With the target to eliminate coronavirus by month-end, the Zoramthanga-led government in Mizoram extended the "total lockdown" till June 30.&nbsp;

The total lockdown will be extended in state capital Aizawl, 10 other district headquarters and containment areas for another eight days till June 30 to contain further spread of coronavirus infection.

The total lockdown was imposed on June 9 after the number of coronavirus cases in the Northeastern state has jumped from 1 to 42 in a week.

The measure was scheduled to be in force till Monday.

Meanwhile, India reported 15,915 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours to make it the country's biggest single-day spike and taking the total to 413,092. As many as 13,294 people have died due to the infection so far.

With 2,27,755 COVID-19 patients cured so far, the recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent among patients, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the target to eliminate coronavirus by month-end, the Zoramthanga-led government in Mizoram extended the "total lockdown" till June 30. The total lockdown will be extended in state capital Aizawl, 10 other district headquarters and containment areas for another eight days till June 30 to contain further spread of coronavirus infection.

With the target to eliminate coronavirus by month-end, the Zoramthanga-led government in Mizoram extended the "total lockdown" till June 30. The total lockdown will be extended in state capital Aizawl, 10 other district headquarters and containment areas for another eight days till June 30 to contain further spread of coronavirus infection. The total lockdown was imposed on June 9 after the number of coronavirus cases in the Northeastern state has jumped from 1 to 42 in a week. The measure was scheduled to be in force till Monday. Meanwhile, India reported 15,915 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours to make it the country's biggest single-day spike and taking the total to 413,092. As many as 13,294 people have died due to the infection so far. With 2,27,755 COVID-19 patients cured so far, the recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent among patients, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: Mizoram extends total lockdown in cities, towns till June 30

More than 460,000 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Over 8.8 million people have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus around the world and more than four million have recovered. The United States has the most cases and deaths, followed by Brazil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-records-3000-new-cases-tamil-nadu-cases-near-60000-307521">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Delhi records 3,000 new cases, Tamil Nadu cases near 60,000</a>

Indonesia reported 1,331 new coronavirus infections, it's a biggest daily increase since the outbreak started locally, taking its total number of cases to 42,762.

The World Health Organization has announced that testing of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 460,000 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Over 8.8 million people have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus around the world and more than four million have recovered.

More than 460,000 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Over 8.8 million people have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus around the world and more than four million have recovered. The United States has the most cases and deaths, followed by Brazil. Also read| COVID 19: Delhi records 3,000 new cases, Tamil Nadu cases near 60,000 Indonesia reported 1,331 new coronavirus infections, it's a biggest daily increase since the outbreak started locally, taking its total number of cases to 42,762. The World Health Organization has announced that testing of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus death toll exceeds 460,000

India reported 15,915 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours to make it the country's biggest single-day spike and taking the total to 413,092. As many as 13,294 people have died due to the infection so far.

With 2,27,755 COVID-19 patients cured so far, the recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent among patients, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday.

"The number of patients recovering from COVID-19 continues to increase. So far, a total of 2, 27,755 patients have been cured. During the last 24 hours, a total of 13,925 COVID-19 patients have been cured. The recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent amongst COVID-19 patients," the Ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Presently, there are 1, 69,451 active cases and all are under active medical supervision. "The number of recovered patients has crossed the number of active patients by 58,305 on Sunday," it’s said. "As a concerted effort to expand the lab and testing infrastructure, the number of government labs has been increased to 722 and private labs have been increased to 259," it added.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 467,364 lives across the world and as many as 8,950,626 people have been infected so far. Some countries, which experienced a significant drop in Covid-19 infections in April and May, witnessing a second-wave with the most notable resurgence seen in China’s capital Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 15,915 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours to make it the country's biggest single-day spike and taking the total to 413,092. As many as 13,294 people have died due to the infection so far.

India reported 15,915 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours to make it the country's biggest single-day spike and taking the total to 413,092. As many as 13,294 people have died due to the infection so far. With 2,27,755 COVID-19 patients cured so far, the recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent among patients, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday. "The number of patients recovering from COVID-19 continues to increase. So far, a total of 2, 27,755 patients have been cured. During the last 24 hours, a total of 13,925 COVID-19 patients have been cured. The recovery rate has further improved to 55.49 per cent amongst COVID-19 patients," the Ministry said in a statement. Presently, there are 1, 69,451 active cases and all are under active medical supervision. "The number of recovered patients has crossed the number of active patients by 58,305 on Sunday," it’s said. "As a concerted effort to expand the lab and testing infrastructure, the number of government labs has been increased to 722 and private labs have been increased to 259," it added. The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 467,364 lives across the world and as many as 8,950,626 people have been infected so far. Some countries, which experienced a significant drop in Covid-19 infections in April and May, witnessing a second-wave with the most notable resurgence seen in China’s capital Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: India's recovery rate improves to 55.49%, says govt

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

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.

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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.

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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

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

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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1272856896391667712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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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

Indian Health Ministry added two new and crucial symptoms of the pandemic COVID-19 list, These symptoms are loss of smell, taste. Earlier list contain symptoms such as Fever, Cough, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, etc.

Loss of smell, taste could be symptom of COVID-19: Indian Health Ministry

Loss of smell or taste has been added to the list of COVID-19 symptoms, according to the revised clinical management protocols released by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

The ministry listed muscle pain, diarrhea, congested nasal cavity, sputum production as COVID-19 symptoms, besides fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat and shortness of breath.

People have also complained of loss of smell (anosmia) or loss of taste (ageusia) preceding the onset of respiratory symptoms, it said.

According to an expert, though it is not specific to COVID-19 as one may even suffer from loss of smell and taste when they have flu or influenza, but then it could be one of the early signs of the onset of the disease and may help in timely detection and treatment.

In its revised, 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19 released on Saturday, the health ministry said older people and immune-suppressed patients in particular may present with atypical symptoms such as fatigue, reduced alertness, reduced mobility, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, delirium, and absence of fever, the ministry said.

Children might not have reported fever or cough as frequently as adults.

The US's national public health institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), had in early May incorporated "a new loss of taste or smell" in the list of COVID-19 symptoms.

According to data from the Integrated Health Information Platform and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, portal case investigation forms for COVID 19 (n=15,366), the details on the signs and symptoms reported are (as on June 11), fever (27 per cent), cough (21 per cent), sore throat (10 per cent), breathlessness (8 per cent), Weakness (7 per cent), running nose (3 per cent ) and others 24 per cent.

According to the health ministry, people infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection.?

Direct person-to-person transmission occurs through close contact, mainly through respiratory droplets that are released when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

These droplets may also land on surfaces, where the virus remains viable. Infection can also occur if a person touches an infected surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

The median incubation period is 5.1 days (range 2?14 days). The precise interval during which an individual with COVID-19 is infectious is uncertain.

As per the current evidence, the period of infectivity starts two days prior to onset of symptoms and lasts up to 8 days. 
The extent and role played by pre-clinical/ asymptomatic infections in transmission still remain under investigation.

The document while listing the clinical management protocols for treating mild, moderate and severe cases, reiterated that RT-PCR should be used for COVID-19 diagnosis and antibody tests are not recommended for diagnosis of the infection.

Under the case definition category, a patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease such as cough, shortness of breath), and a history of travel to or residence in a location reporting community transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset is considered as a suspect case.

Anyone with any acute respiratory illness and having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset also to be considered as a suspect case.

Besides, a patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one? symptom of respiratory disease like cough, shortness of breath; and requiring hospitalization) and in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that fully explains the clinical presentation also will be categorised as a suspect case.

A suspect case for whom testing for the COVID-19 virus is inconclusive or? for whom testing could not be performed for any reason will fall under 'probable case'.

A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms will be considered a confirmed case.

Mild COVID-19 cases can be managed at home may be given symptomatic treatment such as antipyretic (paracetamol) for fever and pain, adequate nutrition and appropriate rehydration.

Hydroxychloroquine tablet may be considered for any of those having high risk features for severe disease (such as age&gt; 60; hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung/kidney/ liver disease, cerebrovascular disease and obesity) under strict medical supervision.

Loss of smell or taste has been added to the list of COVID-19 symptoms, according to the revised clinical management protocols released by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

Loss of smell or taste has been added to the list of COVID-19 symptoms, according to the revised clinical management protocols released by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. The ministry listed muscle pain, diarrhea, congested nasal cavity, sputum production as COVID-19 symptoms, besides fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat and shortness of breath. People have also complained of loss of smell (anosmia) or loss of taste (ageusia) preceding the onset of respiratory symptoms, it said. According to an expert, though it is not specific to COVID-19 as one may even suffer from loss of smell and taste when they have flu or influenza, but then it could be one of the early signs of the onset of the disease and may help in timely detection and treatment. In its revised, 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19 released on Saturday, the health ministry said older people and immune-suppressed patients in particular may present with atypical symptoms such as fatigue, reduced alertness, reduced mobility, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, delirium, and absence of fever, the ministry said. Children might not have reported fever or cough as frequently as adults. The US's national public health institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), had in early May incorporated "a new loss of taste or smell" in the list of COVID-19 symptoms. According to data from the Integrated Health Information Platform and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, portal case investigation forms for COVID 19 (n=15,366), the details on the signs and symptoms reported are (as on June 11), fever (27 per cent), cough (21 per cent), sore throat (10 per cent), breathlessness (8 per cent), Weakness (7 per cent), running nose (3 per cent ) and others 24 per cent. According to the health ministry, people infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection.? Direct person-to-person transmission occurs through close contact, mainly through respiratory droplets that are released when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may also land on surfaces, where the virus remains viable. Infection can also occur if a person touches an infected surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. The median incubation period is 5.1 days (range 2?14 days). The precise interval during which an individual with COVID-19 is infectious is uncertain. As per the current evidence, the period of infectivity starts two days prior to onset of symptoms and lasts up to 8 days. The extent and role played by pre-clinical/ asymptomatic infections in transmission still remain under investigation. The document while listing the clinical management protocols for treating mild, moderate and severe cases, reiterated that RT-PCR should be used for COVID-19 diagnosis and antibody tests are not recommended for diagnosis of the infection. Under the case definition category, a patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease such as cough, shortness of breath), and a history of travel to or residence in a location reporting community transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset is considered as a suspect case. Anyone with any acute respiratory illness and having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset also to be considered as a suspect case. Besides, a patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one? symptom of respiratory disease like cough, shortness of breath; and requiring hospitalization) and in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that fully explains the clinical presentation also will be categorised as a suspect case. A suspect case for whom testing for the COVID-19 virus is inconclusive or? for whom testing could not be performed for any reason will fall under 'probable case'. A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms will be considered a confirmed case. Mild COVID-19 cases can be managed at home may be given symptomatic treatment such as antipyretic (paracetamol) for fever and pain, adequate nutrition and appropriate rehydration. Hydroxychloroquine tablet may be considered for any of those having high risk features for severe disease (such as age> 60; hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung/kidney/ liver disease, cerebrovascular disease and obesity) under strict medical supervision.

Loss of smell or taste added to list of COVID-19 symptoms: Health ministry

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

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

Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases have climbed to 94,041 on Wednesday with 3,254 new patients, a health official said.

Total 3,438 have died so far due to the deadly coronavirus with 149 new deaths being recorded during the day.

The total number of recovered patients stands at 44,517.

Maharashtra coronavirus figures are as follows: Positive cases 94,041, new cases 3,254, deaths 3,438, discharged 44,517, active cases 46,074, people tested so far 5,93,784.&nbsp;

Meanwhile in India, the total number of coronavirus cases have jumped to 276,583, while 7,745 people have died from the disease so far, showed data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. Close to 6,000 recoveries pushed the total number of cured/discharged patients to 135,206. The count of active cases now stands at 133,632.

Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, 5,991 patients have been cured, and the recovery rate now stands at 48.88 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases have climbed to 94,041 on Wednesday with 3,254 new patients, a health official said. Total 3,438 have died so far due to the deadly coronavirus with 149 new deaths being recorded during the day.

Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases have climbed to 94,041 on Wednesday with 3,254 new patients, a health official said. Total 3,438 have died so far due to the deadly coronavirus with 149 new deaths being recorded during the day. The total number of recovered patients stands at 44,517. Maharashtra coronavirus figures are as follows: Positive cases 94,041, new cases 3,254, deaths 3,438, discharged 44,517, active cases 46,074, people tested so far 5,93,784. Meanwhile in India, the total number of coronavirus cases have jumped to 276,583, while 7,745 people have died from the disease so far, showed data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. Close to 6,000 recoveries pushed the total number of cured/discharged patients to 135,206. The count of active cases now stands at 133,632. Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, 5,991 patients have been cured, and the recovery rate now stands at 48.88 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra inch near 1 lakh mark, death toll at 3,438

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

India reports 9,851 new coronavirus cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total coronavirus cases in India have increased to 2,26,770 on Friday.&nbsp;

Out of which, 110960 have been active cases. The number of people who have been cured, discharged or migrated has increased to &nbsp;1,09,461. The death toll, on the other hand, has mounted to 6348.&nbsp;

<img alt="India's Covid-19 tally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9f932d9-2adf-4fe3-b5ce-821c2f820217" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/0506_UPDATED_LINE_GRAPH.jpg" />

<img alt="India's Covid-19 tally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8519d614-4416-4694-8b9c-3c032d833884" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/0506_UPDATED_MAP_INDIA_HOTSPOT.jpg" />

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have recorded the most number of covid 19 cases. 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.

India reports 9,851 new coronavirus cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total coronavirus cases in India have increased to 2,26,770 on Friday. Out of which, 110960 have been active cases.

India reports 9,851 new coronavirus cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total coronavirus cases in India have increased to 2,26,770 on Friday. Out of which, 110960 have been active cases. The number of people who have been cured, discharged or migrated has increased to 1,09,461. The death toll, on the other hand, has mounted to 6348. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have recorded the most number of covid 19 cases. 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.

9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented.

"None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports.

Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement.

Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions.

Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey.

"We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said.

The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways.

The opposition party demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services.

The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them.

Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states.

The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said.

'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said.

As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented. "None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports. Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement. Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions. Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey. "We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said. The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways. The opposition party demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services. The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them. Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states. The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said. 'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said. As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said.

'Issue being politicised': BJP says no death in Shramik trains due to starvation

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