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The initiative by a group of Indian-origin South African musicians showcasing their talent online during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown has become an international hit.

The ''SA Musicians against COVID-19'' project helps artists to showcase their talent in Indian music and song, sometimes accompanied by dance as well.

The project was started by Johannesburg residents -- Lexy Shunmoogam, Chitra Perumal, Kreasan Moodley and Guru Pooven Pillay -- as a way to keep people entertained for a few hours in the weekend during the lockdown by bringing all singers and musicians together in a musical extravaganza via Facebook.

The initiative has now become an international hit. The group members said they now have their hands full every day of the week with demands from artists who want a slot on their Facebook page.

Almost every leading artist from South Africa who performs religious or cultural songs, especially in the Tamil community, has already been featured, with the organisers having to turn down many requests from performers in India and other countries.

"Our aim was to showcase the talent that we have right here at home, including providing a platform for children who are learning the art form with local teachers. We could hardly foresee how artists who have never ever performed together would be on the same platform at some stage," Mr Shunmoogam said.

"What started as a small and humble initiative has now become a unique and almost unequalled ''Concert from Home'' event, galvanising tens of thousands of people across the world through music," he said.

Last week the ''SA Musicians against COVID-19'' Facebook page featured priests from various temples across the country performing Kavady prayers.

"The demand for performances of light music and cover versions of Indian film songs has also been huge, so we had a special weekend from May 15-17 where artists will perform in this genre only," Mr Shunmoogam said.

The initiative by a group of Indian-origin South African musicians showcasing their talent online during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown has become an international hit.

The initiative by a group of Indian-origin South African musicians showcasing their talent online during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown has become an international hit. The ''SA Musicians against COVID-19'' project helps artists to showcase their talent in Indian music and song, sometimes accompanied by dance as well. The project was started by Johannesburg residents -- Lexy Shunmoogam, Chitra Perumal, Kreasan Moodley and Guru Pooven Pillay -- as a way to keep people entertained for a few hours in the weekend during the lockdown by bringing all singers and musicians together in a musical extravaganza via Facebook. The initiative has now become an international hit. The group members said they now have their hands full every day of the week with demands from artists who want a slot on their Facebook page. Almost every leading artist from South Africa who performs religious or cultural songs, especially in the Tamil community, has already been featured, with the organisers having to turn down many requests from performers in India and other countries. "Our aim was to showcase the talent that we have right here at home, including providing a platform for children who are learning the art form with local teachers. We could hardly foresee how artists who have never ever performed together would be on the same platform at some stage," Mr Shunmoogam said. "What started as a small and humble initiative has now become a unique and almost unequalled ''Concert from Home'' event, galvanising tens of thousands of people across the world through music," he said. Last week the ''SA Musicians against COVID-19'' Facebook page featured priests from various temples across the country performing Kavady prayers. "The demand for performances of light music and cover versions of Indian film songs has also been huge, so we had a special weekend from May 15-17 where artists will perform in this genre only," Mr Shunmoogam said.

Indian-origin South African musicians' 'concert from home' becomes a hit

The New Development Bank of the BRICS countries has fully disbursed USD one billion emergency assistance loan to India to help it contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce human, social and economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The New Development Bank of the BRICS countries has fully disbursed USD one billion emergency assistance loan to India to help it contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce human, social and economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB) was established by the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries in 2014 and is headed by veteran Indian banker K V Kamath. The purpose of the bank is to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies and developing nations, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. The 'Emergency Assistance Program Loan' to India was approved by the NDB Board of Directors on April 30, and it is aimed at supporting the Indian government to contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce human, social and economic losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak. "The NDB is fully committed to supporting its member countries in the time of calamity. Emergency Assistance Program Loan to India was approved in quick response to the urgent request and immediate financing needs of the Government of India in fighting COVID-19," Xian Zhu, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the bank said in a statement issued on Tuesday. The programme's scope of financing includes Healthcare Sector Emergency Response and Strengthening Social Safety Net for expenditures already incurred since January 1, 2020, and the expected public expenditures for onward transmission containment and social safety net associated with COVID-19 up to the March of 2021, it said. It envisages, preventing, detecting, and responding to the threat posed by COVID-19, funding critical healthcare expenditure that will enhance healthcare capacity in India and strengthen national health systems preparedness and providing immediate economic assistance to the vulnerable and affected groups, thus facilitating economic and social recovery. In its Statement on Response to COVID-19 outbreak, the NDB Board of Governors welcomed the establishment of an Emergency Assistance Facility to meet the emergency needs of the member countries of the bank. Emergency loans to the NDB member countries could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against COVID-19 outbreak and provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore. The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 2,415 and the number of cases climbed to 74,281 in India on Wednesday, according to the Union Health Ministry. Globally, the number of cases linked to the disease has crossed 42.61 lakh and the death toll has topped 2.91 lakh.

BRICS' New Development Bank provides USD 1 billion loan to India to fight COVID-19

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has said while terror launch pads exist across the Line of Control(LoC), Pakistan needs to "change the policy" and "look beyond short-term gains".&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Army chief commenting on recent India-China face-offs said one should "not read too much into this" and that the Army will "ensure peace and tranquillity is maintained in the border areas.

General Naravane also spoke on the Army's role in the national efforts against COVID-19 and situation in Kashmir calling the Handwara encounter a "stray incident".

WION: What is happening in our northern borders, the skirmishes in northern Sikkim and Ladakh?

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: Earlier this month, I had gone to Sikkim, and after that, I had gone to the southwestern command which is on our western front, I am glad to say at both places, we are totally prepared, operationally ready to take whatever task we have to do.&nbsp;

From safeguarding our borders, or to help our civil administration to tide over the COVID-19 crisis. As far as the situation in the northern border is concerned, I will not call it skirmishes, I would rather say it is face-offs and these faces-offs have been happening in the past also, nothing new about it.&nbsp;

Different perceptions on where the Line of Actual Control(LAC) runs in these areas, we patrol up to where we believe LAC is, PLA comes were they think LAC comes. When we come face-to-face, when we come at the same place at the same time, that is when such face-offs occur.&nbsp;

They have been occurring earlier too, It is just by chance it has occurred near simultaneously at a number of places in Ladakh and Sikkim but we should not read too much into this, that it is not part of some coordinated nation or anything like that, it is just matter of coincidence and nor should we read any greater picture into, that is because of any national or international situation prevailing.&nbsp;

It is just something which is happening in the past and I am sure, we will be able to deal with it as and when such incidences occur.&nbsp;

We have our various protocol in place to handle such situations and they have been successful always in defusing the situation as and when they have happened and we will continue to follow those and we ensure peace and tranquillity is maintained in the border areas.&nbsp;

WION: How is the Army helping in COVID-19 crisis in the national effort?

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: We have been doing a lot to help out our countrymen. It is not the just the Indian army but navy and the Air Force have also been playing an equally important part in making sure our national effort is well-coordinated between not only the armed forces but all the organs of the government.&nbsp;

As far as the army is concerned, we have been helping right from the day one, in fact, one of the first camps set up in Manesar was done by us in which students from Wuhan been evacuated and placed in quarantine. Thereafter, we have opened camps in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, even in camp in Narela is being looked after by us.&nbsp;

And we have established a number of such camps as have the Navy and Air Force to take care of all the persons since they need to be put in quartine and need to be tested before they can be sent home. This is one aspect, in addition, we have earmarked specific hospitals to look after the COVID-19 patients and also earmarked specific bed in various hospitals should there be an overflow from the dedicated hospitals in times to comes, we hope the situation will not reach those proportions where these beds need to be used. &nbsp;

We have enough capacity to deal with any such surge that happens. Apart from that our families are also playing a role. They have been making masks, making food packets, distributing rations to people in need. Our NCC has stepped in, NCC cadets have also risen to occasion. More than 11,000 volunteers have stepped up and taken various initiatives like taking care of traffic control.&nbsp;

They have also prepared more than 5,000 food packets, distributed masks, and come to the aid of the civil society at large. This has been a total team effort to help our citizens in need.

WION: Have any forces been impacted by COVID-19?

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: As soon as COVID-19 news started filtering in, we have been watching what has been happening globally and we in the army very pro-active measures to ensure we do not get impacted. In this, we are lucky also but some disadvantages also.

When I say lucky, we are deployed in far-flung places, on the border and inaccessible areas and because of that we have to keep our self safe.&nbsp;

Conversely, the disadvantage is the way we operate or forced to stay in close proximity to each other, so sometimes social distancing and other norms cannot always be followed.

But by virtue of all the actions and advisories we have issued, that we have been relatively incident-free and the majority of incidents that have occurred in the people who are providing assistance to COVID-19 patients and in the hospitals but happy to say not a single operational unit which has been impacted in whatsoever manner due to COVID-19.

WION: How has the situation been in Kashmir, we saw the Handwara encounter...

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: Post abrogation of article 370, and ongoing winter months definitely a drop in all the parameters of violence and as is the pattern with the improvement in the weather, snows melting once again infiltration has increased and correspondingly the incidences which have occurred are a reflection of that but we are well poised to take on any of these stray incidents which are bound to happen but no doubt terror launch pads and terrorist continue to be there across the LoC and we are closely monitoring the situation and we will take appropriate action to make sure all these attempts are foiled along the LoC or in the hinterland.

WION: Do you think Pakistan plans to change its terror-sponsoring strategy?

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: I can't comment on their policy but I can only hope, that they do change the policy and realise that the only way our two countries can prosper is if we have peace amongst ourself, and we must look beyond short-term gains and see what is best for the people both sides.

WION: How have the forces taken up PM's self-reliant call?

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: We have always been on the forefront of championing the cause of self-reliance and Make in India initiative and happy to say, as far as the Indian army is concerned over 70 per cent of our orders both by volume&nbsp; - the number of orders by cost, more than 70 per cent of these have gone to Indian companies and we will further improve upon this and we will make sure we give a good fillip to Make in India project.

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has said while terror launch pads exist across the Line of Control(LoC), Pakistan needs to "change the policy" and "look beyond short-term gains".

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has said while terror launch pads exist across the Line of Control(LoC), Pakistan needs to "change the policy" and "look beyond short-term gains". Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Army chief commenting on recent India-China face-offs said one should "not read too much into this" and that the Army will "ensure peace and tranquillity is maintained in the border areas. General Naravane also spoke on the Army's role in the national efforts against COVID-19 and situation in Kashmir calling the Handwara encounter a "stray incident". WION: What is happening in our northern borders, the skirmishes in northern Sikkim and Ladakh? Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: Earlier this month, I had gone to Sikkim, and after that, I had gone to the southwestern command which is on our western front, I am glad to say at both places, we are totally prepared, operationally ready to take whatever task we have to do. From safeguarding our borders, or to help our civil administration to tide over the COVID-19 crisis. As far as the situation in the northern border is concerned, I will not call it skirmishes, I would rather say it is face-offs and these faces-offs have been happening in the past also, nothing new about it. Different perceptions on where the Line of Actual Control(LAC) runs in these areas, we patrol up to where we believe LAC is, PLA comes were they think LAC comes. When we come face-to-face, when we come at the same place at the same time, that is when such face-offs occur. They have been occurring earlier too, It is just by chance it has occurred near simultaneously at a number of places in Ladakh and Sikkim but we should not read too much into this, that it is not part of some coordinated nation or anything like that, it is just matter of coincidence and nor should we read any greater picture into, that is because of any national or international situation prevailing. It is just something which is happening in the past and I am sure, we will be able to deal with it as and when such incidences occur. We have our various protocol in place to handle such situations and they have been successful always in defusing the situation as and when they have happened and we will continue to follow those and we ensure peace and tranquillity is maintained in the border areas. WION: How is the Army helping in COVID-19 crisis in the national effort? Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: We have been doing a lot to help out our countrymen. It is not the just the Indian army but navy and the Air Force have also been playing an equally important part in making sure our national effort is well-coordinated between not only the armed forces but all the organs of the government. As far as the army is concerned, we have been helping right from the day one, in fact, one of the first camps set up in Manesar was done by us in which students from Wuhan been evacuated and placed in quarantine. Thereafter, we have opened camps in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, even in camp in Narela is being looked after by us. And we have established a number of such camps as have the Navy and Air Force to take care of all the persons since they need to be put in quartine and need to be tested before they can be sent home. This is one aspect, in addition, we have earmarked specific hospitals to look after the COVID-19 patients and also earmarked specific bed in various hospitals should there be an overflow from the dedicated hospitals in times to comes, we hope the situation will not reach those proportions where these beds need to be used. We have enough capacity to deal with any such surge that happens. Apart from that our families are also playing a role. They have been making masks, making food packets, distributing rations to people in need. Our NCC has stepped in, NCC cadets have also risen to occasion. More than 11,000 volunteers have stepped up and taken various initiatives like taking care of traffic control. They have also prepared more than 5,000 food packets, distributed masks, and come to the aid of the civil society at large. This has been a total team effort to help our citizens in need. WION: Have any forces been impacted by COVID-19? Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: As soon as COVID-19 news started filtering in, we have been watching what has been happening globally and we in the army very pro-active measures to ensure we do not get impacted. In this, we are lucky also but some disadvantages also. When I say lucky, we are deployed in far-flung places, on the border and inaccessible areas and because of that we have to keep our self safe. Conversely, the disadvantage is the way we operate or forced to stay in close proximity to each other, so sometimes social distancing and other norms cannot always be followed. But by virtue of all the actions and advisories we have issued, that we have been relatively incident-free and the majority of incidents that have occurred in the people who are providing assistance to COVID-19 patients and in the hospitals but happy to say not a single operational unit which has been impacted in whatsoever manner due to COVID-19. WION: How has the situation been in Kashmir, we saw the Handwara encounter... Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: Post abrogation of article 370, and ongoing winter months definitely a drop in all the parameters of violence and as is the pattern with the improvement in the weather, snows melting once again infiltration has increased and correspondingly the incidences which have occurred are a reflection of that but we are well poised to take on any of these stray incidents which are bound to happen but no doubt terror launch pads and terrorist continue to be there across the LoC and we are closely monitoring the situation and we will take appropriate action to make sure all these attempts are foiled along the LoC or in the hinterland. WION: Do you think Pakistan plans to change its terror-sponsoring strategy? Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: I can't comment on their policy but I can only hope, that they do change the policy and realise that the only way our two countries can prosper is if we have peace amongst ourself, and we must look beyond short-term gains and see what is best for the people both sides. WION: How have the forces taken up PM's self-reliant call? Army Chief Gen MM Naravane: We have always been on the forefront of championing the cause of self-reliance and Make in India initiative and happy to say, as far as the Indian army is concerned over 70 per cent of our orders both by volume - the number of orders by cost, more than 70 per cent of these have gone to Indian companies and we will further improve upon this and we will make sure we give a good fillip to Make in India project.

Pakistan needs to look beyond short-term gains, says Army chief Naravane to WION

The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi, considered to be the biggest slum of Asia, rose to 1,028 on Wednesday.

The death toll due to the pandemic in the area rose to 40 on Tuesday from 31.

Dharavi recorded its first&nbsp;coronavirus patient on April 1, 20 days after the first case of coronavirus infection was reported in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 54 deaths, while the number of positive cases across the state achieved a new single-day spike of 1,495.

The state's death toll shot up to 975 and the total number of coronavirus patients increased to 25,922.

Of the total deaths, a staggering 40 were recorded in Mumbai alone, taking the city's toll to 596 and the number of patients in the city shot up by a new high of 800 to touch 15,747.

Besides Mumbai, there were six deaths in Pune, two each in Jalgaon, Solapur, and Aurangabad, plus one each in Palghar and Ratnagiri.

(with inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi, considered to be the biggest slum of Asia, rose to 1,028 on Wednesday. The death toll due to the pandemic in the area rose to 40 on Tuesday from 31.

The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai's Dharavi, considered to be the biggest slum of Asia, rose to 1,028 on Wednesday. The death toll due to the pandemic in the area rose to 40 on Tuesday from 31. Dharavi recorded its first coronavirus patient on April 1, 20 days after the first case of coronavirus infection was reported in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 54 deaths, while the number of positive cases across the state achieved a new single-day spike of 1,495. The state's death toll shot up to 975 and the total number of coronavirus patients increased to 25,922. Of the total deaths, a staggering 40 were recorded in Mumbai alone, taking the city's toll to 596 and the number of patients in the city shot up by a new high of 800 to touch 15,747. Besides Mumbai, there were six deaths in Pune, two each in Jalgaon, Solapur, and Aurangabad, plus one each in Palghar and Ratnagiri. (with inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus count in Mumbai's Dharavi crosses 1,000, death toll stands at 40

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with other key stakeholders is conducting a population-based sero survey to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus infection among the Indian population, according to a statement by the medical body.

The survey would be conducted in 69 districts of 21 states and Union Territories, the apex health research body said in a statement on Tuesday.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are some of the states where the survey would be conducted.

The&nbsp;survey will cover 24,000 adults distributed equally across four strata of districts categorised on the basis of COVID-19 cases.

The move was announced as the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 2,293 and the total number of cases climbed to 70,756 in the country on Tuesday, according to the Union health ministry data.

"The ICMR, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and National Centre for Disease Control with support from state health departments and key stakeholders, including WHO, India is conducting a community based sero-survey to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indian population," the statement said.

The survey is coordinated by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with other key stakeholders is conducting a population-based sero survey to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus infection among the Indian population, according to a statement by the medical body.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with other key stakeholders is conducting a population-based sero survey to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus infection among the Indian population, according to a statement by the medical body. The survey would be conducted in 69 districts of 21 states and Union Territories, the apex health research body said in a statement on Tuesday. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are some of the states where the survey would be conducted. The survey will cover 24,000 adults distributed equally across four strata of districts categorised on the basis of COVID-19 cases. The move was announced as the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 2,293 and the total number of cases climbed to 70,756 in the country on Tuesday, according to the Union health ministry data. "The ICMR, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and National Centre for Disease Control with support from state health departments and key stakeholders, including WHO, India is conducting a community based sero-survey to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indian population," the statement said. The survey is coordinated by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai. (With inputs from PTI)

ICMR to conduct survey to estimate prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Indian population

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday.

The country recorded another 3525 COVID-19 cases during the same period which took the total number to 74281. The MoHFW said that of the 74,281 cases, 47480 were active, 24386 had been cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2415 had passed away.

The coronavirus is slowly moving to the rural belt, with an increasing number of cases being reported from districts that were until recently untouched by Covid-19. In many states, it has resulted in more districts coming under the grip of the virus.

Yesterday, In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assistance, the government had last month announced a Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown which will be very different from the earlier three phases. The third phase of the 54-day lockdown is scheduled to end on May 17.

(With inputs from agencies)

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday.

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday. The country recorded another 3525 COVID-19 cases during the same period which took the total number to 74281. The MoHFW said that of the 74,281 cases, 47480 were active, 24386 had been cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2415 had passed away. The coronavirus is slowly moving to the rural belt, with an increasing number of cases being reported from districts that were until recently untouched by Covid-19. In many states, it has resulted in more districts coming under the grip of the virus. Yesterday, In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. Apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assistance, the government had last month announced a Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown which will be very different from the earlier three phases. The third phase of the 54-day lockdown is scheduled to end on May 17. (With inputs from agencies)

122 coronavirus deaths in India in 24 hours; over 74,200 total cases so far

After railway services, domestic flights are expected to resume soon with the Civil Aviation Ministry in the process of taking a final call on when and how such flights commence.

Domestic flights may get nod from Civil Aviation Ministry to restart operation

Edgard Ziebart, the German national who was stranded in Terminal three of the Indira Gandhi International airport for 55 days has finally made his way to Amsterdam. Ziebart left for Amsterdam in a KLM relief flight.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-national-stranded-at-indira-gandhi-international-airport-for-54-days-due-to-nationwide-lockdown-297956">German national stranded at Indira Gandhi International airport for 54 days due to nationwide lockdown</a>

Before his departure, Ziebart was scanned for coronavirus infection and then he got on a flight around 3 am along with 291 passengers.&nbsp;

Ziebart regarded Terminal 3 as his house and IGI airport as the place of his stay in India.&nbsp;

The 40-year-old was on his way from Hanoi to Istanbul on March 18. On that day India cancelled all flights to and from Turkey due to surge in coronavirus pandemic. On March 22, India put a hold on all international flights to contain the virus, three days later on March 25, India imposed complete lockdown. The lockdown is to be lifted on May 17.&nbsp;

Ziebat's case was unlike other stranded passengers, he has a criminal record in Germany with many cases of assault and other criminal activities. The German embassy has refused to take custody of Edgard Ziebat because he was at a foreign location. Due to his criminal record, India has denied Ziebart a visa.&nbsp;

Ziebart stayed in the terminal with his only luggage, according to airport authorities the German spent his time by reading newspaper talking to his friends and family over the phone, eating a few of the fast-food outlets that are still in operating within the terminal, interacting with housekeeping and security staff, taking walks within the transit area, and using the airport’s washrooms and toilets.&nbsp;

The airport staff provided Edgard Ziebat with recliner, mosquito net, toothpaste and food.&nbsp;

Edgard Ziebart, the German national who was stranded in Terminal three of the Indira Gandhi International airport for 55 days has finally made his way to Amsterdam.

Edgard Ziebart, the German national who was stranded in Terminal three of the Indira Gandhi International airport for 55 days has finally made his way to Amsterdam. Ziebart left for Amsterdam in a KLM relief flight. Also read: German national stranded at Indira Gandhi International airport for 54 days due to nationwide lockdown Before his departure, Ziebart was scanned for coronavirus infection and then he got on a flight around 3 am along with 291 passengers. Ziebart regarded Terminal 3 as his house and IGI airport as the place of his stay in India. The 40-year-old was on his way from Hanoi to Istanbul on March 18. On that day India cancelled all flights to and from Turkey due to surge in coronavirus pandemic. On March 22, India put a hold on all international flights to contain the virus, three days later on March 25, India imposed complete lockdown. The lockdown is to be lifted on May 17. Ziebat's case was unlike other stranded passengers, he has a criminal record in Germany with many cases of assault and other criminal activities. The German embassy has refused to take custody of Edgard Ziebat because he was at a foreign location. Due to his criminal record, India has denied Ziebart a visa. Ziebart stayed in the terminal with his only luggage, according to airport authorities the German spent his time by reading newspaper talking to his friends and family over the phone, eating a few of the fast-food outlets that are still in operating within the terminal, interacting with housekeeping and security staff, taking walks within the transit area, and using the airport’s washrooms and toilets. The airport staff provided Edgard Ziebat with recliner, mosquito net, toothpaste and food.

German national stranded at IGI airport for 55 days leaves for Amsterdam, regards T3 as his home

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today that the financial package announced by PM Modi during his televised address to the nation on Tuesday is meant to spur "growth and build a self-reliant India"&nbsp;as part of "Atmanirbhar Bharat"..&nbsp;

Five pillars of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" include - economy, infrastructure, system, demography and demand, India's finance minister said.

"Self reliant India does not mean cutting off from rest of the world," Sitharaman said&nbsp;while giving details of Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package.

"We shall not forget that we do have a responsibility towards the poor, needy, the migrant&nbsp;workers,&nbsp;and the aged," the finance minister added.

Major announcements:

-Rs 3 lakh crores collateral-free automatic loans for businesses, including SMEs.&nbsp;

-Borrowers with up Rs 25 crore outstanding and Rs 100 crore turnover are eligible.&nbsp;

-Collateral free automatic loans to MSMEs worth Rs 3 lakh crore. It will have a 4-year tenure&nbsp;valid up to October, 2020.

-Collateral free loan to be provided to SMEs with 12-month moratorium; 45 lakh units to benefit, the finance minister said while unveiling parts of the economic package.

-Rs 20,000 crore subordinate debt will be provided to&nbsp;stressed MSMEs, which is set to&nbsp;benefit 2 lakh businesses.

-Rs 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds&nbsp;to provide support to growth potential MSMEs.

-Sitharaman announced Rs 30,000 crore liquidity facility for NBFCs, housing finance companies and MFIs.

-Rs 45,000 crore liquidity to be infused in NBFCs through partial credit guarantee scheme.

For Taxpayers:

-Rs 18,000 cr refunds given to taxpayers; 14 lakh taxpayers benefit from the clearing of refund dues.

-The government also extended the due date for all income tax returns to November 30.

-Statutory PF contribution by employer reduced to 10 per cent from 12 per cent earlier to provide Rs 6,750 crore liquidity relief.

Businesses &amp; workers:&nbsp;

-To ease financial stress as businesses get back to work, the government has decided to continue EPF support for business &amp; workers for three more months providing a liquidity relief of Rs 2,500 crores.

-TDS, TCS rate for non-salaried payments for period up to March 31, 2021 cut by 25 per cent in order to release Rs 50,000 crore.

Infrastructure:&nbsp;

-With electricity distribution companies facing a serious crisis, the government announced emergency liquidity infusion of Rs 90,000 crore in discoms.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today that the financial package announced by PM Modi during his televised address to the nation on Tuesday is meant to spur "growth and build a self-reliant India" as part of "Atmanirbhar Bharat".

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today that the financial package announced by PM Modi during his televised address to the nation on Tuesday is meant to spur "growth and build a self-reliant India" as part of "Atmanirbhar Bharat".. Five pillars of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" include - economy, infrastructure, system, demography and demand, India's finance minister said. "Self reliant India does not mean cutting off from rest of the world," Sitharaman said while giving details of Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package. "We shall not forget that we do have a responsibility towards the poor, needy, the migrant workers, and the aged," the finance minister added. Major announcements: -Rs 3 lakh crores collateral-free automatic loans for businesses, including SMEs. -Borrowers with up Rs 25 crore outstanding and Rs 100 crore turnover are eligible. -Collateral free automatic loans to MSMEs worth Rs 3 lakh crore. It will have a 4-year tenure valid up to October, 2020. -Collateral free loan to be provided to SMEs with 12-month moratorium; 45 lakh units to benefit, the finance minister said while unveiling parts of the economic package. -Rs 20,000 crore subordinate debt will be provided to stressed MSMEs, which is set to benefit 2 lakh businesses. -Rs 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds to provide support to growth potential MSMEs. -Sitharaman announced Rs 30,000 crore liquidity facility for NBFCs, housing finance companies and MFIs. -Rs 45,000 crore liquidity to be infused in NBFCs through partial credit guarantee scheme. For Taxpayers: -Rs 18,000 cr refunds given to taxpayers; 14 lakh taxpayers benefit from the clearing of refund dues. -The government also extended the due date for all income tax returns to November 30. -Statutory PF contribution by employer reduced to 10 per cent from 12 per cent earlier to provide Rs 6,750 crore liquidity relief. Businesses & workers: -To ease financial stress as businesses get back to work, the government has decided to continue EPF support for business & workers for three more months providing a liquidity relief of Rs 2,500 crores. -TDS, TCS rate for non-salaried payments for period up to March 31, 2021 cut by 25 per cent in order to release Rs 50,000 crore. Infrastructure: -With electricity distribution companies facing a serious crisis, the government announced emergency liquidity infusion of Rs 90,000 crore in discoms.

Government's financial package: Big relief for MSMEs, Indian taxpayers

Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants.

The Congress remarks came even as the ruling BJP hailed the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's largest holistic package with Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the Modi government took decisions in the interest of the country.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was not just a financial package but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul and a thrust in governance.

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Sorry everybody for the typo: please read as Rs 20 lakh crore. <a href="https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl">https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1260225170976849922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The 21st century will be defined by India, Hon PM's message today has laid foundation stone for implementing this. AatmanirbharBharat is our Mantra for driving country towards this new change," BJP president Nadda tweeted.

"PM has declared the world's largest holistic relief package. The Modi govt has given financial packages of Rs 20 lakh crore to support every section of the society. It is around 10% of Indian GDP. Hon PM's proactive approach will build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," he added.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the heartbreaking human tragedy of migrants walking back home needed compassion and care.

"Dear PM, What you said today gives the country and the media a HEADLINE," he said on Twitter.

"When the 'blank page' is filled with 'Heartfelt help of people', the nation and Congress party will respond.

"India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity and failure to address the woes of millions of migrant workers," he said on Twitter.

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2/2 
Dear PM, 
 
The mammoth heart breaking human tragedy of migrant workers walking back home needed compassion, care &amp; safe return. 
 
India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity &amp; failure to address the woes of millions of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MigrantWorkers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MigrantWorkers</a> !
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1260237008514908161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His colleague, Manish Tewari, tweeted, "PMs speech can be summed up in one word - HEADLINE HUNTING. A NUMBER -20 LAKH CRORES. NO DETAILS."

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, however, welcomed the package.

"The financial package announced by PM Modiji was much awaited. Better late than never. We welcome this," he tweeted.

In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Modi announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. 
&nbsp;

Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants.

Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants. The Congress remarks came even as the ruling BJP hailed the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's largest holistic package with Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the Modi government took decisions in the interest of the country. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was not just a financial package but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul and a thrust in governance. Sorry everybody for the typo: please read as Rs 20 lakh crore. https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 12, 2020 × "The 21st century will be defined by India, Hon PM's message today has laid foundation stone for implementing this. AatmanirbharBharat is our Mantra for driving country towards this new change," BJP president Nadda tweeted. "PM has declared the world's largest holistic relief package. The Modi govt has given financial packages of Rs 20 lakh crore to support every section of the society. It is around 10% of Indian GDP. Hon PM's proactive approach will build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," he added. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the heartbreaking human tragedy of migrants walking back home needed compassion and care. "Dear PM, What you said today gives the country and the media a HEADLINE," he said on Twitter. "When the 'blank page' is filled with 'Heartfelt help of people', the nation and Congress party will respond. "India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity and failure to address the woes of millions of migrant workers," he said on Twitter. 2/2 Dear PM, The mammoth heart breaking human tragedy of migrant workers walking back home needed compassion, care & safe return. India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity & failure to address the woes of millions of #MigrantWorkers ! — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 12, 2020 × His colleague, Manish Tewari, tweeted, "PMs speech can be summed up in one word - HEADLINE HUNTING. A NUMBER -20 LAKH CRORES. NO DETAILS." Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, however, welcomed the package. "The financial package announced by PM Modiji was much awaited. Better late than never. We welcome this," he tweeted. In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Modi announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world.

BJP says PM's economic package will make India self-reliant, Congress dubs it mere headline

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-new-covid-19-vulnerability-index-to-identify-districts-most-at-risk-in-india-298440">lockdown</a> in India has been in place over over 50 days and going by the Prime Minister’s speech, it is expected to continue with fewer restrictions.&nbsp;

However, a recent survey among parents has found out that 92 per cent of them are unwilling to send their wards back to school immediately after reopening.&nbsp;

Over 12,000 parents spread across all major Indian metro cities took part in this survey by Parent Circle, that covered key aspects of a child’s life such as schooling, playing with other children, birthday parties, visits to malls, movies and restaurants, activity classes, public transport, vacation etc.&nbsp;

Majority of the respondents are parents whose wards are in the primary and secondary school level. The survey conducted by leading parenting platform Parent Circle revealed that 56 per cent of surveyed parents across India preferred to monitor the situation for a month after school reopens, before sending their kids back to school.&nbsp;

About 21 per cent of parents opted to not send their wards to school for the next six months while a few others expressed interest in exploring home-schooling.&nbsp;

Commenting on the survey, Nalina Ramalakshmi, Founder &amp; Managing Director of ParentCircle, said, “An overwhelming majority of parents are worried and unsure. They are anxious and not ready to take any chances. Parents need assurance that their children will be safe in school, group activities, and other public places. They would prefer their children to stay home and be safe, rather than take any risks by letting them venture out till the COVID-19 crisis blows over."&nbsp;

The apprehension among parents was evident in various other categories as well, with 64 per cent parents opting to not send their kids to birthday parties for the rest of the year. The same is said about malls and movies with 50 per cent parents saying that they would not consider it for the rest of 2020.&nbsp;

83 per cent respondents also stated that they were not planning to visit any restaurant for at least 3 months after the lockdown.&nbsp;

Even family vacations are being viewed with utmost caution, with 57 per cent respondents expressing that vacations in the near future are too risky.&nbsp;

“As a society, we need to continue with physical distancing practices, washing of hands and wearing masks for the foreseeable future to ensure the health and safety of everyone, including our children. The onus is on schools and other public places to ensure that safety measures and physical distancing policies are in place before they open up for activities” Nalina added.&nbsp;

Health experts are of the opinion that parents fear are natural, but one must allow normalcy to return by following specific strategies.&nbsp;

“It is perfectly normal for parents to say this. I don’t think any of us are ready to take a decision, without the clear idea of how the situation would evolve 3 months from now. Neither do we know when the lockdown would be lifted. It would be safe to assume that they might consider opening schools only post-August. It is true that the infection in children is very mild and one need not worry about them, but however, parents would be parents! The more worrisome aspect is of the children going and hugging their grandparents(resulting in a possible infection of the senior citizen)” Dr. Ramasubramanian, Infectious Disease Consultant of Apollo Hospitals and the Medical Director of Capstone Clinic told WION.

Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan says that it is time for evolving strategies like odd-even and also implementing different school timings for students of different classes.&nbsp;

“In kindergartens social distancing is impossible and in most of our schools, the class strength would be higher. They could de-populate the schools by having a hybrid of physical and online classes. We have to face this reality together, see beyond the fear and workout solutions”, he told WION.

The lockdown in India has been in place over over 50 days and going by the Prime Minister’s speech, it is expected to continue with fewer restrictions. However, a recent survey among parents has found out that 92 per cent of them are unwilling to send their wards back to school immediately after reopening.

The lockdown in India has been in place over over 50 days and going by the Prime Minister’s speech, it is expected to continue with fewer restrictions. However, a recent survey among parents has found out that 92 per cent of them are unwilling to send their wards back to school immediately after reopening. Over 12,000 parents spread across all major Indian metro cities took part in this survey by Parent Circle, that covered key aspects of a child’s life such as schooling, playing with other children, birthday parties, visits to malls, movies and restaurants, activity classes, public transport, vacation etc. Majority of the respondents are parents whose wards are in the primary and secondary school level. The survey conducted by leading parenting platform Parent Circle revealed that 56 per cent of surveyed parents across India preferred to monitor the situation for a month after school reopens, before sending their kids back to school. About 21 per cent of parents opted to not send their wards to school for the next six months while a few others expressed interest in exploring home-schooling. Commenting on the survey, Nalina Ramalakshmi, Founder & Managing Director of ParentCircle, said, “An overwhelming majority of parents are worried and unsure. They are anxious and not ready to take any chances. Parents need assurance that their children will be safe in school, group activities, and other public places. They would prefer their children to stay home and be safe, rather than take any risks by letting them venture out till the COVID-19 crisis blows over." The apprehension among parents was evident in various other categories as well, with 64 per cent parents opting to not send their kids to birthday parties for the rest of the year. The same is said about malls and movies with 50 per cent parents saying that they would not consider it for the rest of 2020. 83 per cent respondents also stated that they were not planning to visit any restaurant for at least 3 months after the lockdown. Even family vacations are being viewed with utmost caution, with 57 per cent respondents expressing that vacations in the near future are too risky. “As a society, we need to continue with physical distancing practices, washing of hands and wearing masks for the foreseeable future to ensure the health and safety of everyone, including our children. The onus is on schools and other public places to ensure that safety measures and physical distancing policies are in place before they open up for activities” Nalina added. Health experts are of the opinion that parents fear are natural, but one must allow normalcy to return by following specific strategies. “It is perfectly normal for parents to say this. I don’t think any of us are ready to take a decision, without the clear idea of how the situation would evolve 3 months from now. Neither do we know when the lockdown would be lifted. It would be safe to assume that they might consider opening schools only post-August. It is true that the infection in children is very mild and one need not worry about them, but however, parents would be parents! The more worrisome aspect is of the children going and hugging their grandparents(resulting in a possible infection of the senior citizen)” Dr. Ramasubramanian, Infectious Disease Consultant of Apollo Hospitals and the Medical Director of Capstone Clinic told WION. Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan says that it is time for evolving strategies like odd-even and also implementing different school timings for students of different classes. “In kindergartens social distancing is impossible and in most of our schools, the class strength would be higher. They could de-populate the schools by having a hybrid of physical and online classes. We have to face this reality together, see beyond the fear and workout solutions”, he told WION.

Parents in metros unwilling to send kids to school immediately after lockdown: Survey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package to tackle the impact of coronavirus and weeks of lockdown.

PM Modi's speech 5 major takeaways | India 20 Lakh Crore package | India News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday strongly pitched for "collective action" by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in dealing with the overwhelming threat of terrorism.

Jaishankar made the remarks at a video conference of foreign ministers of member countries of the SCO, a China-dominated influential bloc focusing on political and security-related issues.

It was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended by his counterparts from all SCO countries including China's Wang Yi and Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

The conference extensively deliberated on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, holding that the peace process must take into consideration the aspirations of the Afghan people and stakes of the neighbouring countries.

Jaishankar underlined that the security challenges the region faced are not linked by physical or political boundaries, and that terrorism continues to be the overwhelming threat to security and stability in the SCO region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

He said collective action would be required to deal with the challenge.

The conference deliberated on the coronavirus crisis and possible areas of coordination among the SCO member countries in dealing with trade, economic and social consequences of the pandemic.

"Jaishankar reaffirmed India's strong commitment to the joint fight against COVID-19 pandemic and its readiness to share information, expertise and best practices to the SCO member states," the MEA said in a statement.

The foreign ministers also discussed the preparations for the upcoming SCO summit in Saint Petersburg.

The External Affairs Minister also highlighted the initiatives and various decisive steps taken by India in the wake of the pandemic, including the announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore economic package to stimulate economic growth.

"He also indicated that India is committed to work towards creation of a favourable environment for mutually beneficial trade-economic cooperation among the SCO members," the MEA said.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry into it increased the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO in 2017.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday strongly pitched for "collective action" by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in dealing with the overwhelming threat of terrorism.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday strongly pitched for "collective action" by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in dealing with the overwhelming threat of terrorism. Jaishankar made the remarks at a video conference of foreign ministers of member countries of the SCO, a China-dominated influential bloc focusing on political and security-related issues. It was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended by his counterparts from all SCO countries including China's Wang Yi and Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The conference extensively deliberated on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, holding that the peace process must take into consideration the aspirations of the Afghan people and stakes of the neighbouring countries. Jaishankar underlined that the security challenges the region faced are not linked by physical or political boundaries, and that terrorism continues to be the overwhelming threat to security and stability in the SCO region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. He said collective action would be required to deal with the challenge. The conference deliberated on the coronavirus crisis and possible areas of coordination among the SCO member countries in dealing with trade, economic and social consequences of the pandemic. "Jaishankar reaffirmed India's strong commitment to the joint fight against COVID-19 pandemic and its readiness to share information, expertise and best practices to the SCO member states," the MEA said in a statement. The foreign ministers also discussed the preparations for the upcoming SCO summit in Saint Petersburg. The External Affairs Minister also highlighted the initiatives and various decisive steps taken by India in the wake of the pandemic, including the announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore economic package to stimulate economic growth. "He also indicated that India is committed to work towards creation of a favourable environment for mutually beneficial trade-economic cooperation among the SCO members," the MEA said. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry into it increased the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO in 2017. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Collective action needed to deal with terrorism: India at SCO

Rail Bhavan, which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways in Central Delhi, will be shut for the next two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.

The employee, working as a clerk in Railway Protection Force (RPF) Director General Arun Kumar's office on the fourth floor of Rail Bhavan, has been in quarantine since May 6.

According to an order issued on Wednesday, the building, which houses the Railway Board, will be shut on May 14 and 15 and intensive sanitisation of all the rooms and common areas will be done.

Rail Bhavan, which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways in Central Delhi, will be shut for the next two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.

Rail Bhavan, which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways in Central Delhi, will be shut for the next two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. The employee, working as a clerk in Railway Protection Force (RPF) Director General Arun Kumar's office on the fourth floor of Rail Bhavan, has been in quarantine since May 6. According to an order issued on Wednesday, the building, which houses the Railway Board, will be shut on May 14 and 15 and intensive sanitisation of all the rooms and common areas will be done.

Rail Bhavan shut for two days after staff tests positive for coronavirus

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today that the financial package announced by PM Modi during his televised address to the nation on Tuesday is meant to spur "growth and build a self-reliant India" as part of "Atmanirbhar Bharat". Five pillars of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" include - economy, infrastructure, system, demography and demand, India's finance minister said. "Self reliant India does not mean cutting off from rest of the world," Sitharaman said while giving details of Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package. "We shall not forget that we do have a responsibility towards the poor, needy, the migrant workers, and the aged," the finance minister added.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils economic relief package

Scientists have developed a COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify where in India people are more at risk of contracting the infection.

A recent study by Swasti, a not-for-profit public health organisation, to this end, showed most of the districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, and adjoining districts in Rajasthan and Maharashtra with high vulnerability scores.

High-vulnerability districts are those where COVID-19 is likely to spread rapidly, while also remaining undetected for longer periods. A high rate of risk can be due to various socio-economic factors -- low income or education levels, demographic factors, health and hygiene variables and environmental dimensions.

Moderate vulnerability is seen in northern districts of Karnataka, Eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Eastern districts of Tamil Nadu, showed the findings released on Wednesday.

While the districts of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and most districts of the north eastern states show relatively low vulnerability scores.

There are 15 indicators that affect the vulnerability of COVID 19 infection -- socio-economic factors like low income or education levels, demographic factors such as population density and urbanization, health and hygiene variables like anemia levels or practicing handwashing, and environmental dimensions including temperature and relative humidity.

According to the study by Swasti, these variables, taken together, could account for 74 per cent of the variation in vulnerability to infection.

The researchers hope that using this and similar analyses, it can be predicted where it is most critical to keep transmission rates low and focus on strengthening health system capacity.

Scientists have developed a COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify where in India people are more at risk of contracting the infection. A recent study by Swasti, a not-for-profit public health organisation, to this end, showed most of the districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, and adjoining districts in Rajasthan and Maharashtra with high vulnerability scores.

Scientists have developed a COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify where in India people are more at risk of contracting the infection. A recent study by Swasti, a not-for-profit public health organisation, to this end, showed most of the districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, and adjoining districts in Rajasthan and Maharashtra with high vulnerability scores. High-vulnerability districts are those where COVID-19 is likely to spread rapidly, while also remaining undetected for longer periods. A high rate of risk can be due to various socio-economic factors -- low income or education levels, demographic factors, health and hygiene variables and environmental dimensions. Moderate vulnerability is seen in northern districts of Karnataka, Eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Eastern districts of Tamil Nadu, showed the findings released on Wednesday. While the districts of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and most districts of the north eastern states show relatively low vulnerability scores. There are 15 indicators that affect the vulnerability of COVID 19 infection -- socio-economic factors like low income or education levels, demographic factors such as population density and urbanization, health and hygiene variables like anemia levels or practicing handwashing, and environmental dimensions including temperature and relative humidity. According to the study by Swasti, these variables, taken together, could account for 74 per cent of the variation in vulnerability to infection. The researchers hope that using this and similar analyses, it can be predicted where it is most critical to keep transmission rates low and focus on strengthening health system capacity.

A new COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify districts most at risk in India

The Central Industrial Security Force has reported 41 fresh coronavirus infection cases on Wednesday, with the maximum reported from its Kolkata-based GRSEL unit, a strategic warship building facility on the banks of Hooghly River in West Bengal.

A 55-year-old Assistant Sub Inspector rank official of the force posted in this defence PSU 'mini ratna' unit had succumbed to the disease on Monday.

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) CISF unit has 38 active COVID-19 cases now, with all but one being reported in the last 24 hours, official data said.

The GRSEL, under the administrative control of the Defence Ministry, was entrusted with building four Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes (ASWCs) for the Navy, all of which have been delivered.

It is a strategically important and sprawling warship building facility on the banks of the Hooghly River in the capital city of West

Bengal that caters to the combat vessel requirements of not only the Navy, but also the Coast Guard.

GRSE has both wet and dry docks for ship building and trial purposes which open on the river front.

Over 400 armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed here in 2016 for providing anti-terror cover to the facility backed by vehicle-borne quick reaction teams.

A Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police, before this deployment of the central force in 2015, had busted a suspected ISI module in the city and arrested few people, including a temporary GRSEL employee, after pictures of the facility and vessels being constructed there were recovered from their possession.

The deceased CISF official was under treatment at a Kolkata hospital since he tested positive for the disease on May 5.

This was the third death from the pandemic in the force with the other two in a unit that guards the Indian Museum in Kolkata and the one that protects the Mumbai international airport.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have witnessed six deaths in all, the maximum being in CISF, while two in the Border Security Force (BSF) and one in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The rest of the four fresh cases in the CISF on Wednesday have been reported from the Delhi Metro security unit of the force. The active cases in this unit are 28 now.

Overall, with the addition of 41 fresh cases, the total number of active cases in the about 1.62 lakh personnel strong force stands at 109 now.

The contingent guarding the Mumbai international airport has 28 active cases followed by five in the Ahmedabad airport security unit and three from the Indira Gandhi International Airport protection unit, the data said.

The force is primarily deputed to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain apart from other defence and security institutions.

The CAPFs-- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB-- have about 827 active cases of the disease as per the latest data accessed by PTI.

Meanwhile, the BSF reported 13 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with 11 from its units deployed in Delhi for rendering law and order duties with the local police.

The Pakistan and Bangladesh guarding 2.5 lakh personnel strong force has the maximum of 301 active infection cases of the pandemic among the CAPFs.

The CRPF also reported three more cases on Wednesday taking its tally of active cases to 242. Few personnel of the country's largest CAPF, with 3.25 lakh personnel, have also recovered.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which is responsible for manning the Line of Actual Control with China, reported no fresh cases and its active coronavirus cases stand at 158.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has at least 20 active cases of the disease and one personnel has recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

The Central Industrial Security Force has reported 41 fresh coronavirus infection cases on Wednesday, with the maximum reported from its Kolkata-based GRSEL unit, a strategic warship building facility on the banks of Hooghly River in West Bengal.

The Central Industrial Security Force has reported 41 fresh coronavirus infection cases on Wednesday, with the maximum reported from its Kolkata-based GRSEL unit, a strategic warship building facility on the banks of Hooghly River in West Bengal. A 55-year-old Assistant Sub Inspector rank official of the force posted in this defence PSU 'mini ratna' unit had succumbed to the disease on Monday. The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) CISF unit has 38 active COVID-19 cases now, with all but one being reported in the last 24 hours, official data said. The GRSEL, under the administrative control of the Defence Ministry, was entrusted with building four Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes (ASWCs) for the Navy, all of which have been delivered. It is a strategically important and sprawling warship building facility on the banks of the Hooghly River in the capital city of West Bengal that caters to the combat vessel requirements of not only the Navy, but also the Coast Guard. GRSE has both wet and dry docks for ship building and trial purposes which open on the river front. Over 400 armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed here in 2016 for providing anti-terror cover to the facility backed by vehicle-borne quick reaction teams. A Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police, before this deployment of the central force in 2015, had busted a suspected ISI module in the city and arrested few people, including a temporary GRSEL employee, after pictures of the facility and vessels being constructed there were recovered from their possession. The deceased CISF official was under treatment at a Kolkata hospital since he tested positive for the disease on May 5. This was the third death from the pandemic in the force with the other two in a unit that guards the Indian Museum in Kolkata and the one that protects the Mumbai international airport. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have witnessed six deaths in all, the maximum being in CISF, while two in the Border Security Force (BSF) and one in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The rest of the four fresh cases in the CISF on Wednesday have been reported from the Delhi Metro security unit of the force. The active cases in this unit are 28 now. Overall, with the addition of 41 fresh cases, the total number of active cases in the about 1.62 lakh personnel strong force stands at 109 now. The contingent guarding the Mumbai international airport has 28 active cases followed by five in the Ahmedabad airport security unit and three from the Indira Gandhi International Airport protection unit, the data said. The force is primarily deputed to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain apart from other defence and security institutions. The CAPFs-- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB-- have about 827 active cases of the disease as per the latest data accessed by PTI. Meanwhile, the BSF reported 13 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with 11 from its units deployed in Delhi for rendering law and order duties with the local police. The Pakistan and Bangladesh guarding 2.5 lakh personnel strong force has the maximum of 301 active infection cases of the pandemic among the CAPFs. The CRPF also reported three more cases on Wednesday taking its tally of active cases to 242. Few personnel of the country's largest CAPF, with 3.25 lakh personnel, have also recovered. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which is responsible for manning the Line of Actual Control with China, reported no fresh cases and its active coronavirus cases stand at 158. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has at least 20 active cases of the disease and one personnel has recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

CISF unit guarding Kolkata-based warship building facility registers maximum 38 COVID-19 cases

Civil aviation minister said today that phase-2 of "Vande Bharat" will take place from May 16-22 with flights being sent to various <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-new-development-bank-provides-usd-1-billion-loan-to-india-to-fight-covid-19-298357">countries</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/50-per-cent-of-surveyed-households-in-rural-india-eating-less-due-to-covid-19-lockdown-298389">Also Read:&nbsp;50% of surveyed households in rural India eating less due to COVID-19 lockdown</a>

Indian flights will be going to Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand and Ukraine.

"In first phase of Vande Bharat, we were to bring back 1,4800 Indians on 64 flights. 8,500 Indians have already returned," the minister said, adding,"in phase-2 numbers being doubled. 30,000 more Indians will return from 31 countries on 149 flights."

According to the ministry, in phase 2 of "Vande Bharat" Mission, Indians will be flying back from the US on seven flights starting May 19.

In Delhi, passengers boarded the special train to Bilaspur in Raipur as authorities continued to send migrants home across the country even as a Railway official said special Shramik trains will now run from Old Delhi Railway Station with three trains set to leave for Bihar's Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Barauni.

A special train carrying passengers from West Bengal reached Delhi today as services continued to run to ensure people got back to their respective states.

In Bhubaneswar, special train carrying 545 passengers started its journey for Delhi today on the second day of resumption of services

(With ANI inputs)

Civil aviation minister said today that phase-2 of "Vande Bharat" will take place from May 16-22 with flights being sent to various countries. Also Read: 50% of surveyed households in rural India eating less due to COVID-19 lockdown Indian flights will be going to Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand and Ukraine.

Civil aviation minister said today that phase-2 of "Vande Bharat" will take place from May 16-22 with flights being sent to various countries. Also Read: 50% of surveyed households in rural India eating less due to COVID-19 lockdown Indian flights will be going to Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand and Ukraine. "In first phase of Vande Bharat, we were to bring back 1,4800 Indians on 64 flights. 8,500 Indians have already returned," the minister said, adding,"in phase-2 numbers being doubled. 30,000 more Indians will return from 31 countries on 149 flights." According to the ministry, in phase 2 of "Vande Bharat" Mission, Indians will be flying back from the US on seven flights starting May 19. In Delhi, passengers boarded the special train to Bilaspur in Raipur as authorities continued to send migrants home across the country even as a Railway official said special Shramik trains will now run from Old Delhi Railway Station with three trains set to leave for Bihar's Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Barauni. A special train carrying passengers from West Bengal reached Delhi today as services continued to run to ensure people got back to their respective states. In Bhubaneswar, special train carrying 545 passengers started its journey for Delhi today on the second day of resumption of services (With ANI inputs)

Vande Bharat: Indians to fly back home from US on May 19

An Indian-origin woman doctor has died in the north-east of England after a long battle with the novel coronavirus.

Dr Poornima Nair, a 55-year-old Keralite from Delhi, worked at the Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland in County Durham of England. She died at the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital at Stockton-on-Tees after a long battle with COVID-19.

Nair is believed to be the tenth General Practitioner (GP) to die on the frontlines of the UK's medical community fighting the coronavirus. The highly contagious infection has claimed the lives of over 32,000 people in the country.

Nair passed away after a prolonged COVID-19 illness, which she fought with her great strength of character, a note from the medical centre said.

Tributes have been pouring in for the doctor on social media from friends, colleagues and others known to the general practitioner (GP).

She had been on ventilator support for a few days before she succumbed to the disease this week.

One of Nair's many patients thanked her for saving her mother's life. She wrote: "Rest in Peace Dr Nair. Absolutely outstanding doctor. Saved my mum's life 10 years ago without doubt, after undiagnosed life-threatening illness.

(with inputs from PTI)

An Indian-origin woman doctor has died in the north-east of England after a long battle with the novel coronavirus. Dr Poornima Nair, a 55-year-old Keralite from Delhi, worked at the Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland in County Durham of England.

An Indian-origin woman doctor has died in the north-east of England after a long battle with the novel coronavirus. Dr Poornima Nair, a 55-year-old Keralite from Delhi, worked at the Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland in County Durham of England. She died at the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital at Stockton-on-Tees after a long battle with COVID-19. Nair is believed to be the tenth General Practitioner (GP) to die on the frontlines of the UK's medical community fighting the coronavirus. The highly contagious infection has claimed the lives of over 32,000 people in the country. Nair passed away after a prolonged COVID-19 illness, which she fought with her great strength of character, a note from the medical centre said. Tributes have been pouring in for the doctor on social media from friends, colleagues and others known to the general practitioner (GP). She had been on ventilator support for a few days before she succumbed to the disease this week. One of Nair's many patients thanked her for saving her mother's life. She wrote: "Rest in Peace Dr Nair. Absolutely outstanding doctor. Saved my mum's life 10 years ago without doubt, after undiagnosed life-threatening illness. (with inputs from PTI)

Indian-origin doctor dies in UK after long battle with coronavirus

After the United States, India has made the second-highest requests to Facebook for user data. These requests were made between July and December in 2019 as per Facebook's transparency report.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-agrees-to-pay-52-million-settlement-for-trauma-to-content-reviewers-298323">Facebook agrees to pay $52 million settlement for trauma to content reviewers</a>

According to the report, India made 26,698 requests for the data of 39,664 users and accounts. Out of them, Facebook complied with 57 per cent of these requests. These requests by the government have been on an all-time high ever since their 3,245 requests during the first six months of 2013.&nbsp;

According to Facebook, it responds to government requests for the data according to their laws and terms of service. Every request goes through a rigorous review to check its legal sufficiency. The company could reject it or require more detail on the requests that appear vague.

Out of the total requests made by the Indian government (26,698), seven per cent were emergency-related where the law enforcement could submit requests without legal proceedings.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Facebook reportedly agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who were required to view contents of the social media giant which caused them mental trauma,&nbsp;news agency AFP reported quoting plaintiff lawyers.&nbsp;

The class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 claimed that the content reviewers were subject to psychological trauma from repeated exposure to graphic content such as child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruelty, rape and murder.

After the United States, India has made the second-highest requests to Facebook for user data. These requests were made between July and December in 2019 as per Facebook's transparency report.

After the United States, India has made the second-highest requests to Facebook for user data. These requests were made between July and December in 2019 as per Facebook's transparency report. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $52 million settlement for trauma to content reviewers According to the report, India made 26,698 requests for the data of 39,664 users and accounts. Out of them, Facebook complied with 57 per cent of these requests. These requests by the government have been on an all-time high ever since their 3,245 requests during the first six months of 2013. According to Facebook, it responds to government requests for the data according to their laws and terms of service. Every request goes through a rigorous review to check its legal sufficiency. The company could reject it or require more detail on the requests that appear vague. Out of the total requests made by the Indian government (26,698), seven per cent were emergency-related where the law enforcement could submit requests without legal proceedings. Earlier, Facebook reportedly agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who were required to view contents of the social media giant which caused them mental trauma, news agency AFP reported quoting plaintiff lawyers. The class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 claimed that the content reviewers were subject to psychological trauma from repeated exposure to graphic content such as child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruelty, rape and murder.

India makes second-most user data requests to Facebook: reports

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12 addressed the nation and highlighted the importance of local products and local manufacturing for a self-reliant India, Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed people to use products made in India and ordered all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens to sell only indigenous products.

"I also appeal to the people of the country to make maximum use of the products made in the country and encourage others to do the same. If every Indian pledges to use products made in India (Swadeshi), the democracy of the country can become self-sufficient in five years," Shah said on Twitter.

"Yesterday, PM Modi had appealed to encourage local products &amp; make India self-reliant. In this direction Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that only indigenous products will be sold at all CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) canteens from June 1 2020," said Home Minister Amit Shah.

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इसी दिशा में आज गृह मंत्रालय ने यह निर्णय लिया है कि सभी केंद्रीय सशस्त्र पुलिस बलों (CAPF) की कैंटीनों पर अब सिर्फ स्वदेशी उत्पादों की ही बिक्री होगी। 01 जून 2020 से देशभर की सभी CAPF कैंटीनों पर यह लागू होगा। इससे लगभग 10 लाख CAPF कर्मियों के 50 लाख परिजन स्वदेशी उपयोग करेंगे।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1260472526632882178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Referring to Modi's appeal Home Minister Amit Shah said this will surely pave the way for India to lead the world in future.

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कल माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी ने देश को आत्मनिर्भर बनाने और लोकल प्रोडक्ट्स (भारत में बने उत्पाद) उपयोग करने की एक अपील की जो निश्चित रूप से आने वाले समय में भारत को विश्व का नेतृत्व करने का मार्ग प्रशस्त करेगी। <a href="https://t.co/KlYD9Z7UVt">pic.twitter.com/KlYD9Z7UVt</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1260472519347310595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Shah said that the decision was in line with PM Modi's call for making India self-reliant and promoting local products.

He also appealed to the people "to make maximum use of the indigenous products and encourage others to do the same."

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12 addressed the nation and highlighted the importance of local products and local manufacturing for a self-reliant India, Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed people to use products made in India and ordered all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens to sell only indigenous products.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12 addressed the nation and highlighted the importance of local products and local manufacturing for a self-reliant India, Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed people to use products made in India and ordered all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens to sell only indigenous products. "I also appeal to the people of the country to make maximum use of the products made in the country and encourage others to do the same. If every Indian pledges to use products made in India (Swadeshi), the democracy of the country can become self-sufficient in five years," Shah said on Twitter. "Yesterday, PM Modi had appealed to encourage local products & make India self-reliant. In this direction Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that only indigenous products will be sold at all CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) canteens from June 1 2020," said Home Minister Amit Shah. इसी दिशा में आज गृह मंत्रालय ने यह निर्णय लिया है कि सभी केंद्रीय सशस्त्र पुलिस बलों (CAPF) की कैंटीनों पर अब सिर्फ स्वदेशी उत्पादों की ही बिक्री होगी। 01 जून 2020 से देशभर की सभी CAPF कैंटीनों पर यह लागू होगा। इससे लगभग 10 लाख CAPF कर्मियों के 50 लाख परिजन स्वदेशी उपयोग करेंगे। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 13, 2020 × Referring to Modi's appeal Home Minister Amit Shah said this will surely pave the way for India to lead the world in future. कल माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने देश को आत्मनिर्भर बनाने और लोकल प्रोडक्ट्स (भारत में बने उत्पाद) उपयोग करने की एक अपील की जो निश्चित रूप से आने वाले समय में भारत को विश्व का नेतृत्व करने का मार्ग प्रशस्त करेगी। pic.twitter.com/KlYD9Z7UVt — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 13, 2020 × Shah said that the decision was in line with PM Modi's call for making India self-reliant and promoting local products. He also appealed to the people "to make maximum use of the indigenous products and encourage others to do the same."

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens to sell only indigenous products from June 1

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from June 1 to 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel.

In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for opting local products and being self-reliant.

The Home Minister also appealed to the people of the country to make maximum use of the products made in the country and encourage others to do the same.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens will now sell only indigenous products. This will be applicable to all CAPF canteens across the country from 1 June 2020. With this, 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh CAPF personnel will use indigenous products," he said.

The CAPFs -- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles -- canteens together sell products worth about Rs 2,800 crore annually.

Referring to Modi's appeal on Tuesday, during his address to the nation, to make the country self-reliant and use products made in India, Shah said this will surely pave the way for India to lead the world in future.

"If every Indian pledges to use products made in India (Swadeshi), the country can become self-sufficient in five years," he said.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from June 1 to 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from June 1 to 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel. In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for opting local products and being self-reliant. The Home Minister also appealed to the people of the country to make maximum use of the products made in the country and encourage others to do the same. "The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens will now sell only indigenous products. This will be applicable to all CAPF canteens across the country from 1 June 2020. With this, 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh CAPF personnel will use indigenous products," he said. The CAPFs -- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles -- canteens together sell products worth about Rs 2,800 crore annually. Referring to Modi's appeal on Tuesday, during his address to the nation, to make the country self-reliant and use products made in India, Shah said this will surely pave the way for India to lead the world in future. "If every Indian pledges to use products made in India (Swadeshi), the country can become self-sufficient in five years," he said.

CAPFs canteens to sell only indigenous products from June 1: Amit Shah

The foreign ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will meet on Wednesday via video conference starting 1:30 pm onwards in which India will be represented by external affairs ministers S Jaishankar

MEA S Jaishankar To Participate In SCO Foreign Ministers' Meet Virtually On COVID-19

Half of over 5,000 households surveyed in rural areas of 12 states have been eating fewer meals during the coronavirus lockdown, a PTI report said quoting a survey.

The study, 'COVID-19 induced Lockdown-How is Hinterland Coping', was conducted in 47 districts.

While 50 per cent of households in rural India have reduced the number of meals ever since the lockdown was imposed as part of immediate adjustment for food security, about 68 per cent of the households reduced the number of items in their meals.

The findings of the study were released in a webinar on Wednesday.

The study found that households have depended on kharif stock more than rabi, but that stock is now depleting fast.

"Households are coping with the shock by eating less food and fewer times and with large dependence on PDS Need for increased food support through PDS and promotion for food crop cultivation in kharif," the study said.

It further said that a large chunk of migrants are yet to return to rural India.

"Lockdown and rumours have indeed adversely affected income - dairy and poultry. The coping mechanisms mostly clustered around change in food habits and reduction in expenditures," the study said.

The states where the survey was conducted were Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

The survey was carried out by civil society organisations PRADAN, Action for Social Advancement, BAIF, Transform Rural India Foundation, Grameen Sahara, SAATHI-UP and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme with research support of Vikas Anvesh Foundation and Sambodhi.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Half of over 5,000 households surveyed in rural areas of 12 states have been eating fewer meals during the coronavirus lockdown, a PTI report said quoting a survey.

Half of over 5,000 households surveyed in rural areas of 12 states have been eating fewer meals during the coronavirus lockdown, a PTI report said quoting a survey. The study, 'COVID-19 induced Lockdown-How is Hinterland Coping', was conducted in 47 districts. While 50 per cent of households in rural India have reduced the number of meals ever since the lockdown was imposed as part of immediate adjustment for food security, about 68 per cent of the households reduced the number of items in their meals. The findings of the study were released in a webinar on Wednesday. The study found that households have depended on kharif stock more than rabi, but that stock is now depleting fast. "Households are coping with the shock by eating less food and fewer times and with large dependence on PDS Need for increased food support through PDS and promotion for food crop cultivation in kharif," the study said. It further said that a large chunk of migrants are yet to return to rural India. "Lockdown and rumours have indeed adversely affected income - dairy and poultry. The coping mechanisms mostly clustered around change in food habits and reduction in expenditures," the study said. The states where the survey was conducted were Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The survey was carried out by civil society organisations PRADAN, Action for Social Advancement, BAIF, Transform Rural India Foundation, Grameen Sahara, SAATHI-UP and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme with research support of Vikas Anvesh Foundation and Sambodhi. (With inputs from PTI)

50 per cent of surveyed households in rural India eating less due to COVID-19 lockdown

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-rs-20-lakh-crore-economic-package-lockdown-40-guidelines-to-be-out-soon-298288">Rs 20 lakh crore ($266 billion) support package </a>for India's economy on Tuesday to help mitigate the damage caused by the coronavirus.

The stimulus value in dollar terms is almost equivalent to Pakistan's annual GDP of $284 billion. It is higher than the GDP of 149 countries including Vietnam, Portugal, Greece, New Zealand and Romania.

The package is worth double the enterprise value of India's most valued company, Reliance Industries. The stimulus amount is five times the personal wealth of Mukesh Ambani.

India's economic package is twice the wealth of 10 top billionaires. as per Bloomberg billionaire's index, the 10 top wealthiest Indians own wealth of $147 billion. The stimulus announced is 1.8 times bigger than that.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-highlights-of-pm-modis-address-to-nation-298296">Also read: Key highlights of PM Modi's address to the nation&nbsp;</a>

The stimulus is also equal to market capital of JP Morgan and Mastercard, the two finance sector giants. It also surpasses the market cap of other global companies such as Intel, Verizon, Coca-Cola and Pfizer.

It is also around 20 per cent of the market value of all the stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. BSE's total market cap is at around Rs 121 lakh crore.

Apart from the RBI assistance, the government had last month announced Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 20 lakh crore ($266 billion) support package for India's economy on Tuesday to help mitigate the damage caused by the coronavirus.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 20 lakh crore ($266 billion) support package for India's economy on Tuesday to help mitigate the damage caused by the coronavirus. The stimulus value in dollar terms is almost equivalent to Pakistan's annual GDP of $284 billion. It is higher than the GDP of 149 countries including Vietnam, Portugal, Greece, New Zealand and Romania. The package is worth double the enterprise value of India's most valued company, Reliance Industries. The stimulus amount is five times the personal wealth of Mukesh Ambani. India's economic package is twice the wealth of 10 top billionaires. as per Bloomberg billionaire's index, the 10 top wealthiest Indians own wealth of $147 billion. The stimulus announced is 1.8 times bigger than that. Also read: Key highlights of PM Modi's address to the nation The stimulus is also equal to market capital of JP Morgan and Mastercard, the two finance sector giants. It also surpasses the market cap of other global companies such as Intel, Verizon, Coca-Cola and Pfizer. It is also around 20 per cent of the market value of all the stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. BSE's total market cap is at around Rs 121 lakh crore. Apart from the RBI assistance, the government had last month announced Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Narendra Modi's stimulus package almost equal to Pakistan's annual GDP

Delhi recorded 20 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll in the national capital to 106, news agency PTI reported quoting city government authorities.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Wednesday mounted to 7,998 with 359 new cases, the report added.

In a bulletin issued on Wednesday, the Delhi health department said, the 20 deaths reported took place in April and May as per case sheets received from hospitals, and audited by the COVID-19 death committee.

However, it also carried a footnote that certain figures mentioned in it, were subject to change on receipt of additional information.

On Tuesday, the total number of cases stood at 7,639 with 86 deaths.&nbsp;

With 20 more fatalities, the death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi has risen to 106.

Of the total number of deceased patients, 58 were aged 60 and above, accounting for over 54 per cent of the fatalities here.&nbsp;

Delhi recorded 20 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll in the national capital to 106, news agency PTI reported quoting city government authorities.

Delhi recorded 20 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll in the national capital to 106, news agency PTI reported quoting city government authorities. The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Wednesday mounted to 7,998 with 359 new cases, the report added. In a bulletin issued on Wednesday, the Delhi health department said, the 20 deaths reported took place in April and May as per case sheets received from hospitals, and audited by the COVID-19 death committee. However, it also carried a footnote that certain figures mentioned in it, were subject to change on receipt of additional information. On Tuesday, the total number of cases stood at 7,639 with 86 deaths. With 20 more fatalities, the death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi has risen to 106. Of the total number of deceased patients, 58 were aged 60 and above, accounting for over 54 per cent of the fatalities here.

20 new coronavirus deaths reported in Delhi; toll crosses 100

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