Gross domestic product data out later on Friday is expected to show India’s economy grew at its slowest pace in at least two years in the March quarter as the coronavirus pandemic weakened already declining consumer demand and private investment.

The median forecast from a Reuters poll of economists put annual economic growth at 2.1% in the March quarter, lower than 4.7% in the December quarter. Forecasts ranged between +4.5% and -1.5%.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-impact-geopolitical-developments-deepen-chinas-global-5g-woes-301549">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus impact: Geopolitical developments deepen China’s global 5G woes</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained the lockdown ordered on March 25 to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the world’s second most populous country, though many restrictions were eased for manufacturing, transport and other services from May 18.

The full impact of the lockdown on manufacturing and services will become more apparent in the June quarter, with Goldman Sachs predicting a 45% contraction from a year ago.

Economists expect the fiscal year that began in April will see the worst economic contraction in four decades.

“Economic activity will face ongoing disruption over the next year as the country transitions to a post-COVID-19 world,” the rating agency S&amp;P said on Thursday, cutting its 2020/21 forecast to a 5% contraction.

Weather forecasts for normal monsoon rains are in Indian farmers’ favour at least, giving hope that the rural sector can help support the millions of migrant workers who returned to their villages from the cities when the lockdown began.

Number of coronavirus affected people in India has crossed 158,000 with 4,531 deaths, with an average daily jump of 6,000 cases in the last one week.

Gross domestic product data out later on Friday is expected to show India’s economy grew at its slowest pace in at least two years in the March quarter as the coronavirus pandemic weakened already declining consumer demand and private investment.

Gross domestic product data out later on Friday is expected to show India’s economy grew at its slowest pace in at least two years in the March quarter as the coronavirus pandemic weakened already declining consumer demand and private investment. The median forecast from a Reuters poll of economists put annual economic growth at 2.1% in the March quarter, lower than 4.7% in the December quarter. Forecasts ranged between +4.5% and -1.5%. Also read: Coronavirus impact: Geopolitical developments deepen China’s global 5G woes Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained the lockdown ordered on March 25 to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the world’s second most populous country, though many restrictions were eased for manufacturing, transport and other services from May 18. The full impact of the lockdown on manufacturing and services will become more apparent in the June quarter, with Goldman Sachs predicting a 45% contraction from a year ago. Economists expect the fiscal year that began in April will see the worst economic contraction in four decades. “Economic activity will face ongoing disruption over the next year as the country transitions to a post-COVID-19 world,” the rating agency S&P said on Thursday, cutting its 2020/21 forecast to a 5% contraction. Weather forecasts for normal monsoon rains are in Indian farmers’ favour at least, giving hope that the rural sector can help support the millions of migrant workers who returned to their villages from the cities when the lockdown began. Number of coronavirus affected people in India has crossed 158,000 with 4,531 deaths, with an average daily jump of 6,000 cases in the last one week.

India's economy seen slowing rapidly in March quarter, with worse to come

World's largest all-electric plane soars in the air for the first time

Four days before lockdown 4.0 ends,&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah organized a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss and strategize about fighting the pandemic and extending the lockdown.

After the meeting, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the lockdown might be extended for 15 more days, but with few relaxations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stands-9th-on-covid-19-worst-hit-nations-list-surpassing-china-301706">Also read:&nbsp;India stands 9th on Covid-19 worst-hit nations' list, surpassing China</a>

Addressing the media, he said,&nbsp;"I spoke to HM Shah on phone and I feel lockdown may be extended for 15 more days. However, we demand that there should be some relaxations - restaurants should be allowed with social distancing at 50 per cent capacity. Many people also want gyms to resume."

He also added that he is in favour of an extension of the lockdown, as he feels it is needed to flatten the rising curve.

Other officials present in the meeting, too, expressed possibilities of extension of the lockdown.

As per the official figures, India's death toll has taken over China.&nbsp;Total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,65,799 including 89,987 active cases and 71,105 cured/discharged/migrated.

Four days before lockdown 4.0 ends, Union Home Minister Amit Shah organized a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss and strategize about fighting the pandemic and extending the lockdown.

Four days before lockdown 4.0 ends, Union Home Minister Amit Shah organized a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss and strategize about fighting the pandemic and extending the lockdown. After the meeting, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the lockdown might be extended for 15 more days, but with few relaxations. Also read: India stands 9th on Covid-19 worst-hit nations' list, surpassing China Addressing the media, he said, "I spoke to HM Shah on phone and I feel lockdown may be extended for 15 more days. However, we demand that there should be some relaxations - restaurants should be allowed with social distancing at 50 per cent capacity. Many people also want gyms to resume." He also added that he is in favour of an extension of the lockdown, as he feels it is needed to flatten the rising curve. Other officials present in the meeting, too, expressed possibilities of extension of the lockdown. As per the official figures, India's death toll has taken over China. Total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 1,65,799 including 89,987 active cases and 71,105 cured/discharged/migrated.

Lockdown may get extended for 15 days: Goa CM after meeting Amit Shah

Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray.

Earlier this month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted&nbsp;exemptions to 13 groups to operate drones on an experimental basis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-urges-government-to-reduce-flights-from-5-states-with-high-covid-19-cases-301740">Also read:&nbsp;Karnataka urges government to reduce flights from 5 states with high COVID-19 cases</a>

After trials, SpiceXpress, the airline's cargo arm, will focus on delivering medical emergency parcels and essential supplies including perishables, SpiceJet said.

"Testing of drone technology for last mile connectivity and cost-effective cargo deliveries are a big leap in the air transportation of essential and non-essential supplies in India," SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said in a statement.

A SpiceXpress-led consortium, which includes drone maker Throttle Aerospace, was granted permission to operate drones beyond the visual sight of the operator on a trial basis, the airlines operator said in an email. 
It did not specify when it will begin the trials.

India's lockdown, the world's biggest and strictest when it began, triggered a surge in demand for home delivery of household goods, food and medicines as the coronavirus crisis deepened. The government has since eased some of the restrictions, including passenger flights.

Earlier this month, Amazon.com Inc's India unit said it would hire 50,000 temporary workers to meet a surge in online shopping in the country.

SpiceJet said its drones would help deliver essential supplies to the remotest corners of the country.

Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray.

Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray. Earlier this month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted exemptions to 13 groups to operate drones on an experimental basis. Also read: Karnataka urges government to reduce flights from 5 states with high COVID-19 cases After trials, SpiceXpress, the airline's cargo arm, will focus on delivering medical emergency parcels and essential supplies including perishables, SpiceJet said. "Testing of drone technology for last mile connectivity and cost-effective cargo deliveries are a big leap in the air transportation of essential and non-essential supplies in India," SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said in a statement. A SpiceXpress-led consortium, which includes drone maker Throttle Aerospace, was granted permission to operate drones beyond the visual sight of the operator on a trial basis, the airlines operator said in an email. It did not specify when it will begin the trials. India's lockdown, the world's biggest and strictest when it began, triggered a surge in demand for home delivery of household goods, food and medicines as the coronavirus crisis deepened. The government has since eased some of the restrictions, including passenger flights. Earlier this month, Amazon.com Inc's India unit said it would hire 50,000 temporary workers to meet a surge in online shopping in the country. SpiceJet said its drones would help deliver essential supplies to the remotest corners of the country.

SpiceJet to start drone trials for medicine deliveries

French health care workers protest against poor services

As the novel coronavirus pandemic hit the world, a worldwide lockdown was initiated by majority of the affected 120 countries.&nbsp;

Although this lockdown, till certain limit, helped contain the spread of coronavirus, it had an adverse effect on the economies of the infected countries.

According to a recent report by researchers, at least 49 million people across the world are expected to plunge into extreme poverty as a direct result of the pandemic's economic destruction. People living on less than $1.90 per day will be categorized under the term extremely poor.

A lot of nations have been battling the economic crisis, which has also formed a tense environment in the political scenarios of the leading countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-easing-coronavirus-restrictions-in-west-bank-300961">Also read: Palestinians easing coronavirus restrictions in West Bank</a>

It has also been found out that, sadly, India is one of the leading countries in this study as the World Bank has estimated that around 12 million of its citizens will be pushed to the very margins this year. Daily wage workers -- hawkers, roadside vendors, workers employed in the construction industry --and those employed by small businesses have been the worst-affected groups.

"Much of the Indian government's efforts to mitigate poverty over the years could be negated in a matter of just a few months," said Ashwajit Singh, managing director of IPE Global, to a media organization. He also predicted that more people could die from hunger, than virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-lose-in-a-landslide-because-of-economic-downturn-election-model-predicts-300165">Also read:&nbsp;Trump may lose in a landslide because of economic downturn, election model predicts</a>

A World Bank report recently concluded that India had been making significant progress and was close to losing its status as the country with the most poor citizens. However, the lockdown might reverse the gains and out India back in that category.

A report by Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) and the World Bank observed more than 80% of households had experienced a drop income, which was majorly due to the lockdown, and not because of coronavirus. These households, may not be able to recover or survive much longer without aid from the government, according to this report.

The economy was already at its slowest pace in over a decade, and the lockdown initiated due to the pandemic made things worse for the economy. This lockdown has pushed the economy to what may be its first full-year contraction in more than four decades.

According to data from&nbsp;Johns Hopkins University,&nbsp;India is Asia's virus hotspot with more than 151,000 infections.

As the novel coronavirus pandemic hit the world, a worldwide lockdown was initiated by majority of the affected 120 countries. Although this lockdown, till certain limit, helped contain the spread of coronavirus, it had an adverse effect on the economies of the infected countries.

As the novel coronavirus pandemic hit the world, a worldwide lockdown was initiated by majority of the affected 120 countries. Although this lockdown, till certain limit, helped contain the spread of coronavirus, it had an adverse effect on the economies of the infected countries. According to a recent report by researchers, at least 49 million people across the world are expected to plunge into extreme poverty as a direct result of the pandemic's economic destruction. People living on less than $1.90 per day will be categorized under the term extremely poor. A lot of nations have been battling the economic crisis, which has also formed a tense environment in the political scenarios of the leading countries. Also read: Palestinians easing coronavirus restrictions in West Bank It has also been found out that, sadly, India is one of the leading countries in this study as the World Bank has estimated that around 12 million of its citizens will be pushed to the very margins this year. Daily wage workers -- hawkers, roadside vendors, workers employed in the construction industry --and those employed by small businesses have been the worst-affected groups. "Much of the Indian government's efforts to mitigate poverty over the years could be negated in a matter of just a few months," said Ashwajit Singh, managing director of IPE Global, to a media organization. He also predicted that more people could die from hunger, than virus. Also read: Trump may lose in a landslide because of economic downturn, election model predicts A World Bank report recently concluded that India had been making significant progress and was close to losing its status as the country with the most poor citizens. However, the lockdown might reverse the gains and out India back in that category. A report by Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) and the World Bank observed more than 80% of households had experienced a drop income, which was majorly due to the lockdown, and not because of coronavirus. These households, may not be able to recover or survive much longer without aid from the government, according to this report. The economy was already at its slowest pace in over a decade, and the lockdown initiated due to the pandemic made things worse for the economy. This lockdown has pushed the economy to what may be its first full-year contraction in more than four decades. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, India is Asia's virus hotspot with more than 151,000 infections.

Almost 49 million people worldwide to end in extreme poverty; 12 million Indians affected

Costa Rica legalises same-sex marriage; first couple weds on live broadcast

Indian Railways, along with Indian government, has been running special Shramik trains for migrant labours who were stuck away from their hometowns during the lockdown.

Indian Railways has also started inter-state trains. However, reports have been emerging about how there aren't enough resources on-board for passengers of long journey.

In such a report, it has been revealed that at least seven deaths have been reported on-board the Shramik special trains. This claim by officials has raised multiple questions about how Indian Railways is handling the non-AC migrant trains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-lockdown-yadav-a-newborn-that-epitomises-the-coronavirus-pandemic-300784">Also read: Meet Lockdown Yadav, a newborn that epitomises the coronavirus pandemic</a>

The officials, however, also added that most of the deceased had pre-existing health conditions.

Out of these seven, four were travelling to Bihar and three to Uttar Pradesh. All these deaths have been reported in the past few days.

The issue was raised after a video was spotted where a toddler was trying to wake up the mother, without realizing that she has died. The 25-year-old lost her life on Bihar's Muzaffarpur, and Railways claimed that the lady had recently undergone a heart surgery.

Another death of a four-year-old was reported in Bihar as the father was seen hunting for milk around the station. This raised questions about the poor resources being provided by Indian Railways.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-gives-up-on-permission-issue-for-migrants-301248">Also read:&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gives up on permission issue for migrants</a>

While a lot of passengers have claimed and criticised that Indian Railways has not been providing enough food and water on the trains or the stations and the trains are taking longer and undecided routes to reach the destination, the Railways has, however, maintained that these trains are running on "pre-scheduled rationalised routes".

Some trains which should have taken 24 hours to reach to their destinations, arrived in over two days, according to reports, leaving the passengers on-board hungry and desperate.

"A Few deaths have been reported in Shramik special trains. In most of these cases, it is discovered that those who died are old sick people and chronic disease patients, who had actually gone to big cities for medical treatment and could come back only after the Railways started these Shramik Special trains," said a spokesperson for the Railways.

He also said that 78,11,575 meals and 11,07,7,830 water bottles were given to migrant workers on board these trains till May 26.

However, many passengers have complained to media that they were starving on-board due to longer than anticipated run time of these trains.

The passengers also claimed that no food and water packages are being provided by the authorities of the origin station, as it was broadcasted by the Railways that the originating state has to provide food and water to the migrant workers before the start of the journey.

Although, the Railways had instructed the General Managers of each zone to spend up to Rs 1 lakh on each Shramik Special train to arrange meals for the workers, questions are being raised on whether or not this fund is being used in the right manner.

A senior official told media that due to the social-distancing norms, food and water is placed at the gate of the coaches, they are not distributed by anyone on-board and the workers are expected to share it among themselves. In case of any complaints, the meals are provided again at the next station where it is available.

However, videos have surfaced on the internet where migrant workers onboard the train can be seen fighting for food and water packages. The workers have claimed that the quantity provided is very less and that results in passengers fighting to get their hands first on the resources.

Indian Railways, along with Indian government, has been running special Shramik trains for migrant labours who were stuck away from their hometowns during the lockdown.

Indian Railways, along with Indian government, has been running special Shramik trains for migrant labours who were stuck away from their hometowns during the lockdown. Indian Railways has also started inter-state trains. However, reports have been emerging about how there aren't enough resources on-board for passengers of long journey. In such a report, it has been revealed that at least seven deaths have been reported on-board the Shramik special trains. This claim by officials has raised multiple questions about how Indian Railways is handling the non-AC migrant trains. Also read: Meet Lockdown Yadav, a newborn that epitomises the coronavirus pandemic The officials, however, also added that most of the deceased had pre-existing health conditions. Out of these seven, four were travelling to Bihar and three to Uttar Pradesh. All these deaths have been reported in the past few days. The issue was raised after a video was spotted where a toddler was trying to wake up the mother, without realizing that she has died. The 25-year-old lost her life on Bihar's Muzaffarpur, and Railways claimed that the lady had recently undergone a heart surgery. Another death of a four-year-old was reported in Bihar as the father was seen hunting for milk around the station. This raised questions about the poor resources being provided by Indian Railways. Also read: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gives up on permission issue for migrants While a lot of passengers have claimed and criticised that Indian Railways has not been providing enough food and water on the trains or the stations and the trains are taking longer and undecided routes to reach the destination, the Railways has, however, maintained that these trains are running on "pre-scheduled rationalised routes". Some trains which should have taken 24 hours to reach to their destinations, arrived in over two days, according to reports, leaving the passengers on-board hungry and desperate. "A Few deaths have been reported in Shramik special trains. In most of these cases, it is discovered that those who died are old sick people and chronic disease patients, who had actually gone to big cities for medical treatment and could come back only after the Railways started these Shramik Special trains," said a spokesperson for the Railways. He also said that 78,11,575 meals and 11,07,7,830 water bottles were given to migrant workers on board these trains till May 26. However, many passengers have complained to media that they were starving on-board due to longer than anticipated run time of these trains. The passengers also claimed that no food and water packages are being provided by the authorities of the origin station, as it was broadcasted by the Railways that the originating state has to provide food and water to the migrant workers before the start of the journey. Although, the Railways had instructed the General Managers of each zone to spend up to Rs 1 lakh on each Shramik Special train to arrange meals for the workers, questions are being raised on whether or not this fund is being used in the right manner. A senior official told media that due to the social-distancing norms, food and water is placed at the gate of the coaches, they are not distributed by anyone on-board and the workers are expected to share it among themselves. In case of any complaints, the meals are provided again at the next station where it is available. However, videos have surfaced on the internet where migrant workers onboard the train can be seen fighting for food and water packages. The workers have claimed that the quantity provided is very less and that results in passengers fighting to get their hands first on the resources.

COVID 19: Atleast 7 passengers died on-board Shramik special train

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first.

As 36 trains were sent to West Bengal from Mumbai by the central government, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decision was taken without her knowledge.

She also said that the functioning would have been smoother and better if the plans would have been discussed with her in advance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-asks-railways-not-to-send-shramik-special-trains-to-state-till-may-26-300555">Also read:&nbsp;West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26</a>

"Without concerning us 36 trains are coming from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before. If the Central Government had planned with us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following social distancing," she said in a review meeting through video conference with all District Magistrate (DMs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) over cyclone Amphan.

"By today (Wednesday) night 11 trains are coming to West Bengal...tomorrow 17 trains will be arriving, they are trying to disturb the state and spoil it politically. I told Amit Shah that had sent teams (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) to West Bengal, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said--chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai (How can we disturb the government which has been elected). I thank him for saying this."

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and handle the situation, she said, "I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first. As 36 trains were sent to West Bengal from Mumbai by the central government, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decision was taken without her knowledge. She also said that the functioning would have been smoother and better if the plans would have been discussed with her in advance. Also read: West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26 "Without concerning us 36 trains are coming from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before. If the Central Government had planned with us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following social distancing," she said in a review meeting through video conference with all District Magistrate (DMs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) over cyclone Amphan. "By today (Wednesday) night 11 trains are coming to West Bengal...tomorrow 17 trains will be arriving, they are trying to disturb the state and spoil it politically. I told Amit Shah that had sent teams (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) to West Bengal, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said--chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai (How can we disturb the government which has been elected). I thank him for saying this." Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and handle the situation, she said, "I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading.

Mamata Banerjee slams central government for sending 36 trains without consulting

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness. He had survived two bullets and had also hit Ajmal Kasab's accomplice Abu Ismail with his office bag. The incident had taken p;ace near Cama Hospital in South Mumbai.

He was the first witness to identify and testify against Ajmal Kasab. However, the witness was spotted lying on a footpath in a critical condition few days ago. The family had claimed that the family could not afford his medical treatment. Following this, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had checked on the medical condition of Shrivardhankar at a private hospital in Kalyan two weeks back, sources said.

Fadnavis had announced that the BJP would provide Rs 10 lakh to help Shrivardhankar''s family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters- in-law.

Kasab was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012 after a court trial.

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday. Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness.

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday. Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness. He had survived two bullets and had also hit Ajmal Kasab's accomplice Abu Ismail with his office bag. The incident had taken p;ace near Cama Hospital in South Mumbai. He was the first witness to identify and testify against Ajmal Kasab. However, the witness was spotted lying on a footpath in a critical condition few days ago. The family had claimed that the family could not afford his medical treatment. Following this, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had checked on the medical condition of Shrivardhankar at a private hospital in Kalyan two weeks back, sources said. Fadnavis had announced that the BJP would provide Rs 10 lakh to help Shrivardhankar''s family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters- in-law. Kasab was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012 after a court trial.

Key witness who had identified Ajmal Kasab dies in Mumbai

Fire broke out in the late hours of Wednesday night in Fortune Hotel of Mumbai. The fire was confined to the first three floors of the hotel, officials reported.&nbsp;

The fire started around 11 pm and the fire department was able to bring the fire under control after nearly three hours, around 1:40 am.

Fire was contained in the electric wiring and cables in the electrical duct, false ceiling in the lobby and the common passages on the first three floors. The cooling operation is underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/75-maharashtra-police-personnel-affected-with-virus-cases-rise-to-over-1900-301314">Also read: 75 Maharashtra Police personnel affected with virus, cases rise to over 1,900</a>

The five-storey hotel was being used as a temporary accommodation for emergency and essential service staffers, including doctors and nurses.

Twenty four doctors and three others were rescued after the fire broke out. NO casualties have been reported yet.&nbsp;

More details are awaited.

Fire broke out in the late hours of Wednesday night in Fortune Hotel of Mumbai. The fire was confined to the first three floors of the hotel, officials reported.

Fire broke out in the late hours of Wednesday night in Fortune Hotel of Mumbai. The fire was confined to the first three floors of the hotel, officials reported. The fire started around 11 pm and the fire department was able to bring the fire under control after nearly three hours, around 1:40 am. Fire was contained in the electric wiring and cables in the electrical duct, false ceiling in the lobby and the common passages on the first three floors. The cooling operation is underway. Also read: 75 Maharashtra Police personnel affected with virus, cases rise to over 1,900 The five-storey hotel was being used as a temporary accommodation for emergency and essential service staffers, including doctors and nurses. Twenty four doctors and three others were rescued after the fire broke out. NO casualties have been reported yet. More details are awaited.

Mumbai: Fire breaks out in a hotel; 24 doctors rescued

European Union countries -- France, Italy and Belgium -- have expressed their displeasure about using hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment.&nbsp;

Paris, on Wednesday, revoked a decree allowing doctors to use the drug for severely ill coronavirus patients. The Italian and Belgian officials have asked the concerned authorities to suspend the usage of the drug, except in clinical trials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-el-salvadors-president-says-he-is-taking-hydroxychloroquine-301318">Also read: After Trump, El Salvador's President says he is taking hydroxychloroquine</a>

The drug, which is being used as a treatment for critically ill coro navirus patients, is believed to have safety concerns. However, US President Donald Trump and Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, have promoted the usage of the drug.

These countries are not the first ones to object against the usage of this drug. World Health Orhanization (WHO), few days ago, suspended a global trial of hydroxychloroquine, citing safety concerns. Oxford University, too, followed the suit and paused a global trial within a week of starting it.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier said that "hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria."

A research by France’s Pasteur Institute suggested 98% of people with mild coronavirus developed antibodies capable of neutralising the virus a month later, raising hopes that everyone who has had the disease may enjoy some immunity.

Donald Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have both publically announced that they have been taking hydroxychloroquine. Both the Presidents have bene heavily criticized and trolled for this admission.

An observational study published in the Lancet of nearly 100,000 patients in 671 hospitals has suggested hydroxychloroquine – promoted by the controversial French infectious diseases specialist Didier Raoult – might increase mortality rates.

(With inputs from Reuters)

European Union countries -- France, Italy and Belgium -- have expressed their displeasure about using hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment. Paris, on Wednesday, revoked a decree allowing doctors to use the drug for severely ill coronavirus patients.

European Union countries -- France, Italy and Belgium -- have expressed their displeasure about using hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment. Paris, on Wednesday, revoked a decree allowing doctors to use the drug for severely ill coronavirus patients. The Italian and Belgian officials have asked the concerned authorities to suspend the usage of the drug, except in clinical trials. Also read: After Trump, El Salvador's President says he is taking hydroxychloroquine The drug, which is being used as a treatment for critically ill coro navirus patients, is believed to have safety concerns. However, US President Donald Trump and Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, have promoted the usage of the drug. These countries are not the first ones to object against the usage of this drug. World Health Orhanization (WHO), few days ago, suspended a global trial of hydroxychloroquine, citing safety concerns. Oxford University, too, followed the suit and paused a global trial within a week of starting it. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier said that "hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria." A research by France’s Pasteur Institute suggested 98% of people with mild coronavirus developed antibodies capable of neutralising the virus a month later, raising hopes that everyone who has had the disease may enjoy some immunity. Donald Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have both publically announced that they have been taking hydroxychloroquine. Both the Presidents have bene heavily criticized and trolled for this admission. An observational study published in the Lancet of nearly 100,000 patients in 671 hospitals has suggested hydroxychloroquine – promoted by the controversial French infectious diseases specialist Didier Raoult – might increase mortality rates. (With inputs from Reuters)

COVID 19: France, Italy and Belgium ban usage of hydroxychloroquine

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