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A BMC official said today that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-pushes-for-evacuation-of-migrants-says-centre-should-arrange-for-workers-to-go-home-295013">coronavirus</a> containment zones had reached 1036&nbsp;with a significant drop in the number of containment zones in Mumbai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhans-l-strain-may-be-behind-gujarats-high-death-rate-experts-295034">Also Read:&nbsp;Wuhan's L-strain may be behind Gujarat's high death rate</a>

"Thirty-one zones are out of the containment zone list after they didn't record a single coronavirus patient for last 14 days," BMC mayor Kishori Pednekar said.

In Bihar, 14 more coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 321 in the state. Munger, Madhubani, Lakhisarai reported new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours.

Haryana health department said that the total number of coronavirus cases stands at 299, out of which 205 have been discharged.

Meanwhile, during a video conferencing meeting with various chief ministers on Monday, PM Modi said that COVID-19 impact will remain visible in the coming months and that there is a need to fight it with "impetus" on the economy.

India has been been on lockdown since March 24, with PM Modi extending the it further on April 14 till May 3 even as coronavirus cases have continued to rise in the country.

The Indian prime minister emphasised on the importance of usage of technology as much as possible and also to utilize time to embrace reform measures.

PM Modi also urged the chief ministers to factor in the changes in weather, the advent of summer and monsoon and the illnesses that can potentially come in this season&nbsp;while combating the virus.

A BMC official said today that coronavirus containment zones had reached 1036 with a significant drop in the number of containment zones in Mumbai. Also Read: Wuhan's L-strain may be behind Gujarat's high death rate "Thirty-one zones are out of the containment zone list after they didn't record a single coronavirus patient for last 14 days," BMC mayor Kishori Pednekar said.

A BMC official said today that coronavirus containment zones had reached 1036 with a significant drop in the number of containment zones in Mumbai. Also Read: Wuhan's L-strain may be behind Gujarat's high death rate "Thirty-one zones are out of the containment zone list after they didn't record a single coronavirus patient for last 14 days," BMC mayor Kishori Pednekar said. In Bihar, 14 more coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 321 in the state. Munger, Madhubani, Lakhisarai reported new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Haryana health department said that the total number of coronavirus cases stands at 299, out of which 205 have been discharged. Meanwhile, during a video conferencing meeting with various chief ministers on Monday, PM Modi said that COVID-19 impact will remain visible in the coming months and that there is a need to fight it with "impetus" on the economy. India has been been on lockdown since March 24, with PM Modi extending the it further on April 14 till May 3 even as coronavirus cases have continued to rise in the country. The Indian prime minister emphasised on the importance of usage of technology as much as possible and also to utilize time to embrace reform measures. PM Modi also urged the chief ministers to factor in the changes in weather, the advent of summer and monsoon and the illnesses that can potentially come in this season while combating the virus.

Bihar records 14 more cases, containment zones drop in Mumbai

Yahoo! India on Friday released a list of search trends in India before and after the nationwide lockdown was enforced in the country.

The report states that the trends reflect every user’s daily search habits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-bill-gates-defends-china-calls-blame-game-a-distraction-295021" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Bill Gates defends China, calls blame-game a 'distraction'</a>

Additionally, it took into account not only what the user read, but also based on what they shared with other users.

The words “novel coronavirus” witnessed a jump of over 427 per cent in terms of search pattern across the country. 
 
COVID-19 fever

The top five keywords related to coronavirus included - COVID-19 updates, COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 death toll, symptoms of COVID-19, and live COVID-19 tracker.

The top overall searches related to the virus included: Lockdown in India, vaccine for coronavirus, social distancing, and Hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus. 
 
Before COVID

Way before COVID-19 gained traction in the country, people in the country were searching for Delhi election results, Delhi riots, Delhi violence, and JNU violence.

The keywords that received most hits earlier were US President Donald Trump, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and politician Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-has-yielded-positive-results-says-pm-states-want-extension-with-relaxations-295055" hreflang="en">Lockdown has yielded positive results, says PM; States want extension with relaxations</a>

In terms of online tools to ease working from home, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting gained the most steam in the country.

In terms of celebrities, Kanika Kapoor, the singer who had tested positive for the virus and has recovered since then received the most hits online, followed by Priyanka Chopra, Disha Patani, and Deepika Padukone.

Yahoo! India on Friday released a list of search trends in India before and after the nationwide lockdown was enforced in the country. The report states that the trends reflect every user’s daily search habits.

Yahoo! India on Friday released a list of search trends in India before and after the nationwide lockdown was enforced in the country. The report states that the trends reflect every user’s daily search habits. Also read: COVID-19: Bill Gates defends China, calls blame-game a 'distraction' Additionally, it took into account not only what the user read, but also based on what they shared with other users. The words “novel coronavirus” witnessed a jump of over 427 per cent in terms of search pattern across the country. COVID-19 fever The top five keywords related to coronavirus included - COVID-19 updates, COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 death toll, symptoms of COVID-19, and live COVID-19 tracker. The top overall searches related to the virus included: Lockdown in India, vaccine for coronavirus, social distancing, and Hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus. Before COVID Way before COVID-19 gained traction in the country, people in the country were searching for Delhi election results, Delhi riots, Delhi violence, and JNU violence. The keywords that received most hits earlier were US President Donald Trump, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and politician Jyotiraditya Scindia. Also read: Lockdown has yielded positive results, says PM; States want extension with relaxations In terms of online tools to ease working from home, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting gained the most steam in the country. In terms of celebrities, Kanika Kapoor, the singer who had tested positive for the virus and has recovered since then received the most hits online, followed by Priyanka Chopra, Disha Patani, and Deepika Padukone.

COVID fever, quite literally? Yahoo! reveals most searched words before and after lockdown in India

There is no consensus on lockdown extension among the Chief Ministers of different states after meeting with PM Modi via video conferencing. Over 7 states Chief Ministers demanded PM Modi for extension of the lockdown.

No consensus on lockdown extension among CMs after meeting with PM Modi

The high Covid-19 mortality rate in Gujarat could be due to the dominance of the L-type strain of coronavirus, found to have been more prevalent in Wuhan in China, where the outbreak started, experts said.

The dominance of the more virulent L-type coronavirus strain as compared to the S-type one could be behind the high mortality rate in the state, which has reported 133 deaths so far. However, no research has been conducted to confirm this, they said.

A scientist at the state-run Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) said that the novel coronavirus used for genome sequencing recently conducted by it was found to contain the L-type strain.

"Analysis done by scientists abroad has shown that the L-type strain has been dominant where more mortality is reported among coronavirus patients. This strain was found to be more prevalent in Wuhan," director of GBRC, C G Joshi, said.

"The coronavirus sample we collected from a patient for genome sequence contained the L-type strain. This strain has a much higher virulence as compared to the S-strain," he said.

"Variation in coronavirus is in terms of number and percentage of mutations. As per the analysis, the L-type strain is dominant where more mortality is reported. Scientists have earlier found that this strain has caused more deaths," he said.

The GBRC recently succeeded in decoding the entire genome sequence of the novel coronavirus and identified its three new mutations.

Joshi added that the patient from whom the virus sample was collected for sequencing has fully recovered.

So far, no study has been conducted here to establish which strain of coronavirus is predominant in patients here.

Atul Patel, a specialist in infectious diseases, attributed the presence of the L-type strain more than the S- type one in Gujarat is behind high mortality rate.

Patel has said that a little higher presence of the L-type strain, or the original Wuhan strain, could be behind higher death rate in the state.

The state government has also attributed the high mortality among coronavirus patients in the state to comorbidities and high-risk factors.

Heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are among common diseases that have been found among Covid-19 patients who passed away in Gujarat.

The risk factors include patients in the age group of above over 60 years and under five years of age and pregnant women, and they account for 90 per cent of patients who passed away, Principal Secretary (Health), Jayanti Ravi had recently said.

The high Covid-19 mortality rate in Gujarat could be due to the dominance of the L-type strain of coronavirus, found to have been more prevalent in Wuhan in China, where the outbreak started, experts said.

The high Covid-19 mortality rate in Gujarat could be due to the dominance of the L-type strain of coronavirus, found to have been more prevalent in Wuhan in China, where the outbreak started, experts said. The dominance of the more virulent L-type coronavirus strain as compared to the S-type one could be behind the high mortality rate in the state, which has reported 133 deaths so far. However, no research has been conducted to confirm this, they said. A scientist at the state-run Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) said that the novel coronavirus used for genome sequencing recently conducted by it was found to contain the L-type strain. "Analysis done by scientists abroad has shown that the L-type strain has been dominant where more mortality is reported among coronavirus patients. This strain was found to be more prevalent in Wuhan," director of GBRC, C G Joshi, said. "The coronavirus sample we collected from a patient for genome sequence contained the L-type strain. This strain has a much higher virulence as compared to the S-strain," he said. "Variation in coronavirus is in terms of number and percentage of mutations. As per the analysis, the L-type strain is dominant where more mortality is reported. Scientists have earlier found that this strain has caused more deaths," he said. The GBRC recently succeeded in decoding the entire genome sequence of the novel coronavirus and identified its three new mutations. Joshi added that the patient from whom the virus sample was collected for sequencing has fully recovered. So far, no study has been conducted here to establish which strain of coronavirus is predominant in patients here. Atul Patel, a specialist in infectious diseases, attributed the presence of the L-type strain more than the S- type one in Gujarat is behind high mortality rate. Patel has said that a little higher presence of the L-type strain, or the original Wuhan strain, could be behind higher death rate in the state. The state government has also attributed the high mortality among coronavirus patients in the state to comorbidities and high-risk factors. Heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are among common diseases that have been found among Covid-19 patients who passed away in Gujarat. The risk factors include patients in the age group of above over 60 years and under five years of age and pregnant women, and they account for 90 per cent of patients who passed away, Principal Secretary (Health), Jayanti Ravi had recently said.

Wuhan's L-strain may be behind Gujarat's high death rate: Experts

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday reported that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 872 while the number of cases climbed to 27892.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-positive-cases-near-3-million-mark-globally-death-toll-passes-2-lacs-294998">Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs</a> 
 
​​​​​​​According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 27892, including 6184 cured/discharged/migrated and 872 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 1,396 new cases of coronavirus and 48 deaths were reported. The total number of cases in Maharashtra, the worst affected state by Covid-19, has risen to 8068 with 342 deaths.

Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, the Government of India is taking several steps along with the states/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry said.

The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that a total of 280 government laboratories in the country are conducting tests for Covid-19. ICMR also released a list of 90 private labs which will conduct the testing.

Here is the total coronavirus cases in India, state-wise

Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 33

Andhra Pradesh - 1097

Arunachal Pradesh - 1

Assam - 36

Bihar - 274

Chandigarh - 30

Chhattisgarh - 37

Delhi - 2918

Goa - 7

Gujarat - 3301

Haryana - 289

Himachal Pradesh - 40

Jammu and Kashmir - 523

Jharkhand -82

Karnataka - 503

Kerala - 458

Ladakh - 20

Madhya Pradesh - 2096

Maharashtra - 8068

Manipur - 2

Meghalaya - 12

Mizoram - 1

Odisha - 103

Puducherry - 7

Punjab - 7

Rajasthan - 2185

Tamil Nadu - 1885

Telangana - 1002

Tripura - 2

Uttarakhand - 50

Uttar Pradesh - 1868

West Bengal - 649

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with the Chief Ministers of all states today amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Meanwhile, the Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, India's Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the situation on lockdown in the country and resumption of economic activities.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday reported that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 872 while the number of cases climbed to 27892. Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 27892, including 6184 cured/discharged/migrated and 872 deaths.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday reported that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 872 while the number of cases climbed to 27892. Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 27892, including 6184 cured/discharged/migrated and 872 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 1,396 new cases of coronavirus and 48 deaths were reported. The total number of cases in Maharashtra, the worst affected state by Covid-19, has risen to 8068 with 342 deaths. Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, the Government of India is taking several steps along with the states/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry said. The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that a total of 280 government laboratories in the country are conducting tests for Covid-19. ICMR also released a list of 90 private labs which will conduct the testing. Here is the total coronavirus cases in India, state-wise Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 33 Andhra Pradesh - 1097 Arunachal Pradesh - 1 Assam - 36 Bihar - 274 Chandigarh - 30 Chhattisgarh - 37 Delhi - 2918 Goa - 7 Gujarat - 3301 Haryana - 289 Himachal Pradesh - 40 Jammu and Kashmir - 523 Jharkhand -82 Karnataka - 503 Kerala - 458 Ladakh - 20 Madhya Pradesh - 2096 Maharashtra - 8068 Manipur - 2 Meghalaya - 12 Mizoram - 1 Odisha - 103 Puducherry - 7 Punjab - 7 Rajasthan - 2185 Tamil Nadu - 1885 Telangana - 1002 Tripura - 2 Uttarakhand - 50 Uttar Pradesh - 1868 West Bengal - 649 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with the Chief Ministers of all states today amid the coronavirus lockdown. Meanwhile, the Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities. Earlier this week, India's Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the situation on lockdown in the country and resumption of economic activities.

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 27,892 with 872 deaths | click for state-wise status

In Tamil Nadu, Police is on alert at check posts in Chennai and only essential service vehicles allowed to move. After which now the recoveries rate of pandemic COVID-19 cases rise than that of the fresh cases.

COVID-19 Crisis: Police on alert at check posts in Chennai, only essential service vehicles allowed on roads

The Shiv Sena on Monday said it is the Centre's responsibility to make arrangements for sending migrant labourers to their native places in the wake of the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Several migrant labourers have been residing in the coronavirus hotspots of Mumbai's Dharavi slum area, it noted.

"It is the Centres responsibility to arrange trains and buses so that labourers could reach their homes," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

If these people continue to flock the streets, it is not safe for their health, the Marathi publication said, adding that the Centre cannot shrug off its responsibility.

"We wish that the kind of promptness shown by the Centre for the return of some Gujarati tourists from Haridwar (in Uttarakhand), should also be shown for migrant labourers," it said.

"These people are homesick and we cannot assess what would happen if they gather on streets," it added.

Without taking any names, the Sena said it feared that some people in Maharashtra would "instigate" the migrant labourers for their petty political gains.

It also took a dim view of the incident where hundreds of migrants gathered near Bandra station in Mumbai earlier this month and demanded that authorities make transport arrangements for them to go back to their native places.

The Sena said Maharashtra needs to take note of each and every labourer who gathered there, make necessary arrangements to send them back home and ensure to "foil" their any future attempt to come back to the state.

"These migrants should have trusted the state as it is trying to arrange food and shelter for them. If any other state has done so much for them, they should bring it to our notice," the Uddhav Thackeray-led said.

It also referred to some recent comments of Union minister Nitin Gadkari on the need for policy measures to create jobs in rural areas and check migration to cities for employment.

"What Gadkari has said is crucial. If these people wish to return to Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, how are they going to feed themselves?&nbsp;

There is no work for these people anywhere in the country during the current crisis," the Sena said.

The Shiv Sena on Monday said it is the Centre's responsibility to make arrangements for sending migrant labourers to their native places in the wake of the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The Shiv Sena on Monday said it is the Centre's responsibility to make arrangements for sending migrant labourers to their native places in the wake of the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of coronavirus. Several migrant labourers have been residing in the coronavirus hotspots of Mumbai's Dharavi slum area, it noted. "It is the Centres responsibility to arrange trains and buses so that labourers could reach their homes," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said. If these people continue to flock the streets, it is not safe for their health, the Marathi publication said, adding that the Centre cannot shrug off its responsibility. "We wish that the kind of promptness shown by the Centre for the return of some Gujarati tourists from Haridwar (in Uttarakhand), should also be shown for migrant labourers," it said. "These people are homesick and we cannot assess what would happen if they gather on streets," it added. Without taking any names, the Sena said it feared that some people in Maharashtra would "instigate" the migrant labourers for their petty political gains. It also took a dim view of the incident where hundreds of migrants gathered near Bandra station in Mumbai earlier this month and demanded that authorities make transport arrangements for them to go back to their native places. The Sena said Maharashtra needs to take note of each and every labourer who gathered there, make necessary arrangements to send them back home and ensure to "foil" their any future attempt to come back to the state. "These migrants should have trusted the state as it is trying to arrange food and shelter for them. If any other state has done so much for them, they should bring it to our notice," the Uddhav Thackeray-led said. It also referred to some recent comments of Union minister Nitin Gadkari on the need for policy measures to create jobs in rural areas and check migration to cities for employment. "What Gadkari has said is crucial. If these people wish to return to Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, how are they going to feed themselves? There is no work for these people anywhere in the country during the current crisis," the Sena said.

Shiv Sena pushes for evacuation of migrants, says Centre should arrange for workers to go home

Expressing gratitude to the people for India of doing whatever can be done in their capacity, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the coronavirus fight in India is people-driven.&nbsp;

"This fight is being fought by the people and the administration together. Every citizen as a soldier is fighting this war," PM Modi said in his monthly radio address "Mann Ki Baat".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period</a>

The prime minister also said that farmers in India are ensuring that no one sleeps hungry in our country. &nbsp;

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-india-post-postmen-for-their-stupendous-efforts-during-lockdown-294785">PM Modi lauds India Post, postmen for their 'stupendous efforts' during lockdown</a>

"Each person is fighting this war as per their capacity. Some are waiving off house rent, some labourers who are in quarantine at a school are whitewashing the school," he said.&nbsp;

PM Modi also spoke about the government's digital platform: http://covidwarriors.gov.in, where volunteers, people from civil society, and local administration would stay connected. He also said that 1.25 crore people including doctors, nurses, NCC cadets have already joined the platform.&nbsp;

He also said that the Centre, state governments and other institutions are working together to provide prompt relief from the crisis.&nbsp;

The prime minister also touched upon how lives would change post-COVID-19 crisis, saying that people are getting aware of the ill effects of spitting in public and the habit must be done away with.&nbsp;

Masks are becoming a part of our lives and of the civil society and one must wear it to protect himself and others&nbsp;from the virus, PM Modi said.&nbsp;

He also praised the state governments for taking a "proactive" approach to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

Expressing gratitude to the people for India of doing whatever can be done in their capacity, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the coronavirus fight in India is people-driven.

Expressing gratitude to the people for India of doing whatever can be done in their capacity, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the coronavirus fight in India is people-driven. "This fight is being fought by the people and the administration together. Every citizen as a soldier is fighting this war," PM Modi said in his monthly radio address "Mann Ki Baat". Also read | With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period The prime minister also said that farmers in India are ensuring that no one sleeps hungry in our country. #MannKiBaat | 'The last time we celebrated Ramzan, nobody thought the next time would be during such situations... We should work hard so that we can celebrate Eid as always', says Prime Minister @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/4oU7cX27C2 — WION (@WIONews) April 26, 2020 × Also read | PM Modi lauds India Post, postmen for their 'stupendous efforts' during lockdown "Each person is fighting this war as per their capacity. Some are waiving off house rent, some labourers who are in quarantine at a school are whitewashing the school," he said. PM Modi also spoke about the government's digital platform: http://covidwarriors.gov.in, where volunteers, people from civil society, and local administration would stay connected. He also said that 1.25 crore people including doctors, nurses, NCC cadets have already joined the platform. He also said that the Centre, state governments and other institutions are working together to provide prompt relief from the crisis. The prime minister also touched upon how lives would change post-COVID-19 crisis, saying that people are getting aware of the ill effects of spitting in public and the habit must be done away with. Masks are becoming a part of our lives and of the civil society and one must wear it to protect himself and others from the virus, PM Modi said. He also praised the state governments for taking a "proactive" approach to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

India's coronavirus fight is people-driven, says PM Narendra Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'

To contain biomedical waste, a Gujarat-based company has developed reusable Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits amid the coronavirus outbreak.

"Wearing these suits, doctors will be 100 per cent safe as it operates with positive air pressure. The air quality in the suits is also measured online. This PPE suit has its own decontamination process. As this is not disposable, so no biomedical waste will be generated," said Managing Director of Sure Safety (India) Ltd, N Dand while speaking to ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">Also read:&nbsp;With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest COVID-19 cases in 24-hour period</a>

"We provide COVID-19 safety equipment to Government for India, Government of Gujarat and Indian Defence," he added.

This comes after reports came from several states that health workers at the hospitals do not have PPE while treating the COVID-19 patients.

To contain biomedical waste, a Gujarat-based company has developed reusable Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Wearing these suits, doctors will be 100 per cent safe as it operates with positive air pressure.

To contain biomedical waste, a Gujarat-based company has developed reusable Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Wearing these suits, doctors will be 100 per cent safe as it operates with positive air pressure. The air quality in the suits is also measured online. This PPE suit has its own decontamination process. As this is not disposable, so no biomedical waste will be generated," said Managing Director of Sure Safety (India) Ltd, N Dand while speaking to ANI. Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest COVID-19 cases in 24-hour period "We provide COVID-19 safety equipment to Government for India, Government of Gujarat and Indian Defence," he added. This comes after reports came from several states that health workers at the hospitals do not have PPE while treating the COVID-19 patients.

Gujarat-based company develops reusable PPE kits

Despite budgetary challenges in view of coronavirus outbreak, the Indian Armed Forces are capable of undertaking any operational task assigned to them, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said on Sunday.

"Whatever budget has been given to us, we must spend it pragmatically avoiding any wasteful expenditure. We don't see any major drop in our operational preparedness as far as the three services are concerned," the CDS told ANI in an exclusive interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicotine-to-help-fight-coronavirus-french-authorities-limit-sale-of-product-294565">Also read:&nbsp;Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product</a>

General Rawat said COVID-19 has taught us a lesson to be self-reliant."COVID-19 has taught us a lesson that time has come to be self-reliant. In times of crisis, nations will have to live by themselves. In fact, a country like India, when we are looking at becoming a regional power, we will have to support other nations and not be dependent on others," the CDS said.

Stressing that it becomes very important for the country to start addressing the issue of in-house manufacturing, the CDS said: "That is why it becomes very important that we start addressing the issue of in-house manufacturing through Make in India and make sure that whatever we are importing, gradually we should start depending on Make in India. If we start depending on Make in India, we will also reduce our ab initio holdings.

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"Pointing out as to how the health industry in the country has come forward during these challenging times, the CDS said: "The scientists and other agencies involved in medical research have come up with innovative ideas to produce medical equipment in the country which we were so far importing to help us tide over COVID-19 has been amazing."

"There is a very major lesson for us. We have been importing our weapons and ammunition from abroad but I think if we can give this challenge to our industry, academia and research and development organisation. I think if we can start manufacturing our own weapon, ammunition in the country, we may not have to be dependent on imports," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-we-will-get-a-million-ppes-from-singapore-indian-envoy-294796">Also read:&nbsp;EXCLUSIVE- We will get a million PPEs from Singapore: Indian envoy</a>

The CDS said he was quite sure that the defence manufacturing in the country can also move at the same pace provided "we have faith in our industry and research organisations".

"We are able to do their handholding and are able to move forward.

"General Rawat said gradually we have to start looking that most of the major components are made in India.

"I am also happy to inform that we are making our own guns, we are making our own air defence systems and small arms. You will be happy to know that the Air Chief has now placed a demand for 83 Light Combat Aircraft to be produced by the HAL. We do know that they have a lot of import content in them but gradually we have to start looking at how to ensure that most of the major components are made in India," he said.

Despite budgetary challenges in view of coronavirus outbreak, the Indian Armed Forces are capable of undertaking any operational task assigned to them, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said on Sunday.

Despite budgetary challenges in view of coronavirus outbreak, the Indian Armed Forces are capable of undertaking any operational task assigned to them, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said on Sunday. "Whatever budget has been given to us, we must spend it pragmatically avoiding any wasteful expenditure. We don't see any major drop in our operational preparedness as far as the three services are concerned," the CDS told ANI in an exclusive interview. Also read: Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product General Rawat said COVID-19 has taught us a lesson to be self-reliant."COVID-19 has taught us a lesson that time has come to be self-reliant. In times of crisis, nations will have to live by themselves. In fact, a country like India, when we are looking at becoming a regional power, we will have to support other nations and not be dependent on others," the CDS said. Stressing that it becomes very important for the country to start addressing the issue of in-house manufacturing, the CDS said: "That is why it becomes very important that we start addressing the issue of in-house manufacturing through Make in India and make sure that whatever we are importing, gradually we should start depending on Make in India. If we start depending on Make in India, we will also reduce our ab initio holdings. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic God's wrath for obscenity, nudity: Pak cleric "Pointing out as to how the health industry in the country has come forward during these challenging times, the CDS said: "The scientists and other agencies involved in medical research have come up with innovative ideas to produce medical equipment in the country which we were so far importing to help us tide over COVID-19 has been amazing." "There is a very major lesson for us. We have been importing our weapons and ammunition from abroad but I think if we can give this challenge to our industry, academia and research and development organisation. I think if we can start manufacturing our own weapon, ammunition in the country, we may not have to be dependent on imports," he said. Also read: EXCLUSIVE- We will get a million PPEs from Singapore: Indian envoy The CDS said he was quite sure that the defence manufacturing in the country can also move at the same pace provided "we have faith in our industry and research organisations". "We are able to do their handholding and are able to move forward. "General Rawat said gradually we have to start looking that most of the major components are made in India. "I am also happy to inform that we are making our own guns, we are making our own air defence systems and small arms. You will be happy to know that the Air Chief has now placed a demand for 83 Light Combat Aircraft to be produced by the HAL. We do know that they have a lot of import content in them but gradually we have to start looking at how to ensure that most of the major components are made in India," he said.

Armed Forces capable of undertaking any operational task assigned to them: CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

In the first-ever interview after the fake Twitter post impersonating an Oman Princess, Indian envoy to Oman&nbsp;ambassador Munu Mahawar has said those&nbsp;trying to create differences between India and Oman will never succeed. Speaking exclusively with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Muscat, Envoy Mahawar said, India-Oman ties will remain strong and expressed gratitude that Omani authorities&nbsp;acted swiftly. He also spoke on how the mission is reaching out to stranded Indians and is preparing&nbsp;a list of Indians who want to come back home.&nbsp;

WION: Role played by the Indian mission in Oman in taking care of Indian citizens? Many migrant Indians in Oman.

Amb Munu Mahawar: We have a large Indian community in Oman. Of about 7.7 lakh Indians, most of them are blue-collar&nbsp;workers. They are vulnerable and they have been impacted hard by the crisis. To address the challenges&nbsp;faced by the Indian community, first of all, we have worked&nbsp;closely with the Board of Directors to address those issues.&nbsp;

Oman is providing free testing and treatment to ex-pat community members also. We have reached out to the community, we have established 24*7 helplines, the community members are contacting us via phone, via emails, via Whatsapp messages and we are trying to resolve the issues. We are handling more than 100 queries every day, we have created a network of social workers, medical professionals, prominent Indians, I interact&nbsp;with community members regularly via video conferencing, we are also organising open house meetings via telephone&nbsp;during which any member of the community&nbsp;can contact me directly, we have created awareness among the community about the precautions they need to take regarding COVID and giving information in many Indian languages. We are also providing direct food and medical assistance&nbsp;to the community.

We have created a network of social workers through which we have already provided food kits to over 10,000 needy Indians. The number of issues related to Indian schools, we have 21 Indian schools, in which over 46000 Indian students study, concerns were there related to school fee, concerns related to online classes. We have worked closely&nbsp;related to board of director to address those issues. We are collecting information related to those Indians who wish to travel back to India, once the lockdown is lifted. So, all in all, we have taken a range of measures, to address the challenges faced by the Indian community in Oman.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Oman collaborating in the fight against COVID pandemic?

Amb Munu Mahawar: India and Oman are working closely to address the challenges of COVID. Our leaders have been in contact. PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Majesty Sultan&nbsp;Haitham bin Tariq in which his majesty assures, safety&nbsp;and well being of Indian nationals in Oman. Our foreign ministers have spoken, I have been in regular&nbsp;touch with the minister&nbsp;and senior officials of the govt of Oman.

I would like&nbsp;to convey our deep&nbsp;gratitude to the&nbsp;govt of&nbsp;Oman for the&nbsp;measures they have&nbsp;taken to support the&nbsp;Indian community in&nbsp;Oman. Oman is providing free testing,&nbsp;and treatment and they have also provided food in the areas of strict lockdown. On our part, we have been facilitating the supply of food items and other&nbsp;commodities to Oman, via air and sea routes. We have facilitated the&nbsp;evacuation&nbsp;of Oman nationals. Recently, we agreed to provide HCQ as requested by Govt of Oman. Our 2 countries are working closely and our cooperation is in keeping with the strategic&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;we have.&nbsp;

WION: What do u think about the Oman model and have we shared any Indian model?

Amb Munu Mahawar:&nbsp;I would say Oman's response to COVID has been very effective, this is also evident from the fact that Oman is the least impacted country in the gulf, with about 2000 cases. Oman's response to cases has been quite similar to India's response. Like India, Oman decided to suspend international Air Travel very early and decided to put the country in lockdown. The lockdown in Oman will continue till May 8th, and they may decide to further extend it. Further recognising that the maximum number of cases in the Muscat area, they have isolated Muscat from the rest of the country.

Travel in and out of Muscat is not possible. Oman recognised pressure on the health care system will increase as the number of cases increase. They have decided to put part of the health care workforce in reserve so that they remain available during the peak. We have been in close contact with the ministry of health and ministry of foreign affairs of Oman to share our experiences and as I mentioned earlier, India has agreed to supply HCQ to Oman as it had requested. In coming days we will remain in close contact with Oman to continue sharing our experiences.

WION:&nbsp;We saw an incident last week in which someone did mischief by impersonating an Omani Princess. We saw ur tweet too, and sudden spurt of such tweets. Your take.

Amb Munu Mahawar:&nbsp;In recent days we have seen a number of instances of fake news or fake social media posts are being made to created differences between India and its friends. In the particular case, fake tweets were created impersonating the member of the Omani Royal family, her highness Dr&nbsp;Mona bint Fahad al said&nbsp;and certain very offensive comments about India were attributed to her. We were happy that Omani authorities acted swiftly and her highness issued a clarification swiftly and those behind such campaigns were exposed.

I would like to say India and Oman enjoy a very special relationship and complete trust and mutual understanding between our 2 countries, those who are trying to create differences between us will never succeed, their efforts are completely futile and we are confident that the relations between India and Oman will remain as strong as ever.

In the first-ever interview after the fake Twitter post impersonating an Oman Princess, Indian envoy to Oman ambassador Munu Mahawar has said those trying to create differences between India and Oman will never succeed.

In the first-ever interview after the fake Twitter post impersonating an Oman Princess, Indian envoy to Oman ambassador Munu Mahawar has said those trying to create differences between India and Oman will never succeed. Speaking exclusively with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Muscat, Envoy Mahawar said, India-Oman ties will remain strong and expressed gratitude that Omani authorities acted swiftly. He also spoke on how the mission is reaching out to stranded Indians and is preparing a list of Indians who want to come back home. WION: Role played by the Indian mission in Oman in taking care of Indian citizens? Many migrant Indians in Oman. Amb Munu Mahawar: We have a large Indian community in Oman. Of about 7.7 lakh Indians, most of them are blue-collar workers. They are vulnerable and they have been impacted hard by the crisis. To address the challenges faced by the Indian community, first of all, we have worked closely with the Board of Directors to address those issues. Oman is providing free testing and treatment to ex-pat community members also. We have reached out to the community, we have established 24*7 helplines, the community members are contacting us via phone, via emails, via Whatsapp messages and we are trying to resolve the issues. We are handling more than 100 queries every day, we have created a network of social workers, medical professionals, prominent Indians, I interact with community members regularly via video conferencing, we are also organising open house meetings via telephone during which any member of the community can contact me directly, we have created awareness among the community about the precautions they need to take regarding COVID and giving information in many Indian languages. We are also providing direct food and medical assistance to the community. We have created a network of social workers through which we have already provided food kits to over 10,000 needy Indians. The number of issues related to Indian schools, we have 21 Indian schools, in which over 46000 Indian students study, concerns were there related to school fee, concerns related to online classes. We have worked closely related to board of director to address those issues. We are collecting information related to those Indians who wish to travel back to India, once the lockdown is lifted. So, all in all, we have taken a range of measures, to address the challenges faced by the Indian community in Oman. WION: How are India and Oman collaborating in the fight against COVID pandemic? Amb Munu Mahawar: India and Oman are working closely to address the challenges of COVID. Our leaders have been in contact. PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in which his majesty assures, safety and well being of Indian nationals in Oman. Our foreign ministers have spoken, I have been in regular touch with the minister and senior officials of the govt of Oman. I would like to convey our deep gratitude to the govt of Oman for the measures they have taken to support the Indian community in Oman. Oman is providing free testing, and treatment and they have also provided food in the areas of strict lockdown. On our part, we have been facilitating the supply of food items and other commodities to Oman, via air and sea routes. We have facilitated the evacuation of Oman nationals. Recently, we agreed to provide HCQ as requested by Govt of Oman. Our 2 countries are working closely and our cooperation is in keeping with the strategic partnership we have. WION: What do u think about the Oman model and have we shared any Indian model? Amb Munu Mahawar: I would say Oman's response to COVID has been very effective, this is also evident from the fact that Oman is the least impacted country in the gulf, with about 2000 cases. Oman's response to cases has been quite similar to India's response. Like India, Oman decided to suspend international Air Travel very early and decided to put the country in lockdown. The lockdown in Oman will continue till May 8th, and they may decide to further extend it. Further recognising that the maximum number of cases in the Muscat area, they have isolated Muscat from the rest of the country. Travel in and out of Muscat is not possible. Oman recognised pressure on the health care system will increase as the number of cases increase. They have decided to put part of the health care workforce in reserve so that they remain available during the peak. We have been in close contact with the ministry of health and ministry of foreign affairs of Oman to share our experiences and as I mentioned earlier, India has agreed to supply HCQ to Oman as it had requested. In coming days we will remain in close contact with Oman to continue sharing our experiences. WION: We saw an incident last week in which someone did mischief by impersonating an Omani Princess. We saw ur tweet too, and sudden spurt of such tweets. Your take. Amb Munu Mahawar: In recent days we have seen a number of instances of fake news or fake social media posts are being made to created differences between India and its friends. In the particular case, fake tweets were created impersonating the member of the Omani Royal family, her highness Dr Mona bint Fahad al said and certain very offensive comments about India were attributed to her. We were happy that Omani authorities acted swiftly and her highness issued a clarification swiftly and those behind such campaigns were exposed. I would like to say India and Oman enjoy a very special relationship and complete trust and mutual understanding between our 2 countries, those who are trying to create differences between us will never succeed, their efforts are completely futile and we are confident that the relations between India and Oman will remain as strong as ever.

Those trying to create differences will never succeed: Indian envoy to Oman on fake Twitter post

As many as 1,990 new coronavirus cases were reported in India, the highest surge in cases in the 24-hour period.

With the latest figures confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, coronavirus infections in India stand at 26,496, including 824 deaths. Also, 49 new deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-financial-package-for-msme-sector-294769">Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector</a>

At least 5,804 people have been cured or discharged or migrated in the country, according to the health ministry figures.&nbsp;

The latest spike in cases comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed some businesses to reopen from Saturday, with conditions that social distancing and safety precautions must be taken.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, both in terms of deaths and cases, Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit Indian state with 7,628 coronavirus cases and 323 deaths, followed by Gujarat with 3,071 cases and 133 fatalities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have recorded 2,625, 2,095, and 2,083 cases respectively. In Madhya Pradesh, 99 people have died from the disease, while Delhi has reported 54 fatalities.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today in his monthly radio program "Mann Ki Baat" where he is expected to share some insights on the way forward.

India had earlier extended the 21-day lockdown till May 3 and on April 27, the PM will hold a virtual conference with the chief ministers where discussions would be taken on the status of lockdown.&nbsp;

As many as 1,990 new coronavirus cases were reported in India, the highest surge in cases in the 24-hour period. With the latest figures confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, coronavirus infections in India stand at 26,496, including 824 deaths.

As many as 1,990 new coronavirus cases were reported in India, the highest surge in cases in the 24-hour period. With the latest figures confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, coronavirus infections in India stand at 26,496, including 824 deaths. Also, 49 new deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours. Also read | Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector At least 5,804 people have been cured or discharged or migrated in the country, according to the health ministry figures. The latest spike in cases comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed some businesses to reopen from Saturday, with conditions that social distancing and safety precautions must be taken. Meanwhile, both in terms of deaths and cases, Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit Indian state with 7,628 coronavirus cases and 323 deaths, followed by Gujarat with 3,071 cases and 133 fatalities. Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have recorded 2,625, 2,095, and 2,083 cases respectively. In Madhya Pradesh, 99 people have died from the disease, while Delhi has reported 54 fatalities. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today in his monthly radio program "Mann Ki Baat" where he is expected to share some insights on the way forward. India had earlier extended the 21-day lockdown till May 3 and on April 27, the PM will hold a virtual conference with the chief ministers where discussions would be taken on the status of lockdown.

With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period

The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 824 and the number of cases to 24,942 in the country on Saturday, registering an increase of 56 deaths and 1,490 cases since Friday evening

India records highest single-day surge; death toll stands at 824

Four militants were killed while an Army personal was injured in an ongoing encounter that raged between security forces and militants in Guddar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Police said that four militants were killed and an Army personal has received minor injury in his leg during the gunfight.

"The operation was still going on in the area," they said.

Following specific inputs, a joint operation was carried out by Kulgam Police, 09 RR of Army and CRPF, a police spokesperson said, adding that the gunfight erupted after a joint team of forces moved towards the suspected place, the hiding militants fired upon the search party, which was retaliated and resulted in the gunfight.

Four militants were killed while an Army personal was injured in an ongoing encounter that raged between security forces and militants in Guddar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Four militants were killed while an Army personal was injured in an ongoing encounter that raged between security forces and militants in Guddar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police said that four militants were killed and an Army personal has received minor injury in his leg during the gunfight. "The operation was still going on in the area," they said. Following specific inputs, a joint operation was carried out by Kulgam Police, 09 RR of Army and CRPF, a police spokesperson said, adding that the gunfight erupted after a joint team of forces moved towards the suspected place, the hiding militants fired upon the search party, which was retaliated and resulted in the gunfight.

Jammu and Kashmir: 4 militants killed in encounter in Kulgam

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Bipin Rawat, on Sunday said that the armed forces personnel understand their responsibility at this time when India is battling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak.

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on key lessons taught by COVID-19 crisis

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).

He&nbsp;visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre and take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said.

On April 15, the health ministry declared 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as non-hotspots.

Hotspots are those districts which are reporting more number of cases or where the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases is high, the ministry said, adding that a detailed direction has been issued to states stating consolidated efforts are required to utilise this period of lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The districts that have not reported any cases yet have also been directed to work on cluster containment plans, the ministry said.

Since then there have been no updates on the number of hotspots from the health ministry.

On Sunday, during his visit, the health minister spoke to some COVID-19 positive patients through video calling and enquired about their health. Robots handled the technology at the patients' end, it said. 
 
Vardhan also sought their feedback about the facilities available at AIIMS so that necessary improvements can be made, the statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD). He visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre and take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said. On April 15, the health ministry declared 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as non-hotspots. Hotspots are those districts which are reporting more number of cases or where the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases is high, the ministry said, adding that a detailed direction has been issued to states stating consolidated efforts are required to utilise this period of lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The districts that have not reported any cases yet have also been directed to work on cluster containment plans, the ministry said. Since then there have been no updates on the number of hotspots from the health ministry. On Sunday, during his visit, the health minister spoke to some COVID-19 positive patients through video calling and enquired about their health. Robots handled the technology at the patients' end, it said. Vardhan also sought their feedback about the facilities available at AIIMS so that necessary improvements can be made, the statement said. (With inputs from PTI)

Hotspot districts moving towards being non-hotspot districts: Health minister

As India is battling against COVID-19, RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat made a public address on the issue "current scenario and our role" at 5 pm on Sunday (today).

On Twitter, the RSS informed that Bhagwat will speak on "current scenario and our role" and all are invited to participate in an online event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-complaints-of-faulty-kits-by-several-nations-china-confiscates-89-million-face-masks-294838">Also read:&nbsp;Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks</a>

"All of you along with your family and well-wishers are invited to participate in this online event," the RSS said."Today, 26 April at 5pm, Pujya Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Dr Mohan ji Bhagawat will make a public address. Large numbers of TV Channels are broadcasting it live. It will also be available live at @RSSorg nhttp://Facebook.com/rssorg and http://YouTube.com/RSSOrg," Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted.

Kiren Rijiju addresses the party only twice a year — once on Vijaydashmi to&nbsp;set the agenda&nbsp;and in the first week of June on the conclusion of the annual training session of the RSS for its workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-briefed-eu-on-methodology-followed-in-combating-spread-of-covid-19-indias-envoy-to-eu-gaitri-issar-kumar-294850">Also read:&nbsp;India briefed EU on methodology followed in combating spread of COVID-19: India's envoy to EU Gaitri Issar Kumar</a>

In his address today, he said "It is not right to blame the entire community for the acts of a few done due to fear or anger."

Talking about the recent events in the country, he said, "Two sanyasees were killed in Maharashtra. Should that happen? what should police do? We must think upon it," stated &nbsp;Mr. Bhagwat.

"We all are sad because of their deaths. We will follow the program given by VHP to pay tributes to them," he added.

As India is battling against COVID-19, RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat made a public address on the issue "current scenario and our role" at 5 pm on Sunday (today). On Twitter, the RSS informed that Bhagwat will speak on "current scenario and our role" and all are invited to participate in an online event.

As India is battling against COVID-19, RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat made a public address on the issue "current scenario and our role" at 5 pm on Sunday (today). On Twitter, the RSS informed that Bhagwat will speak on "current scenario and our role" and all are invited to participate in an online event. Also read: Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks "All of you along with your family and well-wishers are invited to participate in this online event," the RSS said."Today, 26 April at 5pm, Pujya Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Dr Mohan ji Bhagawat will make a public address. Large numbers of TV Channels are broadcasting it live. It will also be available live at @RSSorg nhttp://Facebook.com/rssorg and http://YouTube.com/RSSOrg," Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted. Kiren Rijiju addresses the party only twice a year — once on Vijaydashmi to set the agenda and in the first week of June on the conclusion of the annual training session of the RSS for its workers. Also read: India briefed EU on methodology followed in combating spread of COVID-19: India's envoy to EU Gaitri Issar Kumar In his address today, he said "It is not right to blame the entire community for the acts of a few done due to fear or anger." Talking about the recent events in the country, he said, "Two sanyasees were killed in Maharashtra. Should that happen? what should police do? We must think upon it," stated Mr. Bhagwat. "We all are sad because of their deaths. We will follow the program given by VHP to pay tributes to them," he added.

RSS is active during lockdown, its work has taken shape of relief activities: Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat

As many as 2,189 cases were lodged and 10,062 people have been arrested so far, for the breach of lockdown norms in Uttarakhand.

"Out of the total, 39 cases were registered and 391 people were arrested on Sunday," Police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-complaints-of-faulty-kits-by-several-nations-china-confiscates-89-million-face-masks-294838">Also read:&nbsp;Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks</a>

Meanwhile, under the MV Act, challans have been issued against 25,033 vehicles, 5,296 vehicles have been seized and fines amounting to Rs 1.24 crores have been levied.The national lockdown, which was slated to end on April 14, has been extended till May 3 in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

According to data released by&nbsp;the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, two new positive coronavirus cases have been reported on Sunday, which brings the total number of cases to 50, out of which 26 patients have recovered and there have been no deaths. In the state, Dehradun tops the list of most number of cases with 24 positive cases.&nbsp;

As many as 2,189 cases were lodged and 10,062 people have been arrested so far, for the breach of lockdown norms in Uttarakhand. "Out of the total, 39 cases were registered and 391 people were arrested on Sunday," Police said.

As many as 2,189 cases were lodged and 10,062 people have been arrested so far, for the breach of lockdown norms in Uttarakhand. "Out of the total, 39 cases were registered and 391 people were arrested on Sunday," Police said. Also read: Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks Meanwhile, under the MV Act, challans have been issued against 25,033 vehicles, 5,296 vehicles have been seized and fines amounting to Rs 1.24 crores have been levied.The national lockdown, which was slated to end on April 14, has been extended till May 3 in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus. According to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, two new positive coronavirus cases have been reported on Sunday, which brings the total number of cases to 50, out of which 26 patients have recovered and there have been no deaths. In the state, Dehradun tops the list of most number of cases with 24 positive cases.

Uttarakhand police arrest nearly 10,000 people for violating lockdown

India plans to get more than a million personal protective equipment kits from Singapore and has already 100,000 COVID-19 testing kits from the south-east Asian nations in a donation have been received.

India plans to get more than a million personal protective equipment kits from Singapore and has already 100,000 COVID-19 testing kits from the south-east Asian nations in a donation have been received. Speaking to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's envoy to Singapore Jawed Ashraf spoke extensively on how Indian mission is reaching out to infected Indian workers and stranded Indian nationals. Of the 11,000 cases of COVID-19 positive migrant foreign workers, 25% of them are Indians. It is interesting to know, Singapore's govt is providing all infected foreigner worker full salaries, three meals, full medical support and free wifi to connect them with their families. Also read | COVID-19 death toll touches 779 as number of cases rises to 24,942 in India Sidhant Sibal: What do you think about the Singaporean model to contain the spread of the virus? Jawed Ashraf: The whole situation in Singapore has evolved in three different phases, one is that they were early to start the process of strategizing in containing the spread of the virus once it became evident that there is a new virus spreading in Wuhan, China because of very close economic and cultural and people to people links between China and Singapore. On a given day, there used to be 14,000 arrivals from China. They started very early and the first case was confirmed on January 23, initially itself when social distancing measures were taken, testing was quite rapid, they developed a sound system of contact tracing, very vigorous and quick and were able to contain the spread, until the beginning of March and essentially they were able to stop the ingress from China and were able to stop the spread. After that, sometimes in the middle of March when people were returning, Singaporeans were returning from abroad particularly from Europe, US as the pandemic started spreading throughout the world and then we saw a big spike in the incident and spread and it began to average around 50 a day and then starting at the beginning of April, there has been a steep increase in a number of cases among the foreign workers living in the dormitories. There are about 200,000 construction workers including from India who live in dormitories and another 90,000 who live in smaller dormitories throughout the country and there has been a big spread after that. From about 1,100 at the end of March, we have about 12,000 in the last 25 days. There were some important steps, worth recognizing, having experienced SARS, they have set up a sound system, of dealing with the spread of infectious diseases, in particular, the nature of pandemic, so the healthcare infrastructure is sound and it is very extensive and no capacity constraint, which is why despite the numbers, the mortality rate is extremely low. Till today, we have only 12 cases of death in the course of the past 3 months. The focus was on contact tracing and remember it is a relatively smaller place though it is quite dense, it has 5.6 million resident. These 2 important factors, and the restrictive measures quite incremental unlike in our case and many others, so they have only escalated it in response to the extent of spread of the infection. So they eventually went into lockdown, which is kind of a circuit breaker. A number of essential services were working,, but all places of work have been stopped and socializing has been prohibited. Restaurants have been opened, hawker centres are open, but no one can sit there and eat. In a sense, it is a lockdown but not as strict as in other places. but the important point is it is incremental in nature and it has now been extended. It was instituted for 4 weeks starting April 7 but now has been extended to June 1. The situation in Singapore is they have a very rapid spread in dormitories but the relatively stable situation in the rest of the city. They have been able to create a partition between the 2 but how they treating foreign workers is remarkable in the sense, while they have instituted isolation and social distancing measures in the dorms, the healthy ones are taken out after testing and they have set up an extensive new facility to help foreign workers who are healthy. SS: Talking about the Indian worker, what is the mission doing for them.. JA: We have today, 11000 cases of foreign workers about 25% of them are Indians. So we have 2600 Indians who are infected. What Singapore govt has done that they are paid full salaries, given 3 meals and they are given full medical support, and they have also distributed masks and sanitizers to all the workers, not just those who are sick but to everyone. They cant leave the dorms, they are in isolation, they have been provided with free WIFI in all the dorms, and were wifi was weak they have strengthed it, so that they can speak to families, watch movies, they can download other content. So they have taken very strong welfare measures for all, foreign workers including Indians. PM Lee has said, that we will treat foreign workers, the way we treat Singaporeans. They have set up a very extensive facility for isolation and for recuperation. That is as far as the Singapore govt is doing. As far as the mission is concerned, let us divide it into 2 parts, what is happening with worker and what is happening with others over here. A large number of stranded Indians here, who were here on a short visit, whose jobs had ended and they wanted to go back. As far as workers are concerned, we are working with Singapore govt very closely, in fact, PM Lee had mentioned it to our PM when they had a conversation that we are collaborating very closely, High commission doing a good job. We are working with them very closely, we have gone and visited the dorms and I have recorded a video message in Tamil since most workers are Tamil speakers, we have also engaged with them on Tamil New Year on April 14th. So they have a helpline and we have given a reassurance that Singapore govt will be looking after the healthcare, interest, welfare, salaries but we are present if they need any help of any kind, and second we are working with communities as well. A large number of NGOs who are working with Dorms and we have helped the community at large, connect with them, many of them, for example, are raising resources to supplement efforts in providing soaps, personal hygiene products, sometimes also, providing food to supplement and especially for foreigner workers who are living in smaller establishments at the construction sites etc. Very few of them, they have been looked after, though the NGOs with mobilisation of the communities. If the challenge of food, the accommodation we will directly provide it. The mission is present in all aspects and I have been in touch with ministers over here. The second part of the Indians stranded here, we have about let us say, close to about 2900 people who have registered with us because we have opened the page on our website so that they can register with names and places in India asking passport number. There were those who were here on tourist visas, on business purposes, who got stranded when we had a lockdown and suspended flights. We have people here, visiting family members, means parents visiting children who work here, siblings, so these are social visitors, and many who have lost jobs, who were here on employment and they and families are stranded here. Many students here, but most continue to remain in the hostel, facilities, and a large number of students have registered because you know working way through education. So we are providing accommodation, we are providing dry rations, we have provided food delivery also at the places of residence and we have arranged with a number of Indian restaurants over here. So they go deliver food as and when people request us, so we have instituted a system in which meals are delivered regularly. There are those who are living in little India so that we have connected with restaurants and a couple of temples and mosques who are arranging meals for some of them, so they found it more convenient to walk across these places. So in different ways, food accommodation has been arranged for them. We have also, arranged for medicines and doctors. A lot of people who are stranded here are now short of medicines, chronic illness, diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions other aliments, so we have arranged for 2 ways, we have got who supplies from India but we have also arranged for our own embassy panelled doctors to provide consultations and write prescriptions to procure medicines over here. For students, we have appointed councillors, people who can counsel them, students living alone in isolation, especially those who are young, its a kind of sense of stress. We have got counsellors who can provide support to them and we have got an extreme situation where we had 5 people who died here, not linked to COVID, couple of people who were here for treatment from India for cancer. So they died over here and we arranged for last rites. We had to work with Singapore govt, for the burial of a Muslim lady and 3 who required last rites according to Hindu customs so all this. A number of diverse needs, we even had to look at counsellors, trained professionals. SS: How both countries cooperating to tackle with the crisis? JA: Both Singaporean and Indian PM Modi spoke, it was a very good conversation. Singapore temasek foundation has donated 70,000 COVID test kits for testing, 30,000 additional kits were given through bill gates and Melinda gates foundation and they have given us so far free of charge, 100,000 test kits. That is the first point, number 2, test kits we making in India, supplies of reagents and enzymes from here, some of the labs based here that make the enzymes. They have a massive biotech industry, and labs over here, they have been able to develop and scale up the production of reagents, enzymes for making test kits. They are prepared to supply test kits to India, as and when needed, both in commercial terms. They have done it for a number of other countries. Research and collaboration is very strong because of the proximity. Agency for Science, Technology and Research or A Star, has a large number of Indian scientist and some of the collaborations are getting more intensified particularly in terms of finding cheaper test kits, vaccines, so on and so forth. This is happening across the world, I mean, it is a global movement in which scientist from all parts of the world are collaborating in the race against time and develop cheaper test kits that is available throughout the world. We have also got a large number of commercial offers from here which are being evaluated by Indian companies as well. Science and tech collaboration between Indian and Singapore universities and research labs are always strong, that part will go on and we hope it will succeed somewhere in the world. We are also talking about maintaining supply chain during this period because even as the world is dealing with the pandemic, we have to remember that there are issues of food supplies, issues of medical supplies that world has to work towards maintaining. Another thing we are working with Singapore is that there procurement of food supplies from India which is quite significant continues without any hindrance, we are also talking about collaborating and making masks and other PPE kits. Singapore has come capacity over here and our mission is also part of this network which has been tasked by the government for the procurement of PPE kits because Singapore has a large number of global traders in everything, it is one of the global trading hubs and one of the financial centres, so are working with our ministry and ministry of health and HLL for procurement of more than a million PPE kits though a Singapore based company, and several other suppliers here who source it from different parts of the world and this PPE and we have connected them to govt and private sector in India so that things move parallelly between the govt and private sector. This is an important hub for everyone, for traders who deal with PPE kits. Singapore has placed a request for hydroxychloroquine to buy on commercial terms, we will evaluate it and it will be approved soon. SS: How are Indian diplomats faring in the country? JA: It is much easier for us here to be honest, you see till April 7th there was no lockdown over here, except for social distancing measures, there weren't any measures. If u see my tweets, I have met various ministers as late as April 2nd and 3rd, and we were not doing any major social events but we were doing our diplomatic activities. I was meeting senior officials. Since then we have also started instituting measures in our mission, in the sense that we are allowed to come to work, all these officers come to the mission daily, we are sitting in the mission, because of all the issues of looking after workers and stranded Indians of procurement keeps us busy, the supply chains between the 2 countries. Fortunately in Singapore, they have been successful, other than in the dorms, the spread was relatively stable and we are all observing social distancing fully and we are confident even in cases of the dorms, they have managed to prevent any leakage, so firewall the dorms to prevent any spread to the city, but within the dorms in last 4 days, we have seen the numbers peaking, new cases being constant, so if that is the case, we will start to see a decline in the daily new cases, so that will also come in the control and most of them, in any case, is very mild symptoms and they don't require hospitalization, because they have managed to keep capacity for treatment and intensive case units ahead of the curve, so they distinguishing between those that require hospitalization and those that require isolation and they have done it very well, so we are cautious and we take all precautionary measures, we all have our temperature screening. We have our minimised public contact to nothing but we in the mission continue to come and work over here. Singapore had no problem with the supply of food or any other essential items and our consular services continue to operate on very very skeletal biases, so if there is a death and requires certification, renewal of passport, to revalidate work permits over here. We have continued to work outside the embassy and we are fortunate enough we are in Singapore where the situation is not that difficult, supplies are normal and we can procure everything over here, food and anything we need on regular basis and shops is fully stocked. Hospitals are not overwhelmed over here, in case anyone requires to go for regular or any other cause, we are all over here, we are just here officials and essential India based support staff. Local staff, we have told them to stay at home, work from home, so we are functioning normally. SS: Many stranded Indians are keen to come back, what will you say to them? JA: There is lot of pressure from the stranded Indians to now get back, for all the measures we take over here to look after the welfare, naturally imagine people who are stranded here, came here for a week, 10 days and that has been extended for over a month. Those who have lost jobs and need to go back, we have cases like, a couple here and one 11 years old child from Pune who is here by himself, and cases where someone has come here and stuck here and lost a family member and they can't go home, if you were to leave home for a week or 10 days, you will leave a lot of things to lose and lot of things you will not care, and u suddenly find yourself stranded, so a lot of pressure, as there is in rest of the world and as there is within India for migrants to go back home, so we have to deal with that pressure and that requires one to be patience, requires counselling, we have to be on email, phone with them, we have set up helplines in the mission which are attended round the clock. Those that require special treatment get up the filter to a higher level. I personally answer a lot of mail my self because I feel it should be reassuring and connect with them. My deputy does it, so all of us are trying to give it a personal touch, but yes we dealing with a lot of stress, so that message here, it has been from rest of the world. The thing we explained to them is, look, massive lockdown in India and people not able to move from one house to the next, how do we organise movement in the country and each city may say I have 3000 people, if we look at across the world we might end up with hundreds and thousands of Indians wanting to come back and we also have a situation where people may ask migrant workers are stuck, we have not made arrangement for them to return, and we making arrangements for them. It is a very complex task and this is why we individually engage with people and try to explain to them and make them understand, patience is important in our collective fight beside making arrangement for so many people and testing them is a huge task. When you explain to them they understand what they dealing with and we deal with and risk that exists for so many people travelling in a large group, imagine an aircraft of 200 people and one of them is infected, so people who are safe might find themselves as infected on the way. But human psychology being what it is, it is always there. We doing quite well so far. And let us hope.... but no one really knows where we are on this curve and if 2nd and 3rd waves will come and frankly, it will take a long time for things to return normal because unless.. because when we reopen how do u allow international travel and what kind of protocol you introduce that enable people that those coming in and out for business and work are safe, who does the testing, you do testing after departure or before departure, temperature means nothing, asymptomatic cases are 80%, the issue will have to be worked out because it will be a long haul before we even before we see a semblance of normalcy. SS: Back on sourcing from Singapore, the role played by the mission to get medical equipment sourced JA: As I told you because it is a global trading hub, a lot of international trading firm are based in Singapore, many of them have Indian lineage and like for example olam international is an agro commodity company present in 70 countries and is based out of Singapore, it has been co-founded by Indians and not 5 generations ago, these are Indians who are graduates of IIMs and all. The government essentially looked at let us diversify to different sources and ultimately they procured from various places--it could be Korea, china and it could even be some other places, and one of the sense is always that Singapore based companies always do a lot of due diligence and since they have experience in international trading, they have good logistics and all arranged with them and as I said when we were looking at a quotation for test kits and things, we had so many companies here even for PPEs, so many companies came up with offers, because being a trading hub, they have networks of supply chains that work extremely well, so that is one of the reasons, govt asked us to look at arranging for procurement, a lot of these factories are in china but masks are made in many countries. It is a question of getting the right source because speed is essential and working of supply of china is also necessary.

EXCLUSIVE- We will get a million PPEs from Singapore: Indian envoy

Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi area has been sealed as the hospital is being sanitised. The hospital had to be sealed as&nbsp;44 staff members, including doctors, were tested positive for COVID-19.

"Total 44 staff members including doctors at Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi have tested positive for COVID-19. Test reports of other staff members are awaited. Hospital's medical services have been closed and the hospital is being sanitized," Delhi Health Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donate-blood-plasma-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-appeals-to-recovered-covid-19-patients-294509">Also read:&nbsp;Donate blood plasma, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appeals to recovered COVID-19 patients</a>

This is the second hospital to be sealed within 24 hours in the capital.&nbsp;Hindu Rao Hospital was sealed yesterday as a nurse, who had been working at different sections of the building for the last two weeks, tested positive for coronavirus.

Nearly 111 positive cases were reported yesterday in the capital which took the total number of cases to&nbsp;2,625.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tax-officers-suggest-40-tax-on-super-rich-higher-levy-on-foreign-companies-to-fund-covid-19-fight-294860">Also read:&nbsp;Tax officers suggest 40% tax on super-rich, higher levy on foreign companies to fund COVID-19 fight</a>

Considering the constant increase in the number of positive cases in Delhi, the lockdown might have to be extended till May 16, said a top official in the Delhi government's Covid-19 committee.

"India is still on the ascending limb of the epidemic curve and so, to ease the restrictions will mean the cases will multiply uncontrollably. And, Delhi has a large number of containment zones, so it will be wise to extend it," said Dr S K Sarin, chairman of Delhi government's committee on combating Covid-19.

He stated that the lockdown, according to him, should be extended as that is when the epidemic curve is likely to start declining, which happens after&nbsp;he flattening of the curve.

"But, after the flattening of the curve, its decline also needs to be seen over a few weeks to make any assessment," Sarin said.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi area has been sealed as the hospital is being sanitised. The hospital had to be sealed as 44 staff members, including doctors, were tested positive for COVID-19.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi area has been sealed as the hospital is being sanitised. The hospital had to be sealed as 44 staff members, including doctors, were tested positive for COVID-19. "Total 44 staff members including doctors at Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi have tested positive for COVID-19. Test reports of other staff members are awaited. Hospital's medical services have been closed and the hospital is being sanitized," Delhi Health Department said. Also read: Donate blood plasma, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appeals to recovered COVID-19 patients This is the second hospital to be sealed within 24 hours in the capital. Hindu Rao Hospital was sealed yesterday as a nurse, who had been working at different sections of the building for the last two weeks, tested positive for coronavirus. Nearly 111 positive cases were reported yesterday in the capital which took the total number of cases to 2,625. Also read: Tax officers suggest 40% tax on super-rich, higher levy on foreign companies to fund COVID-19 fight Considering the constant increase in the number of positive cases in Delhi, the lockdown might have to be extended till May 16, said a top official in the Delhi government's Covid-19 committee. "India is still on the ascending limb of the epidemic curve and so, to ease the restrictions will mean the cases will multiply uncontrollably. And, Delhi has a large number of containment zones, so it will be wise to extend it," said Dr S K Sarin, chairman of Delhi government's committee on combating Covid-19. He stated that the lockdown, according to him, should be extended as that is when the epidemic curve is likely to start declining, which happens after he flattening of the curve. "But, after the flattening of the curve, its decline also needs to be seen over a few weeks to make any assessment," Sarin said.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital in Delhi sealed; second hospital in less than 24 hours

Union Health Ministry on Sunday said that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 826 while the number of cases climbed to 26,917.&nbsp;

1975 new COVID-19 cases and 47 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

Among 26,917 positive cases, 20177 active cases, 5914 cured/discharged/migrated and 826 deaths), according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).

The minister visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre to take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said.

During his visit, he spoke to some COVID-19 positive people through video calling and enquired about their health. Robots handled the technology at the patients' end, it said.

Vardhan also sought their feedback about the facilities available at AIIMS so that necessary improvements can be made, the statement said.

Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, the Government of India is taking several steps along with the states/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level,&nbsp;the ministry said.

Union Health Ministry on Sunday said that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 826 while the number of cases climbed to 26,917. 1975 new COVID-19 cases and 47 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

Union Health Ministry on Sunday said that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 826 while the number of cases climbed to 26,917. 1975 new COVID-19 cases and 47 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. Among 26,917 positive cases, 20177 active cases, 5914 cured/discharged/migrated and 826 deaths), according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD). The minister visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre to take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said. During his visit, he spoke to some COVID-19 positive people through video calling and enquired about their health. Robots handled the technology at the patients' end, it said. Vardhan also sought their feedback about the facilities available at AIIMS so that necessary improvements can be made, the statement said. Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, the Government of India is taking several steps along with the states/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry said.

Countrywide COVID-19 death toll 826, number of cases climbs to 26,917: Union Health Ministry

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Saturday issued notice to Google, Twitter, and WhatsApp over child pornography. The Commission, attributing to the research study of ICPF on Child Sexual Abuse Material in India, highlighted that the online child porn traffic from India has increased by 95 per cent between March 24 and 26, as compared to average traffic before the lockdown. In its notice, the Commission has sought a reply by April 30.

Spike in child pornography consumption in India during lockdown period

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The Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, India's Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the situation on lockdown in the country and resumption of economic activities.

During that meeting, the issue of Indians stranded abroad was also discussed. A government release said cabinet secretary informed that "Ministry of External Affairs has started the process of consultation with the States/UTs to bringing back the Indian nationals stranded in different countries."

The final call for this will be taken after "getting feedback on the preparedness of the states/UTs to receive such people and taking into consideration all required health precautions" which includes quarantine and testing facility.

Several Indians have been stranded across the world, from Japan to Singapore to Europe and Gulf who are keen to come back to India but cannot due to non-operation of flights and pan India lockdown. As of now, the Indian missions have told them to stay put and are reaching out to them by providing them food, accommodation and even dry ration.&nbsp;

While the evacuation of Indians is expected to be a huge task, before the lockdown India had evacuated more than 2000 of its citizens from China, Japan, Italy and Iran.

This also included 48 foreigners, many of them from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
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The Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities.

The Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities. Earlier this week, India's Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the situation on lockdown in the country and resumption of economic activities. During that meeting, the issue of Indians stranded abroad was also discussed. A government release said cabinet secretary informed that "Ministry of External Affairs has started the process of consultation with the States/UTs to bringing back the Indian nationals stranded in different countries." The final call for this will be taken after "getting feedback on the preparedness of the states/UTs to receive such people and taking into consideration all required health precautions" which includes quarantine and testing facility. Several Indians have been stranded across the world, from Japan to Singapore to Europe and Gulf who are keen to come back to India but cannot due to non-operation of flights and pan India lockdown. As of now, the Indian missions have told them to stay put and are reaching out to them by providing them food, accommodation and even dry ration. While the evacuation of Indians is expected to be a huge task, before the lockdown India had evacuated more than 2000 of its citizens from China, Japan, Italy and Iran. This also included 48 foreigners, many of them from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Indian missions lay groundwork to bring back stranded Indians from abroad post lockdown

As many as 1,990 new coronavirus cases were reported in India, the highest surge in cases in the 24-hour period. With the latest figures confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, coronavirus infections in India stand at 26,496, including 824 deaths. Also, 49 new deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours.

A look back at week 5 of India's coronavirus lockdown

A group of senior tax officers has suggested a super-rich tax and a higher levy on foreign companies to keep the cash till running as part of short term measures to help the government fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The suggestions are part of a paper titled 'Force', which stands for 'Fiscal Options &amp; Response to the COVID-19 Epidemic', submitted by the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Association to CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) Chairman P C Mody.

According to the paper, dated April 23, tax relief should be restricted to honest and compliant taxpayers, especially those filing returns on time as there have been many instances of non-filing of returns, increase in non-deductions and withholding of TDS apart from rising under-reporting of tax liabilities through bogus loss claims.

The central government has frozen the inflation-linked allowance for its employees and pensioners, a move that will help it save around Rs 37,000 crore.

Some of the short term measures suggested in the paper include a super-rich tax by raising the highest slab rate to 40 per cent for those with an income above Rs 1 crore from 30 per cent and re-introduction of wealth tax for those with over Rs 5 crore annual income.

Short term refers to a time period of 3-6 months.

As per the paper, a copy of which is with PTI, the surcharge introduced in the Budget 2021 on the super-rich may generate only Rs 2,700 crore to the exchequer and therefore the call to up the tax slab on the super-rich. Individuals having a taxable income of Rs 1 crore are considered as super-rich.

The paper has been prepared by a group of 50 IRS officers.

The group has also suggested that the ultra-rich be taxed through two alternative ways which can be imposed for a limited time. One, up the highest slab rate to 40 per cent on the income of over Rs 1 crore from 30 per cent now and two, re-introduce wealth tax for those with a net wealth of Rs 5 crore.

For the medium term, 9-12 months time period, the paper has suggested raising additional revenue from foreign companies operating in the country by hiking the surcharge on their income from the present 2 per cent for Rs 1-10 crore and at 5 per cent on incomes exceeding Rs 10 crore.

They have also called for imposing a COVID-19 cess to help mobilise additional revenue. The one-time 'COVID Relief Cess' of 4 per cent can help finance capital investment, as per the paper.

According to an initial assessment, such a cess can fetch Rs 15,000-18,000 crore for the exchequer, the paper said.&nbsp;

A group of senior tax officers has suggested a super-rich tax and a higher levy on foreign companies to keep the cash till running as part of short term measures to help the government fight the coronavirus pandemic.

A group of senior tax officers has suggested a super-rich tax and a higher levy on foreign companies to keep the cash till running as part of short term measures to help the government fight the coronavirus pandemic. The suggestions are part of a paper titled 'Force', which stands for 'Fiscal Options & Response to the COVID-19 Epidemic', submitted by the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Association to CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) Chairman P C Mody. According to the paper, dated April 23, tax relief should be restricted to honest and compliant taxpayers, especially those filing returns on time as there have been many instances of non-filing of returns, increase in non-deductions and withholding of TDS apart from rising under-reporting of tax liabilities through bogus loss claims. The central government has frozen the inflation-linked allowance for its employees and pensioners, a move that will help it save around Rs 37,000 crore. Some of the short term measures suggested in the paper include a super-rich tax by raising the highest slab rate to 40 per cent for those with an income above Rs 1 crore from 30 per cent and re-introduction of wealth tax for those with over Rs 5 crore annual income. Short term refers to a time period of 3-6 months. As per the paper, a copy of which is with PTI, the surcharge introduced in the Budget 2021 on the super-rich may generate only Rs 2,700 crore to the exchequer and therefore the call to up the tax slab on the super-rich. Individuals having a taxable income of Rs 1 crore are considered as super-rich. The paper has been prepared by a group of 50 IRS officers. The group has also suggested that the ultra-rich be taxed through two alternative ways which can be imposed for a limited time. One, up the highest slab rate to 40 per cent on the income of over Rs 1 crore from 30 per cent now and two, re-introduce wealth tax for those with a net wealth of Rs 5 crore. For the medium term, 9-12 months time period, the paper has suggested raising additional revenue from foreign companies operating in the country by hiking the surcharge on their income from the present 2 per cent for Rs 1-10 crore and at 5 per cent on incomes exceeding Rs 10 crore. They have also called for imposing a COVID-19 cess to help mobilise additional revenue. The one-time 'COVID Relief Cess' of 4 per cent can help finance capital investment, as per the paper. According to an initial assessment, such a cess can fetch Rs 15,000-18,000 crore for the exchequer, the paper said.

Tax officers suggest 40% tax on super-rich, higher levy on foreign companies to fund COVID-19 fight

For the first time in its history, the flag hoisting of Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival, was held without the participation of people.

Only five people participated at the flag hoisting ritual held here on Sunday at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples due to the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period</a>

It was decided earlier this month that this year's festival will be held without gathering of people.

The main attraction of Thrissur Pooram, which showcases fireworks and parading of elephants falls on May 3. But this year it has also been cancelled in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;

For the first time in its history, the flag hoisting of Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival, was held without the participation of people. Only five people participated at the flag hoisting ritual held here on Sunday at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples due to the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.

For the first time in its history, the flag hoisting of Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival, was held without the participation of people. Only five people participated at the flag hoisting ritual held here on Sunday at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples due to the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines. Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period It was decided earlier this month that this year's festival will be held without gathering of people. The main attraction of Thrissur Pooram, which showcases fireworks and parading of elephants falls on May 3. But this year it has also been cancelled in the wake of COVID-19.

Flag-hoisting at Thrissur Pooram festival held without mass gathering

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