Residents of a South Korean city at the centre of a new coronavirus outbreak described empty streets, deserted shops, and a climate of fear as a surge in confirmed cases linked to a church raised the prospect of wider transmission.

Malls, restaurants and streets in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million, were largely empty in scenes that residents and social media users likened to a disaster movie.

"It's like someone dropped a bomb in the middle of the city. It looks like a zombie apocalypse," Kim Geun-woo, a 28-year-old resident told Reuters by telephone.

"Even Dongseong-ro Street – the most crowded centre of the city – is empty," he said, adding that he had tried to buy surgical masks but shops were sold out.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-vulnerable-is-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-281802">How vulnerable is Xi Jinping over coronavirus?</a>

Korea's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 53 new cases of the virus on Thursday, following 20 a day earlier, taking the total across the country to 104.

Of that national tally, 70 patients are from Daegu or nearby and the majority have been traced to an infected 61-year-old woman known as "Patient 31" who attended a church, a scenario that KCDC described as a "super-spreading event".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fearing-infection-residents-protest-coronavirus-evacuees-landing-in-ukraine-281810">Fearing infection, residents protest coronavirus evacuees landing in Ukraine</a>

South Korea also reported the first death of a coronavirus patient, though the man's exact cause of death was being investigated.

The man was among 13 people at a hospital near Daegu who tested positive for the virus. Health officials said they were investigating whether there were links between the outbreak at the church and the hospital.

The hospital would be temporarily shut down and about 600 staff and patients would be tested for the virus, Yonhap news agency reported, citing officials.

Several major department stores, including at least one in Seoul, were closed after reports that Patient 31 had visited in recent weeks, Yonhap reported.

City on edge

Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin told residents to stay indoors as he warned of likely further cases.

"We are in an unprecedented crisis," he said at a briefing in the city, about 240 km (150 miles) southwest of the capital Seoul.

Kwon cautioned that at least 90 more of the about 1,000 other people who attended services at the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony were also showing symptoms.

"We plan to test all believers of that church and have asked them to stay at home isolated from their families," Kwon said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">Coronavirus outbreak: China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran</a>

South Korea's vice health minister Kim Kang-lip said at a separate briefing in the administrative city of Sejong that the situation was "very grave".

The cases previously reported in South Korea had mostly involved people who had travelled individually to China or come into contact with somebody who had, but it is unclear how Patient 31 contracted the virus.

Daegu authorities ordered the shutdown of all kindergartens, while all schools will postpone the beginning of the spring semester scheduled for early March by one week in an unprecedented move, Yonhap said.

The Defence Ministry banned troops stationed in Daegu from leaving their barracks and receiving guests, while a soldier who had recently visited his home in Daegu tested positive for the virus.

The U.S. military imposed similar restrictions on its army base in the city, which houses thousands of troops, family members and civilian employees, curbing travel and closing schools and child-care centres.

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Church closed

Media footage showed the few people on Daegu's usually bustling downtown streets wore face masks and kept far apart.

Topics such as "Daegu lockdown" and "Daegu church" were among the top searches on major South Korean portal Naver as debate heated up online about whether the city should be sealed off from the rest of the country. A KCDC official told Reuters the government was not considering that measure.

The church at the centre of the outbreak is a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a religious movement founded in 1984 by South Korean Lee Man-hee who has about 500,000 followers.

Some commentators on social media blamed the custom of churchgoers sitting on the floor close to each other during services as increasing the risk of spreading the virus.

Shincheonji said on Wednesday it had closed its Daegu church and instructed that services elsewhere be held online or individually at home.

Residents of a South Korean city at the centre of a new coronavirus outbreak described empty streets, deserted shops, and a climate of fear as a surge in confirmed cases linked to a church raised the prospect of wider transmission.

Residents of a South Korean city at the centre of a new coronavirus outbreak described empty streets, deserted shops, and a climate of fear as a surge in confirmed cases linked to a church raised the prospect of wider transmission. Malls, restaurants and streets in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million, were largely empty in scenes that residents and social media users likened to a disaster movie. "It's like someone dropped a bomb in the middle of the city. It looks like a zombie apocalypse," Kim Geun-woo, a 28-year-old resident told Reuters by telephone. "Even Dongseong-ro Street – the most crowded centre of the city – is empty," he said, adding that he had tried to buy surgical masks but shops were sold out. Also read: How vulnerable is Xi Jinping over coronavirus? Korea's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 53 new cases of the virus on Thursday, following 20 a day earlier, taking the total across the country to 104. Of that national tally, 70 patients are from Daegu or nearby and the majority have been traced to an infected 61-year-old woman known as "Patient 31" who attended a church, a scenario that KCDC described as a "super-spreading event". Also read: Fearing infection, residents protest coronavirus evacuees landing in Ukraine South Korea also reported the first death of a coronavirus patient, though the man's exact cause of death was being investigated. The man was among 13 people at a hospital near Daegu who tested positive for the virus. Health officials said they were investigating whether there were links between the outbreak at the church and the hospital. The hospital would be temporarily shut down and about 600 staff and patients would be tested for the virus, Yonhap news agency reported, citing officials. Several major department stores, including at least one in Seoul, were closed after reports that Patient 31 had visited in recent weeks, Yonhap reported. City on edge Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin told residents to stay indoors as he warned of likely further cases. "We are in an unprecedented crisis," he said at a briefing in the city, about 240 km (150 miles) southwest of the capital Seoul. Kwon cautioned that at least 90 more of the about 1,000 other people who attended services at the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony were also showing symptoms. "We plan to test all believers of that church and have asked them to stay at home isolated from their families," Kwon said. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran South Korea's vice health minister Kim Kang-lip said at a separate briefing in the administrative city of Sejong that the situation was "very grave". The cases previously reported in South Korea had mostly involved people who had travelled individually to China or come into contact with somebody who had, but it is unclear how Patient 31 contracted the virus. Daegu authorities ordered the shutdown of all kindergartens, while all schools will postpone the beginning of the spring semester scheduled for early March by one week in an unprecedented move, Yonhap said. The Defence Ministry banned troops stationed in Daegu from leaving their barracks and receiving guests, while a soldier who had recently visited his home in Daegu tested positive for the virus. The U.S. military imposed similar restrictions on its army base in the city, which houses thousands of troops, family members and civilian employees, curbing travel and closing schools and child-care centres. × Church closed Media footage showed the few people on Daegu's usually bustling downtown streets wore face masks and kept far apart. Topics such as "Daegu lockdown" and "Daegu church" were among the top searches on major South Korean portal Naver as debate heated up online about whether the city should be sealed off from the rest of the country. A KCDC official told Reuters the government was not considering that measure. The church at the centre of the outbreak is a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a religious movement founded in 1984 by South Korean Lee Man-hee who has about 500,000 followers. Some commentators on social media blamed the custom of churchgoers sitting on the floor close to each other during services as increasing the risk of spreading the virus. Shincheonji said on Wednesday it had closed its Daegu church and instructed that services elsewhere be held online or individually at home.

'Like a zombie apocalypse': Residents on edge as coronavirus cases surge in South Korea

A Chinese vessel was allowed to dock at the Chennai port on Wednesday after completing an incubation period of two weeks from its last visit to a port in China. The MV Magnate arrived at the port on Tuesday. With 19 crew members on board, the ship has been allowed to dock at the port.&nbsp;

According to reports, two people aboard the ship were running a fever. Their blood samples have been collected for testing and to rule out coronavirus infection. Both the crew members have been kept in isolation for now.&nbsp;

As per the official release from the Chennai Port Trust, the crew members didn't show any other sign of coronavirus infection. The members are allowed access to the shore and vice-versa.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-department-of-pharma-asks-dgft-to-restrict-export-of-12-drug-ingredients-formulations-281654">Coronavirus - Department of Pharma asks DGFT to restrict export of 12 drug ingredients, formulations</a>

All 248 people at an Army camp in Manesar and another batch of 100 at an ITBP facility, quarantined at these two places after being evacuated from coronavirus-hit Wuhan earlier this month, were discharged on Tuesday, officials said, even as more Indians will be brought back from China by an IAF aircraft.

A total of 647 Indians and seven Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan on February 1 and 2 in two 747 Boeing Air India aircraft after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China and kept at the two quarantine facilities.

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On Monday, a batch of about 200 people was discharged from the ITBP camp, which housed a total of 406 people, including seven Maldivians.

All 248 persons, mostly students, who were quarantined at the Army camp left for their homes after being declared fit on Tuesday.

"All of them have tested negative for the respiratory virus in the subsequent tests after the completion of the 14-day quarantine period," an official source said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to issue orders restricting export of 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to an office memorandum.

 
&nbsp;

A Chinese vessel was allowed to dock at the Chennai port on Wednesday after completing an incubation period of two weeks from its last visit to a port in China. The MV Magnate arrived at the port on Tuesday.

A Chinese vessel was allowed to dock at the Chennai port on Wednesday after completing an incubation period of two weeks from its last visit to a port in China. The MV Magnate arrived at the port on Tuesday. With 19 crew members on board, the ship has been allowed to dock at the port. According to reports, two people aboard the ship were running a fever. Their blood samples have been collected for testing and to rule out coronavirus infection. Both the crew members have been kept in isolation for now. As per the official release from the Chennai Port Trust, the crew members didn't show any other sign of coronavirus infection. The members are allowed access to the shore and vice-versa. Also read: Coronavirus - Department of Pharma asks DGFT to restrict export of 12 drug ingredients, formulations All 248 people at an Army camp in Manesar and another batch of 100 at an ITBP facility, quarantined at these two places after being evacuated from coronavirus-hit Wuhan earlier this month, were discharged on Tuesday, officials said, even as more Indians will be brought back from China by an IAF aircraft. A total of 647 Indians and seven Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan on February 1 and 2 in two 747 Boeing Air India aircraft after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China and kept at the two quarantine facilities. Also read: Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy - IMF On Monday, a batch of about 200 people was discharged from the ITBP camp, which housed a total of 406 people, including seven Maldivians. All 248 persons, mostly students, who were quarantined at the Army camp left for their homes after being declared fit on Tuesday. "All of them have tested negative for the respiratory virus in the subsequent tests after the completion of the 14-day quarantine period," an official source said. Meanwhile, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to issue orders restricting export of 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to an office memorandum.

Coronavirus: Chinese ship docks at Chennai port, 2 crew members tested for infection

Three days after being denied entry into India, British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams landed in Pakistan on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A self-proclaimed champion of social justice, Abrahams says she will be visiting Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to assess the human rights situation there.

On her arrival, miss Abrahams was accorded a warm welcome by the Director-General of Pak-based Jammu and Kashmir liberation cell - Fida Husain Kiani.

The website of the cell enumerates 6 detailed objectives with most of them revolving around the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-mp-abrahams-was-denied-entry-in-india-as-she-didnt-hold-valid-visa-indian-mission-281428">British MP Abrahams was denied entry in India as she didn't hold valid visa, says Indian Mission</a>

Abrahams was then provided with a platform to voice her grudges against India - a press briefing with Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

During the conference, Abrahams drew parallels between how India and Pakistan deal with their problems differently. She said India should reciprocate Pakistan's approach.

It looks like Abrahams is playing to her support base back in her constituency of Oldham East and Saddleworth in Britain.&nbsp;

As per the 2011 census, minority ethnic groups make up 22.5 per cent of the population here and what is interesting is the fact that 10 per cent of them are of Pak-origin, 7.3 per cent are Bangladeshi immigrants while the Indian population here has remained static.

The population of Pak-origin people shot up from 6.3 per cent in 2001 to 10 per cent in 2011 and by all indications these figures have increased considerably in the last 9 years.

Debbie Abrahams seems to be addressing her voters. 
&nbsp;

Three days after being denied entry into India, British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams landed in Pakistan on Wednesday. A self-proclaimed champion of social justice, Abrahams says she will be visiting Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to assess the human rights situation there.

Three days after being denied entry into India, British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams landed in Pakistan on Wednesday. A self-proclaimed champion of social justice, Abrahams says she will be visiting Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to assess the human rights situation there. On her arrival, miss Abrahams was accorded a warm welcome by the Director-General of Pak-based Jammu and Kashmir liberation cell - Fida Husain Kiani. The website of the cell enumerates 6 detailed objectives with most of them revolving around the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan. Also read: British MP Abrahams was denied entry in India as she didn't hold valid visa, says Indian Mission Abrahams was then provided with a platform to voice her grudges against India - a press briefing with Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. During the conference, Abrahams drew parallels between how India and Pakistan deal with their problems differently. She said India should reciprocate Pakistan's approach. It looks like Abrahams is playing to her support base back in her constituency of Oldham East and Saddleworth in Britain. As per the 2011 census, minority ethnic groups make up 22.5 per cent of the population here and what is interesting is the fact that 10 per cent of them are of Pak-origin, 7.3 per cent are Bangladeshi immigrants while the Indian population here has remained static. The population of Pak-origin people shot up from 6.3 per cent in 2001 to 10 per cent in 2011 and by all indications these figures have increased considerably in the last 9 years. Debbie Abrahams seems to be addressing her voters.

British MP who was denied entry into India reaches Pakistan, says New Delhi should reciprocate Pak's approach

Children of China's frontline medical workers battling the deadly coronavirus will be awarded extra exam points when applying for schools and higher education, local officials said Tuesday.

Doctors and nurses in Hubei province -- where the outbreak originated and which has reported the majority of deaths -- have been lionized online and by state media.

China's schooling system places a major emphasis on exams, and even younger children face extreme competition to get into top schools that parents believe will raise their chances of getting into a good university.

The measures will "further care for the province's frontline medical staff" and encourage them to be more "resolute" in their fight to contain the virus, the province said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-department-of-pharma-asks-dgft-to-restrict-export-of-12-drug-ingredients-formulations-281654">Coronavirus - Department of Pharma asks DGFT to restrict export of 12 drug ingredients, formulations</a>

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Children of medical workers applying for high school this year can receive an additional 10 points in their entrance exams, while younger children will be prioritised for admission at public kindergartens, according to officials.

Although millions expressed their grief online when whistleblowing doctor Li Wenliang died -- with other medical workers' deaths similarly mourned on a smaller scale -- Chinese social media users complained it was unfair to reward only medical staff in Hubei.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-all-406-inmates-at-itbps-delhi-camp-sent-home-281574">Coronavirus - All 406 inmates at ITBP's Delhi camp sent home</a>

"Bonus points are already unfair, but only offering it to Hubei staff makes it even more unfair to other provinces because they all went there to help," one user on the Twitter-like Weibo platform wrote.

More than 32,000 medical workers from elsewhere in China have been sent to the province as reinforcement, Hubei's government said at a press conference Tuesday.

Others argued the children themselves were undeserving of the reward.

"It is not appropriate for the child to benefit from their parent's devotion," one user wrote.

"This would lead to education unfairness."

Children of China's frontline medical workers battling the deadly coronavirus will be awarded extra exam points when applying for schools and higher education, local officials said Tuesday.

Children of China's frontline medical workers battling the deadly coronavirus will be awarded extra exam points when applying for schools and higher education, local officials said Tuesday. Doctors and nurses in Hubei province -- where the outbreak originated and which has reported the majority of deaths -- have been lionized online and by state media. China's schooling system places a major emphasis on exams, and even younger children face extreme competition to get into top schools that parents believe will raise their chances of getting into a good university. The measures will "further care for the province's frontline medical staff" and encourage them to be more "resolute" in their fight to contain the virus, the province said in a statement. Also read: Coronavirus - Department of Pharma asks DGFT to restrict export of 12 drug ingredients, formulations × Children of medical workers applying for high school this year can receive an additional 10 points in their entrance exams, while younger children will be prioritised for admission at public kindergartens, according to officials. Although millions expressed their grief online when whistleblowing doctor Li Wenliang died -- with other medical workers' deaths similarly mourned on a smaller scale -- Chinese social media users complained it was unfair to reward only medical staff in Hubei. Also read: Coronavirus - All 406 inmates at ITBP's Delhi camp sent home "Bonus points are already unfair, but only offering it to Hubei staff makes it even more unfair to other provinces because they all went there to help," one user on the Twitter-like Weibo platform wrote. More than 32,000 medical workers from elsewhere in China have been sent to the province as reinforcement, Hubei's government said at a press conference Tuesday. Others argued the children themselves were undeserving of the reward. "It is not appropriate for the child to benefit from their parent's devotion," one user wrote. "This would lead to education unfairness."

Doctors' children in Coronavirus-hit Hubei province to get extra exam points

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to issue orders restricting export of 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to an office memorandum.

The APIs and formulations include common antibiotics and vitamins.

A high-level committee formed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the chemicals and fertilisers ministry to monitor supply of raw materials for drugs from China has recommended restrictions on export of these items.

The 12 APIs and formulations include antibiotics such as Choramphenicol, Neomycin, Metronidazole and Vitamins B1, B12, B6 along with progesterone, among others.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctors-children-in-coronavirus-hit-hubei-province-to-get-extra-exam-points-281659">Doctors' children in Coronavirus-hit Hubei province to get extra exam points</a>

"The Government of India is closely monitoring the supply of APIs/intermediates/Key starting materials (KSMs) which are imported from China and effect of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China on their supply.

"The Committee after examining the situation has recommended to impose restrictions on the export of 12 APIs and formulations...Till further orders," Deputy Secretary at Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry M K Bhardwaj said in the letter to the DGFT.

China accounted for 67.56 per cent of India's total imports of bulk drugs and drug intermediates at USD 2,405.42 million in 2018-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-confirms-first-two-cases-of-new-coronavirus-official-281627">Iran confirms first two cases of new coronavirus</a>

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met the representatives of various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, electronics and IT hardware, solar, auto, surgical equipment, and paints, to review the situation following the outbreak of the deadly virus in China.

She said the government will soon announce measures to deal with the impact of coronavirus outbreak on the domestic industry.

Describing pharma, chemical and solar equipment sectors as the worst affected, the finance minister said disruptions are visible in these segments due to delays in shipment.

She also said there were no reports of a shortage of medicines or medical equipment.

According to official sources, Indian drugmakers have informed the high-level committee that they presently have stocks for the next two to three months. 
There has been no supply of APIs from the neighbouring country for the last 20-25 days, sources said.&nbsp;

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to issue orders restricting export of 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to an office memorandum.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to issue orders restricting export of 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to an office memorandum. The APIs and formulations include common antibiotics and vitamins. A high-level committee formed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the chemicals and fertilisers ministry to monitor supply of raw materials for drugs from China has recommended restrictions on export of these items. The 12 APIs and formulations include antibiotics such as Choramphenicol, Neomycin, Metronidazole and Vitamins B1, B12, B6 along with progesterone, among others. Also read: Doctors' children in Coronavirus-hit Hubei province to get extra exam points "The Government of India is closely monitoring the supply of APIs/intermediates/Key starting materials (KSMs) which are imported from China and effect of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China on their supply. "The Committee after examining the situation has recommended to impose restrictions on the export of 12 APIs and formulations...Till further orders," Deputy Secretary at Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry M K Bhardwaj said in the letter to the DGFT. China accounted for 67.56 per cent of India's total imports of bulk drugs and drug intermediates at USD 2,405.42 million in 2018-19. Also read: Iran confirms first two cases of new coronavirus Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met the representatives of various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, electronics and IT hardware, solar, auto, surgical equipment, and paints, to review the situation following the outbreak of the deadly virus in China. She said the government will soon announce measures to deal with the impact of coronavirus outbreak on the domestic industry. Describing pharma, chemical and solar equipment sectors as the worst affected, the finance minister said disruptions are visible in these segments due to delays in shipment. She also said there were no reports of a shortage of medicines or medical equipment. According to official sources, Indian drugmakers have informed the high-level committee that they presently have stocks for the next two to three months. There has been no supply of APIs from the neighbouring country for the last 20-25 days, sources said.

Coronavirus: Department of Pharma asks DGFT to restrict export of 12 drug ingredients, formulations

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that instead of keeping departments himself, he prefers to monitor the work of each of his cabinet ministers.

"I feel the duty of a Chief Minister is to keep an eye on other ministers and, hence, I have distributed the portfolios to the ministers," Kejriwal said in response to a media query about him not keeping any portfolio.

The Delhi Chief Minister was also criticised by the opposition during his last stint for not keeping any ministry/department with himself. He was jeered as "Minister without a portfolio" by the opposition.

This time around, too, Kejriwal has not kept any department with him. He also said, "Today, I had a meeting with the secretaries and ministers of all departments of the Delhi government wherein discussions were held on the 10 guarantees."

"In the meeting, departments have been directed to prepare a presentation within a week on the guarantee for which they are responsible. In the presentation they have to specify the timeline and the budget needed to fulfil their allotted guarantee," the Chief Minister added.

He further said that after one week another meeting will be held with each department and the budget demanded by them will be presented to the public via media.

"The budget as demanded by the departments will be included in the upcoming state Budget," he added.

He also said that the Cabinet has decided to hold a three-day Assembly session of the new government from February 24.

Arvind Kejriwal also spoke to the reporters about the meeting held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He said, "The meeting with Amit Shah was held in a cordial atmosphere. We held discussions on various issues and we agreed that the central government and Delhi government need to work together for the development of Delhi."&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that instead of keeping departments himself, he prefers to monitor the work of each of his cabinet ministers.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that instead of keeping departments himself, he prefers to monitor the work of each of his cabinet ministers. "I feel the duty of a Chief Minister is to keep an eye on other ministers and, hence, I have distributed the portfolios to the ministers," Kejriwal said in response to a media query about him not keeping any portfolio. The Delhi Chief Minister was also criticised by the opposition during his last stint for not keeping any ministry/department with himself. He was jeered as "Minister without a portfolio" by the opposition. This time around, too, Kejriwal has not kept any department with him. He also said, "Today, I had a meeting with the secretaries and ministers of all departments of the Delhi government wherein discussions were held on the 10 guarantees." "In the meeting, departments have been directed to prepare a presentation within a week on the guarantee for which they are responsible. In the presentation they have to specify the timeline and the budget needed to fulfil their allotted guarantee," the Chief Minister added. He further said that after one week another meeting will be held with each department and the budget demanded by them will be presented to the public via media. "The budget as demanded by the departments will be included in the upcoming state Budget," he added. He also said that the Cabinet has decided to hold a three-day Assembly session of the new government from February 24. Arvind Kejriwal also spoke to the reporters about the meeting held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said, "The meeting with Amit Shah was held in a cordial atmosphere. We held discussions on various issues and we agreed that the central government and Delhi government need to work together for the development of Delhi."

I prefer to supervise each ministry instead of keeping one for myself: Kejriwal

In a move to save critically endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and its smaller cousin Lesser florican, the Supreme Court of India has said that overhead power transmission lines in the desert national park in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and the surrounding area must go underground.

The top court said around 15 per cent of the two species have been dying every year due to collision with overhead power transmission lines in their flight path.&nbsp;

The judges were hearing a petition filed by wildlife activists saying that even though both the birds are protected under the wildlife protection act, they face the threat of imminent extinction.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-under-pressure-over-past-hunting-of-endangered-whales-243496">Japan under pressure over past hunting of endangered whales</a>

The plea blamed mortality caused by collision with power transmission lines and wind turbines, depletion of grasslands, hunting, development of mines and human habitation in and around their habitats.

The Great Indian Bustard is a tall bird with a wingspan of over two metres. It is the state bird of Rajasthan, their number has sharply declined from an estimated twelve hundred sixty in 1969 to just 150 in 2018.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-removes-key-provisions-in-endangered-species-act-242553">Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act</a>

The Lesser florican is the smallest bird in the Bustard family and weighs around 500 to 750 grams. It is found only in India. &nbsp;Their numbers have declined in a similar pattern from over thirty five hundred in 1999 to less than 700 in 2018.

In a move to save critically endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and its smaller cousin Lesser florican, the Supreme Court of India has said that overhead power transmission lines in the desert national park in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and the surrounding area must go underground.

In a move to save critically endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard and its smaller cousin Lesser florican, the Supreme Court of India has said that overhead power transmission lines in the desert national park in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and the surrounding area must go underground. The top court said around 15 per cent of the two species have been dying every year due to collision with overhead power transmission lines in their flight path. The judges were hearing a petition filed by wildlife activists saying that even though both the birds are protected under the wildlife protection act, they face the threat of imminent extinction. Also read: Japan under pressure over past hunting of endangered whales The plea blamed mortality caused by collision with power transmission lines and wind turbines, depletion of grasslands, hunting, development of mines and human habitation in and around their habitats. The Great Indian Bustard is a tall bird with a wingspan of over two metres. It is the state bird of Rajasthan, their number has sharply declined from an estimated twelve hundred sixty in 1969 to just 150 in 2018. Also read: Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act The Lesser florican is the smallest bird in the Bustard family and weighs around 500 to 750 grams. It is found only in India. Their numbers have declined in a similar pattern from over thirty five hundred in 1999 to less than 700 in 2018.

Supreme Court steps into to save two endangered bird species

The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit.

According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has released 500 cusecs of water into the Yamuna from the Ganganahar in Bulandshahr to improve the river's "environmental condition" in Agra, news agency PTI reported.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-signals-very-big-trade-deal-with-india-before-us-presidential-elections-281582">Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections</a>

"Keeping in mind US President Trump's visit to Agra, 500 cusecs of water has been released from the Ganganahar to improve the environmental condition of the Yamuna. This water will reach the Yamuna in Mathura by February 20 and Agra by February 21 afternoon," the department's Superintending Engineer Dharmender Singh Phogat said.

Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) assistant engineer Arvind Kumar said that though the move will not make the river's water fit for consumption, it is likely to reduce the "foul smell" from the Yamuna.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-full-swing-ahead-of-us-president-donald-trumps-india-visit-281468">India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit</a>

"If 500 cusecs of water has been released into the Yamuna to control pollution, it will certainly have an impact. This will also improve the oxygen level in the Yamuna in Mathura and in Agra. This move may not make the Yamuna's water fit for drinking, but could reduce the foul smell from the river," Arvind Kumar said.

Trump and Melania will visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-to-india-trump-set-to-open-worlds-biggest-cricket-stadium-281416">Going to India - Trump set to open world's biggest cricket stadium</a>

The US President is also scheduled to visit Gujarat. It is reported that a whopping Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city.

Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad.

The US president will be on a two-day trip to India between February 24 and 25.

(With inputs from PTI)

The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit.

The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit. According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has released 500 cusecs of water into the Yamuna from the Ganganahar in Bulandshahr to improve the river's "environmental condition" in Agra, news agency PTI reported. Also read: Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections "Keeping in mind US President Trump's visit to Agra, 500 cusecs of water has been released from the Ganganahar to improve the environmental condition of the Yamuna. This water will reach the Yamuna in Mathura by February 20 and Agra by February 21 afternoon," the department's Superintending Engineer Dharmender Singh Phogat said. Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) assistant engineer Arvind Kumar said that though the move will not make the river's water fit for consumption, it is likely to reduce the "foul smell" from the Yamuna. Also read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit "If 500 cusecs of water has been released into the Yamuna to control pollution, it will certainly have an impact. This will also improve the oxygen level in the Yamuna in Mathura and in Agra. This move may not make the Yamuna's water fit for drinking, but could reduce the foul smell from the river," Arvind Kumar said. Trump and Melania will visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later. Also read: Going to India - Trump set to open world's biggest cricket stadium The US President is also scheduled to visit Gujarat. It is reported that a whopping Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad. The US president will be on a two-day trip to India between February 24 and 25. (With inputs from PTI)

Ahead of Trump's Agra visit, 500 cusecs of water released into Yamuna to tackle 'foul smell'

India's cabinet on Wednesday approved a plan to sign an initial pact on intellectual property rights with the United States, a government minister said, days ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The United States has long urged India to strengthen protection for intellectual property and that has been a cause of friction on top of trade disputes between the two countries.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said approval for an MoU with the United States was secured at a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India's cabinet on Wednesday approved a plan to sign an initial pact on intellectual property rights with the United States, a government minister said, days ahead of a visit by U.

India's cabinet on Wednesday approved a plan to sign an initial pact on intellectual property rights with the United States, a government minister said, days ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States has long urged India to strengthen protection for intellectual property and that has been a cause of friction on top of trade disputes between the two countries. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said approval for an MoU with the United States was secured at a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India clears accord on intellectual property rights with US

Shares rose on Wednesday after the finance minister said the government would announce measures to tackle the financial fallout from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">coronavirus </a>outbreak amid a fall in new cases in China.

The broader NSE <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-end-lower-on-coronavirus-fears-metals-drag-277556">Nifty</a>&nbsp;50 index&nbsp;was up 0.93 per cent&nbsp;at 12,1014 by 0401 GMT, while the benchmark S&amp;P BSE <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-end-lower-on-coronavirus-fears-metals-drag-277556">Sensex&nbsp;</a>rose 0.6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 41,121.51.

Both the indexes declined nearly 1&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the last two sessions due to the rising financial impact of the epidemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-summarising-the-state-of-indian-economy-274415">Summarising the state of Indian economy</a>

Finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ride-hailing-services-metro-trains-bs-vi-among-other-reasons-for-auto-sector-slowdown-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-248878">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> met more than 200 business leaders to assess the impact of the coronavirus on Tuesday and said the government would unveil measures to help businesses.

However, she did not elaborate on what measures the government would take to limit the impact.

"If the coronavirus threats die down the markets may see a short-term bounce back," said Naveen Kulkarni, head of research at Reliance Securities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">Death toll in China's coronavirus passes 2,000 as another person dies in Hong Kong</a>

"Corporate earnings have been weak. There are big challenges with regards to the resolution the banking industry has to see. There are banks that are still struggling to raise capital and there are more long-term challenges."

India's industrial output unexpectedly contracted in December, according to data released this month, showing that Asia's third-largest economy remains under pressure.

The blue-chip Nifty 50 index has fallen about 2.6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from its Jan. 20 record intraday high of 12,430.50, weighed down by the impact of the outbreak and as the annual federal budget failed to address key concerns among investors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-qualifies-for-next-debate-and-rivals-are-getting-ready-281390">Yes Bank</a>&nbsp;fell 1.4&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;after the National Stock Exchange said on Tuesday it will drop the lender's shares from the blue-chip index.

The biggest gainer in the Nifty 50 was Bharti Infratel Ltd, up 7.1 per cent, followed by NTPC Ltd, which gained 3.5 per cent.

Shares rose on Wednesday after the finance minister said the government would announce measures to tackle the financial fallout from the coronavirus outbreak amid a fall in new cases in China.

Shares rose on Wednesday after the finance minister said the government would announce measures to tackle the financial fallout from the coronavirus outbreak amid a fall in new cases in China. The broader NSE Nifty 50 index was up 0.93 per cent at 12,1014 by 0401 GMT, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex rose 0.6 per cent to 41,121.51. Both the indexes declined nearly 1 per cent in the last two sessions due to the rising financial impact of the epidemic. Also read: Summarising the state of Indian economy Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman met more than 200 business leaders to assess the impact of the coronavirus on Tuesday and said the government would unveil measures to help businesses. However, she did not elaborate on what measures the government would take to limit the impact. "If the coronavirus threats die down the markets may see a short-term bounce back," said Naveen Kulkarni, head of research at Reliance Securities. Also read: Death toll in China's coronavirus passes 2,000 as another person dies in Hong Kong "Corporate earnings have been weak. There are big challenges with regards to the resolution the banking industry has to see. There are banks that are still struggling to raise capital and there are more long-term challenges." India's industrial output unexpectedly contracted in December, according to data released this month, showing that Asia's third-largest economy remains under pressure. The blue-chip Nifty 50 index has fallen about 2.6 per cent from its Jan. 20 record intraday high of 12,430.50, weighed down by the impact of the outbreak and as the annual federal budget failed to address key concerns among investors. Yes Bank fell 1.4 per cent after the National Stock Exchange said on Tuesday it will drop the lender's shares from the blue-chip index. The biggest gainer in the Nifty 50 was Bharti Infratel Ltd, up 7.1 per cent, followed by NTPC Ltd, which gained 3.5 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex gain on hopes of government aid to tackle virus impact

Obesity in children is a cause of concern. Fast food, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep are among some of the major factors for childhood obesity.&nbsp;

But did you know that bedtime is also linked to obesity?

A recent study claims that the later your child sleeps, the more he or she is at the risk of obesity.&nbsp;

The later you sleep, chances are that you will likely to be exposed to obesity and it is true for children as well, research has the data to back&nbsp; 
this claim.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-to-stop-advertising-ice-cream-to-children-in-bid-to-tackle-obesity-280458">Unilever to stop advertising ice cream for children in bid to tackle obesity</a>

A professor from Sweden's Karolinska Institute conducted a study and sampled 107 children.&nbsp;

Dr Claude Marcus measured their sleep for seven consecutive days, once a year to find that children who went to sleep late, had a&nbsp; 
wider waist and a higher BMI.&nbsp;

Sleeping late puts kids at a greater risk of being overweight. This applies to all children below 6.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teenagers-not-getting-enough-exercise-at-risk-of-obesity-and-cardiovascular-diseases-world-health-organisation-263794">Teenagers not getting enough exercise, at risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases - WHO</a>

What defines late?

The researcher says it is anything beyond 9 pm.

This is not the first time sleep is being linked to weight. Previous studies have linked shorter sleep duration with increased obesity in childhood.&nbsp;

How can parents prevent this? Should they force their children to sleep early? Experts say no.&nbsp;

Parents should instead focus on maintaining a routine which includes scheduling meals and bedtimes. The focus should be on a proper sleep cycle and going to bed before 9 pm.

Obesity in children is a cause of concern. Fast food, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep are among some of the major factors for childhood obesity.

Obesity in children is a cause of concern. Fast food, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep are among some of the major factors for childhood obesity. But did you know that bedtime is also linked to obesity? A recent study claims that the later your child sleeps, the more he or she is at the risk of obesity. The later you sleep, chances are that you will likely to be exposed to obesity and it is true for children as well, research has the data to back this claim. Also read: Unilever to stop advertising ice cream for children in bid to tackle obesity A professor from Sweden's Karolinska Institute conducted a study and sampled 107 children. Dr Claude Marcus measured their sleep for seven consecutive days, once a year to find that children who went to sleep late, had a wider waist and a higher BMI. Sleeping late puts kids at a greater risk of being overweight. This applies to all children below 6. Also read: Teenagers not getting enough exercise, at risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases - WHO What defines late? The researcher says it is anything beyond 9 pm. This is not the first time sleep is being linked to weight. Previous studies have linked shorter sleep duration with increased obesity in childhood. How can parents prevent this? Should they force their children to sleep early? Experts say no. Parents should instead focus on maintaining a routine which includes scheduling meals and bedtimes. The focus should be on a proper sleep cycle and going to bed before 9 pm.

Obesity in children: New study links child's bedtime with weight gain

The grammar of India's foreign policy has changed, the Modi government has changed that.

India's foreign policy is now muscular and three recent developments prove this contention.

A British Labour MP Debbie Abrahams has been in the news lately. Some of her tweets slamming the Indian government have been making headlines.

Abrahams claims she was denied entry into India despite having a valid visa. She says she was visiting India to meet her relatives but was stopped. She later tweeted an image of the visa which had been granted to her.

The Indian government has categorically countered this claim by releasing details of the cancelled visa.

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Abrahams was issued an e-business visa in October last year for business which was valid till October 2020 but was revoked on February 14 because she was reportedly indulging in activities which were against India's interests.

The home ministry says the British parliamentarian was duly informed, yet she arrived in Delhi and demanded a visa on arrival.

The question remains - did Debbie Abrahams come to India as a friend or a foe?

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-mp-abrahams-was-denied-entry-in-india-as-she-didnt-hold-valid-visa-indian-mission-281428">British MP denied entry as she didn't hold valid visa - Indian Mission</a>

On February 4, the Pakistan High Commission in London organized a seminar to attack India on Kashmir. Besides the Pak High Commissioner, those in attendance involved the President of Pak Occupied Kashmir Masood Khan and Abrahams.

Abrahams was also scheduled to travel to Islamabad after her India visit.

From the India side, the message is loud and clear, any attempt to attack India's sovereignty won't be tolerated.

In another example, the government of India on Monday summoned Turkey's envoy to India a day after Turkish President Erdogan visited Pakistan and compared the situation in Kashmir with the Gallipoli campaign of the second world war.

India responded firmly to this far-fetched comparison.

Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that "India made a strong demarche with the Turkish government. This recent episode is but one more example of a pattern of Turkey interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. These remarks reflect neither an understanding of history nor of the conduct of diplomacy."

There's high-pitched rhetoric around Kashmir. The issue is invoked unfailingly in almost all forums where India is represented. Pakistan remains hyphenated, it dominates most questions aimed at India.&nbsp;

Something similar happened during the ongoing Munich Security Conference. US Senator Lindsey Graham had some an advice for India on how to resolve the Kashmir conflict in a style typical to US diplomacy.

The response by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar should settle the debate once and for all.&nbsp;

India will not compromise on Kashmir and will push back on unwarranted overtures.

The grammar of India's foreign policy has changed, the Modi government has changed that. India's foreign policy is now muscular and three recent developments prove this contention.

The grammar of India's foreign policy has changed, the Modi government has changed that. India's foreign policy is now muscular and three recent developments prove this contention. A British Labour MP Debbie Abrahams has been in the news lately. Some of her tweets slamming the Indian government have been making headlines. Abrahams claims she was denied entry into India despite having a valid visa. She says she was visiting India to meet her relatives but was stopped. She later tweeted an image of the visa which had been granted to her. The Indian government has categorically countered this claim by releasing details of the cancelled visa. × Abrahams was issued an e-business visa in October last year for business which was valid till October 2020 but was revoked on February 14 because she was reportedly indulging in activities which were against India's interests. The home ministry says the British parliamentarian was duly informed, yet she arrived in Delhi and demanded a visa on arrival. The question remains - did Debbie Abrahams come to India as a friend or a foe? Also read: British MP denied entry as she didn't hold valid visa - Indian Mission On February 4, the Pakistan High Commission in London organized a seminar to attack India on Kashmir. Besides the Pak High Commissioner, those in attendance involved the President of Pak Occupied Kashmir Masood Khan and Abrahams. Abrahams was also scheduled to travel to Islamabad after her India visit. From the India side, the message is loud and clear, any attempt to attack India's sovereignty won't be tolerated. In another example, the government of India on Monday summoned Turkey's envoy to India a day after Turkish President Erdogan visited Pakistan and compared the situation in Kashmir with the Gallipoli campaign of the second world war. India responded firmly to this far-fetched comparison. Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that "India made a strong demarche with the Turkish government. This recent episode is but one more example of a pattern of Turkey interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. These remarks reflect neither an understanding of history nor of the conduct of diplomacy." There's high-pitched rhetoric around Kashmir. The issue is invoked unfailingly in almost all forums where India is represented. Pakistan remains hyphenated, it dominates most questions aimed at India. Something similar happened during the ongoing Munich Security Conference. US Senator Lindsey Graham had some an advice for India on how to resolve the Kashmir conflict in a style typical to US diplomacy. The response by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar should settle the debate once and for all. India will not compromise on Kashmir and will push back on unwarranted overtures.

India's changing foreign policy: More muscular, pushing back unwarranted overtures

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