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COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Total cases near 14,000 mark in India as UP, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand report fresh cases

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According to the Union Health Ministry, coronavirus cases in India rose to 13,835.At least 452 people have succumbed to the disease, while 1,766 have been treated and discharged.

Meanwhile, the Centre also announced that after lockdown, the doubling rate has gone from 3 to 6.2 days.

The number of cases in Dharavi, Asia's biggest slum, also spiked to 101 with ten deaths being reported.

As India entered the 24th day of nationwide lockdown, the RBI on Friday announced another set of measures to cut the Gordian knot tied up by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The central bank's Friday whopper evenly covered four aspects including liquidity, credit flow, and easing of stress among financial institutions and markets. Meanwhile, the deadly virus has affected more than 2.07 million people globally while 1,38,482 have died.

WATCH | Vitamin M needed to fight destruction unleashed by COVID-19

12 Indians among 14 new coronavirus cases in Nepal 

According to Chief District Officer of Udaypur Deepak Pahadi, all 12 COVID-19 infected patients from Udaypur district are Indian nationals under quarantine in Triyuga Multiple Campus in Triyuga Municipality-3 for some time.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

State-wise break down of COVID-19 cases

  • Total cases: 849
  • Death toll: 14
  • Recovered: 82
  • Total cases: 162
  • Death toll: 10
  • Recovered: 55
  • Total cases: 328
  • Death toll: 5
  • Recovered: 42
  • WATCH | Locals shower flower petals on cops

    Gujarat reports 170 fresh cases, count reaches 1,099

    With three more deaths due to COVID-19, death toll also rose to 41, the official added.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    State-wise break down of COVID-19 cases

  • Total cases: 1310
  • Death toll: 69
  • Recovered: 68
  • Total cases: 3220
  • Death toll: 201
  • Recovered: 331
  • Jammu and Kashmir gets first coronavirus call centre

    It also launched web and mobile applications which will help in real time integrated management of the coronavirus disease.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Will Asia see an economic growth famine in 2020 ?

    Punjab man dies, 14 fresh cases take tally to 211

    A 58-year-old man who tested positive for coronavirus and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ludhiana died while 14 more persons tested positive for the infection in Punjab on Friday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 211 in the state, as per medical bulletin.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    India to test Rohingyan refugees

    The Home Ministry has asked all states and UTs to screen Rohingya Muslims living in their jurisdiction for COVID-19 as many of them had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin, officials said on Friday.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Grant of consular services to foreign nationals: MHA

    MHA suspends visas

    WATCH | Bengaluru's cyclists 'relay' medicine to 72-year-old cancer patient

    Punjab government gives nod to plasma therapy

    Doctors at a private hospital in Ludhiana will conduct plasma therapy on a police officer who recently tested positive for COVID-19, in what is set to be the first such treatment for the disease in the state.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Mizoram to resume class XII exams from April 22

    The Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE) will resume class XII board examination from April 22 despite oppositon from a section of students and the Centre's guidelines which said that all educational insitutions would remain suspended till May 3 for enforcing the lockdown.

    People feed birds in Bengaluru

    UP's three districts now coronavirus free

    In another significant decision, state Chief Secretary RK Tiwari issued order on Friday directing all the government office to open from April 20.

    66 containment zones in Delhi

    Madurai's 'Chithirai Festival' cancelled

    In a statement issued by the Joint Commissioner of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple N Natarajan, he stated that the Chithirai Festival which was scheduled to commence on April 25 has been cancelled due to the present pandemic situation. Consequently, the flag hoisting ceremony, coronation ceremony, Dig Vigayam and the temple car festival would not be held, he added. 
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Five more test positive in Uttarakhand

    The total tally of COVID-19 patients in Uttarakhand has now reached 40 after 5 new cases were reported on Friday. Today's cases include a doctor and a one-year-old toddler.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    5 cops injured after clash with locals in Rajasthan

    Police personnel patrolling Tonk district of Rajasthan were attacked by a mob, leaving five officers injured. 25 people have been detained on the charge of assault.

    HRD Minister urges private schools to reconsider annual fee hike

    Yogi Adityanath sends buses to evacuate 6,000 UP students from Kota, others remain stranded

    About 200 buses sent by the Yogi Adityanath government reached Kota on Friday evening to evacuate the stranded students. Medical checkup of all the students was done as a precaution, as one of the students was reported to be a coronavirus suspect.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | Marriage in time of coronavirus

    Odisha govt to conduct 5000 tests in COVID-19 hotspot Bhubaneswar over next one week

    As 46 positive cases, including the one from West Bengal, have been reported in Bhubaneswar alone, Khurda has figured among the 123 hotspot districts in the country. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Only one new positive case reported in Kerala for the second consecutive day

    As COVID-19 spreads, states rush to hire epidemiologists at ridiculously low salaries

    This advertisement caught the attention of many public health specialists for two reasons -- the hiring of such crucial health workers at this point of time when the country is the middle of a health crisis seen after nearly a century and the ridiculously low salary of Rs 25,000 per month. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    India witnesses steep rise in crime against women amid lockdown, 587 complaints received: NCW

    According to data shared by the NCW, 123 cases of domestic violence were received between February 27 and March 22. In the last 25 days, the commission received 239 more such complaints.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Did someone ask for a mobile phone/ currency sanitiser?

    About 63,000 Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits which arrived from China recently did not fulfill the criteria: Health Ministry Sources

    (Photo | EPS)

    Kerala cops collect IP addresses of 150 people who downloaded child porn amid lockdown

    The CCSE team said that by following digital trends, they have concluded that there has been an increased online activity of pedophiles in cyberspace as indicated by their search for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in encrypted sites and chat rooms.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    State-wise break down of COVID-19 cases

  • Total cases: 211
  • Death toll: 14
  • Recovered: 30
  • Total cases: 209
  • Death toll: 2
  • Recovered: 86
  • Tamil Nadu reports 56 new cases today, total coronavirus tally at 1,323

    Karnataka cop makes 960-km bike trip to deliver drug in Dharwad amid COVID-19 lockdown

    On Friday (April 10), when Kumaraswamy was watching a regional news channel, Umesh, the cancer patient from Dharwad, called the anchor and said the drug was available only in Bengaluru and that he needed it by Sunday (April 12).
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Tamil Nadu reports 56 new cases today, total coronavirus tally at 1,323

    CHILDLINE 1098 responded to 4.6 lakh calls in 21 days of coronavirus lockdown

    The CHILDLINE 1098 in a statement said that 30 per cent of the calls were from the northern region, followed by 29 per cent from the western region, and 21 per cent and 20 per cent from southern and eastern regions respectively.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    District wise distribution of coronavirus cases in Karnataka

    Aviation sector to take 6-24 months to recover from COVID-19 blow: Survey

    The survey, conducted among senior and mid-level executives from across the world between late March and early April, also revealed that there may be increased scrutiny placed on the health and sanitary conditions of individual countries that could impact air service and passenger demand. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    JUST IN | Dharavi reports 101 patients and 10 deaths

    (File Photo | PTI)

    From delivering mails to COVID-19 kits, India Post turns lifesaver in testing times

    The red mail vans, which are used for delivering parcels within the city limits, have now become the mode of transport to faraway locations during the nationwide lockdown, with no trains and flights in operation.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Death toll due to coronavirus in India touches 452: Union Health Ministry

    Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra stands at 3,236

    Assam DM, SP quarantined after man they came in contact with tests positive

    Official sources said samples of the duo, posted in Morigaon district, were sent for tests and the reports are awaited. Some journalists in the district are also quarantined. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | US has achieved a lower mortality rate than most countries: Donald Trump

    Family in Maharashtra donates wedding money to COVID-19 fight

    Udgir resident Vilas Boke donated Rs 51,000 he had saved for his daughter Geetanajli's wedding, along with 125 kits containing essentials, to the local administration. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Containment ops to be scaled down if no secondary COVID-19 case for four weeks: Govt

    The closing of the surveillance for the clusters could be independent of one another provided there is no geographic continuity between clusters. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Doubling rate in following states, UTs is lower than the national level

    After lockdown, doubling rate has gone from 3 to 6.2 days, says government

    (Photo | EPS)

    Pointers from government briefing on coronavirus

  • 1,749 people have recovered so far
  • 13,387 total cases in India
  • 23 deaths reported in last 24 hours
  • 1007 cases reported in last 24 hours
  • 1 in 24 samples test positive in India
  • 1919 hospitals setup across India for coronavirus
  • Target to develop 10 lakh rapid testing
  • 1.73 lakh isolation beds availabe in India
  • India performing better than other countires, says Centre
  • ICMR approves 16 laboratories in Karnataka for COVID-19 testing

    50 coronavirus positive cases reported in Northeast

  • Assam- 34
  • Meghalaya- 9
  • Manipur- 2
  • Tripura- 2
  • Mizoram- 1
  • Nagaland- 1
  • Arunachal Pradesh- 1
  • Circular issued by RBI for targeted long-term repo operation

    Two COVID-19 patients break open bathroom lock to escape from quarantine centre in UP

    Two among them tried to escape by breaking open the lock of the bathroom on Thursday, Chief Medical Superintendent Dr DK Singh said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    26 Delhi Police personnel in quarantine after two constables test COVID-19 positive

    As many as 26 personnel of the Delhi Police have been placed under quarantine ater two constables tested positive for the novel coronavirus. A Delhi Police SHO has also been quarantined.(Inputs from ANI)

    26 Delhi Police personnel in quarantine after two constables test COVID-19 positive

    Maharashtra cases tally at 3,236 after 34 more test COVID-19 positive

    The number of COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra reached 3,236 on Friday with 34 more persons testing positive for the infection, an official said. Of the new cases, the highest, 23, were recorded in Pune since Thursday evening, while six more persons were diagnosed with the infection in Mumbai, said the state health department official. Four cases were detected in Malegaon town of Nashik district and one in Thane, he added.
    (Inputs from PTI)

    IN PIC | 30 people were discharged in Chennai after successfully being treated for COVID-19

    30 people who were tested positive earlier for COVID-19 disease, being discharged after getting cured from the pandemic at Government Medical College Omandurar in Chennai. (Photo | Debadatta Mallick, EPS)

    India lifts curbs on exports of medicines made from Paracetamol

    The government on Friday removed restrictions on exports of medicines made from Paracetamol amid the outbreak of COVID-19. However, restrictions on exports of Paracetamol active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs or raw materials) will continue, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.
    (Inputs from PTI)

    A look at RBI's measures to offset COVID-19's adverse impact on economy

    Governor Shaktikanta Das also announced another targeted long term repo operation of Rs 50,000 crore in tranches to ensure that even NBFCS and MFIs have access to liquidity.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Union Health Minister shares COVID-19 fact vs myth

    COVID-19 toll in J&K rises to five after 70-year-old man's death in Srinagar

    The Medical Superintendent of SKIMS Bemina Hospital Dr Shafia Deva confirmed to The New Indian Express that the man, who was from Arampora, Sopore, in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, had died of COVID-19.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | Union Ministers spotted wearing masks after a GOM meeting

    Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri and others coming out after a GOM meeting at Health Ministry in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, EPS)

    COVID-19 pandemic could cost millions of jobs in global tourism industry: UN body

    Over recent years, as the United Nations specialised agency for tourism, UNWTO has been regularly monitoring travel facilitation and observing a continuous trend towards more openness.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    RBI's steps will improve credit supply, says PM Modi

    Sri Lanka offers to host IPL 2020 amid COVID-19 crisis

    The 2020 IPL edition was slated to start from March 29 but with the coronavirus outbreak it was first deferred till April 15 and now with the extension of nation-wide lockdown in India till May 3, it has been indefinitely suspended.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan Singh

    Spitting in public now an offence in Odisha

    Have enough stock of APIs: Government

    There is no problem as far as hydroxychloroquine or paracetamol are concerned. We assess every day the requirement for domestic consumption and the excess that can be exported. We keep 10 days stock with us, at present we've sufficient APIs: Sadananda Gowda, Union Chemicals Minister

    More from Delhi government's Friday morning presser

  • No private school will be allowed to increase fees during the coronavirus lockdown and only the tuition fee can be charged till the time schools reopen, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Friday.
  • "We have got several complaints about schools hiking fees and also levying charges like transport fee, which is not even being utilised during the lockdown. No private school will be allowed to hike fees without seeking permission from the government. Schools also cannot charge beyond the tuition fee," Sisodia said at a press conference.
  • Sisodia, who is also the education minister of Delhi, clarified that charges such as transport fee, annual fee or any other miscellaneous head cannot be levied during the lockdown, which will continue till May 3.
  • "No school can charge three months' tuition fee (at a time), the fee has to be collected monthly. Schools are mandated to pay salaries to their staff including the contractual ones. If they are short of funds, they can reach out to their parent organisation for funds.
  • "No student's access to online classes should be restricted, irrespective of fee payment," Sisodia said.
  • Two more discharged in Andhra Pradesh

    Latest Karnataka coronavirus numbers

    Till Friday, 353 positive cases have been identified in the Southern state. While 13 have succumbed so far, 82 got discharged.

    Schools should not hike fees: Kejriwal government

    It has come to my notice that many schools are taking fees arbitrarily and charging transportation fees even when schools are closed. Private schools should not stoop to this level. Be it private or government schools, they cannot hike fees: Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia

    Important announcement from Yogi Adityanath

    Government lifts curbs on exports of formulations made from Paracetamol amid COVID-19

    However, restrictions on exports of Paracetamol active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) will continue on, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    38 more cases in Andhra in last 24 hours

    Good news from Chennai

    News from Gujarat

  • 92 more COVID-19 cases reported in Gujarat. Total coronavirus cases in the state now at 1021, including 74 discharged and 38 deaths: State Health Department.
  • These deaths, reported in the last 12 hours, were recorded in Vadodara and Ahmedabad districts, said Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi.
  • While a 31-year-old man died in Vadodara, the other, aged 55, succumbed in Ahmedabad during his treatment, she said.
  • During the 12-hour period, one more COVID-19 patient recovered,taking the number of those discharged to 74 so far, she said.
  • High-level Cabinet meet underway in Delhi

    14 persons in government quarantine in Thanjavur tested positive for COVID-19

  • As many as 14 persons who were under Government quarantine in the district were tested positive on Thursday night. With this the number of persons tested positive in the district rose to 33.
  • According to sources, the close contacts of the persons, who got already tested positive, were under quarantine at the make shift hospital set up in the hostels of the Government Engineering college in Sengippatti in the district.
  • Of the total of 48 persons under the Government quarantine facility, 14 were tested positive on Thursday night.
  • The remaining 34 were tested negative.
  • Following the results those tested positive in the quarantine were shifted to Thanjavur Medical college hospital in earmarked ambulances.
  • The treatment for the patients have already commenced, sources added.
  • The timely quarantine of these persons have prevented transmission to more persons, the medical college sources said.
  • Delhi Health Minister on 'Operation Shield'

    No case has been reported in last 15 days from three locations in the national capital, including Dilshad Garden. 60 containment zones identified till now: Satyendar Jain on 'Operation Shield' that is being conducted in areas from where COVID-19 cases are reported.

    Visuals from Dharavi

    Delhi Health Minister on coronavirus situation in the national capital

    Total 1640 COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi till today, of which 62 positive cases were reported yesterday. 38 persons have expired till date, 34 are in ICU and 6 are on ventilator: Satyendar Jain.

    Madhya Pradesh coronavirus update

  • Positive total: 1299 (Indore accounts for 842 cases alone in 24 hours and eight deaths in last two days).
  • Active: 1171.
  • Deaths: 63.
  • Negative: 65.
  • News from Punjab

    A few more points emerging from from the RBI presser

  • It has been decided to provide special refinance facilities for an amount of Rs 50,000 crores to National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development, Small Industries Development Bank of India, and National Housing Bank to enable them to meet sectoral credit needs.
  • LCR requirement of banks brought down to 80% from 100%; to be restored in phases by April next year.
  • Loans given by NBFCs to real estate companies to get similar benefit as given by scheduled commercial banks.
  • CPI inflation declined in March; inflation is on a declining trajectory. RBI will monitor evolving situation continuously, use all its tool to deal with pandemic fallout.
  • Banks not to make any further dividend payout in view of financial difficulties arising from Covid-19.
  • 90-day NPA norm not to apply on moratorium granted on existing loans by banks.
  • Ways and means limit of states raised to help them, not bunch up their borrowing plans.
  • More important announcements from RBI

  • It has been decided to reduce the fixed reverse repo rate under liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 4% to 3.75%, with immediate effect.
  • Contraction in exports in March 2020 at 34.6%, turned out to be much more severe than during the Global Financial Crisis. However, amidst all this, the level of Forex Exchange Reserves which we have continue to be robust.
  • Marriage in Kumaraswamy family amid lockdown in Karnataka

    RBI Governor on the global lockdown

    IMF Economic Counsellor has named it 'The Great lockdown' estimating cumulative loss to global GDP over 2020-21 at around 9 trillion US dollars, which is greater than the economies of Japan and Germany combined.

    More from the RBI presser

  • Global downturn in growth severe. India's growth rate best among G-20 nations. Growth to be 1.9%.
  • Expect growth to be 7.4% in 2021-22.
  • Banks have surplus liquidity. 150 RBI officers working in quarantine to keep financial system ticking 24x7.
  • For 2020-21, International Monetary Fund projects sizable reshaped recoveries, close to 9 percentage points for the global GDP.
  • India is expected to post a sharp turnaround and resume its pre-COVID, pre-slowdown trajectory by growing at 7.4% in 2020-21.
  • Rs 50000 crore for micro-finance institutions to help small and medium enterprises.
  • RBI Governor on economic situation in India amid coronavirus

  • Since March 27, the macroeconomic and financial landscape has deteriorated precipitously in some areas, but light still shines through bravely in some others.
  • On April 14, International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its global growth projections revealing that in 2020, the global economy is expected to plunge into the worst recession since 'The Great Depression'.
  • Today humanity is facing the trial of its time, as #COVID19 grips the world with its deadly embrace. In this kind of environment Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been very proactive & monitoring the situation closely.
  • Uttar Pradesh coronavirus figures

    Till Friday, 809 people have been identified as COVID-19 positive. Out of these, 475 are from the Tablighi Jamat event. 75 have recovered so far, while 14 deaths were reported.

    Latest figures from Rajasthan

  • Total cumulative cases till Friday: 1169
  • Today's positive 38
  • Recovered: 164
  • Deaths: 16
  • Today 38 new cases reported till 9 am Jaipur-5 Jodhpur-18( one evacuee) Jhunjhunu-1 Nagaur-2 Ajmer-1 Tonk-6 Jhalawar-1 Kota-4
  • Cumulative-1169
  • On 16/04/2020, 56 years male r/o Mandore road,Khetanadi Jodhpur was found corona positive on 15/04/2020 and was admitted to MDM Jodhpur. Yesterday 16/04/2020 at 11.50 pm, he died. He was also suffering from acute cardiac disease.
  • WATCH | RBI Governor's presser on COVID-19 Situation in India

    Sensex rallies over 1,100 points; TCS soars 7 per cent

    Investor sentiment is also buoyed in anticipation of more measures from the Reserve Bank of India to revive the economy. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    AIIMS Resident Doctors write to Amit Shah again

    COVID-19: Modi government may come up with another economic stimulus amid recession fears

    According to sources, a stimulus package for the worst-hit sectors was discussed at the high-level meeting, amidst fears of massive job losses in sectors such as aviation, hospitality, MSMEs and exports. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Another MHA guideline on lockdown

    Statement from Gujarat CMO

    Gujarat is proud of scientists at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, the only state government lab in India that has reported COVID-19 whole genome sequence which will be helpful in tracking origin, drug targets,vaccine and association with virulence: Chief Minister's Office, Gujarat.

    Now, Kerala makes masks mandatory for all

    More on coronavirus stats in India

    1007 positive cases and 23 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

    Latest Health Ministry data

    View of Chennai's Marina Beach amid lockdown

    Views from one of containment zones in national capital

    Lockdown violators face Maharashtra Police's heat

    Important update

    About 67 Indian firms have got approval from Central Drug Standard Controller Organisation (CDSCO) for antibody rapid testing kits for testing COVID-19. Out of 67 companies, five are indigenous and other 62 are importing antibody rapid testing kits from China, South Korea, UK, France and Israel.

    Delhi's Max Hospital on Plasma Treatment for COVID-19 patients

    Plasma therapy is not a new treatment. It has been used earlier during various viral epidemics. It was used during SARS in 2003 and in 1980 during Spanish Flu. Plasma therapy plays a role when there is no specific treatment for a disease. If we take plasma from a healthy recovered COVID-19 patient (donor)and inject it into a patient who is seriously ill(recipient). The anti-bodies transferred in recipient's body can reduce load of the virus and severity of the disease:Dr. S Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare.

    Cancer patient, family face harassment in Odisha amid lockdown

    Italy COVID-19 deaths climb above 22,000

    The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 22,170 lives in locked-down Italy, bringing the total number of cases, including fatalities and recoveries, so far to 168,941, according to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department.

    Hyderabad police intercepts lorry carrying 80 migrant labourers to MP

    Police here stopped a lorry carrying 80 migrant workers back to their native place in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Chandra Shekar Reddy, Inspector, Golkonda police station said, "At 9 pm, a goods lorry with Madhya Pradesh license plate, carrying 40 labourers from Tolichowki area and rest from Afzal Gunj was stopped at the check post here."

    Will Asia see an economic growth famine in 2020 for the first time in 60 years?

    Asia is likely to see an economic growth famine in 2020 for the first time in 60 years, warned the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its regional report on the Asia-Pacific released on Thursday, the multi-lateral agency pegged zero growth this year.

    CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

    COVID-19: Sree Chitra’s new test kit set to bring sample-to-result time below two hours

    Revolutionising the Covid-19 screening in the country, the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has developed a test kit that will diagnose the disease in a single test at a much lower cost.

    CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED REPORT

    Coronavirus outbreak: Types of COVID-19 tests dejargonised

    What is the most common test for Covid-19?

    The most popular and common test for Covid-19 is the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction tests — a very sensitive test that looks for the RNA of the virus in a sample.

    CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF JARGONS RELATED TO COVID-19

    Bengaluru cyclists organise ‘relay’ to help deliver cancer medicine to senior citizen amid lockdown

    Where there is a ‘wheel’, there is a way. This has been proved by cyclists who came to the aid of a senior citizen. It is now an easy ride on the roads for cyclists and taking advantage of the lockdown situation, a relay was organised, and for a good cause.

    CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

    Nine lessons the world can learn from Silicon Valley’s response to Covid-19

    Home to the largest tech companies in the world, Silicon Valley has long been called the cradle of innovation, a place where Steve Jobs observed the beehive effect—the exchange of talent between clustered industries making them all innovate better.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Rajasthan to bring into effect 'modified lockdown' from April 21

    To revive economic activitiy in Rajasthan, the Gehlot Government has decided to impliment a 'Modified Lockdown' from April 21. The government is keen to restart agriculture and industrial activities in rural areas and even some industries in urban areas with conditions. (CLICK HERE TO READ MORE)

    Over 900 people arrested for violating COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Kolkata

    Several incidents of lockdown violation was reported from various parts of the city on Thursday and more than 900 people were arrested in the state capital alone for not obeying the shutdown restrictions.

    Over 3,336 Indians infected by coronavirus in 53 countries

    A total of 3,336 Indians tested positive for coronavirus in 53 countries while 25 others died of the infection, government sources said on Thursday.They said the Indians stranded abroad will have to be patient as the government is not evacuating them as part of a larger policy decision to check the spread of the coronavirus in the country.For representational purpose. (Photo | EPS)

    Odisha releases funds to feed stray animals amid lockdown

    UK extends COVID-19 lockdown till May 7 as death toll climb to 13,755

    "Any change to our social distancing measures now would risk a significant increase in the spread of the virus," said UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Trump admin urges probe to test if coronavirus came from Chinese labs researching bats

    President Donald Trump's administration is urging an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, saying it doesn't rule out that it came from a laboratory researching bats in Wuhan, China. 

    Delhi Police ASI tests COVID-19 positive

    One Delhi Police ASI posted with the security unit has been tested positive for COVID19. He had a history of exposure while on duty on April 5. Currently, he is asymptomatic and is in home isolation. His wife is also asymptomatic: Delhi Police

    Lockdown derails 167th anniversary celebration of Indian railways

    The Indian Railways turned 167 years old on Thursday and for the first time ever, its trains did not carry any passengers on its birthday and instead stood idle in the yards waiting for the nationwide lockdown to end. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)For representational purpose. (Photo | PTI)

    Arunachal Pradesh becomes coronavirus-free

    The lone COVID-19 patient in Arunachal Pradesh has tested negative for the second time after his swab sample was sent to Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) at Dibrugarh in Assam within 24 hours on Wednesday, making the state free from any coronavirus case. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Latest update from Delhi

    A friend in need is a friend indeed: India supplies hydroxychloroquine to 55 affected countries

    In the neighbourhood, India is sending the drug to Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, sources said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)A chemist displays hydroxychloroquine tablets in New Delhi, India, Thursday, April 9, 2020. Amidst concerns over domestic shortage, India has lifted the ban on some drug exports including hydroxychloroquine. (Photo | AP)

    At least 3,02,956 samples tested for coronavirus as on April 16: ICMR

    A friend in need is a friend indeed: India supplies hydroxychloroquine to 55 coronavirus-hit countries

    India is in the process of supplying anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to 55 coronavirus-hit countries as grants as well as on commercial basis, official sources said on Thursday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Tamil Nadu bans gruel preparation in mosques ahead of Ramzan to curb spread of coronavirus

    Unlike the previous years, the gruel cannot be prepared in mosques owing to the lockdown rules imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus, even as places of religious worship have been shut as part of the country's fight against COVID- 19. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    286 new coronavirus cases reported in Maharashtra; tally now at 3,202

    As many as 286 new cases of COVID-19 were found in Maharashtra on Thursday, taking the tally beyond the 3,200-mark, while seven more people succumbed to the disease, said a state health official. With this, the state has so far reported 3,202 cases, while the death toll is now 194, he added.(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Coronavirus cases in Pakistan near 7,000-mark

    Pakistan's coronavirus cases rose to 6,919 on Thursday as the health department said that about 58 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases in the country are now locally transmitted.

    Puppet show creates COVID-19 awareness in Chennai

    WATCH | Devotees throng chariot pulling festival in Karnataka's Chittapur taluk

    This Erode farmer distributes 8 tonnes of vegetables for free to the poor

    'In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown, I had two options: one to make most of the profits out of my business or to be generous and support the poor who are struggling for one square meal. And I chose the latter,' said GM Mathesh, a 38-year-old farmer from Erode. (CLICK HERE TO READ MORE)Mathesh has also distributed over 100 bags of vegetables to the tribals settled near the farmland. (Photo | EPS)

    Currency notes worth Rs 6500 on road spark COVID-19 fears in Indore

    After New Delhi and Lucknow, currency notes lying unclaimed on the road triggered panic in the Hira Nagar area of Indore – a city which has emerged as one of the prime COVID-19 hotspots in the country. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Mumbai crosses 2,000-mark

    The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai crossed the 2,000-mark on Thursday, reaching 2,043 with 107 new patients being detected, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The city reported 1,000 new cases in just six days.

    Madhya Pradesh updates

  • Total Positive cases: 1120

  • Active cases: 997

  • Number of deaths: 53

  • Those tested negative: 70

  • Indore - 110

  • Khandwa - 17

  • Bhopal - 12

  • Government readying incentive packages to attract foreign companies exiting China

    The Government is putting together a package of incentives to attract factories which are making their way out of China in the post-Coronavirus world. The suggestions for the package include tax and duty incentives, fast track clearances both at central and state levels with single window clearances where possible, easier availability of land.For representational purpose. (Photo | AP)

    Health Ministry refutes allegations of poor COVID-19 testing

    Refuting allegations that India is not conducting enough COVID-19 tests, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday the testing ratio is not low and in a country with such a huge population "not all people belong to vulnerable groups." (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    UP begins pool testing for COVID19

    Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to begin pool testing for COVID19. Under this, 30 pools of 5 samples each were tested in Agra, all came negative: Amit Mohan Prasad, State Principal Secretary (Health)

    WATCH | British resident Clive Culley discharged from quarantine center in Tirupati

    Tamil Nadu reports one more COVID-19 death, CM describes virus as 'disease of the rich'

    On Thursday, the state reported a fresh COVID-19 death while 25 more people tested positive for the disease, taking the toll due to it to 15 and total cases to 1,267, Palaniswami said.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Hand chopping case: Patiala cop promoted as Sub-Inspector for showing devotion during COVID-19 duty

    WATCH | Indian in New York: 'What is happening here is beyond any Hollywood script'

    Maharashtra crosses 3,000 positive COVID-19 cases mark

    Puducherry welfare minister holds dharna in front of Raj Nivas demanding COVID-19 relief

    Along with government whip R K R Anantharaman and Congress MLAs T Jayamurthy and V Vizeaveny, Kandasamy who is also holding the civil supplies and consumer affairs portfolio urged the Union government to release COVID-19 assistance to Puducherry considering its dire financial situation. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    JUST IN | Total COVID-19 cases now 12,759, deaths rise to 420

    Once a hotspot, now not a single case of COVID-19 in Bhilwara in one week

    With 28 people testing positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan till 2 pm on Thursday, the state's tally of coronavirus cases climbed to 1104, as per the State Health Department.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | 'Itni shakti hume dena data': Sanjay Singh from AAP sings to fight Coronavirus 15 views

    China refutes allegations on coronavirus 'originating from Wuhan lab'

    The virus is widely believed to have originated with bats and have passed via another animal species to humans at a wildlife and seafood market in Wuhan, although a firm determination has yet to be made.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Delhi starts plasma transfusion trials to treat COVID-19 patients

    Dharavi reports 9 deaths while total cases reach 86

    A day after locals' resistance, Shillong doctor finally laid to rest

    Official sources said the body of the 69-year-old was buried at the Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church cemetery in Lawmali area of Shillong.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    3,336 Indians infected of COVID-19 overseas, 25 dead

    (Photo | ANI)

    Aviation Ministry likely to come up with guidelines on cancelled flight tickets' refunds

    Several people have been complaining on social media as domestic airlines have decided not to give refunds in cash for cancelled flights due to the lockdown and instead issue credit for future travel.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Hundreds gather for religious procession in Karnataka's Kalburgi, flout lockdown norms

    Army allows partial opening of offices from April 19 with 50 per cent strength

    “The Army is allowing a partial opening of its offices. As per the orders from 19 April to 03 May 2020, offices in Army HQ, Command HQ and formation HQ may start functioning at 50 percent strength,” read the fresh instructions.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    JUST IN | BCCI officially suspends IPL 2020 until further notice due to COVID-19

    Bandra migrants' unrest: TV journalist for 'misleading report' granted bail

    Rahul Kulkarni, journalist with a Marathi news channel, was arrested by Mumbai Police on Wednesday, a day after several migrant workers gathered near Bandra station here demanding that they be sent back to their home towns.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Mask-wearing, social distancing should be enforced strictly: MHA on lockdown

    Kerala firm exports 33.5 lakh more surgical gloves to Serbia amid COVID-19 outbreak

    For the Kerala government’s Karunya project, the company has received an order for 10.25 lakh pairs of gloves and it has also delivered 14.2 lakh pairs of gloves to the Odisha government.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    UP to hold corona death audit to chart out course for treatment

    According to principal secretary, health and family welfare, Amit Mohan Prasad, the decision to conduct the patients' death audit was taken so that the medical experts could prepare their case files and chart out a course for the treatment.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | People waiting in a queue for food in Tirupati while mainting social distancing

    (Photo | Madhav K, EPS)

    Pointers from government briefing on coronavirus

  • 414 COVID-19 deaths reported in India
  • 941 cases in last 24 hours reported
  • 12,380 total positive cases recorded
  • 37 deaths were reported in last 24 hours
  • 325 districts have no COVID-19 cases in India
  • 12.02 per cent is the recovery rate so far
  • 183 patients recovered in last 24 hours
  • 2,90,401 tests conducted in total across India
  • ICMR says rapid testing kits now available
  • Pointers from government briefing on coronavirus

  • Supply change under control in lockdown
  • Supply of essential satisfactory in the country
  • Home Minsitry asks states to enforce strict lockdown
  • Social distancing, face masks, sanitizers should be a must
  • Curfew in parts of Surat from Thursday midnight

    The Gujarat government has decided to impose curfew in five densely populated areas of Surat from Thursday midnight to contain the spread of coronavirus, an official in the Chief Minister's Office said. These areas fall under the jurisdiction of Salabatpura, Mahidharpura, Lalgate, Athwalines and Limbayat police stations, CMO secretary Ashwani Kumar said. The curfew will remain in force till April 22, and a three-hour relaxation will be given from 1 pm to 4 pm on these days, Kumar said. (Inputs from PTI)(Photo | GSN Venu, EPS)

    JUST IN | Zoom is not a safe platform, says MHA in an advisory to users

    Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) says, 'Zoom is not a safe platform', issues advisory for those who want to use it. Zoom is an online video-conferencing application/software. Video meet app Zoom that has gained immense popularity among the enterprises, SMBs and schools in India and elsewhere to connect remotely, has also become a treasure trove for hackers.
    (Inputs from ANI)

    Villupuram patient missing for a week went on a road trip; five in isolation

    Deva (name changed), a 32-year-old hotel management graduate, came to Puducherry from Delhi in December last year looking for a job. A few days later, he was arrested for stealing a car and causing an accident.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | Sanitisation takes place in Hyderabad

    GHMC staff spraying Hydroxychloroquine for sanitising the quaritine zone in Hyderabad. (Photo | RVK Rao, EPS)
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    If lockdown not solution, then why states with Congress in power extended it first: BJP asks Rahul Gandhi

    Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his statement that lockdown is not a solution to containing coronavirus, the BJP on Thursday asked the Congress as to why states, where his party is in power, extended it before the central government did so.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Karnataka registers highest daily spike with 34 cases in 24 hours

    The 13th death registered on Thursday was of a 66-year-old man who was referred from a private hospital to Victoria Hospital and was on ventilator support since April 10. 
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Keep a check on your mental health during quarantine, says WHO

    Karnataka's Vijayapura district records 7 more COVID-19 cases, 'hotspot' tag likely

    With this, the current tally of the infected stands at 17 of which 16 are active cases and one dead. According to sources, “P305, P306, P307, P308, P309, and P313 got infected after coming in contact with P221, a 60-year-old coronavirus positive woman. All of them belong to one family.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Tami Nadu government to bear tratment cost of journalists testing positive for COVID-19

    People who wish to leave Mumbai during extended lockdown, can apply for a pass

    11 more COVID-19 cases reported from Mumbai's Dharavi, tally at 71

    According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2916 positive coronavirus cases have been reported from Maharashtra as of Thursday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Coronavirus death in US tops 27,000

    A total of 614,482 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US, which is more than three times the number of infections in any other country.  (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Mobiles, TVs, refrigerators to be available on e-retail platforms from April 20

    The clarification from a senior home ministry official came a day after Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued revised guidelines for the extended lockdown period till May 3.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Madhya Pradesh: Coronavirus positive cases cross 1,000 mark

  • Total cases: 1101
  • Active cases: 984
  • Total deaths: 53
  • People recovered: 64
  • Indore accounts for 707 cases and 39 deaths, while Bhopal accounts for 168 cases and five deaths
  • Nine Tablighi Jamaat members test COVID-19 positive in Pakistan's Punjab

    Pakistan till now has reported a total of 6,506 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 123 deaths, the paper reported.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Meet COVID-19 superheroes- Soap, Mask, Sanitiser

    Strongly support India's policy response to coronavirus pandemic: IMF

    The Finance Ministry unveiled a Rs 1.70 lakh crore economic package on March 26 involving free foodgrain and cooking gas for the poor for the next three months.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | Stay home, stay safe, fight COVID-19

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    Five COVID-19 patients flee quarantine centre in Indore, 3 held but 2 still on the run

    Eight men, five of who tested positive for the deadly virus on Tuesday, escaped on Wednesday from a marriage garden where they were quarantined for the last two weeks.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    What did Rahul Gandhi say in his video press briefing

  • 'Lockdown is only a pause button, not the final solution. Rapid testing should be done.'
  • 'In no way does a lockdown defeat the virus. It helps only to stop the virus for a short while'
  • 'The fight against COVID-19 has only started, declaring victory now will be wrong'
  • 'The coronavirus is going to start its work again once the lockdown is lifted'
  • Need a 'strategic opening of lockdown in India'
  • 'COVID-19 cannot be controlled, it has to be dynamically managed'
  • 'Better safety net for critical areas of economy' has to be ensured
  • 'Centre needs to work on a strategy on the issue of migrant labourers'
  • 'Would have liked more decentralisation of power to states and a more detailed conversation between the PM and the CMs'
  • 'Might disagree with PM Modi, but he has my full support in the COVID-19 fight'
  • Dharavi reports more coornavirus cases, total tally at 71

    Lockdown not solution, only a pause button; Rahul Gandhi

    34 new cases in Karnataka

    Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses press briefing via video conferencing

    Govt to issue guidelines for dealing with air travel booking issues soon

    Tamil Nadu government formally extends lockdown till May 3

    The State government has formally extended the lockdown period from April 30 to May 3 following the Central government's countrywide order to extend the lockdown. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    More than Rs 5 crore collected in penalty from lockdown violators in Bihar

    More than eight hundred people violating the lockdown have been arrested and jailed in action taken by Bihar police in the last 22 days. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Six Indian companies working on vaccine for COVID-19

    Nearly 70 vaccine candidates' are being tested and at least three have moved to the human clinical trial stage, but a vaccine for the novel coronavirus is unlikely to be ready for mass use before 2021. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Yoga punishment for lockdown violators in Pune

    Pizza delivery boy tests positive in Delhi

    A pizza delivery boy has tested positive for Coronavirus. The administration has asked people living in around 72 houses to stay in quarantine: District Magistrate South, Delhi

     (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Motor vehicles due for insurance renewal during lockdown period allowed to make payment on or before May 15

    Karnataka reports 13th coronavirus death

    Only a COVID-19 vaccine will allow return to 'normalcy': UN chief

    A safe and effective vaccine may be the only tool that can return the world to a sense of 'normalcy,' saving millions of lives and countless trillions of dollars," Guterres said during a video conference. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    6.5 lakh kits dispatched from China to India

    A total of 650,000 kits, including Rapid Antibody Tests and RNA Extraction Kits have been despatched early today from Guangzhou Airport to India: Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to China 

    INTERVIEW | Herd immunity has to be acquired over time: Dr K Srinath Reddy

    To avoid high death toll, India needs to contain the spread from high case density zones to low case density zones, Dr K Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India and member of the National Task Force on Covid-19 management, tells TNIE's Sumi Sukanya Dutta. (READ THE INTERVIEW HERE)

    Hotspots across India

    India's confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 12,380; death toll 414

    Google launches 'journalism relief fund,' following Facebook

    Google said Wednesday it will launch an emergency fund to help local news outlets struggling to maintain operations in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

    CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

    US coronavirus death toll tops 27,000

    The coronavirus outbreak has killed more than 27,000 people in the United States, the highest number of fatalities in any country, data from the Johns Hopkins University showed on Wednesday.

    159 more test positive for COVID-19 in Indore, count reaches 597 in district

    A total of 159 persons tested positive for coronavirus in Indore on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 597 in the district, according to Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Praveen Jadia.

    Containing the virus: Check out India's COVID-19 hotspots here

    Amongst the advisories following the lockdown extension till May 3, the Health Ministry on Tuesday announced that 170 COVID-19 hotspots have been identified in the country on the basis of number of cases and the rate at which they double in that area.

    FOR DETAILED REPORT, CLICK HERE

    Coronavirus not the great leveller it is touted to be

    Inequality in India is palpable. You don’t need to know that our Gini coefficient (which measures wealth inequality in countries) is a high 83, or that India was ranked 147th out of the 157 countries by Oxfam’s “Commitment to Reduce Inequality” Index in 2018.

    TO READ THIS EDITORIAL PIECE, CLICK HERE

    Kochi auto driver carries father on shoulders amid lockdown

    A man was forced to carry his aged father, who was discharged from the hospital, on his shoulders for 100 metres after the police stopped his autorickshaw for not possessing the self-declaration form.

    CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

    Wheels of economy to roll from April 20

    To kickstart economic activities that are grounded due to the lockdown, the Centre on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines allowing several services and industries to operate after April 20 along with safeguards that need to be followed.

    FOR MORE ON THIS, CLICK HERE

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