The Maharashtra government has formally written to the Kerala government seeking assistance to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in the worst-hit Mumbai-Pune industrial-commercial belt.

The development came days after Maharashtra`s Health Minister Rajesh Tope spoke to Kerala`s Health and Social Welfare Minister KK&nbsp;Shailaja and discussed the Covid-19 pandemic challenges.

Now, the Maharashtra government has sent an official letter seeking doctors and nurses for the pandemic crisis here.

Dr T.P. Lahane, Director, Medical Education and Research, -- who is the Nodal Officer, Covid-19 -- has said soon, the number of cases are expected to increase in Mumbai and Pune.

He has requested Minister Shailaja for a 50-member team of specialist doctors and nurses to assist the Maharashtra health authorities.

For their services, Maharashtra is prepared to pay MBBS doctors Rs 80,000 a month and Rs 2 lakh per month for MD/MS specialist doctors, which include physicians and intensivists.

For the Trained nursing staff, the state will pay Rs 30,000 a month.

The Maharashtra government will also provide accommodation, meals, required medicine and personal protective equipment to all the visiting doctors and nurses.

"Given the emerging situation, the Maharashtra government has decided to set up a 600-bedded COVID Health Care Center at Mahalakshmi Race Course in Mumbai City. It also included a 125 bedded ICU," says the letter by Lahane.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Maharashtra government has formally written to the Kerala government seeking assistance to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in the worst-hit Mumbai-Pune industrial-commercial belt.

The Maharashtra government has formally written to the Kerala government seeking assistance to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in the worst-hit Mumbai-Pune industrial-commercial belt. The development came days after Maharashtra`s Health Minister Rajesh Tope spoke to Kerala`s Health and Social Welfare Minister KK Shailaja and discussed the Covid-19 pandemic challenges. Now, the Maharashtra government has sent an official letter seeking doctors and nurses for the pandemic crisis here. Dr T.P. Lahane, Director, Medical Education and Research, -- who is the Nodal Officer, Covid-19 -- has said soon, the number of cases are expected to increase in Mumbai and Pune. He has requested Minister Shailaja for a 50-member team of specialist doctors and nurses to assist the Maharashtra health authorities. For their services, Maharashtra is prepared to pay MBBS doctors Rs 80,000 a month and Rs 2 lakh per month for MD/MS specialist doctors, which include physicians and intensivists. For the Trained nursing staff, the state will pay Rs 30,000 a month. The Maharashtra government will also provide accommodation, meals, required medicine and personal protective equipment to all the visiting doctors and nurses. "Given the emerging situation, the Maharashtra government has decided to set up a 600-bedded COVID Health Care Center at Mahalakshmi Race Course in Mumbai City. It also included a 125 bedded ICU," says the letter by Lahane. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Worst-hit Maharashtra writes to Kerala, seeks expertise

India on Monday reported another highest single-day spike with 6977 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, taking the infection tally to 1,38,845, according to data released by the Union health ministry.

A total of 154 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. 
 
<img alt="Covid-19 cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ce8a560-0e6f-4a04-9340-84a6a1007fd3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid-19_2.JPG" />

The total number of cases in the country now at 1,38,845 including 77103 active cases, 57720 cured/discharged and 4021 deaths. 
 
Meanwhile, Indian skies opened up for domestic passenger services from today after a gap of two months, with Delhi-Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights being among the first to take off, aviation industry sources said.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

India on Monday reported another highest single-day spike with 6977 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, taking the infection tally to 1,38,845, according to data released by the Union health ministry.

India on Monday reported another highest single-day spike with 6977 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, taking the infection tally to 1,38,845, according to data released by the Union health ministry. A total of 154 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the country now at 1,38,845 including 77103 active cases, 57720 cured/discharged and 4021 deaths. Meanwhile, Indian skies opened up for domestic passenger services from today after a gap of two months, with Delhi-Pune and Mumbai-Patna flights being among the first to take off, aviation industry sources said. All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

India records highest-ever spike of 6977 covid-19 cases in past 24 hours; death toll crosses 4,000

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Air India to keep the middle seats occupied while operating its non-scheduled flights to bring back Indians stranded abroad up to June 6 while observing that the government should be more worried about the health of citizens rather than the health of commercial airlines.

The Apex court has said that the national carrier will have to follow the Bombay High Court’s order directing it to follow the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s 23 March circular that said the middle-row seats will have to be kept vacant. The top court’s direction came on the Centre and Air India’s appeal against the 22 May order of the Bombay High Court.

"The Centre should seek to maintain social distancing. This shoulder to shoulder sitting is dangerous," it said.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde told the Centre and the Air India represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that they should be more worried about the health of the citizens rather than that of the Airline.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Air India to keep the middle seats occupied while operating its non-scheduled flights to bring back Indians stranded abroad up to June 6 while observing that the government should be more worried about the health of citizens rather than the health of commercial airlines.

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Air India to keep the middle seats occupied while operating its non-scheduled flights to bring back Indians stranded abroad up to June 6 while observing that the government should be more worried about the health of citizens rather than the health of commercial airlines. The Apex court has said that the national carrier will have to follow the Bombay High Court’s order directing it to follow the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s 23 March circular that said the middle-row seats will have to be kept vacant. The top court’s direction came on the Centre and Air India’s appeal against the 22 May order of the Bombay High Court. "The Centre should seek to maintain social distancing. This shoulder to shoulder sitting is dangerous," it said. A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde told the Centre and the Air India represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that they should be more worried about the health of the citizens rather than that of the Airline. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court allows Air India to fly till June 6 with middle seats occupied in non-scheduled flights

Sprinklr has stated that the US-based company has destroyed all the backup COVID-19 data that the Kerala government had handed over to the company.

This comes after an affidavit was filed in a case challenging the usage of data by the company. The Kerala government had few days ago declared all COVID related data was transferred to the government-owned cloud web space in April itself.

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United States-based company Sprinklr, which was entrusted with handling data related to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> patients, has informed Kerala High Court that it has deleted all backup data shared with it by the state govt.
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Kerala&nbsp;government has also assured that no data was shared with Sprinklr after the data was transferred to the cloud. They also reassured the High Court that if any data had to be shared in the future, it will be anonymised.

The High Court has restrained the US-based company to use the data without anonymising it. Sprinklr has now confirmed that all the data that was entrusted by the Kerala government has been erased by the company.

The government has asked to make sure that if any data is shared with any third parties, the data has to be anonymised and a proper protocol has to be followed.

The state government, however, feels that the allegation from the opponent political party&nbsp;of breaching privacy of the public using the COVI patients data, was simply a move that was motivated with the intention of defaming the government.

Sprinklr has stated that the US-based company has destroyed all the backup COVID-19 data that the Kerala government had handed over to the company. This comes after an affidavit was filed in a case challenging the usage of data by the company.

Sprinklr has stated that the US-based company has destroyed all the backup COVID-19 data that the Kerala government had handed over to the company. This comes after an affidavit was filed in a case challenging the usage of data by the company. The Kerala government had few days ago declared all COVID related data was transferred to the government-owned cloud web space in April itself. United States-based company Sprinklr, which was entrusted with handling data related to #COVID19 patients, has informed Kerala High Court that it has deleted all backup data shared with it by the state govt. — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2020 × Kerala government has also assured that no data was shared with Sprinklr after the data was transferred to the cloud. They also reassured the High Court that if any data had to be shared in the future, it will be anonymised. The High Court has restrained the US-based company to use the data without anonymising it. Sprinklr has now confirmed that all the data that was entrusted by the Kerala government has been erased by the company. The government has asked to make sure that if any data is shared with any third parties, the data has to be anonymised and a proper protocol has to be followed. The state government, however, feels that the allegation from the opponent political party of breaching privacy of the public using the COVI patients data, was simply a move that was motivated with the intention of defaming the government.

Sprinklr deletes all backup data on COVID-19 patients of Kerala

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 148 in the same period.&nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19 cases increased to 1,18,447 and the death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,583 on Friday morning.&nbsp;

The total number of active cases have increased to 6,6330 in the country so far. 48,533 people have been cured and one person has migrated from the country, according to the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst-hit states in the pandemic. The total number of cases in the state increased to 41,642 cases, and 1,454 people have died so far in the state.&nbsp;

Gujarat also has 12,905 coronavirus cases in the country, and 773 people have died in the state. The national capital has recorded 11659 cases and the death toll numbers have shot to 194. Tamil Nadu is also one of the worst affected states with a total of 13,967cases.

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 148 in the same period.

India has recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. The death toll went up by 148 in the same period. The total number of COVID-19 cases increased to 1,18,447 and the death toll, on the other hand, mounted to 3,583 on Friday morning. The total number of active cases have increased to 6,6330 in the country so far. 48,533 people have been cured and one person has migrated from the country, according to the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst-hit states in the pandemic. The total number of cases in the state increased to 41,642 cases, and 1,454 people have died so far in the state. Gujarat also has 12,905 coronavirus cases in the country, and 773 people have died in the state. The national capital has recorded 11659 cases and the death toll numbers have shot to 194. Tamil Nadu is also one of the worst affected states with a total of 13,967cases.

India records highest single-day spike, 6,088 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours

In India, there are 63,624 active Coronavirus positive cases. So far 45,299 COVID 19 positive patients have recovered. As many as 3435 people have died due to the deadly virus and one has been migrated. The recovery rate in India is now over 39 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

In the last 24 hours, as many as 5609 COVID 19 cases have been reported and 132 coronavirus positive patients have died.

With 39,297 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country. According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, the state has reported 1,390 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 10,318 patients have recovered.

With 13,191 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Tamil Nadu remains the second most-affected state in the country. The state has reported 87 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 5,882 patients have recovered.

With 12,537 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Gujarat remains the third most-affected state in the country. The state has reported 749 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 5,219 patients have recovered.

The recovery rate in India is now over 38 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

Several other states have also ordered the reopening of markets, local transport and even salons in areas that are considered safe from coronavirus.

(With inputs from agencies)

In India, there are 63,624 active Coronavirus positive cases. So far 45,299 COVID 19 positive patients have recovered. As many as 3435 people have died due to the deadly virus and one has been migrated.

In India, there are 63,624 active Coronavirus positive cases. So far 45,299 COVID 19 positive patients have recovered. As many as 3435 people have died due to the deadly virus and one has been migrated. The recovery rate in India is now over 39 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In the last 24 hours, as many as 5609 COVID 19 cases have been reported and 132 coronavirus positive patients have died. With 39,297 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country. According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, the state has reported 1,390 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 10,318 patients have recovered. With 13,191 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Tamil Nadu remains the second most-affected state in the country. The state has reported 87 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 5,882 patients have recovered. With 12,537 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Gujarat remains the third most-affected state in the country. The state has reported 749 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 5,219 patients have recovered. The recovery rate in India is now over 38 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Several other states have also ordered the reopening of markets, local transport and even salons in areas that are considered safe from coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

Known COVID-19 cases cross 1.12 lakh; death toll at 3,435

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday to control the spread of COVID-19, the safety of country’s corona warriors must be ensured. Speaking at the launch of ‘Chikitsa Setu’ app, Adityanath said the smartphone application is user friendly and practical and designed to spread awareness about the deadly virus.

“Spread of coronavirus can be controlled through awareness and corona warriors have a major role in this. For breaking the corona chain, when they become infected and are sent in quarantine or isolation, the fight will get interrupted,” he said.

“In such a situation, we will have to protect the doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, ward boys, sweepers, police personnel working on the front line as corona warriors,” he added.

“We can defeat this invisible enemy by implementing processes in a transparent manner with full vigilance and caution,” he said further.

Stressing that due to lack of adequate training in dealing with the deadly virus, some hospitals are made to shut down.

“For such a situation, we have facilitated training through the app. If people want to get trained, then they can do so through this app. Training plays an important role in medication,” he said.

“We have to save ourselves first and then show the way to protect others from the infection,” he added.

He said efforts should be made to protect the app from cyber-attacks. “We have to remain careful about it. However, the corona chain has to be broken and we have to prepare ourselves for it. The ‘Chikitsa Setu app’ will help us in discharging our duties,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday to control the spread of COVID-19, the safety of country’s corona warriors must be ensured. Speaking at the launch of ‘Chikitsa Setu’ app, Adityanath said the smartphone application is user friendly and practical and designed to spread awareness about the deadly virus.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday to control the spread of COVID-19, the safety of country’s corona warriors must be ensured. Speaking at the launch of ‘Chikitsa Setu’ app, Adityanath said the smartphone application is user friendly and practical and designed to spread awareness about the deadly virus. “Spread of coronavirus can be controlled through awareness and corona warriors have a major role in this. For breaking the corona chain, when they become infected and are sent in quarantine or isolation, the fight will get interrupted,” he said. “In such a situation, we will have to protect the doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, ward boys, sweepers, police personnel working on the front line as corona warriors,” he added. “We can defeat this invisible enemy by implementing processes in a transparent manner with full vigilance and caution,” he said further. Stressing that due to lack of adequate training in dealing with the deadly virus, some hospitals are made to shut down. “For such a situation, we have facilitated training through the app. If people want to get trained, then they can do so through this app. Training plays an important role in medication,” he said. “We have to save ourselves first and then show the way to protect others from the infection,” he added. He said efforts should be made to protect the app from cyber-attacks. “We have to remain careful about it. However, the corona chain has to be broken and we have to prepare ourselves for it. The ‘Chikitsa Setu app’ will help us in discharging our duties,” he said.

Protect COVID-19 warriors to break virus chain, says CM Yogi Adityanath

Fifty six days after operations came to a complete standstill the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Wednesday morning commenced its bus and water services.

The state government had cleared the operation of only intra district services, which is available between 7 to 11 a.m. and then again from 4 p.m. to 7 pm.&nbsp;

At all the depots police keep a strong vigil and ensure all maintain social distancing and use masks.

The strict guidelines include a maximum number of passengers of 24 to 28 depending on the seating capacity of a bus, and no standing passengers are allowed.

The KSRTC has been operating special services since May 11 for employees of the State Secretariat from the city depots in the capital district.

The fares have been increased by 50 per cent and this increased fare is applicable to all including those having concessions.

According to the KSRTC on Wednesday around 1,850 buses will be on the roads across the state.

However, the private sector has opposed the 50 per cent increase in the fare. They have decided not be operate and hence the private buses continue to be off the road.

&nbsp;

Fifty six days after operations came to a complete standstill the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Wednesday morning commenced its bus and water services.

Fifty six days after operations came to a complete standstill the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Wednesday morning commenced its bus and water services. The state government had cleared the operation of only intra district services, which is available between 7 to 11 a.m. and then again from 4 p.m. to 7 pm. At all the depots police keep a strong vigil and ensure all maintain social distancing and use masks. The strict guidelines include a maximum number of passengers of 24 to 28 depending on the seating capacity of a bus, and no standing passengers are allowed. The KSRTC has been operating special services since May 11 for employees of the State Secretariat from the city depots in the capital district. The fares have been increased by 50 per cent and this increased fare is applicable to all including those having concessions. According to the KSRTC on Wednesday around 1,850 buses will be on the roads across the state. However, the private sector has opposed the 50 per cent increase in the fare. They have decided not be operate and hence the private buses continue to be off the road.

Bus service begins in Kerala with restricted time schedule

India has provided humanitarian aid Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol tablets amidst the COVID crisis. Speaking exclusively to our &nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Dushanbe, India's Ambassador Viraj Singh also talked about the repatriation of Indians, especially students and said, "At the moment, two Air India special flights have been scheduled from Dushanbe to Delhi on 27th and 28th May 2020." 1500 Indians, of which 1287 are students are in Tajikistan.&nbsp;

WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country? Any plans of repatriation?

Viraj Singh: The size of Indian diaspora in Tajikistan is approximately 1500 people including 1287 Indian students pursuing medical education at Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU), Dushanbe. The embassy is in constant touch with the Indian Diaspora and especially with the students. We are well aware of their concerns and have been rendering all possible assistance to them during this ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. I have personally met the representative of Indian students studying in ATSMU and other responsible faces. The embassy has provided some medicines to be used by the Indian students if need be. &nbsp;Till date, all Indians are in good mental and physical health. As far as repatriation is concerned, you may be aware that the Government of India is facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. &nbsp;These evacuation flights are planned in a phased manner to ensure the safety of Indians abroad and in India. We have created a database of all Indians in Tajikistan willing to be repatriated to India. The same is being shared with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. At the moment, two Air India special flights have been scheduled from Dushanbe to Delhi on 27th and 28th May 2020. We expect some students to be evacuated on the same. It would take time to repatriate all the desiring Indian citizens from Tajikistan. We have requested the students and other Indians willing to be repatriated to exercise patience. They have been advised to take all necessary precautions and maintain social distancing, use masks, sanitizers and handwash frequently and avoid unnecessary travel. The SOP issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, to be adhered to by individuals before and after arrival in India has been shared with them, so, that they are prepared for the evacuation process.

WION: How are India and Tajikistan cooperating on COVID pandemic? EAM spoke to Tajik FM. Afghanistan was also mentioned by EAM in his tweet. 
 
Viraj Singh: Tajikistan is our extended neighbour and a strategic partner. Recently, India as a gesture of its support to the friendly people and the Government of Tajikistan provided Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol tablets as humanitarian aid. On 06 May 2020, Hon’ble EAM Dr S. Jaishankar had a very warm and friendly conversation with the Tajik Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr Sirojiddin Muhriddin. They discussed medical cooperation in response to Covid19 challenge and reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations.

WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model or anything to learn from Tajikistan's containment model. 
 
Viraj Singh: The strategy of most of the governments across the world has been to contain the spread of the Covid19 and flatten the curve. In this aspect, India and Tajikistan have pretty much adopted a similar strategy. Tajikistan closed all its airports and land borders in March, approximately the same time when India also closed its airports and borders. All schools, colleges and universities have been shut down; promotion to next class based on scores obtained till now and online education is being promoted. Non-food markets remain shut. It is mandatory to wear a mask in public. The population of Tajikistan is 9.3 million and most of the country is mountainous. So, they have not gone for a complete lockdown as in India and some other countries. Ministry of External Affairs of India conducted a Webinar on 'Managing COVID 19 Pandemic- Experience and Best Practices of India' from April 27-May 1 2020 by PGIMER, Chandigarh under its India Technical and Educational Cooperation. The same was offered to all ITEC partner countries including Tajikistan. More than 90 delegates from various partner countries benefited from the same.

WION: How has the ground situation in Tajikistan changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? 
 
Viraj Singh: The Covid19 pandemic has impacted a large number of countries including Tajikistan. Markets and institutions are closed. All airports and borders are sealed. People are working from home. There is excessive pressure on the Health system and then there are Indian nationals who wish to be repatriated. At the moment, as Head of the Mission, the top two priorities for me is to ensure the safety of Mission’s staff, both Indians and locals and repatriation of Indians. We have taken several measures including a rotational system of working and working from home, exercising self-isolation if need be. Nobody ever imagined that Diplomacy would involve wearing masks and gloves and using hand sanitizers even at your office. A large part of the work is done telephonically and electronically. Gone are the days when face to face meetings using interpreters were frequent. This is where knowledge of the local language- Tajik and Russian- play an important role and Indian diplomats have been able to use their language skills effectively in times like these. Video conferences are the new normal and digitalization is the future. And I must say that our diplomats have stood up to these challenges and embraced digitalization fully. They are constantly upgrading and adjusting to this new mode of working. Ministry of External Affairs of India has always been at the forefront of using technology to reach out to people- home and abroad. We see the same trend continuing.

India has provided humanitarian aid Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol tablets amidst the COVID crisis. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Dushanbe, India's Ambassador Viraj Singh also talked about the repatriation of Indians, especially students and said, "At the moment, two Air India special flights have been scheduled from Dushanbe to Delhi on 27th and 28th May 2020.

India has provided humanitarian aid Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol tablets amidst the COVID crisis. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Dushanbe, India's Ambassador Viraj Singh also talked about the repatriation of Indians, especially students and said, "At the moment, two Air India special flights have been scheduled from Dushanbe to Delhi on 27th and 28th May 2020." 1500 Indians, of which 1287 are students are in Tajikistan. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country? Any plans of repatriation? Viraj Singh: The size of Indian diaspora in Tajikistan is approximately 1500 people including 1287 Indian students pursuing medical education at Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU), Dushanbe. The embassy is in constant touch with the Indian Diaspora and especially with the students. We are well aware of their concerns and have been rendering all possible assistance to them during this ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. I have personally met the representative of Indian students studying in ATSMU and other responsible faces. The embassy has provided some medicines to be used by the Indian students if need be. Till date, all Indians are in good mental and physical health. As far as repatriation is concerned, you may be aware that the Government of India is facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. These evacuation flights are planned in a phased manner to ensure the safety of Indians abroad and in India. We have created a database of all Indians in Tajikistan willing to be repatriated to India. The same is being shared with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. At the moment, two Air India special flights have been scheduled from Dushanbe to Delhi on 27th and 28th May 2020. We expect some students to be evacuated on the same. It would take time to repatriate all the desiring Indian citizens from Tajikistan. We have requested the students and other Indians willing to be repatriated to exercise patience. They have been advised to take all necessary precautions and maintain social distancing, use masks, sanitizers and handwash frequently and avoid unnecessary travel. The SOP issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, to be adhered to by individuals before and after arrival in India has been shared with them, so, that they are prepared for the evacuation process. WION: How are India and Tajikistan cooperating on COVID pandemic? EAM spoke to Tajik FM. Afghanistan was also mentioned by EAM in his tweet. Viraj Singh: Tajikistan is our extended neighbour and a strategic partner. Recently, India as a gesture of its support to the friendly people and the Government of Tajikistan provided Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol tablets as humanitarian aid. On 06 May 2020, Hon’ble EAM Dr S. Jaishankar had a very warm and friendly conversation with the Tajik Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr Sirojiddin Muhriddin. They discussed medical cooperation in response to Covid19 challenge and reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations. WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model or anything to learn from Tajikistan's containment model. Viraj Singh: The strategy of most of the governments across the world has been to contain the spread of the Covid19 and flatten the curve. In this aspect, India and Tajikistan have pretty much adopted a similar strategy. Tajikistan closed all its airports and land borders in March, approximately the same time when India also closed its airports and borders. All schools, colleges and universities have been shut down; promotion to next class based on scores obtained till now and online education is being promoted. Non-food markets remain shut. It is mandatory to wear a mask in public. The population of Tajikistan is 9.3 million and most of the country is mountainous. So, they have not gone for a complete lockdown as in India and some other countries. Ministry of External Affairs of India conducted a Webinar on 'Managing COVID 19 Pandemic- Experience and Best Practices of India' from April 27-May 1 2020 by PGIMER, Chandigarh under its India Technical and Educational Cooperation. The same was offered to all ITEC partner countries including Tajikistan. More than 90 delegates from various partner countries benefited from the same. WION: How has the ground situation in Tajikistan changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? Viraj Singh: The Covid19 pandemic has impacted a large number of countries including Tajikistan. Markets and institutions are closed. All airports and borders are sealed. People are working from home. There is excessive pressure on the Health system and then there are Indian nationals who wish to be repatriated. At the moment, as Head of the Mission, the top two priorities for me is to ensure the safety of Mission’s staff, both Indians and locals and repatriation of Indians. We have taken several measures including a rotational system of working and working from home, exercising self-isolation if need be. Nobody ever imagined that Diplomacy would involve wearing masks and gloves and using hand sanitizers even at your office. A large part of the work is done telephonically and electronically. Gone are the days when face to face meetings using interpreters were frequent. This is where knowledge of the local language- Tajik and Russian- play an important role and Indian diplomats have been able to use their language skills effectively in times like these. Video conferences are the new normal and digitalization is the future. And I must say that our diplomats have stood up to these challenges and embraced digitalization fully. They are constantly upgrading and adjusting to this new mode of working. Ministry of External Affairs of India has always been at the forefront of using technology to reach out to people- home and abroad. We see the same trend continuing.

Covid-19: India provides aid to strategic partner Tajikistan

India registered the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 5,611 in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 toll climbed to 3,303 after 140 more patients succumbed to the viral infection as of Wednesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trying-to-shirk-responsibility-smearing-our-anti-virus-effort-china-on-trumps-attack-on-who-299644">Also Read: US trying to shirk responsibility, smearing our anti-virus effort, says China on Trump's attack</a>

In India, there are 61,149 coronavirus positive cases. So far 42,297 &nbsp;COVID 19 positive patients have recovered. As many as 3303 people have died due to the deadly virus and one has been migrated. The recovery rate in India is now over 38 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The recovery rate in India is now over 38 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

Maharashtra, the most affected state, reported 2,100 fresh cases, taking its overall tally to 37,158. The tally of Delhi rose to 10,554, with 500 more cases being recorded. The national capital has allowed DTC buses to hit the road and all offices are permitted to resume work as usual.

Several other states have also ordered the reopening of markets, local transport and even salons in areas that are considered safe from coronavirus. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India registered the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 5,611 in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.

India registered the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 5,611 in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. The COVID-19 toll climbed to 3,303 after 140 more patients succumbed to the viral infection as of Wednesday. Also Read: US trying to shirk responsibility, smearing our anti-virus effort, says China on Trump's attack In India, there are 61,149 coronavirus positive cases. So far 42,297 COVID 19 positive patients have recovered. As many as 3303 people have died due to the deadly virus and one has been migrated. The recovery rate in India is now over 38 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The recovery rate in India is now over 38 per cent, as per details shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Maharashtra, the most affected state, reported 2,100 fresh cases, taking its overall tally to 37,158. The tally of Delhi rose to 10,554, with 500 more cases being recorded. The national capital has allowed DTC buses to hit the road and all offices are permitted to resume work as usual. Several other states have also ordered the reopening of markets, local transport and even salons in areas that are considered safe from coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: India records highest single-day spike with 5,611 new Covid-19 cases

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases crossed one lakh on Tuesday with more people testing positive for the deadly virus in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and other states.

There are 56,316 active coronavirus cases, 36,823 have been cured, 3029 COVID 19 positive patients have died and one has been migrated, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Lockdown 4.0 guidelines have been announced by the central government.

The Centre on Sunday extended the great coronavirus lockdown by two more weeks until May 31, but as promised with several relaxations.

The new guidelines have allowed salons, barbershops, shopping complexes and markets to open from May 18. However, domestic flights, schools, colleges and hotels will continue to remain closed throughout the country.&nbsp;

Except for the containment zones, there are no zone-wise restrictions from the government and the states are given the liberty to decide on the colour coded zones (red, orange and green), concerning the parameters laid down by the Health Ministry. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases crossed one lakh on Tuesday with more people testing positive for the deadly virus in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and other states.

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases crossed one lakh on Tuesday with more people testing positive for the deadly virus in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and other states. There are 56,316 active coronavirus cases, 36,823 have been cured, 3029 COVID 19 positive patients have died and one has been migrated, as per data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Lockdown 4.0 guidelines have been announced by the central government. The Centre on Sunday extended the great coronavirus lockdown by two more weeks until May 31, but as promised with several relaxations. The new guidelines have allowed salons, barbershops, shopping complexes and markets to open from May 18. However, domestic flights, schools, colleges and hotels will continue to remain closed throughout the country. Except for the containment zones, there are no zone-wise restrictions from the government and the states are given the liberty to decide on the colour coded zones (red, orange and green), concerning the parameters laid down by the Health Ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Total COVID-19 cases in India near 1,00,000; over 36,000 cured

World Bank on Friday announced $1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes. The package was announced in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-approves-1-billion-emergency-fund-for-india-to-fight-coronavirus-290252">Also read: World Bank approves $1 billion emergency fund for India to fight coronavirus</a>

This takes the total commitment of the World Bank for India's COVID-19 response to $2 billion. A $1 billion support was announced last month towards immediate support to India’s health sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-2649-as-total-cases-reach-81970-298779">Also read: India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,649 as total cases reach 81,970</a> 
 
This new support will be funded in two phases –&nbsp;an immediate allocation of $750 million for the fiscal year 2020 and a $250 million second tranche that will be made available for the fiscal year 2021.

The&nbsp;first phase&nbsp;of the operation will be implemented countrywide through the&nbsp;Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana&nbsp;(PMGKY).

In the&nbsp;second phase, the program will deepen the social protection package, whereby additional cash and in-kind benefits based on local needs will be extended through state governments and portable social protection delivery systems.

World Bank said that the billion-dollar social protection package was in addition to the previous package of $1 billion allocated to India for COVID-19 emergency response and health systems.

"The World Bank's billion-dollar support for social protection will help India leverage it's PM Garib Kalyan Yojana," said World Bank Country Director (India) Junaid Kamal Ahmad.

In April, the World Bank approved a plan to roll out $160 billion in emergency aid over 15 months to help countries deal with the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Earlier on April 3, The World Bank had approved $1 billion emergency funding for India to help it tackle the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

World Bank on Friday announced $1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes. The package was announced in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country.

World Bank on Friday announced $1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes. The package was announced in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country. Also read: World Bank approves $1 billion emergency fund for India to fight coronavirus This takes the total commitment of the World Bank for India's COVID-19 response to $2 billion. A $1 billion support was announced last month towards immediate support to India’s health sector. Also read: India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,649 as total cases reach 81,970 This new support will be funded in two phases – an immediate allocation of $750 million for the fiscal year 2020 and a $250 million second tranche that will be made available for the fiscal year 2021. The first phase of the operation will be implemented countrywide through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). In the second phase, the program will deepen the social protection package, whereby additional cash and in-kind benefits based on local needs will be extended through state governments and portable social protection delivery systems. World Bank said that the billion-dollar social protection package was in addition to the previous package of $1 billion allocated to India for COVID-19 emergency response and health systems. "The World Bank's billion-dollar support for social protection will help India leverage it's PM Garib Kalyan Yojana," said World Bank Country Director (India) Junaid Kamal Ahmad. In April, the World Bank approved a plan to roll out $160 billion in emergency aid over 15 months to help countries deal with the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. Earlier on April 3, The World Bank had approved $1 billion emergency funding for India to help it tackle the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from ANI)

World Bank approves another $1 billion aid to India as social security fund amid covid-19 pandemic

A part of a floor of the Army headquarters building Sena Bhawan in the national capital has been closed for fumigation and sanitisation after one suspect and one confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected, Army sources said on Friday.&nbsp;

The building was closed after one suspect and one confirmed case of coronavirus was detected. Actions as per protocol, such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress.

"Affected area of Sena Bhawan closed for sanitation and disinfection. Actions as per protocol such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress," the Indian Army said in a statement.

India's coronavirus count on Friday crossed 81,000 cases. According to data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 3,967 new COVID-19 patients and 100 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours. The total cases in the country have reached 81,970, with 2,649 deaths.

A part of a floor of the Army headquarters building Sena Bhawan in the national capital has been closed for fumigation and sanitisation after one suspect and one confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected, Army sources said on Friday.

A part of a floor of the Army headquarters building Sena Bhawan in the national capital has been closed for fumigation and sanitisation after one suspect and one confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected, Army sources said on Friday. The building was closed after one suspect and one confirmed case of coronavirus was detected. Actions as per protocol, such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress. "Affected area of Sena Bhawan closed for sanitation and disinfection. Actions as per protocol such as contact tracing and quarantine are in progress," the Indian Army said in a statement. India's coronavirus count on Friday crossed 81,000 cases. According to data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 3,967 new COVID-19 patients and 100 fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours. The total cases in the country have reached 81,970, with 2,649 deaths.

Indian Army headquarters partly closed after soldier tests COVID-19 positive

The Supreme Court Friday said courts can't monitor or stop the movement of migrant workers across the country and it is for the government to take necessary action in this regard.

The Centre told the top court that migrant workers across the country were being provided transportation by the government to their destinations but they have to wait for their turn rather than starting walking on foot amid coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.

A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao refused to entertain an application seeking a direction to the Centre to ask all District Magistrates to identify stranded migrant workers and provide shelter, food to them before ensuring their free transportation to native places because of the recent incident at Aurangabad in which 16 workers were mowed down by a goods train.

The bench, which also comprised Justices S K Kaul and B R Gavai, asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether there was any way to stop these migrants workers from walking on the roads.

Mehta said states are providing inter-state transport to the migrant workers but if the people start walking on foot instead of waiting for transportation, then nothing can be done.

He said authorities can only request these people not to start walking on foot as using any force to stop them would be counter-productive.

Mehta told the bench, which was hearing the matter through video-conferencing, that subject to the agreement between state governments everybody would get a chance to travel to their destinations.

Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, who had filed the plea, referred to recent incidents of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh where migrant workers were killed in accidents on highways.

"How can we stop it?" the bench observed, adding that states should take necessary action on these issues.

The bench, which said it was not inclined to hear the plea, observed that the court can't monitor who is walking and who is not walking.

Srivastava had filed the plea soon after the Aurangabad incident in which 16 migrant workers, who were returning to Madhya Pradesh and had slept on railway tracks, were mowed down by a goods train.

The interim application, filed in a disposed PIL, had said that the deceased labourers belonged to Shahdol and Umaria districts of Madhya Pradesh and were walking from Jalna in Maharashtra to Aurangabad Railway Station to board trains to reach hometowns.

After walking for several kilometres, they decided to take rest on the railway tracks between Satana and Karmad and were mowed down by a goods train, it had said.

Earlier, the top court had disposed of the PIL seeking migrant workers' welfare during the pandemic and consequential lockdown saying that the Centre and states are taking appropriate steps to provide them relief.

The Supreme Court Friday said courts can't monitor or stop the movement of migrant workers across the country and it is for the government to take necessary action in this regard.

The Supreme Court Friday said courts can't monitor or stop the movement of migrant workers across the country and it is for the government to take necessary action in this regard. The Centre told the top court that migrant workers across the country were being provided transportation by the government to their destinations but they have to wait for their turn rather than starting walking on foot amid coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao refused to entertain an application seeking a direction to the Centre to ask all District Magistrates to identify stranded migrant workers and provide shelter, food to them before ensuring their free transportation to native places because of the recent incident at Aurangabad in which 16 workers were mowed down by a goods train. The bench, which also comprised Justices S K Kaul and B R Gavai, asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether there was any way to stop these migrants workers from walking on the roads. Mehta said states are providing inter-state transport to the migrant workers but if the people start walking on foot instead of waiting for transportation, then nothing can be done. He said authorities can only request these people not to start walking on foot as using any force to stop them would be counter-productive. Mehta told the bench, which was hearing the matter through video-conferencing, that subject to the agreement between state governments everybody would get a chance to travel to their destinations. Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, who had filed the plea, referred to recent incidents of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh where migrant workers were killed in accidents on highways. "How can we stop it?" the bench observed, adding that states should take necessary action on these issues. The bench, which said it was not inclined to hear the plea, observed that the court can't monitor who is walking and who is not walking. Srivastava had filed the plea soon after the Aurangabad incident in which 16 migrant workers, who were returning to Madhya Pradesh and had slept on railway tracks, were mowed down by a goods train. The interim application, filed in a disposed PIL, had said that the deceased labourers belonged to Shahdol and Umaria districts of Madhya Pradesh and were walking from Jalna in Maharashtra to Aurangabad Railway Station to board trains to reach hometowns. After walking for several kilometres, they decided to take rest on the railway tracks between Satana and Karmad and were mowed down by a goods train, it had said. Earlier, the top court had disposed of the PIL seeking migrant workers' welfare during the pandemic and consequential lockdown saying that the Centre and states are taking appropriate steps to provide them relief.

'How can we stop it': Supreme Court on plea to monitor migrants walking back to their native states

After a minister in the West Bengal Government triggered a huge row by accusing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of discriminating against West Bengal and not organising any repatriation flights of Indian nationals from abroad to the State in the Vande Bharat Mission, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava tweeted late on Thursday night that the “MEA does not discriminate between states” and that the “Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal”.

The government launched the Vande Bharat mission on May 7 to bring back Indians stranded in various countries due to coronavirus-related restrictions.

"The MEA does not discriminate between states. GOI's Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal. Over 3,700 of them have registered for repatriation from different parts of the world @MoCA_GoI @HomeSecretaryWB," Srivastava said in a tweet, tagging the post of Chatterjee.

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MEA does not discriminate between states. GOI’s Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal. Over 3700 of them have registered for repatriation from different parts of the world. (1/2)<a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HomeSecretaryWB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HomeSecretaryWB</a> <a href="https://t.co/CEzU0rCAnM">https://t.co/CEzU0rCAnM</a>
— Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1260980262541955074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Chatterjee had tweeted, "Is the MEA asking us to believe that there are enough people to come from Georgia to Gujarat but none want to come to Kolkata? Also, there are enough people to come back to Bihar from Kyrgyzstan but not enough to bring back to Bengal? Stop this injustice !!! #MithyebadiBJP".

Srivastava also said that the Centre will facilitate flights to Kolkata if the state government will confirm arrangements to receive and quarantine. 
 
(With inputs from Agencies)

After a minister in the West Bengal Government triggered a huge row by accusing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of discriminating against West Bengal and not organising any repatriation flights of Indian nationals from abroad to the State in the Vande Bharat Mission, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava tweeted late on Thursday night that the “MEA does not discriminate between states” and that the “Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal”.

After a minister in the West Bengal Government triggered a huge row by accusing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of discriminating against West Bengal and not organising any repatriation flights of Indian nationals from abroad to the State in the Vande Bharat Mission, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava tweeted late on Thursday night that the “MEA does not discriminate between states” and that the “Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal”. The government launched the Vande Bharat mission on May 7 to bring back Indians stranded in various countries due to coronavirus-related restrictions. "The MEA does not discriminate between states. GOI's Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal. Over 3,700 of them have registered for repatriation from different parts of the world @MoCA_GoI @HomeSecretaryWB," Srivastava said in a tweet, tagging the post of Chatterjee. MEA does not discriminate between states. GOI’s Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal. Over 3700 of them have registered for repatriation from different parts of the world. (1/2)@MoCA_GoI @HomeSecretaryWB https://t.co/CEzU0rCAnM — Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) May 14, 2020 × Chatterjee had tweeted, "Is the MEA asking us to believe that there are enough people to come from Georgia to Gujarat but none want to come to Kolkata? Also, there are enough people to come back to Bihar from Kyrgyzstan but not enough to bring back to Bengal? Stop this injustice !!! #MithyebadiBJP". Srivastava also said that the Centre will facilitate flights to Kolkata if the state government will confirm arrangements to receive and quarantine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states

Reaching out to Iceland despite the pan India lockdown, New Delhi was able to send its medicine consignment to country earning India lot of praise in the country.

Reaching out to Iceland despite the pan India lockdown, New Delhi was able to send its medicine consignment to country earning India lot of praise in the country. A commercial consignment of 50,000 packages of anti-malarial drug Chloroquine, sufficient to treat 25,000 patients were sent by India. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Iceland's capital Reykjavik, India's envoy to Iceland Armstrong Changsan spoke about how Iceland's deCODE Genetics and India's CSIR-IGIB are "examining ways and means to collaborate on scientific research on the pandemic.". Armstrong also spoke about stranded Indians, which are about 10 in number and Indian mission the country is trying to make sure they reach to a destination in any Schengen country from where they can come to India. WION: India-Iceland cooperation on the COVID-19 pandemic is two-fold. T. Armstrong Changsan: At the initial stage, this mission along with Hq MEA helped clear a shipment of 50,000 chloroquine phosphate tablets that got stuck at the end of March due to our lockdown. This involved, movement from the factory in Uttarakhand to Delhi and then clarifications to Customs etc. The shipment finally reached Iceland on 6 April 2020. A few weeks later, we also shipped about 45 million paracetamol tablets to Iceland. Both of these were commercial transactions but nevertheless earned us much goodwill here. Their Permanent Secretary (Mr Sturla Sigurjonsson, who was their first HOM to India back in 2006) even wrote a thank you message. Moving forward, the Icelandic biotech company deCODE Genetics and our CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi are examining ways and means to collaborate on scientific research on the pandemic. In the middle of April last month, deCODE had published a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, about the spread of the COVID pandemic in Iceland. Since the company is renowned for its studies on genetic risk factors and diseases, made possible due to deCODE’s an extensive database of the complete genealogy of Icelanders, going back 1000 years, as well as genetic details and medical records of half the Icelandic population, I had brought the paper to the attention of CSIR and ICMR, and they found it very impressive. Thereafter CSIR-IGIB was identified as the Indian research institute to collaborate with deCODE. I am therefore very happy that even in this northernmost capital of the world, there is cutting edge research, and thus scope for our two countries to work together in tackling this pandemic. The small Icelandic population, with extensive genealogical records, and genetic data and health data being available, makes for an excellent testing lab, so to say, for perhaps finding out why COVID-19 disease manifests in so many ways: from asymptomatic, to mild, to severe, to fatal. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country, if any? Any plans of repatriation? Any Indian infected with COVID. T. Armstrong Changsan: Only about 10 Indians are stranded here in Iceland who wish to return to India, since they are tourists/some whose work permits are expiring soon. These numbers are rather small for a repatriation/evacuation flight and hence Mission is looking at ways and means of getting them to some other Schengen country from where they will catch the evacuation flight to their respective cities. The challenge here is that Iceland is virtually cut off with just about 3 known flights to Europe (Stockholm on 16 May, and London on 13 and 15 May) in the coming days. In other words, there is just 1 flight to a Schengen country since London requires a separate visa. These limited flights are there only due to the support of the Government of Iceland given to the near-bankrupt airline namely Icelandair. Government support is being extended on a weekly basis and it is unclear whether it will receive further support next week. WION: How has the ground situation in Iceland changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? T. Armstrong Changsan: Fortunately, none of the stranded Indians or Mission’s officials/staff are infected. The Iceland health authorities are ready to test the stranded Indians for the sake of COVID-free documentation before departure. In fact, as you might be aware, out of 1801 confirmed infections in Iceland, 1773 have recovered and there remain 18 persons with infections, with only 2 persons in hospital. 10 fatalities in all. In fact, only 3 cases of infection by the virus have been diagnosed in this month of May. Earlier today, 12 May, the government announced that it expects to start easing restrictions on international arrivals by 15 June 2020; and offer arriving persons the option to do virus testing on arrival and proceed normally without quarantine, or else, they would be required to home-quarantine for 2 weeks. WION: Anything we can learn from Iceland's COVID containment model, even though it has a natural advantage of being a sparsely populated country. T. Armstrong Changsan: Iceland’s containment model is based on what is already known which is large scale testing, tracing and isolation. But the surprising thing here is, about 63% of the tests were done on the general public; that is, random tests, and not the other way around. I think this is quite unique. Although, I am not an expert but there is something more which I would like to share here. It is do with Iceland’s healthcare system which has extensive digitisation of patient records, accessible across the country, across hospitals including private clinics. Prescriptions are also paperless and can be viewed by the pharmacist directly. Allows for remote healthcare, thus preventing a great deal of visits to and crowding at the hospitals, or even clogging hospital telephone lines, while at the same time enabling remote monitoring of sick persons and advising them. Iceland’s national patients portal (heilsuvera.is) is very interactive, and sends out alerts to doctors, nurses and the patient concerned once certain responses to questionnaires trigger certain parameters; it even has the facility for video conferencing with the doctor. This came through very effective in tackling the pandemic and allowing for better, wider and optimal use of the resources of doctors, nurses and other medical staff. Iceland's digitisation of its healthcare system is different from the European healthcare systems, which are perhaps like our big hospitals in which a lot of patient data, etc. is stored in individual hospital software (or even paper files), giving rise to challenges in accessibility at different locations across the country. And since this Icelandic system can be accessed even on a smartphone, perhaps we too could emulate and develop a similar healthcare system backbone in India. And thereby leapfrogging over to a new smartphone-based healthcare system, that allows for optimising the use of the limited number of our doctors and other healthcare professionals.

From Uttarakhand to Reykjavik, India's medicines reach Iceland

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday.

The country recorded another 3525 COVID-19 cases during the same period which took the total number to 74281. The MoHFW said that of the 74,281 cases, 47480 were active, 24386 had been cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2415 had passed away.

The coronavirus is slowly moving to the rural belt, with an increasing number of cases being reported from districts that were until recently untouched by Covid-19. In many states, it has resulted in more districts coming under the grip of the virus.

Yesterday, In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assistance, the government had last month announced a Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown which will be very different from the earlier three phases. The third phase of the 54-day lockdown is scheduled to end on May 17.

(With inputs from agencies)

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday.

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday. The country recorded another 3525 COVID-19 cases during the same period which took the total number to 74281. The MoHFW said that of the 74,281 cases, 47480 were active, 24386 had been cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2415 had passed away. The coronavirus is slowly moving to the rural belt, with an increasing number of cases being reported from districts that were until recently untouched by Covid-19. In many states, it has resulted in more districts coming under the grip of the virus. Yesterday, In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. Apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assistance, the government had last month announced a Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown which will be very different from the earlier three phases. The third phase of the 54-day lockdown is scheduled to end on May 17. (With inputs from agencies)

122 coronavirus deaths in India in 24 hours; over 74,200 total cases so far

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Switch to offensive mode: Afghan President to troops after 36 killed in twin attacks Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday that he was ordering the military to switch from a defensive mode to an offensive mode after at least 36 people were killed in twin attacks.

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Morning news brief: Afghanistan to resume offensive operations, firms eye pandemic boom and more

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<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138688-trump-reuters.jpg?itok=YZZiy1Tk" />US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-abruptly-ends-press-conference-on-covid-19-after-heated-argument-with-two-women-reporters-298103">READ MORE</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-tourism-may-decline-by-60-80-in-2020-due-to-covid-19-un-body-298096">International tourism may decline by 60-80% in 2020 due to Covid-19: UN body</a>

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The global international agency said the pandemic has already caused a 22 per cent fall in international tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2020.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-tourism-may-decline-by-60-80-in-2020-due-to-covid-19-un-body-298096">READ MORE</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-spike-in-france-amid-easing-of-lockdown-icu-patients-fall-in-italy-298084">Coronavirus cases spike in France amid easing of lockdown; ICU patients fall in Italy</a>

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The country reported 263 deaths after today recording 70 deaths the previous day. The total death toll due to the virus has now risen to 26,643, the health ministry said with 177, 094 people infected with the virus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-spike-in-france-amid-easing-of-lockdown-icu-patients-fall-in-italy-298084">READ MORE</a> 
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Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after a heated argument with two women reporters US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter.

Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after a heated argument with two women reporters US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. READ MORE International tourism may decline by 60-80% in 2020 due to Covid-19: UN body The global international agency said the pandemic has already caused a 22 per cent fall in international tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2020. READ MORE Coronavirus cases spike in France amid easing of lockdown; ICU patients fall in Italy The country reported 263 deaths after today recording 70 deaths the previous day. The total death toll due to the virus has now risen to 26,643, the health ministry said with 177, 094 people infected with the virus. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Trump abruptly ends press meet, World tourism faces crisis and more

Nine personnel of the Border Security Force have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Among the nine jawans, six are from Delhi, 1 from Kolkata and 2 from Tripura. All of them are under treatment at designated COVID health care hospitals.

Earlier, a CISF ASI posted at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and a head constable rank official posted to guard the Mumbai international airport had died of COVID-19.

The 1.62 lakh personnel strong force tasked primarily to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain has 66 active cases of the pandemic till now, as per officials.

The CAPFs like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB -- as per latest data-- have about 758 active cases of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nine personnel of the Border Security Force have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Tuesday. Among the nine jawans, six are from Delhi, 1 from Kolkata and 2 from Tripura.

Nine personnel of the Border Security Force have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Tuesday. Among the nine jawans, six are from Delhi, 1 from Kolkata and 2 from Tripura. All of them are under treatment at designated COVID health care hospitals. Earlier, a CISF ASI posted at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and a head constable rank official posted to guard the Mumbai international airport had died of COVID-19. The 1.62 lakh personnel strong force tasked primarily to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain has 66 active cases of the pandemic till now, as per officials. The CAPFs like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB -- as per latest data-- have about 758 active cases of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Nine new cases of covid-19 reported in BSF in the past 24 hours

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 67152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaWatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaWatch</a> With an addition of 4,213 new cases, the total stands at 67,152. Here is the corona virus update as of 8 am today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeSaveLives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeSaveLives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/DYl6hWwMzY">pic.twitter.com/DYl6hWwMzY</a>
— PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1259728486643625986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Of the total cases in the country, 44029 are active cases while 20917 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 2206 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

India added 4,213 new Covid-19 cases over 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry’s 8:00 am update on May 11.

In India, the state of Maharashtra has emerged as the epicentre of the coronavirus spread where the number of cases witnessed a massive spike recently. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra has the highest number of cases with over 22,000 positive cases of infection and more than 830 deaths.

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 67152 on Monday, 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 67152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed. #CoronaWatch With an addition of 4,213 new cases, the total stands at 67,152. Here is the corona virus update as of 8 am today. #StayHomeSaveLives #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/DYl6hWwMzY — PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) May 11, 2020 × Of the total cases in the country, 44029 are active cases while 20917 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 2206 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. India added 4,213 new Covid-19 cases over 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry’s 8:00 am update on May 11. In India, the state of Maharashtra has emerged as the epicentre of the coronavirus spread where the number of cases witnessed a massive spike recently. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra has the highest number of cases with over 22,000 positive cases of infection and more than 830 deaths. 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)

Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases top 67,000; more than 2,200 dead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-time-to-end-lockdown-but-modify-measures-british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-297868">'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> 
 
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In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead, we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-time-to-end-lockdown-but-modify-measures-british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-297868">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-united-states-reports-776-deaths-in-last-24-hours-lowest-since-march-297871">United States reports 776 deaths in last 24 hours; lowest since March</a> 
 
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According to a real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University, the US reported 776 deaths in the past 24 hours bringing the total death toll of the country to 80,562. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-united-states-reports-776-deaths-in-last-24-hours-lowest-since-march-297871">READ MORE</a> 
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'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week.

'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead, we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures." READ MORE United States reports 776 deaths in last 24 hours; lowest since March According to a real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University, the US reported 776 deaths in the past 24 hours bringing the total death toll of the country to 80,562. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: US death toll passes 80,000, UK to begin lifting lockdown and more

Air India's Kuwait flight has&nbsp;landed in Kochi around 11pm on Saturday under Indian government's Vande Bharat mission.&nbsp;

The flight brought back&nbsp;177 Indian nationals and 4 infants who were stranded in Kuwait.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-flight-from-dhaka-brings-back-129-stranded-indians-297624">Also read:&nbsp;Air India's flight from Dhaka brings back 129 stranded Indians</a>

Vande Bharat and Operation Samudra Setu is India's biggest repatriation operation.&nbsp;Air India and Indian Navy have started flight and naval ships, respectively, to bring back indian nationals who have been stranded abroad due to the global pandemic.

Air India commenced its biggest evacuation operation on Thursday, and will continue for another week.&nbsp;Till now, a total of 67,833 requests have been registered for repatriation.

Another flight from Doha is expected to land in Kochi tonight.

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Qatar: More than 175 Indians to fly back to Kerala's Kochi from Qatar's Doha today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/GtH76QXmyl">pic.twitter.com/GtH76QXmyl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1259160906493079552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As a part of 'Operation Samudra Setu', Western Fleet Ships mission deployed in the Indian Ocean Region and INS Jalashwa have also set sail from Maldives and will be bringing back thousands of Indians back to their country.

Air India's Kuwait flight has landed in Kochi around 11pm on Saturday under Indian government's Vande Bharat mission. The flight brought back 177 Indian nationals and 4 infants who were stranded in Kuwait.

Air India's Kuwait flight has landed in Kochi around 11pm on Saturday under Indian government's Vande Bharat mission. The flight brought back 177 Indian nationals and 4 infants who were stranded in Kuwait. Also read: Air India's flight from Dhaka brings back 129 stranded Indians Vande Bharat and Operation Samudra Setu is India's biggest repatriation operation. Air India and Indian Navy have started flight and naval ships, respectively, to bring back indian nationals who have been stranded abroad due to the global pandemic. Air India commenced its biggest evacuation operation on Thursday, and will continue for another week. Till now, a total of 67,833 requests have been registered for repatriation. Another flight from Doha is expected to land in Kochi tonight. Qatar: More than 175 Indians to fly back to Kerala's Kochi from Qatar's Doha today. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/GtH76QXmyl — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2020 × As a part of 'Operation Samudra Setu', Western Fleet Ships mission deployed in the Indian Ocean Region and INS Jalashwa have also set sail from Maldives and will be bringing back thousands of Indians back to their country.

Vande Bharat operation: 177 Indians brought back from Kuwait

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed&nbsp;in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday.&nbsp;The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm.&nbsp;Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: First repatriation Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi lands at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/6CoZMXtJx4">pic.twitter.com/6CoZMXtJx4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258442884614938625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fixes-40-per-head-for-repatriation-by-sea-from-male-to-kochi-297273">Also read:&nbsp;India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch</a>

The second flight that took off from Dubai for Kerala around 8:30pm on Thursday landed at&nbsp;Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm,&nbsp;the original expected time of arrival was 10:30pm. The flight brought back 177 stranded Indians from Dubai.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Kerala: An Air India Express flight, that took off from Dubai International Airport with 177 Indians on board earlier today, has landed at Kozhikode International Airport. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/SLGgPiU0za">pic.twitter.com/SLGgPiU0za</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258459602364096515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials had&nbsp;installed an ultra violet disinfection chamber at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The chamber was used to disinfect the baggage coming at the airport. The chamber has been developed by a laboratory in Cochin.

These flights are being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The aviation company&nbsp;is using Air India Express IX419 to bring back stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

While the focus remains on Gulf countries, where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating repatriation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK.

Meanwhile, Air India's first&nbsp;repatriation flight&nbsp;to Singapore also took off from Delhi Airport around 11:20pm on Thursday with only one passenger. The flight is expected to return to India on Friday.

This is India government's biggest&nbsp;repatriation operation as&nbsp;around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of the operation.

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm. Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi.

The first repatriation flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Kochi around 10:15pm(local time) on Thursday. The flight was scheduled to land around 9:30pm. Air India Express flight brought back around 175 stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi. #WATCH: First repatriation Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi lands at Cochin International Airport in Kerala. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/6CoZMXtJx4 — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Also read: India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Koch The second flight that took off from Dubai for Kerala around 8:30pm on Thursday landed at Kozhikode airport at 11:30pm, the original expected time of arrival was 10:30pm. The flight brought back 177 stranded Indians from Dubai. #WATCH Kerala: An Air India Express flight, that took off from Dubai International Airport with 177 Indians on board earlier today, has landed at Kozhikode International Airport. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/SLGgPiU0za — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials had installed an ultra violet disinfection chamber at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The chamber was used to disinfect the baggage coming at the airport. The chamber has been developed by a laboratory in Cochin. These flights are being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. The aviation company is using Air India Express IX419 to bring back stranded Indian nationals. While the focus remains on Gulf countries, where 3 lakh people are stranded, Air India will also be operating repatriation flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, the US and the UK. Meanwhile, Air India's first repatriation flight to Singapore also took off from Delhi Airport around 11:20pm on Thursday with only one passenger. The flight is expected to return to India on Friday. This is India government's biggest repatriation operation as around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights, within the first week of the operation.

Air India's first two repatriation flights arrive in Kerala with around 350 Indians from UAE

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply</a> 
 
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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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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. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-verbal-message-to-xi-jinping-for-chinas-success-on-its-handling-of-covid-19-297320">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

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