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Twenty-four people including serving and retired armed forces personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in Delhi.

All of them have been shifted to the Army's Base hospital in Delhi Cantonment.

These 24 people include the military personnel as well as their dependents.

Contract tracing is currently being done, and more number cases are likely to emerge.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/195-die-and-3900-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-india-in-last-24-hours-sharpest-single-day-spike-296727">Also read |&nbsp;195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike</a>

Twenty-four people including serving and retired armed forces personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in Delhi.

Twenty-four people including serving and retired armed forces personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in Delhi. All of them have been shifted to the Army's Base hospital in Delhi Cantonment. These 24 people include the military personnel as well as their dependents. Contract tracing is currently being done, and more number cases are likely to emerge. Also read | 195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike

Over 20 people in Army's RR hospital test positive for coronavirus

Land has been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government have been working with states to change that as investors seek to reduce reliance on China as a manufacturing base in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak and the resultant supply disruption.

A land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg, hence, is reportedly being developed in India in order to lure businesses moving out of China.

Luxembourg is spread across 2,43,000 hectares. To this end, a total area of 4,61,589 hectares has been identified across the country for the purpose, a Bloomberg report said.&nbsp;

This area includes 1,15,131 hectares of existing industrial land in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Providing land with power, water and road access may help attract new investments to an economy that was slowing even before the coronavirus hit, and is now staring at a rare contraction as a nationwide lockdown hit consumption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/195-die-and-3900-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-india-in-last-24-hours-sharpest-single-day-spike-296727">Also read |&nbsp;195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike</a>

According to the report, the government has further hand-picked ten sectors -- electrical, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, heavy engineering, solar equipment, food processing, chemicals and textiles -- as focus areas for promoting manufacturing.

Invest India, the government's investment agency, has received inquiries mainly from Japan, the US, South Korea and China. The four countries are among India's top 12 trading partners, accounting for total bilateral trade of $179.27 billion.

Furthermore, states have been separately urged to evolve their own programmes for bringing in foreign investments. The prime minister held a meeting on April 30 to discuss steps to fast-track strategies for wooing investors.

Land has been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government have been working with states to change that as investors seek to reduce reliance on China as a manufacturing base in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak and the resultant supply disruption.

Land has been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government have been working with states to change that as investors seek to reduce reliance on China as a manufacturing base in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak and the resultant supply disruption. A land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg, hence, is reportedly being developed in India in order to lure businesses moving out of China. Luxembourg is spread across 2,43,000 hectares. To this end, a total area of 4,61,589 hectares has been identified across the country for the purpose, a Bloomberg report said. This area includes 1,15,131 hectares of existing industrial land in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Providing land with power, water and road access may help attract new investments to an economy that was slowing even before the coronavirus hit, and is now staring at a rare contraction as a nationwide lockdown hit consumption. Also read | 195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike According to the report, the government has further hand-picked ten sectors -- electrical, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, heavy engineering, solar equipment, food processing, chemicals and textiles -- as focus areas for promoting manufacturing. Invest India, the government's investment agency, has received inquiries mainly from Japan, the US, South Korea and China. The four countries are among India's top 12 trading partners, accounting for total bilateral trade of $179.27 billion. Furthermore, states have been separately urged to evolve their own programmes for bringing in foreign investments. The prime minister held a meeting on April 30 to discuss steps to fast-track strategies for wooing investors.

India developing land twice Luxembourg's size for firms moving out of China, says report

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a> 
 
The country has recorded 195 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day spike in the number of positive cases and deaths.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-records-deadliest-day-of-outbreak-296731/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the data published by the ministry on its portal, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 46433 including 32134 active cases, 12727 cured/discharged/migrated and 1568 deaths.

According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra (14,541), followed by Gujarat (5,804), Delhi (4,898), Tamil Nadu (3,550), Rajasthan (3,061), Madhya Pradesh (2,942) and Uttar Pradesh (2,766).

The number of confirmed cases has gone up to 1,650 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,259 in West Bengal.

It has risen to 1,233 in Punjab, 1,085 in Telangana, 726 in Jammu and Kashmir, 651 in Karnataka, 528 in Bihar and 517 in Haryana.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh The country has recorded 195 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day spike in the number of positive cases and deaths. According to the data published by the ministry on its portal, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 46433 including 32134 active cases, 12727 cured/discharged/migrated and 1568 deaths. According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra (14,541), followed by Gujarat (5,804), Delhi (4,898), Tamil Nadu (3,550), Rajasthan (3,061), Madhya Pradesh (2,942) and Uttar Pradesh (2,766). The number of confirmed cases has gone up to 1,650 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,259 in West Bengal. It has risen to 1,233 in Punjab, 1,085 in Telangana, 726 in Jammu and Kashmir, 651 in Karnataka, 528 in Bihar and 517 in Haryana. (With inputs from agencies)

195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government.&nbsp;

On Monday, when the state witnessed its highest-ever surge in coronavirus cases, the Government announced its decision to open state-run liquor outlets (does not include bars) across the state starting May 7th. Ironically, the state had seen 527 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, of which 266 cases were in the capital city Chennai alone. The announcement to open liquor outlets came in the evening, long after the videos of serpentine queues outside liquor shops in other states went viral.&nbsp;

The State government had mentioned that the decision to open liquor stores was taken after noting that people living in the border areas were travelling in large numbers to neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where liquor stores have already opened.&nbsp;

The announcement to open liquor stores also came with guidelines on a 6-feet distance between customers, a limit on 5 customers at a time, and that shops can deploy more workforce to avoid crowding. Going by the crowds witnessed in other states across India, it is needless to talk about how well these rules can be implemented.

The Tamil Nadu governments decision to open liquor shops at a time when the state was seeing a nearly three-fold rise in daily Covid-19 cases drew a lot of flak. Leaders from across the spectrum lashed out at the government. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 3550 Covid-19 cases, of which 2107 are active cases. 1438 of the active cases are in the state's capital city Chennai, which has a high population density. &nbsp;

“Doesn’t the government realize that it’s every mistake is taking away lives. After failing to protect the Koyambedu market the government wants to open liquor shops” Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted.&nbsp;

On the decision to not open shops within Chennai Police limits alone, Political analyst and senior journalist Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION, “it makes no sense, as people can always go to the nearby districts and buy liquor. This would mean that people travel long distances and that crowding would be much more in stores that are open. People would also buy in bulk from elsewhere and start selling it in black in Chennai”.

However, Dr Raman also added that “Liquor brings in about 90crores per day in Tamil Nadu and its been shut during the lockdown. The state government has no money, and are left with no option. They haven’t received the GST dues from the Central Government, so can the state do away with welfare schemes or hike prices of milk and bus fares and electricity rates? The opposition will lash out at the ruling party for opening liquor shops, but they don’t offer solutions either. Can opposition parties close down the breweries owned by their leaders ?”&nbsp;

While Tamil Nadu has deferred the opening of liquor shops within Chennai City Police limits, the state-run TASMAC outlets will remain open in other parts of the state. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu would also hike the price of liquor by including an additional cess in the liquor prices. So far, Delhi has announced a 70% increase in prices of liquor, due to a new ‘Corona tax’. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu and other states where liquor sales are permitted will follow suit.

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government.

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government. On Monday, when the state witnessed its highest-ever surge in coronavirus cases, the Government announced its decision to open state-run liquor outlets (does not include bars) across the state starting May 7th. Ironically, the state had seen 527 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, of which 266 cases were in the capital city Chennai alone. The announcement to open liquor outlets came in the evening, long after the videos of serpentine queues outside liquor shops in other states went viral. The State government had mentioned that the decision to open liquor stores was taken after noting that people living in the border areas were travelling in large numbers to neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where liquor stores have already opened. The announcement to open liquor stores also came with guidelines on a 6-feet distance between customers, a limit on 5 customers at a time, and that shops can deploy more workforce to avoid crowding. Going by the crowds witnessed in other states across India, it is needless to talk about how well these rules can be implemented. The Tamil Nadu governments decision to open liquor shops at a time when the state was seeing a nearly three-fold rise in daily Covid-19 cases drew a lot of flak. Leaders from across the spectrum lashed out at the government. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 3550 Covid-19 cases, of which 2107 are active cases. 1438 of the active cases are in the state's capital city Chennai, which has a high population density. “Doesn’t the government realize that it’s every mistake is taking away lives. After failing to protect the Koyambedu market the government wants to open liquor shops” Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted. On the decision to not open shops within Chennai Police limits alone, Political analyst and senior journalist Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION, “it makes no sense, as people can always go to the nearby districts and buy liquor. This would mean that people travel long distances and that crowding would be much more in stores that are open. People would also buy in bulk from elsewhere and start selling it in black in Chennai”. However, Dr Raman also added that “Liquor brings in about 90crores per day in Tamil Nadu and its been shut during the lockdown. The state government has no money, and are left with no option. They haven’t received the GST dues from the Central Government, so can the state do away with welfare schemes or hike prices of milk and bus fares and electricity rates? The opposition will lash out at the ruling party for opening liquor shops, but they don’t offer solutions either. Can opposition parties close down the breweries owned by their leaders ?” While Tamil Nadu has deferred the opening of liquor shops within Chennai City Police limits, the state-run TASMAC outlets will remain open in other parts of the state. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu would also hike the price of liquor by including an additional cess in the liquor prices. So far, Delhi has announced a 70% increase in prices of liquor, due to a new ‘Corona tax’. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu and other states where liquor sales are permitted will follow suit.

Facing flak, Tamil Nadu defers opening of state-run liquor stores in Chennai; stores open in other districts from May 7

The first instance of African swine fever has been reported in the country in Assam where the disease has killed around 2,500 pigs across 306 villages, Animal Husbandry Minister Atul Bora said.

Despite the go-ahead from the Centre, the state government will not cull the animals immediately and choose an alternative option to prevent the spread of the disease, Bora told a press conference on Sunday.

While swine flu can spread from animals to humans, swine fever does not, and therefore is not a public health threat.

"The National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has confirmed that it is African Swine Fever (ASF). The central government has informed us that it is the first instance of the disease in the country," Bora said.

According to a 2019 census by the department, the pig population in the state was 21 lakh which has increased in recent times to around 30 lakh, he added.

"We have discussed with experts if we can save the pigs without culling them. The death percentage of the pigs affected by the disease is almost 100 per cent. So we have made some strategies to save the pigs, which are not affected by the virus," Bora said.

The department will collect samples within one km radius of the areas affected and test them, he said.

"After testing, we will cull only those pigs which will be found infected. We are avoiding the immediate culling of the pigs. We will have daily updates and take a decision as and when the situation demands," Bora said.

Further testing will be done in three Assam laboratories itself, he said.

"The virus spreads through pig's meat, saliva, blood and tissue. So there will also be no transportation of pigs between districts. We will also see what can be done about pigs passing through our state.

"We will have a surveillance zone within 10 km radius so that no pigs are transported out of the area or no feed is moved from a different location. We will also do GPS mapping," Bora said.

He, however, said the spread of the disease so far has been limited to 306 villages in seven districts of the state.

The disease was detected towards the end of February. It started in April 2019 at a village in Xizang province in China bordering Arunachal Pradesh, Bora said.

Usually, stray pigs get infected with such viruses, but of late those in the farms have also been found afflicted with the disease.

&nbsp;The animal husbandry department initially started administering classical swine flu vaccine but it was stopped due to the scare that the disease could spread through the doctor.

"However, it (African swine fever) never affects humans. There is no problem in consuming pork from the areas where there is no infection. We will conduct awareness and training of farmers. We have selected 13 districts for this purpose," the minister said.

He also said the government has formed district-level committees to enforce the relevant guidelines like not allowing the animals to roam freely and keeping them in enclosures.

The first instance of African swine fever has been reported in the country in Assam where the disease has killed around 2,500 pigs across 306 villages, Animal Husbandry Minister Atul Bora said.

The first instance of African swine fever has been reported in the country in Assam where the disease has killed around 2,500 pigs across 306 villages, Animal Husbandry Minister Atul Bora said. Despite the go-ahead from the Centre, the state government will not cull the animals immediately and choose an alternative option to prevent the spread of the disease, Bora told a press conference on Sunday. While swine flu can spread from animals to humans, swine fever does not, and therefore is not a public health threat. "The National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has confirmed that it is African Swine Fever (ASF). The central government has informed us that it is the first instance of the disease in the country," Bora said. According to a 2019 census by the department, the pig population in the state was 21 lakh which has increased in recent times to around 30 lakh, he added. "We have discussed with experts if we can save the pigs without culling them. The death percentage of the pigs affected by the disease is almost 100 per cent. So we have made some strategies to save the pigs, which are not affected by the virus," Bora said. The department will collect samples within one km radius of the areas affected and test them, he said. "After testing, we will cull only those pigs which will be found infected. We are avoiding the immediate culling of the pigs. We will have daily updates and take a decision as and when the situation demands," Bora said. Further testing will be done in three Assam laboratories itself, he said. "The virus spreads through pig's meat, saliva, blood and tissue. So there will also be no transportation of pigs between districts. We will also see what can be done about pigs passing through our state. "We will have a surveillance zone within 10 km radius so that no pigs are transported out of the area or no feed is moved from a different location. We will also do GPS mapping," Bora said. He, however, said the spread of the disease so far has been limited to 306 villages in seven districts of the state. The disease was detected towards the end of February. It started in April 2019 at a village in Xizang province in China bordering Arunachal Pradesh, Bora said. Usually, stray pigs get infected with such viruses, but of late those in the farms have also been found afflicted with the disease. The animal husbandry department initially started administering classical swine flu vaccine but it was stopped due to the scare that the disease could spread through the doctor. "However, it (African swine fever) never affects humans. There is no problem in consuming pork from the areas where there is no infection. We will conduct awareness and training of farmers. We have selected 13 districts for this purpose," the minister said. He also said the government has formed district-level committees to enforce the relevant guidelines like not allowing the animals to roam freely and keeping them in enclosures.

African swine fever: Another disease from China hits Assam; 2,500 pigs dead

The cyber cell of Delhi police has arrested a school student in order to probe the 'Boys Locker Room controversy'. An Instagram group with the name 'Boys Locker Room' has recently come to light, raising questions about the safety and security of women and underage girls on the photo and video sharing platform.

The arrested teen is a 15-year-old student of a prominent school in South Delhi."22 other boys have also have been identified and they would be called for an investigation," the police said on Tuesday. The detained accused would be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)

Leaked screenshots of the private Instagram chat group 'bois locker room' have stirred up a storm over rape culture in the country after numerous boys were allegedly seen sharing photos of underage girls, objectifying them, and planning 'gang rapes'.

Meanwhile, Delhi Commission for Woman (DCW) on Monday issued notice to Instagram and Delhi Police over the issue. It said 'Bois Locker Room' is a private group on social media site Instagram with more than hundreds of members associated with it.

"It is reported that the group is used for sharing objectionable pictures of minor girls and young women along with their personal information. The members of the group have been reported to have discussed techniques of raping women and gang-raping minors," said Swati Maliwal in the notice issued. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The cyber cell of Delhi police has arrested a school student in order to probe the 'Boys Locker Room controversy'. An Instagram group with the name 'Boys Locker Room' has recently come to light, raising questions about the safety and security of women and underage girls on the photo and video sharing platform.

The cyber cell of Delhi police has arrested a school student in order to probe the 'Boys Locker Room controversy'. An Instagram group with the name 'Boys Locker Room' has recently come to light, raising questions about the safety and security of women and underage girls on the photo and video sharing platform. The arrested teen is a 15-year-old student of a prominent school in South Delhi."22 other boys have also have been identified and they would be called for an investigation," the police said on Tuesday. The detained accused would be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Leaked screenshots of the private Instagram chat group 'bois locker room' have stirred up a storm over rape culture in the country after numerous boys were allegedly seen sharing photos of underage girls, objectifying them, and planning 'gang rapes'. Meanwhile, Delhi Commission for Woman (DCW) on Monday issued notice to Instagram and Delhi Police over the issue. It said 'Bois Locker Room' is a private group on social media site Instagram with more than hundreds of members associated with it. "It is reported that the group is used for sharing objectionable pictures of minor girls and young women along with their personal information. The members of the group have been reported to have discussed techniques of raping women and gang-raping minors," said Swati Maliwal in the notice issued. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi police arrest school student in connection with online chat group that objectified girls

Mumbai is under lockdown owing to a large number of coronaviurs cases, causing a major impact on the sales on Alphonso mangoes in the city.

No sale has been recorded in several weeks, and traders are suffering losses.&nbsp;

"It is the month of Ramadan, this is the time to sell, but there is no sale because everyone is afraid, they can't come. We are suffering losses," mango trader Abdul Malik Ansari told ANI.

The mangoes are exported to many Middle Eastern and European countries from India.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Maharashtra government has decided to allow standalone shops including liquor shops to open in green, orange and red zone areas, but not in containment zones.

The coronavirus cases in Maharashtra have reached 12,296, including 2,000 discharged cases and 521 deaths.

The Centre on Friday extended the ongoing nationwide lockdown till May 17, while allowing different sets of relaxations in red, orange and green zones.

Mumbai is under lockdown owing to a large number of coronaviurs cases, causing a major impact on the sales on Alphonso mangoes in the city. No sale has been recorded in several weeks, and traders are suffering losses.

Mumbai is under lockdown owing to a large number of coronaviurs cases, causing a major impact on the sales on Alphonso mangoes in the city. No sale has been recorded in several weeks, and traders are suffering losses. "It is the month of Ramadan, this is the time to sell, but there is no sale because everyone is afraid, they can't come. We are suffering losses," mango trader Abdul Malik Ansari told ANI. The mangoes are exported to many Middle Eastern and European countries from India. Meanwhile, Maharashtra government has decided to allow standalone shops including liquor shops to open in green, orange and red zone areas, but not in containment zones. The coronavirus cases in Maharashtra have reached 12,296, including 2,000 discharged cases and 521 deaths. The Centre on Friday extended the ongoing nationwide lockdown till May 17, while allowing different sets of relaxations in red, orange and green zones.

Alphonso mangoes find no takers in Mumbai amid coronavirus lockdown

Independent India's largest repatriation&nbsp;mission&nbsp;to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic is all set to begin with New Delhi giving the formal green signal. India will be evacuating 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the evacuation starting May 7th with the focus on the Gulf.&nbsp;

UAE will be the first country from were India will start the evacuation with the first two Air India flights landing in Kerala on May 7th. One flight will fly from Abu Dhabi to Kochi and another from Dubai to Kozhikode on the same&nbsp;day. A number of blue-collared Indians are stranded in the country who have registered themselves for evacuation.&nbsp;

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 first phase itself, India will start evacuation of its citizens from the neighbourhood with Maldives and Bangladesh being the focus. On 8th May, 700 Indians will be evacuated from Male to Kochi by Indian Naval ship.

In the second phase, India will start evacuation of its citizens from Iran, USA, UK and Malaysia. Indian missions across the world are already preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens.

Sources told WION, "Data collection ongoing in most missions, with some looking at dates for evacuation and making all necessary arrangements accordingly."

Several missions have opened registration for the stranded Indians.

Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200&nbsp; in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals have so far registered with High Commission of Nairobi, 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 evacuation 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 evacuation 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 evacuation, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed.

INS Jalashwa, Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock). is already at sea. It is likely to be sent for evacuation. It can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms it can carry 500-700 people. 2 to 3 Landing Ship Tanks (LST) are likely to be deployed. India has 2 class of LST-- Magar class and Shardul.

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.

Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic is all set to begin with New Delhi giving the formal green signal.

Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic is all set to begin with New Delhi giving the formal green signal. India will be evacuating 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the evacuation starting May 7th with the focus on the Gulf. UAE will be the first country from were India will start the evacuation with the first two Air India flights landing in Kerala on May 7th. One flight will fly from Abu Dhabi to Kochi and another from Dubai to Kozhikode on the same day. A number of blue-collared Indians are stranded in the country who have registered themselves for evacuation. 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 first phase itself, India will start evacuation of its citizens from the neighbourhood with Maldives and Bangladesh being the focus. On 8th May, 700 Indians will be evacuated from Male to Kochi by Indian Naval ship. In the second phase, India will start evacuation of its citizens from Iran, USA, UK and Malaysia. Indian missions across the world are already preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. Sources told WION, "Data collection ongoing in most missions, with some looking at dates for evacuation and making all necessary arrangements accordingly." Several missions have opened registration for the stranded Indians. Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals have so far registered with High Commission of Nairobi, 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 evacuation 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 evacuation 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 evacuation, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed. INS Jalashwa, Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock). is already at sea. It is likely to be sent for evacuation. It can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms it can carry 500-700 people. 2 to 3 Landing Ship Tanks (LST) are likely to be deployed. India has 2 class of LST-- Magar class and Shardul. 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.

India to undertake largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic

A top Lashkar-e Toiba (LeT) commander is killed in the encounter at Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, an official said.

Earlier, a colonel and a major were among the five security personnel who were killed in action.&nbsp;

"Four Indian Army personnel including the commanding officer, major of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit along with two soldiers &amp; lone Jammu and Kashmir Police jawan lost their lives in an encounter in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir," army officials said, reported news agency ANI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-militants-killed-in-kashmir-encounter-operation-underway-296224">Two militants killed in Kashmir encounter; operation underway</a>

Two terrorists were also killed in the encounter that started on Friday, the officials added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-encounter-breaks-out-in-handwara-area-of-north-kashmir-296290">Fresh encounter breaks out in Handwara area of north Kashmir</a>

Describing the incident, the officials said that a team of RR had entered the house of a civilian to prevent a hostage situation after they were attacked by militants who were already present. They also said that the civilians present inside the house were safely evacuated.

On Friday, a local cop said that the security officials launched a cordon and search operation in Chanjmulla area of Handwara following inputs about the presence of militants there.&nbsp;

In a separate operation in another Kashmir district Pulwama, security forces killed two militants on Friday.&nbsp;

A top Lashkar-e Toiba (LeT) commander is killed in the encounter at Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, an official said. Earlier, a colonel and a major were among the five security personnel who were killed in action.

A top Lashkar-e Toiba (LeT) commander is killed in the encounter at Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, an official said. Earlier, a colonel and a major were among the five security personnel who were killed in action. "Four Indian Army personnel including the commanding officer, major of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit along with two soldiers & lone Jammu and Kashmir Police jawan lost their lives in an encounter in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir," army officials said, reported news agency ANI. Also read | Two militants killed in Kashmir encounter; operation underway Two terrorists were also killed in the encounter that started on Friday, the officials added. Also read | Fresh encounter breaks out in Handwara area of north Kashmir Describing the incident, the officials said that a team of RR had entered the house of a civilian to prevent a hostage situation after they were attacked by militants who were already present. They also said that the civilians present inside the house were safely evacuated. On Friday, a local cop said that the security officials launched a cordon and search operation in Chanjmulla area of Handwara following inputs about the presence of militants there. In a separate operation in another Kashmir district Pulwama, security forces killed two militants on Friday.

Jammu and Kashmir: LeT commander killed in Kupwara encounter

Four Indian Army personnel and a police sub-inspector were among five security officials who were killed in action in an encounter in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir.

Five Indian security personnel killed in action

This is how some families bid adieu to their loved ones in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-warns-internal-report-296619">Ghana </a>pallbearers in black suits and sunglasses dancing to techno tracks.

Death calls for a celebration of life and these dancing crews leave no move behind. The performance is a part of the funeral ceremony, it is carried out on the request of the family.

The tradition dates back to middle ages but the dancing pallbearers have found a new meaning recently. They have become the symbol of death and fodder for meme.

A duck-ride gone wrong?&nbsp;Dancing pallbearers! Chicken loitering around KFC?

This means death and dancing pallbearers! The humour has only become darker since the coronavirus outbreak. The dancing crew is the new face of the stay-at-home movement.

In India, cops recreated the dance moves. Their message was simple breaking lockdown rules could turn fatal. Police in Colombia too mimicked the footsteps of the pallbearers.

They shouldered a coffin through the streets of quibdo remain indoors, said the message on loud speaker.

One Twitter user re-created them as eggs. Someone posted a photo of the pallbearers as lego plastic figurines too have emerged have the dancing pallbearers have become&nbsp; 
what is famous is bound to attract controversy.

This video was uploaded by a Taiwanese dance crew spot anything amiss with the routine?

The dancers wore blackface not everyone was ok with the move and no points for guessing that they were slammed on the internet and off it.

This is how some families bid adieu to their loved ones in Ghana pallbearers in black suits and sunglasses dancing to techno tracks. Death calls for a celebration of life and these dancing crews leave no move behind.

This is how some families bid adieu to their loved ones in Ghana pallbearers in black suits and sunglasses dancing to techno tracks. Death calls for a celebration of life and these dancing crews leave no move behind. The performance is a part of the funeral ceremony, it is carried out on the request of the family. The tradition dates back to middle ages but the dancing pallbearers have found a new meaning recently. They have become the symbol of death and fodder for meme. A duck-ride gone wrong? Dancing pallbearers! Chicken loitering around KFC? This means death and dancing pallbearers! The humour has only become darker since the coronavirus outbreak. The dancing crew is the new face of the stay-at-home movement. In India, cops recreated the dance moves. Their message was simple breaking lockdown rules could turn fatal. Police in Colombia too mimicked the footsteps of the pallbearers. They shouldered a coffin through the streets of quibdo remain indoors, said the message on loud speaker. One Twitter user re-created them as eggs. Someone posted a photo of the pallbearers as lego plastic figurines too have emerged have the dancing pallbearers have become what is famous is bound to attract controversy. This video was uploaded by a Taiwanese dance crew spot anything amiss with the routine? The dancers wore blackface not everyone was ok with the move and no points for guessing that they were slammed on the internet and off it.

Coronavirus outbreak: Ghana and dancing pallbearers

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown.

She said that Congress had taken the decision as the Centre and Rail Ministry had completely ignored party's repeated requests to ensure provisions of "safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-30-till-may-17-what-is-prohibited-and-what-will-be-allowed-296478" hreflang="en">Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed</a>

"Indian National Congress has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress' humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them," a statement issued by the Congress interim President read.

<img alt="congress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eff85e07-dff2-4517-b20f-e3d90ae0a3d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EXI_deiU4AAIMgW.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-issues-guidelines-for-shramik-special-trains-296353" hreflang="en">Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains'</a>

She stressed upon the importance of workers terming them "ambassadors of our nation`s growth" and alleged "when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs. 151 Crores to the PM's Corona fund, then why can`t these essential members of our nation`s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress?"

"Our workers and labourers form the backbone of our economy. Their hard work andsacrifice are the foundation of our nation," the statement read.

She equated the lockdown phase with that of post-partition and said, "Post the partition of 1947, this is the first time India witnessed a tragedy with such a massive human cost as thousands of migrant workers and labourers were forced to walk home several hundred kilometres on foot- without food, without medicines, without money, without transportation, without anything except for the desire to return to their families and loved ones."

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The lockdown was later extended till May 3 and then for another two weeks till May 17.

In an order issued on May 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places through special trains.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown. She said that Congress had taken the decision as the Centre and Rail Ministry had completely ignored party's repeated requests to ensure provisions of "safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns." Also read: Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed "Indian National Congress has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress' humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them," a statement issued by the Congress interim President read. Also read: Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains' She stressed upon the importance of workers terming them "ambassadors of our nation`s growth" and alleged "when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs. 151 Crores to the PM's Corona fund, then why can`t these essential members of our nation`s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress?" "Our workers and labourers form the backbone of our economy. Their hard work andsacrifice are the foundation of our nation," the statement read. She equated the lockdown phase with that of post-partition and said, "Post the partition of 1947, this is the first time India witnessed a tragedy with such a massive human cost as thousands of migrant workers and labourers were forced to walk home several hundred kilometres on foot- without food, without medicines, without money, without transportation, without anything except for the desire to return to their families and loved ones." On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3 and then for another two weeks till May 17. In an order issued on May 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places through special trains.

Congress to pay for rail tickets of every needy migrant worker amid lockdown: Sonia Gandhi

China is opening up to stark realities post the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-largest-overseas-evacuation-since-independence-to-bring-back-citizens-stranded-abroad-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-296652">lockdown</a>. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project is threatened with a financial collapse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-questions-to-answer-over-coronavirus-outbreak-says-uk-296580">Also Read:&nbsp;China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK</a>

China had given billions of dollars in loans for its grand foreign policy project and it is now flooded with requests for relief from repayments an China is willing to suspend interest payments but many are looking for a complete waiver of the loan.

COVID-19 has dealt a body blow to China's grand global project. President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative is set to be derailed further even before the pandemic, it had begun facing opposition.

There was growing resentment with many countries re-thinking their commitments. The Wuhan virus has only made it worse. China has re-opened its economy but it is set to suffer a contraction of nearly 7 per cent, also it will lose money due to the BRI. 
&nbsp; 
China has pumped in billions of dollars in the form of loans to countries and now most of these countries can't afford to pay back.

They face a coronavirus-recession, so they're asking China for debt relief. A wave of applications has come from BRI member nations. China has given loans worth $460 billion so far.

It was supposed to be the new Silk Road building infrastructure and boosting China’s influence. More than 140 countries signed up. Most of them are developing nations in Asia and Africa. Many with the weakest credit ratings in the world. For instance, Iran and Pakistan re high-risk countries to lend to.

But China took the risk. Iran and Pakistan are among the top-5 recipients of Belt and Road loans. The lockdowns have worsened the already poor economies. In Africa, China gave loans worth $140 billion.

Most African countries now want loan waivers. China did sign a G20 pact to hold off bilateral loan repayment specifically for low-income countries until the end of this year.

But the details are still being worked out and there's no clarity on whether BRI loans would come under its ambit. In the current scenario, more than half of the BRI projects are in trouble and experts say China just cannot afford to let them fail.

It can suspend interest payment some borrowers with good credit history may be allowed to reschedule their loans but forgiving debt permanently would be the worst-case scenario.

China was accused of debt-trapping poor nations into the Belt and Road project now it finds itself caught in the same trap. China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project(BRI) is threatened with a financial collapse.

China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project is threatened with a financial collapse.

China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project is threatened with a financial collapse. Also Read: China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK China had given billions of dollars in loans for its grand foreign policy project and it is now flooded with requests for relief from repayments an China is willing to suspend interest payments but many are looking for a complete waiver of the loan. COVID-19 has dealt a body blow to China's grand global project. President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative is set to be derailed further even before the pandemic, it had begun facing opposition. There was growing resentment with many countries re-thinking their commitments. The Wuhan virus has only made it worse. China has re-opened its economy but it is set to suffer a contraction of nearly 7 per cent, also it will lose money due to the BRI. China has pumped in billions of dollars in the form of loans to countries and now most of these countries can't afford to pay back. They face a coronavirus-recession, so they're asking China for debt relief. A wave of applications has come from BRI member nations. China has given loans worth $460 billion so far. It was supposed to be the new Silk Road building infrastructure and boosting China’s influence. More than 140 countries signed up. Most of them are developing nations in Asia and Africa. Many with the weakest credit ratings in the world. For instance, Iran and Pakistan re high-risk countries to lend to. But China took the risk. Iran and Pakistan are among the top-5 recipients of Belt and Road loans. The lockdowns have worsened the already poor economies. In Africa, China gave loans worth $140 billion. Most African countries now want loan waivers. China did sign a G20 pact to hold off bilateral loan repayment specifically for low-income countries until the end of this year. But the details are still being worked out and there's no clarity on whether BRI loans would come under its ambit. In the current scenario, more than half of the BRI projects are in trouble and experts say China just cannot afford to let them fail. It can suspend interest payment some borrowers with good credit history may be allowed to reschedule their loans but forgiving debt permanently would be the worst-case scenario. China was accused of debt-trapping poor nations into the Belt and Road project now it finds itself caught in the same trap. China is opening up to stark realities post the lockdown. The economy is set to shrink for the first time in decades and its ambitious Belt and Road project(BRI) is threatened with a financial collapse.

COVID-19 impact: President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative set to be derailed

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a video conference meeting of the non-alignment movement (NAM) on the COVID-19 crisis. Watch his addressing the meet.

Indian PM addresses NAM virtual summit on COVID-19 Pandemic: The whole world is one family

In a significant development, Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi will participate in a video conference meeting of non-alignment movement (NAM) on COVID crisis.

PM Modi to participate in NAM virtual summit on Monday

Every summer buyers in India patiently wait for the king of fruit, mangoes. But after nearly 30 years mangoes await their buyers.

In India, mangoes await their buyers

World Is One News, WION exclusively speaks to Rahul Chhabra, who is currently serving as India's envoy to Kenya.

WION Exclusively speaks to Rahul Chhabra | Indian envoy to Kenya

The government has issued a new set of guidelines regarding what is allowed or restricted in Red, Orange and Green Zones after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown for two more weeks starting from today.

Govt also issued new guidelines to regulate different activities in this period based on the risk profiling of the districts of the country into Red (hotspots), Green and Orange Zones.&nbsp;

The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones. Green Zone will be districts with either zero confirmed cases till date, or no confirmed cases in the last 21 days.

Here is list of activities prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone

1) All domestic and international air travel of passengers, except for medical/security purposes or as permitted by MHA.

2) All passenger movement by trains, except for security purposes or for purposes as permitted by MHA.

3) All cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

4) All social/political/sports/entertainment/academic cultural or religious functions/other gatherings.

5) Inter-state buses for public transport, or as permitted by the MHA. 
6) Inter-state movement of individuals except for medical reasons, or as permitted by MHA.

7) All schools, colleges, education /training/-coaching institutions etc.

8) Hospitality services other than those used for housing, health/police/government officials/healthcare workers, stranded persons including tourists, and those used for quarantine facilities.

9) All religious places/places of worship for public.

Measures for well being and safety of persons

1) To be identified in red and orange zones.

2) No movement of persons allowed other than medical emergencies and supply of essential goods and services.

3) Aarogya Setu App compulsory for all residents of containment zones.

4) Movement of individuals for all non-essential activities strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am.

5) Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below ten years to stay at home, except for essential requirements and health purposes.

6) OPDs and medical clinics permitted outside containment zones with social distancing norms and other precautions.

In the Red Zones, e-commerce activities are permitted only in respect of essential goods. Private offices can operate up to 33 per cent strength as per requirement with the remaining persons working from home.

In the Orange Zones, taxis and cab aggregators will be permitted with 1 driver and 2 passengers only. The Centre has also allowed inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles for permitted activities only. Four wheeler vehicles will have maximum two passengers besides the driver and pillion riding will be allowed on two-wheelers the statement said.

In the Green Zones, the Centre has allowed all activities except the limited number of activities which are prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the Zone. However, buses can operate with upto 50 per cent seating capacity and bus depots can operate with upto 50 per cent capacity. 
 
(WIth inputs from ANI)

The government has issued a new set of guidelines regarding what is allowed or restricted in Red, Orange and Green Zones after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown for two more weeks starting from today.

The government has issued a new set of guidelines regarding what is allowed or restricted in Red, Orange and Green Zones after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown for two more weeks starting from today. Govt also issued new guidelines to regulate different activities in this period based on the risk profiling of the districts of the country into Red (hotspots), Green and Orange Zones. The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones. Green Zone will be districts with either zero confirmed cases till date, or no confirmed cases in the last 21 days. Here is list of activities prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone 1) All domestic and international air travel of passengers, except for medical/security purposes or as permitted by MHA. 2) All passenger movement by trains, except for security purposes or for purposes as permitted by MHA. 3) All cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places. 4) All social/political/sports/entertainment/academic cultural or religious functions/other gatherings. 5) Inter-state buses for public transport, or as permitted by the MHA. 6) Inter-state movement of individuals except for medical reasons, or as permitted by MHA. 7) All schools, colleges, education /training/-coaching institutions etc. 8) Hospitality services other than those used for housing, health/police/government officials/healthcare workers, stranded persons including tourists, and those used for quarantine facilities. 9) All religious places/places of worship for public. Measures for well being and safety of persons 1) To be identified in red and orange zones. 2) No movement of persons allowed other than medical emergencies and supply of essential goods and services. 3) Aarogya Setu App compulsory for all residents of containment zones. 4) Movement of individuals for all non-essential activities strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am. 5) Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below ten years to stay at home, except for essential requirements and health purposes. 6) OPDs and medical clinics permitted outside containment zones with social distancing norms and other precautions. In the Red Zones, e-commerce activities are permitted only in respect of essential goods. Private offices can operate up to 33 per cent strength as per requirement with the remaining persons working from home. In the Orange Zones, taxis and cab aggregators will be permitted with 1 driver and 2 passengers only. The Centre has also allowed inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles for permitted activities only. Four wheeler vehicles will have maximum two passengers besides the driver and pillion riding will be allowed on two-wheelers the statement said. In the Green Zones, the Centre has allowed all activities except the limited number of activities which are prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the Zone. However, buses can operate with upto 50 per cent seating capacity and bus depots can operate with upto 50 per cent capacity. (WIth inputs from ANI)

Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 42,836 on Monday evening.

Of the total cases, 29,685 are active, 11,761 people have recovered, and 1,389 people have died.

As many as 2,573 new cases and 83 fatalities were recorded in the past 24 hours.

Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with the total number of cases rising to 12,974 and 548 deaths. Gujarat has reported 5,428 cases so far followed by Delhi with 4,549 cases.

The other states which have seen a sharp rise in cases are Madhya Pradesh (2,942), Rajasthan (2,886), Tamil Nadu (3,023) and Uttar Pradesh (2,742).

Maharashtra has the highest death toll among all the states, followed by Gujarat with 290 deaths, Madhya Pradesh 165, Rajasthan 71 and Delhi 64.

Andhra Pradesh has reported 1,650 cases and 36 deaths so far, Jammu and Kashmir 701 cases and eight deaths, Karnataka 642 and 26 deaths, Bihar 517 cases and four deaths, Kerala 500 cases and four deaths, and Haryana 442 and five deaths.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 42,836 on Monday evening. Of the total cases, 29,685 are active, 11,761 people have recovered, and 1,389 people have died.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 42,836 on Monday evening. Of the total cases, 29,685 are active, 11,761 people have recovered, and 1,389 people have died. As many as 2,573 new cases and 83 fatalities were recorded in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with the total number of cases rising to 12,974 and 548 deaths. Gujarat has reported 5,428 cases so far followed by Delhi with 4,549 cases. The other states which have seen a sharp rise in cases are Madhya Pradesh (2,942), Rajasthan (2,886), Tamil Nadu (3,023) and Uttar Pradesh (2,742). Maharashtra has the highest death toll among all the states, followed by Gujarat with 290 deaths, Madhya Pradesh 165, Rajasthan 71 and Delhi 64. Andhra Pradesh has reported 1,650 cases and 36 deaths so far, Jammu and Kashmir 701 cases and eight deaths, Karnataka 642 and 26 deaths, Bihar 517 cases and four deaths, Kerala 500 cases and four deaths, and Haryana 442 and five deaths.

Coronavirus tally in India rises to 42,836; 1,389 deaths reported

In a significant development, Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi will participate in a video conference meeting of non-alignment movement (NAM) on COVID crisis. The meeting that will happen in at around 4.30 pm IST will see External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also present.&nbsp;

This is the first time PM Modi is taking part in a NAM meeting since taking 2014 when he first became the Prime Minister. The last time any Indian PM participated at Tehran NAM meet was 2012 with the then PM Manmohan Singh was present.&nbsp;

Both in 2016, 2018 summits of NAM, India was represented at Vice President level. The last NAM Summit happened in 2019 in Azerbaijan, before that it was 2016 in Venezuela.

Azerbaijan is the president of the grouping from 2019-2022 and the meet is being organised under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The title of the summit is "We stand together against COVID-19".&nbsp;

"We hope that the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group's Summit will make a significant contribution to the mobilization of NAM member states in the fight against coronavirus, strengthening of solidarity and multilateralism," Hikmat Hajiyev, Head of the Department for Foreign Policy Affairs of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration said as quoted by Azerbaijan State News Agency or azertac.

The meet on COVID comes even as other multilateral groupings like G20, BRICS and regional groupings like SAARC are having video conferences to come out with a coordinated approach on the pandemic. &nbsp;

Non-Aligned Movement is an idea that emerged in 1950 and the initiative was led by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Present of erstwhile Yugoslav Josip Broz Tito.&nbsp;

NAM is the second-largest platform globally in terms of country membership after the UN. While it currently has 120 member states, 17 states which are observers in the last few years the grouping has lost the main rationale of the existence of remaining equidistant to 2 powers—US and the Soviet Union, after the disintegration of the latter.

In a significant development, Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi will participate in a video conference meeting of non-alignment movement (NAM) on COVID crisis. The meeting that will happen in at around 4.30 pm IST will see External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also present. This is the first time PM Modi is taking part in a NAM meeting since taking 2014 when he first became the Prime Minister. The last time any Indian PM participated at Tehran NAM meet was 2012 with the then PM Manmohan Singh was present. Both in 2016, 2018 summits of NAM, India was represented at Vice President level. The last NAM Summit happened in 2019 in Azerbaijan, before that it was 2016 in Venezuela. Azerbaijan is the president of the grouping from 2019-2022 and the meet is being organised under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The title of the summit is "We stand together against COVID-19". "We hope that the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group's Summit will make a significant contribution to the mobilization of NAM member states in the fight against coronavirus, strengthening of solidarity and multilateralism," Hikmat Hajiyev, Head of the Department for Foreign Policy Affairs of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration said as quoted by Azerbaijan State News Agency or azertac. The meet on COVID comes even as other multilateral groupings like G20, BRICS and regional groupings like SAARC are having video conferences to come out with a coordinated approach on the pandemic. Non-Aligned Movement is an idea that emerged in 1950 and the initiative was led by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Present of erstwhile Yugoslav Josip Broz Tito. NAM is the second-largest platform globally in terms of country membership after the UN. While it currently has 120 member states, 17 states which are observers in the last few years the grouping has lost the main rationale of the existence of remaining equidistant to 2 powers—US and the Soviet Union, after the disintegration of the latter.

In a first, PM Modi to participate in Non-Aligned Movement meet today

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) K V Subramanian on Monday said that GDP growth in the first quarter (April to June) this fiscal is likely to range between one to two per cent due to COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, reported news agency ANI.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) K V Subramanian on Monday said that GDP growth in the first quarter (April to June) this fiscal is likely to range between one to two per cent due to COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, reported news agency ANI. The economy could pick up as industries restart their operations with the streamlining of supply chains and migrant workers getting back to their jobs in the second quarter, he reportedly told ANI. The nationwide lockdown has brought economic activities to a virtual standstill. Subramanian said that it is difficult to estimate possible job losses due to the lockdown due to lingering uncertainty. However, good companies are likely to retain most of their workforce and with minimum wage cuts, as they resume operations, he told. The Chief Economic Advisor said the global economic scenario is weak and there is bound to be an impact on Indian exports. "It is, however, time for Indian industries to revamp their strategies, adopt modern technologies and gear up to compete in global markets as many multinational corporations look towards shifting their manufacturing base out of China,'' he said. He said Indian cities provide a vibrant ground for migrant workers where they can aspire for good working conditions, better lifestyles, and reasonable education and healthcare facilities compared to their home towns. Subramanian said the current volatility in the stock market does not reflect strong fundamentals of the Indian economy. The markets ride on sentiments of investors who look for near-term profits in high-growth areas.

GDP growth to hover between 1 to 2 pc in Q1 FY21: CEA Subramanian

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state governments and union territories to ensure there are no issues related to inter-state movement of cargo amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The home ministry has issued an advisory to all states, union territories and Central Armed Police Forces, drawing their attention to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's (MoHFW) guidelines and standard operating procedures on safety at work.

Joint Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday said the MHA in consultation with the Bureau of Police Research and Development and the health ministry has issued guidelines to protect them while working in the field -- keeping in consideration the rising number of cases of police officials contracting coronavirus.

Giving the control room's number '1930' for truckers and load carriers, she said they can contact it if any issue crops up during their movement.

Srivastava said the control room is working round-the-clock and has, as of May 3, handled 12,000 complaints.

In case, they are travelling on any national highway, they can also contact the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) helpline '1033' to lodge any complaint pertaining to lockdown.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state governments and union territories to ensure there are no issues related to inter-state movement of cargo amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state governments and union territories to ensure there are no issues related to inter-state movement of cargo amid the coronavirus lockdown. The home ministry has issued an advisory to all states, union territories and Central Armed Police Forces, drawing their attention to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's (MoHFW) guidelines and standard operating procedures on safety at work. Joint Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday said the MHA in consultation with the Bureau of Police Research and Development and the health ministry has issued guidelines to protect them while working in the field -- keeping in consideration the rising number of cases of police officials contracting coronavirus. Giving the control room's number '1930' for truckers and load carriers, she said they can contact it if any issue crops up during their movement. Srivastava said the control room is working round-the-clock and has, as of May 3, handled 12,000 complaints. In case, they are travelling on any national highway, they can also contact the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) helpline '1033' to lodge any complaint pertaining to lockdown.

MHA asks states to ensure there's no problem in inter-state movement of cargo

NAM virtual summit at COVID-19 today: PM Modi's debut at non-alignment movement

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

India battles COVID-19: Health Ministry briefs media over Coronavirus crisis

India's health ministry said today that the total number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/long-queues-at-liquor-shops-authorities-struggle-to-maintain-social-distancing-296536">coronavirus</a> infections had risen to 42,533 in the country with 11,706 people having been cured of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-floors-of-bsf-headquarters-sealed-after-staffer-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-296560">Also Read:&nbsp;Two floors of BSF headquarters sealed after staffer tests positive for coronavirus</a>

"In the last 24 hours, 1,074 people have been cured. This is the highest number in terms of cured patients," health ministry spokesman Luv Aggarwal said, adding,"our recovery rate is now 27.52 per cent."

Expanding on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Amitabh Kant, chairman of the empowered group on coronavirus, said: "As of now, there are about 610 cases of coronavirus infections in 112 districts which is considered fairly low at less than 2 per cent of the national level of infections, off these, six districts have reported the first case after April 21."

"In pandemics such as coronavirus, historically it has been noted that if social distancing is not respected when social mobility is allowed, chances of disease transmission increase rapidly once restrictions are eased," the health ministry official said.

Meanwhile, India's home ministry asked states to ensure that there are no issues in inter-state cargo movement.&nbsp;

Union Public Service Commission today deferred the Civil Services preliminary examination scheduled to be held on May 31 in view of the coronavirus threat and declared that it would review the situation on May 20.

As the number of COVID-19 infections continued to rise in the country, Chandigarh on Monday reported 80 new coronavirus infections in the country with 21 patients discharged from hospital.

India's health ministry said today that the total number of coronavirus infections had risen to 42,533 in the country with 11,706 people having been cured of the virus.

India's health ministry said today that the total number of coronavirus infections had risen to 42,533 in the country with 11,706 people having been cured of the virus. Also Read: Two floors of BSF headquarters sealed after staffer tests positive for coronavirus "In the last 24 hours, 1,074 people have been cured. This is the highest number in terms of cured patients," health ministry spokesman Luv Aggarwal said, adding,"our recovery rate is now 27.52 per cent." Expanding on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Amitabh Kant, chairman of the empowered group on coronavirus, said: "As of now, there are about 610 cases of coronavirus infections in 112 districts which is considered fairly low at less than 2 per cent of the national level of infections, off these, six districts have reported the first case after April 21." "In pandemics such as coronavirus, historically it has been noted that if social distancing is not respected when social mobility is allowed, chances of disease transmission increase rapidly once restrictions are eased," the health ministry official said. Meanwhile, India's home ministry asked states to ensure that there are no issues in inter-state cargo movement. Union Public Service Commission today deferred the Civil Services preliminary examination scheduled to be held on May 31 in view of the coronavirus threat and declared that it would review the situation on May 20. As the number of COVID-19 infections continued to rise in the country, Chandigarh on Monday reported 80 new coronavirus infections in the country with 21 patients discharged from hospital.

42,533 coronavirus cases in the country, over 11,000 cured: Government

Phase 3 of India's lockdown is officially underway which means non-essential stores are now free to open including certain liquor stores. As the liquor shops opened across the country long queues of people gathered. The police had to shut down some outlets in some parts of the country.

COVID-19 India: Long queues as liquor shops reopen, Police forced to shut down some outlets

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