Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

The curfew will apply from May 23 - May 27 following the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Until then, commercial and business enterprises will remain open as they now are and people can move freely between 9 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and 5 p.m., except in Mecca which remains under a full curfew, a statement published by state news agency SPA said.

Saudi Arabia had earlier imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them for the start of Ramzan.

The kingdom has so far recorded 42,925 cases and 264 deaths.

Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. The curfew will apply from May 23 - May 27 following the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Until then, commercial and business enterprises will remain open as they now are and people can move freely between 9 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and 5 p.m., except in Mecca which remains under a full curfew, a statement published by state news agency SPA said. Saudi Arabia had earlier imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them for the start of Ramzan. The kingdom has so far recorded 42,925 cases and 264 deaths.

Saudi Arabia to enforce 24-hour curfew during the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday

Police in the United Arab Emirates are deploying smart helmets that can scan the temperatures of hundreds of people a minute in the Gulf Arab state's fight against the new coronavirus.

Police deploy smart tech in fight against COVID-19

Rail Bhavan, which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways in Central Delhi, will be shut for the next two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.

The employee, working as a clerk in Railway Protection Force (RPF) Director General Arun Kumar's office on the fourth floor of Rail Bhavan, has been in quarantine since May 6.

According to an order issued on Wednesday, the building, which houses the Railway Board, will be shut on May 14 and 15 and intensive sanitisation of all the rooms and common areas will be done.

Rail Bhavan, which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways in Central Delhi, will be shut for the next two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.

Rail Bhavan, which is the headquarters of the Indian Railways in Central Delhi, will be shut for the next two days after an RPF staffer tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. The employee, working as a clerk in Railway Protection Force (RPF) Director General Arun Kumar's office on the fourth floor of Rail Bhavan, has been in quarantine since May 6. According to an order issued on Wednesday, the building, which houses the Railway Board, will be shut on May 14 and 15 and intensive sanitisation of all the rooms and common areas will be done.

Rail Bhavan shut for two days after staff tests positive for coronavirus

Airlines will not have to leave seats empty, but passengers flying in the European Union will have to wear masks on planes and in airports under plans to revive the travel industry.

The European Commission made the non-binding recommendations on Wednesday as part of wider proposals to salvage the ailing tourism sector, which previously represented some 10% of the EU's economic output and employed almost 12% of its workforce.

The Commission also said on Wednesday it would open legal cases against countries that breach EU law by not ensuring consumers can effectively get cash refunds for travel or holidays cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The starting point here is that European consumers have a right to a cash refund, if that is what they want. Full stop," Margrethe Vestager, a deputy head of the Commission, said.

The Commission also said airlines will need to limit risks of infection, which could be achieved using hospital-grade air filtering, personal protective equipment and limiting movements.

Ryanair said on Tuesday that its passengers would be required to ask for permission to use the toilets to avoid queuing on the budget airline's planes.

"Mandating the use of empty seats to increase physical distancing in aircraft is therefore not recommended," the European Commission's document says.

Airlines have raised concerns that measures to slow the spread of the pandemic could blight profitability long after any travel restrictions end.

The European Commission said that checking in, dropping off and picking up luggage should be reorganised to avoid crowds.

Airlines have already been advised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to check passenger temperatures, collect personal details for any contact tracing and to clean and disinfect terminals and equipment.

IATA, which has estimated the coronavirus crisis could cost airlines a total of $314 billion, recommended facemasks be worn during flights but not blocking off the middle seats.

Some U.S. airlines have already implemented distancing measures, with some blocking middle seats, pausing automatic upgrades and changing the boarding process.

VOUCHERS

Among its other plans, the European bloc's executive proposed that vouchers for cancelled flights or holidays remain valid for at least a year with protection against bankruptcies so people would be more willing to accept them, instead of demanding full refunds.

But it refused to suspend an EU law giving passengers the right to a full cash refund if a flight has been cancelled.

It said companies should make vouchers more attractive by giving them a longer validity period, offering the same conditions as the original booking or even a higher value.

"Many companies have come under pressure and this liquidity crisis would be less severe if customers accepted vouchers instead of cash refunds," Vestager said.

Such vouchers should also be transferable and automatically refundable if not redeemed after a year, the Commission said.

For train transport, the EU executive said social distancing should be applied via increased frequency and train capacity.

Wearing masks in trains and at stations should be required, peak hour travel should be discouraged, doors should open automatically and disinfecting gel should be available.

Similar rules will apply to other public transport and to cruise ships. The Commission said the passenger numbers on cruises should be cut and ships must have cabins available to quarantine people if needed.

It is up to the member states to follow the guidelines, which do not specify a date for resuming travel and are not legally binding.

The European Aviation Safety Agency and the European Center for Disease Control are due to publish further safety protocols for airlines in the coming weeks.

Airlines will not have to leave seats empty, but passengers flying in the European Union will have to wear masks on planes and in airports under plans to revive the travel industry.

Airlines will not have to leave seats empty, but passengers flying in the European Union will have to wear masks on planes and in airports under plans to revive the travel industry. The European Commission made the non-binding recommendations on Wednesday as part of wider proposals to salvage the ailing tourism sector, which previously represented some 10% of the EU's economic output and employed almost 12% of its workforce. The Commission also said on Wednesday it would open legal cases against countries that breach EU law by not ensuring consumers can effectively get cash refunds for travel or holidays cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The starting point here is that European consumers have a right to a cash refund, if that is what they want. Full stop," Margrethe Vestager, a deputy head of the Commission, said. The Commission also said airlines will need to limit risks of infection, which could be achieved using hospital-grade air filtering, personal protective equipment and limiting movements. Ryanair said on Tuesday that its passengers would be required to ask for permission to use the toilets to avoid queuing on the budget airline's planes. "Mandating the use of empty seats to increase physical distancing in aircraft is therefore not recommended," the European Commission's document says. Airlines have raised concerns that measures to slow the spread of the pandemic could blight profitability long after any travel restrictions end. The European Commission said that checking in, dropping off and picking up luggage should be reorganised to avoid crowds. Airlines have already been advised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to check passenger temperatures, collect personal details for any contact tracing and to clean and disinfect terminals and equipment. IATA, which has estimated the coronavirus crisis could cost airlines a total of $314 billion, recommended facemasks be worn during flights but not blocking off the middle seats. Some U.S. airlines have already implemented distancing measures, with some blocking middle seats, pausing automatic upgrades and changing the boarding process. VOUCHERS Among its other plans, the European bloc's executive proposed that vouchers for cancelled flights or holidays remain valid for at least a year with protection against bankruptcies so people would be more willing to accept them, instead of demanding full refunds. But it refused to suspend an EU law giving passengers the right to a full cash refund if a flight has been cancelled. It said companies should make vouchers more attractive by giving them a longer validity period, offering the same conditions as the original booking or even a higher value. "Many companies have come under pressure and this liquidity crisis would be less severe if customers accepted vouchers instead of cash refunds," Vestager said. Such vouchers should also be transferable and automatically refundable if not redeemed after a year, the Commission said. For train transport, the EU executive said social distancing should be applied via increased frequency and train capacity. Wearing masks in trains and at stations should be required, peak hour travel should be discouraged, doors should open automatically and disinfecting gel should be available. Similar rules will apply to other public transport and to cruise ships. The Commission said the passenger numbers on cruises should be cut and ships must have cabins available to quarantine people if needed. It is up to the member states to follow the guidelines, which do not specify a date for resuming travel and are not legally binding. The European Aviation Safety Agency and the European Center for Disease Control are due to publish further safety protocols for airlines in the coming weeks.

No empty seats under EU plans to get planes back in sky

Britain's economy shrank by a record 5.8% in March as the coronavirus crisis escalated and the government shut down much of the country, according to official data that point towards an even bigger hit to come.

The monthly drop in gross domestic product was felt in almost all sectors - from the country's shuttered restaurants and bars to its building sites and factories - and was the largest since comparable records began in 1997.

"The sharp contraction in UK Q1 GDP comes as little surprise, but does clearly highlight the magnitude of the challenge facing policymakers," JP Morgan market strategist Hugh Gimber said.

In the first three months of the year, GDP contracted by 2.0% from the last three months of 2019, the biggest drop since the depths of the financial crisis in late 2008, the Office for National Statistics said.

The Bank of England said last week that the contraction of the economy in the April-June period could approach 25% and lead to the largest annual decline in more than three centuries.

British two-year government bond yields sank to a record low of -0.045% after the data, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of England will ramp up its record 645 billion pounds ($791 billion) of asset purchases next month.

Finance minister Rishi Sunak said Britain was now in the midst of a significant recession. 
"We have to support people's jobs, their incomes, livelihoods at this time, and support businesses so we can get through this period of severe disruption and emerge stronger on the other side," he said after the GDP data.

A newspaper said on Tuesday that finance ministry officials have warned Sunak the budget deficit could swell to a record 337 billion pounds this year from just 55 billion pounds forecast in March.

On Tuesday, Britain's government extended a costly job support programme for another four months, though businesses will need to pick up more of the tab from August.

DELAYED LOCKDOWN

The decline in first-quarter GDP was slightly smaller than economists had forecast in a Reuters poll, and less than the 3.8% slump suffered by the euro zone in the first quarter. But Britain only started its lockdown on March 23, later than many other euro zone countries.

COVID-19 has killed more than 40,000 people in the United Kingdom, the highest death toll reported in Europe so far.

Economists said output appeared to have fallen around a fifth after the lockdown came into force.

Separate data from the British Retail Consortium trade body showed retail spending dropped almost a fifth in April. Barclaycard said consumer spending had dropped more than a third.

Wednesday's ONS figures showed household consumption fell by 1.8% in the first quarter, the most since 2008.

The BoE said last week the economy could rebound if coronavirus restrictions are lifted, pencilling in a 15% recovery after a historic 14% fall in GDP for 2020 as a whole.

But it warned recovery might be slower, especially if consumers prove cautious about returning to their normal lives, a view shared by many economists.

"The UK's economic engine will be much harder to kickstart than it was to stall," Rabobank economist Stefan Koopman said.

"Talk of a V-shaped recovery feels like wishful thinking, and we expect prolonged periods of depressed growth across the majority of the economy. A flatter, U-shaped recovery is more likely," he said. 
&nbsp;

Britain's economy shrank by a record 5.8% in March as the coronavirus crisis escalated and the government shut down much of the country, according to official data that point towards an even bigger hit to come.

Britain's economy shrank by a record 5.8% in March as the coronavirus crisis escalated and the government shut down much of the country, according to official data that point towards an even bigger hit to come. The monthly drop in gross domestic product was felt in almost all sectors - from the country's shuttered restaurants and bars to its building sites and factories - and was the largest since comparable records began in 1997. "The sharp contraction in UK Q1 GDP comes as little surprise, but does clearly highlight the magnitude of the challenge facing policymakers," JP Morgan market strategist Hugh Gimber said. In the first three months of the year, GDP contracted by 2.0% from the last three months of 2019, the biggest drop since the depths of the financial crisis in late 2008, the Office for National Statistics said. The Bank of England said last week that the contraction of the economy in the April-June period could approach 25% and lead to the largest annual decline in more than three centuries. British two-year government bond yields sank to a record low of -0.045% after the data, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of England will ramp up its record 645 billion pounds ($791 billion) of asset purchases next month. Finance minister Rishi Sunak said Britain was now in the midst of a significant recession. "We have to support people's jobs, their incomes, livelihoods at this time, and support businesses so we can get through this period of severe disruption and emerge stronger on the other side," he said after the GDP data. A newspaper said on Tuesday that finance ministry officials have warned Sunak the budget deficit could swell to a record 337 billion pounds this year from just 55 billion pounds forecast in March. On Tuesday, Britain's government extended a costly job support programme for another four months, though businesses will need to pick up more of the tab from August. DELAYED LOCKDOWN The decline in first-quarter GDP was slightly smaller than economists had forecast in a Reuters poll, and less than the 3.8% slump suffered by the euro zone in the first quarter. But Britain only started its lockdown on March 23, later than many other euro zone countries. COVID-19 has killed more than 40,000 people in the United Kingdom, the highest death toll reported in Europe so far. Economists said output appeared to have fallen around a fifth after the lockdown came into force. Separate data from the British Retail Consortium trade body showed retail spending dropped almost a fifth in April. Barclaycard said consumer spending had dropped more than a third. Wednesday's ONS figures showed household consumption fell by 1.8% in the first quarter, the most since 2008. The BoE said last week the economy could rebound if coronavirus restrictions are lifted, pencilling in a 15% recovery after a historic 14% fall in GDP for 2020 as a whole. But it warned recovery might be slower, especially if consumers prove cautious about returning to their normal lives, a view shared by many economists. "The UK's economic engine will be much harder to kickstart than it was to stall," Rabobank economist Stefan Koopman said. "Talk of a V-shaped recovery feels like wishful thinking, and we expect prolonged periods of depressed growth across the majority of the economy. A flatter, U-shaped recovery is more likely," he said.

UK's economy shrank by 5.8% in March amid coronavirus crisis

British researchers are set to study the genes of COVID-19 patients to try to crack one of the most harrowing questions -- why does it kill some people but give others not even a mild headache?

Researchers from across the United Kingdom will sequence the genetic code of people who fell critically ill -- up to 20,000 people currently or previously in hospital intensive care with COVID-19 -- and compare their genomes with those who were mildly ill or not ill at all -- about 15,000 people.

Scientists caution that their knowledge of the novel coronavirus, which emerged in China last year, is still modest though they say it is striking how it can be so deadly for some but so mild for others.

Some answers could come as soon as in a few weeks from a study of almost 2,000 people already underway, though it is likely that testing more people will ensure that the signals they detect are genuine.

The results will be shared globally.

British researchers are set to study the genes of COVID-19 patients to try to crack one of the most harrowing questions -- why does it kill some people but give others not even a mild headache?

British researchers are set to study the genes of COVID-19 patients to try to crack one of the most harrowing questions -- why does it kill some people but give others not even a mild headache? Researchers from across the United Kingdom will sequence the genetic code of people who fell critically ill -- up to 20,000 people currently or previously in hospital intensive care with COVID-19 -- and compare their genomes with those who were mildly ill or not ill at all -- about 15,000 people. Scientists caution that their knowledge of the novel coronavirus, which emerged in China last year, is still modest though they say it is striking how it can be so deadly for some but so mild for others. Some answers could come as soon as in a few weeks from a study of almost 2,000 people already underway, though it is likely that testing more people will ensure that the signals they detect are genuine. The results will be shared globally.

UK researchers to study genes of COVID-19 patients to try to crack morbidity

Scientists have developed a COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify where in India people are more at risk of contracting the infection.

A recent study by Swasti, a not-for-profit public health organisation, to this end, showed most of the districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, and adjoining districts in Rajasthan and Maharashtra with high vulnerability scores.

High-vulnerability districts are those where COVID-19 is likely to spread rapidly, while also remaining undetected for longer periods. A high rate of risk can be due to various socio-economic factors -- low income or education levels, demographic factors, health and hygiene variables and environmental dimensions.

Moderate vulnerability is seen in northern districts of Karnataka, Eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Eastern districts of Tamil Nadu, showed the findings released on Wednesday.

While the districts of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and most districts of the north eastern states show relatively low vulnerability scores.

There are 15 indicators that affect the vulnerability of COVID 19 infection -- socio-economic factors like low income or education levels, demographic factors such as population density and urbanization, health and hygiene variables like anemia levels or practicing handwashing, and environmental dimensions including temperature and relative humidity.

According to the study by Swasti, these variables, taken together, could account for 74 per cent of the variation in vulnerability to infection.

The researchers hope that using this and similar analyses, it can be predicted where it is most critical to keep transmission rates low and focus on strengthening health system capacity.

Scientists have developed a COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify where in India people are more at risk of contracting the infection. A recent study by Swasti, a not-for-profit public health organisation, to this end, showed most of the districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, and adjoining districts in Rajasthan and Maharashtra with high vulnerability scores.

Scientists have developed a COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify where in India people are more at risk of contracting the infection. A recent study by Swasti, a not-for-profit public health organisation, to this end, showed most of the districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, and adjoining districts in Rajasthan and Maharashtra with high vulnerability scores. High-vulnerability districts are those where COVID-19 is likely to spread rapidly, while also remaining undetected for longer periods. A high rate of risk can be due to various socio-economic factors -- low income or education levels, demographic factors, health and hygiene variables and environmental dimensions. Moderate vulnerability is seen in northern districts of Karnataka, Eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Eastern districts of Tamil Nadu, showed the findings released on Wednesday. While the districts of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and most districts of the north eastern states show relatively low vulnerability scores. There are 15 indicators that affect the vulnerability of COVID 19 infection -- socio-economic factors like low income or education levels, demographic factors such as population density and urbanization, health and hygiene variables like anemia levels or practicing handwashing, and environmental dimensions including temperature and relative humidity. According to the study by Swasti, these variables, taken together, could account for 74 per cent of the variation in vulnerability to infection. The researchers hope that using this and similar analyses, it can be predicted where it is most critical to keep transmission rates low and focus on strengthening health system capacity.

A new COVID-19 vulnerability index to identify districts most at risk in India

Germany will start to relax some border controls introduced in March to slow the spread of the coronavirus with the aim of having free travel in Europe from mid-June.

The tentative step, aimed partly at helping the tourism sector, comes as the European Commission prepares to urge a return to "unrestricted free movement", though that push will stop if there is a major second wave of infections.

Germany introduced lockdowns in mid-March, early in the coronavirus outbreak, and has managed to keep the death rate per capita relatively low compared to many of its European neighbours.

Seehofer said that blanket border controls agreed with France, Switzerland and Austria due to end on May 15 would be extended to June 15, but as many crossings as possible would be reopened and systematic checks would give way to spot checks.

Earlier, Austria said its border with Germany would fully reopen in a month. The Alpine country has been lobbying Germany hard to reopen the border, not least to boost its important tourism industry.

Germany's border with Luxembourg can be completely opened, and controls at the EU's external borders will remain until June 15.

People in safe parts of China could re-enter Germany after June 15.

In an indication of the toll the pandemic is having on the travel sector, tour operator TUI said earlier it needs to reduce its fixed cost base by 30% and cut thousands of jobs in response to the crisis.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Germany will start to relax some border controls introduced in March to slow the spread of the coronavirus with the aim of having free travel in Europe from mid-June.

Germany will start to relax some border controls introduced in March to slow the spread of the coronavirus with the aim of having free travel in Europe from mid-June. The tentative step, aimed partly at helping the tourism sector, comes as the European Commission prepares to urge a return to "unrestricted free movement", though that push will stop if there is a major second wave of infections. Germany introduced lockdowns in mid-March, early in the coronavirus outbreak, and has managed to keep the death rate per capita relatively low compared to many of its European neighbours. Seehofer said that blanket border controls agreed with France, Switzerland and Austria due to end on May 15 would be extended to June 15, but as many crossings as possible would be reopened and systematic checks would give way to spot checks. Earlier, Austria said its border with Germany would fully reopen in a month. The Alpine country has been lobbying Germany hard to reopen the border, not least to boost its important tourism industry. Germany's border with Luxembourg can be completely opened, and controls at the EU's external borders will remain until June 15. People in safe parts of China could re-enter Germany after June 15. In an indication of the toll the pandemic is having on the travel sector, tour operator TUI said earlier it needs to reduce its fixed cost base by 30% and cut thousands of jobs in response to the crisis. (with inputs from Reuters)

Germany to start easing border controls from Saturday

The Central Industrial Security Force has reported 41 fresh coronavirus infection cases on Wednesday, with the maximum reported from its Kolkata-based GRSEL unit, a strategic warship building facility on the banks of Hooghly River in West Bengal.

A 55-year-old Assistant Sub Inspector rank official of the force posted in this defence PSU 'mini ratna' unit had succumbed to the disease on Monday.

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) CISF unit has 38 active COVID-19 cases now, with all but one being reported in the last 24 hours, official data said.

The GRSEL, under the administrative control of the Defence Ministry, was entrusted with building four Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes (ASWCs) for the Navy, all of which have been delivered.

It is a strategically important and sprawling warship building facility on the banks of the Hooghly River in the capital city of West

Bengal that caters to the combat vessel requirements of not only the Navy, but also the Coast Guard.

GRSE has both wet and dry docks for ship building and trial purposes which open on the river front.

Over 400 armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed here in 2016 for providing anti-terror cover to the facility backed by vehicle-borne quick reaction teams.

A Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police, before this deployment of the central force in 2015, had busted a suspected ISI module in the city and arrested few people, including a temporary GRSEL employee, after pictures of the facility and vessels being constructed there were recovered from their possession.

The deceased CISF official was under treatment at a Kolkata hospital since he tested positive for the disease on May 5.

This was the third death from the pandemic in the force with the other two in a unit that guards the Indian Museum in Kolkata and the one that protects the Mumbai international airport.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have witnessed six deaths in all, the maximum being in CISF, while two in the Border Security Force (BSF) and one in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The rest of the four fresh cases in the CISF on Wednesday have been reported from the Delhi Metro security unit of the force. The active cases in this unit are 28 now.

Overall, with the addition of 41 fresh cases, the total number of active cases in the about 1.62 lakh personnel strong force stands at 109 now.

The contingent guarding the Mumbai international airport has 28 active cases followed by five in the Ahmedabad airport security unit and three from the Indira Gandhi International Airport protection unit, the data said.

The force is primarily deputed to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain apart from other defence and security institutions.

The CAPFs-- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB-- have about 827 active cases of the disease as per the latest data accessed by PTI.

Meanwhile, the BSF reported 13 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with 11 from its units deployed in Delhi for rendering law and order duties with the local police.

The Pakistan and Bangladesh guarding 2.5 lakh personnel strong force has the maximum of 301 active infection cases of the pandemic among the CAPFs.

The CRPF also reported three more cases on Wednesday taking its tally of active cases to 242. Few personnel of the country's largest CAPF, with 3.25 lakh personnel, have also recovered.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which is responsible for manning the Line of Actual Control with China, reported no fresh cases and its active coronavirus cases stand at 158.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has at least 20 active cases of the disease and one personnel has recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

The Central Industrial Security Force has reported 41 fresh coronavirus infection cases on Wednesday, with the maximum reported from its Kolkata-based GRSEL unit, a strategic warship building facility on the banks of Hooghly River in West Bengal.

The Central Industrial Security Force has reported 41 fresh coronavirus infection cases on Wednesday, with the maximum reported from its Kolkata-based GRSEL unit, a strategic warship building facility on the banks of Hooghly River in West Bengal. A 55-year-old Assistant Sub Inspector rank official of the force posted in this defence PSU 'mini ratna' unit had succumbed to the disease on Monday. The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) CISF unit has 38 active COVID-19 cases now, with all but one being reported in the last 24 hours, official data said. The GRSEL, under the administrative control of the Defence Ministry, was entrusted with building four Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes (ASWCs) for the Navy, all of which have been delivered. It is a strategically important and sprawling warship building facility on the banks of the Hooghly River in the capital city of West Bengal that caters to the combat vessel requirements of not only the Navy, but also the Coast Guard. GRSE has both wet and dry docks for ship building and trial purposes which open on the river front. Over 400 armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed here in 2016 for providing anti-terror cover to the facility backed by vehicle-borne quick reaction teams. A Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police, before this deployment of the central force in 2015, had busted a suspected ISI module in the city and arrested few people, including a temporary GRSEL employee, after pictures of the facility and vessels being constructed there were recovered from their possession. The deceased CISF official was under treatment at a Kolkata hospital since he tested positive for the disease on May 5. This was the third death from the pandemic in the force with the other two in a unit that guards the Indian Museum in Kolkata and the one that protects the Mumbai international airport. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have witnessed six deaths in all, the maximum being in CISF, while two in the Border Security Force (BSF) and one in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The rest of the four fresh cases in the CISF on Wednesday have been reported from the Delhi Metro security unit of the force. The active cases in this unit are 28 now. Overall, with the addition of 41 fresh cases, the total number of active cases in the about 1.62 lakh personnel strong force stands at 109 now. The contingent guarding the Mumbai international airport has 28 active cases followed by five in the Ahmedabad airport security unit and three from the Indira Gandhi International Airport protection unit, the data said. The force is primarily deputed to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain apart from other defence and security institutions. The CAPFs-- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB-- have about 827 active cases of the disease as per the latest data accessed by PTI. Meanwhile, the BSF reported 13 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with 11 from its units deployed in Delhi for rendering law and order duties with the local police. The Pakistan and Bangladesh guarding 2.5 lakh personnel strong force has the maximum of 301 active infection cases of the pandemic among the CAPFs. The CRPF also reported three more cases on Wednesday taking its tally of active cases to 242. Few personnel of the country's largest CAPF, with 3.25 lakh personnel, have also recovered. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which is responsible for manning the Line of Actual Control with China, reported no fresh cases and its active coronavirus cases stand at 158. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has at least 20 active cases of the disease and one personnel has recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

CISF unit guarding Kolkata-based warship building facility registers maximum 38 COVID-19 cases

Brazil's confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus passed Germany on Tuesday, as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro fought states over his wish to reopen gyms and beauty parlors even as his country becomes a new global hotspot for the pandemic.

Brazil: President Bolsonaro's big push for easing COVID-19 restrictions

Isabel Gonzalez reunites with her baby, Victoria, for the first time since she delivered her on March 30, the same day that she was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital for COVID-19.

Mother fights COVID-19 disease, celebrates life after COVID-19 struggle

COVID-19 isn't just a respiratory disease that has been ravaging the entire world. It hits the whole body, according to recent findings.

The most obvious symptoms of the infection are classic respiratory symptoms -- fever, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. But the virus also seems to attack some organs directly.

The virus seems to affect thrombosis and to directly affect your blood vessels -- implying it can stand to affect the entire body.

CNN.com quoted an example of a patient who had been relatively fine for the first 10 days he was down with COVID-19 to further its research on the various side-effects and syndromes caused due to the deadly virus.

Just 38, he had mild pulmonary symptoms that he was just sitting at home with, and just had a little cough.

"Then he just woke up with both his legs numb and cold and so weak he couldn't walk," Dr Sean Wengerter, a vascular surgeon in Pomona, New York told CNN.

The young man had an aortic occlusion -- a big blood clot in the body's main artery, right above where it splits into two parts to run into each leg. Blood was not getting into the iliac arteries and his legs were being starved.

This was just one of the many examples that tell of the odd and frightening syndromes, including blood clots of all sizes throughout the body, kidney failure, heart inflammation and immune complications doctors are observing in people who have contracted coronavirus.

In some cases it's having severe effects on the patient's ability to breathe, and in others it seems to be associated with development of multi-system organ failure.

It's also associated with immune effects in children.

Another syndrome is the attack on the lining of the blood vessels, which in turn causes unnatural blood clotting.

There have been reported unusual strokes in younger patients, as well as pulmonary embolisms.

Pathologists are finding tiny blood clots in the smallest vessels.

One of the most frightening syndromes that might be linked with Covid-19 is "pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

It is characterised by persistent fever, inflammation, poor function in one or more organs, and other symptoms that resemble shock, a panel of pediatricians known as the International PICU-COVID-19 Collaboration says.

In some cases, children show shock and some have features of Kawasaki disease.

"It is even possible that the antibodies that children are making to SARS-CoV2 are creating an immune reaction in the body. Nobody knows," said Dr Jane Newburger, a cardiologist on the Boston Children's panel and an expert on Kawasaki disease.

Cytokine storm may also cause some of the lung damage and unusual blood clotting seen in adult patients.

One last symptom is known as "Covid toes." Patients are reporting red or purple swelling of their toes. It's possible the tiny blood clots associated with COVID-19 are causing it.

COVID-19 isn't just a respiratory disease that has been ravaging the entire world. It hits the whole body, according to recent findings. The most obvious symptoms of the infection are classic respiratory symptoms -- fever, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

COVID-19 isn't just a respiratory disease that has been ravaging the entire world. It hits the whole body, according to recent findings. The most obvious symptoms of the infection are classic respiratory symptoms -- fever, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. But the virus also seems to attack some organs directly. The virus seems to affect thrombosis and to directly affect your blood vessels -- implying it can stand to affect the entire body. CNN.com quoted an example of a patient who had been relatively fine for the first 10 days he was down with COVID-19 to further its research on the various side-effects and syndromes caused due to the deadly virus. Just 38, he had mild pulmonary symptoms that he was just sitting at home with, and just had a little cough. "Then he just woke up with both his legs numb and cold and so weak he couldn't walk," Dr Sean Wengerter, a vascular surgeon in Pomona, New York told CNN. The young man had an aortic occlusion -- a big blood clot in the body's main artery, right above where it splits into two parts to run into each leg. Blood was not getting into the iliac arteries and his legs were being starved. This was just one of the many examples that tell of the odd and frightening syndromes, including blood clots of all sizes throughout the body, kidney failure, heart inflammation and immune complications doctors are observing in people who have contracted coronavirus. In some cases it's having severe effects on the patient's ability to breathe, and in others it seems to be associated with development of multi-system organ failure. It's also associated with immune effects in children. Another syndrome is the attack on the lining of the blood vessels, which in turn causes unnatural blood clotting. There have been reported unusual strokes in younger patients, as well as pulmonary embolisms. Pathologists are finding tiny blood clots in the smallest vessels. One of the most frightening syndromes that might be linked with Covid-19 is "pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome. It is characterised by persistent fever, inflammation, poor function in one or more organs, and other symptoms that resemble shock, a panel of pediatricians known as the International PICU-COVID-19 Collaboration says. In some cases, children show shock and some have features of Kawasaki disease. "It is even possible that the antibodies that children are making to SARS-CoV2 are creating an immune reaction in the body. Nobody knows," said Dr Jane Newburger, a cardiologist on the Boston Children's panel and an expert on Kawasaki disease. Cytokine storm may also cause some of the lung damage and unusual blood clotting seen in adult patients. One last symptom is known as "Covid toes." Patients are reporting red or purple swelling of their toes. It's possible the tiny blood clots associated with COVID-19 are causing it.

COVID-19 has now begun to show newer symptoms and syndromes

More than a hundred shoppers waited in line to enter a store of French luxury brand Chanel in Seoul on Wednesday, shrugging off concern about a second wave of novel coronavirus infections to beat imminent price hikes.

South Korea: Shoppers queue up at Chanel store after price hike rumour

Iran has reopened all of its Mosques in Tehran, after two months Iran eased restrictions that were aimed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Mosques reopen in Tehran as Iran lifts restrictions

An Indian-origin woman doctor has died in the north-east of England after a long battle with the novel coronavirus.

Dr Poornima Nair, a 55-year-old Keralite from Delhi, worked at the Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland in County Durham of England. She died at the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital at Stockton-on-Tees after a long battle with COVID-19.

Nair is believed to be the tenth General Practitioner (GP) to die on the frontlines of the UK's medical community fighting the coronavirus. The highly contagious infection has claimed the lives of over 32,000 people in the country.

Nair passed away after a prolonged COVID-19 illness, which she fought with her great strength of character, a note from the medical centre said.

Tributes have been pouring in for the doctor on social media from friends, colleagues and others known to the general practitioner (GP).

She had been on ventilator support for a few days before she succumbed to the disease this week.

One of Nair's many patients thanked her for saving her mother's life. She wrote: "Rest in Peace Dr Nair. Absolutely outstanding doctor. Saved my mum's life 10 years ago without doubt, after undiagnosed life-threatening illness.

(with inputs from PTI)

An Indian-origin woman doctor has died in the north-east of England after a long battle with the novel coronavirus. Dr Poornima Nair, a 55-year-old Keralite from Delhi, worked at the Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland in County Durham of England.

An Indian-origin woman doctor has died in the north-east of England after a long battle with the novel coronavirus. Dr Poornima Nair, a 55-year-old Keralite from Delhi, worked at the Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland in County Durham of England. She died at the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital at Stockton-on-Tees after a long battle with COVID-19. Nair is believed to be the tenth General Practitioner (GP) to die on the frontlines of the UK's medical community fighting the coronavirus. The highly contagious infection has claimed the lives of over 32,000 people in the country. Nair passed away after a prolonged COVID-19 illness, which she fought with her great strength of character, a note from the medical centre said. Tributes have been pouring in for the doctor on social media from friends, colleagues and others known to the general practitioner (GP). She had been on ventilator support for a few days before she succumbed to the disease this week. One of Nair's many patients thanked her for saving her mother's life. She wrote: "Rest in Peace Dr Nair. Absolutely outstanding doctor. Saved my mum's life 10 years ago without doubt, after undiagnosed life-threatening illness. (with inputs from PTI)

Indian-origin doctor dies in UK after long battle with coronavirus

Half of over 5,000 households surveyed in rural areas of 12 states have been eating fewer meals during the coronavirus lockdown, a PTI report said quoting a survey.

The study, 'COVID-19 induced Lockdown-How is Hinterland Coping', was conducted in 47 districts.

While 50 per cent of households in rural India have reduced the number of meals ever since the lockdown was imposed as part of immediate adjustment for food security, about 68 per cent of the households reduced the number of items in their meals.

The findings of the study were released in a webinar on Wednesday.

The study found that households have depended on kharif stock more than rabi, but that stock is now depleting fast.

"Households are coping with the shock by eating less food and fewer times and with large dependence on PDS Need for increased food support through PDS and promotion for food crop cultivation in kharif," the study said.

It further said that a large chunk of migrants are yet to return to rural India.

"Lockdown and rumours have indeed adversely affected income - dairy and poultry. The coping mechanisms mostly clustered around change in food habits and reduction in expenditures," the study said.

The states where the survey was conducted were Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

The survey was carried out by civil society organisations PRADAN, Action for Social Advancement, BAIF, Transform Rural India Foundation, Grameen Sahara, SAATHI-UP and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme with research support of Vikas Anvesh Foundation and Sambodhi.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Half of over 5,000 households surveyed in rural areas of 12 states have been eating fewer meals during the coronavirus lockdown, a PTI report said quoting a survey.

Half of over 5,000 households surveyed in rural areas of 12 states have been eating fewer meals during the coronavirus lockdown, a PTI report said quoting a survey. The study, 'COVID-19 induced Lockdown-How is Hinterland Coping', was conducted in 47 districts. While 50 per cent of households in rural India have reduced the number of meals ever since the lockdown was imposed as part of immediate adjustment for food security, about 68 per cent of the households reduced the number of items in their meals. The findings of the study were released in a webinar on Wednesday. The study found that households have depended on kharif stock more than rabi, but that stock is now depleting fast. "Households are coping with the shock by eating less food and fewer times and with large dependence on PDS Need for increased food support through PDS and promotion for food crop cultivation in kharif," the study said. It further said that a large chunk of migrants are yet to return to rural India. "Lockdown and rumours have indeed adversely affected income - dairy and poultry. The coping mechanisms mostly clustered around change in food habits and reduction in expenditures," the study said. The states where the survey was conducted were Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The survey was carried out by civil society organisations PRADAN, Action for Social Advancement, BAIF, Transform Rural India Foundation, Grameen Sahara, SAATHI-UP and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme with research support of Vikas Anvesh Foundation and Sambodhi. (With inputs from PTI)

50 per cent of surveyed households in rural India eating less due to COVID-19 lockdown

Parents are worried about sending their warNew social distancing measures implemented in schoolsds to schools even in it reopens.

New social distancing measures implemented in schools

Fears are growing in Germany over a second Coronavirus wave, as the country reported a new rise in the Coronavirus infection rate, a few weeks after it started easing lockdown restrictions.

Bars reopen as Germany eases lockdown rules

One new coronavirus case was confirmed in the city on May 7, and there are 13 infections registered in the city now.

China sees fresh round of cases, imposes lockdown in Shulan

India's Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd said on Tuesday it had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for selling Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir in 127 countries, including India.

Gilead has been in talks to expand global supply of the drug, after receiving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorisation for remdesivir in treating COVID-19 patients.

Under the agreement, Jubilant also gets rights to manufacture the drug and scale up production.

Gilead said earlier this month it was negotiating long-term licenses with several generic drugmakers in India and Pakistan to produce remdesivir for developing countries and that it would provide technology to aid the production.

With no approved treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, interest in remdesivir has been growing around the world.

Gilead said the drug has improved outcomes for people suffering from the respiratory disease and has provided data suggesting it works better when given in the early stages of infection.

India's Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd said on Tuesday it had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for selling Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir in 127 countries, including India.

India's Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd said on Tuesday it had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for selling Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir in 127 countries, including India. Gilead has been in talks to expand global supply of the drug, after receiving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorisation for remdesivir in treating COVID-19 patients. Under the agreement, Jubilant also gets rights to manufacture the drug and scale up production. Gilead said earlier this month it was negotiating long-term licenses with several generic drugmakers in India and Pakistan to produce remdesivir for developing countries and that it would provide technology to aid the production. With no approved treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, interest in remdesivir has been growing around the world. Gilead said the drug has improved outcomes for people suffering from the respiratory disease and has provided data suggesting it works better when given in the early stages of infection.

India's Jubilant signs licensing deal for Gilead's potential COVID-19 drug

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 53 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total death toll to 921, while the total number of cases increased to 24,427, a jump of 1,026 new cases.

Of the total deaths, 28 -- the highest till date -- were recorded in Mumbai, taking the city's toll to 556, while the number of coronavirus cases in the city shot up by 426 to 14,947 on Tuesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Dharavi slum alone continued to be a major hotspot in Mumbai, notching 46 new cases, taking the total number of patients to 962, besides recording 31 deaths till now.

In its daily update, the Union health ministry said the death toll rose to 2,293 and the positive cases climbed to 70,756, registering an increase of 87 deaths and 3,604 cases in the last 24 hours till Tuesday 8 AM.

However, a PTI tally of numbers announced by different states and UTs put the total number of confirmed cases much higher at 74,029 and the death toll at 2,338, as of 9 PM.

DELHI 
With 406 fresh instances, the total number of coronavirus cases reached 7,639 while the death toll has risen to 86.

TAMIL NADU 
Eight people with co-morbid conditions died of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu and as many as 716 fresh coronavirus cases were reported, pushing the tally to 8,718 in the state, authorities said on Tuesday.

TELANGANA 
Two deaths and 51 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Telangana on Tuesday, taking the number of infections in the state to 1,326. The deaths pushed the toll due to the coronavirus to 32, a COVID-19 bulletin issued by the state government said.

UTTAR PRADESH 
Two more people died of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday as the number of people testing positive for the infection rose to 3,664 due to 91 fresh cases, an official release said. So far, the infection has claimed 82 lives in the state.

GUJARAT 
Gujarat reported 362 new COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, including 21 in worst-hit Ahmedabad.

WEST BENGAL 
West Bengal, officials said at least eight people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll in the state to 126, while over 100 more people tested positive for the deadly virus.

KERALA 
Kerala, which had stopped seeing fresh cases till a few days back, saw five new cases as the flow of Keralites returning home from other countries and states continued.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a fourth stage of lockdown, saying its contours will be completely different from those seen yet. On the basis of recommendations received from states, new rules will be framed, and information about the same will be conveyed before May 18, he said.

PM Modi had first announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 24 during his first address to the nation on COVID-19. This was later extended till May 3 and then further till May 18 with some relaxations in the third phase, especially in areas with nil or less cases.

While the cases have continued to rise during the lockdown period, government officials have been saying that the tally could have been much higher but for the containment measures and a targetted testing strategy.

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 53 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total death toll to 921, while the total number of cases increased to 24,427, a jump of 1,026 new cases.

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 53 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total death toll to 921, while the total number of cases increased to 24,427, a jump of 1,026 new cases. Of the total deaths, 28 -- the highest till date -- were recorded in Mumbai, taking the city's toll to 556, while the number of coronavirus cases in the city shot up by 426 to 14,947 on Tuesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. Dharavi slum alone continued to be a major hotspot in Mumbai, notching 46 new cases, taking the total number of patients to 962, besides recording 31 deaths till now. In its daily update, the Union health ministry said the death toll rose to 2,293 and the positive cases climbed to 70,756, registering an increase of 87 deaths and 3,604 cases in the last 24 hours till Tuesday 8 AM. However, a PTI tally of numbers announced by different states and UTs put the total number of confirmed cases much higher at 74,029 and the death toll at 2,338, as of 9 PM. DELHI With 406 fresh instances, the total number of coronavirus cases reached 7,639 while the death toll has risen to 86. TAMIL NADU Eight people with co-morbid conditions died of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu and as many as 716 fresh coronavirus cases were reported, pushing the tally to 8,718 in the state, authorities said on Tuesday. TELANGANA Two deaths and 51 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Telangana on Tuesday, taking the number of infections in the state to 1,326. The deaths pushed the toll due to the coronavirus to 32, a COVID-19 bulletin issued by the state government said. UTTAR PRADESH Two more people died of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday as the number of people testing positive for the infection rose to 3,664 due to 91 fresh cases, an official release said. So far, the infection has claimed 82 lives in the state. GUJARAT Gujarat reported 362 new COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, including 21 in worst-hit Ahmedabad. WEST BENGAL West Bengal, officials said at least eight people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll in the state to 126, while over 100 more people tested positive for the deadly virus. KERALA Kerala, which had stopped seeing fresh cases till a few days back, saw five new cases as the flow of Keralites returning home from other countries and states continued. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a fourth stage of lockdown, saying its contours will be completely different from those seen yet. On the basis of recommendations received from states, new rules will be framed, and information about the same will be conveyed before May 18, he said. PM Modi had first announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 24 during his first address to the nation on COVID-19. This was later extended till May 3 and then further till May 18 with some relaxations in the third phase, especially in areas with nil or less cases. While the cases have continued to rise during the lockdown period, government officials have been saying that the tally could have been much higher but for the containment measures and a targetted testing strategy.

India's coronavirus tally: Mumbai's Dharavi continues to be a major hotspot

US consumer prices dropped by the most since the Great Recession in April, weighed down by a plunge in demand for gasoline and services including airline travel as Americans stayed home during the coronavirus crisis.

The report from the Labor Department on Tuesday also showed a record decrease in underlying prices last month, raising the specter of a bout of deflation as the economy sinks deeper into a recession triggered by lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.

The government reported last Friday that the economy lost 20.5 million jobs in April, the deepest drop since the Great Depression.

The economy contracted in the first quarter at its steepest pace since the 2007-09 downturn.

Deflation, a decline in the general price level, is harmful during a recession as consumers and businesses may delay purchases in anticipation of lower prices.

"The economic collapse has taken a dangerous turn where now it is consumer prices that are being pulled down into the abyss as consumers sitting at home have postponed their purchases," said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. "Part of the reason the Great Depression lingered so long was because consumers knew they could wait till next year to buy cars and refrigerators and homes at a cheaper discount."

The consumer price index tumbled 0.8% last month after falling 0.4% in March. That was the largest decline since December 2008 when the economy was in the throes of a recession, and marked the second straight monthly decrease in the CPI.

Gasoline prices plunged 20.6%, the largest decrease since November 2008, after tumbling 10.5% in March. Cheaper gasoline amid a collapse in crude oil prices offset a 1.5% surge in the cost of food last month, which was the largest gain since January 1990, after a 0.3% rise in March.

Prices for food consumed at home accelerated 2.6%, the largest advance since February 1974, amid broad gains in all six major grocery store food groups.

There have been shortages of meat amid COVID-19 outbreaks at processing plants. The cost of food consumed at home increased only 0.5% in March. In the 12 months through April, the CPI gained 0.3%, the smallest annual rise since October 2015, after increasing 1.5% in March.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI falling 0.8% in April and rising 0.4% year-on-year. 
The dollar fell against a basket of currencies, while U.S. Treasury prices rose. Stocks on Wall Street were mixed.

STRONG HEALTHCARE COSTS

The Labor Department said in-store data collection has been suspended since March 16 because of the public health crisis. It added that data collection last month was also impacted "by the temporary closing or limited operations of certain types of establishments," leading to "an increase in the number of prices being considered temporarily unavailable and imputed."

That resulted in many indexes being based on smaller amounts of collected prices than usual, and a small number of indexes that are normally published were not published in April.

Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the CPI dropped 0.4% in April, the largest decline since the series started in 1957. The so-called core CPI dipped 0.1% in March, which was the first drop since January 2010. April marked the first back-to-back fall in the core CPI since 1982.

Underlying inflation was depressed in April by a record 8.1% plunge in the cost of hotel and motel accommodation. It was also cheaper to fly last month, with the cost of airline fares tumbling a record 15.2% after decreasing 12.6% in March. Apparel dropped a record 4.7% last month after declining 2.0% in March.

Economists expect the broad deflationary trend to give way to higher inflation at least next year partly because of extraordinary measures by the Federal Reserve to cushion the economy`s fall, including programs to help keep companies afloat. A historic fiscal package of around $3 trillion and rebounding oil prices as producers cut output are also factors.

Lingering disruptions to the supply chain could see some goods remain in short supply, boosting prices, though that could be tempered by cheaper hotel and air travel.

"This is not to suggest that we see runaway inflation coming down the road, we do not, but the market`s pricing of inflation at effectively zero is unrealistic and excessively pessimistic," said Rick Rieder, chief investment officer of global fixed income at BlackRock in New York.

In the 12 months through April, the core CPI rose 1.4%, the smallest increase since April 2011, after advancing 2.1% in March. The Fed tracks the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for its 2% inflation target.

The core PCE price index increased 1.7% year-on-year in March after rising 1.8% in February. April`s core PCE price index data will be released at the end of the month.

Owners` equivalent rent of primary residence, which is what a homeowner would pay to rent or receive from renting a home, gained 0.2% after increasing 0.3% in March. Rent increases slowed last month, likely reflecting forbearance agreements between landlords and tenants who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced because of the global pandemic.

A record 33.5 million people filed claims for unemployment benefits since March 21, when states and locals governments enforced "stay-at-home" or "shelter-in-place" orders, affecting more than 90% of the country.

But healthcare costs rose a solid 0.4% in April, matching the prior month`s increase. There was a 0.6% jump in the price of prescription medication. Hospital services climbed 0.5%.

The gains suggest a pickup in healthcare spending early in the second quarter after expenditures collapsed in the January-March period as people shunned hospitals, fearful of contracting COVID-19. Hospitals also suspended elective procedures to focus on COVID-19 patients.

The cost of doctor visits dipped 0.1% last month, likely as patient traffic to doctor`s offices remained light.

US consumer prices dropped by the most since the Great Recession in April, weighed down by a plunge in demand for gasoline and services including airline travel as Americans stayed home during the coronavirus crisis.

US consumer prices dropped by the most since the Great Recession in April, weighed down by a plunge in demand for gasoline and services including airline travel as Americans stayed home during the coronavirus crisis. The report from the Labor Department on Tuesday also showed a record decrease in underlying prices last month, raising the specter of a bout of deflation as the economy sinks deeper into a recession triggered by lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. The government reported last Friday that the economy lost 20.5 million jobs in April, the deepest drop since the Great Depression. The economy contracted in the first quarter at its steepest pace since the 2007-09 downturn. Deflation, a decline in the general price level, is harmful during a recession as consumers and businesses may delay purchases in anticipation of lower prices. "The economic collapse has taken a dangerous turn where now it is consumer prices that are being pulled down into the abyss as consumers sitting at home have postponed their purchases," said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. "Part of the reason the Great Depression lingered so long was because consumers knew they could wait till next year to buy cars and refrigerators and homes at a cheaper discount." The consumer price index tumbled 0.8% last month after falling 0.4% in March. That was the largest decline since December 2008 when the economy was in the throes of a recession, and marked the second straight monthly decrease in the CPI. Gasoline prices plunged 20.6%, the largest decrease since November 2008, after tumbling 10.5% in March. Cheaper gasoline amid a collapse in crude oil prices offset a 1.5% surge in the cost of food last month, which was the largest gain since January 1990, after a 0.3% rise in March. Prices for food consumed at home accelerated 2.6%, the largest advance since February 1974, amid broad gains in all six major grocery store food groups. There have been shortages of meat amid COVID-19 outbreaks at processing plants. The cost of food consumed at home increased only 0.5% in March. In the 12 months through April, the CPI gained 0.3%, the smallest annual rise since October 2015, after increasing 1.5% in March. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI falling 0.8% in April and rising 0.4% year-on-year. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies, while U.S. Treasury prices rose. Stocks on Wall Street were mixed. STRONG HEALTHCARE COSTS The Labor Department said in-store data collection has been suspended since March 16 because of the public health crisis. It added that data collection last month was also impacted "by the temporary closing or limited operations of certain types of establishments," leading to "an increase in the number of prices being considered temporarily unavailable and imputed." That resulted in many indexes being based on smaller amounts of collected prices than usual, and a small number of indexes that are normally published were not published in April. Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the CPI dropped 0.4% in April, the largest decline since the series started in 1957. The so-called core CPI dipped 0.1% in March, which was the first drop since January 2010. April marked the first back-to-back fall in the core CPI since 1982. Underlying inflation was depressed in April by a record 8.1% plunge in the cost of hotel and motel accommodation. It was also cheaper to fly last month, with the cost of airline fares tumbling a record 15.2% after decreasing 12.6% in March. Apparel dropped a record 4.7% last month after declining 2.0% in March. Economists expect the broad deflationary trend to give way to higher inflation at least next year partly because of extraordinary measures by the Federal Reserve to cushion the economy`s fall, including programs to help keep companies afloat. A historic fiscal package of around $3 trillion and rebounding oil prices as producers cut output are also factors. Lingering disruptions to the supply chain could see some goods remain in short supply, boosting prices, though that could be tempered by cheaper hotel and air travel. "This is not to suggest that we see runaway inflation coming down the road, we do not, but the market`s pricing of inflation at effectively zero is unrealistic and excessively pessimistic," said Rick Rieder, chief investment officer of global fixed income at BlackRock in New York. In the 12 months through April, the core CPI rose 1.4%, the smallest increase since April 2011, after advancing 2.1% in March. The Fed tracks the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for its 2% inflation target. The core PCE price index increased 1.7% year-on-year in March after rising 1.8% in February. April`s core PCE price index data will be released at the end of the month. Owners` equivalent rent of primary residence, which is what a homeowner would pay to rent or receive from renting a home, gained 0.2% after increasing 0.3% in March. Rent increases slowed last month, likely reflecting forbearance agreements between landlords and tenants who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced because of the global pandemic. A record 33.5 million people filed claims for unemployment benefits since March 21, when states and locals governments enforced "stay-at-home" or "shelter-in-place" orders, affecting more than 90% of the country. But healthcare costs rose a solid 0.4% in April, matching the prior month`s increase. There was a 0.6% jump in the price of prescription medication. Hospital services climbed 0.5%. The gains suggest a pickup in healthcare spending early in the second quarter after expenditures collapsed in the January-March period as people shunned hospitals, fearful of contracting COVID-19. Hospitals also suspended elective procedures to focus on COVID-19 patients. The cost of doctor visits dipped 0.1% last month, likely as patient traffic to doctor`s offices remained light.

Coronavirus crisis leads to largest US consumer price decline since 2008

The year 2020 so far has been a disaster of epic proportions. Among the coronavirus casualties are the balance sheets of companies across the world.

The economic scars of the pandemic are visible at the company-level and country-level.

From auto to aviation to hospitality, all companies are bleeding losses.&nbsp;

The earnings report card is painting a grim picture.&nbsp;

The pandemic has primarily dealt a crude blow to oil -- demand for which has hit rock bottom.&nbsp;

Prices fell by 65 per cent in the first three months of this year.

Pursuant to this, the world's largest crude oil company Saudi AramCo reported a 25 per cent fall in profits -- much lower than market expectations.

Not just oil, carmakers too have been dealt a deathly blow.&nbsp;

Not only did the novel coronavirus force factories to shut down, but also wiped out consumer demand.

To name a few, Japanese car major Honda posted a 13 per cent fall in operating profits. It now has declined to give an earnings forecast for the current business year.

Compatriot Toyota says it expects its profits to dip to a nine-year low.&nbsp;

Manufacturing largely has been crippled by the global health crisis.

German engineering giant Thyssenkrupp has reported losses of over $1 bn for the last three months.

These losses have further led to mass lay-offs.

Hospitality giant Hyatt has also reported higher-than-expected losses. It then decided to lay off over 1,300 employees.

It also announced pay cuts for senior management and all board members.

Data released by countries show how deep the above-mentioned wounds are.

According to France's central bank, coronavirus has caused economic activity in the country to plunge by 27 per cent.&nbsp;

China's factory-gate prices, a crucial indicator for manufacturing, touched a four-year low in April. This despite being one of the first economies to re-open after the lockdown. And chances of a quick recovery in industrial production are now slim.

Last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had projected a 3 per cent fall in global gdp for the year 2020.&nbsp;

That would mark the steepest downturn since the great depression of the 1930s.&nbsp;

But days ago, the organisation's chief Kristalina Georgieva warned that things could get even worse, and that global economic projections could be revised further downwards.

With this economic downturn and the possibility of a second wave emerging, the coronavirus pandemic is seemingly far from over.&nbsp;

And the way it is evolving has made it difficult to predict what the damage is likely to be and how far it is going to go.

At the country level, US consumer prices have dropped by the most since the Great Recession in April, weighed down by a plunge in demand for gasoline and services including airline travel as Americans stayed home during the coronavirus crisis.

And, Britain extended its job retention scheme -- the centrepiece of its attempts to cushion the coronavirus hit to the economy -- by four months on Tuesday but told employers they would have to help meet its huge cost from August.

India's manufacturing output contracted 20.6 per cent in March from a year earlier, indicating the impact of the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak -- and also fanning hopes that the central bank will ease rates further to kick-start the economy amid the crisis.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The year 2020 so far has been a disaster of epic proportions. Among the coronavirus casualties are the balance sheets of companies across the world. The economic scars of the pandemic are visible at the company-level and country-level.

The year 2020 so far has been a disaster of epic proportions. Among the coronavirus casualties are the balance sheets of companies across the world. The economic scars of the pandemic are visible at the company-level and country-level. From auto to aviation to hospitality, all companies are bleeding losses. The earnings report card is painting a grim picture. The pandemic has primarily dealt a crude blow to oil -- demand for which has hit rock bottom. Prices fell by 65 per cent in the first three months of this year. Pursuant to this, the world's largest crude oil company Saudi AramCo reported a 25 per cent fall in profits -- much lower than market expectations. Not just oil, carmakers too have been dealt a deathly blow. Not only did the novel coronavirus force factories to shut down, but also wiped out consumer demand. To name a few, Japanese car major Honda posted a 13 per cent fall in operating profits. It now has declined to give an earnings forecast for the current business year. Compatriot Toyota says it expects its profits to dip to a nine-year low. Manufacturing largely has been crippled by the global health crisis. German engineering giant Thyssenkrupp has reported losses of over $1 bn for the last three months. These losses have further led to mass lay-offs. Hospitality giant Hyatt has also reported higher-than-expected losses. It then decided to lay off over 1,300 employees. It also announced pay cuts for senior management and all board members. Data released by countries show how deep the above-mentioned wounds are. According to France's central bank, coronavirus has caused economic activity in the country to plunge by 27 per cent. China's factory-gate prices, a crucial indicator for manufacturing, touched a four-year low in April. This despite being one of the first economies to re-open after the lockdown. And chances of a quick recovery in industrial production are now slim. Last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had projected a 3 per cent fall in global gdp for the year 2020. That would mark the steepest downturn since the great depression of the 1930s. But days ago, the organisation's chief Kristalina Georgieva warned that things could get even worse, and that global economic projections could be revised further downwards. With this economic downturn and the possibility of a second wave emerging, the coronavirus pandemic is seemingly far from over. And the way it is evolving has made it difficult to predict what the damage is likely to be and how far it is going to go. At the country level, US consumer prices have dropped by the most since the Great Recession in April, weighed down by a plunge in demand for gasoline and services including airline travel as Americans stayed home during the coronavirus crisis. And, Britain extended its job retention scheme -- the centrepiece of its attempts to cushion the coronavirus hit to the economy -- by four months on Tuesday but told employers they would have to help meet its huge cost from August. India's manufacturing output contracted 20.6 per cent in March from a year earlier, indicating the impact of the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak -- and also fanning hopes that the central bank will ease rates further to kick-start the economy amid the crisis. (with inputs from Reuters)

How coronavirus pandemic is transforming the world economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a special stimulus package and gave a clarion call for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the wake of the coronavirus crisis that ravaged the Indian economy.

PM Modi, in a nationally televised&nbsp;address, noted that this package, taken together with earlier announcements by the government during the crisis and decisions taken by RBI, amounts to Rs 20 lakh crore -- equivalent to almost 10 per cent of India’s GDP.

The prime minister added that several bold reforms were needed to make the country self-reliant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-rs-20-lakh-crore-economic-package-lockdown-40-guidelines-to-be-out-soon-298288">Also read | PM Modi announces Rs 20 lakh crore economic package; lockdown 4.0 guidelines to be out soon</a>

Here are the highlights/top quotes from his address --

- Scientists say that coronavirus will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can't let our lives remain confined around it. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us. So lockdown 4.0 will be in a new form with new rules -- which will be given to you before May 18

- Every Indian must be vocal for local

- Special economic package will have emphasis on land, labour, liquidity and laws

- Medicines supplied by India have infused new hopes in the world which is fighting battle of life and death. With these steps, when India is being praised everywhere in the world

- Making India self-reliant is only way to make 21st century belong to India

- We had never seen or heard about such a crisis ever before. This is definitely unimaginable for mankind. This was unprecedented. But humanity will not accept defeat from this virus. We have to not only protect ourselves but also move further

- Before the outbreak, not a single PPE or N95 masks were made in India, but now we are making at least 2 lakh of PPE and 2 lakh N95 daily

- India’s self-reliance will be based on five pillars -&nbsp;economy, infrastructure, technology-driven system, vibrant demography and demand

- Time has taught us that we must make 'local' the mantra of our lives. Global brands that are there today were once local too but when people there started supporting them they became global

India imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25 to combat the spread of the deadly virus. The government is now starting to pull back from one of the world's tightest lockdowns of 1.3 billion people that has left millions out of work and stranded in cities far from home while infections keep rising.

India's coronavirus infections have risen to 70,756, including 2,293 deaths.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a special stimulus package and gave a clarion call for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the wake of the coronavirus crisis that ravaged the Indian economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a special stimulus package and gave a clarion call for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the wake of the coronavirus crisis that ravaged the Indian economy. PM Modi, in a nationally televised address, noted that this package, taken together with earlier announcements by the government during the crisis and decisions taken by RBI, amounts to Rs 20 lakh crore -- equivalent to almost 10 per cent of India’s GDP. The prime minister added that several bold reforms were needed to make the country self-reliant. Also read | PM Modi announces Rs 20 lakh crore economic package; lockdown 4.0 guidelines to be out soon Here are the highlights/top quotes from his address -- - Scientists say that coronavirus will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can't let our lives remain confined around it. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us. So lockdown 4.0 will be in a new form with new rules -- which will be given to you before May 18 - Every Indian must be vocal for local - Special economic package will have emphasis on land, labour, liquidity and laws - Medicines supplied by India have infused new hopes in the world which is fighting battle of life and death. With these steps, when India is being praised everywhere in the world - Making India self-reliant is only way to make 21st century belong to India - We had never seen or heard about such a crisis ever before. This is definitely unimaginable for mankind. This was unprecedented. But humanity will not accept defeat from this virus. We have to not only protect ourselves but also move further - Before the outbreak, not a single PPE or N95 masks were made in India, but now we are making at least 2 lakh of PPE and 2 lakh N95 daily - India’s self-reliance will be based on five pillars - economy, infrastructure, technology-driven system, vibrant demography and demand - Time has taught us that we must make 'local' the mantra of our lives. Global brands that are there today were once local too but when people there started supporting them they became global India imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25 to combat the spread of the deadly virus. The government is now starting to pull back from one of the world's tightest lockdowns of 1.3 billion people that has left millions out of work and stranded in cities far from home while infections keep rising. India's coronavirus infections have risen to 70,756, including 2,293 deaths.

Key highlights of PM Modi's address to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Rs 20 lakh economic package for a 'self-reliant' India --&nbsp;in order to revive an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. This is expected to benefit farmers and middle-class families, he said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will give more details in the coming days.

PM Modi, in a televised address to the nation, said&nbsp;the economic package for the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan" was close to 10 per cent of India's GDP. The special economic package is aimed at benefitting our labourers, farmers, honest tax payers, MSMEs and cottage industry.

The prime minister added the&nbsp;new rules for the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown will be announced before May 18.&nbsp;

PM Modi addressed the nation even as the total number of coronavirus cases in India topped 70,000, while the death toll neared 2,900. He said, "The unprecedented crisis has disrupted the global economy. We had never seen or heard about such a crisis ever before. This is definitely unimaginable for mankind. This was unprecedented. But humanity will not accept defeat from this virus. We have to not only protect ourselves but also move forward. Today when the entire world is in crisis, we will have to further firm our resolve.

"We have been able to convert pandemic into an opportunity. The meaning of self-reliant is changed across the world. Focus now is on economy centric globalisation versus&nbsp;human centric globalisation.

"India has some of the best talents in the world. We will improve our quality and make best products;&nbsp;we will improve our supply chains.&nbsp;We can do this and we will do this.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-20-lakh-crore-package-coronavirus-lockdown-40-and-more-highlights-of-pm-modis-address-to-nation-298296">Also read |&nbsp;Rs 20 lakh crore package, coronavirus lockdown 4.0 and more: Highlights of PM Modi's address to nation</a>

"It just isn’t our dream but our responsibility too to ensure that the 21st century belongs to India," he said, adding a self-reliant India was the only way ahead."

The prime minister also appreciated the way the industries stepped up in the times of coronavirus crisis.

"Not even a single PPE kit was manufactured in India when the coronavirus crisis started -- only a few N95 masks were available. Today 2 lakh PPE kits and 2 lakh N95 masks are being manufactured in India daily," he said.

Adding to his self-reliant narrative, PM Modi said, "When India speaks of self-reliance, it does not advocate for a self-centered system. In India's self-reliance, there is a concern for the whole world's happiness, cooperation and peace."

To this end, PM Modi announced a Rs 20 lakh-crore stimulus package, which is worth almost 10 per cent of India's GDP.

"I announce a special economic package today. This will play an important role in the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan'. The&nbsp;package totals to Rs 20 lakh crore. This is 10 per cent&nbsp;of India's GDP."

He added, "The five pillars for self-reliant India are economy, infrastructure, technology-driven system, vibrant demography, and the fifth pillar is demand. And we shall work to strengthen them."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-manufacturing-output-contracts-206-in-march-298252">Also read |&nbsp;India's manufacturing output contracts 20.6% in March</a>

PM Modi further said that time has taught us that we must make 'local' the mantra of our lives.

"People should buy local and help the indigenous industries," he said, adding, "time has taught us that we must make 'local' the mantra of our lives. Global brands that are there today were once local too but when people there started supporting them they became global. That is why from today, every Indian must become vocal for our local."

About the fourth phase of lockdown, PM Modi said, "The fourth phase of lockdown,&nbsp;Lockdown 4.0, will be in a new form with new rules. Based on the suggestions by states, information related to it will be given to you before May 18.

"The scientists say coronavirus will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can't let our lives remain confined around it. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-cdc-commits-usd-36-million-to-indias-covid-19-fight-298269">Also read |&nbsp;US' CDC commits USD 3.6 million to India's COVID-19 fight</a>

India imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25 to combat the spread of the deadly virus. The government is now starting to pull back from one of the world's tightest lockdowns of 1.3 billion people that has left millions out of work and stranded in cities far from home while infections keep rising.

India's coronavirus infections have risen to 70,756, including 2,293 deaths.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Rs 20 lakh economic package for a 'self-reliant' India -- in order to revive an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Rs 20 lakh economic package for a 'self-reliant' India -- in order to revive an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. This is expected to benefit farmers and middle-class families, he said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will give more details in the coming days. PM Modi, in a televised address to the nation, said the economic package for the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan" was close to 10 per cent of India's GDP. The special economic package is aimed at benefitting our labourers, farmers, honest tax payers, MSMEs and cottage industry. The prime minister added the new rules for the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown will be announced before May 18. PM Modi addressed the nation even as the total number of coronavirus cases in India topped 70,000, while the death toll neared 2,900. He said, "The unprecedented crisis has disrupted the global economy. We had never seen or heard about such a crisis ever before. This is definitely unimaginable for mankind. This was unprecedented. But humanity will not accept defeat from this virus. We have to not only protect ourselves but also move forward. Today when the entire world is in crisis, we will have to further firm our resolve. "We have been able to convert pandemic into an opportunity. The meaning of self-reliant is changed across the world. Focus now is on economy centric globalisation versus human centric globalisation. "India has some of the best talents in the world. We will improve our quality and make best products; we will improve our supply chains. We can do this and we will do this. Also read | Rs 20 lakh crore package, coronavirus lockdown 4.0 and more: Highlights of PM Modi's address to nation "It just isn’t our dream but our responsibility too to ensure that the 21st century belongs to India," he said, adding a self-reliant India was the only way ahead." The prime minister also appreciated the way the industries stepped up in the times of coronavirus crisis. "Not even a single PPE kit was manufactured in India when the coronavirus crisis started -- only a few N95 masks were available. Today 2 lakh PPE kits and 2 lakh N95 masks are being manufactured in India daily," he said. Adding to his self-reliant narrative, PM Modi said, "When India speaks of self-reliance, it does not advocate for a self-centered system. In India's self-reliance, there is a concern for the whole world's happiness, cooperation and peace." To this end, PM Modi announced a Rs 20 lakh-crore stimulus package, which is worth almost 10 per cent of India's GDP. "I announce a special economic package today. This will play an important role in the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan'. The package totals to Rs 20 lakh crore. This is 10 per cent of India's GDP." He added, "The five pillars for self-reliant India are economy, infrastructure, technology-driven system, vibrant demography, and the fifth pillar is demand. And we shall work to strengthen them." Also read | India's manufacturing output contracts 20.6% in March PM Modi further said that time has taught us that we must make 'local' the mantra of our lives. "People should buy local and help the indigenous industries," he said, adding, "time has taught us that we must make 'local' the mantra of our lives. Global brands that are there today were once local too but when people there started supporting them they became global. That is why from today, every Indian must become vocal for our local." About the fourth phase of lockdown, PM Modi said, "The fourth phase of lockdown, Lockdown 4.0, will be in a new form with new rules. Based on the suggestions by states, information related to it will be given to you before May 18. "The scientists say coronavirus will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can't let our lives remain confined around it. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us," he added. Also read | US' CDC commits USD 3.6 million to India's COVID-19 fight India imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25 to combat the spread of the deadly virus. The government is now starting to pull back from one of the world's tightest lockdowns of 1.3 billion people that has left millions out of work and stranded in cities far from home while infections keep rising. India's coronavirus infections have risen to 70,756, including 2,293 deaths.

PM Modi announces Rs 20 lakh crore economic package; lockdown 4.0 guidelines to be out soon

The number of people who have died from the coronavirus in the United States, hardest-hit country in the world, passed the 80,000 mark on Monday

US Coronavirus death toll nears 82,000

After more than a month without reporting any new cases, Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak first started, announced its first case since 3 April.

China: Coronavirus ground zero Wuhan reports new cases

The US' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has committed $3.6 million to assist India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the aid will support prevention, preparedness and response activities.

The funds will also be used to support the development of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) centres of excellence that can improve the ability of hospital networks to detect COVID-19 and strengthen local health systems through enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems, a US Embassy statement said.

The CDC is the national public health institute of the United States. It is a federal agency under the US' Department of Health and Human Services.

"This initial tranche of funding will seek to further strengthen and support the Indian government's efforts to increase laboratory capacity for SARS-COV-2 testing, including molecular diagnostics and serology," the embassy said.

The CDC will work with local partners to assist in the development of a strong public health workforce to support India's capacity to respond not only to the COVID-19 pandemic but to future threats as well.

The scope of support will include planning for health emergency operations centres to further strengthen public health emergency management capacities.

The CDC India programme will provide technical assistance for the Indian government's ongoing crisis emergency and risk communication efforts.

Since early January, the CDC's India office has been collaborating with sub-national and national government institutes to support the COVID-19 response in the country, the statement said.

Collaboration efforts are focused on lab strengthening, infection prevention and control, health workforce development, emergency management, risk communication and community engagement.

The CDC has conducted trainings across India for healthcare administrators, physicians, nurses, and hospital staff on preparedness and response, infection prevention and control, laboratory operations, and field epidemiology to equip frontline response workers with the necessary skills to collect, analyze and interpret data, and contribute to evidence-based decisions.

The goal of the CDC's global health response to COVID-19 is to limit human-to-human transmission and minimize the impact of COVID-19 through partnerships with key country and non-governmental partners to mitigate vulnerabilities and gaps in preparedness, the US Embassy said.

The CDC has a long-standing relationship and technical collaboration with the Indian government's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to control HIV, TB, and malaria, eradicate polio, and prepare responses to influenza and other pandemic diseases.

"Over the past two decades, this partnership has received support at the highest levels of the two governments and has deepened mutual cooperation through the exchange of scientific knowledge, expertise, and technology, and the development of institutional and human capacities for addressing these health goals," the US Embassy said.

These previous investments to improve health security have laid the foundation for rapidly and effectively preparing for emerging threats, including the current coronavirus outbreak, it said.

For decades, the United States has been the world's largest provider of bilateral assistance in public health, the statement said.

In India, US government agencies, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, and other Department of Health and Human Services agencies, have provided more than USD 1.4 billion in health assistance and nearly USD 2.8 billion in total assistance over the last 20 years, it said.&nbsp;

The US' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has committed $3.6 million to assist India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the aid will support prevention, preparedness and response activities.

The US' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has committed $3.6 million to assist India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the aid will support prevention, preparedness and response activities. The funds will also be used to support the development of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) centres of excellence that can improve the ability of hospital networks to detect COVID-19 and strengthen local health systems through enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems, a US Embassy statement said. The CDC is the national public health institute of the United States. It is a federal agency under the US' Department of Health and Human Services. "This initial tranche of funding will seek to further strengthen and support the Indian government's efforts to increase laboratory capacity for SARS-COV-2 testing, including molecular diagnostics and serology," the embassy said. The CDC will work with local partners to assist in the development of a strong public health workforce to support India's capacity to respond not only to the COVID-19 pandemic but to future threats as well. The scope of support will include planning for health emergency operations centres to further strengthen public health emergency management capacities. The CDC India programme will provide technical assistance for the Indian government's ongoing crisis emergency and risk communication efforts. Since early January, the CDC's India office has been collaborating with sub-national and national government institutes to support the COVID-19 response in the country, the statement said. Collaboration efforts are focused on lab strengthening, infection prevention and control, health workforce development, emergency management, risk communication and community engagement. The CDC has conducted trainings across India for healthcare administrators, physicians, nurses, and hospital staff on preparedness and response, infection prevention and control, laboratory operations, and field epidemiology to equip frontline response workers with the necessary skills to collect, analyze and interpret data, and contribute to evidence-based decisions. The goal of the CDC's global health response to COVID-19 is to limit human-to-human transmission and minimize the impact of COVID-19 through partnerships with key country and non-governmental partners to mitigate vulnerabilities and gaps in preparedness, the US Embassy said. The CDC has a long-standing relationship and technical collaboration with the Indian government's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to control HIV, TB, and malaria, eradicate polio, and prepare responses to influenza and other pandemic diseases. "Over the past two decades, this partnership has received support at the highest levels of the two governments and has deepened mutual cooperation through the exchange of scientific knowledge, expertise, and technology, and the development of institutional and human capacities for addressing these health goals," the US Embassy said. These previous investments to improve health security have laid the foundation for rapidly and effectively preparing for emerging threats, including the current coronavirus outbreak, it said. For decades, the United States has been the world's largest provider of bilateral assistance in public health, the statement said. In India, US government agencies, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, and other Department of Health and Human Services agencies, have provided more than USD 1.4 billion in health assistance and nearly USD 2.8 billion in total assistance over the last 20 years, it said.

US' CDC commits $3.6 million to India's COVID-19 fight

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter.

CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Also read: Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal</a> 
 
"Why does that matter?" she asked. "Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?"

"They're losing their lives everywhere in the world," Trump replied. "And maybe that's a question you should ask China. Don't ask me, ask China that question, OK?"

Jiang, who identifies herself in her Twitter bio as a "Chinese born West Virginian," pushed back.

"Sir, why are you saying that to me specifically?" she said, implying it was due to her race.

"I'm saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that," Trump said.

He then attempted to move on to another reporter as Jiang continued to press him about his response.

Trump called on another female reporter but then immediately called on someone else.

When the woman tried to ask her question, Trump abruptly ended the press conference and walked back into the White House.

The internet was quick to rally round Jiang, with the hashtag #StandWithWeijiaJiang soon trending on Twitter.

"I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and prominent Asian-American activist George Takei.

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I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithWeijiaJiang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithWeijiaJiang</a> against Trump's racist tantrums.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeTakei/status/1259985874873454592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Reporter and CNN political analyst April Ryan, who has also been on the receiving end of Trump's words, tweeted: "Welcome to the club! This is sickening! It is his habit!"

Trump, who has never been shy about his dislike for the news media, has often locked horns with journalists during his coronavirus press briefings.

More than 80,000 people have died in the US from the coronavirus pandemic, out of more than 1.3 million cases, according to the latest figures on Monday from Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest death toll of any country.

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus.

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus. Also read: Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal "Why does that matter?" she asked. "Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?" "They're losing their lives everywhere in the world," Trump replied. "And maybe that's a question you should ask China. Don't ask me, ask China that question, OK?" Jiang, who identifies herself in her Twitter bio as a "Chinese born West Virginian," pushed back. "Sir, why are you saying that to me specifically?" she said, implying it was due to her race. "I'm saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that," Trump said. He then attempted to move on to another reporter as Jiang continued to press him about his response. Trump called on another female reporter but then immediately called on someone else. When the woman tried to ask her question, Trump abruptly ended the press conference and walked back into the White House. The internet was quick to rally round Jiang, with the hashtag #StandWithWeijiaJiang soon trending on Twitter. "I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and prominent Asian-American activist George Takei. I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 11, 2020 × Reporter and CNN political analyst April Ryan, who has also been on the receiving end of Trump's words, tweeted: "Welcome to the club! This is sickening! It is his habit!" Trump, who has never been shy about his dislike for the news media, has often locked horns with journalists during his coronavirus press briefings. More than 80,000 people have died in the US from the coronavirus pandemic, out of more than 1.3 million cases, according to the latest figures on Monday from Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest death toll of any country.

Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after heated argument with two women reporters

A young Argentina family awaiting the birth of their second child is spending the coronavirus quarantine on a sailboat off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Argentine family spends quarantine at sea

Surfers in southern France on Monday (May 11) defied a government-issued closure of beaches as the country started to ease a nearly two-month long lockdown in the battle against the new coronavirus.

Surf's not up: French police chase off lockdown surfers

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