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India has recorded the highest surge in COVID-19 cases in single day. The death toll due to Coronavirus has been surged over 2,206.

India records highest surge in COVID-19 cases in single day, death toll surges over 2,206

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting her to release Rs 7,434 crore grants, recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, within this quarter of the current fiscal amid declining state revenue due to coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

He requested her to release Rs 5, 018 crores for panchayat raj institutions and Rs 2,416 crore for urban local bodies for the financial year 2020-21, as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission, according to news agency PTI.

If the amount is released in the first quarter of the fiscal, it will be helpful for the government to implement piped drinking water project and drainage scheme, the state finance minister wrote in the letter.

The deputy chief minister also urged the Centre to extend funds for payment of salaries of the university teachers and the central share of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

An amount of Rs 2,499 crore under the SSA programme will be spent to pay salaries of contractual teachers in the first quarter.

Besides, around Rs 999 crore will be used towards salary payment to university teachers in this April-June quarter, the state finance minister said.

He said an amount of Rs 767 crore has already been paid to universities for salary payment, as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.

According to the guidelines laid down by the UGC, 50 per cent of it has to be borne by the central government, he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting her to release Rs 7,434 crore grants, recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, within this quarter of the current fiscal amid declining state revenue due to coronavirus lockdown.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting her to release Rs 7,434 crore grants, recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, within this quarter of the current fiscal amid declining state revenue due to coronavirus lockdown. He requested her to release Rs 5, 018 crores for panchayat raj institutions and Rs 2,416 crore for urban local bodies for the financial year 2020-21, as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission, according to news agency PTI. If the amount is released in the first quarter of the fiscal, it will be helpful for the government to implement piped drinking water project and drainage scheme, the state finance minister wrote in the letter. The deputy chief minister also urged the Centre to extend funds for payment of salaries of the university teachers and the central share of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. An amount of Rs 2,499 crore under the SSA programme will be spent to pay salaries of contractual teachers in the first quarter. Besides, around Rs 999 crore will be used towards salary payment to university teachers in this April-June quarter, the state finance minister said. He said an amount of Rs 767 crore has already been paid to universities for salary payment, as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. According to the guidelines laid down by the UGC, 50 per cent of it has to be borne by the central government, he added. (With inputs from PTI)

Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi writes to Sitharaman seeking grants for Bihar

The Indian mission in Uzbekistan on Sunday was able to send back 21 stranded Indians and interestingly the same flight went back carrying stranded Uzbek nationals and HCQ Medicine to the country. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tashkent, India's envoy to Uzbekistan Santosh Jha said no case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community and mission before the pan Indian lockdown was announced sent back more than 100 Indian nationals stranded in the country. Uzbekistan has reported around 2300 COVID cases and 10 deaths with fast recoveries.&nbsp;

WION: How is the mission preparing for the mega repatriation plan that is due to start.&nbsp; 
 
Santosh Jha: On Sunday, 21 Indian nationals were brought to India by Uzbek Airways flight. This was a special flight organised by govt of Uzbekistan aimed at bringing a large number of Uzbek nationals stranded in India. So we used this opportunity to go out to the Indian community and seek out those who are interested in travelling to India. Unfortunately only 21 were ready in the short notice given out to them and they were able to make it. Earlier on March 21, well before the restriction, we have put more recently we had 122 stranded Indian tourists sent to India by similar Uzbekistan airways special aircraft. So we have been able to repatriate a large number of Indians. Many Indians live on a permanent basis mostly workers, 1500. We 300 professional businessmen residing in Uzbekistan. We have been in regular touch with all of them. I have been holding video conferences with those who are far off, including those who are in Tashkent, with the various leaders who have created a network by which we regularly exchange situation reports. We are reaching out to them via social media, we have 24*7 emergency telephone lines for emergencies. We haven't had any COVID cases here among the Indians. We did have 34 odd people who were put in quarantine on India on arrival from India and other parts of the world in the early phase of the COVID crisis but they have all been now been taken out of the Quartinine and are healthy. We are very much in control, the Indian community very very cooperative and very very responsive.&nbsp;

WION: How are you reaching out to Indians stranded...and any COVID positive Indians, if yes how mission and local authorities are reaching out to them 
 
Santosh Jha: I the first phase, we had a problem, because Uzbekistan gets a large number of Indian tourist. So people have come here for tourism and suddenly these flights were cancelled and no regular way of returning to India and that is when we got in touch and we found 122 such people and were able to put them on Uzbekistan airways flight. This was just one day before India put in place complete lockdown on all incoming passengers from outside. We were able to act timely and among those 122 passengers, there were 38 whom we provided accommodation and brought their tickets because they had exhausted all the money in the 7-8 days extra they had to stay. Since then we don't have people in that category. Most of the people have been able to fend for themselves and we have been in touch with them. One odd case, we had to provide accommodation for a while, the person has gone. we have one case of a medical emergency, the person was on Sunday's flight. The situation is more in control, as I said, most Indians who live here have permanent residences, they have establishments, they are earning money, living here either as professionals in factories or are businessmen. Some of these businessmen are in the pharma sector and they are contributing to COVID fight by supplying medicines and medical equipment to govt of Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Uzbekistan cooperating on COVID pandemic? EAM spoke to Uzbek FM 
 
Santosh Jha: EAM spoke to Uzbek FM on Friday, before that a week ago deputy PM of Uzbekistan spoke to commerce and industry minister and they conversed how our respective approaches are going on in the fight against COVID and how we can cooperate in this fight. Incidentally, Uzbekistan flight which repatriated Indians will be bringing in medicines from India, which will be supplied to Govt of Uzbekistan--HCQ tablets. Uzbekistan govt had requested for--and I will be handing over to govt of Uzbekistan later tonight. We remain in touch and we have string cooperation, and cooperation has grown very very rapidly in the last year.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Uzbekistan changed? 
 
Santosh Jha: Uzbekistan has more or less followed the pattern that we see in India, the lockdown has been very similar, around the same time, it happened in India, and the response in term of how the numbers have come down has been very remarkable. A total number of people infected is around 2300 but what is remarkable has been recover rate which has been very high, almost 3rd of people who have been infected have recovered and infection rates have come down what is a most remarkable sight in this part of the world is that the number of deaths has been remarkably low. Out of 2300 people, about 10 deaths have been reported. If you follow some of our tweets, we also had a pet belonging to a family, who was sent back to India today and has been subjecting of some tweets by Indian customs.

WION: How have been Indian diplomats faring? 
 
Santosh Jha: We are on the frontlines, we will certainly want to remain safe but we can't be aloof. We remain in touch with the Indian community.

The Indian mission in Uzbekistan on Sunday was able to send back 21 stranded Indians and interestingly the same flight went back carrying stranded Uzbek nationals and HCQ Medicine to the country.

The Indian mission in Uzbekistan on Sunday was able to send back 21 stranded Indians and interestingly the same flight went back carrying stranded Uzbek nationals and HCQ Medicine to the country. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tashkent, India's envoy to Uzbekistan Santosh Jha said no case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community and mission before the pan Indian lockdown was announced sent back more than 100 Indian nationals stranded in the country. Uzbekistan has reported around 2300 COVID cases and 10 deaths with fast recoveries. WION: How is the mission preparing for the mega repatriation plan that is due to start. Santosh Jha: On Sunday, 21 Indian nationals were brought to India by Uzbek Airways flight. This was a special flight organised by govt of Uzbekistan aimed at bringing a large number of Uzbek nationals stranded in India. So we used this opportunity to go out to the Indian community and seek out those who are interested in travelling to India. Unfortunately only 21 were ready in the short notice given out to them and they were able to make it. Earlier on March 21, well before the restriction, we have put more recently we had 122 stranded Indian tourists sent to India by similar Uzbekistan airways special aircraft. So we have been able to repatriate a large number of Indians. Many Indians live on a permanent basis mostly workers, 1500. We 300 professional businessmen residing in Uzbekistan. We have been in regular touch with all of them. I have been holding video conferences with those who are far off, including those who are in Tashkent, with the various leaders who have created a network by which we regularly exchange situation reports. We are reaching out to them via social media, we have 24*7 emergency telephone lines for emergencies. We haven't had any COVID cases here among the Indians. We did have 34 odd people who were put in quarantine on India on arrival from India and other parts of the world in the early phase of the COVID crisis but they have all been now been taken out of the Quartinine and are healthy. We are very much in control, the Indian community very very cooperative and very very responsive. WION: How are you reaching out to Indians stranded...and any COVID positive Indians, if yes how mission and local authorities are reaching out to them Santosh Jha: I the first phase, we had a problem, because Uzbekistan gets a large number of Indian tourist. So people have come here for tourism and suddenly these flights were cancelled and no regular way of returning to India and that is when we got in touch and we found 122 such people and were able to put them on Uzbekistan airways flight. This was just one day before India put in place complete lockdown on all incoming passengers from outside. We were able to act timely and among those 122 passengers, there were 38 whom we provided accommodation and brought their tickets because they had exhausted all the money in the 7-8 days extra they had to stay. Since then we don't have people in that category. Most of the people have been able to fend for themselves and we have been in touch with them. One odd case, we had to provide accommodation for a while, the person has gone. we have one case of a medical emergency, the person was on Sunday's flight. The situation is more in control, as I said, most Indians who live here have permanent residences, they have establishments, they are earning money, living here either as professionals in factories or are businessmen. Some of these businessmen are in the pharma sector and they are contributing to COVID fight by supplying medicines and medical equipment to govt of Uzbekistan. WION: How are India and Uzbekistan cooperating on COVID pandemic? EAM spoke to Uzbek FM Santosh Jha: EAM spoke to Uzbek FM on Friday, before that a week ago deputy PM of Uzbekistan spoke to commerce and industry minister and they conversed how our respective approaches are going on in the fight against COVID and how we can cooperate in this fight. Incidentally, Uzbekistan flight which repatriated Indians will be bringing in medicines from India, which will be supplied to Govt of Uzbekistan--HCQ tablets. Uzbekistan govt had requested for--and I will be handing over to govt of Uzbekistan later tonight. We remain in touch and we have string cooperation, and cooperation has grown very very rapidly in the last year. WION: How has the ground situation in Uzbekistan changed? Santosh Jha: Uzbekistan has more or less followed the pattern that we see in India, the lockdown has been very similar, around the same time, it happened in India, and the response in term of how the numbers have come down has been very remarkable. A total number of people infected is around 2300 but what is remarkable has been recover rate which has been very high, almost 3rd of people who have been infected have recovered and infection rates have come down what is a most remarkable sight in this part of the world is that the number of deaths has been remarkably low. Out of 2300 people, about 10 deaths have been reported. If you follow some of our tweets, we also had a pet belonging to a family, who was sent back to India today and has been subjecting of some tweets by Indian customs. WION: How have been Indian diplomats faring? Santosh Jha: We are on the frontlines, we will certainly want to remain safe but we can't be aloof. We remain in touch with the Indian community.

New Delhi sends hydroxychloroquine to Uzbekistan in flight that brought back stranded Indian nationals

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft.

"It will take a bit more time. if the US had not broken silence probably another of the P5 would have. COVID Still under discussion", told a diplomatic source from New York to WION. 
 
“Breaking the silence” is standard diplomatic language and not just in UNSC to describe when a party or parties does not agree with the text or some parts of the text. If there is usually a deadline and when no-one breaks the silence before then, it means there is consensus.&nbsp;

UNSC member countries are hopeful that some solution will come out soon. Another source from New York told WION "Discussions on the COVID-19 resolution are ongoing".

Currently, a Franco-Tunisian resolution is on the table with both the countries being the penholder for the draft on COVID. 
 
The US-China tiff on the COVID resolution continues especially in the context of WHO and the emergence of COVID crisis which was first reported in China in December of 2019.&nbsp;

"The problem is with the language in the text mentioning WHO that the US don’t agree on", a 3rd source told WION.&nbsp;

The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION last week, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Ambassador José Singer Weisinger, "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response."&nbsp;

While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in the month of April that it was formally discussed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for a period of one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month.

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft.

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft. "It will take a bit more time. if the US had not broken silence probably another of the P5 would have. COVID Still under discussion", told a diplomatic source from New York to WION. “Breaking the silence” is standard diplomatic language and not just in UNSC to describe when a party or parties does not agree with the text or some parts of the text. If there is usually a deadline and when no-one breaks the silence before then, it means there is consensus. UNSC member countries are hopeful that some solution will come out soon. Another source from New York told WION "Discussions on the COVID-19 resolution are ongoing". Currently, a Franco-Tunisian resolution is on the table with both the countries being the penholder for the draft on COVID. The US-China tiff on the COVID resolution continues especially in the context of WHO and the emergence of COVID crisis which was first reported in China in December of 2019. "The problem is with the language in the text mentioning WHO that the US don’t agree on", a 3rd source told WION. The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION last week, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Ambassador José Singer Weisinger, "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response." While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in the month of April that it was formally discussed. President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for a period of one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month.

United National Security Council covid resolution in limbo

India's Prime Minister Modi during the video conference with chief ministers said today that "we also have to ensure that rural India remains free from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-national-technology-day-pm-modi-lauds-those-at-forefront-of-research-to-defeat-covid-19-297887">coronavirus</a> crisis".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4213-new-coronavirus-cases-in-india-1559-recoveries-in-last-24-hours-government-297997">Also Read: 4,213 new coronavirus cases in India in the last 24 hours</a>

"There is global recognition for India’s success in handling the coronavirus pandemic and the government appreciates the efforts made by all state governments. Let us stay the course as we move forward together," India's prime minister told the chief ministers during the video conference.

This is the fifth video conference between the prime minister and state chief ministers with the previous meet having taken place on April 27.

"Going forward, the road ahead should be focused on reducing the spread and ensuring that all precautions are taken by people including social distancing norms by observing ‘Do Gaj Doori’(two feet distance)," the PM said.

PM Modi had announced the lockdown on March 24 which was later extended till May 17 as the virus continued to spread.&nbsp;

"Slowly but surely, economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country," the prime minister added.

"In the coming days&nbsp;this process will further gather steam. We must realise that fight against coronavirus has to be more focused now," India's prime minister asserted.

India's prime minister said his government was reasonably clear on the geographical spread of the pandemic in India.

During the conference, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami urged the prime minister not to allow train service till May 31 due to the escalating number of coronavirus cases in Chennai.

"I request you not to begin regular air services till May 31," Palaniswami told Prime Minister Modi in view of the COVID-19 situation.

India's Prime Minister Modi during the video conference with chief ministers said today that "we also have to ensure that rural India remains free from the coronavirus crisis".

India's Prime Minister Modi during the video conference with chief ministers said today that "we also have to ensure that rural India remains free from the coronavirus crisis". Also Read: 4,213 new coronavirus cases in India in the last 24 hours "There is global recognition for India’s success in handling the coronavirus pandemic and the government appreciates the efforts made by all state governments. Let us stay the course as we move forward together," India's prime minister told the chief ministers during the video conference. This is the fifth video conference between the prime minister and state chief ministers with the previous meet having taken place on April 27. "Going forward, the road ahead should be focused on reducing the spread and ensuring that all precautions are taken by people including social distancing norms by observing ‘Do Gaj Doori’(two feet distance)," the PM said. PM Modi had announced the lockdown on March 24 which was later extended till May 17 as the virus continued to spread. "Slowly but surely, economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country," the prime minister added. "In the coming days this process will further gather steam. We must realise that fight against coronavirus has to be more focused now," India's prime minister asserted. India's prime minister said his government was reasonably clear on the geographical spread of the pandemic in India. During the conference, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami urged the prime minister not to allow train service till May 31 due to the escalating number of coronavirus cases in Chennai. "I request you not to begin regular air services till May 31," Palaniswami told Prime Minister Modi in view of the COVID-19 situation.

Fight against coronavirus has to be more focused now: PM Modi to state chief ministers

India's health ministry said that as per revised policy, mild, very mild, pre-symptomatic cases admitted in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-total-covid-19-cases-top-67000-more-than-2200-dead-297885">coronavirus </a>care facility can be discharged after ten days of symptom onset and if there is no fever for three days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-deputy-cm-sushil-modi-writes-to-sitharaman-seeking-grants-for-bihar-297866">Also Read:&nbsp;Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi writes to Sitharaman seeking grants for Bihar</a>

"Discharge policy has been changed because several countries have changed their policy from test-based strategy to symptom and time-based strategy," India's health ministry official Lav Agarwal said, adding,"we have also changed it based on it."

India's health ministry said today that in the last 24 hours there have been 4,213 new coronavirus cases and 1,559 recoveries with the total number of cases rising to 67,152.

44,029 people are under active medical supervision, the health ministry official said while asserting that the recovery rate is now at 31.15 per cent.

India's Home Ministry said that around 4,000 Indians have been brought back by 23 flights under the Vande Bharat&nbsp;mission and over 5 lakh migrant workers have been sent to their home states by 468 special trains.

The empowered committee on COVID-19 informed in the press conference that the Aarogya Setu app has been downloaded in 9.8 crore smartphones so far.&nbsp;

"We have worked a lot on data privacy of Aarogya Setu users and made sure that user data are not compromised," Ajay Sahni, chairman of Empowered Group, said. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, with the Railway online booking window set to open, the ministry said that there will be no catering charges included in the fare with provision for prepaid meal booking, e-catering disabled.

The booking of train tickets will begin at 6pm today.

India's health ministry said that as per revised policy, mild, very mild, pre-symptomatic cases admitted in the coronavirus care facility can be discharged after ten days of symptom onset and if there is no fever for three days.

India's health ministry said that as per revised policy, mild, very mild, pre-symptomatic cases admitted in the coronavirus care facility can be discharged after ten days of symptom onset and if there is no fever for three days. Also Read: Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi writes to Sitharaman seeking grants for Bihar "Discharge policy has been changed because several countries have changed their policy from test-based strategy to symptom and time-based strategy," India's health ministry official Lav Agarwal said, adding,"we have also changed it based on it." India's health ministry said today that in the last 24 hours there have been 4,213 new coronavirus cases and 1,559 recoveries with the total number of cases rising to 67,152. 44,029 people are under active medical supervision, the health ministry official said while asserting that the recovery rate is now at 31.15 per cent. India's Home Ministry said that around 4,000 Indians have been brought back by 23 flights under the Vande Bharat mission and over 5 lakh migrant workers have been sent to their home states by 468 special trains. The empowered committee on COVID-19 informed in the press conference that the Aarogya Setu app has been downloaded in 9.8 crore smartphones so far. "We have worked a lot on data privacy of Aarogya Setu users and made sure that user data are not compromised," Ajay Sahni, chairman of Empowered Group, said. Meanwhile, with the Railway online booking window set to open, the ministry said that there will be no catering charges included in the fare with provision for prepaid meal booking, e-catering disabled. The booking of train tickets will begin at 6pm today.

4,213 new coronavirus cases in India, 1,559 recoveries in last 24 hours: Government

As lockdown 3.0 comes to an end, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a key meeting with states' Chief Ministers. Focus states of meeting is like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu.

India's PM Modi holds a key meeting with states' CMs as lockdown 3.0 comes to an end

After easing the lockdown a fortnight ago, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the government would be phasing out the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-cases-surge-past-4-million-mark-death-toll-at-282700-297872"> lockdown </a>but asked citizens to be vigilant.

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In a televised address to the nation, the New Zealand PM said: "Your efforts New Zealand have got us to this place ahead of most of the world and without the carnage that COVID-19 has inflicted in many other places."

Authorities had allowed easing of the lockdown earlier allowing food takeaways, but this time Ardern asserted that there would be much more freedom. New Zealand has recorded just over 1,140 cases of the virus with 21 deaths.

"This is a transition out of our bubbles, you can see people you haven't seen in a while, you just can't do it all at once," Ardern said, adding:"At Level Two we are out and about again, just about all parts of the economy are opening up again."

Schools is set to be reopened next week, however, international borders continue to remain closed.

Although domestic travel would be allowed, but bars are not set to be reopened until later this month. In another move, the government is also set to allow domestic Super Rugby next month.

After easing the lockdown a fortnight ago, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the government would be phasing out the lockdown but asked citizens to be vigilant.

After easing the lockdown a fortnight ago, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the government would be phasing out the lockdown but asked citizens to be vigilant. Also Read: Johnson's speech on measures for England to lift lockdown stirs 'confusion' In a televised address to the nation, the New Zealand PM said: "Your efforts New Zealand have got us to this place ahead of most of the world and without the carnage that COVID-19 has inflicted in many other places." Authorities had allowed easing of the lockdown earlier allowing food takeaways, but this time Ardern asserted that there would be much more freedom. New Zealand has recorded just over 1,140 cases of the virus with 21 deaths. "This is a transition out of our bubbles, you can see people you haven't seen in a while, you just can't do it all at once," Ardern said, adding:"At Level Two we are out and about again, just about all parts of the economy are opening up again." Schools is set to be reopened next week, however, international borders continue to remain closed. Although domestic travel would be allowed, but bars are not set to be reopened until later this month. In another move, the government is also set to allow domestic Super Rugby next month.

New Zealand set to phase out lockdown

A German national, Edgard Ziebat has been living in the transit area of New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport for the past 54 days.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nsg-medical-staff-tests-coronavirus-positive-over-745-cases-reported-in-capfs-297834" hreflang="en">NSG medical staff tests coronavirus positive; over 745 cases reported in CAPFs</a>

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;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-sends-hydroxychloroquine-to-uzbekistan-in-flight-that-brought-back-stranded-indian-nationals-297862">New Delhi sends hydroxychloroquine to Uzbekistan in flight that brought back stranded Indian nationals</a>

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesman confirmed the news and said: "We confirm that a foreign national is currently in the transit area of the international terminal of Delhi Airport due to non-availability of regular flight to transit onwards. Appropriate authorities were informed about this in&nbsp;good time. They are in dialogue with the foreign national."

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 is at a foreign location. Due to his criminal record, India has denied Ziebat a visa.&nbsp;

Ziebat stays in the terminal with his only luggage, according to airport authorities the German is spending his time by reading newspaper talking to his friends and family over the phone, eating at 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 has provided Edgard Ziebat with recliner, mosquito net, toothpaste and food.&nbsp;

The airport staff is feeding the German as the 40-year-old has no money.&nbsp;

No international flights are active except cargo planes.&nbsp;

Ziebat was asked to go wherever he wants but no flights have been active thus he remains stranded. He was offered to accommodate in a relief flight to Turkey but the Turkish authorities refused to do so as it was only for Turkish nationals and permanent residents.&nbsp;

A German national, Edgard Ziebat has been living in the transit area of New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport for the past 54 days. Also read: NSG medical staff tests coronavirus positive; over 745 cases reported in CAPFs The 40-year-old was on his way from Hanoi to Istanbul on March 18.

A German national, Edgard Ziebat has been living in the transit area of New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport for the past 54 days. Also read: NSG medical staff tests coronavirus positive; over 745 cases reported in CAPFs 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. Also read: New Delhi sends hydroxychloroquine to Uzbekistan in flight that brought back stranded Indian nationals Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesman confirmed the news and said: "We confirm that a foreign national is currently in the transit area of the international terminal of Delhi Airport due to non-availability of regular flight to transit onwards. Appropriate authorities were informed about this in good time. They are in dialogue with the foreign national." 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 is at a foreign location. Due to his criminal record, India has denied Ziebat a visa. Ziebat stays in the terminal with his only luggage, according to airport authorities the German is spending his time by reading newspaper talking to his friends and family over the phone, eating at 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 has provided Edgard Ziebat with recliner, mosquito net, toothpaste and food. The airport staff is feeding the German as the 40-year-old has no money. No international flights are active except cargo planes. Ziebat was asked to go wherever he wants but no flights have been active thus he remains stranded. He was offered to accommodate in a relief flight to Turkey but the Turkish authorities refused to do so as it was only for Turkish nationals and permanent residents.

German national stranded at Indira Gandhi International airport for 54 days due to nationwide lockdown

After the government announced a limited re-opening of its giant rail network beginning on Tuesday after a nearly seven-week lockdown, the interstate trains are set to be back on track, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for travel, which says that only those who have confirmed e-tickets and are symptomatic will be allowed to board the train.&nbsp;

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MHA issues SOPs for Movement of persons by Train: 
●Movement of passengers to &amp; fro railway station only on confirmed e-ticket 
●Compulsory Medical Screening &amp; only asymptomatic persons to travel 
●Strict adherence to Health/hygiene protocols and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SocialDistancing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SocialDistancing</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/KJUKZXP26P">pic.twitter.com/KJUKZXP26P</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1259763443671891969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-to-gradually-start-passenger-trains-from-may-12-online-bookings-open-on-monday-297831">Also read: Railways to gradually start passenger trains from May 12; online bookings open on Monday</a> 
 
Indian Railways also said that passenger trains will run at full capacity. As India closes in on what is expected to be the last week of the lockdown

Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi said on Monday that not every seat will be available for booking in the passenger train to ensure social distancing and other norms to prevent COVID-19 spread.

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Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued a Standard Operating Procedures for movement of persons by train, states, "Only those with confirmed e-tickets shall be allowed to enter the station."

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To ensure that social distancing&amp;other norms are strictly followedall seats will not be available for booking in the passenger trains:Union Min of State for Railways Suresh Angadi on Indian Railways' decision to restart passenger trains from 12 May.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusLockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusLockdown</a>(File pic) <a href="https://t.co/UCejLnyRtq">pic.twitter.com/UCejLnyRtq</a>
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ICMR issues guidance for the appropriate recording of COVID-19 deaths to create robust data

COVID-19 would be recorded as an "underlying cause of death" when leading to pneumonia, cardiac injury and clotting in the bloodstream, among others, according to the guidance issued by ICMR for the appropriate recording of deaths due to the disease.

After the government announced a limited re-opening of its giant rail network beginning on Tuesday after a nearly seven-week lockdown, the interstate trains are set to be back on track, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for travel, which says that only those who have confirmed e-tickets and are symptomatic will be allowed to board the train.

After the government announced a limited re-opening of its giant rail network beginning on Tuesday after a nearly seven-week lockdown, the interstate trains are set to be back on track, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for travel, which says that only those who have confirmed e-tickets and are symptomatic will be allowed to board the train. MHA issues SOPs for Movement of persons by Train: ●Movement of passengers to & fro railway station only on confirmed e-ticket ●Compulsory Medical Screening & only asymptomatic persons to travel ●Strict adherence to Health/hygiene protocols and #SocialDistancing#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/KJUKZXP26P — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 11, 2020 × Also read: Railways to gradually start passenger trains from May 12; online bookings open on Monday Indian Railways also said that passenger trains will run at full capacity. As India closes in on what is expected to be the last week of the lockdown Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi said on Monday that not every seat will be available for booking in the passenger train to ensure social distancing and other norms to prevent COVID-19 spread. Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued a Standard Operating Procedures for movement of persons by train, states, "Only those with confirmed e-tickets shall be allowed to enter the station." To ensure that social distancing&other norms are strictly followedall seats will not be available for booking in the passenger trains:Union Min of State for Railways Suresh Angadi on Indian Railways' decision to restart passenger trains from 12 May.#CoronavirusLockdown(File pic) pic.twitter.com/UCejLnyRtq — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020 × ICMR issues guidance for the appropriate recording of COVID-19 deaths to create robust data COVID-19 would be recorded as an "underlying cause of death" when leading to pneumonia, cardiac injury and clotting in the bloodstream, among others, according to the guidance issued by ICMR for the appropriate recording of deaths due to the disease.

Trains to restart: Not all seats to be available, only asymptomatic persons to be allowed

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have been put on alert for the May 17th of the Islamic month of Ramadan after inputs that militants might try to carry out attacks on them.&nbsp;

On the 17th of Ramadan, which is also the day of the Islamic battle of Jang e Badr, militants have in the past attacked security forces and installations in the valley for years.&nbsp;

Sources have confirmed to WION that an alert has been issued by intelligence agencies after inputs and keeping in view the day. Generally, militants attempt to show their presence on the day by hurling grenades at forces deployed on the ground.&nbsp;

The Battle of Badr was a big defining event in Muslim history and a major military victory of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.&nbsp;

In the last four months, security forces have launched 27 anti-militancy operations in which 64 terrorists have been killed this year which includes Qari Yasir of Jaish-e-Muhammad, Burhan Koka of Ansar Ghazwatul Hind and Riyaz Naikoo of Hizb.&nbsp;

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have been put on alert for the May 17th of the Islamic month of Ramadan after inputs that militants might try to carry out attacks on them.

Security forces in the Kashmir valley have been put on alert for the May 17th of the Islamic month of Ramadan after inputs that militants might try to carry out attacks on them. On the 17th of Ramadan, which is also the day of the Islamic battle of Jang e Badr, militants have in the past attacked security forces and installations in the valley for years. Sources have confirmed to WION that an alert has been issued by intelligence agencies after inputs and keeping in view the day. Generally, militants attempt to show their presence on the day by hurling grenades at forces deployed on the ground. The Battle of Badr was a big defining event in Muslim history and a major military victory of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. In the last four months, security forces have launched 27 anti-militancy operations in which 64 terrorists have been killed this year which includes Qari Yasir of Jaish-e-Muhammad, Burhan Koka of Ansar Ghazwatul Hind and Riyaz Naikoo of Hizb.

Security forces in the Kashmir valley put on alert ahead of Ramadan

As a part of the 'Vande Bharat' Mission, the Air India evacuation flight from Manila, the Philippines carrying 1387 passengers landed in Mumbai on Monday morning

Vande Bharat Mission: Evacuation Flight From Manila Lands In Mumbai

PM Modi to discuss COVID-19 crisis with CM's at 3 pm via Video-conferencing India is currently under its third phase of lockdown that will going to end on May 17th, but prior that, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to hold meeting with Chief Ministers of Different states to discuss current situation of the pandemic.

PM Modi to discuss COVID-19 crisis with CM's at 3 pm via Video-conferencing

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has devised an ultraviolet sanitisation system to sanitise all electronic gadgets, currency and papers. The UV cabinet will be automated, contactless.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-total-covid-19-cases-top-67000-more-than-2200-dead-297885" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases top 67,000; more than 2,200 dead</a>

The Defence Ministry has developed this system as the country fights coronavirus outbreak and the system will be called Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser (DRUVS).&nbsp;

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DRUVS will provide a 360-degree exposure of the UV rays to the objects kept inside the cabinet. The automatic device will go into sleep mode after the sanitisation is done, this means the operator does not need to wait till it gets over.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nsg-medical-staff-tests-coronavirus-positive-over-745-cases-reported-in-capfs-297834" hreflang="en">NSG medical staff tests coronavirus positive; over 745 cases reported in CAPFs</a>

In order to contain the spread of virus DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI) lab is working on making this device contactless.&nbsp;

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The items DRUVS can sanitise: Mobile phones, iPads, laptops, currency notes, cheque leafs, challans, passbooks, paper, envelopes, etc.

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 67,152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.&nbsp;

Of the total cases in the country, 44,029 are active cases while 20,917 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 2,206 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

India added 4,213 new Covid-19 cases over 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry’s 8:00 am update on May 11.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has devised an ultraviolet sanitisation system to sanitise all electronic gadgets, currency and papers.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has devised an ultraviolet sanitisation system to sanitise all electronic gadgets, currency and papers. The UV cabinet will be automated, contactless. Also read: Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases top 67,000; more than 2,200 dead The Defence Ministry has developed this system as the country fights coronavirus outbreak and the system will be called Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser (DRUVS). DRUVS will provide a 360-degree exposure of the UV rays to the objects kept inside the cabinet. The automatic device will go into sleep mode after the sanitisation is done, this means the operator does not need to wait till it gets over. Also read: NSG medical staff tests coronavirus positive; over 745 cases reported in CAPFs In order to contain the spread of virus DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI) lab is working on making this device contactless. The items DRUVS can sanitise: Mobile phones, iPads, laptops, currency notes, cheque leafs, challans, passbooks, paper, envelopes, etc. India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 67,152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed. Of the total cases in the country, 44,029 are active cases while 20,917 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 2,206 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. India added 4,213 new Covid-19 cases over 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry’s 8:00 am update on May 11.

DRDO develops UV sanitisation system 'DRUVS' for electronic gadgets, currency and papers

Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday warned the ruling AIADMK against reopening state-run liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu, saying if it was done, it should not harbour "dreams" of coming to power again, apparently in next year's Assembly elections.

In a tweet in Tamil, the actor asked the government to work out alternate modes of revenue generation.

His remarks came a day after Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court, seeking a stay against a Madras High Court order directing closure of liquor shops in the state.

The AIADMK cannot have "dreams of coming to power again if the government re-opens TASMAC shops at this juncture," the veteran said in the tweet.

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இந்த நேரத்தில் அரசு டாஸ்மாக் கடைகளை மறுபடி திறந்தால் மீண்டும் ஆட்சிக்கு வரும் கனவை மறந்து விட வேண்டும். தயவுகூர்ந்து <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%88_%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA_%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2_%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%88_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%99%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#கஜானாவை_நிரப்ப_நல்ல_வழிகளை_பாருங்கள்</a>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/1259347183192735750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Please #Look out for better ways of filling the coffers," he added.

The Tamil Nadu government had on Saturday moved the apex court challenging the High Court order for closure of TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets on grounds of violations of COVID-19 guidelines, arguing that it would lead to "grave losses" in revenue and a complete halt in commercial activities. 
 
The Madras High Court had on Friday ordered the closure of liquor outlets in the state, noting there were huge crowds and no social distancing was being maintained by tipplers.

It, however, allowed doorstep delivery of booze through online mode.

The Tamil Nadu government, in its appeal on Saturday, termed the HC order a case of "judicial overreach" and said online sale and home delivery of alcohol were not possible in the entire state.

Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday warned the ruling AIADMK against reopening state-run liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu, saying if it was done, it should not harbour "dreams" of coming to power again, apparently in next year's Assembly elections.

Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday warned the ruling AIADMK against reopening state-run liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu, saying if it was done, it should not harbour "dreams" of coming to power again, apparently in next year's Assembly elections. In a tweet in Tamil, the actor asked the government to work out alternate modes of revenue generation. His remarks came a day after Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court, seeking a stay against a Madras High Court order directing closure of liquor shops in the state. The AIADMK cannot have "dreams of coming to power again if the government re-opens TASMAC shops at this juncture," the veteran said in the tweet. இந்த நேரத்தில் அரசு டாஸ்மாக் கடைகளை மறுபடி திறந்தால் மீண்டும் ஆட்சிக்கு வரும் கனவை மறந்து விட வேண்டும். தயவுகூர்ந்து #கஜானாவை_நிரப்ப_நல்ல_வழிகளை_பாருங்கள் — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 10, 2020 × "Please #Look out for better ways of filling the coffers," he added. The Tamil Nadu government had on Saturday moved the apex court challenging the High Court order for closure of TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets on grounds of violations of COVID-19 guidelines, arguing that it would lead to "grave losses" in revenue and a complete halt in commercial activities. The Madras High Court had on Friday ordered the closure of liquor outlets in the state, noting there were huge crowds and no social distancing was being maintained by tipplers. It, however, allowed doorstep delivery of booze through online mode. The Tamil Nadu government, in its appeal on Saturday, termed the HC order a case of "judicial overreach" and said online sale and home delivery of alcohol were not possible in the entire state.

Rajinikanth warns ruling AIADMK against reopening liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu

On Saturday, around 150 soldiers on both sides were involved in an aggressive confrontation that left four Indian soldiers and seven Chinese soldiers injured

Breaking News: Stand-off between India and China at Naku La Pass

As the lockdown is a week away from coming to an end, the number of coronavirus cases has only been rising.

Maharashtra has been one of the worst-hit states by coronavirus in India. 1,278 new cases and 53 deaths were reported today. The total number of positive cases in the state rose to 22,171.

Mumbai is the epicentre of the state. On Sunday, 875 fresh cases were reported, taking the tally to 13,564. Pune reported three more deaths in the city today, taking the toll to 151.

Mumbai's Arthur Road prison reported 81 new positive cases of inmates. The prison has a total of 184 cases, including 26 staff members.

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25 new positive cases reported in Jammu &amp; Kashmir today (2 from Jammu division and 23 from Kashmir division), taking the total number of cases to 861. The total death toll stands at 9: Government of UT of Jammu &amp; Kashmir <a href="https://t.co/IYokqsCQ3J">pic.twitter.com/IYokqsCQ3J</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1259479323582492673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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West Bengal reported 153 new cases and 14 deaths in the state today. The state has total 1,939 positive cases and 113 deaths. The number is expected to change after migrant workers travel back to their hometowns.

398 new cases of COVID 19 have been reported in Gujarat. The total number of cases stands at 8,195,&nbsp;including 2545 cured/discharged cases and 493 deaths.

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33 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> positive cases reported in Telangana today; the total number of positive cases in the state is 1196 including 415 active cases, 751 cured/discharged and 30 deaths: Telangana Health Department <a href="https://t.co/MVDY9BDBzy">pic.twitter.com/MVDY9BDBzy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1259511400663117826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rajasthan reported&nbsp;106 new cases and&nbsp;2 deaths, taking the total to 3,814 total cases and 108 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 1,465.

The total number of #COVID19 cases reaches 1823 in Punjab, with 61 more people testing positive today. Number of active cases &amp; fatalities due to the infection stands at 1626 &amp; 31, respectively, said Punjab health department.

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14 deaths reported due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the last 24 hours in West Bengal, the death toll due to the virus rises to 113: West Bengal Health Department <a href="https://t.co/Uvh1dcvOi3">https://t.co/Uvh1dcvOi3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1259484229475295232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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157 new cases of Madhya Pradesh increased the tally of positive coronavirus cases to&nbsp;3,614 on Sunday.

Haryana's daily tally of cases has decreased as only 28 cases were reported in the state today, increasing the total number to&nbsp;703.

Kerala, on Sunday, reported seven new cases, out of which three patients had flown in from Abu Dhabi as a part of VAnde Bharat operation on May 07.

As the lockdown is a week away from coming to an end, the number of coronavirus cases has only been rising. Maharashtra has been one of the worst-hit states by coronavirus in India.

As the lockdown is a week away from coming to an end, the number of coronavirus cases has only been rising. Maharashtra has been one of the worst-hit states by coronavirus in India. 1,278 new cases and 53 deaths were reported today. The total number of positive cases in the state rose to 22,171. Mumbai is the epicentre of the state. On Sunday, 875 fresh cases were reported, taking the tally to 13,564. Pune reported three more deaths in the city today, taking the toll to 151. Mumbai's Arthur Road prison reported 81 new positive cases of inmates. The prison has a total of 184 cases, including 26 staff members. 25 new positive cases reported in Jammu & Kashmir today (2 from Jammu division and 23 from Kashmir division), taking the total number of cases to 861. The total death toll stands at 9: Government of UT of Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/IYokqsCQ3J — ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2020 × West Bengal reported 153 new cases and 14 deaths in the state today. The state has total 1,939 positive cases and 113 deaths. The number is expected to change after migrant workers travel back to their hometowns. 398 new cases of COVID 19 have been reported in Gujarat. The total number of cases stands at 8,195, including 2545 cured/discharged cases and 493 deaths. 33 new #Coronavirus positive cases reported in Telangana today; the total number of positive cases in the state is 1196 including 415 active cases, 751 cured/discharged and 30 deaths: Telangana Health Department pic.twitter.com/MVDY9BDBzy — ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2020 × Rajasthan reported 106 new cases and 2 deaths, taking the total to 3,814 total cases and 108 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 1,465. The total number of #COVID19 cases reaches 1823 in Punjab, with 61 more people testing positive today. Number of active cases & fatalities due to the infection stands at 1626 & 31, respectively, said Punjab health department. 14 deaths reported due to #COVID19 in the last 24 hours in West Bengal, the death toll due to the virus rises to 113: West Bengal Health Department https://t.co/Uvh1dcvOi3 — ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2020 × 157 new cases of Madhya Pradesh increased the tally of positive coronavirus cases to 3,614 on Sunday. Haryana's daily tally of cases has decreased as only 28 cases were reported in the state today, increasing the total number to 703. Kerala, on Sunday, reported seven new cases, out of which three patients had flown in from Abu Dhabi as a part of VAnde Bharat operation on May 07.

COVID-19: Maharashtra reports 1,278 new cases; 3 Abu Dhabi returnees test positive in Kerala

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS here on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness, sources said.

Singh, 87, is under observation at the cardio-thoracic ward of the premier hospital, they said.

"All his parameters are fine. He is under observation at the AIIMS," a source close to him said, adding that he was taken to the hospital after he felt "uneasiness".

He was admitted under Dr Nitish Naik, a professor of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), around 8.45 pm.

Singh is a senior leader of the opposition Congress and is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. He was the prime minister between 2004 and 2014.

In 2009, Singh underwent a successful coronary bypass surgery at AIIMS.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS here on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness, sources said. Singh, 87, is under observation at the cardio-thoracic ward of the premier hospital, they said.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS here on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness, sources said. Singh, 87, is under observation at the cardio-thoracic ward of the premier hospital, they said. "All his parameters are fine. He is under observation at the AIIMS," a source close to him said, adding that he was taken to the hospital after he felt "uneasiness". He was admitted under Dr Nitish Naik, a professor of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), around 8.45 pm. Singh is a senior leader of the opposition Congress and is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. He was the prime minister between 2004 and 2014. In 2009, Singh underwent a successful coronary bypass surgery at AIIMS.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh admitted to AIIMS

Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said that India is a "reliable partner" to the US and has been able to fulfil whatever assistance Washington has required.

"Both International Centre for Medical Education and Research (ICMER) and here the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been collaborating for years. There is close cooperation exchange of information. Plus, as I said, collaboration, the at least three vaccines, on which Indian companies, and the United States companies are working together," Sandhu said.

The Indian and American pharmaceutical companies are currently working together on at least three possible vaccines to fight the coronavirus, India Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, he told.

About two or three years back the ICMR and the CDC had together developed a vaccine for another virus, named the rotavirus, he said.

"It has helped not only India but the United States as well along with many other countries," Sandhu said.

The US and India have been closely cooperating during COVID-19 crisis and are providing all possible assistance to each other. The leaders of the two countries are in regular touch since the outbreak on the virus.

The US has provided almost USD 5.9 million towards health assistance to India to curb the spread of COVID-19.

India also exported a consignment of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to the US, last month, after a request by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said that India is a "reliable partner" to the US and has been able to fulfil whatever assistance Washington has required.

Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said that India is a "reliable partner" to the US and has been able to fulfil whatever assistance Washington has required. "Both International Centre for Medical Education and Research (ICMER) and here the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been collaborating for years. There is close cooperation exchange of information. Plus, as I said, collaboration, the at least three vaccines, on which Indian companies, and the United States companies are working together," Sandhu said. The Indian and American pharmaceutical companies are currently working together on at least three possible vaccines to fight the coronavirus, India Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, he told. About two or three years back the ICMR and the CDC had together developed a vaccine for another virus, named the rotavirus, he said. "It has helped not only India but the United States as well along with many other countries," Sandhu said. The US and India have been closely cooperating during COVID-19 crisis and are providing all possible assistance to each other. The leaders of the two countries are in regular touch since the outbreak on the virus. The US has provided almost USD 5.9 million towards health assistance to India to curb the spread of COVID-19. India also exported a consignment of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to the US, last month, after a request by President Donald Trump. (With inputs from ANI)

India reliable partner of US, working on at least 3 COVID-19 vaccines: Ambassador Sandhu

A medical staff of the elite counter-terrorism force NSG has contracted the coronavirus, taking the total number of active cases among the five central paramilitary forces to over 745.

This is the first case in the commando force raised for special counter-terrorism and anti-hijack duties. The personnel was posted at the NSG hospital at its garrison in Gurgaon's Manesar.

He was quarantined immediately after he showed symptoms, and was admitted to the referral hospital of the Central Armed Police Forces in Greater Noida.

The NSG is a federal contingency force under the Union Home Ministry apart from the five CAPFs -- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. According to PTI, these forces reported 93 cases on Sunday.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police, that guards the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control with China, reported 56 new cases, all from a camp in Delhi. The mountain-warfare trained force now has 156 active cases.

The Border Security Force and the Central Industrial Security Force reported 18 fresh cases each over the last 24 hours.

While 16 cases in the BSF were reported from a unit in the border state of Tripura, the CISF saw 17 new cases from its contingent that guards the Mumbai international airport.

CRPF reported one fresh case, taking the tally of its active COVID-19 cases to 233.

The Central Reserve Police Force has major cases coming from its two battalions based in Delhi.

The Sashastra Seema Bal, which has a strength of 80,000 personnel and mans the Nepal and Bhutan frontiers, reported no fresh case and has the least 18 active coronavirus cases.

(with inputs from PTI)

A medical staff of the elite counter-terrorism force NSG has contracted the coronavirus, taking the total number of active cases among the five central paramilitary forces to over 745.

A medical staff of the elite counter-terrorism force NSG has contracted the coronavirus, taking the total number of active cases among the five central paramilitary forces to over 745. This is the first case in the commando force raised for special counter-terrorism and anti-hijack duties. The personnel was posted at the NSG hospital at its garrison in Gurgaon's Manesar. He was quarantined immediately after he showed symptoms, and was admitted to the referral hospital of the Central Armed Police Forces in Greater Noida. The NSG is a federal contingency force under the Union Home Ministry apart from the five CAPFs -- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. According to PTI, these forces reported 93 cases on Sunday. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police, that guards the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control with China, reported 56 new cases, all from a camp in Delhi. The mountain-warfare trained force now has 156 active cases. The Border Security Force and the Central Industrial Security Force reported 18 fresh cases each over the last 24 hours. While 16 cases in the BSF were reported from a unit in the border state of Tripura, the CISF saw 17 new cases from its contingent that guards the Mumbai international airport. CRPF reported one fresh case, taking the tally of its active COVID-19 cases to 233. The Central Reserve Police Force has major cases coming from its two battalions based in Delhi. The Sashastra Seema Bal, which has a strength of 80,000 personnel and mans the Nepal and Bhutan frontiers, reported no fresh case and has the least 18 active coronavirus cases. (with inputs from PTI)

NSG medical staff tests coronavirus positive; over 745 cases reported in CAPFs

The Punjab government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased coronavirus victims.

The compensation will be provided only to the&nbsp;legal heirs of state employees who lost their lives to the coronavirus while performing official duty.

It will will&nbsp;remain in force from April 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, subject to review thereafter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-jet-crashes-in-punjab-pilot-ejects-safely-297374">Also read:&nbsp;Indian Air Force jet crashes in Punjab; pilot ejects safely</a>

The compensation was announced through a statement released by the Punjab government on Sunday.

&nbsp;"The ex-gratia shall be admissible only where the employee is involved directly in the state`s fight to control the spread of coronavirus -- the employees on duty at COVID hospitals/critical care centres, drivers transporting citizens of the state from other states/COVID patients/suspects etc, ration distribution, curfew/lockdown implementation," the release read.

The ex-gratia will be admissible to all employees covered under the old pension scheme and those recruited on and after January 1, 2004, and covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The spokesperson said the cases of providing monetary relief to the dependants of manpower working on contract or through outsourcing, will be considered under the provisions of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Punjab has recorded 1,762 COVID-19 cases, including 31 deaths. The state is now hoping to be able to ease some lockdown restrictions.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Punjab government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased coronavirus victims. The compensation will be provided only to the legal heirs of state employees who lost their lives to the coronavirus while performing official duty.

The Punjab government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased coronavirus victims. The compensation will be provided only to the legal heirs of state employees who lost their lives to the coronavirus while performing official duty. It will will remain in force from April 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, subject to review thereafter. Also read: Indian Air Force jet crashes in Punjab; pilot ejects safely The compensation was announced through a statement released by the Punjab government on Sunday. "The ex-gratia shall be admissible only where the employee is involved directly in the state`s fight to control the spread of coronavirus -- the employees on duty at COVID hospitals/critical care centres, drivers transporting citizens of the state from other states/COVID patients/suspects etc, ration distribution, curfew/lockdown implementation," the release read. The ex-gratia will be admissible to all employees covered under the old pension scheme and those recruited on and after January 1, 2004, and covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The spokesperson said the cases of providing monetary relief to the dependants of manpower working on contract or through outsourcing, will be considered under the provisions of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Punjab has recorded 1,762 COVID-19 cases, including 31 deaths. The state is now hoping to be able to ease some lockdown restrictions. (With inputs from ANI)

Punjab announces ex-gratia compensation of 50 lakh to kin of coronavirus victims

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as many as 3,277 new COVID-19 cases and 127 deaths were reported in the country in the last 24 hours.

Tracking India's daily surge in COVID-19 cases | Coronavirus Pandemic

Taliban -- in a first -- has said it would like to have "positive" relations with India while welcoming New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

"Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. We welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan," Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said in an exclusive conversation with WION.

He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national liberation force which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. "

The comments come in the wake of the US being keen that New Delhi engages with the Taliban. Also, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week -- the first such visit after the US-Taliban deal on February 29 -- and had spoken about this with India.

During the visit, he called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources said, "It is clear, New Delhi needs to be part of the process if we need to contribute effectively to the (Afghan) peace process."

The talks which had "level of urgency", sources added, had "covered the entire gamut of the situation in Afghanistan. Proposal for the accommodation of different strands of political thoughts was discussed."

In an interview to the Hindu newspaper, Zalmay Khalilzad had said India should speak directly to the Taliban.

The Indian readout of the meet said that EAM and NSA had reiterated "India's continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity" and "protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs."&nbsp;

Earlier this year, terrorists attacked a Gurudwara in Kabul killing more than 25 Afghan Sikhs and was claimed by the Islamic State. The attack also killed one Indian.

To this end, India had expressed deep "concern at the upsurge in violence" and extended support for "call for an immediate ceasefire" and need to "assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with coronavirus pandemic."

India also emphasised on the need to "putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries" which is necessary for "enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan."

The US special envoy was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and the US Ambassador to India Ken Juster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/us-threatens-taliban-with-retaliatory-actions-if-violence-in-afghanistan-continues-296384">Also read |&nbsp;US threatens Taliban with retaliatory actions if violence in Afghanistan continues</a>

Taliban -- in a first -- has said it would like to have "positive" relations with India while welcoming New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries, including India.

Taliban -- in a first -- has said it would like to have "positive" relations with India while welcoming New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. We welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan," Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said in an exclusive conversation with WION. He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national liberation force which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. " The comments come in the wake of the US being keen that New Delhi engages with the Taliban. Also, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week -- the first such visit after the US-Taliban deal on February 29 -- and had spoken about this with India. During the visit, he called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources said, "It is clear, New Delhi needs to be part of the process if we need to contribute effectively to the (Afghan) peace process." The talks which had "level of urgency", sources added, had "covered the entire gamut of the situation in Afghanistan. Proposal for the accommodation of different strands of political thoughts was discussed." In an interview to the Hindu newspaper, Zalmay Khalilzad had said India should speak directly to the Taliban. The Indian readout of the meet said that EAM and NSA had reiterated "India's continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity" and "protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs." Earlier this year, terrorists attacked a Gurudwara in Kabul killing more than 25 Afghan Sikhs and was claimed by the Islamic State. The attack also killed one Indian. To this end, India had expressed deep "concern at the upsurge in violence" and extended support for "call for an immediate ceasefire" and need to "assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with coronavirus pandemic." India also emphasised on the need to "putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries" which is necessary for "enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan." The US special envoy was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and the US Ambassador to India Ken Juster. Also read | US threatens Taliban with retaliatory actions if violence in Afghanistan continues

Would like to maintain positive relations with India, says Taliban

India's consul general in Dubai Vipul has said that the ongoing repatriation is going "very well and smoothly" as many flights from the city land in India. Speaking exclusively&nbsp;to our diplomatic&nbsp;correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Dubai, Vipul lauded the UAE authorities saying that have been "very helpful and cooperative." 250,000 Indians in UAE have registered for repatriation, the maximum anywhere in the world with a large number of flights originating from Dubai making the task much more complex&nbsp;in the West Asian country which hosts maximum numbers of Indians anywhere in the world.

WION: How has the repatriation going on?

Vipul: Well, the repatriation has gone on very well. So far we have sent 4 flights from Dubai, one to Calicut, two to Chennai, one to Lucknow and all the flights have been very orderly. The Dubai authorities&nbsp;along with Air India have done exceedingly well, in terms of&nbsp;ensuring a very smooth flow of passengers. Of course, all the passengers are very relieved&nbsp;to go back home now, because&nbsp;many have been stranded here for some time and we got number of passengers&nbsp;who were pregnant&nbsp;ladies, number of workers who would have lost jobs or had completed&nbsp;the assignments here. A lot of elderly people and medical cases and these are the 4 categories we have concentrated the most on in the initial phase. Then there are students and visitors who were stranded. But overall&nbsp;it&nbsp;has gone very nicely and very smoothly.&nbsp;

WION: How has it been for our people and diplomats like you who have been on the ground facilitating the process. It is risky being out due to COVID.

Vipul: It is correct and there are jobs we have to do, and people at the airport have to do. In that, there is no choice and we are taking all the precautions. We taking all care that we are not going too near to the passengers. And at the same time, we have to be at the location so that it is an orderly flow. And sometimes especially here in Dubai, people get deboarded at the last minute&nbsp;because they have not done some formality or other. In some cases, people haven't turned up despite buying the ticket. And then you have to make sure seats don't&nbsp;go vacant, therefore&nbsp;we have had passengers in the waiting list and you have to arrange for that, so overall yes it there is some risk we are taking all precautions and hopefully, everything will go all well. The other thing with which we are facing difficulty or challenge is a huge number of Indian population is here in UAE, we 3.4 million and of course lot of people want to go to India right now and that has been a tough job. We have done that at random, and then also, we have taken people who have written to us or have approached us and who are really in a compelling circumstance were they have to go back to India.

WION: Any exact figure on the number of people who are expected to come back?&nbsp;

Vipul: It is a bit difficult to give an exact number. &nbsp;Six flights are slated to go from Dubai in next 4 days. And then for the 2nd phase as yet we don't have instructions from Delhi and information as to how many fights there would be. In terms of a number of people, it is large, there are also people who have gone into our database and filled up the details but not ready to go immediately. So it is a bit difficult to give the exact number. Of course, it is very large, on the portal, more than 250,000 people have registered so far but when we are calling people, they are not ready to go right now, so it is a bit difficult to give the exact number of people who will go in next few weeks.

WION: How have the UAE authorities helping out?&nbsp;

Vipul: They have been very very helpful. The UAE authorities are doing the test for all Indians and for all other stranded nationalities as well who are repatriating people. They have put in lot of staff that maintain order and make sure social distancing norms are maintained at the airport. Dubai police, Dubai health authorities and other agencies, they have been working together with us, ministry foreign affairs, everyone has been working together to make sure its a smooth operation and people do not face any difficulty. In any case, the large Indian population in UAE and number of COVID cases are also Indians and local authorities are taking care and doing the best to manage the situation. Authorities have been very helpful and cooperative.&nbsp;

India's consul general in Dubai Vipul has said that the ongoing repatriation is going "very well and smoothly" as many flights from the city land in India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Dubai, Vipul lauded the UAE authorities saying that have been "very helpful and cooperative.

India's consul general in Dubai Vipul has said that the ongoing repatriation is going "very well and smoothly" as many flights from the city land in India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Dubai, Vipul lauded the UAE authorities saying that have been "very helpful and cooperative." 250,000 Indians in UAE have registered for repatriation, the maximum anywhere in the world with a large number of flights originating from Dubai making the task much more complex in the West Asian country which hosts maximum numbers of Indians anywhere in the world. WION: How has the repatriation going on? Vipul: Well, the repatriation has gone on very well. So far we have sent 4 flights from Dubai, one to Calicut, two to Chennai, one to Lucknow and all the flights have been very orderly. The Dubai authorities along with Air India have done exceedingly well, in terms of ensuring a very smooth flow of passengers. Of course, all the passengers are very relieved to go back home now, because many have been stranded here for some time and we got number of passengers who were pregnant ladies, number of workers who would have lost jobs or had completed the assignments here. A lot of elderly people and medical cases and these are the 4 categories we have concentrated the most on in the initial phase. Then there are students and visitors who were stranded. But overall it has gone very nicely and very smoothly. WION: How has it been for our people and diplomats like you who have been on the ground facilitating the process. It is risky being out due to COVID. Vipul: It is correct and there are jobs we have to do, and people at the airport have to do. In that, there is no choice and we are taking all the precautions. We taking all care that we are not going too near to the passengers. And at the same time, we have to be at the location so that it is an orderly flow. And sometimes especially here in Dubai, people get deboarded at the last minute because they have not done some formality or other. In some cases, people haven't turned up despite buying the ticket. And then you have to make sure seats don't go vacant, therefore we have had passengers in the waiting list and you have to arrange for that, so overall yes it there is some risk we are taking all precautions and hopefully, everything will go all well. The other thing with which we are facing difficulty or challenge is a huge number of Indian population is here in UAE, we 3.4 million and of course lot of people want to go to India right now and that has been a tough job. We have done that at random, and then also, we have taken people who have written to us or have approached us and who are really in a compelling circumstance were they have to go back to India. WION: Any exact figure on the number of people who are expected to come back? Vipul: It is a bit difficult to give an exact number. Six flights are slated to go from Dubai in next 4 days. And then for the 2nd phase as yet we don't have instructions from Delhi and information as to how many fights there would be. In terms of a number of people, it is large, there are also people who have gone into our database and filled up the details but not ready to go immediately. So it is a bit difficult to give the exact number. Of course, it is very large, on the portal, more than 250,000 people have registered so far but when we are calling people, they are not ready to go right now, so it is a bit difficult to give the exact number of people who will go in next few weeks. WION: How have the UAE authorities helping out? Vipul: They have been very very helpful. The UAE authorities are doing the test for all Indians and for all other stranded nationalities as well who are repatriating people. They have put in lot of staff that maintain order and make sure social distancing norms are maintained at the airport. Dubai police, Dubai health authorities and other agencies, they have been working together with us, ministry foreign affairs, everyone has been working together to make sure its a smooth operation and people do not face any difficulty. In any case, the large Indian population in UAE and number of COVID cases are also Indians and local authorities are taking care and doing the best to manage the situation. Authorities have been very helpful and cooperative.

India's consul general in Dubai Vipul lauds UAE authorities as India repatriates stranded citizens

Due to the extended lockdown, India has been struggling to revive its economy. In order to help its people, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that it will be generating 90 lakh new jobs in the existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) units.&nbsp;

The announcement was made on Sunday. Yogi Adityanath's government also announced that&nbsp;entrepreneurs will be encouraged&nbsp; to set up more small industries by offering loans on easy terms.

"It is my commitment that this sector in Uttar Pradesh will achieve its glory as before,"&nbsp;said Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-congress-launches-chat-portal-to-reach-out-to-people-migrant-workers-297661">Also read:&nbsp;UP Congress launches chat portal to reach out to people, migrant workers</a>

He also said that 90 lakh people could get jobs if&nbsp;one job is added to the workforce of each of the existing 90 lakh MSME units.

With hopes to revive the state's economy, Yogi Adityanath has asked his officials to prepare a detailed plan to motivate&nbsp;entrepreneurs to set up new MSME units.

In addition to that, rules will be relaxed and made transparent for the new MSME unit owners.&nbsp;Loan fairs will also be organised in every district from May 12 to May 20 to help the owners and the job lookers.

The state is also putting together a plan to generate more jobs for the migrant workers who have travelled back to the state and have lost their jobs due to the lockdown.

Earlier, the state Cabinet has also approved an ordinance putting on hold several labour laws for the next three years, hoping that this will help revive industry.

(With inputs from ANI)

Due to the extended lockdown, India has been struggling to revive its economy. In order to help its people, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that it will be generating 90 lakh new jobs in the existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) units.

Due to the extended lockdown, India has been struggling to revive its economy. In order to help its people, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that it will be generating 90 lakh new jobs in the existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) units. The announcement was made on Sunday. Yogi Adityanath's government also announced that entrepreneurs will be encouraged to set up more small industries by offering loans on easy terms. "It is my commitment that this sector in Uttar Pradesh will achieve its glory as before," said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Also read: UP Congress launches chat portal to reach out to people, migrant workers He also said that 90 lakh people could get jobs if one job is added to the workforce of each of the existing 90 lakh MSME units. With hopes to revive the state's economy, Yogi Adityanath has asked his officials to prepare a detailed plan to motivate entrepreneurs to set up new MSME units. In addition to that, rules will be relaxed and made transparent for the new MSME unit owners. Loan fairs will also be organised in every district from May 12 to May 20 to help the owners and the job lookers. The state is also putting together a plan to generate more jobs for the migrant workers who have travelled back to the state and have lost their jobs due to the lockdown. Earlier, the state Cabinet has also approved an ordinance putting on hold several labour laws for the next three years, hoping that this will help revive industry. (With inputs from ANI)

UP government to generate 90 lakh new jobs in MSME units

Indian government, along with Air India and Indian Navy, has started the biggest repatriation operation to bring back the Indians stranded abroad.

A lot of stranded Indians have been brought back home from Doha, Singapore, Kuwait, the UK and the US, and many more countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-operation-177-indians-brought-back-from-kuwait-297702">Also read:&nbsp;Vande Bharat operation: 177 Indians brought back from Kuwait</a>

However, Air India's spokesperson announced that the Air India Express flight IX 374 from Doha which was earlier scheduled to leave Doha at 3:35 pm on Sunday and reach Thiruvananthapuram&nbsp;by 10:45 pm is cancelled.

The revised schedule will be updated later. The reason of the cancellation has not been disclosed yet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-aboard-ins-jalashwa-return-from-maldives-as-a-part-of-repatriation-mission-297742">Also read:&nbsp;Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission</a>

It was also announced on Sunday that five Air India pilots tested positive for coronavirus. These pilots fly Boeing 787 planes.&nbsp;

The airlines had asked its pilots to undertake coronavirus&nbsp;test before they operate such flights.

However, as the pilots were tested one after another, the sources have revealed that it might also be a case of faulty test kits.

These pilots had not flown any flight since the last three weeks.&nbsp;"These pilots had operated cargo flights to China prior to April 20," an&nbsp;official said.

Indian government, along with Air India and Indian Navy, has started the biggest repatriation operation to bring back the Indians stranded abroad. A lot of stranded Indians have been brought back home from Doha, Singapore, Kuwait, the UK and the US, and many more countries.

Indian government, along with Air India and Indian Navy, has started the biggest repatriation operation to bring back the Indians stranded abroad. A lot of stranded Indians have been brought back home from Doha, Singapore, Kuwait, the UK and the US, and many more countries. Also read: Vande Bharat operation: 177 Indians brought back from Kuwait However, Air India's spokesperson announced that the Air India Express flight IX 374 from Doha which was earlier scheduled to leave Doha at 3:35 pm on Sunday and reach Thiruvananthapuram by 10:45 pm is cancelled. The revised schedule will be updated later. The reason of the cancellation has not been disclosed yet. Also read: Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission It was also announced on Sunday that five Air India pilots tested positive for coronavirus. These pilots fly Boeing 787 planes. The airlines had asked its pilots to undertake coronavirus test before they operate such flights. However, as the pilots were tested one after another, the sources have revealed that it might also be a case of faulty test kits. These pilots had not flown any flight since the last three weeks. "These pilots had operated cargo flights to China prior to April 20," an official said.

Air India Express flight from Doha cancelled; five pilots test positive

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