India is playing the role as the "pharmacy of the world" during the COVID-19 pandemic with its vast experience and deep knowledge in medicine, setting the tone for many regional and global initiatives, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Vladimir Norov has said.

India has so far supplied medicines to 133 countries in the fight against COVID-19, which shows India's generosity, despite the fact that the country's government has taken urgent measures to prevent and treat the disease on a national scale, Mr Norov told news agency PTI in an interview.

This is a worthy and responsible example of the behaviour of a major power, and at the same time demonstrates the complementarity and mutual support of the SCO member states, he said.

India last week overwhelmingly won the election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a non-permanent seat.

Commenting on India's election to the UNSC, Mr Norov, who visited New Delhi in January this year and held extensive talks with the top Indian leadership, said that the country's entry into the powerful UN organ is more than symbolic.

"This is more than symbolic now as India secures its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the period of 2021-2022.

"I am sure that highly qualified scientists and medical professionals in India will take an active part in the efforts of the world community to study and research the coronavirus pandemic and develop a vaccine," Mr Norov said.

"India plays the role of the 'pharmacy of the world' and in terms of a pandemic it is crucial in a global context," he said.

Beijing-headquartered SCO is an eight-member economic and security bloc. India and Pakistan were admitted into the grouping in 2017. Its founding members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

"India today sets the tone in many regional and global initiatives. It has a good reason for this: it relies on its vast experience and deep knowledge in the field of medicine and health management, including the production of high quality, affordable medicines, equipment and vaccines," said Mr Norov, the former foreign minister of Uzbekistan.

"India has become the world's largest producer of generic medicines, accounting for 20 per cent of the total global production, and meeting 62 per cent of the global demand for vaccines," he said.

Mr Norov said that taking into account India's commitment to international cooperation and solidarity, as well as its positive contribution to supporting the world's most important institutions of cooperation, he gives it a priority in efforts to reach a consensus on the central role of the UN and the World Health Organization (WHO).

He said that India has also played an active role in providing assistance to many countries, including the SCO member states, in the supply of medicines and essential drugs.

With India's accession into the SCO as a full member, new opportunities for further development and deepening of full-scale cooperation have opened up, the Secretary-General of the grouping said.

"India's policy and practice in the international arena in the context of the coronavirus pandemic have fully proved the correctness of the course outlined by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi at the Bishkek Summit in 2019 - the priority of cooperation in the field of health," he said.

Mr Norov also made a special mention of PM Modi's proposals to evolve a common vision for strengthening healthy cooperation in the region.

"At the last SCO Summit, PM Modi made a number of proposals to activate key areas of interaction. He noted that there should be a common vision of strengthening healthy cooperation in our region.

"In his opinion, the letters that add up as the word HEALTH can be a great format for collaboration: H- Healthcare cooperation, E- Economic cooperation, A- Alternative energy sources, L- Literature and culture, T- Terrorism free society, H- Humanitarian cooperation," he said.

India has far-reaching broad plans to increase the role and authority of the SCO in the international arena, Mr Norov added.

India is playing the role as the "pharmacy of the world" during the COVID-19 pandemic with its vast experience and deep knowledge in medicine, setting the tone for many regional and global initiatives, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Vladimir Norov has said.

India is playing the role as the "pharmacy of the world" during the COVID-19 pandemic with its vast experience and deep knowledge in medicine, setting the tone for many regional and global initiatives, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Vladimir Norov has said. India has so far supplied medicines to 133 countries in the fight against COVID-19, which shows India's generosity, despite the fact that the country's government has taken urgent measures to prevent and treat the disease on a national scale, Mr Norov told news agency PTI in an interview. This is a worthy and responsible example of the behaviour of a major power, and at the same time demonstrates the complementarity and mutual support of the SCO member states, he said. India last week overwhelmingly won the election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a non-permanent seat. Commenting on India's election to the UNSC, Mr Norov, who visited New Delhi in January this year and held extensive talks with the top Indian leadership, said that the country's entry into the powerful UN organ is more than symbolic. "This is more than symbolic now as India secures its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the period of 2021-2022. "I am sure that highly qualified scientists and medical professionals in India will take an active part in the efforts of the world community to study and research the coronavirus pandemic and develop a vaccine," Mr Norov said. "India plays the role of the 'pharmacy of the world' and in terms of a pandemic it is crucial in a global context," he said. Beijing-headquartered SCO is an eight-member economic and security bloc. India and Pakistan were admitted into the grouping in 2017. Its founding members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. "India today sets the tone in many regional and global initiatives. It has a good reason for this: it relies on its vast experience and deep knowledge in the field of medicine and health management, including the production of high quality, affordable medicines, equipment and vaccines," said Mr Norov, the former foreign minister of Uzbekistan. "India has become the world's largest producer of generic medicines, accounting for 20 per cent of the total global production, and meeting 62 per cent of the global demand for vaccines," he said. Mr Norov said that taking into account India's commitment to international cooperation and solidarity, as well as its positive contribution to supporting the world's most important institutions of cooperation, he gives it a priority in efforts to reach a consensus on the central role of the UN and the World Health Organization (WHO). He said that India has also played an active role in providing assistance to many countries, including the SCO member states, in the supply of medicines and essential drugs. With India's accession into the SCO as a full member, new opportunities for further development and deepening of full-scale cooperation have opened up, the Secretary-General of the grouping said. "India's policy and practice in the international arena in the context of the coronavirus pandemic have fully proved the correctness of the course outlined by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi at the Bishkek Summit in 2019 - the priority of cooperation in the field of health," he said. Mr Norov also made a special mention of PM Modi's proposals to evolve a common vision for strengthening healthy cooperation in the region. "At the last SCO Summit, PM Modi made a number of proposals to activate key areas of interaction. He noted that there should be a common vision of strengthening healthy cooperation in our region. "In his opinion, the letters that add up as the word HEALTH can be a great format for collaboration: H- Healthcare cooperation, E- Economic cooperation, A- Alternative energy sources, L- Literature and culture, T- Terrorism free society, H- Humanitarian cooperation," he said. India has far-reaching broad plans to increase the role and authority of the SCO in the international arena, Mr Norov added.

India a pharmacy of the world: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Beverage maker PepsiCo on Sunday has suspended its operations in Beijing after confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the company.

The Beijing administrative officials are conducting COVID-19 tests on millions, especially employees of restaurants, food delivery services and market vendors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-lying-about-the-science-of-covid-19-297002">Also read: Is China lying about the science of COVID-19?</a> 
 
All of PepsiCo's 87 close contacts of a confirmed case in Beijing have been quarantined, and samples taken inside and outside its Beijing plant have come out negative. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-china-may-have-manufactured-covid-19-293388">Also read: Why China may have manufactured COVID-19</a>

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday that it had reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in the country.

The city of more than 20 million people reported its first case in the latest wave on June 11. The resurgence has been linked to a wholesale food centre in the southwest of Beijing, according to a Reuters report.

So far, 227 people in the city have been infected in the latest outbreak.

Meanwhile, Mainland China reported six new asymptomatic cases, those who are infected with the coronavirus but show no symptoms, down from seven a day earlier. Beijing accounted for three of the new cases.

China does not count asymptomatic patients as confirmed cases and as part of the official infection tally.

To date, China has 83,378 confirmed cases. The first infections were traced to Huanan seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December.

No new deaths were reported in mainland China for June 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

Beverage maker PepsiCo on Sunday has suspended its operations in Beijing after confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the company. The Beijing administrative officials are conducting COVID-19 tests on millions, especially employees of restaurants, food delivery services and market vendors.

Beverage maker PepsiCo on Sunday has suspended its operations in Beijing after confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the company. The Beijing administrative officials are conducting COVID-19 tests on millions, especially employees of restaurants, food delivery services and market vendors. Also read: Is China lying about the science of COVID-19? All of PepsiCo's 87 close contacts of a confirmed case in Beijing have been quarantined, and samples taken inside and outside its Beijing plant have come out negative. Also read: Why China may have manufactured COVID-19 China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday that it had reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in the country. The city of more than 20 million people reported its first case in the latest wave on June 11. The resurgence has been linked to a wholesale food centre in the southwest of Beijing, according to a Reuters report. So far, 227 people in the city have been infected in the latest outbreak. Meanwhile, Mainland China reported six new asymptomatic cases, those who are infected with the coronavirus but show no symptoms, down from seven a day earlier. Beijing accounted for three of the new cases. China does not count asymptomatic patients as confirmed cases and as part of the official infection tally. To date, China has 83,378 confirmed cases. The first infections were traced to Huanan seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December. No new deaths were reported in mainland China for June 20. (With inputs from agencies)

PepsiCo suspends operations in Beijing after workers test positive for coronavirus, Beijing tests millions

<o:p></o:p>

The number of covid-19 cases in Maharashtra police force continues to rise with 88 new positive cases detected in the last 24 hours apart from one casualty due to the disease.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/create-isolation-wards-conduct-rapid-tests-to-curb-spread-of-covid-19-in-jails-committee-307441">Also read: Create isolation wards, conduct rapid tests to curb spread of COVID-19 in jails, says Committee</a></o:p>

The total number of positive cases and deaths in the state police force has now risen to 4,048 and 47 respectively, as per an official document quoted by ANI.

<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 3,874 new coronavirus patients on Saturday which took the tally of cases in the state to 1, 28,205, while the death toll reached 5,984 with 160 new fatalities, the health department said.<o:p></o:p>

Of the 160 deaths, 136 were reported in Mumbai alone.<o:p></o:p>

Harvard Global Health Institute Director Dr Ashish Jha has expressed concern over how quickly novel coronavirus cases are rising in India and said when populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh get hit hard, the country could see a "large increase” in infections and deaths.<o:p></o:p>

India has reported its highest single-day spike in cases as 15,413 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours along with 306 deaths. The total tally of positive cases in India has crossed the 4 lakh mark and stands at 4, 10,461 including 169451 active cases, 227756 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 13254 deaths, the Ministry of Health update on Sunday said.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

The number of covid-19 cases in Maharashtra police force continues to rise with 88 new positive cases detected in the last 24 hours apart from one casualty due to the disease.

The number of covid-19 cases in Maharashtra police force continues to rise with 88 new positive cases detected in the last 24 hours apart from one casualty due to the disease. Also read: Create isolation wards, conduct rapid tests to curb spread of COVID-19 in jails, says Committee The total number of positive cases and deaths in the state police force has now risen to 4,048 and 47 respectively, as per an official document quoted by ANI. Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 3,874 new coronavirus patients on Saturday which took the tally of cases in the state to 1, 28,205, while the death toll reached 5,984 with 160 new fatalities, the health department said. Of the 160 deaths, 136 were reported in Mumbai alone. Harvard Global Health Institute Director Dr Ashish Jha has expressed concern over how quickly novel coronavirus cases are rising in India and said when populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh get hit hard, the country could see a "large increase” in infections and deaths. India has reported its highest single-day spike in cases as 15,413 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours along with 306 deaths. The total tally of positive cases in India has crossed the 4 lakh mark and stands at 4, 10,461 including 169451 active cases, 227756 cured/discharged/migrated & 13254 deaths, the Ministry of Health update on Sunday said. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 4,000 Maharashtra police personnel infected by coronavirus so far

US President Donald Trump has once again blamed China for the global spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has killed over 450,000 people and infected more than 8.5 million worldwide till now, terming the disease as "Kung Flu".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-have-come-to-blows-and-well-see-what-happens-trump-on-india-china-standoff-307365">Also read: 'They have come to blows and we'll see what happens' — Trump on India, China standoff</a>

Donald Trump, addressing his first election rally in three months on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said that COVID-19 is a disease which has more names than any other disease in history.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/millions-tested-as-beijing-reports-22-new-virus-cases-in-last-24-hours-307436/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I can name - Kung flu. I can name 19 different versions of names. Many calls it a virus, which it is. Many calls it a flu. What difference. I think we have 19 or 20 versions of the name," Donald Trump said.

The US President was playing around with the term "Kung Fu" which refers to the Chinese martial arts practice.

In his remarks, Donald Trump also used terms such as "Chinese virus" to refer to COVID-19.

According to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the US is the worst affected country with over 2.2 million cases and more than 1,19,000 deaths.

The COVID-19, which originated in China's Wuhan city in December last year, has also battered the world economy with the International Monetary Fund saying that the global economy is bound to suffer a "severe recession".

Scientists are trying to find a vaccine or medicine for its treatment.

Donald Trump, 74, is seeking re-election in the November presidential elections this year against former vice-president Joe Biden, 77, who is the Democratic Party's candidate.

At the campaign rally in Oklahoma, the US President also claimed victory over the pandemic.

US President Donald Trump has once again blamed China for the global spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has killed over 450,000 people and infected more than 8.

US President Donald Trump has once again blamed China for the global spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has killed over 450,000 people and infected more than 8.5 million worldwide till now, terming the disease as "Kung Flu". Also read: 'They have come to blows and we'll see what happens' — Trump on India, China standoff Donald Trump, addressing his first election rally in three months on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said that COVID-19 is a disease which has more names than any other disease in history. "I can name - Kung flu. I can name 19 different versions of names. Many calls it a virus, which it is. Many calls it a flu. What difference. I think we have 19 or 20 versions of the name," Donald Trump said. The US President was playing around with the term "Kung Fu" which refers to the Chinese martial arts practice. In his remarks, Donald Trump also used terms such as "Chinese virus" to refer to COVID-19. According to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the US is the worst affected country with over 2.2 million cases and more than 1,19,000 deaths. The COVID-19, which originated in China's Wuhan city in December last year, has also battered the world economy with the International Monetary Fund saying that the global economy is bound to suffer a "severe recession". Scientists are trying to find a vaccine or medicine for its treatment. Donald Trump, 74, is seeking re-election in the November presidential elections this year against former vice-president Joe Biden, 77, who is the Democratic Party's candidate. At the campaign rally in Oklahoma, the US President also claimed victory over the pandemic.

Donald Trump again blames China for COVID-19, terms it ‘Kung flu'

With over 10,000 patients recovered from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, India's coronavirus recovery rate improved on Friday and currently stands at 53.79 per cent, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Union Ministry also said that 2,04,710 patients recovered so far, while 1, 63,248 are still active and are under medical supervision.

The Health Ministry said in a release that the trend in daily numbers shows an increasing rate of recovery and an increasing gap between active and recovered cases.

The increase in the proportion of recovered cases is a demonstration of India's strategy of timely management of COVID-19, it said.

The number of government labs has increased to 703 and private labs to 257 taking the total number of labs in the country to 960.

The ministry said that 1, 76,959 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the total number of samples tested so far is 64, 26,627.

With the highest single-day increase of 13,586 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India's coronavirus count reached 3, 80,532 on Friday.

The toll death toll has gone up to 12,573 with 336 persons succumbing to the virus in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from ANI)

With over 10,000 patients recovered from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, India's coronavirus recovery rate improved on Friday and currently stands at 53.79 per cent, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With over 10,000 patients recovered from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, India's coronavirus recovery rate improved on Friday and currently stands at 53.79 per cent, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Union Ministry also said that 2,04,710 patients recovered so far, while 1, 63,248 are still active and are under medical supervision. The Health Ministry said in a release that the trend in daily numbers shows an increasing rate of recovery and an increasing gap between active and recovered cases. The increase in the proportion of recovered cases is a demonstration of India's strategy of timely management of COVID-19, it said. The number of government labs has increased to 703 and private labs to 257 taking the total number of labs in the country to 960. The ministry said that 1, 76,959 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the total number of samples tested so far is 64, 26,627. With the highest single-day increase of 13,586 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India's coronavirus count reached 3, 80,532 on Friday. The toll death toll has gone up to 12,573 with 336 persons succumbing to the virus in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from ANI)

India's Covid-19 recovery rate rises to 53.79%, over 2 lakh persons cured of COVID-19, says Health Ministry

The indicators of economic performance are showing signs of revival following the reduction in restrictions imposed during the coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he told chief ministers to think about 'Unlock 2.0' and also ways to minimise infection.

He noted that the spread of COVID-19 is more in a few big states and cities and urged the chief ministers to make full use of their state's existing testing capacity and also work to augment health infrastructure.

He said there was a need to "fight" rumours that the lockdown could be reimposed.

Speaking to chief ministers and representatives of 14 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said big crowds, lack of physical-distancing, daily movement of large number of people and small houses in some cities have made the battle against coronavirus "more challenging".

This was the second day of Modi's sixth round of consultations with chief ministers on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saving lives should be the top priority, he said, and called for expanding health infrastructure, according to a statement.

He underlined the need to "fight rumours of lockdown", pointing out that the country is now in the "phase of unlocking".

"We need to now think about phase 2 of Unlock and how to minimise all possibilities of harm to our people," he said according to the statement.

He noted that with reduced restrictions, indicators of economic performance are showing signs of revival.

Inflation has also been kept under control and asked states to take steps to boost infrastructure and construction-related activities.

In a word of caution, Modi referred to the rise in the number of infections and underscored the need for testing, tracking, tracing and isolating COVID-19 patients to deal with the pandemic.

There has been criticism that some states and cities, including Delhi, are not doing enough testing.

The prime minister, however, stated that the number of recovered patients has also been rising, and added that it is a matter of relief that very few patients needed ICU and ventilator care.

People's discipline during the nationwide lockdown has stopped the virus' exponential growth, he said, adding that India is now better placed than earlier vis-à-vis treating patients, health infrastructure and trained manpower.

Citing the details of the boost in capacity to deal with the virus, he asked states to continue to put emphasis on "health Infrastructure, information systems, emotional support and public participation".

Praising efforts of states and local administration, he said the country now has more than 900 COVID-19 testing labs, lakhs of special beds, thousands of isolation and quarantine centres, adequate stocks of testing kits, with over one crore personal protective equipment (PPEs) and almost same numbers of N-95 masks supplied to states.

Despite a rise in coronavirus cases in a few places, people's patience, administration's work and dedication of corona warriors have ensured that things did not go out of control, he said.

Stressing on the importance of providing timely information, the prime minister said it should be ensured that helplines are not "helpless" but helpful for people.

He called for building teams of senior doctors and young volunteers to guide patients through telemedicine and run helplines, respectively.

Modi also called for fighting the stigma associated with the disease, saying people should be assured that there is no need to panic if somebody has been infected as the number of those cured is huge.

He highlighted the need to keep reminding people of the benefits of sanitisation, wearing masks and social distancing to fight the virus.

He asked states to share their best practices with each other.

An officer on special duty in the Union Health Ministry told the participants that there has been a continuous decline in growth rate of cases during the phases of lockdown and subsequently also in Unlock 1.0.

The OSD also informed that the number of cases and deaths per lakh of population in India are amongst the lowest in the world.

During the interaction, the chief ministers talked about health infrastructure available to meet the challenge and steps taken to strengthen it further.

They also spoke about the support provided to frontline workers, monitoring in containment zones, campaigns to encourage usage of masks and other safety precautions, increase in testing, and providing gainful employment opportunities to the migrants who have returned.

Home Minister Amit Shah, who also took part in the virtual meeting, said the country has so far been quite successful in the fight against the virus.

He, however, cautioned that the "battle is far from over".

Shah underlined that as the country begins to unlock, people must stay vigilant.

He requested all the chief ministers to encourage the download of Aarogya Setu app to act as a "self-shield" for protection.

Continuing with his consultations with state governments on ways to check the spread of coronavirus during 'unlock 1.0', Modi held a consultation with the chief ministers for the second consecutive day.

Chief ministers of Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were among those who attended the meeting on Wednesday.

It assumed importance as some of these states account for a majority of the cases in the country.

The indicators of economic performance are showing signs of revival following the reduction in restrictions imposed during the coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he told chief ministers to think about 'Unlock 2.

The indicators of economic performance are showing signs of revival following the reduction in restrictions imposed during the coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he told chief ministers to think about 'Unlock 2.0' and also ways to minimise infection. He noted that the spread of COVID-19 is more in a few big states and cities and urged the chief ministers to make full use of their state's existing testing capacity and also work to augment health infrastructure. He said there was a need to "fight" rumours that the lockdown could be reimposed. Speaking to chief ministers and representatives of 14 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said big crowds, lack of physical-distancing, daily movement of large number of people and small houses in some cities have made the battle against coronavirus "more challenging". This was the second day of Modi's sixth round of consultations with chief ministers on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Saving lives should be the top priority, he said, and called for expanding health infrastructure, according to a statement. He underlined the need to "fight rumours of lockdown", pointing out that the country is now in the "phase of unlocking". "We need to now think about phase 2 of Unlock and how to minimise all possibilities of harm to our people," he said according to the statement. He noted that with reduced restrictions, indicators of economic performance are showing signs of revival. Inflation has also been kept under control and asked states to take steps to boost infrastructure and construction-related activities. In a word of caution, Modi referred to the rise in the number of infections and underscored the need for testing, tracking, tracing and isolating COVID-19 patients to deal with the pandemic. There has been criticism that some states and cities, including Delhi, are not doing enough testing. The prime minister, however, stated that the number of recovered patients has also been rising, and added that it is a matter of relief that very few patients needed ICU and ventilator care. People's discipline during the nationwide lockdown has stopped the virus' exponential growth, he said, adding that India is now better placed than earlier vis-à-vis treating patients, health infrastructure and trained manpower. Citing the details of the boost in capacity to deal with the virus, he asked states to continue to put emphasis on "health Infrastructure, information systems, emotional support and public participation". Praising efforts of states and local administration, he said the country now has more than 900 COVID-19 testing labs, lakhs of special beds, thousands of isolation and quarantine centres, adequate stocks of testing kits, with over one crore personal protective equipment (PPEs) and almost same numbers of N-95 masks supplied to states. Despite a rise in coronavirus cases in a few places, people's patience, administration's work and dedication of corona warriors have ensured that things did not go out of control, he said. Stressing on the importance of providing timely information, the prime minister said it should be ensured that helplines are not "helpless" but helpful for people. He called for building teams of senior doctors and young volunteers to guide patients through telemedicine and run helplines, respectively. Modi also called for fighting the stigma associated with the disease, saying people should be assured that there is no need to panic if somebody has been infected as the number of those cured is huge. He highlighted the need to keep reminding people of the benefits of sanitisation, wearing masks and social distancing to fight the virus. He asked states to share their best practices with each other. An officer on special duty in the Union Health Ministry told the participants that there has been a continuous decline in growth rate of cases during the phases of lockdown and subsequently also in Unlock 1.0. The OSD also informed that the number of cases and deaths per lakh of population in India are amongst the lowest in the world. During the interaction, the chief ministers talked about health infrastructure available to meet the challenge and steps taken to strengthen it further. They also spoke about the support provided to frontline workers, monitoring in containment zones, campaigns to encourage usage of masks and other safety precautions, increase in testing, and providing gainful employment opportunities to the migrants who have returned. Home Minister Amit Shah, who also took part in the virtual meeting, said the country has so far been quite successful in the fight against the virus. He, however, cautioned that the "battle is far from over". Shah underlined that as the country begins to unlock, people must stay vigilant. He requested all the chief ministers to encourage the download of Aarogya Setu app to act as a "self-shield" for protection. Continuing with his consultations with state governments on ways to check the spread of coronavirus during 'unlock 1.0', Modi held a consultation with the chief ministers for the second consecutive day. Chief ministers of Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were among those who attended the meeting on Wednesday. It assumed importance as some of these states account for a majority of the cases in the country.

Need to think about Unlock 2.0: PM Modi to chief ministers

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday announced that the price for COVID-19 test in Delhi has been fixed at Rs 2,400 as suggested by a high-level committee set up by the home minister on Sunday and now tests will be done via Rapid Antigen methodology.

"In pursuance of decisions taken by HM @AmitShah on 14th June, to double the #COVID19 testing in Delhi; 16,618 test samples collected on June 15 and 16 (till 14th June daily collection varied between 4000-4500). Reports of 6,510 tests received so far, remaining to be received by 18th June," an MHA spokesperson tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In pursuance of decisions taken by HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> on 14thjune, to double the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> testing in Delhi; 16618 test samples collected on 15&amp;16 June(till 14th June daily collection varied b/w 4000-4500). Reports of 6510 tests received so far,remaining to be received by 18th June.
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1273261517593391105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"As per the directives of HM @AmitShah in providing relief to the common man. High-level expert committee's report on #COVID19 testing rates received by @MoHFW_INDIA has been further sent to Delhi Govt for necessary action. It has been decided to fix the test rate at Rs 2,400," the spokesperson said in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As per the directives of HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> in providing relief to the common man. High level expert committee's report on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> testing rates received by <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> has been further sent to Delhi Govt for necessary action. It has been decided to fix the test rate at Rs 2,400.
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1273263094676873219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, Shah held two high-level meetings with the Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, mayors and commissioners of Delhi's three municipal corporations to strengthen the strategy to fight the pandemic.

After the first meeting, a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of V K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, to ensure that 60 per cent beds are available at private hospitals at lower rates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday announced that the price for COVID-19 test in Delhi has been fixed at Rs 2,400 as suggested by a high-level committee set up by the home minister on Sunday and now tests will be done via Rapid Antigen methodology.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday announced that the price for COVID-19 test in Delhi has been fixed at Rs 2,400 as suggested by a high-level committee set up by the home minister on Sunday and now tests will be done via Rapid Antigen methodology. "In pursuance of decisions taken by HM @AmitShah on 14th June, to double the #COVID19 testing in Delhi; 16,618 test samples collected on June 15 and 16 (till 14th June daily collection varied between 4000-4500). Reports of 6,510 tests received so far, remaining to be received by 18th June," an MHA spokesperson tweeted. In pursuance of decisions taken by HM @AmitShah on 14thjune, to double the #COVID19 testing in Delhi; 16618 test samples collected on 15&16 June(till 14th June daily collection varied b/w 4000-4500). Reports of 6510 tests received so far,remaining to be received by 18th June. — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 17, 2020 × "As per the directives of HM @AmitShah in providing relief to the common man. High-level expert committee's report on #COVID19 testing rates received by @MoHFW_INDIA has been further sent to Delhi Govt for necessary action. It has been decided to fix the test rate at Rs 2,400," the spokesperson said in another tweet. As per the directives of HM @AmitShah in providing relief to the common man. High level expert committee's report on #COVID19 testing rates received by @MoHFW_INDIA has been further sent to Delhi Govt for necessary action. It has been decided to fix the test rate at Rs 2,400. — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 17, 2020 × On Sunday, Shah held two high-level meetings with the Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, mayors and commissioners of Delhi's three municipal corporations to strengthen the strategy to fight the pandemic. After the first meeting, a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of V K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, to ensure that 60 per cent beds are available at private hospitals at lower rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry

India has reported its highest single-day spike with 12,881 new cases and 334 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the country’s overall tally to 3, 66,946, with toll at 12,237.

According to the official, out of the 2,134 COVID-19 patients in Mumbai’s Dharavi, 1,055 have already recovered from the infection and discharged from hospitals.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally increased by 3,752 cases to 1, 20,504, while 100 more patients succumbed to the infection, said a health department official. The state reported death of 100 people due to coronavirus, taking the toll to 5,751, he said here.

Maharashtra Covid-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 1, 20,504, new cases 3,752, deaths 5,751, discharged 60,838, active cases 53,901, people tested so far 7, 17,683.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has reported its highest single-day spike with 12,881 new cases and 334 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the country’s overall tally to 3, 66,946, with toll at 12,237.

India has reported its highest single-day spike with 12,881 new cases and 334 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the country’s overall tally to 3, 66,946, with toll at 12,237. According to the official, out of the 2,134 COVID-19 patients in Mumbai’s Dharavi, 1,055 have already recovered from the infection and discharged from hospitals. Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally increased by 3,752 cases to 1, 20,504, while 100 more patients succumbed to the infection, said a health department official. The state reported death of 100 people due to coronavirus, taking the toll to 5,751, he said here. Maharashtra Covid-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 1, 20,504, new cases 3,752, deaths 5,751, discharged 60,838, active cases 53,901, people tested so far 7, 17,683. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra reports 100 deaths, 28 fresh cases in Mumbai’s Dharavi; total tally at 1, 20,504

More than 4 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 8 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The total number of cases stood at 8,384,043, while the fatalities increased to 449,695, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

With 2,164,497 cases and 1, 17,783 deaths, the US continues with the world's highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE.

In terms of cases, Brazil comes in second place with 9, 55,377 infections.

This was followed by Russia (5,52,549), India (3,54,065), the UK (3,00,717), Spain (2,44,683), Peru (2,40,908), Italy (2,37,828), Chile (2,20,628), Iran (1,95,051), France (1,94,805), Germany (1,88,604), Turkey (1,82,727), Mexico (1,59,793), Pakistan (1,54,760), Saudi Arabia (1,41,234) and Canada (1,01,491), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

More than 4 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 8 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

More than 4 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 8 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The total number of cases stood at 8,384,043, while the fatalities increased to 449,695, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. With 2,164,497 cases and 1, 17,783 deaths, the US continues with the world's highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE. In terms of cases, Brazil comes in second place with 9, 55,377 infections. This was followed by Russia (5,52,549), India (3,54,065), the UK (3,00,717), Spain (2,44,683), Peru (2,40,908), Italy (2,37,828), Chile (2,20,628), Iran (1,95,051), France (1,94,805), Germany (1,88,604), Turkey (1,82,727), Mexico (1,59,793), Pakistan (1,54,760), Saudi Arabia (1,41,234) and Canada (1,01,491), the CSSE figures showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 4 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University

Delhi MLA and member of the Political Affairs Committee of Aam Aadmi Party Atishi Marlena has tested positive for coronavirus and has been quarantined at her house.

The 39-year-old national spokesperson of AAP is the MLA from Kalkaji Assembly segment in south Delhi.

"Atishi ji has played an important role in the fight against corona. I hope that she will get healthy soon and again get involved in serving the people," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

"Get well soon Atishi, recover soon from Corona," AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi MLA and member of the Political Affairs Committee of Aam Aadmi Party Atishi Marlena has tested positive for coronavirus and has been quarantined at her house.

Delhi MLA and member of the Political Affairs Committee of Aam Aadmi Party Atishi Marlena has tested positive for coronavirus and has been quarantined at her house. The 39-year-old national spokesperson of AAP is the MLA from Kalkaji Assembly segment in south Delhi. "Atishi ji has played an important role in the fight against corona. I hope that she will get healthy soon and again get involved in serving the people," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. "Get well soon Atishi, recover soon from Corona," AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Atishi Marlena tests positive for COVID-19

The total number of coronavirus cases in the world has crossed 80 lakh-mark while the virus-related death toll has now risen to nearly 4.4 lakh, confirmed Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

Exactly one week after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide hit seven million, that number surpassed the eight-million mark Tuesday.

The University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) said in its latest bulletin that the total number of cases stood at 8,058,427 while the fatalities have risen to 437,473.

Meanwhile, Brazil is fast emerging as the new epicentre of coronavirus outbreak having recorded over 8.8 lakh confirmed cases so far.

While European borders reopened, China is scrambling to control the spread of a fresh outbreak of coronavirus in Beijing, amid fears of a second wave of the infection in the country.&nbsp;

Reopening continued in Mexico and Brazil despite cases climbing in the two largest nations in Latin America. And New Zealand, which had eased the curbs, reported its first new cases since May 22.

Covid-19 vaccine at least a year away, say scientists

Vaccine design is still an empirical, trial and error process and a preventive against COVID-19 could be at least a year away, say scientists as information on developments in therapeutics to combat the infection flows in a steady trickle from across the world. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases in the world has crossed 80 lakh-mark while the virus-related death toll has now risen to nearly 4.4 lakh, confirmed Johns Hopkins University.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the world has crossed 80 lakh-mark while the virus-related death toll has now risen to nearly 4.4 lakh, confirmed Johns Hopkins University. Exactly one week after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide hit seven million, that number surpassed the eight-million mark Tuesday. The University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) said in its latest bulletin that the total number of cases stood at 8,058,427 while the fatalities have risen to 437,473. Meanwhile, Brazil is fast emerging as the new epicentre of coronavirus outbreak having recorded over 8.8 lakh confirmed cases so far. While European borders reopened, China is scrambling to control the spread of a fresh outbreak of coronavirus in Beijing, amid fears of a second wave of the infection in the country. Reopening continued in Mexico and Brazil despite cases climbing in the two largest nations in Latin America. And New Zealand, which had eased the curbs, reported its first new cases since May 22. Covid-19 vaccine at least a year away, say scientists Vaccine design is still an empirical, trial and error process and a preventive against COVID-19 could be at least a year away, say scientists as information on developments in therapeutics to combat the infection flows in a steady trickle from across the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases exceed 8 million worldwide, jump by a million in 1 week

Scientists in the UK have discovered a cheap and widely available drug called dexamethasone for COVID-19 patients that can save the lives of patients who are seriously ill with coronavirus.

The drug, dexamethasone, reduced death rates by a third for patients on ventilators, and by a fifth for patients needing oxygen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-aged-below-20-almost-half-less-likely-to-contract-covid-19-new-study-finds-306296" hreflang="en">People aged below 20 almost half less likely to contract COVID-19, new study finds</a>

Dexamethasone is given either via injection or as a tablet, becomes the first drug proven to treat the incurable viral disease.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/initial-covid-19-vaccines-may-not-prevent-people-from-getting-coronavirus-306268" hreflang="en">Initial COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent people from getting coronavirus</a>

The steroid prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation, a nasty symptom of coronavirus infection that makes breathing difficult.&nbsp;

According to the reports, Daily doses of dexamethasone could prevent one in eight ventilated patient deaths and save one out of every 25 patients requiring oxygen alone, the team said.

It was first discovered in 1957 and is commonly prescribed to patients with allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis and some types of cancer.

“This is a result that shows that if patients who have COVID-19 and are on ventilators or are on oxygen are given dexamethasone, it will save lives, and it will do so at a remarkably low cost,” said Martin Landray, an Oxford University professor who is co-leading the trial.

His co-lead investigator, Peter Horby, said dexamethasone - a generic steroid widely used in other diseases to reduce inflammation - is “the only drug that’s so far shown to reduce mortality - and it reduces it significantly.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists in the UK have discovered a cheap and widely available drug called dexamethasone for COVID-19 patients that can save the lives of patients who are seriously ill with coronavirus.

Scientists in the UK have discovered a cheap and widely available drug called dexamethasone for COVID-19 patients that can save the lives of patients who are seriously ill with coronavirus. The drug, dexamethasone, reduced death rates by a third for patients on ventilators, and by a fifth for patients needing oxygen. Also read: People aged below 20 almost half less likely to contract COVID-19, new study finds Dexamethasone is given either via injection or as a tablet, becomes the first drug proven to treat the incurable viral disease. Also read: Initial COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent people from getting coronavirus The steroid prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation, a nasty symptom of coronavirus infection that makes breathing difficult. According to the reports, Daily doses of dexamethasone could prevent one in eight ventilated patient deaths and save one out of every 25 patients requiring oxygen alone, the team said. It was first discovered in 1957 and is commonly prescribed to patients with allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis and some types of cancer. “This is a result that shows that if patients who have COVID-19 and are on ventilators or are on oxygen are given dexamethasone, it will save lives, and it will do so at a remarkably low cost,” said Martin Landray, an Oxford University professor who is co-leading the trial. His co-lead investigator, Peter Horby, said dexamethasone - a generic steroid widely used in other diseases to reduce inflammation - is “the only drug that’s so far shown to reduce mortality - and it reduces it significantly.” (With inputs from agencies)

Big breakthrough: British scientists find a drug that cuts Covid-19 death rate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday claimed that the impact of coronavirus in India is not as worse as in several other parts of the world. The death rate is also low as compared to most other nations, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-380-deaths-in-24-hours-total-toll-rises-to-9900-306188">Also read: India reports 380 deaths in 24 hours; total toll rises to 9,900</a> 
 
The PM also stressed that the economy has started to look up."Because of the efforts made in the last few weeks, green shoots have begun to be visible in our economy," said the PM.

His remarks came during his meeting with the Chief Ministers and heads of 21 States and Union Territories on the Covid-19 situation in the country, held via video conferencing.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of states &amp; Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, via video conference. <a href="https://t.co/erWrV7k4VS">pic.twitter.com/erWrV7k4VS</a>
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"Two weeks have passed since Unlock 1, our experience during this time could be beneficial for us in the future. Today I will get to know ground reality from you, your suggestions will help in chalking out future strategy," he said.

"Timing matters a lot in overcoming any crisis. Timely decisions have helped a lot in containing coronavirus in the country," he said.

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in India are 3, 43,091 and Covid-19 death tally is over 9,900. There are 1, 53,178 coronavirus positive cases in India while 1, 80,012 COVID 19 positive patients have recovered and 9900 people have died due to coronavirus. One has been migrated, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Apart from Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are the worst affected states in the country. Another worrying sign is that north-east states have started recording an increasing number of daily COVID 19 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday claimed that the impact of coronavirus in India is not as worse as in several other parts of the world. The death rate is also low as compared to most other nations, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday claimed that the impact of coronavirus in India is not as worse as in several other parts of the world. The death rate is also low as compared to most other nations, he added. Also read: India reports 380 deaths in 24 hours; total toll rises to 9,900 The PM also stressed that the economy has started to look up."Because of the efforts made in the last few weeks, green shoots have begun to be visible in our economy," said the PM. His remarks came during his meeting with the Chief Ministers and heads of 21 States and Union Territories on the Covid-19 situation in the country, held via video conferencing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of states & Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, via video conference. pic.twitter.com/erWrV7k4VS — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2020 × "Two weeks have passed since Unlock 1, our experience during this time could be beneficial for us in the future. Today I will get to know ground reality from you, your suggestions will help in chalking out future strategy," he said. "Timing matters a lot in overcoming any crisis. Timely decisions have helped a lot in containing coronavirus in the country," he said. Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in India are 3, 43,091 and Covid-19 death tally is over 9,900. There are 1, 53,178 coronavirus positive cases in India while 1, 80,012 COVID 19 positive patients have recovered and 9900 people have died due to coronavirus. One has been migrated, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Apart from Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are the worst affected states in the country. Another worrying sign is that north-east states have started recording an increasing number of daily COVID 19 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 situation not that huge in India as in other parts of the world: PM Narendra Modi

The total number of coronavirus cases in the world has crossed 79 lakh-mark while the virus-related death toll has now risen to nearly 4.4 lakh, confirmed Johns Hopkins University on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-says-death-was-everyones-destiny-as-country-registers-1349-deaths-305715">Also read: Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths</a>

The University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) said in its latest bulletin that the total number of cases stood at 7,936,874 while the fatalities have risen to 433,959.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/english-shops-attractions-to-reopen-as-virus-lockdown-eased-306008">Also read: English shops, attractions to reopen as virus lockdown eased</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Brazil is fast emerging as the new epicentre of coronavirus outbreak having recorded over 8.6 lakh confirmed cases so far.

With 2,094,069 cases and 115,732 deaths, the US continues with the world’s highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE.

In terms of cases, Brazil comes in second place with 8,67,624 infections.

This was followed by Russia (528,267), India (320,922), the UK (297,342), Spain (243,928), Italy (236,989), Peru (229,736), France (194,153), Germany (187,518), Iran (187,427), Turkey (178,239), Chile (174,293), Mexico (146,837), Pakistan (139,230), Saudi Arabia (127,541) and Canada (100,043), the CSSE figures showed.

Meanwhile, China today locked down ten more neighbourhoods in Beijing to try and contain the spread of a new coronavirus outbreak linked to a food market, authorities announced Monday.

City official Li Junjie said at a press conference that fresh cases had been found in a second wholesale market in northwestern Haidian district, and as a result, the market and nearby schools would be closed, and people living in ten communities around it placed under lockdown.

China is facing the second wave of coronavirus cases after the country lifted most of its lockdown and opened its economy in the recent past.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases in the world has crossed 79 lakh-mark while the virus-related death toll has now risen to nearly 4.4 lakh, confirmed Johns Hopkins University on Monday.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the world has crossed 79 lakh-mark while the virus-related death toll has now risen to nearly 4.4 lakh, confirmed Johns Hopkins University on Monday. Also read: Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths The University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) said in its latest bulletin that the total number of cases stood at 7,936,874 while the fatalities have risen to 433,959. Also read: English shops, attractions to reopen as virus lockdown eased Meanwhile, Brazil is fast emerging as the new epicentre of coronavirus outbreak having recorded over 8.6 lakh confirmed cases so far. With 2,094,069 cases and 115,732 deaths, the US continues with the world’s highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE. In terms of cases, Brazil comes in second place with 8,67,624 infections. This was followed by Russia (528,267), India (320,922), the UK (297,342), Spain (243,928), Italy (236,989), Peru (229,736), France (194,153), Germany (187,518), Iran (187,427), Turkey (178,239), Chile (174,293), Mexico (146,837), Pakistan (139,230), Saudi Arabia (127,541) and Canada (100,043), the CSSE figures showed. Meanwhile, China today locked down ten more neighbourhoods in Beijing to try and contain the spread of a new coronavirus outbreak linked to a food market, authorities announced Monday. City official Li Junjie said at a press conference that fresh cases had been found in a second wholesale market in northwestern Haidian district, and as a result, the market and nearby schools would be closed, and people living in ten communities around it placed under lockdown. China is facing the second wave of coronavirus cases after the country lifted most of its lockdown and opened its economy in the recent past. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases near 7.9 million-mark; Brazil emerging as new COVID-19 epicentre

The present time is the worst time to enter the job market. The global economy is in recession, companies are battling financial stress and risk of bankruptcy.

And young graduates are staring at an uncertain future, they are being called the generation of covid-19.

Scroll through your feed on LinkedIn and, you will find scores of fresh graduates appealing for help.

Many of them attended the best colleges in the world but as mass lay-offs continue no new jobs are being created.

In India alone, around 10-12 million graduates enter the workforce each year. In China eight million graduates and the US over four million. In France, about 800,000 youngsters are seeking jobs.&nbsp;

Many of them won't get a campus placement which means- no starting income, no work experience, and no way to repay the student loan at least in the short term.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-worst-time-to-enter-the-job-market-305483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

France was already one of the worst places in Europe to be a young job-seeker. The labour market is rigid with few long-term job contracts.

Today even finding an apprenticeship is tough before the pandemic France’s unemployment rate for youth stood at 20 per cent. The fourth highest in Europe after Greece, Spain and Italy.

President Emmanuel Macron has pushed through reforms to liberalize France’s highly regulated job market he has even tried to incentivize the hiring of apprentices and, there is the hope of hiring as companies reopen in September.

But economists believe that may not happen with the private sector expected to keep hiring low for several years governments may have to provide jobs for young graduates for months since the virus outbreak the fresh graduates had been confined to their dorms each day they looked up job opportunities with lockdown restrictions easing across the world and, the college term coming to an end students without a job may begin to queue up at unemployment centres.

Young people with higher levels of education are more likely to feel resentful and depressed.

The present time is the worst time to enter the job market. The global economy is in recession, companies are battling financial stress and risk of bankruptcy. And young graduates are staring at an uncertain future, they are being called the generation of covid-19.

The present time is the worst time to enter the job market. The global economy is in recession, companies are battling financial stress and risk of bankruptcy. And young graduates are staring at an uncertain future, they are being called the generation of covid-19. Scroll through your feed on LinkedIn and, you will find scores of fresh graduates appealing for help. Many of them attended the best colleges in the world but as mass lay-offs continue no new jobs are being created. In India alone, around 10-12 million graduates enter the workforce each year. In China eight million graduates and the US over four million. In France, about 800,000 youngsters are seeking jobs. Many of them won't get a campus placement which means- no starting income, no work experience, and no way to repay the student loan at least in the short term. France was already one of the worst places in Europe to be a young job-seeker. The labour market is rigid with few long-term job contracts. Today even finding an apprenticeship is tough before the pandemic France’s unemployment rate for youth stood at 20 per cent. The fourth highest in Europe after Greece, Spain and Italy. President Emmanuel Macron has pushed through reforms to liberalize France’s highly regulated job market he has even tried to incentivize the hiring of apprentices and, there is the hope of hiring as companies reopen in September. But economists believe that may not happen with the private sector expected to keep hiring low for several years governments may have to provide jobs for young graduates for months since the virus outbreak the fresh graduates had been confined to their dorms each day they looked up job opportunities with lockdown restrictions easing across the world and, the college term coming to an end students without a job may begin to queue up at unemployment centres. Young people with higher levels of education are more likely to feel resentful and depressed.

Fresh graduates around the world stare at a bleak future amid pandemic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the Chief Ministers on June 16 and 17 through video conferencing at 3 PM. Modi likely to hold a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers as the country gradually emerges out of coronavirus lockdown.

On June 16, Prime Minister will interact with 21 States and Union Territories - Punjab, Assam, Kerala, Uttrakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli &amp; Daman Diu, Sikkim and Lakshadweep.

This will be PM Modi’s sixth virtual meeting with the chief ministers since the first phase of the lockdown was announced on March 24 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On June 8, states lifted several restrictions imposed earlier following the Centre’s directives on ‘Unlock 1’.

The government of India had imposed a nationwide lockdown on 25 March to combat the novel coronavirus spread.

Currently, the country is under the fifth phase of the lockdown which entails much more relaxations than the previous ones including rail, road and domestic air travel. However, the relaxations do not imply to the containment zones, which need to follow strict guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the Chief Ministers on June 16 and 17 through video conferencing at 3 PM. Modi likely to hold a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers as the country gradually emerges out of coronavirus lockdown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the Chief Ministers on June 16 and 17 through video conferencing at 3 PM. Modi likely to hold a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers as the country gradually emerges out of coronavirus lockdown. On June 16, Prime Minister will interact with 21 States and Union Territories - Punjab, Assam, Kerala, Uttrakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Sikkim and Lakshadweep. This will be PM Modi’s sixth virtual meeting with the chief ministers since the first phase of the lockdown was announced on March 24 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On June 8, states lifted several restrictions imposed earlier following the Centre’s directives on ‘Unlock 1’. The government of India had imposed a nationwide lockdown on 25 March to combat the novel coronavirus spread. Currently, the country is under the fifth phase of the lockdown which entails much more relaxations than the previous ones including rail, road and domestic air travel. However, the relaxations do not imply to the containment zones, which need to follow strict guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. (With inputs from agencies)

Unlock Phase 1: PM Modi to hold fresh interaction with chief ministers on June 16-17

Maharashtra's Covid-19 positive cases have crossed the one-lakh mark on Friday with the reporting of 3,493 new positive cases in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

It has registered a total of 1,01,141 infections and 3,717 deaths, according to the state’s health department bulletin released on Friday.

With a daily increase of 10,956 in total cases, India’s tally has risen from 286,579 to 297,535, an increase of 3.8%. The death toll has reached 8,498 with 396 new fatalities, the most ever in a day.

The number of active cases across India has increased by 4,394, compared with 3,816 on Thursday. States that have reported the biggest 24-hour jump inactive cases are Maharashtra (1,894), Delhi (1,290), Tamil Nadu (480), Haryana (305), and West Bengal (221).

With 6,166 new recoveries being reported, India’s recovery rate has improved to 49.5%; death rate has increased marginally to 2.9%.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's Covid-19 positive cases have crossed the one-lakh mark on Friday with the reporting of 3,493 new positive cases in the last 24 hours. It has registered a total of 1,01,141 infections and 3,717 deaths, according to the state’s health department bulletin released on Friday.

Maharashtra's Covid-19 positive cases have crossed the one-lakh mark on Friday with the reporting of 3,493 new positive cases in the last 24 hours. It has registered a total of 1,01,141 infections and 3,717 deaths, according to the state’s health department bulletin released on Friday. With a daily increase of 10,956 in total cases, India’s tally has risen from 286,579 to 297,535, an increase of 3.8%. The death toll has reached 8,498 with 396 new fatalities, the most ever in a day. The number of active cases across India has increased by 4,394, compared with 3,816 on Thursday. States that have reported the biggest 24-hour jump inactive cases are Maharashtra (1,894), Delhi (1,290), Tamil Nadu (480), Haryana (305), and West Bengal (221). With 6,166 new recoveries being reported, India’s recovery rate has improved to 49.5%; death rate has increased marginally to 2.9%. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Maharashtra crosses 1 lakh cases, Mumbai at 55451

Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday.

In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting the movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics.

He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting the movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities. Bhalla said that the MHA has noticed that some states and union territories (UTs) are restricting the movement of people and vehicles on highways between 9 pm and 5 am, which is hindering their smooth passage.

"I would like to clarify that the purpose of restricting the movement of individuals, except for essential activities, between 9 pm and 5 am, is primarily intended to prevent congregation of persons and to ensure social distancing," he said.

"The restriction does not apply to instances of loading/unloading of goods (as part of supply chains and logistics); buses carrying persons and trucks and goods carriers plying on state and national highways; or persons travelling to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and flights," Bhalla said.

The Union home secretary said, accordingly, states and UTs are advised not to prevent such movement. He said that necessary instructions to this effect should be issued to district and local authorities. The nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The lockdown was first extended till May 3 and then again till May 17. It was further extended till May 31. The lockdown is now restricted only to containment zones across the country and will continue till June 30.

A large number of social, economic, religious and sports activities are currently allowed to function, under what the MHA has termed as 'Unlock 1'.

Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday.

Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday. In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting the movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting the movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities. Bhalla said that the MHA has noticed that some states and union territories (UTs) are restricting the movement of people and vehicles on highways between 9 pm and 5 am, which is hindering their smooth passage. "I would like to clarify that the purpose of restricting the movement of individuals, except for essential activities, between 9 pm and 5 am, is primarily intended to prevent congregation of persons and to ensure social distancing," he said. "The restriction does not apply to instances of loading/unloading of goods (as part of supply chains and logistics); buses carrying persons and trucks and goods carriers plying on state and national highways; or persons travelling to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and flights," Bhalla said. The Union home secretary said, accordingly, states and UTs are advised not to prevent such movement. He said that necessary instructions to this effect should be issued to district and local authorities. The nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The lockdown was first extended till May 3 and then again till May 17. It was further extended till May 31. The lockdown is now restricted only to containment zones across the country and will continue till June 30. A large number of social, economic, religious and sports activities are currently allowed to function, under what the MHA has termed as 'Unlock 1'.

Buses, trucks can ply on highways amid '9 pm-5 am curfew', says Centre

Global poverty could rise to over one billion people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would be the hardest-hit region in the world, according to a new report.

Researchers from King's College London and Australian National University published the new paper with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) which said the COVID-19 pandemic could drive global poverty back over one billion people as the world's poorest face up to USD 500 million per day in lost income.

The paper, 'Precarity and the Pandemic: COVID-19 and Poverty Incidence, Intensity and Severity in Developing Countries,' finds that extreme poverty could rise to over one billion people globally as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

The cost of the crisis in lost income could reach USD 500 million per day for the world's poorest people, and the intensity and severity of poverty are likely to be exacerbated dramatically.

The report also noted that poverty is likely to increase dramatically in middle-income developing countries and there could be a significant change in the distribution of global poverty.

The location of global poverty could shift back towards developing countries in South Asia and East Asia.

The report said that based on the USD 1.90 a day poverty line and a 20 per cent contraction, more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would become the hardest-hit region in the world '' mainly driven by the weight of populous India'' followed by sub-Saharan Africa which would comprise 30 per cent, or 119 million, of the additional poor.

The report added that as the value of the poverty line increases, a larger share of the additional poor will be concentrated in regions where the corresponding poverty line is more relevant given the average income level.

For instance, the regional distribution of the world's poor changes drastically when looking at the USD 5.50 a day poverty line the median poverty line among upper-middle-income countries.

At this level, almost 41 per cent of the additional half a billion poor under a 20 per cent contraction scenario would live in East Asia and the Pacific, chiefly China; a fourth would still reside in South Asia; and a combined 18 per cent would live in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), whose individual shares are close to that recorded for sub-Saharan Africa.

''India plays a significant role in driving the potential increases in global extreme poverty documented previously, comprising almost half the estimated additional poor regardless of the contraction scenario,'' the report said.

Nonetheless, there are other populous, low and lower-middle- income countries in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia and the Pacific accounting for a sizeable share of the estimates: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia come next, in that order, concentrating a total of 18-19 per cent of the new poor, whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Uganda, and the Philippines could jointly add 11-12 per cent.

''Taken together, these figures imply that three quarters of the additional extreme poor globally could be living in just ten populous countries.''

The report added that this high concentration of the additional extreme poor is ''staggering'' although not necessarily unexpected given the size of each country's population.

On one hand, data shows that three of these ten countries (Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria) were among the top ten by number of extreme poor people in 1990 and remained within the ranks of that group until 2018.

Despite this crude fact, two of these countries have managed to achieve a sustained reduction in their incidence of poverty since the early 1990s, namely Ethiopia and India, reaching their lowest poverty headcount ratio ever recorded at about 22 and 13 per cent, respectively.

Nonetheless, the potential contraction in per capita income/consumption imposed by the pandemic's economic effects could erase some of this progress.

The researchers are now calling for urgent global leadership from the G7, G20, and the multilateral system, and propose a three-point plan to address the impact of the COVID-19 on global poverty quickly.

Professor of International Development at King's College London and a Senior Non-Resident Research Fellow at UNU-WIDER Andy Sumner said the COVID-19 crisis could take extreme poverty back over one billion people because millions of people live just above poverty.

''Millions of people live in a precarious position one shock away from poverty. And the current crisis could be that shock that pushes them into poverty.'' Professor Kunal Sen, Director of UNU-WIDER said the new estimates about the level of poverty in the world and the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic to the world's poor are sobering.

''We cannot stand by and see the hard work and effort of so many be eradicated. We will know what the real impact is in time, but the necessary action to ensure we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 needs to be planned now,'' Sen said.

Global poverty could rise to over one billion people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would be the hardest-hit region in the world, according to a new report.

Global poverty could rise to over one billion people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would be the hardest-hit region in the world, according to a new report. Researchers from King's College London and Australian National University published the new paper with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) which said the COVID-19 pandemic could drive global poverty back over one billion people as the world's poorest face up to USD 500 million per day in lost income. The paper, 'Precarity and the Pandemic: COVID-19 and Poverty Incidence, Intensity and Severity in Developing Countries,' finds that extreme poverty could rise to over one billion people globally as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The cost of the crisis in lost income could reach USD 500 million per day for the world's poorest people, and the intensity and severity of poverty are likely to be exacerbated dramatically. The report also noted that poverty is likely to increase dramatically in middle-income developing countries and there could be a significant change in the distribution of global poverty. The location of global poverty could shift back towards developing countries in South Asia and East Asia. The report said that based on the USD 1.90 a day poverty line and a 20 per cent contraction, more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would become the hardest-hit region in the world '' mainly driven by the weight of populous India'' followed by sub-Saharan Africa which would comprise 30 per cent, or 119 million, of the additional poor. The report added that as the value of the poverty line increases, a larger share of the additional poor will be concentrated in regions where the corresponding poverty line is more relevant given the average income level. For instance, the regional distribution of the world's poor changes drastically when looking at the USD 5.50 a day poverty line the median poverty line among upper-middle-income countries. At this level, almost 41 per cent of the additional half a billion poor under a 20 per cent contraction scenario would live in East Asia and the Pacific, chiefly China; a fourth would still reside in South Asia; and a combined 18 per cent would live in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), whose individual shares are close to that recorded for sub-Saharan Africa. ''India plays a significant role in driving the potential increases in global extreme poverty documented previously, comprising almost half the estimated additional poor regardless of the contraction scenario,'' the report said. Nonetheless, there are other populous, low and lower-middle- income countries in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia and the Pacific accounting for a sizeable share of the estimates: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia come next, in that order, concentrating a total of 18-19 per cent of the new poor, whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Uganda, and the Philippines could jointly add 11-12 per cent. ''Taken together, these figures imply that three quarters of the additional extreme poor globally could be living in just ten populous countries.'' The report added that this high concentration of the additional extreme poor is ''staggering'' although not necessarily unexpected given the size of each country's population. On one hand, data shows that three of these ten countries (Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria) were among the top ten by number of extreme poor people in 1990 and remained within the ranks of that group until 2018. Despite this crude fact, two of these countries have managed to achieve a sustained reduction in their incidence of poverty since the early 1990s, namely Ethiopia and India, reaching their lowest poverty headcount ratio ever recorded at about 22 and 13 per cent, respectively. Nonetheless, the potential contraction in per capita income/consumption imposed by the pandemic's economic effects could erase some of this progress. The researchers are now calling for urgent global leadership from the G7, G20, and the multilateral system, and propose a three-point plan to address the impact of the COVID-19 on global poverty quickly. Professor of International Development at King's College London and a Senior Non-Resident Research Fellow at UNU-WIDER Andy Sumner said the COVID-19 crisis could take extreme poverty back over one billion people because millions of people live just above poverty. ''Millions of people live in a precarious position one shock away from poverty. And the current crisis could be that shock that pushes them into poverty.'' Professor Kunal Sen, Director of UNU-WIDER said the new estimates about the level of poverty in the world and the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic to the world's poor are sobering. ''We cannot stand by and see the hard work and effort of so many be eradicated. We will know what the real impact is in time, but the necessary action to ensure we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 needs to be planned now,'' Sen said.

Extreme poverty could rise to over one billion people globally due to COVID-19 crisis: Report

India's health ministry on Friday reported 10,956 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 2,97,535.

India has become the fourth worst-affected country due to the pandemic as it added around 10,000 cases for the fourth consecutive day.

According to the Health Ministry data, the doubling rate/time continues to improve and has increased from 3.4 days at the beginning of lockdown to 17.4 days currently.

Apart from improvement in the doubling rate, it said the recovery rate of patients has also become better. "Recovery rate of COVID positive cases continues to increase and is currently stands at 49.47 per cent," the ministry said.

A total of 1,47,194 people have recovered while 1,41,842 patients are under active medical supervision. It said that in the 24 hour period till 8 am, a total of 6,166 patients have been cured of COVID-19. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's health ministry on Friday reported 10,956 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 2,97,535.

India's health ministry on Friday reported 10,956 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 2,97,535. India has become the fourth worst-affected country due to the pandemic as it added around 10,000 cases for the fourth consecutive day. According to the Health Ministry data, the doubling rate/time continues to improve and has increased from 3.4 days at the beginning of lockdown to 17.4 days currently. Apart from improvement in the doubling rate, it said the recovery rate of patients has also become better. "Recovery rate of COVID positive cases continues to increase and is currently stands at 49.47 per cent," the ministry said. A total of 1,47,194 people have recovered while 1,41,842 patients are under active medical supervision. It said that in the 24 hour period till 8 am, a total of 6,166 patients have been cured of COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Doubling time of coronavirus cases in India improves to 17.4 days: Health Ministry

The coronavirus cases across the world on Thursday touched &nbsp;7,432,275 and death toll soared to &nbsp;418,052. The United States topped 2 lakh infections and recorded 113,168 deaths, remaining the worst-hit country as on Thursday, followed by Brazil with 772,416 coronavirus cases and nearing 40,000 deaths.

Brazil, with 7,72,416 cases, is the second country to have reported the maximum number of infections after the US so far followed by Russia (4,93,023) and India.&nbsp;

Other countries in the top-10 list of most COVID-19 cases are Spain (2.42 lakh), Italy (2.35 lakh), Peru (1.99 lakh), France (1.92 lakh), and Germany (1.86 lakh).

Europe could face a surge of COVID-19 infections in the coming weeks caused by mass protests in the continent over the last days, politicians, European Union officials and experts said on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of protesters have crowded together in Europe's big cities in recent days to demonstrate against racism after the killing in the United States of George Floyd while in police custody.

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus cases across the world on Thursday touched 7,432,275 and death toll soared to 418,052. The United States topped 2 lakh infections and recorded 113,168 deaths, remaining the worst-hit country as on Thursday, followed by Brazil with 772,416 coronavirus cases and nearing 40,000 deaths.

The coronavirus cases across the world on Thursday touched 7,432,275 and death toll soared to 418,052. The United States topped 2 lakh infections and recorded 113,168 deaths, remaining the worst-hit country as on Thursday, followed by Brazil with 772,416 coronavirus cases and nearing 40,000 deaths. Brazil, with 7,72,416 cases, is the second country to have reported the maximum number of infections after the US so far followed by Russia (4,93,023) and India. Other countries in the top-10 list of most COVID-19 cases are Spain (2.42 lakh), Italy (2.35 lakh), Peru (1.99 lakh), France (1.92 lakh), and Germany (1.86 lakh). Europe could face a surge of COVID-19 infections in the coming weeks caused by mass protests in the continent over the last days, politicians, European Union officials and experts said on Thursday. Tens of thousands of protesters have crowded together in Europe's big cities in recent days to demonstrate against racism after the killing in the United States of George Floyd while in police custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases near 7.5 million-mark: Report

In a humanitarian gesture, the Indian mission in Singapore has facilitated the travel of a cancer patient to fulfil her last wish to unite with her mother in Tamil Nadu amid global travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indian mission thanked Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Air India Express and passengers who gave up seats to her and her family.&nbsp;

"Fulfilling the last wish of a person with few days left. Happy to unite a cancer patient with her mother in Trichy," the Indian mission tweeted along with a picture of the patient and her family. &nbsp;

The spread of coronavirus has halted international travel. India has launched the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back its citizens stranded in various nations.&nbsp;

Vistara will operate two repatriation flights - one each on June 14 and June 15- on the Singapore-Delhi-Amritsar route under the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians, the airline said on Thursday.

Singapore today reported 422 new coronavirus cases, majority of them foreign workers living in dormitories, taking the total number of infections in the city-state to 39,387.

In a humanitarian gesture, the Indian mission in Singapore has facilitated the travel of a cancer patient to fulfil her last wish to unite with her mother in Tamil Nadu amid global travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a humanitarian gesture, the Indian mission in Singapore has facilitated the travel of a cancer patient to fulfil her last wish to unite with her mother in Tamil Nadu amid global travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Indian mission thanked Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Air India Express and passengers who gave up seats to her and her family. "Fulfilling the last wish of a person with few days left. Happy to unite a cancer patient with her mother in Trichy," the Indian mission tweeted along with a picture of the patient and her family. The spread of coronavirus has halted international travel. India has launched the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back its citizens stranded in various nations. Vistara will operate two repatriation flights - one each on June 14 and June 15- on the Singapore-Delhi-Amritsar route under the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians, the airline said on Thursday. Singapore today reported 422 new coronavirus cases, majority of them foreign workers living in dormitories, taking the total number of infections in the city-state to 39,387.

Cancer patient flew from Singapore to India to fulfil her last wish

India on Thursday became the fourth worst-hit country by coronavirus, overtaking the UK.

The UK, which was in the fourth spot on the list, has 2,91,588 cases as of now. In terms of corona tally, India is bellow Russia, Brazil and the US. As per updates, Russia has 4.93 lakh cases and Brazil 7.72 lakh tally. The US has the maximum number — more than 20 lakh.&nbsp;

India on Thursday reported 9,996 new coronavirus cases which is the single highest one day rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The coronavirus numbers have been increasing exponentially since the May 24, when India entered the list of top 10. It has just 18 days to reach the fourth slot.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today said that India should convert the Covid-19 crisis into a turning point towards becoming a self-reliant nation. PM Modi also emphasized the need for import-substitution while delivering the inaugural address of the 95th annual plenary session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) via video conferencing.

The global tally of coronavirus cases stands at 7,500,138 and 419,961 people have died from the disease so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday became the fourth worst-hit country by coronavirus, overtaking the UK. The UK, which was in the fourth spot on the list, has 2,91,588 cases as of now.

India on Thursday became the fourth worst-hit country by coronavirus, overtaking the UK. The UK, which was in the fourth spot on the list, has 2,91,588 cases as of now. In terms of corona tally, India is bellow Russia, Brazil and the US. As per updates, Russia has 4.93 lakh cases and Brazil 7.72 lakh tally. The US has the maximum number — more than 20 lakh. India on Thursday reported 9,996 new coronavirus cases which is the single highest one day rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. The coronavirus numbers have been increasing exponentially since the May 24, when India entered the list of top 10. It has just 18 days to reach the fourth slot. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today said that India should convert the Covid-19 crisis into a turning point towards becoming a self-reliant nation. PM Modi also emphasized the need for import-substitution while delivering the inaugural address of the 95th annual plenary session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) via video conferencing. The global tally of coronavirus cases stands at 7,500,138 and 419,961 people have died from the disease so far. (With inputs from agencies)

India overtakes UK's tally becomes 4th worst-hit nation by coronavirus

India's total number of coronavirus cases has jumped to 290,481, and death toll to 8,143, in the country's biggest-ever spike in the number of cases and deaths in a single day.

There is no community transmission of Covid-19 at the national level, while the lockdown measures helped in controlling the spread of the deadly virus until now, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said that the recovery rate in the country is 49.21%. he said the number of patients recovered at present exceeds the number of active patients in the country.

“We found that about 0.73% of the population in these 15 districts showed a prevalence of past exposure to infection. It means that lockdown measures were successful in keeping it low and preventing rapid spread,” Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, said in the press meet.

“There is a heightened debate on community transmission. WHO has not given definition on it. India is such a large country and the prevalence is so low. The prevalence is less than one per cent in small districts. It is slightly higher in urban areas. In the containment areas, it may be slightly higher. But, we are definite that India is not in community transmission,” Bhargava said at the daily press briefing.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's total number of coronavirus cases has jumped to 290,481, and death toll to 8,143, in the country's biggest-ever spike in the number of cases and deaths in a single day.

India's total number of coronavirus cases has jumped to 290,481, and death toll to 8,143, in the country's biggest-ever spike in the number of cases and deaths in a single day. There is no community transmission of Covid-19 at the national level, while the lockdown measures helped in controlling the spread of the deadly virus until now, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava said on Thursday. Addressing a press conference, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said that the recovery rate in the country is 49.21%. he said the number of patients recovered at present exceeds the number of active patients in the country. “We found that about 0.73% of the population in these 15 districts showed a prevalence of past exposure to infection. It means that lockdown measures were successful in keeping it low and preventing rapid spread,” Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, said in the press meet. “There is a heightened debate on community transmission. WHO has not given definition on it. India is such a large country and the prevalence is so low. The prevalence is less than one per cent in small districts. It is slightly higher in urban areas. In the containment areas, it may be slightly higher. But, we are definite that India is not in community transmission,” Bhargava said at the daily press briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

India not in community transmission phase, recovery rate is 49.21%: Health Ministry

The number of cases in the country's financial capital Mumbai has crossed 50,000 on Tuesday while the death toll reached 1,758. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a release that 1,015 new coronavirus patients were detected on Tuesday, taking the tally of cases to 50,878.

The death toll due to the pandemic in Maharashtra's capital increased to 1,758 with 58 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours. 904 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the number of recovered patients in the city to 22,942.

Meanwhile, With over 50 districts and municipal bodies spread across 15 states and union territories witnessing a spurt in coronavirus cases, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said high-level central teams have been deployed there to assist local administrations in containment and management of COVID-19 outbreak.

These multi-disciplinary teams are helping the states and UTs address challenges like testing bottlenecks, low tests per million population, high confirmation rates, risk of capacity shortfall over the next two months, potential bed shortage, growing case fatality rate, high doubling rate and sudden spike in active cases, etc, it said.

These states and UTs are Maharashtra (seven districts/municipalities), Telangana (four), Tamil Nadu (seven), Rajasthan (five), Assam (six), Haryana (four), Gujarat (three), Karnataka (four), Uttarakhand (three), Madhya Pradesh (five), West Bengal (three), Delhi (three), Bihar (four), Uttar Pradesh (four), and Odisha (five).

The districts and municipal bodies that are among the 50 high-case load areas include Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, Darbhanga, Karimganj, Ujjain and Hyderabad, Faridabad and Delhi''s north-west, central, west and north districts, officials said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of cases in the country's financial capital Mumbai has crossed 50,000 on Tuesday while the death toll reached 1,758. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a release that 1,015 new coronavirus patients were detected on Tuesday, taking the tally of cases to 50,878.

The number of cases in the country's financial capital Mumbai has crossed 50,000 on Tuesday while the death toll reached 1,758. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a release that 1,015 new coronavirus patients were detected on Tuesday, taking the tally of cases to 50,878. The death toll due to the pandemic in Maharashtra's capital increased to 1,758 with 58 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours. 904 patients were discharged from hospitals, taking the number of recovered patients in the city to 22,942. Meanwhile, With over 50 districts and municipal bodies spread across 15 states and union territories witnessing a spurt in coronavirus cases, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said high-level central teams have been deployed there to assist local administrations in containment and management of COVID-19 outbreak. These multi-disciplinary teams are helping the states and UTs address challenges like testing bottlenecks, low tests per million population, high confirmation rates, risk of capacity shortfall over the next two months, potential bed shortage, growing case fatality rate, high doubling rate and sudden spike in active cases, etc, it said. These states and UTs are Maharashtra (seven districts/municipalities), Telangana (four), Tamil Nadu (seven), Rajasthan (five), Assam (six), Haryana (four), Gujarat (three), Karnataka (four), Uttarakhand (three), Madhya Pradesh (five), West Bengal (three), Delhi (three), Bihar (four), Uttar Pradesh (four), and Odisha (five). The districts and municipal bodies that are among the 50 high-case load areas include Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, Darbhanga, Karimganj, Ujjain and Hyderabad, Faridabad and Delhi''s north-west, central, west and north districts, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

With 50, 878 COVID cases Mumbai crosses Wuhan

The Meghalaya government on Tuesday withdrew its earlier order that allowed religious places to reopen doors to devotees from June 14, and said congregations of any kind would have to be avoided for the time being, given the unrelenting rise in COVID-19 cases.

The state government had earlier drafted safety protocols and said churches and other places of worship in the Christian-dominated state would be given permission to resume normal services from June 14, provided they abide by the guidelines.

"We have withdrawn our previous order allowing places of worships to open, in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state," Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told PTI.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met the top religious leaders in the state to discuss the matter.

"Based on consultations with different religious organisations this afternoon, the Govt has decided to put on hold the reopening of religious institutions in #Meghalaya that was previously decided for the 14th of June," he tweeted.

Four new coronavirus cases have been detected in the state since Monday, increasing the tally to 40 -- three times of what it was during the second week of May.

Many churches have issued statements, contending that they were not keen on opening the doors anytime soon, as it could expose people to the risk of virus transmission.

"We will continue with online services until people feel safe to come to church," Unitarian Union of North East India president D P Pariat said.

The Meghalaya government on Tuesday withdrew its earlier order that allowed religious places to reopen doors to devotees from June 14, and said congregations of any kind would have to be avoided for the time being, given the unrelenting rise in COVID-19 cases.

The Meghalaya government on Tuesday withdrew its earlier order that allowed religious places to reopen doors to devotees from June 14, and said congregations of any kind would have to be avoided for the time being, given the unrelenting rise in COVID-19 cases. The state government had earlier drafted safety protocols and said churches and other places of worship in the Christian-dominated state would be given permission to resume normal services from June 14, provided they abide by the guidelines. "We have withdrawn our previous order allowing places of worships to open, in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state," Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told PTI. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met the top religious leaders in the state to discuss the matter. "Based on consultations with different religious organisations this afternoon, the Govt has decided to put on hold the reopening of religious institutions in #Meghalaya that was previously decided for the 14th of June," he tweeted. Four new coronavirus cases have been detected in the state since Monday, increasing the tally to 40 -- three times of what it was during the second week of May. Many churches have issued statements, contending that they were not keen on opening the doors anytime soon, as it could expose people to the risk of virus transmission. "We will continue with online services until people feel safe to come to church," Unitarian Union of North East India president D P Pariat said.

Indian state Meghalaya withdraws order to reopen places of worship amid rise of COVID-19 cases

Republican Senator Rick Scott of the United States has told in a television interview that he thinks China is actively working to disrupt the efforts of the US and other western countries to develop the vaccine.

"We have got to get this vaccine done. Unfortunately, we have evidence that communist China is trying to sabotage us or slow it down," he said during an interview.

"China does not want us ... to do it first, they have decided to be an adversary to Americans and I think to democracy around the world."

"This vaccine is really important to all of us getting our economy going again. What I believe is whether England does it first or we do it first, we are going to share. Communist China, they are not going to share."

Asked what evidence the United States had, Scott declined to give details but said it had come through the intelligence community.

Senator Rick Scott's warning of Chinese sabotage didn't come out of the blue.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-blocking-a-coronavirus-vaccine-304376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On May 13 — Two of America's premier intelligence agencies.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security released a public warning that Chinese hackers are stealing coronavirus research from the US. They said — from hospital labs to university research centres, everybody involved in finding a vaccine is under potential threat of cyber attacks. China hit back, calling it a smear campaign.

The state-run Global Times said -- China is leading vaccine research, there is no need to steal and it has access to WHO trials.

The World Health Organization is conducting global solidarity trials. 
One hundred countries are participating and America isn't one of them.&nbsp;

Trump has pulled out funding while China has moved in consolidating its position further.&nbsp;

Currently -- there are at least 10 vaccines in human trials six of those in China alone. Followed by the US which has two vaccines.

The Oxford University study in the UK is also close but, China may win the vaccine race and promises to share it with the world.

"When a Chinese vaccine is ready for application after research and development, and clinical tests, we will implement the commitment made by Chinese president Xi Jinping at the 73rd world health assembly, providing the vaccine to the world as global public goods," Wang Zhigang the science and technology minister, said at a news conference in Beijing.

The keywords are -- 'When a Chinese vaccine is ready'.

So -- until that happens, China is unlikely to allow any country to succeed in this effort. First — China exported death and over seven million people around the world infected and 400,000 people died due to coronavirus. And now, China wants a monopoly over its cure.

This statement by Wang Zhigang shows that China wants a monopoly over Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

The question arises in the conclusion is that 'Can China be trusted to act generously?'

The evidence so far points to the contrary.

Republican Senator Rick Scott of the United States has told in a television interview that he thinks China is actively working to disrupt the efforts of the US and other western countries to develop the vaccine.

Republican Senator Rick Scott of the United States has told in a television interview that he thinks China is actively working to disrupt the efforts of the US and other western countries to develop the vaccine. "We have got to get this vaccine done. Unfortunately, we have evidence that communist China is trying to sabotage us or slow it down," he said during an interview. "China does not want us ... to do it first, they have decided to be an adversary to Americans and I think to democracy around the world." "This vaccine is really important to all of us getting our economy going again. What I believe is whether England does it first or we do it first, we are going to share. Communist China, they are not going to share." Asked what evidence the United States had, Scott declined to give details but said it had come through the intelligence community. Senator Rick Scott's warning of Chinese sabotage didn't come out of the blue. On May 13 — Two of America's premier intelligence agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security released a public warning that Chinese hackers are stealing coronavirus research from the US. They said — from hospital labs to university research centres, everybody involved in finding a vaccine is under potential threat of cyber attacks. China hit back, calling it a smear campaign. The state-run Global Times said -- China is leading vaccine research, there is no need to steal and it has access to WHO trials. The World Health Organization is conducting global solidarity trials. One hundred countries are participating and America isn't one of them. Trump has pulled out funding while China has moved in consolidating its position further. Currently -- there are at least 10 vaccines in human trials six of those in China alone. Followed by the US which has two vaccines. The Oxford University study in the UK is also close but, China may win the vaccine race and promises to share it with the world. "When a Chinese vaccine is ready for application after research and development, and clinical tests, we will implement the commitment made by Chinese president Xi Jinping at the 73rd world health assembly, providing the vaccine to the world as global public goods," Wang Zhigang the science and technology minister, said at a news conference in Beijing. The keywords are -- 'When a Chinese vaccine is ready'. So -- until that happens, China is unlikely to allow any country to succeed in this effort. First — China exported death and over seven million people around the world infected and 400,000 people died due to coronavirus. And now, China wants a monopoly over its cure. This statement by Wang Zhigang shows that China wants a monopoly over Covid-19 vaccine. The question arises in the conclusion is that 'Can China be trusted to act generously?' The evidence so far points to the contrary.

Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain

Over 1,600 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and two other forces have been infected with COVID-19 till now and these combat organizations have registered an overall recovery rate of about 70 per cent, an official data said on Monday.

As per data accessed by PTI, updated till June 6, the recovery tally is led by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), then about 90,000 personnel strong force tasked to guard the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, at 87.89 per cent.

This is followed by the Border Security Force (BSF), with a strength of about 2.5 lakh personnel, with a recovery rate of about 82.94 per cent.

The report said a total of 1,668 personnel of the five CAPFs and the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been infected with the pandemic till now after the first case among these forces was detected on March 28.

"Data available till June 6 on coronavirus infections in the CAPFs and two other forces shows that recovery rate among these forces is about 70 per cent."

&nbsp;"The ITBP tops the recovery tally with 87.89 per cent followed by the BSF," an official said quoting the data. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has recorded a recovery rate of 68. 86 per cent while the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has registered a recovery rate of 58.92 per cent," the data said.

Out of the total 1,668 personnel, 1157 have recovered till June 6, it said.

A total of 511 personnel are admitted to COVID-19 designated hospitals, the data said.

Out of these active cases, 149 are in the CRPF, 82 in BSF, 26 in ITBP, 134 in CISF, 63 in SSB, 22 in NSG, and 25 in NDRF.

The data said with 10 casualties reported till June 6, the death rate in these forces is 0.59 per cent. However, deaths from coronavirus in these forces stand at 12 with two CRPF personnel succumbing to the disease since June 6, one of which was reported on Monday.

These central forces, with a combined strength of about 10 lakh personnel, render a variety of security duties, law and order management, border guarding, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, and disaster rescue and relief.

All of them function under the command of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Over 1,600 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and two other forces have been infected with COVID-19 till now and these combat organizations have registered an overall recovery rate of about 70 per cent, an official data said on Monday.

Over 1,600 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and two other forces have been infected with COVID-19 till now and these combat organizations have registered an overall recovery rate of about 70 per cent, an official data said on Monday. As per data accessed by PTI, updated till June 6, the recovery tally is led by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), then about 90,000 personnel strong force tasked to guard the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, at 87.89 per cent. This is followed by the Border Security Force (BSF), with a strength of about 2.5 lakh personnel, with a recovery rate of about 82.94 per cent. The report said a total of 1,668 personnel of the five CAPFs and the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been infected with the pandemic till now after the first case among these forces was detected on March 28. "Data available till June 6 on coronavirus infections in the CAPFs and two other forces shows that recovery rate among these forces is about 70 per cent." "The ITBP tops the recovery tally with 87.89 per cent followed by the BSF," an official said quoting the data. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has recorded a recovery rate of 68. 86 per cent while the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has registered a recovery rate of 58.92 per cent," the data said. Out of the total 1,668 personnel, 1157 have recovered till June 6, it said. A total of 511 personnel are admitted to COVID-19 designated hospitals, the data said. Out of these active cases, 149 are in the CRPF, 82 in BSF, 26 in ITBP, 134 in CISF, 63 in SSB, 22 in NSG, and 25 in NDRF. The data said with 10 casualties reported till June 6, the death rate in these forces is 0.59 per cent. However, deaths from coronavirus in these forces stand at 12 with two CRPF personnel succumbing to the disease since June 6, one of which was reported on Monday. These central forces, with a combined strength of about 10 lakh personnel, render a variety of security duties, law and order management, border guarding, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, and disaster rescue and relief. All of them function under the command of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Over 1,600 COVID-19 cases in CAPFs, other forces; 70 per cent recovery rate

Government of India's defence agency DRDO's headquarters in Delhi has been closed for a day for sanitisation after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, sources said.&nbsp;

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India, charged with the military's research and development, headquartered in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Among cities, Mumbai and Delhi are the worse affected due to the highly contagious disease. The central government has been releasing guidelines as part of its Unlocking measures. The search for coronavirus vaccine is still one with many have claimed to enter a crucial clinical trial.

Around the world, over 66 lakh people have been infected by coronavirus and so far over 3.89 lakh, people have died due to COVID 19. The US, Brazil, Russia, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy are the worse affected countries so far, as per data revealed by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India's defence agency DRDO's headquarters in Delhi has been closed for a day for sanitisation after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, sources said.

Government of India's defence agency DRDO's headquarters in Delhi has been closed for a day for sanitisation after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, sources said. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India, charged with the military's research and development, headquartered in Delhi. Meanwhile, Among cities, Mumbai and Delhi are the worse affected due to the highly contagious disease. The central government has been releasing guidelines as part of its Unlocking measures. The search for coronavirus vaccine is still one with many have claimed to enter a crucial clinical trial. Around the world, over 66 lakh people have been infected by coronavirus and so far over 3.89 lakh, people have died due to COVID 19. The US, Brazil, Russia, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy are the worse affected countries so far, as per data revealed by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine. (With inputs from agencies)

Portion of DRDO headquarters in Delhi closed after staff tested COVID-19 positive

Maharashtra on Thursday registered the highest single-day spike of 2,933 COVID-19 cases, which took the tally of patients in the state to 77,793, the state health department said.

As 123 coronavirus positive patients died during the day, the death toll increased to 2,710, it said.

The number of discharged patients in the state rose to 33,681 as 1,352 patients were sent back home after recovery, the health department said in a statement.

Of the 123 deaths, 68 were reported in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The department said that 30 of these deaths occurred in the last two days, while the rest were from the period between April 30 and June 1.

The number of active cases is 41,402, it said, adding that as many as 5,10,176 people have been tested so far.

There are 3,804 containment zones in the state.

As many as 5,10,176 people have been tested so far.

Currently, 5,60,303 people are in-home quarantine and 30,623 are in institutional quarantine, it said.

The state's COVID-19 recovery rate is 43.29 per cent, while the fatality rate is 3.48 per cent, it added.

Of the total positive cases recorded so far, 58,878 are in the MMR area, where 1,810 patients have succumbed to the infection.

Malegaon city in Nashik district has so far recorded 762 cases and 58 deaths, Pune city has reported 7,700 cases and 351 deaths, Solapur city 1,065 cases and 86 deaths, Aurangabad city 1,668 cases and 87 deaths, Akola city 633 cases and 27 deaths, while Nagpur city has reported 619 cases and 11 deaths.

Maharashtra's COVID tally is as follows: Positive cases: 77,793, deaths: 2,710, recovered: 33,681, active cases: 41,402, people tested so far: 5,10,176.

Maharashtra on Thursday registered the highest single-day spike of 2,933 COVID-19 cases, which took the tally of patients in the state to 77,793, the state health department said.

Maharashtra on Thursday registered the highest single-day spike of 2,933 COVID-19 cases, which took the tally of patients in the state to 77,793, the state health department said. As 123 coronavirus positive patients died during the day, the death toll increased to 2,710, it said. The number of discharged patients in the state rose to 33,681 as 1,352 patients were sent back home after recovery, the health department said in a statement. Of the 123 deaths, 68 were reported in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The department said that 30 of these deaths occurred in the last two days, while the rest were from the period between April 30 and June 1. The number of active cases is 41,402, it said, adding that as many as 5,10,176 people have been tested so far. There are 3,804 containment zones in the state. As many as 5,10,176 people have been tested so far. Currently, 5,60,303 people are in-home quarantine and 30,623 are in institutional quarantine, it said. The state's COVID-19 recovery rate is 43.29 per cent, while the fatality rate is 3.48 per cent, it added. Of the total positive cases recorded so far, 58,878 are in the MMR area, where 1,810 patients have succumbed to the infection. Malegaon city in Nashik district has so far recorded 762 cases and 58 deaths, Pune city has reported 7,700 cases and 351 deaths, Solapur city 1,065 cases and 86 deaths, Aurangabad city 1,668 cases and 87 deaths, Akola city 633 cases and 27 deaths, while Nagpur city has reported 619 cases and 11 deaths. Maharashtra's COVID tally is as follows: Positive cases: 77,793, deaths: 2,710, recovered: 33,681, active cases: 41,402, people tested so far: 5,10,176.

2,933 COVID-19 positive cases reported in Maharashtra in a day; tally 77,793

The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.

As of Friday morning, the overall number of cases stood at &nbsp;6,639,228, while the death toll increased to 391,261, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The deadly coronavirus, which emerged about five months ago, has sickened more than 1.8 million people and killed at least 107,175 in the United States, according to Hopkins data.&nbsp;

While cases are slowing in hot spots such as New York state, cases are on the rise in places like Florida, Texas and Arizona that removed shelter-in-place orders much earlier.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Friday morning, the overall number of cases stood at 6,639,228, while the death toll increased to 391,261, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Friday morning, the overall number of cases stood at 6,639,228, while the death toll increased to 391,261, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The deadly coronavirus, which emerged about five months ago, has sickened more than 1.8 million people and killed at least 107,175 in the United States, according to Hopkins data. While cases are slowing in hot spots such as New York state, cases are on the rise in places like Florida, Texas and Arizona that removed shelter-in-place orders much earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases top 6.6 million, death toll soars past 390,000