The Director of Health and Family Welfare has informed that two new COVID-19 positive cases are detected in the state.

Now, there are 10 positive cases in the state.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS HERE

Senior US diplomat Alice Wells on Thursday echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to keep fighting spirits high against the coronavirus pandemic, saying that United States will work alongside India to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

READ MORE ON THIS STORY HERE

Two new COVID-19 positive cases were registered in Rajasthan taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 38 in the state.

MORE ON THIS HERE

The Director of Health and Family Welfare has informed that two new COVID-19 positive cases are detected in the state.

Now, there are 10 positive cases in the state. A 22-year-old man traveled from the US to Delhi on March 20. He was screened at Delhi on March 21 and reached Vijayawada on March 22.

Accompanied by two Madurai natives, they have visited several mosques in Madurai over the past two weeks.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar on Wednesday said a 20-year-old male who had reported positive for COVID-19 upon his arrival from New Delhi was recovering well and would be discharged in a couple of days.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

It was discussed how railways' production units could be used to manufacture essential commodities for fighting the contagion like ventilators, beds, trolleys along with the proposal of using these coaches which are equipped with toilets as isolation wards, sources said.
READ FULL STORY HERE

In a tweet, CM Hemant Soren asked all district Deputy Commissioners and other officials across the state to curb sale of commodities in black market as such problems from some districts were still coming in through the 24x7 state-level control room, introduced at Suchana Bhavan here.

Addressing a press conference here, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury said the state will sail through the lockdown period with its food stock without considering the FCI's stock under National Food Security Act.

#WATCH Karnataka: Police personnel punish the violators of the lockdown, in Kalaburagi city. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/oSiDd8rl4V

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Gujarat: The 85-year-old woman who passed away in Ahmedabad today and was tested positive for #COVID19, had travel history to Saudi Arabia. https://t.co/fOUrxM5riY

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Of the two, one was detected in Raipur district, and the other in Rajnandgaon district.

"AIIMS is going to start a teleconsultation facility. Our follow-up patients can consult doctors through telephone. Several patients had appointments that are now cancelled. Chronic patients can consult doctors through this facility," Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS Delhi said.

Curiously though, the government has been maintaining its stand that there is no community transmission of COVID-19 even though the number of new cases is now increasing by up to 100 every day.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

Earlier in the day, a woman allegedly tried to assault a policeman and bite him in Salt Lake area when her car was stopped for defying the lockdown.

On Wednesday, one new case was reported each from Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi told reporters here. Of these fresh infections, one patient has a history of travelling to Dubai in recent times, while the others are cases of local transmission of the viral disease, she said.

#Breaking Two more #coronavirus positive cases confirmed, one each in #Vijayawada and #Guntur Total number of cases in #AndhraPradesh now stand at 10 @NewIndianXpress #CoronavirusLockdown #AndhraFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/Uii9Sj3C0j

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) March 25, 2020

According to health department and district administration sources, all those people who were present at the March 20 press conferences or had met the journalist are being traced and will be asked to self-quarantine at their homes.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

The Karnataka government on Wednesday launched the 'Corona Watch' mobile application that can be downloaded from its official website, www.karnataka.gov.in. "In the application you can see the spots visited by positive patients upto 14 days prior to testing positive. Also it shows the nearest first respondent hospitals and helpline numbers," said a press statement issued. The identified list of first responder hospitals have been announced in the department website (https://karunadu.karnataka.gov.in/hfw ) for the benefit of public.

The highest number of confirmed cases in the state are in Bengaluru with 32.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NEW CASES HERE

• The Eurpoean continent continues to battle the pandemic with Spain surpassing China in COVID-19 related deaths.

• As of Wednesday, more than 435,000 people across the globe have been infected by the coronavirus and more than 19,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. However, overall, more than 111,000 people have recovered from the deadly virus.

• In yet another jolt to Europe, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, tested positive for coronavirus. The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland, his Clarence House office said. It says his wife Camilla, 72, has tested negative. The Queen of England is, however, remains at her home in Windsor.

• The White House and Congress agree on a USD 2 trillion emergency bill to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.

• In New Zealand, the government declared an emergency before an unprecedented lockdown began.

• Defying scientists and health experts, Brazil's Bolsonaro lashed out Tuesday at what he called "scorched-earth" quarantine policies to contain the coronavirus pandemic, saying they risked wrecking the economy. 

• Bangladesh released jailed former prime minister and main opposition leader Khaleda Zia for six months on condition that she would stay at home, amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The company said its manufacturing units are functioning with 50 per cent of workforce keeping with government advisories to curb escalation of the coronavirus outbreak, but it is working to ensure that sufficient quantity of its products are available in the market.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

India may announce an economic stimulus package of about Rs 1.5 lakh crore ($19.6 billion) to fight coronavirus in the country, according to a report. Centre has not yet finalised the package. The matter is under discussion among PMO, finance ministry and RBI, the report added. 

A Dornier aircraft of Indian Navy, with a team of 4 doctors from Goa State Health Dept, took off from INS Hansa to Pune on 25 March. The medical team led by Dr Savio Rodrigues, HOD Microbiology, Goa Medical College, will undergo training to set up a COVID test facility at Goa. pic.twitter.com/ZvrQVFsd5a

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine can only be given to 2 particular cases for use as prophylaxis - healthcare workers, dealing with suspected/confirmed cases, and the first contacts of confirmed cases. No one else should use this: Lav Agarwal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry 

51 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in Karnataka till now, including 10 new cases in the last 24 hours. Out of these cases, 3 people have been cured/discharged, while one has died due to the virus: Government of Karnataka.

In the last 24 hours, there have been 5 new COVID19 cases in Delhi. One of them has foreign travel history. Now, the total number of cases rises to 35 in Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 

READ FULL STORY HERE

After a temporary disruption in delivery services, e-commerce firms resumed their operations with the various state police authorities assuring security measures for their ground staff as well as reopening of their warehouses.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Two types of passes will be issued - one for persons and other for vehicles. The passes will be issued from the office of the jurisdictional DCP law and order and made available 24/7 on the submission of a standardized application form, said a memo signed by Bhaskar Rao, Commissioner of Police.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

The newspaper services were halted after Mahrashtra government announced lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Industry Minister Subhash Desai with newspaper publishers and distributors.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Public buying vegetables by standing in the boxes marked by officials to maintain social distance at Singh Nagar Stadium in Vijayawada.
Express Photos@xpressandhra #CoronavirusOutbreak #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/ArAlMoNLhO

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 25, 2020

Addressing people of his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi via video, he said the Mahabharata war was won in 18 days but this war against coronavirus will take 21 days. He was referring to the 21-day nation-wide lockdown announced by him on Tuesday.

READ FULL REPORT 

 The Bodoland Territorial Council chief on Wednesday said, “We had a meeting where we decided to offer 21 days’ ration which will include 25 kg rice, two litres of mustard oil, 500 grams of dal (pulse) and a certain amount of salt to each poor family for the 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. The daily wagers are suffering. We thought we should help them.”

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced four months' advance salary for doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff. The doctors, nurses and all health personnel across the state will receive their salaries for the months of April, May, June and July in the month of April, Patnaik said in a video message. 

The report, compiled by COV-IND-19 Study Group, an interdisciplinary team of researchers, said while India seems to have done well in controlling the number of confirmed cases compared to other countries like the US and Italy in the early phase of the pandemic, the country is critically missing a key component in this assessment -- the number of truly affected cases.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Air Force (IAF)has told its personnel and their dependents that they cannot process various welfare schemes owing to lockdown and appealed to bear with them, a senior IAF officer said on Wednesday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Uttar Pradesh government bans production, distribution and sale of pan masala in the entire state until further orders.
 

READ FULL STORY HERE

Though Market Management Committee (MMC) officials made announcements and asked the shops to close, it was of no avail. As a result, the cops were called in to erect barriers across the roads leading to the market and stopping two-wheelers and four-wheelers except those pertaining to the wholesale market.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Following the nationwide lockdown in the wake of threat posed by the spread of COVID-19, people across the country have begun practising social distancing among themselves, as a measure to curb the spread of the virus.

READ FULL REPORT

Hahaha, somebody sent me this and told me it's exactly been 1 year since this run out happened.

As the nation goes into a lockdown, this is a good reminder to my citizens.

Don't wander out. Stay inside, stay safe! #21DayLockdown pic.twitter.com/bSN1454kFt

— lets stay indoors India 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 25, 2020

READ FULL REPORT

These beds are spread across the country with forty earmarked in hospitals at the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, thirty each at the Metal and Steel Factory Ishapore, Gun and Shell Factory Cossipore, Ammunition Factory Khadki, Ordnance Factory Kanpur, Ordnance Factory Khamaria and Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, 25 at Ordnance Factory Ambernath and 20 each at the Heavy Vehicle Factory Avadi and Ordnance Factory Medak.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Medical-grade glove supplies are running low globally, even as more feverish, sweating and coughing patients arrive in hospitals by the day.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

In view of COVID19 outbreak, the first phase of Census 2021 and the updation of National Population Register (NPR) postponed until further orders: Ministry of Home Affairs 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The Prince of Wales Charles tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, the Clarence House confirmed. A royal family spokesman said that the Duchess of Cornwall had also been tested but does not have the virus. 

Drive responsibly! Chennai traffic police advise motorists not to come outside until absolutely necessary amid #CoronavirusLockdown. 🏍️#TamilNadulockdown

Express Photo | Ashwin Prasath

Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/UzSo7eOGV8 pic.twitter.com/Yd0GEumn8m

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 25, 2020

There is no shortage of essential commodities and rice will be available at Rs 3 per kg instead of Rs 37 per kg, says Union minister Prakash Javadekar 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Experts have predicted that the Covid-19 lockdown may cost India a whooping USD 120 billion (approximately Rs 9 lakh crore) or 4 per cent of the GDP. "We estimate that the cumulative shutdown cost around USD120 billion or 4 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP)," British brokerage Barclays said in a note, revising down its FY21 growth forecast by 1.7 percentage points to 3.5 per cent. 

READ FULL STORY HERE

READ REPORT HERE

In the initial hours of Tuesday, the first day of the lockdown, the cops here chose to play it soft, requesting commuters venturing out in private vehicles without any valid reason to return home.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

In an interview to CNBC, Nadella said the big question would be whether the demand holds up in the US and Europe and other developed markets badly hit by the pandemic.

READ FULL REPORT

A journalist from Bhopal has tested positive for COVID-19. Following this, all the journalists in the city have been asked to stay in quarantine. The infected scribe had reportedly attended the recently held press conference by former MP chief minister by Kamal Nath.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The plea from the Cellular Operators' Association of India comes at a time when data usage has surged nearly 30 per cent over the last few days in the wake of lockdowns, work-from-home and social distancing measures adopted to contain the spread of coronavirus.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

The ship, which originally carried some 3,700 passengers and crew members, dominated international headlines as Japan's clumsy handling of its quarantine made it at one point the biggest cluster of coronavirus carriers outside China.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

 According to official sources, a total of 274 mail and express trains and 389 passengers trains under the jurisdiction of the ECR have been cancelled with effect from March 22 to 23 respectively in a move to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection due to close proximity amongst passengers.

READ FULL REPORT

Smartphone maker Vivo India on Wednesday donated over one lakh masks to healthcare workers in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra reported five new coronavirus cases since Tuesday evening, taking the number of cases in the state to 112, the highest in the country so far.
 

#update: 5 news cases of #COVID19 in TN. 4 Indonesian nationals & their travel guide from Chennai test positive at #Salem Medical College. Quarantined since 22.3.20 @MoHFW_INDIA @CMOTamilNadu #vijayabaskar

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 25, 2020

Home delivery of cooked food by online food delivery applications like Zomato and Swiggy, has been banned, according to an official statement by the Greater Chennai Corporation on Wednesday. However, the corporation has allowed e-commerce companies to home deliver essentials including grocery and vegetables, in the city.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has suggested that the state government ensure that every individual who returns to the state is quarantined. “It is important that we take great care to screen the students returning from various metro cities of India. My suggestion to the government is that we quarantine all those who come from outside the state until we get full assurance that they are free of coronavirus,” Tuki wrote in a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Online travel firm MakeMyTrip's top executives Deep kalra and Rajesh Magow have decided to draw 'zero salary' from April 2020, while the rest of its leadership team will take a reduction of around 50 per cent in their compensation amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (READ MORE)

• Ever since the lockdown began on Tuesday evening, numerous people, especially senior citizens, were in a fix as home delivery services shut in the city. They had to depend on neighbors or friends for food and grocery. This news comes as a blessing for more such people in the city.
• "The companies must strictly follow protocols of contactless delivery. Employees must wear safety gear like masks, gloves and caps, right from the production to delivery," said corporation commissioner, G Prakash.
• He added that companies that break these protocols at any point of inspection will be barred from delivering further. Also, cooked food distribution by an agency or a volunteer has been completely banned.
• The civic body officials said anyone found guilty will be health with, by provisions of law.

Jammu and Kashmir: Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra shut for devotees amid #21daysLockdown, in wake of the #Coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/YhAIOGHUkq

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

What is the punishment for defying lockdown orders? Hold your ears and do sit-ups, say police across various states. Here's one from Odisha's #Bhubaneshwar.
Express video | Biswanath Swain.#CoronavirusLockdown #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/CZ9gnAgW2h

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 25, 2020

A pastor with travel history to the Netherlands tests positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Punjab: Police in Amritsar distributed food to the needy amid lockdown, in wake of #Coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/KUIlFLo3ul

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Free meals being provided by Delhi Government at a 'Rain Basera' on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal had assured in the media briefing earlier today that no one will sleep hungry in the city during #21daysLockdown. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/MidHoc7hDI

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

A 75-year-old COVID-19 patient from Gouribidanur, who returned from Mecca, died at Bowring Hospital at 1 pm. Suffered from diabetes, heartburn, Hip Fracture. Test results awaited to confirm cause of death.

Delivery executives are being stopped and questioned by the police or in some cases they are even beaten up by the police, said the online grocery platforms. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

WATCH: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal address the media on #COVID19 situation https://t.co/1aj5LOANWA

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

As the strict crackdown of people under home quarantine began, the Chennai city police have booked four persons within 24 hours for not staying inside their houses inspite of several warnings. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Assam: Streets in Guwahati wear deserted look as the country observes #21daysLockdown, in wake of #Coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/dgitPM62e4

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi underway at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, social distancing seen. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/un3aXd8I8O

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Kerala: Movement of people except those rendering/availing essential services are not being allowed by Police as lockdown continues in Thiruvananthapuram. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Fw1swMwoym

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Workers at facilities in New York City, Jacksonville, Florida, Sheperdsville, Kentucky, Katy, Texas, Brownstown, Michigan and Oklahoma City were infected with the coronavirus, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal holds a meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at LG Secretariat. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is also present in the meeting #COVID19 #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/mobGA9FlpO

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

President Donald Trump indicated that he is unlikely to follow the suggestion of his medical advisors on a complete shutdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak as he said such a move would have tremendous repercussions on the country's economy. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

• Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh has so far recorded 11 positive cases of coronavirus, of which one person has already been discharged after treatment, district health officials said. 
• "Two men were hospitalised at Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida when they tested positive for coronavirus. They underwent another test after 14 days and the result of that is negative. Now one more test will be done on them in 48 hours and if they again test negative for it then they will be discharged," Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargava told PTI.
• By Tuesday evening, 362 samples were sent for coronavirus test from Gautam Buddh Nagar, of which 11 have resulted positive and 259 negative. Results for 93 samples were awaited, according to health department data.
• As many as 148 people were kept isolated at quarantine facilities -- 99 at hospitals including GIMS and 49 at the Gautam Buddh University -- it stated, adding that 1,717 individuals were under surveillance for COVID-19.

Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Government officials flag off vehicles carrying essential supplies which will be delivered to households. #COVID19 #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/vf04tv9UHN

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2020

Globally, the death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 18,915 with more than 422,900 cases reported in over 165 countries and territories, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Only one COVID-19 case has been reported in the state so far. The 24-year-old woman, who tested positive for the deadly virus on March 18, is recovering well while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur, an official said. The government has strengthened the surveillance and control measures against the virus, he said.

Social distancing at vegetable and grocery shop in Maharashtra. People are slowly and gradually learning and adopting new style functioning in wake of coronavirus. #COVIDー19 #Social_Distancing @CMOMaharashtra @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/5xPFSRcLZw

— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) March 25, 2020

Social distancing was completely disregarded by the people at grocery, milk and butcher shops as well as at supermarkets which remained open as they have been exempted from being shut. Only a handful of supermarkets followed the concept of social distancing by limiting the number of people who could enter the shops. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Citizens in #TamilNadu's Vellore follow #SocialDistancing while buying essentials at a meat shop.@xpresstn
Express video | Dinesh Sampath #21daylockdown #coronavirusindia #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/zHTI73VnC0

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 25, 2020

Kerala State Beverages Corporation not to open its liquor outlets from today in the wake of total lockdown declared across the country. State cabinet, which meets today, will decide for how long the outlets should remain shut.

#WATCH Gujarat: People in Mundra practice social distancing, visuals from outside a grocery store #COVID19 #lockdown pic.twitter.com/NPEA7DsD3D

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Jammu and Kashmir: People who were flouting restrictions that have been imposed amid lockdown, made to sit in circles drawn to maintain social distance, in Jammu. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/4MQMh5LXgV

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Ministry of Home Affairs issues advisory to private security agencies stating,"this is the time for the private security industry to adopt a humane approach and protect its workers and staff members from lay-offs and consequent decrease in earnings." #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/XGfcjrcv6B

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIT) issues instruction to state authorities "to not obstruct and call for closure of food processing units". #21daysLockdown #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ZMS2jXt2hz

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Equity market indices Sensex and Nifty opened higher on Wednesday's trading session, in tandem with their global peers. BSE index Sensex gained 244.85 points to trade at 26,918.88 and Nifty up 80.85 points to 7,881.90 level, in early trade. (READ MORE)

People in #Noida practice social distancing. Visuals from outside a grocery store in Sector-19 #COVID19 #lockdown pic.twitter.com/WWLkFKK2SF

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2020

Karnataka: People in #Bengaluru practice social distancing. Visuals of circles been drawn outside a grocery store (24.3.20) #COVID19 #lockdown (Source: Police) pic.twitter.com/hyic3Oz7Ce

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

• In response to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, Nissan has announced a temporary suspension of production in Africa, Middle East and India region, the company said in a statement. This action follows the advice and guidance of respective national governments, and is being taken to safeguard the well-being of staff, customers and communities, it added.
• The company has halted production at the Alliance plant in Chennai (Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd) from March 23 until further notice, Nissan said. A skeleton staff will continue to carry out essential maintenance and the situation will be monitored closely, it said.

An NSE spokesperson said operations would be normal at the exchange on Wednesday. "BSE day to operations @BSEIndia will continue," the bourse's MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan said in a tweet. All capital and debt market services notified by markets regulator Sebi would be exempted from the lockdown, as per the government notification.

• "We will support the government and the hospitality sector during this pandemic by manufacturing 3 lakh litres of bulk hand sanitisers from our 15 units across the country," Anand Kripalu, managing director and chief executive officer of Diageo India, said. As part of the initiative, the company will also donate 5 lakh litres of ENA (Extra Neutral Alcohol), which is a key ingredient in making sanitisers, to the sanitiser industry, he said in a statement. This amount of ENA can produce more than 2 million units (250 ml each) of hand sanitisers, he added. Diageo is the country's largest liquor maker.
• The country's second largest liquor maker Allied Blenders & Distillers, which produces the globally largest selling whiskey Officer's Choice, said it has not decided on manufacturing hand sanitisers since there is a tedious licensing process. "We have not taken a final call on this. A liquor company cannot make something that needs a drug licence under the existing licence. Having said so, it does not mean we will not do our bit to help the nation," Deepak Roy, vice-chairman of ABD, told PTI over phone on Tuesday.
• Smaller player Radico Khaitan said it would start producing sanitisers from its Rampur distillery and has already applied for necessary permissions. It has also chalked out distribution plans. "Being a leading spirit manufacturer, we have decided to extend our support to the country in this worrisome time of the coronavirus outbreak," Radico Khaitan Chief Operating Officer Amar Sinha said in a statement.

Maharashtra: Sangli district administration releases contact numbers for citizens to get home delivery of essential items on call. Police personnel and district administration will facilitate delivery. Service being provided in Kupwad, Miraj and Sangli city for now #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/EycKOItH5C

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

• In view of the lockdown in many of the States/ Union Territories across the country, the operations in some of the locations (manufacturing, distribution centres/ warehouses, offices, suppliers) are scaled down or suspended," said Nestle in a regulatory filing. However, the company which manufactures popular instant noodles Maggi besides other products as Nescafe coffee, Cereal infant cereal and KitKat chocolate said that "impact on the operations of the Company cannot be assessed at this point."
• "As the Company is in the manufacture and sale of food and beverage products, the Company is in discussion with the authorities to continue operations in the factories/ distribution centres where the operations have been suspended," said Nestle.

• Bankers are also expecting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to come out with a forbearance package so that accounts are not classified as NPAs for the next few years. "There should be some forbearance on account of cash flow mismatch. There will be many defaults in the MSME, retail and related sectors," a senior United Bank of India official told PTI.
• "We are expecting the RBI to come out with such a package so that accounts are not categorised as NPAs for at least the next two years," he said. Prior to the virus outbreak, the state-run lender, which is set to be merged with Punjab National Bank (PNB), was in profits.
• "We wanted to close the financial year with a business figure of Rs 2. 18 lakh crore. But because of this development, there will be a shortfall," the official said.

The person is 29 years old and had returned to Patna from Gujarat's Bhavnagar. His travel history would be thoroughly checked by the administration: Ajay Sinha, Nodal Officer, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital.

Delhi: People buy fruits and vegetables from a Safal Store at Defence Colony. #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/nOjMIC0vgq

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

• However, Parag Milk, a major player in Maharashtra, said it is facing challenges in distribution of milk from the last two days, because of restrictions in movement of its employees and distributors from local authorities.
• "We are relentlessly working towards ensuring and meeting the demand for milk across the region with no major supply disruptions. As milk is an essential commodity, we are closely working with all our stakeholders and taking all efforts to ensure seamless flow in the value chain to serve consumers at these challenging times. For today, we have seen a surge in demand of our milk in the range of 5-10 per cent," Mother Dairy spokesperson told PTI.
• Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods, said: "We have seen an increase in orders across all categories due to higher stocking by consumers for food items and this is likely to continue for some time.
• "The increase in demand is mostly from modern trade and e-commerce platforms while orders from general trade are tepid, he said.
• Not only milk, the demand for other dairy products like paneer, curd, ghee has also gone high as people are buying these items in large quantities than they they normally do, in anticipation of supply disruptions in view of lockdowns.

Karnataka: Police in Bengaluru distributed food to the needy yesterday, visuals from Peenya area. (Pics source: Bengaluru Police) #21daysLockdown #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/rjwjwtRyVe

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

• The decision was taken by the Administrative Council, headed by Lt Governor G C Murmu, at a meeting convened to review the steps being taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the Union Territory, an official spokesman said. He said the meeting decided to declare the GMC Jammu as a dedicated COVID-19 hospital for Jammu province and asked the Administrative Secretary Health Department and the Principal of the GMC to ensure that the hospital is readied for the purpose by Wednesday evening.
• The Council also noted that there were a number of underserved areas facing acute shortage of doctors. In order to mitigate the problem, it approved the hiring of retired doctors against available vacancies for one year for emergency services in underserved areas, the spokesman said.
• He said the meeting directed the Health Department to review the availability of all equipment including ventilators and procure additional equipment as required on a war footing.

Police barricading continues at Uttar Pradesh-Delhi border to stop movement of vehicles except those rendering/availing essential services amid lockdown; visuals from Delhi Noida Direct Flyway (DND). #CoronaVirus pic.twitter.com/ECvWHmzuA4

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2020

• The UT administration had earlier decided to relax the curfew clamped in Chandigarh to check the spread of coronavirus. But after the prime minister's appeal to the nation to remain indoors, the administration decided against it.
• "The prime minister has ordered a nationwide 21-day lockdown in entire country. Keeping this in view, the Chandigarh administration which was earlier planning to give four-hour relaxation Sector-wise that decision has been postponed now," Manoj Parida, adviser to the UT Administrator, said on Tuesday night.
• Parida reviewed the availability of essential items and it was assured that milk supply and newspapers will be provided to each house every morning throughout the curfew period. It was also decided that in the sector markets the ration store, fruit & vegetable shop and medical store will be used as points for organizing door-to-door delivery. In periphery areas of the city, packed ration, fruits, vegetables, etc. will be provided door to door at fixed prices using mobile vans.
• "We want that people should stay indoors. Vegetables, medicines, ration, we have sufficient stocks, so there is no need to worry," Parida said.
• As regarding the senior citizens staying without assistance, provision for home delivery of medicines has also been assured, he said. Moreover, chemist shops in the city have already been allowed to open throughout the curfew duration, he said.

Mahan Air flight carrying 277 Indian passengers landed at Delhi airport today early morning from Tehran, Iran. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/F46nHAc0Dm

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Kolkata: Domestic flights to remain suspended from today; visuals from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. International flight services were suspended on March 22. pic.twitter.com/8zJi5mi39e

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Two people who were found positive two weeks back, have now tested negative (twice) for COVID-19, both to be discharged from hospital today. These were the first two cases of Maharashtra.

After adjourning the assembly on March 13 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Speaker C P Joshi had summoned the House on March 26 for carrying out proceedings of the Budget Session. "The speaker adjourned the House sine die today," Assembly Secretary Pramil Kumar Mathur said in a statement. The Rajya Sabha polls for three seats in Rajasthan were also scheduled on March 26, which too have been deferred amid the nationwide lockdown.

E-Commerce website Flipkart temporarily suspends its services. #COVID19 #21daysLockdown pic.twitter.com/Ijk9j02j5m

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide has exceeded 372,000, over 16,000 have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation report.

A coronavirus patient has died in Tamil Nadu. This is the first death in the southern state due to the global pandemic.TN Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar tweeted the unfortunate news in the wee hours of Wednesday.

#update: Despite our best efforts, the #COVID19 +ve Pt at MDU, #RajajiHospital, passed away few minutes back.He had medical history of prolonged illness with steroid dependent COPD, uncontrolled Diabetes with Hypertension.@MoHFW_INDIA @CMOTamilNadu #Vijayabaskar

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 24, 2020

"Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to impose curfew in the whole state from 5 pm today till further orders, in wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, as well as the country," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had announced a complete lockdown in the state to stop the spread of the fatal virus.

The total number of #coronavirus positive cases in the state rises to 35: Gujarat Chief Secretary Anil Mukim https://t.co/dBo617IXq4

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

As part of efforts to tackle the spread of coronavirus, a Pune-based company has developed the country's first indigenous COVID-19 testing kit. It has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has announced new curfew guidelines to ease people's problems amid #CoronavirusLockdown. Warns of strict action under section 188 IPC against those violating curfew & home quarantine: Chief Minister's Office Punjab pic.twitter.com/DMc0Hbrd7P

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said that his "request" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi made in presence of Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla had been approved and now MP funds can be used for essential and urgently needed equipment to combat coronavirus.

Today I wrote to the Govt asking for the rules governing MPLADS funds to be relaxed to permit the purchase of necessary equipment to combat #COVID19outbreak. Have also allotted my funds in a letter to the District Collector, pending GOI approval. pic.twitter.com/HcDWj5Mtji

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 23, 2020

The sate government will take a call on additional measures to be taken in the state, in view of the 21 day lockdown declared by the Union Government. The state cabinet meet on Wednesday morning will discuss the matter in detail, said the Chief Minister's Office. A decision will be taken on revising the timing of shops and other establishments which will remain open during the lockdown. The state government had on Monday announced lockdown till March 31.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said that the government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore for providing food packets to over 38,000 people during the lockdown period in the state to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

“The states should devote adequate resources for creating dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, equipping the medical institutes with personal protection equipment, ventilators, and other essential equipment, etc while also ensuring that essential services and supplies remain open,” Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba wrote to the states of the country.

People outside a store to buy supplies following PM Modi's announcement of a #21daysLockdown as a preventive measure against the #CoronavirusOutbreak in New Delhi.
Express Photos@Shekharyadav02 @parveennegi1 pic.twitter.com/2pq5opaf7d

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 24, 2020

#coronaupdate: 3 new cases for #covid19 in Chennai. 65Y M return from New Zealand at Pvt.Hosp, 55Y F Saidapet at #KMC. 25Y M return from London at #RGGH. Patients are in isolation & under treatment.@MoHFW_INDIA @CMOTamilNadu #Vijayabaskar

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 24, 2020

The number of positive cases in the state swells to 109 (of these four were discharged). Of the 14 new cases reported on Tuesday, a healthcare worker also contracted COVID-19.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

Two men, one with no recent international travel history, tested positive for the coronavirus in Gwalior and Shivpuri districts on Tuesday, officials said.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

"We got information about him when we were checking a hotel. He was shifted to Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) in Nagpur as per the government guidelines," said inspector Vilas Kale of Umred police station.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

All six patients had come in contact with with the 70-year-old Nawanshahr resident who had tested positive for the infection and died of cardiac arrest last week. With this, the total number of cases in Punjab have jumped to 29.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

All six patients had come in contact with with the 70-year-old Nawanshahr resident who had tested positive for the infection and died of cardiac arrest last week. With this, the total number of cases in Punjab have jumped to 29.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

All six patients had come in contact with with the 70-year-old Nawanshahr resident who had tested positive for the infection and died of cardiac arrest last week. With this, the total number of cases in Punjab have jumped to 29.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

Tamil Nadu came under a lockdown on Tuesday evening with public spaces going empty even as local authorities began pasting 'home quarantined' stickers on the doors of houses of foreign returnees in the State.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

One more tests positive for #Coronavirus in #AndhraPradesh taking number of cases to 8. Patient 8 returned from #London to #Chennai on March 18, went by car to Srikalahasti. Developed symptoms on March 23, admitted to RUIA hospital in #Tirupati #lockdown @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/3Cgzw14XWe

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) March 24, 2020

Giving the district-wise breakup, the official said so far Noida has reported 11 cases, Lucknow and Agra eight cases each, Ghaziabad three and Lakhimpur-Kheri, Moradabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Pilibhit, Jaunpurand and Shamli one case each.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines for offences and penalties during the 21-day countrywide lockdown. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/wo7TKR80eA

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

I request all of you to not believe in any rumours or superstitions: PM 

I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM 

For the treatment of Corona-infected patients and to strengthen the health sector, the central government has approved Rs 15,000 crore, PM Narendra Modi said.

With these funds, testing facilities, personal protective equipment, isolation and ICU beds, ventilators and other important facilities will be manufactured. 

घर में रहें,
घर में रहें
और एक ही काम करें कि अपने घर में रहें।

साथियों,
आज के फैसले ने,
देशव्यापी लॉकडाउन ने आपके घर के दरवाजे पर एक लक्ष्मण रेखा खींच दी है: PM @narendramodi #IndiaFightsCorona

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 24, 2020

Saving the life of each and every Indian is the first priority for me: PM Modi 

From 12 midnight today, the entire country will go under complete lockdown, announces PM Narendra Modi

 PM Narendra Modi thanks the countrymen for their participation in Sunday's 'Janata Curfew'

Addressing the nation on battling the COVID-19 menace. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/jKyFMOQO5a

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020

Announcing this evening, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said that the administration has taken this decision in response to the plea made by elected representatives. The amount has been allocated and would be deposited in the bank accounts of 3.44 lakhs ration cardholders, said the Chief minister. It will have a financial burden of Rs 68 crores to the government. 

Prime Minister said, "Media has played a praiseworthy role in disseminating information to every nook and cranny of this nation. The network of media is pan-India and spread across cities and villages. This makes the media all the more significant in fighting this challenge and spreading correct information about it at micro level."

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

#COVID19outbreak
14 people tested positive for #COVID19 in the state on Tuesday taking to 105 the total no of people infected by the virus in the state. A healthcare worker among those tested positive on Tuesday, says CM @vijayanpinarayi @xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress

— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) March 24, 2020

With the number of coronavirus cases rising in the country, several parents want schools to not reopen soon and have suggested that academic loss if any can be reduced by curtailing the summer vacation. Several schools, which are already offering classes through digital modes of learning, say a decision in this regard will be taken only after March 31 once a review of the situation is done and also if the lockdown is curtailed.

ALSO READ

#CoronavirusLockdown | Chennai #CMBT look deserted after authorities imposed the #lockdown on Tuesday evening. #COVIDActNow
Express Video | P Jawahar@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/WYEdWO8MbZ

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 24, 2020

If people are moving out for essentials, be gentle with them and ask them not to move out without any reason. I am asking police that we are not stopping people from living, just changing the lifestyle a bit: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray #Coronavirus https://t.co/aJroRGPW8F

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

"Shops and outlets selling food grains, vegetables, meat, fish and medical shops have been excluded from the lockdown," the minister said, appealing people to cooperate with the government. "Mathadi workers (head loaders who work in wholesale vegetable and grain markets) and farmers are also humans and their safety is also important. Don't crowd the markets. Cooperate with the police," the minister said. 

READ FULL REPORT

 Out of 41 cases detected and confirmed in Karnataka so far 6 cases are transit passengers of Kerala who have landed in airports and being treated in Karnataka. The details of their itinerary after arriving in Karnataka will be provided. Batkal patients resident of Uttara Kannada is hospitalized in Dakshina Kannada and considered against Dakshina Kannada.

An FIR was lodged against a youth in Assam on Tuesday for not reporting his arrival from abroad to the police or health officials. The Hailakandi district administration filed the FIR under Section 188 of the IPC, official sources said. Departmental action for immediate suspension was also being drawn against the youth’s father who is a government employee for concealing information. 

More than 2 lakh people left Chennai in buses from Koyambedu and Tambaram to various places in the state from Monday evening to 2 pm on Tuesday. After the announcement of the lockdown, people thronged to the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) to catch a bus to their native places. 

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, the International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday. The Games were scheduled for July 24-August 9, but after telephone discussions between IOC president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a historic joint decision was taken for the first postponement of an Olympics in peacetime.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

abinet secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday asked state governments to immediately identify and earmark hospitals to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter to chief secretaries of all the states, Gauba also said it is absolutely essential that surveillance and contact tracing of all positive cases is taken up and no suspected or high risk person is left out.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Another coronavirus death has been reported in Maharashtra, which has already seen a total of 107 positive cases, on Tuesday. The victim, a 65-year-old man, had returned from the UAE on March 15. He went to Ahmedabad and came back to Mumbai on March 20. He died on March 23 in Kasturba hospital. He was suffering from high-blood pressure and was a diabetic too. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Police sending out the crowed arrived at the last hours at #Chennai mofussil bus terminus after the authorities closed the transportation on Tuesday afternoon in Chennai.
Express photo | P Jawahar.#CoronavirusLockdown #TamilNadulockdown #Covid_19india pic.twitter.com/zUflePZKDT

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 24, 2020

IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

We have decided to give Rs 5000 each to all construction workers as their livelihood has been affected. We are also increasing the number of night shelters in the city: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal  

READ FULL REPORT HERE

#WATCH: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says,"There are many daily wage earners in Delhi who stay at rented homes. If some tenants are not in a condition to pay their rents to landlords, they can be given some concession for 2-3 months." #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/JmkXNODdU3

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Uncertainty still looms over Tamil Nadu as about 2000 stranded migrant workers have been crammed in Chennai's community halls after the train services have been cancelled. The city corporation has been moving these workers, mostly from West Bengal, from the railway stations to the halls.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

• Mathematical modeling done by ICMR suggests that entry screening of travellers with symptoms suggestive of COVID19 can delay the introduction of the virus into the community by three days to three weeks.

• 118 govt laboratories included in ICMR network of #COVID19 testing. The network has capacity to test 12000 samples a day. 22 private laboratory chains, with about 15,500 collection centres, have been registered with ICMR till today.

• The empiric use of Hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-Cov-2 infection is recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases 

ALSO READ

With the tally rising, CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a total lockdown in Uttar Pradesh till Friday March 27. 17 of the 75 districts were under lockdown since Sunday evening.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Housing brokerage firm Anarock on Tuesday said housing sales will be impacted and completion of ongoing real estate projects will be delayed due to the lockdown across the country in view of spread of coronavirus disease. The consultant said that more than 15.62 lakh units (launched between 2013 till 2019) are under construction in the top 7 cities -- Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) on Monday said that it has set up India's first COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Mumbai that includes a negative pressure room that helps in preventing cross-contamination and helps control infection. "Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has set up a dedicated 100 bedded COVID-19 centre at Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai for patients who test positive for COVID-19," RIL said in an official statement.

Keeping in view the rising number of coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh and its debilitating effect on the unorganized sector, CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched the ‘Shramik Bharan-Poshan Yojana’ and transferred the first instalment of Rs 1,000 in the accounts of more than 20 lakh daily wage labourers through Direct Beneficiary Transaction.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

A German army shipment of six million face masks needed to protect against the novel coronavirus has vanished in Kenya, the defence ministry in Berlin confirmed Tuesday.

"We are trying to find out what happened" to the massive order of protective equipment meeting the FFP2 standard for protection against particles and aerosols, a spokeswoman said.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Maharashtra: Pune based Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd has developed India's first indigenous #COVID19 testing kit that has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). A single kit costs Rs 80,000 & can test 100 patients. pic.twitter.com/Ng5b3wRHh5

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Tuesday, announced a slew of measures to reduce the stress on coronavirus-hit India Inc and India.The Covid-19 death toll in India currently stands at 10 with nearly 500 confirmed cases of the infection. The total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 528, including 475 active cases.

CLICK HERE TO READ MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday announced one-month special pay for them. Announcing this in the Assembly, Palaniswami said the doctors, nurses and other professional staff are working with dedication day and night without fearing for their lives. Palaniswami said the medical staff working in the isolation wards where Coronavirus infected patients are being treated will be paid a month's salary as special pay in recognition of their dedication.

#WATCH Bihar: 'Nikah' of a couple was performed through video conferencing in Patna yesterday, amid lockdown in the state due to #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/WtQaiZCuyH

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

 Dozing off at the airport in Dubai left Arun Singh, a Pune resident, stranded at its Terminal 3 as he missed his flight back home and now he cannot even go to his UAE resident as the country refused entry to residency visa holders as a precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus, according to a media report.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

In an order issued on Tuesday, the railways has said that due to prevailing coronavirus situation in India and the stoppage of trains, several contractual staff engaged in on-board housekeeping service, sanitation, pantry car and commercial activities have been stranded and have to compulsorily stay at other places, while others have to be in readiness to attend the duties at a short notice.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

On a lighter note if anyone wants tips on surviving quarantine or a lock down I have months of experience at my disposal, perhaps a blog is in order.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 24, 2020

Punjab on Tuesday reported six more coronavirus positive people taking the state total to 29. Of these 21 people got the infectious virus from the 70-year-old person who died of COVID-19 on March 18.

A granthi in the village gurudwara, the septuagenarian had come back to India after a two-week-long trip to Germany and Italy. Before his death, he had performed path and distributed prasad to the devotees in the village.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

With the coronavirus epidemic hitting the entertainment sector hard, the demand of new films is expected to grow so that the industry can return on the same path after the lockdown phase. According to a study by Kotak Institutional Equities Research, CY2019 was the second consecutive year of good box office performance. Bollywood churned out 17 over Rs1 billion grossers, nearly doubling the count over CY2017-19.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Crackdown on criminals, or be compassionate? We can do both. While the city is on a lockdown owing to recent events, we are doing our bit. #Janasnehipolice #ArrestCorona pic.twitter.com/rcDXZedWZC

— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) March 24, 2020

Mumbai Police register 112 cases under section 188 of IPC against individuals, pan stalls, hotels, hawkers & illegal transport for violating prohibitory orders 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a video conference with healthcare providers association of various states on ways to deal with the novel coronavirus outbreak. Sources in the government said the video conference would take place on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said no new cases of coronavirus have come up in Delhi in last 24 hours while five patients have been cured of the deadly virus. He said despite this the biggest challenge is to not let the situation go out of control in the city.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Debit card withdrawals from ATMs won't be charged for the next three months. These withdrawals can be made from any ATMs: FM 

#COVID19 #JammuAndKashmir
2 more cases reported positive in Srinagar. One has confirmed travel history outside India. Full details regarding the second being ascertained.@diprjk @ HealthMedicalE1

— Rohit Kansal (@kansalrohit69) March 24, 2020

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The Andhra Pradesh State government on Tuesday announced postponement of the State Secondary Certificate (SSC) examinations for two weeks in view of lockdown imposed in the State to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Education minister Adimulapu Suresh announced this on Tuesday. The examinations were earlier scheduled to be conducted from March 31 to April 17.

READ FULL REPORT  

Just had a long engineering discussion with Medtronic about state-of-the-art ventilators. Very impressive team!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 21, 2020

READ FULL REPORT HERE

A 95-year-old woman has became the oldest in Italy to recover from COVID-19, according to a report. Alma Clara Corsini of Modena province was diagnosed with the virus and admitted to the hospital in Pavullo on March 5. Doctors treated her at the facility until she recovered last week without “antiviral therapy,” the report added. 

Maharashtra: Mumbai Crime Branch seized 25 lakh masks from godowns in Andheri&Bhiwandi including 3 lakh N95 masks of total worth Rs 15 crore today. 4 men were arrested under the Essential Commodity Act, while 2 are absconding. #COVID2019 https://t.co/a7PjTICRmV pic.twitter.com/TSE2YcAFKq

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

The last date for the income tax return for the financial year 18-19 is extended to 30th June 2020. For delayed payments interest rate has been reduced from 12% to 9%: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES OF FM PRESS RELEASE HERE

April ration of rice and one kg of red gram dal will be given free of cost to all rice card holders. April ration supplies shall be distributed in advance at fair price shops from March 29. All rice card holding families will get 1-time support of Rs 1000. All govt and private establishments shall make payments of wages and salaries fully to workers or employees including those working under contract and outsourcing basis during lockdown period. Any violation will invite penal action under the Epidemics Diseases Act 1897: Andhra Pradesh government

There will be complete lockdown in Goa from midnight today till March 31. All shops in the state to remain shut. The government will make arrangements for the distribution of essential commodities. Goa dairy will supply milk&collector will take the decision regarding grocery distribution: CM Pramod Sawant 

#coronaupdate:Chennai reports 3 new cases for #COVID19. All 3 travelled abroad.74 Y M return from USA at #Stanley,52 Y F return from USA at #Stanley,25 Y F return from Swiss at #KMC,.They are residents of Porur, Purasaivakkam, Keelkattalai rsptvly.Pts in isolation & stable. #CVB

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 24, 2020

#WATCH Maharashtra: Police make violators do squats in Nagpur, amid curfew imposed in the state in wake of #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/KpHBTcWX4v

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with print media heads through video conferencing, over #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/89wRUlCTvz

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

#WATCH Maharashtra: India's first dedicated #COVID19 hospital in Mumbai, set up by Reliance Industries. 101 positive #COVID19 cases have been reported in the state, so far. pic.twitter.com/F3IBC2rGo4

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Even as we are readying an economic package to help us through the Corona lockdown (on priority, to be announced soon) I will address the media at 2pm today, specifically on statutory and regulatory compliance matters. Via video conference. @FinMinIndia @PIB_India @ANI @PTI_News

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 24, 2020

I respect the selfless commitment & determination of our professionals & have requested concerned authorities to extend all possible help, support & protection to them & their families including to those who are in self-quarantine: Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri https://t.co/RswYoGgkpn

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Hero Cycles on Tuesday said it is setting aside Rs 100 crore as a contingency fund to address and mitigate the impact of coronavirus pandemic on partners and the community at large. (READ MORE)

For representational purpose. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS )

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal being screened for #COVID19, before entering the state assembly. Lockdown will be imposed in the state from 6 pm today till March 31. No positive #COVID19 case has been reported in the state so far. pic.twitter.com/CKq4ncSlp0

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Delhi: Locals gave flowers to DCP South RP Meena and other police personnel following the clearance of Shaheen Bagh protest site today. Delhi Police cleared the protest site, amid complete lockdown in the national capital, in wake of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/MbEzz6p2Ll

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Uttarakhand: Police in Karanprayag, Chamoli district make people get clicked with pamphlets reading 'I'm enemy of society; I won't stay home' if they are found violating
lockdown. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/vBCkJcEm5Y

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, the administrative body of Lord Balaji temple has conducted 'Kovil Alwar Tirumanjanam', a temple cleansing ritual ahead of festival of Ugadi tomorrow. 'Ugadi Asthanam', to be performed tomorrow in the presence of very few people. pic.twitter.com/LHMJi5wOOt

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

#WATCH West Bengal: Police took stern action against lockdown violators in Cooch Behar. West Bengal government has imposed lockdown in the state including rural and urban areas to control the spread of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/3ZCndIybKQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

According to health department officials, both the men from Kolkata. One of then have a travel history of returning from Egypt and the other from UK. One person admitted to Beleghata ID Hospital five days ago and the other was admitted four days ago.

• "Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19," Modi tweeted. He had addressed the nation on efforts to combat the virus on March 19.
• Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday.
• As cases of the viral infection surged, authorities have put almost the entire country under lockdown, banning gathering of people and suspending road, rail and air traffic till March 31.

• The Punjab government clamped a curfew on Monday after finding that people were ignoring the state-wide lockdown ordered by it. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered the imposition of a "full curfew with no relaxations". Later, the UT Chandigarh Administration also announced a curfew from Monday midnight. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers to implement the restrictions.
• However, the respective district administrations allowed government employees tasked with emergency and essential services to attend their duties on production of official ID cards.
• Hospitals and chemists shops will remain open in Mohali, as per the order issued by the district administration. Meanwhile, as per initial reports, a few people came out of their houses at some places in Punjab to buy daily use items like milk but were sent back by police personnel. Roads bordering Chandigarh and Haryana were completely sealed, an official said.
• Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma appealed to people to stay indoors. He said the district administration was trying to develop a system to provide daily uses items at doorsteps.
• Punjab and UT Chandigarh have reported 23 and seven positive coronavirus cases respectively.

Aviation stocks dropped up to 10 per cent on Tuesday after the announcement of suspension of all domestic operations of Indian airlines from March 25 amid Covid-19 pandemic. (READ MORE)

READ FULL STORY HERE

Entry of vehicles in Delhi is restricted following complete lockdown in the city; Visuals from Delhi-Ghaziabad border pic.twitter.com/GB7ktPbwcI

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan holds a meeting with officials of the National Centre for Disease Control in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/gOn6rIeMaz

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

For other employees, 'Work from home' be resorted to in an organised manner. Departmental Heads/General Managers may draw up a roster of employees who are required to render essential emergency services within each dept till 31.03 to reduce attendance in office to the basic required numbers to meet the operational requirements.

Video streaming major Netflix on Tuesday said it will reduce traffic on telecommunications networks by 25 per cent while maintaining the quality of service for users in India, as part of its efforts to help mitigate network congestion amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Companies like Amazon Prime Video are also temporarily lowering bit rates - a measure of how much data is being transferred - to ease pressure on telecom network infrastructure. (READ MORE)