Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers.

In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah said not allowing trains to reach West Bengal is "injustice" to the migrant workers from the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shramik-trains-over-163-run-so-far-more-than-160-lakh-migrants-ferried-297207">Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried</a>

Referring to the 'Shramik Special' trains being run by the central government to facilitate transport of migrant workers from different parts of the country to various destinations, the home minister said in the letter that the Centre has facilitated more than two lakh migrants workers to reach home.

Shah said migrant workers from West Bengal are also eager to reach home and the central government is also facilitating the train services.

"But we are not getting expected support from the West Bengal. The state government of West Bengal is not allowing the trains reaching to West Bengal. This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah wrote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers. In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah said not allowing trains to reach West Bengal is "injustice" to the migrant workers from the state. Also read: Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried Referring to the 'Shramik Special' trains being run by the central government to facilitate transport of migrant workers from different parts of the country to various destinations, the home minister said in the letter that the Centre has facilitated more than two lakh migrants workers to reach home. Shah said migrant workers from West Bengal are also eager to reach home and the central government is also facilitating the train services. "But we are not getting expected support from the West Bengal. The state government of West Bengal is not allowing the trains reaching to West Bengal. This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah wrote.

WB govt not allowing trains with migrants to reach state; Shah writes to Mamata

The Indian Railways on Thursday said it has run over 163 Shramik Special trains since May 1 and ferried home over 1.60 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

Railways said that it ran 56 Shramik special trains on Wednesday and 14 so far on Thursday, taking the total tally to 163.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/53000-total-covid-19-cases-in-india-now-death-toll-jumps-to-1783-297123" hreflang="en">53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783</a>

"We are planning to run some more trains by the end of the day," a railway spokesperson said.Till Wednesday night railways had run 149 such trains.

Every special train has 24 coaches, each with a capacity of 72 seats. But the national transporter is allowing only 54 people in a coach to maintain social distancing norms by not allotting the middle berth to any passenger.

While the railways has officially not stated how much it has spent so far on these services, the cost for which the government says has been shared on an 85:15 ratio with states, officials indicated that the national transporter has spent around Rs 80 lakh per service.

Since the beginning of the services, Gujarat remained one of the top originating stations, followed by Kerala. Among the receiving states, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remained the top states.

Earlier, the railways drew flak from opposition parties for making these services chargeable.

In its guidelines, the railways has said the trains will ply only if they have 90 per cent occupancy and the "states should collect the ticket fare".

The Indian Railways on Thursday said it has run over 163 Shramik Special trains since May 1 and ferried home over 1.60 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

The Indian Railways on Thursday said it has run over 163 Shramik Special trains since May 1 and ferried home over 1.60 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown. Railways said that it ran 56 Shramik special trains on Wednesday and 14 so far on Thursday, taking the total tally to 163. Also read: 53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783 "We are planning to run some more trains by the end of the day," a railway spokesperson said.Till Wednesday night railways had run 149 such trains. Every special train has 24 coaches, each with a capacity of 72 seats. But the national transporter is allowing only 54 people in a coach to maintain social distancing norms by not allotting the middle berth to any passenger. While the railways has officially not stated how much it has spent so far on these services, the cost for which the government says has been shared on an 85:15 ratio with states, officials indicated that the national transporter has spent around Rs 80 lakh per service. Since the beginning of the services, Gujarat remained one of the top originating stations, followed by Kerala. Among the receiving states, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remained the top states. Earlier, the railways drew flak from opposition parties for making these services chargeable. In its guidelines, the railways has said the trains will ply only if they have 90 per cent occupancy and the "states should collect the ticket fare".

Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried

India has reported its biggest single-day jump in Coronavirus cases. Almost 4,000 new cases were recorded in a day. On the positive side, India's recovery rate is improving with 13,000 people being cured or discharged. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on India's Covid-19 trajectory.

Gravitas: Record jump in India's coronavirus cases

Amid the coronavirus crisis, the Telangana government on Tuesday extended the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gathering-of-not-more-than-50-persons-allowed-at-weddings-home-ministry-296813">coronavirus</a> induced lockdown till May 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-over-5000-coronavirus-cases-mumbai-records-635-new-cases-26-deaths-296872">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi records over 5,000 coronavirus cases; Mumbai records 635 new cases, 26 deaths</a>

Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao said: "1096 coronavirus cases were reported in the state, of which 628 patients were discharged. Today eleven new positive cases have been reported with 439 active cases in the state now."&nbsp;

One new coronavirus case was reported in Jajpur taking the total number of cases to 176 in Odisha.

In Himachal Pradesh, one new death has been reported in the state in the last 24 hours. The death toll in the state has now risen to 2 due to the virus.

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation meanwhile ordered the closure of all non-essential shops in Mumbai with only stores like grocery shops and medical stores to remain opened.

As the hunt for the vaccine continues, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a meeting of the task force on coronavirus vaccine development and reviewed the status of India’s efforts to develop the vaccine.

"Indian vaccine companies have come across as innovators in early stage vaccine development research," the PM said.

"Indian academia &nbsp;and start-ups have also pioneered in this area. Over 30 Indian vaccines are in different stages of vaccine development with few going on to trial stages," the PMO said.

Amid the coronavirus crisis, the Telangana government on Tuesday extended the coronavirus induced lockdown till May 29. Also Read: Delhi records over 5,000 coronavirus cases; Mumbai records 635 new cases, 26 deaths Telangana CM K.

Amid the coronavirus crisis, the Telangana government on Tuesday extended the coronavirus induced lockdown till May 29. Also Read: Delhi records over 5,000 coronavirus cases; Mumbai records 635 new cases, 26 deaths Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao said: "1096 coronavirus cases were reported in the state, of which 628 patients were discharged. Today eleven new positive cases have been reported with 439 active cases in the state now." One new coronavirus case was reported in Jajpur taking the total number of cases to 176 in Odisha. In Himachal Pradesh, one new death has been reported in the state in the last 24 hours. The death toll in the state has now risen to 2 due to the virus. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation meanwhile ordered the closure of all non-essential shops in Mumbai with only stores like grocery shops and medical stores to remain opened. As the hunt for the vaccine continues, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a meeting of the task force on coronavirus vaccine development and reviewed the status of India’s efforts to develop the vaccine. "Indian vaccine companies have come across as innovators in early stage vaccine development research," the PM said. "Indian academia and start-ups have also pioneered in this area. Over 30 Indian vaccines are in different stages of vaccine development with few going on to trial stages," the PMO said.

Telangana extends lockdown till May 29

The Centre has allowed liquor sale across all the country, excluding containment areas, from today. As per the government order, only standalone shops will be allowed to sell liquor; malls or liquor shops in shopping complexes will remain closed

India's 40-day dry spell comes to an end

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown.

She said that Congress had taken the decision as the Centre and Rail Ministry had completely ignored party's repeated requests to ensure provisions of "safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-30-till-may-17-what-is-prohibited-and-what-will-be-allowed-296478" hreflang="en">Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed</a>

"Indian National Congress has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress' humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them," a statement issued by the Congress interim President read.

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-issues-guidelines-for-shramik-special-trains-296353" hreflang="en">Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains'</a>

She stressed upon the importance of workers terming them "ambassadors of our nation`s growth" and alleged "when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs. 151 Crores to the PM's Corona fund, then why can`t these essential members of our nation`s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress?"

"Our workers and labourers form the backbone of our economy. Their hard work andsacrifice are the foundation of our nation," the statement read.

She equated the lockdown phase with that of post-partition and said, "Post the partition of 1947, this is the first time India witnessed a tragedy with such a massive human cost as thousands of migrant workers and labourers were forced to walk home several hundred kilometres on foot- without food, without medicines, without money, without transportation, without anything except for the desire to return to their families and loved ones."

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The lockdown was later extended till May 3 and then for another two weeks till May 17.

In an order issued on May 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places through special trains.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown. She said that Congress had taken the decision as the Centre and Rail Ministry had completely ignored party's repeated requests to ensure provisions of "safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns." Also read: Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed "Indian National Congress has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress' humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them," a statement issued by the Congress interim President read. Also read: Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains' She stressed upon the importance of workers terming them "ambassadors of our nation`s growth" and alleged "when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs. 151 Crores to the PM's Corona fund, then why can`t these essential members of our nation`s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress?" "Our workers and labourers form the backbone of our economy. Their hard work andsacrifice are the foundation of our nation," the statement read. She equated the lockdown phase with that of post-partition and said, "Post the partition of 1947, this is the first time India witnessed a tragedy with such a massive human cost as thousands of migrant workers and labourers were forced to walk home several hundred kilometres on foot- without food, without medicines, without money, without transportation, without anything except for the desire to return to their families and loved ones." On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3 and then for another two weeks till May 17. In an order issued on May 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places through special trains.

Congress to pay for rail tickets of every needy migrant worker amid lockdown: Sonia Gandhi

Phase 3 of India's lockdown is officially underway which means non-essential stores are now free to open including certain liquor stores. As the liquor shops opened across the country long queues of people gathered. The police had to shut down some outlets in some parts of the country.

COVID-19 India: Long queues as liquor shops reopen, Police forced to shut down some outlets

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 27 deaths and 583 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhanced-our-position-as-pharmacy-of-the-world-mea-on-sending-medicines-globally-295892">coronavirus </a>cases taking the total number of cases to 10,498 in the state.

In Delhi, six more CRPF jawans tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-reports-22-new-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-pune-records-127-new-cases-295818">coronavirus</a>, one soldier belonged to the national kabaddi team, the CRPF said.

The virus cases continued to rise as Telangana reported 22 new cases with the total number of cases rising to 1038 in the last 24 hours.

Ludhiana in Punjab also witnessed a spurt in cases with 34 people testing positive for&nbsp;coronavirus out of which 23 were pilgrims who had returned from Nanded.

Ranchi in Jharkhand reported three new cases with the total number of COVID-19 cases rising to 110, the state government said.

Meanwhile, officials in Pune said migrant labourers and students stranded in the area will be allowed to travel to their homes, according to the home ministry's order.

The move comes after several state governments requested the home ministry to allow stranded migrants and students to return their places. The home ministry had earlier said it was contemplating running special trains to transport the people stranded in various states.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 27 deaths and 583 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 10,498 in the state. In Delhi, six more CRPF jawans tested positive for coronavirus, one soldier belonged to the national kabaddi team, the CRPF said.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 27 deaths and 583 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 10,498 in the state. In Delhi, six more CRPF jawans tested positive for coronavirus, one soldier belonged to the national kabaddi team, the CRPF said. The virus cases continued to rise as Telangana reported 22 new cases with the total number of cases rising to 1038 in the last 24 hours. Ludhiana in Punjab also witnessed a spurt in cases with 34 people testing positive for coronavirus out of which 23 were pilgrims who had returned from Nanded. Ranchi in Jharkhand reported three new cases with the total number of COVID-19 cases rising to 110, the state government said. Meanwhile, officials in Pune said migrant labourers and students stranded in the area will be allowed to travel to their homes, according to the home ministry's order. The move comes after several state governments requested the home ministry to allow stranded migrants and students to return their places. The home ministry had earlier said it was contemplating running special trains to transport the people stranded in various states.

Maharashtra reports 27 COVID-19 deaths; 6 CRPF soldiers test positive in Delhi

The world won't be the same even if the lockdown is lifted as people will rush to airports after the lockdown ends. Therefore, there will be restrictions that will still be placed to make sure that everyone follows the social distancing norm. Watch report.

India plans for aviation sector's take off: Airports will operate at 30% capacity

The Union Home Ministry has said that new guidelines to fight coronavirus will be issued from May 4. These guidelines will give relaxations to many districts after the second phase of the lockdown ends.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-issues-guidelines-for-interstate-movement-of-persons-stranded-because-of-lockdown-295602">Govt issues guidelines for interstate movement of persons stranded because of lockdown</a>

Spokesperson of the Home Ministry tweeted regarding the comprehensive review meeting on the lockdown and has said that the details of the new guidelines will be communicated in days to come.&nbsp;

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New guidelines to fight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> will come into effect from 4th May, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts. Details regarding this shall be communicated in the days to come.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> update<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeStaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeStaySafe</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1255515096861868032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to PTI, several districts COVID-19 hotspots or "Red Zones" have come down from 170 to 129 whereas the "Green Zones" or infection-free districts have also decreased from 325 to 307. The orange zones (districts with few coronavirus cases but not a hotspot) have increased from 207 to 297.

Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued a set of guidelines for moving the migrant labourers, who do not have coronavirus symptoms. to their home states.&nbsp;

The guidelines were issued less than a week before the lockdown is set to end.

The order from the home ministry asked the states to appoint nodal bodies and draw up protocols for the migrants' movement.

"The moving person(s) would be screened and those found asymptomatic would be allowed to proceed," the order read.

The panel of ministers led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has recommended that lockdown should be extended till May 15. State governments of West Bengal, Punjab and Telangana have decided to extend the lockdown due to surge in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the last call on the lockdown extension.&nbsp;

The Union Home Ministry has said that new guidelines to fight coronavirus will be issued from May 4. These guidelines will give relaxations to many districts after the second phase of the lockdown ends.

The Union Home Ministry has said that new guidelines to fight coronavirus will be issued from May 4. These guidelines will give relaxations to many districts after the second phase of the lockdown ends. Also read: Govt issues guidelines for interstate movement of persons stranded because of lockdown Spokesperson of the Home Ministry tweeted regarding the comprehensive review meeting on the lockdown and has said that the details of the new guidelines will be communicated in days to come. New guidelines to fight #COVID19 will come into effect from 4th May, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts. Details regarding this shall be communicated in the days to come.#coronavirus update#StayHomeStaySafe@PMOIndia @HMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) April 29, 2020 × According to PTI, several districts COVID-19 hotspots or "Red Zones" have come down from 170 to 129 whereas the "Green Zones" or infection-free districts have also decreased from 325 to 307. The orange zones (districts with few coronavirus cases but not a hotspot) have increased from 207 to 297. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued a set of guidelines for moving the migrant labourers, who do not have coronavirus symptoms. to their home states. The guidelines were issued less than a week before the lockdown is set to end. The order from the home ministry asked the states to appoint nodal bodies and draw up protocols for the migrants' movement. "The moving person(s) would be screened and those found asymptomatic would be allowed to proceed," the order read. The panel of ministers led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has recommended that lockdown should be extended till May 15. State governments of West Bengal, Punjab and Telangana have decided to extend the lockdown due to surge in coronavirus cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the last call on the lockdown extension.

Lockdown relaxation for many districts on May 4: Ministry of Home Affairs

The coronavirus cases in India have surpassed 33,000 mark and reached 33,050. The death toll is 1,074. Meanwhile, the government has allowed inter-state movement of stranded people. Watch report.

Govt allows inter-state movement: Stranded workers allowed to return home, India COVID-19

Coronavirus cases in India have surpassed 33,000. The country has 33,050 COVID-19 cases and 1,074 deaths. Meanwhile, the government has allowed inter-state movement of stranded people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-spitting-in-public-places-in-kolkata-might-invite-arrest-by-police-295757" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Spitting in public places in Kolkata might invite arrest by police</a>

The new guidelines which will come into effect from May 4, say that all stranded people can return to their home towns after undergoing strict medical screening, both at the source and destination cities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1718-new-coronavirus-cases-66-deaths-in-24-hours-in-india-government-295741" hreflang="en">1,718 new coronavirus cases, 66 deaths in 24 hours in India: Government</a>

States must also organise thermal testing units and quarantine facilities for all those who are stranded, in order to clear asymptomatic cases, before sending them back.

However, the movement of migrants, tourists, and students will be restricted to non-containment zones.

Remember, several migrant workers and students were left stranded after the government announced a nationwide lockdown, last month.

This came as a report said that domestic carrier Air India may partially resume operations next month.

Meanwhile, a worrying trend has been observed in eastern India. Experts fear that the region which has reported fewer coronavirus cases compared to the rest of India may emerge as a hotspot.

A study has found that despite less number of infections, the states of Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal have the highest rate of coronavirus spread in India.

Experts say that West Bengal has the fastest doubling time among large states. Doubling time refers to the time taken for the number of cases to double.

They warn that West Bengal which has so far reported over 750 cases is on the way to become the next Maharashtra- which is worst hit by the outbreak in India. So far, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal account for nearly 4 per cent of the total coronavirus cases in India.

Coronavirus cases in India have surpassed 33,000. The country has 33,050 COVID-19 cases and 1,074 deaths. Meanwhile, the government has allowed inter-state movement of stranded people.

Coronavirus cases in India have surpassed 33,000. The country has 33,050 COVID-19 cases and 1,074 deaths. Meanwhile, the government has allowed inter-state movement of stranded people. Also read: Coronavirus: Spitting in public places in Kolkata might invite arrest by police The new guidelines which will come into effect from May 4, say that all stranded people can return to their home towns after undergoing strict medical screening, both at the source and destination cities. Also read: 1,718 new coronavirus cases, 66 deaths in 24 hours in India: Government States must also organise thermal testing units and quarantine facilities for all those who are stranded, in order to clear asymptomatic cases, before sending them back. However, the movement of migrants, tourists, and students will be restricted to non-containment zones. Remember, several migrant workers and students were left stranded after the government announced a nationwide lockdown, last month. This came as a report said that domestic carrier Air India may partially resume operations next month. Meanwhile, a worrying trend has been observed in eastern India. Experts fear that the region which has reported fewer coronavirus cases compared to the rest of India may emerge as a hotspot. A study has found that despite less number of infections, the states of Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal have the highest rate of coronavirus spread in India. Experts say that West Bengal has the fastest doubling time among large states. Doubling time refers to the time taken for the number of cases to double. They warn that West Bengal which has so far reported over 750 cases is on the way to become the next Maharashtra- which is worst hit by the outbreak in India. So far, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal account for nearly 4 per cent of the total coronavirus cases in India.

East India may witness surge in cases: Experts

A 35-year-old police constable on lockdown duty here in Maharashtra was injured after a man allegedly assaulted him and tried to set him ablaze, an official said on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-deaths-cross-the-1000-mark-in-india-biggest-jump-in-last-24-hours-295467">Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours</a>

The accused, identified as Arun Sinh Jadhav, has been arrested, he said.

The incident took place near Maloli village in Malshiraj tehsil of Solapur on Tuesday night when the constable was asking people to stay indoors, a duty officer at Velapur police station said.

"At that time, Jadhav came in his car and started abusing the policeman. The accused sought an explanation from the constable as to why he had gone to check his brother's hotel," the official said.

Jadhav snatched the policeman's phone and threw it on the road. He then allegedly slashed the constable's left hand and face with a blade and started thrashing him, the official said.

"The accused then took out a bottle of petrol from his car and allegedly poured it on the policeman. However, a police patil (village-level official) and some others caught hold of Jadhav and stopped him from setting the constable on fire," the official said.

The constable, who is attached to Velapur police station, later lodged a police complaint in connection with the incident. 
The accused was subsequently arrested and booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), the official said.

A 35-year-old police constable on lockdown duty here in Maharashtra was injured after a man allegedly assaulted him and tried to set him ablaze, an official said on Wednesday.

A 35-year-old police constable on lockdown duty here in Maharashtra was injured after a man allegedly assaulted him and tried to set him ablaze, an official said on Wednesday. Also read: Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours The accused, identified as Arun Sinh Jadhav, has been arrested, he said. The incident took place near Maloli village in Malshiraj tehsil of Solapur on Tuesday night when the constable was asking people to stay indoors, a duty officer at Velapur police station said. "At that time, Jadhav came in his car and started abusing the policeman. The accused sought an explanation from the constable as to why he had gone to check his brother's hotel," the official said. Jadhav snatched the policeman's phone and threw it on the road. He then allegedly slashed the constable's left hand and face with a blade and started thrashing him, the official said. "The accused then took out a bottle of petrol from his car and allegedly poured it on the policeman. However, a police patil (village-level official) and some others caught hold of Jadhav and stopped him from setting the constable on fire," the official said. The constable, who is attached to Velapur police station, later lodged a police complaint in connection with the incident. The accused was subsequently arrested and booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), the official said.

Maharashtra: Man assaults cop on lockdown duty, tries to set him afire

Nearly 80 per cent of the total coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir have been reported from six districts of the state, said Bhupinder Kumar, the Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

He also appealed to the people to follow the guidelines issued by the Centre in the wake of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-us-body-for-accusing-it-of-violating-religious-freedom-295443">India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom</a>

"We have six districts which are hotspots, and when I say hotspots, it implies that out of the total cases that have been reported in the state, 80 per cent have been reported from these districts. And of these districts, one district is in Jammu division, and in Kashmir division- Bandipora, Srinagar, Shopian, Kupwara and Baramulla are the hotspots," Kumar told ANI.

"There has been a surge in cases in Anantnag as well. We have conducted around 15,000 tests; on average we are conducting 1000-1100 tests per day. We are better prepared now," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-oxford-vaccine-effective-in-monkeys-heading-for-mass-production-in-india-295429" hreflang="en">Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India</a>

He also emphasised that more and more testing can help check the spread of coronavirus since most cases are asymptomatic.

"Our strategy is to be able to test more and more people, and in this disease's case, it has been seen that 80 per cent cases are asymptomatic and if we do not detect asymptomatic people on time then there is a higher chance of them infecting others," added Kumar further.

He also informed that the state currently has more than 18,000 isolation beds and that the health infrastructure of the state is not overwhelmed with the cases.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases in the Union Territory stands at 565 in Jammu and Kashmir including 381 active cases, informed the administration on Tuesday.

Nearly 80 per cent of the total coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir have been reported from six districts of the state, said Bhupinder Kumar, the Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

Nearly 80 per cent of the total coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir have been reported from six districts of the state, said Bhupinder Kumar, the Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. He also appealed to the people to follow the guidelines issued by the Centre in the wake of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 crisis. Also read: India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom "We have six districts which are hotspots, and when I say hotspots, it implies that out of the total cases that have been reported in the state, 80 per cent have been reported from these districts. And of these districts, one district is in Jammu division, and in Kashmir division- Bandipora, Srinagar, Shopian, Kupwara and Baramulla are the hotspots," Kumar told ANI. "There has been a surge in cases in Anantnag as well. We have conducted around 15,000 tests; on average we are conducting 1000-1100 tests per day. We are better prepared now," he added. Also read: Oxford vaccine effective in monkeys, heading for mass production in India He also emphasised that more and more testing can help check the spread of coronavirus since most cases are asymptomatic. "Our strategy is to be able to test more and more people, and in this disease's case, it has been seen that 80 per cent cases are asymptomatic and if we do not detect asymptomatic people on time then there is a higher chance of them infecting others," added Kumar further. He also informed that the state currently has more than 18,000 isolation beds and that the health infrastructure of the state is not overwhelmed with the cases. Meanwhile, the total number of cases in the Union Territory stands at 565 in Jammu and Kashmir including 381 active cases, informed the administration on Tuesday.

80% of coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir reported from 6 hotspots

India enters in the last week of nationwide lockdown. PM Modi talks with CMs via video conferencing and reviews the current situation. PM also discuss about the next strategy of lockdown.

Will India extend the Lockdown? PM-CM video conferencing on current situation

In an Exclusive interaction with Wion News Channel ,Tennis Player Leander Paes talks about how he is dealing with this lockdown. He says, he h tas to reinvent himself at the age of 47

How Leander Paes is dealing with this Lockdown, watch this exclusive interview on WION

Non - Essential stores set to reopen from today,shopping malls shuts | India Lockdown Government allows non essential shops to reopen from today. A major relief for small shop owners, but the shopping malls will be shut. Earlier only essential shops were open.

Non - Essential stores set to reopen from today,shopping malls shuts

The state of Maharashtra has now become the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in India. The number of cases is surging. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Drones being used in Dharavi for surveillance

The number of coronavirus cases in India now stands at more than 21,000. This is a sharp jump of 1409 cases in the last 24-hours and the death toll now stands at 681.

1409 new COVID-19 cases, 41 fatalities in last 24-hours in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that the rapid testing kits distributed to different states in India by the center will have to be validated before they could be put to use. Watch report.

ICMR: COVID-19 rapid testing kits needs validation first

Indian Council of Medical Research has instructed&nbsp;states to pause the use of Chinese rapid testing kits over concerns that they are faulty.

At least three Indian states have expressed dissatisfaction with the kits, claiming that they are malfunctioning and only have an accuracy of 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worst-is-yet-to-come-pandemic-could-peak-in-india-during-may-june-293963" hreflang="en">'Worst is yet to come': Pandemic could peak in India during May-June</a>

Rajasthan has outrightly&nbsp;refused to use them after its health officials found that&nbsp;the tests&nbsp;showed&nbsp;negative&nbsp;results for even those who&nbsp;they already knew were positive.

The kits are supposed to test&nbsp;the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;from blood samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-coronavirus-case-tally-nears-20000-death-toll-reaches-640-293954" hreflang="en">India's coronavirus case tally nears 20,000; death toll reaches 640</a>

Previously, several countries including Spain, Turkey, Czech Republic and the Netherlands&nbsp;have reported problems with kits.

They have returned thousands of&nbsp;testing kits&nbsp;and medical masks to China on the grounds&nbsp;of them being below standard or defective.

However, Beijing has denied any quality issues.&nbsp;In a statement last week, China said it attached "great importance to the export of medical products".

India imported almost one million kits from China to ramp up testing.

Indian Council of Medical Research has instructed states to pause the use of Chinese rapid testing kits over concerns that they are faulty. At least three Indian states have expressed dissatisfaction with the kits, claiming that they are malfunctioning and only have an accuracy of 5 per cent.

Indian Council of Medical Research has instructed states to pause the use of Chinese rapid testing kits over concerns that they are faulty. At least three Indian states have expressed dissatisfaction with the kits, claiming that they are malfunctioning and only have an accuracy of 5 per cent. Also read: 'Worst is yet to come': Pandemic could peak in India during May-June Rajasthan has outrightly refused to use them after its health officials found that the tests showed negative results for even those who they already knew were positive. The kits are supposed to test the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus pandemic from blood samples. Also read: India's coronavirus case tally nears 20,000; death toll reaches 640 Previously, several countries including Spain, Turkey, Czech Republic and the Netherlands have reported problems with kits. They have returned thousands of testing kits and medical masks to China on the grounds of them being below standard or defective. However, Beijing has denied any quality issues. In a statement last week, China said it attached "great importance to the export of medical products". India imported almost one million kits from China to ramp up testing.

COVID-19: Rapid testing paused due to issues with Chinese kits

Nearly 100 people at the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex have been quarantined after a sanitation worker there tested positive for coronavirus. The secretary-level officials and their families have been asked to be under home quarantine, workers were taken to a quarantine facility in central Delhi.

COVID-19 case in Rashtrapati Bhavan: 100 staffers asked to quarantine

The number of coronavirus cases in India is now 17,656 with more than 1500 cases recorded in the last 24-hours. The death toll has been recorded to 559. Watch report.

COVID-19 situation report India: 17,656 cases | 559 fatalities

In India, the coronavirus cases are doubling much slower than before. The doubling rate has improved from 7.5 days to 3.5 days. Watch report.

India's COVID-19 spread slows down: Kerala and Odisha best performing states

The Indian government has extended the lockdown till May 3 but inforcing containment measures and social distancing has been a huge challenge for the administration and also for the state police. The video shows the incident that happened in Rajasthan's Dholpur where the shopkeepers clashed with the police over trying to enforce the lockdown in the area.

People in Rajasthan's Dholpur flouting lockdown norms: Clashed with policemen

The number of coronavirus cases in India is now 18,601 with more than 1336 cases recorded in the last 24-hours. The death toll has been recorded to 590. Watch report.

COVID-19 situation report India: 18,601 cases and 590 fatalities

In India, the number of positive coronavirus cases has risen to 16116 and 590 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

Situation report of COVID-19 in India | India battles coronavirus pandemic

Life under coronavirus-enforced lockdown in massive Dharavi slum

Inside the world's biggest lockdown: India remains shut and wary!

The Telangana government on Sunday said that it was extending the lockdown until May 7. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao announced on Sunday night after the cabinet meeting.

The Telangana government on Sunday said that it was extending the lockdown until May 7. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao announced on Sunday night after the cabinet meeting. The state had earlier extended the lockdown till April 30. Though the Centre subsequently extended the nation-wide lockdown by May 3, the state cabinet decided to extend it further by four days. The Chief Minister said the cabinet took the decision not to give any relaxation after analysing the issue from all angles. An intensive survey shows that 95 per cent of the people are in favour of continuing the lockdown without relaxations. He said though the Centre has issued guidelines for relaxations for certain sectors, it had left it to the states to decide on their implementation. (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana government extends lockdown till May 7

Social Media has become India's favourite lockdown pass time.

Gravitas: What Indians are doing during lockdown | Wuhan Coronavirus

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