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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers.

In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah said not allowing trains to reach West Bengal is "injustice" to the migrant workers from the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shramik-trains-over-163-run-so-far-more-than-160-lakh-migrants-ferried-297207">Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried</a>

Referring to the 'Shramik Special' trains being run by the central government to facilitate transport of migrant workers from different parts of the country to various destinations, the home minister said in the letter that the Centre has facilitated more than two lakh migrants workers to reach home.

Shah said migrant workers from West Bengal are also eager to reach home and the central government is also facilitating the train services.

"But we are not getting expected support from the West Bengal. The state government of West Bengal is not allowing the trains reaching to West Bengal. This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah wrote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers. In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah said not allowing trains to reach West Bengal is "injustice" to the migrant workers from the state. Also read: Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried Referring to the 'Shramik Special' trains being run by the central government to facilitate transport of migrant workers from different parts of the country to various destinations, the home minister said in the letter that the Centre has facilitated more than two lakh migrants workers to reach home. Shah said migrant workers from West Bengal are also eager to reach home and the central government is also facilitating the train services. "But we are not getting expected support from the West Bengal. The state government of West Bengal is not allowing the trains reaching to West Bengal. This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah wrote.

WB govt not allowing trains with migrants to reach state; Shah writes to Mamata

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been moved in Delhi High Court seeking a SIT or CBI investigation into the case related to 'Bois Locker Room'&nbsp;social media group, in which a bunch of schoolboys allegedly shared objectionable pictures of minor girls and discussed techniques of raping women.

The PIL, filed by Dev Ashish Dubey through advocates Dushyant Tiwari and Omprakash Parihar on Friday, sought protection for the girls and women who called out the alleged criminal activities in the social media group. The plea is likely to be heard by the court on May 13.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-bois-locker-room-scandal-296875">All you need to know about Bois Locker Room scandal</a>

The petition said that screenshots from an Instagram group called "Bois Locker Room" were shared by social media users, which revealed chats between a group of school students from Class 11 and 12 sharing photos of underage girls, followed by lurid discussions on their bodies.

It said that the group also allegedly used to share nude/morphed photographs of women.

"The group is run by and has membership of 16 to 18-year-old boys from posh schools in South Delhi, all of whom were involved in the objectification of their classmates and other women, some as young as 14 years of age," the petitin said.It said that the expletive-laden chats show the boys discussing having physical relationship with their classmates as well as rating them on a scale of beauty."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bois-locker-room-its-high-time-to-bury-boys-will-be-boys-excuse-297199">Bois Locker Room: It's high time to bury 'boys will be boys' excuse</a>

The obscene and objectionable pictures and vulgar comments by members of the group and once their comments came to light, instead of being apologetic or fearful, they openly threatened the girls who called them out with dire consequences, which shows that these girls might face threat such as rape, gang-rape, torture, etc," the plea said.

"The offence committed by these students through the group is illegal and amounts of violation of various laws of India. Morphing photos and sharing images of people's private parts is a violation of Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, as well as Section 354C of the Indian Penal Code," it added.

The plea claimed that the members of the group have committed several offences, including defamation, threatening women, etc, which are punishable under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

It said that the actions of these students show the mindset of the young generation towards girls and added that if it is not stopped and these people are not punished, it may lead to an increase in crime against the women in the future.

The issue needs to be investigated by SIT or CBI as these students belongs to high profile families and there is an apprehension that the investigation or enquiry conducted by the local police will be influenced and wrongdoer`s will never be arrested and punished, the plea said.

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been moved in Delhi High Court seeking a SIT or CBI investigation into the case related to 'Bois Locker Room' social media group, in which a bunch of schoolboys allegedly shared objectionable pictures of minor girls and discussed techniques of raping women.

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been moved in Delhi High Court seeking a SIT or CBI investigation into the case related to 'Bois Locker Room' social media group, in which a bunch of schoolboys allegedly shared objectionable pictures of minor girls and discussed techniques of raping women. The PIL, filed by Dev Ashish Dubey through advocates Dushyant Tiwari and Omprakash Parihar on Friday, sought protection for the girls and women who called out the alleged criminal activities in the social media group. The plea is likely to be heard by the court on May 13. Also read: All you need to know about Bois Locker Room scandal The petition said that screenshots from an Instagram group called "Bois Locker Room" were shared by social media users, which revealed chats between a group of school students from Class 11 and 12 sharing photos of underage girls, followed by lurid discussions on their bodies. It said that the group also allegedly used to share nude/morphed photographs of women. "The group is run by and has membership of 16 to 18-year-old boys from posh schools in South Delhi, all of whom were involved in the objectification of their classmates and other women, some as young as 14 years of age," the petitin said.It said that the expletive-laden chats show the boys discussing having physical relationship with their classmates as well as rating them on a scale of beauty." Also read: Bois Locker Room: It's high time to bury 'boys will be boys' excuse The obscene and objectionable pictures and vulgar comments by members of the group and once their comments came to light, instead of being apologetic or fearful, they openly threatened the girls who called them out with dire consequences, which shows that these girls might face threat such as rape, gang-rape, torture, etc," the plea said. "The offence committed by these students through the group is illegal and amounts of violation of various laws of India. Morphing photos and sharing images of people's private parts is a violation of Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, as well as Section 354C of the Indian Penal Code," it added. The plea claimed that the members of the group have committed several offences, including defamation, threatening women, etc, which are punishable under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It said that the actions of these students show the mindset of the young generation towards girls and added that if it is not stopped and these people are not punished, it may lead to an increase in crime against the women in the future. The issue needs to be investigated by SIT or CBI as these students belongs to high profile families and there is an apprehension that the investigation or enquiry conducted by the local police will be influenced and wrongdoer`s will never be arrested and punished, the plea said.

Plea in Delhi HC seeks SIT, CBI probe into 'Bois Locker Room' case

Pakistan has said that water discharge in Chenab river has come down significantly, a claim that has been termed by India as "baseless narrative".

In a letter to Indian Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena sent on Wednesday, his Pakistani counterpart Syed Mohammed Meher Ali Shah stated that the discharge at Marala Headworks on Chenab, which flows into Pakistan from the Indian side, has unexpectedly reduced to 18,700 cusecs from 31,853 cusecs.

He also asked Saxena to look into the situation and apprise him.

The Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters termed the claim as "another baseless narrative" by Pakistan and said the matter has been examined.

"The discharges at Akhnoor and Sidhra which are the last gauge and discharge sites on Chenab and Tawi rivers respectively in India have been found consistent and show no significant variation during the stated period," Saxena told PTI on Friday.

He added the same response has been conveyed to Pakistan advising it to get the matter examined instead.

The Permanent Indus Commission, formed under the Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. Indus commissioners of both the countries act as representatives of the respective governments for the treaty matters.

The treaty provides for both the commissioners to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan.

It specifies that the waters of three the eastern rivers namely Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, have been allocated exclusively to India.

Of the total 168 million acre-feet, India's share of water from the three allotted rivers is 33 million acre-feet, which constitutes nearly 20 per cent. India uses 93-94 per cent of water.

The western rivers, namely Indus, Chenab and Jhelum, are allocated to Pakistan with India given some rights like agriculture, navigation, domestic use and also the unrestricted rights to develop hydroelectric power projects within the specified parameters of design and operations.

In March, the annual meeting between Indus Commissioners was postponed after New Delhi proposed deferment of consultations due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.

The Indus Commissioners are supposed to hold meeting by March 31 every year, according to the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan has said that water discharge in Chenab river has come down significantly, a claim that has been termed by India as "baseless narrative". In a letter to Indian Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena sent on Wednesday, his Pakistani counterpart Syed Mohammed Meher Ali Shah stated that the discharge at Marala Headworks on Chenab, which flows into Pakistan from the Indian side, has unexpectedly reduced to 18,700 cusecs from 31,853 cusecs.

Pakistan has said that water discharge in Chenab river has come down significantly, a claim that has been termed by India as "baseless narrative". In a letter to Indian Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena sent on Wednesday, his Pakistani counterpart Syed Mohammed Meher Ali Shah stated that the discharge at Marala Headworks on Chenab, which flows into Pakistan from the Indian side, has unexpectedly reduced to 18,700 cusecs from 31,853 cusecs. He also asked Saxena to look into the situation and apprise him. The Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters termed the claim as "another baseless narrative" by Pakistan and said the matter has been examined. "The discharges at Akhnoor and Sidhra which are the last gauge and discharge sites on Chenab and Tawi rivers respectively in India have been found consistent and show no significant variation during the stated period," Saxena told PTI on Friday. He added the same response has been conveyed to Pakistan advising it to get the matter examined instead. The Permanent Indus Commission, formed under the Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. Indus commissioners of both the countries act as representatives of the respective governments for the treaty matters. The treaty provides for both the commissioners to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan. It specifies that the waters of three the eastern rivers namely Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, have been allocated exclusively to India. Of the total 168 million acre-feet, India's share of water from the three allotted rivers is 33 million acre-feet, which constitutes nearly 20 per cent. India uses 93-94 per cent of water. The western rivers, namely Indus, Chenab and Jhelum, are allocated to Pakistan with India given some rights like agriculture, navigation, domestic use and also the unrestricted rights to develop hydroelectric power projects within the specified parameters of design and operations. In March, the annual meeting between Indus Commissioners was postponed after New Delhi proposed deferment of consultations due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. The Indus Commissioners are supposed to hold meeting by March 31 every year, according to the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pak claims water flow in Chenab reduced significantly; India terms it baseless narrative

World is one News, WION in an exclusive conversation speaks to Singapore's Minister of Home Affairs and law, ,Mr K Shanmugam

WION Exclusively speaks to K Shanmugam |  Minister of Home affairs & law, singapore

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The elimination of India's most-wanted terrorist in south Kashmir -- Hizbul Mujahideen commander commander Riyaz Naikoo -- on Wednesday marked a big success for security forces.

A special team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had been tracking Naikoo for almost six months.

He had over a dozen hideouts in the south Kashmir region, and was the longest surviving terror commander in Kashmir. He had to finally give up and give in when&nbsp;the police tracked down his closest contacts.

Media reports say the security forces approached the hideouts many times, but came back empty-handed.

Later, in house-to-house searches, two possible hideouts were marked.

The journey wasn't easy. When the two-day encounter started on Tuesday, one security agency pulled out, but the police remained.

The forces were sure he was in that house -- fully prepared for the possibility of underground tunnels in the house.

The breakthrough came just three days before Riyaz Naikoo was neutralised&nbsp;in Beighpora, when the forces picked up some of the contacts who were very close to him.

When the encounter finally happened, Riyaz Naikoo kept shifting from one place to another in the home in which he was surrounded.

His counter-attack was not up to the mark, and he was eventually killed.

Riyaz Naikoo had taken over as the commander of Hizbul Mujahideen after&nbsp;Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces in the Kokarnag area in Anantnag district on July 8, 2016. 
&nbsp;

The elimination of India's most-wanted terrorist in south Kashmir -- Hizbul Mujahideen commander commander Riyaz Naikoo -- on Wednesday marked a big success for security forces.

The elimination of India's most-wanted terrorist in south Kashmir -- Hizbul Mujahideen commander commander Riyaz Naikoo -- on Wednesday marked a big success for security forces. A special team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had been tracking Naikoo for almost six months. He had over a dozen hideouts in the south Kashmir region, and was the longest surviving terror commander in Kashmir. He had to finally give up and give in when the police tracked down his closest contacts. Media reports say the security forces approached the hideouts many times, but came back empty-handed. Later, in house-to-house searches, two possible hideouts were marked. The journey wasn't easy. When the two-day encounter started on Tuesday, one security agency pulled out, but the police remained. The forces were sure he was in that house -- fully prepared for the possibility of underground tunnels in the house. The breakthrough came just three days before Riyaz Naikoo was neutralised in Beighpora, when the forces picked up some of the contacts who were very close to him. When the encounter finally happened, Riyaz Naikoo kept shifting from one place to another in the home in which he was surrounded. His counter-attack was not up to the mark, and he was eventually killed. Riyaz Naikoo had taken over as the commander of Hizbul Mujahideen after Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces in the Kokarnag area in Anantnag district on July 8, 2016.

Police had been after Riyaz Naikoo for six months, got to him through his close contacts

India's Meteorological Department has made a significant move by adding Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir(PoK) in its weather forecast. According to officials, the regional centre of the department bid adieu to its previous format.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multiple-hideouts-6-months-24x7-work-led-to-the-killing-of-most-wanted-militant-in-jk-297253" hreflang="en">Multiple hideouts, 6 months &amp; 24x7 work led to the killing of most wanted militant in J&amp;K</a>

According to the head of the Regional Meteorological Department that gives the forecast for the northwest meteorological division of the IMD, the weather forecasts have started including places like Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh's Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad since May 5.&nbsp;

Gilgit-Baltistan region and Muzaffarabad are illegally under Pakistan's occupation. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said that they have been mentioning PoK areas ever since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-goes-ahead-with-cpec-amid-mounting-debts-further-economic-fallout-due-to-covid-19-297201" hreflang="en">Pak goes ahead with CPEC amid mounting debts, further economic fallout due to COVID-19</a>

The northwest division contains nine sub-divisions that are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi-Chandigarh-Haryana, Punjab, east Uttar Pradesh, west Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and west Rajasthan.&nbsp;

And now areas Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir will be the new addition to the area.&nbsp;

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All India Current Thunderstorm Nowcast Warning (1615 IST) <a href="https://t.co/eQ9s39HjoH">pic.twitter.com/eQ9s39HjoH</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1257988444002807810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The move by the Meteorological Department carries a lot of significance as it clears the motive of the Indian government who have always said that the PoK is an integral part of India.&nbsp;

The inclusion of these places comes as Pakistan Supreme Court's ruling to hold elections in PoK.&nbsp;

India Meteorological Department is nominated Regional Meteorological Centre by the &nbsp;World Meteorological Department to provide severe weather warnings to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan detailing forecasts for the next five days.

India's Meteorological Department has made a significant move by adding Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir(PoK) in its weather forecast. According to officials, the regional centre of the department bid adieu to its previous format.

India's Meteorological Department has made a significant move by adding Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir(PoK) in its weather forecast. According to officials, the regional centre of the department bid adieu to its previous format. Also read: Multiple hideouts, 6 months & 24x7 work led to the killing of most wanted militant in J&K According to the head of the Regional Meteorological Department that gives the forecast for the northwest meteorological division of the IMD, the weather forecasts have started including places like Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh's Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad since May 5. Gilgit-Baltistan region and Muzaffarabad are illegally under Pakistan's occupation. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said that they have been mentioning PoK areas ever since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Also read: Pak goes ahead with CPEC amid mounting debts, further economic fallout due to COVID-19 The northwest division contains nine sub-divisions that are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi-Chandigarh-Haryana, Punjab, east Uttar Pradesh, west Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and west Rajasthan. And now areas Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir will be the new addition to the area. All India Current Thunderstorm Nowcast Warning (1615 IST) pic.twitter.com/eQ9s39HjoH — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) May 6, 2020 × The move by the Meteorological Department carries a lot of significance as it clears the motive of the Indian government who have always said that the PoK is an integral part of India. The inclusion of these places comes as Pakistan Supreme Court's ruling to hold elections in PoK. India Meteorological Department is nominated Regional Meteorological Centre by the World Meteorological Department to provide severe weather warnings to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan detailing forecasts for the next five days.

India Meteorological Department brings areas of PoK under its weather forecast

A Mig-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident.&nbsp;

The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter.&nbsp;

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

A Mig-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident. The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft.

A Mig-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force airborne on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar met with an accident. The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

Indian Air Force jet crashes in Punjab; pilot ejects safely

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed&nbsp;in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday.&nbsp;The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm.&nbsp;Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: First repatriation Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi lands at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/6CoZMXtJx4">pic.twitter.com/6CoZMXtJx4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258442884614938625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fixes-40-per-head-for-repatriation-by-sea-from-male-to-kochi-297273">Also read:&nbsp;India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch</a>

The second flight that took off from Dubai for Kerala around 8:30pm on Thursday landed at&nbsp;Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm,&nbsp;the original expected time of arrival was 10:30pm. The flight brought back 177 stranded Indians from Dubai.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Kerala: An Air India Express flight, that took off from Dubai International Airport with 177 Indians on board earlier today, has landed at Kozhikode International Airport. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/SLGgPiU0za">pic.twitter.com/SLGgPiU0za</a>
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Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials had&nbsp;installed an ultra violet disinfection chamber at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The chamber was used to disinfect the baggage coming at the airport. The chamber has been developed by a laboratory in Cochin.

These flights are being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The aviation company&nbsp;is using Air India Express IX419 to bring back stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

While the focus remains on Gulf countries, where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating repatriation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK.

Meanwhile, Air India's first&nbsp;repatriation flight&nbsp;to Singapore also took off from Delhi Airport around 11:20pm on Thursday with only one passenger. The flight is expected to return to India on Friday.

This is India government's biggest&nbsp;repatriation operation as&nbsp;around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of the operation.

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm. Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi.

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm. Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi. #WATCH: First repatriation Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi lands at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/6CoZMXtJx4 — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Also read: India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch The second flight that took off from Dubai for Kerala around 8:30pm on Thursday landed at Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm, the original expected time of arrival was 10:30pm. The flight brought back 177 stranded Indians from Dubai. #WATCH Kerala: An Air India Express flight, that took off from Dubai International Airport with 177 Indians on board earlier today, has landed at Kozhikode International Airport. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/SLGgPiU0za — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials had installed an ultra violet disinfection chamber at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The chamber was used to disinfect the baggage coming at the airport. The chamber has been developed by a laboratory in Cochin. These flights are being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The aviation company is using Air India Express IX419 to bring back stranded Indian nationals. While the focus remains on Gulf countries, where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating repatriation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK. Meanwhile, Air India's first repatriation flight to Singapore also took off from Delhi Airport around 11:20pm on Thursday with only one passenger. The flight is expected to return to India on Friday. This is India government's biggest repatriation operation as around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of the operation.

Air India's first two repatriation flights arrive in Kerala with around 350 Indians from UAE

About 16 migrant labourers died after being crushed by a goods train at Aurangabad's Karmad in Maharashtra on Friday (May 8, 2020). A few others were seriously injured and two escaped unhurt, all of the workers are from Madhya Pradesh.

India: 16 dead, 3 injured in Aurangabad train accident

India's national capital Delhi reported 338 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-190000-indians-will-be-brought-home-civil-aviation-minister-to-wion-297492">coronavirus</a> cases reported taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 6,318.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-records-600-new-cases-madras-high-court-orders-closure-of-all-liquor-shops-297499">Also Read:&nbsp;Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases; Madras High Court orders closure of all liquor shops</a>

There are now 2,020 people who have recovered from the virus in Delhi with 4,230 active cases. 68 people have died due to the virus in India's capital.

Amid the growing number of cases, the Delhi government directed all the district magistrates to strictly enforce lockdown measures and the national directives for coronavirus management for the public and workplaces.&nbsp;

In Jammu and Kashmir, 30 new positive cases were reported as authorities declared all educational institutions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to remain closed till May 31.

In Uttar Pradesh, 155 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 3,214 including 1,387 patients who have been discharged. Sixty-six people have died due to the virus in the state with the number of active cases at 1,761.

The Haryana government reported 22 new cases with the total number of cases rising to 647 in the state. However, no positive cases was reported in Jharkhand today with the total number of cases at 132.

India's national capital Delhi reported 338 new coronavirus cases reported taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 6,318. Also Read: Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases; Madras High Court orders closure of all liquor shops There are now 2,020 people who have recovered from the virus in Delhi with 4,230 active cases.

India's national capital Delhi reported 338 new coronavirus cases reported taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 6,318. Also Read: Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases; Madras High Court orders closure of all liquor shops There are now 2,020 people who have recovered from the virus in Delhi with 4,230 active cases. 68 people have died due to the virus in India's capital. Amid the growing number of cases, the Delhi government directed all the district magistrates to strictly enforce lockdown measures and the national directives for coronavirus management for the public and workplaces. In Jammu and Kashmir, 30 new positive cases were reported as authorities declared all educational institutions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to remain closed till May 31. In Uttar Pradesh, 155 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 3,214 including 1,387 patients who have been discharged. Sixty-six people have died due to the virus in the state with the number of active cases at 1,761. The Haryana government reported 22 new cases with the total number of cases rising to 647 in the state. However, no positive cases was reported in Jharkhand today with the total number of cases at 132.

Delhi reports 338 new coronavirus cases; over 6,000 patients infected

Over a dozen people, most of them migrant workers, including some kids, were crushed to death by a train in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, on Friday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/migrant-workers-denied-entry-into-karnataka-goa-offers-help-297214">Also read: Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help</a> 
 
All 16&nbsp;killed were returning to Madhya Pradesh and had slept on railway tracks,&nbsp;2 of 5 survivors injured. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/migrant-worker-cycles-from-maharashtra-to-up-dies-mid-way-296223">Also read: Migrant worker cycles from Maharashtra to UP; dies mid-way</a>

The accident happened on the Aurangabad-Jalna railway line under the limits of Karmad police station, and cops have rushed to the spot.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish at the incident.

"Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1258597915536179201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The workers, who were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna in central Maharashtra along rail tracks, were returning to their home state Madhya Pradesh, an official at the Karmad police station said.

They were sleeping on rail tracks due to exhaustion when they were run over by the goods train coming from Jalna, he said.

"The labourers, working in a steel factory in Jalna, left for their home state on foot last night. They came till Karmad and slept on tracks as they were tired," police officer Santosh Khetmalas said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Over a dozen people, most of them migrant workers, including some kids, were crushed to death by a train in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, on Friday morning. Also read: Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help All 16 killed were returning to Madhya Pradesh and had slept on railway tracks, 2 of 5 survivors injured.

Over a dozen people, most of them migrant workers, including some kids, were crushed to death by a train in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, on Friday morning. Also read: Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help All 16 killed were returning to Madhya Pradesh and had slept on railway tracks, 2 of 5 survivors injured. Also read: Migrant worker cycles from Maharashtra to UP; dies mid-way The accident happened on the Aurangabad-Jalna railway line under the limits of Karmad police station, and cops have rushed to the spot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish at the incident. "Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided," he tweeted. Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 8, 2020 × The workers, who were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna in central Maharashtra along rail tracks, were returning to their home state Madhya Pradesh, an official at the Karmad police station said. They were sleeping on rail tracks due to exhaustion when they were run over by the goods train coming from Jalna, he said. "The labourers, working in a steel factory in Jalna, left for their home state on foot last night. They came till Karmad and slept on tracks as they were tired," police officer Santosh Khetmalas said. (With inputs from agencies)

16 migrant workers mowed down by goods train in Maharashtra's Aurangabad; PM Modi expresses anguish

An Air India flight landed in&nbsp;Kozhikode around 8pm pm&nbsp;on Friday. The flight brought back around 153 Indian nationals from Riyadh.

Among the 253 passengers, there were 84 pregnant women and 22 children onboard.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-190000-indians-will-be-brought-home-civil-aviation-minister-to-wion-297492">Also read:&nbsp;Over 190,000 Indians will be brought home: Civil aviation minister to WION</a>

This was the third flight to land in India today. Air India's AI 381 brought back 234 passengers from Singapore to new Delhi, followed by AI 1242 which landed in Srinagar from Dhaka.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a>: An Air India flight with Indian nationals from Riyadh landed in Kerala's Kozhikode today. Elaborate arrangments have been made at various airports across India incl. the installation of thermal temperature scanning systems for passengers arriving from abroad <a href="https://t.co/XpUkrJ7rqU">pic.twitter.com/XpUkrJ7rqU</a>
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As a part of this operation, Indian Navy, too, will sail three Navy ships to bring back Indians from abroad. INS Jalashwa has set sail from Maldives and will be bringing back almost 700 Indians back home.

Another flight AI 173 has also landed in the US to bring back Indian nationals from America. The flight landed at 8:30pm on Friday in San Francisco with 80 American nationals onboard. This was the first Indian flight to land in the US after 48 days. The same flight will bring back Indian nationals who have been stranded in the US.

Two more flights, that took off from Dubai, are expected to land soon.

To help the stranded nationals, IndiGo, too, has decided to operate two special flights to help the almost 200 stranded Kenya nationals to reach Mumbai, from where they will be boarding flight for Nairobi.

An Air India flight landed in Kozhikode around 8pm pm on Friday. The flight brought back around 153 Indian nationals from Riyadh. Among the 253 passengers, there were 84 pregnant women and 22 children onboard.

An Air India flight landed in Kozhikode around 8pm pm on Friday. The flight brought back around 153 Indian nationals from Riyadh. Among the 253 passengers, there were 84 pregnant women and 22 children onboard. Also read: Over 190,000 Indians will be brought home: Civil aviation minister to WION This was the third flight to land in India today. Air India's AI 381 brought back 234 passengers from Singapore to new Delhi, followed by AI 1242 which landed in Srinagar from Dhaka. #VandeBharatMission: An Air India flight with Indian nationals from Riyadh landed in Kerala's Kozhikode today. Elaborate arrangments have been made at various airports across India incl. the installation of thermal temperature scanning systems for passengers arriving from abroad pic.twitter.com/XpUkrJ7rqU — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2020 × As a part of this operation, Indian Navy, too, will sail three Navy ships to bring back Indians from abroad. INS Jalashwa has set sail from Maldives and will be bringing back almost 700 Indians back home. Another flight AI 173 has also landed in the US to bring back Indian nationals from America. The flight landed at 8:30pm on Friday in San Francisco with 80 American nationals onboard. This was the first Indian flight to land in the US after 48 days. The same flight will bring back Indian nationals who have been stranded in the US. Two more flights, that took off from Dubai, are expected to land soon. To help the stranded nationals, IndiGo, too, has decided to operate two special flights to help the almost 200 stranded Kenya nationals to reach Mumbai, from where they will be boarding flight for Nairobi.

INS Jalashwa sets sail from Maldives; 700 passengers onboard

Mumbai reported 748 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-reports-45-new-covid-19-cases-andhra-pradesh-reports-54-cases-in-24-hours-297457">coronavirus</a> cases in the last 24 hours taking total number of cases in the city to the 11,967.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-records-600-new-cases-madras-high-court-orders-closure-of-all-liquor-shops-297499">Also Read: Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases</a>

Maharashtra which is now the worst-hit state due to the virus has 19,063 cases of COVID-19 with 1,089 more people testing positive today. 37 people have lost their lives due to the virus in the last 24 hours taking the total death toll in the state to 731.

3,470 patients have recovered from the virus, according to the state health department

The Odisha government said 25 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state today with the total number of cases in the state rising to 271.

Tamil Nadu health minister C. Vijayabaskar said that 600 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state today with 399 in capital Chennai.

The number of coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu has risen to 6,009 which includes 1,605 who have been discharged. Forty people have died due to the virus in the state with the number of active cases at 4,631.

The Ludhiana district magistrate said that restaurants, eateries, ice-cream shops, sweet shops and juice shops in the district are allowed to open from 7am to 7pm only for home delivery even as West Bengal reported 130 new coronavirus cases with the number of cases climbing to 1678. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 88 in the state.

Mumbai reported 748 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking total number of cases in the city to the 11,967. Also Read: Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases Maharashtra which is now the worst-hit state due to the virus has 19,063 cases of COVID-19 with 1,089 more people testing positive today.

Mumbai reported 748 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking total number of cases in the city to the 11,967. Also Read: Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases Maharashtra which is now the worst-hit state due to the virus has 19,063 cases of COVID-19 with 1,089 more people testing positive today. 37 people have lost their lives due to the virus in the last 24 hours taking the total death toll in the state to 731. 3,470 patients have recovered from the virus, according to the state health department The Odisha government said 25 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state today with the total number of cases in the state rising to 271. Tamil Nadu health minister C. Vijayabaskar said that 600 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state today with 399 in capital Chennai. The number of coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu has risen to 6,009 which includes 1,605 who have been discharged. Forty people have died due to the virus in the state with the number of active cases at 4,631. The Ludhiana district magistrate said that restaurants, eateries, ice-cream shops, sweet shops and juice shops in the district are allowed to open from 7am to 7pm only for home delivery even as West Bengal reported 130 new coronavirus cases with the number of cases climbing to 1678. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 88 in the state.

COVID-19: Maharashtra reports 37 deaths in one-day; 748 new cases in Mumbai

Over 14 migrant labourers died after being crushed by a goods train at Aurangabad's Karmad in Maharashtra on Friday (May 8, 2020). A few others were seriously injured and two escaped unhurt, all of the workers are from Madhya Pradesh.

India: Goods train runs over 14 migrant workers in Maharashtra

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.&nbsp;

Of the total cases in the country, 37,916 are active cases while 16,539 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1,886 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals.

Around the world, over 38.45 lakh coronavirus cases have been detected. The most number of COVID 19 positive cases have been detected in the US, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdon and Russia. Over 2.69 COVID 19 related deaths have been reported across the globe. The US, UK, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths than other countries, as per the information shared by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed. Of the total cases in the country, 37,916 are active cases while 16,539 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1,886 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals. Around the world, over 38.45 lakh coronavirus cases have been detected. The most number of COVID 19 positive cases have been detected in the US, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdon and Russia. Over 2.69 COVID 19 related deaths have been reported across the globe. The US, UK, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths than other countries, as per the information shared by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured

The death toll due to deadly coronavirus in India rose to 1,783 while the number of cases climbed to 52,952 on Thursday, registering an increase of 89 deaths and 3,561 cases in the last 24 hours, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

According to the Union Ministry, 1783 people have died due to coronavirus. There are 35902 coronavirus active cases in the country and 15266 COVID 19 positive patients have been cured or discharged, one patient has been migrated. The total number of coronavirus cases in India is 52,952. 
 
The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals.

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(Picture courtesy: @COVIDNewsByMIB)

"Thus, around 28.83 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
A total of 89 deaths have been reported since Wednesday morning, of which 34 people died in Maharashtra, 28 in Gujarat, nine in Madhya Pradesh, four each in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, three in Rajasthan, two each from Punjab and Tamil Nadu and one each from Delhi, Haryana and Orissa. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Of the 1,783 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 651 fatalities, Gujarat comes second with 396 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 185, West Bengal at 144, Rajasthan at 92, Delhi at 65, Uttar Pradesh at 60 and Andhra Pradesh at 36.

Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll due to deadly coronavirus in India rose to 1,783 while the number of cases climbed to 52,952 on Thursday, registering an increase of 89 deaths and 3,561 cases in the last 24 hours, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The death toll due to deadly coronavirus in India rose to 1,783 while the number of cases climbed to 52,952 on Thursday, registering an increase of 89 deaths and 3,561 cases in the last 24 hours, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. According to the Union Ministry, 1783 people have died due to coronavirus. There are 35902 coronavirus active cases in the country and 15266 COVID 19 positive patients have been cured or discharged, one patient has been migrated. The total number of coronavirus cases in India is 52,952. The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals. (Picture courtesy: @COVIDNewsByMIB) "Thus, around 28.83 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said. A total of 89 deaths have been reported since Wednesday morning, of which 34 people died in Maharashtra, 28 in Gujarat, nine in Madhya Pradesh, four each in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, three in Rajasthan, two each from Punjab and Tamil Nadu and one each from Delhi, Haryana and Orissa. Of the 1,783 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 651 fatalities, Gujarat comes second with 396 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 185, West Bengal at 144, Rajasthan at 92, Delhi at 65, Uttar Pradesh at 60 and Andhra Pradesh at 36. Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783

So international courts may not be up to the task but the world cannot look the other way as China and its accomplices break the rules like the World <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-closes-bars-and-clubs-fears-second-wave-of-covid-19-297461">Health </a>Organization(WHO).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-the-covid-19-pandemic-is-over-ready-for-review-under-who-china-297447">Also Read:&nbsp;After the COVID-19 pandemic is over, ready for review under WHO, says&nbsp;China</a>

Could that be India? there's a good chance. India will be taking up the leadership role at the WHO on May 22. New Delhi's nominee is expected to be appointed the chairperson of the WHO's executive board. It is the WHO wing responsible for executing decisions and implementing policies of the health assembly.

India's nomination was unanimously upheld by the WHO's South-East Asia group last year. India will be replacing Japan which will complete its one-year-term and it will hold the post for at least three years.

It implies that the Director-General of the WHO will have to get the chairperson - India &nbsp;- on board for all important decisions. Here are five things that India can and must do to fix the broken system of the&nbsp;UN health body.

Start by asking questions, push for accountability from WHO leadership, why did it buy China's word on the human transmission? Did it downplay or blatantly lie about how lethal the coronavirus was? Why did it declare a pandemic only after the virus had reached 85 countries?&nbsp;

Dr. Tedros sent a WHO delegation to China? what again did it achieve? and why can't the world talk about the place of origin of this virus?

India must begin by asking these questions without hesitation. Second, demand transparency from member countries. Starting with the one that gave the world this virus- China.

Why and on what basis should we trust China's recovery? Why won't it share research with and initial test samples as a WHO member nation? What evidence does Cina have to claim that this virus did not originate in the Wuhan lab? &nbsp;Why shouldn't global experts have access to this lab?

And most importantly, the wet markets - are they back? if they are what are they selling? under what conditions? and what assurance can China give the world that another disease is not waiting to explode? India must insist on the financial independence of the World Health Organization. How much does money talk at this body?

Reports say that contribution by countries in lieu of their membership to the WHO is extremely low. The WHO budget is mostly financed by voluntary contributions. Donations and grants that come from public and private sources. How much does the WHO depend on these 'extra-budgetary resources'? and which private sources are sending money to this body? are they from China?...

Also how much influence do they wield? India must push for Taiwan's inclusion at the World Health Organization. The WHO labels parts of India as Chinese territory but when it comes to Taiwan this body adheres to the One-China principle. Forget praising Taiwan's success story, it doesn't even acknowledge its existence.

India must rally support for Taiwan's observer status at the WHO. Taiwan must be permitted to share its expertise on the pandemic for the simple reason that its response has been the best.

And lastly, conduct an independent international probe on the outbreak which China says it is ready but with "close co-operation with the WHO". A body it already controls.&nbsp;

India must push for a transparent and crystal clear probe on the coronavirus outbreak and the world must not waste time mourning missed chances.

India must take the lead and WHO member nations must extend their support.

So international courts may not be up to the task but the world cannot look the other way as China and its accomplices break the rules like the World Health Organization(WHO).

So international courts may not be up to the task but the world cannot look the other way as China and its accomplices break the rules like the World Health Organization(WHO). Also Read: After the COVID-19 pandemic is over, ready for review under WHO, says China Could that be India? there's a good chance. India will be taking up the leadership role at the WHO on May 22. New Delhi's nominee is expected to be appointed the chairperson of the WHO's executive board. It is the WHO wing responsible for executing decisions and implementing policies of the health assembly. India's nomination was unanimously upheld by the WHO's South-East Asia group last year. India will be replacing Japan which will complete its one-year-term and it will hold the post for at least three years. It implies that the Director-General of the WHO will have to get the chairperson - India - on board for all important decisions. Here are five things that India can and must do to fix the broken system of the UN health body. Start by asking questions, push for accountability from WHO leadership, why did it buy China's word on the human transmission? Did it downplay or blatantly lie about how lethal the coronavirus was? Why did it declare a pandemic only after the virus had reached 85 countries? Dr. Tedros sent a WHO delegation to China? what again did it achieve? and why can't the world talk about the place of origin of this virus? India must begin by asking these questions without hesitation. Second, demand transparency from member countries. Starting with the one that gave the world this virus- China. Why and on what basis should we trust China's recovery? Why won't it share research with and initial test samples as a WHO member nation? What evidence does Cina have to claim that this virus did not originate in the Wuhan lab? Why shouldn't global experts have access to this lab? And most importantly, the wet markets - are they back? if they are what are they selling? under what conditions? and what assurance can China give the world that another disease is not waiting to explode? India must insist on the financial independence of the World Health Organization. How much does money talk at this body? Reports say that contribution by countries in lieu of their membership to the WHO is extremely low. The WHO budget is mostly financed by voluntary contributions. Donations and grants that come from public and private sources. How much does the WHO depend on these 'extra-budgetary resources'? and which private sources are sending money to this body? are they from China?... Also how much influence do they wield? India must push for Taiwan's inclusion at the World Health Organization. The WHO labels parts of India as Chinese territory but when it comes to Taiwan this body adheres to the One-China principle. Forget praising Taiwan's success story, it doesn't even acknowledge its existence. India must rally support for Taiwan's observer status at the WHO. Taiwan must be permitted to share its expertise on the pandemic for the simple reason that its response has been the best. And lastly, conduct an independent international probe on the outbreak which China says it is ready but with "close co-operation with the WHO". A body it already controls. India must push for a transparent and crystal clear probe on the coronavirus outbreak and the world must not waste time mourning missed chances. India must take the lead and WHO member nations must extend their support.

India to assume WHO leadership role; five things to fix

India commenced its biggest evacuation operation on Thursday. The repatriation operation has been&nbsp;started by government of India with Air India to bring back Indian nationals stranded abroad.

Air India will be bringing back almost 14,600 Indians back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of operation. The main focus is to bring back Indians from the Gulf countries&nbsp;where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating evacuation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fixes-40-per-head-for-repatriation-by-sea-from-male-to-kochi-297273">Also read:&nbsp;India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch</a>

Sources have now revealed that India will be expanding scope of countries in the next week of repatriation. Indians from other countries like Russia, Germany, Thailand, France, Spain, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will also be repatriated.

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From ANI Multimedia: Hear from Air India evacuation pilot addressing passengers on return flight home. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a><a href="https://t.co/ootCBGZX4a">https://t.co/ootCBGZX4a</a>
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Till now, three days after bookings opened, a total of 67,833 requests have been registered for repatriation. These requests are from students, migrant workers, short-term visa holders faced with expiry of visas and also patients seeking treatment for terminal illness and other medical emergencies.

First two flights landed in Kerala on Thursday night.&nbsp;The first repatriation flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi and landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday.&nbsp;The second flight landed at Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm, which brought back close to 400 Indian from Dubai.

Air India AI381 flight&nbsp;from Singapore also landed in Delhi around 12pm on Friday.&nbsp;

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Flight no. AI381 from Singapore has landed in Delhi. 
Welcome home. 
 
Thank <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a>, Bureau of Immigration and Delhi Government for cooperation and support. 
 
Appreciate the exemplary effort of Team <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSingapor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSingapor</a> led by HC <a href="https://twitter.com/JawedAshraf5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JawedAshraf5</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1258644203728334853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This was followed by a flight from Dhaka that landed in Srinagar on Friday afternoon.

Three more flights are scheduled to land tonight.&nbsp;Another flight from Dubai is expected to&nbsp;land tonight in Chennai at 8.10 pm, a Riyadh-Kozhikode flight at 8.30 pm and a Manama-Kochi flight at 11.30 pm.&nbsp;

From passengers to the government officials, everyone has applauded Air India for their commendable service during these tough times.

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Passengers started arriving for third and fourth repatriation flights from Dubai to Chennai leaving today evening. Great arrangements. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndembAbuDhabi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndembAbuDhabi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MOS_MEA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MOS_MEA</a> <a href="https://t.co/vX2QNpvAA0">pic.twitter.com/vX2QNpvAA0</a>
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) <a href="https://twitter.com/cgidubai/status/1258721371858714625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Around 150 Indians who have lost their jobs in&nbsp;Riyadh in Saudi Arabia have boarded the flight which is expected to land tonight .

As of 7pm on Friday, 177 Indian from Bahrain have completed their check-in from the Manama International airport, and the flight will soon take off&nbsp;to reach Kochi tonight.

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Few hours away from reaching back home, passengers of the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndia</a> flight from Bahrain to Kochi under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> at Bahrain International Airport. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zizr4gsEeT">pic.twitter.com/Zizr4gsEeT</a>
— India in Bahrain (@IndiaInBahrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInBahrain/status/1258727493911171074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Third and fourth evacuation flights from Dubai to Chennai will also be taking off on Friday soon. Passengers on the Dubai Airport are being screened, and their temperatures are being checked too.

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Passengers started arriving for third and fourth repatriation flights from Dubai to Chennai leaving today evening. Great arrangements. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndembAbuDhabi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndembAbuDhabi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MOS_MEA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MOS_MEA</a> <a href="https://t.co/vX2QNpvAA0">pic.twitter.com/vX2QNpvAA0</a>
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) <a href="https://twitter.com/cgidubai/status/1258721371858714625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Guidelines for returnees

Keeping in mind that some of these returnees will need to quarantine themselves, the Health Ministry has issued additional guidelines for facility quarantine / isolation. The passengers who will be suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus will be quarantined in alloted private facilities like hotels, service apartments, lodges etc.

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Health Ministry has issued additional guidelines for facility quarantine / isolation of returnees from abroad / contacts / isolation of suspects or confirmed cases in private facilities like hotels, service apartments, lodges etc: <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/NPm8PGRxvI">pic.twitter.com/NPm8PGRxvI</a>
— Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PBNS_India/status/1258715174724349952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As per the guidelines, the facility owners will have to declare whether they want to have their facility has quarantine zone or isolation zones, as both cannot be in one facility.&nbsp;

A single-occupancy room with attached washrooms on paid basis will be alloted to cases. The tariff of the room will have to be decided in consultation with the government.

Other than this, Wi-Fi has to be provided to the returnees. The food has to be sent to the rooms on time and the confirmed cases should not be allowed to meet any visitors or come in contact with anyone except the medical experts. A trained doctor and nurse have to be appointed by every facility.

India commenced its biggest evacuation operation on Thursday. The repatriation operation has been started by government of India with Air India to bring back Indian nationals stranded abroad.

India commenced its biggest evacuation operation on Thursday. The repatriation operation has been started by government of India with Air India to bring back Indian nationals stranded abroad. Air India will be bringing back almost 14,600 Indians back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of operation. The main focus is to bring back Indians from the Gulf countries where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating evacuation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK. Also read: India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch Sources have now revealed that India will be expanding scope of countries in the next week of repatriation. Indians from other countries like Russia, Germany, Thailand, France, Spain, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will also be repatriated. From ANI Multimedia: Hear from Air India evacuation pilot addressing passengers on return flight home. #VandeBharatMissionhttps://t.co/ootCBGZX4a — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2020 × Till now, three days after bookings opened, a total of 67,833 requests have been registered for repatriation. These requests are from students, migrant workers, short-term visa holders faced with expiry of visas and also patients seeking treatment for terminal illness and other medical emergencies. First two flights landed in Kerala on Thursday night. The first repatriation flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi and landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The second flight landed at Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm, which brought back close to 400 Indian from Dubai. Air India AI381 flight from Singapore also landed in Delhi around 12pm on Friday. Flight no. AI381 from Singapore has landed in Delhi. Welcome home. Thank @airindiain @MoCA_GoI, Bureau of Immigration and Delhi Government for cooperation and support. Appreciate the exemplary effort of Team @IndiainSingapor led by HC @JawedAshraf5 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 8, 2020 × This was followed by a flight from Dhaka that landed in Srinagar on Friday afternoon. Three more flights are scheduled to land tonight. Another flight from Dubai is expected to land tonight in Chennai at 8.10 pm, a Riyadh-Kozhikode flight at 8.30 pm and a Manama-Kochi flight at 11.30 pm. From passengers to the government officials, everyone has applauded Air India for their commendable service during these tough times. Passengers started arriving for third and fourth repatriation flights from Dubai to Chennai leaving today evening. Great arrangements. @MEAIndia #VandeBharatMission @airindiain @IndembAbuDhabi @PMOIndia @MOS_MEA pic.twitter.com/vX2QNpvAA0 — India in Dubai (@cgidubai) May 8, 2020 × Around 150 Indians who have lost their jobs in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia have boarded the flight which is expected to land tonight . As of 7pm on Friday, 177 Indian from Bahrain have completed their check-in from the Manama International airport, and the flight will soon take off to reach Kochi tonight. Few hours away from reaching back home, passengers of the first #AirIndia flight from Bahrain to Kochi under #VandeBharatMission at Bahrain International Airport. @IndianDiplomacy @MEAIndia @PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA @airindiain pic.twitter.com/Zizr4gsEeT — India in Bahrain (@IndiaInBahrain) May 8, 2020 × Third and fourth evacuation flights from Dubai to Chennai will also be taking off on Friday soon. Passengers on the Dubai Airport are being screened, and their temperatures are being checked too. Passengers started arriving for third and fourth repatriation flights from Dubai to Chennai leaving today evening. Great arrangements. @MEAIndia #VandeBharatMission @airindiain @IndembAbuDhabi @PMOIndia @MOS_MEA pic.twitter.com/vX2QNpvAA0 — India in Dubai (@cgidubai) May 8, 2020 × Guidelines for returnees Keeping in mind that some of these returnees will need to quarantine themselves, the Health Ministry has issued additional guidelines for facility quarantine / isolation. The passengers who will be suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus will be quarantined in alloted private facilities like hotels, service apartments, lodges etc. Health Ministry has issued additional guidelines for facility quarantine / isolation of returnees from abroad / contacts / isolation of suspects or confirmed cases in private facilities like hotels, service apartments, lodges etc: @MoHFW_INDIA #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/NPm8PGRxvI — Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) May 8, 2020 × As per the guidelines, the facility owners will have to declare whether they want to have their facility has quarantine zone or isolation zones, as both cannot be in one facility. A single-occupancy room with attached washrooms on paid basis will be alloted to cases. The tariff of the room will have to be decided in consultation with the government. Other than this, Wi-Fi has to be provided to the returnees. The food has to be sent to the rooms on time and the confirmed cases should not be allowed to meet any visitors or come in contact with anyone except the medical experts. A trained doctor and nurse have to be appointed by every facility.

More countries added to India's Vande Bharat operation; passengers thank Air India

Two days after TASMAC liquor shops opened in Tamil Nadu, Madras High Court has ordered a closure of all state-run TASMAC liquor shops in the whole state.

However, residents can still order liquor online. The delivery executives will have to follow proper protocols of social distancing and face masks will be compulsory.

This comes after 600 new cases were reported within 24 hours in Tamil Nadu, out of which 300 cases were from Chennai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3390-new-coronavirus-cases-in-india-16540-patients-cured-government-297467">Also read:&nbsp;3,390 new coronavirus cases in India; 16,540 patients cured: Government</a>

Despite the restrictions of age groups and social distancing,&nbsp;thousands were seen gathering in queues for TASMAC liquor shops in the state.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu government earned almost 170 crores from the first day of alcohol sale. While this was helping revive the economy, few experts protested against the idea of opening the liquor shops as they feared a fresh wave of cases will be seen if the people are allowed to queue.&nbsp;

While cities like Chennai and few other containment areas were not allowed to open liquor shops, few districts such as Tirupur made umbrellas, along with facemask, compulsory for those who were queuing to buy alcohol.

The total number of positive cases has reached 6,009 in Tamil Nadu, which includes 1,605 recovered/discharged patients and 40 deaths.

Two days after TASMAC liquor shops opened in Tamil Nadu, Madras High Court has ordered a closure of all state-run TASMAC liquor shops in the whole state. However, residents can still order liquor online.

Two days after TASMAC liquor shops opened in Tamil Nadu, Madras High Court has ordered a closure of all state-run TASMAC liquor shops in the whole state. However, residents can still order liquor online. The delivery executives will have to follow proper protocols of social distancing and face masks will be compulsory. This comes after 600 new cases were reported within 24 hours in Tamil Nadu, out of which 300 cases were from Chennai. Also read: 3,390 new coronavirus cases in India; 16,540 patients cured: Government Despite the restrictions of age groups and social distancing, thousands were seen gathering in queues for TASMAC liquor shops in the state. Tamil Nadu government earned almost 170 crores from the first day of alcohol sale. While this was helping revive the economy, few experts protested against the idea of opening the liquor shops as they feared a fresh wave of cases will be seen if the people are allowed to queue. While cities like Chennai and few other containment areas were not allowed to open liquor shops, few districts such as Tirupur made umbrellas, along with facemask, compulsory for those who were queuing to buy alcohol. The total number of positive cases has reached 6,009 in Tamil Nadu, which includes 1,605 recovered/discharged patients and 40 deaths.

Tamil Nadu records 600 new cases; Madras High Court orders closure of all liquor shops

Air India, under the Vande Bharat mission, has been assigned to operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back as many as 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. To this end, India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has termed this operation as the "largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades."

Puri, in an exclusive conversation with Wion, said the ministry has so far drawn up the programme for only a week, and the further details shall soon be shared.

"This is the largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades. We had earlier presumed that the number of people wanting to come back home would be 190,000. But as we started off with the programme, we realised this was on the conservative side," Puri said.

He added, "We have so far drawn up the programme for the first week, that is starting from May 7 till 14. In this phase, we plan to bring home about 14,800 Indians stranded in 12 countries through 64 flights.

"But as I said the number is on the conservative side, this may increase as we go forward."

These 64 flights would be conducted by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express to repatriate Indians from 12 countries such as the UAE, the UK, the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

India will conduct 10 flights to the UAE, seven flights each to the US and the UK, five flights to Saudi Arabia, five flights to Singapore and two flights to Qatar to repatriate Indian nationals between May 7 and May 13.

During this time period, India will also conduct seven flights each to Malaysia and Bangladesh, five flights each to Kuwait and Philippines, two flights each to Oman and Bahrain, Puri had earlier announced.

Private airlines may be roped in if need arises, he said.

On arrival from abroad, all passengers will be screened and put under quarantine for a period of 14 days as a COVID-19 precautionary measure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-flight-part-of-vande-bharat-mission-from-singapore-lands-at-delhi-with-234-passengers-297425">Also read |&nbsp;Air India flight, part of Vande Bharat mission, from Singapore lands at Delhi with 234 passengers</a>

"The challenge is not that the flights are arranged, but that the measures are properly executed. The passengers shall be tested when they board the plane and when they disembark it," he said, adding, "most importantly, at the point of disembarkation, there are arrangements of quarantining all passengers for a mandatory period of a fortnight."

The airports are fully geared to ensure the social distancing guidelines, he said.

When asked about the economic downturn, Puri said this was not a civil aviation industry-specific issue.

"Airlines are not operating. Airports are also not being run; so there's no revenue. Then there are tour operators and hotels that&nbsp;are also not getting their commission. So in short, it's not a civil aviation industry-specific issue. It's a larger issue; a multi-layered intertwined job. And we have to ensure that we try and resume the economic activity as soon as possible to benefit every industry," he said.

About a stimulus package, Puri said, "The finance minister and her team will have to assess the demands and necessities of every industry, and accordingly prioritise in consultation with the prime minister."

The aviation sector has been hit hard due to the suspension of all scheduled commercial passenger flights during the lockdown in the country which began on March 25.&nbsp;

Puri, to this end, also assured that the disinvestment process will soon be started with "full force" -- as soon as the economic activity is resumed in the post-coronavirus phase.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-conversation-with-indias-civil-aviation-minister-hardeep-singh-puri-297455">Also watch | WION exclusive conversation with India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri</a>

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Those availing the repatriation flights will be charged, Puri had earlier said.

A passenger on a London-Delhi flight will be charged Rs 50,000 and on a Dhaka-Delhi flight Rs 12,000.

India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights were suspended for this period.

The first and second phase of lockdown in India was from March 25 to April 14 and April 15 to May 3, respectively. The third phase began from May 4 and would end on May 17.

Whenever the government resumes commercial passenger flights, it would be done in a graded manner, Puri had said.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 46,400 people and killed around 1,560 people in India till now.

Meanwhile, an Air India repatriation flight from Singapore landed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning with 234 passengers.

On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, landed in Kerala.

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Mission Vande Bharat begins. 
 
First two flights bring home Indian citizens from the UAE. 
 
177 passengers plus 4 infants reach Cochin from Abu Dhabi. 
177 passengers plus 5 infants reach Kozhikode from Dubai. 
 
State govt will now arrange for their mandatory 14 day quarantine. <a href="https://t.co/sVteZkd2Tj">pic.twitter.com/sVteZkd2Tj</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1258447488434012161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Air India, under the Vande Bharat mission, has been assigned to operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back as many as 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Air India, under the Vande Bharat mission, has been assigned to operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back as many as 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. To this end, India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has termed this operation as the "largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades." Puri, in an exclusive conversation with Wion, said the ministry has so far drawn up the programme for only a week, and the further details shall soon be shared. "This is the largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades. We had earlier presumed that the number of people wanting to come back home would be 190,000. But as we started off with the programme, we realised this was on the conservative side," Puri said. He added, "We have so far drawn up the programme for the first week, that is starting from May 7 till 14. In this phase, we plan to bring home about 14,800 Indians stranded in 12 countries through 64 flights. "But as I said the number is on the conservative side, this may increase as we go forward." These 64 flights would be conducted by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express to repatriate Indians from 12 countries such as the UAE, the UK, the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. India will conduct 10 flights to the UAE, seven flights each to the US and the UK, five flights to Saudi Arabia, five flights to Singapore and two flights to Qatar to repatriate Indian nationals between May 7 and May 13. During this time period, India will also conduct seven flights each to Malaysia and Bangladesh, five flights each to Kuwait and Philippines, two flights each to Oman and Bahrain, Puri had earlier announced. Private airlines may be roped in if need arises, he said. On arrival from abroad, all passengers will be screened and put under quarantine for a period of 14 days as a COVID-19 precautionary measure. Also read | Air India flight, part of Vande Bharat mission, from Singapore lands at Delhi with 234 passengers "The challenge is not that the flights are arranged, but that the measures are properly executed. The passengers shall be tested when they board the plane and when they disembark it," he said, adding, "most importantly, at the point of disembarkation, there are arrangements of quarantining all passengers for a mandatory period of a fortnight." The airports are fully geared to ensure the social distancing guidelines, he said. When asked about the economic downturn, Puri said this was not a civil aviation industry-specific issue. "Airlines are not operating. Airports are also not being run; so there's no revenue. Then there are tour operators and hotels that are also not getting their commission. So in short, it's not a civil aviation industry-specific issue. It's a larger issue; a multi-layered intertwined job. And we have to ensure that we try and resume the economic activity as soon as possible to benefit every industry," he said. About a stimulus package, Puri said, "The finance minister and her team will have to assess the demands and necessities of every industry, and accordingly prioritise in consultation with the prime minister." The aviation sector has been hit hard due to the suspension of all scheduled commercial passenger flights during the lockdown in the country which began on March 25. Puri, to this end, also assured that the disinvestment process will soon be started with "full force" -- as soon as the economic activity is resumed in the post-coronavirus phase. Also watch | WION exclusive conversation with India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri × Those availing the repatriation flights will be charged, Puri had earlier said. A passenger on a London-Delhi flight will be charged Rs 50,000 and on a Dhaka-Delhi flight Rs 12,000. India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights were suspended for this period. The first and second phase of lockdown in India was from March 25 to April 14 and April 15 to May 3, respectively. The third phase began from May 4 and would end on May 17. Whenever the government resumes commercial passenger flights, it would be done in a graded manner, Puri had said. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 46,400 people and killed around 1,560 people in India till now. Meanwhile, an Air India repatriation flight from Singapore landed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning with 234 passengers. On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, landed in Kerala. Mission Vande Bharat begins. First two flights bring home Indian citizens from the UAE. 177 passengers plus 4 infants reach Cochin from Abu Dhabi. 177 passengers plus 5 infants reach Kozhikode from Dubai. State govt will now arrange for their mandatory 14 day quarantine. pic.twitter.com/sVteZkd2Tj — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 7, 2020 ×

Over 190,000 Indians will be brought home: Civil aviation minister to Wion

CBSE will conduct its pending board exams of class Xth and class XIIth&nbsp;from July 01 to July 15, announced Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.

Some exams for classes Xth and XIIth had to be put on hold as the country went into a nation-wide lockdown due to coronavirus. The government has now decided to conduct these exams after two months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jee-advanced-date-announced-schools-declare-summer-vacations-297248">Also read:&nbsp;JEE Advanced date announced; schools declare summer vacations</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> CBSE will conduct pending class 10th and 12th board exams from July 1st to July 15th: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal <a href="https://t.co/JTW2067cvQ">pic.twitter.com/JTW2067cvQ</a>
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Only few exams for both classes are pending. The students will be given a chance to finish those exams and then carry on with their next step in their education.

It is expected that the curve will flatten down till July and it will be safe for students to step out. However, it will be essential for students to wear masks and practice social distancing.

However, there has been no word on the admission process of colleges and universities, as usually a new academic year in colleges and universities begins from July.

While some states had already completed their state board exams, there has been no announcement from other state boards on their exams. Goa, on the other hand, had recently announced that it will resume its state board exams from May 20.

Majority states have recently announced summer vacations for the state-run schools for the month of May and June.

CBSE will conduct its pending board exams of class Xth and class XIIth from July 01 to July 15, announced Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. Some exams for classes Xth and XIIth had to be put on hold as the country went into a nation-wide lockdown due to coronavirus.

CBSE will conduct its pending board exams of class Xth and class XIIth from July 01 to July 15, announced Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. Some exams for classes Xth and XIIth had to be put on hold as the country went into a nation-wide lockdown due to coronavirus. The government has now decided to conduct these exams after two months. Also read: JEE Advanced date announced; schools declare summer vacations #WATCH CBSE will conduct pending class 10th and 12th board exams from July 1st to July 15th: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal pic.twitter.com/JTW2067cvQ — ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2020 × Only few exams for both classes are pending. The students will be given a chance to finish those exams and then carry on with their next step in their education. It is expected that the curve will flatten down till July and it will be safe for students to step out. However, it will be essential for students to wear masks and practice social distancing. However, there has been no word on the admission process of colleges and universities, as usually a new academic year in colleges and universities begins from July. While some states had already completed their state board exams, there has been no announcement from other state boards on their exams. Goa, on the other hand, had recently announced that it will resume its state board exams from May 20. Majority states have recently announced summer vacations for the state-run schools for the month of May and June.

CBSE will conduct pending board exams from July 1 -15: HRD Ministry

India's health ministry said today that 3,390 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/consider-home-delivery-of-liquor-to-maintain-social-distancing-supreme-court-to-states-297422">coronavirus</a> cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-reports-45-new-covid-19-cases-andhra-pradesh-reports-54-cases-in-24-hours-297457">Also Read:&nbsp;Karnataka reports 45 new COVID-19 cases, Andhra Pradesh reports 54 cases in 24 hours</a>

"The recovery percentage is now 29.36%. Till now, 16,540 patients have been cured and 37,916 patients are under active medical supervision," India's health ministry official Lav Agrawal said.

The health ministry said that a revised list of red, orange and green zones will be circulated to the states soon after the analysis of data.

"In 29 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 21 days. In 36 districts, no new cases have been detected in the last 14 days," the health ministry official said, adding,"in 46 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 7 days."

The official said that in 216 districts nationwide no positive coronavirus cases were detected.

"Phase-II Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial of ICMR has received the approval of the coronavirus national ethics committee. Under it, ICMR will conduct trial in 21 hospitals, to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma," the health ministry official added.

Meanwhile, the home ministry said that Railways has run 222 Shramik special trains for the movement of stranded persons with over 2.5 lakh people who have made use of the service.

Karnataka minister R Ashok said that 16 trains are ready to be sent to migrant workers.

"But consent is awaited from other state governments. Bihar has given one train permission every day. There is no fault of Karnataka," the state minister said.

As the virus continued to spread in the country, India's Border Security Force(BSF) said that 30 new coronavirus cases was detected among its personnel with six from&nbsp;Delhi and &nbsp;24 from Tripura.

(With ANI inputs) 
&nbsp;

India's health ministry said today that 3,390 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the country. Also Read: Karnataka reports 45 new COVID-19 cases, Andhra Pradesh reports 54 cases in 24 hours "The recovery percentage is now 29.

India's health ministry said today that 3,390 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the country. Also Read: Karnataka reports 45 new COVID-19 cases, Andhra Pradesh reports 54 cases in 24 hours "The recovery percentage is now 29.36%. Till now, 16,540 patients have been cured and 37,916 patients are under active medical supervision," India's health ministry official Lav Agrawal said. The health ministry said that a revised list of red, orange and green zones will be circulated to the states soon after the analysis of data. "In 29 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 21 days. In 36 districts, no new cases have been detected in the last 14 days," the health ministry official said, adding,"in 46 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 7 days." The official said that in 216 districts nationwide no positive coronavirus cases were detected. "Phase-II Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial of ICMR has received the approval of the coronavirus national ethics committee. Under it, ICMR will conduct trial in 21 hospitals, to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma," the health ministry official added. Meanwhile, the home ministry said that Railways has run 222 Shramik special trains for the movement of stranded persons with over 2.5 lakh people who have made use of the service. Karnataka minister R Ashok said that 16 trains are ready to be sent to migrant workers. "But consent is awaited from other state governments. Bihar has given one train permission every day. There is no fault of Karnataka," the state minister said. As the virus continued to spread in the country, India's Border Security Force(BSF) said that 30 new coronavirus cases was detected among its personnel with six from Delhi and 24 from Tripura. (With ANI inputs)

3,390 new coronavirus cases in India; 16,540 patients cured: Government

Watch in this video, Latest updates by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs & other concerned officials on pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection status in India.

Health Ministry briefs media on latest Coronavirus outbreak in India

Rajasthan on Friday reported 64 more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">coronavirus </a>cases in the last 24 hours with the total number of positive cases rising to 3,491.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-lavish-weddings-go-online-amid-coronavirus-lockdown-297413">Also Read:&nbsp;India's lavish weddings go online amid coronavirus lockdown</a>

The Rajasthan health department said 1,475 cases are active in the state.

In Karnataka, 45 new cases were reported with the total number of cases at 750 with 30 deaths.

Andhra Pradesh reported 54 new positive cases with 3 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the number of COVID-19 cases to 1,887 in the state with the death toll at 41.

There were 3,390 coronavirus cases nationwide on Friday with 103 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases in India has now risen to 56,342 including 37,916 active cases, the health ministry said.

16,539 people have been cured with 1,886 people who have died of the virus in India.

Uttarakhand reported no new cases for the fourth consecutive day with the total number of coronavirus cases at 61 with one death. There are 15 active cases in the state.

As the number of cases continued to rise in Maharashtra, reports said that there is a possibility of an extended lockdown. The number of cases in the state are near to the 17,000 mark with Pune and Mumbai being the worst affected with nearly 15,000 cases.

Rajasthan on Friday reported 64 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with the total number of positive cases rising to 3,491. Also Read: India's lavish weddings go online amid coronavirus lockdown The Rajasthan health department said 1,475 cases are active in the state.

Rajasthan on Friday reported 64 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with the total number of positive cases rising to 3,491. Also Read: India's lavish weddings go online amid coronavirus lockdown The Rajasthan health department said 1,475 cases are active in the state. In Karnataka, 45 new cases were reported with the total number of cases at 750 with 30 deaths. Andhra Pradesh reported 54 new positive cases with 3 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the number of COVID-19 cases to 1,887 in the state with the death toll at 41. There were 3,390 coronavirus cases nationwide on Friday with 103 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases in India has now risen to 56,342 including 37,916 active cases, the health ministry said. 16,539 people have been cured with 1,886 people who have died of the virus in India. Uttarakhand reported no new cases for the fourth consecutive day with the total number of coronavirus cases at 61 with one death. There are 15 active cases in the state. As the number of cases continued to rise in Maharashtra, reports said that there is a possibility of an extended lockdown. The number of cases in the state are near to the 17,000 mark with Pune and Mumbai being the worst affected with nearly 15,000 cases.

Karnataka reports 45 new COVID-19 cases, Andhra Pradesh reports 54 cases in 24 hours

India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's High Commissioner to Mauritius Tanmaya Lal while talking about the COVID situation in the country lauded the "leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic" and thanked them for "testing and other procedures required" of several Indian workers after one Indian worker was confirmed COVID positive case.

WION exclusive conversation with Indian Envoy to Mauritius Tanmaya Lal

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