For&nbsp;the second year year in a row, India's Republic Day will have no foreign chief guest amid the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis, especially with the increase in the number of Omicron variant cases.

Five&nbsp;central Asian leaders were invited as the chief guest at the Republic day parade on January 26 earlier, though no public announcements were made by either side.

According to the Indian health ministry, 2,38,018 new COVID-19&nbsp;cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. The ministry in its daily morning press statement on Tuesday said 8,891 Omicron cases have been detected so far, which is an increase of 8.31 per cent since&nbsp;Monday.

Last year, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was invited as the chief guest but he could not take part amid the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis.&nbsp;In the past, India saw no Republic Day guests in 1952, 1953 and 1966.

India's former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri had died on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent and the new PM Indira Gandhi was sworn in on January 24, 1966, just 2 days before the Republic day.&nbsp;

As per the diplomatic calender, January was expected to be a heavy month with the visit of PM Modi to UAE, defence minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam and mega "Vibrant Gujarat" investors meet but visits were postponed or cancelled amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The focus now is on more virtual meetings and telephonic conversations.&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar had held telephonic talks with over 15 of his counterparts since the new year dawned.

Next week will see a virtual summit involving PM Modi and all the five&nbsp;Central Asian leaders to celebrate&nbsp;the 30 years of establishment of ties. The dates have been proposed for the summit and will take place on January 26. According&nbsp;to multiple sources,&nbsp;the central Asian capitals confirmed that their leadership will be taking part in a virtual summit hosted by New Delhi next week.&nbsp;

The India Central Asia summit takes place&nbsp;even as engagement between the two&nbsp;sides has increased over the past few years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited all the central Asian countries in 2015, which was the first of its kind tour by any Indian Prime minister.&nbsp;

December saw the third&nbsp;India-Central Asia meeting in Delhi where all the five&nbsp;Central Asian foreign ministers participated.

During the&nbsp;meet, external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar emphasised on 4 Cs - commerce, capacity enhancement, connectivity and contacts in the ties&nbsp;pointing to&nbsp;"good history of cooperation".&nbsp;

Central Asian FMs participated in Delhi meet&nbsp;giving a miss to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers meet being hosted in Pakistan in what was seen as a snub to Islamabad.

EAM Jaishankar had last year visited two&nbsp;Central Asian countries - Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

India has in the past announced a $ 1 billion line of credit for priority development projects in fields such as connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture, etc for Central Asia. It has also pitched for Chabahar port in Iran for an easy route for connectivity that&nbsp;has garnered support among those countries.

For the second year year in a row, India's Republic Day will have no foreign chief guest amid the COVID-19 crisis, especially with the increase in the number of Omicron variant cases.

For the second year year in a row, India's Republic Day will have no foreign chief guest amid the COVID-19 crisis, especially with the increase in the number of Omicron variant cases. Five central Asian leaders were invited as the chief guest at the Republic day parade on January 26 earlier, though no public announcements were made by either side. According to the Indian health ministry, 2,38,018 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. The ministry in its daily morning press statement on Tuesday said 8,891 Omicron cases have been detected so far, which is an increase of 8.31 per cent since Monday. Last year, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was invited as the chief guest but he could not take part amid the COVID-19 crisis. In the past, India saw no Republic Day guests in 1952, 1953 and 1966. India's former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri had died on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent and the new PM Indira Gandhi was sworn in on January 24, 1966, just 2 days before the Republic day. As per the diplomatic calender, January was expected to be a heavy month with the visit of PM Modi to UAE, defence minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam and mega "Vibrant Gujarat" investors meet but visits were postponed or cancelled amid the COVID-19 crisis. The focus now is on more virtual meetings and telephonic conversations. EAM Jaishankar had held telephonic talks with over 15 of his counterparts since the new year dawned. Next week will see a virtual summit involving PM Modi and all the five Central Asian leaders to celebrate the 30 years of establishment of ties. The dates have been proposed for the summit and will take place on January 26. According to multiple sources, the central Asian capitals confirmed that their leadership will be taking part in a virtual summit hosted by New Delhi next week. The India Central Asia summit takes place even as engagement between the two sides has increased over the past few years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited all the central Asian countries in 2015, which was the first of its kind tour by any Indian Prime minister. December saw the third India-Central Asia meeting in Delhi where all the five Central Asian foreign ministers participated. During the meet, external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar emphasised on 4 Cs - commerce, capacity enhancement, connectivity and contacts in the ties pointing to "good history of cooperation". Central Asian FMs participated in Delhi meet giving a miss to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers meet being hosted in Pakistan in what was seen as a snub to Islamabad. EAM Jaishankar had last year visited two Central Asian countries - Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. India has in the past announced a $ 1 billion line of credit for priority development projects in fields such as connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture, etc for Central Asia. It has also pitched for Chabahar port in Iran for an easy route for connectivity that has garnered support among those countries.

For second year in row, no chief guest on Republic Day due to COVID-19 crisis

India on Wednesday reported 208,921 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections, pushing the overall tally of cases to 27,157,795, as the country conducted 2,217,320 coronavirus tests, its highest-ever in a day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll also climbed to 311,388 with 4,157 fatalities reported in a 24-hour period, the data updated at 8 am showed.

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A total of 2,217,320 tests, the highest in a day, were conducted on Tuesday taking the cumulative number so far in the country to 334,811,496, while the daily positivity declined to 9.42 per cent, the ministry said.

This is the second day in a row that the case positivity rate has remained below 10 per cent, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has also declined to 11.45 per cent. The updated data showed that the number of active cases have further come down to 2,495,591, with a net decline of 91,191 in a span of 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-gets-a-new-drug-to-treat-wuhan-virus-387376">WATCH |</a>

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The active cases now constituting 9.19 per cent of the total infections. The data also showed that 295,955 patients recovered from the virus in a span of 24 hours, pushing the total recoveries so far to 24,350,816. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 89.66 per cent, it showed. The case fatality rate was 1.15 per cent, the data showed.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the two million&nbsp;mark on August 7, three&nbsp;million on August 23, four&nbsp;million on September 5 and five&nbsp;million on September 16. The country crossed the grim milestone of 20 million cases on May 4.

The 4,157 new fatalities include 1,137 from Maharashtra, 588 from Karnataka, 468 from Tamil Nadu, 177 from Kerala, 174 from Punjab, 157 each from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, 156 from Delhi, 128 from Haryana, 106 from Andhra Pradesh, 105 from Rajasthan and 104 from Bihar, according to the ministry data.

A total of 311,388 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 90,349 from Maharashtra, 26,399 from Karnataka, 23,565 from Delhi, 21,340 from Tamil Nadu, 19,519 from Uttar Pradesh, 14,674 from West Bengal, 13,642 from Punjab and 12,723 from Chhattisgarh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities or preexisting health conditions. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India on Wednesday reported 208,921 COVID-19 infections, pushing the overall tally of cases to 27,157,795, as the country conducted 2,217,320 coronavirus tests, its highest-ever in a day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

India on Wednesday reported 208,921 COVID-19 infections, pushing the overall tally of cases to 27,157,795, as the country conducted 2,217,320 coronavirus tests, its highest-ever in a day, according to Union Health Ministry data. The death toll also climbed to 311,388 with 4,157 fatalities reported in a 24-hour period, the data updated at 8 am showed. Also read | Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine A total of 2,217,320 tests, the highest in a day, were conducted on Tuesday taking the cumulative number so far in the country to 334,811,496, while the daily positivity declined to 9.42 per cent, the ministry said. This is the second day in a row that the case positivity rate has remained below 10 per cent, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has also declined to 11.45 per cent. The updated data showed that the number of active cases have further come down to 2,495,591, with a net decline of 91,191 in a span of 24 hours. WATCH | The active cases now constituting 9.19 per cent of the total infections. The data also showed that 295,955 patients recovered from the virus in a span of 24 hours, pushing the total recoveries so far to 24,350,816. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 89.66 per cent, it showed. The case fatality rate was 1.15 per cent, the data showed. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the two million mark on August 7, three million on August 23, four million on September 5 and five million on September 16. The country crossed the grim milestone of 20 million cases on May 4. The 4,157 new fatalities include 1,137 from Maharashtra, 588 from Karnataka, 468 from Tamil Nadu, 177 from Kerala, 174 from Punjab, 157 each from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, 156 from Delhi, 128 from Haryana, 106 from Andhra Pradesh, 105 from Rajasthan and 104 from Bihar, according to the ministry data. A total of 311,388 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 90,349 from Maharashtra, 26,399 from Karnataka, 23,565 from Delhi, 21,340 from Tamil Nadu, 19,519 from Uttar Pradesh, 14,674 from West Bengal, 13,642 from Punjab and 12,723 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities or preexisting health conditions. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India reports 208,921 COVID-19 infections; positivity rate stays below 10%

India on Wednesday reported 208,921 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections, pushing the overall tally of cases to 27,157,795, as the country conducted 2,217,320 coronavirus tests, its highest-ever in a day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll also climbed to 311,388 with 4,157 fatalities reported in a 24-hour period, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-agency-hires-influencers-to-spread-fake-news-about-pfizer-vaccine-387419" hreflang="en">Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine</a>

A total of 2,217,320 tests, the highest in a day, were conducted on Tuesday taking the cumulative number so far in the country to 334,811,496, while the daily positivity declined to 9.42 per cent, the ministry said.

This is the second day in a row that the case positivity rate has remained below 10 per cent, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has also declined to 11.45 per cent. The updated data showed that the number of active cases have further come down to 2,495,591, with a net decline of 91,191 in a span of 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-gets-a-new-drug-to-treat-wuhan-virus-387376">WATCH |</a>

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The active cases now constituting 9.19 per cent of the total infections. The data also showed that 295,955 patients recovered from the virus in a span of 24 hours, pushing the total recoveries so far to 24,350,816. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 89.66 per cent, it showed. The case fatality rate was 1.15 per cent, the data showed.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the two million&nbsp;mark on August 7, three&nbsp;million on August 23, four&nbsp;million on September 5 and five&nbsp;million on September 16. The country crossed the grim milestone of 20 million cases on May 4.

The 4,157 new fatalities include 1,137 from Maharashtra, 588 from Karnataka, 468 from Tamil Nadu, 177 from Kerala, 174 from Punjab, 157 each from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, 156 from Delhi, 128 from Haryana, 106 from Andhra Pradesh, 105 from Rajasthan and 104 from Bihar, according to the ministry data.

A total of 311,388 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 90,349 from Maharashtra, 26,399 from Karnataka, 23,565 from Delhi, 21,340 from Tamil Nadu, 19,519 from Uttar Pradesh, 14,674 from West Bengal, 13,642 from Punjab and 12,723 from Chhattisgarh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities or preexisting health conditions. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said.

The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital.

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This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said.

"We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help.

The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT.

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It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai.

The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3.

The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved.

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It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients.

The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage".

"Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah.

"This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients,"&nbsp;Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said.

"Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital. The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the COVID-19 management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said. The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital. Also read | COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said. "We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help. The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT. Also read | India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai. The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3. The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved. Also read | 11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients. The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage". "Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah. "This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said. "Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

SC stays Delhi HC order on contempt proceedings against Centre's officials over oxygen supply

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants. 
 
Nearly a month after the health minister declared that COVID-19 had been contained, states such as Maharashtra in the west and Kerala in the south have reported a surge in cases, as reluctance grows over mask-wearing and social distancing norms.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-has-ample-medical-supply-for-second-covid-19-wave-says-state-fda-365859" hreflang="en">Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA</a> 
 
India`s tally of infections stands at 11.03 million, swelled in the past 24 hours by 13,742, health ministry data shows, while deaths rose by a two-week high of 104 to 156,567. 
 
"Any laxity in implementing stringent measures to curb the spread, especially in view of new strain of virus...could compound the situation," the health ministry said in a statement that singled out nine states and a federal territory. 
 
India has confirmed the long-time presence of two mutant variants - N440K and E484Q - in addition to those first detected in Brazil, Britain and South Africa. 
 
The ministry said that while cases in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were rising, the proportion of high-accuracy RT-PCR tests was falling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770">WATCH|</a>

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The states were advised to boost testing, using a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, while making sure all symptomatic negatives from antigen tests then go through PT-PCR tests, the ministry added. 
 
In the past week, a third of India`s 36 states and union territories have reported an average of more than 100 new cases each day, with Kerala and Maharashtra both reporting more than 4,000, in a trend experts link to the reopening of schools and suburban train services. 
 
The government has also asked states to speed vaccinations for healthcare and frontline workers. Just about 11 million people have received one or two doses in a campaign that began on Jan. 16, versus a target of 300 million by August.

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants.

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants. Nearly a month after the health minister declared that COVID-19 had been contained, states such as Maharashtra in the west and Kerala in the south have reported a surge in cases, as reluctance grows over mask-wearing and social distancing norms. Also read| Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA India`s tally of infections stands at 11.03 million, swelled in the past 24 hours by 13,742, health ministry data shows, while deaths rose by a two-week high of 104 to 156,567. "Any laxity in implementing stringent measures to curb the spread, especially in view of new strain of virus...could compound the situation," the health ministry said in a statement that singled out nine states and a federal territory. India has confirmed the long-time presence of two mutant variants - N440K and E484Q - in addition to those first detected in Brazil, Britain and South Africa. The ministry said that while cases in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were rising, the proportion of high-accuracy RT-PCR tests was falling. WATCH| × The states were advised to boost testing, using a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, while making sure all symptomatic negatives from antigen tests then go through PT-PCR tests, the ministry added. In the past week, a third of India`s 36 states and union territories have reported an average of more than 100 new cases each day, with Kerala and Maharashtra both reporting more than 4,000, in a trend experts link to the reopening of schools and suburban train services. The government has also asked states to speed vaccinations for healthcare and frontline workers. Just about 11 million people have received one or two doses in a campaign that began on Jan. 16, versus a target of 300 million by August.

India warns states of worsening COVID-19 situation if rules ignored

India recorded 86,432 new coronavirus cases and 1,089 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Saturday.

Watch:

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The total coronavirus cases in the country have risen to 40,23,179 including 8,46,395 active cases.

The ministry informed the death toll due to the virus has risen to 69,561&nbsp;with the number of patients discharged from hospital at 31,07,223.

In Telangana,&nbsp;there were 2,511 new coronavirus cases with 11 deaths taking the total number of cases to 1,38,395 with 32,915 active cases.

Assam reported 2,891 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 1,21,224 including 345 deaths, state health minister Biswa Sarma said.

In Jharkhand, there were 1,537 new COVID-19 cases with the number of cases rising to 48,039 with 15,549 active cases. The death toll in the state has risen to 447.

In Uttarakhand, there were 831 new coronavirus cases with 23,011 active cases. There have been 312 deaths including 7,187 active cases in the state. 
&nbsp;

India recorded 86,432 new coronavirus cases and 1,089 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Saturday. Watch: The total coronavirus cases in the country have risen to 40,23,179 including 8,46,395 active cases.

India recorded 86,432 new coronavirus cases and 1,089 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Saturday. Watch: The total coronavirus cases in the country have risen to 40,23,179 including 8,46,395 active cases. The ministry informed the death toll due to the virus has risen to 69,561 with the number of patients discharged from hospital at 31,07,223. In Telangana, there were 2,511 new coronavirus cases with 11 deaths taking the total number of cases to 1,38,395 with 32,915 active cases. Assam reported 2,891 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 1,21,224 including 345 deaths, state health minister Biswa Sarma said. In Jharkhand, there were 1,537 new COVID-19 cases with the number of cases rising to 48,039 with 15,549 active cases. The death toll in the state has risen to 447. In Uttarakhand, there were 831 new coronavirus cases with 23,011 active cases. There have been 312 deaths including 7,187 active cases in the state.

COVID-19: India records over 86,000 cases in 24 hours; over 4 million infected in the country

In the fight against COVID-19, India has conducted nearly 3.6 crore tests to diagnose coronavirus disease, the nation has also seen a rise in the tests per million per day as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) i.e. TPM has currently increased to 26,016, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

WHO in its Guidance Note on "Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19" stated that a country needs 140 tests per day per million population as a measure for comprehensive surveillance for suspected COVID-19 cases.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the nation has tested at least 3,59,02,137 so far since the beginning of the virus pandemic. With 6,09,917 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, India is on its resolved drive to increase its testing capacity.

"Easy access to testing through expanded diagnostic lab network across the country has given a substantial boost to the present numbers. As a result of these focussed actions, the Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 26,016. The TPM continues to maintain the constant upward trend," stated the health ministry.

A prominent determinant of the evolving testing strategy is the steadily widening diagnostic lab network in the country.This has significantly grown to 1,520 labs till date, including 984 labs in the government sector and 536 private labs. These include RT PCR based testing labs: 785, TrueNat based testing labs: 617 and CBNAAT based testing labs: 118.

In the fight against COVID-19, India has conducted nearly 3.6 crore tests to diagnose coronavirus disease, the nation has also seen a rise in the tests per million per day as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) i.

In the fight against COVID-19, India has conducted nearly 3.6 crore tests to diagnose coronavirus disease, the nation has also seen a rise in the tests per million per day as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) i.e. TPM has currently increased to 26,016, the Health Ministry said on Monday. WHO in its Guidance Note on "Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19" stated that a country needs 140 tests per day per million population as a measure for comprehensive surveillance for suspected COVID-19 cases. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the nation has tested at least 3,59,02,137 so far since the beginning of the virus pandemic. With 6,09,917 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, India is on its resolved drive to increase its testing capacity. "Easy access to testing through expanded diagnostic lab network across the country has given a substantial boost to the present numbers. As a result of these focussed actions, the Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 26,016. The TPM continues to maintain the constant upward trend," stated the health ministry. A prominent determinant of the evolving testing strategy is the steadily widening diagnostic lab network in the country.This has significantly grown to 1,520 labs till date, including 984 labs in the government sector and 536 private labs. These include RT PCR based testing labs: 785, TrueNat based testing labs: 617 and CBNAAT based testing labs: 118.

India conducts over 3.6 crore COVID-19 tests, Tests Per Million (TPM) rises: Health Ministry

Weeks after testing positive for coronavirus, legendary singer <a href="SP Balasubrahmanyam: Film Industry unites to pray for recovery of veteran singer">SP Balasubrahmanyam</a> tested negative for the virus on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/sabarimala-temple-performs-first-ever-musical-puja-for-recovery-of-veteran-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-322193" hreflang="en">Sabarimala temple performs first-ever musical Puja for recovery of veteran Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam</a> 
 
In a statement issued to the media, the senior singer's son SP Charan said his father is stable and has tested negative for coronavirus. "Dear media friends. Thanks for your continuous support and prayers for my father. My father is fine and stable and his corona test has become negative. will keep you posted about the updates," the statement read. 
 
In the video, the singer detailed about having a little "discomfort" for two days, stating he had chest congestion along with cold and on-off fever, which led him to get tested for the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/sp-balasubrahmanyam-film-industry-unites-to-pray-for-recovery-of-veteran-singer-321680" hreflang="en">SP Balasubrahmanyam: Film Industry unites to pray for recovery of veteran singer</a> 
 
Upon the news of his critical health condition, scores of celebrities including superstar Rajinikanth and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar wished him a speedy recovery. A special prayer 'Usha Puja'&nbsp;was offered at the Sabarimala Temple earlier on Saturday for his speedy recovery.

Weeks after testing positive for coronavirus, legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam tested negative for the virus on Monday. Also read: Sabarimala temple performs first-ever musical Puja for recovery of veteran Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam In a statement issued to the media, the senior singer's son SP Charan said his father is stable and has tested negative for coronavirus.

Weeks after testing positive for coronavirus, legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam tested negative for the virus on Monday. Also read: Sabarimala temple performs first-ever musical Puja for recovery of veteran Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam In a statement issued to the media, the senior singer's son SP Charan said his father is stable and has tested negative for coronavirus. "Dear media friends. Thanks for your continuous support and prayers for my father. My father is fine and stable and his corona test has become negative. will keep you posted about the updates," the statement read. In the video, the singer detailed about having a little "discomfort" for two days, stating he had chest congestion along with cold and on-off fever, which led him to get tested for the virus. Also read: SP Balasubrahmanyam: Film Industry unites to pray for recovery of veteran singer Upon the news of his critical health condition, scores of celebrities including superstar Rajinikanth and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar wished him a speedy recovery. A special prayer 'Usha Puja' was offered at the Sabarimala Temple earlier on Saturday for his speedy recovery.

Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam tests negative for coronavirus

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was on Tuesday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was taken to the hospital at around 2:30 am.

According to the latest updates, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's medical condition is currently stable.&nbsp;

According to the information issued by the Media division of AIIMS, Shah has been admitted to AIIMS for post COVID care after he complained of fatigue and body ache.

<img alt="Amit-shah" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82ccf786-b959-461e-a9e3-379dbac56881" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/amit-shah.JPG" />

"He is comfortable and continuing his work from the hospital," said the release. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was on Tuesday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was taken to the hospital at around 2:30 am.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was on Tuesday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was taken to the hospital at around 2:30 am. According to the latest updates, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's medical condition is currently stable. According to the information issued by the Media division of AIIMS, Shah has been admitted to AIIMS for post COVID care after he complained of fatigue and body ache. "He is comfortable and continuing his work from the hospital," said the release. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah admitted to Delhi AIIMS

At 13.89 per cent, the COVID-19 fatality rate in West Bengal is the highest among people aged above 75 years, the health department said in its bulletin.

In the age group of 61-75 years, the rate stands at 6.58 per cent, it said.

The department, however, did not mention the total number of COVID-19 deceased in the respective age groups.

According to an official of the health department, who is also a doctor, most of those belonging to the age bracket of 61-75 years were found suffering from hypertension, diabetes or other ailments such as renal disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), which ultimately led to their demise.

Age is definitely a factor, as the body's immune system tends to weaken as people grow old, which, in turn, affects their ability to combat a disease, senior physician Dr Syamasis Bandyopadhyay said.

"Moreover, they are also fighting multiple age-related ailments like diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, renal failure and more. That is why the COVID-19 death rate is comparatively higher among the older population," the senior physician told PTI.

So far, as many as 1,861 coronavirus-affected in the state have died due to comorbidities, and COVID-19 in these cases were "incidental".

Bengal's COVID-19 tally climbed to 98,459 on Monday, with 2,905 fresh cases.

Forty-one people succumbed to the infection, taking the death toll in the state to 2,100.

At 13.89 per cent, the COVID-19 fatality rate in West Bengal is the highest among people aged above 75 years, the health department said in its bulletin. In the age group of 61-75 years, the rate stands at 6.

At 13.89 per cent, the COVID-19 fatality rate in West Bengal is the highest among people aged above 75 years, the health department said in its bulletin. In the age group of 61-75 years, the rate stands at 6.58 per cent, it said. The department, however, did not mention the total number of COVID-19 deceased in the respective age groups. According to an official of the health department, who is also a doctor, most of those belonging to the age bracket of 61-75 years were found suffering from hypertension, diabetes or other ailments such as renal disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), which ultimately led to their demise. Age is definitely a factor, as the body's immune system tends to weaken as people grow old, which, in turn, affects their ability to combat a disease, senior physician Dr Syamasis Bandyopadhyay said. "Moreover, they are also fighting multiple age-related ailments like diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, renal failure and more. That is why the COVID-19 death rate is comparatively higher among the older population," the senior physician told PTI. So far, as many as 1,861 coronavirus-affected in the state have died due to comorbidities, and COVID-19 in these cases were "incidental". Bengal's COVID-19 tally climbed to 98,459 on Monday, with 2,905 fresh cases. Forty-one people succumbed to the infection, taking the death toll in the state to 2,100.

COVID-19 fatality rate in Bengal highest among people over 75 years: Health department

Criminal cases will be filed against those flouting face mask and social distancing rules and the public can call police in case someone refuses to follow the COVID-19 preventive norms in the city, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said on Sunday.

While police and civic body officials will patrol city roads and enforce the mask rule and social distancing, the public can also do their bit and ask every other person to follow them, he said in a series of tweets as the government stepped up efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Asking traders and others to donate masks to the underprivileged, he also warned of legal action against shops and establishments if they did not implement the norms such as wearing of masks and social distancing.

"DCPs n BBMP (city civic body personnel) are on streets to enforce wearing of masks and SD. Warnings now, criminal cases will follow. Urge every Bangalurean to enforce mask enforcement and SD. If people argue, call 100, we are ready to respond to your calls. RWA (Resident Welfare Associations) n Traders Please Donate Masks to underprivileged," Rao tweeted.

He said, don't bother about the high and mighty factor, whosoever it is, just tell people around you to wear a mask and not to hang it around the neck.

The Commissioner also said if shops, malls, banks, hotels, offices, and establishments do not implement mask wearing and ensure safe distance, the City Police will raid and initiate legal action.

"This has already started, it's in Public Interest," he added. 
A total of 2,531 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the city as of Saturday evening. This includes 84 deaths and 533 discharges. 
The number of COVID-19 cases in the state had more than tripled to 11,923 on Saturday from 3,408 as of June 1 with the capital city topping the districts in the infection count.

Criminal cases will be filed against those flouting face mask and social distancing rules and the public can call police in case someone refuses to follow the COVID-19 preventive norms in the city, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said on Sunday.

Criminal cases will be filed against those flouting face mask and social distancing rules and the public can call police in case someone refuses to follow the COVID-19 preventive norms in the city, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said on Sunday. While police and civic body officials will patrol city roads and enforce the mask rule and social distancing, the public can also do their bit and ask every other person to follow them, he said in a series of tweets as the government stepped up efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus. Asking traders and others to donate masks to the underprivileged, he also warned of legal action against shops and establishments if they did not implement the norms such as wearing of masks and social distancing. "DCPs n BBMP (city civic body personnel) are on streets to enforce wearing of masks and SD. Warnings now, criminal cases will follow. Urge every Bangalurean to enforce mask enforcement and SD. If people argue, call 100, we are ready to respond to your calls. RWA (Resident Welfare Associations) n Traders Please Donate Masks to underprivileged," Rao tweeted. He said, don't bother about the high and mighty factor, whosoever it is, just tell people around you to wear a mask and not to hang it around the neck. The Commissioner also said if shops, malls, banks, hotels, offices, and establishments do not implement mask wearing and ensure safe distance, the City Police will raid and initiate legal action. "This has already started, it's in Public Interest," he added. A total of 2,531 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the city as of Saturday evening. This includes 84 deaths and 533 discharges. The number of COVID-19 cases in the state had more than tripled to 11,923 on Saturday from 3,408 as of June 1 with the capital city topping the districts in the infection count.

Bengaluru top cop urges public to enforce mask rule

Delhi recorded 20 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll in the national capital to 106, news agency PTI reported quoting city government authorities.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Wednesday mounted to 7,998 with 359 new cases, the report added.

In a bulletin issued on Wednesday, the Delhi health department said, the 20 deaths reported took place in April and May as per case sheets received from hospitals, and audited by the COVID-19 death committee.

However, it also carried a footnote that certain figures mentioned in it, were subject to change on receipt of additional information.

On Tuesday, the total number of cases stood at 7,639 with 86 deaths.&nbsp;

With 20 more fatalities, the death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi has risen to 106.

Of the total number of deceased patients, 58 were aged 60 and above, accounting for over 54 per cent of the fatalities here.&nbsp;

Delhi recorded 20 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll in the national capital to 106, news agency PTI reported quoting city government authorities.

Delhi recorded 20 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the death toll in the national capital to 106, news agency PTI reported quoting city government authorities. The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Wednesday mounted to 7,998 with 359 new cases, the report added. In a bulletin issued on Wednesday, the Delhi health department said, the 20 deaths reported took place in April and May as per case sheets received from hospitals, and audited by the COVID-19 death committee. However, it also carried a footnote that certain figures mentioned in it, were subject to change on receipt of additional information. On Tuesday, the total number of cases stood at 7,639 with 86 deaths. With 20 more fatalities, the death toll from COVID-19 in Delhi has risen to 106. Of the total number of deceased patients, 58 were aged 60 and above, accounting for over 54 per cent of the fatalities here.

20 new coronavirus deaths reported in Delhi; toll crosses 100

Telangana minister KT Rama Rao writes to Irani, urges cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in the textile industry

Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao has urged Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani for cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in the textile industry.

"Consumption patterns across national/ international markets will change in the post COVID-19 world, e.g. more spending will be on healthcare, resulting in higher opportunities from healthcare institutions and also the technical textiles segment which caters to medical textiles. Retail channels will shift more towards online than brick and mortar stores, which point to need for fast fashion and quicker turnaround at the factory. This points to better integration of the segments i.e. having integrated textile zones to improve efficiencies," KTR said in the letter.

"Providing wage support of up to 50 per cent of wages, contingent on continued employment of the workforce. This support can be given for a period of up to 6 months, in the form of a long-term loan which the industry would need to repay in instalments after a stipulated period," the letter further said.

Urging for statutory payments, he said, "Allow the industry a one-time extension of 3 months for the deposit of statutory dues of PF and ESI. This will release some cash for the industry."

"Facilitate higher temporary credit facilities (up to 30 per cent of current limits) to meet the cash losses during this slowdown, so that it will enable the industry to meet its obligations towards its vendors and statutory payments so that the entire supply chain is protected. The Govt of India could consider funding this through a concessional line of credit so that the banks are adequately supported, and the funds return to the Government in due course," it read.

The letter further read, "While the RBI has already announced measures to improve liquidity and reduce the interest rates, this can be further augmented by a complete interest waiver or an interest subvention scheme of 2-3 per cent on all loans (including working capital credit) availed by the sector as has been done in the past under TUFS. Further, a special moratorium of 1 year may also be considered."

"Further, in order to encourage faster reboot of the sector, the Centre could consider 50 per cent yarn subsidy across the handloom industry. As a special case, the GST Council should also consider complete waiver of GST on handloom products for a period of 2 years to boost the sector," he added. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Telangana minister KT Rama Rao writes to Irani, urges cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in the textile industry Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao has urged Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani for cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in the textile industry.

Telangana minister KT Rama Rao writes to Irani, urges cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in the textile industry Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao has urged Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani for cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in the textile industry. "Consumption patterns across national/ international markets will change in the post COVID-19 world, e.g. more spending will be on healthcare, resulting in higher opportunities from healthcare institutions and also the technical textiles segment which caters to medical textiles. Retail channels will shift more towards online than brick and mortar stores, which point to need for fast fashion and quicker turnaround at the factory. This points to better integration of the segments i.e. having integrated textile zones to improve efficiencies," KTR said in the letter. "Providing wage support of up to 50 per cent of wages, contingent on continued employment of the workforce. This support can be given for a period of up to 6 months, in the form of a long-term loan which the industry would need to repay in instalments after a stipulated period," the letter further said. Urging for statutory payments, he said, "Allow the industry a one-time extension of 3 months for the deposit of statutory dues of PF and ESI. This will release some cash for the industry." "Facilitate higher temporary credit facilities (up to 30 per cent of current limits) to meet the cash losses during this slowdown, so that it will enable the industry to meet its obligations towards its vendors and statutory payments so that the entire supply chain is protected. The Govt of India could consider funding this through a concessional line of credit so that the banks are adequately supported, and the funds return to the Government in due course," it read. The letter further read, "While the RBI has already announced measures to improve liquidity and reduce the interest rates, this can be further augmented by a complete interest waiver or an interest subvention scheme of 2-3 per cent on all loans (including working capital credit) availed by the sector as has been done in the past under TUFS. Further, a special moratorium of 1 year may also be considered." "Further, in order to encourage faster reboot of the sector, the Centre could consider 50 per cent yarn subsidy across the handloom industry. As a special case, the GST Council should also consider complete waiver of GST on handloom products for a period of 2 years to boost the sector," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Telangana minister KT Rama Rao writes to Irani, urges cooperation to protect livelihoods of people in textile industry

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that Indian players will go into isolation for two weeks if they are asked to do so by the Australian board.

As per the rules amid COVID-19 pandemic, those travelling to Australia have to go into isolation for a couple of weeks. The quarantine rules could have seen BCCI postponing the tour but the Indian cricket board is willing to play the scheduled four-match Test series.&nbsp;

Dhumal has said that there is no choice as everyone wants to resume cricket.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-feel-ipl-will-be-possible-this-year-india-and-kxip-pacer-mohammed-shami-297275" hreflang="en">"I don’t feel IPL will be possible this year": India and KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami</a>

“There is no choice – everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal told an Australian daily.

While Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the news, reports suggest that CA may lock the Indian team in a new hotel for the two-week isolation period. The hotel is likely to open in September and will have all training facilities and nets for the Indian players to gear up for the series. The venue could further host a warm-up match before the return of the international calendar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-too-feel-the-pressure-ms-dhoni-opens-up-on-the-issue-of-mental-health-297216" hreflang="en">"I too feel the pressure": MS Dhoni opens up on the issue of mental health</a>

However, with more than six months remaining for the series, the development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the next months could prove to be crucial. A lot will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series.

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that Indian players will go into isolation for two weeks if they are asked to do so by the Australian board. As per the rules amid COVID-19 pandemic, those travelling to Australia have to go into isolation for a couple of weeks. The quarantine rules could have seen BCCI postponing the tour but the Indian cricket board is willing to play the scheduled four-match Test series. Dhumal has said that there is no choice as everyone wants to resume cricket. ALSO READ: "I don’t feel IPL will be possible this year": India and KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami “There is no choice – everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal told an Australian daily. While Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the news, reports suggest that CA may lock the Indian team in a new hotel for the two-week isolation period. The hotel is likely to open in September and will have all training facilities and nets for the Indian players to gear up for the series. The venue could further host a warm-up match before the return of the international calendar. ALSO READ: "I too feel the pressure": MS Dhoni opens up on the issue of mental health However, with more than six months remaining for the series, the development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the next months could prove to be crucial. A lot will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.

Team India ready for two-week quarantine phase before Australia Test series: BCCI official

The United Kingdom on Monday reported 360 deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-to-reopen-factories-in-staged-end-to-europes-longest-coronavirus-lockdown-295135">coronavirus</a> in the last 24 hours which is the lowest daily total since last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-widespread-undetected-covid-19-community-transmission-we-have-won-that-battle-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-295147">Also Read:&nbsp;No widespread, undetected COVID-19 community transmission, says&nbsp;Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a>

The death toll due to COVID-19 in the UK rose to 21,092 as the country continued to battle the virus.

The total number of infected cases in the country has risen to 154, 038, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource center's live tracker.

According to minister Matt Hancock, the latest death toll includes 82 staff from the National Health Service and 60 social care workers.

With UK's economy under the gun, British finance minister Rishi Sunak launched micro-loans of up to $62,000 for small businesses hit by coronavirus.

"Some businesses will not want to take on more debt which is why our focus has been on cash grants, tax cuts and tax deferrals -- but for others, loans will be part of the answer," Sunak said, adding,""So today we are announcing a new micro-loan scheme, providing a simple quick easy solution for those in need of smaller loans."

Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) watchdog had earlier warned that the COVID-19 pandemic could shrink the economy by 13 per cent this year.

Meanwhile, British PM Boris Johnson,55, reported back to work on Monday and said "we are now beginning to turn the tide".

On the lockdown, the British PM said: "I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak, a huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS."

Johnson who was struck by the virus had spent three nights in ICU but recovered sufficiently the past few weeks to come back to work even as British healthcare workers continue to complain about lack of masks and PPEs.

The United Kingdom on Monday reported 360 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours which is the lowest daily total since last month. Also Read: No widespread, undetected COVID-19 community transmission, says Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern The death toll due to COVID-19 in the UK rose to 21,092 as the country continued to battle the virus.

The United Kingdom on Monday reported 360 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours which is the lowest daily total since last month. Also Read: No widespread, undetected COVID-19 community transmission, says Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern The death toll due to COVID-19 in the UK rose to 21,092 as the country continued to battle the virus. The total number of infected cases in the country has risen to 154, 038, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource center's live tracker. According to minister Matt Hancock, the latest death toll includes 82 staff from the National Health Service and 60 social care workers. With UK's economy under the gun, British finance minister Rishi Sunak launched micro-loans of up to $62,000 for small businesses hit by coronavirus. "Some businesses will not want to take on more debt which is why our focus has been on cash grants, tax cuts and tax deferrals -- but for others, loans will be part of the answer," Sunak said, adding,""So today we are announcing a new micro-loan scheme, providing a simple quick easy solution for those in need of smaller loans." Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) watchdog had earlier warned that the COVID-19 pandemic could shrink the economy by 13 per cent this year. Meanwhile, British PM Boris Johnson,55, reported back to work on Monday and said "we are now beginning to turn the tide". On the lockdown, the British PM said: "I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak, a huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS." Johnson who was struck by the virus had spent three nights in ICU but recovered sufficiently the past few weeks to come back to work even as British healthcare workers continue to complain about lack of masks and PPEs.

UK reports 360 more COVID-19 fatalities, NHS staff, social care workers among dead

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said today that a link has been seen between new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1396-new-coronavirus-cases-in-last-24-hrs-20835-people-under-active-medical-supervision-health-ministry-295101">coronavirus </a>cases with Ranchi's Hindpiri which has been declared a containment zone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/icmr-asks-states-not-to-use-coronavirus-kits-from-two-china-based-firms-295121">Also Read:&nbsp;ICMR asks states not to use coronavirus kits from two China-based firms</a>

"People of Hindpiri are going to other places, this has to stop. Now, CRPF will be deployed in Hindpiri. All borders with Ranchi will be sealed," the Jharkhand chief minister declared.

"We have decided not to implement the Central guidelines on the opening of shops, due to the rise in cases of coronavirus in Jharkhand," the chief minister said.

"No shops will open in any areas of the state until May 3. However, shops that were earlier allowed to open will remain functional," chief minister Hemant Soren said.

Mumbai Police said today that HC Shivaji Narayan Sonawane, 56, from Kurla traffic division died due to coronavirus.

Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee speaking at a press conference on Centre's decision to&nbsp;open&nbsp;stand-alone shops, said: "On one side they say lockdown should be strictly maintained, on the other hand, they're saying to open all shops. What should we do? There is a lack of clarity between what&nbsp;the Central government is saying and their directives."

"Central government is releasing circulars all of a sudden. I don't have any problem with it but there must be some consultation. They should have asked the position of states," the West Bengal chief minister added.

As the lockdown continues, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said that students from Kota cannot be brought back as it would need amendments to the existing lockdown guidelines.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said today that a link has been seen between new coronavirus cases with Ranchi's Hindpiri which has been declared a containment zone.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said today that a link has been seen between new coronavirus cases with Ranchi's Hindpiri which has been declared a containment zone. Also Read: ICMR asks states not to use coronavirus kits from two China-based firms "People of Hindpiri are going to other places, this has to stop. Now, CRPF will be deployed in Hindpiri. All borders with Ranchi will be sealed," the Jharkhand chief minister declared. "We have decided not to implement the Central guidelines on the opening of shops, due to the rise in cases of coronavirus in Jharkhand," the chief minister said. "No shops will open in any areas of the state until May 3. However, shops that were earlier allowed to open will remain functional," chief minister Hemant Soren said. Mumbai Police said today that HC Shivaji Narayan Sonawane, 56, from Kurla traffic division died due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee speaking at a press conference on Centre's decision to open stand-alone shops, said: "On one side they say lockdown should be strictly maintained, on the other hand, they're saying to open all shops. What should we do? There is a lack of clarity between what the Central government is saying and their directives." "Central government is releasing circulars all of a sudden. I don't have any problem with it but there must be some consultation. They should have asked the position of states," the West Bengal chief minister added. As the lockdown continues, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said that students from Kota cannot be brought back as it would need amendments to the existing lockdown guidelines.

One policeman dies due to COVID-19 in Mumbai; Ranchi border to be sealed, says Jharkhand CM

The Uttar Pradesh government said today that the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-looking-at-joint-development-of-covid-19-vaccine-use-of-artificial-intelligence-to-diagnose-virus-295114">coronavirus</a> cases rose to 1,955 on Monday in Uttar Pradesh out of which 1,589 cases were active.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1396-new-coronavirus-cases-in-last-24-hrs-20835-people-under-active-medical-supervision-health-ministry-295101">Also Read:&nbsp;1,396 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hrs in India</a>

"31 patients have lost their lives due to the disease while 335 others have been cured," the state's principal health secretary Amit Mohan Prasad said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered training be imparted to teachers on COVID-19 in order to make them "corona warriors". Master trainers will be deployed in each district to train the teachers, the state government declared.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered making necessary arrangements to send students preparing for competitive exams in Prayagraj to their homes in UPSRTC buses.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that it has "sufficient amount of kits" for RT PCR tests. "Not only sufficient amount of kits are available but we have also parallelly ensured geographical adequacy," health official Luv Aggarwal said.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advised states to stop using kits procured from the two China-based&nbsp;companies - Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics kits - and return them to be sent back to the suppliers.

Several state government last week had stopped using the kits made in China as they were found to be faulty.

As the virus continued to spread, West Bengal reported &nbsp;47 new cases with the total number of active cases rising to 504 in the state.

"We have taken a decision, if a person has tested positive for coroanvirus, he has provision to isolate himself at his residence," chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, adding,"the person can home quarantine himself. Lakhs and lakhs of people can't be quarantined, government has its own limit."

The Uttar Pradesh government said today that the number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,955 on Monday in Uttar Pradesh out of which 1,589 cases were active. Also Read: 1,396 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hrs in India "31 patients have lost their lives due to the disease while 335 others have been cured," the state's principal health secretary Amit Mohan Prasad said.

The Uttar Pradesh government said today that the number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,955 on Monday in Uttar Pradesh out of which 1,589 cases were active. Also Read: 1,396 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hrs in India "31 patients have lost their lives due to the disease while 335 others have been cured," the state's principal health secretary Amit Mohan Prasad said. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered training be imparted to teachers on COVID-19 in order to make them "corona warriors". Master trainers will be deployed in each district to train the teachers, the state government declared. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered making necessary arrangements to send students preparing for competitive exams in Prayagraj to their homes in UPSRTC buses. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that it has "sufficient amount of kits" for RT PCR tests. "Not only sufficient amount of kits are available but we have also parallelly ensured geographical adequacy," health official Luv Aggarwal said. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advised states to stop using kits procured from the two China-based companies - Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics kits - and return them to be sent back to the suppliers. Several state government last week had stopped using the kits made in China as they were found to be faulty. As the virus continued to spread, West Bengal reported 47 new cases with the total number of active cases rising to 504 in the state. "We have taken a decision, if a person has tested positive for coroanvirus, he has provision to isolate himself at his residence," chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, adding,"the person can home quarantine himself. Lakhs and lakhs of people can't be quarantined, government has its own limit."

ICMR asks states not to use coronavirus kits from two China-based firms

Much like other celebrities Chris Hemsworth facing problems with children amid self-isolation, meanwhile, Tom Hanks sends a Corona brand typewriter to a boy who has been bullied in school for his name. 
 
Here are the top five Hollywood news of the day 
 
Chris Hemsworth says he is 'failing miserably' at homeschooling his kids 
 
Like a lot of parents across the world, actor Chris Hemsworth has been struggling to homeschool his children amid self-isolation. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chris-hemsworth-says-he-is-failing-miserably-at-homeschooling-his-kids-294551">Read more</a> 
 
Richard Gere and wife Alejandra Silva welcome their second child 
 
Hollywood actor Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva have now become parents to a baby boy. This is the couple's second child, they already have a son together called Alexander who was born in February 2019.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/richard-gere-and-wife-alejandra-silva-welcome-their-second-child-294469">Read more</a> 
 
Rapper Fred the Godson, 35, dies of coronavirus 
 
New York rapper Fred the Godson has died of coronavirus complications.&nbsp;The 35-year-old rapper was confirmed dead by his friend DJ Self. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rapper-fred-the-godson-35-dies-of-coronavirus-294479">Rean more</a> 
 
Tom Hanks reaches out to the boy who was called 'coronavirus' in school 
 
An eight-year-old boy, Corona De Vries, wrote to Tom Hanks when he heard the actor and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for coronavirus.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tom-hanks-reaches-out-to-the-boy-who-was-called-coronavirus-in-school-294424">Read more.</a> 
 
The Rolling Stones releases new song first time in eight years, called 'Living in a Ghost Town'

It took a virus to get The Rolling Stones to create a new song- after eight long years. The popular band on Thursday released a new track -'Living in a Ghost Town' - part of which was recorded during the coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-rolling-stones-releases-new-song-first-time-in-eight-years-called-living-in-a-ghost-town-294425">Read more</a>

Much like other celebrities Chris Hemsworth facing problems with children amid self-isolation, meanwhile, Tom Hanks sends a Corona brand typewriter to a boy who has been bullied in school for his name.

Much like other celebrities Chris Hemsworth facing problems with children amid self-isolation, meanwhile, Tom Hanks sends a Corona brand typewriter to a boy who has been bullied in school for his name. Here are the top five Hollywood news of the day Chris Hemsworth says he is 'failing miserably' at homeschooling his kids Like a lot of parents across the world, actor Chris Hemsworth has been struggling to homeschool his children amid self-isolation. Read more Richard Gere and wife Alejandra Silva welcome their second child Hollywood actor Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva have now become parents to a baby boy. This is the couple's second child, they already have a son together called Alexander who was born in February 2019.Read more Rapper Fred the Godson, 35, dies of coronavirus New York rapper Fred the Godson has died of coronavirus complications. The 35-year-old rapper was confirmed dead by his friend DJ Self. Rean more Tom Hanks reaches out to the boy who was called 'coronavirus' in school An eight-year-old boy, Corona De Vries, wrote to Tom Hanks when he heard the actor and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for coronavirus.Read more. The Rolling Stones releases new song first time in eight years, called 'Living in a Ghost Town' It took a virus to get The Rolling Stones to create a new song- after eight long years. The popular band on Thursday released a new track -'Living in a Ghost Town' - part of which was recorded during the coronavirus lockdown. Read more

Top 5 Hollywood news today: Chris Hemsworth's lockdown trouble, Tom Hanks sends typewriter to a boy called Corona

India's health ministry reported 1,229 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-india-on-right-track-to-defeat-coronavirus-what-numbers-tell-294174">coronavirus </a>cases and 34 new deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/78-districts-havent-reported-any-fresh-coronavirus-cases-growth-of-virus-not-exponential-government-294272">Also Read:&nbsp;78 districts haven't reported any fresh coronavirus cases, says Government</a>

The are 16,689 active cases in the country with 686 deaths due to the virus even as 4,325 patients have been cured of the virus, the health ministry informed.

The number of infections has now risen to 21,700.

Meanwhile, West Bengal chief secretary Rajiva Sinha said: "In India, close to 70 per cent cases are asymptomatic and doctors are worried on how to identify them. If the lockdown opens on May 4, then it will be a big challenge."

The Gujarat government informed today that 45 people who had tested positive for coronavirus were discharged. They have now agreed to donate blood plasma, as they have developed antibodies, the state government said.

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 54 more coronavirus cases taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 1,683 which includes 908 active cases. Twenty people have died due to the virus in the state.

In J&amp;K, twenty new cases were reported today with the number of confirmed coronavirus cases going up to 427.

In Ranchi in Jharkhand, four more persons tested positive for coronavirus with the total number of cases rising to 53.

in Karnataka, 18 new cases of the virus were reported with the number of cases rising to 445.

India's health ministry reported 1,229 new coronavirus cases and 34 new deaths in the last 24 hours. Also Read: 78 districts haven't reported any fresh coronavirus cases, says Government The are 16,689 active cases in the country with 686 deaths due to the virus even as 4,325 patients have been cured of the virus, the health ministry informed.

India's health ministry reported 1,229 new coronavirus cases and 34 new deaths in the last 24 hours. Also Read: 78 districts haven't reported any fresh coronavirus cases, says Government The are 16,689 active cases in the country with 686 deaths due to the virus even as 4,325 patients have been cured of the virus, the health ministry informed. The number of infections has now risen to 21,700. Meanwhile, West Bengal chief secretary Rajiva Sinha said: "In India, close to 70 per cent cases are asymptomatic and doctors are worried on how to identify them. If the lockdown opens on May 4, then it will be a big challenge." The Gujarat government informed today that 45 people who had tested positive for coronavirus were discharged. They have now agreed to donate blood plasma, as they have developed antibodies, the state government said. Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 54 more coronavirus cases taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 1,683 which includes 908 active cases. Twenty people have died due to the virus in the state. In J&K, twenty new cases were reported today with the number of confirmed coronavirus cases going up to 427. In Ranchi in Jharkhand, four more persons tested positive for coronavirus with the total number of cases rising to 53. in Karnataka, 18 new cases of the virus were reported with the number of cases rising to 445.

India reports 1,229 new coronavirus cases, 34 new deaths; 21,700 infected nationwide

India's health ministry said that 1,409 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/21797-covid-19-cases-in-india-confirmed-says-icmr-5-lakh-samples-tested-294152">coronavirus</a> cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of confirmed cases to 21,393 in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-karnataka-record-more-covid-19-cases-294249">Also Read:&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka record more COVID-19 cases</a>

Twelve districts did not have any fresh case in the last 28 days, the health ministry informed.&nbsp;

"There are now 78 districts in the country including in Union territories&nbsp;that have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days," health ministry official Lav Agarwal said.

A government official said during the press conference that there has been minimum spread of the virus.&nbsp;

"We have utilized this time to prepare ourselves for the future. Growth in coronavirus cases has been more or less linear, not exponential," CK Mishra, chairman of the empowered group on coronavirus said.

"On March 23, we had done 14,915 tests across the country and on April 22, we have done more than 5 lakh tests. If a rough calculation is done it is about 33 times in 30 days," the empowered group on COVID-19 added while asserting that ramping of testing needs to be carried out.

"In last 30 days of lockdown, we have been able to cut transmission, minimise spread, consistently ramp up our testing and utilize the time to prepare ourselves for future," CK Mishra added.

India's health ministry said that 1,409 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of confirmed cases to 21,393 in the country.

India's health ministry said that 1,409 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total number of confirmed cases to 21,393 in the country. Also Read: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka record more COVID-19 cases Twelve districts did not have any fresh case in the last 28 days, the health ministry informed. "There are now 78 districts in the country including in Union territories that have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days," health ministry official Lav Agarwal said. A government official said during the press conference that there has been minimum spread of the virus. "We have utilized this time to prepare ourselves for the future. Growth in coronavirus cases has been more or less linear, not exponential," CK Mishra, chairman of the empowered group on coronavirus said. "On March 23, we had done 14,915 tests across the country and on April 22, we have done more than 5 lakh tests. If a rough calculation is done it is about 33 times in 30 days," the empowered group on COVID-19 added while asserting that ramping of testing needs to be carried out. "In last 30 days of lockdown, we have been able to cut transmission, minimise spread, consistently ramp up our testing and utilize the time to prepare ourselves for future," CK Mishra added.

78 districts haven't reported any fresh coronavirus cases, growth of virus not exponential: Government

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 80 more cases of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/21797-covid-19-cases-in-india-confirmed-says-icmr-5-lakh-samples-tested-294152"> coronavirus </a>in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 893.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-takes-30-per-cent-cut-in-salary-to-overcome-covid-19-induced-financial-crisis-294132">Also Read:&nbsp;Kerala govt takes 30% cut in salary to overcome COVID-19 crisis</a>

As the virus continued to spread, Rajasthan recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 with the total number of cases climbing to 1,937.

Twenty-seven people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced insurance of Rs 10 lakh each to all journalists who are reporting during COVID-19 pandemic.

The state saw the number of COVID-19 cases rise to 270 including 24 linked to foreign nationals. Three people have lost their lives due to the virus, Haryana health Department said.

The finance ministry announced today that Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will be continued to be paid even as the government asked the defence forces to put the acquisition process on hold due to the pandemic.

The Karnataka government said 16 new coronavirus cases have been reported taking the number of cases to 443. Seventeen people have died in the state due to the virus.

Amid the escalting infections, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said today that 5,00,542 samples from 4,851,72 individuals have been tested with 21797 samples found to be COVID-19 positive.

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 80 more cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 893. Also Read: Kerala govt takes 30% cut in salary to overcome COVID-19 crisis As the virus continued to spread, Rajasthan recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 with the total number of cases climbing to 1,937.

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 80 more cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 893. Also Read: Kerala govt takes 30% cut in salary to overcome COVID-19 crisis As the virus continued to spread, Rajasthan recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 with the total number of cases climbing to 1,937. Twenty-seven people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced insurance of Rs 10 lakh each to all journalists who are reporting during COVID-19 pandemic. The state saw the number of COVID-19 cases rise to 270 including 24 linked to foreign nationals. Three people have lost their lives due to the virus, Haryana health Department said. The finance ministry announced today that Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will be continued to be paid even as the government asked the defence forces to put the acquisition process on hold due to the pandemic. The Karnataka government said 16 new coronavirus cases have been reported taking the number of cases to 443. Seventeen people have died in the state due to the virus. Amid the escalting infections, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said today that 5,00,542 samples from 4,851,72 individuals have been tested with 21797 samples found to be COVID-19 positive.

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka record more COVID-19 cases

Actor Ajay Devgn on Wednesday shared a PSA for '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/as-india-battles-coronavirus-aarogya-setu-app-helps-you-stay-safe-and-informed-293825">Aarogya Setu'&nbsp;app</a>. The video featured the actor in dual roles, first as a bodyguard that acts as Setu and the second role shows the actor as himself. 
 
The 'Tanhaji'&nbsp;star took to Twitter and shared the video in which he is shown exercising while Ajay who also played the role of a bodyguard and introduces himself to the actor saying, "Sir, I am your new bodyguard, Setu."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarogya-setu-beats-pokemon-go-record-crosses-50-million-downloads-in-13-days-292605">&nbsp;Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days</a> 
 
Ajay then says, "But I already have bodyguards". "Sir, I'm a different type of bodyguard. Only Setu can guard you against coronavirus".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dhanyawad <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for creating a personal bodyguard for every Indian to fight COVID-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SetuMeraBodyguard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SetuMeraBodyguard</a> hai aur aapka bhi. 
 
Download <a href="https://twitter.com/SetuAarogya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SetuAarogya</a> now! 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a><a href="https://t.co/fU7MfKfDwM">https://t.co/fU7MfKfDwM</a> <a href="https://t.co/MHi7SMSTGD">pic.twitter.com/MHi7SMSTGD</a>
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1252931374094454784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"How can this save us from coronavirus," asks Devgn. Setu replies: "I can alarm you in advance about the coronavirus threat, and I also alarm you in advance if coronavirus positive person is around you".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/covid-19-ajay-devgn-condemns-violence-against-doctors-292061">COVID-19: Ajay Devgn condemns violence against doctors</a> 
 
"Sir, I also will let you know if your family has any threat from your family," he added. 
 
To which Ajay replies, "Why would my family be threatened of me?". "Sir, if you unconsciously get in contact with a corona positive patient, I am going to alarm immediately so that you don't pass the disease to your family."

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/celebrities-who-have-offered-personal-properties-for-quarantine-facility-293149" hreflang="en">Celebrities who have offered personal properties for quarantine facility</a> 
 
He then announced that the Government of India has recruited me as a personal bodyguard to 130 crore Indians. 
 
At the end of the video, the 'Golmaal'&nbsp;star appeals to download the AarogyaSetup app, and says "Setu is my bodyguard from coronavirus, and yours too! "Along with the video Devgn wrote, Dhanyawad @PMOIndia@narendramodi for creating a personal bodyguard for every Indian to fight COVID-19. #SetuMeraBodyguard hai aur aapka bhi. Download @SetuAarogya now! #IndiaFightsCorona https://bit.ly/AarogyaSetuAppDownload... ". 
 
AarogyaSetu app, that was launched earlier this month in a public-private partnership, enables people to themselves assess the risk for their catching the coronavirus infection. 
 
The app makes its calculations based on a person`s interaction with others, using Bluetooth technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Actor Ajay Devgn on Wednesday shared a PSA for 'Aarogya Setu' app. The video featured the actor in dual roles, first as a bodyguard that acts as Setu and the second role shows the actor as himself.

Actor Ajay Devgn on Wednesday shared a PSA for 'Aarogya Setu' app. The video featured the actor in dual roles, first as a bodyguard that acts as Setu and the second role shows the actor as himself. The 'Tanhaji' star took to Twitter and shared the video in which he is shown exercising while Ajay who also played the role of a bodyguard and introduces himself to the actor saying, "Sir, I am your new bodyguard, Setu." Also read: Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days Ajay then says, "But I already have bodyguards". "Sir, I'm a different type of bodyguard. Only Setu can guard you against coronavirus". Dhanyawad @PMOIndia @narendramodi for creating a personal bodyguard for every Indian to fight COVID-19. #SetuMeraBodyguard hai aur aapka bhi. Download @SetuAarogya now! #IndiaFightsCoronahttps://t.co/fU7MfKfDwM pic.twitter.com/MHi7SMSTGD — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 22, 2020 × "How can this save us from coronavirus," asks Devgn. Setu replies: "I can alarm you in advance about the coronavirus threat, and I also alarm you in advance if coronavirus positive person is around you". Also read: COVID-19: Ajay Devgn condemns violence against doctors "Sir, I also will let you know if your family has any threat from your family," he added. To which Ajay replies, "Why would my family be threatened of me?". "Sir, if you unconsciously get in contact with a corona positive patient, I am going to alarm immediately so that you don't pass the disease to your family." In pics: Celebrities who have offered personal properties for quarantine facility He then announced that the Government of India has recruited me as a personal bodyguard to 130 crore Indians. At the end of the video, the 'Golmaal' star appeals to download the AarogyaSetup app, and says "Setu is my bodyguard from coronavirus, and yours too! "Along with the video Devgn wrote, Dhanyawad @PMOIndia@narendramodi for creating a personal bodyguard for every Indian to fight COVID-19. #SetuMeraBodyguard hai aur aapka bhi. Download @SetuAarogya now! #IndiaFightsCorona https://bit.ly/AarogyaSetuAppDownload... ". AarogyaSetu app, that was launched earlier this month in a public-private partnership, enables people to themselves assess the risk for their catching the coronavirus infection. The app makes its calculations based on a person`s interaction with others, using Bluetooth technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Ajay Devgn appeals to download AarogyaSetu app to fight COVID-19

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 28th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily.&nbsp;

As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 19,984 and the death toll is 640. The tally of those cured, discharged from hospital stands at 3870.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-pass-25-million-death-toll-rises-to-177415-293909">Also read: Global coronavirus cases pass 2.5 million; death toll rises to 177,415</a>

In the last 24 hours, the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients jumped to 1383 and fatalities to 50. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-faulty-test-kits-deal-a-body-blow-to-indias-fight-against-wuhan-virus-293858">Also read: China's faulty test kits deal a body blow to India's fight against Wuhan virus</a> 
 
Maharashtra reported 6191 cases of the coronavirus disease, including 722 discharges and 251 deaths. Gujarat has now become the second-worst hit state with 2178 active cases and Delhi follows with 2156 infections. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-treatment-chloroquine-and-hydroxychloroquine-can-cause-heart-problems-292401">COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems</a>

Globally, COVID-19 has now infected 2,563,384 people worldwide and 177,415 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 681,477 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 28th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 19,984 and the death toll is 640.

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 28th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 19,984 and the death toll is 640. The tally of those cured, discharged from hospital stands at 3870. Also read: Global coronavirus cases pass 2.5 million; death toll rises to 177,415 In the last 24 hours, the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients jumped to 1383 and fatalities to 50. Also read: China's faulty test kits deal a body blow to India's fight against Wuhan virus Maharashtra reported 6191 cases of the coronavirus disease, including 722 discharges and 251 deaths. Gujarat has now become the second-worst hit state with 2178 active cases and Delhi follows with 2156 infections. COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems Globally, COVID-19 has now infected 2,563,384 people worldwide and 177,415 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 681,477 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

India's coronavirus case tally nears 20,000; death toll reaches 640

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 27th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 18,601 and the death toll is 590.

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 27th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 18,601 and the death toll is 590. The tally of those cured, discharged from hospital stands at 3251. While Gujarat, at over 1,800, has the third-highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in India at present — the first two being Maharashtra and Delhi — Tamil Nadu is seeing some plateauing in the number of new cases. Globally, 2,481,287 people have been infected and 170,436 have died so far, according to Worldometer. During yesterday’s press briefing, the Health Ministry claimed that at least 80 per cent of the coronavirus positive cases have no or very mild symptoms. "Based on the worldwide analysis, out of 100 coronavirus patients, 80 per cent are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms," said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare. “Around 15 per cent patients turn into severe cases and five per cent cases turn into the critical case”, he further added. “80 out of 100 people do not show symptoms and therefore chances are that they test positive”, echoed Raman Gangakhedkar, head infectious disease and epidemiology at the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Total COVID-19 cases in India rise to 18,601; 590 dead

Maharashtra government on Tuesday revoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govt-will-conduct-covid-19-test-on-mediapersons-in-national-capital-cm-293823">lockdown</a> relaxations and exemptions for Mumbai and Pune regions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-advised-not-to-use-rapid-testing-kits-for-two-days-need-to-be-validated-government-293806">Also Read:&nbsp;Govt advises states not to use rapid testing kits for two days</a>

People are not behaving responsibly, the rest of the parts of the state will continue to have partial exemptions, the Maharashtra chief minister's office declared.

In Mumbai's slum area in Dharavi, twelve new coronavirus cases were reported with one person dieing of the virus. The total number of coronavirus cases in the area has increased to 179 with 12 deaths reported.

West Bengal today reported 274 active coronavirus cases. 15 people have died due to the virus in the state.

Meanwhile, union health minister Harsh Vardhan said that there have been reports that convalescent plasma can play a crucial role in the recovery of coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

"We have requested the Red Cross volunteers to approach people who have recovered from coronavirus and motivate them to donate blood," the health minister said.

In Chandigarh, 27 people tested positive for COVID-19 while in Tamil Nadu 76 persons tested positive for the virus today. The number of coroanvirus cases has now risen to 1,596 in the state.

One person died due to the virus in Tamil Nadu today, with the death toll climbing to 18 in the state.

Kerala recorded 19 new cases for the virus today, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said with the total number of cases reaching 117.

Maharashtra government on Tuesday revoked lockdown relaxations and exemptions for Mumbai and Pune regions. Also Read: Govt advises states not to use rapid testing kits for two days People are not behaving responsibly, the rest of the parts of the state will continue to have partial exemptions, the Maharashtra chief minister's office declared.

Maharashtra government on Tuesday revoked lockdown relaxations and exemptions for Mumbai and Pune regions. Also Read: Govt advises states not to use rapid testing kits for two days People are not behaving responsibly, the rest of the parts of the state will continue to have partial exemptions, the Maharashtra chief minister's office declared. In Mumbai's slum area in Dharavi, twelve new coronavirus cases were reported with one person dieing of the virus. The total number of coronavirus cases in the area has increased to 179 with 12 deaths reported. West Bengal today reported 274 active coronavirus cases. 15 people have died due to the virus in the state. Meanwhile, union health minister Harsh Vardhan said that there have been reports that convalescent plasma can play a crucial role in the recovery of coronavirus patients. "We have requested the Red Cross volunteers to approach people who have recovered from coronavirus and motivate them to donate blood," the health minister said. In Chandigarh, 27 people tested positive for COVID-19 while in Tamil Nadu 76 persons tested positive for the virus today. The number of coroanvirus cases has now risen to 1,596 in the state. One person died due to the virus in Tamil Nadu today, with the death toll climbing to 18 in the state. Kerala recorded 19 new cases for the virus today, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said with the total number of cases reaching 117.

Maharahtra govt revokes lockdown relaxation in Mumbai, Pune

In a recent study published in The Lancet experts have projected the demand for ventilators at the peak of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-advised-not-to-use-rapid-testing-kits-for-two-days-need-to-be-validated-government-293806"> coronavirus</a> outbreak in the USA. ''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-can-mobile-apps-aid-the-fight-against-coronavirus-293804">Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus?</a>

According to the report, at a basic reproduction rate of 2.5, 1,15,001 (ranging between 101 006–131 770) invasive ventilators and 89,788 (ranging between 78 861–102 880) non-invasive ventilators would be needed, on average at the outbreak peak.

The estimates used to project the numbers include recent evaluations of coronavirus patient’s hospitalization and data of patients in ICU requiring ventilation.&nbsp;

The study further elaborates that 69,660 out of 98,105 invasive ventilators in the USA are already deployed for non-coronavirus patients, before the spread of the pandemic. It essentially means that only 28,445 invasive ventilators would be left for coronavirus patients.

Consequently, at least 45 341 (IQR 31 346–62 110) additional units would be needed for the surge at the peak. Similarly, of the 22,976 non-invasive devices, an estimated 12,499 units would be available for COVID-19 patients. As a result, a minimum of 77,289 additional units would be needed at the peak in the USA.&nbsp;

The startling numbers projected in the report reveals how ill-prepared the USA really is, once coronavirus peaks in the country. A point worth being noted here is that these available ventilators include additional units in stockpile or storage.

The USA is not alone in facing the crisis. As the pandemic spread, countries around the world started to push to get more ventilators to treat coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

According to an estimate projected by in a report by Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy on March 24, India will need an estimated 1 million ventilators to address the peak of coronavirus.

The shortfall has resulted in a race to develop low-cost ventilators in the country. India is also looking to import ventilators from countries like China, South Korea to meet the required numbers of units.

But, with growing concerns among health experts on the usage of ventilators and data suggesting higher mortality rate among patients on ventilators than the normal mortality rate, leaves a big question unanswered. Are ventilators saving lives or killing more people?

As health officials around the world are working day and night for a possible vaccination to cure COVID-19 responsible for the death of more than 171,652 around the world, some doctors are moving away from using ventilators when they can.

High death rates on most advanced breathing support in the UK, New York, etc. raises questions on the effectiveness of critical care for patients in ICU who are fighting for their lives.&nbsp;

The reason - some hospitals have reported unusually high death rates for coronavirus patients on ventilators, and some doctors worry that the machines could be harming certain patients.

The evolving treatments highlight the fact that doctors are still learning the best way to manage a virus that emerged only months ago. They are relying on anecdotal, real-time data amid a clutch of patients and shortages of basic supplies.

Mechanical ventilators push oxygen into patients whose lungs are failing. Using the machines involves sedating a patient and sticking a tube into the throat. Deaths in such sick patients are common, no matter the reason they need breathing help.

Generally speaking, 40 per cent to 50 per cent of patients with severe respiratory distress die while on ventilators, experts say. But 80 per cent or more of coronavirus patients placed on the machines in New York City have died, state and city officials say, reported by Associated Press.&nbsp;

Similar reports have emerged from China and the United Kingdom. One UK report put the figure at 66 per cent. The ICNARC (Intensive Care National Audit &amp; Research Centre, UK) report looked at the first 775 patients who had fallen critically ill with COVID-19 across 285 intensive care units. &nbsp;

Of the 98 patients who needed advanced respiratory support when their lungs started to fail, just 33 patients lived (34 per cent). A very small study in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the disease first emerged, said 86 per cent died.

The reason is not clear. It may have to do with what kind of shape the patients were in before they were infected or it could be related to how sick they had become by the time they were put on the machines, some experts said. But some health professionals have wondered whether ventilators might make matters worse in certain patients, perhaps by igniting or worsening a harmful immune system reaction- that’s speculation. ''

But experts do say ventilators can be damaging to a patient over time, as high-pressure oxygen is forced into the tiny air sacs in a patient’s lungs.

“We know that mechanical ventilation is not benign,” said Dr Eddy Fan, an expert on respiratory treatment at Toronto General Hospital.&nbsp;

“One of the most important findings in the last few decades is that medical ventilation can worsen lung injury — so we have to be careful about how we use it.”

The dangers can be eased by limiting the amount of pressure and the size of breaths delivered by the machine, Fan said in an interview to Associated Press.&nbsp;

Dr Luciano Gatinoni, an expert in anesthesiology and intensive care at the Medical University of Gottingen, in a letter to the editor published in Intensive Care Medicine, wrote that coronavirus patients in Italy showed symptoms subtly but significantly different from of other patients in respiratory distress.&nbsp;

“All we can do ventilating these patients is "buying time" with minimal additional damage: the lowest possible PEEP [Positive End Expiratory Pressure] and gentle ventilation,” Gattinoni added.

“The ventilator is not therapeutic. It’s a supportive measure while we wait for the patient’s body to recover,” said Dr Roger Alvarez, a lung specialist with the University of Miami Health System in Florida, who is a leader in the effort to use nitric oxide to keep patients off ventilators for as long as possible said, while speaking the Associated Press.

In a recent study published in The Lancet experts have projected the demand for ventilators at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak in the USA. '' Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus?

In a recent study published in The Lancet experts have projected the demand for ventilators at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak in the USA. '' Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus? According to the report, at a basic reproduction rate of 2.5, 1,15,001 (ranging between 101 006–131 770) invasive ventilators and 89,788 (ranging between 78 861–102 880) non-invasive ventilators would be needed, on average at the outbreak peak. The estimates used to project the numbers include recent evaluations of coronavirus patient’s hospitalization and data of patients in ICU requiring ventilation. The study further elaborates that 69,660 out of 98,105 invasive ventilators in the USA are already deployed for non-coronavirus patients, before the spread of the pandemic. It essentially means that only 28,445 invasive ventilators would be left for coronavirus patients. Consequently, at least 45 341 (IQR 31 346–62 110) additional units would be needed for the surge at the peak. Similarly, of the 22,976 non-invasive devices, an estimated 12,499 units would be available for COVID-19 patients. As a result, a minimum of 77,289 additional units would be needed at the peak in the USA. The startling numbers projected in the report reveals how ill-prepared the USA really is, once coronavirus peaks in the country. A point worth being noted here is that these available ventilators include additional units in stockpile or storage. The USA is not alone in facing the crisis. As the pandemic spread, countries around the world started to push to get more ventilators to treat coronavirus patients. According to an estimate projected by in a report by Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy on March 24, India will need an estimated 1 million ventilators to address the peak of coronavirus. The shortfall has resulted in a race to develop low-cost ventilators in the country. India is also looking to import ventilators from countries like China, South Korea to meet the required numbers of units. But, with growing concerns among health experts on the usage of ventilators and data suggesting higher mortality rate among patients on ventilators than the normal mortality rate, leaves a big question unanswered. Are ventilators saving lives or killing more people? As health officials around the world are working day and night for a possible vaccination to cure COVID-19 responsible for the death of more than 171,652 around the world, some doctors are moving away from using ventilators when they can. High death rates on most advanced breathing support in the UK, New York, etc. raises questions on the effectiveness of critical care for patients in ICU who are fighting for their lives. The reason - some hospitals have reported unusually high death rates for coronavirus patients on ventilators, and some doctors worry that the machines could be harming certain patients. The evolving treatments highlight the fact that doctors are still learning the best way to manage a virus that emerged only months ago. They are relying on anecdotal, real-time data amid a clutch of patients and shortages of basic supplies. Mechanical ventilators push oxygen into patients whose lungs are failing. Using the machines involves sedating a patient and sticking a tube into the throat. Deaths in such sick patients are common, no matter the reason they need breathing help. Generally speaking, 40 per cent to 50 per cent of patients with severe respiratory distress die while on ventilators, experts say. But 80 per cent or more of coronavirus patients placed on the machines in New York City have died, state and city officials say, reported by Associated Press. Similar reports have emerged from China and the United Kingdom. One UK report put the figure at 66 per cent. The ICNARC (Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre, UK) report looked at the first 775 patients who had fallen critically ill with COVID-19 across 285 intensive care units. Of the 98 patients who needed advanced respiratory support when their lungs started to fail, just 33 patients lived (34 per cent). A very small study in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the disease first emerged, said 86 per cent died. The reason is not clear. It may have to do with what kind of shape the patients were in before they were infected or it could be related to how sick they had become by the time they were put on the machines, some experts said. But some health professionals have wondered whether ventilators might make matters worse in certain patients, perhaps by igniting or worsening a harmful immune system reaction- that’s speculation. '' But experts do say ventilators can be damaging to a patient over time, as high-pressure oxygen is forced into the tiny air sacs in a patient’s lungs. “We know that mechanical ventilation is not benign,” said Dr Eddy Fan, an expert on respiratory treatment at Toronto General Hospital. “One of the most important findings in the last few decades is that medical ventilation can worsen lung injury — so we have to be careful about how we use it.” The dangers can be eased by limiting the amount of pressure and the size of breaths delivered by the machine, Fan said in an interview to Associated Press. Dr Luciano Gatinoni, an expert in anesthesiology and intensive care at the Medical University of Gottingen, in a letter to the editor published in Intensive Care Medicine, wrote that coronavirus patients in Italy showed symptoms subtly but significantly different from of other patients in respiratory distress. “All we can do ventilating these patients is "buying time" with minimal additional damage: the lowest possible PEEP [Positive End Expiratory Pressure] and gentle ventilation,” Gattinoni added. “The ventilator is not therapeutic. It’s a supportive measure while we wait for the patient’s body to recover,” said Dr Roger Alvarez, a lung specialist with the University of Miami Health System in Florida, who is a leader in the effort to use nitric oxide to keep patients off ventilators for as long as possible said, while speaking the Associated Press.

Ventilators in times of COVID-19: Life-saving machine or a 'killing' unit?

India has placed an order of 7-8 million PPEs and 1,000 ventilators from China and the Indian mission in China are in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION'sPrincipal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to China, Vikram Misri said at the height of the outbreak in China, New Delhi "had offered and provided medical assistance" to the country as well. He also spoke about how the mission coordinated the evacuation plan of over 750 Indians and foreigners and how diplomats in the mission are dealing with the crisis.&nbsp;

WION: How can India and China cooperate in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis?

Vikram Misri: In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, there is considerable space for India and China to cooperate in controlling the spread of this pandemic and there are immediate, short-term as well as medium and long term aspects to our cooperation.

When China was at the height of dealing with this outbreak, we had offered and provided medical assistance. Now, India is in the process of commercially procuring a large number of these supplies.&nbsp;

China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products. Thus, in the immediate short-term there is an opportunity for both countries to cooperate in facilitating our procurement of medical equipment and products from China in a stable and orderly manner.

We have been in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers. That quality materials are available at reasonable and stable prices and that these are enabled to be transported in an efficient and timely manner to India is a priority.

At the same time, there are a number of Chinese companies whose products have been sold in the past to India and whose products have been licensed for import into India by the concerned Indian regulatory authorities.

However, recent regulations have restricted the number of companies from China that could export to India.

Given the fact that some products are already licensed for import into India, it would be a welcome step for the concerned authorities such as the National Medical Product Authority to expedite the registration of those companies and products that already have a large number of orders in the pipeline from India.

In the medium to longer-term, as both India and China are repositories of large pools of scientific and technological manpower, there is scope for both countries to cooperate on the Research and Development (R&amp;D) aspects of dealing with COVID-19 virus, apart from other public health issues. It would be mutually beneficial to intensify engagements between our biologists, epidemiologists, scientists and relevant national institutes in these fields.

WION: What is the quantum of the medical and protective supplies being procured from China?

Vikram Misri: India and China are cooperating on the procurement of the much needed medical equipment and products by our health care fraternity in India.

These include medical kits and equipment, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc. China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products, and the two governments have been in touch with each other to ensure stable and orderly purchase and procurement of these items.

The embassy has so far placed orders for around 7 to 8 million PPEs and about a 1000 ventilators. More orders are in the pipeline and at various stages of procurement. This is an extremely dynamic process, and it would not be appropriate for me at this time to get into the specifics of all the numbers.

WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Beijing and consulates in various parts of the country from evacuation in February to now?

Vikram Misri: The embassy of India in Beijing and our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong have been playing a role in India’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

As the outbreak first took place here, our initial concern and attention was focused on the welfare of Indians in China.

We had been closely following the developments here since January, and, on 23 January 2020, set up dedicated 24x7 hotlines and email desks for Indians looking for advice and information on the evolving epidemic situation. Thereafter, as Hubei province went into lockdown, we facilitated the evacuation of over 750 Indian and foreign nationals stranded there and wishing to return home. &nbsp;

Our hotlines continue to be operational. Consular officers also remain directly engaged with members of the community.

I myself recently had an interaction via video conference with representatives of the Indian community from across the country on 17 April 2020.

Our Mission and Consulates continue to remain committed to extending consular services and ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in China during these challenging times.

As the number of cases has increased in India, we have been actively involved in the procurement process for essential medical and protective supplies that India needs to fight the virus, including, as stated earlier, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc.

We are now at the start of what promises to be an extremely intense logistical exercise. As the orders get ready to be shipped, we will have flights taking off on almost a daily basis from Shanghai and Guangzhou. We are engaged with Chinese officials on all aspects of this process, including flight clearances, customs clearances of goods, etc.

WION: How are the Indian diplomats faring. How tough have the past few months been?

Vikram Misri: A critical aspect in all our work has been to ensure that none of our diplomats and staff posted here in Beijing or in the Consulates fall sick.

Speaking for the Mission here in Beijing, I can say that we put in place stringent best practices for preventing infection. These were scrupulously followed by all and I am happy to note that we have been successful in preserving the good health of all of our colleagues so far.

This is an unprecedented situation for most of us and things have been generally tough on the personal and professional front.

But the way I see it, as I am sure most of my colleagues do as well, is that the work that we are doing right now is fundamental to ensuring India’s successful response to the COVID-19 crisis, and this call to duty is not a privilege available to all in the ordinary course of events.

We, therefore, hope to do our best and prove equal to the challenge. 
&nbsp;

India has placed an order of 7-8 million PPEs and 1,000 ventilators from China and the Indian mission in China are in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers.

India has placed an order of 7-8 million PPEs and 1,000 ventilators from China and the Indian mission in China are in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers. Speaking exclusively to WION'sPrincipal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to China, Vikram Misri said at the height of the outbreak in China, New Delhi "had offered and provided medical assistance" to the country as well. He also spoke about how the mission coordinated the evacuation plan of over 750 Indians and foreigners and how diplomats in the mission are dealing with the crisis. WION: How can India and China cooperate in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis? Vikram Misri: In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, there is considerable space for India and China to cooperate in controlling the spread of this pandemic and there are immediate, short-term as well as medium and long term aspects to our cooperation. When China was at the height of dealing with this outbreak, we had offered and provided medical assistance. Now, India is in the process of commercially procuring a large number of these supplies. China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products. Thus, in the immediate short-term there is an opportunity for both countries to cooperate in facilitating our procurement of medical equipment and products from China in a stable and orderly manner. We have been in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers. That quality materials are available at reasonable and stable prices and that these are enabled to be transported in an efficient and timely manner to India is a priority. At the same time, there are a number of Chinese companies whose products have been sold in the past to India and whose products have been licensed for import into India by the concerned Indian regulatory authorities. However, recent regulations have restricted the number of companies from China that could export to India. Given the fact that some products are already licensed for import into India, it would be a welcome step for the concerned authorities such as the National Medical Product Authority to expedite the registration of those companies and products that already have a large number of orders in the pipeline from India. In the medium to longer-term, as both India and China are repositories of large pools of scientific and technological manpower, there is scope for both countries to cooperate on the Research and Development (R&D) aspects of dealing with COVID-19 virus, apart from other public health issues. It would be mutually beneficial to intensify engagements between our biologists, epidemiologists, scientists and relevant national institutes in these fields. WION: What is the quantum of the medical and protective supplies being procured from China? Vikram Misri: India and China are cooperating on the procurement of the much needed medical equipment and products by our health care fraternity in India. These include medical kits and equipment, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc. China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products, and the two governments have been in touch with each other to ensure stable and orderly purchase and procurement of these items. The embassy has so far placed orders for around 7 to 8 million PPEs and about a 1000 ventilators. More orders are in the pipeline and at various stages of procurement. This is an extremely dynamic process, and it would not be appropriate for me at this time to get into the specifics of all the numbers. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Beijing and consulates in various parts of the country from evacuation in February to now? Vikram Misri: The embassy of India in Beijing and our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong have been playing a role in India’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. As the outbreak first took place here, our initial concern and attention was focused on the welfare of Indians in China. We had been closely following the developments here since January, and, on 23 January 2020, set up dedicated 24x7 hotlines and email desks for Indians looking for advice and information on the evolving epidemic situation. Thereafter, as Hubei province went into lockdown, we facilitated the evacuation of over 750 Indian and foreign nationals stranded there and wishing to return home. Our hotlines continue to be operational. Consular officers also remain directly engaged with members of the community. I myself recently had an interaction via video conference with representatives of the Indian community from across the country on 17 April 2020. Our Mission and Consulates continue to remain committed to extending consular services and ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in China during these challenging times. As the number of cases has increased in India, we have been actively involved in the procurement process for essential medical and protective supplies that India needs to fight the virus, including, as stated earlier, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc. We are now at the start of what promises to be an extremely intense logistical exercise. As the orders get ready to be shipped, we will have flights taking off on almost a daily basis from Shanghai and Guangzhou. We are engaged with Chinese officials on all aspects of this process, including flight clearances, customs clearances of goods, etc. WION: How are the Indian diplomats faring. How tough have the past few months been? Vikram Misri: A critical aspect in all our work has been to ensure that none of our diplomats and staff posted here in Beijing or in the Consulates fall sick. Speaking for the Mission here in Beijing, I can say that we put in place stringent best practices for preventing infection. These were scrupulously followed by all and I am happy to note that we have been successful in preserving the good health of all of our colleagues so far. This is an unprecedented situation for most of us and things have been generally tough on the personal and professional front. But the way I see it, as I am sure most of my colleagues do as well, is that the work that we are doing right now is fundamental to ensuring India’s successful response to the COVID-19 crisis, and this call to duty is not a privilege available to all in the ordinary course of events. We, therefore, hope to do our best and prove equal to the challenge.

In touch with China for indentification of bonafide suppliers, says Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri

India's health ministry said today that there are 18,601 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-lockdown-restrictions-a-complete-list-of-activities-permitted-after-april-20-293785">coronavirus </a>cases in the country with 3,252 people having recovered from the virus including 705 people who recovered in the last 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-can-mobile-apps-aid-the-fight-against-coronavirus-293804">Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus?</a>

Our recovery percentage to 17.48 per cent," health ministry official Lav Agrawal said.

The health ministry informed that sixty-one additional districts from 23 States and Union Territories have not reported any fresh cases in the last 14 days. Four new districts have been included in the list which includes -Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Washim in &nbsp;Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said that 4,49,810 samples have been tested so far with 35,852 samples test on Monday.

"It is a new disease, in the last three and half months science has progressed and developed PCR tests, five vaccines have gone into human trial phase out of 70 vaccine candidates," ICMR's R Gangakhedkar said.

"States have been advised not to use rapid testing kits for two days. A lot of variations, kits will be tested and validated by on-ground teams and we will give advisory in the next two days," Gangakhedkar asserted.

Rajasthan health minister said earlier that,&nbsp;"We didn't leave any procedural loophole. We kept in mind ICMR guidelines for testing. Still, it didn't meet the standards, so we stopped the rapid tests."

"We've written to ICMR that we won't conduct it as the accuracy is questionable. We're waiting for a reply," the minister added.

"Its accuracy was supposed to be 90 per cent but it turned out to be 5.4 per cent," he asserted.&nbsp;

The government informed that covidwarriors.gov.in has been created as a "master database" of healthcare professionals and volunteers with details of 1.24 crore human resources of various kinds been added to it already.

Details of coronavirus warriors in 20 categories and 49 sub-categories who can contribute to cCOVID-19 management efforts are available to states and union territories on the portal, it informed.

India's health ministry said today that there are 18,601 coronavirus cases in the country with 3,252 people having recovered from the virus including 705 people who recovered in the last 24 hours.

India's health ministry said today that there are 18,601 coronavirus cases in the country with 3,252 people having recovered from the virus including 705 people who recovered in the last 24 hours. Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus? Our recovery percentage to 17.48 per cent," health ministry official Lav Agrawal said. The health ministry informed that sixty-one additional districts from 23 States and Union Territories have not reported any fresh cases in the last 14 days. Four new districts have been included in the list which includes -Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Washim in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said that 4,49,810 samples have been tested so far with 35,852 samples test on Monday. "It is a new disease, in the last three and half months science has progressed and developed PCR tests, five vaccines have gone into human trial phase out of 70 vaccine candidates," ICMR's R Gangakhedkar said. "States have been advised not to use rapid testing kits for two days. A lot of variations, kits will be tested and validated by on-ground teams and we will give advisory in the next two days," Gangakhedkar asserted. Rajasthan health minister said earlier that, "We didn't leave any procedural loophole. We kept in mind ICMR guidelines for testing. Still, it didn't meet the standards, so we stopped the rapid tests." "We've written to ICMR that we won't conduct it as the accuracy is questionable. We're waiting for a reply," the minister added. "Its accuracy was supposed to be 90 per cent but it turned out to be 5.4 per cent," he asserted. The government informed that covidwarriors.gov.in has been created as a "master database" of healthcare professionals and volunteers with details of 1.24 crore human resources of various kinds been added to it already. Details of coronavirus warriors in 20 categories and 49 sub-categories who can contribute to cCOVID-19 management efforts are available to states and union territories on the portal, it informed.

States advised not to use rapid testing kits for two days, need to be validated: Government

The health ministry said today that the total number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/80-out-of-100-people-show-mild-to-no-symptoms-of-coronavirus-health-ministry-293610">coronavirus </a>cases had risen to 17,656 in India with 559 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/districts-with-no-covid-19-cases-last-14-days-has-increased-to-59-goa-is-coronavirus-free-health-ministry-293580">Also Read: Goa is coronavirus free, says India's health ministry</a>

There are 14,255 active COVID-19 cases with 282 people cured of the virus, the health ministry said.

Kerala recorded 6 new coronavirus cases&nbsp; - all from Kannur.&nbsp;

"There was a time when the situation in Kerala could have gone out of hand but with proper contact tracing, we were able to contain and overcome it," chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

"The mortality rate in the world is 5.75, it is 2.83 in India and 0.58 in Kerala. We are carrying out testing aggressively," the Kerala CM added.

Meanwhile, one new coronavirus case was reported in Bokaro, taking the total number of cases in the state to 42.

In Karnataka, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 408 with 18 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the state health department said.

West Bengal reported 54 more coronavirus cases with Maharashtra reporting 283 more COVID-19 cases, taking total positive cases in the state to 4,483. There were 187 new cases reported in Mumbai today.

The health ministry said today that the total number of coronavirus cases had risen to 17,656 in India with 559 deaths. Also Read: Goa is coronavirus free, says India's health ministry There are 14,255 active COVID-19 cases with 282 people cured of the virus, the health ministry said.

The health ministry said today that the total number of coronavirus cases had risen to 17,656 in India with 559 deaths. Also Read: Goa is coronavirus free, says India's health ministry There are 14,255 active COVID-19 cases with 282 people cured of the virus, the health ministry said. Kerala recorded 6 new coronavirus cases - all from Kannur. "There was a time when the situation in Kerala could have gone out of hand but with proper contact tracing, we were able to contain and overcome it," chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. "The mortality rate in the world is 5.75, it is 2.83 in India and 0.58 in Kerala. We are carrying out testing aggressively," the Kerala CM added. Meanwhile, one new coronavirus case was reported in Bokaro, taking the total number of cases in the state to 42. In Karnataka, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 408 with 18 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the state health department said. West Bengal reported 54 more coronavirus cases with Maharashtra reporting 283 more COVID-19 cases, taking total positive cases in the state to 4,483. There were 187 new cases reported in Mumbai today.

Coronavirus cases rise to 17,656 in India; 559 dead

Rajasthan on Monday reported 57 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-climb-to-17265-in-india-the-death-toll-stands-at-543-293478">coronavirus</a> cases with two deaths reported in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-climb-to-17265-in-india-the-death-toll-stands-at-543-293478">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 cases climb to 17265 in India, the death toll stands at 543</a>

The new cases were reported in Jaipur, Jodhpur &amp; Kota, according to Rajasthan's health department.

The number of cases has now risen to 1,535 in the state. The death toll due to the virus has now reached 25.

As the number of cases continued to rise in Maharashtra, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said that "no one should think that lockdown has been lifted. We have just tried to revolve the wheel of economy a bit."

"I've heard that some people are treating relaxations as the lifting of lockdown. If they continue to behave like this we'll take strict measures," the chief minister added.

Meanwhile, the ministry of home affairs has sought a report from the Maharashtra government over the Palghar incident. Amit Shah had a video conference with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray over the issue.

Palghar SP Gaurav Singh 2 Police personnel of Kasa Police Station have been suspended in connection with Palghar incident.

Two police personnel of Kasa Police Station have been suspended in connection with Palghar incident, SP Gaurav Singh said.

(With ANI inputs)

Rajasthan on Monday reported 57 new coronavirus cases with two deaths reported in the state. Also Read: COVID-19 cases climb to 17265 in India, the death toll stands at 543 The new cases were reported in Jaipur, Jodhpur & Kota, according to Rajasthan's health department.

Rajasthan on Monday reported 57 new coronavirus cases with two deaths reported in the state. Also Read: COVID-19 cases climb to 17265 in India, the death toll stands at 543 The new cases were reported in Jaipur, Jodhpur & Kota, according to Rajasthan's health department. The number of cases has now risen to 1,535 in the state. The death toll due to the virus has now reached 25. As the number of cases continued to rise in Maharashtra, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said that "no one should think that lockdown has been lifted. We have just tried to revolve the wheel of economy a bit." "I've heard that some people are treating relaxations as the lifting of lockdown. If they continue to behave like this we'll take strict measures," the chief minister added. Meanwhile, the ministry of home affairs has sought a report from the Maharashtra government over the Palghar incident. Amit Shah had a video conference with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray over the issue. Palghar SP Gaurav Singh 2 Police personnel of Kasa Police Station have been suspended in connection with Palghar incident. Two police personnel of Kasa Police Station have been suspended in connection with Palghar incident, SP Gaurav Singh said. (With ANI inputs)

Rajasthan reports 57 new coronavirus cases; death toll rises to 25

The number of confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-coronavirus-mediplomacy-russia-says-thanks-to-new-delhi-hcq-sent-to-gulf-293225">coronavirus</a> cases in India surged&nbsp;by 1076 in the last 24 hours with 32 new deaths, the health ministry informed on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/average-growth-of-coronavirus-in-india-was-21-in-march-12-in-april-health-ministry-293159">Also Read:&nbsp;Average growth of coronavirus in India was 2.1% in March, 1.2% in April</a>

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 13,835 which includes 1,1616 active cases. 1,766 people have been cured of the virus so far.&nbsp;

452 people have died due to the virus in the country, the health ministry said.

Kerala on Friday reported just one COVID-19 case. There are now 138 active cases in the state with 255 people cured, the state health ministry said.

Fourteen more people were detected with the virus in Punjab today with 211 having tested positive for the virus in the state even as Mumbai reported 77 new COVID-19 cases with five new death. The total number of positive cases in Mumbai has now reached 2,120 including which includes 121 deaths.

Meanwhile, the health ministry sources told ANI that 63,000 Personal protective equipment(PPE) kits which had arrived from China recently did not fulfill the criteria.

In Haryana, the number of active cases rose to 135 with 86 patients having recovered from the virus.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India surged by 1076 in the last 24 hours with 32 new deaths, the health ministry informed on Friday. Also Read: Average growth of coronavirus in India was 2.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India surged by 1076 in the last 24 hours with 32 new deaths, the health ministry informed on Friday. Also Read: Average growth of coronavirus in India was 2.1% in March, 1.2% in April The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 13,835 which includes 1,1616 active cases. 1,766 people have been cured of the virus so far. 452 people have died due to the virus in the country, the health ministry said. Kerala on Friday reported just one COVID-19 case. There are now 138 active cases in the state with 255 people cured, the state health ministry said. Fourteen more people were detected with the virus in Punjab today with 211 having tested positive for the virus in the state even as Mumbai reported 77 new COVID-19 cases with five new death. The total number of positive cases in Mumbai has now reached 2,120 including which includes 121 deaths. Meanwhile, the health ministry sources told ANI that 63,000 Personal protective equipment(PPE) kits which had arrived from China recently did not fulfill the criteria. In Haryana, the number of active cases rose to 135 with 86 patients having recovered from the virus.

1,076 coronavirus reported in India in last 24 hours, 32 deaths: Health ministry