcement of Sitharaman's third tranche of economic package 

Benchmark indices closed marginally lower after staging a sharp recovery from the intraday losses and the Nifty ended above 9,100-mark. Sensex fell 25.16 points or 0.08 percent to 31,097.73, while Nifty was down 5.90 points or 0.06 percent at 9,136.85 at close amid a volatile session. 

15:52 (IST)

Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates:

FM to announce third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore economic package shortly

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce the third tranche of the mega economic package announced by the prime minister on Tuesday

15:35 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Govt data says doubling rate, case fatality rate improved since lockdown

A press release on meeting of the Group of Ministers or the central government revealed that doubling rate has improved from 3.4 days in the pre-lockdown week to 12.9 days in the last week. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has come down from 3.2 percent in the pre-lockdown period to 2.1 percent during the last week.  

15:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

SC declines plea seeking relief for migrants, says 'can’t stop or monitor their movement on roads'

Rejecting the plea seeking direction to the Centre on transportation of migrant workers stuck in various states due to the nationwide lockdown, the Supreme Court observed that it was impossible for courts to track or stop the movement. 

The plea sought a direction to the Centre to ask all District Magistrates to identify stranded migrant walking on the roads and provide shelter and food to them before ensuring their free transportation to native places.

"How can we stop it?", the bench, headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao, said that it is up to states to take action. 

15:20 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Manipur Latest Updates

Quarantine centre in Manipur sealed after patients tests positive 

A community quarantine centre in Manipur's Imphal East district was sealed after a man who was lodged in the facility tested positive for COVID-19, an official said on Friday.

Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Rangitabali Waikhom said the Jamia Galina Aziz Girls School which was a designated quarantine centre was declared a "containment zone" and the building "completely sealed" as per the Manipur Epidemic Diseases COVID-19 Regulations 2020.

15:00 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Dakshina Kannada reports 16 of total 45 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka alone

Of the 45 new coronavirus cases in Karnataka, 16 were reported in Dakshina Kannada, 13 in Bengaluru Urban, five in Udapi, three each in Bidar and Hassan, two in Chitradurga, and one each in Kolar, Shivamogga and Bagalkote districts.

  Twenty of the new patients have travel history to Dubai, four to Mumbai and three have returned from Chennai. One patient has a history of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and another was from containment zone in Bidar.

  14:56 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka's COVID-19 mortality rate at 3.4%, recovery at 46.12%

With 35 COVID-19 deaths in Karnataka so far, the state has registered a mortality rate of 3.4 percent. On the other hand, as many as 476 patients have been cured of the viral infection, taking the recovery rate to 46.12 percent. 

"Of the total 1,032 confirmed cases, there were 520 active cases in the state," the health department said in its mid-day situation update.

14:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Confirmed cases in Karnataka surges 1,000 after 45 more test positive

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka surged past 1,000, with 45 people testing positive, the state health department said on Friday. Total number of positive cases in the state stood at 1,032.

14:25 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates

Assam CM urges Centre to extend lockdown in state by two more weeks from 17 May 

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the state has written to the Centre urging it to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from 18 May. The third phase of the coronavirus lockdown is scheduled to end on 17 May.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sonowal said all states were supposed to give their feedback on the extension of the lockdown by Friday, and the Assam government has already conveyed its stand to the Centre.

14:22 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Supreme Court stays Madras HC order asking Tamil Nadu govt to close liquor shops in state

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Madras High Court order which had asked the Tamil Nadu government to close state-run liquor vends. Following the stay on the high court order by the apex court, the state-owned liquor shops may reopen in the state.

A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, SK Kaul and BR Gavai stayed the 8 May order of the High Court after taking note of the appeal of government firm Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) which sells alcoholic beverages in the state. 

14:11 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Suggestions sent to Centre on resumption of public transport in Delhi during lockdown 4: Satyendar Jain 

Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said that the Delhi government has submitted the proposals to the Centre for the relaxations that people are expecting from the government for the next phase of coronavirus lockdown 4.

The Minister emphasized that people are stressing for the resumption of public transportation in limited manner.

"We have sent proposals to the Centre. Most people have given a proposal to wear mask in public space and maintain social distancing," said Jain while speaking to reporters.

He added: "The people have suggested that movement of buses and metro rails may be started in limited numbers to maintain social distancing."

13:51 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

'There's no plan for this sort of photography': PTI's Atul Yadav on the migrant crisis' most defining image so far

"His name was Rampukar — but he didn't tell me that. I only found out a few days later in a newspaper report. At the time, I couldn't even ask him his name," recalls Press Trust of India's chief photo correspondent Atul Yadav, "He was unable to say very much beyond 'udhar (there)' — which is where he was trying to go."

On Monday, Yadav was driving through Delhi's Nizamuddin area, when he spotted Rampukar Pandit (as identified by Hindi daily Hindustan). "It was at around 5.15 pm when I saw him sitting by the side of the road a little before the Yamuna bridge. I stopped my car and pulled over near him," he tells Firstpost, adding, "I then rolled down my window and photographed the man before getting out to go and check on him."

Read full article here...

Image coutersy: Atul Yadav's photograph of Rampukar Pandit. PTI

13:31 (IST)

Sena Bhavan closed after soldier tests positive

A portion of the Sena Bhavan was sealed off for sanitation today after one soldier tested positive for COVID.Contact tracing of the affected personnel is underway as per protocol, an official release said.

13:21 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

SP, BSP express concern over plight of migrant labourers returning home

Amid reports of accidents involving migrant labourers on their way back home, the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party expressed concern over their plight.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a tweet said, "The government is giving passes to industrialists to bring workers to work but there is no arrangement for the helpless labourers returning home who are forced to die of hunger and thirst on the road." "By now, all have come to know that this government is with the rich and against the labourers, farmers and poor. The BJP has been exposed."

  BSP supremo Mayawati said in a tweet, "Videos of millions of migrants labourers, their helpless families on the streets returning home, their hunger and deaths on the way shown on TV are heartbreaking and sad. In such a situation, effective arrangements should be immediately made by central, state governments to help them in their life-and-death battles."

13:16 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt forms two coordination panels on COVID-19

The Maharashtra government has  set up two committees at state and district level for better​ coordinationbetween public and private hospitals in tackling the spread of COVID-19. The decision to constitute the coordination panels was taken on Thursday after a meeting between representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Maharashtra Chief secretary Ajoy Mehta, according to the government.

12:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

Man tests positive in Himachal Pradesh's Una

A 33-year-old man in Una has tested positive for COVID-19. "The man arrived from Maharashtra and was under institutional quarantine. He is now being sent to Haroli COVID-19 hospital," Dr Raman Kumar, CMO, Una said.

A total of 74 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported from Himachal Pradesh as of Thursday.

12:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

At least 1,061 Maharashtra Police personnel test positive

As many as 1,061 personnel of Maharashtra Police including 112 police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Of the total infected police personnel, 174 have been cured while nine have lost their lives, said the Maharashtra Police.

12:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Two infants recover from COVID-19 in Kalyan 

Two infants were among 51 COVID-19 patients who recovered from the viral infection at Kalyan taluka in Maharashtra's Thane district, Madhuri Phopale, public relations officer of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation told news agency PTI​.

As many as 51 COVID-19 patients, including a one-month-old girl and a two-month-old boy, were discharged from different hospitals, following their recovery, said the official.

12:26 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

GoM meeting over COVID-19 underway at Health Ministry

A Union Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting over COVID-19 is underway at the Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Senior Ministers present in the meeting include Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.

With an increase of 3,967 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the number of coronavirus cases reached 81,970 cases, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday.

12:13 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over 2 lakh migrant labourers ferried in 145 Shramik trains on Thursday: Railways 

The Indian Railways operated 145 'Shramik Special' trains on Thursday and ferried home close to 2.10 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country amid the lockdown enforced in view of the novel coronavirus. 

12:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bangladesh Latest Updates

First COVID-19 case detected in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh 

Authorities have reported the first positive coronavirus case in the crowded camps for Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh, where more than 1 million refugees are sheltered.

The person from the Rohingya community and a local person who lives in the Cox's Bazar district who also tested positive have been isolated, Mahbub Alam Talukder, said the country's refugee commissioner.

11:54 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Yogi Adityanath holds COVID-19 review meeting with senior officials

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a meeting with 'COVID-19 management Team - 11' and other senior officials to review the situation in the state, ANI reported. 

11:35 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

Plea filed in Kerala HC seeking COVID-19 testing of all expatriates returning to India

A plea was filed in the Kerala High Court seeking COVID-19 testing of all expatriates and other additional safety protocol for those Indians returning from other countries to India, Bar and Bench reported. 

According to the petitioner, currently only those returning from UAE are subjected to rapid antibody test. 

Plea in Kerala HC urging for COVID-19 testing of all expatriates and other additional safety protocol for those Indians returning from other countries to India amid #COVID19 Petitioner says that at present only those returning from UAE are being subjected to rapid antibody test

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 15, 2020

11:19 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Narendra Modi discusses COVID-19 situation with Bill Gates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and philanthropist Bill Gates on Thursday discussed the global response to COVID-19, and the importance of global coordination in scientific innovation and research to combat the pandemic.

During a video conference, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates and Modi agreed that given India's willingness and capacity to contribute to global efforts, it was important for New Delhi to be included in the global discussions for coordinating responses to the pandemic.

11:03 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

World Bank approves $1 bn for India as social security fund for urban poor, migrants

The World Bank has approved $1 billion for India as social security technology fund for country’s urban poor and migrant workers. The focus will be to enable India to integrate all of its 400-plus social security schemes at a technology level, the bank said.

Hindustan Times quoted Junaid Ahmad, country director, World Bank, as saying, "The project will be crucial to rebalance social security towards urban poor, as much as rural."

10:57 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

FM to announce third tranche of Centre's economic stimulus package

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will address a press conference at 4 pm on Friday. The details of the third tranche of the Centre’s economic rescue package of Rs 20 lakh crore will be announced.

The second tranche, announced on Thursday, focussed on migrant workers, street vendors, small traders, the self-employed and small farmers.

10:49 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha reports 672 COVID-19 cases

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Odisha climbed to 672 after 48 more individuals tested positive for the viral infection on Friday, said the state health department. 

10:47 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Nitin Gadkari to hold webinar on impact of higher education amid pandemic

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will address a webinar on 'Impact of Higher Education in the post COVID-19 economy' on Friday from 12.30 pm till 1.30 pm, News18 reported. 

10:34 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Badrinath temple opens, devotees restricted to enter

The gates of the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand were opened at 4.30 am on Friday, news agency ANI reported. Officials said only 27 people, including the head priest, will be allowed at the temple.

"Devotees will not be allowed entry into the temple during that time. The decision has been taken in view of the guidelines issued by the centre amid the COVID-19 pandemic," Anil Chanyal, sub-divisional magistrate of Joshimath, said in a statement.

#WATCH Uttarakhand: The portals of Badrinath Temple opened at 4:30 am today. 28 people including the Chief Priest was present at the temple when its portals opened. (Video Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/Yr6pamv7Kk

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

10:12 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India's COVID-19 recovery rate at 34%

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India stood at 34 percent after 27,920 patients were discharged as of Friday, according to the recent data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

10:07 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India's confirmed cases swell to 81,970 after 3,995 more test positive

India registered 81,970 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday after 3,995 more tested positive across the nation in the past 24 hours. The COVID-19 toll stood at 2,649 with 100 more patients succumbing to the infectious disease. 

Of the total 81,970, there are 51,401 active cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

09:41 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Three migrant workers killed, four injured in road accident in UP's Barabanki

Three migrants were killed, while four injured in a road accident in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh around 2.30 am on Friday. The incident took place when the labourers were coming Surat in Gujarat and were heading towards Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh.

Those injured have been admitted to Trauma Centre in Lucknow. 

09:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Two migrant workers, including a woman, killed in road accident in UP's Jalaun dist 

At least two migrant workers were killed, 14 seriously injured in a road accident in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night, according to media reports. The incident took place when a DCM carrying migrant labourers was hit by by a vehicle in Girthan village located in NH-27 of Etah police station area, TV9 reported. 

The report also mentioned, that a woman was among the two killed of the total 46 migrant workers in the DCM vehicle. All the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Orai.

09:07 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

INS Jalashwa to sail again from Male to repatriate at least 700 Indians

Indian navy ship INS Jalashwa will sail again from Maldives capital of Male on Friday to repatriate around 700 residents of Kerala and Lakshadweep under the Samudra setu mission. 

The pre-embarkation activities have begun and people are being ferried from different points of Male to the airport where emigration and medical checkup etc. are to be carried out. The ship will depart in the afternoon. 

08:51 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra set to extend lockdown till end of May, will send report to this effect to Centre today 

The Maharashtra government has called for an extension of lockdown in the State till 31 May, and is likely to send a report to this effect to the Centre by Friday. 

On Thursday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with State Cabinet ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state and the measures needed to be implemented to contain the fast-spreading virus. 

According to a senior minister, a consensus was reached on that the lockdown has to be extended in certain parts of the State, especially in red zones such as the Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions, Malegaon and Solapur.

The Hindu quoted the minister as saying, "It was also agreed upon that the lockdown from now on has to be strictly implemented in red zones, especially in containment areas. At the same time, further relaxations could be given in orange and green zones," adding that the recommendation will be sent to the Centre on Friday.

08:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar registers 999 COVID-19 cases as 46 more test positive

With 46 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Bihar, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 999 on Thursday, a senior official said.

08:26 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Air India to open bookings for select repatriation flights from Delhi 

Air India is taking bookings for about 30 outbound flights — mainly from Delhi — for some destinations in the US, Canada, UK, Paris, Frankfurt, Singapore and Australia. 

These flights will operate from 17-28 May as part of the Vande Bharat Mission-II to fly back Indians stranded abroad.

08:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

In Photos: Delhi migrant workers walk home to different parts in UP 

Delhi: Migrant workers reach Delhi-Ghazipur border to return to their homes in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. One of them,Rita,says "My home is in Hardoi. My landlord has kicked me out as I couldn't pay rent. My children are young but there's no other option but to walk home." pic.twitter.com/2dPw1Gh5ZJ

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

08:02 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Flight attendants to wear face shield, gown and mask when airlines resume ops

Cabin crew members of Indian airlines will have personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields, gowns and masks as part of their attire on commercial passenger flights when they resume operations, industry sources said.

Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara and AirAsia India have decided to go with the new attire in order to ensure safety of cabin crew members as they are in close proximity to passengers during flights, the sources said.

"While AirAsia India will have face shields, masks, gowns, aprons and gloves as a part of their PPE attire for cabin crew members, Vistara would have a lap gown, face mask and face shield as the new dress code," a source said.

07:44 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

25 new COVID-19 deaths in Mumbai 

Of the 44 deaths recorded in Maharashtra, 25 COVID-19 patients succumbed to the infection in financial capital Mumbai, 10 in Navi Mumbai, five in Pune, two in Aurangabad and one person each died in Panvel and Kalyan.

07:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra registers highest single-day jump with 1,602 new COVID-19 cases

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 1,602 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike so far, taking the state’s overall count to 27,524, according to state health department data.

With 44 deaths registered today, the death toll in Maharashtra due to the contagious coronavirus disease has now breached the 1000-mark and stands at 1019.

07:32 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India reports second-highest spike in COVID-19 cases with total inching towards 80,000

In the biggest surge in COVID-19 infections in Delhi, 472 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday, as India's total neared 80,000 with 3,995 fresh cases reported, the second-highest rise in a day.

While this was the fifth consecutive day of over 3,500 cases being added to the country's overall count, the growth rate of the infection has gradually decreased during this period. 

07:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates 

Centre to provide free food grain to migrants, concessional credit to farmers 

The government on Thursday announced a Rs 3.16 lakh crore package of free foodgrains for migrant workers, concessional credit to farmers and working capital loan for street vendors as part of the second tranche of fiscal stimulus to heal an economy hit hard by coronavirus lockdown.

At a news conference, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said 8 crore migrant workers will get 5 kgs of grains and 1 kg of pulses free for two months, while 50 lakh street vendors rendered jobless by the lockdown would be given a working capital loan of Rs 10,000 each.

Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce the third tranche of the mega economic package announced by the prime minister on Tuesday

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka surged past 1,000, with 45 people testing positive, the state health department said on Friday. Total number of positive cases in the state stood at 1,032.

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Madras High Court order which had asked the Tamil Nadu government to close state-run liquor vends. Following the stay on the high court order by the apex court, the state-owned liquor shops may reopen in the state.

A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, SK Kaul and BR Gavai stayed the 8 May order of the High Court after taking note of the appeal of government firm Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) which sells alcoholic beverages in the state

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the state has written to the Centre urging it to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from 18 May. The third phase of the coronavirus lockdown is scheduled to end on 17 May.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sonowal said all states were supposed to give their feedback on the extension of the lockdown by Friday, and the Assam government has already conveyed its stand to the Centre.

As many as 1,061 personnel of Maharashtra Police including 112 police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Of the total infected police personnel, 174 have been cured while nine have lost their lives, said the Maharashtra Police.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will address a press conference at 4 pm on Friday. The details of the third tranche of the Centre’s economic rescue package of Rs 20 lakh crore will be announced.

The second tranche, announced on Thursday, focussed on migrant workers, street vendors, small traders, the self-employed and small farmers.

The World Bank has approved $1 billion for India as social security technology fund for country’s urban poor and migrant workers. The focus will be to enable India to integrate all of its 400-plus social security schemes at a technology level, the bank said.

Hindustan Times quoted Junaid Ahmad, country director, World Bank, as saying, "The project will be crucial to rebalance social security towards urban poor, as much as rural."

India registered 81,970 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday after 3,995 more tested positive across the nation in the past 24 hours. The COVID-19 toll stood at 2,649 with 100 more patients succumbing to the infectious disease.

Of the total 81,970, there are 51,401 active cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Indian navy ship INS Jalashwa will sail again from Maldives capital of Male on Friday to repatriate around 700 residents of Kerala and Lakshadweep under the Samudra setu mission.

The pre-embarkation activities have begun and people are being ferried from different points of Male to the airport where emigration and medical checkup etc. are to be carried out. The ship will depart in the afternoon.

At least two migrant workers were killed, 14 seriously injured in a road accident in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night, according to media reports. The incident took place when a DCM carrying migrant labourers was hit by a vehicle in Girthan village located in NH-27 of Etah police station area, TV9 reported.

The report also mentioned, that a woman was among the two killed of the total 46 migrant workers in the DCM vehicle. All the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Orai.

The Maharashtra government has called for an extension of lockdown in the State till 31 May, and is likely to send a report to this effect to the Centre by Friday.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with State Cabinet ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state and the measures needed to be implemented to contain the fast-spreading virus.

According to a senior minister, a consensus was reached on that the lockdown has to be extended in certain parts of the State, especially in red zones such as the Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions, Malegaon and Solapur.

The Hindu quoted the minister as saying, "It was also agreed upon that the lockdown from now on has to be strictly implemented in red zones, especially in containment areas. At the same time, further relaxations could be given in orange and green zones," adding that the recommendation will be sent to the Centre on Friday.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 1,602 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike so far, taking the state’s overall count to 27,524, according to state health department data.

With 44 deaths registered today, the death toll in Maharashtra due to the contagious coronavirus disease has now breached the 1000-mark and stands at 1019.

The number of deaths from COVID-19 disease rose to 2,549 and the number of cases climbed to 78,003 on Thursday, registering an increase of 134 fatalities and 3,722 infections in the last 24 hours since Wednesday 8 am, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 49,219 while 26,234 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, it said.

Meanwhile, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the media for the second day in a row, and spelt out more details of the Centre's Rs 20-lakh-crore special economic package. She said the second tranche of economic stimulus package will be for the benefit of migrant workers, street vendors and small farmers.

FM announces concessional credit for farmers, free food grains for migrants

Sitharaman on Thursday announced a Rs 3.16 lakh crore package comprising free food grains for migrant workers, Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit to small farmers and working capital loan for street vendors in a bid to help those hit hard by the nationwide lockdown.

Together with the Wednesday's Rs 5.94 lakh crore package that mostly comprised off-budget credit line and support to small businesses, shadow banks and electricity distribution companies, the government has unveiled over Rs 9 lakh crore plans out of the Rs 20 lakh crore package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to heal Asia's third-largest economy that was seen hurtling towards its first full-year contraction in four decades.

Sitharaman said each of the eight crore migrant workers, who had to leave their workplaces after imposition of the lockdown on 25 March, will get 5 kg grains and 1 kg pulses free for two months.

Also, 50 lakh street vendors who were rendered jobless as the government ordered stay-at-home would be given a working capital loan of Rs 10,000 each to restart their businesses.

For farmers, the finance minister announced a Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit through Kisan Credits Cards, benefiting as many as 2.5 crore farmers.

However, the Congress criticised the economic package as a "jumla" saying it has so far been way short of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised and the entire press conference of the finance minister was classic display of "arrogance, ignorance and insensitivity".

Senior spokesperson of the party Anand Sharma said the country believed that Modi was serious when he made the "dramatic" announcement of giving 10 percent of the GDP as a package to revive the economy and support workers and migrant labourers and that expectations had soared.

"The finance minister's announcement dashed all hopes," he said.

State-wise deaths and cases

India has reported a total 134 deaths deaths since Wednesday morning, of which 54 were in Maharashtra, 29 in Gujarat, 20 in Delhi, 9 in West Bengal, seven in Madhya Pradesh, four in Rajasthan, three in Tamil Nadu, two each in Telangana and Karnataka and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh.

Of the 2,549 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 975 fatalities, Gujarat comes second with 566 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 232, West Bengal at 207, Rajasthan at 121, Delhi at 106, Uttar Pradesh at 83, Tamil Nadu at 64 and Andhra Pradesh at 47.

The toll reached 34 in Telangana, 33 in Karnataka and 32 in Punjab on Thursday. Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir have reported 11 fatalities each due to the respiratory disease while Bihar has registered seven and Kerala has reported four deaths.

Jharkhand, Chandigarh and Odisha have recorded three COVID-19 fatalities each while Himachal Pradesh and Assam have reported two deaths each. Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and Puducherry have reported one fatality each, according to the ministry data.

According to the ministry's website, more than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities.

According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country is from Maharashtra at 25,922, followed by Gujarat at 9,267, Tamil Nadu at 9,227, Delhi at 7,998, Rajasthan at 4,328, Madhya Pradesh at 4,173 and Uttar Pradesh at 3,729.

The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 2,290 in West Bengal, 2,137 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,924 in Punjab. It has risen to 1,367 in Telangana, 971 in Jammu and Kashmir, 959 in Karnataka, 940 in Bihar and 793 in Haryana.

Kerala has reported 534 coronavirus cases so far, while Odisha has 538 cases. A total of 187 people have been infected with the virus in Chandigarh and 173 in Jharkhand.

Tripura has reported 155 cases, Assam has 80 cases, Uttarakhand has 72, Himachal Pradesh has 66 cases, Chhattisgarh has 59 and Ladakh has registered 43 cases so far.

Thirty-three COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Meghalaya and Puducherry have registered 13 cases each while Goa has seven COVID-19 cases.

Manipur has two cases. Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have reported a case each till now.

Doubling time has slowed to 13.9 days, says health minister

The doubling time of novel coronavirus cases has slowed to 13.9 days in the last three days and India now has a capacity of 1,00,000 COVID-19 tests per day with nearly 20 lakh carried out till now, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said.

Vardhan, who visited the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi and dedicated a COBAS 6800 testing machine to the nation, said 14 states and Union territories have not reported any case of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

These states and UTs are Gujarat, Telangana, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Puducherry.

Also, Daman and Diu, Sikkim, Nagaland and Lakshadweep have not reported any cases so far.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to use one time RT-PCR based pooled sampling for COVID-19 screening of migrant workers and returnees from abroad kept in quarantine facilities.

The same testing technique would also be used for monitoring in green zone districts which have reported no cases till now or in the last 21 days, the health ministry said while issuing "Guidelines for RT-PCR based pooled sampling for migrants/returnees from abroad/green zones".

806 shramik special trains brought into operation till now, says Railways

The Railways has operated 806 shramik special trains since 1 May, ferrying home 10 lakh migrant workers who were stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, officials said on Thursday. Of these, Uttar Pradesh received the maximum number of trains followed by Bihar, they said.

"As on 14 May, 2020, a total of 806 'shramik special' trains have been operationalised from various states across the country. More than 10 lakh passengers have reached their home state.

"Trains are being run by the Railways only after concurrence is given both by the state which is sending the passengers and the state which is receiving them," the railways said.

Out of the 806 trains which have been operated so far, 166 are in transit while 640 have terminated at various stations. Sixty-three more are in the pipeline, an official said.

These 806 trains were terminated in various states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

With inputs from PTI

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Daily Current Affairs 24th April 2020

LOCKDOWN ENSURED GROWTH OF CASES REMAINED LINEAR, SAYS GOVT

India has managed to maintain a linear growth of COVID-19 cases over the one-month period during its lockdown.

The Union Health Ministry said even as the country reported over 1,409 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases to 21,700 with 16,689 active ones.

There have been over 4,324 recoveries, which takes the recovery rate to 19.89 % the Health Ministry said.

A total of 686 deaths have been reported, with 34 in the past 24 hours.

There are 12 districts that did not have a fresh case in the last 28 days. Since April 21, eight new districts have been added including — Chitradurga (Karnataka), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Imphal West (Manipur), Aizawl West (Mizoram), Bhadradri Kothagudem (Telangana), Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), SBS Nagar (Punjab) and South Goa (Goa).

Also, 78 districts from 23 States/Union Territories have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days.

State Health Departments have put the nationwide death toll at 718 with 23,034 cases of which 17, 428 are active ones.

Maharashtra has 5,304 active cases, with Mumbai reporting 478 new cases and eight deaths on Thursday taking the death toll to 168 and 4,232 cases.

Strategies Successful:

Despite a 24-fold increase in testing, the percentage of positive cases is not rising phenomenally when compared to the percentage of positive cases at the beginning of the lockdown.

The growth of cases has been more or less linear, not exponential.

This indicates that the strategies we have adopted have succeeded in containing the infection to a particular level.

INDIA FOLLOWING U.S. TRAJECTORY, SAYS CHINESE DISEASE EXPERT

India’s trajectory in COVID-19 cases is following the United States and likely to similarly reach a plateau rather than peak soon, one of China’s top infectious disease experts has said.

Since there were already signs of some community transmission in India, it was more likely to follow the trend of the U.S. and Europe rather than limit cases to a low number, said Zhang Wenhong, a leading figure in China’s COVID-19 strategy

I think the overall situation in India may be similar to that of the U.S.

The measures of each state in the U.S. are different.

Some states are strict and some have resumed work.

India has to consider how the economy functions and how the epidemic can be controlled, so it does not pay a high price for epidemic prevention.

Long Term Strategy:

He said in this view, India’s approach to adopt a long-term strategy made sense, including its approach to testing.

While India’s approach in tackling COVID-19 has been different from China’s sweeping lockdowns and mass quarantines, India’s strategy was understandable for its national conditions.

“Every country should find a way that suits them according to their situation,” he said.

He suggested China’s “100%” lockdown, or Australia’s approach of locking down until very low numbers of new cases were reached, was unlikely to be replicated in other countries, and added that he did not necessarily advocate a one-size-fits-all approach.

India may not be able to keep cases to as low a level as did many places in China — which managed to limit the spread outside of the Hubei province epicentre with mass lockdowns, quarantines and testing.

but at the same time, the rise in cases did not mean the spread was uncontrollable.

Work Goes On:

Do not look only at the number of cases.

There have been hundreds of thousands of cases in the U.S. and Europe, more than in India.

The lives of Europeans still has not stopped, and they are preparing to resume work, school and business.

Zhang made the comments on Wednesday while interacting with Chinese nationals in India in an online exchange arranged by the Chinese Embassy, and fielding questions on India’s strategy, testing and the future trajectory of cases.

Globally Under Control:

He believed the global pandemic was broadly under control, and as the number of diagnosed cases increased, the mortality rate would further reduce.

This outbreak, he said, was very different from SARS in 2003, which had a far higher mortality among both young and old.

This also explained why some countries were choosing to reopen their economies and schools.

On the question of whether Indians had a higher immunity than the rest of the world — a matter that has been widely debated in China — Dr. Zhang said the incidence rate in India suggested this was not the case.

He said he was, however, moved to see how “calm” people were in handling the pandemic, which suggested what they did have was a high “spiritual immunity”.

DRDO DEVELOPS MOBILE VIROLOGY LABDRDO:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated through videoconference a mobile virology research and diagnostics laboratory (MVRDL).

It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), together with ESIC Hospital, Hyderabad, and the private industry.

The mobile lab will be helpful in carrying out diagnosis of COVID-19 and in virus-culturing for drug screening, convalescent plasma-derived therapy, comprehensive immune profiling of patients towards vaccine development and early clinical trials specific to Indian population,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

MVDRL:

The MVRDL is the combination of a bio-safety level (BSL)-3 lab and a BSL-2 lab and was set up in a record time of 15 days.

It can process 1,000-2,000 samples a day.

The laboratories comply with the biosafety standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so as to meet international guidelines.

The first such MVRDL was developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in consultation with ESIC Hospital.

It can be positioned anywhere in the country.

RBI TO RESTART OPERATION TWIST TO MANAGE YIELDSOperation Twist:

India’s central bank; RBI has launched ‘Operation Twist‘ on 23 December 2019.

This operation has been launched to increase the long term investment in the country.

‘Operation Twist’ means that the government or the country’s Monetary Authority; sells the short term securities and buys long term securities simultaneouslythrough Open Market Operations (OMO).

So in the operation twist; the short term securities are converted into long term securities.

On 23 December 2019, the Reserve Bank of India, sold short-term securities worth Rs 10,000 crore through the Open Market Operations (OMO) and purchased long term securities of the same value.

The maturity period of the short term securities was up to 2020 but the maturity period of long term securities is for 10 years or up to 2029.

The sole purpose of this twist is to moderate high long-term interest rates in the market and bring them closer to the repo rate.

Operation Twist first appeared in 1961 as a way to strengthen the U.S. dollar and stimulate cash flow into the economy.

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced simultaneous purchase and sale of government bonds in a bid to soften long-term yields.

The central bank will buy ₹10,000 crore of bonds maturing between 2026 and 2030 and sell the same amount of T-bills.

On a review of current and evolving liquidity and market conditions, the Reserve Bank has decided to conduct simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities under open market operations (OMO) for ₹10,000 crore each on April 27, 2020.

Such open market operations are known as ‘Operation Twist,’ which was used by the RBI in December last year for the first time.

Following the announcement, the yields on the 10- year bonds dropped by 20 basis points (bps).

The move will also aid monetary transmission by prompting banks to pass on interest rate cut benefits to their customers.

The RBI had reduced key policy rate or the repo rate by 75 bps to 4.4% in the monetary policy review, announced in the last week of March.

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER RESTRICTING IMMIGRATION

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday barring certain categories of immigrants from admission to the U.S. for 60 days.

Ostensibly to protect Americans’ jobs at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The order has several exemptions, including for those who are already in the U.S. seeking to switch their visa status to permanent residency.

Trump had tweeted earlier this week that he would “temporarily suspend immigration”.

The President’s proclamation went into effect shortly before the country’s weekly job report was released, showing that another 4.4 million Americans had declared themselves unemployed in the week ending April 18, taking the total number to some $26 million since the pandemic began.

The immigration of the following categories of non-U.S. citizens is restricted for 60 days starting Thursday.

Those outside the U.S., those who do not already have a valid immigrant visa, those that do not have an official travel document other than a visa that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation “or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission”.

Chain Migration:

The new order, while in effect, will prevent individuals from bringing their parents, adult children, or siblings into the U.S. (Mr. Trump has called this “chain migration”).

Entry into the U.S. for individuals who are already legal permanent residents is not suspended.

The order also does not apply to spouses of U.S. citizens or those seeking entry on the EB-5 investor visa.

Some immigrant visa holders such as doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and COVID-19 researchers and their spouses and minor dependents are exempt from the suspension order.

“Without intervention, the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment,” the presidential order reads.

Introducing additional permanent residents when our healthcare resources are limited puts strain on the finite limits of our healthcare system at a time when we need to prioritize Americans and the existing immigrant population.

WORD OF THE DAYImmigration:

Immigrationis the international movement of people to a destination country of which they are not natives or where they do not possess citizenship in order to settle as permanent residents or naturalized citizens.

[brajeshupadhyay]

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 350 local trains to ply in Mumbai from today only for essential service workers; city reports 77,197 COVID-19 cases

08:34 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal allows 50 people at weddings, funerals

The West Bengal government has allowed 50 people at marriage functions and funerals during the next phase of the coronavirus lockdown from 1 to 31 July. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said morning walks will be allowed from 5.30 am till 8.30 am, provided social distancing and all other norms are strictly followed".

08:24 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Gurugram civic body issues guidelines for resident welfare associations

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram on Wednesday has issued guidelines for resident welfare associations, to be followed till 31 July during Unlock 2.0. The entry of maids/house-helps be allowed with restrictions, including mandatory use of face-mask, thermal scanning and hand sanitisation at the gate.

If the area of residence of maid or house-helps has been declared as containment zone or large outbreak region then their entry is not to be permitted by RWA: Municipal Corporation of Gurugram

Haryana: Municipal Corporation of Gurugram issues guidelines for resident welfare associations,to be followed till 31st July during #Unlock2. Entry of maids/house-helps be allowed with restrictions, including mandatory use of face-mask,thermal scanning&hand sanitisation at gate pic.twitter.com/IvxhSBMtSN

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2020

08:03 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Security Council trying again for first COVID-19 resolution

The UN Security Council is trying again to reach agreement on its first resolution on COVID-19 since the coronavirus started circling the global in February, after a lengthy dispute between the US and China over mentioning the World Health Organization, reports AP.

A revised draft resolution by France and China was submitted for a vote on Tuesday and the result is expected to be announced on Wednesday.

07:51 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Unlock 2.0 begins today

On 29 June, the Centre had announced guidelines for ‘Unlock 2.0’, the second phase of reopening of economic and other activities in the country. These will be applicable from today. Night curfew timings are being further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from 10.00 pm to 5.00 am.

While schools and colleges will continue to remain closed, there have been further restrictions regarding hotels and restaurants.

07:43 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Global COVID-19 cases now at 1.03 crore

Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 1.03 crore, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 5.06 lakh.

With over 26 lakh reported cases till date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, Russia, India and the United Kingdom.

07:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

More local trains for essential services staff from today

Central Railway and Western Railway will run additional 150 and 148 local services, respectively, in Mumbai from 1 July, reports PTI. Only essential staff including those of Centre, IT, defense, Raj Bhavan will be allowed and no general passengers will be allowed yet, the news agency quotes Railways minister Piyush Goyal as saying.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates: The Railways will expand its suburban services in Mumbai from today and run 350 trains each in the Central and Western Railway Zones, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. The trains will, however, only carry essential services personnel identified by the Maharashtra government. Mumbai recorded 903 new cases, pushing the total number of cases to rise to 77,197 on Tuesday.

As Unlock-2 begins from Wednesday, India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 5,66,840 with nearly 66 percent cases reported in June alone. The nationwide toll rose to 16,893 with 418 new fatalities being reported in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu again surpassed Delhi to regain the second spot among the list of worst-hit states by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a government scheme, which aims to provide free ration for 80 crore people, by five more months till the end of November.

In his televised address Tuesday, the prime minister also said it is a cause of worry that people are not adhering as strictly to rules and precautions during the 'unlock' phase as they did during the lockdown.

Modi announces extension of free ration scheme

Stating the cost to the exchequer in extending the PMGKAY scheme, the prime minister said that over Rs 90,000 crore will be spent on the scheme, and if the last three months' expenditure on account of the free ration scheme is added, then the total budget will be about Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

The scheme was rolled out for three months from April soon after the nationwide lockdown was announced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noting that July marks the beginning of the festive season when people's needs as well as expenditure increase, Modi said that the government has decided to extend the scheme till November end.

The prime minister also said in his 16-minute address that the Central Government is working on the "one nation, one ration card" initiative which, he added, will benefit people living outside their home for employment and other needs the most.

This was Modi's sixth address to the nation after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic

The prime minister said that each member of a family covered under the scheme will get five kilogrammes of wheat or rice, and every family will get one kilogramme whole gram per month as well.

Modi, however, lamented that there is an increasing "negligence" in personal and social behaviour during the easing of restrictions and urged people to be more vigilant.

"We have also seen that since 'Unlock-1', there is increasing negligence in personal and social behaviour. Earlier, we were very careful with respect to wearing of masks, social distancing and washing of hands for 20 seconds. But today, when we need to be more careful, increasing negligence is a cause of worry," he said and urged the people to follow all necessary precautions.

He also emphasised on strict enforcement of rules, especially in containment zones.

"Those not following the rules will need to be stopped and cautioned," he said, stressing "be it a village pradhan or the prime minister, no one is above the law in India".

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu record most cases

Maharashtra remained the highest contributor to the single day rise in cases, registering over 5,200 coronavirus infections, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Recording nearly 4,000 cases in the last 24 hours, Tamil Nadu has again surpassed Delhi to regain the second spot among the list of worst-hit states by the pandemic.

Karnataka also recorded more than 1,100 cases overtaking Haryana and Andhra Pradesh.

Delhi saw an increase of 2,084 cases in the past 24 hours. In June, the national capital added over 64,000 fresh cases to its tally, while over 47,357 patients recovered, were discharged or migrated.

The total number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 15,394 in Telangana, 14,295 in Karnataka, 14,210 in Haryana, 13,891 in Andhra Pradesh, and 13,370 in Madhya Pradesh.

It has risen to 9,640 in Bihar, 7,752 in Assam, 7,237 in Jammu and Kashmir and 6,859 in Odisha. Punjab has reported 5,418 novel coronavirus infections so far, while Kerala has 4,189 cases.

A total of 2,831 people have been infected by the virus in Uttarakhand, 2,761 in Chhattisgarh, 2,426 in Jharkhand, 1,380 in Tripura, 1,227 in Manipur, 1,198 in Goa, 964 in Ladakh and 942 in Himachal Pradesh. Puducherry has recorded 619 COVID-19 cases, Chandigarh 435, Nagaland 434 and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 203 COVID-19 cases.

Arunachal Pradesh reported 187 cases, Mizoram has 148 cases, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has 90, Sikkim has registered 88 infections so far, while Meghalaya has recorded 47 cases.

Delhi govt sets ball rolling for 'plasma bank'

The Delhi government has set the ball rolling to establish the first-of-its-kind "plasma bank" for treatment of COVID-19 at a facility in the National Capital and its modalities are being worked out, sources told PTI.

The bank is being set up at the Delhi government-run Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) and doctors or hospitals will have to approach it if a plasma is required for treatment of a COVID-19 patient.

Addressing an online media briefing on Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the bank will be operational in the next two days.

The move comes as convalescent plasma therapy has shown "encouraging" results in city hospitals, he had said.

Sources said the facility where the plasma will be drawn from one person to donate to a COVID-19 patient, is being set up on the serving floor of the ILBS.

The plasma itself can be stored in the blood bank facility in a separate pack, a source said.

According to experts, plasma needs cryogenic storage at minus 80 degrees Celsius or less.

Bharat Biotech gets nod to conduct trials for vaccine

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) to conduct Phase I and II Human clinical trials to develop an indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 —  in the name COVAXIN.

For this, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and BBIL had partnered to develop a fully indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 using the virus strain isolated at ICMR's National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.

"The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) — the office of DCGI has granted permission to initiate Phase I and II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020," stated the spokesperson of Bharat Biotech.

"The strain was successfully transferred from NIV to Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL). Work on vaccine development has been initiated between the two partners. ICMR-NIV are providing continuous support to BBIL for vaccine development. ICMR and BBIL will seek fast-track approvals to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine," said ICMR official.

With inputs from agencies

via Blogger https://ift.tt/2Zw4MdA

[brajeshupadhyay]

08:34 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates West Bengal allows 50 people at weddings, funerals The West Bengal government has allowed 50 people at marriage functions and funerals during the next phase of the coronavirus lockdown from 1 to 31 July. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said morning walks will be allowed from 5.30 am till 8.30 am, provided social distancing and all other norms are strictly followed". 08:24 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Gurugram civic body issues guidelines for resident welfare associations The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram on Wednesday has issued guidelines for resident welfare associations, to be followed till 31 July during Unlock 2.0. The entry of maids/house-helps be allowed with restrictions, including mandatory use of face-mask, thermal scanning and hand sanitisation at the gate. If the area of residence of maid or house-helps has been declared as containment zone or large outbreak region then their entry is not to be permitted by RWA: Municipal Corporation of Gurugram Haryana: Municipal Corporation of Gurugram issues guidelines for resident welfare associations,to be followed till 31st July during #Unlock2. Entry of maids/house-helps be allowed with restrictions, including mandatory use of face-mask,thermal scanning&hand sanitisation at gate pic.twitter.com/IvxhSBMtSN — ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2020 08:03 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates Security Council trying again for first COVID-19 resolution The UN Security Council is trying again to reach agreement on its first resolution on COVID-19 since the coronavirus started circling the global in February, after a lengthy dispute between the US and China over mentioning the World Health Organization, reports AP. A revised draft resolution by France and China was submitted for a vote on Tuesday and the result is expected to be announced on Wednesday. 07:51 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Unlock 2.0 begins today On 29 June, the Centre had announced guidelines for ‘Unlock 2.0’, the second phase of reopening of economic and other activities in the country. These will be applicable from today. Night curfew timings are being further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from 10.00 pm to 5.00 am. While schools and colleges will continue to remain closed, there have been further restrictions regarding hotels and restaurants. 07:43 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates Global COVID-19 cases now at 1.03 crore Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 1.03 crore, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 5.06 lakh. With over 26 lakh reported cases till date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, Russia, India and the United Kingdom. 07:38 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates More local trains for essential services staff from today Central Railway and Western Railway will run additional 150 and 148 local services, respectively, in Mumbai from 1 July, reports PTI. Only essential staff including those of Centre, IT, defense, Raj Bhavan will be allowed and no general passengers will be allowed yet, the news agency quotes Railways minister Piyush Goyal as saying. Coronavirus LATEST Updates: The Railways will expand its suburban services in Mumbai from today and run 350 trains each in the Central and Western Railway Zones, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. The trains will, however, only carry essential services personnel identified by the Maharashtra government. Mumbai recorded 903 new cases, pushing the total number of cases to rise to 77,197 on Tuesday. As Unlock-2 begins from Wednesday, India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 5,66,840 with nearly 66 percent cases reported in June alone. The nationwide toll rose to 16,893 with 418 new fatalities being reported in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu again surpassed Delhi to regain the second spot among the list of worst-hit states by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a government scheme, which aims to provide free ration for 80 crore people, by five more months till the end of November. In his televised address Tuesday, the prime minister also said it is a cause of worry that people are not adhering as strictly to rules and precautions during the 'unlock' phase as they did during the lockdown. Modi announces extension of free ration scheme Stating the cost to the exchequer in extending the PMGKAY scheme, the prime minister said that over Rs 90,000 crore will be spent on the scheme, and if the last three months' expenditure on account of the free ration scheme is added, then the total budget will be about Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The scheme was rolled out for three months from April soon after the nationwide lockdown was announced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting that July marks the beginning of the festive season when people's needs as well as expenditure increase, Modi said that the government has decided to extend the scheme till November end. The prime minister also said in his 16-minute address that the Central Government is working on the "one nation, one ration card" initiative which, he added, will benefit people living outside their home for employment and other needs the most. This was Modi's sixth address to the nation after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic The prime minister said that each member of a family covered under the scheme will get five kilogrammes of wheat or rice, and every family will get one kilogramme whole gram per month as well. Modi, however, lamented that there is an increasing "negligence" in personal and social behaviour during the easing of restrictions and urged people to be more vigilant. "We have also seen that since 'Unlock-1', there is increasing negligence in personal and social behaviour. Earlier, we were very careful with respect to wearing of masks, social distancing and washing of hands for 20 seconds. But today, when we need to be more careful, increasing negligence is a cause of worry," he said and urged the people to follow all necessary precautions. He also emphasised on strict enforcement of rules, especially in containment zones. "Those not following the rules will need to be stopped and cautioned," he said, stressing "be it a village pradhan or the prime minister, no one is above the law in India". Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu record most cases Maharashtra remained the highest contributor to the single day rise in cases, registering over 5,200 coronavirus infections, according to the Union Health Ministry. Recording nearly 4,000 cases in the last 24 hours, Tamil Nadu has again surpassed Delhi to regain the second spot among the list of worst-hit states by the pandemic. Karnataka also recorded more than 1,100 cases overtaking Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. Delhi saw an increase of 2,084 cases in the past 24 hours. In June, the national capital added over 64,000 fresh cases to its tally, while over 47,357 patients recovered, were discharged or migrated. The total number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 15,394 in Telangana, 14,295 in Karnataka, 14,210 in Haryana, 13,891 in Andhra Pradesh, and 13,370 in Madhya Pradesh. It has risen to 9,640 in Bihar, 7,752 in Assam, 7,237 in Jammu and Kashmir and 6,859 in Odisha. Punjab has reported 5,418 novel coronavirus infections so far, while Kerala has 4,189 cases. A total of 2,831 people have been infected by the virus in Uttarakhand, 2,761 in Chhattisgarh, 2,426 in Jharkhand, 1,380 in Tripura, 1,227 in Manipur, 1,198 in Goa, 964 in Ladakh and 942 in Himachal Pradesh. Puducherry has recorded 619 COVID-19 cases, Chandigarh 435, Nagaland 434 and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 203 COVID-19 cases. Arunachal Pradesh reported 187 cases, Mizoram has 148 cases, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has 90, Sikkim has registered 88 infections so far, while Meghalaya has recorded 47 cases. Delhi govt sets ball rolling for 'plasma bank' The Delhi government has set the ball rolling to establish the first-of-its-kind "plasma bank" for treatment of COVID-19 at a facility in the National Capital and its modalities are being worked out, sources told PTI. The bank is being set up at the Delhi government-run Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) and doctors or hospitals will have to approach it if a plasma is required for treatment of a COVID-19 patient. Addressing an online media briefing on Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the bank will be operational in the next two days. The move comes as convalescent plasma therapy has shown "encouraging" results in city hospitals, he had said. Sources said the facility where the plasma will be drawn from one person to donate to a COVID-19 patient, is being set up on the serving floor of the ILBS. The plasma itself can be stored in the blood bank facility in a separate pack, a source said. According to experts, plasma needs cryogenic storage at minus 80 degrees Celsius or less. Bharat Biotech gets nod to conduct trials for vaccine The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) to conduct Phase I and II Human clinical trials to develop an indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 —  in the name COVAXIN. For this, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and BBIL had partnered to develop a fully indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 using the virus strain isolated at ICMR's National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. "The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) — the office of DCGI has granted permission to initiate Phase I and II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020," stated the spokesperson of Bharat Biotech. "The strain was successfully transferred from NIV to Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL). Work on vaccine development has been initiated between the two partners. ICMR-NIV are providing continuous support to BBIL for vaccine development. ICMR and BBIL will seek fast-track approvals to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine," said ICMR official. With inputs from agencies

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/07/coronavirus-live-updates-350-local.html

[brajeshupadhyay]

Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra cross 1 lakh with 3,493 new infections reported today; toll stands at 3,717

23:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Baramulla schools conduct online classes

Schools' management with the help of District Administration in Baramulla is conducting online classes for students as schools are closed due to #COVID19. Chief Education Officer, Baramulla says,"Over 40,000 students are benefitting from these online classes, amid lockdown."

J&K: Schools' management with the help of District Administration in Baramulla is conducting online classes for students as schools are closed due to #COVID19. Chief Education Officer, Baramulla says,"Over 40,000 students are benefitting from these online classes, amid lockdown." pic.twitter.com/rZqKxP1Vvn

— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2020

23:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Public health workers fighting virus face growing threats

  Emily Brown was stretched thin. As the director of the Rio Grande County Public Health Department in rural Colorado, she was working 12- and 14-hour days, struggling to respond to the pandemic with only five full-time employees for more than 11,000 residents. Case counts were rising.

She was already at odds with county commissioners, who were pushing to loosen public health restrictions in late May, against her advice. She had previously clashed with them over data releases and control and had haggled over a variance regarding reopening businesses.

But she reasoned that standing up for public health principles was worth it, even if she risked losing the job that allowed her to live close to her hometown and help her parents with their farm.

In the battle against COVID-19, public health workers spread across states, cities and small towns make up an invisible army on the front lines. But that army, which has suffered neglect for decades, is under assault when it’s needed most.

Officials who usually work behind the scenes managing tasks like immunizations and water quality inspections have found themselves center stage. Elected officials and members of the public who are frustrated with the lockdowns and safety restrictions have at times turned public health workers into politicized punching bags, battering them with countless angry calls and even physical threats.

(AP)

23:24 (IST)

Coromavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to be shut from 13 June

The Guruvayur Devaswom in Kerala's Trivandrum said, "Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to be closed for devotees from 13 June, as nearby areas Chavakkad and Vadakkekad have been declared as containment zones. Weddings scheduled for tomorrow allowed; other wedding bookings, darshan passes stand cancelled."

23:12 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

49 new COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand today

49 new coronavirus cases were reported in Jharkhand on Friday, taking the total tally in the state to 1,656, the state health department said.Of the total cases, 963 were active cases was 963 while 685 people have been cured and discharged from hospitals. Death toll stands at eight.

23:02 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab latest Updates

Punjab govt approves weekend, holiday restrictions

The Punjab government said that Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday approved detailed weekend and holiday restriction guidelines, as per which inter-district movement will be barred except for e-pass holders and only shops dealing with essential commodities and services will be allowed to operate on all days of week.

"Shops dealing with essential commodities/services shall remain open on all days till 7 pm. Restaurants (for takeaway/home delivery only) & liquor shops will also continue to be open till 8 pm on all days," the statement said.

22:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

NHRC notices to Centre, IRDA over 'refusal' on mediclaim policies

The National Human Rights Commission has sent notices to Union Finance Ministry and the IRDA over a "report which alleged that healthcare workers",who are at the maximum risk to contract COVID-19, are facing refusals or demands for high premiums on buying group mediclaim policies, officials said on Friday.

Reportedly, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and "the government offers little clarity" on insurance cover for private healthcare professionals doing non-COVID work, there is a scramble to find the right insurance policy. It is further stated that while most doctors have a medical cover, the struggle has mainly been about ensuring protection for their staffers, the NHRC said.

(PTI)

22:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

2,137 new COVID-19 cases in Delhi today

Delhi on Friday recorded its highest single-day jump in coronavirus cases after 2,137 new infections were reported on Friday.

The Delhi government said that 71 deaths and 667 recovered/migrated/discharged today. Total number of positive cases here stands at 36,824, including 1214 deaths and 13,398 recovered/migrated/discharged.

22:21 (IST)

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

WHO says COVID-19 vaccine should be shared 'as public good'

The World Health Organisation on Friday said that vaccines for the coronavirus "should be made available as a global public good," News18 quoted WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying,

This is "to ensure everyone had fair access to any life-saving products that are developed", he added.

22:11 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Modi-CMs meetings schedule:

The Indian Express reported the schedule of the meetings scheduled between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all chief ministers on 16 and 17 June:

"On 16 June, the Prime Minister is likely to interact with CMs of 21 states and UTs:

Punjab, Assam, Kerala, U’khand, J’khand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Dama Diu, Sikkim & Lakshadweep

On 17 June, the Prime Minister is likely to interact with CMs of rest 15 states and UTs:

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu And Kashmir, Telangana and Odisha," the report said.

21:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates

9 new COVID-19 cases in Manipur today

Nineteen people tested positive for coronavirus in Manipur in the last 24 hours, taking the state tally to 385, officials said.

21:43 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

202 new COVID-19 cases in MP today

202 new coronavirus cases and nine deaths were reported in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.Additionally, 159 people recovered as the number of cases in the state rose to 10,443 including 440 deaths and 7,201 recovered. 

21:32 (IST)

Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates

COVID patient gives birth to healthy baby in Shillong

"A Covid-19 positive woman has given birth to a healthy baby at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) hospital in Shillong, Meghalaya on Friday," News18 reported.

21:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Uttarakhand reports 32 COVID-19 cases

32 new coronavirus cases and two deaths were reported in Uttarakhand on Friday, meanwhile, 52 people recovered. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 1724, including 21 deaths and 947 discharged: Uttarakhand State Control Room COVID-19

21:23 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in India cross 3 lakh mark

India confirmed 3,01,579 coronavirus cases after 3,296 new cases and 52 deaths were reported as of 8:20 pm on Friday, News18 reported. "The tally includes 1,43,259 active cases, 1,49,767 recovered/cured and the death toll stands at 8,553," News18 reported.

20:54 (IST)

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

Taiwan donates masks to Mizoram, says report

The Taiwan government reportedly donated coronavirus masks worth Rs 45 lakh to the Mizoram government to fight the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Minister Zoramthanga was quoted as saying by News18.

20:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

156 new COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir today

Jammu and Kashmir reported 156 new coronavirus cases, of which 88 are in the Jammu Division and 68 in Kashmir Division, reports said. The UT now has 4730 cases including 2591 active cases and 2086 recovered cases. Death toll is now at 53. 

20:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Narendra Modi to hold meeting with CMs on 16, 17 June

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meetings with all chief ministers via video conferencing on 16 and 17th June, News18 reported.

20:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi latest Updates

Delhi Police ASI succumbs to COVID-19

An Assistant Sub Inspector of Police, who was admitted to a hospital after testing positive for coronavirus passed away due to the illness on Friday, the Delhi Police said.

20:20 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Manish Sisodia pays tribute to 'teachers of Delhi'

My salute to the teachers of Delhi who are writing history through their selfless service in our fight against COVID 19. My heart goes out to the grieving families of Ompal Singh & Sheoji Mishra who lost their lives. Delhi Govt. is working to release ex-gratia immediately.

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) June 12, 2020

20:17 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

AIIMS says 'very low' number of cases in India in relation to population

"Although India has gone up to the fourth rank as far as coronavirus cases are concerned, we've to accept that it is because of the population we have. If we look at no. of cases per million population, we still are very low in terms of number of cases," Dr Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Director said on Friday.

20:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Bengal records 476 new COVID-19 cases

476 new cases of coronavirus and nine deaths were reported in West Bengal on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 10,244 and the toll is now at 451. The tally includes 4,206 discharges and 5,587 active cases. 

19:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

3,493 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra today

COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra inched closer to one lakh with 3,493 new cases in the state on Friday.

19:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

AIIMS director says Delhi govt must increase testing capacity

AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, on Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's statement regarding the expected number of corornavirus cases in the National Capital, said, "Number of cases in Delhi may not be as high as predicted but still whatever be the number, we have to increase our capacity so that we can manage increasing load that healthcare system is going to get."

19:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Around 1.5 lakh tests being conducted everyday, says AIIMS director

"We were testing only around 10,000-20,000 people per day about 6 weeks ago, now we are testing almost 1.5 lakh people per day and this number is going up every day," said Dr  Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Director.

19:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Chhattisgarh govt to begin admission process in schools from July

Chhattisgarh minister Ravindra Choubey said that the state government has decided that the admission process in schools and colleges will commence in Chhattisgarh from July.

"A penalty of Rs 100 will be levied if any person is found not wearing a face mask in Chhattisgarh," he added.

19:10 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

99 new COVID-19 cases in Punjab today

99 new cases of coronavirus and 4 deaths were reported in Punjab on Friday. The total number of cases in the state is now 2,986 including 641 active cases and 2282 recovered patients. The toll stands at 63, the state health department said.

18:57 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi LG forms committee for COVID-19 management

Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal on Friday formed a committee for the management of the coronavirus pandemic in the National Capital.

"The expert committee will give their opinion on various challenges being faced in Delhi in prevention of spread of coronavirus and measures to ramp up medical infrastructure. The committee would also provide examples from global and national best practices," News18 reported.

18:49 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre issues SOPs for offices

Ministry of Health releases guidelines on preventive measures to be followed at offices, to contain the spread of #COVID19; a temperature of 24-30 degree Celsius to be maintained and there should be a relative humidity of 40-70%

Ministry of Health releases guidelines on preventive measures to be followed at offices, to contain the spread of #COVID19; a temperature of 24-30 degree Celsius to be maintained and there should be a relative humidity of 40-70% pic.twitter.com/MCogIoCGxi

— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2020

18:39 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

78 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala

Kerala on Friday reported 78 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of active cases to 1,303 in the state. Additionally, one death and 32 recoveries were also reported in the state.

18:24 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

No restrictions on passenger buses, goods trucks, says MHA 

Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday.

In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said.

(PTI)

18:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

1,982 new COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu today

Tamil Nadu reported 1,982 new coronavirus cases and 18 deaths were recorded on Friday, taking the total number of infections in the state to 40,698 and the toll to 367. 

18:14 (IST)

Coronavirus in Goa Latest Updates

COVID-19 testing centre set up in Goa village 

The Goa health department on Friday said that a :mass COVID-19 testing facility" had been set up at Chimbel village, near Panaji, "after six positive cases were reported from there in the last two days," News18 reported.

18:04 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 49.47%

The Centre said the recovery rate of coronavirus patients in India has increased to 49.47 percent and a total of 1,47,194 individuals have recovered from the deadly disease in the country, News18 reported..

17:53 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Doubling time improves to 17.4 days in India, says Centre

The Union health ministry on Friday said that the doubling time of coronavirus cases in India has improved to 17.4 days currently from 15.4 days a couple of weeks ago.

17:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre mulling adding 'sudden loss of taste, smell' as criteria for COVID-19 test

]The government is mulling to include sudden loss of taste and smell as a criteria for COVID-19 testing, sources said on Friday as India witnessed a surge in coronavirus instances with total caseload racing towards the three lakh mark.

The issue was discussed in a meeting of the National Task Force on COVID-19 held last Sunday, but no consensus on the matter has been reached yet. "At the meeting, some members suggested including loss of taste and smell in the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 testing stating that several patients have been reporting symptoms like these," a source in the health ministry said.

(PTI)

17:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in Puducherry Latest Updates

Puducherry CM says COVID-19 spreading in UT from Tamil Nadu

Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy was quoted by News18 on Friday as saying that the coronavirus pandemic is spreading in the Union Territory "largely due to the arrival of people from Chennai and other districts of neighbouring Tamil Nadu for health care facilities and other purposes."

17:17 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

MHA tells states to allow vehicular movement on highways during night curfew

The MHA on Friday wrote to state governments /UTs over the night curfew, and said, "some states/UTs are also restricting movement of persons and vehicles plying on highways between 9 pm and 5 am, which is hindering their smooth passage. Clarifies curfew only to prevent congregations and to ensure social distancing," The Times of India reported.

17:10 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre likely to withdraw use of Azithromycin

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is likely to withdraw the use of Azithromycin, which was being administered to severely ill COVID-19 patients in the ICUs, from the combination of Azithromycin and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

17:02 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Dhananjay Munde tests COVID-19 positive, say reports

Maharashtra social justice minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus "but he is asymptomatic and his condition is stable", News18 reported, quoting state health minister Rajesh Tope.

16:46 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

COVID-19 containment zones in Guwahati rise to 36

Reports said that the number of coronavirus containment zones in Assam's Guwahati stand at 36 as of Friday and are "increasing rapidly", The Indian Express reported.

16:39 (IST)

Coronavirus in Nepal Latest Updates

448 new COVID-19 cases in Nepal

Report said that 448 new coronavirus cases were reported in Nepal in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases in the country to 5,062, including 16 deaths.

16:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in DelhI Latest Updates

Delhi govt says people in home isolation will be given oximetres

"The Delhi government released an advertisement on Friday where it said that those placed in home isolation will be provided pulse oximeters, a device to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the body," India Today reported.

16:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates

120 more COVID-19 patients recover in Odisha

  Another 120 #Covid19 patients have recovered and are being discharged on 12.6.2020. 30 from Ganjam 19 from Khurda 14 from Balasore 12 from Bolangir 9 from Dhenkanal 7 each from Nayagarh & Sundargarh 6 from Angul 5 from Keonjhar 4 each from Jagatsinghpur & Puri (1/2)

— H & FW Dept Odisha (@HFWOdisha) June 12, 2020

16:12 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi doctor says COVID-19 curve may not flatten anytime soon

Dr SP Byotra, Vice Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Friday said, "The curve doesn't seem to flatten anytime soon. We might see a peak in early or mid-July or possibly in August. Moreover, I don't anticipate the vaccine till the first quarter of next year."

16:04 (IST)

Coronavirus in New Zealand Latest Updates

New Zealand to allow entry of maritime vessels

New Zealand on Friday reportedly said that the entry of "some maritime vessels" would be allowed into the country  "as it looks to open up its economy after lifting all coronavirus restrictions earlier this week.", The Indian Express reported. 

"Cruise ships and people travelling for leisure, however, will continue to be banned from entering the country, the government said in a statement," the report said

16:00 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

BJP slams Kejriwal govt after SC criticism

After the Supreme Court's criticism of the Delhi government for the coronavirus situation in Delhi, the BJP said the National Capital's ""truth" is out and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been a "failure"," News18 reported.

15:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

States demanded 63 more Shramik trains, says Railways

The Railways on Friday said that state governments had demanded 63 more Shramik Special trains after Railway Board chairman wrote to them on requirement of such trains.

Of 63 Shramik Special trains demanded by states, maximum 32 will depart from Kerala while destinations of 23 will be West Bengal, the statement said,

15:36 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

37 new COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand on Friday reported 37 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,692, the state health department said.

15:25 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates

Hyderabad mayor in quarantine after driver tests positive 

Hyderabad mayor Bonthu Rammohan was on Friday put under home quarantine after his driver and attainder tested positive for coronavirus, India Today reported.

"The Mayor, his family and several other officials of GHMC were put under home quarantine. Meanwhile, at least 43 media personals including reporters, cameramen, technicians have also tested positive for coronavirus. While 30 are admitted in hospital, 13 with mild symptoms have been put under home quarantine," the report said.

15:06 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Supreme Court asks Delhi govt to explain drop in COVID-19 testing

The Supreme Court pulled up Delhi government over a dip in coronavirus testing at a time when cases are rising faster than before in the National Capital.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to LNJP Hospital in Delhi and said, "There is a problem in Delhi, testing has gone down from 7,000 to 5,000 per day. Why has your testing gone down? Tell us why testing numbers are reducing in Delhi."

"We have also noticed that the Delhi government itself has admitted that the number of tests has gone down in June as compared to the month of May."

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday.

In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said.

Maharashtra social justice minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus "but he is asymptomatic and his condition is stable", News18 reported, quoting state health minister Rajesh Tope.

The Railways on Friday said that state governments had demanded 63 more Shramik Special trains after Railway Board chairman wrote to them on requirement of such trains.

Of 63 Shramik Special trains demanded by states, maximum 32 will depart from Kerala while destinations of 23 will be West Bengal, the statement said,

The Supreme Court pulled up Delhi government over a dip in coronavirus testing at a time when cases are rising faster than before in the National Capital.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to LNJP Hospital in Delhi and said, "There is a problem in Delhi, testing has gone down from 7,000 to 5,000 per day. Why has your testing gone down? Tell us why testing numbers are reducing in Delhi."

"We have also noticed that the Delhi government itself has admitted that the number of tests has gone down in June as compared to the month of May."

The BCCI on Friday called off Indian cricket team's short tour of Zimbabwe in August due to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement was on expected lines after Sri Lanka Cricket announced on Thursday that India's limited overs tour in June-July was postponed indefinitely.

Lockdown will not be extended in Maharashtra, said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday. He further appealed to the people not to crowd anywhere and follow the instructions given by the government.

The Supreme Court on Friday observed that it is the duty of every state government to increase COVID-19 testing and not keep people waiting for long to get tested. "We are shocked by the deplorable manner in which many hospitals have handled COVID-19 patients' bodies, said the apex court.

Six more people, including three Army personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the total number of cases in the state to 67, a health department official said on Friday.

Three Army men tested positive for the disease in Singchung sub-division of West Kameng district on Thursday night, while two persons were detected with the infection in Changlang and one in Longding, he said.

The Supreme Court took serious view of alleged non-payment of salary and non-arrangement of proper accommodation for doctors and healthcare staff for quarantine purposes.

The apex court also expressed anguish over allegations about doctors being not paid full salary for months both in private and government hospitals. The top court said, "this issue should not engage court's and it should be settled by government."

The plea filed in the Supreme Court to ensure a cosmetic artificial approach will be taken up on Wednesday next week.

The Supreme Court on Friday observed that no coercive action be taken against private firms, which have failed to pay full wages to employees during lockdown period. The apex court was hearing the matter on on MHA notification on full wages during 54-day lockdown.

There are a total of 2,028 coronavirus positive cases in Mumbai Police and a total of 82 in the State Reserve Police Force, ANI reported on Friday.

The former US diplomat Nicholas Burns commented on the leadership of President Donald Trump on dealing with the COVID-19 situation. He said, "Trump does not believe in cooperation, he wants to go alone."

Crises like COVID-19 are existential, the pandemic will reshape world relations, said Ambassador Nicholas Burns on Friday to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The United States, India and China need to put differences aside to combat a crisis like COVID-19, but that has not happened, said former US diplomat Nicholas Burns to Rahul Gandhi on Friday.

India registered over 2.97 lakh COVID-19 infections on Friday after 10,956 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours, said health ministry. After 396 deaths were reported in a day, the COVID-19 toll in the nation reached 8,498.

India reported a record jump of 10,956 new COVID-19 cases and 396 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by the health ministry on Friday.

For the second consecutive day this week, Gujarat reported more than 500 positive cases making it nearly 2,000 cases since Monday. Over 22,000 infections registered in the state on Thursday.

Morbi district which has reported only six cases so far, reported its first death. Thirty-eight deaths were reported across the state on Thursday.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance on reports of improper handling of COVID-19 patients and undignified disposal of victims' bodies, Live Law reported.

The case is listed for hearing on Friday at 10.30 am before the bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and MR Shah.

Maharashtra reported surge in COVID-19 infections and fatalities on Thursday, adding 3,607 cases and 152 deaths, both highest for a day so far.

The state's total caseload touched 97,648 — overtaking Canada's tally of 97,472— and is inching close to the one lakh mark. Its toll is 3,590.

The nationwide COVID-19 case count neared 2.9 lakh on Thursday with a record one-day increase of nearly 10,000 cases taking the count of infections detected this month to almost one lakh.

Media reports said that India now has the fourth-highest number of cases in the world according to a tally maintained by Worldometer. The country is now behind only the US, Brazil and Russia.

The government, however, said the virus infection has not entered the community transmission stage as the lockdown and containment measures prevented a rapid spread. The country's first sero-survey on COVID-19 spread has found that lockdown and containment measures were successful in preventing a rapid rise in infections, but a large proportion of the population still remains susceptible, the government said.

On the positive side, the number of recoveries exceeded the active cases for the second consecutive day. The ministry said the number of active cases stood at 1,37,448 as of 8 AM on Thursday, as against more than 1.4 lakh having recovered so far -- giving a recovery rate of over 49.2 per cent.

Representational image. PTI

India not in community transmission stage, says ICMR

At a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, the government officials said India is definitely not in the community transmission stage of COVID-19 spread.

Citing results from the country's first sero-survey on the COVID-19 spread, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Balram Bhargava said that the people living in urban areas face higher risks than those in the rural parts of the country, while the risk is even higher for those in the urban slums.

The survey also found a high infection rate within the containment zones, but the fatality rate was found to be very low overall at just 0.08 per cent.

Since a large proportion of the population is susceptible and infection can spread, non-pharmacological interventions such as physical distancing, use of face mask or cover, hand hygiene, cough etiquette must be followed strictly, Bhargava said.

Urban slums are highly vulnerable for spread of the infection and local lockdown measures therefore need to continue, he said.

The elderly people, children below 10 years of age, people with chronic morbidities and pregnant women also fall in the high-risk category, he said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, the countries that have seen community transmission of the virus infection include the US, the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines.

Many of these countries have lower case count than India, but figure among the nations having witnessed ''community transmission'' -- a term typically used when a clear-cut contact tracing cannot be established for a large number of confirmed cases of infection.

For India, the transmission classification used by the WHO is ''cluster of cases'', which it describes as a stage where a country experiences cases "clustered in time, geographic location and/or by common exposures".

Administrative measures

In the meantime, several states stepped up their efforts to contain the spread and to enhance their healthcare infrastructure, though many experts have also warned against extending the lockdown curbs due to their high economic costs and a worsening job market scenario.

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Telangana have asked for Indian Railways'' isolation coaches. The first such COVID-19 care centre has been deployed at Shakur Basti railway station, which consists of 10 coaches with a capacity of 160 beds.

The coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the coronavirus Care centres according to guidelines issued by the health ministry.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the state government has succeeded in setting up an adequate number of healthcare facilities for treatment of COVID-19 patients in a short span.

State-wise cases

Delhi reported a record number of 1,877 new coronavirus cases, pushing its tally over 34,000, while the death mounted to 1,085, authorities said.

In Odisha, 136 more people, including 54 disaster response personnel who were engaged in cyclone Amphan relief work in West Bengal, tested positive, raising the state''s tally to 3,386.

Uttar Pradesh reported 24 more coronavirus deaths and 478 new cases, the biggest single-day spike in both numbers so far for the state. The death toll in the state now is 345 after three consecutive days of record highs, while the case count has reached 12,088.

Tamil Nadu reported 1,875 new cases and 23 deaths during the day, While Kerala reported 83 new fresh cases and one fatality.

New cases also emerged in Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, among other states and UTs.

Three new cases also emerged in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is seeing a new wave of the infection after remaining free of the infection for almost a month. The new cases are family members of a person who returned from Chennai in a flight on June 7 and had subsequently tested positive. On that day, another returnee from Delhi had also tested positive.

Mumbai's COVID-19 tally rose by 1,540 to reach 53,985, while its death toll rose by 97 to 1,952. Overall, Maharashtra recorded 3,607 new cases to take its tally to 97,648, while its death toll rose to 3,590 with 152 fatalities recorded during the day.

In the neighbouring Gujarat, the tally rose to 22,067 with the addition of 513 new cases in the last 24 hours, while the toll increased to 1,385, the state health department said.

Over 1.65 lakh stranded Indians returned under Vande Bharat Mission

A total of 1,65,375 people have returned, including 29,034 migrant workers under Vande Bharat Mission, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday.

He added that the rate of repatriation will see a rise in June.

"A total of 1,65,375 people have returned, including 29,034 migrant workers, 12,774 students and 11,241 professionals. The rate of repatriation will be more in June," said Srivastava during an online press briefing.

"Apart from Air India flights, repatriation has also been arranged through other streams like Indian naval vessels which have brought back our nationals from Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Iran through foreign carriers coming to India to pick up nationals from other countries, through chartered flights and from land borders. As part of the Vande Bharat Mission, the INS Shardul has returned to Gujarat from Iran carrying 233 stranded Indian nationals," he added.

Srivastava said that under the third phase of Vande Bharat Mission, 432 international flights from 43 countries will be reaching 17 states and UTs.

With inputs from agencies

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23:45 (IST) Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates Baramulla schools conduct online classes Schools' management with the help of District Administration in Baramulla is conducting online classes for students as schools are closed due to #COVID19. Chief Education Officer, Baramulla says,"Over 40,000 students are benefitting from these online classes, amid lockdown." J&K: Schools' management with the help of District Administration in Baramulla is conducting online classes for students as schools are closed due to #COVID19. Chief Education Officer, Baramulla says,"Over 40,000 students are benefitting from these online classes, amid lockdown." pic.twitter.com/rZqKxP1Vvn — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2020 23:35 (IST) Coronavirus in US Latest Updates Public health workers fighting virus face growing threats   Emily Brown was stretched thin. As the director of the Rio Grande County Public Health Department in rural Colorado, she was working 12- and 14-hour days, struggling to respond to the pandemic with only five full-time employees for more than 11,000 residents. Case counts were rising. She was already at odds with county commissioners, who were pushing to loosen public health restrictions in late May, against her advice. She had previously clashed with them over data releases and control and had haggled over a variance regarding reopening businesses. But she reasoned that standing up for public health principles was worth it, even if she risked losing the job that allowed her to live close to her hometown and help her parents with their farm. In the battle against COVID-19, public health workers spread across states, cities and small towns make up an invisible army on the front lines. But that army, which has suffered neglect for decades, is under assault when it’s needed most. Officials who usually work behind the scenes managing tasks like immunizations and water quality inspections have found themselves center stage. Elected officials and members of the public who are frustrated with the lockdowns and safety restrictions have at times turned public health workers into politicized punching bags, battering them with countless angry calls and even physical threats. (AP) 23:24 (IST) Coromavirus in Kerala Latest Updates Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to be shut from 13 June The Guruvayur Devaswom in Kerala's Trivandrum said, "Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to be closed for devotees from 13 June, as nearby areas Chavakkad and Vadakkekad have been declared as containment zones. Weddings scheduled for tomorrow allowed; other wedding bookings, darshan passes stand cancelled." 23:12 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates 49 new COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand today 49 new coronavirus cases were reported in Jharkhand on Friday, taking the total tally in the state to 1,656, the state health department said.Of the total cases, 963 were active cases was 963 while 685 people have been cured and discharged from hospitals. Death toll stands at eight. 23:02 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab latest Updates Punjab govt approves weekend, holiday restrictions The Punjab government said that Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday approved detailed weekend and holiday restriction guidelines, as per which inter-district movement will be barred except for e-pass holders and only shops dealing with essential commodities and services will be allowed to operate on all days of week. "Shops dealing with essential commodities/services shall remain open on all days till 7 pm. Restaurants (for takeaway/home delivery only) & liquor shops will also continue to be open till 8 pm on all days," the statement said. 22:45 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates NHRC notices to Centre, IRDA over 'refusal' on mediclaim policies The National Human Rights Commission has sent notices to Union Finance Ministry and the IRDA over a "report which alleged that healthcare workers",who are at the maximum risk to contract COVID-19, are facing refusals or demands for high premiums on buying group mediclaim policies, officials said on Friday. Reportedly, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and "the government offers little clarity" on insurance cover for private healthcare professionals doing non-COVID work, there is a scramble to find the right insurance policy. It is further stated that while most doctors have a medical cover, the struggle has mainly been about ensuring protection for their staffers, the NHRC said. (PTI) 22:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates 2,137 new COVID-19 cases in Delhi today Delhi on Friday recorded its highest single-day jump in coronavirus cases after 2,137 new infections were reported on Friday. The Delhi government said that 71 deaths and 667 recovered/migrated/discharged today. Total number of positive cases here stands at 36,824, including 1214 deaths and 13,398 recovered/migrated/discharged. 22:21 (IST) Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates WHO says COVID-19 vaccine should be shared 'as public good' The World Health Organisation on Friday said that vaccines for the coronavirus "should be made available as a global public good," News18 quoted WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying, This is "to ensure everyone had fair access to any life-saving products that are developed", he added. 22:11 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Modi-CMs meetings schedule: The Indian Express reported the schedule of the meetings scheduled between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all chief ministers on 16 and 17 June: "On 16 June, the Prime Minister is likely to interact with CMs of 21 states and UTs: Punjab, Assam, Kerala, U’khand, J’khand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Dama Diu, Sikkim & Lakshadweep On 17 June, the Prime Minister is likely to interact with CMs of rest 15 states and UTs: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu And Kashmir, Telangana and Odisha," the report said. 21:55 (IST) Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates 9 new COVID-19 cases in Manipur today Nineteen people tested positive for coronavirus in Manipur in the last 24 hours, taking the state tally to 385, officials said. 21:43 (IST) Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates 202 new COVID-19 cases in MP today 202 new coronavirus cases and nine deaths were reported in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.Additionally, 159 people recovered as the number of cases in the state rose to 10,443 including 440 deaths and 7,201 recovered.  21:32 (IST) Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates COVID patient gives birth to healthy baby in Shillong "A Covid-19 positive woman has given birth to a healthy baby at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) hospital in Shillong, Meghalaya on Friday," News18 reported. 21:26 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates Uttarakhand reports 32 COVID-19 cases 32 new coronavirus cases and two deaths were reported in Uttarakhand on Friday, meanwhile, 52 people recovered. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 1724, including 21 deaths and 947 discharged: Uttarakhand State Control Room COVID-19 21:23 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates COVID-19 cases in India cross 3 lakh mark India confirmed 3,01,579 coronavirus cases after 3,296 new cases and 52 deaths were reported as of 8:20 pm on Friday, News18 reported. "The tally includes 1,43,259 active cases, 1,49,767 recovered/cured and the death toll stands at 8,553," News18 reported. 20:54 (IST) Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates Taiwan donates masks to Mizoram, says report The Taiwan government reportedly donated coronavirus masks worth Rs 45 lakh to the Mizoram government to fight the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Minister Zoramthanga was quoted as saying by News18. 20:45 (IST) Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates 156 new COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir today Jammu and Kashmir reported 156 new coronavirus cases, of which 88 are in the Jammu Division and 68 in Kashmir Division, reports said. The UT now has 4730 cases including 2591 active cases and 2086 recovered cases. Death toll is now at 53.  20:38 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Narendra Modi to hold meeting with CMs on 16, 17 June Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meetings with all chief ministers via video conferencing on 16 and 17th June, News18 reported. 20:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi latest Updates Delhi Police ASI succumbs to COVID-19 An Assistant Sub Inspector of Police, who was admitted to a hospital after testing positive for coronavirus passed away due to the illness on Friday, the Delhi Police said. 20:20 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Manish Sisodia pays tribute to 'teachers of Delhi' My salute to the teachers of Delhi who are writing history through their selfless service in our fight against COVID 19. My heart goes out to the grieving families of Ompal Singh & Sheoji Mishra who lost their lives. Delhi Govt. is working to release ex-gratia immediately. — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) June 12, 2020 20:17 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates AIIMS says 'very low' number of cases in India in relation to population "Although India has gone up to the fourth rank as far as coronavirus cases are concerned, we've to accept that it is because of the population we have. If we look at no. of cases per million population, we still are very low in terms of number of cases," Dr Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Director said on Friday. 20:06 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates Bengal records 476 new COVID-19 cases 476 new cases of coronavirus and nine deaths were reported in West Bengal on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 10,244 and the toll is now at 451. The tally includes 4,206 discharges and 5,587 active cases.  19:55 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates 3,493 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra today COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra inched closer to one lakh with 3,493 new cases in the state on Friday. 19:45 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates AIIMS director says Delhi govt must increase testing capacity AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, on Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's statement regarding the expected number of corornavirus cases in the National Capital, said, "Number of cases in Delhi may not be as high as predicted but still whatever be the number, we have to increase our capacity so that we can manage increasing load that healthcare system is going to get." 19:37 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Around 1.5 lakh tests being conducted everyday, says AIIMS director "We were testing only around 10,000-20,000 people per day about 6 weeks ago, now we are testing almost 1.5 lakh people per day and this number is going up every day," said Dr  Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Director. 19:26 (IST) Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates Chhattisgarh govt to begin admission process in schools from July Chhattisgarh minister Ravindra Choubey said that the state government has decided that the admission process in schools and colleges will commence in Chhattisgarh from July. "A penalty of Rs 100 will be levied if any person is found not wearing a face mask in Chhattisgarh," he added. 19:10 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates 99 new COVID-19 cases in Punjab today 99 new cases of coronavirus and 4 deaths were reported in Punjab on Friday. The total number of cases in the state is now 2,986 including 641 active cases and 2282 recovered patients. The toll stands at 63, the state health department said. 18:57 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi LG forms committee for COVID-19 management Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal on Friday formed a committee for the management of the coronavirus pandemic in the National Capital. "The expert committee will give their opinion on various challenges being faced in Delhi in prevention of spread of coronavirus and measures to ramp up medical infrastructure. The committee would also provide examples from global and national best practices," News18 reported. 18:49 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre issues SOPs for offices Ministry of Health releases guidelines on preventive measures to be followed at offices, to contain the spread of #COVID19; a temperature of 24-30 degree Celsius to be maintained and there should be a relative humidity of 40-70% Ministry of Health releases guidelines on preventive measures to be followed at offices, to contain the spread of #COVID19; a temperature of 24-30 degree Celsius to be maintained and there should be a relative humidity of 40-70% pic.twitter.com/MCogIoCGxi — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2020 18:39 (IST) Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates 78 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala Kerala on Friday reported 78 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of active cases to 1,303 in the state. Additionally, one death and 32 recoveries were also reported in the state. 18:24 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates No restrictions on passenger buses, goods trucks, says MHA  Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday. In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said. (PTI) 18:19 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates 1,982 new COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu today Tamil Nadu reported 1,982 new coronavirus cases and 18 deaths were recorded on Friday, taking the total number of infections in the state to 40,698 and the toll to 367.  18:14 (IST) Coronavirus in Goa Latest Updates COVID-19 testing centre set up in Goa village  The Goa health department on Friday said that a :mass COVID-19 testing facility" had been set up at Chimbel village, near Panaji, "after six positive cases were reported from there in the last two days," News18 reported. 18:04 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre says COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 49.47% The Centre said the recovery rate of coronavirus patients in India has increased to 49.47 percent and a total of 1,47,194 individuals have recovered from the deadly disease in the country, News18 reported.. 17:53 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Doubling time improves to 17.4 days in India, says Centre The Union health ministry on Friday said that the doubling time of coronavirus cases in India has improved to 17.4 days currently from 15.4 days a couple of weeks ago. 17:35 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre mulling adding 'sudden loss of taste, smell' as criteria for COVID-19 test ]The government is mulling to include sudden loss of taste and smell as a criteria for COVID-19 testing, sources said on Friday as India witnessed a surge in coronavirus instances with total caseload racing towards the three lakh mark. The issue was discussed in a meeting of the National Task Force on COVID-19 held last Sunday, but no consensus on the matter has been reached yet. "At the meeting, some members suggested including loss of taste and smell in the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 testing stating that several patients have been reporting symptoms like these," a source in the health ministry said. (PTI) 17:26 (IST) Coronavirus in Puducherry Latest Updates Puducherry CM says COVID-19 spreading in UT from Tamil Nadu Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy was quoted by News18 on Friday as saying that the coronavirus pandemic is spreading in the Union Territory "largely due to the arrival of people from Chennai and other districts of neighbouring Tamil Nadu for health care facilities and other purposes." 17:17 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates MHA tells states to allow vehicular movement on highways during night curfew The MHA on Friday wrote to state governments /UTs over the night curfew, and said, "some states/UTs are also restricting movement of persons and vehicles plying on highways between 9 pm and 5 am, which is hindering their smooth passage. Clarifies curfew only to prevent congregations and to ensure social distancing," The Times of India reported. 17:10 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre likely to withdraw use of Azithromycin The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is likely to withdraw the use of Azithromycin, which was being administered to severely ill COVID-19 patients in the ICUs, from the combination of Azithromycin and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). 17:02 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Dhananjay Munde tests COVID-19 positive, say reports Maharashtra social justice minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus "but he is asymptomatic and his condition is stable", News18 reported, quoting state health minister Rajesh Tope. 16:46 (IST) Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates COVID-19 containment zones in Guwahati rise to 36 Reports said that the number of coronavirus containment zones in Assam's Guwahati stand at 36 as of Friday and are "increasing rapidly", The Indian Express reported. 16:39 (IST) Coronavirus in Nepal Latest Updates 448 new COVID-19 cases in Nepal Report said that 448 new coronavirus cases were reported in Nepal in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases in the country to 5,062, including 16 deaths. 16:37 (IST) Coronavirus in DelhI Latest Updates Delhi govt says people in home isolation will be given oximetres "The Delhi government released an advertisement on Friday where it said that those placed in home isolation will be provided pulse oximeters, a device to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the body," India Today reported. 16:18 (IST) Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates 120 more COVID-19 patients recover in Odisha   Another 120 #Covid19 patients have recovered and are being discharged on 12.6.2020. 30 from Ganjam 19 from Khurda 14 from Balasore 12 from Bolangir 9 from Dhenkanal 7 each from Nayagarh & Sundargarh 6 from Angul 5 from Keonjhar 4 each from Jagatsinghpur & Puri (1/2) — H & FW Dept Odisha (@HFWOdisha) June 12, 2020 16:12 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi doctor says COVID-19 curve may not flatten anytime soon Dr SP Byotra, Vice Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Friday said, "The curve doesn't seem to flatten anytime soon. We might see a peak in early or mid-July or possibly in August. Moreover, I don't anticipate the vaccine till the first quarter of next year." 16:04 (IST) Coronavirus in New Zealand Latest Updates New Zealand to allow entry of maritime vessels New Zealand on Friday reportedly said that the entry of "some maritime vessels" would be allowed into the country  "as it looks to open up its economy after lifting all coronavirus restrictions earlier this week.", The Indian Express reported.  "Cruise ships and people travelling for leisure, however, will continue to be banned from entering the country, the government said in a statement," the report said 16:00 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates BJP slams Kejriwal govt after SC criticism After the Supreme Court's criticism of the Delhi government for the coronavirus situation in Delhi, the BJP said the National Capital's ""truth" is out and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been a "failure"," News18 reported. 15:48 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates States demanded 63 more Shramik trains, says Railways The Railways on Friday said that state governments had demanded 63 more Shramik Special trains after Railway Board chairman wrote to them on requirement of such trains. Of 63 Shramik Special trains demanded by states, maximum 32 will depart from Kerala while destinations of 23 will be West Bengal, the statement said, 15:36 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates 37 new COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand Uttarakhand on Friday reported 37 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,692, the state health department said. 15:25 (IST) Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates Hyderabad mayor in quarantine after driver tests positive  Hyderabad mayor Bonthu Rammohan was on Friday put under home quarantine after his driver and attainder tested positive for coronavirus, India Today reported. "The Mayor, his family and several other officials of GHMC were put under home quarantine. Meanwhile, at least 43 media personals including reporters, cameramen, technicians have also tested positive for coronavirus. While 30 are admitted in hospital, 13 with mild symptoms have been put under home quarantine," the report said. 15:06 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates Supreme Court asks Delhi govt to explain drop in COVID-19 testing The Supreme Court pulled up Delhi government over a dip in coronavirus testing at a time when cases are rising faster than before in the National Capital. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to LNJP Hospital in Delhi and said, "There is a problem in Delhi, testing has gone down from 7,000 to 5,000 per day. Why has your testing gone down? Tell us why testing numbers are reducing in Delhi." "We have also noticed that the Delhi government itself has admitted that the number of tests has gone down in June as compared to the month of May." Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday. In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said. Maharashtra social justice minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus "but he is asymptomatic and his condition is stable", News18 reported, quoting state health minister Rajesh Tope. The Railways on Friday said that state governments had demanded 63 more Shramik Special trains after Railway Board chairman wrote to them on requirement of such trains. Of 63 Shramik Special trains demanded by states, maximum 32 will depart from Kerala while destinations of 23 will be West Bengal, the statement said, The Supreme Court pulled up Delhi government over a dip in coronavirus testing at a time when cases are rising faster than before in the National Capital. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to LNJP Hospital in Delhi and said, "There is a problem in Delhi, testing has gone down from 7,000 to 5,000 per day. Why has your testing gone down? Tell us why testing numbers are reducing in Delhi." "We have also noticed that the Delhi government itself has admitted that the number of tests has gone down in June as compared to the month of May." The BCCI on Friday called off Indian cricket team's short tour of Zimbabwe in August due to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was on expected lines after Sri Lanka Cricket announced on Thursday that India's limited overs tour in June-July was postponed indefinitely. Lockdown will not be extended in Maharashtra, said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday. He further appealed to the people not to crowd anywhere and follow the instructions given by the government. The Supreme Court on Friday observed that it is the duty of every state government to increase COVID-19 testing and not keep people waiting for long to get tested. "We are shocked by the deplorable manner in which many hospitals have handled COVID-19 patients' bodies, said the apex court. Six more people, including three Army personnel, have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the total number of cases in the state to 67, a health department official said on Friday. Three Army men tested positive for the disease in Singchung sub-division of West Kameng district on Thursday night, while two persons were detected with the infection in Changlang and one in Longding, he said. The Supreme Court took serious view of alleged non-payment of salary and non-arrangement of proper accommodation for doctors and healthcare staff for quarantine purposes. The apex court also expressed anguish over allegations about doctors being not paid full salary for months both in private and government hospitals. The top court said, "this issue should not engage court's and it should be settled by government." The plea filed in the Supreme Court to ensure a cosmetic artificial approach will be taken up on Wednesday next week. The Supreme Court on Friday observed that no coercive action be taken against private firms, which have failed to pay full wages to employees during lockdown period. The apex court was hearing the matter on on MHA notification on full wages during 54-day lockdown. There are a total of 2,028 coronavirus positive cases in Mumbai Police and a total of 82 in the State Reserve Police Force, ANI reported on Friday. The former US diplomat Nicholas Burns commented on the leadership of President Donald Trump on dealing with the COVID-19 situation. He said, "Trump does not believe in cooperation, he wants to go alone." Crises like COVID-19 are existential, the pandemic will reshape world relations, said Ambassador Nicholas Burns on Friday to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The United States, India and China need to put differences aside to combat a crisis like COVID-19, but that has not happened, said former US diplomat Nicholas Burns to Rahul Gandhi on Friday. India registered over 2.97 lakh COVID-19 infections on Friday after 10,956 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours, said health ministry. After 396 deaths were reported in a day, the COVID-19 toll in the nation reached 8,498. India reported a record jump of 10,956 new COVID-19 cases and 396 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by the health ministry on Friday. For the second consecutive day this week, Gujarat reported more than 500 positive cases making it nearly 2,000 cases since Monday. Over 22,000 infections registered in the state on Thursday. Morbi district which has reported only six cases so far, reported its first death. Thirty-eight deaths were reported across the state on Thursday. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance on reports of improper handling of COVID-19 patients and undignified disposal of victims' bodies, Live Law reported. The case is listed for hearing on Friday at 10.30 am before the bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and MR Shah. Maharashtra reported surge in COVID-19 infections and fatalities on Thursday, adding 3,607 cases and 152 deaths, both highest for a day so far. The state's total caseload touched 97,648 — overtaking Canada's tally of 97,472— and is inching close to the one lakh mark. Its toll is 3,590. The nationwide COVID-19 case count neared 2.9 lakh on Thursday with a record one-day increase of nearly 10,000 cases taking the count of infections detected this month to almost one lakh. Media reports said that India now has the fourth-highest number of cases in the world according to a tally maintained by Worldometer. The country is now behind only the US, Brazil and Russia. The government, however, said the virus infection has not entered the community transmission stage as the lockdown and containment measures prevented a rapid spread. The country's first sero-survey on COVID-19 spread has found that lockdown and containment measures were successful in preventing a rapid rise in infections, but a large proportion of the population still remains susceptible, the government said. On the positive side, the number of recoveries exceeded the active cases for the second consecutive day. The ministry said the number of active cases stood at 1,37,448 as of 8 AM on Thursday, as against more than 1.4 lakh having recovered so far -- giving a recovery rate of over 49.2 per cent. Representational image. PTI India not in community transmission stage, says ICMR At a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, the government officials said India is definitely not in the community transmission stage of COVID-19 spread. Citing results from the country's first sero-survey on the COVID-19 spread, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Balram Bhargava said that the people living in urban areas face higher risks than those in the rural parts of the country, while the risk is even higher for those in the urban slums. The survey also found a high infection rate within the containment zones, but the fatality rate was found to be very low overall at just 0.08 per cent. Since a large proportion of the population is susceptible and infection can spread, non-pharmacological interventions such as physical distancing, use of face mask or cover, hand hygiene, cough etiquette must be followed strictly, Bhargava said. Urban slums are highly vulnerable for spread of the infection and local lockdown measures therefore need to continue, he said. The elderly people, children below 10 years of age, people with chronic morbidities and pregnant women also fall in the high-risk category, he said. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, the countries that have seen community transmission of the virus infection include the US, the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines. Many of these countries have lower case count than India, but figure among the nations having witnessed ''community transmission'' -- a term typically used when a clear-cut contact tracing cannot be established for a large number of confirmed cases of infection. For India, the transmission classification used by the WHO is ''cluster of cases'', which it describes as a stage where a country experiences cases "clustered in time, geographic location and/or by common exposures". Administrative measures In the meantime, several states stepped up their efforts to contain the spread and to enhance their healthcare infrastructure, though many experts have also warned against extending the lockdown curbs due to their high economic costs and a worsening job market scenario. Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Telangana have asked for Indian Railways'' isolation coaches. The first such COVID-19 care centre has been deployed at Shakur Basti railway station, which consists of 10 coaches with a capacity of 160 beds. The coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the coronavirus Care centres according to guidelines issued by the health ministry. In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the state government has succeeded in setting up an adequate number of healthcare facilities for treatment of COVID-19 patients in a short span. State-wise cases Delhi reported a record number of 1,877 new coronavirus cases, pushing its tally over 34,000, while the death mounted to 1,085, authorities said. In Odisha, 136 more people, including 54 disaster response personnel who were engaged in cyclone Amphan relief work in West Bengal, tested positive, raising the state''s tally to 3,386. Uttar Pradesh reported 24 more coronavirus deaths and 478 new cases, the biggest single-day spike in both numbers so far for the state. The death toll in the state now is 345 after three consecutive days of record highs, while the case count has reached 12,088. Tamil Nadu reported 1,875 new cases and 23 deaths during the day, While Kerala reported 83 new fresh cases and one fatality. New cases also emerged in Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, among other states and UTs. Three new cases also emerged in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is seeing a new wave of the infection after remaining free of the infection for almost a month. The new cases are family members of a person who returned from Chennai in a flight on June 7 and had subsequently tested positive. On that day, another returnee from Delhi had also tested positive. Mumbai's COVID-19 tally rose by 1,540 to reach 53,985, while its death toll rose by 97 to 1,952. Overall, Maharashtra recorded 3,607 new cases to take its tally to 97,648, while its death toll rose to 3,590 with 152 fatalities recorded during the day. In the neighbouring Gujarat, the tally rose to 22,067 with the addition of 513 new cases in the last 24 hours, while the toll increased to 1,385, the state health department said. Over 1.65 lakh stranded Indians returned under Vande Bharat Mission A total of 1,65,375 people have returned, including 29,034 migrant workers under Vande Bharat Mission, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday. He added that the rate of repatriation will see a rise in June. "A total of 1,65,375 people have returned, including 29,034 migrant workers, 12,774 students and 11,241 professionals. The rate of repatriation will be more in June," said Srivastava during an online press briefing. "Apart from Air India flights, repatriation has also been arranged through other streams like Indian naval vessels which have brought back our nationals from Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Iran through foreign carriers coming to India to pick up nationals from other countries, through chartered flights and from land borders. As part of the Vande Bharat Mission, the INS Shardul has returned to Gujarat from Iran carrying 233 stranded Indian nationals," he added. Srivastava said that under the third phase of Vande Bharat Mission, 432 international flights from 43 countries will be reaching 17 states and UTs. With inputs from agencies

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/06/coronavirus-outbreak-updates-covid-19.html

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23:51 (IST) Coronavirus in Bangladesh Latest Updates First Rohingya refugee dies from coronavirus in Bangladesh camps   An elderly Rohingya refugee has become the first person to die from coronavirus in the world’s largest refugee settlement in Bangladesh, where there are fears the disease could spread fast due to overcrowding. The 71-year-old man died on May 31 while undergoing treatment at an isolation centre at the camps where over a million Rohingya live, said Bimal Chakma, a senior official of the government’s Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission. “Today we got the confirmation that he tested positive for COVID-19,” he told Reuters by telephone. Aid workers have long warned of a potential humanitarian disaster if there is a major outbreak at the camps in the Cox’s Bazar coastal district. The Rohingya, members of a mostly Muslim minority, fled a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar. (Reuters) 23:37 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates UP reports 369 new COVID-19 cases Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday reported 369 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of cases to 8,729. So far, 229 people have succumbed to COVID-19 in the state. . 23:25 (IST) Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates Cafes open in Paris, Japan sees rise in cases Countries around the world continue easing lockdown restrictions and regaining a bit of what life was like before the coronavirus pandemic. In Paris, sidewalk cafes are open for outdoor business — albeit with social distancing guidelines. Members of Britain’s Parliament have been called back to the office, though a few have reservations about the return. And in Portugal, there’s hope the country’s vital tourism sector can rebound with some flights resuming to its popular Algarve region. In Japan, however, the Tokyo governor issued an alert as new cases rose again. (AP) 23:14 (IST) Coronavirus in Tripura Latest Updates 25 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tripura today Alert ~ More 2️⃣5️⃣ people found #COVID19 POSITIVE in Tripura today out of 581 samples tested. Among them, 23 people have travel history & 2 people are contacts of COVID19 patients. Requesting everyone to be cautious.#TripuraCOVID19Count — Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) June 2, 2020 23:06 (IST) Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates Rajasthan govt says pending exams of colleges, universities to be held in July The Rajasthan government said that the examinations of various universities and colleges in the state that were deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to be held in second week of July. 22:54 (IST) Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates Telangana reports 99 new COVID-19 cases today Telangana reports 99 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,891. The toll is at 92, the state health department said. 22:46 (IST) Coronavirus in Pune Latest Updates 308 new COVID-19 cases reported in Pune today The Pune health department said that 22 deaths and 308 COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the district. Toll rose to 367 and total cases are now 8134. 22:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi LG appoints two nodal officers for COVID-19 response Delhi LG Anil Baijal on Tuesday appointed two IAS officials Udit Prakash Rai and Ravi Dhawan as Nodal Officers for "proper communication of data" related to COVID-19 from private and central government hospitals in Delhi. 22:22 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates BIAL survey says 90% passengers finding air travel safer than means of travek   A survey by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said that a majority of people felt that air travel was safer than other modes of transport, after domestic air operations resumed on 25 May, The Indian Express reported. "‘Voice of Pax’, a survey conducted by BIAL to understand passenger perception and expectation towards air travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, revealed that 90 per cent of passengers considered air travel much safer compared to the other modes. According to the survey, 87 per cent participants also felt airports are safer compared to train and bus stations," the report said. 22:12 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates 1,298 new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi Delhi’s Covid-19 case count rises to 22,132, with 1,298 new cases in the last 24 hrs; total death toll is 556: Delhi Health Department. 22:02 (IST) Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates Infant born to couple in quarantine named 'Quarantino' An infant born to a couple in quarantine in Manipur's Kangpoki was named 'Emmanuel Quarantino', India Today reported. 21:52 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates Uttarakhand reports 85 new COVID-19 cases The Uttarakhand's coronavirus tally crossed the 1000-mark on Tuesday with 85 more people testing positive for the infection. According to a health bulletin, the fresh cases have pushed the state's infection count to 1,043. So far, seven patients have died in the state. The authorities claim that they died of other ailments and not due to the virus. On Tuesday, the maximum 37 cases were reported from Dehradun, followed by 22 in Nainital; 14 in Tehri; six in Chamoli; three in Pauri; two in Rudraprayag; and one in Haridwar. A majority of people detected with the infection has a travel history to Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, the bulletin said. (PTI) 21:40 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates 1,109 new COVID-19 cases, 49 deaths reported in Mumbai The MCGM said that 49 deaths and 1,109 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Tuesday, the total number of cases in the city is now 41,986, toll stands at 1368. 21:29 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengala Latest Updates Bengal reports 396 new COVID-19 cases today 396 new coronavirus cases were reported in West Bengal in the last 24 hours, the state health department said on Tuesday. Total positive cases in the state stand at 6,168 and toll is at 263. 21:24 (IST) Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates 37 new COVID-19 cases reported in Jharkhand today The Jharkhand health department said that 37 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 712. Till date, 320 patients have recovered/discharged. Number of active cases is 387. 21:08 (IST) Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates COVID-19 toll in Gujarat crosses 1,000 The Gujarat health department said that in last 24 hours, 29 deaths and 415 new positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state; the total number of cases rises to 17,632 including 11,894 cured/discharged and 1,092 deaths. 20:50 (IST) Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates 273 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan  The Rajasthan health department said that 273 new COVID-19 cases have been reported till 8.30 pm on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 9373. 20:37 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra reports 2,287 new COVID-19 cases today The Maharashtra health department said that 2,287 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 72,300. 103 deaths were also reported on Tuesday. 1225 patients were also discharged, taking total recoveries to 31,333. 20:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates 117 new COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir today The Jammu and Kashmir government said that 117 more coronavirus cases have been reported in UT on Tuesday, of which 77 are from Kashmir division and 40 from Jammu division. Total cases in the Union Territory stand at 2,718, including 1732 active cases. 20:23 (IST) Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates Karnataka govt may reopen schools on 1 July "The Karnataka government issues a circular hoping to resume regular schedules in schools from July 1. It released an academic calendar where it says that admission that were stalled because schools shut down in March should be resumed from June 8 onwards. Besides, between June 10 and 15, private and govt schools must hold meetings of parents and school management committee on what kind of preparations must be made before the academic year starts. Tentatively, the department of education plans to start regular classes for students of Class 4 to 7 from July 1; and for class 1 to 3 and classes 8 to 10 from July 15," News18 reported. 20:05 (IST) Coronavirus in Goa Latest Updates Goa reports 6 new COVID-19 cases The Goa health department said that six new cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 79, including 22 active cases and 57 recovered. 19:59 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre says 45,762 passengers flew on domestic flights today On 2 June 2020, the 9th day of commencement of domestic operations this is how the numbers look till 1700 hrs. Departures 493 45,762 passengers handled. Arrivals 431 39,665 passengers handled. Total movements 924 with 85,427 footfalls at airports. Total number of flyers 45,762 pic.twitter.com/j3VWRtKAv6 — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 2, 2020 19:52 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Case registered against 17 SRPF personnel in Mumbai A case has been registered against 17 SRPF (state reserve police force) personnel at Mumbai's Vanrai Police Station for non-compliance with the order to join their duties amid the coronavirus pandemic. 19:39 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates 41 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today Reports said that 41 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Punjab, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 2,342: State Health Department. 19:26 (IST) Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates Institutional quarantine period doubled in Odisha district The Kendrapara district administration increases the period of mandatory institutional quarantine to 14 days from one week amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. Migrant returnees in rural areas of the state are placed under seven-day institutional quarantine and another week of home isolation, while in urban areas, a 14-day home quarantine is mandatory. (PTI) 19:17 (IST) Coronavirus in Tripura Latest Updates COVID-19 patient commits suicide in Agartala hospital, says report The Indian Express reported that a coronavirus patient allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday in a public hospital in Agartala. 19:08 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre says 64,651 passengers ferried on domestic flights on 1 June Domestic air travel in the country is picking up the pace as 692 flights carrying 64,651 passengers operated on June 1 against 501 flights with 44,593 flyers the day before, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. Domestic services in India were suspended in March due to the coronavirus lockdown and resumed on May 25. "Jump in the number of flyers from 44,593 on 31 May to 64,651 on 1st June is a welcome sign that our domestic operations are picking pace. Departures 692," Puri said on Twitter. Indian carriers operated a total of 4,062 flights till June 1 -- 428 on May 25, 445 on May 26, 460 on May 27, 494 on May 28, 513 on May 29, 529 on May 30, 501 on May 31 and 692 on 1 June. (PTI) 18:59 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates Gym owners demand reopening facilities in Uttarakhand A group of gym owners & fitness trainers in Dehradun staged a protest today demanding reopening of gyms amid COVID-19 lockdown. According to MHA guidelines, the opening of gymnasiums will be decided based on the assessment of the situation in Phase 3 of fifth phase of the lockdown. Uttarakhand: A group of gym owners & fitness trainers in Dehradun staged a protest today demanding reopening of gyms amid #COVID19 lockdown. According to MHA guidelines, the opening of gymnasiums will be decided based on the assessment of the situation in Phase 3 of #Unlock1. pic.twitter.com/pTUBDroZHH — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020 18:51 (IST) Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates Karnataka govt appoints nodal officer for COVID-19 during RS polls "Ramesh KN has been appointed as nodal officer by the Karnataka Government for conduct of Rajya Sabha election scheduled on June 19 while ensuring compliance to national directives for Covid-19 management and other measures set out in guidelines issued by the state government," News18 reported. 18:41 (IST) Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates 86 new COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala today Kerala on Tuesday reported 86 new cases of coronavirus, The Indian Express reported. The number of active cases in the state rose to 774. The report also said that the toll rose with the death of a 77-year-old in Trivandrum due to COVID-19. 18:31 (IST) Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates Andhra Pradesh govt to hold exams for Class 10 students from 10 July Andhra Pradesh education minister Audimulapu Suresh was quoted by India Today as saying that "annual public examinations" for Class 10 students in the state will be held from 10 July "with all precautions for prevention of coronavirus spread". 18:19 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra govt issues notices to hospitals flouting guidelines Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said that the government had issued show cause notices to hospitals that weren't following the guidelines regarding coronavirus properly. "Yesterday I visited a few hospitals to see if govt rules are being implemented properly or not. I found that the implementation was not up to the mark at some places and show cause notices have been issued," he said. 18:13 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates 1,091 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu on Tuesday reported 1,091 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number to 24,586. 18:01 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates Tamil Nadu CM says COVID-19 situation 'under control' Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that the coronavirus situation is under control in many districts of the state, The Indian Express reported. He was quoted as saying, “Except, in areas like Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpet, the situation is under control in the state. In today’s meeting with higher authorities, we discussed the various measures to control the spread in Chennai. The spread of the disease is higher in slums in Chennai because of the cramped houses. More tests are done, close to 13,000 are done on a daily across the state and 4,000 in corporations. People even with slightest symptoms are tested and their contracts are traced in quick time." 17:47 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates Tamil Nadu govt asks salons to take details of customers The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday asked salons and beauty parlours to collect details of customers including name, address, Aadhar card number as part of preventive measures against the coronavirus pandemic, PTI reported. 17:37 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Four AAI employees test positive for COVID-19, says report Four employees of the Airports Authority of India in the Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan office and New Office Complex tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, India Today reported. The premises have been shut for two days., the report said. The report added that four people also tested positive in the Finance Ministry on Tuesday. 17:25 (IST) Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates Karnataka govt allows microbreweries to open The Karnataka government on Tuesday granted permission to microbreweries for fresh brewing/production and sale of beer as take-away in glass, ceramic or stainless steel container (up to 2 litres) till 30 June. Microbreweries allowed to be open from 9 am to 9 pm. 17:21 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates ICMR says 681 labs conducting tests currently Nivedita Gupta, an Indian Council of Medical Research scientist, said that 681 laboratories have been approved for conducting COVID-19 tests. Of these, 476 are in the government sector and 205 in private sector, as of 1 June 2020. "Today, we are conducting 1 lakh 20 thousand tests every day," she added. 17:15 (IST) Coronavirus in Nepal Latest Updates 288 new COVID-19 cases reported in Nepal 288 new positive cases of COVID19 confirmed in the last 24 hours. COVID19 case tally stands at 2099 with cases recorded in 61 out of 77 districts: Nepal Health Ministry 16:57 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Understand extent of disease instead of saying 'community transmission', says ICMR The ICMR said, "Instead of the use of the word 'community transmission', we need to understand the extent of the spread of the disease. We are far from the peak. Our measures to curtail the disease are effective. India has been very good in the reduction in mortality." 16:51 (IST) Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates 1,513 COVID-19 cases in Assam so far Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state is 1,513, including 1,182 active cases, 324 discharged and four deaths. 16:43 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates COVID-19 testing available in primary health centres, says ICMR The ICMR on Tuesday said that "indigenous platforms" are being used too for "ramping up COVID-19 testing capacity". "Truenat screening and confirmatory tests have now been validated. Outreach of testing has hence been increased since this is available in primary health centres and districts," said Nivedita Gupta of the ICMR. She added, "Indian RNA extraction kits are now available in good number, RT-PCR kits by 11-12 indigenous vendors are now being used, we are now in a comfortable position with respect to ttesting, due to identification and hand-holding of domestic players." 16:30 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Labourer who returned from Ahmedabad hangs himself in UP A labourer, who had returned from Ahmedabad recently, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree at a village in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Tuesday. The body of Ram Bahadur, 42, was found hanging from the tree in Budvan village, Station House Officer, Khaga, Satyendra Singh said. He said the migrant labourer had returned from Ahmedbad on 14 May and was quarantined at a tubewell shed near forest area. (PTI) 16:28 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Over 95,000 recoveries recorded so far, says Centre The Union health ministry said that so far, 95,527 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the country. The recovery rate is now 48.07 percent, Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry claimed. "We have asked all states to analyse the trajectory of the cases in their respective states. If a state thinks that it needs to set up temporary COVID-19 care centres then it must do so," he added. 16:17 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates India's fatality rate is 'one of lowest in the world' says Centre Union health ministry joint secretary Lav Agrawal on Tuesday said that the fatality rate in India is 2.82 percent, "one of the lowest in the world". "10 percent of India's population accounts for 50 percent of India's COVID-19 linked deaths. 73 percent of COVID-19 deaths in India are people with co-morbidities," he added. 73% of #COVID19 deaths in India are people with co-morbidities: Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/BKtzfRas9N — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020 16:03 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates UP govt says 119 migrant workers tested positive for COVID-19 Uttar Pradesh principal secretary (health), Amit Mohan Prasad on Tuesday said that 119 out of 450 samples of migrant labourers whose results the state government has received, have tested positive for coronavirus. 15:55 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Markets open in Chandhi Chowk in fifth phase of lockdown The Delhi government on Tuesday allowed markets to open in the National Capital. Here are visuals from Chandni Chowk. Delhi Government allows markets to open in the national capital; Visuals from Chandni Chowk #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/SQQDorldAt — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020 15:48 (IST) Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates Karnataka health minister participates in procession flouting social distancing norms Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu takes part in a procession in Chitradurga; social distancing norms being flouted at the event, amid COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Karnataka is 3,408. #WATCH Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu takes part in a procession in Chitradurga; social distancing norms being flouted at the event, amid COVID19 pandemic Total number of COVID19 positive cases in Karnataka is 3408 pic.twitter.com/9Z5vXNLq6B — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020 15:45 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update Important to plan COVID-19 response in advance, says Satyendar Jain Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday said that the coronavirus pandemic is not likely to end in the near future so the state government "is preparing for at least one month in advance", India Today reported. "It is important to plan in advance," he was quoted as saying.  15:36 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi govt four steps ahead of COVID-19, says Kejriwal Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that although cases of coronavirus are increasing in the National Capital, the state government is "four steps ahead of the virus". "Number of cases in Delhi are increasing, but there's no need to worry about medical care for the Covid-19 patients as we've done sufficient arrangements. If any member of your family tests positive, then they'll get the required medical services," he added, while addressing a video conference to announce the new medical facilities arranged by the government. Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The MCGM said that 49 deaths and 1,109 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Tuesday, the total number of cases in the city is now 41,986, toll stands at 1368. The Maharashtra health department said that 2,287 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 72,300. 103 deaths were also reported on Tuesday. 1225 patients were also discharged, taking total recoveries to 31,333. Domestic air travel in the country is picking up the pace as 692 flights carrying 64,651 passengers operated on June 1 against 501 flights with 44,593 flyers the day before, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. Domestic services in India were suspended in March due to the coronavirus lockdown and resumed on May 25. "Jump in the number of flyers from 44,593 on 31 May to 64,651 on 1st June is a welcome sign that our domestic operations are picking pace. Departures 692," Puri said on Twitter. Indian carriers operated a total of 4,062 flights till June 1 -- 428 on May 25, 445 on May 26, 460 on May 27, 494 on May 28, 513 on May 29, 529 on May 30, 501 on May 31 and 692 on 1 June. Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that the coronavirus situation is under control in many districts of the state, The Indian Express reported. He was quoted as saying, “Except, in areas like Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpet, the situation is under control in the state. In today’s meeting with higher authorities, we discussed the various measures to control the spread in Chennai. The spread of the disease is higher in slums in Chennai because of the cramped houses. More tests are done, close to 13,000 are done on a daily across the state and 4,000 in corporations. People even with slightest symptoms are tested and their contracts are traced in quick time." Nivedita Gupta, an Indian Council of Medical Research scientist, said that 681 laboratories have been approved for conducting COVID-19 tests. Of these, 476 are in the government sector and 205 in private sector, as of 1 June 2020. "Today, we are conducting 1 lakh 20 thousand tests every day," she added. The ICMR on Tuesday said that "indigenous platforms" are being used too for "ramping up COVID-19 testing capacity". "Truenat screening and confirmatory tests have now been validated. Outreach of testing has hence been increased since this is available in primary health centres and districts," said Nivedita Gupta of the ICMR. She added, "Indian RNA extraction kits are now available in good number, RT-PCR kits by 11-12 indigenous vendors are now being used, we are now in a comfortable position with respect to ttesting, due to identification and hand-holding of domestic players." The Union health ministry said that so far, 95,527 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the country. The recovery rate is now 48.07 percent, Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry claimed. "We have asked all states to analyse the trajectory of the cases in their respective states. If a state thinks that it needs to set up temporary COVID-19 care centres then it must do so," he added. Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu takes part in a procession in Chitradurga; social distancing norms being flouted at the event, amid COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Karnataka is 3,408. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that although cases of coronavirus are increasing in the National Capital, the state government is "four steps ahead of the virus". "Number of cases in Delhi are increasing, but there's no need to worry about medical care for the Covid-19 patients as we've done sufficient arrangements. If any member of your family tests positive, then they'll get the required medical services," he added, while addressing a video conference to announce the new medical facilities arranged by the government. As many as 13 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office situated at Raj Niwas Marg. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that France has affirmed its commitment to ensure the timely delivery of the Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that France has affirmed its commitment to ensure the timely delivery of the Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of an app to provide information about all the hospitals in Delhi, private and government, and the availability of beds. The application will also provide information about the availability of ventilators. Jharkhand has registered a total of 675 COVID-19 positive cases, including 374 active cases, so far, according to the latest data released by the state health department on Tuesday. As many as five COVID-19 deaths were reported in the state while, 296 patients were cured of the viral infection. Rajasthan registered 171 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the state till 10.30 am on Tuesday, according to the state health department. With this, the total positive cases stood at 9,271 while the toll was at 201. We have taken decisions which will help the country in the long run. Reforms are not random, decisions are systemic, planned, integrated, inter-connected and futuristic process, said Narendra Modi. Intent, inclusion, investment, infrastructure and innovation is required to bring economic growth back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at CII's annual session on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address on 'Getting Growth Back' via a virtual online meeting at the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at 11 am today. The prime minister's address comes at a time when companies are resuming operations after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed relaxations amid lockdown. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected state, with 70,013 cases and 2,362 deaths. This is followed by Tamil Nadu, which has 23,495 cases and 184 deaths, and Delhi, with 20,834 cases and 523 deaths. India reports 8,171 new cases in 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 1,98,706. As many as 204 more deaths were also reported in this period, taking the overall toll to 5,598, according to the latest update by the health ministry. India's drug regulator has granted US pharma giant Gilead Sciences marketing authorisation for its anti-viral drug remdesivir for 'restricted emergency use' on hospitalised COVID-19 patients in view of the crisis posed by the pandemic. Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga​ on Tuesday said that 12 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in Zoram Medical College. On Monday, the state government extended the lockdown for another month till 30 June. The decision was taken after continuous rise in COVID-19 cases, especially its neighbouring northeastern states and the return of a large number of stranded people from other states. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India shot up to 1,90,535 and the toll rose to 5,394 on Monday as restrictions were eased in many states under the Unlock plan announced by the Centre. The fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus infection came to an end on Sunday and the country entered the first phase of the Unlock plan announced by the Centre, which allows various economic activities to resume. Many states, in keeping with the Union home ministry's guidelines, had over the weekend issued orders allowing reopening of shops, markets and resumption of inter-state travel, while continuing with strict restrictions in containment zones. Toll climbs to 5,394 The COVID-19 toll rose to 5,394 after a record single-day spike of 230 fatalities in the 24 hours since 8 am on Sunday, the Union Health Ministry said in its morning update. It showed the number of confirmed cases rising by 8,392 to 1,90,535. According to the health ministry data, the number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 93,322 while 91,818 people have recovered, giving a recovery rate of 48.19 percent. Globally, close to 43 percent people have recovered so far while nearly six percent have succumbed to the virus. The health ministry said India's COVID-19 recovery rate has been improving and the rate of fatality has seen a steady decline to reach 2.83 percent. It said the recovery rate has improved from 11.42 percent on 15 April to 26.59 percent on 3 May and to 38.29 percent on 18 May. It further said the case fatality rate in India is 2.83 percent, as against 6.19 percent globally. From 3.30 percent on 15 April, India's COVID-19 fatality rate declined to 3.25 percent on 3 May and came down further to 3.15 percent on 18 May. "A steady decline can be seen in the case fatality rate in the country. The relatively low death rate is attributed to the continued focus on surveillance, timely case identification and clinical management of the cases," the ministry said. In an exclusive interview with News18, home minister Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led a "successful" fight against the coronavirus pandemic with the support of all the state governments. "Till now, 12.6 persons per lakh population in the country have been affected by COVID-19, which is far better than US, Brazil and other countries. India's recovery rate is above 42 percent, according to the latest data," he said. He also defended the central government's response to the migrant crisis, saying that the migrant workers hadn't been sent to their home states immediately after the lockdown began as health systems in rural areas had to be strengthened. Shah said that 55 lakh migrant workers have been sent back to their native states till now. He added that most migrant workers have now completed their quarantine period and started living with their families.  Traffic snarls in some cities as shops, markets open Meanwhile, several states began easing lockdown restrictions with traffic snarls being reported in some cities. In Gujarat, life returned to near normal in many parts including in Ahmedabad, the state's worst coronavirus-hit district, as several restrictions were eased. Roads bustled with traffic as people came out in large numbers to visit markets, which have been allowed to remain open till 7 pm in all areas except in containment and micro-containment zones. In Ahmedabad, a limited number of city buses also began plying with 50 percent seating capacity to maintain social distancing, while auto rickshaws hit the roads for the first time in ten weeks. The Ahmedabad civic body has also identified 'micro-containment zones', thereby reducing the number of people covered in restricted areas to nearly 70,000 as compared to almost 13 lakh earlier. In Kolkata, people came out on the streets in large numbers, while traffic snarl was noticed at many places following the lockdown relaxations. Some religious places also reopened for worship by the people, which was also the case in various other states. In the National Capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced reopening of barber shops and salons, among various other relaxations, but said spas will remain closed for now. A complete lockdown in containment zones will continue till 30 June. Kejriwal also said there will be no restrictions on the number of people travelling in four wheelers, two wheelers, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and other vehicles in the city. While all shops in markets have been permitted to function, they can be closed by authorities if social distancing guidelines are not followed, according to a government order. Fresh orders would be issued later for further relaxations from 8 June as per the guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry. Kejriwal, however, said Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be sealed for a week in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the city and sought suggestions from the people by Friday to reopen them. At the Delhi airport, authorities have set up a dedicated area at the entry point of its parking zone to ensure cabs coming there to pick up passengers are thoroughly sanitised. While domestic flights have begun in a phased manner, the international flights would be allowed only in the third phase of unlocking, though no dates have been decided so far. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said several factors like restrictions in metro cities and the ban imposed by various countries on the entry of foreigners need to be addressed before resuming international passenger flights.' Aviation regulator DGCA separately asked airlines to keep middle seats vacant to the extent possible in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. If a flyer has been allotted the middle seat due to a high passenger load, then additional protective equipment like a wrap-around gown must be provided to the passenger in addition to a three-layered face mask and face shield, the DGCA said. State-wise figures Even as curbs were eased in many states, the coronavirus numbers continued to rise, with states including Maharashtra, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh reporting new cases and fatalities. Maharashtra  saw the number of cases rising by 2,361 on Monday to reach 70,013, while the death toll rose by 76 to 2,362, the state health department said. In Nagpur, at least 12 customers of a barber, who is a resident of a containment zone, have been quarantined, after it was found that the barber had tested positive for coronavirus infection. Mumbai saw an increase of 1,413 new COVID-19 positive cases and 40 deaths, taking the number of confirmed cases 40,877. More than 100 doctors and nurses from Kerala will join the medical staff at some Mumbai hospitals to help them in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic. West Bengal reported eight more fatalities to take its death toll to 253, while the number of cases rose to 5,722 after 271 more people tested positive in the last 24 hours. In neighbouring Odisha, the number of positive cases rose to 2,104 after a record number of 156 cases were detected during the day. Of these, 153 were detected at various quarantine centres, while three others were found positive during COVID-19 contact tracing. In Tamil Nadu, 11 more people died of COVID-19 to take the toll to 184, while a record number of 1,162 new cases were detected to take the state's overall tally to 23,495. In Kerala, 57 new cases were reported, 55 of whom had come from abroad and other states, taking the state's infection tally to 1,326. More than 1.39 lakh people are under observation in the state. Andhra Pradesh reported 105 new cases, while the virus infection hit the state government's secretariat complex also with two government staff testing positive. Madhya Pradesh recorded 194 new COVID-19 cases, including 53 from worst-hit Indore, and eight deaths, taking the overall case count to 8,283 and fatalities to 358. With inputs from PTI

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16:14 (IST) Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates: FM to announce 11 steps to boost agro and agro-allied sectors Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman started off her presser by praising the Indian farmers, who she said have endured all odds but propelled India on the global stage. She said that she will lay out 11 pointers in total, of which eight will be dedicated to strengthening of infrastructure and logistical needs of the sector. The last three points will be about governance reforms.  16:09 (IST) Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates: FM's third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus aimed at agriculture, allied activities Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced at the outset that today's focus will be on agriculture and allied sectors. The FM was announcing the third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus package.  16:05 (IST) EPFO not charging penalty from cos for delay in payment of provident fund dues 15:56 (IST) Markets slips ahead of announcement of Sitharaman's third tranche of economic package  Benchmark indices closed marginally lower after staging a sharp recovery from the intraday losses and the Nifty ended above 9,100-mark. Sensex fell 25.16 points or 0.08 percent to 31,097.73, while Nifty was down 5.90 points or 0.06 percent at 9,136.85 at close amid a volatile session.  15:52 (IST) Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates: FM to announce third tranche of Rs 20-lakh-crore economic package shortly Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce the third tranche of the mega economic package announced by the prime minister on Tuesday 15:35 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Govt data says doubling rate, case fatality rate improved since lockdown A press release on meeting of the Group of Ministers or the central government revealed that doubling rate has improved from 3.4 days in the pre-lockdown week to 12.9 days in the last week. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has come down from 3.2 percent in the pre-lockdown period to 2.1 percent during the last week.   15:33 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates SC declines plea seeking relief for migrants, says 'can’t stop or monitor their movement on roads' Rejecting the plea seeking direction to the Centre on transportation of migrant workers stuck in various states due to the nationwide lockdown, the Supreme Court observed that it was impossible for courts to track or stop the movement.  The plea sought a direction to the Centre to ask all District Magistrates to identify stranded migrant walking on the roads and provide shelter and food to them before ensuring their free transportation to native places. "How can we stop it?", the bench, headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao, said that it is up to states to take action.  15:20 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Manipur Latest Updates Quarantine centre in Manipur sealed after patients tests positive  A community quarantine centre in Manipur's Imphal East district was sealed after a man who was lodged in the facility tested positive for COVID-19, an official said on Friday. Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Rangitabali Waikhom said the Jamia Galina Aziz Girls School which was a designated quarantine centre was declared a "containment zone" and the building "completely sealed" as per the Manipur Epidemic Diseases COVID-19 Regulations 2020. 15:00 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates Dakshina Kannada reports 16 of total 45 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka alone Of the 45 new coronavirus cases in Karnataka, 16 were reported in Dakshina Kannada, 13 in Bengaluru Urban, five in Udapi, three each in Bidar and Hassan, two in Chitradurga, and one each in Kolar, Shivamogga and Bagalkote districts.   Twenty of the new patients have travel history to Dubai, four to Mumbai and three have returned from Chennai. One patient has a history of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and another was from containment zone in Bidar.   14:56 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates Karnataka's COVID-19 mortality rate at 3.4%, recovery at 46.12% With 35 COVID-19 deaths in Karnataka so far, the state has registered a mortality rate of 3.4 percent. On the other hand, as many as 476 patients have been cured of the viral infection, taking the recovery rate to 46.12 percent.  "Of the total 1,032 confirmed cases, there were 520 active cases in the state," the health department said in its mid-day situation update. 14:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates Confirmed cases in Karnataka surges 1,000 after 45 more test positive The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka surged past 1,000, with 45 people testing positive, the state health department said on Friday. Total number of positive cases in the state stood at 1,032. 14:25 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates Assam CM urges Centre to extend lockdown in state by two more weeks from 17 May  Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the state has written to the Centre urging it to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from 18 May. The third phase of the coronavirus lockdown is scheduled to end on 17 May. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sonowal said all states were supposed to give their feedback on the extension of the lockdown by Friday, and the Assam government has already conveyed its stand to the Centre. 14:22 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates Supreme Court stays Madras HC order asking Tamil Nadu govt to close liquor shops in state The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Madras High Court order which had asked the Tamil Nadu government to close state-run liquor vends. Following the stay on the high court order by the apex court, the state-owned liquor shops may reopen in the state. A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, SK Kaul and BR Gavai stayed the 8 May order of the High Court after taking note of the appeal of government firm Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) which sells alcoholic beverages in the state.  14:11 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates Suggestions sent to Centre on resumption of public transport in Delhi during lockdown 4: Satyendar Jain  Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said that the Delhi government has submitted the proposals to the Centre for the relaxations that people are expecting from the government for the next phase of coronavirus lockdown 4. The Minister emphasized that people are stressing for the resumption of public transportation in limited manner. "We have sent proposals to the Centre. Most people have given a proposal to wear mask in public space and maintain social distancing," said Jain while speaking to reporters. He added: "The people have suggested that movement of buses and metro rails may be started in limited numbers to maintain social distancing." 13:51 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates 'There's no plan for this sort of photography': PTI's Atul Yadav on the migrant crisis' most defining image so far "His name was Rampukar — but he didn't tell me that. I only found out a few days later in a newspaper report. At the time, I couldn't even ask him his name," recalls Press Trust of India's chief photo correspondent Atul Yadav, "He was unable to say very much beyond 'udhar (there)' — which is where he was trying to go." On Monday, Yadav was driving through Delhi's Nizamuddin area, when he spotted Rampukar Pandit (as identified by Hindi daily Hindustan). "It was at around 5.15 pm when I saw him sitting by the side of the road a little before the Yamuna bridge. I stopped my car and pulled over near him," he tells Firstpost, adding, "I then rolled down my window and photographed the man before getting out to go and check on him." Read full article here... Image coutersy: Atul Yadav's photograph of Rampukar Pandit. PTI 13:31 (IST) Sena Bhavan closed after soldier tests positive A portion of the Sena Bhavan was sealed off for sanitation today after one soldier tested positive for COVID.Contact tracing of the affected personnel is underway as per protocol, an official release said. 13:21 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates SP, BSP express concern over plight of migrant labourers returning home Amid reports of accidents involving migrant labourers on their way back home, the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party expressed concern over their plight. SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a tweet said, "The government is giving passes to industrialists to bring workers to work but there is no arrangement for the helpless labourers returning home who are forced to die of hunger and thirst on the road." "By now, all have come to know that this government is with the rich and against the labourers, farmers and poor. The BJP has been exposed."   BSP supremo Mayawati said in a tweet, "Videos of millions of migrants labourers, their helpless families on the streets returning home, their hunger and deaths on the way shown on TV are heartbreaking and sad. In such a situation, effective arrangements should be immediately made by central, state governments to help them in their life-and-death battles." 13:16 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra govt forms two coordination panels on COVID-19 The Maharashtra government has  set up two committees at state and district level for better​ coordinationbetween public and private hospitals in tackling the spread of COVID-19. The decision to constitute the coordination panels was taken on Thursday after a meeting between representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Maharashtra Chief secretary Ajoy Mehta, according to the government. 12:59 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates Man tests positive in Himachal Pradesh's Una A 33-year-old man in Una has tested positive for COVID-19. "The man arrived from Maharashtra and was under institutional quarantine. He is now being sent to Haroli COVID-19 hospital," Dr Raman Kumar, CMO, Una said. A total of 74 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported from Himachal Pradesh as of Thursday. 12:38 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates At least 1,061 Maharashtra Police personnel test positive As many as 1,061 personnel of Maharashtra Police including 112 police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Of the total infected police personnel, 174 have been cured while nine have lost their lives, said the Maharashtra Police. 12:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Two infants recover from COVID-19 in Kalyan  Two infants were among 51 COVID-19 patients who recovered from the viral infection at Kalyan taluka in Maharashtra's Thane district, Madhuri Phopale, public relations officer of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation told news agency PTI​. As many as 51 COVID-19 patients, including a one-month-old girl and a two-month-old boy, were discharged from different hospitals, following their recovery, said the official. 12:26 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates GoM meeting over COVID-19 underway at Health Ministry A Union Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting over COVID-19 is underway at the Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Senior Ministers present in the meeting include Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. With an increase of 3,967 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the number of coronavirus cases reached 81,970 cases, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday. 12:13 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Over 2 lakh migrant labourers ferried in 145 Shramik trains on Thursday: Railways  The Indian Railways operated 145 'Shramik Special' trains on Thursday and ferried home close to 2.10 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country amid the lockdown enforced in view of the novel coronavirus.  12:05 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Bangladesh Latest Updates First COVID-19 case detected in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh  Authorities have reported the first positive coronavirus case in the crowded camps for Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh, where more than 1 million refugees are sheltered. The person from the Rohingya community and a local person who lives in the Cox's Bazar district who also tested positive have been isolated, Mahbub Alam Talukder, said the country's refugee commissioner. 11:54 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Yogi Adityanath holds COVID-19 review meeting with senior officials Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a meeting with 'COVID-19 management Team - 11' and other senior officials to review the situation in the state, ANI reported.  11:35 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates Plea filed in Kerala HC seeking COVID-19 testing of all expatriates returning to India A plea was filed in the Kerala High Court seeking COVID-19 testing of all expatriates and other additional safety protocol for those Indians returning from other countries to India, Bar and Bench reported.  According to the petitioner, currently only those returning from UAE are subjected to rapid antibody test.  Plea in Kerala HC urging for COVID-19 testing of all expatriates and other additional safety protocol for those Indians returning from other countries to India amid #COVID19 Petitioner says that at present only those returning from UAE are being subjected to rapid antibody test — Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 15, 2020 11:19 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Narendra Modi discusses COVID-19 situation with Bill Gates Prime Minister Narendra Modi and philanthropist Bill Gates on Thursday discussed the global response to COVID-19, and the importance of global coordination in scientific innovation and research to combat the pandemic. During a video conference, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates and Modi agreed that given India's willingness and capacity to contribute to global efforts, it was important for New Delhi to be included in the global discussions for coordinating responses to the pandemic. 11:03 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates World Bank approves $1 bn for India as social security fund for urban poor, migrants The World Bank has approved $1 billion for India as social security technology fund for country’s urban poor and migrant workers. The focus will be to enable India to integrate all of its 400-plus social security schemes at a technology level, the bank said. Hindustan Times quoted Junaid Ahmad, country director, World Bank, as saying, "The project will be crucial to rebalance social security towards urban poor, as much as rural." 10:57 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates FM to announce third tranche of Centre's economic stimulus package Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will address a press conference at 4 pm on Friday. The details of the third tranche of the Centre’s economic rescue package of Rs 20 lakh crore will be announced. The second tranche, announced on Thursday, focussed on migrant workers, street vendors, small traders, the self-employed and small farmers. 10:49 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates Odisha reports 672 COVID-19 cases The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Odisha climbed to 672 after 48 more individuals tested positive for the viral infection on Friday, said the state health department.  10:47 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Nitin Gadkari to hold webinar on impact of higher education amid pandemic Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will address a webinar on 'Impact of Higher Education in the post COVID-19 economy' on Friday from 12.30 pm till 1.30 pm, News18 reported.  10:34 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Badrinath temple opens, devotees restricted to enter The gates of the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand were opened at 4.30 am on Friday, news agency ANI reported. Officials said only 27 people, including the head priest, will be allowed at the temple. "Devotees will not be allowed entry into the temple during that time. The decision has been taken in view of the guidelines issued by the centre amid the COVID-19 pandemic," Anil Chanyal, sub-divisional magistrate of Joshimath, said in a statement. #WATCH Uttarakhand: The portals of Badrinath Temple opened at 4:30 am today. 28 people including the Chief Priest was present at the temple when its portals opened. (Video Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/Yr6pamv7Kk — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020 10:12 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates India's COVID-19 recovery rate at 34% The COVID-19 recovery rate in India stood at 34 percent after 27,920 patients were discharged as of Friday, according to the recent data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.  10:07 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates India's confirmed cases swell to 81,970 after 3,995 more test positive India registered 81,970 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday after 3,995 more tested positive across the nation in the past 24 hours. The COVID-19 toll stood at 2,649 with 100 more patients succumbing to the infectious disease.  Of the total 81,970, there are 51,401 active cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.  09:41 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Three migrant workers killed, four injured in road accident in UP's Barabanki Three migrants were killed, while four injured in a road accident in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh around 2.30 am on Friday. The incident took place when the labourers were coming Surat in Gujarat and were heading towards Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh. Those injured have been admitted to Trauma Centre in Lucknow.  09:23 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Two migrant workers, including a woman, killed in road accident in UP's Jalaun dist  At least two migrant workers were killed, 14 seriously injured in a road accident in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night, according to media reports. The incident took place when a DCM carrying migrant labourers was hit by by a vehicle in Girthan village located in NH-27 of Etah police station area, TV9 reported.  The report also mentioned, that a woman was among the two killed of the total 46 migrant workers in the DCM vehicle. All the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Orai. 09:07 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates INS Jalashwa to sail again from Male to repatriate at least 700 Indians Indian navy ship INS Jalashwa will sail again from Maldives capital of Male on Friday to repatriate around 700 residents of Kerala and Lakshadweep under the Samudra setu mission.  The pre-embarkation activities have begun and people are being ferried from different points of Male to the airport where emigration and medical checkup etc. are to be carried out. The ship will depart in the afternoon.  08:51 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra set to extend lockdown till end of May, will send report to this effect to Centre today  The Maharashtra government has called for an extension of lockdown in the State till 31 May, and is likely to send a report to this effect to the Centre by Friday.  On Thursday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with State Cabinet ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state and the measures needed to be implemented to contain the fast-spreading virus.  According to a senior minister, a consensus was reached on that the lockdown has to be extended in certain parts of the State, especially in red zones such as the Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions, Malegaon and Solapur. The Hindu quoted the minister as saying, "It was also agreed upon that the lockdown from now on has to be strictly implemented in red zones, especially in containment areas. At the same time, further relaxations could be given in orange and green zones," adding that the recommendation will be sent to the Centre on Friday. 08:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates Bihar registers 999 COVID-19 cases as 46 more test positive With 46 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Bihar, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 999 on Thursday, a senior official said. 08:26 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Air India to open bookings for select repatriation flights from Delhi  Air India is taking bookings for about 30 outbound flights — mainly from Delhi — for some destinations in the US, Canada, UK, Paris, Frankfurt, Singapore and Australia.  These flights will operate from 17-28 May as part of the Vande Bharat Mission-II to fly back Indians stranded abroad. 08:05 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates In Photos: Delhi migrant workers walk home to different parts in UP  Delhi: Migrant workers reach Delhi-Ghazipur border to return to their homes in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. One of them,Rita,says "My home is in Hardoi. My landlord has kicked me out as I couldn't pay rent. My children are young but there's no other option but to walk home." pic.twitter.com/2dPw1Gh5ZJ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020 08:02 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Flight attendants to wear face shield, gown and mask when airlines resume ops Cabin crew members of Indian airlines will have personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields, gowns and masks as part of their attire on commercial passenger flights when they resume operations, industry sources said. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara and AirAsia India have decided to go with the new attire in order to ensure safety of cabin crew members as they are in close proximity to passengers during flights, the sources said. "While AirAsia India will have face shields, masks, gowns, aprons and gloves as a part of their PPE attire for cabin crew members, Vistara would have a lap gown, face mask and face shield as the new dress code," a source said. 07:44 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates 25 new COVID-19 deaths in Mumbai  Of the 44 deaths recorded in Maharashtra, 25 COVID-19 patients succumbed to the infection in financial capital Mumbai, 10 in Navi Mumbai, five in Pune, two in Aurangabad and one person each died in Panvel and Kalyan. 07:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra registers highest single-day jump with 1,602 new COVID-19 cases Maharashtra on Thursday reported 1,602 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike so far, taking the state’s overall count to 27,524, according to state health department data. With 44 deaths registered today, the death toll in Maharashtra due to the contagious coronavirus disease has now breached the 1000-mark and stands at 1019. 07:32 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates India reports second-highest spike in COVID-19 cases with total inching towards 80,000 In the biggest surge in COVID-19 infections in Delhi, 472 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday, as India's total neared 80,000 with 3,995 fresh cases reported, the second-highest rise in a day. While this was the fifth consecutive day of over 3,500 cases being added to the country's overall count, the growth rate of the infection has gradually decreased during this period.  07:23 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates  Centre to provide free food grain to migrants, concessional credit to farmers  The government on Thursday announced a Rs 3.16 lakh crore package of free foodgrains for migrant workers, concessional credit to farmers and working capital loan for street vendors as part of the second tranche of fiscal stimulus to heal an economy hit hard by coronavirus lockdown. At a news conference, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said 8 crore migrant workers will get 5 kgs of grains and 1 kg of pulses free for two months, while 50 lakh street vendors rendered jobless by the lockdown would be given a working capital loan of Rs 10,000 each. Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce the third tranche of the mega economic package announced by the prime minister on Tuesday The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka surged past 1,000, with 45 people testing positive, the state health department said on Friday. Total number of positive cases in the state stood at 1,032. The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Madras High Court order which had asked the Tamil Nadu government to close state-run liquor vends. Following the stay on the high court order by the apex court, the state-owned liquor shops may reopen in the state. A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, SK Kaul and BR Gavai stayed the 8 May order of the High Court after taking note of the appeal of government firm Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) which sells alcoholic beverages in the state Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the state has written to the Centre urging it to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from 18 May. The third phase of the coronavirus lockdown is scheduled to end on 17 May. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sonowal said all states were supposed to give their feedback on the extension of the lockdown by Friday, and the Assam government has already conveyed its stand to the Centre. As many as 1,061 personnel of Maharashtra Police including 112 police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Of the total infected police personnel, 174 have been cured while nine have lost their lives, said the Maharashtra Police. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will address a press conference at 4 pm on Friday. The details of the third tranche of the Centre’s economic rescue package of Rs 20 lakh crore will be announced. The second tranche, announced on Thursday, focussed on migrant workers, street vendors, small traders, the self-employed and small farmers. The World Bank has approved $1 billion for India as social security technology fund for country’s urban poor and migrant workers. The focus will be to enable India to integrate all of its 400-plus social security schemes at a technology level, the bank said. Hindustan Times quoted Junaid Ahmad, country director, World Bank, as saying, "The project will be crucial to rebalance social security towards urban poor, as much as rural." India registered 81,970 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday after 3,995 more tested positive across the nation in the past 24 hours. The COVID-19 toll stood at 2,649 with 100 more patients succumbing to the infectious disease. Of the total 81,970, there are 51,401 active cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Indian navy ship INS Jalashwa will sail again from Maldives capital of Male on Friday to repatriate around 700 residents of Kerala and Lakshadweep under the Samudra setu mission. The pre-embarkation activities have begun and people are being ferried from different points of Male to the airport where emigration and medical checkup etc. are to be carried out. The ship will depart in the afternoon. At least two migrant workers were killed, 14 seriously injured in a road accident in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night, according to media reports. The incident took place when a DCM carrying migrant labourers was hit by a vehicle in Girthan village located in NH-27 of Etah police station area, TV9 reported. The report also mentioned, that a woman was among the two killed of the total 46 migrant workers in the DCM vehicle. All the injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Orai. The Maharashtra government has called for an extension of lockdown in the State till 31 May, and is likely to send a report to this effect to the Centre by Friday. On Thursday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with State Cabinet ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state and the measures needed to be implemented to contain the fast-spreading virus. According to a senior minister, a consensus was reached on that the lockdown has to be extended in certain parts of the State, especially in red zones such as the Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions, Malegaon and Solapur. The Hindu quoted the minister as saying, "It was also agreed upon that the lockdown from now on has to be strictly implemented in red zones, especially in containment areas. At the same time, further relaxations could be given in orange and green zones," adding that the recommendation will be sent to the Centre on Friday. Maharashtra on Thursday reported 1,602 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike so far, taking the state’s overall count to 27,524, according to state health department data. With 44 deaths registered today, the death toll in Maharashtra due to the contagious coronavirus disease has now breached the 1000-mark and stands at 1019. The number of deaths from COVID-19 disease rose to 2,549 and the number of cases climbed to 78,003 on Thursday, registering an increase of 134 fatalities and 3,722 infections in the last 24 hours since Wednesday 8 am, according to the Union Health Ministry. The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 49,219 while 26,234 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, it said. Meanwhile, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the media for the second day in a row, and spelt out more details of the Centre's Rs 20-lakh-crore special economic package. She said the second tranche of economic stimulus package will be for the benefit of migrant workers, street vendors and small farmers. FM announces concessional credit for farmers, free food grains for migrants Sitharaman on Thursday announced a Rs 3.16 lakh crore package comprising free food grains for migrant workers, Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit to small farmers and working capital loan for street vendors in a bid to help those hit hard by the nationwide lockdown. Together with the Wednesday's Rs 5.94 lakh crore package that mostly comprised off-budget credit line and support to small businesses, shadow banks and electricity distribution companies, the government has unveiled over Rs 9 lakh crore plans out of the Rs 20 lakh crore package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to heal Asia's third-largest economy that was seen hurtling towards its first full-year contraction in four decades. Sitharaman said each of the eight crore migrant workers, who had to leave their workplaces after imposition of the lockdown on 25 March, will get 5 kg grains and 1 kg pulses free for two months. Also, 50 lakh street vendors who were rendered jobless as the government ordered stay-at-home would be given a working capital loan of Rs 10,000 each to restart their businesses. For farmers, the finance minister announced a Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit through Kisan Credits Cards, benefiting as many as 2.5 crore farmers. However, the Congress criticised the economic package as a "jumla" saying it has so far been way short of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised and the entire press conference of the finance minister was classic display of "arrogance, ignorance and insensitivity". Senior spokesperson of the party Anand Sharma said the country believed that Modi was serious when he made the "dramatic" announcement of giving 10 percent of the GDP as a package to revive the economy and support workers and migrant labourers and that expectations had soared. "The finance minister's announcement dashed all hopes," he said. State-wise deaths and cases India has reported a total 134 deaths deaths since Wednesday morning, of which 54 were in Maharashtra, 29 in Gujarat, 20 in Delhi, 9 in West Bengal, seven in Madhya Pradesh, four in Rajasthan, three in Tamil Nadu, two each in Telangana and Karnataka and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. Of the 2,549 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 975 fatalities, Gujarat comes second with 566 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 232, West Bengal at 207, Rajasthan at 121, Delhi at 106, Uttar Pradesh at 83, Tamil Nadu at 64 and Andhra Pradesh at 47. The toll reached 34 in Telangana, 33 in Karnataka and 32 in Punjab on Thursday. Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir have reported 11 fatalities each due to the respiratory disease while Bihar has registered seven and Kerala has reported four deaths. Jharkhand, Chandigarh and Odisha have recorded three COVID-19 fatalities each while Himachal Pradesh and Assam have reported two deaths each. Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and Puducherry have reported one fatality each, according to the ministry data. According to the ministry's website, more than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities. According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country is from Maharashtra at 25,922, followed by Gujarat at 9,267, Tamil Nadu at 9,227, Delhi at 7,998, Rajasthan at 4,328, Madhya Pradesh at 4,173 and Uttar Pradesh at 3,729. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 2,290 in West Bengal, 2,137 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,924 in Punjab. It has risen to 1,367 in Telangana, 971 in Jammu and Kashmir, 959 in Karnataka, 940 in Bihar and 793 in Haryana. Kerala has reported 534 coronavirus cases so far, while Odisha has 538 cases. A total of 187 people have been infected with the virus in Chandigarh and 173 in Jharkhand. Tripura has reported 155 cases, Assam has 80 cases, Uttarakhand has 72, Himachal Pradesh has 66 cases, Chhattisgarh has 59 and Ladakh has registered 43 cases so far. Thirty-three COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Meghalaya and Puducherry have registered 13 cases each while Goa has seven COVID-19 cases. Manipur has two cases. Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have reported a case each till now. Doubling time has slowed to 13.9 days, says health minister The doubling time of novel coronavirus cases has slowed to 13.9 days in the last three days and India now has a capacity of 1,00,000 COVID-19 tests per day with nearly 20 lakh carried out till now, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said. Vardhan, who visited the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi and dedicated a COBAS 6800 testing machine to the nation, said 14 states and Union territories have not reported any case of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours. These states and UTs are Gujarat, Telangana, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Puducherry. Also, Daman and Diu, Sikkim, Nagaland and Lakshadweep have not reported any cases so far. Meanwhile, the government has decided to use one time RT-PCR based pooled sampling for COVID-19 screening of migrant workers and returnees from abroad kept in quarantine facilities. The same testing technique would also be used for monitoring in green zone districts which have reported no cases till now or in the last 21 days, the health ministry said while issuing "Guidelines for RT-PCR based pooled sampling for migrants/returnees from abroad/green zones". 806 shramik special trains brought into operation till now, says Railways The Railways has operated 806 shramik special trains since 1 May, ferrying home 10 lakh migrant workers who were stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, officials said on Thursday. Of these, Uttar Pradesh received the maximum number of trains followed by Bihar, they said. "As on 14 May, 2020, a total of 806 'shramik special' trains have been operationalised from various states across the country. More than 10 lakh passengers have reached their home state. "Trains are being run by the Railways only after concurrence is given both by the state which is sending the passengers and the state which is receiving them," the railways said. Out of the 806 trains which have been operated so far, 166 are in transit while 640 have terminated at various stations. Sixty-three more are in the pipeline, an official said. These 806 trains were terminated in various states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. With inputs from PTI

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