This Article is From Apr 22, 2020

Coronavirus Highlights: COVID-19 Cases Rise To 18,985, Over 600 Dead

COVID-19 India Updates: The number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 18,601 which includes 590 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said today, adding that 1,336 cases and 47 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus Highlights: COVID-19 Cases Rise To 18,985, Over 600 Dead

COVID-19 Cases India Updates: India has extended the lockdown till May 3. (File)

New Delhi:

Total 18,985 positive coronavirus cases have been reported across the country so far which includes 603 deaths. A total of 3,252 people have been cured of coronavirus in India so far, including 705 patients who were discharged on Monday, taking the recovery percentage to 17.48 per cent, the government informed on Tuesday.

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday withdrew its lockdown relaxation norms for Mumbai and Pune regions, both coronavirus hotspots, and revised its last week's guidelines prohibiting door-to-door delivery of newspapers and magazines in the state.

Meanwhile, nearly 100 people at the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex have been quarantined after a sanitation worker there tested positive for coronavirus, sources said. The person was tested positive four days ago.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was suspending immigration for green-card seekers for 60 days, arguing the controversial move would protect US jobs.

Globally, 2,533,528 people have been infected and 1,75,342 have died so far.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases Highlights:

Apr 22, 2020 05:37 (IST)
United States Coronavirus deaths top 45,000, doubling in a little more than a week, news agency Reuters reported.
Apr 22, 2020 04:56 (IST)
Punjab Police Give Lyrical Push To Its Campaign Against Fake News Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The Punjab Police have come up with a novel way to create awareness about fake news on social media. The police released a song on Tuesday titled, ''Fake Di Khair Nahi'' (fake will not be spared) alerting people to refrain from spreading incorrect information pertaining to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The song--that was released on Twitter--educates people about damages rendered to the society by fake news and advises them to refrain from sharing it.

"Don''t get ensnared by the crafty work of the fake news mills running overtime during the #Covid19 lockdown. Be responsible; do not forward news from unconfirmed sources! #FakeDiKhairNahi," the Punjab Police official handle tweeted, news agency ANI reported.
Apr 22, 2020 04:11 (IST)
Trump says will "probably" sign immigration order Wednesday, news agency AFP reported.
Apr 22, 2020 03:47 (IST)
Trump says immigration suspension to last 60 days, news agency AFP reported.
Apr 22, 2020 03:04 (IST)
Centre To Carry Out Telephonic Survey On Coronavirus Prevalence
The Central government will conduct a telephonic survey to gather feedback from citizens on the prevalence and distribution of COVID-19 symptoms.

The survey is to be carried out by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and calls will be coming on mobile phones from calling number 1921.

"The Government of India will be conducting a telephonic survey. Citizens will get calls on their mobile phones by NIC and number 1921," read a tweet by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"People are informed that it is a genuine survey and are requested to participate in good measure to enable proper feedback of the prevalence and distribution of Covid-19 symptoms," read another tweet by the Ministry, news agency ANI reported.
Apr 22, 2020 02:35 (IST)
Test Asymptomatic Pregnant Women Living In Containment Zones Or Hotspots: Top Medical Body ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday issued a strategy for testing pregnant women for coronavirus, if a woman lives in a containment zone.

"Pregnant women residing in clusters/containment area or in large migration gatherings/evacuees center from hotspot districts presenting in labour or likely to deliver in the next five days should be tested even if asymptomatic," the ICMR said in its guidelines.

Asymptomatic pregnant women should be tested in the health facilities where they are expected to deliver and all arrangements should be made to collect and transfer samples to testing facilities, it added, news agency ANI reported.
Apr 22, 2020 02:10 (IST)
Apr 22, 2020 01:43 (IST)
28,000 People Charged In West Bengal Since March-End For Violating Lockdown Norms
Around 28,000 people from across West Bengal have been charged under different sections of the IPC for violating lockdown norms since "March-end", Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said on Tuesday.

During the period, around 3,000 vehicles have also been impounded in connection with the non-adherence of safety restrictions, he said.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police on Tuesday arrested at least 839 people in the city for defying lockdown rules, not wearing masks while stepping outside and spitting in the open.

Till 8 pm, 616 people were held for deliberate violation of the curbs, 198 for not wearing masks and 25 for spitting in public places, a senior police officer said, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 22, 2020 01:07 (IST)
Apr 22, 2020 00:33 (IST)
Bombay High Court To Cancel Summer Vacation If Lockdown Is Lifted
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday decided to cancel its month-long summer vacation scheduled to begin on May 7 if the nation-wide lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 is lifted on May 3.

The high court summer vacation is scheduled from May 7 to June 7.

If the lockdown is lifted on May 3 then the summer vacation, that is to begin on May 7, will be cancelled and normal courts will function at the principal seat in Bombay and its benches at Aurangabad and Nagpur, a High Court official said.

The official added that the courts would then function from 10.30 in the morning instead of the normal time of 11 am.

If the lockdown is extended beyond May 3, then the high court will function as per the present arrangement where special benches convene twice a week to hear extremely urgent matters via video-conferencing, he added, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 22, 2020 00:21 (IST)
Bombay High Court To Cancel Summer Vacation If Lockdown Is Lifted
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday decided to cancel its month-long summer vacation scheduled to begin on May 7 if the nation-wide lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 is lifted on May 3.

The high court summer vacation is scheduled from May 7 to June 7.

If the lockdown is lifted on May 3 then the summer vacation, that is to begin on May 7, will be cancelled and normal courts will function at the principal seat in Bombay and its benches at Aurangabad and Nagpur, a High Court official said.

The official added that the courts would then function from 10.30 in the morning instead of the normal time of 11 am.

If the lockdown is extended beyond May 3, then the high court will function as per the present arrangement where special benches convene twice a week to hear extremely urgent matters via video-conferencing, he added, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 22, 2020 00:18 (IST)
Why Is Government Not Passing On Benefit Of Reduced Oil Prices To Consumers, Congress Asks
The Congress on Tuesday asked the government why it was not reducing the prices of petrol and diesel in the country when crude oil rates have plunged to record lows.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked when would this government listen and reduce the prices of petrol and diesel, which continued to sell at Rs 69 and Rs 62 per litre respectively in India.

"Prices of crude oil have fallen to unexpected levels in the world, yet why is petrol in our country sold at Rs 69, diesel at Rs 62. It is good that prices have fallen in this disaster. When will this government listen," he asked in a tweet in Hindi.

Voicing similar views, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said oil prices have fallen below USD 0, yet this government is silent and not reducing the prices of petrol and diesel.

"WTI Crude Oil price plunges below USD 0 per barrel! We, the People, are still paying Rs 69.59 for Petrol Rs 62.29 for Diesel. (Delhi)"

"Why is Modi Government mum? Will "Self Styled Nationalists" at least now become ''Rationalists'' and demand relief?," Mr Surjewala tweeted, news agency PTI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 23:47 (IST)
COVID-19 Pandemic: WHO warns lifting of coronavirus lockdowns must be gradual

The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that any lifting of lockdowns to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus must be gradual, and if restrictions were to be relaxed too soon, there would be a resurgence of infections.

Lockdown measures have proved effective, and people must be ready for a new way of living to allow society to function while the coronavirus is being kept in check, said Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

We must adapt our lives and health systems along with the epidemic, Mr Kasai told an online press conference.

"At least until a vaccine, or a very effective treatment, is found, this process will need to become our new normal."

Governments considering lifting lockdown measures should do so carefully and in stages, and continue to monitor the epidemic situation, he said. So long as the coronavirus is circulating, no country is safe from a potentially overwhelming outbreak, he said.
Apr 21, 2020 23:33 (IST)
Samples not to be taken from bodies of those suspected to have died with symptoms of COVID-19 in Telengana
Health authorities in Telangana have decided not to take samples from the bodies of those suspected to have died with symptoms of COVID-19 but follow all due protocols, including disposal of the body, contact tracing of the person, isolation and testing by treating it as a suspect case.

"It's body. When we are following the deemed protocols, how does it matter, you collect the sample or not...," a health official said on Tuesday.

The due protocols, including disposal of body, contact tracing (of the deceased), isolation and testing, would be followed, he said. "Whatever the protocols we will follow for a positive case, here protocols will be followed," the official added.
Apr 21, 2020 23:14 (IST)
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant thanks PM Modi, Amit Shah for new MHA guidelines on seafarers
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said seafarers from the state stranded on ships due to the coronavirus outbreak will be back home soon.

Mr Sawant was reacting to recent guidelines by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs which has allowed seafarers stranded at Indian ports to disembark.

"I thank the Hon. PM @narendramodi Ji. Hon. HM @AmitShah ji for permitting the disembarking of seafarers at Indian ports. Goans stranded on the high seas will now soon be back home," he tweeted.
Apr 21, 2020 22:55 (IST)
Coronavirus India: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launches "COVID India Seva" to address citizens' queries
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday launched "COVID India Seva", an interactive platform for citizen engagement on coronavirus. This initiative is aimed at enabling transparent e-governance delivery in real-time and answering citizen queries swiftly.

"Experts will share authoritative public health information regarding COVID-19 swiftly at scale, helping to build a direct channel for communication with citizens," Harsh Vardhan said in a tweet.

"Through this, people can pose queries @CovidIndiaSeva and get them responded to in almost real-time. @CovidIndiaSeva works off a dashboard at the backend that helps process large volumes of tweets, converts them into resolvable tickets, and assigns them to the relevant authority for real-time resolution," read an official statement.
Apr 21, 2020 22:45 (IST)
Coronavirus Maharashtra: No new COVID-19 cases today in Nashik, Malegaon remains hotspot
Tuesday was a good day in Nashik district's fight against the coronavirus outbreak with nobody testing positive for the coronavirus, health officials said.

The district has 99 COVID-19 cases, 85 of which are in Malegaon, which is fast turning into a worrisome hotspot. 

"Of the 236 samples sent for testing from Malegaon Municipal Corporation limits so far, a total of 85, or a little over 36 per cent, have returned positive. All eight COVID-19 deaths in the district have also been from Malegaon," an official said.

Apr 21, 2020 22:12 (IST)
Coronavirus India Lockdown: Tata Trusts donate 10,000 masks and gloves to Tripura
Tata Trusts has donated 10,000 triple-layered masks and 10,000 pair of gloves to Tripura to check the spread of COVID 19, Deputy chief minister Jishnu Devvarma said on Tuesday.

"My sincere gratitude to @tatatrusts for providing 10,000 three layered masks and 10,000 pairs of gloves to Govt. of Tripura at Tripura Bhawan, Delhi. And materials like PPE, ventilators etc. are expected to be available soon to tackle corona crisis," Devvarma tweeted.
Apr 21, 2020 21:45 (IST)
Coronavirus India News: Supreme Court asks Centre to consider including women shelter homes under COVID-19 preventive guidelines
The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the centre to consider extending the guidelines issued to prevent the spread of coronavirus in children's homes to Nari Niketans or women's shelter homes, wherever feasible.

The top court asked the government to look for feasibility of implementing its April 3 guidelines, which included releasing of the inmates wherever possible to avoid overcrowding.

During the hearing of a PIL through video conferencing, a bench of Justices said the centre and state governments should assess the ground situation and take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus at women's shelter homes.

Apr 21, 2020 21:27 (IST)
Coronavirus cases in Delhi rise to 2,156; no fresh deaths: Authorities
The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Tuesday rose to 2,156, with 75 new cases and no fresh deaths reported, Delhi government authorities said.

Of the total number of 47 deaths reported till date, 25 of those dead were aged 60 and above, making over 53 per cent of the total death cases, they said.

Twelve of them were aged between 50-59 and 10 were aged less than 50 years, officials said.

According to the heath bulletin released by the Delhi Health Department on Tuesday, no fresh deaths have been reported.
Apr 21, 2020 21:03 (IST)
COVID-19 news: Mumbai containment areas rise from 381 to 813 between April 9-20
The number of containment zones in Mumbai increased by 113 per cent from 381 to 813 between April 9 and 20, despite the metropolis being under lockdown for almost a month now, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials said on Tuesday.

The metropolis had 3,090 COVID-19 cases as on Monday, while this number was 775 on April 9. Areas where one or more COVID-19 patients or suspected cases are found have been earmarked as containment zones with strict implementation of the lockdown, including restriction on movement and entry and exit.
Apr 21, 2020 20:47 (IST)
Accredited journalists to be tested for COVID-19 at Lok Bhavan in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday said accredited journalists of state headquarters will be tested for coronavirus at Lok Bhavan. 

"Orders have been issued for coronavirus testing of accredited journalists of state headquarters in Lucknow," Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi told reporters.

In another communication, Shishir Singh, Director, Information said, "Accredited journalists of state headquarters can get themselves tested for presence of coronavirus. This has started from Tuesday and will be done in Lok Bhavan in Lucknow."
Apr 21, 2020 20:19 (IST)
Coronaviruus News: Thane ward sealed after many attend COVID-19 patient's funeral
The Thane Municipal Corporation on Tuesday sealed Lokmanya-Savarkar Nagar in the city, after over 50 people attended the funeral of a COVID-19 patient in the area, an official said.

In an order issued on Tuesday, deputy municipal commissioner Ashok Burpulle stated that Lokmanya-Savarkar Nagar, which comes under ward no 6, will be sealed after a large number of people attended the funeral of a COVID-19 patient on Sunday.

All establishments, apart from pharmacies and dairy shops, will remain shut till April 26, the order stated.
Apr 21, 2020 19:56 (IST)
19 people test COVID-19 positive in Kerala
Kerala reported a spike in COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with 19 people testing positive, after a decline in the numbers in the past few days, as the total infections touched 423 in the southern state.

Kannur recorded 10 cases, Palakkad four, Kasaragod three and Malappuram and Kollam one each, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters.

The number of those getting infected were in single digits over the past few days.
Apr 21, 2020 19:34 (IST)
Five Moradabad stone pelting accused test positive for COVID-19
Five people, who were earlier arrested in connection with the April 15 stone-pelting incident in Moradabad, have tested positive for COVID-19, said Chief Medical Officer Dr MC Garg.

"10 people, including eight men and two women, were earlier arrested. Their sampling was done as they came from a hotspot area. Out of these, five have tested positive for COVID-19. All those who came in contact with them will be quarantined," Dr Garg said.

"In total, 11 samples were sent from jail and six people have tested positive for COVID-19," he added.

Apr 21, 2020 19:18 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Stone Thrown At Rajasthan Cop While On Lockdown Duty, 2 Arrested
A policeman on COVID-19 lockdown duty was injured after a stone was thrown at him from the roof of a house in Rajasthan's Jodhpur district today, an official said.

The two suspects in the case have been arrested, he said. The stone was thrown at the head of the policeman who was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, an official said, PTI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 19:11 (IST)
Coronavirus News: In Bihar, 13 Test COVID-19 Positive, Total Cases Reach To 126-Mark
Thirteen people tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar today, taking the total number of such cases to 126 in the state, a top health department official said.

Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar said of the fresh cases, seven were reported from Munger district, four from Buxar and one each from Patna and Rohtas.

Bihar had reported its first couple of coronavirus cases on March 22. However, nearly a quarter of the total number of cases so far in the state has been reported in the last 24 hours.

On Monday, 17 people from Bihar Sharif, the headquarters of Nalanda district, had tested positive for the coronavirus, PTI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 19:06 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Over 3,300 Detained In Delhi For Violating Lockdown Norms
Over 140 cases were registered and 3,375 people detained in Delhi today for violating lockdown orders, the police said in Delhi.

According to the data shared by the police, 145 cases were registered under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code till 5 pm.

A total of 3,375 people were detained under section 65 (persons bound to comply with reasonable directions of police officers) and 278 vehicles impounded under section 66 of the Delhi Police Act, they stated, PTI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 19:01 (IST)
Coronavirus News: Jump In Kerala's COVID-19 Cases After 19 Test Positive
Kerala reported a spike in COVID-19 cases today with 19 people testing positive, after a decline in the numbers in the past few days, as the total infections touched 423 in the southern state.

Kannur recorded 10 cases, Palakkad four, Kasaragod three and Malappuram and Kollam one each, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, PTI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 18:57 (IST)
COVID-19 News: Kedarnath To Reopen On April 29 Amid Coronavirus
Kedarnath will be reopened for devotees as per the original schedule on April 29, a temple committee official said today.
 
There were plans to reschedule the reopening of the temple, however, the chief priest of the Himalayan temple, announced, after discussing with temple committee officials in Gopeshwar, that its gates will be reopened for devotees at 6.10 am on April 29 as per the original schedule, media incharge of the temple committee Harish Gaud said, PTI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 18:30 (IST)
60,000 charged, 13,381 arrested for lockdown violations in Maharashtra
Police have registered more than 60,000 cases in Maharashtra for various violations during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in the last 31 days and arrested 13,381 people, an official said on Tuesday. While 121 cases were registered for assault on police, a total of 411 people were arrested for this particular crime.

Other offences included illegal transport and violation of coronavirus quarantine measures, he said.

Police have collected the total fine of Rs 2.30 crore during the last 31 days.
Apr 21, 2020 17:53 (IST)
ESIC nurses stuck due to lockdown seek permission to serve at nearest healthcare centres
The All India ESIC Nurses Federation has asked the government for necessary permission to nurses stuck at different places to utilise their services at the nearest healthcare centres amid coronavirus pandemic.

A letter addressed to the Director General of Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) was sent on Tuesday.

Nursing staffs from various regions, who were on leave and were scheduled to join back from March 23 onwards, remained stuck at their respective places following the complete lockdown.

Under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, ESIC has nearly 46 hospitals and various DCBO run directly by the central government in nearly 22 states.
Apr 21, 2020 17:37 (IST)
Spread positive, correct and factual information: JP Nadda
BJP president JP Nadda on Tuesday asked the editors of the party's various publications to use the digital platform to disseminate positive, correct and factual information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid a countrywide lockdown, Nadda has been holding meetings with party leaders online and asking them to help the poor and the needy. On Tuesday, he interacted with the editors of BJP''s various publications and suggested to them to maximise the use of digital platforms to disseminate positive, correct and factual information, saying the pen has a lot of might.

He also asked BJP workers to digitise all the archives of the party.
Apr 21, 2020 17:05 (IST)
Delhi Police receives over 700 calls on its helpline regarding lockdown in 24 hrs
The Delhi Police received more than 700 calls on its helpline number in the last 24 hours, seeking assistance on issues faced during the lockdown, officials said on Tuesday.

A total of 26,106 calls were received till Tuesday on its 24x7 helpline number 011-23469526, they said. Police received 753 calls from Monday 2 pm to Tuesday 2 pm.

Apr 21, 2020 16:30 (IST)
Functioning of Central Administrative Tribunal benches to remain suspended till May 3
The benches of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), that adjudicates service matters of central government employees, will remain suspended till May 3, a Personnel Ministry communique issued on Tuesday said.

The government announced the relaxation of conditions of lockdown, scheduled to end on May 3, in respect of certain activities aimed at ensuring the supply of essential commodities and in particular food grains apart from the measures to provide livelihood to the poorer sections, it said.

The offices are permitted to function in a highly restricted manner without permitting entry of, or any physical contact with, the public in general, the communique said.
Apr 21, 2020 16:11 (IST)
Coronavirus Pandemic: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II marks low-key 94th birthday amid lockdown
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday marked her 94th birthday privately at Windsor Castle after she had cancelled all forms of public celebration amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Buckingham Palace released special images and videos on social media to reflect the milestones of the monarch''s reign and also of her as a young Princess Elizabeth playing in the palace gardens to celebrate the occasion.

"Head of the Commonwealth, Head of the Armed Forces, Head of State in 16 countries and the longest reigning Monarch in British History. Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Happy birthday, Your Majesty," read the Buckingham Palace birthday message.
Apr 21, 2020 15:50 (IST)
COVID-19 India: Punjab Chief Minister lauds 98-year-old woman for stitching masks
Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh termed 98-year-old woman of Moga district as "strongest Corona Warrior of Punjab" for making masks for the poor in the battle against COVID-19.  

"The strongest Corona Warrior of Punjab is 98-year-old Gurdev Kaur from Moga who with her family is stitching masks for Punjab. Such selfless dedication of Punjabis is proof of how strong we are & that we will overcome any challenge which comes our way," the Punjab Chief Minister tweeted.


Apr 21, 2020 15:21 (IST)
COVID-19 India: 78 more cases in Delhi, total number in city reaches 2081
78 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from the national capital, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the city to 2,081, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Tuesday. He said 26 patients are in intensive care units (ICU) while five others are on ventilators.

"There are a total of 2,081 positive cases in Delhi, out of these 78 cases were found yesterday. These 78 cases were found out of the 1,397 samples tested yesterday," Mr Jain told reporters.here.

He said that the Delhi government is working as per the protocol set by the Central government for dealing with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.
Apr 21, 2020 14:57 (IST)
"Sanitisers for rich from poor's rice share": Rahul Gandhi slams Centre

Rahul Gandhi has hit out at the government, saying the rice that should belong to the poor is being for "cleaning the hands of the rich", a day after the government said excess rice in central godowns will be converted into ethanol to make hand sanitisers and will also be added to petrol to reduce emissions. The move is seen as controversial with millions are on the brink of starvation since the country went into lockdown last month to fight the rapid spread of coronavirus. Read More
Apr 21, 2020 14:52 (IST)
Coronavirus cases: 78 more COVID-19 cases in Delhi

78 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from the national capital, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the city to 2,081, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Tuesday. He said 26 patients are in intensive care units (ICU) while five others are on ventilators.

Apr 21, 2020 14:46 (IST)
COVID-19: Huge traffic jam as Ghaziabad-Delhi border shuts over coronavirus

The Delhi-Ghaziabad border was sealed today to stop the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 virus. Long queues of vehicles were seen at the border as only vehicles involved in essential goods and services and people holding valid passes are being allowed. Read More
Apr 21, 2020 14:12 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Goa Congress criticises Pramod Sawant for declaring State as COVID-19 free

Goa Congress President Girish Chodankar has claimed that the State Government has not conducted the tests for COVID-19 properly and that it has rushed into declaring the State as COVID-19 free. "The government is ignoring the dangerous aspects by testing just 0.04 per cent of total 16 lakh population of Goa till date. Goa has tested just 825 patients while 2158 patients are under isolation," said Chodankar.
Apr 21, 2020 13:37 (IST)
COVID-19: 10,000 Madhya Pradesh students to be brought back home on buses from Kota

Amid the coronavirus lockdown, 150 buses left from Gwalior for Kota this morning to bring back around 10,000 students from Madhya Pradesh who are stranded there. A three-member team led by Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Dinesh Shukla is also going to Kota.

Apr 21, 2020 13:10 (IST)
Coronavirus: Prohibitory orders issued in Bengaluru to enforce lockdown

Bengaluru Police and administration has issued prohibitory orders in the city, with exemptions to essential and emergency services, to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown. "In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 (1) Code of Criminal Procedure, I, Bhaskar Rao, IPS, Commissioner of Police and Additional District Magistrate, Bengaluru city hereby issue a prohibitory order within the limits of Bengaluru city commissioner on midnight of April 20, 2020, to midnight May 3, 2020," the order issued on Monday said.
Apr 21, 2020 12:39 (IST)
Coronavirus: Delhi chief minister, LG meeting underway

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal are holding a meeting with District Collector and Deputy Commissioner of Police of all districts of Delhi via video conferencing over COVID-19. 
Apr 21, 2020 12:35 (IST)
COVID-19 latest: Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with senior officials in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with senior officials over COVID-19 in Lucknow.
Apr 21, 2020 12:31 (IST)
Coronavirus: 35 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Andhra Pradesh

35 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Andhra Pradesh today
Apr 21, 2020 12:14 (IST)
Coronavirus: 28 more COVID-19 cases in Agra

8 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Agra on Tuesday, with this the total number of coronavirus cases in the district has reached 295, said District Magistrate Prabhu Narain Singh.

Apr 21, 2020 12:10 (IST)
Prashant Kishor questions "claim" of coronavirus doubling rate slowing

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been critical of the government's handling of coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide lockdown, has now raised questions on the government saying that the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases in the country has dropped. He also said the lower rate could also indicate that not aggressive testing is not being done.
Apr 21, 2020 12:03 (IST)
Lockdown exit plan likely to be discussed at ministers' group meet today

After May 3, there may be conditional relief from the nationwide lockdown, but in parts of the country least affected by coronavirus, sources said on Tuesday ahead of an assessment by a group of ministers this evening. The lockdown is unlikely to be extended beyond May 3 but rules like social distancing and masks will stay. Read More
Apr 21, 2020 12:01 (IST)
Coronavirus: One more tests positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya

A 42-year-old woman, who is a family friend of the first COVID-19 patient in Meghalaya, has tested positive for novel coronavirus, raising the number of active cases to 11 in the state, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.
Apr 21, 2020 11:55 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Amit Shah lauds civil servants efforts

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the efforts of civil servants and their families involved in the fight against coronavirus.
Apr 21, 2020 11:52 (IST)
Coronavirus: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Holy Month of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramzan begins on April 24. All religious leaders, religious and social organisations have together decided and made an appeal to the Muslim community to hold prayers, Iftar and perform other customs at homes itself while maintaining social distancing: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Apr 21, 2020 11:39 (IST)
Coronavirus: Group of ministers' meeting this evening

Group of ministers' meeting this evening, lockdown exit plan likely to be discussed
Apr 21, 2020 11:36 (IST)
Coronavirus: 472 more COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra

472 more COVID-19 cases have been reported in Maharashtra till 10 am today, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 4,676, according to the Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra. The department said that nine more deaths have been reported, taking the total death toll in the state to 232.
Apr 21, 2020 11:28 (IST)
COVID-19: Delhi-Ghaziabad border sealed to curb coronavirus spread

The border between Delhi and Ghaziabad has been sealed as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus. The decision was taken after six people who had come from Delhi tested positive for coronavirus, said Ajay Shankar Pandey, Ghaziabad District Magistrate (DM), in an order issued on April 20. The said order is being issued under the National Disaster Act 2005, he added.
Apr 21, 2020 11:27 (IST)
West Bengal receives first set of COVID-19 rapid test kits from ICMR

Health Department of West Bengal on Tuesday said it has received the first set of rapid test kits from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This comes days after the department levelled allegations against the top medical body for supplying defective COVID-19 test kits.
Apr 21, 2020 11:15 (IST)
Indonesia bans Ramadan exodus tradition 'mudik' amid COVID-19

Indonesia will ban the mass exodus tradition, locally known as 'mudik,' at the end of the Muslim fasting month in May in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country, President Joko Widodo said on Tuesday."I have taken the decision that we will ban mudik," Widodo told a cabinet meeting

Apr 21, 2020 10:49 (IST)
Coronavirus: Girl walks 3 days amid lockdown, dies just an hour from home

A 12-year-old girl died after making a 150-km trip on foot from Telangana to her native Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, desperate because of the extended nationwide lockdown to fight coronavirus. Jamlo Makdam, who worked in chilly fields to earn for her family, collapsed and died just an hour away from her village. Read More
Apr 21, 2020 10:47 (IST)
COVID-19: Sweet shops to remain open from 8 am to 12 pm

People gather at sweet shops in Kolkata after state government made new amendments for sweet shops to remain open from 8 am to 12 pm. Earlier sweet shops were allowed to operate for 8 hours (8 am to 4 pm).
Apr 21, 2020 10:42 (IST)
Coronavirus: 7 more COVID-19 cases reported from Nagpur

7 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Nagpur district, said the district officials on Tuesday. "With 7 more people confirmed of coronavirus in Nagpur district today, the total number of cases here has reached 88," said District officials.
Apr 21, 2020 10:20 (IST)
Coronavirus: 5 more COVID-19 cases reported from Rajpura town in Punjab

Five more coronavirus cases have been reported from Rajpura town of Patiala district on Tuesday.
Apr 21, 2020 10:05 (IST)
COVID-19: PM Modi thanks civil servants for coronavirus efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked civil servants on Civil Services Day for their efforts against the novel coronavirus disease.
Apr 21, 2020 09:54 (IST)
Coronavirus: 5 more COVID-19 cases in Odisha

Five more COVID-19 cases have been reported in Odisha, taking the tally of coronavirus cases in the state to 79, informed state Health Department on Tuesday.

Apr 21, 2020 08:51 (IST)
Number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 18,601

The number of coronavirus cases in India has climbed to 18,601 which includes 590 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said today, adding that 1,336 cases and 47 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.
Apr 21, 2020 08:42 (IST)
Coronavirus: One COVID-19 positive case found in Rashtrapati Bhavan

Nearly 100 people have been quarantined after a sanitation worker in Rashtrapati Bhavan complex tested positive for coronavirus

Apr 21, 2020 08:20 (IST)
COVID-19: US to "temporarily suspend" immigration over coronavirus

The United States is set to temporarily suspend immigration amid rising number of coronavirus cases, President Donald Trump has tweeted.  "In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!," Donald Trump tweeted this morning. Read More
Apr 21, 2020 07:55 (IST)
Coronavirus: Vegetable market will now remain open for 24 hours

Traffic outside Delhi's Azadpur Sabzi Mandi today; the vegetable market will now remain open for 24 hours. Movement of trucks allowed from 10 pm till 6 am; vegetables and fruits will be sold from 6 am till 10 pm.
Apr 21, 2020 07:16 (IST)
One COVID-19 positive case found in Rashtrapati Bhavan, 125 families advised to remain in self-isolation as mandated by the Health Ministry's guidelines as a precautionary measure, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.
Apr 21, 2020 06:55 (IST)
Centre Shuts Canteens In All Its Offices To Contain COVID-10 Spread
The Centre on Monday closed all departmental canteens in its ministries, departments and offices with an immediate effect as a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID-19, as per the order by the Ministry of Personnel.

"It has been decided with the approval of competent authority that all the departmental canteens in central government ministries/departments/offices shall be closed with immediate effect," it said in the communique to all the central government departments.

All the ministries/departments/offices are requested not to open the canteens until further orders, it added, news agency ANI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 06:42 (IST)
Apr 21, 2020 06:17 (IST)
US Reports 1,433 New COVID-19 Deaths, Count Surpasses 40,000-Mark: Report
The coronavirus death toll in the United States -- the country with the most fatalities in the pandemic -- has climbed by 1,433 in the past 24 hours to reach 42,094, the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University showed Monday, news agency AFP reported.
Apr 21, 2020 06:01 (IST)
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme during the coronavirus lockdown period from 24.3.2020 till date,about 8.89 crore farmer families have been benefitted and an amount of Rs 17,793 crores has been released so far: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Apr 21, 2020 05:51 (IST)
Delhi Government Hospitals To Set Up Media Cells To Tackle Social Media Messages
The Delhi government on Monday directed all its hospitals to create media cells to tackle a large number of social media messages regarding the functioning of hospitals.

"It has come to the notice that there are a large number of social media messages regarding functioning of hospitals of government of NCT of Delhi are floating around. The concerned hospital needs to either rebut the information or take corrective action to avoid reoccurrence of such incidences," an order issued by the government said.

"Medical Superintendent, Medical Directors and Directors of Hospitals of Delhi are directed to create a media cell who should monitor social media, news media and immediately react to such news, information so that correct position is presented before people," it added.

The Delhi government's response comes after a video was shared on Twitter over the treatment of COVID-19 patients in government hospitals and quarantine facilities, news agency ANI reported.
Apr 21, 2020 05:39 (IST)
"One Nation, 2 Rules": Jharkhand Chief Minister Dials PM Over Kota Students' Return
The prospective return of hundreds of students from Rajasthan's Kota to their home states has irked Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who conveyed his strong objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. The Chief Minister dialed the Prime Minister this morning, and complained about what he called "one nation, two sets of rules", indicating the Centre's efforts to enforce the lockdown in some states.
Apr 21, 2020 05:35 (IST)
US Crude Oil Price Goes Negative For The First Time In History
US oil prices crashed to unprecedented lows Monday as futures in New York ended in negative territory for the first time amid a devastating supply glut that has forced traders to pay others to take the commodity.
Apr 21, 2020 05:35 (IST)
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