#bihar special current affairs 2020

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बिहार स्पेशल करंट अफेयर्स 2020 || Bihar Special bpsc 66th CURRENT AFFAIR...

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08:52 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates Odisha confirms 177 COVID-19 cases with two deaths With more person testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Odisha, the total number of confirmed cases in the state climbed to 177 on Wednesday. The health department also said one fresh COVID-19 fatality was reported, taking the toll to two. Of the total confirmed cases, there are 115 active cases. The recovery rate stood at 33.9 percent after 60 COVID-19 patients were discharged.  08:42 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates In Images: Industrial units in Kathua open today  Jammu & Kashmir: Industrial units in Kathua open today amid #CoronavirusLockdown, following the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. pic.twitter.com/fnKAsCGrFu — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2020 08:24 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Aarogya Setu team says 'no data at risk' after French hacker raises concerns over security issue The official handle of Aarogya Setu contact-tracing app, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, asserted late on Tuesday that "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk". The reply from the team came in response to a tweet by Elliot Alderson, a French security researcher, earlier in the day, who claimed: "Hi @SetuAarogya, A security issue has been found in your app. The privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake. Can you contact me in private? Regards. PS: Rahul Gandhi was right." Hi @SetuAarogya, A security issue has been found in your app. The privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake. Can you contact me in private? Regards, PS: @RahulGandhi was right — Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 5, 2020 08:13 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Aarogya Setu team issues statement on data security of app Statement from Team #AarogyaSetu on data security of the App. pic.twitter.com/JS9ow82Hom — Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) May 5, 2020 08:06 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates 64K flights to airlift stranded Indians from 12 countries from Thursday  An airlift operation will commence on Thursday with 64 flights bringing back close to 15,000 Indian nationals from 12 countries in the first week of the ambitious exercise to repatriate lakhs of people.  The operation, as foreign minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet, is titled 'Vande Bharat Mission'. Commenced preparations for Vande Bharat Mission. Planning underway for stranded Indian nationals to return home starting 7th May. Urge them to keep in regular touch with their Embassies. pic.twitter.com/uFtNijO3DO — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 5, 2020 07:50 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Security concerns pointed out by legal experts in Aarogya Setu app  A clause limiting the government's liability to user data for its Aarogya Setu contact tracing app has made some legal experts question whether, in case of unauthorised access to the information, a legal recourse would be the only option available, especially since the app has been made mandatory for a significant section of citizens. According to the app's terms and conditions, the user "agrees and acknowledges that the Government of India will not be liable for…any unauthorized access to your information or modification thereof." 07:41 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates In Photos: Special train carrying 1,200 migrants depart from Punjab for UP Punjab: A Shramik special train, carrying around 1200 people, left from Jalandhar last night for Uttar Pradesh, last night amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/d94vacB7GD — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2020 07:37 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Updates Lockdown extension in Telangana till 29 May  Telangana has said it will continue the lockdown in the state to curb the fast-spreading coronavirus till 29 May - ten days after it is scheduled to end in the rest of the country. "People want lockdown extended. I have informed the prime minister about our decision," said Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao after a 7- hour cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. The state has six districts in the red zone, 18 in orange and nine in the green zone. 07:31 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Sec 144 extended in Ghaziabad till 31 May  The Ghaziabad administration on Tuesday extended the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC ​in the district till 31 May.  However, district magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey clarified restrictions on movement and opening of establishments will remain applicable only till the lockdown is in place. Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The official handle of Aarogya Setu contact-tracing app, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, asserted late on Tuesday that "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk". The reply from the team came in response to a tweet by Elliot Alderson, a French security researcher, earlier in the day, who claimed: "Hi @SetuAarogya, A security issue has been found in your app. The privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake. Can you contact me in private? Regards. PS: Rahul Gandhi was right." A clause limiting the government's liability to user data for its Aarogya Setu contact tracing app has made some legal experts question whether, in case of unauthorised access to the information, a legal recourse would be the only option available, especially since the app has been made mandatory for a significant section of citizens. According to the app's terms and conditions, the user "agrees and acknowledges that the Government of India will not be liable for…any unauthorized access to your information or modification thereof." The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases rose by a record 3,900 on Tuesday while deaths from the deadly coronavirus topped the 1,500-mark with nearly 200 more fatalities, even as the Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said "fighting coronavirus is no rocket science" and that "people may remember this pandemic as a blessing in disguise if they imbibe good hygiene practices". Vardhan told PTI that India has been able to stave off community transmission of COVID-19 and hoped that the "behavioural changes" brought about by the infection could become the "new normal" for a healthy society after the pandemic abates. In its 5 pm official update on the COVID-19 situation in India, the Health Ministry said the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 1,583 with 194 fatalities reported since Monday evening, while the number of cases saw a big jump of 3,875 to reach 46,711. However, a PTI tally of numbers reported by different states and Union territories till 6.30 pm showed more than 47,000 people testing positive for the virus so far, while it put the death toll at over 1,500. It also showed nearly 13,000 COVID-19 patients having recovered. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat report huge spike in COVID-19 cases Tamil Nadu reported 508 new cases on Tuesday, which took its tally past 4,000, while in Gujarat too, 441 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking its total to more than 6,200. Several other states also reported rising numbers. Experts, however, said the peak of this deadly virus outbreak was yet to come and may be witnessed in India over the next 4-6 weeks, while another spurt might be seen later during the winter season. The numbers suggested that more than one-third of the total confirmed cases across the country have been detected in the past one week, with only a few urban centres in a handful of states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi accounting for a bulk of it. Govt to bring back Indians stranded abroad Fears also emerged that India's tally may increase further with the government announcing plans to bring back a large number of Indians from various countries, beginning on Wednesday. PTI quoted sources as saying that over three lakh people have registered for the evacuation from the Gulf region itself. While the absolute number of cases and the toll in India is lower than many others, with more than 2.5 lakh people having lost their lives and over 35 lakh having been infected worldwide ever since the emergence of this virus in China last December, the lockdown restrictions have been lifted in several countries and many of them are now reporting few or zero cases. Government officials, however, maintained that India has managed to stave off a community transmission risk and the country remains in a "comfortable" position in terms of managing the COVID-19 crisis, though they cautioned against any laxity at the field level. Meanwhile, scores of migrant workers, desperate to travel back to their native states amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown, on Tuesday came out on streets in Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat, officials said. While more than 1,000 migrant workers carrying luggage gathered in Nikol area in Ahmedabad following a rumour that buses would be run for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, several others came on streets in Varachha area of Surat city. According to PTI, Gujarat has seen the maximum movement of migrant workers to their home states in about 35 shramik special trains, followed by Kerala from where 13 such trains have left. Among the receiving states, Bihar has accepted 13 trains, with 11 more currently on the journey and six in the pipeline, the data shows. Neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has received 10 such trains and five more are on their way, with 12 in the pipeline, the data shows. The West Bengal government has, however, given clearance to only two trains -- one each from Rajasthan and Kerala -- and they are on their journeys to the state, the data shows. Highest single-day jump in toll and cases The Health Ministry said the country recorded a record single-day increase of 195 deaths and 3,900 cases between Monday 8 am and Tuesday 8 am. These included fatalities reported from West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, among other places. At the same time, the recovery rate has improved to 28.17 percent, health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal said during a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation. "We are very comfortable in terms of managing COVID-19 as of now, but any laxity at the field level or any lack of cooperation may have its consequences,” he warned. Agarwal also said that the delay in reporting of COVID-19 cases by certain states has led to the sudden spurt in figures. The country's top medical institute AIIMS' Director Randeep Guleria, however, claimed that the COVID-19 curve has remained relatively flat so far, but cautioned that the continued rise in the number of cases at a steady rate is a cause of concern. Different modelling experts have predicted that a peak in the number of cases of COVID-19 may occur in the next four to six weeks — that is by the end of May or the middle of June, Guleria said, while stressing on the need to remain extra vigilant and to make efforts to reduce the number of cases in the hotspots.   "However, the number of cases continue to rise at a steady rate and this is a cause of concern. Every citizen should understand his responsibility and sincerely follow the principles of lockdown and social distancing, especially if they are in hotspots or containment areas," Guleria, a pulmonologist, said. He also said that the country may see a rise in COVID-19 cases during the winter again. Must do 'balancing act' between health, economy: Harsh Vardhan   The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in a report that India's unemployment rate has soared to 27.11 percent amid the COVID-19 crisis, from below 7 percent in mid-March. The Mumbai-based think tank said the rate of unemployment was the highest in the urban areas, which constitute the most number of the red zones due to the COVID-19 cases, at 29.22 percent, as against 26.69 percent for the rural areas. Separately, Vardhan also underlined the importance of the nationwide lockdown, imposed since 24 March and scheduled to remain in place till 17 May, and said health should be on the radar just as much as the economy.   “The government has to do a balancing act,” Vardhan said on the need to focus on the health of people as well as on the economy. He also said the nation, in a post-coronavirus future, could well look back on the pandemic period as a “blessing in disguise” if Indians imbibe hand, respiratory and environmental hygiene and practise it daily. "By now we know that fighting coronavirus is no rocket science. If behavioural changes such as hand, environmental and respiratory hygiene, which are being practiced more rigorously during this period, get imbibed in society it will become the new normal," Vardhan said. Other than smallpox and polio, no other viral infection has been completely eradicated from this country. Other diseases keep recurring, the minister said, indicating that COVID-19 might be here for the long haul. In the meantime, new cases that were detected on Tuesday included the serving and retired armed forces personnel in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in the National Capital. Authorities also sealed a floor of Shastri Bhavan, which houses several important ministries, after a senior official of the Law Ministry tested positive for the coronavirus. This was the second incident of a government building being partially cordoned off in the Lutyen's Delhi within a week, after the NITI Aayog building in the high-security zone was sealed on 28 April for 48 hours after a director-level officer tested positive for the virus. Before that, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, which houses the Civil Aviation Ministry, was sealed for sanitisation. In other such incidents, the CRPF headquarters and a portion of the BSF headquarters were also sealed recently. These buildings are in CGO Complex in the national capital. UK's COVID-19 toll crosses Italy's casualties Britain on Tuesday became the first country in Europe to confirm more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths, and infections rose sharply again in Russia, even as other nations made great strides in containing the scourge. China marked its third week with no new reported deaths, while South Korea restarted its baseball season. China and South Korea together reported only four cases on Tuesday, while Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand were among the countries having reported no cases for two consecutive days. Also, focus seems to have shifted globally towards developing a vaccine with several world leaders committing more than $8 billion since Monday for this purpose. In the US, some states took continued steps to lift the lockdown restrictions that have thrown millions out of work, even as the country recorded thousands of new infections and deaths every day. Underscoring the stakes, New York state reported 1,700 more people died in nursing homes than it had previously counted. The British government said about 28,700 people with COVID-19 had died in hospitals, nursing homes and other settings, while Italy reported close to 29,100 fatalities. Both figures are almost certainly underestimates because they include only people who tested positive, and testing was not widespread in Italian and British nursing homes until recently. With inputs from agencies

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/05/coronavirus-outbreak-live-updates_73.html

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11th, 12th, 13th June 2020 Current affairs Vignan IAS

RBI has released draft Frameworks for ‘Sale of Loan Exposures’ and ‘Securitisation of Standard Assets’ About: These draft guidelines are applicable to all Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks); All India Financial Institutions (NABARD, NHB, EXIM Bank, and SIDBI); and, all Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) including Housing Finance Companies (HFCs). The guidelines attempt to align the regulatory framework with the Basel guidelines on securitisation that have come into force effective January 1, 2018. The revisions also take into account the recommendations of the Committee on Development of Housing Finance Securitisation Market in India (Chair: Dr. Harsh Vardhan) and the Task Force on the Development of Secondary Market for Corporate Loans (Chair: Shri T.N. Manoharan), which were set up by the RBI in May, 2019.  Important Info : Salient features of draft guidelines: Only transactions that result in multiple tranches of securities being issued reflecting different credit risks will be treated as securitisation transactions.Two capital measurement approaches have been proposed: Securitisation External Ratings Based Approach (SEC-ERBA) and Securitisation Standardised Approach (SEC-SA).A special case of securitisation, called Simple, Transparent and Comparable (STC) securitisations, has been prescribed with clearly defined criteria and preferential capital treatment.The definition of securitisation has been modified to allow single asset securitisations. Securitisation of exposures purchased from other lenders has been allowed.Standard Assets would be allowed to be sold by lenders through assignment, novation or a loan participation contract . The Stressed Assets, however, would be allowed to be sold only through assignment or novation.Requirement of Minimum Retention Requirement (MRR) for sale of loans has been done away with.  Source : The Hindu (Economy) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the COVID Emergency Credit Facility covers all companies and not just Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) About: The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) is the biggest fiscal component of the Rs 20-lakh crore Self-Reliant India Mission package announced by Finance Minister last month. Under the scheme, 100 per cent guarantee coverage will be provided by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) for additional funding of up to Rs 3 lakh crore to eligible companies and borrowers, in the form of a guaranteed emergency credit line (GECL) facility. For this purpose, a corpus of Rs 41,600 crore was provided by the government, spread over the current and next three financial years. The scheme will be applicable to all loans sanctioned under GECL facility during the period from the date of announcement of the scheme to October 31 or till an amount of Rs 3 lakh crore is sanctioned under GECL, whichever is earlier. The main objective of the scheme is to provide an incentive to member lending institutions to increase access and enable availability of additional funding facility to borrowers, in view of the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis.  Source : All India Radio (Economy) Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have recorded at least 14 earthquakes of low or medium intensity since April, 2020 About: As per the 2002 map by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India is divided into four seismic zones – viz. Zone II, III, IV and V – based on seismicity, earthquakes occurred in the past and tectonic setup of the region. Delhi falls in Zone IV, which makes it vulnerable to earthquakes. Delhi does not lie on a plate boundary. It is located on a single plate, and the seismic activity is generated by internal deformities. Important Info : Seismic Zones: Zone II: This is seismically the least active region. It covers parts of India that are not included in Zone III, IV and V.Zone III: Comprises Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep islands, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal, Parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.Zone IV: It covers parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Sikkim, Northern parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, parts of Gujarat and small portions of Maharashtra near the west coast and Rajasthan.Zone V: This is seismically the most active region. Parts of the Himalayan boundary in North and Northeast India fall in this zone. Kutch area in the West also falls here. Remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, part of North Bihar and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands are included. Source : Indian Express (Disaster Management) A new study suggests that one of the ways of effective social distancing strategies to keep the Covid-19 curve flat include the idea of social bubbles About: A social bubble is a close-set of people i.e. like family, with whom we interact on a regular basis. During the current lockdown, a social bubble is limited to the members of a household with whom one interacts on a daily basis. However, as things normalise and conditions in general improve, this bubble can grow larger. It can then include close friends and relatives and neighbours. This in a later stage can expand further and include any person with whom we may need to get in contact with in our daily lives. The idea is that if people decide to expand their bubble gradually and make sure that they meet and contact only those who come inside their existing bubble, the risk of the spread of COVID-19 can be limited. It also reduces the psychological and financial harm of lockdowns. Research published by the London School of Economics and Political Science says that the concept of social bubbles proved effective for New Zealand since it allowed people who were isolated, vulnerable or struggling to receive the care and support they needed.  Source : Indian Express (Health) A 3,000-years-old Mayan temple has been discovered in Mexico through laser mapping technique, making it the ancient civilisation's oldest and largest monument About: The temple site called Aquada Fenix, in Mexico, is 4,600 feet long and up to 50 feet high, making it larger than the Mayan pyramids and palaces of later periods. It was built between 800 BC and 1,000 BC. One of the most remarkable revelations from the find was the complete lack of stone sculptures related to rulers and elites, such as colossal heads and thrones, that are commonly seen in other Mayan temples. This suggests that the people who built it were more egalitarian than later generations of Mayans. Source : News18 (Geography) Gairsain in Chamoli district has been formally declared as the summer capital of Uttarakhand. A notification was issued after state governor gave her assent to the move About: The development came three months after Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had announced making Gairsain the summer capital, besides Dehradun, during the budget session of the assembly on March 4. Now, with the announcement of Gairsain as the summer capital, there is a lack of clarity on the status of Dehradun.  Important Info : Background: Gairsain is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Gairsain is situated at the eastern edge of the Dudhatoli mountain range.Uttarakhand was carved out as a separate state from Uttar Pradesh in 2000.Statehood activists had long contended that Gairsain, a tehsil in Chamoli district, was best suited to be the capital of the mountainous state as it was a hilly region falling on the border of Kumaon and Garhwal regions. But it was Dehradun, located in the plains, that served as the temporary capital.The state Assembly is located in Dehradun, but sessions are held in Gairsain as well. Source : Indian Express (Polity & Governance) The Ramon Magsaysay awards have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the only third time the annual awards were disrupted in six decades. The awards were also cancelled due to a financial crisis in 1970 and a disastrous earthquake that hit the Philippines in 1990 About: Ramon Magsaysay award is popularly known as Asia’s Nobel Prize. Criteria: It is given to individuals and organizations in Asia regardless of race, creed, sex, or nationality, who have achieved distinction in their respective fields. (There are some instances where the winners came from Non-Asian countries, but accomplished something in Asia). Name: It is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the third president (1953-57) of Philippines. Background: It was established in 1957 by New York based Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF), with the consent of Philippine government. The first Awards were given in 1958. Vinoba Bhave of India was one of the recipients. Awardees are presented with a certificate and a medal. Source : Times of India (Awards) Scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science &Technology have found out that spectrin, which are flexible rod-shaped molecules present in axons, act as ‘shock absorbers’ to protect axons from stretch-induced damage About: The study can help in understanding and treatment of concussion from head injuries as well as stretch-induced nerve injuries. Axons are long tubular extensions of nerve cells that transmit electrical signals across long distances and can be up to a meter long in the case of humans. At such lengths, they are subjected to large stretch deformations during limb or other bodily movements. Axons in the brain too undergo significant deformations, even during normal activities like jumping. Important Info : Axons vs Dendrite: An axon is one of two types of cytoplasmic protrusions from the cell body of a neuron; the other type is a dendrite.Axons are distinguished from dendrites by several features, includingshape (dendrites often taper while axons usually maintain a constant radius),length (dendrites are restricted to a small region around the cell body while axons can be much longer), andfunction (dendrites receive signals whereas axons transmit them). Source : DD News (Science & Technology) The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Complex was inaugurated at Visakhapatnam About: The DSRV Complex is designed to accommodate the newly inducted Submarine Rescue System with state of the art facilities to store the DSRV assets in a Rescue-Ready state. The DSRV system consists of a Submarine Rescue Vessel, a Remote Operations Vehicle, Side Scan Sonar and associated equipment. It also has Diver Decompression Chambers and hyperbaric medical equipment to decompress submariners after being rescued from a sunken submarine. The DSRV system can be rapidly mobilised by air or road to facilitate submarine rescue operations even at distant locations. The Indian Navy has inducted two such systems which will provide rescue cover to submarines on the West and East coast of India respectively. Currently, there are about 40 nations that operate submarines in the world out of which only a few have any form of submarine rescue capability.  Source : All India Radio (Defence & Security) The World Accreditation Day (WAD) 2020 was celebrated on 9th June under the theme “Accreditation: Improving Food Safety About: The World Accreditation Day (WAD) is celebrated on 9th June every year to highlight as well as promote the role of accreditation in trade & economy. The theme for WAD 2020 is “Accreditation: Improving Food Safety”, as decided by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), the two accreditation boards of the Quality Council of India (QCI), organised a Webinar to commemorate the event. Important Info : Quality Council of India (QCI)? Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up in 1997 jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations i.e. ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI, to establish and operate national accreditation structure.The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal ministry for QCI. Source : Economic Times (Economy) World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is being observed on 12 June under the theme “COVID-19: Protect children from child labour, now more than ever”, focussing on the impact of coronavirus crisis on child labour About: Nodal agency: It is an International Labour Organization (ILO)-sanctioned holiday aiming to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour. Date of observance: The Day is observed every year on June 12. Background: It was first launched in It was spurred by ratifications of ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment and ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour. Important Info : Target 8.7 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals calls for an end to child labour in all its forms by 2025. Source : United Nations (Social Issues) The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2021 were released About: The top 10 universities of the world comprised mainly the top-notch Ivy League colleges from the US, the UK and even one from Switzerland. While Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of the United States secured Rank 1, Stanford and Harvard universities secured the next two ranks in the list of the world’s best universities. UK's Oxford University took fifth place in the ranking. Indian scenario No Indian institute secured a position among the top 100 universities of the world. Like last year’s QS rankings, IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, and IIT Delhi featured in the top 200 list, but all three saw a drop in their ranks this year. IIT Bombay dropped 20 spots -- from 152 to 172, IISC Bengaluru dropped just one spot from 184 to 185, and IIT Delhi dropped 11 spots from 182 to 193. The total number of Indian institutions in the top 1,000 global list has also fallen from 24 to 21. Important Info : Do you know? QS World University Rankings is published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British company specialising in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world.It measures the world’s top 1,000 universities on 6 factors:Academic reputation (40%)Employer reputation (10%)Faculty/Student Ratio (20%)Citations per faculty (20%)International Faculty Ratio (5%)International student ratio (5%) Source : The Hindu (Education) Indian Railways has created a new world benchmark by successfully running first Double-Stack Container Train in high-rise in Over Head Equipment (OHE) electrified territory on Western Railway About: The Operations successfully commenced on 10th June from Palanpur and Botad stations in Gujarat. With this remarkable development, Railways has become the first to run Double-Stack Container train with high reach pantograph in high rise Over Head Equipment territory, which has contact wire height of 7.57 metre This achievement is a first of its kind in the entire world and will also boost the ambitious mission of Green India. Source : All India Radio (Economy) Union Ministry of Environment has issued an advisory for import of exotic species. The move comes as the outbreak of COVID-19 has raised global concern about illegal wildlife trade and zoonotic diseases Key highlights of advisory: The advisory defines ‘Exotic Live Species’ as animal or plant species moved from their original range (location) to a new one. ‘Exotic live species’ shall be construed to mean only “the animals named under the Appendices I, II and III of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora”. Species covered by the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 cannot be traded. People importing “exotic live species” will have to make a voluntary disclosure. For new ‘Exotic Live Species’, the importer should obtain a no-objection certificate from the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the State. For Existing Species, stocks “shall be declared by the owner/ holder to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the concerned State or UT”.  Important Info : Comment: It will create a process where all imports will be screened. As of now, the imports are being made through the Director General of Foreign Trade and State Forest departments are not kept in the loop.Several exotic species of birds, reptiles, small mammals, fishes and even some plants are imported. Blue and gold macaws are popular exotic pets. Source : The Hindu (Environment) In the reporting on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) stand-off, the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road has often appeared. The Chinese build-up along the Galwan River valley region overlooks, and hence poses a direct threat to the DSDBO road About: Darbuk-Shyokh-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) is the 255-km long all-weather road built by India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in eastern Ladakh. It runs almost parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Aksai Chin, the eastern ear of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state that China occupied in the 1950s, leading to the 1962 war in which India came off worse. In October 2019, Defence Minister Singh inaugurated a 500-m-long Bailey Bridge on the road. The bridge is named after Colonel Chewang Rinchen, an Indian Army hero from Ladakh. Located at 14,650 ft, it is believed to be the world’s highest such bridge. Important Info : Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)? DSDBO connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), the northernmost corner of Indian territory in Ladakh. DBO itself is less than 10 km west of the LAC at Aksai Chin.DBO has the world’s highest airstrip. Source : Indian Express (Geography) International Albinism Awareness Day 2020 is being observed on June 13 under the theme "Made to Shine" to celebrate the achievements of persons with albinism worldwide About: What is it? Albinism is a congenital disorder characterized in humans by the complete or partial absence of pigmentation (melanin) in the skin, hair and eyes. It is non-contagious. Health impact: Albinism is associated with a number of vision defects, such as photophobia, nystagmus, and amblyopia. Lack of skin pigmentation increases vulnerability to the sun and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. Cause: Albinism results from inheritance of recessive gene alleles. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. Prevalence: The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Treatment: There is no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism. Source : United Nations (Health) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a Discussion Paper on ‘Governance in Commercial Banks in India’ for public comments About: The objective of the discussion paper is to align the current regulatory framework with global best practices while being mindful of the context of domestic financial system. Based on the feedback, fresh guidelines will be issued. The new norms will come into effect within six months after being placed the RBI’s website or April 1, 2021, whichever is later. The norms will be applicable to private, foreign and public sector banks. Some of the major highlights of the paper are as follows: Board members should not be a member of any other bank’s board or the RBI and should not be either a Member of Parliament or State Legislature or Municipality or other local bodies. Board of directors of a bank should not be less than six and not more than 15, with a majority being independent directors. The board shall meet at least six times a year and at least once every 60 days. A director on the board of an entity other than a bank may be considered for appointment as director on a bank’s board, if the person is not an owner of an NBFC or a full-time employee and that the NBFC does not enjoy a financial accommodation from the bank. Appointment, re-appointment and termination of wholetime directors (WTDs) and chief executive officers CEOs) should be with the previous approval of RBI. The upper age limit for CEO and WTDs of banks is suggested at 70 years. Banks will be free to set a lower age for such appointments. Source : The Hindu (Economy) About: The IFLOWS-Mumbai has been developed by the Union Ministry for Earth Sciences on the request of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). IFLOWS-Mumbai is a state of art Integrated Flood Warning system for Mumbai. It is expected to enhance Mumbai’s resilience by providing early warning for flooding specially during high rainfall events and cyclones. I-FLOWS comprises seven modules, namely Data Assimilation, Flood, Inundation, Vulnerability, Risk, Dissemination Module and Decision Support System. The system has provisions to capture the urban drainage within the city and predict the areas of flooding, which will be incorporated in the final system. Source : All India Radio Integrated Flood Warning System - IFLOWS was inaugurated in Mumbai by Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Maharashtra Chief Minister About: The IFLOWS-Mumbai has been developed by the Union Ministry for Earth Sciences on the request of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). IFLOWS-Mumbai is a state of art Integrated Flood Warning system for Mumbai. It is expected to enhance Mumbai’s resilience by providing early warning for flooding specially during high rainfall events and cyclones. I-FLOWS comprises seven modules, namely Data Assimilation, Flood, Inundation, Vulnerability, Risk, Dissemination Module and Decision Support System. The system has provisions to capture the urban drainage within the city and predict the areas of flooding, which will be incorporated in the final system. Source : All India Radio (Disaster Management) Union Agriculture Minister launched Sahakar Mitra: Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP) About: Objective: To help cooperative institutions access innovative ideas of young professionals while the interns will gain experience of working in the field to be self-reliant. Bodies involved: The scheme is an initiative by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the cooperative sector development finance organization. Eligibility under scheme: Professional graduates in disciplines such as Agriculture and allied areas, IT etc. will be eligible for internship. Professionals who are pursuing or have completed their MBA degrees in Agri-business, Cooperation, Finance, International Trade, Forestry, Rural Development, Project Management etc. will also be eligible. Stipend: Each intern will get financial support over a 4 months internship period. Source : PIB (Economy) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will classify railway stations under the red, orange and green categories based on the quantity of waste water generated and the disposal of untreated water into the municipal drain system About: Railway stations generating waste water equal to or more than 100 Kilo Litres per Day (KLD) would be categorised as Red. Railway stations generating waste water greater than 10 KLD but less than 100 KLD would come under the Orange category. Railway stations with less than 10 KLD waste water generation would be branded Green. CPCB, by invoking powers under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, had issued a direction to all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to categorise railway stations and send an action taken report. Source : The Hindu (Environment) Read the full article

[indiavacancyjob]

Current Affairs - 3rd May 2020

For cracking any competition exams, the current affairs and general knowledge are mandatory. Current Affairs is an essential part of any competitive exam, so we thought of a system that will help people in Current Affairs.    Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate change Prakash Javadekar attended the 11th session of “Petersberg Climate Dialogue” on behalf of India on April 28, 2020. The dialogue was hosted by Germany and co-chaired by the United Kingdom.  The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified rules regarding opening of shops/services during lockdown. Barber shops and salons located in green and orange zones will be allowed to open. These are not allowed to open in red zones. In green and orange zones, sale of all items by e-commerce platforms permitted. In red zones, the e-commerce companies are allowed to sell only essential commodities. Liquor shops could open in all zones except containment areas. Sales allowed of the shop is a standalone one and is not located in markets or malls. Classifications of districts into ‘Red’, ‘Orange’ and ‘Green’ zones is done based on COVID-19 risk profiling.  Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launched an e-book titled “Prof. B.B. Lal: India Rediscovered”.  Over 5 million people faced displacements in India in 2019, which is the highest in the world as per the Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID 2020). The report was released by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. As per the report, 33.4 million people faced displacements in the world due to conflicts and disasters.  CSIR-Central Road Research Institute has developed “Kisan Sabha App” to connect farmers to supply chain and freight transportation management system.  The United States was the top military spender in 2019, followed by China and then India. The United States spent 732 billion USD for military purposes in 2019, which was 5.3 percent higher than its military expenditure in 2018.  Shobhana Narasimhan has been elected as an International Honorary Member to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jaganmohan Reddy launched the ‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ Scheme on April 28, 2020 at Tedepalli, in Guntur District of the state. Under the scheme, Rs. 4000 crores have been released along with Rs. 1880 crore towards pending amount left by the earlier government.  The Government of India has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) of 49 items.  NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope celebrated 30 years of its launch on April 24, 2020. Hubble is one of the longest living Space Telescopes in the world. The Hubble Telescope had first detected the evidence of existence of black holes in the centre of the galaxy.  International Dawn Chorus Day to be celebrated on May 3; is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year.  The US Presidential Elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2020. The US President Donald Trump has denied making any changes in the schedule of the US Presidential Elections 2020 amid COVID-19 outbreak.  World Tuna Day observed on May 2.  Indian-American diplomat Manisha Singh has been nominated as the next American envoy to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by US President Donald Trump. Manisha Singh is currently serving as the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department.  The BRICS nations have agreed to allocate $ 15 billion to the New Development Bank (NDB) so that it could set up a special loan instrument to support the revival of economies and help meet the emergency expenses incurred for responding to the coronavirus pandemic.  Arvind Kumar Sharma has taken over the charge as Secretary to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.  

Government Job Types Railway Job Alert Police Job Alert Defense Job Alert Research Job Alert Teaching Job Alert Technical Job Alert Hospitality Job Alert Bank Job Alert UPSC & PSC Job Alert SSC Job Alert   N.B - The above information has been collected for various newspapers or Govt websites. We are not any Recruiter Agency or we do not hold any kind of Recruitment Process. So Job Finders are requested to go to the Official website of the Government Organization for more details. We are not liable for any kind of Misunderstanding or False information given by the third party Media Agency or Website.   Recent Government Job Vacancy WBPSC Recruitment 2020 Apply Now 17 District Organiser May 5, 2020South Indian Bank Recruitment 2020 Apply Now | vacancyjob.in May 5, 2020Bihar State Health Society Recruitment 2020 Apply Now May 5, 2020CRPF Recruitment 2020 Apply Now 1412 Head Constable Posts. May 5, 2020WCR Recruitment 2020 Apply Now 570 Act Apprentice May 5, 2020High Court of Karnataka Recruitment 2020 Apply Now 27 Assistant Court Secretary May 5, 2020OPSC Recruitment 2020 Apply Now 606 Lecturer Posts. May 5, 2020BPSC Recruitment 2020 Apply Now Assistant Prosecution Officer. May 5, 2020Air India Recruitment 2020 – Apply Now 51 Supervisor Post May 5, 2020WBSU – UG CBCS SEM-III RESULT 2019 May 5, 2020 Read the full article

[marymosley]

DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005 IN TIMES OF COVID-19

Introduction

In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 had brought the globe to its knee. This pandemic has made the nation to shut its doors of economy and development. The government has to act actively to tackle with this virus. But from where the Government derives its ascendancy to act in a way it is acting, i.e. putting restrictions on its denizen’s movement, quarantines, lockdowns, social distancing, etc. It is no doubt true that no authority can take action without taking its guise from the legislation. It must take action de jure. This article deals with such legislation called Disaster Management Act, 2005; by which the government extracted its authority to impose restrictions, lockdowns, and more. Further, it deals with the powers and scope of the said act and its applicability concerning COVID-19.

Powers of Government allocated under Disaster Management Act, 2005

The present national lockdown was imposed under Disaster Management Act, 2005 as per Order dated 24-03-2020 of NDMA to take measures for ensuring social distancing so as to prevent the spread of COVID 19. It is one of the longest lockdown in the Indian History. Further, the additional guidelines were issued on the same day by the Ministry of Home Affairs, being the Ministry having administrative control of disaster management. The Central and state governments were notifying Covid-19 management orders under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 which was envisaged to prevent spread of a disease (and through sea). As per the Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act there are penalties for disobeying any regulation or order made under the Act will attract the simple imprisonment for 6 months or fine of ₹1000 or both.

There are various provisions under the said act under which the powers are allocated to the government to act accordingly in such situations. Under Section 6 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, NDMA inter alia mandated to issue guidelines for preparing action plans for holistic and coordinated management of all disasters. Section 6 of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005 lays down policies, plans and guidelines for management of disaster. Moreover, Section 6 (3) of DM Act lays down that “In order to achieve all these, the prime minister can exercise all powers of NDMA” The Central Government, irrespective of any law in force (including over-riding powers) can issue any directions to any authority anywhere in India to facilitate or assist in the disaster management. Importantly, any such directions issued by Central Government and NDMA must necessarily be followed the Union Ministries, State Governments and State Disaster Management Authorities. To alleviate social sufferings, NDMA/SDMA are mandated to provide ‘minimum standard of relief’ to disaster affected persons. Subsequently Section 13 Of Disaster Management Act includes the relief in repayment of loans or grant of fresh loans on concessional terms.

Inter Alia, Under Section 188 of IPC, the States have also enough legal power in dealing with this biological disaster, followed by Section 270 of IPC which includes the punishments for disobeying order of a public servant and malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life. For Instance, in Tamil Nadu the police here invoked Section 54 of the said act for violating the restrictions in lockdown and arrested two person. “We have booked him under Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, for creating a false alarm on a disaster with a view to creating panic,” Superintendent of Police N. Manivannan said.

MS Reddy, former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said “The disaster law provides all powers to the state to deal with any disaster, including a biological one. The authority has protocols to deal with biological or epidemiological disasters such as Covid-19, for which special isolated health facilities have to be created.”

Guidelines on Management of Biological Disasters, 2008

The National Disaster Management in its guidelines issued in 2008 highlights the importance of citizen’s health as a State subject. It states that the health is one of the major issue which a nation should always be concerned of. A nation can flourish only if its citizens are healthy and efficient. In the National Disaster Management Guidelines on Management of Biological Disasters, [2008; p-12] the importance of health is elaborated as- “According to the constitution, health is a state subject. The primary responsibility of dealing with biological disasters rests with the state government. There are a number of legislations that control and govern the nation’s health policies. The government can enforce these legislations to contain the spread of diseases… They deal with the subject in a balanced and thorough manner and give the information required by organizations to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at various levels.”

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment mandates setting up of health and sanitation committees in each village, the most peripheral body at the grass-root level, to take decisions on health matters for the community.8 The Epidemic Diseases Act (Act 111 of 1897) provides the states the authority to designate any of its officers or agencies to take measures for the prevention and control of epidemics for ‘better prevention and spread of dangerous epidemic diseases’.

Subsequently, the 2019 National Disaster Management Plan, issued also deals extensively with Biological Disaster and Health Emergency. This is the broad legal framework within which activities to contain COVID-19 are being carried out by the Union and State governments.

Conclusion

Today, the whole world is fighting with this virus and implementing the laws for the welfare of its citizens. “China which had similarly threatened execution and long jail sentences during the 2002-03 SARS epidemic for anyone avoiding quarantine and spreading the disease has said it would severely punish 36 crimes related to the prevention and control of the epidemic in accordance with the law, in which violators could face the death penalty. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in US, ‘federal, state, or local public health orders may be issued to enforce isolation, quarantine or conditional release’.” In Indian also, the government is using its authority to restrict the citizen’s movements. Various measures have been taken to decrease the graph of COVID-19 counts in India. The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, which is currently enforced in India, lays down punishment as per Section 188 of the IPC for flouting such orders. “We are fighting an infectious disease. In order to protect ourselves and others, it is highly importantthat we follow all the protocols, guidelines and directions issued by the government, failing which may lead to legal actions u/s 188 of IPC,” said Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary, ministry of health and family welfare. Hence, we all need to understand the magnitude of the catastrophe that awaits us if we disregard the precautionary measures mandated by the State.

 Author: Sakshee Sahay, Legal Intern at Legal Desire (June2020)

Sakshee Sahay is Second Year Law Student (Five Year Integrated B.A. L.LB. Hons.) from Central University of South Bihar. Her interest is tilted towards the Research Work and Content Writing. She wants to make her career in the field of Corporate Law.

The post DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005 IN TIMES OF COVID-19 appeared first on Legal Desire.

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[insightonlinenews]

15 Measures to Revive Economy, Big Takeaways For MSMEs, NBFCs

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has come out with 15 new and some enhanced measures to revive businesses, and support workers via fiscal incentives and regulatory easing under the mega stimulus package — Self-Reliant India Movement — which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening.

 Accordingly, on Wednesday, Sitharaman announced the slew of fiscal and regulatory measures for MSMEs, real estate, NBFCs, power distribution and general businesses and workers.

 She attempted to decrease the regulatory burden on companies while increasing the take-home pay of employees via these measures.

 In terms of takeaways, the biggest was for the MSME sector which is considered to be the backbone of economic activity.

 As a major reform measure for the sector, the Centre has decided to give a new definition to MSMEs.

 This will denote the type of companies that will be included in the sector. Specifications wise, the investment limit for defining MSMEs has been revised upwards.

 Besides, she highlighted that additional criteria such as turnover have been considered for defining MSMEs.

 In terms of fiscal measures, the Minister announced that Rs 3 lakh crore “Collateral-free Automatic Loans” for businesses, including MSMEs, will be provided to meet operational liabilities built up, buy raw material and restart the business.

 She announced another scheme worth Rs 20,000 crore for “Subordinate Debt for Stressed MSMEs”.

 A Rs 50,000 crore “Fund of Funds” for MEMEs which face a severe shortage of equity was also announced.

 The Centre has also decided not to go in for global bidding for government procurement for tenders up to Rs 200 crore, thereby, promoting the participation of MSMEs, she said.

 Furthermore, e-market linkage for MSMEs will be provided and that the CPSEs will pay all receivables to MSMEs within 45 days.

 Besides MSMEs, a Rs 30,000 crore special liquidity scheme for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), housing finance companies (HFCs) and micro-finance institutions (MFIs) was announced.

 This scheme will provide investments in both primary and secondary market transactions in “investment grade debt paper of these institutions”.

 The minister said the scheme will support the previous initiatives of the government and the central bank to boost liquidity.

 The securities under the scheme will be fully guaranteed by the Central government. Further, the FM has also announced Rs 45,000 crore partial credit guarantee scheme for NBFCs.

Under this measure, the first 20 per cent loss will be borne by the Centre, and even unrated papers will be eligible for investment, enabling NBFCs to reach out even to MSMEs in far-flung areas.

 Additionally, a Rs 90,000 crore liquidity injection plan was announced for the financially stressed power distribution companies.

 This plan will allow these entities to clear their dues towards power generation companies.

 As per the plan, the liquidity window for discoms was essential as its revenue has plummeted and they are in the midst of unprecedented cash flow problem accentuated by demand reduction during the current lockdown.

 The scheme will allow power sector financiers — PFC and REC to infuse liquidity of Rs 90,000 crore to discoms against receivables.

 Loans will be extended against State guarantees for the exclusive purpose of discharging liabilities of discoms to gencos.

 Apart from discoms, relief steps for the real estate industry were also announced.

 The Minister stated that Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs will issue advisory to states and union territories to declare the Covid-19 situation as a ‘force majeure’ under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act.

 With this move, the government has allowed the suo-moto extension of the registration and completion date by six months for all registered project expiring on or after March 25, 2020, without individual applications.

 Simultaneously, to give regulatory relief to businesses Sitharaman announced a six-month extension of contracts for contractors by all central agencies and departments including railways, the Central Public Works Department, and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

 The extension would not come with any cost for the contractors, she said. This scheme covers construction works and goods and services contracts.

 It also applies on obligations like completion of work, intermediate milestones and extension of concession period in public-private partnership contracts.

 The minister also announced that government agencies will partially release bank guarantees, to the extent contracts are partially completed, to ease cash flows.

 Finally to provide more money into the taxpayers’ hands, Centre decided to reduce the TDS (tax deduction at source) rates for non-salaried specified payments made to residents, and the TCS (tax collection at source) rates by 25 per cent for the specified receipts.

 Sitharaman said the move would release Rs 50,000 crore liquidity.

 As per the announcement, the reduced TDS rate will be applicable to the payment for a contract, professional fees, interest, rent, dividend, commission and brokerage. It will be applicable for the remaining part of FY21 — from May 14 to March 31, 2021.

 Speaking to the media, Finance Minister pointed out the due date of all income tax returns for FY 2019-20 will be extended from July 31, 2020, October 31, 2020, to November 30, 2020, and tax audit from September 30, 2020, to October 31, 2020.

 The government has also extended the date of assessments getting barred on September 30, 2020, to December 31, 2020, and those getting barred on March 31, 2021, to September 30, 2021.

 In another major move for businesses and charitable trusts, Sitharaman announced that all pending refunds to charitable trusts and non-corporate businesses and professions, including proprietorship, partnership, LLP and co-operatives, shall be issued immediately.

 In addition, she announced a further extension of the deadline for settling tax disputes under the Vivid se Vishwaas scheme without paying any interest and penalty to December 31, 2020, from June 30, 2020.

 “The sectors covered in the initial phase are clearly the ones that required the highest policy attention at this juncture, including MSME, power, and construction and real estate. The impact of the package totalling Rs 20 lakh crore to be unveiled in the next few days would add to spending power and bring relief to millions of enterprises that employ huge numbers of workers. We expect the stimulus measure to impart stability and growth to the economy,” said Vikram Kirloskar, President, Confederation of Indian Industry.

 According to Ficci’s President Sangita Reddy: “The greatest takeaway from today’s announcement was the clear focus on getting liquidity flowing into the system.”

 “Besides liquidity, we need to give equal focus on generating consumption demand and propping up investments. We hope that in the next set of announcements, these areas will be taken up in a comprehensive manner as well.”

 On its part, Assocham’s Secretary General Deepak Sood said: “The Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free loans for the MSMEs on a guarantee from the government would have a big-time multiplier impact and would generate economic activity of at least up to Rs 10 lakh crore, not only retaining the jobs but also creating additional employment.”

 He further said, treating COVID-19 as an ‘act of God’ and allowing the real estate developers extra six months for completion of projects would help both the developers and the consumers as it would make the sector viable.

 Sood listed reduction in the TDS by 25 percentage points as a demand-boosting measure along with a cut in the EPFO deductions from 12 to 10 per cent.

 Industry body PHD Chamber’s President D.K. Aggarwal said the liquidity injection of Rs 90,000 crore for DISCOMs will significantly help the power sector in mitigating the impact of demand deduction amid pandemic COVID-19 scenario.

 Source: Trusted Online News Portals in India

 Bihar News Patna |  Latest Jharkhand News in Hindi | Entertainment News India | Top Environment News |

[iasshikshalove]

Daily News Articles/Editorials 04th May 2020

SLOW RELEASE: RIGOROUS LOCKDOWN

CONTEXT:

The Centre has extended the national lockdown for COVID-19 for two weeks from May 4, with fewer restrictions on activity. But the highly contagious virus has not disappeared and the weeks ahead present a challenge to States.

They must ensure that the gains from the lockdown in terms of a relatively low death toll and a cap on new cases are not reversed overnight in the red, orange and green zones, where normality of varying degrees is to be restored, barring the containment zones.

KERALA SAFEGAURD MODEL:

Kerala, lauded for its success in containing the pandemic, has chosen to retain some curbs even in green zones.

Allowing some economic activity, though not at full pace, and under safeguards, was inevitable, although the stipulations in the Home Ministry’s orders require a high degree of civic cooperation.

The continued suspension of air, rail, inter-State and urban public transport, and the bar on mass gatherings and entertainment venues remove a major source of crowding, although the restrictions on the number of passengers allowed in private vehicles and taxi cabs, and the protocol for personnel in industries call for strict adherence to succeed.

Allowing outpatient clinics to reopen and the permission given for plumbers, electricians and other technicians to work with safeguards are welcome.

The relaxation process can be eased greatly if States adopt a ‘how to’ approach and communicate to citizens clearly.

MEDICAL REMEDIES:

In the absence of medical remedies, prevention remains the only option against the virus.

Using face masks, now mandatory, hand washing and physical distancing at all times are universally recognised precautions.

Such measures were adopted relatively late in India, with politicians initially reluctant to even adjourn legislatures, leave alone impose strict curbs on public activity.

It has taken more than a month to move migrant workers back to their home States by train; in the interim, several desperate families have tried to walk home across vast distances and many have perished.

Besides ensuring decent conditions for these workers and the education of their children, States must also prepare for the arrival of expatriate workers in large numbers from West Asia and elsewhere.

These unprecedented pressures add to the need to maintain the highest vigil against COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, the biggest cities, with a legacy of market-driven housing policies, unplanned densification, rampant pollution and poor health-care access are red zones, with large infection clusters.

Their decay is marked by the absence of usable commons, including pavements in normally crowded localities, making it difficult to maintain distancing.

CONCLUSION:

This is an appropriate moment to start repairing that damage. What the public must be told emphatically is that the relaxation of the lockdown is not a return to life as it existed before the coronavirus. It is a new reality, one that calls for safe, measured activity.

SOURCE: THE HINDU

NO COMFORT IN NUMBERS: DETECTING CASES

CONTEXT:

West Bengal, which reported its first COVID-19 case in mid-March, has now recorded a total of 922 cases.

The State has reported 48 deaths but had not counted 72 who died of comorbidities.

Though it is India’s fourth populous State, it now ranks fourth lowest in terms of the number of those tested, and is also way lower than Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

LACK OF TESTING:

Against a national average of 721 tests per million, West Bengal has a dismal 212.6 tests per million.

But what is disturbing is the general reluctance of the government to ramp up testing and to acknowledge deaths from the disease as such.

This comes as a surprise given its initial proactive stand on several fronts to tackle COVID-19. It was the first State to move from containment to mitigation to contain the spread when it announced a complete lockdown before the Prime Minister announced it nationally.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seen doing all the right things including demonstrating how social distancing is to be practised and setting up quarantine centres in every district.

While it is not clear if testing has improved, there is clearly a reluctance to divulge the true extent of spread of the virus. The hesitation is pronounced on the issue of sharing mortality numbers.

FATALITY RATE:

At over 13%, the case fatality rate is very high in West Bengal while the detection rate continues to remain the same, which is a reflection of poor surveillance and a failure to actively look out for fresh cases.

When surveillance is good and testing is ramped up, the number of cases reported is bound to increase, as was seen in Kerala, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, and even South Korea in particular.

As Kerala has demonstrated, early detection of cases and tracing of contacts, quarantining and testing will not only help in containing the spread but also markedly reduce the case fatality rate.

Trying to keep the numbers artificially low by testing fewer people or not divulging the actual numbers and tracing their contacts allows the virus to spread unchecked.

At some point, poor surveillance and delay in testing will overwhelm the health system and result in even more deaths, something that no government would be proud of.

A higher number of cases is only a reflection of how active the State has been in waging a war against the virus, while a higher case fatality rate serves as evidence of poor response.

CONCLUSION:

With the lockdown now extended by two more weeks, the government should follow the advice of WHO and cover lost ground by aggressively testing and isolating cases, and tracing contacts.

Assembly polls next year should not be a reason for the Union and the State governments to politicise a public health issue that has been declared a pandemic.

SOURCE: THE HINDU

BRIC’S AGAINST COVID-19

CONTEXT:

In the global war against the novel coronavirus, emerging economies, many belonging to BRICS, have reached out to other countries humbled by the pandemic. India has reinforced its credentials as a rapidly emerging pharmacy of the world.

As the world’s largest producer of hydroxychloroquine, India has recently exported the drug not only to SAARC countries and to its “extended neighbourhood” in the Gulf, but also to Russia, Brazil, Israel and the U.S. This has set the stage for India to forge an inclusive BRICS-driven pharma alliance, which could also actively explore the production of vaccines.

BRICS is the acronym coined for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Originally the first four were grouped as “BRIC“, before the induction of South Africa in 2010.

WORKSHOP OF THE WORLD:

Despite allegations that it had delayed sounding the alarm about COVID-19 infections that had broken out in Wuhan, China has, subsequently, responded strongly in containing the pandemic, leveraging its position as the workshop of the world.

Notwithstanding teething problems and quality concerns, China has steeled the transcontinental response to the disease by providing the “hardware” — masks, gloves, coveralls, shoe covers and testing kits — to hotspots across the globe.

Under its Health Silk Road doctrine, the Chinese reached out to two of the worst global hotspots, Italy and Iran.

A Chinese shipment of 31 tonnes, which included essential supplies and equipment, including respirators, protective suits, masks and medications, arrived on March 12 in Rome.

Six days later another Chinese team flew directly to Milan. Soon China was running a medical air bridge bound for Europe.

RUSSIA:

Despite fighting the virus at home, Russia too sent its doctors and virologists overseas, including the launch of the famous ‘From Russia with love’ air mission to Italy.

At the request of U.S. President Donald Trump, a Russian Antonov-124, packed with medical supplies and experts, landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Since Soviet times, Russia has top-of-the-line emergency services, which are equipped to handle any kind of emergency including biological attacks, nuclear radiation, and chemical weapon attacks.

AFRICA:

On the African continent, South Africa, the current rotating head of the African Union, is engaged in framing a pan-African response to COVID-19.

Among the BRICS nations, only Brazil’s response may need a course correction, as its resistance to breaking the infection chains through travel bans, lockdowns, isolation and testing appears to have led to an infection surge.

TIME TO COORDINATE EFFORTS:

Having demonstrated their comparative strengths as providers of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), BRICS countries now need to pool and coordinate their efforts, in partnership with the WHO, and Europe and North America, both badly affected by the pandemic, as part of a global assault on the virus. But for seeding a robust institutional HADR response, the BRICS countries may have to reactivate an existing disaster response mechanism, and earmark resources and assets to combat a whole range of natural disasters, with special focus on the emerging economies and the global south.

SHANGHAI BASED NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK:

The Shanghai-based New Development Bank of the BRICS countries has already demonstrated the way forward to allocate financial resources to combat COVID-19. In April, during a meeting of the NDB Board of Governors, NBD President K.V. Kamath announced that apart from disbursing a $1 billion emergency loan to China, and subsequently to India, South Africa and Brazil, the NDB had the financial heft to provide $10 billion in “crisis-related assistance” to BRICS member countries.

The NDB’s financial model, demonstrated to address the pandemic, can now become a template to address natural disasters.

CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BRIC’S:

https://iasshiksha.com/daily-current-affair/daily-current-affairs-29th-april-2020/

SOURCE: THE HINDU

KRISHI PRADHAN

CONTEXT:

The year 2019-20 saw India’s agriculture sector grow by 11.3 per cent at current prices, more than the overall annual GDP increase of 7.9 per cent.

According to NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, this is the first time since 1980-81 when farm sector growth has exceeded that of non-farm by such a wide margin. But that’s not all.

Current Prices measures GDP/ inflation/asset prices using the actual prices we notice in the economy. Current prices make no adjustment for inflation.

Constant prices adjust for the effects of inflation. Using constant prices enables us to measure the actual change in output and not just an increase due to the effects of inflation.

AGRICULTURAL GROWTH:

The current fiscal — the April-June quarter, definitely — could see agricultural growth surpassing that of non-agriculture even at constant prices. Simply put, agriculture is back to being the economy’s mainstay and, indeed, the only sector growing amid a nationwide lockdown.

One indicator is wheat procurement(obtaining from farmers). As on May 1, government agencies had bought 14.3 million tonnes (mt) of the new crop, equivalent to a minimum support price value of over Rs 27,500 crore, with another 20 mt likely to be procured by month-end.

Farming activity being relatively unaffected is also captured by retail fertiliser sales rising 45 per cent year-on-year in April. And if the monsoon turns out normal as forecasted(predicted), things aren’t looking that bleak(weak) for agriculture; contrast this with the zero domestic car sales last month.

Agriculture doing well is important both from the standpoint of inflation control (adequate supply of food, feed and fibre, along with low oil prices, makes it easier for the Reserve Bank of India to pursue an accommodative monetary policy) and reviving spending (farmers and rural labourers have higher marginal propensity to consume). But it is also a fact that the farm sector cannot support economic growth beyond a point.

INCOME FROM NON-AGRICULTURE:

A NABARD survey for 2016-17 showed that only 43 per cent of the average monthly income of even the country’s estimated 10 crore-plus agricultural households came from cultivation and livestock rearing(domesticating animals).

The growth of non-agriculture is, in other words, important for farming families themselves, many of which have members deriving incomes from manufacturing and service sector jobs.

Many of the migrant labourers either stranded(trapped) or returning from industrial centres and cities post-lockdown belong to rural farming communities. Given that not everyone can be gainfully employed in farms, it is a matter of time before they head back to work away from their homes.

NEED OF THE HOUR:

That said, the need of the hour is to maximise the possibilities in a sector which has demonstrated its utility and resilience(capacity to recover quickly from difficulties) in trying circumstances.

The focus should be on the coming kharif cropping season, especially ensuring timely availability of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, credit(cash) and other inputs. The latter(0ther inputs) includes labour and machines, whose movement was rightly exempted from lockdown restrictions.

WAY FORWARD:

The government should seriously consider starting at the earliest special trains for labourers engaged in paddy transplantation and other agriculture-related operations.

This is also the time to free farm produce trade by lifting all restrictions on stocking, domestic movement and exports. Let Indian farmers feed the world, not just India.

SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

CHANGING COLOURS

CONTEXT:

On May 1, the Union home ministry extended the nationwide lockdown — scheduled to end on May 3 — by two weeks. The third phase of the lockdown will, however, be less stringent(strict) than that experienced by the country in the past 40 days.

In 603 of the 733 districts, designated green and orange zones, markets other than malls can re-open, factories and industrial units can resume operations, self-employed people such as domestic helps and barbers can go back to work, and e-commerce in non-essential items can recommence.

GROUSE FROM STATES:

But the fine print of the relaxation measures has left several states dissatisfied. Their grouse(complaint) largely pertains to the red zones, the 130 districts which have been deemed as COVID-19 hotspots. These places have been placed under the maximum restrictions stipulated(stated) in the home ministry’s directive.

Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh, for instance, has contended(asserted) that several areas that have no COVID-19 cases, Nabha for example, have found themselves ineligible for relaxations because they happen to be located in red zone districts.

The West Bengal government has also termed the Centre’s assessment of such zones in the state as “erroneous(wrong)”.

And Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has argued against designating entire districts as red zones — only the containment zones, areas with a high caseload in hot spot districts, should be subject to strident(strict) restrictions, he said.

SUCCESS OF THE LOCKDOWN:

That 319 districts, more than half the districts in the country — green zones — have not had a single COVID-19 case in three weeks does testify to the success of the lockdown from a healthcare standpoint. A further 284 districts do not have a high caseload, the orange zones.

However, epidemiologists have consistently emphasised that lockdowns do not frame the endgame in the battle against the virus. Hotspots can change, the infection can recede(get back) from some areas and spread to new ones.

Kejriwal, too, underscored(emphasized) the need to view the pandemic from such a dynamic perspective when he said that “what is a green zone today can turn red”.

POWERS:

The Centre does allow states to re-designate green zones as orange and red zones. It also allows them the freedom to classify red areas as orange zones. But it does not give them the flexibility to relax the lockdown in areas within the hotspot(any area of grave danger or problem)

The Delhi CM underlined the limitations of this approach when he asked: “If a district has 50 villages and 40 cases emerge in one, why should the entire district be declared a red zone?”

CONCLUSION:

States and local authorities dealing with the infection at ground level are the best placed to understand its spatial vagaries(unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation). It’s, therefore, imperative(needed) that they have a say in drawing the boundaries of the areas that have to be opened up.

The details of the red, orange, green zone scheme need constant review and revision from such a perspective.

SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

[brajeshupadhyay]

Coronavirus Updates: 14-day total lockdown in Odisha's Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur

23:13 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

P Chidambaram says Varavara Rao must be 'released immediately'

  Shri Varavara Rao should be released immediately and admitted to a super speciality hospital that will treat him properly.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 16, 2020

22:28 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned under Vande Bharat mission: MEA

Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned from abroad after the government launched the "Vande Bharat" evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

The fourth phase of the Vande Bharat mission, which is currently underway, has been augmented with the addition of around 120 flights between July 15-31, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing.

"These additional flights will cater to the demand for repatriation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Europe, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine," Srivastava said.

With this augmentation, this phase now has 751 international flights catering to 34 airports in India, he said.

(PTI)

21:58 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Harsh Vardhan says less than 2% COVID-19 patients are in ICUs

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that less than two percent of coronavirus patients in the country are admitted in ICUs and that the number of recovered cases in the country exceeds that of the active ones by 2,81,668 as on Thursday.

Vardhan's remarks came after he inaugurated the new block of the Rajkumari Amrit Kaur OPD on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi along with Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey, PTI reported.

21:37 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha govt to impose 14-day lockdown in 4 districts from tomorrow

Odisha government has announced 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area from 9 pm of 17 to 31 July mindnight, Odisha chief secretary Asit Tripathy said.

21:07 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab minister's wife, son test positive for COVID-19

After Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, his wife and son also test positive for coronavirus, officials said here on Thursday. Samples of Bajwa, who is also the higher education minister, were collected for the second time after the first report had come negative on Saturday. He had tested positive on Tuesday. His wife and son also tested positive for the infection, health officials confirmed on Thursday.

(PTI)

20:57 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Goa Latest Updates

North Goa DM restricts movement for non-essential activities

North Goa District Magistrate issues an order restricting movement of people for all non-essential activities between 8 pm to 6 am with immediate effect till August 10.

20:14 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala reports 722 new COVID-19 cases today

Kerala reported 722 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, the first time that the daily figure crossed 700, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. The total number of cases rose to 10,275.

19:54 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

8,641 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra today

Maharashtra reported 8,641 new COVID-19 cases and 266 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking active cases to 1,14,648 and death toll to 11,194. A total of 1,58,140 patients have recovered so far. Mumbai has the highest number of cases at 97,950, the state health department said.

19:46 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Human rights org alerts NHRC over Varavara Rao's condition in Mumbai hospital

The Human Rights Defenders Alert wrote a letter to the NHRC over the health condition of Varavara Rao in Mumbai's JJ Hospital.

The letter said that the poet-activist took time to recognize his family members and added, "The family was told by the nurses that no equipment or treatment was given in the transit ward to the patient. When his nephew tried to change his urine-soaked bed sheets, the family was thrown out by the hospital staff."

19:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Reports say Varavara Rao in 'inhuman condition' in JJ Hospital

Jailed poet Varavara Rao, who has tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, was lying in "inhuman conditions" in JJ Hospital, reports said.

"Rao was lying in a pool of urine on the bed in JJ Hospital. He did not recognise his wife or daughters immediately. The family was told by the nurses that there was no equipment or treatment given in the transit ward," a journalist tweeted.

19:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Varavara Rao tests COVID-1 positive, say reports 

Poet-activist Varavara Rao, who is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case, tested positive for coronavirus, reports said on Thursday. On Monday, the 81-year-old had approached the Bombay High Court seeking temporary bail owing to his deteriorating medical condition and the COVID-19 pandemic but was denied.

"Rao, another activist Anand Teltumbde and eight other activists were arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, which was initially probed by the Pune police and later transferred to the National Investigation Agency in January. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on 31 December, 2017, which, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city.," News18 reported.

18:55 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab caps cost of COVID-19 treatment in private hospitals

The Punjab government on Thursday capped the cost of treatment of coronavirus in private hospitals.

"For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day of admission are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) private hospitals with teaching programme from National Board of Examinations (NBE), Rs 9000 for NABH accredited hospitals (including private medical colleges without PG or DNB Course) and Rs 8000 for non- NABH accredited hospitals," The Times of India reported.

18:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Meghalaya Latest Updates

Meghalaya govt to shut all entry points for 7 days 

The Meghalaya government is likely to decided to close all entry points to the state from 24 to 31 July, as the number of coronavirus cases in the state rose to 354 on Thursday.

"It is hereby notified that all current operation entry point of the state located at Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikkrikkilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj shall remain closed from midnight of July 23rd to midnight of July 31st, 2020," an official order issued by the government said.

"Only movements related to emergency, medical and essential services, goods and inter-State transit vehicles will be allowed during this period," it added. 

18:04 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi court grants bail to 92 Indonesians in Tamblighi Jamaat case

A Delhi court grants bail to 92 foreign nationals from Indonesia, who participated in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz, ANI reported.

17:20 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Rajasthan govt to set up plasma bank for COVID-19 patients

Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma was quoted by News18 as saying that the government had decided to create a data bank of plasma for coronavirus patients.

"We have decided to create a data bank of Covid-19 recovered patients in the state and convince them to donate plasma for treatment of virus infected patients," he said.

16:43 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

2,061 new COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh health department said that 2,061 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total to 43,444 in the state. Meanwhile, 34 new casualties took the toll to 1,046. A total of 26,675 patients discharged/cured and active cases stand at 15,723.

16:16 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Total lockdown begins in Bihar today

The 16-day total lockdown in Bihar began on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said, "There will be a total lockdown in Bihar from July 16-31 to contain the spread of COVID-19."

16:00 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Talking about international flights to France, US, Germany, says Centre

The Union civil aviation ministry on Thursday said, "Our negotiations are at an advanced stage with three countries. Air France will operate 28 flights from 18 July to 1 Aug between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris. US will be flying 18 flights between 17-31 July but this is an interim one. We have request from Germany too."

15:11 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Air India operates 1,103 flights till 13 July

As on 13 July, Air India amd Air India Express operated 1103 flights, bringing back 2,08,000 Indians under the Vande Bharat Mission, said Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal on Thursday. "On many of these flights, we ferried back 85,289 passengers to various countries across the world," he adds.

As on July 13, Air India & Air India Express operated 1103 flights, bringing back 2,08,000 Indians under #VandeBharatMission. On many of these flights, we ferried back 85289 passengers to various countries across the world: Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal pic.twitter.com/tnBUEOjkUZ

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

15:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Tripura reports 98 new cases today, takes total to 2,282

Tripura’s total on Thursday goes up to 2,282 with 98 fresh cases. The state also registers its third fatality after a 38-year-old man died at a hospital, reports PTI.

14:57 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Shahjahanpur district collectorate closed for two days after employee tests positive

A woman employee at the district collectorate here has tested positive for coronavirus following which all offices in the collectorate have been closed for two days, reports PTI.

District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh said on Thursday that all necessary precautions are being taken and government orders in this regard are being strictly followed.

14:44 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

15 priests of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams test positive, says ex TTD chief priest

Ramana Dikshitulu, former TTD Chief Priest and currently the Agama advisor for TTD, took to Twitter saying that 15 priests had tested positive at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and questioned how the TTD EO could continue to allow darshans. 

@ysjagan 15 out of 50 archakas carona +ve quarantined. Still 25 results awaited. TTD EO and AEO refuse to stop darshans. Obediently following anti hereditary archaka and anti brahmin policy of TDP and CBN. Disaster if this continues. Please take action.

— Ramana Dikshitulu (@DrDikshitulu) July 16, 2020

14:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Only 20 persons allowed at weddings, funerals in Indore

In an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, the district administration in Indore has prohibited gathering of more than 20 people at weddings and funerals, an official said. 

As per an order issued by district collector Manish Singh, which is effective immediately, not more than 20 people can take part in weddings and funeral processions.

14:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha starts plasma therapy to treat patients

The Odisha government on Thursday commenced plasma therapy for the treatment of COVID- 19 patients at a hospital in Cuttack, an official said. The procedure was conducted on a 48-year-old patient at the Ashwini Hospital for the first time in the state, technical advisor to the health department Dr Jayant Panda said.

14:22 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister tests positive for COVID-19

Former Maharashtra chief minister Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar has tested positive for COVID-19 in Latur district, news agency PTI has reported. The 88-year-old leader has been reportedly shifted to a hospital in Pune, located around 320 kilometres from Latur.

13:55 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Puducherry Latest Updates

Puducherry 147 new cases today, takes total to 1,743

147 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Puducherry today, taking the total confirmed cases to 1,743, including 774 active cases, 947 recoveries and 22 deaths.

13:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

BAC meet likely next week on COVID-19, monsoon session

The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature is likely to meet next week to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state and on holding the monsoon session of the Legislature, Assembly Speaker Nana Patole said on Thursday.

The monsoon session, which was earlier scheduled to start from 22 June, was deferred to 3 August in view of the pandemic.

13:11 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Sourav Ganguly in home quarantine after elder brother tests COVID-19 positive

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday went into home quarantine after his elder brother and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Snehasish Ganguly tested positive for COVID-19.

Read full report here

13:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra’s first woman election commissioner succumbs to COVID-19

According to media reports, Neela Satyanarayan, Maharashtra’s first woman chief election commissioner has succumbed to COVID-19 in Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. She was aged 72. She is the first IAS officer in the state to succumb to COVID-19, reports Indian Express.

12:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Indian pharma industry capable of producing COVID-19 vaccines for entire world: Bill Gates

India's pharmaceutical industry will be able to produce COVID-19 vaccines not just for the country but also for the entire world, according to Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.

Speaking in a documentary –COVID-19: India's War Against The Virus – to be premiered on Discovery Plus this (Thursday) evening, Gates said India also faces a huge challenge due to the health crisis because of its gigantic size and urban centres with a lot of population density.

12:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Odisha's total COVID-19 total crosses 15,000-mark

Odisha’s caseload crosses the 15,000-mark with 494 people testing positive, reports PTI. The state’s toll rises to 79 with two more fatalities. Of the 494 new cases, 322 are from quarantine centres, while 172 are contacts of Covid-19 patients.

12:31 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Harsh Vardhan claims India performed better than others

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said India’s fatality rate is 2.57% and recovery rate is 63.25%. “Despite being such a largely populated nation, we can perhaps claim to have performed better than any other country,” he said.

11:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India's recovery rate now at 63.24%

The Centre on Thursday said the recovery rate of coronavirus patients has improved to 63.24%.

11:37 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Rajasthan reports 143 new cases today

Rajasthan reports 143 new coronavirus cases, taking the state’s tally to 26,580. With four more deaths, the toll stands at 534.

11:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Updates

Telangana transfers top Health department officials; brings in juniors

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the Telangana government has transferred two key officials of the health department and brought in relatively junior officers to replace them, reports PTI.

Shanti Kumari, Special Chief Secretary (Health) and Yogita Rana, Commissioner of Public Health and Family Welfare, were transferred from their posts, according to an order issued by the Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar on Wednesday night.

11:34 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Former UP minister dies of COVID-19

Former minister and Samajwadi party leader Ghoora Ram died of coronavirus early Thursday morning at the King George's Medical University in Lucknow, his family said. According to the SP leader's son Santosh Kumar, he was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after he complained of a cough and difficulty in breathing.

09:31 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India reports 32,695 new cases, 606 deaths in past 24 hours

India reports 32,695 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total to 9,68,876. The toll rises by 606 to 24,915. This is the highest daily rise in the number of infections and deaths. More than 6.12 lakh people have recovered so far.

09:24 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Brazil Latest Update

Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for second time

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said he has tested positive for the coronavirus for a second time, reports AP. “I did the test yesterday [Tuesday], and at night the result came back that I am still positive for coronavirus,” Bolsonaro added.

“I hope that in the coming days I will do another test and, God willing, everything will be all right to return soon to activity.”

09:19 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over 3.2 lakh samples tested yesterday, says ICMR

India tested 3,26,826 samples on Wednesday, says the Indian Council of Medical Research. 1,27,39,490 samples tested for #COVID19 till 15 July, it added.

08:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

IMA says 99 docs succumbed to COVID-19, issues ''red alert'' for medicos

As many as 99 doctors in the country, a majority of them general practitioners, have succumbed to COVID-19, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said on Wednesday, and declared a red alert for medicos and medical administrators asking them to raise their guard.

According to IMA National COVID registry data, of the total 1,302 doctors infected with COVID-19, 99 have succumbed to the disease. Of those dead, 73 were above the age of 50 years, 19 in the age-group of 35-50 and seven below 35 years, the data showed.

08:24 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Only god can save us, says Karnataka health minister

Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu on Wednesday said only divine help could save the state from the coronavirus pandemic, reports Hindustan Times.

Responding to questions raised over the state government's tackling of the crisis, Sriramulu said, “Only God can save us, and we have to bring in caution on our own.", according to LiveMint.

08:07 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi University to hold final year exams in August

The Delhi University will conduct the online open book examinations for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students from 10 to 31 August, it said on Wednesday. However, DU said, students unable to appear in the exams in August will get another chance.

08:03 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Global COVID-19 cases at 1.3 crores; toll at 5.8 lakh

Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 1.3 crore, according to the Reuters tracker. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 5.8 lakh.

With over 34.5 lakh reported cases till date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, India, Russia and Peru.

08:02 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

WFH for Air India employees to end after 20 July

Air India employees will no longer be able to work from home after 20 July. The national carrier also began the process of sending some underperforming employees on compulsory leave without pay for up to a period of five years, due to the economic crisis it is facing.

07:58 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Updates

US records 67,632 new cases; Fauci optimistic on vaccine arrival by 2020-end

The United States has reported the highest record of 67,632 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, reports AFP. US Disease Expert Dr Anthony Fauci, meanwhile, predicted on Wednesday the country will meet its goal of a Covid-19 vaccine by year's end and was unmoved by the prospect that China would get there first.

07:51 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

NIMHANS releases guidelines for health workers' mental health needs

The NIMHANS has come out with guidelines that define a framework to address the mental health needs of healthcare personnel in COVID-19 treatment settings. The guidelines also aim to provide technical inputs to guide healthcare personnel to help themselves and their colleagues in distress.

The guidelines identify the source of anxiety and the indicators that healthcare professionals are facing mental health difficulties at the workplace.

07:43 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

 Toll in Bengal reaches 1000; record 1,589 new cases reported

The COVID-19 death toll in West Bengal rose to 1,000 on Wednesday with 20 more people succumbing to the disease, while the tally reached 34,427 with record 1,589 fresh cases, the health department said.

The bulletin said 749 patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours and the total number of people getting cured of coronavirus reached 20,680. The state now has 12,747 active COVID-19 cases.

07:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

493 cases, 11 new deaths reported in J&K yesterday

Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday recorded 493 fresh COVID-19 cases with 11 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, taking the coronavirus death toll past 200 in the union territory, reports PTI. These details were issued by the Jammu and Kashmir administration late on Wednesday night.

07:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

IIS says India to have 10 lakh active cases by 1 Sep

The Indian Institute of Science projection says active cases in the country, and in the state, are likely to be 10 lakh and 71,300, respectively, by 1 September, reports Times of India.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates: Odisha government has announced 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area from 9 pm of 17 to 31 July mindnight, Odisha chief secretary Asit Tripathy said.

The letter written by the Human Rights Defenders Alert to the NHRC over Varavara Rao's situation in JJ Hospital, the human rights organisation quoted his family members as saying that he was "lying like an orphan" in the transit ward.

 The Human Rights Defenders Alert wrote a letter to the NHRC over the health condition of Varavara Rao in Mumbai's JJ Hospital.

The letter said that the poet-activist took time to recognize his family members and added, "The family was told by the nurses that no equipment or treatment was given in the transit ward to the patient. When his nephew tried to change his urine-soaked bed sheets, the family was thrown out by the hospital staff."

Poet-activist Varavara Rao, who is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case, tested positive for coronavirus, reports said on Thursday. On Monday, the 81-year-old had approached the Bombay High Court seeking temporary bail owing to his deteriorating medical condition and the COVID-19 pandemic but was denied.

"Rao, another activist Anand Teltumbde and eight other activists were arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, which was initially probed by the Pune police and later transferred to the National Investigation Agency in January. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on 31 December, 2017, which, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city.," News18 reported.

The Meghalaya government is likely to decided to close all entry points to the state from 24 to 31 July, as the number of coronavirus cases in the state rose to 354 on Thursday.

"It is hereby notified that all current operation entry point of the state located at Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikkrikkilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj shall remain closed from midnight of July 23rd to midnight of July 31st, 2020," an official order issued by the government said.

"Only movements related to emergency, medical and essential services, goods and inter-State transit vehicles will be allowed during this period," it added.

The Union civil aviation ministry on Thursday said, "Our negotiations are at an advanced stage with three countries. Air France will operate 28 flights from 18 July to 1 Aug between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris. US will be flying 18 flights between 17-31 July but this is an interim one. We have request from Germany too."

Former Maharashtra chief minister Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar has tested positive for COVID-19 in Latur district, news agency PTI has reported. The 88-year-old leader has been reportedly shifted to a hospital in Pune

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said India’s fatality rate is 2.57% and recovery rate is 63.25%. “Despite being such a largely populated nation, we can perhaps claim to have performed better than any other country,” he said.

India reports 32,695 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total to 9,68,876. The toll rises by 606 to 24,915. This is the highest daily rise in the number of infections and deaths.

India on Wednesday reported a record single-day spike of 29,429 COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases to 9,36,181 while toll from the novel coronavirus climbed to 24,309 with 582 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry's morning update.

Lockdown restrictions of varying degrees were re-imposed in a few places including in Karnataka's Shivamogga district and in Siliguri in West Bengal. Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant announced a three-day lockdown in the state from Friday to curb the spread of the disease while stating that 'janata curfew' will be in place every night from 15 July to 10 August.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government said it has decided to close all entry points to the state between 24 to 31 July.

Karnataka overtake Gujarat as fourth worst-affected state

According to PTI, this is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 28,000.

At present, there are 3,19,840 active COVID-19 cases in the country while the number of recoveries stands at 5,92,031, the health ministry said. Thus the recovery rate in the country is 63.42 percent, said the ministry.

Of the 582 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, 213 are from Maharashtra, 85 from Karnataka, 67 from Tamil Nadu, 43 from Andhra Pradesh, 35 from Delhi, 28 from Uttar Pradesh, 24 from West Bengal, 14 each from Bihar and Gujarat, 10 each from Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.

Of the total 24,309 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest with 10,695 fatalities reported till date, followed by Delhi with 3,446 deaths, Gujarat with  2,069, Tamil Nadu with 2,099, Uttar Pradesh with  983, and West Bengal with 980.

Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases at 2,67,665 followed by Tamil Nadu at 1,47,324 and Delhi at 1,15,346. The updated data showed that Karnataka (44,077 cases) has now overtaken Gujarat (43,637, cases) as the fourth worst-affected state. Uttar Pradesh has reported 39,724 cases till date while Telangana has recorded 37,745.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR," the ministry said, adding that 1,524 cases are being reassigned to states.

Goa to impose three-day lockdown from Friday

As many states continued to report new cases, lockdown restrictions were imposed or extended in various places.

A three-day lockdown with stricter provisions will be enforced in Goa from Friday in view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday. Besides, there will also be a 'janata curfew' in the state from 8 pm to 6 am every day with effect from Wednesday till 10 August, he told reporters.

Only people associated with essential services and those having medical emergencies will be allowed to move out during the curfew and lockdown, he said. Local authorities will try to arrange for home delivery of essentials, he added.

Sawant noted that people are not wearing masks and not following the social distancing guidelines. He also said that the  COVID-19 cases in the state are expected to peak in next few days due to continued rains. "We are expecting a spike between 15 July and 20 July," he said.

In Karnataka's Shivamogga, the district administration decided to impose partial lockdown from 16 July until further orders.

Shivamogga Member of Parliament BY Raghavendra tweeted that the lockdown will be in place daily from 2 pm to 5 am from Thursday. Other than government offices, agriculture, medical and other necessary services, all other activities will be shut until further orders.

"Police have been instructed to take strict action against those gathering without maintaining social distancing, not wearing masks and violating guidelines," he said.

Streets remained deserted in Bengaluru as the government imposed a total lockdown in Bengaluru urban and rural districts till 5 am on 22 July. Following Bengaluru urban and rural districts, administrations in several other districts like Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada, Kalaburagi (only in urban areas), Bidar, Raichur (in Raichur city and Sindhanur) and Yadgir too have announced lockdown.

In West Bengal, the Darjeeling district task force on Wednesday declared a complete lockdown in 47 wards of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation for seven days, starting 9 am on Thursday, reported ANI quoting state tourism minister Goutam Deb. Containment zones in West Bengal are already under a lockdown, which was extended till 19 July on Tuesday.

"All the norms that have been in force since 5 pm on 9 July will continue. Residents of the containment zones are prohibited from attending government and private offices," a senior official told news agency PTI.

From Thursday, Bihar will go under a complete lockdown till 31 July. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday by deputy chief minister Sushil Modi, who said that the infection had spread rapidly as precautions were not being followed strictly in public places.

इसके बावजूद सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर एहतियात बरतने में शिथिलता बरती गई, जिससे संक्रमण तेजी से बढ़ा और पूरे प्रदेश में 31 जुलाई तक सम्पूर्ण लाकडाउन लागू करना पड़ा। यदि हमने अपनी सामूहिक संकल्प शक्ति से काम लिया और नियमों का सख्ती से पालन किया तो संक्रमण की कड़ी अवश्य टूटेगी।

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 14, 2020

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Lockdown restrictions are also in place in other places like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in Maharashtra and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Meghalaya to close entry points to state

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday announced that all entry points to the state would be sealed from 24 to 31 July to "unburden health, frontline workers". During this period, only emergency, medical services, essential commodities and transit movement of vehicles from Assam will be allowed, said Sangma.

The chief minister also announced that no wedding receptions would be allowed in East Khasi Hills district and Ri Bhoi district "for the time being" but said that solemnisation of marriages in places of worship will be permitted with strict adherence to protocols.

Situation improved in Delhi, but war not yet won, says Kejriwal

Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the current COVID-19 situation in the National Capital is better than what it was in June, but the war against the disease has not been won yet.

Addressing an online media briefing, the chief minister said that according to the Centre's formula, Delhi was expected to have 2.25 lakh cases by 15 July, but at present, there are only 1.15 lakh cases.

He said had the Delhi government fought the virus alone, it would have "failed" and therefore his dispensation sought cooperation from the BJP-led Centre, NGOs, and other organisations.

"Our first principle was that this fight cannot be won alone," Kejriwal said.

The chief minister also said the AAP government will continue its preparations to deal with any spike in COVID-19 cases and warned against complacency.

Delhi reported 1,647 new cases and 41 deaths on Wednesday, taking the overall case count to 116,993 and toll to 3,487.

Andhra Pradesh reports record jump in new cases

A new record high of 2,432 fresh cases pushed Andhra Pradesh's aggregate past the 35,000 mark while 44 deaths took the overall toll in the state to 452. The latest bulletin said 805 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours. The aggregate number of discharges now stood at 18,378, leaving 16,621 active cases in the state, the bulletin said.

Maharashtra reported 7,975 coronavirus cases and 233 deaths on Wednesday, taking the state’s tally rises to 2,75,640 and the toll to 10,928.

Karnataka reported 3,176 new cases, of which 1,975 cases are from Bengaluru, taking the total number of cases to 47,253. The toll rose to 928 as the state reported 87 deaths, said a bulletin issued by the state health department.

Parliamentary panel tells govt to promote cheaper medicines

Meanwhile, a Parliamentary panel told senior government officials to promote cheaper and easily available domestic-made medicines for COVID-19, sources told PTI. During a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, members also demanded that the maximum price of COVID-19 medicines be capped, they said.

Cutting across party lines, the committee members questioned why expensive medicines were often being recommended for COVID-19 treatment. Members named three cheaper and easily available medicines and questioned why they were not being promoted despite being equally effective.

The committee members also expressed concern over black marketing of medicines.

Zydus Cadila begins human trials of COVID-19 vaccine

In another development, drug manufacturer Zydus Cadila on Wednesday said it has started human clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D. In this phase of trials, the company will be enrolling over 1,000 subjects across multiple clinical study sites in India, it said in a regulatory filing.

Earlier this month, Zydus had received approval to start human trials for its COVID-19 vaccine contender, becoming the second Indian pharmaceutical firm to get such nod amid a global spurt in coronavirus infections.

It got approval a few days after India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine candidate COVAXIN, developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV), got the nod for human clinical trials from the Drug Controller General of India.

With inputs from agencies

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[vaishcurrentaffairs-blog]

Current affairs September 06th

1. 1.51 lakh people killed in road accidents last year

Indian roads were more fatal in 2016 as the number of deaths in road accidents rose over 3% to 1.51 lakh compared to the previous year.

However, the total road accidents declined 4.1% to 4.81 lakh that resulted in injuries to 4.95 lakh persons, according to the government’s ‛Road Accidents in India 2016’ report.

Around 46% people killed on Indian roads belonged to the age group of 18-35 years.

The report showed that around 37% road accidents took place on traffic junctions during 2016.

Two-wheeler riders were the most vulnerable road users with their percentage share in fatalities at 34.8% followed by four-wheeler drivers at 17.9%

The report showed that 19.3% of 52,500 two-wheeler riders killed in road accidents in 2016 were not wearing helmets.

A total of 55,942 hit and run cases were reported that accounted for 11.6% road accidents and 15.2% fatalities in 2016.

2. Powerful Hurricane Irma hits first Caribbean islands

The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean.

The Category 5 storm had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

3. 5 September: Teacher’s Day

Teacher’s Day was celebrated on 5 September 2017 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Teacher’s day was created in 1962 to mark the birth anniversary of the second president of India Dr S Radhakrishnan, who was also an academician and teacher.

About Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and statesman.

• He was the first Vice President of India (1952–1962) and the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.

• He was one of India’s most distinguished twentieth-century scholars of comparative religion and philosophy.

• His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta, reinterpreting this tradition for a contemporary understanding.

• He was awarded several high awards during his life, including a knighthood in 1931, the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, in 1954, and honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.

The World Teachers’ Day

The World Teachers’ day that was created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Every year, 5 October is celebrated as the World Teachers’ Day. A different theme is selected for every year to celebrate and honour the teachers of the world.

4. inter-ministerial task force for speedy implementation of the Centre’s Namami Gange mission.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the formation of an inter-ministerial task force for speedy implementation of the Centre’s Namami Gange mission.

Along with this, the Minister announced that the Water Resources Ministry would come out with a detailed schedule on achieving various targets under the mission in a time-bound and transparent manner within a week.

The task force is expected to comprise ministers and officials from water resources, urban development, drinking water and sanitation and rural development among others.

5. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launches two new contraceptives.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched two new contraceptives-

an injectable contraceptive MPA under the ‘Antara’ programme

a contraceptive pill ‘Chhaya’

These contraceptives have been launched in 10 states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha and Goa. 

The Antara and Chhaya contraceptives are presently available for free in Medical Colleges and District Hospitals. 

These contraceptives are safe and highly effective.

The ‘Antara’ injectable is effective for three months and the ‘Chayya’ pill is effective for one week.

These contraceptives will help meet the changing needs of couples and help women plan and space their pregnancies.

The Ministry recently launched Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS)to provide robust information on the demand and distribution of contraceptives to health facilities and ASHAs.

It also launched a central family planning initiative 'Mission Parivar Vikas'with an aim to improve the access to contraceptives.

The mission is being implemented in 146 high focus districts with the highest total fertility rates in the country. 

These districts are in the seven high Total Fertility Rates (TFR) states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam.

The main aim of this mission is to bring down the Total Fertility Rate to 2.1 by the year 2025.

6. BRICS Summit - 2017

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on 4 September 2017 signed four documents that aim at improving and broadening cooperation mechanism and promoting industrial and technical upgradation to enhance economic complementarities inorder to boost trade ties among the BRICS nations.

The documnets signed includes-

1. BRICS Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation

2. BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation(2017-2020)

3. Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation

4. Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation

BRICS Summit 2017: Xiamen Declaration condemns Pak-based terror groups

BRICS action plan for innovation cooperation intends to facilitate innovation driven development for sustainable development.

Strategic frame work of BRICS custom cooperation is meant for mutual sharing of information recombination of customs control and mutual assistance in enforcement as guiding principles.

MoU between BRICS business council and New Development Bank on strategic cooperation is for economic and financial research activities in local markets, knowledge exchange financial institution cooperation and human resource development.

Five banks of BRICS nations sign agreement to establish credit lines.

7. Prakriti Khoj - An Environment awareness initiative

The Union Environment Ministry on 5 September 2017 launched an environment awareness initiative on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

Under the initiative, an online environmental quiz competition named Prakriti Khoj will be conducted at the national level.

The Prakriti Khoj will be an ideal medium to reach out to young minds through a fun-filled interactive learning mode to trigger their sensitivity towards environment protection and conservation.

This quiz will provide a unique platform for students to measure their awareness level regarding environmental issues.

About the quiz :-

The quiz is planned in two phases.

• For the first phase, it is envisaged that maximum number of children of schools under the National Green Corps (NGC) programme of the Ministry should get an opportunity to participate in this environmental quiz.

Three age groups is planned to be covered in Phase-I, which will be open only to Eco-clubs i.e. in the age-groups 8-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years.

After this, based on the feedback received from the participants, the second phase of the quiz will be open to students from all schools across the country in the year 2018.

The mode of quiz will be online through multiple choice questions.

Thematic areas like climate change, biodiversity, forest and wildlife, pollution, waste management, rivers and lakes, natural history, international conventions such as Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora etc. have been chosen for the quiz.

A separate web portal, www.ngc.nic.in, containing information on the quiz has been developed by Ministry.

Dates of the quiz will be updated on the Prakriti Khoj portal, as well as the Ministry’s website.

The students from Eco-clubs specially registered on the portal will be able to participate in the qualification round from 18 September 2017 onwards.

Quiz will be organized in school premises under the supervision of Principals/Eco-club Coordinators.

There will be cash prizes for the winners. In addition, all participants will receive an E-certificate of participation, duly signed by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

[vignaniasacademy]

06-05-2020 Current Affairs & Daily News Analysis

EXCISE DUTY ON ALCOHOL The Delhi government announced a 70% hike in the price of liquor across categories in the capital. Delhi’s “special corona fee” on alcohol underlines the importance of liquor to the economy of the states.

About: Liquor contributes a considerable amount to the exchequers of all states and Union Territories except Gujarat and Bihar, both of which have enforced prohibition. Generally, states levy excise duty on manufacture and sale of liquor. Some states, for example Tamil Nadu, also impose VAT (value added tax). States also charge special fees on imported foreign liquor; transport fee; and label & brand registration charges. A few states, such as Uttar Pradesh, have imposed a “special duty on liquor” to collect funds for special purposes, such as maintenance of stray cattle. According to a report published by the RBI in September 2019, state excise duty on alcohol accounts for around 10-15 per cent of Own Tax Revenue of a majority of states. In fact, state excise duties on liquor is the second or third largest contributor to the category State’s Own Tax revenue; sales tax (now GST) is the largest. During 2018-19, the five states that collected the highest revenue from excise duty on liquor were Uttar Pradesh (Rs 25,100 crore), followed by Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Telangana.  Source : Indian Express ( Economy ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Coronavirus Global Reponse Pledging Conference British Prime Minister Boris Johnson opened a virtual global conference on COVID-19 by calling on all countries to step up their efforts and work together on fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

About: The Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Conference was co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and the European Commission. At the conference, Johnson confirmed the UK's pledge of 388 million pounds aid funding for research into vaccines, tests and treatments – part of a larger 744 million pounds existing UK aid commitment to help end the pandemic and support the global economy. This includes 250 million pounds for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop vaccines against coronavirus – the biggest such donation to the fund by any country.  Source : All India Radio ( International ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy CENTRE FOR CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CCMB) Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is the only centre in the country which is pooling the samples for doing testing of COVID-19.

About: It is an Indian biotechnology research establishment Established in: 1977. Location: Hyderabad.  Parent body: It operates under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CCMB is a designated "Center of Excellence" by the Global Molecular and Cell Biology Network, UNESCO. India's national biosafety level – 4 containment facility for human infectious diseases is located on the campus of CCMB.  Source : All India Radio (Science & Technology) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy ARKTIKA-M Russia announced that it will launch first Arktika-M satellite for monitoring Arctic climate by the end of the year.

About: As of now first satellite is developed and the launch is planned for 2020. The satellite will be launched by Soyuz -2,1b carrier rocket with frigate booster. The remote sensing Artika-M will monitor the  meterological conditions in the polar region. Source : All India Radio ( Science & Technology ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy SWINE FLU Data from the Health Ministry’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), show that the five States/UTs namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Tamil Nadu consistently accounted for the bulk of swine flu cases, or seasonal influenza (H1N1) since 2015.

About: H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu) is an infection caused by type A influenza viruses. Who are infected? It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. In 2009 a strain of swine flu called H1N1 infected many people around the world. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms: Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Spread in India: February-March are typical months for influenza in India. Most influenza activity in northern India was seen during the summer months, but in southern and western India, cases occurred mostly during winter months.  Important Info : Swine flu vs COVID-19? While both HIN1 and COVID-19 are due to pathogens that trace their origins to viruses from non-human hosts, they belong to different families.While both infiltrate the lungs and cause characteristic pulmonary infections, they have varying lethality.Swine flu infections have a higher case fatality rates (deaths per confirmed cases) and can cause significant deaths in children as well as those less than 60.COVID-19 on the other hand is relatively more dangerous to those above 60 and almost harmless in children.  Source : The Hindu ( Health ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy New Specified Health Warning on Tobacco Products packs Union Ministry of Health has notified a new set of images with specified health warnings for all tobacco product packs by amending the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008 via “The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020”.

About: All tobacco products manufactured or imported or packaged on or after September 1, 2020 shall display the first image and those manufactured or imported or packaged on or after September 1, 2021 shall display the second image. Violation of the provision is a punishable offence with imprisonment or fine as prescribed in Section 20 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. Source : The Hindu ( Health ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy LLAMA Researchers have developed a treatment that links two nanobodies isolated from a 'Llama' named winter to create an antibody that binds to the spike protein on the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. That bond prevented the virus from invading cells. Winter, the llama, is 4 years old, female, and living on a farm in the Belgian countryside.

About: Family: Llamas are a member of the camelid family, which includes camels, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos. Description: Llamas have a typical camel-like body shape, but they lack the humps of the Bactrian and dromedary camel. Distribution: Llamas are no longer found in the wild. They are now distributed throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Currently, nearly 70% of llamas are found in Bolivia.  Source : Indian Expres ( Environment ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy jharkhand tribals observe bishnu sendra parva 2020 sanshunting due to lockdown For the first time in living memory, not a single animal was killed in Jharkhand on Bishnu Sendra Parva.

About: Bishnu Sendra Parva is an annual hunting festival observed by tribals of Jharkhand and the neighbouring Odisha and West Bengal. This year, Adivasis observed the centuries-old festival without leaving their houses as Jharkhand continued with a complete lockdown across the state. With the lockdown continuing, many tribal hunters could not reach the forests to observe the festival. Source : Times of India ( Culture ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Saras Collection launched by govt on GeM Portal Union Rural Development Minister launched the Saras collection on Government e Marketplace (GeM) portal in New Delhi.

About: It is a unique initiative of GeM and the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development. The Saras collection showcases daily utility products made by rural self-help groups. It aims to provide market in rural areas with access to Central and State Government buyers. Under the initiative, sellers from Self Help Group will be able to list their products in 5 product categories, namely (i) handicrafts, (ii) handloom and textiles, (iii) office accessories, (iv) grocery and pantry, and (v) personal care and hygiene.  Important Info : Government e Marketplace (GeM): It is a 100 percent Government owned Section 8 Company set up as the National Public Procurement Portal for procurement of goods and services required by Central and State Government organizations.DAY-NRLM: DAY-NLRM aims to reduce poverty through promotion of diversified and gainful self-employment while creating skilled wage employment opportunities.  Source : PIB ( Economy ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy MANISHA SINGH United States President Donald Trump has nominated senior Indian-American diplomat Manisha Singh as his envoy to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

About: She will be the US Representative to OECD with the rank of an Ambassador. Ms Singh is currently Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department. Paris-based OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 36 member countries to stimulate economic progress and world trade.  Important Info : President Donald Trump has also nominated Indian-American Ashok Michael Pinto as a representative to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for a term of two years.  Source : All India Radio ( International ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Top IAS Academy in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Daily Current affairs and News Analysis Best IAS Coaching institutes in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Contact Vignan IAS Academy Enroll For IAS Foundation Course from Best IFS Academy in Bangalore Read the full article

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02-05-2020 Current Affairs & Daily News Analysis

SHRAMIK SPECIAL TRAINS BY INDIAN RAILWAYS FOR MIGRANT WORKERS Railway Ministry will run Shramik Special trains to move stranded migrant workers and others.

About: Under the Special Shramik Trains run by Ministry of Railways, the first train carrying almost 1,200 stranded labourers of Jharkhand from Telangana will reach to the native state tonight. Ministry of Railways and State Government efforts have worked in unison to bring back stranded labourers and students stuck in different states across the country.  Source : All India Radio ( Social Issues ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy KASHMIR SAFFRON Kashmir saffron, which is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir, has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.

About: The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness). It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level). The spice is grown in some regions of Kashmir, including Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar. Kashmir saffron is a very precious and costly product. Kashmir saffron is renowned globally as a spice. It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes. It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Iran is the largest producer of saffron and India is a close competitor.  Important Info : Types: The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types — ‘Lachha Saffron’, with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing;‘Mongra Saffron’, in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and‘Guchhi Saffron’, which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread. Source : Times of India ( Geography ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy KOVILPATTI KADALAI MITTAI Kovilpatti kadalai mittai (chikki or sweet made of peanuts and jaggery) has got geographical indication (GI) tag.

About: Now, members of the Kovilpatti Regional Kadalai Mittai Manufacturers and Retailers Association, based out of Kovilpatti and some towns and villages in Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, will have an exclusive right over the tag. The GI tag has been granted to the groundnut sweet by the Geographical Indications Registry recognising the uniqueness of the ingredients used for its manufacture procured from the geographical area of Kovilpatti. The ingredients include groundnuts grown in the native black soil of Kovilpatti, organic jaggery and water sourced from the Thamirabarani river. The other recognised uniqueness includes the production process which is done using ‘veragu aduppu’ (firewood stove).  Source : Times of India ( culture ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Manipur Black rice Chak-Hao gets GI tag Chak-Hao, scented glutinous rice popularly known as Black Rice which is cultivated in Manipur since centuries has got GI (Geographical Indications) registration.

About: Chak-Hao is aromatic rice cultivated in Manipur. Chak-Hao of Manipur is registered under GI certificate number 364, application for which was filled by North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC). GI status is an indication that identifies goods as produced from a particular area, which has special quality or reputation attributable to its geographical origin and GI branded goods possess a recall value amongst consumers.  Source : All India Radio ( Economy ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Centre asks Arunachal to include Chakma, Hajong tribals in COVID-19 relief aid The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) has directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to include the Chakma and Hajong communities in the COVID-19 relief programme.

About: The Chakmas and Hajongs are ethnic people. Chakmas are predominantly Buddhists; Hajongs are Hindus. They were inhabitants of the Chittagong Hill Tracts of erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) who migrated to India due to –Submergence of their land by the Kaptai dam on the Karnaphuli River in the 1960s. religious persecution they faced in East Pakistan as they were non-Muslims. The Indian government set up relief camps in Arunachal Pradesh and a majority of them continue to live there even after 50 years. An estimated 1 lakh Chakma and Hajong refugees are staying in India. When they came in 1964, there were about 15,000 Chakmas and about 2,000 Hajongs.  Source : The Hindu ( Social Issues ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Kisan Sabha App launched to connect farmers to supply chain Kisan Sabha App developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi to connect farmers to supply chain and freight transportation management system was launched.

About: The portal connects the farmers, transporters, Service providers (like pesticides/ fertilizer/ dealers, cold store and warehouse owner), mandi dealers, customers (like big retail outlets, online stores, institutional buyers) and other related entities for timely and effective solution. The portal acts as a single stop for every entity related to agriculture, be they a farmer who needs better price for the crops or mandi dealer who wants to connect to more farmers or truckers who invariably go empty from the mandis. Kisan Sabha has 6 major modules taking care of Farmers/Mandi Dealers/Transporters/Mandi Board Members/ Service Providers/Consumers.  Source : PIB ( Economy ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy R&D STATISTICS AND INDICATORS 2019-20 The R&D Statistics and Indicators 2019-20 based on the national S&T survey 2018 was released by the National Science and Technology Management Information (NSTMIS), Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Some of the key findings of the report are the following: India’s gross expenditure in R&D has tripled between 2008 & 2018. India spent 0.7% of its GDP on R&D in 2017-18, while the same among other developing BRICS countries was Brazil 1.3%, Russian Federation 1.1%, China 2.1% and South Africa 0.8%. DST and DBT were the two major players contributing 63% and 14%, respectively of the total extramural R&D support in the country during 2016-17. Number of researchers per million population in India has increased to 255 in 2017 from 218 in 2015 and 110 in 2000. India occupies 3rd rank in terms of number of Ph. D.’s awarded in Science and Engineering (S&E) after USA (39,710 in 2016) and China (34,440 in 2015). During 2018, India was ranked at 3rd, 5th and 9th  in scientific publication output as per the NSF, SCOPUS and SCI database respectively According to WIPO, India’s Patent Office stands at the 7th position among the top 10 Patent Filing Offices in the world.  Source : PIB ( Science & Technology ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy REBATE OF STATE LEVIES (ROSL) SCHEME Garment and made-up exporters who have Rebate of State Levies (ROSL) Scheme arrears will receive it in the form of scrips, according to a Department of Revenue communication.

About: The ROSL Scheme, which reimburses the State levies that garment and made-up exports incurred, was discontinued on March 7 last year and replaced with the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies scheme. The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council has welcomed the move, while pointing out that exporters were in need of funds now and that the scrips would provide relief. They can use it for imports too, if needed, according to the Council.  Source : The Hindu ( Economy ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy ONE NATION, ONE RATION CARD PLAN Union Consumer Affairs Minister has approved the integration of five more States and Union Territories with the National Cluster under the One Nation, One Ration Card plan.

About: These States and UTs are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. With this, the facility of national and inter-state portability will be available for nearly 60 Crore beneficiaries of 17 States and UTs. They will now lift their entitled quota of foodgrains from any Fair Price Shop of their choice, anywhere in these 17 States and UTs by using their existing ration card under One Nation, One Ration Card plan. Source : All India Radio ( Economy ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy SHOBHANA NARASIMHAN Professor Shobhana Narasimhan from the Theoretical Sciences Unit (TSU) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute under the DST, has been elected as an International Honorary Member to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

About: Prof Narasimhan heads the Computational Nanoscience group at JNCASR. She became a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India in 2011 and also received the Stree Shakti Samman Science Award in 2010 and the Kalpana Chawla Woman Scientist Award of the Government of Karnataka in 2010.  Important Info : The American Academy of Arts and Sciences honours scholars and leaders who have distinguished themselves in the sciences, arts, humanities and public life.The list of previous International Honorary Members includes Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Nelson Mandela. Source : PIB ( Science & Technology ) Read UPSC Current affairs and Daily News Analysis from Best IAS Coaching Institute in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Daily Current affairs and News Analysis Best IAS Coaching institutes in Bangalore Vignan IAS Academy Contact Vignan IAS Academy Enroll For IAS Foundation Course from Best IFS Academy in Bangalore Read the full article

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23:13 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates P Chidambaram says Varavara Rao must be 'released immediately'   Shri Varavara Rao should be released immediately and admitted to a super speciality hospital that will treat him properly. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 16, 2020 22:28 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned under Vande Bharat mission: MEA Over 6.87 lakh Indians have returned from abroad after the government launched the "Vande Bharat" evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. The fourth phase of the Vande Bharat mission, which is currently underway, has been augmented with the addition of around 120 flights between July 15-31, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing. "These additional flights will cater to the demand for repatriation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Europe, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine," Srivastava said. With this augmentation, this phase now has 751 international flights catering to 34 airports in India, he said. (PTI) 21:58 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Harsh Vardhan says less than 2% COVID-19 patients are in ICUs Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that less than two percent of coronavirus patients in the country are admitted in ICUs and that the number of recovered cases in the country exceeds that of the active ones by 2,81,668 as on Thursday. Vardhan's remarks came after he inaugurated the new block of the Rajkumari Amrit Kaur OPD on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi along with Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey, PTI reported. 21:37 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates Odisha govt to impose 14-day lockdown in 4 districts from tomorrow Odisha government has announced 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area from 9 pm of 17 to 31 July mindnight, Odisha chief secretary Asit Tripathy said. 21:07 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates Punjab minister's wife, son test positive for COVID-19 After Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, his wife and son also test positive for coronavirus, officials said here on Thursday. Samples of Bajwa, who is also the higher education minister, were collected for the second time after the first report had come negative on Saturday. He had tested positive on Tuesday. His wife and son also tested positive for the infection, health officials confirmed on Thursday. (PTI) 20:57 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Goa Latest Updates North Goa DM restricts movement for non-essential activities North Goa District Magistrate issues an order restricting movement of people for all non-essential activities between 8 pm to 6 am with immediate effect till August 10. 20:14 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates Kerala reports 722 new COVID-19 cases today Kerala reported 722 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, the first time that the daily figure crossed 700, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. The total number of cases rose to 10,275. 19:54 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates 8,641 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra today Maharashtra reported 8,641 new COVID-19 cases and 266 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking active cases to 1,14,648 and death toll to 11,194. A total of 1,58,140 patients have recovered so far. Mumbai has the highest number of cases at 97,950, the state health department said. 19:46 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Human rights org alerts NHRC over Varavara Rao's condition in Mumbai hospital The Human Rights Defenders Alert wrote a letter to the NHRC over the health condition of Varavara Rao in Mumbai's JJ Hospital. The letter said that the poet-activist took time to recognize his family members and added, "The family was told by the nurses that no equipment or treatment was given in the transit ward to the patient. When his nephew tried to change his urine-soaked bed sheets, the family was thrown out by the hospital staff." 19:38 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Reports say Varavara Rao in 'inhuman condition' in JJ Hospital Jailed poet Varavara Rao, who has tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, was lying in "inhuman conditions" in JJ Hospital, reports said. "Rao was lying in a pool of urine on the bed in JJ Hospital. He did not recognise his wife or daughters immediately. The family was told by the nurses that there was no equipment or treatment given in the transit ward," a journalist tweeted. 19:23 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Varavara Rao tests COVID-1 positive, say reports  Poet-activist Varavara Rao, who is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case, tested positive for coronavirus, reports said on Thursday. On Monday, the 81-year-old had approached the Bombay High Court seeking temporary bail owing to his deteriorating medical condition and the COVID-19 pandemic but was denied. "Rao, another activist Anand Teltumbde and eight other activists were arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, which was initially probed by the Pune police and later transferred to the National Investigation Agency in January. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on 31 December, 2017, which, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city.," News18 reported. 18:55 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates Punjab caps cost of COVID-19 treatment in private hospitals The Punjab government on Thursday capped the cost of treatment of coronavirus in private hospitals. "For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day of admission are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) private hospitals with teaching programme from National Board of Examinations (NBE), Rs 9000 for NABH accredited hospitals (including private medical colleges without PG or DNB Course) and Rs 8000 for non- NABH accredited hospitals," The Times of India reported. 18:23 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Meghalaya Latest Updates Meghalaya govt to shut all entry points for 7 days  The Meghalaya government is likely to decided to close all entry points to the state from 24 to 31 July, as the number of coronavirus cases in the state rose to 354 on Thursday. "It is hereby notified that all current operation entry point of the state located at Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikkrikkilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj shall remain closed from midnight of July 23rd to midnight of July 31st, 2020," an official order issued by the government said. "Only movements related to emergency, medical and essential services, goods and inter-State transit vehicles will be allowed during this period," it added.  18:04 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi court grants bail to 92 Indonesians in Tamblighi Jamaat case A Delhi court grants bail to 92 foreign nationals from Indonesia, who participated in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz, ANI reported. 17:20 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates Rajasthan govt to set up plasma bank for COVID-19 patients Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma was quoted by News18 as saying that the government had decided to create a data bank of plasma for coronavirus patients. "We have decided to create a data bank of Covid-19 recovered patients in the state and convince them to donate plasma for treatment of virus infected patients," he said. 16:43 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates 2,061 new COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh The Uttar Pradesh health department said that 2,061 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total to 43,444 in the state. Meanwhile, 34 new casualties took the toll to 1,046. A total of 26,675 patients discharged/cured and active cases stand at 15,723. 16:16 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates Total lockdown begins in Bihar today The 16-day total lockdown in Bihar began on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said, "There will be a total lockdown in Bihar from July 16-31 to contain the spread of COVID-19." 16:00 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Talking about international flights to France, US, Germany, says Centre The Union civil aviation ministry on Thursday said, "Our negotiations are at an advanced stage with three countries. Air France will operate 28 flights from 18 July to 1 Aug between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris. US will be flying 18 flights between 17-31 July but this is an interim one. We have request from Germany too." 15:11 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Air India operates 1,103 flights till 13 July As on 13 July, Air India amd Air India Express operated 1103 flights, bringing back 2,08,000 Indians under the Vande Bharat Mission, said Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal on Thursday. "On many of these flights, we ferried back 85,289 passengers to various countries across the world," he adds. As on July 13, Air India & Air India Express operated 1103 flights, bringing back 2,08,000 Indians under #VandeBharatMission. On many of these flights, we ferried back 85289 passengers to various countries across the world: Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal pic.twitter.com/tnBUEOjkUZ — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020 15:05 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Tripura reports 98 new cases today, takes total to 2,282 Tripura’s total on Thursday goes up to 2,282 with 98 fresh cases. The state also registers its third fatality after a 38-year-old man died at a hospital, reports PTI. 14:57 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Shahjahanpur district collectorate closed for two days after employee tests positive A woman employee at the district collectorate here has tested positive for coronavirus following which all offices in the collectorate have been closed for two days, reports PTI. District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh said on Thursday that all necessary precautions are being taken and government orders in this regard are being strictly followed. 14:44 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates 15 priests of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams test positive, says ex TTD chief priest Ramana Dikshitulu, former TTD Chief Priest and currently the Agama advisor for TTD, took to Twitter saying that 15 priests had tested positive at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and questioned how the TTD EO could continue to allow darshans.  @ysjagan 15 out of 50 archakas carona +ve quarantined. Still 25 results awaited. TTD EO and AEO refuse to stop darshans. Obediently following anti hereditary archaka and anti brahmin policy of TDP and CBN. Disaster if this continues. Please take action. — Ramana Dikshitulu (@DrDikshitulu) July 16, 2020 14:38 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates Only 20 persons allowed at weddings, funerals in Indore In an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, the district administration in Indore has prohibited gathering of more than 20 people at weddings and funerals, an official said.  As per an order issued by district collector Manish Singh, which is effective immediately, not more than 20 people can take part in weddings and funeral processions. 14:33 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates Odisha starts plasma therapy to treat patients The Odisha government on Thursday commenced plasma therapy for the treatment of COVID- 19 patients at a hospital in Cuttack, an official said. The procedure was conducted on a 48-year-old patient at the Ashwini Hospital for the first time in the state, technical advisor to the health department Dr Jayant Panda said. 14:22 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Former Maharashtra Chief Minister tests positive for COVID-19 Former Maharashtra chief minister Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar has tested positive for COVID-19 in Latur district, news agency PTI has reported. The 88-year-old leader has been reportedly shifted to a hospital in Pune, located around 320 kilometres from Latur. 13:55 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Puducherry Latest Updates Puducherry 147 new cases today, takes total to 1,743 147 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Puducherry today, taking the total confirmed cases to 1,743, including 774 active cases, 947 recoveries and 22 deaths. 13:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates BAC meet likely next week on COVID-19, monsoon session The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature is likely to meet next week to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state and on holding the monsoon session of the Legislature, Assembly Speaker Nana Patole said on Thursday. The monsoon session, which was earlier scheduled to start from 22 June, was deferred to 3 August in view of the pandemic. 13:11 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Sourav Ganguly in home quarantine after elder brother tests COVID-19 positive BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday went into home quarantine after his elder brother and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Snehasish Ganguly tested positive for COVID-19. Read full report here 13:05 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra’s first woman election commissioner succumbs to COVID-19 According to media reports, Neela Satyanarayan, Maharashtra’s first woman chief election commissioner has succumbed to COVID-19 in Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. She was aged 72. She is the first IAS officer in the state to succumb to COVID-19, reports Indian Express. 12:59 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Indian pharma industry capable of producing COVID-19 vaccines for entire world: Bill Gates India's pharmaceutical industry will be able to produce COVID-19 vaccines not just for the country but also for the entire world, according to Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. Speaking in a documentary –COVID-19: India's War Against The Virus – to be premiered on Discovery Plus this (Thursday) evening, Gates said India also faces a huge challenge due to the health crisis because of its gigantic size and urban centres with a lot of population density. 12:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Odisha's total COVID-19 total crosses 15,000-mark Odisha’s caseload crosses the 15,000-mark with 494 people testing positive, reports PTI. The state’s toll rises to 79 with two more fatalities. Of the 494 new cases, 322 are from quarantine centres, while 172 are contacts of Covid-19 patients. 12:31 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Harsh Vardhan claims India performed better than others Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said India’s fatality rate is 2.57% and recovery rate is 63.25%. “Despite being such a largely populated nation, we can perhaps claim to have performed better than any other country,” he said. 11:38 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates India's recovery rate now at 63.24% The Centre on Thursday said the recovery rate of coronavirus patients has improved to 63.24%. 11:37 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates Rajasthan reports 143 new cases today Rajasthan reports 143 new coronavirus cases, taking the state’s tally to 26,580. With four more deaths, the toll stands at 534. 11:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Updates Telangana transfers top Health department officials; brings in juniors Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the Telangana government has transferred two key officials of the health department and brought in relatively junior officers to replace them, reports PTI. Shanti Kumari, Special Chief Secretary (Health) and Yogita Rana, Commissioner of Public Health and Family Welfare, were transferred from their posts, according to an order issued by the Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar on Wednesday night. 11:34 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Former UP minister dies of COVID-19 Former minister and Samajwadi party leader Ghoora Ram died of coronavirus early Thursday morning at the King George's Medical University in Lucknow, his family said. According to the SP leader's son Santosh Kumar, he was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after he complained of a cough and difficulty in breathing. 09:31 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates India reports 32,695 new cases, 606 deaths in past 24 hours India reports 32,695 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total to 9,68,876. The toll rises by 606 to 24,915. This is the highest daily rise in the number of infections and deaths. More than 6.12 lakh people have recovered so far. 09:24 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Brazil Latest Update Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for second time Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said he has tested positive for the coronavirus for a second time, reports AP. “I did the test yesterday [Tuesday], and at night the result came back that I am still positive for coronavirus,” Bolsonaro added. “I hope that in the coming days I will do another test and, God willing, everything will be all right to return soon to activity.” 09:19 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Over 3.2 lakh samples tested yesterday, says ICMR India tested 3,26,826 samples on Wednesday, says the Indian Council of Medical Research. 1,27,39,490 samples tested for #COVID19 till 15 July, it added. 08:33 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates IMA says 99 docs succumbed to COVID-19, issues ''red alert'' for medicos As many as 99 doctors in the country, a majority of them general practitioners, have succumbed to COVID-19, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said on Wednesday, and declared a red alert for medicos and medical administrators asking them to raise their guard. According to IMA National COVID registry data, of the total 1,302 doctors infected with COVID-19, 99 have succumbed to the disease. Of those dead, 73 were above the age of 50 years, 19 in the age-group of 35-50 and seven below 35 years, the data showed. 08:24 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates Only god can save us, says Karnataka health minister Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu on Wednesday said only divine help could save the state from the coronavirus pandemic, reports Hindustan Times. Responding to questions raised over the state government's tackling of the crisis, Sriramulu said, “Only God can save us, and we have to bring in caution on our own.", according to LiveMint. 08:07 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi University to hold final year exams in August The Delhi University will conduct the online open book examinations for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students from 10 to 31 August, it said on Wednesday. However, DU said, students unable to appear in the exams in August will get another chance. 08:03 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates Global COVID-19 cases at 1.3 crores; toll at 5.8 lakh Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 1.3 crore, according to the Reuters tracker. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 5.8 lakh. With over 34.5 lakh reported cases till date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, India, Russia and Peru. 08:02 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates WFH for Air India employees to end after 20 July Air India employees will no longer be able to work from home after 20 July. The national carrier also began the process of sending some underperforming employees on compulsory leave without pay for up to a period of five years, due to the economic crisis it is facing. 07:58 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Updates US records 67,632 new cases; Fauci optimistic on vaccine arrival by 2020-end The United States has reported the highest record of 67,632 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, reports AFP. US Disease Expert Dr Anthony Fauci, meanwhile, predicted on Wednesday the country will meet its goal of a Covid-19 vaccine by year's end and was unmoved by the prospect that China would get there first. 07:51 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates NIMHANS releases guidelines for health workers' mental health needs The NIMHANS has come out with guidelines that define a framework to address the mental health needs of healthcare personnel in COVID-19 treatment settings. The guidelines also aim to provide technical inputs to guide healthcare personnel to help themselves and their colleagues in distress. The guidelines identify the source of anxiety and the indicators that healthcare professionals are facing mental health difficulties at the workplace. 07:43 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates  Toll in Bengal reaches 1000; record 1,589 new cases reported The COVID-19 death toll in West Bengal rose to 1,000 on Wednesday with 20 more people succumbing to the disease, while the tally reached 34,427 with record 1,589 fresh cases, the health department said. The bulletin said 749 patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours and the total number of people getting cured of coronavirus reached 20,680. The state now has 12,747 active COVID-19 cases. 07:38 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates 493 cases, 11 new deaths reported in J&K yesterday Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday recorded 493 fresh COVID-19 cases with 11 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, taking the coronavirus death toll past 200 in the union territory, reports PTI. These details were issued by the Jammu and Kashmir administration late on Wednesday night. 07:36 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates IIS says India to have 10 lakh active cases by 1 Sep The Indian Institute of Science projection says active cases in the country, and in the state, are likely to be 10 lakh and 71,300, respectively, by 1 September, reports Times of India. Coronavirus LATEST Updates: Odisha government has announced 14-day complete lockdown in Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur districts and Rourkela Municipal Corporation area from 9 pm of 17 to 31 July mindnight, Odisha chief secretary Asit Tripathy said. The letter written by the Human Rights Defenders Alert to the NHRC over Varavara Rao's situation in JJ Hospital, the human rights organisation quoted his family members as saying that he was "lying like an orphan" in the transit ward.  The Human Rights Defenders Alert wrote a letter to the NHRC over the health condition of Varavara Rao in Mumbai's JJ Hospital. The letter said that the poet-activist took time to recognize his family members and added, "The family was told by the nurses that no equipment or treatment was given in the transit ward to the patient. When his nephew tried to change his urine-soaked bed sheets, the family was thrown out by the hospital staff." Poet-activist Varavara Rao, who is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case, tested positive for coronavirus, reports said on Thursday. On Monday, the 81-year-old had approached the Bombay High Court seeking temporary bail owing to his deteriorating medical condition and the COVID-19 pandemic but was denied. "Rao, another activist Anand Teltumbde and eight other activists were arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, which was initially probed by the Pune police and later transferred to the National Investigation Agency in January. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on 31 December, 2017, which, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city.," News18 reported. The Meghalaya government is likely to decided to close all entry points to the state from 24 to 31 July, as the number of coronavirus cases in the state rose to 354 on Thursday. "It is hereby notified that all current operation entry point of the state located at Byrnihat, Ratacherra, Bajengdoba, Tikkrikkilla, Mirjumla and Hallidayganj shall remain closed from midnight of July 23rd to midnight of July 31st, 2020," an official order issued by the government said. "Only movements related to emergency, medical and essential services, goods and inter-State transit vehicles will be allowed during this period," it added. The Union civil aviation ministry on Thursday said, "Our negotiations are at an advanced stage with three countries. Air France will operate 28 flights from 18 July to 1 Aug between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris. US will be flying 18 flights between 17-31 July but this is an interim one. We have request from Germany too." Former Maharashtra chief minister Shivajirao Patil-Nilangekar has tested positive for COVID-19 in Latur district, news agency PTI has reported. The 88-year-old leader has been reportedly shifted to a hospital in Pune Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said India’s fatality rate is 2.57% and recovery rate is 63.25%. “Despite being such a largely populated nation, we can perhaps claim to have performed better than any other country,” he said. India reports 32,695 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total to 9,68,876. The toll rises by 606 to 24,915. This is the highest daily rise in the number of infections and deaths. India on Wednesday reported a record single-day spike of 29,429 COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases to 9,36,181 while toll from the novel coronavirus climbed to 24,309 with 582 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry's morning update. Lockdown restrictions of varying degrees were re-imposed in a few places including in Karnataka's Shivamogga district and in Siliguri in West Bengal. Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant announced a three-day lockdown in the state from Friday to curb the spread of the disease while stating that 'janata curfew' will be in place every night from 15 July to 10 August. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government said it has decided to close all entry points to the state between 24 to 31 July. Karnataka overtake Gujarat as fourth worst-affected state According to PTI, this is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 28,000. At present, there are 3,19,840 active COVID-19 cases in the country while the number of recoveries stands at 5,92,031, the health ministry said. Thus the recovery rate in the country is 63.42 percent, said the ministry. Of the 582 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, 213 are from Maharashtra, 85 from Karnataka, 67 from Tamil Nadu, 43 from Andhra Pradesh, 35 from Delhi, 28 from Uttar Pradesh, 24 from West Bengal, 14 each from Bihar and Gujarat, 10 each from Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Of the total 24,309 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest with 10,695 fatalities reported till date, followed by Delhi with 3,446 deaths, Gujarat with  2,069, Tamil Nadu with 2,099, Uttar Pradesh with  983, and West Bengal with 980. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases at 2,67,665 followed by Tamil Nadu at 1,47,324 and Delhi at 1,15,346. The updated data showed that Karnataka (44,077 cases) has now overtaken Gujarat (43,637, cases) as the fourth worst-affected state. Uttar Pradesh has reported 39,724 cases till date while Telangana has recorded 37,745. "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR," the ministry said, adding that 1,524 cases are being reassigned to states. Goa to impose three-day lockdown from Friday As many states continued to report new cases, lockdown restrictions were imposed or extended in various places. A three-day lockdown with stricter provisions will be enforced in Goa from Friday in view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday. Besides, there will also be a 'janata curfew' in the state from 8 pm to 6 am every day with effect from Wednesday till 10 August, he told reporters. Only people associated with essential services and those having medical emergencies will be allowed to move out during the curfew and lockdown, he said. Local authorities will try to arrange for home delivery of essentials, he added. Sawant noted that people are not wearing masks and not following the social distancing guidelines. He also said that the  COVID-19 cases in the state are expected to peak in next few days due to continued rains. "We are expecting a spike between 15 July and 20 July," he said. In Karnataka's Shivamogga, the district administration decided to impose partial lockdown from 16 July until further orders. Shivamogga Member of Parliament BY Raghavendra tweeted that the lockdown will be in place daily from 2 pm to 5 am from Thursday. Other than government offices, agriculture, medical and other necessary services, all other activities will be shut until further orders. "Police have been instructed to take strict action against those gathering without maintaining social distancing, not wearing masks and violating guidelines," he said. Streets remained deserted in Bengaluru as the government imposed a total lockdown in Bengaluru urban and rural districts till 5 am on 22 July. Following Bengaluru urban and rural districts, administrations in several other districts like Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada, Kalaburagi (only in urban areas), Bidar, Raichur (in Raichur city and Sindhanur) and Yadgir too have announced lockdown. In West Bengal, the Darjeeling district task force on Wednesday declared a complete lockdown in 47 wards of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation for seven days, starting 9 am on Thursday, reported ANI quoting state tourism minister Goutam Deb. Containment zones in West Bengal are already under a lockdown, which was extended till 19 July on Tuesday. "All the norms that have been in force since 5 pm on 9 July will continue. Residents of the containment zones are prohibited from attending government and private offices," a senior official told news agency PTI. From Thursday, Bihar will go under a complete lockdown till 31 July. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday by deputy chief minister Sushil Modi, who said that the infection had spread rapidly as precautions were not being followed strictly in public places. इसके बावजूद सार्वजनिक स्थलों पर एहतियात बरतने में शिथिलता बरती गई, जिससे संक्रमण तेजी से बढ़ा और पूरे प्रदेश में 31 जुलाई तक सम्पूर्ण लाकडाउन लागू करना पड़ा। यदि हमने अपनी सामूहिक संकल्प शक्ति से काम लिया और नियमों का सख्ती से पालन किया तो संक्रमण की कड़ी अवश्य टूटेगी। — Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 14, 2020 // // ]]> Lockdown restrictions are also in place in other places like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in Maharashtra and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Meghalaya to close entry points to state Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday announced that all entry points to the state would be sealed from 24 to 31 July to "unburden health, frontline workers". During this period, only emergency, medical services, essential commodities and transit movement of vehicles from Assam will be allowed, said Sangma. The chief minister also announced that no wedding receptions would be allowed in East Khasi Hills district and Ri Bhoi district "for the time being" but said that solemnisation of marriages in places of worship will be permitted with strict adherence to protocols. Situation improved in Delhi, but war not yet won, says Kejriwal Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the current COVID-19 situation in the National Capital is better than what it was in June, but the war against the disease has not been won yet. Addressing an online media briefing, the chief minister said that according to the Centre's formula, Delhi was expected to have 2.25 lakh cases by 15 July, but at present, there are only 1.15 lakh cases. He said had the Delhi government fought the virus alone, it would have "failed" and therefore his dispensation sought cooperation from the BJP-led Centre, NGOs, and other organisations. "Our first principle was that this fight cannot be won alone," Kejriwal said. The chief minister also said the AAP government will continue its preparations to deal with any spike in COVID-19 cases and warned against complacency. Delhi reported 1,647 new cases and 41 deaths on Wednesday, taking the overall case count to 116,993 and toll to 3,487. Andhra Pradesh reports record jump in new cases A new record high of 2,432 fresh cases pushed Andhra Pradesh's aggregate past the 35,000 mark while 44 deaths took the overall toll in the state to 452. The latest bulletin said 805 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours. The aggregate number of discharges now stood at 18,378, leaving 16,621 active cases in the state, the bulletin said. Maharashtra reported 7,975 coronavirus cases and 233 deaths on Wednesday, taking the state’s tally rises to 2,75,640 and the toll to 10,928. Karnataka reported 3,176 new cases, of which 1,975 cases are from Bengaluru, taking the total number of cases to 47,253. The toll rose to 928 as the state reported 87 deaths, said a bulletin issued by the state health department. Parliamentary panel tells govt to promote cheaper medicines Meanwhile, a Parliamentary panel told senior government officials to promote cheaper and easily available domestic-made medicines for COVID-19, sources told PTI. During a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, members also demanded that the maximum price of COVID-19 medicines be capped, they said. Cutting across party lines, the committee members questioned why expensive medicines were often being recommended for COVID-19 treatment. Members named three cheaper and easily available medicines and questioned why they were not being promoted despite being equally effective. The committee members also expressed concern over black marketing of medicines. Zydus Cadila begins human trials of COVID-19 vaccine In another development, drug manufacturer Zydus Cadila on Wednesday said it has started human clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D. In this phase of trials, the company will be enrolling over 1,000 subjects across multiple clinical study sites in India, it said in a regulatory filing. Earlier this month, Zydus had received approval to start human trials for its COVID-19 vaccine contender, becoming the second Indian pharmaceutical firm to get such nod amid a global spurt in coronavirus infections. It got approval a few days after India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine candidate COVAXIN, developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV), got the nod for human clinical trials from the Drug Controller General of India. With inputs from agencies

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/07/coronavirus-updates-14-day-total.html

[brajeshupadhyay]

Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: Junior assistant in Delhi LG's office tests positive for COVID-19; samples from 40 staff members taken

23:58 (IST)

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Chhattisgarh reports 8 new COVID-19 cases

Eight more people, seven of them migrant workers, tested coronavirus positive in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, taking the state's tally of patients to 369, a health official said. Of the new cases, five were reported from Jashpur district, while one case each came from Bilaspur, Balodabazar and Bastar districts, he said.

Bastar district recorded its first case of coronavirus after a 24-year-old student, who recently travelled from Delhi to Jagdalpur, tested positive for the infection, he said. The student was studying in Rajasthan, he said. The other new patients were migrant workers, who recently returned to their native villages from different states of the country and were staying in quarantine centres, he said.

Earlier in the day, four patients were discharged from the AIIMS Raipur following their recovery, he said. At present, the state has 286 COVID-19 activecases as 83 patients have recovered so far, the official said. Chhattisgarh's COVID-19 figures are as follows: positive cases: 369, new cases: eight, deaths: zero, discharged: 83, active cases: 286, people tested so far: 59,230.

(PTI)

23:53 (IST)

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

France, Italy, Belgium to stop use of hydroxychloroquine on safety fears

France, Italy and Belgium acted to halt the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat patients suffering from the novel coronavirus infection amid questions about the safety of the generic anti-malaria drug.

France on Wednesday cancelled a decree allowing hospital doctors to dispense the medicine, while the Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA) suspended authorization to use hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 outside clinical trials.

Belgium's medicine agency warned against using the drug to treat the virus any more except within ongoing clinical registered trials. It said trials aiming to evaluate the drug should also take potential risks into consideration.

(Reuters)

23:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates

Telangana govt decides to open all shops except in malls in Hyderbad from tomorrow

Telangana CMO said, "Government has decided to open all shops except the malls in Hyderabad from Thursday. People were crowding shops since the permission was given to open shops on an alternate basis, hence it has been decided to allow all shops to open."

23:39 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt says 'notification' on social media is untrue

It is observed that above copies of ‘notifications’ are in circulation in social media. The State Govt clarifies that these notifications are not issued by the Maharashtra government, the statement said.

सोशल मीडियावर व्हायरल झालेल्या या अधिसूचना राज्य शासनाने जारी केलेल्या नाहीत. It is observed that above copies of ‘notifications’ are in circulation in social media. The State Govt clarifies that these notifications are not issued by the Govt of #Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/OqpA4VBtw4

— MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) May 27, 2020

23:34 (IST)

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

US on cusp of marking at least 100K deaths from virus

The United States was on the cusp of marking at least 100,000 deaths from the coronavirus, a once-unthinkable toll that now appears to be just the beginning of untold misery in the months ahead as Las Vegas casinos and Walt Disney World make plans to reopen, crowds of unmasked Americans swarm beaches and public health officials predict a resurgence by fall.

The stark reality comes as only half of Americans said they would be willing to get vaccinated if scientists are successful in developing a vaccine, according to a new poll released Wednesday from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, issued a stern warning after viewing video showing Memorial Day crowds gathered at a pool party in Missouri.

“We have situation in which you see that type of crowding with no mask and people interacting. That’s not prudent and that’s inviting a situation that could get out of control,” he said during an interview Wednesday on CNN. “Don’t start leapfrogging some of the recommendations in the guidelines because that’s really tempting fate and asking for trouble.”

23:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

78 new COVID-19 cases reported in Indore

The Indore district administration said that 78 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the Madhya Pradesh district, taking the total number of positive cases in the district to 3,260.

23:08 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi chief secy instructs hotels to reimburse quarantine fee to foreigners

Vijay Dev, Chief Secretary of Delhi Government has directed all concerned authorities 'to ensure that foreign returnees who were quarantined in hotels and paid advance of 14 days, shall be refunded their balance amount without any delay'.

22:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Appeal to Modi, Shah to help Bengal, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I told Amit Shah, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said "chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai". I thank him for saying this."

"I appeal to the prime minister and home minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP-ruled states.This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading."

22:44 (IST)

Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates

Manipur reports 5 new COVID-19 cases

The Manipur government said that five new positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state on Wednesday. Total number of positive cases rise to 44 in the state, including 40 active cases.

22:32 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Staff member in Delhi LG's office tests positive

A junior assistant at the office of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to conduct coronavirus tests on around 40 staff members, PTI reported.

22:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates

KCR exempted RTC from curfew restrictions, says CMO

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has declared that the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses are getting exempted from curfew restrictions from Thursday, the CMO said on Wednesday.

22:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Three NDMC employees test positive for COVID-19

Reports said that three employees of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, "prompting the civic body to seal a floor of its headquarters in Lutyen's Delhi and a section of another building housing its office in Gole Market," News18 reported.

22:02 (IST)

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

280 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today

The Rajasthan health department said that 280 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths have been reported in the state on Wednesday, the total tally of cases in the state rises to 7,816. Active cases in state stand at 3,081. Toll is at 173.

21:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP reports 269 new COVID-19 cases today

269 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 6,991. Toll stands at 182.

21:49 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

BMC revises COVID-19 testing guidelines

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued revised testing guidelines for COVID-19. The statement said, "COVID-19 test not mandatory for emergency surgery, pregnant women (even asymptomatic) who are likely to deliver in next five days to be tested, and COVID-19 test not mandatory for treating Hemodialysis patients."

Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corp issues revised testing guidelines for #COVID19: COVID test not mandatory for emergency surgery,pregnant women (even asymptomatic) who are likely to deliver in next 5 days,to be tested&COVID test not mandatory for treating Hemodialysis patients pic.twitter.com/uKDv9CTrtc

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2020

21:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

33 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today

Reports said that 33 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Punjab on Wednesday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 2,139 in the state.

Sixteen cases were reported in Amritsar, seven in Patiala, three in Pathankot, two each in Tarn Taran and Sangrur, and one each in Gurdaspur, Barnala and Ludhiana districts, according to a medical bulletin.

21:30 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi Police North DCP tests positive, say report

"The Delhi Police North Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and has been kept under home quarantine. Three of his personal staff have also been quarantined," India Today reported.

21:22 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

964 COVID-19 patients recover in Maharashtra today

The current count of COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra is 56,948. Today, 2,190 patients have been identified as positive, also 964 patients have been cured. Total 17918 patients are cured and discharged. Total Active patients are 37125: Maharashtra Health Minister, Rajesh Tope

21:09 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Two migrants die in Mumbai-Varanasi shramik special train

Two migrants were found dead in a special shramik train at a Varanasi railway station on Wednesday morning. North Eastern Railway spokesperson Ashok Kumar said the train had arrived at the Manduadih station of Varanasi from Mumbai''s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8.21 am.

They were found dead by the Government Railway Police, he added. He said during a medical examination, it was found that both suffered from serious health issues.

One of them, identified as Dashrath Prajapati (30), was a resident of UP''s Jaunpur. He was differently abled and getting treatment for a kidney-related problem in Mumbai.

The other victim was identified as Ram Ratan (63), a resident of Azamgarh district. A relative of Dashrath, who was travelling with him, said he had complained of some health problem when they reached Allahabad and then slept.

He did not wake up when they reached Varanasi.

(PTI)

21:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

2,190 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra in 24 hours

Reports said that 2,190 coronavirus cases and 105 deaths were reported in Maharashtra in the last 24 hours.

"Total new cases in Maharashtra in last 24 hours: 2,190

Total deaths in state in last 24 hours: 105

Total deaths in Maharashtra: 1,897

Total cases in Maharashtra: 56,998

Total active cases in Maharashtra: 37,125

Total discharge: 17918," India Today reported.

20:58 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab asks Centre for fiscal stimulus of Rs 51,102 crore

"Amid mounting economic woes, the Punjab government today decided to seek a fiscal stimulus of Rs 51,102 crore from the Centre to help the state tide over the financial crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the prolonged lockdown that ensued. A draft memorandum to this effect was approved by the Council of Ministers, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh," News18 reported.

20:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

162 new COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir

162 new coronavirus cases were reported in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the government said. Meanwhile, 21 people have recovered.

The total number of positive cases in the union territory rose to 1921, including 854 recovered and 26 deaths.

20:44 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Bengal reports 183 new COVID-19 cases today

The West Bengal government said that 183 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state is now at 4,192.

20:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

MP Raj Bhavan declared COVID-19 containment zone as 6 test positive

The district administration of Bhopal on Wednesday declared Madhya Pradesh Raj Bhavan, the residence of the state Governor, as a COVID-19 containment zone after six persons living in the campus tested positive for the infection.

District Collector Tarun Pithode issued an order to this effect on Wednesday. Raj Bhavan sources said that after the first case of COVID-19 was found at the Raj Bhavan a couple of days back, the sample of Governor Lalji Tadon was also collected for testing.

The collector's order said that six COVID-19 cases were found in the employees' quarters inside the Raj Bhavan, which is located under Jahangirabad police station area.

(PTI)

20:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Dharavi reports 18 new COVID-19 cases

Mumbai's Dharavi area reported 18 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, reports said. The total in the area now stands at 1,639.

20:15 (IST)

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Chhattisgarh govt to allow shops to open 6 days a week with precautions

The Chhattisgarh CMO on Wednesday said that in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, "it was decided that shops will be allowed to open six days a week, and taking precautions including physical distancing will remain compulsory as before."

"Tehsildars have been authorized to give permission for organizing wedding functions. The process of permission has been made simpler and easier. No relaxation will be provided in red zones and containtment areas. Post-lockdown, 1,371 factories in the state have started functioning again. Nearly 1.03 lakh labourers have returned to work in these factories," the statement added.

20:04 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Amarinder Singh to hold COVID-19 review meeting on 30 May

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh will chair a review meeting with the concerned departments on the overall COVID-19 situation in the state on 30 May, and announce the government’s decision on lifting or further extension of lockdown thereafter, the Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday.

19:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Jayant Patil says should be able to control COVID-19 situation in Mumbai soon

Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil on Wednesday said that, "The cases which are rising are in the same containment zones with high densities. There aren't new areas from where cases are coming up. And even in these containment areas, the numbers are slowly decreasing. We should be able to bring the numbers under control by next week. Projection by central govt was for a lakh cases by the end of this month. We have been able to contain it to 33,000."

19:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in Ladakh Latest Updates

COVID19 cases in Ladakh rise to 11 with one new 

The Ladakh government said that one more case of COVID-19 was reported in the UT on Wednesday. With this, the number of active cases in Ladakh rises to 11 with two cases in Leh and nine in Kargil districts.

19:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

930 COVID-19 dedicated hospitals set up so far, says Centre

The Centre on Wednesday said that so far, 930 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals with 1,58,747 isolation beds, 20,355 ICU beds and 69,076 oxygen-supported beds are available.

2,362 dedicated COVID-19 Health Centres with 1,32,593 isolation beds, 10,903 ICU beds and 45,562 oxygen-supported beds have been operationalised, the statement added.

19:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Woman gives birth on shramik special train to UP

A 28-year-old woman gave birth to a baby boy inside a shramik special train at Ratlam railway station on Wednesday while she was travelling to her native place in Uttar Pradesh from Gujarat, an official said. After the delivery, the woman and the newborn were shifted to the district hospital in Ratlam.

Western Railway's public relations officer Jitendra Jain said that the woman, Pooja Devi, was travelling along with her husband in the Shramik special train from Surat in Gujarat to Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. "As the woman went into labour, a co-passenger informed the Divisional Railway Manager of Ratlam about it through a tweet," he said.

(PTI)

19:20 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Infant recovers from COVID-19 infection in Mumbai

A one-month-old infant was discharged from Mumbai's Sion Hospital on Wednesday after recovering from the coronavirus infection.

#WATCH Maharashtra: A one-month-old infant was discharged from Mumbai's Sion Hospital today after recovering from #COVID19. (Source: Sion Hospital) pic.twitter.com/Gqe9zhemgx

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2020

19:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Can't have common plan to reopen schools, says Manish Sisodia

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Wednesday, "We can't have a common plan for all schools to re-open. 'Preparatory Planning Framework for Heads of Schools' has been issued by education department. The heads of schools to meet to discuss about issues they need to keep in mind. Meeting will be between 28-30 May."

19:02 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in Kerala cross 1,000 with 40 new reported today

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 40 new coronavirus cases reported in the state on Wednesday. Of these, nine returned from abroad, 16 returned from Maharashtra, five from Tamil Nadu and three from Delhi.

The total number of cases in the state are 1,004, of which 445 are active cases.

He added that till Tuesday, 173 Keralites have died due to COVID-19 in various countries.

"With people returning to the state, Kerala has entered the next phase of COVID-19 prevention and containment. There is a spike in the number of cases," he said.

18:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

817 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu today

The Tamil Nadu governemnt said that 817 people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Wednesday, and six deaths were also reported. Additionally, 567 people have been discharged on Wednesday.

The total number of cases in the state stands at 18,545, including 133 deaths and 9,909 discharged.

18:47 (IST)

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

Study says social distancing norms of 6 feet insufficient, virus can travel nearly 20 feet

  Scientists have modelled the spread of infectious droplets from coughing, sneezing, and breathing under different atmospheric conditions, and found that the novel coronavirus can spread up to three times further in cold and humid weather.

According to the researchers, including those from the University of California (UC) Santa Barbara in the US, droplets carrying the virus can travel up to 20 feet, making the current social distancing norms of six feet insufficient to contain its spread.

Based on previous research, they said as many as 40,000 respiratory droplets can be generated by sneezing, coughing, and even normal talking, with initial speeds ranging from a few metres per second to more than a hundred meters per second.

(PTI)

18:43 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Assam govt says 60 new COVID-19 cases reported 

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 60 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state as of 6.30 pm on Wednesday.

📌Alert ~ 60 new cases of #COVID19+ reported. 41 Kamrup Metro, 9 Hojai, 5 Morigaon, 4 Darrang, 1 Kamrup ↗️Total cases 774 ↗️Recovered 62 ↗️Active cases 705 ↗️Deaths 04 ↗️Migrated 03 Update 6:30 pm / May 27#AssamCovidCount pic.twitter.com/05Orfwuimq

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 27, 2020

18:33 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi reports 792 new COVID-19 cases 

792 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in infections in the National Capital so far, The Indian Express reported. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 15,257 on Wednesday.

"The toll in the city rose to 303 after 15 more casualties were updated by the state health department after examining the death summaries shared by the hospitals," the report said.

18:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Nitin Gadkari says states should contribute Rs 20 lakh crore to fight COVID-19 disruptions

More liquidity is needed to boost economic activity following the coronavirus pandemic and states should come forward with Rs 20 lakh crore, while another Rs 10 lakh crore can be harnessed from public-private investment to fight the COVID-19 disruptions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday.

Gadkari said the economy is facing serious problems, businesses are being closed and unemployment is growing. All sections of the society, whether migrants, media, business persons or employees, are facing problems, but ultimately “we will win the economic war” and the “corona war”, he said.

“More liquidity needs to be pumped in the market to boost the coronavirus-hit economy and states should come forward with Rs 20 lakh crore, while another Rs 10 lakh crore can be harnessed from public-private investment,” said Gadkari, who is the Road Transport, Highways and MSME minister.

(PTI)

18:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Class 10,12 sudents can appear for pending exams in native state, says Centre

Union HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said that students of class 10 and 12 who have moved to a different state or district in view of the coronavirus lockdown, can appear for pending board exams in the state they are.

"Class 10 and 12 students who have to appear in pending board exams but have moved to different state or district during the lockdown when schools were closed, will be able to appear for exams at their present place only. They will not be required to travel back. The CBSE will issue a notification in this regard and modalities for registration of such requests," he said.

#Covid_19 संकट के कारण हजारों बच्चे अपने गृह प्रदेश में चले गए थे, ऐसी स्थिति में सीबीएसई की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं में शामिल हो रहे विद्यार्थियों की समस्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए #CBSE ने यह फैसला लिया है कि ऐसे विद्यार्थी अपनी बोर्ड परीक्षा अपने गृह जिले में ही दे सकते हैं।@DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/3UFkbISIPm

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020

18:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

80% of total shramik special trains went to UP, Bihar, says Centre

The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday said that more than 3,500 shramik special trains have been originated till now by Indian Railways carrying more than 48 lakhs passengers. Nearly 80 percent of total the total special trains are destined for various destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

17:57 (IST)

Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

251 COVID-19 cases reported in Himachal so far

The Himachal Pradesh health department said that a total of 251 coronavirus cases have been reported in the state so far, including 177 active cases, 65 recovered patients and 5 deaths.

17:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India's testing capacity has increased, says Centre

"The testing capacity has increased in the country through 435 government laboratories and 189 private laboratories (total of 624 labs). Cumulatively, 32,42,160 samples have been tested so far for COVID-19, whereas, 1,16,041 samples were tested on Tuesday," a statement by the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.

17:34 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Recovery rate stands at 42.4% says Centre

The Union health ministry on Wednesday said that of a total of 1,51,767 COVID-19 cases reported in the country so far, 64,426 persons have been cured and the recovery rate is pegged at 42.4 percent.

"The fatality rate is 2.86 percent whereas the world average is 6.36 percent," the statement said.

17:30 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

MVA members say BJP 'only defaming' Maharashtra govt

Leaders of the Congress and Shiv Sena slammed the state Opposition, BJP, for its criticism of the state government over the COVID-19 situation in the state.

Shiv Sena leader and state minister Anil Parab said, "Yesterday, Devendra Fadnavis (BJP leader and former chief minister) said that the Centre is giving full support to the Maharashtra government. By saying this, he has misled people."

In addition, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said, "We expected Opposition to support us (in COVID-19 crisis) but they are only defaming the government."

17:27 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

MVA holds joint presser on COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra

Addressing a joint press conference of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, Congress leader and state minister Balasaheb Thorat said that the government was working to alleviate the problems being faced by migrant workers in the state.

He said, "It has been two months since lockdown. We are all working together under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. We are a major industrial hub. The number of our migrant labourers is also high. Each day, we are giving 7 lakh meals."

He also said that the coronavirus in Mumbai "continues to be a concern".

"Mumbai continues to be a matter of concern but the chief minister is making sure, nobody is inconvenienced. We had expected cooperation from the Opposition but they have opened new avenues to destabilise us. But we will not let them succeed," he added.

17:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

10 new COVID-19 cases reported in Assam 

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 10 new cases of coronavirus were reported as of 4.55 pm on Wednesday. The total number of cases rose to 714, including 62 recovered, 4 deaths and 3 migrated, he said.

17:14 (IST)

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates

People without masks will be fined Rs 500, says Haryana govt

Haryana health minister Anil Vij said that people without masks will be fined Rs 500 and those spitting in public will also be fined Rs 500.

17:07 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala govt to use 'virtual queue' system through online bookings for liquor shops

Kerala excise minister TP Ramakrishnan on Tuesday said that 576 bar hotels, 291 beer parlours and 301 government outlets will be allowed to sell liquor from Thursday.

He was quoted by India Today as saying, "We have decided to create a mobile application for crowd management at liquor shops. This is not for home delivery, but to book tokens. Our plan is to create a virtual queue management system. Only five people will be allowed at an outlet at a time."

One person can make a booking once in 4 days, the report said.

16:53 (IST)

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

30,000 weddings cancelled in Gujarat amid COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has severely hit the wedding industry in Gujarat, which has witnessed approximately 30,000 cancellations and postponements in the last two months. At least 30,000 weddings planned across the state have been called off or postponed in the last two months in light of the ongoing health crisis, said spokesperson of Hotel and Restaurant Association (Gujarat) Abhijit Deshmukh.

March and April are considered the peak season, when the maximum number of weddings take place in the state, he said. Giving the idea of a big fat Indian wedding a miss, some couples have chosen to tie a knot in the presence of eight to 10 close relatives, wedding planner Devang Shah said.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: A junior assistant at the office of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to conduct coronavirus tests on around 40 staff members, PTI reported.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued revised testing guidelines for COVID-19. The statement said, "COVID-19 test not mandatory for emergency surgery, pregnant women (even asymptomatic) who are likely to deliver in next five days to be tested, and COVID-19 test not mandatory for treating Hemodialysis patients."

Two migrants were found dead in a special shramik train at a Varanasi railway station on Wednesday morning. North Eastern Railway spokesperson Ashok Kumar said the train had arrived at the Manduadih station of Varanasi from Mumbai''s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8.21 am.

They were found dead by the Government Railway Police, he added. He said during a medical examination, it was found that both suffered from serious health issues.

One of them, identified as Dashrath Prajapati (30), was a resident of UP''s Jaunpur. He was differently abled and getting treatment for a kidney-related problem in Mumbai.

The other victim was identified as Ram Ratan (63), a resident of Azamgarh district. A relative of Dashrath, who was travelling with him, said he had complained of some health problem when they reached Allahabad and then slept.

He did not wake up when they reached Varanasi.

The Tamil Nadu governemnt said that 817 people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Wednesday, and six deaths were also reported. Additionally, 567 people have been discharged on Wednesday.

The total number of cases in the state stands at 18,545, including 133 deaths and 9,909 discharged.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 40 new coronavirus cases reported in the state on Wednesday. Of these, nine returned from abroad, 16 returned from Maharashtra, five from Tamil Nadu and three from Delhi.

The total number of cases in the state are 1,004, of which 445 are active cases.

He added that till Tuesday, 173 Keralites have died due to COVID-19 in various countries.

"With people returning to the state, Kerala has entered the next phase of COVID-19 prevention and containment. There is a spike in the number of cases," he said.

792 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in infections in the National Capital so far, The Indian Express reported. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 15,257 on Wednesday.

"The toll in the city rose to 303 after 15 more casualties were updated by the state health department after examining the death summaries shared by the hospitals," the report said.

Addressing a joint press conference of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, Congress leader and state minister Balasaheb Thorat said that the government was working to alleviate the problems being faced by migrant workers in the state.

He said, "It has been two months since lockdown. We are all working together under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. We are a major industrial hub. The number of our migrant labourers is also high. Each day, we are giving 7 lakh meals."

He also said that the coronavirus in Mumbai "continues to be a concern".

"Mumbai continues to be a matter of concern but the chief minister is making sure, nobody is inconvenienced. We had expected cooperation from the Opposition but they have opened new avenues to destabilise us. But we will not let them succeed," he added.

Kerala excise minister TP Ramakrishnan on Tuesday said that 576 bar hotels, 291 beer parlours and 301 government outlets will be allowed to sell liquor from Thursday.

He was quoted by India Today as saying, "We have decided to create a mobile application for crowd management at liquor shops. This is not for home delivery, but to book tokens. Our plan is to create a virtual queue management system. Only five people will be allowed at an outlet at a time."

One person can make a booking once in 4 days, the report said.

Amid escalating tensions between India and China over a border dispute, Sun Weidong, Chinese envoy to India said that the two countries were fighting coronavirus pandemic "together".

"China and India are fighting together against COVID-19 and we have an important task to consolidate relations. Our youth should realise the relation between China and India, the two countries are opportunities for each other and pose no threat.

"We should never let differences overshadow our relations. We should resolve differences through communication."

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state government had not been informed about 36 trains that are set to arrive in the state from Mumbai.

"Without our knowledge, 36 trains are coming from Mumbai. I spoke with Maharashtra, they also got the information late. Railways is planning it on their own," she said. This came a day after Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said that two trains from Mumbai and Delhi had arrived in Kerala without the state government being informed.

The Goa Cabinet decided to make COVID-19 test compulsory for every person entering the state if they are unable to produce a 'COVID negative' certificate, said chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday.

"The 14-day home quarantine option will be no longer available. Either you bring the negative certificate or have to take the test," said the chief minister.

The move comes amid the state losing its green zone tag recently when people from neighbouring Maharashtra entered the border and tested positive for the disease.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases in the state was at 21 days.

Speaking at a review meeting on Tuesday, Chouhan had said that the state's COVID-19 recovery rate has gone up to 53 percent, while the national average was 41.8 percent, the official said.

Similarly, the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases was at 21 days in Madhya Pradesh, while the average in the country was 15.4 days, the Chief Minister said in the meeting.

Eighteen more individuals, including one passenger who landed in Guwahati from Ahmedabad, tested positive in Assam, tweeted health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday.

Of the 17 other COVID-19 cases, 14 were reported in Golaghat alone, two in Karbi Anglong while one in Lakhimpur.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday dismissed the rumours of Mumbai and Pune going under military lockdown for 10 days. He clarified that that there was no proposal for Army deployment in the two cities.

Deshmukh strongly denied the messages which went viral on social media on Army deployment and appealed the people not to believe in it. He added that Maharashtra cyber cell has initiated action against those spreading the rumour​.

A total of 792 COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Delhi in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the National Capital to 15,257 on Wednesday.

The Union Territory has so far reported 303 deaths, bringing the COVID-19 mortality rate to 1.9 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: In the past 24 hours, 75 Maharashtra Police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. This takes the total number of positive cases in the force to 1,964 with the toll at 20.

A total of 849 personnel have recovered while 1,095 are active cases.

Essential services related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health should be continued in a restricted manner in areas defined as containment and buffer zones, the Union Health Ministry said, underlining that COVID-19 testing is not mandatory for providing such services.

BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday termed as most unfortunate the continued sufferings of the migrants amid an ongoing dispute between the Centre and the Maharashtra government. 'It is important to stop levelling of charges and pay attention to these helpless people so that their lives can be saved from being completely ruined,' she said in a tweet in Hindi.

With four more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Assam, the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 686 on Wednesday, said health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Of the total, there are 617 active cases, Sarma said.

Professor Johan Giesecke of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, speaking to Congress' Rahul Gandhi on COVID-19 crisis in India said the country needed a graded exit plan from the lockdown to protect the economy.

Claiming that a severe lockdown may disrupt the economic growth, Giesecke on Wednesday said, "India has to ease restrictions one by one, it may however take months to completely come out of lockdown."

The Indian Council of Medical Research has removed the price cap of Rs 4,500 for the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test used to detect COVID-19, asking states and UTs to negotiate with private labs to fix "mutually agreeable" rates for the test.

In a letter to the state chief secretaries on Monday, ICMR Director General (D-G) Dr Balram Bhargava said the COVID-19 diagnostic supplies are stabilising because of the indigenous production of the kits.

Of the total 1,51,767 confirmed COVID-19 cases, there are 83,004 active cases, according to the latest data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.

India's COVID-19 recovery rate was at 42.45 percent after 64,425 patients were cured of the disease.

India reported 6,387 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 1,51,767 on Wednesday, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The COVID-19 toll was at 4,337 across the nation after 170 more patients succumbed to the viral infection.

Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Assam as of 11.55 pm on Tuesday, said health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Of the new cases, six were reported in Hojai and Golaghat each, two in Darrang while one each in Kamrup Metro and Kamrup.

India reported 6,535 coronavirus cases and 146 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,45,380 and the total fatalities to 4,167.

The number of active COVID-19 cases climbed to 80,722. As many as 60,490 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the Union health ministry said.

This came on a day that the Supreme Court took note of the plight of migrants stranded due to the lockdown and issued notices to the Centre and all state governments.

State-wise numbers

Of the 146 deaths reported since Monday morning, 60 were in Maharashtra, 30 in Gujarat, 15 in Delhi, 10 in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Tamil Nadu, six in West Bengal, four each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, three in Telangana, two each in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka and one in Kerala.

Of the total 4,167 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,695 deaths followed by Gujarat with 888 deaths, Madhya Pradesh with 300, West Bengal with 278, Delhi with 276, Rajasthan with 167, Uttar Pradesh with 165, Tamil Nadu with 118 and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with 56 deaths each.

The death toll reached 44 in Karnataka and 40 in Punjab.

Jammu and Kashmir has reported 23 fatalities due to the disease, Haryana has 16 deaths, while Bihar has registered 13 and Odisha has seven deaths.

Kerala and Himachal Pradesh have reported five deaths each so far, while Jharkhand and Assam have recorded four deaths each so far.

Chandigarh and Uttarakhand each have recorded three COVID-19 fatalities each, while Meghalaya has reported one fatality so far, data showed.

More than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities, authorities said.

According to the ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 52,667 followed by Tamil Nadu at 17,082, Gujarat at 14,460, Delhi at 14,053, Rajasthan at 7,300, Madhya Pradesh at 6,859 and Uttar Pradesh at 6,532.

The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 3,816 in West Bengal, 3,110 in Andhra Pradesh and 2,730 in Bihar. It has risen to 2,182 in Karnataka, 2,060 in Punjab, 1,920 in Telangana, 1,668 in Jammu and Kashmir and 1,438 in Odisha.

Haryana has reported 1,184 coronavirus infection cases so far, while Kerala has 896 cases. A total of 526 people have been infected with the virus in Assam and 377 in Jharkhand.

Uttarakhand has 349 cases, Chhattisgarh has 291, Chandigarh has reported 238 cases, Himachal Pradesh has 223, Tripura has 194 and Goa has registered 67 cases so far.

Ladakh has reported 52 COVID-19 cases, Puducherry has 41 instances of the infection, Manipur has 39 while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 33 infections

Meghalaya has registered 14 cases. Nagaland has reported three cases of the infection, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Arunachal Pradesh have reported two cases of the virus each, while Mizoram and Sikkim have reported a case each till how

"2,970 cases are being reassigned to states," the ministry said on its website, adding, "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR."

State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it said.

SC takes suo motu cognisance of migrant crisis

The Supreme Court said there have been “inadequacies and certain lapses” by the Centre and the states, and asked them to provide transport, food and shelter immediately free of cost.

Referring to various media reports showing the “unfortunate and miserable conditions” of migrant labourers walking on foot and cycling long distances after the lockdown, the top court issued notices to the Centre, the states and Union territories and sought their replies by 28 May.

Although the Centre and the states have taken measures to provide relief to the migrants, the court said there have been “inadequacies and certain lapses”. Effective concentrated efforts are now required to redeem the situation, it added.

“The adequate transport arrangement, food and shelters are immediately to be provided by the Centre and State Governments free of cost,” said the court which took the suo motu (on its own) cognizance of the situation.

The order by the court came amid criticism by activists and lawyers that the judiciary was not doing enough in tackling the migrants crisis after the coronavirus lockdown and in making the executive accountable.

The national lockdown was imposed on 25 March leading to job losses and forcing lakhs of migrant workers to head to their faraway native states.

The apex court on 15 May observed that it is impossible for the courts to monitor or stop the movement of migrant workers across the country and it is for the government to take necessary action in this regard.

“We take suo motu cognizance of problems and miseries of migrant labourers who had been stranded in different parts of the country. The newspaper reports and the media reports have been continuously showing the unfortunate and miserable conditions of migrant labourers walking on-foot and cycles from long distances,” said a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MR Shah.

The top court added that “in the present situation of lockdown in the entire country, this section of the society (migrant labourers) needs succour and help by the concerned governments especially steps need to be taken by the Government of India, State Governments/ Union Territories in this difficult situation to extend helping hand to these migrant labourers”.

'COVID-19 fatality rate in India among lowest in the world'

The COVID-19 fatality rate in India is among the lowest in the world at 2.87 percent, the Union government said, attributing the timely lockdown, early detection and management of coronavirus infection cases as the main reasons for the low death toll.

From 3.38 percent in April, the fatality rate in the country has come down to 2.87 percent as against 6.4 percent globally.

The toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,167 and the number of cases climbed to 1,45,380 in the country registering an increase of 146 deaths and 6,535 cases in a 24-hour span till Tuesday 8 am, according to the Union health ministry.

Responding to a question at a press briefing on why the country's death rate is one of the lowest in the word, ICMR DG Balram Bhargava said there is no substantiative factor behind it.

"We have surprisingly found a low fatality rate in India and which is a very good thing. Ultimately, we are interested in a patient surviving whether he gets COVID-19 or not.

"There are several hypothesis such as we are living in bad hygiene, have higher immunity and have been given certain vaccines like BCG and those for tuberculosis, but these all are hypothesis and we cannot say anything clearly on any factor. So long as the fatality rate is low it a good thing and I hope it continues," he said.

Joint secretary Lav Agarwal, however, said that the country's graded response to COVID-19 and timely identification of cases along with their clinical management played a major role in keeping the death rate low.

One of the main components of an infectious diseases is early identification, he said.

"We had started screening of passengers and activated our healthcare workers even 13 days before the WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. If cases are detected on time they do not turn serious and to the extent automatically the fatality rate will be low," he said.

France has a fatality rate of 19.9 percent followed by Belgium at 16.3, Italy at 14.3, UK at 14.2, Spain 12.2, Sweden 11.9, Canada 7.6, Brazil 6.3, the US at 6.0, China 5.5 and Germany at 4.6 percent.

With inputs from PTI

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23:58 (IST) Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates Chhattisgarh reports 8 new COVID-19 cases Eight more people, seven of them migrant workers, tested coronavirus positive in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, taking the state's tally of patients to 369, a health official said. Of the new cases, five were reported from Jashpur district, while one case each came from Bilaspur, Balodabazar and Bastar districts, he said. Bastar district recorded its first case of coronavirus after a 24-year-old student, who recently travelled from Delhi to Jagdalpur, tested positive for the infection, he said. The student was studying in Rajasthan, he said. The other new patients were migrant workers, who recently returned to their native villages from different states of the country and were staying in quarantine centres, he said. Earlier in the day, four patients were discharged from the AIIMS Raipur following their recovery, he said. At present, the state has 286 COVID-19 activecases as 83 patients have recovered so far, the official said. Chhattisgarh's COVID-19 figures are as follows: positive cases: 369, new cases: eight, deaths: zero, discharged: 83, active cases: 286, people tested so far: 59,230. (PTI) 23:53 (IST) Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates France, Italy, Belgium to stop use of hydroxychloroquine on safety fears France, Italy and Belgium acted to halt the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat patients suffering from the novel coronavirus infection amid questions about the safety of the generic anti-malaria drug. France on Wednesday cancelled a decree allowing hospital doctors to dispense the medicine, while the Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA) suspended authorization to use hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 outside clinical trials. Belgium's medicine agency warned against using the drug to treat the virus any more except within ongoing clinical registered trials. It said trials aiming to evaluate the drug should also take potential risks into consideration. (Reuters) 23:48 (IST) Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates Telangana govt decides to open all shops except in malls in Hyderbad from tomorrow Telangana CMO said, "Government has decided to open all shops except the malls in Hyderabad from Thursday. People were crowding shops since the permission was given to open shops on an alternate basis, hence it has been decided to allow all shops to open." 23:39 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Maharashtra govt says 'notification' on social media is untrue It is observed that above copies of ‘notifications’ are in circulation in social media. The State Govt clarifies that these notifications are not issued by the Maharashtra government, the statement said. सोशल मीडियावर व्हायरल झालेल्या या अधिसूचना राज्य शासनाने जारी केलेल्या नाहीत. It is observed that above copies of ‘notifications’ are in circulation in social media. The State Govt clarifies that these notifications are not issued by the Govt of #Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/OqpA4VBtw4 — MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) May 27, 2020 23:34 (IST) Coronavirus in US Latest Updates US on cusp of marking at least 100K deaths from virus The United States was on the cusp of marking at least 100,000 deaths from the coronavirus, a once-unthinkable toll that now appears to be just the beginning of untold misery in the months ahead as Las Vegas casinos and Walt Disney World make plans to reopen, crowds of unmasked Americans swarm beaches and public health officials predict a resurgence by fall. The stark reality comes as only half of Americans said they would be willing to get vaccinated if scientists are successful in developing a vaccine, according to a new poll released Wednesday from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, issued a stern warning after viewing video showing Memorial Day crowds gathered at a pool party in Missouri. “We have situation in which you see that type of crowding with no mask and people interacting. That’s not prudent and that’s inviting a situation that could get out of control,” he said during an interview Wednesday on CNN. “Don’t start leapfrogging some of the recommendations in the guidelines because that’s really tempting fate and asking for trouble.” 23:21 (IST) Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates 78 new COVID-19 cases reported in Indore The Indore district administration said that 78 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the Madhya Pradesh district, taking the total number of positive cases in the district to 3,260. 23:08 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi chief secy instructs hotels to reimburse quarantine fee to foreigners Vijay Dev, Chief Secretary of Delhi Government has directed all concerned authorities 'to ensure that foreign returnees who were quarantined in hotels and paid advance of 14 days, shall be refunded their balance amount without any delay'. 22:51 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates Appeal to Modi, Shah to help Bengal, says Mamata Banerjee West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I told Amit Shah, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said "chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai". I thank him for saying this." "I appeal to the prime minister and home minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP-ruled states.This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading." 22:44 (IST) Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates Manipur reports 5 new COVID-19 cases The Manipur government said that five new positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state on Wednesday. Total number of positive cases rise to 44 in the state, including 40 active cases. 22:32 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Staff member in Delhi LG's office tests positive A junior assistant at the office of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to conduct coronavirus tests on around 40 staff members, PTI reported. 22:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates KCR exempted RTC from curfew restrictions, says CMO Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has declared that the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses are getting exempted from curfew restrictions from Thursday, the CMO said on Wednesday. 22:13 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Three NDMC employees test positive for COVID-19 Reports said that three employees of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, "prompting the civic body to seal a floor of its headquarters in Lutyen's Delhi and a section of another building housing its office in Gole Market," News18 reported. 22:02 (IST) Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates 280 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today The Rajasthan health department said that 280 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths have been reported in the state on Wednesday, the total tally of cases in the state rises to 7,816. Active cases in state stand at 3,081. Toll is at 173. 21:55 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates UP reports 269 new COVID-19 cases today 269 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 6,991. Toll stands at 182. 21:49 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates BMC revises COVID-19 testing guidelines The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued revised testing guidelines for COVID-19. The statement said, "COVID-19 test not mandatory for emergency surgery, pregnant women (even asymptomatic) who are likely to deliver in next five days to be tested, and COVID-19 test not mandatory for treating Hemodialysis patients." Mumbai: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corp issues revised testing guidelines for #COVID19: COVID test not mandatory for emergency surgery,pregnant women (even asymptomatic) who are likely to deliver in next 5 days,to be tested&COVID test not mandatory for treating Hemodialysis patients pic.twitter.com/uKDv9CTrtc — ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2020 21:38 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates 33 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today Reports said that 33 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Punjab on Wednesday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 2,139 in the state. Sixteen cases were reported in Amritsar, seven in Patiala, three in Pathankot, two each in Tarn Taran and Sangrur, and one each in Gurdaspur, Barnala and Ludhiana districts, according to a medical bulletin. 21:30 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi Police North DCP tests positive, say report "The Delhi Police North Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and has been kept under home quarantine. Three of his personal staff have also been quarantined," India Today reported. 21:22 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates 964 COVID-19 patients recover in Maharashtra today The current count of COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra is 56,948. Today, 2,190 patients have been identified as positive, also 964 patients have been cured. Total 17918 patients are cured and discharged. Total Active patients are 37125: Maharashtra Health Minister, Rajesh Tope 21:09 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Two migrants die in Mumbai-Varanasi shramik special train Two migrants were found dead in a special shramik train at a Varanasi railway station on Wednesday morning. North Eastern Railway spokesperson Ashok Kumar said the train had arrived at the Manduadih station of Varanasi from Mumbai''s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8.21 am. They were found dead by the Government Railway Police, he added. He said during a medical examination, it was found that both suffered from serious health issues. One of them, identified as Dashrath Prajapati (30), was a resident of UP''s Jaunpur. He was differently abled and getting treatment for a kidney-related problem in Mumbai. The other victim was identified as Ram Ratan (63), a resident of Azamgarh district. A relative of Dashrath, who was travelling with him, said he had complained of some health problem when they reached Allahabad and then slept. He did not wake up when they reached Varanasi. (PTI) 21:06 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates 2,190 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra in 24 hours Reports said that 2,190 coronavirus cases and 105 deaths were reported in Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. "Total new cases in Maharashtra in last 24 hours: 2,190 Total deaths in state in last 24 hours: 105 Total deaths in Maharashtra: 1,897 Total cases in Maharashtra: 56,998 Total active cases in Maharashtra: 37,125 Total discharge: 17918," India Today reported. 20:58 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates Punjab asks Centre for fiscal stimulus of Rs 51,102 crore "Amid mounting economic woes, the Punjab government today decided to seek a fiscal stimulus of Rs 51,102 crore from the Centre to help the state tide over the financial crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the prolonged lockdown that ensued. A draft memorandum to this effect was approved by the Council of Ministers, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh," News18 reported. 20:48 (IST) Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates 162 new COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir 162 new coronavirus cases were reported in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the government said. Meanwhile, 21 people have recovered. The total number of positive cases in the union territory rose to 1921, including 854 recovered and 26 deaths. 20:44 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates Bengal reports 183 new COVID-19 cases today The West Bengal government said that 183 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state is now at 4,192. 20:35 (IST) Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates MP Raj Bhavan declared COVID-19 containment zone as 6 test positive The district administration of Bhopal on Wednesday declared Madhya Pradesh Raj Bhavan, the residence of the state Governor, as a COVID-19 containment zone after six persons living in the campus tested positive for the infection. District Collector Tarun Pithode issued an order to this effect on Wednesday. Raj Bhavan sources said that after the first case of COVID-19 was found at the Raj Bhavan a couple of days back, the sample of Governor Lalji Tadon was also collected for testing. The collector's order said that six COVID-19 cases were found in the employees' quarters inside the Raj Bhavan, which is located under Jahangirabad police station area. (PTI) 20:21 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Dharavi reports 18 new COVID-19 cases Mumbai's Dharavi area reported 18 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, reports said. The total in the area now stands at 1,639. 20:15 (IST) Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates Chhattisgarh govt to allow shops to open 6 days a week with precautions The Chhattisgarh CMO on Wednesday said that in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, "it was decided that shops will be allowed to open six days a week, and taking precautions including physical distancing will remain compulsory as before." "Tehsildars have been authorized to give permission for organizing wedding functions. The process of permission has been made simpler and easier. No relaxation will be provided in red zones and containtment areas. Post-lockdown, 1,371 factories in the state have started functioning again. Nearly 1.03 lakh labourers have returned to work in these factories," the statement added. 20:04 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates Amarinder Singh to hold COVID-19 review meeting on 30 May Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh will chair a review meeting with the concerned departments on the overall COVID-19 situation in the state on 30 May, and announce the government’s decision on lifting or further extension of lockdown thereafter, the Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday. 19:55 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Jayant Patil says should be able to control COVID-19 situation in Mumbai soon Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil on Wednesday said that, "The cases which are rising are in the same containment zones with high densities. There aren't new areas from where cases are coming up. And even in these containment areas, the numbers are slowly decreasing. We should be able to bring the numbers under control by next week. Projection by central govt was for a lakh cases by the end of this month. We have been able to contain it to 33,000." 19:45 (IST) Coronavirus in Ladakh Latest Updates COVID19 cases in Ladakh rise to 11 with one new  The Ladakh government said that one more case of COVID-19 was reported in the UT on Wednesday. With this, the number of active cases in Ladakh rises to 11 with two cases in Leh and nine in Kargil districts. 19:35 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates 930 COVID-19 dedicated hospitals set up so far, says Centre The Centre on Wednesday said that so far, 930 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals with 1,58,747 isolation beds, 20,355 ICU beds and 69,076 oxygen-supported beds are available. 2,362 dedicated COVID-19 Health Centres with 1,32,593 isolation beds, 10,903 ICU beds and 45,562 oxygen-supported beds have been operationalised, the statement added. 19:26 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Woman gives birth on shramik special train to UP A 28-year-old woman gave birth to a baby boy inside a shramik special train at Ratlam railway station on Wednesday while she was travelling to her native place in Uttar Pradesh from Gujarat, an official said. After the delivery, the woman and the newborn were shifted to the district hospital in Ratlam. Western Railway's public relations officer Jitendra Jain said that the woman, Pooja Devi, was travelling along with her husband in the Shramik special train from Surat in Gujarat to Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. "As the woman went into labour, a co-passenger informed the Divisional Railway Manager of Ratlam about it through a tweet," he said. (PTI) 19:20 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Infant recovers from COVID-19 infection in Mumbai A one-month-old infant was discharged from Mumbai's Sion Hospital on Wednesday after recovering from the coronavirus infection. #WATCH Maharashtra: A one-month-old infant was discharged from Mumbai's Sion Hospital today after recovering from #COVID19. (Source: Sion Hospital) pic.twitter.com/Gqe9zhemgx — ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2020 19:13 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Can't have common plan to reopen schools, says Manish Sisodia Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Wednesday, "We can't have a common plan for all schools to re-open. 'Preparatory Planning Framework for Heads of Schools' has been issued by education department. The heads of schools to meet to discuss about issues they need to keep in mind. Meeting will be between 28-30 May." 19:02 (IST) Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates COVID-19 cases in Kerala cross 1,000 with 40 new reported today Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 40 new coronavirus cases reported in the state on Wednesday. Of these, nine returned from abroad, 16 returned from Maharashtra, five from Tamil Nadu and three from Delhi. The total number of cases in the state are 1,004, of which 445 are active cases. He added that till Tuesday, 173 Keralites have died due to COVID-19 in various countries. "With people returning to the state, Kerala has entered the next phase of COVID-19 prevention and containment. There is a spike in the number of cases," he said. 18:51 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates 817 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu today The Tamil Nadu governemnt said that 817 people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Wednesday, and six deaths were also reported. Additionally, 567 people have been discharged on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state stands at 18,545, including 133 deaths and 9,909 discharged. 18:47 (IST) Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates Study says social distancing norms of 6 feet insufficient, virus can travel nearly 20 feet   Scientists have modelled the spread of infectious droplets from coughing, sneezing, and breathing under different atmospheric conditions, and found that the novel coronavirus can spread up to three times further in cold and humid weather. According to the researchers, including those from the University of California (UC) Santa Barbara in the US, droplets carrying the virus can travel up to 20 feet, making the current social distancing norms of six feet insufficient to contain its spread. Based on previous research, they said as many as 40,000 respiratory droplets can be generated by sneezing, coughing, and even normal talking, with initial speeds ranging from a few metres per second to more than a hundred meters per second. (PTI) 18:43 (IST) Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates Assam govt says 60 new COVID-19 cases reported  Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 60 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state as of 6.30 pm on Wednesday. 📌Alert ~ 60 new cases of #COVID19+ reported. 41 Kamrup Metro, 9 Hojai, 5 Morigaon, 4 Darrang, 1 Kamrup ↗️Total cases 774 ↗️Recovered 62 ↗️Active cases 705 ↗️Deaths 04 ↗️Migrated 03 Update 6:30 pm / May 27#AssamCovidCount pic.twitter.com/05Orfwuimq — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 27, 2020 18:33 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi reports 792 new COVID-19 cases  792 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in infections in the National Capital so far, The Indian Express reported. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 15,257 on Wednesday. "The toll in the city rose to 303 after 15 more casualties were updated by the state health department after examining the death summaries shared by the hospitals," the report said. 18:26 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Nitin Gadkari says states should contribute Rs 20 lakh crore to fight COVID-19 disruptions More liquidity is needed to boost economic activity following the coronavirus pandemic and states should come forward with Rs 20 lakh crore, while another Rs 10 lakh crore can be harnessed from public-private investment to fight the COVID-19 disruptions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Gadkari said the economy is facing serious problems, businesses are being closed and unemployment is growing. All sections of the society, whether migrants, media, business persons or employees, are facing problems, but ultimately “we will win the economic war” and the “corona war”, he said. “More liquidity needs to be pumped in the market to boost the coronavirus-hit economy and states should come forward with Rs 20 lakh crore, while another Rs 10 lakh crore can be harnessed from public-private investment,” said Gadkari, who is the Road Transport, Highways and MSME minister. (PTI) 18:13 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Class 10,12 sudents can appear for pending exams in native state, says Centre Union HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said that students of class 10 and 12 who have moved to a different state or district in view of the coronavirus lockdown, can appear for pending board exams in the state they are. "Class 10 and 12 students who have to appear in pending board exams but have moved to different state or district during the lockdown when schools were closed, will be able to appear for exams at their present place only. They will not be required to travel back. The CBSE will issue a notification in this regard and modalities for registration of such requests," he said. #Covid_19 संकट के कारण हजारों बच्चे अपने गृह प्रदेश में चले गए थे, ऐसी स्थिति में सीबीएसई की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं में शामिल हो रहे विद्यार्थियों की समस्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए #CBSE ने यह फैसला लिया है कि ऐसे विद्यार्थी अपनी बोर्ड परीक्षा अपने गृह जिले में ही दे सकते हैं।@DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/3UFkbISIPm — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 18:05 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates 80% of total shramik special trains went to UP, Bihar, says Centre The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday said that more than 3,500 shramik special trains have been originated till now by Indian Railways carrying more than 48 lakhs passengers. Nearly 80 percent of total the total special trains are destined for various destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 17:57 (IST) Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates 251 COVID-19 cases reported in Himachal so far The Himachal Pradesh health department said that a total of 251 coronavirus cases have been reported in the state so far, including 177 active cases, 65 recovered patients and 5 deaths. 17:48 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates India's testing capacity has increased, says Centre "The testing capacity has increased in the country through 435 government laboratories and 189 private laboratories (total of 624 labs). Cumulatively, 32,42,160 samples have been tested so far for COVID-19, whereas, 1,16,041 samples were tested on Tuesday," a statement by the Union health ministry said on Wednesday. 17:34 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Recovery rate stands at 42.4% says Centre The Union health ministry on Wednesday said that of a total of 1,51,767 COVID-19 cases reported in the country so far, 64,426 persons have been cured and the recovery rate is pegged at 42.4 percent. "The fatality rate is 2.86 percent whereas the world average is 6.36 percent," the statement said. 17:30 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates MVA members say BJP 'only defaming' Maharashtra govt Leaders of the Congress and Shiv Sena slammed the state Opposition, BJP, for its criticism of the state government over the COVID-19 situation in the state. Shiv Sena leader and state minister Anil Parab said, "Yesterday, Devendra Fadnavis (BJP leader and former chief minister) said that the Centre is giving full support to the Maharashtra government. By saying this, he has misled people." In addition, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said, "We expected Opposition to support us (in COVID-19 crisis) but they are only defaming the government." 17:27 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates MVA holds joint presser on COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra Addressing a joint press conference of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, Congress leader and state minister Balasaheb Thorat said that the government was working to alleviate the problems being faced by migrant workers in the state. He said, "It has been two months since lockdown. We are all working together under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. We are a major industrial hub. The number of our migrant labourers is also high. Each day, we are giving 7 lakh meals." He also said that the coronavirus in Mumbai "continues to be a concern". "Mumbai continues to be a matter of concern but the chief minister is making sure, nobody is inconvenienced. We had expected cooperation from the Opposition but they have opened new avenues to destabilise us. But we will not let them succeed," he added. 17:18 (IST) Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates 10 new COVID-19 cases reported in Assam  Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 10 new cases of coronavirus were reported as of 4.55 pm on Wednesday. The total number of cases rose to 714, including 62 recovered, 4 deaths and 3 migrated, he said. 17:14 (IST) Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates People without masks will be fined Rs 500, says Haryana govt Haryana health minister Anil Vij said that people without masks will be fined Rs 500 and those spitting in public will also be fined Rs 500. 17:07 (IST) Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates Kerala govt to use 'virtual queue' system through online bookings for liquor shops Kerala excise minister TP Ramakrishnan on Tuesday said that 576 bar hotels, 291 beer parlours and 301 government outlets will be allowed to sell liquor from Thursday. He was quoted by India Today as saying, "We have decided to create a mobile application for crowd management at liquor shops. This is not for home delivery, but to book tokens. Our plan is to create a virtual queue management system. Only five people will be allowed at an outlet at a time." One person can make a booking once in 4 days, the report said. 16:53 (IST) Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates 30,000 weddings cancelled in Gujarat amid COVID-19 crisis The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has severely hit the wedding industry in Gujarat, which has witnessed approximately 30,000 cancellations and postponements in the last two months. At least 30,000 weddings planned across the state have been called off or postponed in the last two months in light of the ongoing health crisis, said spokesperson of Hotel and Restaurant Association (Gujarat) Abhijit Deshmukh. March and April are considered the peak season, when the maximum number of weddings take place in the state, he said. Giving the idea of a big fat Indian wedding a miss, some couples have chosen to tie a knot in the presence of eight to 10 close relatives, wedding planner Devang Shah said. PTI Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: A junior assistant at the office of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to conduct coronavirus tests on around 40 staff members, PTI reported. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued revised testing guidelines for COVID-19. The statement said, "COVID-19 test not mandatory for emergency surgery, pregnant women (even asymptomatic) who are likely to deliver in next five days to be tested, and COVID-19 test not mandatory for treating Hemodialysis patients." Two migrants were found dead in a special shramik train at a Varanasi railway station on Wednesday morning. North Eastern Railway spokesperson Ashok Kumar said the train had arrived at the Manduadih station of Varanasi from Mumbai''s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8.21 am. They were found dead by the Government Railway Police, he added. He said during a medical examination, it was found that both suffered from serious health issues. One of them, identified as Dashrath Prajapati (30), was a resident of UP''s Jaunpur. He was differently abled and getting treatment for a kidney-related problem in Mumbai. The other victim was identified as Ram Ratan (63), a resident of Azamgarh district. A relative of Dashrath, who was travelling with him, said he had complained of some health problem when they reached Allahabad and then slept. He did not wake up when they reached Varanasi. The Tamil Nadu governemnt said that 817 people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Wednesday, and six deaths were also reported. Additionally, 567 people have been discharged on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state stands at 18,545, including 133 deaths and 9,909 discharged. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 40 new coronavirus cases reported in the state on Wednesday. Of these, nine returned from abroad, 16 returned from Maharashtra, five from Tamil Nadu and three from Delhi. The total number of cases in the state are 1,004, of which 445 are active cases. He added that till Tuesday, 173 Keralites have died due to COVID-19 in various countries. "With people returning to the state, Kerala has entered the next phase of COVID-19 prevention and containment. There is a spike in the number of cases," he said. 792 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in infections in the National Capital so far, The Indian Express reported. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 15,257 on Wednesday. "The toll in the city rose to 303 after 15 more casualties were updated by the state health department after examining the death summaries shared by the hospitals," the report said. Addressing a joint press conference of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, Congress leader and state minister Balasaheb Thorat said that the government was working to alleviate the problems being faced by migrant workers in the state. He said, "It has been two months since lockdown. We are all working together under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. We are a major industrial hub. The number of our migrant labourers is also high. Each day, we are giving 7 lakh meals." He also said that the coronavirus in Mumbai "continues to be a concern". "Mumbai continues to be a matter of concern but the chief minister is making sure, nobody is inconvenienced. We had expected cooperation from the Opposition but they have opened new avenues to destabilise us. But we will not let them succeed," he added. Kerala excise minister TP Ramakrishnan on Tuesday said that 576 bar hotels, 291 beer parlours and 301 government outlets will be allowed to sell liquor from Thursday. He was quoted by India Today as saying, "We have decided to create a mobile application for crowd management at liquor shops. This is not for home delivery, but to book tokens. Our plan is to create a virtual queue management system. Only five people will be allowed at an outlet at a time." One person can make a booking once in 4 days, the report said. Amid escalating tensions between India and China over a border dispute, Sun Weidong, Chinese envoy to India said that the two countries were fighting coronavirus pandemic "together". "China and India are fighting together against COVID-19 and we have an important task to consolidate relations. Our youth should realise the relation between China and India, the two countries are opportunities for each other and pose no threat. "We should never let differences overshadow our relations. We should resolve differences through communication." West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state government had not been informed about 36 trains that are set to arrive in the state from Mumbai. "Without our knowledge, 36 trains are coming from Mumbai. I spoke with Maharashtra, they also got the information late. Railways is planning it on their own," she said. This came a day after Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said that two trains from Mumbai and Delhi had arrived in Kerala without the state government being informed. The Goa Cabinet decided to make COVID-19 test compulsory for every person entering the state if they are unable to produce a 'COVID negative' certificate, said chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday. "The 14-day home quarantine option will be no longer available. Either you bring the negative certificate or have to take the test," said the chief minister. The move comes amid the state losing its green zone tag recently when people from neighbouring Maharashtra entered the border and tested positive for the disease. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases in the state was at 21 days. Speaking at a review meeting on Tuesday, Chouhan had said that the state's COVID-19 recovery rate has gone up to 53 percent, while the national average was 41.8 percent, the official said. Similarly, the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases was at 21 days in Madhya Pradesh, while the average in the country was 15.4 days, the Chief Minister said in the meeting. Eighteen more individuals, including one passenger who landed in Guwahati from Ahmedabad, tested positive in Assam, tweeted health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday. Of the 17 other COVID-19 cases, 14 were reported in Golaghat alone, two in Karbi Anglong while one in Lakhimpur. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday dismissed the rumours of Mumbai and Pune going under military lockdown for 10 days. He clarified that that there was no proposal for Army deployment in the two cities. Deshmukh strongly denied the messages which went viral on social media on Army deployment and appealed the people not to believe in it. He added that Maharashtra cyber cell has initiated action against those spreading the rumour​. A total of 792 COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Delhi in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the National Capital to 15,257 on Wednesday. The Union Territory has so far reported 303 deaths, bringing the COVID-19 mortality rate to 1.9 percent. Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: In the past 24 hours, 75 Maharashtra Police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. This takes the total number of positive cases in the force to 1,964 with the toll at 20. A total of 849 personnel have recovered while 1,095 are active cases. Essential services related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health should be continued in a restricted manner in areas defined as containment and buffer zones, the Union Health Ministry said, underlining that COVID-19 testing is not mandatory for providing such services. BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday termed as most unfortunate the continued sufferings of the migrants amid an ongoing dispute between the Centre and the Maharashtra government. 'It is important to stop levelling of charges and pay attention to these helpless people so that their lives can be saved from being completely ruined,' she said in a tweet in Hindi. With four more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Assam, the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 686 on Wednesday, said health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Of the total, there are 617 active cases, Sarma said. Professor Johan Giesecke of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, speaking to Congress' Rahul Gandhi on COVID-19 crisis in India said the country needed a graded exit plan from the lockdown to protect the economy. Claiming that a severe lockdown may disrupt the economic growth, Giesecke on Wednesday said, "India has to ease restrictions one by one, it may however take months to completely come out of lockdown." The Indian Council of Medical Research has removed the price cap of Rs 4,500 for the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test used to detect COVID-19, asking states and UTs to negotiate with private labs to fix "mutually agreeable" rates for the test. In a letter to the state chief secretaries on Monday, ICMR Director General (D-G) Dr Balram Bhargava said the COVID-19 diagnostic supplies are stabilising because of the indigenous production of the kits. Of the total 1,51,767 confirmed COVID-19 cases, there are 83,004 active cases, according to the latest data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. India's COVID-19 recovery rate was at 42.45 percent after 64,425 patients were cured of the disease. India reported 6,387 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 1,51,767 on Wednesday, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The COVID-19 toll was at 4,337 across the nation after 170 more patients succumbed to the viral infection. Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Assam as of 11.55 pm on Tuesday, said health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Of the new cases, six were reported in Hojai and Golaghat each, two in Darrang while one each in Kamrup Metro and Kamrup. India reported 6,535 coronavirus cases and 146 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,45,380 and the total fatalities to 4,167. The number of active COVID-19 cases climbed to 80,722. As many as 60,490 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the Union health ministry said. This came on a day that the Supreme Court took note of the plight of migrants stranded due to the lockdown and issued notices to the Centre and all state governments. State-wise numbers Of the 146 deaths reported since Monday morning, 60 were in Maharashtra, 30 in Gujarat, 15 in Delhi, 10 in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Tamil Nadu, six in West Bengal, four each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, three in Telangana, two each in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka and one in Kerala. Of the total 4,167 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,695 deaths followed by Gujarat with 888 deaths, Madhya Pradesh with 300, West Bengal with 278, Delhi with 276, Rajasthan with 167, Uttar Pradesh with 165, Tamil Nadu with 118 and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with 56 deaths each. The death toll reached 44 in Karnataka and 40 in Punjab. Jammu and Kashmir has reported 23 fatalities due to the disease, Haryana has 16 deaths, while Bihar has registered 13 and Odisha has seven deaths. Kerala and Himachal Pradesh have reported five deaths each so far, while Jharkhand and Assam have recorded four deaths each so far. Chandigarh and Uttarakhand each have recorded three COVID-19 fatalities each, while Meghalaya has reported one fatality so far, data showed. More than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities, authorities said. According to the ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 52,667 followed by Tamil Nadu at 17,082, Gujarat at 14,460, Delhi at 14,053, Rajasthan at 7,300, Madhya Pradesh at 6,859 and Uttar Pradesh at 6,532. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 3,816 in West Bengal, 3,110 in Andhra Pradesh and 2,730 in Bihar. It has risen to 2,182 in Karnataka, 2,060 in Punjab, 1,920 in Telangana, 1,668 in Jammu and Kashmir and 1,438 in Odisha. Haryana has reported 1,184 coronavirus infection cases so far, while Kerala has 896 cases. A total of 526 people have been infected with the virus in Assam and 377 in Jharkhand. Uttarakhand has 349 cases, Chhattisgarh has 291, Chandigarh has reported 238 cases, Himachal Pradesh has 223, Tripura has 194 and Goa has registered 67 cases so far. Ladakh has reported 52 COVID-19 cases, Puducherry has 41 instances of the infection, Manipur has 39 while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 33 infections Meghalaya has registered 14 cases. Nagaland has reported three cases of the infection, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Arunachal Pradesh have reported two cases of the virus each, while Mizoram and Sikkim have reported a case each till how "2,970 cases are being reassigned to states," the ministry said on its website, adding, "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR." State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it said. SC takes suo motu cognisance of migrant crisis The Supreme Court said there have been “inadequacies and certain lapses” by the Centre and the states, and asked them to provide transport, food and shelter immediately free of cost. Referring to various media reports showing the “unfortunate and miserable conditions” of migrant labourers walking on foot and cycling long distances after the lockdown, the top court issued notices to the Centre, the states and Union territories and sought their replies by 28 May. Although the Centre and the states have taken measures to provide relief to the migrants, the court said there have been “inadequacies and certain lapses”. Effective concentrated efforts are now required to redeem the situation, it added. “The adequate transport arrangement, food and shelters are immediately to be provided by the Centre and State Governments free of cost,” said the court which took the suo motu (on its own) cognizance of the situation. The order by the court came amid criticism by activists and lawyers that the judiciary was not doing enough in tackling the migrants crisis after the coronavirus lockdown and in making the executive accountable. The national lockdown was imposed on 25 March leading to job losses and forcing lakhs of migrant workers to head to their faraway native states. The apex court on 15 May observed that it is impossible for the courts to monitor or stop the movement of migrant workers across the country and it is for the government to take necessary action in this regard. “We take suo motu cognizance of problems and miseries of migrant labourers who had been stranded in different parts of the country. The newspaper reports and the media reports have been continuously showing the unfortunate and miserable conditions of migrant labourers walking on-foot and cycles from long distances,” said a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MR Shah. The top court added that “in the present situation of lockdown in the entire country, this section of the society (migrant labourers) needs succour and help by the concerned governments especially steps need to be taken by the Government of India, State Governments/ Union Territories in this difficult situation to extend helping hand to these migrant labourers”. 'COVID-19 fatality rate in India among lowest in the world' The COVID-19 fatality rate in India is among the lowest in the world at 2.87 percent, the Union government said, attributing the timely lockdown, early detection and management of coronavirus infection cases as the main reasons for the low death toll. From 3.38 percent in April, the fatality rate in the country has come down to 2.87 percent as against 6.4 percent globally. The toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,167 and the number of cases climbed to 1,45,380 in the country registering an increase of 146 deaths and 6,535 cases in a 24-hour span till Tuesday 8 am, according to the Union health ministry. Responding to a question at a press briefing on why the country's death rate is one of the lowest in the word, ICMR DG Balram Bhargava said there is no substantiative factor behind it. "We have surprisingly found a low fatality rate in India and which is a very good thing. Ultimately, we are interested in a patient surviving whether he gets COVID-19 or not. "There are several hypothesis such as we are living in bad hygiene, have higher immunity and have been given certain vaccines like BCG and those for tuberculosis, but these all are hypothesis and we cannot say anything clearly on any factor. So long as the fatality rate is low it a good thing and I hope it continues," he said. Joint secretary Lav Agarwal, however, said that the country's graded response to COVID-19 and timely identification of cases along with their clinical management played a major role in keeping the death rate low. One of the main components of an infectious diseases is early identification, he said. "We had started screening of passengers and activated our healthcare workers even 13 days before the WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. If cases are detected on time they do not turn serious and to the extent automatically the fatality rate will be low," he said. France has a fatality rate of 19.9 percent followed by Belgium at 16.3, Italy at 14.3, UK at 14.2, Spain 12.2, Sweden 11.9, Canada 7.6, Brazil 6.3, the US at 6.0, China 5.5 and Germany at 4.6 percent. With inputs from PTI

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/05/coronavirus-outbreak-updates-junior.html

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Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: Delhi district court employee tests positive for COVID-19; global toll exceeds 280,000

08:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

Mike Pence not in quarantine, to be at White House even after aide tests positive

Vice President Mike Pence is not in quarantine and plans to be at the White House on Monday, a spokesman said on Sunday, despite media reports that Pence was self-isolating after a staffer tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“Vice President Pence will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine,” spokesman Devin O’Malley said in a statement.

“Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” the statement added.

08:31 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Special train with 1200 people departs from Gujarat for Uttarakhand

A special train carrying 1200 passengers departed from Surat for Kathgodam in Uttarakhand at 4 am on Monday, informed chief minister's office (CMO) Uttarakhand. The train is expected to reach Kathgodam by tomorrow. Special trains are being run as the Ministry of Home Affairs allows people stranded in other regions to reach their native states.

A special train carrying 1200 passengers departed from Surat (Gujarat) for Kathgodam in Uttarakhand at 4 am: Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office pic.twitter.com/QaGYva7KUD

— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020

08:25 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Nirmala Sitharaman to meet public sector banks chiefs today; to review credit flow

 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a review meeting with CEOs of public sector banks (PSBs) on Monday to discuss various issues, including credit offtake, as part of efforts to prop up the economy hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

The meeting, to be held via video-conferencing, will also take stock of interest rate transmission to borrowers by banks and progress on moratorium on loan repayments, sources told PTI.

08:18 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Haryana Latest Update

Haryana Roadways buses with 267 migrant labourers head towards UP from Ambala

Seven buses of Haryana Roadways carrying 267 migrant labourers from Ambala departed for Uttar Pradesh yesterday, amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/A5i3m2Rn2f

— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2020

08:11 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Update

Sushil Modi writes to Nirmala Sitharaman, seeks grants for Bihar

In view of declining state revenue amid the coronavirus outbreak, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kuamr Modi has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting her to release Rs 7,434 crore grants, recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, within this quarter of the current fiscal.

He requested her to release Rs 5, 018 crore for Panchayati raj institutions and Rs 2,416 crore for urban local bodies for the financial year 2020-21, as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission.

If the amount is released in the first quarter of the fiscal, it will be helpful for the government to implement the piped drinking water project and drainage scheme, the state finance minister said in his letter.​

08:04 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

Global COVID-19 number of deaths exceeds 2,80,000

The number of deaths globally from COVID-19 has surpassed 280,000, according to the database compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

There are currently 280,507 fatalities worldwide. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy have the highest numbers of deaths among countries, 78,932, 31,930, and 30,560, respectively.

The total number of cases is currently over 4,067,112, while the number of recoveries is at 1,392,359. 

07:57 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

National Security Guard staff member tests positive for coronavirus

One of the members of the National Security Guard (NSG) has tested positive of coronavirus, reports ANI.

"We've one COVID-19 positive case. The individual is a non-combatant support staff in our Composite Hospital. He is stable with mild symptoms," said AK Singh, Director General of NSG.

Singh further said that the report of their member getting infected with coronavirus hasn't impacted the preparedness and availability of any of their combat formations.

07:48 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

First AI flight with 225 stranded Indians from US lands in Mumbai

First Air India special flight, which took off from San Francisco with 225 Indians on board, landed in Mumbai on Monday. The passengers departed from San Francisco International Airport on Saturday (local time) under the Government of India's Vande Bharat mission on Sunday.

Air India is operating in San Francisco sector after 50 days as India had imposed restrictions due to COVID-19 spread.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, India is conducting 'Vande Bharat' Mission — its biggest ever repatriation exercise since independence — to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, including from the US, the UAE, and the UK.

First AI spl flight from US brings in 225 Indians from San Francisco to Mumbai. Thank @airindiain @MoCA_GoI and Maharashtra Govt for support and coordination. Great work by CG Sanjay Panda and Team @CGISFO.@SandhuTaranjitS #VandeBharatMission

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 11, 2020

07:41 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Saket court employee tests positive for COVID-19

A Saket district court employee has tested positive for coronavirus infection, District Judge Neena Bansal Krishna said on Sunday.

According to a circular issued by the district judge, the wife of a junior judicial assistant of the court informed telephonically that her husband was found infected with coronavirus on Saturday evening.

The court staff had last visited the office on May 4 due to some official work and come in contact with a court's stenographer, the circular said.

Therefore the stenographer has been asked to remain in self-quarantine for 14 days from 4 May to 17 May and take necessary precautions, it said.

07:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Update

14 more die of COVID-19 in Bengal, toll crosses 100-mark

The toll from COVID-19 climbed to 113 in West Bengal on Sunday with 14 more people succumbing to the infection in the last 24 hours, a state government bulletin said.

The state also reported 153 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest in a day so far. Of the 14 deaths, Kolkata alone accounted for 10 while two each were from North 24 Parganas and Howrah districts. There have been 72 deaths due to comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental, the bulletin said.

07:31 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Railways to gradually restart passenger train operations from 12 May; online ticket booking will begin at 4 pm today

The Indian Railways will gradually restart passenger train operations from 12 May, initially with 15 pairs of trains, the national transporter said Sunday.

These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi station connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Jammu Tawi.

Booking for reservation in these trains will start at 4 pm on 11 May and will be available only on the IRCTC website (https://ift.tt/IFbjHR). Ticket booking counters at railway stations will remain closed and no counter tickets (including platform tickets) will be issued, it said.

07:26 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India has reported total of 62,939 cases, says health ministry

India has reported a total of 62,939 COVID-19 cases till Sunday, with Maharashtra alone reporting 20,228 of these infections, a report by the Union health ministry has stated.

However, the report said that India's mortality rate is 3.35 percent, as compared to the global average of 6.9 percent.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 41,472, while 19,357 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the ministry said. The recovery rate stands at about 30.75 percent.

07:26 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India has reported total of 62,939 cases, says health ministry

India has reported a total of 62,939 COVID-19 cases till Sunday, with Maharashtra alone reporting 20,228 of these infections, a report by the Union health ministry has stated.

However, the report said that India's mortality rate is 3.35 percent, as compared to the global average of 6.9 percent.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 41,472, while 19,357 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the ministry said. The recovery rate stands at about 30.75 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: A Saket district court employee has tested positive for coronavirus infection, District Judge Neena Bansal Krishna said on Sunday. Meanwhile, the number of deaths globally from COVID-19 has surpassed 280,000, according to the database compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

First Air India special flight, which took off from San Francisco with 225 Indians on board, landed in Mumbai on Monday. The passengers departed from San Francisco International Airport on Saturday (local time) under the Government of India's Vande Bharat mission on Sunday.

India has reported a total of 62,939 COVID-19 cases till Sunday, with Maharashtra alone reporting 20,228 of these infections, a report by the Union health ministry has stated.

However, the report said that India's mortality rate is 3.35 percent, as compared to the global average of 6.9 percent.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 41,472, while 19,357 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the ministry said. The recovery rate stands at about 30.75 percent.

Meanwhile, in what can be seen as a step towards easing the nationwide lockdown, an official release said that the Railways plans to gradually restart passenger trains from 12 May.

State-wise cases and deaths

A total 128 deaths were reported in the country since Saturday morning — 48 in Maharashtra, 23 in Gujarat, 15 in Madhya Pradesh, 11 in West Bengal, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Rajasthan and Delhi, four in Tamil Nadu, three in Andhra Pradesh, two in Punjab and one each in Telangana, Haryana, Chandigarh and Assam.

Of the 2,109 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 779 deaths. Gujarat comes second with 472 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 215, West Bengal at 171, Rajasthan at 106, Uttar Pradesh at 74, Delhi at 73, and Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu at 44.

The death toll is 31 in Punjab, 30 each in Karnataka and Telangana. Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana each have registered nine COVID-19 deaths, Bihar five and Kerala four.

Jharkhand has recorded three COVID-19 fatalities. Odisha, Chandigarh, Assam and Himachal Pradesh have reported two deaths each.

Meghalaya and Uttarakhand have reported one fatality each.

According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 20,228,followed by Gujarat at 7,796, Delhi at 6,542, Tamil Nadu at 6,535, Rajasthan at 3,708, Madhya Pradesh at 3,614 and Uttar Pradesh at 3,373.

The number of coronavirus cases has gone up to 1,930 in Andhra Pradesh, 1,786 in West Bengal and 1,762 in Punjab.

They have risen to 1,163 in Telangana, 836 in Jammu and Kashmir, 794 in Karnataka, 675 in Haryana and 591 in Bihar.

Kerala has reported 505 coronavirus cases so far, while Odisha has 294 cases. A total of 169 people have been infected with the virus in Chandigarh and 156 in Jharkhand.

Tripura has reported 134 cases, Uttarakhand has 67 cases, Assam 63 and Chhattisgarh 59. Himachal Pradesh has 50 and Ladakh has registered 42 cases so far.

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

Meghalaya has registered 13 cases, Puducherry has nine, while Goa has seven COVID-19 cases. Manipur has two cases. Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Dadar and Nagar Haveli have reported a case each.

West Bengal reports highest mortality rate, says Union health ministry

According to the health ministry, the highest mortality rate was recorded in West Bengal at 9.57 percent, where 1,786 cases and 171 deaths have been reported. On 5 May, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) sent to the state had said that the mortality rate in West Bengal was 12.8 percent. This figure stood lower in Maharashtra, where the mortality rate was 3.85 percent, higher than the national average. Of the 128 new COVID-19 deaths in India, 48 were recorded in India's financial capital.

With 7,796 infections, Gujarat reported a mortality rate of 6.05 percent. The figure in Delhi, which has the third highest number of cases in the country, stood at 1.12 percent.

India carried out 86,000 tests for COVID-19 on Saturday and India''s testing capacity now stands at 95,000 samples per day, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan told reporters after inspecting a COVID-19 care centre in the Mandoli area in the national capital.

India had started from one laboratory and now there are 472 laboratories testing for COVID-19, he said.

There are 4362 corona care centres across the country where 3,46,856 patients with mild or very mild symptoms can be kept, he said.

"We are moving fast on path of success in the fight against COVID-19. The doubling rate for the last three days is 12 (days). The recovery rate has crossed 30 per cent. Out of around 60,000 COVID-19 patients, about 20,000 have recovered and gone home," Vardhan said.

"Our mortality rate is still at 3.3 percent.... In the last 24 hours, there has been no case in 10 states and Union territories. There are four states or Union territories where there has not been a single case till now," Vardhan said.

Three migrant workers die near Maharashtra-MP border

Three migrant workers who were on their way to Uttar Pradesh from Maharashtra, mostly walking, died in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, officials said.

The trio were among thousands of migrant workers who have set out on foot for their home states from Maharashtra in the last few weeks amid lockdown on account for coronavirus.

While autopsy reports were yet to be available, doctors said the possible cause of deaths was fatigue and dehydration in peak summer heat.

The deceased, who were traveling separately, were identified as Lalluram (55), resident of village Chhudiya in Prayagraj district, Prem Bahadur (50), resident of Siddharth Nagar and Anees Ahmed (42) of Hardas Girja village of Fatehpur.

Railways to partially resume passenger train operations from 12 May

The Indian Railways will resume passenger train operations from 12 May nearly after two months when services were stopped due to the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

Initially, the Railways will run 15 pairs of trains and the booking for reservation for these trains will start at 4 pm on 11 May. An official press release on Sunday said: "Indian Railways plans to gradually restart passenger train operations from 12 May, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys)."

"These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi station connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, and Jammu Tawi," added the release.

"Thereafter, Indian Railways shall start more special services on new routes, based on the available coaches after reserving 20,000 coaches for COVID-19 care centres and an adequate number of coaches being reserved to enable operation of up to 300 trains every day as 'Shramik Special' for stranded migrants," said the release.

Only online bookings are allowed and ticket booking counters at the railway stations shall remain closed.

As per the release, the booking for reservation for these trains will start at 4 pm on 11th May and will be available only on the IRCTC website (https://ift.tt/IFbjHR). Ticket booking counters at the railway stations shall remain closed and no counter tickets including platform tickets shall be issued.

Only the passengers with valid confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter the railway stations.

"Only passengers with valid confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter the railway stations. It will be mandatory for the passengers to wear face cover and undergo screening at departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the train. Further details including train schedule will be issued separately in due course," added the press release issued by the PIB.

With inputs from agencies

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