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As the lockdown 2.0 is coming close to its end date, people are wondering if the lockdown will be lifted this time, or will it be extended for a lockdown 3.0. While it is being believed that the lockdown has helped India get control of the situation, the number of positive cases that are on a rise tell a scary story.

According to official figures released, 73 people have died in the last 24 hours, recording the biggest jump in the number of deaths in a day. The number of positive coronavirus cases as well as the death count has doubled in the past 10 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-us-body-for-accusing-it-of-violating-religious-freedom-295443">Also read: India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom</a>

According to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry, as much as 1,007 people have died of coronavirus in the country and 31,332 cases have been reported so far.&nbsp;

While the plasma therapy is giving some hope to the citizens, ICMR has said that currently there are no approved, definitive therapies for coronavirus. The government has also announced plasma therapy is still in an experimental stage and can even prove life-threatening for a patient.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-activates-currency-swap-to-help-the-maldives-amid-covid-19-295380">Also read: India activates currency swap to help the Maldives amid COVID-19</a>

In India, Maharashtra is still the worst-affected state as more than 729 new cases were reported taking the total toll to 9,318, and the death toll to nearly 400 as the state reported its highest single-day death count of 31.

Delhi has recorded a total of 3,108 positive cases as a CRPF battalion in Delhi has reported 47 cases of coronavirus, including one jawan who died yesterday. Following this news, the entire battalion of nearly 1,000 personnel has been quarantined.

Tamil Nadu, too, has been fighting its battle by implementing a four-day intense lockdown in Chennai and Coimbatore, and a three-day lockdown in &nbsp;Salem and Tirupur, which ended last night. Coronavirus cases in the state crossed the 2,000-mark, with 25 reported deaths.

As people wait for a decision on the extension or lifting up of the lockdown, there has been no official word from the government yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the Chief Ministers on a video meeting. It is being speculated that the lockdown could continue beyond May 3 in parts of the country which have been worst affected by the pandemic.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, on Tuesday, said that the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases has slowed to 10.9, with a recovery rate of 24.56 per cent.

As the lockdown 2.0 is coming close to its end date, people are wondering if the lockdown will be lifted this time, or will it be extended for a lockdown 3.0. While it is being believed that the lockdown has helped India get control of the situation, the number of positive cases that are on a rise tell a scary story.

As the lockdown 2.0 is coming close to its end date, people are wondering if the lockdown will be lifted this time, or will it be extended for a lockdown 3.0. While it is being believed that the lockdown has helped India get control of the situation, the number of positive cases that are on a rise tell a scary story. According to official figures released, 73 people have died in the last 24 hours, recording the biggest jump in the number of deaths in a day. The number of positive coronavirus cases as well as the death count has doubled in the past 10 days. Also read: India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom According to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry, as much as 1,007 people have died of coronavirus in the country and 31,332 cases have been reported so far. While the plasma therapy is giving some hope to the citizens, ICMR has said that currently there are no approved, definitive therapies for coronavirus. The government has also announced plasma therapy is still in an experimental stage and can even prove life-threatening for a patient. Also read: India activates currency swap to help the Maldives amid COVID-19 In India, Maharashtra is still the worst-affected state as more than 729 new cases were reported taking the total toll to 9,318, and the death toll to nearly 400 as the state reported its highest single-day death count of 31. Delhi has recorded a total of 3,108 positive cases as a CRPF battalion in Delhi has reported 47 cases of coronavirus, including one jawan who died yesterday. Following this news, the entire battalion of nearly 1,000 personnel has been quarantined. Tamil Nadu, too, has been fighting its battle by implementing a four-day intense lockdown in Chennai and Coimbatore, and a three-day lockdown in Salem and Tirupur, which ended last night. Coronavirus cases in the state crossed the 2,000-mark, with 25 reported deaths. As people wait for a decision on the extension or lifting up of the lockdown, there has been no official word from the government yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the Chief Ministers on a video meeting. It is being speculated that the lockdown could continue beyond May 3 in parts of the country which have been worst affected by the pandemic. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, on Tuesday, said that the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases has slowed to 10.9, with a recovery rate of 24.56 per cent.

Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours

As the situation keeps getting worse in the US because of coronavirus, the economy has been on a downward spiral. A lot of people have lost their jobs due to the extended partial lockdowns. However, it is getting more problematic for people who are in the country on an H-1B visa.

As many as 250,000 guest workers could lose their legal status by the end of June, according to Jeremy Neufeld, an immigration policy analyst with the Washington D.C.-based think tank Niskanen Center. These workers are seeking a green card in the U.S., and about 200,000 of them on are on H-1B visas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-order-meat-processing-plants-to-stay-open-even-as-they-become-coronavirus-hot-spots-295427">Also read: Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots</a>

Thousands of other immigrants, who are not seeking resident status, may also be forced to return home if the visa issues are not solved in the next few weeks. As per the conditions of the H-1B visa, a specific company is responsible for paying a specific amount to the employee. However, furloughing employees, reducing their wages, and in some cases allowing them to work from home violates these visa requirements. The workers on H-1B visa are usually given 60 days, after termination, to find another job, transfer to a different visa or leave the country.&nbsp;

The same visa issues are rising even for the workers who have not lost their job but have to get their visas renewed during this pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-coronavirus-coordinator-reveals-breakthrough-which-us-requires-295348">Also read: White House coronavirus coordinator reveals 'breakthrough' which the US requires</a>

In a letter sent to the State and Homeland Security departments on April 17, TechNet, a lobbying group whose members include Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft, joined a coalition of trade groups calling for relief for foreign-born workers. The letter requested a delay in work authorization expiration dates until at least Sept. 10. “Without action, these issues will lead to hundreds of thousands of unfilled jobs and have profound negative economic effects,” the letter read, as reported ina. media organization.

The tensions have been rising in the country for all immigrants as Donald Trump, on April 20, tweeted that he planned a temporary ban on all immigration to protect American jobs, and announced an executive order blocking most people coming from outside the U.S. from receiving green cards for 60 days.&nbsp;

Some companies are trying to help their abroad-born workers by keeping them on the payroll and firing the US-born employees. Whereas some are doing the reverse and letting the abroad-born employees go or keeping them on furlough. However, there is risk in either approach, because employers who treat workers differently based on their immigration status expose themselves to potential discrimination lawsuits, according to immigration and employment lawyer Rebecca Bernhard, the partner at Dorsey &amp; Whitney LLP.

As the situation keeps getting worse in the US because of coronavirus, the economy has been on a downward spiral. A lot of people have lost their jobs due to the extended partial lockdowns.

As the situation keeps getting worse in the US because of coronavirus, the economy has been on a downward spiral. A lot of people have lost their jobs due to the extended partial lockdowns. However, it is getting more problematic for people who are in the country on an H-1B visa. As many as 250,000 guest workers could lose their legal status by the end of June, according to Jeremy Neufeld, an immigration policy analyst with the Washington D.C.-based think tank Niskanen Center. These workers are seeking a green card in the U.S., and about 200,000 of them on are on H-1B visas. Also read: Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots Thousands of other immigrants, who are not seeking resident status, may also be forced to return home if the visa issues are not solved in the next few weeks. As per the conditions of the H-1B visa, a specific company is responsible for paying a specific amount to the employee. However, furloughing employees, reducing their wages, and in some cases allowing them to work from home violates these visa requirements. The workers on H-1B visa are usually given 60 days, after termination, to find another job, transfer to a different visa or leave the country. The same visa issues are rising even for the workers who have not lost their job but have to get their visas renewed during this pandemic. Also read: White House coronavirus coordinator reveals 'breakthrough' which the US requires In a letter sent to the State and Homeland Security departments on April 17, TechNet, a lobbying group whose members include Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft, joined a coalition of trade groups calling for relief for foreign-born workers. The letter requested a delay in work authorization expiration dates until at least Sept. 10. “Without action, these issues will lead to hundreds of thousands of unfilled jobs and have profound negative economic effects,” the letter read, as reported ina. media organization. The tensions have been rising in the country for all immigrants as Donald Trump, on April 20, tweeted that he planned a temporary ban on all immigration to protect American jobs, and announced an executive order blocking most people coming from outside the U.S. from receiving green cards for 60 days. Some companies are trying to help their abroad-born workers by keeping them on the payroll and firing the US-born employees. Whereas some are doing the reverse and letting the abroad-born employees go or keeping them on furlough. However, there is risk in either approach, because employers who treat workers differently based on their immigration status expose themselves to potential discrimination lawsuits, according to immigration and employment lawyer Rebecca Bernhard, the partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) thinks that secularism in India is under siege and India has been categorised as a 'tier-2 country'.&nbsp; It has been downgraded to the lowest rank possible.

Countries placed along with India are --&nbsp;North Korea, the world's most secretive state and prison masquerading as a country and China,&nbsp;a country with re-education camps for minorities,&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;a nation which controls every aspect of its society and Pakistan --- a country which has left its minorities to die during this pandemic. India's equivalence to these regimes is outrageous.

But, for USCIRF the&nbsp;&nbsp;'steepest and most alarming deterioration' in religious conditions was in the largest thriving democracy in the world India.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has responded to these baseless charges and said that the panel is&nbsp;'biased and tendentious comments against India are not new... But on this occasion, its misrepresentation had reached new levels'

Describing the USCIRF's comments against India, "biased and tendentious" and "not new", the spokesperson said, "But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels. It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour."

The government said that it regards it as "an organisation of particular concern and will treat it accordingly."

&nbsp;

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) thinks that secularism in India is under siege and India has been categorised as a 'tier-2 country'.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) thinks that secularism in India is under siege and India has been categorised as a 'tier-2 country'. It has been downgraded to the lowest rank possible. Countries placed along with India are -- North Korea, the world's most secretive state and prison masquerading as a country and China, a country with re-education camps for minorities, Iran, a nation which controls every aspect of its society and Pakistan --- a country which has left its minorities to die during this pandemic. India's equivalence to these regimes is outrageous. But, for USCIRF the 'steepest and most alarming deterioration' in religious conditions was in the largest thriving democracy in the world India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has responded to these baseless charges and said that the panel is 'biased and tendentious comments against India are not new... But on this occasion, its misrepresentation had reached new levels' Describing the USCIRF's comments against India, "biased and tendentious" and "not new", the spokesperson said, "But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels. It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour." The government said that it regards it as "an organisation of particular concern and will treat it accordingly."

India slams USCIRF which accused India of violating religious freedom

A police team in West Bengal's Howrah was attacked as they tried to disperse a large crowd that had gathered in the Tikiyapara area. According to police, when they tried to break the gathering and vacate the premises, the mob attacked them and hurled stones and empty glass bottles on them.

Lockdown violators brutally assault cops in West Bengal's Howrah

Govt of India allows movement of stranded migrants | Coronavirus News The Ministry of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued an order allowing movement of migrant workers, tourists, students etc stranded at various places across the country amid Covid-19 lockdown.

Govt of India allows movement of stranded migrants | Coronavirus News

COVID-19 Outbreak: India death toll rises to 1,007 | Coronavirus News The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 1,007 and the number of cases climbed to 31,332 in the country on Wednesday, according to the Union health ministry.

COVID-19 Outbreak: India death toll rises to 1,007 | Coronavirus News

The Indian government on Tuesday criticised the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for placing India among the list of countries which violate religious freedom.

The USCIRF is an independent federal government entity set up by the US Congress to monitor and report on religious freedom in the world. It had designated India as a 'Country of Particular Concern' on religious freedom -- whose governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom. India was placed along side Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia among others.&nbsp;

"We are seeing impunity for violence by non-state actors committed against religious minorities," USCIRF chair Tony Perkins said about India.

To this end, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF annual report."

Describing the USCIRF's comments against India, "biased and tendentious" and "not new", the spokesperson said, "But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels. It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour."

The government said that it regards it as "an organisation of particular concern and will treat it accordingly."

The Indian government on Tuesday criticised the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for placing India among the list of countries which violate religious freedom.

The Indian government on Tuesday criticised the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for placing India among the list of countries which violate religious freedom. The USCIRF is an independent federal government entity set up by the US Congress to monitor and report on religious freedom in the world. It had designated India as a 'Country of Particular Concern' on religious freedom -- whose governments engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom. India was placed along side Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia among others. "We are seeing impunity for violence by non-state actors committed against religious minorities," USCIRF chair Tony Perkins said about India. To this end, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF annual report." Describing the USCIRF's comments against India, "biased and tendentious" and "not new", the spokesperson said, "But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels. It has not been able to carry its own Commissioners in its endeavour." The government said that it regards it as "an organisation of particular concern and will treat it accordingly."

India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with hospitals and people around the world struggling hard to find the N95 mask, Mr Peter Tsai, the material scientist and engineer who developed the mask's virus-blocking technology is out of retirement to study safe ways to disinfect the single-use masks for reuse — nearly 30 years after his invention.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Dr Tsai revealed how he has provided information for virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19.

 
WION: When you came up with the N95 mask infiltration 30 years ago what was the kind of reception then and now when you return in the midst of this pandemic sweeping the world?

Dr TSAI: My invention is an ordinary industrial one to do the electrostatic charging of materials to improve the filtering efficiency of air filters including medical face masks and N95 respirators.&nbsp;

This respirator has been used for constructor workers. During SARS, it was used to protect medical workers from getting infected. The spreading of COVID-19 is wider and faster than SARS. People are eager to know if the masks can be decontaminated and reused. I had the experiments in treating the charged media using heat to study its charge behavior under ambient environment and steam for sterilization of the charged media. Therefore, I provided this information to virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19.

WION: Why and how did you think of returning after your retirement to aid in the pandemic?

Dr TSAI: When COVID-19 occurred, people needed knowledge that what mask should people wear, and because of this the outbreak happened in a shorter period of time. There is a huge demand than supply. So, there is a shortage of respiratory items and people want&nbsp;to know ways they can deactivate the virus. After my retirement, I provided the information to deactivate COVID-19.

WION: There are various kinds of masks being prescribed for this contagion what is your outlook for general people and frontline workers?

Dr TSAI: Infected people need to wear a medical face mask to stop their contaminated droplets from being exposed to the environment. Healthy people can wear a medical face mask to stop the infected droplets. Due to the short distance contact with the COVID-19 patients, medical professionals need to wear N95 because it can capture submicron droplets and it has a tight edge seal to prevent the airborne droplets from entering through the edge space.

WION: How do you plan to study safe ways to sterilize the masks for reuse?

Dr TSAI: We had learned that alcohol would erase the charges so it is not recommended to sterilize the masks. Vaporous hydrogen peroxide has been approved by the FDA to denominate COVID-19 on N95.

Several oven manufacturers have sent their ovens and NASA their hot air blower to FDA to get approved to deactivate COVID-19 on N95.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with hospitals and people around the world struggling hard to find the N95 mask, Mr Peter Tsai, the material scientist and engineer who developed the mask's virus-blocking technology is out of retirement to study safe ways to disinfect the single-use masks for reuse — nearly 30 years after his invention.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with hospitals and people around the world struggling hard to find the N95 mask, Mr Peter Tsai, the material scientist and engineer who developed the mask's virus-blocking technology is out of retirement to study safe ways to disinfect the single-use masks for reuse — nearly 30 years after his invention. In an exclusive interview to WION, Dr Tsai revealed how he has provided information for virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19. WION: When you came up with the N95 mask infiltration 30 years ago what was the kind of reception then and now when you return in the midst of this pandemic sweeping the world? Dr TSAI: My invention is an ordinary industrial one to do the electrostatic charging of materials to improve the filtering efficiency of air filters including medical face masks and N95 respirators. This respirator has been used for constructor workers. During SARS, it was used to protect medical workers from getting infected. The spreading of COVID-19 is wider and faster than SARS. People are eager to know if the masks can be decontaminated and reused. I had the experiments in treating the charged media using heat to study its charge behavior under ambient environment and steam for sterilization of the charged media. Therefore, I provided this information to virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19. WION: Why and how did you think of returning after your retirement to aid in the pandemic? Dr TSAI: When COVID-19 occurred, people needed knowledge that what mask should people wear, and because of this the outbreak happened in a shorter period of time. There is a huge demand than supply. So, there is a shortage of respiratory items and people want to know ways they can deactivate the virus. After my retirement, I provided the information to deactivate COVID-19. WION: There are various kinds of masks being prescribed for this contagion what is your outlook for general people and frontline workers? Dr TSAI: Infected people need to wear a medical face mask to stop their contaminated droplets from being exposed to the environment. Healthy people can wear a medical face mask to stop the infected droplets. Due to the short distance contact with the COVID-19 patients, medical professionals need to wear N95 because it can capture submicron droplets and it has a tight edge seal to prevent the airborne droplets from entering through the edge space. WION: How do you plan to study safe ways to sterilize the masks for reuse? Dr TSAI: We had learned that alcohol would erase the charges so it is not recommended to sterilize the masks. Vaporous hydrogen peroxide has been approved by the FDA to denominate COVID-19 on N95. Several oven manufacturers have sent their ovens and NASA their hot air blower to FDA to get approved to deactivate COVID-19 on N95.

I provided information for virologists to study possibility of decontaminating COVID-19: Dr Peter Tsai to WION

The Indian government had weeks ago claimed initial success in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would have been hit with 8,20,000 cases in some time had it not imposed a nationwide lockdown.

Experts also predicted that the world's second-most populous country could expect millions of coronavirus cases. Onlookers worried that the virus could spread like wildfire through India's slums, where residents live in cramped quarters and basic sanitation often isn't available.

All over the world, mortality rates are being scrutinised to determine the true impact of the coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year and is known to have infected more than 2.7 million people globally, with over 2,00,000 deaths.

But so far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India, or Modi's India -- as the nation is referred to in articles in foreign media, seems to have been on the right track.

As of Tuesday, India had reported 31,360 coronavirus cases and 1,008 deaths -- implying about 0.76 deaths per million.&nbsp;

If compared with the United States, where the number of deaths per million is more than 175 -- with, PM Modi's nationwide lockdown seems to have halted the spread of COVID-19, at least for now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-us-top-1-million-death-toll-at-57266-295419">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266</a>

To this end, an analysis report in CNN explains what has worked for India, and what has not. It also wonders if it is too early for the country to rejoice.

The reality behind India's numbers is more complicated -- and experts caution that it is too early for India to congratulate itself, it says.

India began screening people coming from overseas a fortnight before the first positive case surfaced on January 30 -- while Italy started 25 days after its first case.

"India moved into lockdown relatively quickly -- it was announced when the country had reported 519 coronavirus cases. By comparison, Italy waited until it had more than 9,200 coronavirus cases before it went into a nationwide lockdown, while the United Kingdom had about 6,700," the report says.

India reported its first case on January 30 -- a student who had been studying at Wuhan University in China.

"It was around the same time that the UK, France, and Italy also reported their first cases, although their coronavirus outbreaks followed dramatically different trajectories. All three countries now have well over 1,00,000 coronavirus cases," the report says.

A chart-analysis shows the urgency with which India tackled the issue seems to have worked for it.
<img alt="Courtesy: CNN" data-align="center" data-caption="Graphic courtesy: CNN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6afb6333-39c6-46be-bdb1-98aef866e098" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CNN%20India.jpg" />
India suspended all tourist visas, and announced that all travellers who had been in the most-affected areas of the world in the past few weeks would be quarantined for at least 14 days, on March 11 -- the day the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 was a global pandemic.&nbsp;

On March 22, a Janata curfew was organised to motivate people to stay indoors. The same day, all international commercial flights were banned from landing in India and all passenger train services in the country were suspended.

"The United States, by comparison, has restricted foreigners travelling from China, Iran, and certain European countries, but there is no blanket ban on foreigners entering the country," the report adds.

A recent report said the toll should be weighed depending on the number of tests a country has carried out. According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country had conducted more than 6,25,000 tests as of Sunday -- more than South Korea, which has been praised for its approach to testing.

"According to Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programs, a good benchmark is to have at least 10 negative cases for every positive one," the report says.

For India, the rate is 4% -- well below that benchmark.&nbsp;

"It's also a significantly lower rate than the US, where the rate is about 17%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU). It's also lower than the UK, where the rate is around 21%, based on government data," the CNN analysis says.

But the sadder part is India's testing rate is extremely low per capita.&nbsp;

"Only about 48 out of every 100,000 people have been tested, compared with around 1,175 in South Korea and 1,740 in the US," the report says.

Another useful measure is the proportion of cases that are fatal.&nbsp;

"In India, about 3% of cases have died, compared with more than 13% in Italy, the UK and France, according to JHU. That suggests that India is testing people besides those with the most serious symptoms."

In any case, there does not seem to be a huge disparity in the reported numbers. If there was a huge surge in COVID-19 cases that weren't being caught by testing, then hospitals would be crowded with cases and there would be a spike in influenza-like symptoms in the community. This has not been the case in any part of the country.

Experts still, however, aren't sure why the virus would have shown a different pattern of spread in India. Point in consideration -- the WHO says the evidence so far shows the virus can be transmitted in all areas, including those with hot and humid weather.

Another possibility is that India's population may be less susceptible due to the country's policy of universal Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. BCG -- which was developed to fight tuberculosis -- is being studied in clinical trials around the world as a possible way to fight the novel coronavirus.

However, the WHO notes that there is no evidence that the BCG vaccine protects people against infection from coronavirus, and the WHO does not recommend the vaccine as a prevention against COVID-19, says the report.

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

More than the reason behind the slower rate, the possibility of a dire future is what keeping the researchers on their toes.

"A surge is going to happen ... as soon as we go back from the nationwide lockdown. That is my hunch," an expert has said.

Social distancing will need to be maintained, but one thing that will not work in India's favour is age-specific lockdown.

Around the world, the elderly have been at a higher risk of dying from coronavirus -- in the US, 80% of deaths have been those aged 65 or older.

"India has a relatively young population -- 44% of the population are 24 or younger, compared with 23% in Italy and 29% in China, according to data from the CIA World Factbook. But many Indians live in a three-generation household, meaning that there is significant contact between younger and older generations," the report adds.

The government needs to strengthen the public health system to prepare for a possible return and resurgence in the winter, another expert adds.

Modi's India made to the international headlines a couple of weeks ago too with a Reuters report -- "In Modi's India, virus fallout inflames divisions between Muslims and Hindus". This was reported in the face of growing number of coronavirus cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz episode.

(with inputs from <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/28/india/india-coronavirus-outbreak-explained-intl-hnk/index.html">CNN</a> and Reuters)

The Indian government had weeks ago claimed initial success in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would have been hit with 8,20,000 cases in some time had it not imposed a nationwide lockdown.

The Indian government had weeks ago claimed initial success in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would have been hit with 8,20,000 cases in some time had it not imposed a nationwide lockdown. Experts also predicted that the world's second-most populous country could expect millions of coronavirus cases. Onlookers worried that the virus could spread like wildfire through India's slums, where residents live in cramped quarters and basic sanitation often isn't available. All over the world, mortality rates are being scrutinised to determine the true impact of the coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year and is known to have infected more than 2.7 million people globally, with over 2,00,000 deaths. But so far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India, or Modi's India -- as the nation is referred to in articles in foreign media, seems to have been on the right track. As of Tuesday, India had reported 31,360 coronavirus cases and 1,008 deaths -- implying about 0.76 deaths per million. If compared with the United States, where the number of deaths per million is more than 175 -- with, PM Modi's nationwide lockdown seems to have halted the spread of COVID-19, at least for now. Also read | Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266 To this end, an analysis report in CNN explains what has worked for India, and what has not. It also wonders if it is too early for the country to rejoice. The reality behind India's numbers is more complicated -- and experts caution that it is too early for India to congratulate itself, it says. India began screening people coming from overseas a fortnight before the first positive case surfaced on January 30 -- while Italy started 25 days after its first case. "India moved into lockdown relatively quickly -- it was announced when the country had reported 519 coronavirus cases. By comparison, Italy waited until it had more than 9,200 coronavirus cases before it went into a nationwide lockdown, while the United Kingdom had about 6,700," the report says. India reported its first case on January 30 -- a student who had been studying at Wuhan University in China. "It was around the same time that the UK, France, and Italy also reported their first cases, although their coronavirus outbreaks followed dramatically different trajectories. All three countries now have well over 1,00,000 coronavirus cases," the report says. A chart-analysis shows the urgency with which India tackled the issue seems to have worked for it. India suspended all tourist visas, and announced that all travellers who had been in the most-affected areas of the world in the past few weeks would be quarantined for at least 14 days, on March 11 -- the day the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 was a global pandemic. On March 22, a Janata curfew was organised to motivate people to stay indoors. The same day, all international commercial flights were banned from landing in India and all passenger train services in the country were suspended. "The United States, by comparison, has restricted foreigners travelling from China, Iran, and certain European countries, but there is no blanket ban on foreigners entering the country," the report adds. A recent report said the toll should be weighed depending on the number of tests a country has carried out. According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country had conducted more than 6,25,000 tests as of Sunday -- more than South Korea, which has been praised for its approach to testing. "According to Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programs, a good benchmark is to have at least 10 negative cases for every positive one," the report says. For India, the rate is 4% -- well below that benchmark. "It's also a significantly lower rate than the US, where the rate is about 17%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU). It's also lower than the UK, where the rate is around 21%, based on government data," the CNN analysis says. But the sadder part is India's testing rate is extremely low per capita. "Only about 48 out of every 100,000 people have been tested, compared with around 1,175 in South Korea and 1,740 in the US," the report says. Another useful measure is the proportion of cases that are fatal. "In India, about 3% of cases have died, compared with more than 13% in Italy, the UK and France, according to JHU. That suggests that India is testing people besides those with the most serious symptoms." In any case, there does not seem to be a huge disparity in the reported numbers. If there was a huge surge in COVID-19 cases that weren't being caught by testing, then hospitals would be crowded with cases and there would be a spike in influenza-like symptoms in the community. This has not been the case in any part of the country. Experts still, however, aren't sure why the virus would have shown a different pattern of spread in India. Point in consideration -- the WHO says the evidence so far shows the virus can be transmitted in all areas, including those with hot and humid weather. Another possibility is that India's population may be less susceptible due to the country's policy of universal Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. BCG -- which was developed to fight tuberculosis -- is being studied in clinical trials around the world as a possible way to fight the novel coronavirus. However, the WHO notes that there is no evidence that the BCG vaccine protects people against infection from coronavirus, and the WHO does not recommend the vaccine as a prevention against COVID-19, says the report. WHAT LIES AHEAD? More than the reason behind the slower rate, the possibility of a dire future is what keeping the researchers on their toes. "A surge is going to happen ... as soon as we go back from the nationwide lockdown. That is my hunch," an expert has said. Social distancing will need to be maintained, but one thing that will not work in India's favour is age-specific lockdown. Around the world, the elderly have been at a higher risk of dying from coronavirus -- in the US, 80% of deaths have been those aged 65 or older. "India has a relatively young population -- 44% of the population are 24 or younger, compared with 23% in Italy and 29% in China, according to data from the CIA World Factbook. But many Indians live in a three-generation household, meaning that there is significant contact between younger and older generations," the report adds. The government needs to strengthen the public health system to prepare for a possible return and resurgence in the winter, another expert adds. Modi's India made to the international headlines a couple of weeks ago too with a Reuters report -- "In Modi's India, virus fallout inflames divisions between Muslims and Hindus". This was reported in the face of growing number of coronavirus cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz episode. (with inputs from CNN and Reuters)

Around 1,000 coronavirus deaths in a country of 1.3 bn people? What's the deal with Modi's India!

The Mumbai city in India has become the biggest hotspot of coronavirus cases in the country. Mumbai alone has 5,500 COVID-19 cases. Watch report.

Is Mumbai India's New York: 27% COVID-19 cases in Mumbai

Kerala's village Alappuzha has found a unique way with a very basic tool for social distancing in their fight against coronavirus. The villagers will be using an umbrella for social distancing.

Kerala's village Alappuzha has found a unique way with a very basic tool for social distancing in their fight against coronavirus. The villagers will be using an umbrella for social distancing. The panchayat authorities of the tourist destination will ensure that umbrellas are available to all. According to panchayat officials of Thanneermukkom, Kerala's Finance Minister Thomas Isaac came up with this unique idea to promote social distancing. Why an umbrella? Umbrellas are basic and cheap tool found in almost every household in the state, a gap between two people holding an umbrella will ensure at least a one-metre gap to ensure enough distance. The minister took to Twitter to share the picture of people practising physical distancing in the village, he said: "To enforce physical distancing, Thaneermukkom GP in Alappuzha, mandates that everyone hold the umbrella when they go out of houses. Two opened umbrellas, not touching each other, will ensure a minimum distance of one meter from one another. Umbrellas distributed at a subsidized rate." To enforce physical distancing, Thaneermukkom GP in Alappuzha, mandates that everyone hold umbrella when they go out of houses. Two opened umbrellas, not touching each other, will ensure minimum distance of one meter from one another. Umbrellas distributed at subsidized rate. pic.twitter.com/6qir4KXPSL — Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) April 26, 2020 × Kerala has 480 coronavirus cases including four deaths. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 29,974 with 1,594 new cases and 51 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's health ministry said on Tuesday. The death toll due to the virus has now climbed to 937, the health ministry said. There are 22,010 active COVID-19 cases with 7,027 patients cured of the virus

One man one umbrella, Kerala's village finds a unique way to promote social distancing

A leading candidate for a Covid-19 vaccine has shown promising results in animal trials and is expected to see mass production in India within months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-coronavirus-end-in-us-uk-france-india-study-predicts-dates-month-295324">When will COVID-19 end in US, UK, France, India? Study predicts dates &amp; month</a>

The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest maker of vaccines by volume, said on Tuesday that it plans this year to produce up to 60 million doses of a potential vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, which is under clinical trial in Britain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-586-covid-19-deaths-in-last-24-hours-death-toll-crosses-21600-295396">Also read |&nbsp;UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600</a>

While the vaccine candidate, called “ChAdOx1 nCoV-19”, is yet to be proven to work against Covid-19, Serum decided to start manufacturing it as it had shown success in animal trials and had progressed to tests on humans, Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla said.

Six rhesus macaque monkeys were inoculated with the vaccine candidate at the National Institutes of Health’s Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana last month, according to The New York Times.

The subjects were exposed afterwards to large quantities of the novel coronavirus, but all six remained healthy after more than 28 days, the newspaper reported, citing researcher Vincent Munster, who conducted the test.

More than 3 million people have been reported to be infected globally and over 210,000 have died from Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.

“They are a bunch of very qualified, great scientists [at Oxford] … That’s why we said we will go with this and that’s why we are confident,” Poonawalla told Reuters in a phone interview.

“Being a private limited company, not accountable to public investors or bankers, I can take a little risk and sideline some of the other commercial products and projects that I had planned in my existing facility,” Poonawalla said.

As many as 100 potential Covid-19 candidate vaccines are now under development by biotech and research teams around the world, and at least five of these are in preliminary testing in people in what is known as phase one clinical trials.

Poonawalla said he hoped trials of the Oxford vaccine, due to finish in about September, would be successful. Oxford scientists said last week the main focus of initial tests was to ascertain not only whether the vaccine worked but that it induced good immune responses and no unacceptable side effects.

Serum, owned by the Indian billionaire Cyrus Poonawalla, plans to make the vaccine at its two manufacturing plants in the western city of Pune, aiming to produce up to 400 million doses next year if all goes well, Poonawalla said.

“A majority of the vaccine, at least initially, would have to go to our countrymen before it goes abroad,” he said, adding that Serum would leave it to the Indian government to decide which countries would get how much of the vaccine and when.

Serum envisages a price of 1,000 rupees (US$14.70) per vaccine, but governments would give it to people without charge, he said.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office was “very closely” involved in the vaccine production and the company is hoping the government will help foot the cost of making it.

Over roughly the next five months, Serum will spend some 300 million to 400 million rupees (US$4.4 million to US$5.9 million) on making around 3-5 million doses per month, he said. “[The government] are very happy to share some risk and fund something with us, but we haven’t really pencilled anything down yet,” Poonawalla said.

The serum has also partnered with the US biotech firm Codagenix and Austria’s Themis on two other Covid-19 vaccine candidates and plans to announce the fourth alliance in a couple of weeks, he said.

Serum’s board last week also agreed to invest roughly 6 billion rupees (US$8.8 billion) on making a new manufacturing unit to solely produce coronavirus vaccines, Poonawalla said.

A leading candidate for a Covid-19 vaccine has shown promising results in animal trials and is expected to see mass production in India within months. Also read: When will COVID-19 end in US, UK, France, India?

A leading candidate for a Covid-19 vaccine has shown promising results in animal trials and is expected to see mass production in India within months. Also read: When will COVID-19 end in US, UK, France, India? Study predicts dates & month The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest maker of vaccines by volume, said on Tuesday that it plans this year to produce up to 60 million doses of a potential vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, which is under clinical trial in Britain. Also read | UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600 While the vaccine candidate, called “ChAdOx1 nCoV-19”, is yet to be proven to work against Covid-19, Serum decided to start manufacturing it as it had shown success in animal trials and had progressed to tests on humans, Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla said. Six rhesus macaque monkeys were inoculated with the vaccine candidate at the National Institutes of Health’s Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana last month, according to The New York Times. The subjects were exposed afterwards to large quantities of the novel coronavirus, but all six remained healthy after more than 28 days, the newspaper reported, citing researcher Vincent Munster, who conducted the test. More than 3 million people have been reported to be infected globally and over 210,000 have died from Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. “They are a bunch of very qualified, great scientists [at Oxford] … That’s why we said we will go with this and that’s why we are confident,” Poonawalla told Reuters in a phone interview. “Being a private limited company, not accountable to public investors or bankers, I can take a little risk and sideline some of the other commercial products and projects that I had planned in my existing facility,” Poonawalla said. As many as 100 potential Covid-19 candidate vaccines are now under development by biotech and research teams around the world, and at least five of these are in preliminary testing in people in what is known as phase one clinical trials. Poonawalla said he hoped trials of the Oxford vaccine, due to finish in about September, would be successful. Oxford scientists said last week the main focus of initial tests was to ascertain not only whether the vaccine worked but that it induced good immune responses and no unacceptable side effects. Serum, owned by the Indian billionaire Cyrus Poonawalla, plans to make the vaccine at its two manufacturing plants in the western city of Pune, aiming to produce up to 400 million doses next year if all goes well, Poonawalla said. “A majority of the vaccine, at least initially, would have to go to our countrymen before it goes abroad,” he said, adding that Serum would leave it to the Indian government to decide which countries would get how much of the vaccine and when. Serum envisages a price of 1,000 rupees (US$14.70) per vaccine, but governments would give it to people without charge, he said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office was “very closely” involved in the vaccine production and the company is hoping the government will help foot the cost of making it. Over roughly the next five months, Serum will spend some 300 million to 400 million rupees (US$4.4 million to US$5.9 million) on making around 3-5 million doses per month, he said. “[The government] are very happy to share some risk and fund something with us, but we haven’t really pencilled anything down yet,” Poonawalla said. The serum has also partnered with the US biotech firm Codagenix and Austria’s Themis on two other Covid-19 vaccine candidates and plans to announce the fourth alliance in a couple of weeks, he said. Serum’s board last week also agreed to invest roughly 6 billion rupees (US$8.8 billion) on making a new manufacturing unit to solely produce coronavirus vaccines, Poonawalla said.

Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned a senior diplomat from the High Commission of India and registered its protest over the alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control. reported news agency PTI.

The Foreign Office claimed that two women sustained serious injuries&nbsp;due to the indiscriminate and unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces in Rakhchikri sector on Tuesday.

The Indian security forces "along the LoC and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bombing-in-kabul-province-kills-three-wounds-15-295535">Working Boundary</a> (WB) have been continuously targeting the civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons," the FO alleged.

It said that the Indian side was called upon to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other such incidents of ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned a senior diplomat from the High Commission of India and registered its protest over the alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control.

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned a senior diplomat from the High Commission of India and registered its protest over the alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control. reported news agency PTI. The Foreign Office claimed that two women sustained serious injuries due to the indiscriminate and unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces in Rakhchikri sector on Tuesday. The Indian security forces "along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting the civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons," the FO alleged. It said that the Indian side was called upon to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other such incidents of ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. (With inputs from PTI)

Ceasefire violations: Pakistan summons senior Indian diplomat

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday led a party delegation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming there was an undeclared emergency in the state and that journalists were being terrorised by the Uddhav Thackeray government.

Fadnavis, leader of the opposition in the Assembly and former chief minister, was accompanied by Pravin Darekar, leader of opposition in the council, senior leaders Ashish Shelar and Vinod Tawde, as well as Mumbai party unit chief Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Fadnavis claimed ABP Majha journalist Rahul Kulkarni was arrested in connection with a migrant mob gathering in Bandra during the lockdown on April 14 because he had exposed a letter given by a state government official to scam-accused DHFL promoters Wadhawans allowing them to travel from Mumbai to Satara during the lockdown.

Since the case was filed in Mumbai, the arrested journalist was made to travel through COVID-19 hotspots from Osamanabad to the metropolis, he alleged. He said a case had also been filed against a Times Now journalist for a new report.

The media can be asked to clarify a negative news report but filing cases and arresting them amounts to terrorising the media, the former CM claimed.

Fadnavis further pointed out that journalist Arnab Goswami was grilled for 12 hours by the police in connection with a news programme he hosted.

Those speaking out against the state government on social media are also being harassed, adding that even distribution of newspapers was being curtailed in the name of a health threat.

The door-to-door delivery of newspapers has been prohibited in containment areas to stop the spread of novel coronavirus.

“We urge you to intervene and seek a response from the state government,” Fadnavis told the governor.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday led a party delegation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming there was an undeclared emergency in the state and that journalists were being terrorised by the Uddhav Thackeray government.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday led a party delegation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming there was an undeclared emergency in the state and that journalists were being terrorised by the Uddhav Thackeray government. Fadnavis, leader of the opposition in the Assembly and former chief minister, was accompanied by Pravin Darekar, leader of opposition in the council, senior leaders Ashish Shelar and Vinod Tawde, as well as Mumbai party unit chief Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Fadnavis claimed ABP Majha journalist Rahul Kulkarni was arrested in connection with a migrant mob gathering in Bandra during the lockdown on April 14 because he had exposed a letter given by a state government official to scam-accused DHFL promoters Wadhawans allowing them to travel from Mumbai to Satara during the lockdown. Since the case was filed in Mumbai, the arrested journalist was made to travel through COVID-19 hotspots from Osamanabad to the metropolis, he alleged. He said a case had also been filed against a Times Now journalist for a new report. The media can be asked to clarify a negative news report but filing cases and arresting them amounts to terrorising the media, the former CM claimed. Fadnavis further pointed out that journalist Arnab Goswami was grilled for 12 hours by the police in connection with a news programme he hosted. Those speaking out against the state government on social media are also being harassed, adding that even distribution of newspapers was being curtailed in the name of a health threat. The door-to-door delivery of newspapers has been prohibited in containment areas to stop the spread of novel coronavirus. “We urge you to intervene and seek a response from the state government,” Fadnavis told the governor.

‘Undeclared emergency in Maharashtra, journalists being terrorised’: Devendra Fadnavis after meeting Governor Koshyari

Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reported 14 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/decided-to-extend-curfew-in-state-by-two-more-weeks-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-295587">coronavirus </a>cases taking the total number of cases to 344 on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1813-new-coronavirus-cases-71-deaths-in-24-hours-in-india-government-295597">Also Read:&nbsp;1,813 new coronavirus cases, 71 deaths in 24 hours in India</a>

There were no deaths reported in the area today.

Three new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Mahim and no new cases have been reported in Dadar, Mumbai's municipal authorities said.

Meanwhile, the Punjab health department said 33 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state in the last 24 hours including eight from SAS Nagar and eleven in Ludhiana.

The number of coronavirus cases has climbed to 375 in Punjab. At least 104 patients have been cured in the state with 19 deaths reported.

In Bihar, nine more COVID-19 cases were reported taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 392 in the state.&nbsp;

In Assam, seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers tested positive for coronavirus, state authorities said, while declaring that 37 persons have been infected so far with the virus.

As the virus footprint continued to grow the country, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said: "There will be relaxations in the green zone and the orange zone where stand-alone shops of essential items will remain open from Monday."

"There will be no relaxation for containment areas," the West Bengal chief minister added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reported 14 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 344 on Wednesday. Also Read: 1,813 new coronavirus cases, 71 deaths in 24 hours in India There were no deaths reported in the area today.

Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reported 14 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 344 on Wednesday. Also Read: 1,813 new coronavirus cases, 71 deaths in 24 hours in India There were no deaths reported in the area today. Three new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Mahim and no new cases have been reported in Dadar, Mumbai's municipal authorities said. Meanwhile, the Punjab health department said 33 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state in the last 24 hours including eight from SAS Nagar and eleven in Ludhiana. The number of coronavirus cases has climbed to 375 in Punjab. At least 104 patients have been cured in the state with 19 deaths reported. In Bihar, nine more COVID-19 cases were reported taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 392 in the state. In Assam, seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers tested positive for coronavirus, state authorities said, while declaring that 37 persons have been infected so far with the virus. As the virus footprint continued to grow the country, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said: "There will be relaxations in the green zone and the orange zone where stand-alone shops of essential items will remain open from Monday." "There will be no relaxation for containment areas," the West Bengal chief minister added.

Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 14 new COVID-19 cases

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who initiated the meet being said," BRICS agreed to increase bilateral partnership at the international organisations like UN, G20, WHO, WTO, IMF &amp; World Bank. We decided to set up a special loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries. In total, we decided to allocate $15 billion. Russia advised about the ideas that we need to jointly respond to the crisis"

BRICS economic experts will meet on April 29th,&nbsp;followed by BRICS health ministers meet on May 7th.

India also highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying the crisis not only poses a "great risk to the health and well being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains."

Highlighting how economic activity across sectors has been "negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods", Jaishanker said, "we need to provide support to businesses, especially MSMEs, to tide over the crisis and ensure livelihoods are not lost."

He also called for the need for "reform of multilateral systems", comments clearly indicating at reforms at world bodies including WHO which is under increased criticism for failing to warn about the pandemic.

Other BRICS members were also informed about India's actions to deal with COVID crisis including measures in South Asia with the creation of COVID-19 emergency fund and providing assistance of medicines to 85 countries.

Interestingly, no BRICS joint statement on COVID-19 was released after the meeting of foreign ministers. The meet saw the participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, India by EAM S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Amb. Ernesto Araújo, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi &amp; Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor.

BRICS bring together 42% of the global population and has evolved rapidly since the first decade of the current century.

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday.

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who initiated the meet being said," BRICS agreed to increase bilateral partnership at the international organisations like UN, G20, WHO, WTO, IMF & World Bank. We decided to set up a special loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries. In total, we decided to allocate $15 billion. Russia advised about the ideas that we need to jointly respond to the crisis" BRICS economic experts will meet on April 29th, followed by BRICS health ministers meet on May 7th. India also highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying the crisis not only poses a "great risk to the health and well being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains." Highlighting how economic activity across sectors has been "negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods", Jaishanker said, "we need to provide support to businesses, especially MSMEs, to tide over the crisis and ensure livelihoods are not lost." He also called for the need for "reform of multilateral systems", comments clearly indicating at reforms at world bodies including WHO which is under increased criticism for failing to warn about the pandemic. Other BRICS members were also informed about India's actions to deal with COVID crisis including measures in South Asia with the creation of COVID-19 emergency fund and providing assistance of medicines to 85 countries. Interestingly, no BRICS joint statement on COVID-19 was released after the meeting of foreign ministers. The meet saw the participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, India by EAM S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Amb. Ernesto Araújo, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi & Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor. BRICS bring together 42% of the global population and has evolved rapidly since the first decade of the current century.

COVID-19: BRICS to set up $15 billion loan support as India calls for reform of multilateral system

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued a set of guidelines for moving the migrant labourers, who do not have coronavirus symptoms. to their home states.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued a set of guidelines for moving the migrant labourers, who do not have coronavirus symptoms. to their home states. The guidelines were issued less than a week before the lockdown is set to end. GoI issues order to State/UTs to facilitate Inter-State mvmt of stranded people inc. #MigrantLabourers, in the country. All persons to be medically screened at source & destination; & kept in home/institutional quarantine on arrival, as per @MoHFW_INDIA guidelines.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/4zfztwB2NA — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) April 29, 2020 × The order from the home ministry asked the states to appoint nodal bodies and draw up protocols for the migrants' movement. "The moving person(s) would be screened and those found asymptomatic would be allowed to proceed," the order read.

Govt issues guidelines for interstate movement of persons stranded because of lockdown

India's health ministry said today that 1,813 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-1000-coronavirus-deaths-in-a-country-of-13-bn-people-whats-the-deal-with-modis-india-295441">coronavirus </a>cases &amp; 71 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to &nbsp;1008 deaths in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-deaths-cross-the-1000-mark-in-india-biggest-jump-in-last-24-hours-295467">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours</a>

There are now 31,787 coronavirus cases in the country with 22,982 active cases, the health ministry said, adding that 7,797 patients have been cured of the virus.

Kerala on Wednesday reported ten new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases in the state climbing to 495 which includes 123 active cases.

Karnataka too witnessed a rise in numbers with 11 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases has now risen to 534 in the state which includes 20 deaths. At least 215 patients have been cured and discharged, officials said.

Meanwhile, health minister Harsh Vardhan said that for the last thee&nbsp;days, the doubling rate of the virus is 11.3 days in the country.&nbsp;

"Although the global mortality rate is around 7 per cent, India has a mortality rate of around 3 per cet &amp; around 86 per cent fatality of persons with co-morbidity," India's health minister said.

As the number of cases continued to rise, West Bengal reported 33 new cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of active cases in the state to 550 even as Srinagar district administration said 55 persons have been discharged from quarantine in the past week with the total number of persons discharged after successful quarantine in the district climbing to 1,985.

"There were some who tried to spread rumours that there are no beds in hospitals of Kolkata to get admitted. There are still 790 beds ready for coronavirus patients in the city," chief minister Mamata Banerjee declared.

India's health ministry said today that 1,813 new coronavirus cases & 71 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 1008 deaths in the country.

India's health ministry said today that 1,813 new coronavirus cases & 71 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 1008 deaths in the country. Also Read: Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours There are now 31,787 coronavirus cases in the country with 22,982 active cases, the health ministry said, adding that 7,797 patients have been cured of the virus. Kerala on Wednesday reported ten new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases in the state climbing to 495 which includes 123 active cases. Karnataka too witnessed a rise in numbers with 11 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases has now risen to 534 in the state which includes 20 deaths. At least 215 patients have been cured and discharged, officials said. Meanwhile, health minister Harsh Vardhan said that for the last thee days, the doubling rate of the virus is 11.3 days in the country. "Although the global mortality rate is around 7 per cent, India has a mortality rate of around 3 per cet & around 86 per cent fatality of persons with co-morbidity," India's health minister said. As the number of cases continued to rise, West Bengal reported 33 new cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of active cases in the state to 550 even as Srinagar district administration said 55 persons have been discharged from quarantine in the past week with the total number of persons discharged after successful quarantine in the district climbing to 1,985. "There were some who tried to spread rumours that there are no beds in hospitals of Kolkata to get admitted. There are still 790 beds ready for coronavirus patients in the city," chief minister Mamata Banerjee declared.

1,813 new coronavirus cases, 71 deaths in 24 hours in India: Government

As the country went into a complete lockdown, all the schools and educational institutions were closed until further notice. A lot of schools have now shifted to online classes. However, there are a lot of students of classes X and XII who are suffering due to this lockdown.

The board examinations were immediately suspended when the coronavirus started spreading in the country. This led to few exams being delayed. Centra Board of Secondary Education issued a press release about the situation at that time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-1000-coronavirus-deaths-in-a-country-of-13-bn-people-whats-the-deal-with-modis-india-295441">Also read:&nbsp;Around 1,000 coronavirus deaths in a country of 1.3 bn people? What's the deal with Modi's India!</a>

"As a precautionary measure and in compliance of the instructions received from Secretary, Department of Higher Education/ School Education and Literacy, Government of India, dated 18th March, 2020, CBSE had postponed all the board examinations that were to be held between 19.03.2020 to 31.03.2020," read the release.

Now, weeks later as the students are still not sure about the future of their exams, CBSE has tweeted to put an end to the various rumours that were being circulated on the internet. Some people rumoured that the exams will be cancelled and the students will be automatically promoted to the next class, whereas some reports assumed that the exams will be conducted through video calls.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-us-top-1-million-death-toll-at-57266-295419">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266</a>

However, CBSE, on Wednesday, tweeted "Recently there has been a lot of speculation regarding 10th CBSE Board exams. It is reiterated that the boards decision to take board exams for 29 subjects of class 10 and 12, stands the same as mentioned in circular dated 1.4.20.@DrRPNishank @PMOIndia @PTI_News"

It also issued a circular to further clear out the rumours. It also clarified that the Board will give&nbsp;time of 10 days to all stakeholders before starting the examinations.

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Press Release dated 29.04.2020 regrading CBSE Exams<a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrRPNishank</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HRDMinistry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HRDMinistry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfSDhotre?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfSDhotre</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTI_News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AkashvaniAIR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AkashvaniAIR</a> <a href="https://t.co/XtXvET66fm">pic.twitter.com/XtXvET66fm</a>
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) <a href="https://twitter.com/cbseindia29/status/1255392121521164290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A media organisation also quoted the education ministry officials saying the pending class X and class XII board examinations for 29 crucial subjects will be held at the first possibility.

The Delhi government, on Tuesday, requested the central government to promote Class X and XII students based on internal exams.

As the country went into a complete lockdown, all the schools and educational institutions were closed until further notice. A lot of schools have now shifted to online classes.

As the country went into a complete lockdown, all the schools and educational institutions were closed until further notice. A lot of schools have now shifted to online classes. However, there are a lot of students of classes X and XII who are suffering due to this lockdown. The board examinations were immediately suspended when the coronavirus started spreading in the country. This led to few exams being delayed. Centra Board of Secondary Education issued a press release about the situation at that time. Also read: Around 1,000 coronavirus deaths in a country of 1.3 bn people? What's the deal with Modi's India! "As a precautionary measure and in compliance of the instructions received from Secretary, Department of Higher Education/ School Education and Literacy, Government of India, dated 18th March, 2020, CBSE had postponed all the board examinations that were to be held between 19.03.2020 to 31.03.2020," read the release. Now, weeks later as the students are still not sure about the future of their exams, CBSE has tweeted to put an end to the various rumours that were being circulated on the internet. Some people rumoured that the exams will be cancelled and the students will be automatically promoted to the next class, whereas some reports assumed that the exams will be conducted through video calls. Also read | Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266 However, CBSE, on Wednesday, tweeted "Recently there has been a lot of speculation regarding 10th CBSE Board exams. It is reiterated that the boards decision to take board exams for 29 subjects of class 10 and 12, stands the same as mentioned in circular dated 1.4.20.@DrRPNishank @PMOIndia @PTI_News" It also issued a circular to further clear out the rumours. It also clarified that the Board will give time of 10 days to all stakeholders before starting the examinations. Press Release dated 29.04.2020 regrading CBSE Exams@DrRPNishank @HRDMinistry @OfficeOfSDhotre @PIB_India @PTI_News @DDNewslive @AkashvaniAIR pic.twitter.com/XtXvET66fm — CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) April 29, 2020 × A media organisation also quoted the education ministry officials saying the pending class X and class XII board examinations for 29 crucial subjects will be held at the first possibility. The Delhi government, on Tuesday, requested the central government to promote Class X and XII students based on internal exams.

Pending board exams of class 10 and 12 will be conducted at the first possibility, says CBSE

While other states are yet to take a decision on whether to lift the lockdown, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh in a video message announced a two-week extension of the lockdown.

It&nbsp;has to been done to contain the spread of the virus.

"Though the curfew has been extended by two more weeks, there will be relaxation from 7am to 11am every day. During this time, people can come out of their houses. Shops will also be allowed to open," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-rajasthan-reports-29-cases-madhya-pradesh-announces-94-cases-295555">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 29 cases, Madhya Pradesh announces 94 cases</a>

India has now crossed the 31,000 mark of positive cases as the country recorded&nbsp;1,897 cases in 24 hours, making it the steepest rise i the curve. According to the Union Health Ministry, there a&nbsp;total of&nbsp;22,629 active cases, 7,695 cured/discharged, 1 migrated and 1,007 deaths.

A total of 73 people have lost their battle to coronavirus&nbsp;in the last 24 hours, recording the biggest jump in the number of deaths in a day. The number of positive coronavirus cases as well as the death count has doubled in the past 10 days, despite the lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-oxford-vaccine-effective-in-monkeys-heading-for-mass-production-in-india-295429">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India</a>

Rajasthan on Wednesday reported 29 more COVID-19 cases taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 2,393, state Health Department said. Jammu and Kashmir has also seen a rise as the total number of cases in the Union Territory stands at 565 in Jammu and Kashmir, including 381 active cases.

Bihar, too, has reported 12 new cases, including a six-month old baby, taking the tally to 378.&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh announced&nbsp;94 new cases on Wednesday.

As the cases are on a constant rise, Tamil Nadu had initiated a four-day&nbsp;intense lockdown in four cities, which is ending today. Following that, the Tamil Nadu government has issued a notice that grocery shops will be allowed to function from 6am to 5pm for tomorrow in those cities, namely Chennai and Coimbatore. The timings will shift back to 6am to 1pm from Friday.

While other states are yet to take a decision on whether to lift the lockdown, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh in a video message announced a two-week extension of the lockdown.

While other states are yet to take a decision on whether to lift the lockdown, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh in a video message announced a two-week extension of the lockdown. It has to been done to contain the spread of the virus. "Though the curfew has been extended by two more weeks, there will be relaxation from 7am to 11am every day. During this time, people can come out of their houses. Shops will also be allowed to open," he said. Also read: COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 29 cases, Madhya Pradesh announces 94 cases India has now crossed the 31,000 mark of positive cases as the country recorded 1,897 cases in 24 hours, making it the steepest rise i the curve. According to the Union Health Ministry, there a total of 22,629 active cases, 7,695 cured/discharged, 1 migrated and 1,007 deaths. A total of 73 people have lost their battle to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, recording the biggest jump in the number of deaths in a day. The number of positive coronavirus cases as well as the death count has doubled in the past 10 days, despite the lockdown. Also Read: Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India Rajasthan on Wednesday reported 29 more COVID-19 cases taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 2,393, state Health Department said. Jammu and Kashmir has also seen a rise as the total number of cases in the Union Territory stands at 565 in Jammu and Kashmir, including 381 active cases. Bihar, too, has reported 12 new cases, including a six-month old baby, taking the tally to 378. Madhya Pradesh announced 94 new cases on Wednesday. As the cases are on a constant rise, Tamil Nadu had initiated a four-day intense lockdown in four cities, which is ending today. Following that, the Tamil Nadu government has issued a notice that grocery shops will be allowed to function from 6am to 5pm for tomorrow in those cities, namely Chennai and Coimbatore. The timings will shift back to 6am to 1pm from Friday.

Decided to extend curfew in state by two more weeks: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

COVID-19 Outbreak: India reports 73 deaths in last 24 hours | India Coronavirus India records its biggest spike in daily death toll of Coronavirus today. Nation reports 73 deaths in last 24 hours which is a scenario to be really worried about.

COVID-19 Outbreak: India reports 73 deaths in last 24 hours | India Coronavirus

ICMR stopped using kits from 2 Chinese firms | India Coronavirus | India-China According to Indian Council of Medical Research 'Results are varying while using Chinese kits to test COVID-19 positivity in a person'. Meanwhile, ICMR orders to stop using Chinese imported kits.

ICMR stopped using kits from 2 Chinese firms

WION Exclusively speaks to Sunil Kumar | Indian envoy to Palestine | India-Palestine World Is One News, WION Exclusively speaks to Sunil Kumar, who is currently serving as India's envoy to palestine.

WION Exclusively speaks to Sunil Kumar | India's envoy to Palestine | India-Palestine

Rajasthan on Wednesday reported 29 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-deaths-cross-the-1000-mark-in-india-biggest-jump-in-last-24-hours-295467">coronavirus</a> cases taking the total number of cases to 2,393 in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-oxford-vaccine-effective-in-monkeys-heading-for-mass-production-in-india-295429">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India</a>

Fifty-two people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan. According to the state health department, 781 patients have recovered from the disease.

Agra in Uttar Pradesh recorded 21 new cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 425. Eleven people have died in the city due to the virus.

Haryana added to the growing list of coronavirus cases with 308 cases with three deaths, the state health department announced.

Madhya Pradesh announced 94 new COVID-19 cases with the total number of cases rising to 1,466. There have been 65 deaths due to the virus in the state.

In Karnataka, nine new coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 532 in the state. Twenty people have died due to the virus in the state.

In Andhra Pradesh, 73 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 1,332. Thirty-one people have died due to the virus in the state. However, there have been no deaths in the past 24 hours in the state.

Meanwhile, government sources told ANI that the Indian Navy is readying its landing platform dock for INS Jalashwa and two amphibious warships for evacuating Indian citizens from Gulf countries, if the government decided to go ahead.

(With ANI inputs)

Rajasthan on Wednesday reported 29 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 2,393 in the state. Also Read: Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India Fifty-two people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan on Wednesday reported 29 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 2,393 in the state. Also Read: Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India Fifty-two people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan. According to the state health department, 781 patients have recovered from the disease. Agra in Uttar Pradesh recorded 21 new cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 425. Eleven people have died in the city due to the virus. Haryana added to the growing list of coronavirus cases with 308 cases with three deaths, the state health department announced. Madhya Pradesh announced 94 new COVID-19 cases with the total number of cases rising to 1,466. There have been 65 deaths due to the virus in the state. In Karnataka, nine new coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 532 in the state. Twenty people have died due to the virus in the state. In Andhra Pradesh, 73 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 1,332. Thirty-one people have died due to the virus in the state. However, there have been no deaths in the past 24 hours in the state. Meanwhile, government sources told ANI that the Indian Navy is readying its landing platform dock for INS Jalashwa and two amphibious warships for evacuating Indian citizens from Gulf countries, if the government decided to go ahead. (With ANI inputs)

COVID-19: Rajasthan reports 29 cases, Madhya Pradesh announces 94 cases

A 35-year-old police constable on lockdown duty here in Maharashtra was injured after a man allegedly assaulted him and tried to set him ablaze, an official said on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-deaths-cross-the-1000-mark-in-india-biggest-jump-in-last-24-hours-295467">Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours</a>

The accused, identified as Arun Sinh Jadhav, has been arrested, he said.

The incident took place near Maloli village in Malshiraj tehsil of Solapur on Tuesday night when the constable was asking people to stay indoors, a duty officer at Velapur police station said.

"At that time, Jadhav came in his car and started abusing the policeman. The accused sought an explanation from the constable as to why he had gone to check his brother's hotel," the official said.

Jadhav snatched the policeman's phone and threw it on the road. He then allegedly slashed the constable's left hand and face with a blade and started thrashing him, the official said.

"The accused then took out a bottle of petrol from his car and allegedly poured it on the policeman. However, a police patil (village-level official) and some others caught hold of Jadhav and stopped him from setting the constable on fire," the official said.

The constable, who is attached to Velapur police station, later lodged a police complaint in connection with the incident. 
The accused was subsequently arrested and booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), the official said.

A 35-year-old police constable on lockdown duty here in Maharashtra was injured after a man allegedly assaulted him and tried to set him ablaze, an official said on Wednesday.

A 35-year-old police constable on lockdown duty here in Maharashtra was injured after a man allegedly assaulted him and tried to set him ablaze, an official said on Wednesday. Also read: Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours The accused, identified as Arun Sinh Jadhav, has been arrested, he said. The incident took place near Maloli village in Malshiraj tehsil of Solapur on Tuesday night when the constable was asking people to stay indoors, a duty officer at Velapur police station said. "At that time, Jadhav came in his car and started abusing the policeman. The accused sought an explanation from the constable as to why he had gone to check his brother's hotel," the official said. Jadhav snatched the policeman's phone and threw it on the road. He then allegedly slashed the constable's left hand and face with a blade and started thrashing him, the official said. "The accused then took out a bottle of petrol from his car and allegedly poured it on the policeman. However, a police patil (village-level official) and some others caught hold of Jadhav and stopped him from setting the constable on fire," the official said. The constable, who is attached to Velapur police station, later lodged a police complaint in connection with the incident. The accused was subsequently arrested and booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), the official said.

Maharashtra: Man assaults cop on lockdown duty, tries to set him afire

Scotland Yard detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses after an Indian-origin man was found dead following an assault in an alleyway in west London.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/white-houses-official-twitter-handle-unfollows-prime-minister-narendra-modi-295536" hreflang="en">White House's official Twitter handle unfollows Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>

Baljit Singh, 37, who lived in the Hayes area of London, was pronounced dead at the scene after the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service were called to Station Road on Saturday night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/american-dream-comes-crashing-down-as-over-200000-h-1b-workers-face-the-threat-of-losing-legal-status-by-june-295464" hreflang="en">American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June</a>

Singh was formally identified by police on Wednesday after his next of kin were informed.

A forensic post-mortem examination held at Fulham Mortuary in London on Monday gave the cause of his death as compression to the neck. Officers from the Met Police's Specialist Crime Command (Homicide) are investigating the case.

Mr Singh was subjected to a vicious assault; the severity of which has caused him to lose his life. My officers are working through hours of CCTV footage and speaking with people in the area to establish what has happened and identify those responsible,&nbsp;said Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance, who is leading the Met Police investigation.

I would like to appeal directly to anyone who was in the vicinity of Station Road, Hayes, from around 2200hrs onwards on Saturday night who may have seen the victim in company with two individuals. Alternatively, if anyone is aware of the victim's movements earlier that day we would be keen to hear from them,? Rance said.

The Met's Homicide team wants to trace two people Singh was in the company of just prior to his death. It is believed a disagreement may have taken place during which the victim was assaulted.

Scotland Yard detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses after an Indian-origin man was found dead following an assault in an alleyway in west London. Also read: White House's official Twitter handle unfollows Prime Minister Narendra Modi Baljit Singh, 37, who lived in the Hayes area of London, was pronounced dead at the scene after the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service were called to Station Road on Saturday night.

Scotland Yard detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses after an Indian-origin man was found dead following an assault in an alleyway in west London. Also read: White House's official Twitter handle unfollows Prime Minister Narendra Modi Baljit Singh, 37, who lived in the Hayes area of London, was pronounced dead at the scene after the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service were called to Station Road on Saturday night. Also read: American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June Singh was formally identified by police on Wednesday after his next of kin were informed. A forensic post-mortem examination held at Fulham Mortuary in London on Monday gave the cause of his death as compression to the neck. Officers from the Met Police's Specialist Crime Command (Homicide) are investigating the case. Mr Singh was subjected to a vicious assault; the severity of which has caused him to lose his life. My officers are working through hours of CCTV footage and speaking with people in the area to establish what has happened and identify those responsible, said Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance, who is leading the Met Police investigation. I would like to appeal directly to anyone who was in the vicinity of Station Road, Hayes, from around 2200hrs onwards on Saturday night who may have seen the victim in company with two individuals. Alternatively, if anyone is aware of the victim's movements earlier that day we would be keen to hear from them,? Rance said. The Met's Homicide team wants to trace two people Singh was in the company of just prior to his death. It is believed a disagreement may have taken place during which the victim was assaulted.

Indian-origin man found dead following assault in alleyway in United Kingdom

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