Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4 million worldwide on Monday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected 4,101,482 people worldwide and 282,700 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,408,771 people of that tally have recovered.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-expert-warns-coronavirus-still-has-a-long-run-297841" hreflang="en">US health expert warns coronavirus still has a long run</a>

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-outbreak-warns-internal-report-296619">Also read |&nbsp;China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report</a>

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The United States recorded 776 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 79,522, according to the real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University.

The figure was the lowest daily tally since March, with 24-hour totals in recent weeks ranging from 1,000 to 2,500.

The country -- hardest hit by the pandemic in terms of the number of fatalities -- has now confirmed a total of 1,329,072 cases, the Baltimore-based school reported.

There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom and Russia are struggling to contain the spread of the virus as the number of cases rose to 2,19,183 (31,855 deaths) and 2,09,688 (1,915 deaths) respectively. However, few relaxations in the lockdown of the UK are expected soon.

After months of no new positive case, Wuhan, the alleged epicentre of the virus, has reported new positive cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 82,918 and 4,633 fatalities.

A total of 201 countries have been infected by the virus in the past 6 months.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4 million worldwide on Monday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,101,482 people worldwide and 282,700 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4 million worldwide on Monday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,101,482 people worldwide and 282,700 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,408,771 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: US health expert warns coronavirus still has a long run A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. Also read | China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States recorded 776 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 79,522, according to the real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University. The figure was the lowest daily tally since March, with 24-hour totals in recent weeks ranging from 1,000 to 2,500. The country -- hardest hit by the pandemic in terms of the number of fatalities -- has now confirmed a total of 1,329,072 cases, the Baltimore-based school reported. There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country. The United Kingdom and Russia are struggling to contain the spread of the virus as the number of cases rose to 2,19,183 (31,855 deaths) and 2,09,688 (1,915 deaths) respectively. However, few relaxations in the lockdown of the UK are expected soon. After months of no new positive case, Wuhan, the alleged epicentre of the virus, has reported new positive cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 82,918 and 4,633 fatalities. A total of 201 countries have been infected by the virus in the past 6 months.

Global Covid-19 cases surge past 4 million mark, death toll at 282,700

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday.

Devin O'Malley, the vice president's spokesman, said Pence "will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine," CNN reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-outbreak-warns-internal-report-296619">Also read |&nbsp;China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report</a>

"Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow," O'Malley said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-us-china-cold-war-now-begun-295905">Also read |&nbsp;Has the US-China cold war now begun?</a>

Another official said that Pence schedule will probably be on the lighter side for the next few days but he is not doing a full self-isolation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-torn-over-us-china-trade-deal-as-officials-push-to-fulfill-its-terms-297563">Also read |&nbsp;Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms</a>

This comes after Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary, was notified Friday about the result of her coronavirus test, Washington Post reported. She is the second White House to be tested positive for lethal infection.

On Thursday, the White House acknowledged the positive test result for a member of the U.S. military who works on the White House campus and added that Trump and Pence had since tested negative.

There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday.

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday. Devin O'Malley, the vice president's spokesman, said Pence "will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine," CNN reported. Also read | China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report "Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow," O'Malley said in a statement. Also read | Has the US-China cold war now begun? Another official said that Pence schedule will probably be on the lighter side for the next few days but he is not doing a full self-isolation. Also read | Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms This comes after Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary, was notified Friday about the result of her coronavirus test, Washington Post reported. She is the second White House to be tested positive for lethal infection. On Thursday, the White House acknowledged the positive test result for a member of the U.S. military who works on the White House campus and added that Trump and Pence had since tested negative. There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

US Vice President Mike Pence 'won't self-quarantine' despite his staffer testing COVID-19 positive

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft.

"It will take a bit more time. if the US had not broken silence probably another of the P5 would have. COVID Still under discussion", told a diplomatic source from New York to WION. 
 
“Breaking the silence” is standard diplomatic language and not just in UNSC to describe when a party or parties does not agree with the text or some parts of the text. If there is usually a deadline and when no-one breaks the silence before then, it means there is consensus.&nbsp;

UNSC member countries are hopeful that some solution will come out soon. Another source from New York told WION "Discussions on the COVID-19 resolution are ongoing".

Currently, a Franco-Tunisian resolution is on the table with both the countries being the penholder for the draft on COVID. 
 
The US-China tiff on the COVID resolution continues especially in the context of WHO and the emergence of COVID crisis which was first reported in China in December of 2019.&nbsp;

"The problem is with the language in the text mentioning WHO that the US don’t agree on", a 3rd source told WION.&nbsp;

The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION last week, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Ambassador José Singer Weisinger, "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response."&nbsp;

While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in the month of April that it was formally discussed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for a period of one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month.

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft.

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft. "It will take a bit more time. if the US had not broken silence probably another of the P5 would have. COVID Still under discussion", told a diplomatic source from New York to WION. “Breaking the silence” is standard diplomatic language and not just in UNSC to describe when a party or parties does not agree with the text or some parts of the text. If there is usually a deadline and when no-one breaks the silence before then, it means there is consensus. UNSC member countries are hopeful that some solution will come out soon. Another source from New York told WION "Discussions on the COVID-19 resolution are ongoing". Currently, a Franco-Tunisian resolution is on the table with both the countries being the penholder for the draft on COVID. The US-China tiff on the COVID resolution continues especially in the context of WHO and the emergence of COVID crisis which was first reported in China in December of 2019. "The problem is with the language in the text mentioning WHO that the US don’t agree on", a 3rd source told WION. The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION last week, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Ambassador José Singer Weisinger, "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response." While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in the month of April that it was formally discussed. President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for a period of one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month.

United National Security Council covid resolution in limbo

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 3320 more COVID-19 cases and 95 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in India has risen to 59662, including 39834 active cases, 17847 cured/discharged/migrated, and 1981 deaths, the ministry added.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 3320 more COVID-19 cases and 95 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in India has risen to 59662, including 39834 active cases, 17847 cured/discharged/migrated, and 1981 deaths, the ministry added. The health ministry said that a revised list of red, orange and green zones will be circulated to the states soon after the analysis of data. "In 29 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 21 days. In 36 districts, no new cases have been detected in the last 14 days," the health ministry official said, adding,"in 46 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 7 days." The official said that in 216 districts nationwide no positive coronavirus cases were detected. "Phase-II Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial of ICMR has received the approval of the coronavirus national ethics committee. Under it, ICMR will conduct trial in 21 hospitals, to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma," the health ministry official added.

3320 more COVID-19 cases and 95 deaths in last 24 hours: Health ministry

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.&nbsp;

Of the total cases in the country, 37,916 are active cases while 16,539 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1,886 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals.

Around the world, over 38.45 lakh coronavirus cases have been detected. The most number of COVID 19 positive cases have been detected in the US, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdon and Russia. Over 2.69 COVID 19 related deaths have been reported across the globe. The US, UK, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths than other countries, as per the information shared by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed. Of the total cases in the country, 37,916 are active cases while 16,539 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1,886 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals. Around the world, over 38.45 lakh coronavirus cases have been detected. The most number of COVID 19 positive cases have been detected in the US, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdon and Russia. Over 2.69 COVID 19 related deaths have been reported across the globe. The US, UK, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths than other countries, as per the information shared by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured

The death toll due to deadly coronavirus in India rose to 1,783 while the number of cases climbed to 52,952 on Thursday, registering an increase of 89 deaths and 3,561 cases in the last 24 hours, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

According to the Union Ministry, 1783 people have died due to coronavirus. There are 35902 coronavirus active cases in the country and 15266 COVID 19 positive patients have been cured or discharged, one patient has been migrated. The total number of coronavirus cases in India is 52,952. 
 
The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals.

<img alt="death toll" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1878da72-672c-486b-ae2b-4bf6d98404a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/corona-watch.jpg" /> 
 
(Picture courtesy: @COVIDNewsByMIB)

"Thus, around 28.83 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
A total of 89 deaths have been reported since Wednesday morning, of which 34 people died in Maharashtra, 28 in Gujarat, nine in Madhya Pradesh, four each in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, three in Rajasthan, two each from Punjab and Tamil Nadu and one each from Delhi, Haryana and Orissa. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Of the 1,783 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 651 fatalities, Gujarat comes second with 396 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 185, West Bengal at 144, Rajasthan at 92, Delhi at 65, Uttar Pradesh at 60 and Andhra Pradesh at 36.

Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll due to deadly coronavirus in India rose to 1,783 while the number of cases climbed to 52,952 on Thursday, registering an increase of 89 deaths and 3,561 cases in the last 24 hours, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The death toll due to deadly coronavirus in India rose to 1,783 while the number of cases climbed to 52,952 on Thursday, registering an increase of 89 deaths and 3,561 cases in the last 24 hours, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. According to the Union Ministry, 1783 people have died due to coronavirus. There are 35902 coronavirus active cases in the country and 15266 COVID 19 positive patients have been cured or discharged, one patient has been migrated. The total number of coronavirus cases in India is 52,952. The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals. (Picture courtesy: @COVIDNewsByMIB) "Thus, around 28.83 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said. A total of 89 deaths have been reported since Wednesday morning, of which 34 people died in Maharashtra, 28 in Gujarat, nine in Madhya Pradesh, four each in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, three in Rajasthan, two each from Punjab and Tamil Nadu and one each from Delhi, Haryana and Orissa. Of the 1,783 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 651 fatalities, Gujarat comes second with 396 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 185, West Bengal at 144, Rajasthan at 92, Delhi at 65, Uttar Pradesh at 60 and Andhra Pradesh at 36. Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783

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Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">READ MORE</a>

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As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer.

As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. READ MORE Kim Jong-un sends 'verbal message' to Xi Jinping for China's success on its handling of COVID-19 North Korea's Kim Jong Un has sent a "warm greetings" to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a "verbal message", the state news agency of North Korea reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus symptoms multiply, Russia reports record increase in cases and more

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer.

What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">Also Read: China&nbsp;lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations</a>&nbsp;

The new coronavirus can also push the immune system into overdrive, unleashing an indiscriminate assault -- known as a cytokine storm -- on pathogens and their human hosts alike.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-censors-european-unions-friendship-letter-297279">Also Read:&nbsp;Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter'</a>

"Most viruses can cause disease in two ways," explained Jeremy Rossman, a senior lecturer in virology at the University of Kent.

"They can damage tissue where the virus replicates, or they can cause damage as a side-effect of the immune system fighting off the disease."

Doctors suspect, for example, that COVID-19 is behind the hospitalisation in recent weeks of several dozen children in New York, London and Paris diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disorder similar to toxic shock syndrome.

Affecting mainly young children, the painful disease attacks artery walls and can cause organ failure.

Dozens of medical studies in recent weeks have detailed other potentially lethal impacts including strokes and heart damage.

Researchers from the urology department of Nanjing Medical University, writing this week in Nature Reviews, described patients developing severe urinary complications and acute kidney injury.

They also observed "dramatic changes" in male sex hormones.

'1-in-10,000 still a lot'

"After recovery from COVID-19, young men who are interested in having children should receive a consultation regarding their fertility," they concluded.

Does that mean that COVID-19 causes a uniquely broad array of symptoms? Not necessarily, virologists and other experts say.

"If it is a common disease, then even rare complications will happen frequently," Babak Javid, a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals said.

There are nearly 3.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world, but the true number of infections -- taking into account undetected and asymptomatic infection — "is going to be in the tens, possibly hundreds of millions," he said.

"So if one-in-1,000, or even one-in-10,000, get complications, that is still thousands of people."

Some of the rarer symptoms associated with COVID-19 are also known to have been triggered by influenza, which kills several hundred thousand people worldwide every year, he noted.

For the new coronavirus, frontline general practitioners across the globe have been the first to look for patterns in the unfolding pandemic.

"At the outset, we were told to watch out for headaches, fever and a light cough," recalls Sylvie Monnoye, a family doctor in central Paris for nearly three decades.

"Then they added a runny nose and a scratchy throat. After that, digestive problems, including stomach aches and severe diarrhoea."

The list kept growing: skin lesions, neurological problems, sharp chest pains, loss of taste and smell.

A feeling of confusion

"We started to think that we should suspect everything," Monnoye said, dressed from head-to-toe in protective wear.

Some patients were so terrified, she added, that they cowered in the corner of her office afraid to touch anything or get too close to her.

An internal US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report with a breakdown of symptoms for 2,591 COVID-10 patients admitted to hospital between March 1 and May 1 chimes with such anecdotal accounts.

Three-quarters of the patients experienced chills, fever and/or coughing, with nearly as many showing shortness of breath.

These are, by far, the most common COVID-19 symptoms.

Nearly a third complained of flu-like muscle aches, while 28 per cent experienced diarrhoea and a quarter nausea or vomiting, according to the internal report, leaked to the media.

Some 18 per cent had headaches, while 10 to 15 per cent were hit by chest or abdominal pain, runny nose, sore throat and/or a feeling of confusion.

Less than one per cent of the CDC cohort had other symptoms, including seizures, rashes and conjunctivitis.

Health authorities have been slow in alerting the public to this panoply of possible impacts.

Loss of smell

Until the end of April, the CDC itself only listed three on its website: coughing, fever and shortness of breath. The update included only a few more: chills, muscle pain, headaches and loss of smell or taste. France's health officials made a similar update on May 5.

A loss of smell and taste was found in only 3.5 per cent of patients included in the CDC report, but experts suspect these symptoms are -- for reasons unknown -- far more prevalent in less severe cases where people were not hospitalised.

Monnoye said it was among the most common of the symptoms she encountered, and agreed that it was "probably linked to a milder form of the disease".

"I don't have any patients with these symptoms who had serious complications," she said.

The loss of taste and smell, experts note, is extremely rare with other types of virus.

Another cluster of symptoms rarely found within flu patients appears to arise from blood clots.

Heart problems, liver thrombosis, lung embolisms and brain damage in COVID-19 patients have been traced to such clots in a flurry of recent studies. Others have described kidney failure and even gummed-up dialysis machines.

"When one is very sick with COVID, you can have a problem with blood clots forming, and that seems to be much, much more common than with other viral infections," added Javid.

"Compared to influenza, you are much more likely to become seriously ill, and to die."

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys.

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys. Also Read: China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations The new coronavirus can also push the immune system into overdrive, unleashing an indiscriminate assault -- known as a cytokine storm -- on pathogens and their human hosts alike. Also Read: Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter' "Most viruses can cause disease in two ways," explained Jeremy Rossman, a senior lecturer in virology at the University of Kent. "They can damage tissue where the virus replicates, or they can cause damage as a side-effect of the immune system fighting off the disease." Doctors suspect, for example, that COVID-19 is behind the hospitalisation in recent weeks of several dozen children in New York, London and Paris diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disorder similar to toxic shock syndrome. Affecting mainly young children, the painful disease attacks artery walls and can cause organ failure. Dozens of medical studies in recent weeks have detailed other potentially lethal impacts including strokes and heart damage. Researchers from the urology department of Nanjing Medical University, writing this week in Nature Reviews, described patients developing severe urinary complications and acute kidney injury. They also observed "dramatic changes" in male sex hormones. '1-in-10,000 still a lot' "After recovery from COVID-19, young men who are interested in having children should receive a consultation regarding their fertility," they concluded. Does that mean that COVID-19 causes a uniquely broad array of symptoms? Not necessarily, virologists and other experts say. "If it is a common disease, then even rare complications will happen frequently," Babak Javid, a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals said. There are nearly 3.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world, but the true number of infections -- taking into account undetected and asymptomatic infection — "is going to be in the tens, possibly hundreds of millions," he said. "So if one-in-1,000, or even one-in-10,000, get complications, that is still thousands of people." Some of the rarer symptoms associated with COVID-19 are also known to have been triggered by influenza, which kills several hundred thousand people worldwide every year, he noted. For the new coronavirus, frontline general practitioners across the globe have been the first to look for patterns in the unfolding pandemic. "At the outset, we were told to watch out for headaches, fever and a light cough," recalls Sylvie Monnoye, a family doctor in central Paris for nearly three decades. "Then they added a runny nose and a scratchy throat. After that, digestive problems, including stomach aches and severe diarrhoea." The list kept growing: skin lesions, neurological problems, sharp chest pains, loss of taste and smell. A feeling of confusion "We started to think that we should suspect everything," Monnoye said, dressed from head-to-toe in protective wear. Some patients were so terrified, she added, that they cowered in the corner of her office afraid to touch anything or get too close to her. An internal US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report with a breakdown of symptoms for 2,591 COVID-10 patients admitted to hospital between March 1 and May 1 chimes with such anecdotal accounts. Three-quarters of the patients experienced chills, fever and/or coughing, with nearly as many showing shortness of breath. These are, by far, the most common COVID-19 symptoms. Nearly a third complained of flu-like muscle aches, while 28 per cent experienced diarrhoea and a quarter nausea or vomiting, according to the internal report, leaked to the media. Some 18 per cent had headaches, while 10 to 15 per cent were hit by chest or abdominal pain, runny nose, sore throat and/or a feeling of confusion. Less than one per cent of the CDC cohort had other symptoms, including seizures, rashes and conjunctivitis. Health authorities have been slow in alerting the public to this panoply of possible impacts. Loss of smell Until the end of April, the CDC itself only listed three on its website: coughing, fever and shortness of breath. The update included only a few more: chills, muscle pain, headaches and loss of smell or taste. France's health officials made a similar update on May 5. A loss of smell and taste was found in only 3.5 per cent of patients included in the CDC report, but experts suspect these symptoms are -- for reasons unknown -- far more prevalent in less severe cases where people were not hospitalised. Monnoye said it was among the most common of the symptoms she encountered, and agreed that it was "probably linked to a milder form of the disease". "I don't have any patients with these symptoms who had serious complications," she said. The loss of taste and smell, experts note, is extremely rare with other types of virus. Another cluster of symptoms rarely found within flu patients appears to arise from blood clots. Heart problems, liver thrombosis, lung embolisms and brain damage in COVID-19 patients have been traced to such clots in a flurry of recent studies. Others have described kidney failure and even gummed-up dialysis machines. "When one is very sick with COVID, you can have a problem with blood clots forming, and that seems to be much, much more common than with other viral infections," added Javid. "Compared to influenza, you are much more likely to become seriously ill, and to die."

As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday urged the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to provide insurance cover for journalists, asserting that they are performing an important duty of providing information in times of the coronavirus crisis.

Her appeal came over the demise of Pankaj Kulshrestha, a senior journalist from Agra, due to COVID-19.

"My condolences to his family and friends in the journalist community," she said

Journalists are doing an important job of providing information to people in this crisis, the Congress general secretary said.

"Comprehensive financial assistance to Pankaj Kulshrestha ji''s family and an insurance cover for all journalists should be announced by the Uttar Pradesh government," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday urged the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to provide insurance cover for journalists, asserting that they are performing an important duty of providing information in times of the coronavirus crisis.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday urged the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to provide insurance cover for journalists, asserting that they are performing an important duty of providing information in times of the coronavirus crisis. Her appeal came over the demise of Pankaj Kulshrestha, a senior journalist from Agra, due to COVID-19. "My condolences to his family and friends in the journalist community," she said Journalists are doing an important job of providing information to people in this crisis, the Congress general secretary said. "Comprehensive financial assistance to Pankaj Kulshrestha ji''s family and an insurance cover for all journalists should be announced by the Uttar Pradesh government," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Provide insurance cover for all journalists amid COVID-19: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urges UP govt

Under lockdown and far apart, Sushen Dang and Keerti Narang went online to say their marriage vows -- and pulled off a spectacular Indian wedding complete with thousands of guests and raucous Bollywood dancing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/total-covid-19-cases-in-india-cross-56000-mark-16539-patients-cured-297349">Also read: Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured</a> 
 
In a country famous for lavish weddings that last for days, the young couple are among a growing number modifying their marriage ceremonies under a virus lockdown that has limited public gatherings.

Eager to go ahead with the arranged marriage on the auspicious date selected for them by a priest, the pair turned to the internet to tie the knot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/16-migrant-workers-mowed-down-by-goods-train-in-maharashtras-aurangabad-pm-modi-expresses-anguish-297325">Also read: 16 migrant workers mowed down by goods train in Maharashtra's Aurangabad; PM Modi expresses anguish</a>

"We never imagined that even our online wedding would be so grand," Dang, a 26-year-old data analyst who is based in Toronto, said about the April 19 event.

"A hundred guests joined in our celebration on the app. We live-streamed the ceremony on Facebook which was watched by another 16,000 people."

The nuptials spanned the country. Dang, decked out in a turban and traditional sherwani kurta, logged on from Mumbai on the coast of the Arabian Sea, while Narang -- in her red bridal finery -- joined from Bareilly in northern Uttar Pradesh state that borders Nepal.

The priest overseeing proceedings chanted hymns as he sat before a ritual fire at his home in Raipur in the central state of Chhattisgarh, with guests logging in from Delhi, Gurgaon and the southern tech hub of Bangalore.

There were minor hiccups -- some elderly family members were accidentally unmuted and pets photo-bombed screens.

But the energy levels remained high and the occasion was capped off with a fun Bollywood-style dance performance by their cousins.

The wedding video posted on Facebook has so far garnered nearly 260,000 views, making the newly-weds "feel like celebrities".

Wedding blues&nbsp;

The spread of the coronavirus and the nationwide lockdown took place as India's wedding season was in full swing.

In western Rajasthan state alone some 23,000 weddings meant to coincide with the Hindu Akshaya Tritiya festival on April 26 were called off due to the pandemic.

More than 10 million weddings are held annually in the nation of 1.3 billion people, with the marriage industry estimated to be worth some $40-$50 billion, according to advisory firm KPMG.

The sector -- like the rest of the economy -- is reeling from the impact of the virus, with planners, caterers and decorators among those who have incurred huge losses.

"We thought, 'Why don't we be the flag-bearers and drive weddings online?'," said Adhish Zaveri, marketing director at matrimonial website Shaadi.com which facilitated Dang and Narang's wedding.

"A wedding is probably the most important day of somebody's life ... and we thought we have to make it as special and close to a real wedding as possible," he said.

Online nuptials are among a string of weddings in India that have gone ahead amid the lockdown -- with some unusual variations.

One couple in Uttar Pradesh said "I do" inside a police station after more conventional venues like banquet halls, hotels and temples were all ordered closed during the lockdown.

And in Madhya Pradesh in central India, a bride and groom, their faces covered by masks, exchanged garlands -- a key ritual in a Hindu wedding -- with the help of bamboo sticks in a no-contact ceremony.

Home nuptials

Zaveri said the significantly cheaper online ceremonies could become an option for couples amid the uncertainty about how long the pandemic is going to last.

Couples are charged less than 100,000 rupees ($1,300) for the virtual services, Zaveri said, adding 12 more such weddings were in the pipeline.

To give the online ceremonies a professional touch, make-up artists and sari-draping experts are hired to help the bride, while a folk singer is engaged to serenade the guests.

All participants are sent logins and passwords so that strangers can't gatecrash the event.

Kirti Agrawal -- who married her beau Avinash Singh Bagri on April 14 on the balcony of their relative's flat as friends and family watched on a videoconferencing app -- said the digital approach appealed to her.

"Their (groom's) family had planned a guest list of 8,000 to 10,000," Agrawal said.

"I didn't say that I am not a fan of big, fat weddings. But when I heard about the wedding-from-home idea, I was very happy."

Under lockdown and far apart, Sushen Dang and Keerti Narang went online to say their marriage vows -- and pulled off a spectacular Indian wedding complete with thousands of guests and raucous Bollywood dancing.

Under lockdown and far apart, Sushen Dang and Keerti Narang went online to say their marriage vows -- and pulled off a spectacular Indian wedding complete with thousands of guests and raucous Bollywood dancing. Also read: Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured In a country famous for lavish weddings that last for days, the young couple are among a growing number modifying their marriage ceremonies under a virus lockdown that has limited public gatherings. Eager to go ahead with the arranged marriage on the auspicious date selected for them by a priest, the pair turned to the internet to tie the knot. Also read: 16 migrant workers mowed down by goods train in Maharashtra's Aurangabad; PM Modi expresses anguish "We never imagined that even our online wedding would be so grand," Dang, a 26-year-old data analyst who is based in Toronto, said about the April 19 event. "A hundred guests joined in our celebration on the app. We live-streamed the ceremony on Facebook which was watched by another 16,000 people." The nuptials spanned the country. Dang, decked out in a turban and traditional sherwani kurta, logged on from Mumbai on the coast of the Arabian Sea, while Narang -- in her red bridal finery -- joined from Bareilly in northern Uttar Pradesh state that borders Nepal. The priest overseeing proceedings chanted hymns as he sat before a ritual fire at his home in Raipur in the central state of Chhattisgarh, with guests logging in from Delhi, Gurgaon and the southern tech hub of Bangalore. There were minor hiccups -- some elderly family members were accidentally unmuted and pets photo-bombed screens. But the energy levels remained high and the occasion was capped off with a fun Bollywood-style dance performance by their cousins. The wedding video posted on Facebook has so far garnered nearly 260,000 views, making the newly-weds "feel like celebrities". Wedding blues The spread of the coronavirus and the nationwide lockdown took place as India's wedding season was in full swing. In western Rajasthan state alone some 23,000 weddings meant to coincide with the Hindu Akshaya Tritiya festival on April 26 were called off due to the pandemic. More than 10 million weddings are held annually in the nation of 1.3 billion people, with the marriage industry estimated to be worth some $40-$50 billion, according to advisory firm KPMG. The sector -- like the rest of the economy -- is reeling from the impact of the virus, with planners, caterers and decorators among those who have incurred huge losses. "We thought, 'Why don't we be the flag-bearers and drive weddings online?'," said Adhish Zaveri, marketing director at matrimonial website Shaadi.com which facilitated Dang and Narang's wedding. "A wedding is probably the most important day of somebody's life ... and we thought we have to make it as special and close to a real wedding as possible," he said. Online nuptials are among a string of weddings in India that have gone ahead amid the lockdown -- with some unusual variations. One couple in Uttar Pradesh said "I do" inside a police station after more conventional venues like banquet halls, hotels and temples were all ordered closed during the lockdown. And in Madhya Pradesh in central India, a bride and groom, their faces covered by masks, exchanged garlands -- a key ritual in a Hindu wedding -- with the help of bamboo sticks in a no-contact ceremony. Home nuptials Zaveri said the significantly cheaper online ceremonies could become an option for couples amid the uncertainty about how long the pandemic is going to last. Couples are charged less than 100,000 rupees ($1,300) for the virtual services, Zaveri said, adding 12 more such weddings were in the pipeline. To give the online ceremonies a professional touch, make-up artists and sari-draping experts are hired to help the bride, while a folk singer is engaged to serenade the guests. All participants are sent logins and passwords so that strangers can't gatecrash the event. Kirti Agrawal -- who married her beau Avinash Singh Bagri on April 14 on the balcony of their relative's flat as friends and family watched on a videoconferencing app -- said the digital approach appealed to her. "Their (groom's) family had planned a guest list of 8,000 to 10,000," Agrawal said. "I didn't say that I am not a fan of big, fat weddings. But when I heard about the wedding-from-home idea, I was very happy."

India's lavish weddings go online amid coronavirus lockdown

At least 22 migrant labourers, who had returned from Andhra Pradesh, escaped from a COVID-19 quarantine centre in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, police said on Friday.

The labourers escaped from a quarantine facility in Dantewada late on Thursday evening and a search was launched to trace them, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava said.

As many as 47 migrant labourers, who had travelled to their home districts from the neighbouring state, were quarantined at a facility in Aranpur police station area, he said.

Of these, 22 labourers, who hail from Nahadi village, fled from the centre, he added.

"They were examined for primary coronavirus symptoms on Thursday and all of them were found to be asymptomatic," Pallava said.

The district administration has informed the sarpanch and secretary of the concerned village panchayat, Pallava said, adding that the police have launched a manhunt to track them down.

So far, no case of COVID-19 has been reported from the Bastar division, which comprises Bastar, Kanker, Sukma Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada and Bijapur districts.

Chhattisgarh has so far reported 59 COVID-19 cases, of which 38 patients recovered from the infection, while 21 are undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raipur.

At least 22 migrant labourers, who had returned from Andhra Pradesh, escaped from a COVID-19 quarantine centre in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, police said on Friday.

At least 22 migrant labourers, who had returned from Andhra Pradesh, escaped from a COVID-19 quarantine centre in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, police said on Friday. The labourers escaped from a quarantine facility in Dantewada late on Thursday evening and a search was launched to trace them, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava said. As many as 47 migrant labourers, who had travelled to their home districts from the neighbouring state, were quarantined at a facility in Aranpur police station area, he said. Of these, 22 labourers, who hail from Nahadi village, fled from the centre, he added. "They were examined for primary coronavirus symptoms on Thursday and all of them were found to be asymptomatic," Pallava said. The district administration has informed the sarpanch and secretary of the concerned village panchayat, Pallava said, adding that the police have launched a manhunt to track them down. So far, no case of COVID-19 has been reported from the Bastar division, which comprises Bastar, Kanker, Sukma Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada and Bijapur districts. Chhattisgarh has so far reported 59 COVID-19 cases, of which 38 patients recovered from the infection, while 21 are undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raipur.

COVID-19: 22 migrants escape from quarantine centre in Chhattisgarh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102">Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138688-trump-reuters.jpg?itok=YZZiy1Tk" />Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-one-out-of-five-children-in-us-left-hungry-since-virus-crisis-study-297103">Nearly one out of five children in US left hungry since virus crisis: Study</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138687-usa-corona-reuters.jpg?itok=7_Lr0eXU" />

Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-one-out-of-five-children-in-us-left-hungry-since-virus-crisis-study-297103">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations against it</a> 
 
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The United States is pressuring its allies and trying to coerce other countries to help it plant accusations against China on issues concerning COVID-19 responsibility, said a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">READ MORE</a> 
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Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. READ MORE Nearly one out of five children in US left hungry since virus crisis: Study Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis. READ MORE China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations against it The United States is pressuring its allies and trying to coerce other countries to help it plant accusations against China on issues concerning COVID-19 responsibility, said a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: China lambasts US, Covid-19 'worse' than 9/11 and more

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night.&nbsp;

1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The Air India Express flight will leave UAE at 1615 local time. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. It will come from Dubai and land in Kozhikode at around 2230 hr. 
&nbsp; 
India will be bringing back around 14600 of its citizens in 64 flights in the first week of the repatriation process.

Flights will get back stranded Indians from 12 countries—6 from the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 3 from ASEAN--Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 1 from the neighbourhood which is Bangladesh and US, UK.&nbsp;

Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu &amp; NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&amp;K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1.

Focus remains on the gulf where 3 lakh people have registered for repatriation. Of the 64, 25 flights will be coming from the gulf, and of the gulf, 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers.

The first flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to operate from Riyadh to Kozhikode on May 08, 2020, and the other 4 flights would operate on Riyadh-Delhi; Dammam-Kochi; Jeddah-Kochi and Jeddah-Delhi sectors. 
&nbsp; 
7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian Navy's Operation Samudra Setu to evacuate Indians from the Maldives will begin from tomorrow and ahead of that INS Jalashwa has entered Male port.

Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir speaking to WION exclusively on the operation said, "Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that, we are planning a few other evacuations though Navy ship."

INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. The repatriation will be in 2 phases via 2 ships with the first group being taken to Kochi, then Tuticorin. Priority will be given to medical cases, women and those who lost jobs.

The French embassy in a statement said, "During this period of a public health crisis, the Indian and the French navies are fully engaged in the Samudra Setu and Resilience operations respectively to aid people facing the ordeal of the COVID-19 epidemic." 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Last year the 17th edition of Varuna, the Indo-French naval exercise saw both the Navies reaching a decisive phase in interoperability.

This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can."

The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country.

Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. 
&nbsp; 
"State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said.

The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed.

The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it.&nbsp;

After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period.

Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back.

The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night. 1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The Air India Express flight will leave UAE at 1615 local time. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. It will come from Dubai and land in Kozhikode at around 2230 hr. India will be bringing back around 14600 of its citizens in 64 flights in the first week of the repatriation process. Flights will get back stranded Indians from 12 countries—6 from the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 3 from ASEAN--Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 1 from the neighbourhood which is Bangladesh and US, UK. Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu & NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1. Focus remains on the gulf where 3 lakh people have registered for repatriation. Of the 64, 25 flights will be coming from the gulf, and of the gulf, 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. The first flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to operate from Riyadh to Kozhikode on May 08, 2020, and the other 4 flights would operate on Riyadh-Delhi; Dammam-Kochi; Jeddah-Kochi and Jeddah-Delhi sectors. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Meanwhile, Indian Navy's Operation Samudra Setu to evacuate Indians from the Maldives will begin from tomorrow and ahead of that INS Jalashwa has entered Male port. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir speaking to WION exclusively on the operation said, "Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that, we are planning a few other evacuations though Navy ship." INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. The repatriation will be in 2 phases via 2 ships with the first group being taken to Kochi, then Tuticorin. Priority will be given to medical cases, women and those who lost jobs. The French embassy in a statement said, "During this period of a public health crisis, the Indian and the French navies are fully engaged in the Samudra Setu and Resilience operations respectively to aid people facing the ordeal of the COVID-19 epidemic." Last year the 17th edition of Varuna, the Indo-French naval exercise saw both the Navies reaching a decisive phase in interoperability. This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf. On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can." The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country. Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. "State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said. The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed. The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it. After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period. Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. 2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back. The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back stranded citizens begins; first flight to reach Kerala in night

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896">US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/06/139411-south-china-sea-reuters.jpg?itok=EcgVyXm1" />

The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-makes-significant-breakthrough-in-developing-antibodies-for-covid-19-296897">Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19</a> 
 
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The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-makes-significant-breakthrough-in-developing-antibodies-for-covid-19-296897">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-hail-victory-as-sudan-moves-to-ban-genital-cutting-296915">Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/06/139419-untitled-design-3.jpg?itok=YqZiJGqO" />

The practice has long been viewed, especially in rural communities, as a "rite of passage" for girls and a way to preserve their chastity. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-hail-victory-as-sudan-moves-to-ban-genital-cutting-296915">READ MORE</a> 
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US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000.

US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000. READ MORE Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19 The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. READ MORE Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting The practice has long been viewed, especially in rural communities, as a "rite of passage" for girls and a way to preserve their chastity. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Israel develops key Covid antibody, Sudan bans female genital mutilation and more

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday. 
&nbsp; 
“The five personnel were escorted to the Central team. They were tested Coronavirus positive today. They have been admitted in MR Bangur Hospital,” said a senior official of BSF South Bengal Frontier. 
&nbsp; 
A day ago, the BSF driver tested positive, later as many as 50 personnel from the unit had been quarantined. Of those 50, 18 personnel were tested. Their reports arrived on Tuesday which revealed that five of them have tested positive. 
&nbsp; 
The driver had reported fever and was immediately removed on April 30, 2020, and sent into quarantine. Later, he tested positive for Covid-19. 
&nbsp; 
Sources reveal that the other remaining personnel will also undergo tests.

The BSF pilot car and personnel were attached to the convoy of Inter-Ministerial Central Team which had been camping in Kolkata for two weeks for on-spot assessment of lockdown violations, violence against frontline healthcare workers and state government’s preparedness to tackle Covid-19.

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday.

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday. “The five personnel were escorted to the Central team. They were tested Coronavirus positive today. They have been admitted in MR Bangur Hospital,” said a senior official of BSF South Bengal Frontier. A day ago, the BSF driver tested positive, later as many as 50 personnel from the unit had been quarantined. Of those 50, 18 personnel were tested. Their reports arrived on Tuesday which revealed that five of them have tested positive. The driver had reported fever and was immediately removed on April 30, 2020, and sent into quarantine. Later, he tested positive for Covid-19. Sources reveal that the other remaining personnel will also undergo tests. The BSF pilot car and personnel were attached to the convoy of Inter-Ministerial Central Team which had been camping in Kolkata for two weeks for on-spot assessment of lockdown violations, violence against frontline healthcare workers and state government’s preparedness to tackle Covid-19.

Five BSF jawans attached to IMCT convoy in Kolkata test positive for Covid-19

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy.&nbsp;

The individual was admitted to a government hospital on May 3rd after complaining of chest congestion and the individual tested positive on Monday. People who came in contact with the said individual have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. WION has learnt that that said staffer who tested positive had been reporting for work for nearly all of last month.

The statement from the Academy said that the Academy has been functioning with minimal staff and that adequate precautionary measures are in place.

A source from the Academy revealed to WION that there are no cadets presently in the Academy as one batch had completed their 11-month training and passed out in the second week of March, while the present batch had gone on their term break just after the passing out parade. So the cadets haven’t returned to the academy on account of the lockdown that has been effective since the last week of March.&nbsp;

During the routine functioning of the academy, there are over 200 cadets in the academy and also several serving Officers of the Army and large teams of support staff.&nbsp;

The passing out parade at the academy is a grand event that takes place twice a year- in March and September. About 200 cadets(including foreign cadets) pass out of the Academy as Officers. The event is open to family members, media fraternity and veteran and serving Officers from the Armed forces.

There were 136 Gentlemen cadets and 31 Lady cadets who passed out of the Academy this March, in addition to 11 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 11-month training at the Academy is offered to candidates aged 21-18 who clear the SSB exam and related interviews. The Academy trains cadets to join the Army as Commissioned Officers under the Short Service Commission(SSC).

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy.

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy. The individual was admitted to a government hospital on May 3rd after complaining of chest congestion and the individual tested positive on Monday. People who came in contact with the said individual have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. WION has learnt that that said staffer who tested positive had been reporting for work for nearly all of last month. The statement from the Academy said that the Academy has been functioning with minimal staff and that adequate precautionary measures are in place. A source from the Academy revealed to WION that there are no cadets presently in the Academy as one batch had completed their 11-month training and passed out in the second week of March, while the present batch had gone on their term break just after the passing out parade. So the cadets haven’t returned to the academy on account of the lockdown that has been effective since the last week of March. During the routine functioning of the academy, there are over 200 cadets in the academy and also several serving Officers of the Army and large teams of support staff. The passing out parade at the academy is a grand event that takes place twice a year- in March and September. About 200 cadets(including foreign cadets) pass out of the Academy as Officers. The event is open to family members, media fraternity and veteran and serving Officers from the Armed forces. There were 136 Gentlemen cadets and 31 Lady cadets who passed out of the Academy this March, in addition to 11 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 11-month training at the Academy is offered to candidates aged 21-18 who clear the SSB exam and related interviews. The Academy trains cadets to join the Army as Commissioned Officers under the Short Service Commission(SSC).

Civilian staff at Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai tests Covid-19 positive

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin. Of the total cases, 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1694 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said.

The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others.

According to an official source, it has not been ascertained from where these doctors, nurses and paramedic staff have acquired the infection.&nbsp;

The figure includes doctors, nurses and paramedics from Centre-run and state government-run facilities across states and union territories. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning. The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin.

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning. The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin. Of the total cases, 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1694 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. Meanwhile, Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said. The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others. According to an official source, it has not been ascertained from where these doctors, nurses and paramedic staff have acquired the infection. The figure includes doctors, nurses and paramedics from Centre-run and state government-run facilities across states and union territories. (With inputs from PTI)

India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it plans to borrow nearly $3 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 - a record for any quarter - as the federal government contends with the impact of the coronavirus.

In a statement, Treasury said it would borrow $2.999 trillion during the April-June quarter, $3.055 trillion more than its previous estimate, assuming an end-June cash balance of $800 billion.

“It is larger than what we would typically do in a year,” a senior Treasury official said. The Treasury’s net borrowing last fiscal year, for example, was $1.28 trillion.

In February, Treasury said it expected to pay down $56 billion in net marketable debt in the April-June period.

Treasury said it expects to borrow $677 billion during the July-September quarter, assuming an end-September cash balance of $800 billion.

It borrowed $477 billion through credit markets in the January-March quarter, ending the period with $515 billion in cash.

Additional details of Treasury’s quarterly refunding will be announced at 08:30 a.m (1230 GMT) on Wednesday. In February, Treasury said it would announce details of a planned new 20-year bond in May.

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it plans to borrow nearly $3 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 - a record for any quarter - as the federal government contends with the impact of the coronavirus.

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it plans to borrow nearly $3 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 - a record for any quarter - as the federal government contends with the impact of the coronavirus. In a statement, Treasury said it would borrow $2.999 trillion during the April-June quarter, $3.055 trillion more than its previous estimate, assuming an end-June cash balance of $800 billion. “It is larger than what we would typically do in a year,” a senior Treasury official said. The Treasury’s net borrowing last fiscal year, for example, was $1.28 trillion. In February, Treasury said it expected to pay down $56 billion in net marketable debt in the April-June period. Treasury said it expects to borrow $677 billion during the July-September quarter, assuming an end-September cash balance of $800 billion. It borrowed $477 billion through credit markets in the January-March quarter, ending the period with $515 billion in cash. Additional details of Treasury’s quarterly refunding will be announced at 08:30 a.m (1230 GMT) on Wednesday. In February, Treasury said it would announce details of a planned new 20-year bond in May.

US treasury expects to borrow a record $3 trillion in the second quarter

A group of Democratic Senators on Monday said there has been a surge in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid coronavirus pandemic and urged the Trump administration to take concrete steps to arrest the spike.

In a letter to Assistant Attorney General Eric S Dreiband, the 16 Senators, including Kamala Harris, requested the Trump Administration to address this discrimination like it had been done in the past.

The Senators said hate crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) during the pandemic and the inadequate federal response to address these racist and xenophobic attacks is a sharp break from the efforts of past administrations, Republican and Democratic alike.

There are more than 20 million Americans of Asian descent and two million AAPI individuals are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, as health care workers, law enforcement agents, first responders, and other essential service providers, they said.

"It is critical that the Civil Rights Division ensure that the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans are protected during this pandemic," the Senators said.

In the last month alone, Asian American organizations received nearly 1,500 incidents of anti-Asian harassment and discrimination against AAPI individuals across the country, they said.

This comes after the FBI assessed in March that hate crime incidents against Asian Americans were likely to surge across the country, endangering AAPI communities, the Democratic Senators said.

They said on March 14 this year, a man stabbed two Asian American children -- aged 2 and 6 -- and their father at a Sam''s Club in Texas because "he thought the family was Chinese, and infecting people with the coronavirus."

Despite warnings that using offensive and stigmatizing language to refer to COVID-19 could stoke anti-Asian bias, President Trump and his administration's officials have referred to the coronavirus as the "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and at least one White House official even called it the "Kung Flu," the lawmakers rued.

"Such harmful rhetoric contradicts guidance by public health experts," they said.

The World Health Organization's guidance in naming infectious diseases warns against using names that stigmatize certain communities, the Senators said.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also recognizes the "stigma and discrimination that can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality," they said.

A group of Democratic Senators on Monday said there has been a surge in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid coronavirus pandemic and urged the Trump administration to take concrete steps to arrest the spike.

A group of Democratic Senators on Monday said there has been a surge in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid coronavirus pandemic and urged the Trump administration to take concrete steps to arrest the spike. In a letter to Assistant Attorney General Eric S Dreiband, the 16 Senators, including Kamala Harris, requested the Trump Administration to address this discrimination like it had been done in the past. The Senators said hate crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) during the pandemic and the inadequate federal response to address these racist and xenophobic attacks is a sharp break from the efforts of past administrations, Republican and Democratic alike. There are more than 20 million Americans of Asian descent and two million AAPI individuals are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, as health care workers, law enforcement agents, first responders, and other essential service providers, they said. "It is critical that the Civil Rights Division ensure that the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans are protected during this pandemic," the Senators said. In the last month alone, Asian American organizations received nearly 1,500 incidents of anti-Asian harassment and discrimination against AAPI individuals across the country, they said. This comes after the FBI assessed in March that hate crime incidents against Asian Americans were likely to surge across the country, endangering AAPI communities, the Democratic Senators said. They said on March 14 this year, a man stabbed two Asian American children -- aged 2 and 6 -- and their father at a Sam''s Club in Texas because "he thought the family was Chinese, and infecting people with the coronavirus." Despite warnings that using offensive and stigmatizing language to refer to COVID-19 could stoke anti-Asian bias, President Trump and his administration's officials have referred to the coronavirus as the "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and at least one White House official even called it the "Kung Flu," the lawmakers rued. "Such harmful rhetoric contradicts guidance by public health experts," they said. The World Health Organization's guidance in naming infectious diseases warns against using names that stigmatize certain communities, the Senators said. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also recognizes the "stigma and discrimination that can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality," they said.

Rise in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid pandemic: US senators

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

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Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. READ MORE 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-warns-internal-report-296619">China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus: Warns internal report</a>

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Global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, an internal report has warned.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-warns-internal-report-296619"> READ MORE</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-nominates-indian-americans-as-us-representative-to-ibrd-federal-court-judge-296684">Trump nominates Indian-Americans as US representative to IBRD, federal court judge</a> 
 
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United States President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-Americans for key positions in his administration. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-nominates-indian-americans-as-us-representative-to-ibrd-federal-court-judge-296684">READ MORE</a> 
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More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. READ MORE China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus: Warns internal report Global anti-China sentiment is currently at its highest -- ever since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, an internal report has warned. READ MORE Trump nominates Indian-Americans as US representative to IBRD, federal court judge United States President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-Americans for key positions in his administration. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Over 250,000 die of coronavirus, China faces global backlash and more

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-impact-president-xi-jinpings-belt-and-road-initiative-set-to-be-derailed-296657">COVID-19 impact: President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative set to be derailed</a> 
 
COVID-19 has now infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 1,193,990 people of that tally have recovered.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-leaders-defy-their-own-by-breaking-self-made-coronavirus-protocols-296661" hreflang="en">Political leaders defy their own by breaking 'self-made' coronavirus protocols!</a>

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-questions-to-answer-over-coronavirus-outbreak-says-uk-296580">Also Read:&nbsp;China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK</a>

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to the United States.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

As the pandemic spreads in the US, the country's economy is likely to face its worst crisis since the Great Depression.

Millions of US citizens have lost their jobs and consumer spending has seen its biggest decline in 40 years.

Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said Monday that Washington had provided no evidence to support "speculative" claims by the US president that the new coronavirus originated in a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. "We have not received any data or specific evidence from the United States government relating to the purported origin of the virus, so from our perspective, this remains speculative," WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told a virtual briefing.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 impact: President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative set to be derailed COVID-19 has now infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 impact: President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative set to be derailed COVID-19 has now infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,193,990 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: Political leaders defy their own by breaking 'self-made' coronavirus protocols! A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. Also Read: China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to the United States. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. As the pandemic spreads in the US, the country's economy is likely to face its worst crisis since the Great Depression. Millions of US citizens have lost their jobs and consumer spending has seen its biggest decline in 40 years. Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said Monday that Washington had provided no evidence to support "speculative" claims by the US president that the new coronavirus originated in a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. "We have not received any data or specific evidence from the United States government relating to the purported origin of the virus, so from our perspective, this remains speculative," WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told a virtual briefing.

More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh

Continuing to reaching out countries with medicines, India has cleared 2.50 metric ton of Hydroxychloroquine to Mexico. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mexico City, Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra talked about the recent conversation between foreign ministers of both the countries, how the mission is reaching out to the stranded Indians. No case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community in Mexico &amp; about 265 Indians have registered for repatriation.&nbsp;

WION: EAM Spoke to Mexican FM, how are we reaching out to the country at the time of covid crisis? any cooperation underway? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: EAM and Foreign Minister Ebrard exchanged notes on the Covid-19 situation and the various strategies being followed. They agreed that India and Mexico will share experiences of best public health practices. Post-Covid economic recovery was also a focus of their conversation.

WION: Have we talked about some covid containment model with them or have they shown interest on ours? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: EAM informed FM that, in response to Mexico’s request, Government of India had cleared the commercial export of 2.50 MT of Hydroxychloroquine API to Mexico.

WION: How many Indians stranded in Mexico and how are we reaching out to them? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: About 265 Indians stranded in Mexico have registered with us and await the opportunity to return home soon. The Embassy is in regular touch with them and has provided dedicated 24x7 emergency contact service. Wherever required, help with visa extensions, accommodation arrangements etc is being provided by us. I have personally held a Facebook Live interaction with them to assuage their concerns. Fortunately, all of them are in good health and fair spirits. There has not been a single case of infection reported so far among any of the 6500-strong Indian community in Mexico. Am proud and happy that they are taking all precautions and observing social distancing and other guidelines of the Mexican Government.

WION: How has been the situation on the ground, how are our diplomats doing, is it tough? 
 
Manpreet Vohra: Mexico is witnessing an increasing number of confirmed cases and the healthcare system is facing considerable challenges. In recent weeks, the Mexican Government has tried hard to increase hospital capacities and critical supplies. My colleagues in the Embassy and their family members are safe and well so far. &nbsp;All of us are taking the necessary precautions. We are mostly working from home but making full use of technology and ensuring that no aspect of our work suffers. Lockdown can be difficult for anyone, and this is an unprecedented crisis, but we are all determined to face the challenge and eventually prevail over it.

Continuing to reaching out countries with medicines, India has cleared 2.50 metric ton of Hydroxychloroquine to Mexico. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mexico City, Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra talked about the recent conversation between foreign ministers of both the countries, how the mission is reaching out to the stranded Indians.

Continuing to reaching out countries with medicines, India has cleared 2.50 metric ton of Hydroxychloroquine to Mexico. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Mexico City, Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra talked about the recent conversation between foreign ministers of both the countries, how the mission is reaching out to the stranded Indians. No case of COVID has been reported in the Indian community in Mexico & about 265 Indians have registered for repatriation. WION: EAM Spoke to Mexican FM, how are we reaching out to the country at the time of covid crisis? any cooperation underway? Manpreet Vohra: EAM and Foreign Minister Ebrard exchanged notes on the Covid-19 situation and the various strategies being followed. They agreed that India and Mexico will share experiences of best public health practices. Post-Covid economic recovery was also a focus of their conversation. WION: Have we talked about some covid containment model with them or have they shown interest on ours? Manpreet Vohra: EAM informed FM that, in response to Mexico’s request, Government of India had cleared the commercial export of 2.50 MT of Hydroxychloroquine API to Mexico. WION: How many Indians stranded in Mexico and how are we reaching out to them? Manpreet Vohra: About 265 Indians stranded in Mexico have registered with us and await the opportunity to return home soon. The Embassy is in regular touch with them and has provided dedicated 24x7 emergency contact service. Wherever required, help with visa extensions, accommodation arrangements etc is being provided by us. I have personally held a Facebook Live interaction with them to assuage their concerns. Fortunately, all of them are in good health and fair spirits. There has not been a single case of infection reported so far among any of the 6500-strong Indian community in Mexico. Am proud and happy that they are taking all precautions and observing social distancing and other guidelines of the Mexican Government. WION: How has been the situation on the ground, how are our diplomats doing, is it tough? Manpreet Vohra: Mexico is witnessing an increasing number of confirmed cases and the healthcare system is facing considerable challenges. In recent weeks, the Mexican Government has tried hard to increase hospital capacities and critical supplies. My colleagues in the Embassy and their family members are safe and well so far. All of us are taking the necessary precautions. We are mostly working from home but making full use of technology and ensuring that no aspect of our work suffers. Lockdown can be difficult for anyone, and this is an unprecedented crisis, but we are all determined to face the challenge and eventually prevail over it.

India clears commercial export of 2.50 MT of Hydroxychloroquine  to Mexico: Manpreet Vohra

More than 85 million Chinese travellers flocked to airports and railway stations over the weekend after the country’s government relaxed lockdown restrictions for its annual May Day holiday which started May 1, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Sunday.

The total income of the travel industry was valued at $4.97 billion between May 1 to May 3, as per the Ministry.

On Sunday alone, local tourists made 30.94 million outings across the nation, bringing the total travel industry income to $1.78 billion, as indicated by the officials.

Most of the travellers hail from China's greatest populace areas, with enormous numbers making trips from Beijing, Dalian and Wuhan, the city where the principal instances of Covid-19 were accounted for.

The domestic Air travel industry is also showing first signs of recovery, according to press statements from travel analytics companies.

It was estimated that the number of domestic trips in China would increase to about 2.38 billion trips by 2020, indicating an increase of over 50 per cent compared to the number of trips made within China ten years ago.&nbsp;

Tourism has become an important contributor to the domestic economy in China since the beginning of reform and opening in the early eighties.&nbsp;

The emergence of an affluent middle class and an easing of movement restrictions for locals and foreign visitors are both supporting this travel boom.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than 85 million Chinese travellers flocked to airports and railway stations over the weekend after the country’s government relaxed lockdown restrictions for its annual May Day holiday which started May 1, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Sunday.

More than 85 million Chinese travellers flocked to airports and railway stations over the weekend after the country’s government relaxed lockdown restrictions for its annual May Day holiday which started May 1, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Sunday. The total income of the travel industry was valued at $4.97 billion between May 1 to May 3, as per the Ministry. On Sunday alone, local tourists made 30.94 million outings across the nation, bringing the total travel industry income to $1.78 billion, as indicated by the officials. Most of the travellers hail from China's greatest populace areas, with enormous numbers making trips from Beijing, Dalian and Wuhan, the city where the principal instances of Covid-19 were accounted for. The domestic Air travel industry is also showing first signs of recovery, according to press statements from travel analytics companies. It was estimated that the number of domestic trips in China would increase to about 2.38 billion trips by 2020, indicating an increase of over 50 per cent compared to the number of trips made within China ten years ago. Tourism has become an important contributor to the domestic economy in China since the beginning of reform and opening in the early eighties. The emergence of an affluent middle class and an easing of movement restrictions for locals and foreign visitors are both supporting this travel boom. (With inputs from agencies)

China sees 85 million domestic tourist trips in three days as government lifts travel restrictions 

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a> 
 
The country has recorded 195 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day spike in the number of positive cases and deaths.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-records-deadliest-day-of-outbreak-296731/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the data published by the ministry on its portal, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 46433 including 32134 active cases, 12727 cured/discharged/migrated and 1568 deaths.

According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra (14,541), followed by Gujarat (5,804), Delhi (4,898), Tamil Nadu (3,550), Rajasthan (3,061), Madhya Pradesh (2,942) and Uttar Pradesh (2,766).

The number of confirmed cases has gone up to 1,650 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,259 in West Bengal.

It has risen to 1,233 in Punjab, 1,085 in Telangana, 726 in Jammu and Kashmir, 651 in Karnataka, 528 in Bihar and 517 in Haryana.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh The country has recorded 195 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day spike in the number of positive cases and deaths. According to the data published by the ministry on its portal, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 46433 including 32134 active cases, 12727 cured/discharged/migrated and 1568 deaths. According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra (14,541), followed by Gujarat (5,804), Delhi (4,898), Tamil Nadu (3,550), Rajasthan (3,061), Madhya Pradesh (2,942) and Uttar Pradesh (2,766). The number of confirmed cases has gone up to 1,650 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,259 in West Bengal. It has risen to 1,233 in Punjab, 1,085 in Telangana, 726 in Jammu and Kashmir, 651 in Karnataka, 528 in Bihar and 517 in Haryana. (With inputs from agencies)

195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike

The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 per cent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 per cent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue.

The state government concerned can also pay for the tickets, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

He said the Madhya Pradesh government is doing so and asked Rahul Gandhi to tell the Congress-ruled states to follow suit.

He was responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's attack on the railways for charging poor migrant labourers ticket fare, even as it donated over Rs 151 crore to the PM-CARES Fund.

"Rahul Gandhi ji, I have attached guidelines of MHA which clearly states that ''No tickets to be sold at any station''. Railways has subsidised 85% &amp; state govt to pay 15%. The state govt can pay for the tickets (Madhya Pradesh's BJP govt is paying). Ask Cong state govts to follow suit," Patra tweeted.

The BJP leader further clarified that for each ''Shramik Express'', special trains being run for migrants, about 1,200 tickets to the destination are handed by the railways to the state government concerned.

State governments are supposed to clear the ticket price and hand over the tickets to workers, he said.

Seeking to corner the central government, the Congress on Monday said its state units will bear the cost of rail travel of needy migrant workers and labourers stranded at their workplaces due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement announced the party's decision and said this would be the Congress' humble contribution in standing shoulder to shoulder with these workers.

In a tweet, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy claimed that migrant workers returning home will not have to pay money as the rail travel will be free from now onwards.

Mr Swamy, in a tweet, said, "Talked to Piyush Goel office. Govt will pay 85% and the State Govt 15%. Migrant labour will go free. The Ministry will clarify with an official statement."

The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 per cent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 per cent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue.

The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 per cent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 per cent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue. The state government concerned can also pay for the tickets, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. He said the Madhya Pradesh government is doing so and asked Rahul Gandhi to tell the Congress-ruled states to follow suit. He was responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's attack on the railways for charging poor migrant labourers ticket fare, even as it donated over Rs 151 crore to the PM-CARES Fund. "Rahul Gandhi ji, I have attached guidelines of MHA which clearly states that ''No tickets to be sold at any station''. Railways has subsidised 85% & state govt to pay 15%. The state govt can pay for the tickets (Madhya Pradesh's BJP govt is paying). Ask Cong state govts to follow suit," Patra tweeted. The BJP leader further clarified that for each ''Shramik Express'', special trains being run for migrants, about 1,200 tickets to the destination are handed by the railways to the state government concerned. State governments are supposed to clear the ticket price and hand over the tickets to workers, he said. Seeking to corner the central government, the Congress on Monday said its state units will bear the cost of rail travel of needy migrant workers and labourers stranded at their workplaces due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement announced the party's decision and said this would be the Congress' humble contribution in standing shoulder to shoulder with these workers. In a tweet, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy claimed that migrant workers returning home will not have to pay money as the rail travel will be free from now onwards. Mr Swamy, in a tweet, said, "Talked to Piyush Goel office. Govt will pay 85% and the State Govt 15%. Migrant labour will go free. The Ministry will clarify with an official statement."

Railways has subsidised 85% fare of special trains for migrants: BJP

Vietnam has appreciated the scale of action taken in India on lockdown and social distancing norms, India's Envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma said. Speaking exclusively to Our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Hanoi, Pranay Verma said both the countries have had similar approaches in dealing with the crisis and currently both "have among the lowest per capita incidents of infections" in the world. He also talked about how the mission is reaching out to Indians stranded in the country, many of the tourist and short term visitors.

WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country?

Pranay Verma: COVID pandemic has impacted lives and travel all over the world. Our Embassy and consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City have actively been reaching out to Indian nationals who are held up in Vietnam in the wake of travel restrictions. Most people who are stranded in Vietnam are tourists and business travellers or short term visitors who could not return to India before the travel restrictions came up. We have extensively used social media tools to inform all our Indian nationals in Vietnam including community members who live in Vietnam as well as those who are visiting Vietnam and are held up about our 24*7 emergency coordinates. We have launched an online drive to register Indian Nationals in Vietnam. We are encouraging them to contact us for any assistance from Visa extension, any logistics or subsistence needs that are required to make their extended stay in Vietnam manageable. At the same time, the Indian community in Vietnam and the community organisation like the Indian business chamber have been extremely helpful in playing a proactive role in establishing contacts through social media networks within the larger community to ensure that any person in need is quickly identified and reached out to. We are also in touch with the Vietnamese authorities to seek assistance in making sure those currently held back in Vietnam do not face any undue hardships. Thankfully, we have had no cases of Indian nationals in Vietnam catching the COVID virus infection. In short, other than return to India, which is not something which we can control from here, we stand ready to extend and are extending all possible assistance to make the stay of our stranded citizens in Vietnam as convenient as practically possible.

WION: How are India and Vietnam cooperating on COVID pandemic? Are we sending HCQ or importing kits or anything?

Pranay Verma: India and Vietnam have maintained close contact during the fight against COVID 19. PM Modi spoke telephonically to Vietnamese PM on April 13th and discussed the situation arising out of the pandemic and the steps our two countries are taking to address the challenge. We are also engaged via diplomatic channels, exchanging information on best practices. India traditionally plays the role of a major provider of pharmaceuticals to Vietnam and this engagement has continued during COVID 19 outbreak. If you look at the way both India and Vietnam have approached the COVID 19 pandemic, there are many similarities in terms of early and precise actions taken, including travel restrictions, containment strategies- quarantine and social distancing enforcements, contact tracing etc. while ensuring at the same time significant ramping up of medical preparedness. Largely as a result of these actions, one can say, both countries have been able to witness among the lowest per capita incidence of infections.&nbsp;

WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model or anything to learn from Vietnam's containment model?

Pranay Verma: As I said, we are closely engaged with Vietnam, by exchanging information and best practices and prevention and containment strategies. We are providing detailed briefings to the Vietnamese side on actions India is taking. The Vietnamese side has appreciated the enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown. Similarly, we are also regularly updating authorities in India about developments in Vietnam, their best practices, achievements including indigenous development of testing kits, use of technology in contact tracing, enforcing social distancing and the overall success in managing the pandemic.

WION: How has the ground situation in Vietnam changed, how are Indian diplomats faring?

Pranay Verma: As of date, COVID situation in Vietnam appears to have been largely contained. Vietnam has reported 271 total positive cases since the first case was reported in late January. Vietnam has not seen any case of community transmission since around the middle of April. Thanks for inquiring about the well being of our diplomats and our officials. &nbsp;Throughout social distancing restrictions that were put in place in Vietnam since April 1, the embassy and our consulate general has remained open, though with reduced staff strength. We have been particularly alert that our consular services are not disrupted and that we are actively able to extend consular assistance to Indian nationals throughout this period. With social distancing norms now relaxed since April 22nd, life seems to be gradually coming back to normal, schools have reopened from this week and we are also back to work in full strength and all our diplomats, officials and local staffs are in good spirits.

Vietnam has appreciated the scale of action taken in India on lockdown and social distancing norms, India's Envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma said. Speaking exclusively to Our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Hanoi, Pranay Verma said both the countries have had similar approaches in dealing with the crisis and currently both "have among the lowest per capita incidents of infections" in the world.

Vietnam has appreciated the scale of action taken in India on lockdown and social distancing norms, India's Envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma said. Speaking exclusively to Our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Hanoi, Pranay Verma said both the countries have had similar approaches in dealing with the crisis and currently both "have among the lowest per capita incidents of infections" in the world. He also talked about how the mission is reaching out to Indians stranded in the country, many of the tourist and short term visitors. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country? Pranay Verma: COVID pandemic has impacted lives and travel all over the world. Our Embassy and consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City have actively been reaching out to Indian nationals who are held up in Vietnam in the wake of travel restrictions. Most people who are stranded in Vietnam are tourists and business travellers or short term visitors who could not return to India before the travel restrictions came up. We have extensively used social media tools to inform all our Indian nationals in Vietnam including community members who live in Vietnam as well as those who are visiting Vietnam and are held up about our 24*7 emergency coordinates. We have launched an online drive to register Indian Nationals in Vietnam. We are encouraging them to contact us for any assistance from Visa extension, any logistics or subsistence needs that are required to make their extended stay in Vietnam manageable. At the same time, the Indian community in Vietnam and the community organisation like the Indian business chamber have been extremely helpful in playing a proactive role in establishing contacts through social media networks within the larger community to ensure that any person in need is quickly identified and reached out to. We are also in touch with the Vietnamese authorities to seek assistance in making sure those currently held back in Vietnam do not face any undue hardships. Thankfully, we have had no cases of Indian nationals in Vietnam catching the COVID virus infection. In short, other than return to India, which is not something which we can control from here, we stand ready to extend and are extending all possible assistance to make the stay of our stranded citizens in Vietnam as convenient as practically possible. WION: How are India and Vietnam cooperating on COVID pandemic? Are we sending HCQ or importing kits or anything? Pranay Verma: India and Vietnam have maintained close contact during the fight against COVID 19. PM Modi spoke telephonically to Vietnamese PM on April 13th and discussed the situation arising out of the pandemic and the steps our two countries are taking to address the challenge. We are also engaged via diplomatic channels, exchanging information on best practices. India traditionally plays the role of a major provider of pharmaceuticals to Vietnam and this engagement has continued during COVID 19 outbreak. If you look at the way both India and Vietnam have approached the COVID 19 pandemic, there are many similarities in terms of early and precise actions taken, including travel restrictions, containment strategies- quarantine and social distancing enforcements, contact tracing etc. while ensuring at the same time significant ramping up of medical preparedness. Largely as a result of these actions, one can say, both countries have been able to witness among the lowest per capita incidence of infections. WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model or anything to learn from Vietnam's containment model? Pranay Verma: As I said, we are closely engaged with Vietnam, by exchanging information and best practices and prevention and containment strategies. We are providing detailed briefings to the Vietnamese side on actions India is taking. The Vietnamese side has appreciated the enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown. Similarly, we are also regularly updating authorities in India about developments in Vietnam, their best practices, achievements including indigenous development of testing kits, use of technology in contact tracing, enforcing social distancing and the overall success in managing the pandemic. WION: How has the ground situation in Vietnam changed, how are Indian diplomats faring? Pranay Verma: As of date, COVID situation in Vietnam appears to have been largely contained. Vietnam has reported 271 total positive cases since the first case was reported in late January. Vietnam has not seen any case of community transmission since around the middle of April. Thanks for inquiring about the well being of our diplomats and our officials. Throughout social distancing restrictions that were put in place in Vietnam since April 1, the embassy and our consulate general has remained open, though with reduced staff strength. We have been particularly alert that our consular services are not disrupted and that we are actively able to extend consular assistance to Indian nationals throughout this period. With social distancing norms now relaxed since April 22nd, life seems to be gradually coming back to normal, schools have reopened from this week and we are also back to work in full strength and all our diplomats, officials and local staffs are in good spirits.

India's scale of action on COVID-19 containment appreciated by Hanoi: Indian envoy to Vietnam

Electricians, plumbers, part-time house helps and other workers took tentative steps back to work on Monday as large parts of India, including the national capital, entered the third phase of the lockdown with curbs eased in some places.

As spring slipped into summer and the lockdown, which began on March 25, continued, people waited eagerly for electricians to service air-conditioners, plumbers to repair washing machines and broken taps, domestics to get back for the deep cleaning that never did get done and a host of other urgent jobs.

On the other end of the spectrum were the band of workers, trained in myriad necessary jobs that keep the household machine going smoothly, who found themselves without jobs and money.

Many of them, like Manoj Koli, an electrician for over 20 years, said they were reduced to scrambling for food and the lifting of some lockdown restrictions will hopefully mean a semblance of normalcy.

"I haven't earned a single rupee since March 21. It will be difficult to get back to work until electrical shops selling spare parts like wires and sockets also open. It is still too early to tell," Mr Manoj told PTI.

"With some electrical shops now open, that problem should hopefully be resolved. But I should get some work before all of that," the electrician, who lives in south Delhi's Dakshinpuri locality with his parents, wife and children, added.

The lockdown, to curtail the spread of coronavirus, has been extended for two weeks till at least May 17. Several restrictions have been lifted and several remain.

Declaring that the time had come to reopen Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday evening, "Self-employed people like technicians, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, sanitation workers, domestic helps, and people involved with laundry and ironing are allowed to work."

Navigating the coronavirus crisis, which has pushed Indians into the four walls of their homes, has been traumatic for everybody, but most of all perhaps for those like Manoj who depend on their everyday work to make a living.

He said the pandemic could not have come at a worse time.

Every April, he would be flooded with calls for AC servicing and repairs from his clients and could manage to make as much as Rs 40,000 a month.

This year, the calls didn't come and neither did the money.

There are lakhs of people like Mr Manoj.

According to Rajesh Kumar of the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), the Delhi government does not have any official records of the numbers of unorganised skilled labour, including plumbers, electricians and carpenters. But it could be as high as six-seven lakh.

"The government should have created a record of these people before announcing a lockdown. It is understandable that the lockdown has been extended, but the government should have also been prepared with solutions for the problems of all kinds of people in the state," the IFTU general secretary said.

Subhash Mohanty, a plumber, said he is grateful he could procure the Delhi government's rations soon after the lockdown was announced.

"There has been no work for the last one month. I got some calls for work in the last few days, but I had to turn them down because there is a coronavirus case in my area, and I cannot step out of here," Mohanty, who stays in Tughlakabad Extension with his wife and two children, said.

Bikram Kumar, who works as a carpenter in south Delhi localities, said surviving the lockdown is getting more difficult each day and he can't wait to get back to work.

On a good month, he would make between Rs 10-20,000 a month, a part of which he would send to his home in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district where his wife and four children live. Since the lockdown, he has barely managed to make enough to feed himself and said he has been surviving on biscuits and water.

"Had there been public transport, I would have gone back home. At least, we have produce from farms. Now crops are also getting spoilt because nobody is there to harvest them," Bikram, who lives with his nephew in Lal Kuan area near Okhla industrial estate, said.

The last few weeks have been an emotional and financial drain for those like Kobita who came back to work on Monday to clean and cook in homes.

"During the lockdown period, I tried to go to some of my employers' houses to collect my salary but was stopped by police. Today, many junctions opened up, and it was a relief. I was getting worried that many of my employers won't call me back at all," said Kobita, who works in Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi.

With no public transport, she now has to walk about 30 minutes from her home but is not complaining.

"At least I have work," she said.

If Kobita, Manoj, Subhash and Bikram are desperate to get back to work, homemakers like Lata Srinivasan are equally anxious for them to attend to long pending jobs.

Almost every house is in need of an electrician who can service their ACs, but most are wary about inviting any outsider into their homes for fear of contracting the disease that has infected over 42,000 people in India and killed at least 1,373.

The total number of cases in Delhi has crossed 4,500 with 64 fatalities.

Srinivasan (68), is stuck with two unserviced ACs and a broken refrigerator in this heat and could not do anything about it because her society was not letting any service personnel in.

Her 10 year-old fridge finally gave up three days into the lockdown, and since then she has been figuring out ways to prevent her perishable food from going bad.

"I was buying vegetables once in two days, and keeping them in the open under the fan," Ms Srinivasan, who lives in an apartment complex in IP Extension in east Delhi, said.

Her society allowed electricians and plumbers to work from Monday but with strict instructions.

"We need to buy masks, gloves, and sanitisers for the technicians. They need to fill up a form giving their personal details at the society office, where their tools will be sanitised, and then the employers need to escort them to and from their houses so they don't go anywhere else," she said.

With the lockdown being relaxed somewhat, she is hoping day-to-day life will become smoother.&nbsp;

Electricians, plumbers, part-time house helps and other workers took tentative steps back to work on Monday as large parts of India, including the national capital, entered the third phase of the lockdown with curbs eased in some places.

Electricians, plumbers, part-time house helps and other workers took tentative steps back to work on Monday as large parts of India, including the national capital, entered the third phase of the lockdown with curbs eased in some places. As spring slipped into summer and the lockdown, which began on March 25, continued, people waited eagerly for electricians to service air-conditioners, plumbers to repair washing machines and broken taps, domestics to get back for the deep cleaning that never did get done and a host of other urgent jobs. On the other end of the spectrum were the band of workers, trained in myriad necessary jobs that keep the household machine going smoothly, who found themselves without jobs and money. Many of them, like Manoj Koli, an electrician for over 20 years, said they were reduced to scrambling for food and the lifting of some lockdown restrictions will hopefully mean a semblance of normalcy. "I haven't earned a single rupee since March 21. It will be difficult to get back to work until electrical shops selling spare parts like wires and sockets also open. It is still too early to tell," Mr Manoj told PTI. "With some electrical shops now open, that problem should hopefully be resolved. But I should get some work before all of that," the electrician, who lives in south Delhi's Dakshinpuri locality with his parents, wife and children, added. The lockdown, to curtail the spread of coronavirus, has been extended for two weeks till at least May 17. Several restrictions have been lifted and several remain. Declaring that the time had come to reopen Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday evening, "Self-employed people like technicians, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, sanitation workers, domestic helps, and people involved with laundry and ironing are allowed to work." Navigating the coronavirus crisis, which has pushed Indians into the four walls of their homes, has been traumatic for everybody, but most of all perhaps for those like Manoj who depend on their everyday work to make a living. He said the pandemic could not have come at a worse time. Every April, he would be flooded with calls for AC servicing and repairs from his clients and could manage to make as much as Rs 40,000 a month. This year, the calls didn't come and neither did the money. There are lakhs of people like Mr Manoj. According to Rajesh Kumar of the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), the Delhi government does not have any official records of the numbers of unorganised skilled labour, including plumbers, electricians and carpenters. But it could be as high as six-seven lakh. "The government should have created a record of these people before announcing a lockdown. It is understandable that the lockdown has been extended, but the government should have also been prepared with solutions for the problems of all kinds of people in the state," the IFTU general secretary said. Subhash Mohanty, a plumber, said he is grateful he could procure the Delhi government's rations soon after the lockdown was announced. "There has been no work for the last one month. I got some calls for work in the last few days, but I had to turn them down because there is a coronavirus case in my area, and I cannot step out of here," Mohanty, who stays in Tughlakabad Extension with his wife and two children, said. Bikram Kumar, who works as a carpenter in south Delhi localities, said surviving the lockdown is getting more difficult each day and he can't wait to get back to work. On a good month, he would make between Rs 10-20,000 a month, a part of which he would send to his home in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district where his wife and four children live. Since the lockdown, he has barely managed to make enough to feed himself and said he has been surviving on biscuits and water. "Had there been public transport, I would have gone back home. At least, we have produce from farms. Now crops are also getting spoilt because nobody is there to harvest them," Bikram, who lives with his nephew in Lal Kuan area near Okhla industrial estate, said. The last few weeks have been an emotional and financial drain for those like Kobita who came back to work on Monday to clean and cook in homes. "During the lockdown period, I tried to go to some of my employers' houses to collect my salary but was stopped by police. Today, many junctions opened up, and it was a relief. I was getting worried that many of my employers won't call me back at all," said Kobita, who works in Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi. With no public transport, she now has to walk about 30 minutes from her home but is not complaining. "At least I have work," she said. If Kobita, Manoj, Subhash and Bikram are desperate to get back to work, homemakers like Lata Srinivasan are equally anxious for them to attend to long pending jobs. Almost every house is in need of an electrician who can service their ACs, but most are wary about inviting any outsider into their homes for fear of contracting the disease that has infected over 42,000 people in India and killed at least 1,373. The total number of cases in Delhi has crossed 4,500 with 64 fatalities. Srinivasan (68), is stuck with two unserviced ACs and a broken refrigerator in this heat and could not do anything about it because her society was not letting any service personnel in. Her 10 year-old fridge finally gave up three days into the lockdown, and since then she has been figuring out ways to prevent her perishable food from going bad. "I was buying vegetables once in two days, and keeping them in the open under the fan," Ms Srinivasan, who lives in an apartment complex in IP Extension in east Delhi, said. Her society allowed electricians and plumbers to work from Monday but with strict instructions. "We need to buy masks, gloves, and sanitisers for the technicians. They need to fill up a form giving their personal details at the society office, where their tools will be sanitised, and then the employers need to escort them to and from their houses so they don't go anywhere else," she said. With the lockdown being relaxed somewhat, she is hoping day-to-day life will become smoother.

Lockdown restrictions eased, electricians, house helps take steps back to work

The last COVID-19 patient has been discharged from Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Patanjali in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district.

INHS Patanjali has been at the frontline in treating COVID-19 positive patients. The doctors have successfully treated the last patient, who walked out of the naval hospital in good health and spirits on April 30, read a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-day-after-india-extends-lockdown-country-witnesses-highest-single-day-rise-with-2293-new-cases-296221">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus: Day after India extends lockdown, country witnesses highest single-day rise with 2,293 new cases</a>

INHS Patanjali had provided quality care and ensured the speedy recovery of all nine COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital since March 24, it added.

A tireless team of doctors, nurses, medical and support staff ensured 24x7 care of the patients, who expressed gratitude for their effective treatment, the statement said.

Discharging of the last COVID-19 patient from INHS Patanjali also coincides with the Uttara Kannada district being declared an 'Orange Zone', - a vital milestone in the fight against COVID-19.&nbsp;

The last COVID-19 patient has been discharged from Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Patanjali in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. INHS Patanjali has been at the frontline in treating COVID-19 positive patients.

The last COVID-19 patient has been discharged from Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Patanjali in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. INHS Patanjali has been at the frontline in treating COVID-19 positive patients. The doctors have successfully treated the last patient, who walked out of the naval hospital in good health and spirits on April 30, read a statement. Also read: Coronavirus: Day after India extends lockdown, country witnesses highest single-day rise with 2,293 new cases INHS Patanjali had provided quality care and ensured the speedy recovery of all nine COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital since March 24, it added. A tireless team of doctors, nurses, medical and support staff ensured 24x7 care of the patients, who expressed gratitude for their effective treatment, the statement said. Discharging of the last COVID-19 patient from INHS Patanjali also coincides with the Uttara Kannada district being declared an 'Orange Zone', - a vital milestone in the fight against COVID-19.

Last COVID-19 patient discharged from INHS Patanjali in Karnataka

Union Health Ministry has placed urgent orders for at least 11.45 crore tablets of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

This drug is being directly procured by HLL Lifecare.

Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) Lifecare is a government-owned healthcare manufacturing company.

HCQ is an anti-malarial drug and has only been recommended as prophylaxis of COVID-19 as per the national taskforce for COVID-19.&nbsp;

It is not a cure but this protocol has been recommended by the national task force for mostly frontline health care workers and has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for restricted use in an emergency.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Health Ministry has placed urgent orders for at least 11.45 crore tablets of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). This drug is being directly procured by HLL Lifecare.

Union Health Ministry has placed urgent orders for at least 11.45 crore tablets of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). This drug is being directly procured by HLL Lifecare. Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) Lifecare is a government-owned healthcare manufacturing company. HCQ is an anti-malarial drug and has only been recommended as prophylaxis of COVID-19 as per the national taskforce for COVID-19. It is not a cure but this protocol has been recommended by the national task force for mostly frontline health care workers and has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for restricted use in an emergency. (With inputs from ANI)

Health ministry places orders for 11.45 crore HCQ tablets with 2 Indian firms

As many as 68 more jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have tested positive for COVID-19.

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"Test results of 68 more jawans have shown them COVID-19 positive. All jawans are attached to a battalion having camp in East Delhi. Total positive cases in this battalion have reached 122 and overall figure of COVID-19 cases in CRPF is 127, including one recovered and one death," CRPF stated.

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Test results of 68 more jawans have shown them COVID-19 positive. All jawans are attached to a battalion having camp in East Delhi. Total positive cases in this battalion have reached 122 and overall figure of COVID-19 cases in CRPF is 127, including 1 recovered and 1 death: CRPF <a href="https://t.co/II5a8aic29">pic.twitter.com/II5a8aic29</a>
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The reasons for such massive spike in cases in one battalion were discussed in a meeting chaired by Directorate General (DG) CRPF AP Maheshwari. In the meeting, Maheshwari also pointed out the laxness of officials in handling the coronavirus situation in the 31st battalion of CRPF.

Officials were informed in the meeting that the battalion had kept more jawans than its prescribed capacity in barracks and also had an insufficient number of toilets, which led to a compromise in social distancing, as mentioned in consolidated guidelines of lockdown issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp;

As many as 68 more jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have tested positive for COVID-19. Also read: 'Do not visit railway stations': Ministry clarifies on running of special trains "Test results of 68 more jawans have shown them COVID-19 positive.

As many as 68 more jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have tested positive for COVID-19. Also read: 'Do not visit railway stations': Ministry clarifies on running of special trains "Test results of 68 more jawans have shown them COVID-19 positive. All jawans are attached to a battalion having camp in East Delhi. Total positive cases in this battalion have reached 122 and overall figure of COVID-19 cases in CRPF is 127, including one recovered and one death," CRPF stated. Test results of 68 more jawans have shown them COVID-19 positive. All jawans are attached to a battalion having camp in East Delhi. Total positive cases in this battalion have reached 122 and overall figure of COVID-19 cases in CRPF is 127, including 1 recovered and 1 death: CRPF pic.twitter.com/II5a8aic29 — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020 × The reasons for such massive spike in cases in one battalion were discussed in a meeting chaired by Directorate General (DG) CRPF AP Maheshwari. In the meeting, Maheshwari also pointed out the laxness of officials in handling the coronavirus situation in the 31st battalion of CRPF. Officials were informed in the meeting that the battalion had kept more jawans than its prescribed capacity in barracks and also had an insufficient number of toilets, which led to a compromise in social distancing, as mentioned in consolidated guidelines of lockdown issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

68 more CRPF personnel test positive for COVID-19, overall total at 127

A clash broke out between police and locals at Panchmahal in Godhra on Thursday night when the police were barricading the containment zone as a measure to curtail the coronavirus.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Leena Patil said: "The barricading of the containment area was being done by the civic authorities and the police. Some locals protested and pelted stones at them."

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In a measure to control the situation, the authorities resorted to the use of tear gas. "We used tear gas as a measure to control the situation. At the moment, the situation is under control," added Patil.

A total of 313 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Gujarat on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 4,395 in the State, said the Health Department.

According to the daily health bulletin issued by the State, the total number of cases includes 613 cured/discharged and 214 deaths.

A clash broke out between police and locals at Panchmahal in Godhra on Thursday night when the police were barricading the containment zone as a measure to curtail the coronavirus.

A clash broke out between police and locals at Panchmahal in Godhra on Thursday night when the police were barricading the containment zone as a measure to curtail the coronavirus. Superintendent of Police (SP) Leena Patil said: "The barricading of the containment area was being done by the civic authorities and the police. Some locals protested and pelted stones at them." Also read | Coronavirus not man-made or genetically modified: US intelligence community In a measure to control the situation, the authorities resorted to the use of tear gas. "We used tear gas as a measure to control the situation. At the moment, the situation is under control," added Patil. A total of 313 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Gujarat on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 4,395 in the State, said the Health Department. According to the daily health bulletin issued by the State, the total number of cases includes 613 cured/discharged and 214 deaths.

Locals clash with police during containment zone sealing in Gujarat

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