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Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are reaping a bumper strawberry crop this season, all thanks to good weather conditions. But what's worrying them is the coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

One of the first cash crops of the season in Kashmir, strawberry, is being picked from the farms in Gusoo area on the outskirts of Srinagar and several neighboring districts. Given the profit and less cost, many farmers have shifted from vegetable farming to strawberries given better profit.

The bumper crop hasn't come as good news for them as many say the coronavirus lockdown is incurring losses due to lack of transportation to send them to outside markets but with fresh relaxations, they expect some change.

"The transportation facility is poor due to the lockdown. The strawberries in this area are spread over 7 acres of land. The market value of the fruit has also come down," Shabir Ahmad, a strawberry farmer, said.

While the shops still remain closed, an initiative to deliver these strawberries directly from farms has been started by a bunch of youth from Srinagar. Everyday 'e-fruit mandi' received 100 to 150 orders, thus turning their delivery business into success during the coronavirus crisis. &nbsp;

<img alt="Strawberry boom in Kashmir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6dab7411-2c62-4743-adc2-ab2ad6220254" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20%283%29.jpg" />

"Farmers are unable to send their produce to the market and our idea was to help them by picking up the fruit from them and selling it directly to a customer," Abid Rashid, co-founder, FastBeetle, said.

He added the demand for such goods has increased in the Kashmir market after the CoronaVirus lockdown.&nbsp;

"People don't like to move out. They want to sit at home and have delivered," Abid said.&nbsp;

The owners say they have been able to maake profit by delivering strawberries and apples when many businesses are suffering losses.&nbsp;

Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are reaping a bumper strawberry crop this season, all thanks to good weather conditions. But what's worrying them is the coronavirus lockdown.

Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are reaping a bumper strawberry crop this season, all thanks to good weather conditions. But what's worrying them is the coronavirus lockdown. One of the first cash crops of the season in Kashmir, strawberry, is being picked from the farms in Gusoo area on the outskirts of Srinagar and several neighboring districts. Given the profit and less cost, many farmers have shifted from vegetable farming to strawberries given better profit. The bumper crop hasn't come as good news for them as many say the coronavirus lockdown is incurring losses due to lack of transportation to send them to outside markets but with fresh relaxations, they expect some change. "The transportation facility is poor due to the lockdown. The strawberries in this area are spread over 7 acres of land. The market value of the fruit has also come down," Shabir Ahmad, a strawberry farmer, said. While the shops still remain closed, an initiative to deliver these strawberries directly from farms has been started by a bunch of youth from Srinagar. Everyday 'e-fruit mandi' received 100 to 150 orders, thus turning their delivery business into success during the coronavirus crisis. "Farmers are unable to send their produce to the market and our idea was to help them by picking up the fruit from them and selling it directly to a customer," Abid Rashid, co-founder, FastBeetle, said. He added the demand for such goods has increased in the Kashmir market after the CoronaVirus lockdown. "People don't like to move out. They want to sit at home and have delivered," Abid said. The owners say they have been able to maake profit by delivering strawberries and apples when many businesses are suffering losses.

Coronavirus lockdown looms over strawberry boom in Kashmir

Mumbai reported 1,751 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-would-have-been-much-higher-had-lockdown-not-been-implemented-government-300412">coronavirus</a> cases today taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 27,068 even as Maharashtra recorded 2,940 cases which is the highest single day rise, taking the total number of cases in the state to 44,582.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-highest-single-day-spike-6088-new-covid-19-cases-in-the-last-24-hours-300320">Also Read:&nbsp;India records highest single-day spike, 6,088 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours</a>

According to Mumbai health officials, 27 people died due to the virus in the last 24 hours.

In the city's slum area Dharavi another 53 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the number of cases to 1,478. The slum area has witnessed 57 deaths due to the virus.

Gujarat reported 363 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 13,273. The death toll in the state has now climbed to 802.

West Bengal reported 135 new COVID-19 cases including six deaths even as 28 people were discharged after being cured, health officials said.

Telangana health department said that 62 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,761. The death toll in the state due to the virus has climbed to 1,043.

In Rajasthan, 267 new cases were reported today taking the total number of cases in the state to 6,494, health officials said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

Mumbai reported 1,751 new coronavirus cases today taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 27,068 even as Maharashtra recorded 2,940 cases which is the highest single day rise, taking the total number of cases in the state to 44,582.

Mumbai reported 1,751 new coronavirus cases today taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 27,068 even as Maharashtra recorded 2,940 cases which is the highest single day rise, taking the total number of cases in the state to 44,582. Also Read: India records highest single-day spike, 6,088 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours According to Mumbai health officials, 27 people died due to the virus in the last 24 hours. In the city's slum area Dharavi another 53 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the number of cases to 1,478. The slum area has witnessed 57 deaths due to the virus. Gujarat reported 363 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 13,273. The death toll in the state has now climbed to 802. West Bengal reported 135 new COVID-19 cases including six deaths even as 28 people were discharged after being cured, health officials said. Telangana health department said that 62 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,761. The death toll in the state due to the virus has climbed to 1,043. In Rajasthan, 267 new cases were reported today taking the total number of cases in the state to 6,494, health officials said. (With ANI inputs)

COVID-19: Maharashtra records highest single day rise; 27 die in Mumbai

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we live and it definitely has also changed how we celebrate our festivals. Days ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir is training bakers for personal safety, production, and distribution to stop any chances of coronavirus transmission.&nbsp;

Bakery forms an essential part of Eid festivities and due to the lockdown, the administration has asked bakers to provide home delivery to local people, ensuring hygiene.&nbsp;

Several bakers in Srinagar have already gone for COVID-19 testing and it is only after that, that they have been allowed to start their factories. Around 500 bakers in Srinagar city have been trained and a certificate has also been issued to build confidence between a buyer and a seller.&nbsp;

"We have to adapt to this (COVID) new reality. We are training 10 thousand service providers in total. We started from the bakery and after training, a certificate is provided to them which they display at their shop, increasing trust in the customer," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, told WION.&nbsp;

The bakery factories in Srinagar are buzzing again after two month-plus of a lull. The fresh aroma of the bakery has started to come out again and bakers are preparing to dispatch vehicles for home delivery.&nbsp;

<img alt="Bakeries in Jammu and Kashmir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b1a21f3-9a29-4715-ba35-f79eef2d16da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20%281%29_0.jpg" />

At a factory on the outskirts of Srinagar, bakers are making biscuits, cakes, and other sweets, wearing a PPE suit and masks. The owner says they (bakers) have no contact with the outside world as part of the precaution to curb the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

"We try to maintain distance. Usually, there would be dozens but now there are few working here. The quantity has also fallen due to the pandemic," says Mukhtar Ahmad, a head baker at Hattrick foods.&nbsp;

This year, the festival of Eid is expected to be a lowkey affair around the globe. Muslims in India will celebrate the festival indoor owing to the lockdown imposed in mid-March to contain the spread of COVID.&nbsp;

"We have to rope in extra labor even when we had 300 people working just ahead of Eid. Right now, I just have 18 people working which tells you about the shift," says Babar Chowdhary, managing director Hattrick foods adding that PPE suits and gloves have become an essential part of bakery now.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we live and it definitely has also changed how we celebrate our festivals. Days ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir is training bakers for personal safety, production, and distribution to stop any chances of coronavirus transmission.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we live and it definitely has also changed how we celebrate our festivals. Days ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir is training bakers for personal safety, production, and distribution to stop any chances of coronavirus transmission. Bakery forms an essential part of Eid festivities and due to the lockdown, the administration has asked bakers to provide home delivery to local people, ensuring hygiene. Several bakers in Srinagar have already gone for COVID-19 testing and it is only after that, that they have been allowed to start their factories. Around 500 bakers in Srinagar city have been trained and a certificate has also been issued to build confidence between a buyer and a seller. "We have to adapt to this (COVID) new reality. We are training 10 thousand service providers in total. We started from the bakery and after training, a certificate is provided to them which they display at their shop, increasing trust in the customer," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, told WION. The bakery factories in Srinagar are buzzing again after two month-plus of a lull. The fresh aroma of the bakery has started to come out again and bakers are preparing to dispatch vehicles for home delivery. At a factory on the outskirts of Srinagar, bakers are making biscuits, cakes, and other sweets, wearing a PPE suit and masks. The owner says they (bakers) have no contact with the outside world as part of the precaution to curb the spread of COVID-19. "We try to maintain distance. Usually, there would be dozens but now there are few working here. The quantity has also fallen due to the pandemic," says Mukhtar Ahmad, a head baker at Hattrick foods. This year, the festival of Eid is expected to be a lowkey affair around the globe. Muslims in India will celebrate the festival indoor owing to the lockdown imposed in mid-March to contain the spread of COVID. "We have to rope in extra labor even when we had 300 people working just ahead of Eid. Right now, I just have 18 people working which tells you about the shift," says Babar Chowdhary, managing director Hattrick foods adding that PPE suits and gloves have become an essential part of bakery now.

Jammu and Kashmir: Ahead of Eid, bakers resume business after undergoing coronavirus tests, training

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 148 in the same period.&nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19 cases increased to 1,18,447 and the death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,583 on Friday morning.&nbsp;

The total number of active cases have increased to 6,6330 in the country so far. 48,533 people have been cured and one person has migrated from the country, according to the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst-hit states in the pandemic. The total number of cases in the state increased to 41,642 cases, and 1,454 people have died so far in the state.&nbsp;

Gujarat also has 12,905 coronavirus cases in the country, and 773 people have died in the state. The national capital has recorded 11659 cases and the death toll numbers have shot to 194. Tamil Nadu is also one of the worst affected states with a total of 13,967cases.

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 148 in the same period.

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 148 in the same period. The total number of COVID-19 cases increased to 1,18,447 and the death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,583 on Friday morning. The total number of active cases have increased to 6,6330 in the country so far. 48,533 people have been cured and one person has migrated from the country, according to the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst-hit states in the pandemic. The total number of cases in the state increased to 41,642 cases, and 1,454 people have died so far in the state. Gujarat also has 12,905 coronavirus cases in the country, and 773 people have died in the state. The national capital has recorded 11659 cases and the death toll numbers have shot to 194. Tamil Nadu is also one of the worst affected states with a total of 13,967cases.

India records highest single-day spike, 6,088 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain has said India and France have increased cooperation at the current times of COVID crisis with both "actively working" to come out with a vaccine.

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain has said India and France have increased cooperation at the current times of COVID crisis with both "actively working" to come out with a vaccine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, French development agency AFD is working to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes in India. Meanwhile, the Indian side has helped in the repatriation of over 2000 French nationals back home amidst the COVID crisis. WION: How does France see the post-COVID partnership with India? Emmanuel Lenain: I must say during these challenging times, the cooperation has been exemplary. The partnership between France and India is not merely a catchword. During a challenging time, you can see the value of friendship. We are friends in happy times, and also friends in rough times. All along we have been supporting each other. India has been exemplary in providing drugs, medical equipment when needed. French companies in India have also been exemplary. There are 350,000 Indian workers employed by 550 French companies operating in India. We tender work first, they did not cut salaries but also provided money for social responsibility that was created by the govt or by the authorities and provided the equivalent of 6 million euros and some companies have taken the remarkable initiative. A company called Lactalis has provided milk and some products and has been giving for free its products to nurses, to health care workers. We take care of those who work for us. Renault providing trucks and cars in India has turned some of its assembly lines to produce ventilators, and we produce up to 10,000 ventilators which is significant. A lot has been done both ways during this crisis and this is remarkable. WION: How has been collaboration on Indo Pacific? Emmanuel Lenain: Indo Pacific is a key dimension of our partnership. All along, during the crisis, we have been working together. At the end of March, we had joint patrolling and in coming months we will be launching some new concrete projects in the region. The crisis is not over, and I am very proud to announce the French development agency, AFD is going to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes for the most vulnerable population in India WION: How has been the current situation in France Emmanuel Lenain: Luckily in France, the situation is improving. The figures are better, less people contaminated and less pressure on our intensive care unit. As in India, the result of a very strong policy of lockdown and people have been very disciplined, very law-abiding which is good. Progressively in an orderly manner, people getting back to normal lives, get back to work. I am confident that soon they will be able to greet again, some friends, some tourist and students from India. WION: How is France and India coming on COVID partnership, vaccine and repatriation Emmanuel Lenain: Cooperation on repatriation has been excellent and must warmly thank the Indian authorities at all level for the cooperation they have extended to us to bring back the stranded citizens in the last few weeks. Thanks to them we have been able to repatriate in very good conditions, more than 2000 tourist and French people who were visiting India and they have to go back to the country. Now new phase open which seeks repatriation of Indians tourist from France, from Europe and all over places and you can be rest assured to be very helpful. In terms of vaccine and medical research that has been a strong area of my country, we have excellent institutions. We have been working for vaccines for years, or centuries almost. We have very good cooperation with Indian counterparts and I know, we are actively working to find a solution. WION: The key outcome of the COVID crisis for the world? Emmanuel Lenain: If there is one outcome, drawn from the crisis, is that we need more international cooperation, rather than less. To deal with global health issues we have WHO and we must work together, and we must reinforce it. France and India have supported the resolution, the proposal put forward by the EU to request for a comprehensive, independent, transparent investigation on the international response to the crisis.

Friends in happy times, friends in rough times says French envoy Lenain as Paris-Delhi cooperate during COVID-19 crisis

Maldives has thwarted Pakistan's attempt to single out India at a virtual meet of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Islamophobia highlighting the country's democratic credentials and multicultural society.

Speaking at the OIC United Nations envoys virtual meet, Maldives Permanent Representative in New York Ambassador Thilmeeza Hussain said, "Targetting a specific country will be like side stepping the real issue. In this light, let me state that singling out India, the largest democracy in the world and a multi-cultural society and home to over 200 million Muslims, alleging Islamophobia would be factually incorrect."

During the meeting Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram had said India is actively promoting Islamophobic.

Thilmeeza explained, "It would be detrimental to the religious harmony in the South Asian region. Islam has existed in India for centuries and it is the second-largest religion in India, with 14.2 per cent&nbsp;of the country's population. Isolated statements by motivated people and disinformation campaigns on social media should not be construed as representative of the feelings of 1.3 billion."

"Maldives cannot support any action within the OIC, that singles-out or targets India,"&nbsp;Thilmeeza added.

In the past few years, ties between India and Maldives have gone from strength to strength. New Delhi has reached out to Male during the current ongoing COVID-19 crisis while the Maldives has reaffirmed "India first" policy many times.

Maldives has thwarted Pakistan's attempt to single out India at a virtual meet of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Islamophobia highlighting the country's democratic credentials and multicultural society.

Maldives has thwarted Pakistan's attempt to single out India at a virtual meet of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Islamophobia highlighting the country's democratic credentials and multicultural society. Speaking at the OIC United Nations envoys virtual meet, Maldives Permanent Representative in New York Ambassador Thilmeeza Hussain said, "Targetting a specific country will be like side stepping the real issue. In this light, let me state that singling out India, the largest democracy in the world and a multi-cultural society and home to over 200 million Muslims, alleging Islamophobia would be factually incorrect." During the meeting Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram had said India is actively promoting Islamophobic. Thilmeeza explained, "It would be detrimental to the religious harmony in the South Asian region. Islam has existed in India for centuries and it is the second-largest religion in India, with 14.2 per cent of the country's population. Isolated statements by motivated people and disinformation campaigns on social media should not be construed as representative of the feelings of 1.3 billion." "Maldives cannot support any action within the OIC, that singles-out or targets India," Thilmeeza added. In the past few years, ties between India and Maldives have gone from strength to strength. New Delhi has reached out to Male during the current ongoing COVID-19 crisis while the Maldives has reaffirmed "India first" policy many times.

Maldives thwarts Pak attempts to single out India on Islamophobia at OIC

Strawberry farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are reaping bumper crops this season, watch our ground report from Kashmir.

Joy for strawberry farmers in Jammu and Kashmir

Social media is full of cures for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secures-300-million-doses-of-potential-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-300182">coronavirus</a>, you will be spoilt for choice&nbsp;with ginger to honey, hot air and even sex.

Fake cures are spreading faster than the Wuhan virus but do not fall for it.&nbsp;Forget about making you healthy, the Whatsapp cures will sure make you look stupid.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fact-check-fake-coronavirus-cures-300274/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Alcohol is a miracle cure at least that's what a Whatsapp forward claims and thousands in Iran believed as over 700 died of alcohol poisoning in the country.

In India, kadha is the magic word. It is a decoction made of basil, cinnamon, black pepper, dry ginger and raisin and it is now being pegged as a cure for COVID-19. The truth is - the decoction may help boost your immunity&nbsp;but is no cure for the virus.&nbsp;

Social media, and family groups are almost certain about the "magical combination" of turmeric, cumin and garlic. India's Ayush ministry claims so&nbsp;they say.

Here is a fact-check: Turmeric, cumin, and garlic are part of the Ayush ministry's advisory but the advisory is for boosting immunity. The advisory does not claim to be a treatment for coronavirus.

Another fake&nbsp;cure involves gargling with warm water, salt or vinegar can beat the coronavirus. The fact is gargling&nbsp;is recommended for a sore throat but there is no evidence that it can prevent COVID-19. Also doing the rounds is the combination of rasam and rice. Rasam is spicy and savory, but not the best ammo against a deadly virus.

A bizarre news report claims that sex can cure coronavirus, apparently, the heat produced by the body can kill the virus. Is a fact check required for it? Apply the logic of social distancing you will have the answer.

One Whatsapp forward says breathe in hot air from hairdryer to cure COVID-19. The obsession with temperature aside, this so-called cure challenges one's basic intelligence, no amount of breathing in hot air can cure you of coronavirus.

Then there are leaders leading the misinformation campaign. US President Donald Trump promotes hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malaria drug is not a proven cure for COVID-19, plus, it has some serious side-effects.

Tanzania's President Pombe Magufuli is another peddler of fake news. The president says that lemon and ginger can cure coronavirus.&nbsp;

Social media is full of cures for coronavirus, you will be spoilt for choice with ginger to honey, hot air and even sex. Fake cures are spreading faster than the Wuhan virus but do not fall for it.

Social media is full of cures for coronavirus, you will be spoilt for choice with ginger to honey, hot air and even sex. Fake cures are spreading faster than the Wuhan virus but do not fall for it. Forget about making you healthy, the Whatsapp cures will sure make you look stupid. Alcohol is a miracle cure at least that's what a Whatsapp forward claims and thousands in Iran believed as over 700 died of alcohol poisoning in the country. In India, kadha is the magic word. It is a decoction made of basil, cinnamon, black pepper, dry ginger and raisin and it is now being pegged as a cure for COVID-19. The truth is - the decoction may help boost your immunity but is no cure for the virus. Social media, and family groups are almost certain about the "magical combination" of turmeric, cumin and garlic. India's Ayush ministry claims so they say. Here is a fact-check: Turmeric, cumin, and garlic are part of the Ayush ministry's advisory but the advisory is for boosting immunity. The advisory does not claim to be a treatment for coronavirus. Another fake cure involves gargling with warm water, salt or vinegar can beat the coronavirus. The fact is gargling is recommended for a sore throat but there is no evidence that it can prevent COVID-19. Also doing the rounds is the combination of rasam and rice. Rasam is spicy and savory, but not the best ammo against a deadly virus. A bizarre news report claims that sex can cure coronavirus, apparently, the heat produced by the body can kill the virus. Is a fact check required for it? Apply the logic of social distancing you will have the answer. One Whatsapp forward says breathe in hot air from hairdryer to cure COVID-19. The obsession with temperature aside, this so-called cure challenges one's basic intelligence, no amount of breathing in hot air can cure you of coronavirus. Then there are leaders leading the misinformation campaign. US President Donald Trump promotes hydroxychloroquine. The anti-malaria drug is not a proven cure for COVID-19, plus, it has some serious side-effects. Tanzania's President Pombe Magufuli is another peddler of fake news. The president says that lemon and ginger can cure coronavirus.

Fake coronavirus cures on social media include ginger, honey & hot air

The most powerful cyclone to strike eastern India and Bangladesh in over a decade -- Cyclone Amphan -- has killed at least 82 people.

Mass evacuations before Cyclone Amphan made landfall helped in saving countless lives, but the full extent of the casualties and damage will only be known once communications are restored, officials said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cyclone-amphan-batters-india-a-gravitas-ground-report-300273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In West Bengal, at least 72 people died - most of them either electrocuted or killed by trees uprooted by winds gusting up to 185 km per hour (115 mph).

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a 10 billion rupee ($130 million) emergency fund to rebuild roads, water and health systems.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, the initial death toll was put at 10.

When the cyclone barrelled in from the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday, a storm surge of around five metres caused flooding across low-lying coastal areas.

"Have been seeing visuals from West Bengal on the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. "In this challenging hour, the entire nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal."

Designated a super cyclone, Amphan weakened after making landfall. Moving inland through Bangladesh, it was downgraded to a cyclonic storm by the Indian weather office, and it was expected to subside into a depression later.

Concern was also growing over flooding in the Sundarbans, an ecologically fragile region straddling the Indian-Bangladesh border, best known for its thick mangrove forests and tiger reserve.

Authorities in both countries had managed to evacuate more than 3 million people to storm shelters before Amphan struck.

The most powerful cyclone to strike eastern India and Bangladesh in over a decade -- Cyclone Amphan -- has killed at least 82 people. Mass evacuations before Cyclone Amphan made landfall helped in saving countless lives, but the full extent of the casualties and damage will only be known once communications are restored, officials said.

The most powerful cyclone to strike eastern India and Bangladesh in over a decade -- Cyclone Amphan -- has killed at least 82 people. Mass evacuations before Cyclone Amphan made landfall helped in saving countless lives, but the full extent of the casualties and damage will only be known once communications are restored, officials said. In West Bengal, at least 72 people died - most of them either electrocuted or killed by trees uprooted by winds gusting up to 185 km per hour (115 mph). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a 10 billion rupee ($130 million) emergency fund to rebuild roads, water and health systems. In neighbouring Bangladesh, the initial death toll was put at 10. When the cyclone barrelled in from the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday, a storm surge of around five metres caused flooding across low-lying coastal areas. "Have been seeing visuals from West Bengal on the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. "In this challenging hour, the entire nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal." Designated a super cyclone, Amphan weakened after making landfall. Moving inland through Bangladesh, it was downgraded to a cyclonic storm by the Indian weather office, and it was expected to subside into a depression later. Concern was also growing over flooding in the Sundarbans, an ecologically fragile region straddling the Indian-Bangladesh border, best known for its thick mangrove forests and tiger reserve. Authorities in both countries had managed to evacuate more than 3 million people to storm shelters before Amphan struck.

Cyclone Amphan kills 82 in India and Bangladesh, flooding lowlands

A senior officer working at Rail Bhavan has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the third such case in the building which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways.

The officer was working on the cadre restructuring of the Railway Protection Force Service. She had last come to work on May 13, following which Rail Bhavan was shut down for sanitisation purposes for two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for the disease.

The railway officer stays at Commonwealth Games Village apartments, where many senior officers of the railways reside.

Officials said that a joint secretary-level officer working closely with her has been sent to 14-day home quarantine, while some junior staffers have been asked to isolate themselves.

Sources said the officer is diabetic and had taken all precautions required to protect herself from coronavirus. However, she only has a mild fever and is under watch at home.

A junior staffer at the RPF office on the fourth floor of Rail Bhavan was the first to be infected with coronavirus in the building. This was followed by another case where a langur handler hired to chase away monkeys around the building had tested positive. 
In the wake of these cases, the railways had shut down the building for deep sanitisation on May 14 and 15.

A senior officer working at Rail Bhavan has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the third such case in the building which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways.

A senior officer working at Rail Bhavan has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the third such case in the building which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways. The officer was working on the cadre restructuring of the Railway Protection Force Service. She had last come to work on May 13, following which Rail Bhavan was shut down for sanitisation purposes for two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for the disease. The railway officer stays at Commonwealth Games Village apartments, where many senior officers of the railways reside. Officials said that a joint secretary-level officer working closely with her has been sent to 14-day home quarantine, while some junior staffers have been asked to isolate themselves. Sources said the officer is diabetic and had taken all precautions required to protect herself from coronavirus. However, she only has a mild fever and is under watch at home. A junior staffer at the RPF office on the fourth floor of Rail Bhavan was the first to be infected with coronavirus in the building. This was followed by another case where a langur handler hired to chase away monkeys around the building had tested positive. In the wake of these cases, the railways had shut down the building for deep sanitisation on May 14 and 15.

Senior railway official tests positive for coronavirus; third case at Rail Bhavan

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday contended that the calamity, which has left at least 80 dead, is "more than a national disaster".

Banerjee said it will take time to restore normalcy, with cyclone 'Amphan' having ravaged at least seven to eight districts in Bengal, and adversely impacting 60 per cent of the state's population.

"This is more than a national disaster. I have not seen such devastation in my life. Sixty per cent of people have been affected in West Bengal. More than six crore have been directly affected," Banerjee told reporters at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport where she had gone to receive Modi.

"It will take some time to restore normalcy. It's a catastrophe. Severe disaster. Our officials and ministers are all working. Police are also working tirelessly. We are fighting three challenges -- there is lockdown, then there is COVID-19, and now this disaster. The villages have been entirely devastated," she noted.

The chief minister said that she will hold an administrative meeting with Modi at Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district, following the aerial survey.

She also said that an initial report on the scale of destruction caused by the cyclone has been prepared and it would be handed over to the prime minister.

"We are not saying anything on it (the devastation caused by the cyclone). The chief secretary has prepared a report which will be handed over to the PM. I hope he will consider looking into it," the CM said.

Banerjee said a map of areas, which she would be surveying along with the PM, has been prepared by her government officials.

"We will cover Rajarhat, Bhangar, Minakha, Hashnabar, Sandeshkhali 1 and 2, Gosaba, Hindolganj, Kultuli. Kakdwip, Patharpratima, Mathurapur 2, Diamond Harbour and Falta. This will take an hour or so," she explained.

The CM also said she will be visiting some of these places again on Saturday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday contended that the calamity, which has left at least 80 dead, is "more than a national disaster". Banerjee said it will take time to restore normalcy, with cyclone 'Amphan' having ravaged at least seven to eight districts in Bengal, and adversely impacting 60 per cent of the state's population.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday contended that the calamity, which has left at least 80 dead, is "more than a national disaster". Banerjee said it will take time to restore normalcy, with cyclone 'Amphan' having ravaged at least seven to eight districts in Bengal, and adversely impacting 60 per cent of the state's population. "This is more than a national disaster. I have not seen such devastation in my life. Sixty per cent of people have been affected in West Bengal. More than six crore have been directly affected," Banerjee told reporters at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport where she had gone to receive Modi. "It will take some time to restore normalcy. It's a catastrophe. Severe disaster. Our officials and ministers are all working. Police are also working tirelessly. We are fighting three challenges -- there is lockdown, then there is COVID-19, and now this disaster. The villages have been entirely devastated," she noted. The chief minister said that she will hold an administrative meeting with Modi at Basirhat in North 24 Parganas district, following the aerial survey. She also said that an initial report on the scale of destruction caused by the cyclone has been prepared and it would be handed over to the prime minister. "We are not saying anything on it (the devastation caused by the cyclone). The chief secretary has prepared a report which will be handed over to the PM. I hope he will consider looking into it," the CM said. Banerjee said a map of areas, which she would be surveying along with the PM, has been prepared by her government officials. "We will cover Rajarhat, Bhangar, Minakha, Hashnabar, Sandeshkhali 1 and 2, Gosaba, Hindolganj, Kultuli. Kakdwip, Patharpratima, Mathurapur 2, Diamond Harbour and Falta. This will take an hour or so," she explained. The CM also said she will be visiting some of these places again on Saturday.

Cyclone Amphan 'more than a national disaster', never seen such devastation: Mamata

The government said today that the growth rate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-gilead-sciences-likely-to-seek-nod-to-market-anti-viral-drug-remdesivir-in-india-300197">coronavirus</a> cases has witnessed a steady fall from April 3 when the lockdown was able to put a brake on the speed of growth.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-highest-single-day-spike-6088-new-covid-19-cases-in-the-last-24-hours-300320">Also&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;India records highest single-day spike, 6,088 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours</a>&nbsp;

"The number of cases today would have been much higher&nbsp;had lockdown not been implemented," VK Paul, chairman of Empowered Group, said.

Raman R Gangakhedkar from the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said that Friday was the fourth day when over 1 lakh COVID-19 tests were done in one day.

"27,55,714 coronavirus tests were done till afternoon today with 18,287 tests having being completed in private labs," ICMR said.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported 660 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours with 14 deaths.

The total number of positive cases in the national capital stands at 12,319 with the toll climbing to 208. According to the health department there are 6,214 active cases.

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that two persons from Sivasagar who were in quarantine at Jorhat centre were found positive for coronavirus. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 214.

Chhattisgarh today reported 16 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 89.&nbsp;

The government said today that the growth rate of coronavirus cases has witnessed a steady fall from April 3 when the lockdown was able to put a brake on the speed of growth.

The government said today that the growth rate of coronavirus cases has witnessed a steady fall from April 3 when the lockdown was able to put a brake on the speed of growth. Also Read: India records highest single-day spike, 6,088 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours "The number of cases today would have been much higher had lockdown not been implemented," VK Paul, chairman of Empowered Group, said. Raman R Gangakhedkar from the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said that Friday was the fourth day when over 1 lakh COVID-19 tests were done in one day. "27,55,714 coronavirus tests were done till afternoon today with 18,287 tests having being completed in private labs," ICMR said. Meanwhile, Delhi reported 660 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours with 14 deaths. The total number of positive cases in the national capital stands at 12,319 with the toll climbing to 208. According to the health department there are 6,214 active cases. Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that two persons from Sivasagar who were in quarantine at Jorhat centre were found positive for coronavirus. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 214. Chhattisgarh today reported 16 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 89.

Coronavirus cases would have been much higher had lockdown not been implemented: Government

Police have registered an FIR after receiving a WhatsApp message threatening to kill Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The sender used objectionable language against Adityanath in the message sent on police headquarter's WhatsApp number, calling him a threat to particular community, a senior police officer said.

The unknown sender threatened to blow him up with a bomb, the officer said.

Senior officers were informed when the message was received around Thursday midnight.

An FIR was lodged at the city's Gomti Nagar police station.

Police are investigating if this was an act of mischief or a conspiracy, the official said.

They are looking into the call details of the number from which the message was sent, he said.

An arrest in the case is likely to take place soon, he added.

Police have registered an FIR after receiving a WhatsApp message threatening to kill Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The sender used objectionable language against Adityanath in the message sent on police headquarter's WhatsApp number, calling him a threat to particular community, a senior police officer said.

Police have registered an FIR after receiving a WhatsApp message threatening to kill Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The sender used objectionable language against Adityanath in the message sent on police headquarter's WhatsApp number, calling him a threat to particular community, a senior police officer said. The unknown sender threatened to blow him up with a bomb, the officer said. Senior officers were informed when the message was received around Thursday midnight. An FIR was lodged at the city's Gomti Nagar police station. Police are investigating if this was an act of mischief or a conspiracy, the official said. They are looking into the call details of the number from which the message was sent, he said. An arrest in the case is likely to take place soon, he added.

Bomb threat against Yogi Adityanath, police register FIR

The Supreme Court Friday sought response from the Centre on a plea which has sought a ban on the use of video communications app 'Zoom' for official as well as personal purposes until appropriate legislation is put in place.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde issued notice to the Centre on the plea which has raised privacy concern and claimed that continued use of Zoom app is "making the users vulnerable and prone to cyber threats".

The matter came up for hearing through video-conferencing before the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, which asked the Centre to file its reply within four weeks on the plea which has arrayed US-based Zoom Video Communications as one of the respondents in the case.

The plea, filed by Delhi resident Harsh Chugh, has also sought a direction to the Centre to carry out an exhaustive technical study into the security and privacy risks of using Zoom application.

The plea, filed through advocate Wajeeh Shafiq, has alleged that continued usage of this app might put the national security at stake and might also give a boom to a number of cyber-threats and cyber crimes in India.

"The global COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the way in which consumers, businesses and schools communicate.

Rather than lending a hand to people in need, Zoom violates the privacy of its millions of users by misusing and exploiting their personal information and falsely, deceptively and misleadingly advertising fictitious security benefits of the program," the plea has said.

It has alleged that Zoom app "practices data hoarding and cyber hoarding" which includes mass storage of personal data of its users and stores cloud recordings, instant messages and files.

"Zoom is reported to have a bug that can be abused intentionally to leak information of users to third parties.

The app has falsely claiming calls are end-to-end encrypted when they are not," the plea said while claiming that Zoom had also apologised publicly for "mistakenly routing traffic through China" where internet is heavily monitored by the government.

It has alleged that Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the nodal cyber security agency, has also warned Zoom users of cyber risks.

The plea said that due to privacy and security concerns, several organizations across the world have banned the use of Zoom app.

Claiming that cyberspace risk is increasing everyday due to global connectivity and online services which makes it easier to hack and access sensitive data of users, the plea said it is not that difficult to hack if a secure network is not used.

The Supreme Court Friday sought response from the Centre on a plea which has sought a ban on the use of video communications app 'Zoom' for official as well as personal purposes until appropriate legislation is put in place.

The Supreme Court Friday sought response from the Centre on a plea which has sought a ban on the use of video communications app 'Zoom' for official as well as personal purposes until appropriate legislation is put in place. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde issued notice to the Centre on the plea which has raised privacy concern and claimed that continued use of Zoom app is "making the users vulnerable and prone to cyber threats". The matter came up for hearing through video-conferencing before the bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy, which asked the Centre to file its reply within four weeks on the plea which has arrayed US-based Zoom Video Communications as one of the respondents in the case. The plea, filed by Delhi resident Harsh Chugh, has also sought a direction to the Centre to carry out an exhaustive technical study into the security and privacy risks of using Zoom application. The plea, filed through advocate Wajeeh Shafiq, has alleged that continued usage of this app might put the national security at stake and might also give a boom to a number of cyber-threats and cyber crimes in India. "The global COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the way in which consumers, businesses and schools communicate. Rather than lending a hand to people in need, Zoom violates the privacy of its millions of users by misusing and exploiting their personal information and falsely, deceptively and misleadingly advertising fictitious security benefits of the program," the plea has said. It has alleged that Zoom app "practices data hoarding and cyber hoarding" which includes mass storage of personal data of its users and stores cloud recordings, instant messages and files. "Zoom is reported to have a bug that can be abused intentionally to leak information of users to third parties. The app has falsely claiming calls are end-to-end encrypted when they are not," the plea said while claiming that Zoom had also apologised publicly for "mistakenly routing traffic through China" where internet is heavily monitored by the government. It has alleged that Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the nodal cyber security agency, has also warned Zoom users of cyber risks. The plea said that due to privacy and security concerns, several organizations across the world have banned the use of Zoom app. Claiming that cyberspace risk is increasing everyday due to global connectivity and online services which makes it easier to hack and access sensitive data of users, the plea said it is not that difficult to hack if a secure network is not used.

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for ban on Zoom app until appropriate legislation is put in place

Restrictions on the functioning of the Delhi High Court and district courts will remain in place till May 31 in view of COVID-19 and only urgent matters will be heard.

Earlier the restrictions were in place till May 23.

The Administrative and General Supervision Committee of the High Court, headed by Chief Justice D N Patel, decided that restrictions would be in place till May 31 and that urgent matters would continue to be heard by video conferencing.

"The functioning of the High Court of Delhi shall continue to remain suspended till May 31 on same terms," the administrative order said.

The mentioning of urgent matters is being done through the web link which is available from 9 am to 10.30 am on all working days.

The order said all the cases listed in the high court, including before the registrars and joint registrars, from May 26 to 30 have been adjourned to corresponding dates between July 21 and July 25 respectively.

The matters listed in the district courts during this period will also be adjourned and the information will be uploaded on their website, the order said.

Till now, there were two division benches and 10 single benches to hear urgent matters through video conferencing.

To ensure more urgent matters are taken up, it has been decided that from Friday all the judges of the high court would sit every day to take up important cases via videoconference.

The Delhi High Court and the lower courts together took up 20,726 urgent matters during the COVID-19 lockdown from March 24 to May 19.

There are presently seven division benches and 19 single-judge benches in the high court.

Earlier, the high court had on March 25 restricted its and district courts' functioning till April 14.

It was then extended to May 3, May 17 and subsequently till May 23.

Restrictions on the functioning of the Delhi High Court and district courts will remain in place till May 31 in view of COVID-19 and only urgent matters will be heard.

Restrictions on the functioning of the Delhi High Court and district courts will remain in place till May 31 in view of COVID-19 and only urgent matters will be heard. Earlier the restrictions were in place till May 23. The Administrative and General Supervision Committee of the High Court, headed by Chief Justice D N Patel, decided that restrictions would be in place till May 31 and that urgent matters would continue to be heard by video conferencing. "The functioning of the High Court of Delhi shall continue to remain suspended till May 31 on same terms," the administrative order said. The mentioning of urgent matters is being done through the web link which is available from 9 am to 10.30 am on all working days. The order said all the cases listed in the high court, including before the registrars and joint registrars, from May 26 to 30 have been adjourned to corresponding dates between July 21 and July 25 respectively. The matters listed in the district courts during this period will also be adjourned and the information will be uploaded on their website, the order said. Till now, there were two division benches and 10 single benches to hear urgent matters through video conferencing. To ensure more urgent matters are taken up, it has been decided that from Friday all the judges of the high court would sit every day to take up important cases via videoconference. The Delhi High Court and the lower courts together took up 20,726 urgent matters during the COVID-19 lockdown from March 24 to May 19. There are presently seven division benches and 19 single-judge benches in the high court. Earlier, the high court had on March 25 restricted its and district courts' functioning till April 14. It was then extended to May 3, May 17 and subsequently till May 23.

COVID-19: Delhi HC, district courts functioning restricted till May 31

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Rs 1,000 crore will be allocated by the Centre for immediate assistance to West Bengal after the state was ravaged by Cyclone Amphan, leaving at least 80 people dead.

PM Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of kin of the persons deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the persons who got seriously injured due to Cyclone Amphan in parts of West Bengal.

"Under the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal is doing its bit in fighting the crisis caused by Cyclone Amphan," he was quoted by PTI as saying in West Bengal's Basirhat.&nbsp;

Earlier, the PM and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas.

This is PM Modi’s first visit outside since March 24, the day the nationwide lockdown was announced.&nbsp;

CM Mamata Banerjee said that 80 people have lost their lives and contended that the calamity is ‘more than a national disaster’.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister’s visit comes a day after Mamata urged PM Modi to visit the affected areas and sought financial help for the state.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had assured that the Centre was working in close coordination with the West Bengal government to help those affected.&nbsp;

“No stone will be left unturned in helping the affected,” he had tweeted. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Rs 1,000 crore will be allocated by the Centre for immediate assistance to West Bengal after the state was ravaged by Cyclone Amphan, leaving at least 80 people dead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Rs 1,000 crore will be allocated by the Centre for immediate assistance to West Bengal after the state was ravaged by Cyclone Amphan, leaving at least 80 people dead. PM Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of kin of the persons deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the persons who got seriously injured due to Cyclone Amphan in parts of West Bengal. "Under the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal is doing its bit in fighting the crisis caused by Cyclone Amphan," he was quoted by PTI as saying in West Bengal's Basirhat. Earlier, the PM and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas. This is PM Modi’s first visit outside since March 24, the day the nationwide lockdown was announced. CM Mamata Banerjee said that 80 people have lost their lives and contended that the calamity is ‘more than a national disaster’. The Prime Minister’s visit comes a day after Mamata urged PM Modi to visit the affected areas and sought financial help for the state. The Prime Minister had assured that the Centre was working in close coordination with the West Bengal government to help those affected. “No stone will be left unturned in helping the affected,” he had tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Amphan: PM Modi visits West Bengal, announces immediate relief of Rs 1,000 crore

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has sounded an alert to different customs formations across the country to check smuggling of infrared thermometers into the country from China, officials said on Friday.

The move assumes significance as the demand of such thermometers has spiked in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The DRI has sent an alert to inland container depots and the cargo airport in Delhi and other places across the country, dealing with the import and export of commodities from abroad, among others asking them to be vigilant about such smuggling," an official said.

He said there is information to suggest that smugglers may under-value or mis-declare these thermometers to illegally import them to India.

A good being brought into the country can be under-invoiced to evade customs duty to defraud the government exchequer.

In this method, the invoice being filed with authorities for the import of the goods is falsified to show that the price of goods being imported is lower than the actual price being paid by an importer abroad.

India had lost a staggering USD 13 billion, over Rs 90,000 crore, to trade mis-invoicing (that includes under and over-invoicing), equivalent to 5.5 per cent of the value of the country's total revenue collections in 2016, according to a 2019 report by the US-based think-tank Global Financial Integrity.

A non-contact infrared/thermal thermometer of a reputed manufacturing firm may cost anywhere between Rs 3,500 and Rs 8,000, according to the websites selling them.

The officials also suspect that the smugglers may exploit the free trade zone of Dubai port to route the goods for sending them to India.

"A strict vigilance is maintained to thwart such attempts to cause damage to the Indian economy and the local manufacturers," the official said, referring to the DRI alert issued recently.

The DRI is a federal economic intelligence agency under the Finance Ministry mandated to check commercial frauds among others.

The customs formations are on the alert to thwart any attempts of smuggling.

About 2,500 kg of raw material for masks was intercepted by air cargo export here on May 13.

In addition to these, the customs officials had intercepted multiple shipments containing 5.

08 lakh masks, 57 litres of sanitiser in 950 bottles and 952 PPE kits at the courier terminal in New Delhi.

These were attempted to be smuggled out of the country to the US, UK and the UAE among others, they said.

The goods were is-declared as packing materials for pouches to avoid suspicion and further scrutiny by the customs officials.

The export of such goods is prohibited by the government due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Many countries have either increased the production of such products or ordered their import owing to domestic demands as they stare at its possible shortage.

Customs officials in Chennai recently thwarted an attempt to illegally smuggle out over 1,000 kg of red sanders wood to Malaysia.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has sounded an alert to different customs formations across the country to check smuggling of infrared thermometers into the country from China, officials said on Friday.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has sounded an alert to different customs formations across the country to check smuggling of infrared thermometers into the country from China, officials said on Friday. The move assumes significance as the demand of such thermometers has spiked in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The DRI has sent an alert to inland container depots and the cargo airport in Delhi and other places across the country, dealing with the import and export of commodities from abroad, among others asking them to be vigilant about such smuggling," an official said. He said there is information to suggest that smugglers may under-value or mis-declare these thermometers to illegally import them to India. A good being brought into the country can be under-invoiced to evade customs duty to defraud the government exchequer. In this method, the invoice being filed with authorities for the import of the goods is falsified to show that the price of goods being imported is lower than the actual price being paid by an importer abroad. India had lost a staggering USD 13 billion, over Rs 90,000 crore, to trade mis-invoicing (that includes under and over-invoicing), equivalent to 5.5 per cent of the value of the country's total revenue collections in 2016, according to a 2019 report by the US-based think-tank Global Financial Integrity. A non-contact infrared/thermal thermometer of a reputed manufacturing firm may cost anywhere between Rs 3,500 and Rs 8,000, according to the websites selling them. The officials also suspect that the smugglers may exploit the free trade zone of Dubai port to route the goods for sending them to India. "A strict vigilance is maintained to thwart such attempts to cause damage to the Indian economy and the local manufacturers," the official said, referring to the DRI alert issued recently. The DRI is a federal economic intelligence agency under the Finance Ministry mandated to check commercial frauds among others. The customs formations are on the alert to thwart any attempts of smuggling. About 2,500 kg of raw material for masks was intercepted by air cargo export here on May 13. In addition to these, the customs officials had intercepted multiple shipments containing 5. 08 lakh masks, 57 litres of sanitiser in 950 bottles and 952 PPE kits at the courier terminal in New Delhi. These were attempted to be smuggled out of the country to the US, UK and the UAE among others, they said. The goods were is-declared as packing materials for pouches to avoid suspicion and further scrutiny by the customs officials. The export of such goods is prohibited by the government due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many countries have either increased the production of such products or ordered their import owing to domestic demands as they stare at its possible shortage. Customs officials in Chennai recently thwarted an attempt to illegally smuggle out over 1,000 kg of red sanders wood to Malaysia.

DRI sounds alert over smuggling of infrared thermometers into India from China

India has decided to take initiative and has proposed a coordinated response to Desert Locust control to Iran and Pakistan. Watch report.

India leads joint effort to combat Locust outbreak: Offers pesticides to Iran and Pakistan

In order to boost the Indian economy Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in a move has reduced the key interest rates. Watch report.

RBI makes loans cheaper: Key interest rates reduced by 0.4%

Cyclone Amphan ravaged eastern India and Bangladesh resulting in the deaths of at least around 80 people in India and destroying homes of thousands. Watch report.

PM Modi conducts aerial survey of West Bengal: Cyclone Amphan ravages India, Bangladesh

The last 24-hours were the deadliest in India's COVID-19 outbreak so far. More than 6000 new cases were reported in the last 24-hours. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Deaths in India cross 3,500 mark, 118,447 positive cases

At least 17 people have died and more than two million others have spent a night huddled in storm shelters after Cyclone Amphan hit the coasts of India and Bangladesh with fierce gales and torrential rain. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclones-before-amphan-that-wrecked-indias-coast-299747">In Pics:&nbsp;Cyclones before 'Amphan' that wrecked India's coast</a>

The cyclone packed winds of up to 185 km per hour (115 mph) when it hit late on Wednesday, forcing the closure of ports and airports in both countries.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said at least 10 people had died in the state, and two districts been completely battered by one of the strongest storms to hit the region in several years. 
 
<img alt="Howrah" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9476294-a543-46e3-8c5d-672c0b802f65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_89.jpg" />

The collapsed police barricades at Howrah Bridge after strong winds due to Cyclone Amphan, at Howrah Bridge, in Howrah, Wednesday, May 20, 2020. (PTI Photo)&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-amphan-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-devastates-coastal-areas-300010">Also read: Cyclone Amphan makes landfall in West Bengal, devastates coastal areas</a> 
 
"Area after area has been devastated. Communications are disrupted," Banerjee said, adding that although 500,000 people had been evacuated, state authorities had not entirely anticipated the ferocity of the storm.

With rains continuing, she said the hardest hits areas were not immediately accessible. Federal authorities said they could only make a proper assessment of the destruction on Thursday morning.

"We are facing greater damage and devastation than the CoVID-19," Banerjee said, referring to the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which has so far killed 250 people in the state.

Authorities there had shifted around 2.4 million people to more than 15,000 storm shelters this week.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;Bangladesh, the cyclone claimed at least seven lives in Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur.

The extent of damage could not be assessed immediately. Over 50 lakh subscribers were left without electricity in a dozen districts as Amphan battered the country's south-western part. The country never saw the evacuation of this scale during any natural disaster.

Bangladesh’s low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, and India’s east are regularly battered by cyclones. While the frequency and intensity of the storms have increased, partly due to climate change, the death tolls have come down because of faster evacuations and the building of thousands of coastal shelters.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 people have died and more than two million others have spent a night huddled in storm shelters after Cyclone Amphan hit the coasts of India and Bangladesh with fierce gales and torrential rain.

At least 17 people have died and more than two million others have spent a night huddled in storm shelters after Cyclone Amphan hit the coasts of India and Bangladesh with fierce gales and torrential rain. In Pics: Cyclones before 'Amphan' that wrecked India's coast The cyclone packed winds of up to 185 km per hour (115 mph) when it hit late on Wednesday, forcing the closure of ports and airports in both countries. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said at least 10 people had died in the state, and two districts been completely battered by one of the strongest storms to hit the region in several years. The collapsed police barricades at Howrah Bridge after strong winds due to Cyclone Amphan, at Howrah Bridge, in Howrah, Wednesday, May 20, 2020. (PTI Photo) Also read: Cyclone Amphan makes landfall in West Bengal, devastates coastal areas "Area after area has been devastated. Communications are disrupted," Banerjee said, adding that although 500,000 people had been evacuated, state authorities had not entirely anticipated the ferocity of the storm. With rains continuing, she said the hardest hits areas were not immediately accessible. Federal authorities said they could only make a proper assessment of the destruction on Thursday morning. "We are facing greater damage and devastation than the CoVID-19," Banerjee said, referring to the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which has so far killed 250 people in the state. Authorities there had shifted around 2.4 million people to more than 15,000 storm shelters this week. In Bangladesh, the cyclone claimed at least seven lives in Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur. The extent of damage could not be assessed immediately. Over 50 lakh subscribers were left without electricity in a dozen districts as Amphan battered the country's south-western part. The country never saw the evacuation of this scale during any natural disaster. Bangladesh’s low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, and India’s east are regularly battered by cyclones. While the frequency and intensity of the storms have increased, partly due to climate change, the death tolls have come down because of faster evacuations and the building of thousands of coastal shelters. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 people killed as Cyclone Amphan tears into India, Bangladesh coasts

India's envoy to Morocco Shambhu S Kumaran has said that the coronavirus pandemic reinforced India's image as a responsible international stakeholder, and corroborated its ability to support African countries.

India's envoy to Morocco Shambhu S Kumaran has said that the coronavirus pandemic reinforced India's image as a responsible international stakeholder, and corroborated its ability to support African countries. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Rabat, Ambassador Kumaran said India has sent 6 million units of HCQ to the North African country and has offered training of Morrocans under its eITEC programme. As many as 140 Indians have registered for repatriation from the country. WION: How are both countries cooperating to deal with COVID? Shambhu S Kumaran: We had received a request for HCQ from Morocco -- 6 million units. These have now been delivered and an export licence was issued about two weeks ago. Delivery has been completed. That is one significant manifestation of our support to Morocco in the current crisis. We are trying to deliver our eITEC courses, our capacity building courses. One of the representatives of Morocco's ministry of health had attended the course that was recently offered. We want to expand telemedicine cooperation, for which we signed MoU in 2017 and we trying to develop avenues of cooperation. WION: How is the mission reaching out to the stranded Indians? Shambhu S Kumaran: There are two kinds groups in the Indian community. One is a community that has been settled in Morocco for a very long time. The number of community members have dwindled with years. But we have a few hundred families, who are still in Morocco and continue to contribute to the society and the economy. We have a class of Indian businessmen, tourist and professionals and unfortunately -- they have been stranded here. We had open registration for a potential repatriation flight and received 140 registration and that is the kind of numbers we are looking at. WION: Any Indian infected with COVID-19? When does mission plan to start repatriation? Shambhu S Kumaran: Thankfully, at the moment we have no infection amongst the Indians and that includes, embassy personnel and families and the ones I mentioned. With regard to the repatriation and evacuation flight, we are strongly engaged with the authorities in India, with the MEA and all the other colleagues from the government and exploring best possible. There are some constraints in terms of limited numbers. Indians here are from different states, so we do not have numbers to operate point to point flight which was done at first. But hopeful incoming phases we will be able to accommodate a flight here and I am strongly engaged with my colleagues in India to try and materialise that flight. WION: How has the situation been in the country? Any models we can follow? Shambhu S Kumaran: The situation in Morocco is reasonably under control. The numbers are not insignificant, however a decline in trend in new infections. The recovery rate is very good. The mortality rate is declining to close to zero. So positive signs, however, they had lockdown for two months and just a day before yesterday they decided to extend the lockdown for three weeks till June 10. The containment strategy is similar to the ones that India has followed. We are monitoring any innovative methods they have but at the moment nothing specific. WION: How has the condition of the Indian diplomats been? Shambhu S Kumaran: We try to prioritise interface with Indians. Indian diplomats in the mission have been in constant and regular touch, we try to keep morale high. They are in a difficult situation as you understand -- as they are separated from families and trying to survive in a situation under the lockdown. With regard to work, a lot of the work has shifted online, communicated a lot through email. We have a video conference and other such methods which has been used increasingly. I think the intensity of work has declined a bit but hopeful of more and more interaction coming ahead. WION: How has India been reaching to Africa and that part of Africa? How it has been received? Shambhu S Kumaran: Pandemic has reinforced India's image as a very responsible international stakeholder. We have been able to convey our ability to support other countries in Africa who are in need, despite the fact we have great need of our own and that has contrasted very well with some of the other countries approach the problem. So think, we reinvigorated India's role in Africa and it has given us further strength as we move ahead.

New Delhi is supporting African countries during coronavirus pandemic, says India's envoy to Morocco

India on Wednesday asked Nepal to not resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim after the neighbouring country came up with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as its territory.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the revised map of Nepal included parts of the Indian territory and asked Kathmandu to refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion".

India's reaction came in the aftermath of the Nepal government releasing a revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas along the border between the two countries.

"This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He said Nepal was well aware of India's consistent position on the matter.

"We urge the government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues," he said.

The new map was released by Nepal's Land Reforms Minister Padma Aryal during a televised press conference in Kathmandu.

The ties between the two countries came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80 km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali last week summoned Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and handed over a diplomatic note to protest against India inaugurating the key road.

In the midst of the row, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said there were reasons to believe that Nepal objected to the road at the behest of "someone else", in an apparent reference to a possible role by China on the matter.

The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory -- India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district.

Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday asserted that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal and vowed to "reclaim" them from India through political and diplomatic efforts.

Addressing Parliament, Oli said the territories belong to Nepal but India has made it a disputed area by keeping its Army there.

The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after New Delhi issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh as part of its territory in October last year.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

India on Wednesday asked Nepal to not resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim after the neighbouring country came up with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as its territory.

India on Wednesday asked Nepal to not resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim after the neighbouring country came up with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as its territory. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the revised map of Nepal included parts of the Indian territory and asked Kathmandu to refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion". India's reaction came in the aftermath of the Nepal government releasing a revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas along the border between the two countries. "This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. He said Nepal was well aware of India's consistent position on the matter. "We urge the government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues," he said. The new map was released by Nepal's Land Reforms Minister Padma Aryal during a televised press conference in Kathmandu. The ties between the two countries came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80 km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory. Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali last week summoned Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and handed over a diplomatic note to protest against India inaugurating the key road. In the midst of the row, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said there were reasons to believe that Nepal objected to the road at the behest of "someone else", in an apparent reference to a possible role by China on the matter. The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory -- India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district. Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday asserted that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal and vowed to "reclaim" them from India through political and diplomatic efforts. Addressing Parliament, Oli said the territories belong to Nepal but India has made it a disputed area by keeping its Army there. The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after New Delhi issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh as part of its territory in October last year. (with inputs from agencies)

India calls Nepal's new map unjustified cartographic assertion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to West Bengal and Odisha on Friday to take stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone Amphan, the PMO said today.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister will conduct aerial surveys and take part in review meetings&nbsp;where aspects of relief and rehabilitation will be discussed, the PMO added.

West Bengal chief minister&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee had said today that 72 people have been killed after cyclone Amphan struck the state on Wednesday evening.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-amphan-trail-of-destruction-left-behind-in-eastern-india-300193/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There have been casualties. I will announce a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the families of those who died in cyclone Amphan," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said.

"I have never seen such a disaster before. I will ask PM Modi to visit the state and see the situation," chief minister Mamata Banerjee added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-amphan-leaves-kolkata-airport-flooded-hangars-damaged-beyond-repairs-300105">In Pics:&nbsp;Cyclone Amphan leaves Kolkata airport flooded; hangars damaged beyond repair</a>

Officials said 12 people died in Bangladesh as the cyclone hit the nation on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, NDRF chief SN Pradhan said that a team of the home ministry will visit West Bengal and Odisha&nbsp;to evaluate the damage&nbsp;done by cyclone Amphan.&nbsp;

Pradhan cautioned that the number of deaths and injuries may rise in West Bengal.

"Our two aircraft parked at Kolkata airport have not been damaged, there is some damage to the hangar," Air India said.

"A small private aircraft which was parked in the hangar has been damaged," &nbsp;Rajiv Bansal, chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to West Bengal and Odisha on Friday to take stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone Amphan, the PMO said today. The Indian prime minister will conduct aerial surveys and take part in review meetings where aspects of relief and rehabilitation will be discussed, the PMO added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to West Bengal and Odisha on Friday to take stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone Amphan, the PMO said today. The Indian prime minister will conduct aerial surveys and take part in review meetings where aspects of relief and rehabilitation will be discussed, the PMO added. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had said today that 72 people have been killed after cyclone Amphan struck the state on Wednesday evening. Watch Video: "There have been casualties. I will announce a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the families of those who died in cyclone Amphan," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said. "I have never seen such a disaster before. I will ask PM Modi to visit the state and see the situation," chief minister Mamata Banerjee added. In Pics: Cyclone Amphan leaves Kolkata airport flooded; hangars damaged beyond repair Officials said 12 people died in Bangladesh as the cyclone hit the nation on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, NDRF chief SN Pradhan said that a team of the home ministry will visit West Bengal and Odisha to evaluate the damage done by cyclone Amphan. Pradhan cautioned that the number of deaths and injuries may rise in West Bengal. "Our two aircraft parked at Kolkata airport have not been damaged, there is some damage to the hangar," Air India said. "A small private aircraft which was parked in the hangar has been damaged," Rajiv Bansal, chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India said.

PM Modi to conduct aerial survey of West Bengal, Odisha to review cyclone Amphan damage

India has recorded more than 5609 cases in the last 24-hours. The government is looking at easing the lockdown measures. Watch report.

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