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India's antitrust watchdog is looking into allegations that Facebook's WhatsApp is abusing its dominant position by offering payment services to its vast base of messaging app users in the country, three sources told Reuters on Friday.

India's antitrust watchdog is looking into allegations that Facebook's WhatsApp is abusing its dominant position by offering payment services to its vast base of messaging app users in the country, three sources told Reuters on Friday. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reviewing a complaint filed in mid-March alleging that WhatsApp was bundling its digital payment facility within its messaging app, allowing it to abuse its market position and penetrate India's booming digital payments market, the sources said. WhatsApp and Facebook did not immediately respond to repeated requests for comment. The CCI also did not respond. Two of the sources told Reuters the complainant in the case was a lawyer, but declined to divulge the identity of the person. Reuters could not independently ascertain who filed the case. The complaint, which has previously not been reported, comes at a critical time for WhatsApp, which is aggressively working to fully launch its payments platform in India, where it has been beta testing it with 1 million users since 2018. Lack of regulatory clearances have meant WhatsApp has struggled to offer the service to its around 400 million users in India, its biggest market worldwide. The CCI can order its investigations arm to conduct a wider probe into the allegations, or throw out the case if it finds no merit in it. "The case is in initial stages .. senior members of CCI are reviewing it but a final decision hasn't been reached," said the first of the three sources, all of whom declined to be identified as the case details were private. The antitrust complaint alleges that WhatsApp's large user base meant it was dominant in the messaging app market, and the company was forcing its payments feature on to its existing users. The two products - WhatsApp's messenger service and its payments feature - are bundled, which could harm competition and violate the country's antitrust laws, the second source said while detailing the allegations. WhatsApp's payment service will allow users to do inter-bank fund transfers from within the messaging app. It will compete with payment apps of Alphabet Inc's Google and Softbank-backed Paytm, which already have tens of millions of users across India. While the antitrust case has been filed against both Facebook and WhatsApp, the complainant has urged the watchdog to investigate only WhatsApp, the second source said. It was possible WhatsApp could escape a wider investigation as the extent of any market abuse will be clearer only when it fully launches the service, the source added. The antitrust complaint is the latest setback for WhatsApp in India. An Indian legal think-tank last month filed a case in the Supreme Court saying WhatsApp should not be allowed to expand its payments service as it was violating data storage rules. WhatsApp told the court it will comply with necessary laws before it moves ahead, according to a May 13 court order that also asked Indian regulators to submit its views on the case. In April, Facebook said it will spend $5.7 billion to buy a 9.99% stake in India's Reliance Industries' digital arm, as it looks to roll out services for grocers and small businesses by capitalizing on WhatsApp’s extensive reach.

India watchdog reviewing antitrust allegations against Facebook's WhatsApp: Report

Passengers hoping to ride the Noida-Greater Noida metro, whenever it resumes operations, will be required to wear face masks, install Aarogya Setu app on their smartphones and have a body temperature not more than 37.7 degrees Celsius, officials said on Saturday.

The commuters will also have to follow social distancing norms and sanitise their hands at the stations and on board the trains, officials said, adding that entry into the stations shall be restricted in case of overcrowding.

Senior officials said the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) is all set to resume its Aqua Line services after the end of the lockdown and is awaiting nod from the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government.

"NMRC is making necessary preparations at all its stations and inside the trains to ensure that all passengers of the Aqua Line follow the guidelines laid down by the government for prevention of the Covid-19 infection,"&nbsp;NMRC Managing Director Ritu Maheshwari said.

"The main objective of NMRC is to provide essential mobility services post lockdown, as per the government's decision, with all specified safety measures and precautions to safeguard against spread of COVID-19,? Maheshwari added. Regarding the operations, the NMRC said for a few days initially, a 15-minute frequency of trains will be maintained throughout the week -- Sunday to Saturday.

"Trend of the ridership will be analysed and any change due to demands, if considered essential, train frequency will be modified accordingly. Stations falling in containment zones shall remain closed and trains will not stop on these stations,"&nbsp;Maheshwari said.

The changes will be conveyed to the commuters through public notices and announcements and shall also be updated on the NMRC website and applications, she said in a statement.

The NMRC has also put out certain conditions and only passengers that fulfil those would be allowed travel on the rapid rail network between the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida.

"Only the passengers with face mask or covered (face) will be allowed. Every passenger will be screened by thermal sensors. The limiting temperature for travel permission will be as 37.7 degrees centigrade.? ?Passengers having 'Aarogya Setu' app with safe status will only be allowed. Persons entering NMRC premises will have to apply hand sanitiser which will be made available after screening of the person,"&nbsp;according to the statement.

A 'Passenger Screening Team' will be at concourse level before frisking area by the NMRC to ensure all guidelines for the passengers are being complied.

"In case of doubt regarding any person having corona infection/ symptoms, the suspected person will not be allowed entry in station premises and they will be given proper instructions for seeking further medical help. To handle a suspected passenger or baggage, two Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits at each station will be made available for the concerned staff deployed at the station,"&nbsp;it said.

Only in urgent requirement cases, masks will be made available at the station, it said.

To ensure adequate social distance, passengers will be advised to stand in a queue at designated space by visible marking at one-metre spacing at frisking zone, at the ticket counters, platforms and inside the train.

"Commuters should maintain at least 10 mm gap between AFC sensor and smart card or QR ticket to avoid touching QR tickets or cards at the AFC gates. On escalators, a gap of at least two steps should be maintained between two users,"&nbsp;the NMRC said.

The metro operator also said that digital payments would be preferred instead of currency notes while encouraging use of smart cards and the NMRC app.&nbsp;

Passengers hoping to ride the Noida-Greater Noida metro, whenever it resumes operations, will be required to wear face masks, install Aarogya Setu app on their smartphones and have a body temperature not more than 37.

Passengers hoping to ride the Noida-Greater Noida metro, whenever it resumes operations, will be required to wear face masks, install Aarogya Setu app on their smartphones and have a body temperature not more than 37.7 degrees Celsius, officials said on Saturday. The commuters will also have to follow social distancing norms and sanitise their hands at the stations and on board the trains, officials said, adding that entry into the stations shall be restricted in case of overcrowding. Senior officials said the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) is all set to resume its Aqua Line services after the end of the lockdown and is awaiting nod from the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government. "NMRC is making necessary preparations at all its stations and inside the trains to ensure that all passengers of the Aqua Line follow the guidelines laid down by the government for prevention of the Covid-19 infection," NMRC Managing Director Ritu Maheshwari said. "The main objective of NMRC is to provide essential mobility services post lockdown, as per the government's decision, with all specified safety measures and precautions to safeguard against spread of COVID-19,? Maheshwari added. Regarding the operations, the NMRC said for a few days initially, a 15-minute frequency of trains will be maintained throughout the week -- Sunday to Saturday. "Trend of the ridership will be analysed and any change due to demands, if considered essential, train frequency will be modified accordingly. Stations falling in containment zones shall remain closed and trains will not stop on these stations," Maheshwari said. The changes will be conveyed to the commuters through public notices and announcements and shall also be updated on the NMRC website and applications, she said in a statement. The NMRC has also put out certain conditions and only passengers that fulfil those would be allowed travel on the rapid rail network between the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida. "Only the passengers with face mask or covered (face) will be allowed. Every passenger will be screened by thermal sensors. The limiting temperature for travel permission will be as 37.7 degrees centigrade.? ?Passengers having 'Aarogya Setu' app with safe status will only be allowed. Persons entering NMRC premises will have to apply hand sanitiser which will be made available after screening of the person," according to the statement. A 'Passenger Screening Team' will be at concourse level before frisking area by the NMRC to ensure all guidelines for the passengers are being complied. "In case of doubt regarding any person having corona infection/ symptoms, the suspected person will not be allowed entry in station premises and they will be given proper instructions for seeking further medical help. To handle a suspected passenger or baggage, two Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits at each station will be made available for the concerned staff deployed at the station," it said. Only in urgent requirement cases, masks will be made available at the station, it said. To ensure adequate social distance, passengers will be advised to stand in a queue at designated space by visible marking at one-metre spacing at frisking zone, at the ticket counters, platforms and inside the train. "Commuters should maintain at least 10 mm gap between AFC sensor and smart card or QR ticket to avoid touching QR tickets or cards at the AFC gates. On escalators, a gap of at least two steps should be maintained between two users," the NMRC said. The metro operator also said that digital payments would be preferred instead of currency notes while encouraging use of smart cards and the NMRC app.

Noida Metro restart plan: Aarogya Setu app, body temp below 37.8 C must for passengers

At least 24 migrant labourers lost their lives while several injured after the truck they were travelling in collided with another truck in Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh.

At least 24 migrant labourers lost their lives while several injured after the truck they were travelling in collided with another truck in Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh. The injured have been shifted to hospital. The victims were travelling from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh when the accident took place. 24 people were brought dead, 22 have been admitted & 15 who were critically injured have been referred to Saifai PGI. They were going to Bihar & Jharkhand from Rajasthan: Archana Srivastava, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Auraiya https://t.co/YKsoS6Jit6 pic.twitter.com/W9FZKYvjHl — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 16, 2020 × The accident took place at around 3:30 am. ''24 people were brought dead, 22 have been admitted while 15 who were critically injured have been referred to Saifai PGI. They were going to Bihar & Jharkhand from Rajasthan when the accident took place,'' said Archana Srivastava, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Auraiya Most of the victims are from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

24 migrant labourers dead after two trucks collide in Uttar Pradesh

After having announced economic package and relief measures for farmers, migrant labourers, MSMEs, SMEs, NBFCs, MFIs and other categories, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is now releasing the fourth tranche of her ₹20 lakh crore economic package today with a focus on structural reforms.

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The announcement of the exam schedule for pending class 10 and 12 board exams has been postponed. The Ministry of Human Resources and Development on Saturday said the CBSE was still considering certain technical aspects before finalising the datesheet.

The ministry had earlier announced it would notify the schedule at 5 pm on Saturday.

"CBSE is taking into consideration some additional technical aspects before finalizing the datesheets of the board exams of classes 10th and 12th, due to which, the datesheets will now be released by Monday i.E. 18-05-2020. Inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted (sic)," Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' tweeted.

The ministry had last week announced that the pending class 10 and 12 CBSE exams, which were postponed due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown, would be conducted from July 1 to 15.

However, the schedule as well as the modalities and guidelines have not been announced yet.

While class 12 exams will be conducted across the country, the class 10 exams are only pending in North East Delhi where they were affected due to the law and order situation.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed and exams postponed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Later, a nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which has now been extended till May 17.

The board was not able to conduct class 10 and 12 exams on eight examination days due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Further, due to the law and order situation in North East Delhi, the board was not able to conduct exams on four examination days, while a very small number of students from and around this district were not able to appear in exams on six days.

The board had last month announced that it will only conduct pending exams in 29 subjects which are crucial for promotion and admission to higher educational institutions.

The modalities of assessment for the subjects for which exams are not being conducted will be announced soon by the board.

The schedule has been decided in order to ensure that the board exams are completed before competitive examinations such as engineering entrance JEE-Mains, which is scheduled from July 18-23, and medical entrance exam NEET, which is scheduled on July 26.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines to universities that the new academic session for freshers will begin from September while for the existing students from August.

(with inputs from PTI)

The announcement of the exam schedule for pending class 10 and 12 board exams has been postponed. The Ministry of Human Resources and Development on Saturday said the CBSE was still considering certain technical aspects before finalising the datesheet.

The announcement of the exam schedule for pending class 10 and 12 board exams has been postponed. The Ministry of Human Resources and Development on Saturday said the CBSE was still considering certain technical aspects before finalising the datesheet. The ministry had earlier announced it would notify the schedule at 5 pm on Saturday. "CBSE is taking into consideration some additional technical aspects before finalizing the datesheets of the board exams of classes 10th and 12th, due to which, the datesheets will now be released by Monday i.E. 18-05-2020. Inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted (sic)," Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' tweeted. The ministry had last week announced that the pending class 10 and 12 CBSE exams, which were postponed due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown, would be conducted from July 1 to 15. However, the schedule as well as the modalities and guidelines have not been announced yet. While class 12 exams will be conducted across the country, the class 10 exams are only pending in North East Delhi where they were affected due to the law and order situation. Universities and schools across the country have been closed and exams postponed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Later, a nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which has now been extended till May 17. The board was not able to conduct class 10 and 12 exams on eight examination days due to the coronavirus outbreak. Further, due to the law and order situation in North East Delhi, the board was not able to conduct exams on four examination days, while a very small number of students from and around this district were not able to appear in exams on six days. The board had last month announced that it will only conduct pending exams in 29 subjects which are crucial for promotion and admission to higher educational institutions. The modalities of assessment for the subjects for which exams are not being conducted will be announced soon by the board. The schedule has been decided in order to ensure that the board exams are completed before competitive examinations such as engineering entrance JEE-Mains, which is scheduled from July 18-23, and medical entrance exam NEET, which is scheduled on July 26. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines to universities that the new academic session for freshers will begin from September while for the existing students from August. (with inputs from PTI)

Announcement of pending exams' schedule for class 10, 12 students postponed

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. 
 
More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! <a href="https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR">https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1261581118458888192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet came in response to&nbsp;Trump's tweet.

Donald Trump, on Saturday morning, tweeted that the US will be donating ventilators to India to support the country, and will also be cooperating on development of vaccine for coronavirus treatment.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1261368451555360774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-will-donate-ventilators-to-india-says-president-trump-299011">Also read:&nbsp;United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump</a>

Modi thanked Trump and stressed on the importance of nations working together to fight the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 4 million people worldwide in almost 120 countries.

In an event at the White House, Trump also assured that the US and India are closely working together to develop a vaccine for the virus. "'Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he told a reporter.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the US President Donald Trump for donating ventilators to India on Saturday. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2020 × The tweet came in response to Trump's tweet. Donald Trump, on Saturday morning, tweeted that the US will be donating ventilators to India to support the country, and will also be cooperating on development of vaccine for coronavirus treatment. I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020 × Also read: United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump Modi thanked Trump and stressed on the importance of nations working together to fight the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 4 million people worldwide in almost 120 countries. In an event at the White House, Trump also assured that the US and India are closely working together to develop a vaccine for the virus. "'Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he told a reporter.

PM Modi thanks Donald Trump for donating ventilators

Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, has said that "valued partner" India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" in participation at the World Health Assembly meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan".

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chung-Kwang Tien lauded Indian Government's "extraordinary efforts" in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and expressed "strong confidence" that New Delhi will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth.

World Health Organisation's global health will be held on&nbsp;Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation and a vote will take place on the latter's participation.

WION: What model did Taiwan use to defeat&nbsp;COVID-19?

Chung-Kwang Tien: Preemptive actions taken by the government are key&nbsp;measures to fight this unprecedented disease effectively. On December 31, 2019 the same day China notified the World Health Organization that it had several cases of an unknown pneumonia, R.O.C. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control immediately ordered inspections of passengers arriving on flights from Wuhan.

A team of experts was quickly dispatched to the mainland on a fact-finding mission on January 12. Shortly after the team returned, Taiwan began requiring hospitals to test for and report cases. That helped the government identify those infected, trace their contacts and isolate everyone involved, preventing the virus from spreading to the community.

In addition, Taiwan has established a comprehensive national disease prevention mechanism: this includes digitized disease monitoring systems, stringent border quarantine measures, extensive community-based countermeasures, advanced medical preparedness, an abundant stock of preventive medical appliances and resources, concise guidelines and information for the reference of the general public, and annual disease prevention and control drills.

Despite Taiwan’s proximity to China, and the high frequency of people to people contacts, we still have kept our confirmed cases to under 500, about 90 per cent of which are imported. This demonstrates that we are effectively controlling the epidemic.

WION: How is Taiwan helping India with its experience?

Chung-Kwang Tien: With India have already implemented several cooperations of how we are doing. First, on February 20, researchers at Academia Sinica announced they had synthesized over 100 milligrams of Remdesivir, an experimental treatment for COVID-19, to 97 per cent purity.

It took the team, which includes two members from India, just two weeks. Second is how Taiwan’s medical institutions have been sharing related information. On April 2 and 14, there was Taiwan-India Webinars on COVID-19, over 14,000 healthcare workers in India benefited from these webinars. Taiwan’s physicians shared their experience fighting the pandemic, including testing methods, treatments, approaches to containing infection, and measures concerning masks.

Third, the Government of Taiwan has already provided one million face masks to India to help protect frontline medical personnel.

The masks were brought to India by a special chartered flight on 4 May 2020.The donation of these masks was handed over these masks to Neel Kamal Singh, Deputy Secretary General of Indian Red Cross Society, at a hand-over ceremony on Friday, 8 May 2020.

India is an important and valued partner to Taiwan. Indian Government has made extraordinary efforts in curtailing the spread of COVID-19. I have strong confidence that India will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth.

WION: WHO meet is about the begin, how hopeful&nbsp;are you that Taiwan will participate?

Chung-Kwang Tien: Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all citizens of Taiwan. The persistent and collective efforts of Taiwan’s government and civil society along with&nbsp;international support and media attention for Taiwan’s campaign have increased considerably over the years.

I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations.

Among like-minded partners, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Belgium has spoken up in favour of Taiwan or echoed its appeal for participation by stressing the importance of inclusiveness and ensuring the non-existence of&nbsp;gaps in the global disease prevention network, particularly this year when Taiwan has shown the world how we fight against the Covid-19 successfully.

Although the current situation is still difficult of being invited to participate in the WHA, our government will never give up and will continue to strive to the last moment with the support of our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries.

WION: What are Taiwn's&nbsp;expectations from India on WHO meet? Has&nbsp;it&nbsp;spoken to Indian government about backing it at the meet? How would you like India to vote?

Chung-Kwang Tien: We are glad to see India is going to take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization after its annual meeting later this month.

Taiwan cherishes the valuable relations with Government of India and its people and hopes that the relations between the two countries will keep moving forward.

It is the shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan to participate in WHO, and the Taiwan government will continue to strive to achieve this important objective.

The Covid-19 situation remains dynamic, and being unable to participate in WHO seriously, affects Taiwan’s ability to obtain complete and timely information on the virus and on epidemic prevention and to contribute our experience with the countries which have suffered the most under the current devastating situation.

WHO should recognize the seriousness of the situation and allow Taiwan’s full participation as soon as possible.

India has emerged as a strong power regionally and internationally, with the high standard of democracy, human rights and freedom. We are certain India will fairly perform her duty as the chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.

We are also confident that, given that Taiwan has received a tremendous amount of support from the general public, scholars and the media lately in India, India Government will appreciate Taiwan's rights in this direction.

WION: Can any&nbsp;particular country or organization be held responsible for this global crisis?

Chung-Kwang Tien: How to fight the disease collectively needs to put the international efforts together, however, COVID-19 is a brand new viral disease fraught with unknowns.

Therefore, the exchange of up-to-the-minute information is of critical importance for effective epidemic prevention and mitigation. Taiwan would very much like to play her role in this historical challenge to safeguard international health and humanity.

Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, has said that "valued partner" India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" in participation at the World Health Assembly meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan".

Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, has said that "valued partner" India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" in participation at the World Health Assembly meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan". Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chung-Kwang Tien lauded Indian Government's "extraordinary efforts" in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and expressed "strong confidence" that New Delhi will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth. World Health Organisation's global health will be held on Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation and a vote will take place on the latter's participation. WION: What model did Taiwan use to defeat COVID-19? Chung-Kwang Tien: Preemptive actions taken by the government are key measures to fight this unprecedented disease effectively. On December 31, 2019 the same day China notified the World Health Organization that it had several cases of an unknown pneumonia, R.O.C. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control immediately ordered inspections of passengers arriving on flights from Wuhan. A team of experts was quickly dispatched to the mainland on a fact-finding mission on January 12. Shortly after the team returned, Taiwan began requiring hospitals to test for and report cases. That helped the government identify those infected, trace their contacts and isolate everyone involved, preventing the virus from spreading to the community. In addition, Taiwan has established a comprehensive national disease prevention mechanism: this includes digitized disease monitoring systems, stringent border quarantine measures, extensive community-based countermeasures, advanced medical preparedness, an abundant stock of preventive medical appliances and resources, concise guidelines and information for the reference of the general public, and annual disease prevention and control drills. Despite Taiwan’s proximity to China, and the high frequency of people to people contacts, we still have kept our confirmed cases to under 500, about 90 per cent of which are imported. This demonstrates that we are effectively controlling the epidemic. WION: How is Taiwan helping India with its experience? Chung-Kwang Tien: With India have already implemented several cooperations of how we are doing. First, on February 20, researchers at Academia Sinica announced they had synthesized over 100 milligrams of Remdesivir, an experimental treatment for COVID-19, to 97 per cent purity. It took the team, which includes two members from India, just two weeks. Second is how Taiwan’s medical institutions have been sharing related information. On April 2 and 14, there was Taiwan-India Webinars on COVID-19, over 14,000 healthcare workers in India benefited from these webinars. Taiwan’s physicians shared their experience fighting the pandemic, including testing methods, treatments, approaches to containing infection, and measures concerning masks. Third, the Government of Taiwan has already provided one million face masks to India to help protect frontline medical personnel. The masks were brought to India by a special chartered flight on 4 May 2020.The donation of these masks was handed over these masks to Neel Kamal Singh, Deputy Secretary General of Indian Red Cross Society, at a hand-over ceremony on Friday, 8 May 2020. India is an important and valued partner to Taiwan. Indian Government has made extraordinary efforts in curtailing the spread of COVID-19. I have strong confidence that India will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth. WION: WHO meet is about the begin, how hopeful are you that Taiwan will participate? Chung-Kwang Tien: Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all citizens of Taiwan. The persistent and collective efforts of Taiwan’s government and civil society along with international support and media attention for Taiwan’s campaign have increased considerably over the years. I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations. Among like-minded partners, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Belgium has spoken up in favour of Taiwan or echoed its appeal for participation by stressing the importance of inclusiveness and ensuring the non-existence of gaps in the global disease prevention network, particularly this year when Taiwan has shown the world how we fight against the Covid-19 successfully. Although the current situation is still difficult of being invited to participate in the WHA, our government will never give up and will continue to strive to the last moment with the support of our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries. WION: What are Taiwn's expectations from India on WHO meet? Has it spoken to Indian government about backing it at the meet? How would you like India to vote? Chung-Kwang Tien: We are glad to see India is going to take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization after its annual meeting later this month. Taiwan cherishes the valuable relations with Government of India and its people and hopes that the relations between the two countries will keep moving forward. It is the shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan to participate in WHO, and the Taiwan government will continue to strive to achieve this important objective. The Covid-19 situation remains dynamic, and being unable to participate in WHO seriously, affects Taiwan’s ability to obtain complete and timely information on the virus and on epidemic prevention and to contribute our experience with the countries which have suffered the most under the current devastating situation. WHO should recognize the seriousness of the situation and allow Taiwan’s full participation as soon as possible. India has emerged as a strong power regionally and internationally, with the high standard of democracy, human rights and freedom. We are certain India will fairly perform her duty as the chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization. We are also confident that, given that Taiwan has received a tremendous amount of support from the general public, scholars and the media lately in India, India Government will appreciate Taiwan's rights in this direction. WION: Can any particular country or organization be held responsible for this global crisis? Chung-Kwang Tien: How to fight the disease collectively needs to put the international efforts together, however, COVID-19 is a brand new viral disease fraught with unknowns. Therefore, the exchange of up-to-the-minute information is of critical importance for effective epidemic prevention and mitigation. Taiwan would very much like to play her role in this historical challenge to safeguard international health and humanity.

Taiwan 'confident' of India's support for World Health Assembly: Envoy Chung-Kwang Tien

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked United States President Donald Trump for his remarks that the US stands with India during the coronavirus pandemic as also for deciding to provide ventilators to New Delhi to help patients suffering from COVID-19.

"Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us," the prime minister tweeted.

He said in such times, it's always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make the world healthier and free from COVID-19.

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. 
 
More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! <a href="https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR">https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1261581118458888192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi was responding to a tweet by US President Trump on Friday announcing the decision to donate ventilators to India.

"I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We're also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!" the US president had tweeted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-will-donate-ventilators-to-india-says-president-trump-299011">Also read | United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump</a>

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked United States President Donald Trump for his remarks that the US stands with India during the coronavirus pandemic as also for deciding to provide ventilators to New Delhi to help patients suffering from COVID-19.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked United States President Donald Trump for his remarks that the US stands with India during the coronavirus pandemic as also for deciding to provide ventilators to New Delhi to help patients suffering from COVID-19. "Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us," the prime minister tweeted. He said in such times, it's always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make the world healthier and free from COVID-19. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19. More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2020 × PM Modi was responding to a tweet by US President Trump on Friday announcing the decision to donate ventilators to India. "I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We're also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!" the US president had tweeted. Also read | United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump

PM Modi thanks Trump for providing ventilators to India amid coronavirus crisis

As the world awaits a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, India is inching a step closer to finding a cure. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal has claimed that the research institute has been conducting drug trials for the coronavirus treatment, and the trials have shown good results, till now.

On Saturday, a senior official of the research institute announced that trials&nbsp;of the drug Mycobacterium W (Mw) were conducted on COVID-19 patients at AIIMS Bhopal for the last few days.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oxford-covid-19-vaccine-shows-promising-results-in-study-of-6-months-298976">Also watch:&nbsp;Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in study of 6 months</a>&nbsp;

Three out of four patients have fully recovered with the help of the drug prescribed for the treatment. "So far, three COVID-19 patients have recovered after the clinical trial of Mycobacterium W (Mw) at AIIMS," Dr Sarman Singh,&nbsp;Director, AIIMS Bhopal, said.

The drug,&nbsp;Mycobacterium W, was earlier used in the treatment of leprosy.&nbsp;The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently collaborated with&nbsp;Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd to evaluate the effect of the drug for coronavirus treatment.

The drug was allowed by the authorities to be tested on critically ill patients, and has shown good results in AIIMS Bhopal, till now.

Dr. Singh also informed media that soon India will be using Favipiravir, a drug used in Japan, to treat coronavirus patients.

As the world awaits a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, India is inching a step closer to finding a cure. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal has claimed that the research institute has been conducting drug trials for the coronavirus treatment, and the trials have shown good results, till now.

As the world awaits a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, India is inching a step closer to finding a cure. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal has claimed that the research institute has been conducting drug trials for the coronavirus treatment, and the trials have shown good results, till now. On Saturday, a senior official of the research institute announced that trials of the drug Mycobacterium W (Mw) were conducted on COVID-19 patients at AIIMS Bhopal for the last few days. Also watch: Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in study of 6 months Three out of four patients have fully recovered with the help of the drug prescribed for the treatment. "So far, three COVID-19 patients have recovered after the clinical trial of Mycobacterium W (Mw) at AIIMS," Dr Sarman Singh, Director, AIIMS Bhopal, said. The drug, Mycobacterium W, was earlier used in the treatment of leprosy. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently collaborated with Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd to evaluate the effect of the drug for coronavirus treatment. The drug was allowed by the authorities to be tested on critically ill patients, and has shown good results in AIIMS Bhopal, till now. Dr. Singh also informed media that soon India will be using Favipiravir, a drug used in Japan, to treat coronavirus patients.

AIIMS Bhopal claims good results in drug trial for COVID-19 treatment

India sent free medicines to Ukraine; 14000 indians register for repatriation With India, all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said,"14000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number, we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back." Both countries have been engaging with each other on the crisis with India which is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine gifting medicines to the country to deal with COVID.

India sent free medicines to Ukraine; 14000 indians register for repatriation

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States will donate ventilators to India and added, together ''we will beath the invisible enemy''. ''I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States will donate ventilators to India and added, together ''we will beath the invisible enemy''. ''I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!'' Trump tweeted on Friday. × At an event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year and said his administration would mobilize its forces to get a vaccine distributed once one was in place. I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020 × ''India has been so great. As you know your prime minister has been a very good friend of mine and I just got back from India recently. We are working very much with India too and we have a tremendous Indian population in the United States,'' Trump told a reporter. ''Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he added.

United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump

The number of positive coronavirus cases has been rising. A couple of months ago, India had 100 positive cases. the number has increased to 85,940 on Saturday. The new number has crossed China's total number of cases.

In December 2019, China was the first country to identify the first case of the deadly coronavirus, Wuhan being the epicentre. THe virus spread to more than 120 countries since then, and has affected almost 4 million people all over the world, with more than 307,000 total deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-residents-fear-coronavirus-testing-could-rekindle-disease-298998">Also read:&nbsp;Wuhan residents fear coronavirus testing could rekindle disease</a>

While the number of positive cases has been rising, especially in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, the death rate in India appears to be far better.&nbsp;According to health ministry data, there have been 2,752 fatalities, compared with China's 4,600.

"Clearly the situation has improved due to lockdown. We have utilised this period of lockdown to accelerate public health measures such as case detection, contact tracing, isolation and management of cases,"&nbsp;Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said.

He also talked about the slowing rate of infection. It now takes 11 days for the number of cases to double, in comparison to pre-lockdown when the cases were doubling every 3.5&nbsp;days.

Indian officials say the low death rate could be because a majority of people infected with the virus were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. A major reason of the low death toll can also be the nationwide lockdown, which was imposed shortly after first few cases were discovered.

"India is still in the growth phase, since total cases are still rising. Active cases are growing at 3.8% (daily) - and this needs to fall to 0% and decline subsequently for the country to recover overall," Shamika Ravi, a Brookings expert and former member of the Indian Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, said.

Lockdown 4.0

Although the number of cases is rising, people have urged the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open the shops and workplaces again,&nbsp;and help revive the economy.

The country has been under a lockdown since March third week, and the lockdown will now be extended for few more weeks but with lesser restrictions.&nbsp;

As people gear up to go back to their workplaces, the government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution and follow social distancing and the rules laid out by the government.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The number of positive coronavirus cases has been rising. A couple of months ago, India had 100 positive cases. the number has increased to 85,940 on Saturday. The new number has crossed China's total number of cases.

The number of positive coronavirus cases has been rising. A couple of months ago, India had 100 positive cases. the number has increased to 85,940 on Saturday. The new number has crossed China's total number of cases. In December 2019, China was the first country to identify the first case of the deadly coronavirus, Wuhan being the epicentre. THe virus spread to more than 120 countries since then, and has affected almost 4 million people all over the world, with more than 307,000 total deaths. Also read: Wuhan residents fear coronavirus testing could rekindle disease While the number of positive cases has been rising, especially in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, the death rate in India appears to be far better. According to health ministry data, there have been 2,752 fatalities, compared with China's 4,600. "Clearly the situation has improved due to lockdown. We have utilised this period of lockdown to accelerate public health measures such as case detection, contact tracing, isolation and management of cases," Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said. He also talked about the slowing rate of infection. It now takes 11 days for the number of cases to double, in comparison to pre-lockdown when the cases were doubling every 3.5 days. Indian officials say the low death rate could be because a majority of people infected with the virus were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. A major reason of the low death toll can also be the nationwide lockdown, which was imposed shortly after first few cases were discovered. "India is still in the growth phase, since total cases are still rising. Active cases are growing at 3.8% (daily) - and this needs to fall to 0% and decline subsequently for the country to recover overall," Shamika Ravi, a Brookings expert and former member of the Indian Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, said. Lockdown 4.0 Although the number of cases is rising, people have urged the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open the shops and workplaces again, and help revive the economy. The country has been under a lockdown since March third week, and the lockdown will now be extended for few more weeks but with lesser restrictions. As people gear up to go back to their workplaces, the government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution and follow social distancing and the rules laid out by the government. (With inputs from Reuters)

India crosses the 85,000 mark of COVID-19 cases; crosses China

World Bank on Friday announced $1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes. The package was announced in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-approves-1-billion-emergency-fund-for-india-to-fight-coronavirus-290252">Also read: World Bank approves $1 billion emergency fund for India to fight coronavirus</a>

This takes the total commitment of the World Bank for India's COVID-19 response to $2 billion. A $1 billion support was announced last month towards immediate support to India’s health sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-2649-as-total-cases-reach-81970-298779">Also read: India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,649 as total cases reach 81,970</a> 
 
This new support will be funded in two phases –&nbsp;an immediate allocation of $750 million for the fiscal year 2020 and a $250 million second tranche that will be made available for the fiscal year 2021.

The&nbsp;first phase&nbsp;of the operation will be implemented countrywide through the&nbsp;Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana&nbsp;(PMGKY).

In the&nbsp;second phase, the program will deepen the social protection package, whereby additional cash and in-kind benefits based on local needs will be extended through state governments and portable social protection delivery systems.

World Bank said that the billion-dollar social protection package was in addition to the previous package of $1 billion allocated to India for COVID-19 emergency response and health systems.

"The World Bank's billion-dollar support for social protection will help India leverage it's PM Garib Kalyan Yojana," said World Bank Country Director (India) Junaid Kamal Ahmad.

In April, the World Bank approved a plan to roll out $160 billion in emergency aid over 15 months to help countries deal with the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Earlier on April 3, The World Bank had approved $1 billion emergency funding for India to help it tackle the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

World Bank on Friday announced $1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes. The package was announced in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country.

World Bank on Friday announced $1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes. The package was announced in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country. Also read: World Bank approves $1 billion emergency fund for India to fight coronavirus This takes the total commitment of the World Bank for India's COVID-19 response to $2 billion. A $1 billion support was announced last month towards immediate support to India’s health sector. Also read: India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,649 as total cases reach 81,970 This new support will be funded in two phases – an immediate allocation of $750 million for the fiscal year 2020 and a $250 million second tranche that will be made available for the fiscal year 2021. The first phase of the operation will be implemented countrywide through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). In the second phase, the program will deepen the social protection package, whereby additional cash and in-kind benefits based on local needs will be extended through state governments and portable social protection delivery systems. World Bank said that the billion-dollar social protection package was in addition to the previous package of $1 billion allocated to India for COVID-19 emergency response and health systems. "The World Bank's billion-dollar support for social protection will help India leverage it's PM Garib Kalyan Yojana," said World Bank Country Director (India) Junaid Kamal Ahmad. In April, the World Bank approved a plan to roll out $160 billion in emergency aid over 15 months to help countries deal with the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. Earlier on April 3, The World Bank had approved $1 billion emergency funding for India to help it tackle the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from ANI)

World Bank approves another $1 billion aid to India as social security fund amid covid-19 pandemic

Badrinath temple reopened today amid nationwide lockdown

In view of the rising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/second-tranche-of-economic-stimulus-will-benefit-migrant-workers-small-farmers-nirmala-sitharaman-298657">coronavirus</a> cases in Tamil Nadu with total of 9,674 cases which is the second-highest in India after Maharashtra, the state government has issued a new set of guidelines for testing incoming travelers.&nbsp;

Considering the risk of increased transmission given the high number of inter-state, inter-district travelers (based on government issued e-passes) and ongoing repatriation of Indian nationals from foreign countries, the state government has issued guidelines for testing incoming travelers.&nbsp;

So far, nine persons who had landed in Chennai via "Vande Bharat" repatriation flights have tested positive for COVID-19.

 
Guidelines for incoming travelers:

Persons from Other Countries:

All persons to be tested on arrival and if tested positive the individual/s would be admitted in a hospital. In case of a negative result, they will be kept in government-provided institutional quarantine/hotels (on a paid-basis).

A follow-up test would be taken after the initial 7-day quarantine, and if that result is also found negative the person/s can be sent for home quarantine for the next 14 days.&nbsp;

 
Persons from Other States/Union Territories:&nbsp;

Tests will be conducted on all persons coming into Tamil Nadu from all states and Union territories. In case of a positive result they would be admitted in hospitals.

In case of a negative result, the passengers would have to be under government-provided institutional quarantine facility for 7days (for persons coming from hotspot states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi).

After seven&nbsp;days if they display no symptoms, they can be sent for home quarantine for seven&nbsp;days, or they can continue in government quarantine if they do not have facilities at home to be under quarantine.&nbsp;

Persons from non-hotspot states who test negative may be sent into a 14-day home quarantine or institutional quarantine (in case facilities are not available at home).

Persons traveling between Tamil Nadu’s districts:&nbsp;

Testing to be done only for those coming with symptoms, all individuals to undergo home quarantine for 14 days

Exemptions:&nbsp;

Terminally ill patients, individuals requiring immediate medical attention in a hospital.&nbsp;

Persons who are due to attend the funeral and ritual associated with death of an immediate family member

Pregnant women&nbsp;

Elderly persons over the age of 75 years and requiring assistance&nbsp;

All the above categories claiming medical emergency will be subjected to check up by a medical team to confirm the emergency. Relaxation will not be given for any other category. Persons who seek exemption in the above categories, must submit full detail along with their representation in advance to concerned authorities.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu COVID-19 data so far:&nbsp;

The mortality rate in Tamil Nadu is among the lowest in the country at about 0.67 per cent (66 deaths in 9674 cases). While there is a high rate of infection in the state, the significant rate of testing in Tamil Nadu must also be taken into account.&nbsp;

By April 1, the state had tested merely 2,700 odd samples in total which had resulted in criticism over under-reportage and fears of a very poor testing rate. As on May, the state has tested over 2.91 lakh samples, with over 10,000 tests being conducted only a daily basis in recent times.&nbsp;

Such a remarkable increase in testing can be owed to the rapid facilities across the state over the last one&nbsp;month. The testing facilities have gone up from 17 facilities on April 1&nbsp;to 56 (38 government and 18 private) testing facilities.

This three-fold increase in testing rate is also augmented by the state’s well developed public health infrastructure which has been able to maintain an encouraging 23.1 per cent&nbsp;(2240/9674) recovery rate for COVID-19 patients.

The state currently has recorded a total of 9674 coronavirus cases, of which 7,365 are active cases. 4,835 of the total active cases are in capital Chennai alone.

In view of the rising coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu with total of 9,674 cases which is the second-highest in India after Maharashtra, the state government has issued a new set of guidelines for testing incoming travelers.

In view of the rising coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu with total of 9,674 cases which is the second-highest in India after Maharashtra, the state government has issued a new set of guidelines for testing incoming travelers. Considering the risk of increased transmission given the high number of inter-state, inter-district travelers (based on government issued e-passes) and ongoing repatriation of Indian nationals from foreign countries, the state government has issued guidelines for testing incoming travelers. So far, nine persons who had landed in Chennai via "Vande Bharat" repatriation flights have tested positive for COVID-19. Guidelines for incoming travelers: Persons from Other Countries: All persons to be tested on arrival and if tested positive the individual/s would be admitted in a hospital. In case of a negative result, they will be kept in government-provided institutional quarantine/hotels (on a paid-basis). A follow-up test would be taken after the initial 7-day quarantine, and if that result is also found negative the person/s can be sent for home quarantine for the next 14 days. Persons from Other States/Union Territories: Tests will be conducted on all persons coming into Tamil Nadu from all states and Union territories. In case of a positive result they would be admitted in hospitals. In case of a negative result, the passengers would have to be under government-provided institutional quarantine facility for 7days (for persons coming from hotspot states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi). After seven days if they display no symptoms, they can be sent for home quarantine for seven days, or they can continue in government quarantine if they do not have facilities at home to be under quarantine. Persons from non-hotspot states who test negative may be sent into a 14-day home quarantine or institutional quarantine (in case facilities are not available at home). Persons traveling between Tamil Nadu’s districts: Testing to be done only for those coming with symptoms, all individuals to undergo home quarantine for 14 days Exemptions: Terminally ill patients, individuals requiring immediate medical attention in a hospital. Persons who are due to attend the funeral and ritual associated with death of an immediate family member Pregnant women Elderly persons over the age of 75 years and requiring assistance All the above categories claiming medical emergency will be subjected to check up by a medical team to confirm the emergency. Relaxation will not be given for any other category. Persons who seek exemption in the above categories, must submit full detail along with their representation in advance to concerned authorities. Tamil Nadu COVID-19 data so far: The mortality rate in Tamil Nadu is among the lowest in the country at about 0.67 per cent (66 deaths in 9674 cases). While there is a high rate of infection in the state, the significant rate of testing in Tamil Nadu must also be taken into account. By April 1, the state had tested merely 2,700 odd samples in total which had resulted in criticism over under-reportage and fears of a very poor testing rate. As on May, the state has tested over 2.91 lakh samples, with over 10,000 tests being conducted only a daily basis in recent times. Such a remarkable increase in testing can be owed to the rapid facilities across the state over the last one month. The testing facilities have gone up from 17 facilities on April 1 to 56 (38 government and 18 private) testing facilities. This three-fold increase in testing rate is also augmented by the state’s well developed public health infrastructure which has been able to maintain an encouraging 23.1 per cent (2240/9674) recovery rate for COVID-19 patients. The state currently has recorded a total of 9674 coronavirus cases, of which 7,365 are active cases. 4,835 of the total active cases are in capital Chennai alone.

Tamil Nadu issues new COVID-19 testing guidelines for incoming travellers amid spike in cases

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong India-US collaboration, Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said.

“COVID-19 has made us recognise the need for collaborations more than ever before. Our Prime Minister has emphasised a global coordinated response to deal with the challenges even as we work to strengthen our domestic capacities to deal with this crisis,” Sandhu said during a virtual interaction with eminent Indian-American scientists on Thursday.

Noting that India’s partnership with the US in health sciences and technologies is longstanding, the diplomat said research and innovation institutions of both the countries have been engaged in understanding important chronic and infectious diseases and in developing therapeutics and diagnostics.

India and the United States have closely collaborated in combating diseases such as tuberculosis; cancer; HIV; eye diseases and environmental health research, he said. There are over 200 ongoing NIH-funded projects in India, involving 20 Institutes from the NIH network and several eminent institutions in India.

“A recent successful example of our co-operation is the development of the ROTAVAC against rota virus. Such collaborations will be critical in the fight against COVID-19,” Sandhu said.

“From the initial days of the outbreak, our scientists and institutions have been actively engaged in exchange of information. Even as both our countries are focused on combating the disease domestically, NIH and Indian Council for Medical Research have come together and announced a call to support collaborative research and training through India-US partnership to understand the disease,” he said.

The India-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund has called for proposals that would enable scientists to carry out joint research and work towards development of new technologies, tools, safety, outreach and also support public-private virtual networks to fight COVID-19, he added.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are global leaders in producing affordable low-cost medicines and vaccines and will play an important role in the fight against this pandemic, Sandhu said.

“As I speak here today, there are at least three ongoing collaborations between Indian vaccine companies with US-based institutions. These collaborations would be beneficial not just to us, but for the billions who would need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 across the world,” Sandhu said.

Asserting that innovation will be the key driver in pandemic response and recovery, the Indian diplomat said that the tech-companies and start-ups have already begun to take the lead in this direction. Telemedicine and telehealth will evolve as will other digital platforms across sectors, he noted.

India, he said, takes immense pride in the contribution of doctors, scientists, academicians of Indian-origin, who came to the United States in the pursuit of academic excellence and have distinguished themselves in diverse fields.

”Your contributions are widely acknowledged and deeply appreciated by the political leadership in the United States,” he added.

The online interaction was attended by Dr Chandan K, Sen J Stanley Battersby Chair and Professor of Surgery and Director of the Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Pawan Sinha, professor of vision and computational neuroscience in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor Shivaji Sondhi, professor of physics at Princeton University, known for contributions to the field of quantum condensed matter, Professor Aseem Chair of the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Dr Sanjay Kumar Jain, Professor of Pediatrics, Radiology and Radiological Science.

”The scientific community has a critical role to play in the unprecedented circumstances that we face today. As doctors, you are at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, as scientists and biotech experts, you are at the forefront of global efforts to find a cure for COVID-19,” Sandhu said in his remarks.

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong India-US collaboration, Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said. “COVID-19 has made us recognise the need for collaborations more than ever before.

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong India-US collaboration, Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said. “COVID-19 has made us recognise the need for collaborations more than ever before. Our Prime Minister has emphasised a global coordinated response to deal with the challenges even as we work to strengthen our domestic capacities to deal with this crisis,” Sandhu said during a virtual interaction with eminent Indian-American scientists on Thursday. Noting that India’s partnership with the US in health sciences and technologies is longstanding, the diplomat said research and innovation institutions of both the countries have been engaged in understanding important chronic and infectious diseases and in developing therapeutics and diagnostics. India and the United States have closely collaborated in combating diseases such as tuberculosis; cancer; HIV; eye diseases and environmental health research, he said. There are over 200 ongoing NIH-funded projects in India, involving 20 Institutes from the NIH network and several eminent institutions in India. “A recent successful example of our co-operation is the development of the ROTAVAC against rota virus. Such collaborations will be critical in the fight against COVID-19,” Sandhu said. “From the initial days of the outbreak, our scientists and institutions have been actively engaged in exchange of information. Even as both our countries are focused on combating the disease domestically, NIH and Indian Council for Medical Research have come together and announced a call to support collaborative research and training through India-US partnership to understand the disease,” he said. The India-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund has called for proposals that would enable scientists to carry out joint research and work towards development of new technologies, tools, safety, outreach and also support public-private virtual networks to fight COVID-19, he added. Indian pharmaceutical companies are global leaders in producing affordable low-cost medicines and vaccines and will play an important role in the fight against this pandemic, Sandhu said. “As I speak here today, there are at least three ongoing collaborations between Indian vaccine companies with US-based institutions. These collaborations would be beneficial not just to us, but for the billions who would need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 across the world,” Sandhu said. Asserting that innovation will be the key driver in pandemic response and recovery, the Indian diplomat said that the tech-companies and start-ups have already begun to take the lead in this direction. Telemedicine and telehealth will evolve as will other digital platforms across sectors, he noted. India, he said, takes immense pride in the contribution of doctors, scientists, academicians of Indian-origin, who came to the United States in the pursuit of academic excellence and have distinguished themselves in diverse fields. ”Your contributions are widely acknowledged and deeply appreciated by the political leadership in the United States,” he added. The online interaction was attended by Dr Chandan K, Sen J Stanley Battersby Chair and Professor of Surgery and Director of the Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Pawan Sinha, professor of vision and computational neuroscience in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor Shivaji Sondhi, professor of physics at Princeton University, known for contributions to the field of quantum condensed matter, Professor Aseem Chair of the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Dr Sanjay Kumar Jain, Professor of Pediatrics, Radiology and Radiological Science. ”The scientific community has a critical role to play in the unprecedented circumstances that we face today. As doctors, you are at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, as scientists and biotech experts, you are at the forefront of global efforts to find a cure for COVID-19,” Sandhu said in his remarks.

India-US collaboration needed more than ever: Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu

With India&nbsp;all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said, "14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number&nbsp;we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back."

Both countries have been engaging with each other on the crisis with India which is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine gifting medicines to the country to deal with COVID-19 pandemic.

WION: How is the Indian mission reaching out to stranded Indians in the country?

Partha Satpathy: Ukraine has a certain number of characteristics which are&nbsp;special to the country, primarily being that it is the student population who we are catering to.

We have about 15,000 students&nbsp;most of them studying medicine here and as you can understand anxiety was amplified on both sides, back in India by the parents and&nbsp;students themselves here.

So we used all the social media messaging platforms and have been conveying all the programming we have been doing for the safety of the students and potential movement. But we utilized Ukrainian authorities to transmit the message of comfort and care.

In that connection, I met the central and state government authorities and reached out to local governments to and amplified the messages of safety, concern and security of the Indian students and I must say things have been fairly okay till now.

WION:&nbsp;Six&nbsp;repatriation flights are coming in phase 2, how many Indians are expected to come back?

Partha Satpathy: As of now, we have 14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number, we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back.

The other limitation is the number of flights, we are starting from May&nbsp;25, we have six&nbsp;flights lined up, both to the south and north India and what I have tried to do is take out students from Red Zone areas of Ukraine.

There are about four&nbsp;Red Zones in Ukraine and they have about 5-6 universities and an attempt is to remove students and give them the opportunity to go back, those who feel insecure.

Of course, stranded passengers in Ukraine and emergency categories here both will get priority. They will need a large number of flights given the number of students and it will be an ongoing operation for quite some time.

WION: How are India and Ukraine cooperating on COVID-19 pandemic?&nbsp;

Partha Satpathy: Both governments have been in touch and regarding its response. Just like in India we have followed regimented lockdown measure, in Ukraine too it was very strict and it was strictly enforced and complied by the people of Ukraine.

We have exchanged experiences and critical part was in the pharma sector. As you know India is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine and we play a big and important role in access and accessibility programme of medicines in Ukraine and I got a request from foreign minister requesting for HCQ and other such antiviral medicines which the government of India was very gracious in not only gifting it free on the humanitarian ground but also allowing companies of Ukraine to import it.

It was very well appreciated and also it sent a message to all the Indian citizens that we are helping Ukraine to stock up medicinal&nbsp;requirements and helped in removing a lot of concerns. So, yes this collaboration has been going on at various levels.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Ukraine changed, how have Indian diplomats faring?

Partha Satpathy: I must thank the authorities in Ukraine, they have been extraordinarily cooperative in every request we have made.

They are aware&nbsp;that the Indian community is not only a strong community but a value-driven community and on top of that the Indian students, which is a big segment both in terms of bolstering their educational capacity and sector but also in terms of revenue.

Ukrainian authorities' reaction, facilitation and cooperation have been very very good. So this kind of helped into the narrative on how to control and how to assuage and finally help the Indian citizens move back.

Students have to give exams, these are medical exams, they are very technical exams, they are qualifying exams so they will take a considered view on when they will move.

So from Red Zone areas of Ukraine, there will be movement and the country on its part has been strict enforcing lockdown and quarantine measures because they find this way best way to contain the spread of the pandemic.

They were also concerned because a large number of Ukrainians work abroad especially in the stricken areas like Poland, Italy and Spain and they were coming back so they had had to take these measures and these lockdown measures have helped and the things are easing up.

So if no further spike, maybe then things will get easier.&nbsp;

With India all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said, "14,000 students registered but that is an intention.

With India all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said, "14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back." Both countries have been engaging with each other on the crisis with India which is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine gifting medicines to the country to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching out to stranded Indians in the country? Partha Satpathy: Ukraine has a certain number of characteristics which are special to the country, primarily being that it is the student population who we are catering to. We have about 15,000 students most of them studying medicine here and as you can understand anxiety was amplified on both sides, back in India by the parents and students themselves here. So we used all the social media messaging platforms and have been conveying all the programming we have been doing for the safety of the students and potential movement. But we utilized Ukrainian authorities to transmit the message of comfort and care. In that connection, I met the central and state government authorities and reached out to local governments to and amplified the messages of safety, concern and security of the Indian students and I must say things have been fairly okay till now. WION: Six repatriation flights are coming in phase 2, how many Indians are expected to come back? Partha Satpathy: As of now, we have 14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number, we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back. The other limitation is the number of flights, we are starting from May 25, we have six flights lined up, both to the south and north India and what I have tried to do is take out students from Red Zone areas of Ukraine. There are about four Red Zones in Ukraine and they have about 5-6 universities and an attempt is to remove students and give them the opportunity to go back, those who feel insecure. Of course, stranded passengers in Ukraine and emergency categories here both will get priority. They will need a large number of flights given the number of students and it will be an ongoing operation for quite some time. WION: How are India and Ukraine cooperating on COVID-19 pandemic? Partha Satpathy: Both governments have been in touch and regarding its response. Just like in India we have followed regimented lockdown measure, in Ukraine too it was very strict and it was strictly enforced and complied by the people of Ukraine. We have exchanged experiences and critical part was in the pharma sector. As you know India is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine and we play a big and important role in access and accessibility programme of medicines in Ukraine and I got a request from foreign minister requesting for HCQ and other such antiviral medicines which the government of India was very gracious in not only gifting it free on the humanitarian ground but also allowing companies of Ukraine to import it. It was very well appreciated and also it sent a message to all the Indian citizens that we are helping Ukraine to stock up medicinal requirements and helped in removing a lot of concerns. So, yes this collaboration has been going on at various levels. WION: How has the ground situation in Ukraine changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? Partha Satpathy: I must thank the authorities in Ukraine, they have been extraordinarily cooperative in every request we have made. They are aware that the Indian community is not only a strong community but a value-driven community and on top of that the Indian students, which is a big segment both in terms of bolstering their educational capacity and sector but also in terms of revenue. Ukrainian authorities' reaction, facilitation and cooperation have been very very good. So this kind of helped into the narrative on how to control and how to assuage and finally help the Indian citizens move back. Students have to give exams, these are medical exams, they are very technical exams, they are qualifying exams so they will take a considered view on when they will move. So from Red Zone areas of Ukraine, there will be movement and the country on its part has been strict enforcing lockdown and quarantine measures because they find this way best way to contain the spread of the pandemic. They were also concerned because a large number of Ukrainians work abroad especially in the stricken areas like Poland, Italy and Spain and they were coming back so they had had to take these measures and these lockdown measures have helped and the things are easing up. So if no further spike, maybe then things will get easier.

14,000 Indian students register for repatriation in Ukraine

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal raking the Lipulekh issue even as Nepal said it will publish new maps showing the territory among others as part of its own.

Army Chief speaking at a think tank IDSA's online meet said, "I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility."

While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known. Nepal claims Lipulekh which is at the tri-junction of China, India and Nepal and is part of Indian territory. Meanwhile, Nepali President addressing the joint session of the Parliament said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers disputed and is under Indian territory.

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said, "Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal."

Elaborating Nepali government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "Outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts and evidences."

Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue last week when India inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The ongoing dispute is not new and dates back to 1816 when under the Treaty of Sugauli, King of Nepal lost parts of its territory to British including Kalapani and Lipulekh.&nbsp;

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal raking the Lipulekh issue even as Nepal said it will publish new maps showing the territory among others as part of its own.

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal raking the Lipulekh issue even as Nepal said it will publish new maps showing the territory among others as part of its own. Army Chief speaking at a think tank IDSA's online meet said, "I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility." While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known. Nepal claims Lipulekh which is at the tri-junction of China, India and Nepal and is part of Indian territory. Meanwhile, Nepali President addressing the joint session of the Parliament said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers disputed and is under Indian territory. Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said, "Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal." Elaborating Nepali government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "Outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts and evidences." Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue last week when India inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The ongoing dispute is not new and dates back to 1816 when under the Treaty of Sugauli, King of Nepal lost parts of its territory to British including Kalapani and Lipulekh.

Indian army chief Naravane hints at foreign involvement over Nepal's Lipulekh issue

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday.

In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The world wants accountability and solutions and focus will be on India since the country will take over as chair of the WHO executive board - the highest decision making body of the WHO.

India will lead the executive board for three years and on Monday it will have to pick a side. There will be a vote on Monday and India will have to make its position clear.

The vote will be on Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO. Taiwan has been campaigning to attend the world health assembly with China opposing it, however, many countries now support Taiwan but&nbsp;India is keeping its cards close to its chest at the same time Delhi is in talks with the bloc that's backing Taiwan.

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has participated in at least seven group calls. He has been speaking to his counterparts in the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam since March 20 once every week.

Four out of these seven nations have been backing Taiwan along with the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have signed a demarche asking the WHO to allow Taiwan's return as an observer with other countries who have signed the demarche including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

So far, India has stuck to the "One-China" policy but&nbsp;New Delhi has several reasons to shift its long-standing position.

Firstly, a look at the list of countries that back the demarche on Taiwan shows at least four countries - the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia as top trading partners of China but they are willing to take a stand despite the risk of repercussions. Beijing says this bloc is trying to "kidnap" the world health assembly but India shouldn't fall for the rhetoric from Beijing.

India must back Taiwan in its own national interest. At a time, when faulty Chinese supplies pushed back India's fight against the pandemic, Taiwan's support has been steady. It donated one million masks for medical personnel in India. The other reason why India must back Taiwan is China's repeated violations of India's sovereignty.

The border violations and&nbsp;the repeated attempts to block Indian initiatives at the United Nations just to keep Pakistan happy. On Monday, the world health assembly will hold a vote on whether Taiwan should be allowed as an observer at the WHO, India's vote could very well decide the fate of Taiwan.

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday. In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday. In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The world wants accountability and solutions and focus will be on India since the country will take over as chair of the WHO executive board - the highest decision making body of the WHO. India will lead the executive board for three years and on Monday it will have to pick a side. There will be a vote on Monday and India will have to make its position clear. The vote will be on Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO. Taiwan has been campaigning to attend the world health assembly with China opposing it, however, many countries now support Taiwan but India is keeping its cards close to its chest at the same time Delhi is in talks with the bloc that's backing Taiwan. Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has participated in at least seven group calls. He has been speaking to his counterparts in the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam since March 20 once every week. Four out of these seven nations have been backing Taiwan along with the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have signed a demarche asking the WHO to allow Taiwan's return as an observer with other countries who have signed the demarche including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. So far, India has stuck to the "One-China" policy but New Delhi has several reasons to shift its long-standing position. Firstly, a look at the list of countries that back the demarche on Taiwan shows at least four countries - the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia as top trading partners of China but they are willing to take a stand despite the risk of repercussions. Beijing says this bloc is trying to "kidnap" the world health assembly but India shouldn't fall for the rhetoric from Beijing. India must back Taiwan in its own national interest. At a time, when faulty Chinese supplies pushed back India's fight against the pandemic, Taiwan's support has been steady. It donated one million masks for medical personnel in India. The other reason why India must back Taiwan is China's repeated violations of India's sovereignty. The border violations and the repeated attempts to block Indian initiatives at the United Nations just to keep Pakistan happy. On Monday, the world health assembly will hold a vote on whether Taiwan should be allowed as an observer at the WHO, India's vote could very well decide the fate of Taiwan.

WHO's decision making body to meet with all eyes on India

In India, Beekeepers in J&K faces challenge amid COVID-19 lockdown. Beekeepers are unable to deliver products to domestic as well as international markets.

India: Beekeepers in J&K faces challenge amid COVID-19 lockdown

Union Health Ministry on Friday morning said 100 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,967 positive cases were reported since Thursday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,649 and total cases to 81,970.

Of the total cases, 51,401 are active and 2649 are fatalities so far while at least 27,920 people have recovered from the disease.

Friday marks the 52nd straight day of the ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the central government to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The lockdown, announced on March 25, was on May 1 again extended for the second time until May 17.

Union Health Ministry on Friday morning said 100 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,967 positive cases were reported since Thursday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,649 and total cases to 81,970.

Union Health Ministry on Friday morning said 100 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,967 positive cases were reported since Thursday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,649 and total cases to 81,970. Of the total cases, 51,401 are active and 2649 are fatalities so far while at least 27,920 people have recovered from the disease. Friday marks the 52nd straight day of the ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the central government to contain the spread of the pandemic. The lockdown, announced on March 25, was on May 1 again extended for the second time until May 17.

India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,649 as total cases reach 81,970

Indian Navy ship Jalashwa left the Maldives for&nbsp;Kochi today with 588 Indian citizens on board&nbsp;under&nbsp;operation "Samudra Setu" to repatriate Indians stranded abroad.

The Ladakh administration said today that 315 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-for-all-says-mea-after-bengal-accuses-centre-of-discriminating-between-states-298835">pilgrims</a> hailing from the region&nbsp;have been&nbsp;repatriated from Iran by Mahan Air flight and will be arriving in Delhi on Saturday even as the Jammu &amp; Kashmir government said that 49,218 stranded J&amp;K residents arrived in Lakhanpur including another 7,264 through special trains at Jammu and Udhampur

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-we-stop-it-supreme-court-on-plea-to-monitor-migrants-walking-back-to-their-native-states-298839">Also Read: 'How can we stop it': Supreme Court on plea to monitor migrants</a>

Several passengers from different special trains arrived in New Delhi today with the Railway declaring over 2,34,000 passengers have booked their tickets even as Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) started bus shuttle services for railway passengers arriving at New Delhi Railway Station amid the coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

Airports Authority of India (AAI) meanwhile said passengers have to wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer and register on Aarogya Setu App in view of the possibility of air travel resuming.

Amid the lockdown, the Haryana government today decided to start special bus services on selected routes within the state. Shops opened in Amritsar today with the state government ordering&nbsp;that the shops in the state will remain open between 7am to 6pm.

Indian Navy ship Jalashwa left the Maldives for Kochi today with 588 Indian citizens on board under operation "Samudra Setu" to repatriate Indians stranded abroad.

Indian Navy ship Jalashwa left the Maldives for Kochi today with 588 Indian citizens on board under operation "Samudra Setu" to repatriate Indians stranded abroad. The Ladakh administration said today that 315 pilgrims hailing from the region have been repatriated from Iran by Mahan Air flight and will be arriving in Delhi on Saturday even as the Jammu & Kashmir government said that 49,218 stranded J&K residents arrived in Lakhanpur including another 7,264 through special trains at Jammu and Udhampur Also Read: 'How can we stop it': Supreme Court on plea to monitor migrants Several passengers from different special trains arrived in New Delhi today with the Railway declaring over 2,34,000 passengers have booked their tickets even as Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) started bus shuttle services for railway passengers arriving at New Delhi Railway Station amid the coronavirus lockdown. Airports Authority of India (AAI) meanwhile said passengers have to wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer and register on Aarogya Setu App in view of the possibility of air travel resuming. Amid the lockdown, the Haryana government today decided to start special bus services on selected routes within the state. Shops opened in Amritsar today with the state government ordering that the shops in the state will remain open between 7am to 6pm.

Operation Samudra Setu: Indian Navy ship Jalashwa leaves Maldives for Kochi

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced the third tranche of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore.

Indian Finance Minister announce details of third tranche of economic package

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday unveiled the third tranche of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-for-all-says-mea-after-bengal-accuses-centre-of-discriminating-between-states-298835"> economic </a>package related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics targeting&nbsp;governance and administrative reforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/second-tranche-of-economic-stimulus-will-benefit-migrant-workers-small-farmers-nirmala-sitharaman-298657">Also Read: Second tranche will benefit migrant workers &amp; small farmers, says&nbsp;Sitharaman</a>

"All coronavirus related deadline extensions relating to fisheries activities, many of them involving overseas contracts, have been honoured," the finance minister said, adding, "during COVID-19 lockdown period, the demand for milk reduced by 20-25 per cent."

Major announcements:

-Government introduces Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE)&nbsp;promoting the government's "vocal for local with global outreach".

-The scheme to help 2 lakh MFEs by adopting cluster-based approach, for example, mango in Uttar Pradesh, kesar in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, bamboo shoots in the North-East, chilli in Andhra Pradesh and&nbsp;tapioca in Tamil Nadu.

-Government to immediately create a Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infrastructure fund for farm gate infrastructure for farmers.

-The fund to be used for setting up cold chains and post-harvest management infrastructure.

-A new scheme to provide interest subvention at 2 per cent per annum to dairy cooperatives for &nbsp;2020-21. The scheme will unlock Rs 5000 crore additional liquidity and benefit to two crore farmers.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday unveiled the third tranche of economic package related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics targeting governance and administrative reforms.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday unveiled the third tranche of economic package related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics targeting governance and administrative reforms. Also Read: Second tranche will benefit migrant workers & small farmers, says Sitharaman "All coronavirus related deadline extensions relating to fisheries activities, many of them involving overseas contracts, have been honoured," the finance minister said, adding, "during COVID-19 lockdown period, the demand for milk reduced by 20-25 per cent." Major announcements: -Government introduces Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE) promoting the government's "vocal for local with global outreach". -The scheme to help 2 lakh MFEs by adopting cluster-based approach, for example, mango in Uttar Pradesh, kesar in Jammu & Kashmir, bamboo shoots in the North-East, chilli in Andhra Pradesh and tapioca in Tamil Nadu. -Government to immediately create a Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infrastructure fund for farm gate infrastructure for farmers. -The fund to be used for setting up cold chains and post-harvest management infrastructure. -A new scheme to provide interest subvention at 2 per cent per annum to dairy cooperatives for 2020-21. The scheme will unlock Rs 5000 crore additional liquidity and benefit to two crore farmers.

Sitharaman unveils third tranche of economic package targeting infrastructure & administrative reform

Delhi reported 425 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-we-stop-it-supreme-court-on-plea-to-monitor-migrants-walking-back-to-their-native-states-298839">coronavirus</a> cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 8,895 including 5,254 active cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-for-all-says-mea-after-bengal-accuses-centre-of-discriminating-between-states-298835">Also Read:&nbsp;Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states</a>

In Uttarakhand, one more person tested positive for COVID-19 taking the total number of cases to 79 out of which 28 are active.

The Rajasthan health department reported 154 new coronavirus cases in the state today taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,688.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Police said 1,061 personnel have tested positive for the virus including 112 police officers. The state police said 174 have been cured, however, nine police personnel have died due to the virus.

Andhra Pradesh health department reported 57 new coronavirus in the state today. The total number of positive cases in the state has now climbed to 2,157.

In Punjab, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 1,942, the state health department said.

Karnataka health department reported 45 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the state to 1,032. 
&nbsp;

Delhi reported 425 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 8,895 including 5,254 active cases. Also Read: Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states In Uttarakhand, one more person tested positive for COVID-19 taking the total number of cases to 79 out of which 28 are active.

Delhi reported 425 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 8,895 including 5,254 active cases. Also Read: Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states In Uttarakhand, one more person tested positive for COVID-19 taking the total number of cases to 79 out of which 28 are active. The Rajasthan health department reported 154 new coronavirus cases in the state today taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,688. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Police said 1,061 personnel have tested positive for the virus including 112 police officers. The state police said 174 have been cured, however, nine police personnel have died due to the virus. Andhra Pradesh health department reported 57 new coronavirus in the state today. The total number of positive cases in the state has now climbed to 2,157. In Punjab, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 1,942, the state health department said. Karnataka health department reported 45 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the state to 1,032.

Delhi reports 425 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours

A part of a floor of the Army headquarters building Sena Bhawan in the national capital has been closed for fumigation and sanitisation after one suspect and one confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected, Army sources said on Friday.&nbsp;

The building was closed after one suspect and one confirmed case of coronavirus was detected. Actions as per protocol, such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress.

"Affected area of Sena Bhawan closed for sanitation and disinfection. Actions as per protocol such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress," the Indian Army said in a statement.

India's coronavirus count on Friday crossed 81,000 cases. According to data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 3,967 new COVID-19 patients and 100 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours. The total cases in the country have reached 81,970, with 2,649 deaths.

A part of a floor of the Army headquarters building Sena Bhawan in the national capital has been closed for fumigation and sanitisation after one suspect and one confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected, Army sources said on Friday.

A part of a floor of the Army headquarters building Sena Bhawan in the national capital has been closed for fumigation and sanitisation after one suspect and one confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected, Army sources said on Friday. The building was closed after one suspect and one confirmed case of coronavirus was detected. Actions as per protocol, such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress. "Affected area of Sena Bhawan closed for sanitation and disinfection. Actions as per protocol such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress," the Indian Army said in a statement. India's coronavirus count on Friday crossed 81,000 cases. According to data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 3,967 new COVID-19 patients and 100 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours. The total cases in the country have reached 81,970, with 2,649 deaths.

Indian Army headquarters partly closed after soldier tests COVID-19 positive

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