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India ensured that essential supplies to Bhutan continued during the ongoing pan-India lockdown with around 500 vehicles carrying essential goods entering the country on a daily basis, India's Envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj has said.

Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Thimphu, Envoy Ruchira Kamboj said New Delhi has sent three medical consignments to the country which included Hydroxychloroquine and made sure around 1,700 stranded Bhutanese citizens in eight Indian cities can go back via special Druk Air flights.

She also lauded the "proactive" measures taken by the Bhutanese government to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and called the country's containment model for COVID-19 as a "model for many others".

WION: How has the Mission reached out to Indians in the country?

Ruchira Kamboj: Just to give you an example. Bhutan registered its first COVID-19 case on March 5, an American tourist who had flown into Bhutan from Guwahati on a Druk Air flight along with his partner (American) and seven Indian nationals who were visiting Bhutan for tourism.&nbsp;

All the primary contacts of the US tourist including the seven Indians were immediately placed in quarantine by the government of Bhutan.&nbsp;

Meantime, the Mission reached out to the Indians and maintained close contact with them right through their quarantine.&nbsp;

Upon discharge, the Embassy facilitated their safe return through the land border through close coordination with Bhutanese officials.&nbsp;

This "action" ensured that all 7 Indians were able to get back home before the imposition of the lockdown in India. This is just one example. There have been some other cases of this nature, where the Embassy has reached out/offered a helping hand to Indian nationals in Bhutan, in these COVID-19 times.&nbsp;

As for the Indian diaspora and as you probably know, Bhutan does not have Indian diaspora as such.&nbsp;

Indian nationals in Bhutan comprise, inter-alia, employees of hydroelectric power projects, DANTAK (Border Roads Organization), Druk PNB Bank, private Bhutanese companies, lecturers on deputation to the Royal University of Bhutan under Government of India’s Colombo Plan Scheme and skilled labour engaged in power projects, the construction industry, wood-based industries etc.&nbsp;

Needless to add, the embassy has been in regular touch with our nationals to brief them on the COVID-19 situation in India and assist them on any and all fronts. With regard to Indian labourers resident in Bhutan, we are in touch with Bhutanese interlocutors and industry/factory owners who are taking care of their residential and livelihood-related needs.&nbsp;

There are no work-permit related issues. The Mission stands ready to assist any Indian who may wish to return home after the lockdown in India is relaxed sufficiently. Meantime, our emergency telephone lines remain open 24/7, which has been reflected across all our social media platforms as well.

WION: How are India and Bhutan cooperating with each other on the COVID-19 crisis?

Ruchira Kamboj: India-Bhutan cooperation continues apace in COVID-19 times encompassing myriad areas, including, provision of essentials (food, fuel and medicines) as well as our support to the re-prioritization of projects envisaged by the Royal Government of Bhutan under the 12th Five Year Plan to bolster Bhutan’s Economic stimulus plan of Nu 30 billion.&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that the fight against COVID-19 is not just one country’s, but all of humanity’s. Our ancient Indian heritage sets out that the world is one family, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He has repeatedly underscored the need to put human beings at the centre of our vision of global prosperity and cooperation, and to freely and openly share the benefits of medical research and development.&nbsp;

In this spirit, we have been honoured to hand over three consignments of medical supplies to Bhutan. The third shipment, that contained essential medicines including Hydroxychloroquine, was handed over to Bhutan on April 27.&nbsp;

I will also add that the government of India has made all efforts to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential as well as non-essential commodities to Bhutan. Around 500 vehicles carrying essential goods and supplies enter Bhutan on a daily basis, a figure that is comparable to the number of vehicles prior to the lockdown in India.&nbsp;

India's "gesture" has been lauded by His Majesty the King of Bhutan as well as the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering despite lockdown restrictions. India has also facilitated the maximum number of special Druk Air flights to ensure the return of Bhutanese students and nationals, ordinarily resident in India.&nbsp;

1,716 Bhutanese students from Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mohali, Mumbai, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Delhi have been able to return to home territory, as an outcome of these efforts.&nbsp;

India’s assistance to Bhutan is, however, not just limited to supply of essentials and medicines or facilitating the return of Bhutanese nationals from India. We have assured Bhutan that India will stand in solidarity as it re-calibrates its development pathways in the wake of COVID-19. Both the Prime Minister and the foreign minister of Bhutan have acknowledged this support publicly through tweets.&nbsp;

It is indeed most gracious of Bhutan to have acknowledged this friendship between two special friends.&nbsp;

Significantly, India’s efforts have also been lauded by the Bhutanese public, in particular our support in ensuring essential supplies to Bhutan during the lockdown, and the handing over of medical supplies, as would any dear friend to another, in times of need.

WION: How has been the cooperation under the SAARC umbrella?&nbsp;

Ruchira Kamboj: There was a SAARC leaders video-conference and following that significant initiative of India's Prime Minister Modi, India has offered a number of capacity building programmes for Bhutanese in the health sector and other areas. Bhutanese health professional participated in the SAARC meeting of health professionals.&nbsp;

Thereafter, Bhutanese officials participated in two live web conferences on COVID-19 programme under the eITEC programme of MEA. The first web meet was by AIIMS Raipur, another one by post-Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Also going forward, Bhutan has participated and also continues to participate in all the various SAARC led initiative these by bringing our two countries even closer by through the regional front.&nbsp;

WION: Are we sharing any containment models or capacity building programmes for Bhutan?

Ruchira Kamboj: Yes, very much so. Bhutan has been closely following developments in India and various initiatives taken by us to contain the spread of COVID-19 and they have expressed the deepest admiration and strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi and we have from time to time communicated all the details.&nbsp;

I must tell you something very interesting, that Bhutan is virtually COVID-19 free and that is because they have led from the front and have followed a proactive policy that has enabled them to contain the spread of the virus within the country.&nbsp;

During the course of his recent telephone conversation with Bhutan PM Dr Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister Modi had expressed his admiration for the personal touch and wisdom of His Majesty The King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, both of whom have led from the front to limit the spread of infection within Bhutan.&nbsp;

Bhutan has been hugely successful till date in containing COVID-19 through its emergency response, by a simultaneous closure of borders, a 21-day mandatory quarantine in designated facilities for all persons returning to Bhutan, a combination of proactive testing and tracing along with compulsory testing of all quarantined persons before discharge.&nbsp;

In fact, Bhutan’s containment model for COVID-19 could well be a model/exemplar for many others.&nbsp;

WION: How has the situation been on the ground in Bhutan? How are Indian diplomats facing the situation?

Ruchira Kamboj: Bhutan has had only seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 with no deaths. Out of the seven COVID-19 cases, five persons have recovered from the disease. So far, there has been no local or community transmission in the country.

While there has been no lockdown in Bhutan, the country is in a partial lockdown mode with all borders closed, all educational institutions indefinitely closed for now, ‘work from home’ in many government &amp; private offices, emphasis on physical distancing in public places and public transport and restrictions on public gatherings.

The Health Ministry of Bhutan has developed two apps - ‘Druk Trace’ and ‘Stay Home’ to facilitate contact tracing in public places and public transport and to monitor/track people placed in quarantine.&nbsp;

Municipal officials and ‘Dessups’ (volunteers) are ensuring strict implementation of the restrictions and COVID-19 precautions imposed by the government across the country.

The ground situation in Bhutan is better than many other parts of the world. As far as embassy personnel are concerned, we are fortunate to be resident in the self-contained India House Estate in Thimphu.

We have self-imposed restrictions on the movements of diplomats and officials out of the mission. Our focus has been on minimal contact with outsiders, with COVID-19 specific precautions and social distancing taking precedence in all our work.&nbsp;

Despite these restrictions, we are fully functional in the spirit that “Digital is the new normal and that the Internet in the new meeting room!”. Video conferences and webinars are the order of the day and where necessary, we have actual meetings as well, given that Bhutan is virtually coronavirus free.&nbsp;

The effort is also to keep our people-to-people contacts robust in these testing times. In this vein and taking a cue from Prime Minister Modi’s 3D animated videos, online yoga and music classes have been launched by the embassy from April 1 onwards, which have proved to be hugely popular with Bhutanese nationals.

Likewise, Prime Minister Modi’s article on “Life in the era of COVID-19” has resonated well with the people of Bhutan, particularly with the youth and student community.&nbsp;

Both the Royal University of Bhutan and Royal Thimphu College has posted PM’s article on their social media handles. Indeed, these times of COVID-19 have thrown up new challenges for us to pursue our priorities and focus on innovative ways to achieve our objectives to further the special India-Bhutan relationship.

India ensured that essential supplies to Bhutan continued during the ongoing pan-India lockdown with around 500 vehicles carrying essential goods entering the country on a daily basis, India's Envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj has said.

India ensured that essential supplies to Bhutan continued during the ongoing pan-India lockdown with around 500 vehicles carrying essential goods entering the country on a daily basis, India's Envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj has said. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Thimphu, Envoy Ruchira Kamboj said New Delhi has sent three medical consignments to the country which included Hydroxychloroquine and made sure around 1,700 stranded Bhutanese citizens in eight Indian cities can go back via special Druk Air flights. She also lauded the "proactive" measures taken by the Bhutanese government to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and called the country's containment model for COVID-19 as a "model for many others". WION: How has the Mission reached out to Indians in the country? Ruchira Kamboj: Just to give you an example. Bhutan registered its first COVID-19 case on March 5, an American tourist who had flown into Bhutan from Guwahati on a Druk Air flight along with his partner (American) and seven Indian nationals who were visiting Bhutan for tourism. All the primary contacts of the US tourist including the seven Indians were immediately placed in quarantine by the government of Bhutan. Meantime, the Mission reached out to the Indians and maintained close contact with them right through their quarantine. Upon discharge, the Embassy facilitated their safe return through the land border through close coordination with Bhutanese officials. This "action" ensured that all 7 Indians were able to get back home before the imposition of the lockdown in India. This is just one example. There have been some other cases of this nature, where the Embassy has reached out/offered a helping hand to Indian nationals in Bhutan, in these COVID-19 times. As for the Indian diaspora and as you probably know, Bhutan does not have Indian diaspora as such. Indian nationals in Bhutan comprise, inter-alia, employees of hydroelectric power projects, DANTAK (Border Roads Organization), Druk PNB Bank, private Bhutanese companies, lecturers on deputation to the Royal University of Bhutan under Government of India’s Colombo Plan Scheme and skilled labour engaged in power projects, the construction industry, wood-based industries etc. Needless to add, the embassy has been in regular touch with our nationals to brief them on the COVID-19 situation in India and assist them on any and all fronts. With regard to Indian labourers resident in Bhutan, we are in touch with Bhutanese interlocutors and industry/factory owners who are taking care of their residential and livelihood-related needs. There are no work-permit related issues. The Mission stands ready to assist any Indian who may wish to return home after the lockdown in India is relaxed sufficiently. Meantime, our emergency telephone lines remain open 24/7, which has been reflected across all our social media platforms as well. WION: How are India and Bhutan cooperating with each other on the COVID-19 crisis? Ruchira Kamboj: India-Bhutan cooperation continues apace in COVID-19 times encompassing myriad areas, including, provision of essentials (food, fuel and medicines) as well as our support to the re-prioritization of projects envisaged by the Royal Government of Bhutan under the 12th Five Year Plan to bolster Bhutan’s Economic stimulus plan of Nu 30 billion. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that the fight against COVID-19 is not just one country’s, but all of humanity’s. Our ancient Indian heritage sets out that the world is one family, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He has repeatedly underscored the need to put human beings at the centre of our vision of global prosperity and cooperation, and to freely and openly share the benefits of medical research and development. In this spirit, we have been honoured to hand over three consignments of medical supplies to Bhutan. The third shipment, that contained essential medicines including Hydroxychloroquine, was handed over to Bhutan on April 27. I will also add that the government of India has made all efforts to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential as well as non-essential commodities to Bhutan. Around 500 vehicles carrying essential goods and supplies enter Bhutan on a daily basis, a figure that is comparable to the number of vehicles prior to the lockdown in India. India's "gesture" has been lauded by His Majesty the King of Bhutan as well as the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering despite lockdown restrictions. India has also facilitated the maximum number of special Druk Air flights to ensure the return of Bhutanese students and nationals, ordinarily resident in India. 1,716 Bhutanese students from Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mohali, Mumbai, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Delhi have been able to return to home territory, as an outcome of these efforts. India’s assistance to Bhutan is, however, not just limited to supply of essentials and medicines or facilitating the return of Bhutanese nationals from India. We have assured Bhutan that India will stand in solidarity as it re-calibrates its development pathways in the wake of COVID-19. Both the Prime Minister and the foreign minister of Bhutan have acknowledged this support publicly through tweets. It is indeed most gracious of Bhutan to have acknowledged this friendship between two special friends. Significantly, India’s efforts have also been lauded by the Bhutanese public, in particular our support in ensuring essential supplies to Bhutan during the lockdown, and the handing over of medical supplies, as would any dear friend to another, in times of need. WION: How has been the cooperation under the SAARC umbrella? Ruchira Kamboj: There was a SAARC leaders video-conference and following that significant initiative of India's Prime Minister Modi, India has offered a number of capacity building programmes for Bhutanese in the health sector and other areas. Bhutanese health professional participated in the SAARC meeting of health professionals. Thereafter, Bhutanese officials participated in two live web conferences on COVID-19 programme under the eITEC programme of MEA. The first web meet was by AIIMS Raipur, another one by post-Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Also going forward, Bhutan has participated and also continues to participate in all the various SAARC led initiative these by bringing our two countries even closer by through the regional front. WION: Are we sharing any containment models or capacity building programmes for Bhutan? Ruchira Kamboj: Yes, very much so. Bhutan has been closely following developments in India and various initiatives taken by us to contain the spread of COVID-19 and they have expressed the deepest admiration and strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi and we have from time to time communicated all the details. I must tell you something very interesting, that Bhutan is virtually COVID-19 free and that is because they have led from the front and have followed a proactive policy that has enabled them to contain the spread of the virus within the country. During the course of his recent telephone conversation with Bhutan PM Dr Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister Modi had expressed his admiration for the personal touch and wisdom of His Majesty The King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, both of whom have led from the front to limit the spread of infection within Bhutan. Bhutan has been hugely successful till date in containing COVID-19 through its emergency response, by a simultaneous closure of borders, a 21-day mandatory quarantine in designated facilities for all persons returning to Bhutan, a combination of proactive testing and tracing along with compulsory testing of all quarantined persons before discharge. In fact, Bhutan’s containment model for COVID-19 could well be a model/exemplar for many others. WION: How has the situation been on the ground in Bhutan? How are Indian diplomats facing the situation? Ruchira Kamboj: Bhutan has had only seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 with no deaths. Out of the seven COVID-19 cases, five persons have recovered from the disease. So far, there has been no local or community transmission in the country. While there has been no lockdown in Bhutan, the country is in a partial lockdown mode with all borders closed, all educational institutions indefinitely closed for now, ‘work from home’ in many government & private offices, emphasis on physical distancing in public places and public transport and restrictions on public gatherings. The Health Ministry of Bhutan has developed two apps - ‘Druk Trace’ and ‘Stay Home’ to facilitate contact tracing in public places and public transport and to monitor/track people placed in quarantine. Municipal officials and ‘Dessups’ (volunteers) are ensuring strict implementation of the restrictions and COVID-19 precautions imposed by the government across the country. The ground situation in Bhutan is better than many other parts of the world. As far as embassy personnel are concerned, we are fortunate to be resident in the self-contained India House Estate in Thimphu. We have self-imposed restrictions on the movements of diplomats and officials out of the mission. Our focus has been on minimal contact with outsiders, with COVID-19 specific precautions and social distancing taking precedence in all our work. Despite these restrictions, we are fully functional in the spirit that “Digital is the new normal and that the Internet in the new meeting room!”. Video conferences and webinars are the order of the day and where necessary, we have actual meetings as well, given that Bhutan is virtually coronavirus free. The effort is also to keep our people-to-people contacts robust in these testing times. In this vein and taking a cue from Prime Minister Modi’s 3D animated videos, online yoga and music classes have been launched by the embassy from April 1 onwards, which have proved to be hugely popular with Bhutanese nationals. Likewise, Prime Minister Modi’s article on “Life in the era of COVID-19” has resonated well with the people of Bhutan, particularly with the youth and student community. Both the Royal University of Bhutan and Royal Thimphu College has posted PM’s article on their social media handles. Indeed, these times of COVID-19 have thrown up new challenges for us to pursue our priorities and focus on innovative ways to achieve our objectives to further the special India-Bhutan relationship.

COVID-19 crisis: Ensured essential supplies to Bhutan during lockdown, says Indian envoy Ruchira Kamboj

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India's massive repatriation plan to start from May 7

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Buddha Purnima celebrations on Thursday, May 7. In a tweet by PMO, it was revealed that the PM will&nbsp;deliver a keynote address in the morning.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> shall be participating a Buddha Purnima programme tomorrow via technology. 
 
The programme is being organised in honour of the Victims and frontline warriors of COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/G6Mccn4bMP">https://t.co/G6Mccn4bMP</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1258064700123693061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The virtual celebrations are being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-hikes-taxes-on-petrol-diesel-amid-coronavirus-crisis-296946">Also read:&nbsp;India hikes taxes on petrol, diesel amid coronavirus crisis</a>

The event will be attended by all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world. Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel and Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Youth Affairs &amp; Sports Kiren Rijiju will also be present.

This will be conducted in honour of all the frontline workers and victims of coronavirus.

Prayer ceremonies will be live streamed&nbsp;from the Sacred Garden Lumbini in Nepal, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar's Bodhgaya, Mulgandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, Parinirvana Stupa in Kushinagar, Pirith Chanting from Ruwanweli Maha Seya in the sacred and historic Anuradhapura stupa premises, Sri Lanka, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, Namo Stupa in Nepal apart from other popular Buddhist sites.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Buddha Purnima celebrations on Thursday, May 7. In a tweet by PMO, it was revealed that the PM will deliver a keynote address in the morning.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Buddha Purnima celebrations on Thursday, May 7. In a tweet by PMO, it was revealed that the PM will deliver a keynote address in the morning. PM @narendramodi shall be participating a Buddha Purnima programme tomorrow via technology. The programme is being organised in honour of the Victims and frontline warriors of COVID-19. https://t.co/G6Mccn4bMP — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 6, 2020 × The virtual celebrations are being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). Also read: India hikes taxes on petrol, diesel amid coronavirus crisis The event will be attended by all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world. Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel and Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju will also be present. This will be conducted in honour of all the frontline workers and victims of coronavirus. Prayer ceremonies will be live streamed from the Sacred Garden Lumbini in Nepal, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar's Bodhgaya, Mulgandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, Parinirvana Stupa in Kushinagar, Pirith Chanting from Ruwanweli Maha Seya in the sacred and historic Anuradhapura stupa premises, Sri Lanka, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, Namo Stupa in Nepal apart from other popular Buddhist sites.

PM Modi to attend Buddha Purnima celebrations, will address nation

Coronavirus confirmed cases in India surge to 49,391 out of which close to 3000 cases have been recorded in just the last 24-hours. More than 1300 people have lost their lives. watch report.

India coronavirus death toll stand at 1,694 | 49,391 confirmed cases | COVID-19 Pandemic

In a huge victory in the fight against terrorism in the valley, &nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

35-year-old Naikoo was one of the oldest surviving members of the Hizbul Mujahideen. He carried a bounty of Rs 12 lakh on his head.

&nbsp;Naikoo was wanted in multiple incidents of killing of security personnel, including police officials.

&nbsp;He also featured in photographs with Burhan Wani, who was killed in Anantnag in July 2016. Before joining the militant ranks, Naikoo worked as a mathematics teacher at a local school.

He was known to have a passion for painting roses before he picked up the gun at the age of 33.

&nbsp;Security forces hold Naikoo responsible for holding the Hizbul together after its possible disintegration when a top terror commander Zakir Musa broke away from the Hizbul ranks.

&nbsp;Naikoo took over as the chief of Hizbul Mujahideen after the outfit’s poster boy Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces in 2016.

Naikoo had released a video in 2017, saying he would welcome the return of Kashmiri pandits in the Kashmir valley and claimed that terrorists were not enemies of the pandits.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, two other militants have been killed in a separate encounter in Awantipora sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night.

In a huge victory in the fight against terrorism in the valley, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

In a huge victory in the fight against terrorism in the valley, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir's Pulwama district. 35-year-old Naikoo was one of the oldest surviving members of the Hizbul Mujahideen. He carried a bounty of Rs 12 lakh on his head. Naikoo was wanted in multiple incidents of killing of security personnel, including police officials. He also featured in photographs with Burhan Wani, who was killed in Anantnag in July 2016. Before joining the militant ranks, Naikoo worked as a mathematics teacher at a local school. He was known to have a passion for painting roses before he picked up the gun at the age of 33. Security forces hold Naikoo responsible for holding the Hizbul together after its possible disintegration when a top terror commander Zakir Musa broke away from the Hizbul ranks. Naikoo took over as the chief of Hizbul Mujahideen after the outfit’s poster boy Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces in 2016. Naikoo had released a video in 2017, saying he would welcome the return of Kashmiri pandits in the Kashmir valley and claimed that terrorists were not enemies of the pandits. Meanwhile, two other militants have been killed in a separate encounter in Awantipora sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night.

Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo killed in encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday. 
&nbsp; 
“The five personnel were escorted to the Central team. They were tested Coronavirus positive today. They have been admitted in MR Bangur Hospital,” said a senior official of BSF South Bengal Frontier. 
&nbsp; 
A day ago, the BSF driver tested positive, later as many as 50 personnel from the unit had been quarantined. Of those 50, 18 personnel were tested. Their reports arrived on Tuesday which revealed that five of them have tested positive. 
&nbsp; 
The driver had reported fever and was immediately removed on April 30, 2020, and sent into quarantine. Later, he tested positive for Covid-19. 
&nbsp; 
Sources reveal that the other remaining personnel will also undergo tests.

The BSF pilot car and personnel were attached to the convoy of Inter-Ministerial Central Team which had been camping in Kolkata for two weeks for on-spot assessment of lockdown violations, violence against frontline healthcare workers and state government’s preparedness to tackle Covid-19.

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday.

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday. “The five personnel were escorted to the Central team. They were tested Coronavirus positive today. They have been admitted in MR Bangur Hospital,” said a senior official of BSF South Bengal Frontier. A day ago, the BSF driver tested positive, later as many as 50 personnel from the unit had been quarantined. Of those 50, 18 personnel were tested. Their reports arrived on Tuesday which revealed that five of them have tested positive. The driver had reported fever and was immediately removed on April 30, 2020, and sent into quarantine. Later, he tested positive for Covid-19. Sources reveal that the other remaining personnel will also undergo tests. The BSF pilot car and personnel were attached to the convoy of Inter-Ministerial Central Team which had been camping in Kolkata for two weeks for on-spot assessment of lockdown violations, violence against frontline healthcare workers and state government’s preparedness to tackle Covid-19.

Five BSF jawans attached to IMCT convoy in Kolkata test positive for Covid-19

Punjab Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla`s campaign -- Ambassadors of Hope -- which was launched for the students to share their creativity during lockdown -- has created a world record as close to 1,05,898 school going children have shared their videos.

"The campaign created a world record as never in the past so many students participated in an online video competition concluded in eight days. Currently, Cebu City Commission, a government body of the Philippines, holds the record of the highest participation as they had got 43,157 participants in eight day-long online competition," said Singla on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-count-rises-to-49391-death-toll-mounts-to-1694-296995">Also read:&nbsp;India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694</a>

Students from Ludhiana district have sent the most entries -- 16,084 -- followed by Amritsar 13,862, Sangrur 10,741, and Patiala 10,614. Apart from entries, the campaign also engaged around 2.5 crore people on social media platforms in eight days.

"The primary objective of engaging the students in constructive activity in the atmosphere of abject negativity has been achieved," an official statement quoted Singla as saying "It is heartening to see the response we have got from the children.

For me, every child is a winner as they have kept the Punjabi Virsa alive. Most of the entries are deeply-rooted in Punjabi ethos and culture. I am grateful to all the students, who shared innovative ideas through videos on just one call," added Singla.

The Minister said that they appreciate the spirit of students and efforts put in by their parents, teachers and school principals in guiding and motivating them.

"I and my team will go through every video and prepare a detailed report to announce the results in the next 20 days," he said.

Punjab Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla`s campaign -- Ambassadors of Hope -- which was launched for the students to share their creativity during lockdown -- has created a world record as close to 1,05,898 school going children have shared their videos.

Punjab Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla`s campaign -- Ambassadors of Hope -- which was launched for the students to share their creativity during lockdown -- has created a world record as close to 1,05,898 school going children have shared their videos. "The campaign created a world record as never in the past so many students participated in an online video competition concluded in eight days. Currently, Cebu City Commission, a government body of the Philippines, holds the record of the highest participation as they had got 43,157 participants in eight day-long online competition," said Singla on Wednesday. Also read: India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694 Students from Ludhiana district have sent the most entries -- 16,084 -- followed by Amritsar 13,862, Sangrur 10,741, and Patiala 10,614. Apart from entries, the campaign also engaged around 2.5 crore people on social media platforms in eight days. "The primary objective of engaging the students in constructive activity in the atmosphere of abject negativity has been achieved," an official statement quoted Singla as saying "It is heartening to see the response we have got from the children. For me, every child is a winner as they have kept the Punjabi Virsa alive. Most of the entries are deeply-rooted in Punjabi ethos and culture. I am grateful to all the students, who shared innovative ideas through videos on just one call," added Singla. The Minister said that they appreciate the spirit of students and efforts put in by their parents, teachers and school principals in guiding and motivating them. "I and my team will go through every video and prepare a detailed report to announce the results in the next 20 days," he said.

'Ambassadors of Hope' creates world record as more than 1 lakh students participate

The Shopping Centers Association of India (SCAI) has requested governments twin states, Punjab and&nbsp;Haryana to ease down the restrictions of opening shops in the two states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-at-over-49000-126-new-deaths-recorded-297022">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19 cases in India at over 49,000; 126 new deaths recorded</a>

The SCAI has picked up from the recent long queues spotted for alcohol shops and has thus told the governments that they can assure better and more hygienic environment for the shoppers. They have also assured that social distancing norms will be implemented and followed, in addition to making masks compulsory,&nbsp;if the malls get the permission to open.

They have emphasised on the importance of better&nbsp;standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The SCAI has requested&nbsp;intervention of the governments to protect the industry that feeds 12 million people. The group has said in a statement that the organised markets will be able to provide equally safe, if not more, environment to the customers.

The retail industry contributes over 10 per cent to India's GDP, the second largest after agriculture,&nbsp;the SCAI release said, adding it employs over 8 per cent of the overall workforce making it the third largest in the country.

The organised markets have been badly hit financially due to the lockdown. While some standalone shops have been allowed to operate in lockdown 3.0, organised markets still face the blunt of economy crisis.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Shopping Centers Association of India (SCAI) has requested governments twin states, Punjab and Haryana to ease down the restrictions of opening shops in the two states.

The Shopping Centers Association of India (SCAI) has requested governments twin states, Punjab and Haryana to ease down the restrictions of opening shops in the two states. Also read: COVID-19 cases in India at over 49,000; 126 new deaths recorded The SCAI has picked up from the recent long queues spotted for alcohol shops and has thus told the governments that they can assure better and more hygienic environment for the shoppers. They have also assured that social distancing norms will be implemented and followed, in addition to making masks compulsory, if the malls get the permission to open. They have emphasised on the importance of better standard operating procedures (SOPs). The SCAI has requested intervention of the governments to protect the industry that feeds 12 million people. The group has said in a statement that the organised markets will be able to provide equally safe, if not more, environment to the customers. The retail industry contributes over 10 per cent to India's GDP, the second largest after agriculture, the SCAI release said, adding it employs over 8 per cent of the overall workforce making it the third largest in the country. The organised markets have been badly hit financially due to the lockdown. While some standalone shops have been allowed to operate in lockdown 3.0, organised markets still face the blunt of economy crisis. (With inputs from PTI)

SCAI requested Haryana and Punjab governments for better SOPs

Liquor shops will be opening in Chennai from Thursday(May 07). Three neighbouring districts of Chennai, namely Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur are being prepped for the reopening of liquor shops.

On Wednesday, Madras High Court&nbsp;also allowed online sale of liquor in the state. However, there will be few restrictions to contain hoarding and social distancing will be the top priority.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-at-over-49000-126-new-deaths-recorded-297022">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19 cases in India at over 49,000; 126 new deaths recorded</a>

TASMAC shops will be allowed to sell only one bottle of liquor per person, and each consumer can buy only once in three days. Online customers will be allowed to buy two bottles, and the online customers can buy only twice a week.

Timings have also been allotted according to age groups. Healthy individuals above 50yrs can visit the shops between 10am to 1pm,&nbsp;below 50 to 40 yrs can visit 1pm to 3pm and people below 40 years can visit from 3pm to 5pm only.

Face masks will be compulsory for everyone stepping outside their homes.

Officials have said that Aadhar cards will be checked to make sure none of the customers are from containment zones. The customers will be divided into smaller groups to avoid spread of virus.

All the bars related to TASMAC remain closed; only stand-alone shops have been allowed to open in certain areas. Police will be closely monitoring the situation.

Tamil Nadu has been one of the worst-hit states by coronavirus in India as the state has crossed the 3,500 mark. Chennai and Coimbatore have seen a constant rise in the number of positive cases.&nbsp;

Liquor shops will be opening in Chennai from Thursday(May 07). Three neighbouring districts of Chennai, namely Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur are being prepped for the reopening of liquor shops.

Liquor shops will be opening in Chennai from Thursday(May 07). Three neighbouring districts of Chennai, namely Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur are being prepped for the reopening of liquor shops. On Wednesday, Madras High Court also allowed online sale of liquor in the state. However, there will be few restrictions to contain hoarding and social distancing will be the top priority. Also read: COVID-19 cases in India at over 49,000; 126 new deaths recorded TASMAC shops will be allowed to sell only one bottle of liquor per person, and each consumer can buy only once in three days. Online customers will be allowed to buy two bottles, and the online customers can buy only twice a week. Timings have also been allotted according to age groups. Healthy individuals above 50yrs can visit the shops between 10am to 1pm, below 50 to 40 yrs can visit 1pm to 3pm and people below 40 years can visit from 3pm to 5pm only. Face masks will be compulsory for everyone stepping outside their homes. Officials have said that Aadhar cards will be checked to make sure none of the customers are from containment zones. The customers will be divided into smaller groups to avoid spread of virus. All the bars related to TASMAC remain closed; only stand-alone shops have been allowed to open in certain areas. Police will be closely monitoring the situation. Tamil Nadu has been one of the worst-hit states by coronavirus in India as the state has crossed the 3,500 mark. Chennai and Coimbatore have seen a constant rise in the number of positive cases.

Now, liquor shops set to reopen in Chennai; court allows online sale

India's total number of coronavirus cases has crossed the 49,000 mark with the country recording over&nbsp;1,500 deaths.

There have been 2,958 new cases and the death toll has increased by 126 in the last 24 hours.

The total number of cases currently stands at 49,391, out of which 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 patients have been cured.

The death toll stands at 1,694, according to the health bulletin of&nbsp;the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these almost 110 positive cases are of foreign nationals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-count-rises-to-49391-death-toll-mounts-to-1694-296995">Also read:&nbsp;India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694</a>

Maharashtra's positive cases have increased to 15,525 with 617 deaths. The state has been one of the worst-hit states in India. Gujarat has been second in line with 368 deaths and 6,245 positive cases.

Delhi, too, has had an increase in the number of positive cases and the total number of cases have crossed the 5,000 mark with 64 deaths.&nbsp;

Ghaziabad, which falls under the category of Delhi-NCR, has decided to extend the lockdown and impose Section 144 till May 31, fearing the sudden increase and hoping to contain the spread of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-36-million-death-toll-at-257337-296973">Also read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.6 million, death toll at 257,337</a>

Rajasthan has reported a total of 82 new cases in the last 24 hours&nbsp;taking the toll to 3,240.

The numbers are expected to rise state-wise as the migrant workers travel back to their hometowns.

Reports have also revealed that almost 70% of the total deaths have been if patients who were suffering from some other disease too in addition to coronavirus.&nbsp;

Although, the number of positive cases has not seen a significant increase in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has taken the decision of closing down the shops on weekend for the whole month of Mya, in green zones.

In Odisha, the number of patients who have recovered from the virus now stands at 61.

Karnataka government has announced a relief package of Rs 1,600 crore to help the people who have been worst-hit by the lockdown.

India's total number of coronavirus cases has crossed the 49,000 mark with the country recording over 1,500 deaths. There have been 2,958 new cases and the death toll has increased by 126 in the last 24 hours.

India's total number of coronavirus cases has crossed the 49,000 mark with the country recording over 1,500 deaths. There have been 2,958 new cases and the death toll has increased by 126 in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases currently stands at 49,391, out of which 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 patients have been cured. The death toll stands at 1,694, according to the health bulletin of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these almost 110 positive cases are of foreign nationals. Also read: India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694 Maharashtra's positive cases have increased to 15,525 with 617 deaths. The state has been one of the worst-hit states in India. Gujarat has been second in line with 368 deaths and 6,245 positive cases. Delhi, too, has had an increase in the number of positive cases and the total number of cases have crossed the 5,000 mark with 64 deaths. Ghaziabad, which falls under the category of Delhi-NCR, has decided to extend the lockdown and impose Section 144 till May 31, fearing the sudden increase and hoping to contain the spread of coronavirus. Also read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.6 million, death toll at 257,337 Rajasthan has reported a total of 82 new cases in the last 24 hours taking the toll to 3,240. The numbers are expected to rise state-wise as the migrant workers travel back to their hometowns. Reports have also revealed that almost 70% of the total deaths have been if patients who were suffering from some other disease too in addition to coronavirus. Although, the number of positive cases has not seen a significant increase in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has taken the decision of closing down the shops on weekend for the whole month of Mya, in green zones. In Odisha, the number of patients who have recovered from the virus now stands at 61. Karnataka government has announced a relief package of Rs 1,600 crore to help the people who have been worst-hit by the lockdown.

COVID-19 cases in India at over 49,000; 126 new deaths recorded

India has handed over the batch of medicines including HCQ to Egypt even as it has offered to train Egyptian health ministry officials under its e-ITEC programmes on COVID-19 management strategies.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Cairo, Indian envoy to Egypt Rahul Kulshreshth also said New Delhi has shared its "governance response" to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities.&nbsp;

In fact, a few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm have carried information on India’s pre-emptive and proactive measures. Around 260 Indian nationals, mostly tourists, businessmen, professionals are stranded in Egypt.&nbsp;

WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Egypt in taking care of Indian citizens?

Rahul Kulshreshth: Our embassy began monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Egypt around mid-February, particularly in view of outbound tourism from India to Egypt.&nbsp;

In early March, a group of Indian tourists were placed in isolation on a river cruise boat in Luxor, along with other tourists on board the vessel.&nbsp;

Our officials maintained regular contact with the group and also followed up on their welfare and needs with the Egyptian Ministries of Tourism and Health and the tour operator, and coordinated their return to India after PCR testing.&nbsp;

One Indian tourist, who was part of the same group, tested positive for COVID-19 and was shifted to a quarantine facility by Egyptian authorities.&nbsp;

Here again, the embassy remained in regular touch with him, the Egyptian health ministry and the designated quarantine hospital till he recovered and returned to India. There were a couple of other cases in March, till international flights were suspended by Egyptian authorities on March 19 and tourists being placed in isolation or visitors from India facing difficulty with air tickets and here too our officials extended necessary assistance.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, one Indian national succumbed to COVID-19. We have extended necessary assistance to his family. &nbsp;For over the past month and a half we have maintained personal contact with the Indian Community Association and its members as well as student representatives.&nbsp;

Likewise, we have also maintained contact with Indian nationals stranded in Egypt to ascertain their welfare. Advisories have been issued by both Egyptian and Indian authorities have been regularly shared with the Indian community in Egypt.&nbsp; 
Embassy helpline numbers, details of designated officials handling COVID-19 related issues have been repeatedly publicized on the Mission’s website, Facebook and Twitter handles.&nbsp;

Consular services continue to be provided by the Mission, albeit in a limited fashion, in line with the precautions necessitated by the current situation.&nbsp;

We have a small but cohesive Indian community in Egypt that has a record of always helping and assisting Indian nationals in distress situations and supporting the embassy’s efforts.

WION: How many Indians were impacted by COVID-19?

Rahul Kulshreshth: There are about 260 Indian nationals stranded in Egypt. This includes tourists, businessmen, professionals who were on assignments and a few who have reported job losses. In addition, there are 350 Indian students in Egyptian universities.

WION: How are India and Egypt collaborating in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic?

Rahul Kulshreshth: Egypt is a close friend and one of our key partners in the region. On April 17, 2020, India's Prime Minister Modi had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, which was widely covered in Egyptian media.&nbsp;

The leaders discussed the evolving global situation, exchanged information about the steps taken in India and Egypt to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, and agreed on the utility of continuous exchange of experiences and best-practices.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support in terms of pharmaceutical supplies during these difficult times. A first batch of medicines (HCQ and paracetamol tablets) as gift from the people and government of India has been handed over to the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi. Other requirements are under process.&nbsp;

The MEA has been coordinating with the Egyptian embassy in New Delhi to facilitate the smooth evacuation of Egyptian nationals stranded in India as well as of Egyptian nationals from Bangladesh via India. We have also invited the Egyptian Health Ministry to participate in the e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects organized under our ITEC programme. &nbsp;

WION: What do you think about the Egyptian model and have we shared any Indian model?

Rahul Kulshreshth: Egyptian government’s response to COVID-19 in terms of detection, testing, isolation, quarantine, contact-tracing and referral of positive cases has earned praise from WHO.&nbsp;

Egypt has also taken a number of measures and initiatives to stimulate the national economy, drawing praise from the IMF. The approach has been proactive and decisive, and measures that have been taken are being updated not only to deal with the current situation but also with an eye to the future.&nbsp;

We have shared information in respect of our governance response to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities as well as the Indian community in Egypt. A few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm – carried information on India's pre-emptive and proactive measures.

India has handed over the batch of medicines including HCQ to Egypt even as it has offered to train Egyptian health ministry officials under its e-ITEC programmes on COVID-19 management strategies.

India has handed over the batch of medicines including HCQ to Egypt even as it has offered to train Egyptian health ministry officials under its e-ITEC programmes on COVID-19 management strategies. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Cairo, Indian envoy to Egypt Rahul Kulshreshth also said New Delhi has shared its "governance response" to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities. In fact, a few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm have carried information on India’s pre-emptive and proactive measures. Around 260 Indian nationals, mostly tourists, businessmen, professionals are stranded in Egypt. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Egypt in taking care of Indian citizens? Rahul Kulshreshth: Our embassy began monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Egypt around mid-February, particularly in view of outbound tourism from India to Egypt. In early March, a group of Indian tourists were placed in isolation on a river cruise boat in Luxor, along with other tourists on board the vessel. Our officials maintained regular contact with the group and also followed up on their welfare and needs with the Egyptian Ministries of Tourism and Health and the tour operator, and coordinated their return to India after PCR testing. One Indian tourist, who was part of the same group, tested positive for COVID-19 and was shifted to a quarantine facility by Egyptian authorities. Here again, the embassy remained in regular touch with him, the Egyptian health ministry and the designated quarantine hospital till he recovered and returned to India. There were a couple of other cases in March, till international flights were suspended by Egyptian authorities on March 19 and tourists being placed in isolation or visitors from India facing difficulty with air tickets and here too our officials extended necessary assistance. Unfortunately, one Indian national succumbed to COVID-19. We have extended necessary assistance to his family. For over the past month and a half we have maintained personal contact with the Indian Community Association and its members as well as student representatives. Likewise, we have also maintained contact with Indian nationals stranded in Egypt to ascertain their welfare. Advisories have been issued by both Egyptian and Indian authorities have been regularly shared with the Indian community in Egypt. Embassy helpline numbers, details of designated officials handling COVID-19 related issues have been repeatedly publicized on the Mission’s website, Facebook and Twitter handles. Consular services continue to be provided by the Mission, albeit in a limited fashion, in line with the precautions necessitated by the current situation. We have a small but cohesive Indian community in Egypt that has a record of always helping and assisting Indian nationals in distress situations and supporting the embassy’s efforts. WION: How many Indians were impacted by COVID-19? Rahul Kulshreshth: There are about 260 Indian nationals stranded in Egypt. This includes tourists, businessmen, professionals who were on assignments and a few who have reported job losses. In addition, there are 350 Indian students in Egyptian universities. WION: How are India and Egypt collaborating in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic? Rahul Kulshreshth: Egypt is a close friend and one of our key partners in the region. On April 17, 2020, India's Prime Minister Modi had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, which was widely covered in Egyptian media. The leaders discussed the evolving global situation, exchanged information about the steps taken in India and Egypt to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, and agreed on the utility of continuous exchange of experiences and best-practices. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support in terms of pharmaceutical supplies during these difficult times. A first batch of medicines (HCQ and paracetamol tablets) as gift from the people and government of India has been handed over to the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi. Other requirements are under process. The MEA has been coordinating with the Egyptian embassy in New Delhi to facilitate the smooth evacuation of Egyptian nationals stranded in India as well as of Egyptian nationals from Bangladesh via India. We have also invited the Egyptian Health Ministry to participate in the e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects organized under our ITEC programme. WION: What do you think about the Egyptian model and have we shared any Indian model? Rahul Kulshreshth: Egyptian government’s response to COVID-19 in terms of detection, testing, isolation, quarantine, contact-tracing and referral of positive cases has earned praise from WHO. Egypt has also taken a number of measures and initiatives to stimulate the national economy, drawing praise from the IMF. The approach has been proactive and decisive, and measures that have been taken are being updated not only to deal with the current situation but also with an eye to the future. We have shared information in respect of our governance response to COVID-19 with Egyptian authorities as well as the Indian community in Egypt. A few Egyptian dailies – Daily News and Al Masry Al Youm – carried information on India's pre-emptive and proactive measures.

India hands over first batch of HCQ to Egypt, offers to train healthcare professionals

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy.&nbsp;

The individual was admitted to a government hospital on May 3rd after complaining of chest congestion and the individual tested positive on Monday. People who came in contact with the said individual have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. WION has learnt that that said staffer who tested positive had been reporting for work for nearly all of last month.

The statement from the Academy said that the Academy has been functioning with minimal staff and that adequate precautionary measures are in place.

A source from the Academy revealed to WION that there are no cadets presently in the Academy as one batch had completed their 11-month training and passed out in the second week of March, while the present batch had gone on their term break just after the passing out parade. So the cadets haven’t returned to the academy on account of the lockdown that has been effective since the last week of March.&nbsp;

During the routine functioning of the academy, there are over 200 cadets in the academy and also several serving Officers of the Army and large teams of support staff.&nbsp;

The passing out parade at the academy is a grand event that takes place twice a year- in March and September. About 200 cadets(including foreign cadets) pass out of the Academy as Officers. The event is open to family members, media fraternity and veteran and serving Officers from the Armed forces.

There were 136 Gentlemen cadets and 31 Lady cadets who passed out of the Academy this March, in addition to 11 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 11-month training at the Academy is offered to candidates aged 21-18 who clear the SSB exam and related interviews. The Academy trains cadets to join the Army as Commissioned Officers under the Short Service Commission(SSC).

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy.

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy. The individual was admitted to a government hospital on May 3rd after complaining of chest congestion and the individual tested positive on Monday. People who came in contact with the said individual have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. WION has learnt that that said staffer who tested positive had been reporting for work for nearly all of last month. The statement from the Academy said that the Academy has been functioning with minimal staff and that adequate precautionary measures are in place. A source from the Academy revealed to WION that there are no cadets presently in the Academy as one batch had completed their 11-month training and passed out in the second week of March, while the present batch had gone on their term break just after the passing out parade. So the cadets haven’t returned to the academy on account of the lockdown that has been effective since the last week of March. During the routine functioning of the academy, there are over 200 cadets in the academy and also several serving Officers of the Army and large teams of support staff. The passing out parade at the academy is a grand event that takes place twice a year- in March and September. About 200 cadets(including foreign cadets) pass out of the Academy as Officers. The event is open to family members, media fraternity and veteran and serving Officers from the Armed forces. There were 136 Gentlemen cadets and 31 Lady cadets who passed out of the Academy this March, in addition to 11 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 11-month training at the Academy is offered to candidates aged 21-18 who clear the SSB exam and related interviews. The Academy trains cadets to join the Army as Commissioned Officers under the Short Service Commission(SSC).

Civilian staff at Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai tests Covid-19 positive

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin. Of the total cases, 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1694 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said.

The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others.

According to an official source, it has not been ascertained from where these doctors, nurses and paramedic staff have acquired the infection.&nbsp;

The figure includes doctors, nurses and paramedics from Centre-run and state government-run facilities across states and union territories. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning. The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin.

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning. The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin. Of the total cases, 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1694 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. Meanwhile, Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said. The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others. According to an official source, it has not been ascertained from where these doctors, nurses and paramedic staff have acquired the infection. The figure includes doctors, nurses and paramedics from Centre-run and state government-run facilities across states and union territories. (With inputs from PTI)

India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694

The Indian army on Wednesday killed the top commander of Pakistan-supported terrorist group Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Riyaz Naikoo and another terrorist in Beighpur area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-crpf-men-among-4-martyred-in-handwara-shootout-additional-forces-rushed-to-the-area-296638">Also read: 3 CRPF men among 4 martyred in Handwara shootout, additional forces rushed to the area</a> 
 
The gun-battle began at 9 am when the security forces launched a search operation following an intelligence input.

The entire area has been cordoned off and combing operating are underway. Mobile and internet services reportedly have been suspended in the area. 
 
With this, the security forces also avenged the martyrdom of five soldiers&nbsp;in Kupwara district on May 3.

Naikoo, Kashmir's most wanted terrorist and top Hizbul commander was trapped late on Tuesday in his native Beighpora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Hizb-ul-Mujahideen is a terrorist group who is often linked to the Pakistani intelligence services, and whose stated intention is "merging Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan".&nbsp;

The mobile internet has been suspended as a precautionary measure, they said. The gunfight started between militants and security forces in the Beighpora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir, a police spokesman said.&nbsp;

"Police last night launched an operation on a specific input at Beighpora. Senior officers are monitoring it since last night," he said. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

The Indian army on Wednesday killed the top commander of Pakistan-supported terrorist group Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Riyaz Naikoo and another terrorist in Beighpur area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The Indian army on Wednesday killed the top commander of Pakistan-supported terrorist group Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Riyaz Naikoo and another terrorist in Beighpur area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Also read: 3 CRPF men among 4 martyred in Handwara shootout, additional forces rushed to the area The gun-battle began at 9 am when the security forces launched a search operation following an intelligence input. The entire area has been cordoned off and combing operating are underway. Mobile and internet services reportedly have been suspended in the area. With this, the security forces also avenged the martyrdom of five soldiers in Kupwara district on May 3. Naikoo, Kashmir's most wanted terrorist and top Hizbul commander was trapped late on Tuesday in his native Beighpora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Hizb-ul-Mujahideen is a terrorist group who is often linked to the Pakistani intelligence services, and whose stated intention is "merging Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan". The mobile internet has been suspended as a precautionary measure, they said. The gunfight started between militants and security forces in the Beighpora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir, a police spokesman said. "Police last night launched an operation on a specific input at Beighpora. Senior officers are monitoring it since last night," he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo killed in encounter in South Kashmir: Officials

India is set to export about 1,000 tonnes of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for common pain reliever paracetamol -- used to cope with COVID-19 symptoms -- to Europe.

Europe has sought up to 800 tonnes of paracetamol APIs every month.

The Indian government in March put a hold on exports of several drugs including paracetamol to secure supplies for its people after the coronavirus outbreak disrupted the industry's supply chain globally.

To this end, Indian authorities have asked drugmakers to ensure the country is adequately stocked for up to four months of domestic requirements.

India has shipped 1.9 million tablets and other forms of paracetamol to 31 countries, the foreign ministry said late last month. Consignments of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol were being sent to 87 countries on a commercial basis.

Europe is India's biggest buyer of paracetamol APIs and imports around 12,000 tonnes annually.

The novel coronavirus outbreak has killed more than a quarter of a million people and Europe has accounted for 57 people of the global death toll.

India has so far reported more than 49,000 cases of COVID-19. The outbreak has not shown any signs of slowing despite a severe lockdown that has confined its population of 1.3 billion to their homes since late March.

India is set to export about 1,000 tonnes of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for common pain reliever paracetamol -- used to cope with COVID-19 symptoms -- to Europe.

India is set to export about 1,000 tonnes of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for common pain reliever paracetamol -- used to cope with COVID-19 symptoms -- to Europe. Europe has sought up to 800 tonnes of paracetamol APIs every month. The Indian government in March put a hold on exports of several drugs including paracetamol to secure supplies for its people after the coronavirus outbreak disrupted the industry's supply chain globally. To this end, Indian authorities have asked drugmakers to ensure the country is adequately stocked for up to four months of domestic requirements. India has shipped 1.9 million tablets and other forms of paracetamol to 31 countries, the foreign ministry said late last month. Consignments of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol were being sent to 87 countries on a commercial basis. Europe is India's biggest buyer of paracetamol APIs and imports around 12,000 tonnes annually. The novel coronavirus outbreak has killed more than a quarter of a million people and Europe has accounted for 57 people of the global death toll. India has so far reported more than 49,000 cases of COVID-19. The outbreak has not shown any signs of slowing despite a severe lockdown that has confined its population of 1.3 billion to their homes since late March.

India to export about 1,000 tonnes of paracetamol raw material to Europe

India is developing a land pool that is almost double the size of Luxembourg. New Delhi is promising easy access to land for companies leaving China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about India's plans to lure businesses away from China.

Gravitas: How India is planning to attract firms from China

India's COVID-19 count inched close to the 50,000-mark as the states registered 2,958 fresh coronavirus cases in last 24 hours. The deadly novel coronavirus infected 49,391 in India.

Confirmed cases Surge To 49 , 391 In India

Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh, country's richest Hindu temple of Lord Venkateshwara, has reportedly ousted 1,300 contractual workers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

India's richest shrine Tirupati Balaji temple fires 1,300 contract workers

During social media monitoring, it was noticed that one Instagram group by the name "Bois Locker Room" was being used by the participants to share obscene messages and morphed pictures.

Boys Locker room Misogyny exposed; shames under-age girls

Boys locker room misogyny exposed: shames under-age girls

An Indian-origin man in Singapore has been sentenced to seven months in prison for verbally abusing the police who were urging compliance with the measures enforced during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ravi Sinathamby Subramaniam, who prosecutors said continues to be a menace to the society&nbsp;due to his involvement in a long list of offences spanning decades, committed the offences over two days last month, reported Channel News Asia.

Ravi Subramaniam pleaded guilty to two charges of verbally abusing police and health officers, and a third charge of threatening to "break" the faces of three health officers.

Another five charges were taken into consideration for the sentencing.

The 53-year-old accused first went to a convenience store where he stood in the queue, holding an open can of beer and reeking of alcohol while complaining loudly about why the queue was not properly organised.

When the police spoke to him, he turned aggressive and spoke loudly to them, trying to leave and refusing to cooperate, drawing a crowd. He hurled abuses at the police and was arrested.

He reoffended four days later at a coffee shop. When approached by a health officer enforcing safe-distancing measures as he was wearing his face mask over his chin and not over his nose and mouth, Ravi turned aggressive.

He cursed at the officers, and threatened them of breaking their face.

The prosecution had pushed for at least 10 months' jail, saying that the case presents an important opportunity for this court to send a clear message that such conduct against frontline officers in the coronavirus fight will not be tolerated.

Ravi's crime records now show a trend of intimidating behaviour towards public servants, he said.

Ravi, who was unrepresented, apologised to the court, to the civil servant and to the government.

The judge also directed a session for Ravi to be given counselling for his underlying behaviour and for treatment plans to be formulated.

(with inputs from PTI)

An Indian-origin man in Singapore has been sentenced to seven months in prison for verbally abusing the police who were urging compliance with the measures enforced during the coronavirus lockdown.

An Indian-origin man in Singapore has been sentenced to seven months in prison for verbally abusing the police who were urging compliance with the measures enforced during the coronavirus lockdown. Ravi Sinathamby Subramaniam, who prosecutors said continues to be a menace to the society due to his involvement in a long list of offences spanning decades, committed the offences over two days last month, reported Channel News Asia. Ravi Subramaniam pleaded guilty to two charges of verbally abusing police and health officers, and a third charge of threatening to "break" the faces of three health officers. Another five charges were taken into consideration for the sentencing. The 53-year-old accused first went to a convenience store where he stood in the queue, holding an open can of beer and reeking of alcohol while complaining loudly about why the queue was not properly organised. When the police spoke to him, he turned aggressive and spoke loudly to them, trying to leave and refusing to cooperate, drawing a crowd. He hurled abuses at the police and was arrested. He reoffended four days later at a coffee shop. When approached by a health officer enforcing safe-distancing measures as he was wearing his face mask over his chin and not over his nose and mouth, Ravi turned aggressive. He cursed at the officers, and threatened them of breaking their face. The prosecution had pushed for at least 10 months' jail, saying that the case presents an important opportunity for this court to send a clear message that such conduct against frontline officers in the coronavirus fight will not be tolerated. Ravi's crime records now show a trend of intimidating behaviour towards public servants, he said. Ravi, who was unrepresented, apologised to the court, to the civil servant and to the government. The judge also directed a session for Ravi to be given counselling for his underlying behaviour and for treatment plans to be formulated. (with inputs from PTI)

Singapore court jails Indian-origin man for abusing police

The government on Wednesday said no data or security breach has been identified in Aarogya Setu after an ethical hacker raised concerns about a potential security issue in the app.

The app is the government's mobile application for contact tracing and disseminating medical advisories to users to contain the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a French hacker and cybersecurity expert Elliot Alderson had claimed that "a security issue has been found" in the app and that "privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake".

Dismissing the claims, the government said "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk by this ethical hacker".

"We are continuously testing and upgrading our systems. Team Aarogya Setu assures everyone that no data or security breach has been identified," the government said through the app's Twitter handle.

The tweet gave point-by-point clarification on the red flags raised by the hacker. 
&nbsp; 
"We discussed with the hacker and were made aware of the following... The app fetches user location on a few occasions," it said but added that this was by design and is detailed in the privacy policy. 
&nbsp; 
The app fetches users' location and stores on the server in a secure, encrypted, anonymised manner - at the time of registration, at the time of self-assessment, when users submit their contact tracing data voluntary through the app or when it fetches the contact tracing data of users after they have turned COVID-19 positive, it said. 
&nbsp; 
On another issue that users can get COVID-19 stats displayed on the home screen by changing the radius and latitude-longitude using a script, Aarogya Setu said that all this information is already public for all locations and hence does not compromise on any personal or sensitive data.

"We thank the ethical hacker on engaging with us. We encourage any users who identify vulnerability to inform us immediately...," it said.&nbsp;

Responding to Aarogya Setu's clarification, Alderson tweeted, "I will come back to you tomorrow".

The government on Wednesday said no data or security breach has been identified in Aarogya Setu after an ethical hacker raised concerns about a potential security issue in the app.

The government on Wednesday said no data or security breach has been identified in Aarogya Setu after an ethical hacker raised concerns about a potential security issue in the app. The app is the government's mobile application for contact tracing and disseminating medical advisories to users to contain the spread of COVID-19. On Tuesday, a French hacker and cybersecurity expert Elliot Alderson had claimed that "a security issue has been found" in the app and that "privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake". Dismissing the claims, the government said "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk by this ethical hacker". "We are continuously testing and upgrading our systems. Team Aarogya Setu assures everyone that no data or security breach has been identified," the government said through the app's Twitter handle. The tweet gave point-by-point clarification on the red flags raised by the hacker. "We discussed with the hacker and were made aware of the following... The app fetches user location on a few occasions," it said but added that this was by design and is detailed in the privacy policy. The app fetches users' location and stores on the server in a secure, encrypted, anonymised manner - at the time of registration, at the time of self-assessment, when users submit their contact tracing data voluntary through the app or when it fetches the contact tracing data of users after they have turned COVID-19 positive, it said. On another issue that users can get COVID-19 stats displayed on the home screen by changing the radius and latitude-longitude using a script, Aarogya Setu said that all this information is already public for all locations and hence does not compromise on any personal or sensitive data. "We thank the ethical hacker on engaging with us. We encourage any users who identify vulnerability to inform us immediately...," it said. Responding to Aarogya Setu's clarification, Alderson tweeted, "I will come back to you tomorrow".

No security breach in Aarogya Setu app, the government assures after ethical hacker raises privacy concerns

Ahead of Indian Navy's Operation “Samudra Setu” (Sea Bridge) to get back stranded Indians from the Maldives due to COVID crisis, Indian Envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has said while the process starts on 8th May Mid Day, more such evacuation will happen in subsequent days. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Male, Envoy Sunjay said, "We have the full backing of our govt" and "we are looking forward to 8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi".

He confirmed 54 Indians have been tested positive in the Indian Ocean Island country. Meanwhile, New Delhi has been reaching out to the Maldives during the ongoing COVID crisis with medicines and in coming few days will be gifting 580 tons of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the Maldives even as the country observes Ramzan.

WION: How is the mission reaching&nbsp;out to Indians stranded in the Maldives and the repatriation process is all set to start, your take?

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;The Indian community is a high priority&nbsp;for us. In the Maldives, we have 27000 Indians, mainly in the hospitality&nbsp;sector, the medical profession, as well as the education profession. Of the total 550 cases, 54 Indians have tested positive. Fortunately, they are all in good&nbsp;health. We maintain very close contact with the community mainly using social media--Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Viber groups in the community. We try our best to share practical&nbsp;information, authentic information on how to deal with COVID and other evacuation related information.

I myself have given out 2 video messages to the Indian community. We have also set up helplines, on which people can call freely and speak in multiple Indian languages. As far as positive tested Indians are concerned we have sent out care packages which contain lot of essential things which can at least&nbsp;mitigate the difficult&nbsp;times which are Indian friends are going through. We have also made an&nbsp;arrangement&nbsp;for food for those who have lost the jobs and are finding difficult to fend for themselves.

We are providing medical assistance including essential medicines for stranded&nbsp;tourist. We have been able to create a complete database&nbsp;of Indians who want to go back to India. We will take Indian navy's ship help, the first of which, will arrive 2 days from now. Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home,&nbsp;back to Kochi,&nbsp;that will be the first lot. After that we are planning few&nbsp;other evacuations though Navy ship.

&nbsp;

WION: How has the cooperation between India and Maldives going to jointly deal with COVID crisis.&nbsp;We launched operation Sanjevani to supply medicines to the Maldives..

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;Cooperation on the COVID front has been characteristic of the relationship, the way we have been working with each other at almost&nbsp;all times in our history. The first thing we did was in the context of COVID is to evacuate all the 7 Maldivians from Wuhan. Actually, Maldives was the first country whose nationals we evacuated from Wuhan. Our 14 member rapid response medical team were here for 10 days in March.

Again the Maldives was the first country to which we sent a medical team. We also gifted about 5.5 tonnes&nbsp;of COVID related and other essential medicines to the govt of Maldives. Operation Sanjeevani was a very challenging operation which we could accomplish with the help of IAF. One IAF C130 picked up huge amount of medical consignment from 4 Indian cities and delivered that to Male, it was about 6.2 tonns.

This was done on April 2nd. We also facilitated&nbsp;continues supply of essential food items, also commodities like cement so that the construction&nbsp;sector does not suffer&nbsp;here. We have been facilitating&nbsp;evacuation flights for Maldivians, facilitating cargo flights. Digital video conferences have happened between trade officials, health officials and as we speak--series of 3 video conferences between top doctors of AIIMS and top doctors in the Maldives currently going on. The first of the series happened only yesterday. Within a week's time, we will also be gifting 580 tonnes&nbsp;of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the govt of Maldives.

It has been testing times and also remembers it happens to be the holy month of Ramzan. On the economic front, the govt of Maldives has taken a big hit because of the hit to the tourism industry as well as the export of fishes. This has led to a bad liquidity situation. We have provided $150 million dollars worth of currency swap under the bilateral agreement which we had. This happened just a few days back and it happened of 27th April, we have been trying our level best to provide whatever assistance we can to govt of Maldives in these very very difficult times.

&nbsp;

WION: How has the&nbsp;cooperation to deal with COVID crisis been between the countries been under the&nbsp;SAARC framework..

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;PM Modi has championed a regional approach to combat tourism, perhaps that is the most sustainable way in which we can handle a pandemic situation. In the digital video conference which PM initiated on March 5th with heads of state of govt of SAARC countries, India had announced a COVID emergency fund of 10 million dollars. And the Maldives was the first and perhaps the largest beneficiary of this fund so far.

The Maldives on its part also pledged $ 200,000 for this fund. PM had initiated some kind of viable framework for joint cooperation&nbsp;between SAARC countries to&nbsp;combat COVID.A digital video conference was also initiated by the SAARC disaster management centre in Gujarat with all the other countries to deal with this disaster could be discussed and that was a very successful&nbsp;video conference.

WION: How has been the&nbsp;ground situation and how are the Indian diplomats faring..

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;I must say govt of Maldives has been trying its level best. President Solih has himself led the charge for this big challenge and for a long time they were able to protect Male. It was only on 15th April, the situation changed when the first person tested positive in the capital city and after that, you can imagine that in a city as congested as Male, it is very difficult to contain the spread and now, unfortunately, it has reached the level of community spread. I think things have plateaued&nbsp;out. Of the 550 cases, the&nbsp;majority are foreigners.

It all started with foreigners and even now if you look at Male, the&nbsp;majority are foreigners.&nbsp; Actually half the numbers are Bangladeshis because of a lot of Bangladeshi workers in Male. Govt is working on a war footing to contain the spread and create new isolation facilities but it is a herculean task.

For us at the high commission, it has been testing times. We are working overtime to take care of the community and at the same time provide assistance to the govt of Maldives. You have rightly mentioned it is the largest evacuation&nbsp;process globally as well as Indians in the Maldives. We have roped in some volunteers from the community and I must acknowledge&nbsp;that help has been very very forthcoming. We have the full backing of our govt that makes our task much less formidable. These days we are working day in and day out on evacuation exercise and we are looking&nbsp;forward to&nbsp;8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi and then we will subsequently plan other rounds of evacuation in the days and weeks to come.

WION: Have we shared any Indian COVID containment models with the Maldives?

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;We have done that. The Indian rapid response medical teams were first to visit the Maldives. It was first for the Maldives as well as Indian team to visit any country and that team came here with the protocols which were in practice, in India at that time, including the protocol developed by AIIMS and the medical teams also helped set up facilities in outline Islands. And as we speak digital video conference between the senior doctors from AIIMS including director Dr&nbsp;Randeep Guleria and very senior cardiologist Dr Ambuj Roy has been taking place.

The first session took place earlier and the Maldivian side was led by the Maldives minister of state for health who happens to be a medical doctor&nbsp;Dr Shah Mahir. In this discussion, I am told several containment models and approaches have been discussed and we continue to share best practices.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ahead of Indian Navy's Operation “Samudra Setu” (Sea Bridge) to get back stranded Indians from the Maldives due to COVID crisis, Indian Envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has said while the process starts on 8th May Mid Day, more such evacuation will happen in subsequent days.

Ahead of Indian Navy's Operation “Samudra Setu” (Sea Bridge) to get back stranded Indians from the Maldives due to COVID crisis, Indian Envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has said while the process starts on 8th May Mid Day, more such evacuation will happen in subsequent days. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Male, Envoy Sunjay said, "We have the full backing of our govt" and "we are looking forward to 8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi". He confirmed 54 Indians have been tested positive in the Indian Ocean Island country. Meanwhile, New Delhi has been reaching out to the Maldives during the ongoing COVID crisis with medicines and in coming few days will be gifting 580 tons of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the Maldives even as the country observes Ramzan. WION: How is the mission reaching out to Indians stranded in the Maldives and the repatriation process is all set to start, your take? Sunjay Sudhir: The Indian community is a high priority for us. In the Maldives, we have 27000 Indians, mainly in the hospitality sector, the medical profession, as well as the education profession. Of the total 550 cases, 54 Indians have tested positive. Fortunately, they are all in good health. We maintain very close contact with the community mainly using social media--Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Viber groups in the community. We try our best to share practical information, authentic information on how to deal with COVID and other evacuation related information. I myself have given out 2 video messages to the Indian community. We have also set up helplines, on which people can call freely and speak in multiple Indian languages. As far as positive tested Indians are concerned we have sent out care packages which contain lot of essential things which can at least mitigate the difficult times which are Indian friends are going through. We have also made an arrangement for food for those who have lost the jobs and are finding difficult to fend for themselves. We are providing medical assistance including essential medicines for stranded tourist. We have been able to create a complete database of Indians who want to go back to India. We will take Indian navy's ship help, the first of which, will arrive 2 days from now. Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that we are planning few other evacuations though Navy ship. WION: How has the cooperation between India and Maldives going to jointly deal with COVID crisis. We launched operation Sanjevani to supply medicines to the Maldives.. Sunjay Sudhir: Cooperation on the COVID front has been characteristic of the relationship, the way we have been working with each other at almost all times in our history. The first thing we did was in the context of COVID is to evacuate all the 7 Maldivians from Wuhan. Actually, Maldives was the first country whose nationals we evacuated from Wuhan. Our 14 member rapid response medical team were here for 10 days in March. Again the Maldives was the first country to which we sent a medical team. We also gifted about 5.5 tonnes of COVID related and other essential medicines to the govt of Maldives. Operation Sanjeevani was a very challenging operation which we could accomplish with the help of IAF. One IAF C130 picked up huge amount of medical consignment from 4 Indian cities and delivered that to Male, it was about 6.2 tonns. This was done on April 2nd. We also facilitated continues supply of essential food items, also commodities like cement so that the construction sector does not suffer here. We have been facilitating evacuation flights for Maldivians, facilitating cargo flights. Digital video conferences have happened between trade officials, health officials and as we speak--series of 3 video conferences between top doctors of AIIMS and top doctors in the Maldives currently going on. The first of the series happened only yesterday. Within a week's time, we will also be gifting 580 tonnes of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the govt of Maldives. It has been testing times and also remembers it happens to be the holy month of Ramzan. On the economic front, the govt of Maldives has taken a big hit because of the hit to the tourism industry as well as the export of fishes. This has led to a bad liquidity situation. We have provided $150 million dollars worth of currency swap under the bilateral agreement which we had. This happened just a few days back and it happened of 27th April, we have been trying our level best to provide whatever assistance we can to govt of Maldives in these very very difficult times. WION: How has the cooperation to deal with COVID crisis been between the countries been under the SAARC framework.. Sunjay Sudhir: PM Modi has championed a regional approach to combat tourism, perhaps that is the most sustainable way in which we can handle a pandemic situation. In the digital video conference which PM initiated on March 5th with heads of state of govt of SAARC countries, India had announced a COVID emergency fund of 10 million dollars. And the Maldives was the first and perhaps the largest beneficiary of this fund so far. The Maldives on its part also pledged $ 200,000 for this fund. PM had initiated some kind of viable framework for joint cooperation between SAARC countries to combat COVID.A digital video conference was also initiated by the SAARC disaster management centre in Gujarat with all the other countries to deal with this disaster could be discussed and that was a very successful video conference. WION: How has been the ground situation and how are the Indian diplomats faring.. Sunjay Sudhir: I must say govt of Maldives has been trying its level best. President Solih has himself led the charge for this big challenge and for a long time they were able to protect Male. It was only on 15th April, the situation changed when the first person tested positive in the capital city and after that, you can imagine that in a city as congested as Male, it is very difficult to contain the spread and now, unfortunately, it has reached the level of community spread. I think things have plateaued out. Of the 550 cases, the majority are foreigners. It all started with foreigners and even now if you look at Male, the majority are foreigners. Actually half the numbers are Bangladeshis because of a lot of Bangladeshi workers in Male. Govt is working on a war footing to contain the spread and create new isolation facilities but it is a herculean task. For us at the high commission, it has been testing times. We are working overtime to take care of the community and at the same time provide assistance to the govt of Maldives. You have rightly mentioned it is the largest evacuation process globally as well as Indians in the Maldives. We have roped in some volunteers from the community and I must acknowledge that help has been very very forthcoming. We have the full backing of our govt that makes our task much less formidable. These days we are working day in and day out on evacuation exercise and we are looking forward to 8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi and then we will subsequently plan other rounds of evacuation in the days and weeks to come. WION: Have we shared any Indian COVID containment models with the Maldives? Sunjay Sudhir: We have done that. The Indian rapid response medical teams were first to visit the Maldives. It was first for the Maldives as well as Indian team to visit any country and that team came here with the protocols which were in practice, in India at that time, including the protocol developed by AIIMS and the medical teams also helped set up facilities in outline Islands. And as we speak digital video conference between the senior doctors from AIIMS including director Dr Randeep Guleria and very senior cardiologist Dr Ambuj Roy has been taking place. The first session took place earlier and the Maldivian side was led by the Maldives minister of state for health who happens to be a medical doctor Dr Shah Mahir. In this discussion, I am told several containment models and approaches have been discussed and we continue to share best practices.

Indian Army sets up two COVID-19 hospitals in 15 days

After Centre allowed liquor sale across all the country Monday, Delhi Government has imposed "Special Corona Fees" of 70 per cent tax on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the liquor, which will be applicable from Tuesday morning.

The Finance Department od Delhi government imposed the fee, describing it as the 70 per cent of the maximum retail price on all categories of liquor sold through retail licensees for consumption "off" the premises.

Followed by the May 4 order from the Finance Department, the Excise Department also issued another order directing the shops to collect the Special Corona Fee on all categories of liquor sold in Delhi though the retail vends with immediate effect.

"The Delhi government has levied a Special Corona Fee -- 70 per cent of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) -- on all categories of liquor from the consumer at the Point of Sale by the retail vend licensees for consumption off the premises, which will be further reimbursed to the Government," the order signed by Deputy Commissioner (Excise) said.

The announcement came after government revenue has been hit hard due to the coronavirus-forced lockdown. Moreover, some people were seen flouting social distancing norms at the liquor shops which were opened in Delhi on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Centre allowed liquor sale across all the country Monday, Delhi Government has imposed "Special Corona Fees" of 70 per cent tax on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the liquor, which will be applicable from Tuesday morning.

After Centre allowed liquor sale across all the country Monday, Delhi Government has imposed "Special Corona Fees" of 70 per cent tax on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the liquor, which will be applicable from Tuesday morning. The Finance Department od Delhi government imposed the fee, describing it as the 70 per cent of the maximum retail price on all categories of liquor sold through retail licensees for consumption "off" the premises. Followed by the May 4 order from the Finance Department, the Excise Department also issued another order directing the shops to collect the Special Corona Fee on all categories of liquor sold in Delhi though the retail vends with immediate effect. "The Delhi government has levied a Special Corona Fee -- 70 per cent of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) -- on all categories of liquor from the consumer at the Point of Sale by the retail vend licensees for consumption off the premises, which will be further reimbursed to the Government," the order signed by Deputy Commissioner (Excise) said. The announcement came after government revenue has been hit hard due to the coronavirus-forced lockdown. Moreover, some people were seen flouting social distancing norms at the liquor shops which were opened in Delhi on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi government imposes ‘special corona fee’ on liquor, to charge 70% tax on MRP from today

In the first week of India's massive plan to bring back Indians from abroad, 14,800 will be brought back in 64 flights. The Indian government on Monday announced the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad in phases due to COVID crisis from May 7.

Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu &amp; NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&amp;K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1.

Overall 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Over All 25 flights, the maximum will come from the Gulf region. &nbsp;

The first day will see 10 flights, 3 days will see 9 flights, while the last day will see 8 flights, second last day will see 11 flights.

Day one will see 4 flights from gulf-- 2 from UAE, One from Saudi Arabia, One from Qatar, all of which will go to Kerala bringing back 800 people to the state. On the same day flights from the UK, US, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Bangladesh will land in Delhi. The number of Indian students from the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come from Dhaka on the same day and land in Srinagar. All in all 2300 Indians from 10 countries will reach India on May 7th.

Meanwhile Navy has confirmed that 3 of its ship are on the mission to get back stranded citizens from Maldives and UAE. INS Jalashwa and INS Magar will get back Indians from the Maldives while INS Shardul has been diverted to Dubai to get back the expatriates from the West Asian countries. INS Magar and Shardul are Landing Ship Tanks (LST).

INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people.&nbsp;

This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf.&nbsp;

On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can."

The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country.

In the second phase, India will start facilitating the return of its citizens from Iran, USA, UK and Malaysia. Indian missions across the world are already preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens.

Several missions have opened registration for the stranded Indians.

Sources told WION, "Data collection ongoing in most missions, with some looking at dates for evacuation and making all necessary arrangements accordingly."

&nbsp;Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard.

"State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said.

The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed.

The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it.&nbsp;

After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period.

Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back.

The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

In the first week of India's massive plan to bring back Indians from abroad, 14,800 will be brought back in 64 flights. The Indian government on Monday announced the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad in phases due to COVID crisis from May 7.

In the first week of India's massive plan to bring back Indians from abroad, 14,800 will be brought back in 64 flights. The Indian government on Monday announced the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad in phases due to COVID crisis from May 7. Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu & NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1. Overall 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Over All 25 flights, the maximum will come from the Gulf region. The first day will see 10 flights, 3 days will see 9 flights, while the last day will see 8 flights, second last day will see 11 flights. Day one will see 4 flights from gulf-- 2 from UAE, One from Saudi Arabia, One from Qatar, all of which will go to Kerala bringing back 800 people to the state. On the same day flights from the UK, US, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Bangladesh will land in Delhi. The number of Indian students from the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will come from Dhaka on the same day and land in Srinagar. All in all 2300 Indians from 10 countries will reach India on May 7th. Meanwhile Navy has confirmed that 3 of its ship are on the mission to get back stranded citizens from Maldives and UAE. INS Jalashwa and INS Magar will get back Indians from the Maldives while INS Shardul has been diverted to Dubai to get back the expatriates from the West Asian countries. INS Magar and Shardul are Landing Ship Tanks (LST). INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf. On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can." The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country. In the second phase, India will start facilitating the return of its citizens from Iran, USA, UK and Malaysia. Indian missions across the world are already preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. Several missions have opened registration for the stranded Indians. Sources told WION, "Data collection ongoing in most missions, with some looking at dates for evacuation and making all necessary arrangements accordingly." Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. "State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said. The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed. The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it. After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period. Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. 2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back. The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

Repatriation of Indians: First week will see 64 flights bringing back 14,000 people; maximum flights from the gulf to Kerala

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