India reported nearly 180,000 cases, as the country begins administering precautionary doses to priority groups. Fresh Covid 19 cases rose by 13% from yesterday.

India: Maharashtra has the highest Omicron cases followed by Delhi

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active caseload at 2,73,889; lowest in 197 days, Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country`s total positive cases- &nbsp;says Ministry of health and family welfare.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India

A total of 14,29,258 Covid tests were conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 57,19,94,990 tests.

The weekly positivity rate at 1.68 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 99 days now. The daily positivity rate reported to be 1.70 per cent which is below 3 per cent for the last 33 days and below 5 per cent for 116 consecutive days now.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India.

Vaccine Dose in India

With the administration of 69,33,838 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India`s Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 89.74 crore as per provisional report till 7 a,m. on Saturday - said the Union health ministry.

Meanwhile ,36,32,00,842 persons in the 18-44 category across all states and union territories have received their first dose and a total of 8,49,70,800 have received their second dose since the start of phase-3 of the vaccination drive . 
&nbsp;

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active caseload at 2,73,889; lowest in 197 days, Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country`s total positive cases- says Ministry of health and family welfare.

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active caseload at 2,73,889; lowest in 197 days, Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country`s total positive cases- says Ministry of health and family welfare. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India A total of 14,29,258 Covid tests were conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 57,19,94,990 tests. The weekly positivity rate at 1.68 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 99 days now. The daily positivity rate reported to be 1.70 per cent which is below 3 per cent for the last 33 days and below 5 per cent for 116 consecutive days now. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India. Vaccine Dose in India With the administration of 69,33,838 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India`s Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 89.74 crore as per provisional report till 7 a,m. on Saturday - said the Union health ministry. Meanwhile ,36,32,00,842 persons in the 18-44 category across all states and union territories have received their first dose and a total of 8,49,70,800 have received their second dose since the start of phase-3 of the vaccination drive .

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 5,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 157 in the same period.&nbsp;

According to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, out of the total 96,169 coronavirus cases, 56316 are active cases and 36824 have been cured, discharged or migrated. The death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,029.&nbsp;

Maharashtra was one of the worst-hit states in the coronavirus pandemic in India. The state recorded a total of 33,053 cases and the death toll increased to 1198. The number of cases in Gujarat increased to 11,379 and 659 people have so far died in the state. Delhi, on the other hand, has 10054 coronavirus cases and the death toll has increased to 160. Tamil Nadu is also among one of the top states to hit by the pandemic. The state has recorded a total of 11224 coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the nationwide lockdown till 31 May and issued fresh guidelines. According to the guidelines, all international and domestic flights will continue to be banned except for medical and emergency purposes.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has&nbsp;allowed states, Union Territories to impose restrictions as deemed necessary by them.

The NDMA in the exercise of powers of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 directs Centre and State government to continue the lockdown measures up to 31 May to contain the spread of COVID-19. It has also asked the NEC to issue modified guidelines keeping in mind the resumption of economic activities. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 5,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 157 in the same period.

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 5,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 157 in the same period. According to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, out of the total 96,169 coronavirus cases, 56316 are active cases and 36824 have been cured, discharged or migrated. The death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,029. Maharashtra was one of the worst-hit states in the coronavirus pandemic in India. The state recorded a total of 33,053 cases and the death toll increased to 1198. The number of cases in Gujarat increased to 11,379 and 659 people have so far died in the state. Delhi, on the other hand, has 10054 coronavirus cases and the death toll has increased to 160. Tamil Nadu is also among one of the top states to hit by the pandemic. The state has recorded a total of 11224 coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the nationwide lockdown till 31 May and issued fresh guidelines. According to the guidelines, all international and domestic flights will continue to be banned except for medical and emergency purposes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed states, Union Territories to impose restrictions as deemed necessary by them. The NDMA in the exercise of powers of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 directs Centre and State government to continue the lockdown measures up to 31 May to contain the spread of COVID-19. It has also asked the NEC to issue modified guidelines keeping in mind the resumption of economic activities. (With inputs from agencies)

India records highest single-day spike, 5,242 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours

Aamir Khan has been encouraging scriptwriters to continue writing with more enthusiasm especially during this time when the entire world is suffering from a pandemic. 
 
Khan&nbsp;attended a virtual event of Cinestaan India's Storytellers Script Contest, as a jury member, as he expressed&nbsp;regret that the awards could not be announced at an event as in the past because of the lockdown due to coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rishi-kapoors-last-film-sharmaji-namkeen-will-get-a-theatrical-release-producer-confirms-297489" hreflang="en">Rishi Kapoor’s last film 'Sharmaji Namkeen' will get a theatrical release, producer confirms</a>

He said “Those who did not make it to the Top 5 should not get discouraged. In fact, scriptwriters should continue writing with more enthusiasm, especially during these times. Every filmmaker needs a good script.”&nbsp;

Aamir also expressed his appreciation for&nbsp;organising this initiative and to all those who participated in the second edition of the contest. The high-profile jury that includes actor Aamir Khan, director Raju Hirani, writers Anjum Rajabali and Juhi Chaturvedi.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/four-more-shots-please-will-get-a-third-season-actress-tanishtha-chatterjee-to-direct-all-the-episodes-297469" hreflang="en">'Four More Shots Please!' will get a third season, actress Tanishtha Chatterjee to direct all the episodes</a> 
 
The first prize of a whopping Rs 25 lakh was won by Sejal Pachisia for the story&nbsp;‘On the Boundary’, the second prize was won by Digant Patil for the story ‘Guilt’, third prize was won by Soumil Shukla for the story ‘Laakh Maavla', the fourth prize was won by Anubhav Chopra for the story ‘Phurr’ and the fifth prize was won by Neetha Syam for the story ‘Footprints on Water’.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/money-heist-maker-picks-vijay-or-ayushmann-for-professor-srk-for-berlins-role-in-indian-remake-297414" hreflang="en">'Money Heist' maker picks Vijay or Ayushmann for Professor, SRK for Berlin's role in Indian remake</a> 
 
This is India’s biggest script contest.&nbsp;

Aamir Khan has been encouraging scriptwriters to continue writing with more enthusiasm especially during this time when the entire world is suffering from a pandemic.

Aamir Khan has been encouraging scriptwriters to continue writing with more enthusiasm especially during this time when the entire world is suffering from a pandemic. Khan attended a virtual event of Cinestaan India's Storytellers Script Contest, as a jury member, as he expressed regret that the awards could not be announced at an event as in the past because of the lockdown due to coronavirus. Also read: Rishi Kapoor’s last film 'Sharmaji Namkeen' will get a theatrical release, producer confirms He said “Those who did not make it to the Top 5 should not get discouraged. In fact, scriptwriters should continue writing with more enthusiasm, especially during these times. Every filmmaker needs a good script.” Aamir also expressed his appreciation for organising this initiative and to all those who participated in the second edition of the contest. The high-profile jury that includes actor Aamir Khan, director Raju Hirani, writers Anjum Rajabali and Juhi Chaturvedi. Also read: 'Four More Shots Please!' will get a third season, actress Tanishtha Chatterjee to direct all the episodes The first prize of a whopping Rs 25 lakh was won by Sejal Pachisia for the story ‘On the Boundary’, the second prize was won by Digant Patil for the story ‘Guilt’, third prize was won by Soumil Shukla for the story ‘Laakh Maavla', the fourth prize was won by Anubhav Chopra for the story ‘Phurr’ and the fifth prize was won by Neetha Syam for the story ‘Footprints on Water’. Also read: 'Money Heist' maker picks Vijay or Ayushmann for Professor, SRK for Berlin's role in Indian remake This is India’s biggest script contest.

Aamir Khan wants scriptwriters to continue writing with more enthusiasm amid lockdown

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. People have been forced to stay indoors by mandatory lockdowns while others felt the need to self-quarantine.

Social distancing, isolation, lack of connectivity with your family and friends, and&nbsp;uncertainty can lead to stress and anxiety. The uncertainty and instability around coronavirus is making it difficult for people to manage their thoughts and emotional well-being.

Here are some ways which can help you take care of your mental health:

Connect with others:

If you are feeling sad, anxious, speak to your family, friends and colleagues over the phone, through video calls. Talk about your worries and concerns. You may also call the relevant helpline and counsellors and speak&nbsp;to them for advice. It's a difficult time for everyone, help and support others around you as well, this will make you feel better too.

Physical well-being:

Have a balanced diet, do indoor exercises and follow the regular sleep pattern. Physical health impacts emotional and mental well-being too. Meditation also helps in managing difficult feelings and repetitive thoughts.

Limit &amp; verify information:

Follow verified platforms for information on Covid-19, like WHO, government websites and briefings. Fact-check the information you receive through social media and other people. Rumours lead to anxiety and stress, therefore, trust only credible sources for accurate information.

Keep yourself busy:&nbsp; 
, 
Do whatever makes you happy when you feel low and anxious. Try to create a positive routine and keep the mind active - read, write or enrol in any online course and learn something. Focus on your indoor hobbies like gardening, cooking, exercising, painting.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. People have been forced to stay indoors by mandatory lockdowns while others felt the need to self-quarantine.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. People have been forced to stay indoors by mandatory lockdowns while others felt the need to self-quarantine. Social distancing, isolation, lack of connectivity with your family and friends, and uncertainty can lead to stress and anxiety. The uncertainty and instability around coronavirus is making it difficult for people to manage their thoughts and emotional well-being. Here are some ways which can help you take care of your mental health: Connect with others: If you are feeling sad, anxious, speak to your family, friends and colleagues over the phone, through video calls. Talk about your worries and concerns. You may also call the relevant helpline and counsellors and speak to them for advice. It's a difficult time for everyone, help and support others around you as well, this will make you feel better too. Physical well-being: Have a balanced diet, do indoor exercises and follow the regular sleep pattern. Physical health impacts emotional and mental well-being too. Meditation also helps in managing difficult feelings and repetitive thoughts. Limit & verify information: Follow verified platforms for information on Covid-19, like WHO, government websites and briefings. Fact-check the information you receive through social media and other people. Rumours lead to anxiety and stress, therefore, trust only credible sources for accurate information. Keep yourself busy: , Do whatever makes you happy when you feel low and anxious. Try to create a positive routine and keep the mind active - read, write or enrol in any online course and learn something. Focus on your indoor hobbies like gardening, cooking, exercising, painting.

Coronavirus outbreak: How to take care of your mental health

ICMR has prescribed anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for health workers and family members of coronavirus patients who are at high risk. US President Donald Trump says, this drug can be a game changer

WION Fineprint: Drug Hydroxychloroquine is a game changer-Trump

Icmr approves use of anti-malarial drug in high risk. ICMR holds a press briefing today and clarify that this drug is only use by those health workers who are treating Covid 19 patients.

Icmr approves use of anti-malarial drug for health workers