5 years ago
New Delhi:
Even as billions of Indians stayed home amid the lockdown, a big VIP wedding took place in Karnataka this morning with COVID-19 protocols largely ignored. Photos from former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's grandson Nikhil Kumaraswamy showed no social distancing, masks or any precaution in the rituals at the wedding, at a farmhouse about 28 km from state capital Bengaluru. Despite the lockdown, HD Kumaraswamy refused to defer his son's wedding but he did shift the venue. In a video message on Thursday, the Janata Dal Secular leader said the wedding had been moved from Bengaluru, a "red zone" for COVID-19, to Ramanagara, his assembly constituency.
Karnataka also witnessed lockdown violation in Chitapur where over hundreds of people participated in the Siddhalingeswara temple chariot festival early this morning, news agency ANI reported.
At least 13,835 people have been infected with the highly infectious novel coronavirus in India and killed 452 in the country, government data shows. The recovery rate that indicates the number of people who have successfully fought off the disease stood at 13.06 on Friday, an improvement over Thursday's 12.02 and Wednesday's 11.41.
An internal government assessment has suggested that India may touch its peak of coronavirus cases in the first week of May after which the number will decline, sources in the Home Ministry have said. States which implemented hard lockdowns earlier than others have fared better when it comes to the crisis and are seeing their overall numbers decline, the sources added.
The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi - Asia's largest slum - has crossed the 100-mark. 15 new cases were detected in the sprawling area on Friday, taking the total to 101, including 10 deaths.
In another development, the chief of the Islamic group Tablighi Jamaat that organised a religious congregation in Delhi last month setting off India's biggest cluster of coronavirus cases, has been charged with money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate. The police earlier on Thursday had brought charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the 56-year-old chief of the Muslim seminary for holding the gathering last month at its "Markaz" or headquarters in Delhi's Nizamuddin.
The novel coronavirus has killed over 1.4 lakh people across the globe, according to a tally by the news agency AFP. The highly contagious virus, that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has forced more than 4.4 billion people or nearly 57 per cent of the world's population to follow lockdown measures.
Here are the Live Updates on Coronavirus Pandemic:
24 new COVID19 positive cases reported in Agra on April 17; total number of positive cases in the district rises to 196: Agra DM Prabhu N Singh
Indore Cop Dresses Up As Yamraj, Appeals People To Stay Indoors
A police constable on Friday dressed up as ''Yamraj'', the God of death, appealing people to ''stay at home'' during the COVID-19 lockdown here in Indore.
Police Constable Jawahar Singh dressed in black with a golden headgear shouted slogans on the streets making people aware of the dangers of stepping out of homes during the lockdown, news agency ANI reported.
Police Detain 15 Persons For Violating Lockdown In Jaipur
Fifteen people were detained here on Friday for defying social distancing norms and lockdown rules as they gathered at Ayesha mosque to offer prayers, police said.
An FIR has been registered against the violators and strict action will be taken against them, according to police.
"15 people were detained today for defying social distancing norms and lockdown rules as they gathered at Ayesha mosque to offer prayers; FIR registered against them, strict action to be taken," said Jaipur Station House Officer Kho Nagoriyan.
With 98 people testing positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan on Friday, the total number of positive cases in the State has risen to 1,229 said Rajasthan Health Department.The Health Department also reported two new deaths in the State, mounting the death count to 17, news agency ANI reported.
Delhi: India Post has taken up initiatives to deliver essential goods such as medicines & medical equipment across the across, and providing pension and social security benefits through the Aadhar-enabled payment system amid lockdown due #Coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/i8Dh5QBN6L
- ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2020
Visually Impaired Woman Raped In Madhya Pradesh, Family Stuck In Rajasthan Amid Lockdown
A 53-year-old visually impaired woman was allegedly raped by an unidentified accused inside her house on Friday in Shahpura area of Bhopal, police said.
The woman, who is a bank officer, was alone at home during the incident as her husband and family have been stranded in Rajasthan due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to the victim's complaint, she was asleep in her home when an unidentified man entered her room and raped her.
At present, police have no clue regarding the accused and an investigation is underway.
Speaking to ANI, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjay Sahu said that police have visited the spot and inspected the entire crime scene. The victim was sent for medical examination.
A case has been registered against unknown accused in Shahpura police station, news agency ANI reported.
Jharkhand: A group of artists painted messages & graffiti on the streets of Ranchi to spread awareness on #Coronavirus. (17.4.2020) pic.twitter.com/FcQwql3ylr
- ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2020
Seven Persons Including Infant Test Positive For COVID-19 In UP's Moradabad
Seven persons including an infant tested positive for COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad on Friday, taking the tally of virus-infected people to 38 in the district.
"Seven persons including an infant tested positive for COVID-19 in Moradabad today. Total positive cases in the district rise to 38," said Dr MC Garg, District Chief Medical Officer (CMO) here. Meanwhile, Principal Secretary (Health) Uttar Pradesh Amit Mohan Prasad said that 846 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 49 districts of Uttar Pradesh including 74 cured and discharged. 2962 tests for corona were conducted on Thursday, he said.
The officer informed that 993 people are in isolation wards and 10,714 people are in quarantine facilities in the state, news agency ANI reported.
Kerala Government Likely To Relax Lockdown In Several Districts
The Kerala government would likely give lockdown relaxations in several districts, in coming days, depending upon the number of coronavirus cases and disease threat.
For the purpose, the government has categorised the districts into Red, Orange A, Orange B and Green categories.
The districts of Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, have been categorised as the red zone and would remain under total lockdown until May 3.
While Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Wayanad and Thrissur, have been classified as Orange B category regions, where curfew can be removed from April 20. The districts of Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kollam, categorised as Orange A regions, will follow suit from April 24, news agency ANI reported.
#WATCH Madhya Pradesh: A Police Constable in Indore dressed up as 'Yamraj' to spread awareness on #Coronavirus in the city. He is appealing to people to "stay at home". (17.4.2020) pic.twitter.com/1sfBaiYATF
- ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2020
AIIMS Doctor Contributes Rs 2 Lakh Prize Money To PM-CARES Fund
AIIMS doctor Uma Kumar, who recently won National sci-tech communication award, contributed her prize money of Rs 2 lakh in PM-CARES Fund to help the government fight COVID-19.
Talking to ANI, UmaK Kumar, Head of Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS, said it was her decision to contribute to the PM-CARES Fund as the country is reeling under coronavirus which has claimed over 400 lives.
"Coronavirus has shaken the whole world an has created an unprecedented situation. Many people in the country are suffering from the virus. I received this award on February 28 on Science Day. I received 2 lakh rupees and contributed it to the PM-CARES because I thought the money will be used for the welfare of the country," said Dr Uma.
"People should come forward for help as the virus and subsequent lockdown has affected everyone and everything is standstill," she said, news agency ANI reported.
Combating COVID-19: Laboratories Should Speed Up Testing, Says Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that the laboratories should speed up the testing process to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
"In the fight against global epidemic like corona, testing labs are playing a vital role. All precautions should be taken to prevent infection from spreading. Labs should speed up the testing process to control corona infection," said Yogi Adityanath here in a video conference with health and state officials.
He instructed that a Virology lab should be set up in one each in 24 state medical colleges of 18 circles.
Asking the officials to remain fully prepared to tackle problems arising out of COVID-19, he asked them to ensure the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and N-95 masks.
"The institutions will not have to be limited to lab testing but will also have to work on corona research and vaccine prospects," he said, news agency ANI reported.
In Regular Touch With Centre, States To Bring Back Migrant Labourers : Rajasthan Chief Minister
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said that his government is in regular touch with the Centre to bring back the migrant Rajasthani labourers who are stuck in other states amid the lockdown.
"We are regularly talking to the Centre to send these labourers to their homes. We hope that some solution to this problem will emerge soon," said Gehlot during a video conference with state cabinet ministers.
"The state government is regularly having a dialogue with the chief ministers of the concerned states to provide relief to Rajasthanis trapped in their regions. Besides this, the problem of people caught in different districts within Rajasthan will also be resolved soon," he said, news agency ANI reported.
Rise In Animals' Attack On Humans Amid Lockdown In Madhya Pradesh, 13 Killed: Official
The coronavirus lockdown and the resulting silence seems to have triggered a spurt in the attacks on humans by wild animals as they are often found entering the human habitats in and around the forest areas, officials in Madhya Pradesh said on Friday.
Since the lockdown came into force, wild animals, including leopards, tigers and elephants, have killed as many as 13 people in different parts of the state, they said.
"The silence in the adjoining urban areas has apparently given a mistaken sense of expanded territory to the wild animals. They venture out of their territory, sometimes misled by prevailing pin-drop silence due to the lockdown," an official said.
The forest cover of Madhya Pradesh is 77,482.49 sq km, which is 25.14 per cent of the state's total geographical area, a central government report has said.
The last three weeks have marked unusual activity with wild animals increasing found entering the human habitats, news agency PTI reported. Read here.
West Bengal: A couple tied the knot wearing masks in Kharagpur yesterday, in wake of #COVID19 outbreak. The couple donated Rs 31,000 to a local organization that distributes food among the needy amid lockdown. pic.twitter.com/TvR46ZGOe9
- ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2020
Hyderabad: Case Against 3 Persons Including 2 Chinese For Violating Lockdown
A case was registered against three women, including two Chinese students for violating the lockdown here on Thursday.
PV Padmaja, DCP, Balanagar said, "On Thursday, at Sanathnagar check-post police personnel intercepted a car in which three women were found travelling from Sanathnagar to Kukatpally after 6 pm."
"Two were Chinese students and one was from Nagaland," the DCP said.
"They have been booked for violating the lockdown norms and the car has been seized," the DCP added, news agency ANI reported.
ICMR To Conduct Study On Effectiveness Of BCG Vaccine Against COVID-19
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will conduct a study by next week, to identify the effectiveness of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against COVID-19, the Union Health Ministry officials said on Friday.
It may be noted that the BCG vaccine is administered against tuberculosis immediately after the birth of an infant.
Addressing a daily briefing on COVID-19 crisis in the country, chief of epidemiology and communicable diseases at ICMR, Dr R Gangakhedkar said, "Till the time, we do not know the effectiveness of BCG vaccine against COVID-19, we cannot recommend it to any healthcare worker. From next week onwards, ICMR is going to conduct a study on it."
"In the case of COVID-19, the benefit of BCG vaccine is less as it has maximum protection for 15 years. Even if it is re-vaccinated, then it should be done in the age of adolescence," he said, news agency ANI reported.
4,000 COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Allocated To Meghalaya: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said 4,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits have been allocated to Meghalaya as the health authorities are battling to zero in on the carrier into the state.
The wife of the first COVID-19 patient and six others of her family members are under home quarantine, while their maid who also tested positive is undergoing treatment at a hospital, he said, adding that they all are stable.
The state has been allocated 4,000 rapid test kits, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus deaths worldwide top 150,000, according to news agency AFP.
Army Develops COVID-19 Helpline App For Jammu And Kashmir
The Army has developed a mobile application to strengthen the efforts of Jammu and Kashmir administration to contain the spread of coronavirus, officials said on Friday.
"Covid-19 Helpline J&K" application will provide useful real time information to people about the location and contact number of hospitals, control rooms and rapid response teams in their vicinity, they said.
The mobile application is based on integrated information available on Google maps. It also contains information about the red zones, the officials said.
The application also contains relevant information on the preventive and safety measures regarding COVID-19 pandemic to create awareness among people, they added.
It is available as a third-party installation file and requires the user to provide his or her mobile number to login, the officials said, news agency PTI reported.
COVID-19 Pandemic: J&K Chief Secretary Asks Officials To Ramp-Up Sampling Capacity
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subhramanyam on Friday asked the deputy commissioners to ramp-up the sampling capacity so that COVID-19 cases are tested immediately.
All the contacts traced so far and other high-risk cases should be tested quickly to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the union territory, he said.
The chief secretary was interacting with the deputy commissioners and the field functionaries of the health department.
"We have already enhanced our testing capacity and are able to get the testing of good number of samples done both inside and outside Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
However, to match the gap of testing and sampling, "we need to push our field functionaries to prioritize the sample collection exercise," the chief secretary said.
"Delay in sample collection especially of high value cases which are already traced and other cases of high risk may pose threat to others," he said, news agency PTI reported.
Heinous Crimes In Delhi Down By Over 70% Amid Lockdown: Police
Amidst the countrywide lockdown to control the COVID-19 outbreak, heinous crimes have significantly decreased by over 70 per cent in the national capital in comparison to last year, police said on Friday.
The Delhi police has released data which showed that 221 cases of heinous crimes were registered in 2019 from April 1 to April 15, while in 2020, 66 such cases have been registered.
Last year from April 1 to April 15, total 10,579 cases were registered, while the number of cases reported in 2020 during the same time period was 2,574, police said.
Reports of cases of murder and rape have reduced by over 75 per cent, they said.
In the last two weeks, four cases of murder and 21 cases of rape were registered in Delhi. Last year, total 19 cases of murder and 93 cases of rape were registered during the first two weeks of April.
The cases of robbery and snatching have also gone down by 62 and 79 per cent respectively, police said, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus Update: Postal Department Delivers Over 100 Tonnes Of Medicines, Other Supplies
The Postal Department has delivered over 100 tonnes of medicines and other medical supplies across the country using freight flights and mail vans during the coronavirus lockdown, the Union home ministry said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference on COVID-19, home ministry Joint Secretary Punya Salia Srivastava said over two lakh postmen and gramin dak sevaks are ensuring payments to beneficiaries of various government schemes through India Post Payment Bank using Aadhaar-based payments.
The Postal Department has delivered over 100 tonnes of medicines and other medical supplies across the country using freight flights and mail vans during the coronavirus lockdown, the Union home ministry said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference on COVID-19, home ministry Joint Secretary Punya Salia Srivastava said over two lakh postmen and gramin dak sevaks are ensuring payments to beneficiaries of various government schemes through India Post Payment Bank using Aadhaar-based payments.
PTI
17 Charted Flights To Take Back UK Travellers From India
The UK will send 17 more charted flights next week starting April 20 to take the British travellers back home in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
As per the release by the British High Commission in New Delhi, flights from Ahmedabad to London will fly on April 20, 22, 24, and 26. The flights from Amritsar will operate on April 21, 23, 25 and 27.
Flights from Bengaluru via Ahmedabad to London will fly on April 23. The flights would also be operating from Delhi to London on April 21, 23, 25 and 27. Flights from Goa to London will operate on April 20, 22 and 24 and flight from Mumbai to London will operate on April 26.
Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said in the official release: "There will be 17 more charter flights next week to take British travellers back to the UK - on top of the 21 flights announced previously."
PTI
The UK will send 17 more charted flights next week starting April 20 to take the British travellers back home in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
As per the release by the British High Commission in New Delhi, flights from Ahmedabad to London will fly on April 20, 22, 24, and 26. The flights from Amritsar will operate on April 21, 23, 25 and 27.
Flights from Bengaluru via Ahmedabad to London will fly on April 23. The flights would also be operating from Delhi to London on April 21, 23, 25 and 27. Flights from Goa to London will operate on April 20, 22 and 24 and flight from Mumbai to London will operate on April 26.
Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said in the official release: "There will be 17 more charter flights next week to take British travellers back to the UK - on top of the 21 flights announced previously."
PTI
Congress Terms Reserve Bank's Measures ''Far Too Little'', Disappointing
The Congress on Friday termed the measures announced by the Reserve Bank of India "far too little", saying it was disappointed with the action and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce sector specific packages for the industry.
Senior party spokesperson Anand Sharma said the measures announced by the RBI are "far too little to meet the needs of the Indian industry and prevent the MSMEs from sliding into ICU".
The Congress on Friday termed the measures announced by the Reserve Bank of India "far too little", saying it was disappointed with the action and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce sector specific packages for the industry.
Senior party spokesperson Anand Sharma said the measures announced by the RBI are "far too little to meet the needs of the Indian industry and prevent the MSMEs from sliding into ICU".
"Urging the prime minister once again to announce sector specific packages to ensure companies remain afloat," he said on Twitter.
PTI
COVID-19 Update: Thane Tally Rise To 320
Twenty-nine people tested positive for coronavirus on Friday in Thane, taking the district's total COVID-19 count to 320, official said.
This includes 115 cases in Thane municipal corporation limits, 60 in Kalyan Dombivali, 59 in Navi Mumbai. The Palghar district count stands at 80 as on Friday, said officials.
Twenty-nine people tested positive for coronavirus on Friday in Thane, taking the district's total COVID-19 count to 320, official said.
This includes 115 cases in Thane municipal corporation limits, 60 in Kalyan Dombivali, 59 in Navi Mumbai. The Palghar district count stands at 80 as on Friday, said officials.
Coronavirus Update From Delhi: Number Of Containment Zones In Delhi Reaches 66
The number of containment zones in the national capital reached 66 on Friday.
The development comes after a house in Sangam Vihar after four members of a family tested positive of COVID-19.
ANI
The number of containment zones in the national capital reached 66 on Friday.
The development comes after a house in Sangam Vihar after four members of a family tested positive of COVID-19.
ANI
Coronavirus: Give Maharashtra Rs 25,000 Crore Package To Fight Covid-19, Minister To Centre
Maharashtra Revenue minister and state Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat on Friday demanded a package of Rs 25,000 crore from the Centre to help the state tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Thorat said the state was the first to order a lockdown in the country and was taking care of 7.5 lakh poor and migrant labourers in 6,500 camps.
Maharashtra Revenue minister and state Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat on Friday demanded a package of Rs 25,000 crore from the Centre to help the state tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Thorat said the state was the first to order a lockdown in the country and was taking care of 7.5 lakh poor and migrant labourers in 6,500 camps.
"We have demanded PPE kits from the Centre but are yet to get them. We want the Centre to give us a package of Rs 25,000 crore as well as Rs 16,500 GST refund to tackle the outbreak," he added.
PTI
Coronavirus Update From Uttar Pradesh: Case Against Hospital In Agra For ''Spreading'' Coronavirus
The Agra Police have registered a case against the management of a private hospital in Agra for not revealing the real number of patients and staff in the hospital after a woman who was taking treatment there had tested positive for coronavirus.
The hospital's negligence has resulted in spreading the coronavirus to other places, the district administration has said.
The Agra Police have registered a case against the management of a private hospital in Agra for not revealing the real number of patients and staff in the hospital after a woman who was taking treatment there had tested positive for coronavirus.
The hospital's negligence has resulted in spreading the coronavirus to other places, the district administration has said.
ANI
Coronavirus Update: 38 More COVID-19 Cases In Andhra Pradesh, State Tally Reaches 572
38 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 572.
While 13 cases were reported in Kurnool, six in Nellore, five each in Chittoor and Anantapur, four each in Guntur and Krishna and one in Kadapa, according to the latest bulletin by State Command Control Room, Andhra Pradesh.
38 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 572.
While 13 cases were reported in Kurnool, six in Nellore, five each in Chittoor and Anantapur, four each in Guntur and Krishna and one in Kadapa, according to the latest bulletin by State Command Control Room, Andhra Pradesh.
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state is 572. Till now, 35 patients have been discharged, while 14 deaths have been reported. Remaining 523 are currently undergoing treatment.
ANI
Coronavirus Delhi News: Use ''Assess Koro Na'' App For Door-To-Door Survey In Containment Zones, Delhi Government Tells Top Officials
Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev has asked all district magistrates to use the new ''Assess Koro Na'' app for door-to-door survey in COVID-19 containment zones to speed up decision-making by analysing real-time data.
Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev has asked all district magistrates to use the new ''Assess Koro Na'' app for door-to-door survey in COVID-19 containment zones to speed up decision-making by analysing real-time data.
Officials say the delay in collecting and analysing the data of a person in physical form is a major challenge.
With this app, the data collected can be uploaded on the servers in real-time and analysed immediately.
This will help the control centres in making a quick decision on requirement of ambulances and other medical equipment and personnel in the area.
Coronavirus Update From Delhi: Manish Sisodia Praises Locals For Making ''Operation SHIELD'' Successful
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said that apart from Rajouri Garden, ''Operation SHIELD'' has become successful in two more hotspots -- Vasundhara Enclave and Khichripur in the national capital.
The Deputy Chief Minister also praised the efforts made by the government officials and the locals for making this operation a success.
"The Operation SHIELD has been successful. The local people have supported a lot. Their corporation with the government made the operation successful," he said while speaking to media persons here.
"If they would have not followed the guidelines and rules, this would have never been possible," added Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said that apart from Rajouri Garden, ''Operation SHIELD'' has become successful in two more hotspots -- Vasundhara Enclave and Khichripur in the national capital.
The Deputy Chief Minister also praised the efforts made by the government officials and the locals for making this operation a success.
"The Operation SHIELD has been successful. The local people have supported a lot. Their corporation with the government made the operation successful," he said while speaking to media persons here.
"If they would have not followed the guidelines and rules, this would have never been possible," added Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia.
ANI
Covid-19 Upodate From Bihar: Man, 35, Dies Of Coronavirus Infection In Patna
A 35-year-old man, who had tested positive for COVID-19, lost his life at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna today.
"He had a history of tuberculosis and had a fever at the time he was admitted to the hospital," an AIIMS Patna official said.
The death count due to coronavirus in Bihar has now risen to two.
With an increase of 1,007 cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India has gone up to 13,387. As many as 23 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.
A 35-year-old man, who had tested positive for COVID-19, lost his life at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna today.
"He had a history of tuberculosis and had a fever at the time he was admitted to the hospital," an AIIMS Patna official said.
The death count due to coronavirus in Bihar has now risen to two.
With an increase of 1,007 cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India has gone up to 13,387. As many as 23 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.
Out of the total count, 11,201 are active, while 1,749 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. 437 deaths have been reported till Friday morning.
ANI
Amid Coronavirus Lockdown, Delhi Police Intercept Truck Taking 37 Labourers To Haryana
The Delhi Police on Thursday night intercepted a truck taking 37 labourers to Haryana from Delhi.
The police stopped the truck for checking at Okhla T-Point picket, MB Road of Pul Prahladpur on the basis of suspicion.
On enquiry, it was found that one contractor was taking the labourers to Palwal Mandi in Haryana.
The 50-year-old contractor was also present in the truck.
The Delhi Police on Thursday night intercepted a truck taking 37 labourers to Haryana from Delhi.
The police stopped the truck for checking at Okhla T-Point picket, MB Road of Pul Prahladpur on the basis of suspicion.
On enquiry, it was found that one contractor was taking the labourers to Palwal Mandi in Haryana.
The 50-year-old contractor was also present in the truck.
The contractor had picked up these labourers from Okhla Mandi and Chhatarpur in Delhi. They all belong to Bihar and were temporarily living in Chhatarpur.
ANI
Coronavirus Update From Odisha: 5,000 Tests To Be Conducted In Bhubaneswar
Odisha government would be conducting 5,000 tests during the next seven days in Bhubaneswar, which has become a hotspot in the State with 46 coronavirus cases till now.
"Odisha to conduct 5,000 tests during the next seven days in Bhubaneswar. There are 60 positive cases of coronavirus in the State as of now with no new cases reported in the last two days. 19 people have cured. Out of 60 cases, 46 are from Bhubaneswar," said Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy.
He said that as per the categorisation, Bhubaneswar comes under hotspot. "We have divided Bhubaneswar into three containment zones. A special officer has been appointed to look after the government''s engagements," he said.
Odisha government would be conducting 5,000 tests during the next seven days in Bhubaneswar, which has become a hotspot in the State with 46 coronavirus cases till now.
"Odisha to conduct 5,000 tests during the next seven days in Bhubaneswar. There are 60 positive cases of coronavirus in the State as of now with no new cases reported in the last two days. 19 people have cured. Out of 60 cases, 46 are from Bhubaneswar," said Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy.
He said that as per the categorisation, Bhubaneswar comes under hotspot. "We have divided Bhubaneswar into three containment zones. A special officer has been appointed to look after the government''s engagements," he said.
Mr Tripathy said that under the strategy, we have prepared a priority list for testing and we are going to maximise the testing of samples in Bhubaneswar. "In the next seven days, we will collect 5,000 samples from the city as per the priority list prepared by the Health Department," he said.
ANI
COVID-19 Update: Northern Railway Ensures Supply Of Essential Items
In a bid to ensure supply of essential items during the lockdown, the Northern Railway is continuing to deliver essential commodities through its freight services to help the country combat the coronavirus.
Due to the lockdown, loading requirement at the Northern Railway (NR) has increased from an average of 15 rakes per day to up to 51 rakes in a day, as per an official release.
"As a result of increased requirements, the all-time highest record single day loading of 51 rakes of food grain was achieved on April 9 this year. Approximately 53 per cent of the food grain loading has been done alone by the Northern Railway during the lockdown period," reads the release from the NR.
In a bid to ensure supply of essential items during the lockdown, the Northern Railway is continuing to deliver essential commodities through its freight services to help the country combat the coronavirus.
Due to the lockdown, loading requirement at the Northern Railway (NR) has increased from an average of 15 rakes per day to up to 51 rakes in a day, as per an official release.
"As a result of increased requirements, the all-time highest record single day loading of 51 rakes of food grain was achieved on April 9 this year. Approximately 53 per cent of the food grain loading has been done alone by the Northern Railway during the lockdown period," reads the release from the NR.
ANI
Coronavirus Doubling Rate Down To 6.2 Days From 3 Days Before Lockdown
The doubling rate of COIVD-19 cases in India has dropped from 6.2 days over the past week, as compared to three days before the lockdown was imposed last month, the government said today, adding that there had been a 40 per cent decline in the growth of new cases. The decline is the result of increased testing, including that of patients suffering from SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) and ILI (influenza-like illness), the government added.
"Before the lockdown, doubling rate of COVID19 cases was about three days, but according to data in the past seven days, the doubling rate of cases now stands at 6.2 days," Lav Aggarwal, a senior Health Ministry official, told reporters during a daily briefing.
The doubling rate of COIVD-19 cases in India has dropped from 6.2 days over the past week, as compared to three days before the lockdown was imposed last month, the government said today, adding that there had been a 40 per cent decline in the growth of new cases. The decline is the result of increased testing, including that of patients suffering from SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) and ILI (influenza-like illness), the government added.
"Before the lockdown, doubling rate of COVID19 cases was about three days, but according to data in the past seven days, the doubling rate of cases now stands at 6.2 days," Lav Aggarwal, a senior Health Ministry official, told reporters during a daily briefing.
Disappointed With RBI Announcements, More Needed To Help Poor Amid Lockdown: CongressThe Congress expressed disappointment over the announcements made by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today to support the economy, saying the government should take more measures to mitigate the problems of the poor people suffering due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown."
Gujarat Institute Identifies 3 New Mutations Of Novel Coronavirus: ReportResearchers at the state government-run Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) have succeeded in decoding the entire genome sequence of the novel coronavirus, and identified its three new mutations, officials said today."
Coronavirus Update: Containment Operation To Be Scaled Down If No Secondary COVID-19 Case For 4 Weeks, Says Government
Containment operations will be scaled down if no secondary positive case of COVID-19 is reported from a quarantine zone for at least four weeks after the last confirmed test has been isolated and all his contacts have been followed up for 28 days, the Union Health Ministry said.
Containment operations will be scaled down if no secondary positive case of COVID-19 is reported from a quarantine zone for at least four weeks after the last confirmed test has been isolated and all his contacts have been followed up for 28 days, the Union Health Ministry said.
According to the ministry's "Updated containment plan for large outbreaks COVID-19", a containment operation (large outbreak or cluster) is deemed to be over 28 days from the date the last case in that zone tests negative.
PTI
Coronavirus Update In Madhya Pradesh: Four Caught After Escaping From Isolation Facility
Four persons, including two COVID-19 patients, who had escaped from an isolation facility in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city in a truck, were caught at Morena district, police said on Friday.
Eight people, including six coronavirus patients and two suspects, had escaped from an isolation facility set up at a hotel in Indore on Wednesday, of which three COVID-19 patients were later traced and hospitalised.
PTI
Four persons, including two COVID-19 patients, who had escaped from an isolation facility in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city in a truck, were caught at Morena district, police said on Friday.
Eight people, including six coronavirus patients and two suspects, had escaped from an isolation facility set up at a hotel in Indore on Wednesday, of which three COVID-19 patients were later traced and hospitalised.
PTI
Coronavirus: 1 Metre Social Distance? My Home Is 2 Metres Long: Mumbai Slums ProblemIn an air-conditioned government building in Mumbai, a dozen officials are glued to a giant screen showing live drone and CCTV footage of crowded slums, the frontline in the city's battle to contain the spread of the coronavirus."
Coronavirus India Impact: PM Narendra Modi Says RBI's Steps Will Improve Credit Supply, Help Farmers And PoorPrime Minister Modi tweeted in support of the RBI after the central bank announced measures to revive an economy struggling amid the coronavirus lockdown".
Congress disappointed with announcements made by RBI; government should take more measures to help those affected by COVID-19: Ajay Maken
W/CONST. SUMAN DISPLAYED GREAT SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY
- DCP West Delhi (@DCPWestDelhi) April 17, 2020
PP Raghubir Nagar, PS Khyala team took the call to assist humanity & rushed a women in labour pain to hospital. Yet, the delivery took place midway. Both mother & baby are safe at hospital. @ANI @HMOIndia @LtGovDelhi @Cpdelhi pic.twitter.com/fDamOyXhxo
Coronavirus India lockdown: RBI's steps today will "enhance liquidity, improve credit supply", says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that small businesses, farmers and poor will benefit from RBI's decision to "enhance liquidity and improve credit supply".
Today's announcements by @RBI will greatly enhance liquidity and improve credit supply. These steps would help our small businesses, MSMEs, farmers and the poor. It will also help all states by increasing WMA limits.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2020
Coronavirus Maharashtra live updates: 288 more cases and 7 more deaths in Maharashtra
At least 288 more cases and seven COVID-19 related more deaths have been reported in Maharashtra, news agency ANI reported quoting State Health Department. Maharashtra is among the worst affected states with 194 deaths and 3,204 prople testing positive for the virus.
38 more #COVID19 cases reported in Karnataka from 5 pm yesterday till 12 pm today. Total cases in the state stand at 353, including 82 discharged & 13 deaths: Karnataka Government pic.twitter.com/P4e9WfKHyN
- ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases in India Live Updates: Navi Mumbai cops help senior citizens amid lockdown
The police in neighbouring Navi Mumbai have identified around 1,600 senior citizens who live alone and need help during the COVID-19 lockdown, news agency PTI reported quoting an official.
The police have set up a help desk to check in on at least 24 elderly persons every day and provide any possible help to them during the lockdown, senior inspector Meera Bansode said.
The desk with around six officials was set up on March 30 and has identified 1,600 senior citizens in the area, who need help getting essentials and medicines, she said.
Police personnel have also helped the elderly, most of whom are over 80, with bank work and doctor visits.
This is for all. Bats are source of many virus but they are not behind spread. It is our own actions. Bats help in
- Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) April 17, 2020
- Pest extermination
- pollination, hence food security
- increase soil fertility
- seed dispersal
Bats are not enemies wherever they are. In your homes & farms.
"School to only charge 1 month of tuition fees, no additional fee to be charged...salaries of staff must be paid on time": Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia
Fact Vs Myth#Covid_19
- Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) April 17, 2020
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill #CoronaVirus ?
NO ‼️ Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body.
Spraying such substances can be harmful.@MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/HSEWxeSJeR
Nikhil Kumaraswamy Wedding: What Social Distancing? HD Kumaraswamy's Son's Wedding Draws ScrutinyBlessings for the bride and the groom at arm's length and a flower-decked house without a soul at its door marked the morning of a mega political wedding in Karnataka amid the coronavirus lockdown."
Coronavirus Andhra Pradesh news: Two recover from COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, receive warm send-off from medical staff
Two people who were discharged after being treated for coronavirus have been discharged from a hospital in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapuram following their recovery, authorities said on Friday. Doctors and other medical support staff were seen giving a heartwarming farewell to the two at the COVID-19 special hospital after they recovered from the infection.
Coronavirus, India: Centre Adds More To List Of What Is Allowed After April 20 Amid LockdownThe government has made new additions to the list of activities that will be allowed amid lockdown in parts of the country that are least affected by coronavirus."
Coronavirus Karnataka news: Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of HD Kumaraswamy, ties the knot in Bengaluru today
Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, ties the knot with Revathi in Bengaluru today. The wedding took place despite a warning from the state government.
Coronavirus news: 51,000 samples tested for COVID-19 till now, says Maharashtra Health Minister
At least 51,000 samples have been tested for coronavirus in Maharashtra so far, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said. "Of 51,000 samples, over 24,000 samples have been tested for coronavirus in Mumbai," Mr Tope was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
He further said, "We have a total of 30 COVID-19 testing labs in the state including 15 government and 15 private labs. Soon, 6 more testing labs will be added in our list."
"We are increasing our capacity of labs so that the time-lapse between sample collection and test result can be minimised and better treatment is given to the infected patients as soon as possible," he added.
The State Health Minister further said that permission for rapid testing has been sought from ICMR.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India''s count of positive cases of coronavirus reached 13,387, of which 3,205 cases have been reported from Maharashtra.
Coronavirus Rajasthan news: 56-year-old man dies in Jodhpur, 38 more cases reported in Rajasthan in 24 hours
A 56-year-old man, who tested positive for COVID-19, died in Jodhpur on Thursday night, news agency ANI reported. 38 new cases were reported in Rajasthan in the last 24 hours.
The 56-year-old male COVID-19 patient, was a resident of Mandore road, Khetanadi in Jodhpur, and was also suffering from acute cardiac disease.
The total number of coronavirus cases in the state now stands at 1,169, as per the Rajasthan Health Department.
Priyanka Gandhi urges UP Chief Minister to set up "economic revival task force" in state for revival of economy hit by coronavirus, reports news agency PTI.
"Policy repo rate remains unchanged at 4.4%," says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das
Economic activity came to a standstill during #coronavirusLockdown: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 17, 2020
- Injected liquidity to the tune of 3.2% of GDP between February 6 and March 27, 2020
- India is expected to post sharp turnaround in 2021-22
- RBI to conduct Targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO) 2.0 for Rs 50,000 crore
- Auction of targeted long-term repo operations worth Rs 25,000 crore to be conducted today
"No downtime of internet or mobile banking during lockdown; banking operations normal," says RBI Governor
- The World Trade Organisation projects a deficit in trade of between 13% and 32%.
- India's growth is the best among all G-20 nations.
- The forecast of a normal monsoon comes as good news in the gloom of COVID-19.
- India also has very robust foreign exchange reserves.
- RBI has injected 3.2 per cent of GDP to ensure liquidity in banks.
#Watch | "IMF projection of 1.9% GDP growth for India is highest in G20": RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das briefs media amid #coronavirus crisis. pic.twitter.com/g9vXhWFhpT
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 17, 2020
Coronavirs news: 5 more COVID-19 cases reported in Andhra''s Srikalahasti
Five new cases have been reported in Andhra Pradesh's Srikalahasti, taking the total cases in the town to 10.
One patient had returned from Delhi while a woman is a contact of the person, who had already tested COVID-19 positive.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh has reached 534, including 500 active cases, according to the state health department on Thursday.
Coronavirus news: 3 more test positive in Chhattisgarh; tally 36
Three more people, including two women, tested positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarhs Korba district. At least 36 people have been tested positive for the virus in the state so far.
Katghora, located around 200km from the state capital Raipur, has emerged as the top COVID-19 hotspot in Chhattisgarh with 27 confirmed cases reported so far from the town.
COVID-19: Improvement In Coronavirus Recovery Rate In Last 4 Days: 10 PointsThe number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in India has climbed to 13,387, with 1,000 positive cases reported in the last 24 hours. The highly infectious COVID-19 has killed 437 in the country, government data shows. The recovery rate that indicates the number of people who have successfully fought off the disease stood at 13.06 per cent on Friday, an improvement over Thursday's 12.02 per cent, Wednesday's 11.41 per cent and Tuesday's 9.99 per cent. In the last 24 hours, 260 patients were declared cured from COVID-19 and discharged from hospitals - the biggest number of recovery so far in India. On Thursday, 183 were discharged from hospitals after they recovered."
RBI Governor to address media at 10 am
Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das will address the media at 10 am on Friday amidst the steep fall in the rupee and the continuing volatility in other segments of the financial markets.
The rupee fell 0.55 per cent to a new record low of 76.86 against the US dollar on Thursday, while the equity indices have been on a see-saw in the wake of the coronaviirus outbreak losing over 30 per cent since January.
"Watchout for the RBI Governor @DasShaktikanta address live at 10.00 am today (April 17, 2020)," RBI said in a tweet.
This will the second time that the governor will be addressing the media since the nationwide lockdown was imposed from March 25.
A look at rise in number of #coronavirus cases in India till today
- NDTV (@ndtv) April 17, 2020
Blue bars = Active cases
Green bars = Recovered
Red bars = Deaths pic.twitter.com/mX8M52TbqA
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: 180 people in Pune made to sit for 4 hours for defying lockdown norms
As many as 180 people were made to sit for over four hours at Swargate area in Pune on Thursday for violating lockdown norms, news agency ANI reported quoting a police official.
"A total of 180 people have been made to sit on the road at Swargate area in Pune for over four hours for defying the lockdown norms which were imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus," Shabbir Sayyed, police inspector (Crime) Swargate police station, told ANI.
He said that these people were made to sit to make them realise the grave situation and the risk they pose.
JUST IN: 13,387 coronavirus cases in India, over 1,000 in 24 hours, 437 deaths
This video by the @MoHFW_India teaches us how to make homemade masks to be used while going outside for essentials during the #COVID_19 outbreak.
- Banega Swasth India (@banegaswasthind) April 17, 2020
Watch it here: https://t.co/XXsuK0gEJl
Delhi: Police personnel deployed for surveillance in #COVID19 hotspot areas of Shahdara.
- ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2020
Total 1640 positive cases have been reported in the national capital till now. pic.twitter.com/UtIowTcB22
Family members of COVID-19 patient in Meghalaya test positive
Two more cases have tested positive in Meghalaya. Both are family members of the first COVID-19 patient: Government of Meghalaya.
Mumbai, Coronavirus: 12.59 Percent Of COVID-19 Tests Done In Mumbai: Civic Body BMCThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday claimed that it had conducted over 27,000 COVID-19 tests, which is 12.59 per cent of the total number of tests carried out in the country so far."
Coronavirus update: US death count passes 32,000
The confirmed coronavirus death count in the United States reached 32,917 on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Coronavirus news: Hyderabad police intercepts lorry carrying 80 migrant labourers to Madhya Pradesh
Police here stopped a lorry carrying 80 migrant workers back to their native place in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Donald Trump Says, states already clear of virus can open"'literally tomorrow"
President Donald Trump said that more sparsely populated states where coronavirus is not a problem can reopen their economies "literally tomorrow."
"You're talking about those states that are in great shape already? They will be able to go literally tomorrow," he said.
In other comments, Trump named North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming as "a lot different" to hard-hit states like New York, AFP reported.
