India's Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs held a press conference today declaring that the armed forces are "solidly behind those fighting the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-reports-583-new-coronavirus-cases-27-deaths-in-24-hours-296087"> coronavirus</a> pandemic".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-battle-drdo-develops-pu-coated-nylon-polyester-to-be-manufactured-in-india-296098">Also Read:&nbsp;DRDO develops PU coated nylon &amp; polyester to be manufactured in India</a>

"We are expressing our gratitude to all 'corona warriors' who are working hard &nbsp;to keep us safe," CDS Gen Bipin Rawat said, adding, "our nation stood together and showed resilience in dealing with coronavirus pandemic."

"Indian Air Force to carry out flypast across the country on May 3 to display gratitude to corona warriors," CDS Gen Rawat said.

"Naval ships will conduct special drill and illuminate vessels to convey gratitude to corona warriors," the CDS chief added.

Gen Bipin Rawat said fixed wing and fighter aircraft of IAF will be participating in flypast on May 3 evening while asserting that naval ships will conduct special drill and illuminate vessels to convey gratitude to the corona warriors.

Navy helicopters will shower flower petals on hospitals treating COVID-19 patients on May 3 with the Army to conduct mountain band displays along with some COVID-19 hospitals in almost every district.

General Bipin Rawat said no operational task has been affected due to the coronavirus. However, making a point the CDS chief said it is not proper to conclude that coronavirus is the result of biological warfare.

"There will be no let-up in our operations against terrorism or infiltration," CDS General Bipin Rawat said.

Chief general Manoj M Naravane told reporters that Army so far has had only 14 coronavirus cases of which five soldiers have been cured and they have returned to work.

India's Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs held a press conference today declaring that the armed forces are "solidly behind those fighting the coronavirus pandemic".

India's Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs held a press conference today declaring that the armed forces are "solidly behind those fighting the coronavirus pandemic". Also Read: DRDO develops PU coated nylon & polyester to be manufactured in India "We are expressing our gratitude to all 'corona warriors' who are working hard to keep us safe," CDS Gen Bipin Rawat said, adding, "our nation stood together and showed resilience in dealing with coronavirus pandemic." "Indian Air Force to carry out flypast across the country on May 3 to display gratitude to corona warriors," CDS Gen Rawat said. "Naval ships will conduct special drill and illuminate vessels to convey gratitude to corona warriors," the CDS chief added. Gen Bipin Rawat said fixed wing and fighter aircraft of IAF will be participating in flypast on May 3 evening while asserting that naval ships will conduct special drill and illuminate vessels to convey gratitude to the corona warriors. Navy helicopters will shower flower petals on hospitals treating COVID-19 patients on May 3 with the Army to conduct mountain band displays along with some COVID-19 hospitals in almost every district. General Bipin Rawat said no operational task has been affected due to the coronavirus. However, making a point the CDS chief said it is not proper to conclude that coronavirus is the result of biological warfare. "There will be no let-up in our operations against terrorism or infiltration," CDS General Bipin Rawat said. Chief general Manoj M Naravane told reporters that Army so far has had only 14 coronavirus cases of which five soldiers have been cured and they have returned to work.

IAF will carry out flypast on May 3 to display gratitude to coronavirus warriors: CDS General Bipin Rawat

India's health ministry said today that 1,993 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-impact-maruti-suzuki-records-zero-sales-in-april-for-first-time-in-companys-history-296045">coronavirus</a> cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the country rising to 35,043.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-reports-583-new-coronavirus-cases-27-deaths-in-24-hours-296087">Also Read:&nbsp;Maharashtra reports 583 new coronavirus cases, 27 deaths in 24 hours</a>

The ministry asked the state and district administration in the country to ensure "focused efforts in Red&nbsp;and Orange&nbsp;zones to break the chain of transmission through effective and stringent containment measures".

During the press conference, the empowered group chairman on coronavirus said that the total demand for ventilators is 75,000 out of which 19,398 ventilators are available and 60,884 ventilators have been ordered.

"DRDO has developed three types of new PU coated nylon/ polyester and technology transfer to manufacturers of India," PD Vaghela, chairman of the empowered on coronavirus, said.

"Demand for PPE kits has been projected at 2.01 crore in India. We have placed orders for 2.22 crore kits out of which 1.42 crore kits are being procured in the domestic market," Vaghela said, adding."1.87 lakh kits are being produced daily in the country."

Meanwhile, the ministry of home affairs allowed movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places to be transported by special trains.

The Railway ministry said that on arrival at the destination, passengers will be received by the state government, who would make all arrangements for their screening and quarantine if necessary&nbsp;

The home ministry said that no separate passes are required for traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks.

India's health ministry said today that 1,993 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the country rising to 35,043.

India's health ministry said today that 1,993 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the country rising to 35,043. Also Read: Maharashtra reports 583 new coronavirus cases, 27 deaths in 24 hours The ministry asked the state and district administration in the country to ensure "focused efforts in Red and Orange zones to break the chain of transmission through effective and stringent containment measures". During the press conference, the empowered group chairman on coronavirus said that the total demand for ventilators is 75,000 out of which 19,398 ventilators are available and 60,884 ventilators have been ordered. "DRDO has developed three types of new PU coated nylon/ polyester and technology transfer to manufacturers of India," PD Vaghela, chairman of the empowered on coronavirus, said. "Demand for PPE kits has been projected at 2.01 crore in India. We have placed orders for 2.22 crore kits out of which 1.42 crore kits are being procured in the domestic market," Vaghela said, adding."1.87 lakh kits are being produced daily in the country." Meanwhile, the ministry of home affairs allowed movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places to be transported by special trains. The Railway ministry said that on arrival at the destination, passengers will be received by the state government, who would make all arrangements for their screening and quarantine if necessary The home ministry said that no separate passes are required for traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks.

COVID-19 battle: DRDO develops PU coated nylon & polyester to be manufactured in India

Maharashtra reported 583 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-delhi-bengaluru-chennai-among-130-red-zones-designated-by-centre-296051">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases and 27 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state government said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/significant-increase-in-cybercrime-against-women-during-coronavirus-lockdown-in-india-296071">Also Read:&nbsp;'Significant' increase in cybercrime against women during coronavirus lockdown in India</a>

There are 1,0498 cases reported in the state. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 459 which is the highest in the country. The mortality rate in the state stands at 4.37 per cent, the state government said.

Bihar reported 18 more coronavirus cases with the number of cases rising to 450.

In Karnataka, eleven new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 576. Twenty-two people have died due to the virus in the state. 
&nbsp; 
"Today in Delhi, we are conducting 2,300 tests per 1 million people. 1,100 people have been cured," Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

Sixty new coronavirus cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh including the deaths of two people in the last 24 hours.

In order to resolve the migrant issue with several stranded in various parts of the country, a one-off special train was run today from Lingampalli in Hyderabad to Hatia in Jharkhand at the request of the Telangana government.

Maharashtra reported 583 new coronavirus cases and 27 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state government said. Also Read: 'Significant' increase in cybercrime against women during coronavirus lockdown in India There are 1,0498 cases reported in the state.

Maharashtra reported 583 new coronavirus cases and 27 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state government said. Also Read: 'Significant' increase in cybercrime against women during coronavirus lockdown in India There are 1,0498 cases reported in the state. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 459 which is the highest in the country. The mortality rate in the state stands at 4.37 per cent, the state government said. Bihar reported 18 more coronavirus cases with the number of cases rising to 450. In Karnataka, eleven new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 576. Twenty-two people have died due to the virus in the state. "Today in Delhi, we are conducting 2,300 tests per 1 million people. 1,100 people have been cured," Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said. Sixty new coronavirus cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh including the deaths of two people in the last 24 hours. In order to resolve the migrant issue with several stranded in various parts of the country, a one-off special train was run today from Lingampalli in Hyderabad to Hatia in Jharkhand at the request of the Telangana government.

Maharashtra reports 583 new coronavirus cases,  27 deaths in 24 hours

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP in an email that the UN body hopes China would invite it to take part in its investigations into the "animal origins of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-passes-230000-confirmed-recoveries-hit-1-million-295999">coronavirus</a>."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab</a>

The origin of the virus has become a huge controversial issue in recent weeks with several experts, including US President claiming that it was spread due to an accident in a Wuhan laboratory.

The US intelligence services in a statement had said on Thursday that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified".

However, US President Trump has claimed that it was spread from a Wuhan laboratory, however, the president hasn't presented any evidence to back his claims. When asked about it, Trump told reporters: "I have seen the evidence. I can't tell you that. I'm not allowed to tell you that."

The US president in fact hinted at imposing tariff on China as a punishment for the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Australia, Canada, UK and Germany have requested an open and transparent investigation from China, with some asserting that the WHO can help in this regard. The Chinese government, however, hasn't signaled any intention for the probe, dismissing it even as it battles the virus at home.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said earlier that the US didn't know "precisely where it began" while stating that "we don’t know if it came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. We don’t know if it emanated from the wet market or yet some other place. We don’t know those answers."

The US intelligence meanwhile said it would continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine" the origin of the outbreak.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP in an email that the UN body hopes China would invite it to take part in its investigations into the "animal origins of the coronavirus.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP in an email that the UN body hopes China would invite it to take part in its investigations into the "animal origins of the coronavirus." Also Read: Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab The origin of the virus has become a huge controversial issue in recent weeks with several experts, including US President claiming that it was spread due to an accident in a Wuhan laboratory. The US intelligence services in a statement had said on Thursday that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified". However, US President Trump has claimed that it was spread from a Wuhan laboratory, however, the president hasn't presented any evidence to back his claims. When asked about it, Trump told reporters: "I have seen the evidence. I can't tell you that. I'm not allowed to tell you that." The US president in fact hinted at imposing tariff on China as a punishment for the coronavirus outbreak. Australia, Canada, UK and Germany have requested an open and transparent investigation from China, with some asserting that the WHO can help in this regard. The Chinese government, however, hasn't signaled any intention for the probe, dismissing it even as it battles the virus at home. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said earlier that the US didn't know "precisely where it began" while stating that "we don’t know if it came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. We don’t know if it emanated from the wet market or yet some other place. We don’t know those answers." The US intelligence meanwhile said it would continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine" the origin of the outbreak.

Keen to work with international partners at China's invitation to investigate animal origins of virus: WHO

As Germany looked to ease the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-records-lower-death-toll-as-lockdown-measures-set-to-ease-295815"> coronavirus l</a>ockdown, Chancellor Merkel said it was important to "stay disciplined".

The country has 162, 123 cases of infection with over 6,500 deaths. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-records-lower-death-toll-as-lockdown-measures-set-to-ease-295815">lockdown </a>has ensured Germany has kept its death toll numbers down even as Italy and Spain have seen large scale deaths and infections.

However, Merkel is yet to decide on opening schools and starting&nbsp;the coveted German football league - &nbsp;the Bundesliga with the government set to decide next week.

Shops were allowed to receive customers again since last week even as the country sunk into a recession and jobless people swelled the ranks hit due to the virus.

Authorities have been working round the clock to ensure the lockdown goes smoothly even as several reports indicated Germans were increasingly getting restless.

The lockdown has led to severe economic consequences in Europe with Germany which is considered the growth engine of the continent registering jobless numbers 2.3 million in March to 2.6 million in April.

As Germany looked to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Chancellor Merkel said it was important to "stay disciplined". The country has 162, 123 cases of infection with over 6,500 deaths.

As Germany looked to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Chancellor Merkel said it was important to "stay disciplined". The country has 162, 123 cases of infection with over 6,500 deaths. The lockdown has ensured Germany has kept its death toll numbers down even as Italy and Spain have seen large scale deaths and infections. However, Merkel is yet to decide on opening schools and starting the coveted German football league - the Bundesliga with the government set to decide next week. Shops were allowed to receive customers again since last week even as the country sunk into a recession and jobless people swelled the ranks hit due to the virus. Authorities have been working round the clock to ensure the lockdown goes smoothly even as several reports indicated Germans were increasingly getting restless. The lockdown has led to severe economic consequences in Europe with Germany which is considered the growth engine of the continent registering jobless numbers 2.3 million in March to 2.6 million in April.

Citizens should stay disciplined, says Merkel as Germany eases lockdown restrictions

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 27 deaths and 583 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhanced-our-position-as-pharmacy-of-the-world-mea-on-sending-medicines-globally-295892">coronavirus </a>cases taking the total number of cases to 10,498 in the state.

In Delhi, six more CRPF jawans tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-reports-22-new-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-pune-records-127-new-cases-295818">coronavirus</a>, one soldier belonged to the national kabaddi team, the CRPF said.

The virus cases continued to rise as Telangana reported 22 new cases with the total number of cases rising to 1038 in the last 24 hours.

Ludhiana in Punjab also witnessed a spurt in cases with 34 people testing positive for&nbsp;coronavirus out of which 23 were pilgrims who had returned from Nanded.

Ranchi in Jharkhand reported three new cases with the total number of COVID-19 cases rising to 110, the state government said.

Meanwhile, officials in Pune said migrant labourers and students stranded in the area will be allowed to travel to their homes, according to the home ministry's order.

The move comes after several state governments requested the home ministry to allow stranded migrants and students to return their places. The home ministry had earlier said it was contemplating running special trains to transport the people stranded in various states.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 27 deaths and 583 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 10,498 in the state. In Delhi, six more CRPF jawans tested positive for coronavirus, one soldier belonged to the national kabaddi team, the CRPF said.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 27 deaths and 583 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 10,498 in the state. In Delhi, six more CRPF jawans tested positive for coronavirus, one soldier belonged to the national kabaddi team, the CRPF said. The virus cases continued to rise as Telangana reported 22 new cases with the total number of cases rising to 1038 in the last 24 hours. Ludhiana in Punjab also witnessed a spurt in cases with 34 people testing positive for coronavirus out of which 23 were pilgrims who had returned from Nanded. Ranchi in Jharkhand reported three new cases with the total number of COVID-19 cases rising to 110, the state government said. Meanwhile, officials in Pune said migrant labourers and students stranded in the area will be allowed to travel to their homes, according to the home ministry's order. The move comes after several state governments requested the home ministry to allow stranded migrants and students to return their places. The home ministry had earlier said it was contemplating running special trains to transport the people stranded in various states.

Maharashtra reports 27 COVID-19 deaths; 6 CRPF soldiers test positive in Delhi

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran and his aides on Thursday reiterated that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is ''not bad'' even as the number of confirmed cases in the country exceed 16,000.

Addressing a news briefing along with his aides in Islamabad, the premier said the number of cases in the country are&nbsp;"lower than feared".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-sindh-govt-seeks-early-hearing-of-plea-against-provincial-hc-order-in-daniel-pearl-case-295814" hreflang="en">Pak's Sindh govt seeks early hearing of plea against provincial HC order in Daniel Pearl case</a>

He also said that he "thought that our intensive care units (ICUs) would be filled by now but that is not the case".

On being questioned about lifting the lockdown in the country, Imran Khan said&nbsp;that easing of the lockdown after May 9 depended on whether people were following the restrictions and social distancing measures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-name-same-old-terror-group-let-becomes-trf-to-save-pak-from-fatf-axe-295640" hreflang="en">New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe</a>

Echoing the Pakistan PM's sentiments, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar assured that the country's coronavirus situation is ''not out of control''.

Comparing Pakistan's situation to neighbouring Iran which has been badly affected by the virus, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that Pakistan was "comparatively better off".

Pakistan has recorded 16,329 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which Sindh and Punjab alone have recorded more than 6,000 cases.

20 fatalities, 12 in Sindh and 8 in Punjab, have taken the country's death toll to 361.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran and his aides on Thursday reiterated that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is ''not bad'' even as the number of confirmed cases in the country exceed 16,000.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran and his aides on Thursday reiterated that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is ''not bad'' even as the number of confirmed cases in the country exceed 16,000. Addressing a news briefing along with his aides in Islamabad, the premier said the number of cases in the country are "lower than feared". Also read: Pak's Sindh govt seeks early hearing of plea against provincial HC order in Daniel Pearl case He also said that he "thought that our intensive care units (ICUs) would be filled by now but that is not the case". On being questioned about lifting the lockdown in the country, Imran Khan said that easing of the lockdown after May 9 depended on whether people were following the restrictions and social distancing measures. Also read: New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe Echoing the Pakistan PM's sentiments, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar assured that the country's coronavirus situation is ''not out of control''. Comparing Pakistan's situation to neighbouring Iran which has been badly affected by the virus, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that Pakistan was "comparatively better off". Pakistan has recorded 16,329 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which Sindh and Punjab alone have recorded more than 6,000 cases. 20 fatalities, 12 in Sindh and 8 in Punjab, have taken the country's death toll to 361.

Imran Khan reiterates 'coronavirus situation not bad in Pakistan' even as cases exceed 16,000

As Britain continues to battle the coronavirus, PM Boris Johnson said the country is "past the peak" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-records-lower-death-toll-as-lockdown-measures-set-to-ease-295815">COVID-19 </a>outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sees-records-rise-in-one-day-coronavirus-infections-total-number-tops-100000-295862">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia sees record rise in one-day coronavirus infections</a>

"For the first time, we are past the peak of this disease... and we are on the downward slope," Johnson said even as Britain recorded mounting death toll due to the virus.

As PM Johnson made the declaration, the government announced on Thursday that 674 people had died due to the virus in the past 24 hours.

The country has recorded 26,711 deaths and has 166, 628 coronavirus infected cases even as the National Health Service(NHS) fights the virus amid depleted resources.

85 workers in the NHS have died due to the virus and 23 in social care, according to the government.

Britain now has third-highest death toll after Italy and Spain in Europe and it is behind US, Spain, Italy and France in the number of infected cases.

Amid the rising number of cases, Britain has widened its testing regime for COVID-19 to care homes and the elderly in order to combat the virus.

However, the UK&nbsp;government is still not ready to ease the lockdown with PM Johnson rejecting the idea.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:&nbsp;"This issue of a second spike and the need to avoid it, it's not a theoretical risk."

"Having relaxed restrictions in Germany over the last week, they've seen a rise in the transmission rate of coronavirus," Raab said, adding,"we're in a delicate and dangerous moment. We're coming through the peak, but we're not there yet."

As Britain continues to battle the coronavirus, PM Boris Johnson said the country is "past the peak" of COVID-19 outbreak. Also Read: Russia sees record rise in one-day coronavirus infections "For the first time, we are past the peak of this disease.

As Britain continues to battle the coronavirus, PM Boris Johnson said the country is "past the peak" of COVID-19 outbreak. Also Read: Russia sees record rise in one-day coronavirus infections "For the first time, we are past the peak of this disease... and we are on the downward slope," Johnson said even as Britain recorded mounting death toll due to the virus. As PM Johnson made the declaration, the government announced on Thursday that 674 people had died due to the virus in the past 24 hours. The country has recorded 26,711 deaths and has 166, 628 coronavirus infected cases even as the National Health Service(NHS) fights the virus amid depleted resources. 85 workers in the NHS have died due to the virus and 23 in social care, according to the government. Britain now has third-highest death toll after Italy and Spain in Europe and it is behind US, Spain, Italy and France in the number of infected cases. Amid the rising number of cases, Britain has widened its testing regime for COVID-19 to care homes and the elderly in order to combat the virus. However, the UK government is still not ready to ease the lockdown with PM Johnson rejecting the idea. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "This issue of a second spike and the need to avoid it, it's not a theoretical risk." "Having relaxed restrictions in Germany over the last week, they've seen a rise in the transmission rate of coronavirus," Raab said, adding,"we're in a delicate and dangerous moment. We're coming through the peak, but we're not there yet."

UK past peak of COVID-19 outbreak and on downward slope, says PM Johnson

Oman today ordered all state-owned companies to fire expat workers. It wants foreigners to be replaced with local citizens. The order was part of the financial guidelines issued by the government. Oman has 4.6 million residents, about a third of them are expats.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulf-countries-have-requested-for-deployment-of-doctors-over-covid-19-says-mea-295890">Also Read:&nbsp;Gulf countries have requested for deployment of doctors over COVID-19, says MEA</a>

The state-owned enterprises employs a major chunk of them. It is a development India should be worried about. At least eight lakh Indian workers work in Oman. In the short term, a part of them could lose their jobs. The ministry of external affairs issued a statement today.

It said that the new policy does not target Indians in Oman and the government of Oman is taking special care of them but it doesn't assure protection from job loss.

Oman has been tightening its belt in the past few months. Earlier, state-owned companies were asked to avoid new projects this year. They were asked to limit their operational administrative expenses to 10 per cent this year. The budget cuts became necessary.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhanced-our-position-as-pharmacy-of-the-world-mea-on-sending-medicines-globally-295892"> coronavirus</a> outbreak is hurting Oman, including the oil price war and the subsequent collapse in prices is a major setback for the country. It is among the worst-affected countries. While Oman is a small energy producer its government debt papers have degraded substantially.

In fact, the country has been rated as "junk" by certain rating agencies. The oil slump and the coronavirus crisis has created perhaps the perfect storm for the Gulf. There are reports anticipating job losses and budget cuts. Indian expats living in the Gulf could be staring at the eye of this storm.

Oman today ordered all state-owned companies to fire expat workers. It wants foreigners to be replaced with local citizens. The order was part of the financial guidelines issued by the government.

Oman today ordered all state-owned companies to fire expat workers. It wants foreigners to be replaced with local citizens. The order was part of the financial guidelines issued by the government. Oman has 4.6 million residents, about a third of them are expats. Also Read: Gulf countries have requested for deployment of doctors over COVID-19, says MEA The state-owned enterprises employs a major chunk of them. It is a development India should be worried about. At least eight lakh Indian workers work in Oman. In the short term, a part of them could lose their jobs. The ministry of external affairs issued a statement today. It said that the new policy does not target Indians in Oman and the government of Oman is taking special care of them but it doesn't assure protection from job loss. Oman has been tightening its belt in the past few months. Earlier, state-owned companies were asked to avoid new projects this year. They were asked to limit their operational administrative expenses to 10 per cent this year. The budget cuts became necessary. The coronavirus outbreak is hurting Oman, including the oil price war and the subsequent collapse in prices is a major setback for the country. It is among the worst-affected countries. While Oman is a small energy producer its government debt papers have degraded substantially. In fact, the country has been rated as "junk" by certain rating agencies. The oil slump and the coronavirus crisis has created perhaps the perfect storm for the Gulf. There are reports anticipating job losses and budget cuts. Indian expats living in the Gulf could be staring at the eye of this storm.

Why expat Indians should worry about Oman's drive to fire foreign workers

The US intelligence community said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-pandemic-apple-google-to-release-developer-version-of-contact-tracing-app-this-week-295824">COVID-19</a> virus was not manmade or genetically modified".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-new-zealand-taiwan-and-finland-have-kept-coronavirus-at-bay-295902">Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay</a>

"The communities experts respond by surging resources and producing critical intelligence on issues vital to US national security," it said in a statement.

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Intelligence Community Statement on Origins of COVID-19 <a href="https://t.co/MIPr6LVzU4">pic.twitter.com/MIPr6LVzU4</a>
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"The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," it said.

There has been large scale speculation that the virus spread after it was accidentally spread in a Wuhan laboratory with several experts attacking China and asking it give its side and open a worldwide investigation.

The US, Germany, Australia and the UK have consistently requested for a transparent probe by China&nbsp;even as President Trump blamed the WHO for mismanaging the crisis and said the UN body has a "China bias".

US and China have been at loggerheads ever since the virus became a worldwide pandemic with the Chinese foreign ministry accusing the US military for spreading the virus in Wuhan, with the US hitting back and accusing China of not coming clean.

The US intelligence community said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified". Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay "The communities experts respond by surging resources and producing critical intelligence on issues vital to US national security," it said in a statement.

The US intelligence community said that it "concurs with the wide scientific consensus that COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified". Also Read: How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay "The communities experts respond by surging resources and producing critical intelligence on issues vital to US national security," it said in a statement. Intelligence Community Statement on Origins of COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/MIPr6LVzU4 — Office of the DNI (@ODNIgov) April 30, 2020 × "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," it said. There has been large scale speculation that the virus spread after it was accidentally spread in a Wuhan laboratory with several experts attacking China and asking it give its side and open a worldwide investigation. The US, Germany, Australia and the UK have consistently requested for a transparent probe by China even as President Trump blamed the WHO for mismanaging the crisis and said the UN body has a "China bias". US and China have been at loggerheads ever since the virus became a worldwide pandemic with the Chinese foreign ministry accusing the US military for spreading the virus in Wuhan, with the US hitting back and accusing China of not coming clean.

Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community

Defiance in the name of mutiny. In Iraq, there is anger over unpaid wages. Lebanon experienced scuffles with frontline workers. In Germany there have been questions over constitutional rights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-battle-against-coronavirus-major-strategic-achievement-president-xi-jinping-295746">Also Read: China's battle against coronavirus major strategic achievement, says Xi</a>

The entire world is protesting. There's a growing distrust of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-terms-world-health-organisation-as-a-pipe-organ-for-china-295696">lockdown</a> measures among the common man. A distrust that is being fueled by petty politics in some nations. The coronavirus has infected more than a million people in the United States but an anti-lockdown fever is infecting millions more because the American president does not want to be too tough - even in the face of death.

President Trump wants to hold election rallies. The US president does not want to sit in the most dangerous health crisis the world has ever faced. Neither do some Silicon Valley billionaires like the tech titan Elon Musk.

The Test CEO wants America to be "freed", he thinks "forcing" people to stay at home is "Fascist". However, another billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg thinks otherwise. The Facebook CEO is against easing lockdown measures.

Zuckerberg says a reopening would only guarantee future outbreaks and worse outcomes. Both these men are adding to a nationwide divide because they have had different experiences under the lockdown.

Tesla which has suspended production is unsure if it can limit any future losses while Facebook has reported a surge in usage amid global lockdowns. For Zuckerberg and Musk it's just business. For the US president its about his political future. What it really is --- is a matter of life, death, and empathy.

Something that a few nations and a few leaders figured out early and are winning. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, Finland's Sanna Marin and Taiwan's Tsai ing-Wen. These three are being called premiers made for a pandemic.

New Zealand has less than 1,500 cases and six deaths, Finland just 206 deaths and Taiwan a region located just miles away from China confirmed its first death way back on February 16, today Taiwan has just 429 cases and 6 deaths.

What's common between these countries besides a lower rate of infection? That they put politics on the back-burner and 
united their citizens in the face of peril. A lesson which some superpowers are yet to learn.

Defiance in the name of mutiny. In Iraq, there is anger over unpaid wages. Lebanon experienced scuffles with frontline workers. In Germany there have been questions over constitutional rights.

Defiance in the name of mutiny. In Iraq, there is anger over unpaid wages. Lebanon experienced scuffles with frontline workers. In Germany there have been questions over constitutional rights. Also Read: China's battle against coronavirus major strategic achievement, says Xi The entire world is protesting. There's a growing distrust of lockdown measures among the common man. A distrust that is being fueled by petty politics in some nations. The coronavirus has infected more than a million people in the United States but an anti-lockdown fever is infecting millions more because the American president does not want to be too tough - even in the face of death. President Trump wants to hold election rallies. The US president does not want to sit in the most dangerous health crisis the world has ever faced. Neither do some Silicon Valley billionaires like the tech titan Elon Musk. The Test CEO wants America to be "freed", he thinks "forcing" people to stay at home is "Fascist". However, another billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg thinks otherwise. The Facebook CEO is against easing lockdown measures. Zuckerberg says a reopening would only guarantee future outbreaks and worse outcomes. Both these men are adding to a nationwide divide because they have had different experiences under the lockdown. Tesla which has suspended production is unsure if it can limit any future losses while Facebook has reported a surge in usage amid global lockdowns. For Zuckerberg and Musk it's just business. For the US president its about his political future. What it really is --- is a matter of life, death, and empathy. Something that a few nations and a few leaders figured out early and are winning. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, Finland's Sanna Marin and Taiwan's Tsai ing-Wen. These three are being called premiers made for a pandemic. New Zealand has less than 1,500 cases and six deaths, Finland just 206 deaths and Taiwan a region located just miles away from China confirmed its first death way back on February 16, today Taiwan has just 429 cases and 6 deaths. What's common between these countries besides a lower rate of infection? That they put politics on the back-burner and united their citizens in the face of peril. A lesson which some superpowers are yet to learn.

How New Zealand, Taiwan and Finland have kept coronavirus at bay

India's ministry of external affairs said today that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-reports-22-new-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-pune-records-127-new-cases-295818">coronavirus</a> testing kits from China are being&nbsp;examined by&nbsp;the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/progressive-recovery-rate-observed-33050-covid-19-cases-in-india-government-295835">Also Read:&nbsp;Progressive recovery rate observed; 33,050 COVID-19 cases in India, says govt</a>

The external affairs ministry's statement comes afte several kits were found to be faulty with states asked not to put them into operation.

"India has provided 2.8 million HCQ tablets and 1.9 million paracetamol tablets as part of assistance," the foreign ministry said, adding, "India also provided HCQ and paracetamol tablets on a commercial basis to 87 countries."

The ministry said 60,000 foreign nationals from 71 countries were evacuated from India after the outbreak of the virus.

India responded promptly and has sent teams to Maldives and Kuwait, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, India's defence ministry said that Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, which is supported by DRDO has developed a microwave steriliser named as "Atulya"&nbsp;to "disintegrate"&nbsp;coronavirus.

The virus gets disintegrated by differential heating in range of 560-600 celsius temperatures, it said.

"Depending upon the size and shape of various objects, the time of sterilisation is from 30 seconds to one minute. Approximate weight of the system is three kilogrammes and it can be used for non-metallic objects," the defence ministry said.

India's ministry of external affairs said today that coronavirus testing kits from China are being examined by the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR). Also Read: Progressive recovery rate observed; 33,050 COVID-19 cases in India, says govt The external affairs ministry's statement comes afte several kits were found to be faulty with states asked not to put them into operation.

India's ministry of external affairs said today that coronavirus testing kits from China are being examined by the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR). Also Read: Progressive recovery rate observed; 33,050 COVID-19 cases in India, says govt The external affairs ministry's statement comes afte several kits were found to be faulty with states asked not to put them into operation. "India has provided 2.8 million HCQ tablets and 1.9 million paracetamol tablets as part of assistance," the foreign ministry said, adding, "India also provided HCQ and paracetamol tablets on a commercial basis to 87 countries." The ministry said 60,000 foreign nationals from 71 countries were evacuated from India after the outbreak of the virus. India responded promptly and has sent teams to Maldives and Kuwait, the ministry added. Meanwhile, India's defence ministry said that Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, which is supported by DRDO has developed a microwave steriliser named as "Atulya" to "disintegrate" coronavirus. The virus gets disintegrated by differential heating in range of 560-600 celsius temperatures, it said. "Depending upon the size and shape of various objects, the time of sterilisation is from 30 seconds to one minute. Approximate weight of the system is three kilogrammes and it can be used for non-metallic objects," the defence ministry said.

Coronavirus testing kits from China being examined by ICMR: Foreign ministry

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