Fifty prisoners inmates of Akola district jail and 28 other people in Maharashtra tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, health authorities said.

The district jail currently has nearly 300 prisoners, a jail official said, adding that the facility has not taken in any new prisoner in the recent past.

On Sunday morning, reports of 78 people, including 50 male prisoners of the district jail, came out positive, an official from the Government Medical College and Hospital here said.

With this, the total number of coronavirus cases in the district has gone up to 1,498, he said.

Earlier on June 24, 18 prisoners of the district jail tested positive for coronavirus.

The district has so far reported 76 deaths due to the viral infection.

As of now, there are 378 active cases, while over 1,000 patients have been discharged after recovery, the official said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Fifty prisoners inmates of Akola district jail and 28 other people in Maharashtra tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, health authorities said. The district jail currently has nearly 300 prisoners, a jail official said, adding that the facility has not taken in any new prisoner in the recent past.

Fifty prisoners inmates of Akola district jail and 28 other people in Maharashtra tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, health authorities said. The district jail currently has nearly 300 prisoners, a jail official said, adding that the facility has not taken in any new prisoner in the recent past. On Sunday morning, reports of 78 people, including 50 male prisoners of the district jail, came out positive, an official from the Government Medical College and Hospital here said. With this, the total number of coronavirus cases in the district has gone up to 1,498, he said. Earlier on June 24, 18 prisoners of the district jail tested positive for coronavirus. The district has so far reported 76 deaths due to the viral infection. As of now, there are 378 active cases, while over 1,000 patients have been discharged after recovery, the official said. (With inputs from PTI)

50 prisoners of Maharashtra jail test coronavirus positive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India is yet to see coronavirus figures decline on a daily basis and the cases and fatalities are increasing by the day. The data looks even more depressing in the western state of Maharashtra, where coronavirus cases are more than 80,000. Also, more than half the number of total cases, 46,080, is in its capital city Mumbai.

Mumbai, which is often referred to as the 'City of Dreams' has not even thought in its worst nightmare a crisis like this unfolding.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-records-highest-single-day-death-toll-as-cases-rise-to-over-80000-303661">COVID-19: Maharashtra records highest single day death toll as cases rise to over 80,000</a>

<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-numbers-explained-testing-in-india-mumbai-kerala-6443703/">According to a report</a>, despite a daily surge in COVID-19 cases, Mumbai has not improved its testing and nearly 4,000 tests are being carried out each day for the last one month. The report further claimed that Mumbai has a testing capacity of 10,000, and this means that city is not even utilising half of its testing capacity. &nbsp;

However, India's financial capital claims that the lower number of tests is because it is successfully implemented targetting testing, in which people who are likely to be infected are only tested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-police-reports-more-cases-death-toll-in-uttar-pradesh-rises-to-257-303617">COVID-19: Maharashtra Police reports more cases; death toll in Uttar Pradesh rises to 257</a>

The good news on this front is Mumbai's doubling rate has improved to 20 days, which was a month ago was close to 12 days.&nbsp;

A few days ago, a <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/bodies-left-on-hospital-beds-as-coronavirus-overwhelms-mumbai/story-VXZBmFzIY38Uen87fgZ6pJ.html">report </a>claimed that the rising cases in Mumbai has caused its health infrastructure to overwhelm, with corpses lying on hospital wards and patients asked to sleep on floor until new beds come up.&nbsp;

A resident doctor at the govt-run King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai said that the situation is "very bad" and the hospital being unable to take more COVID-19 patients as wards are operating at their full capacity.&nbsp;

The report further said that emergency wards are witnessing twice the number of patients it can accomodate in a hospital.&nbsp;

Amid all this, some shops and markets in Mumbai opened up on Friday as government eases some lockdown measures to contain coronavirus spread and restart economy. However, markets in the city's containment zone malls across the city remain closed.&nbsp;

Maharashtra has earlier launched 'Mission Begin Again' to kickstart the economy in three phases, however a lot still needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India is yet to see coronavirus figures decline on a daily basis and the cases and fatalities are increasing by the day. The data looks even more depressing in the western state of Maharashtra, where coronavirus cases are more than 80,000.

India is yet to see coronavirus figures decline on a daily basis and the cases and fatalities are increasing by the day. The data looks even more depressing in the western state of Maharashtra, where coronavirus cases are more than 80,000. Also, more than half the number of total cases, 46,080, is in its capital city Mumbai. Mumbai, which is often referred to as the 'City of Dreams' has not even thought in its worst nightmare a crisis like this unfolding. Also read | COVID-19: Maharashtra records highest single day death toll as cases rise to over 80,000 According to a report, despite a daily surge in COVID-19 cases, Mumbai has not improved its testing and nearly 4,000 tests are being carried out each day for the last one month. The report further claimed that Mumbai has a testing capacity of 10,000, and this means that city is not even utilising half of its testing capacity. However, India's financial capital claims that the lower number of tests is because it is successfully implemented targetting testing, in which people who are likely to be infected are only tested. Also read | COVID-19: Maharashtra Police reports more cases; death toll in Uttar Pradesh rises to 257 The good news on this front is Mumbai's doubling rate has improved to 20 days, which was a month ago was close to 12 days. A few days ago, a report claimed that the rising cases in Mumbai has caused its health infrastructure to overwhelm, with corpses lying on hospital wards and patients asked to sleep on floor until new beds come up. A resident doctor at the govt-run King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai said that the situation is "very bad" and the hospital being unable to take more COVID-19 patients as wards are operating at their full capacity. The report further said that emergency wards are witnessing twice the number of patients it can accomodate in a hospital. Amid all this, some shops and markets in Mumbai opened up on Friday as government eases some lockdown measures to contain coronavirus spread and restart economy. However, markets in the city's containment zone malls across the city remain closed. Maharashtra has earlier launched 'Mission Begin Again' to kickstart the economy in three phases, however a lot still needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods.

With nearly 50,000 coronavirus cases, Mumbai has more than one challenge

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said.

The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said.

A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said.

The number of active cases in the state now stands at 39,935, it said, adding that a total of 4,97,276 samples have been tested so far.

"Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said.

Pune city, another major hotspot, reported 19 more deaths in a day, it added.

Mumbai on Wednesday reported 1,276 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the case count to 43,262 and the number of fatalities to 1,417, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

A total of 259 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours from various COVID facilities, taking the tally of recovered cases to 17,472, it said.

The number of active cases now stands at 24,373.

"27 of the 49 deceased had pre-existing underlying health conditions," the BMC said in a release.

A total of 795 new suspected patients have been admitted in various hospitals.

Meanwhile, as rains lashed parts of Mumbai and suburbs earlier in the day, the civic body has issued an advisory fearing a rise in monsoon-related diseases in addition to the coronavirus infections.

"All citizens are requested not to ignore any fever and not to self-medicate," it said.

The civic body also asked citizens to visit nearby clinics or inform community health volunteers if they experience symptoms like fever with chills, joint pains, rashes, cough, breathlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and jaundice.

"All high-risk citizens having co-morbidities should continue to take their prescribed medicines and senior citizens take special care and not to go out of house," it said.

The civic body appealed to citizens to maintain premises of their residential buildings and surrounding areas clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in any disposed articles.

It also asked people to void outside food and to follow personal hygiene.

The MMR accounts for 56,794 coronavirus cases and 1,742 deaths, it stated.

The total number of cases in Pune Municipal Corporation limits now stands at 7,390 with 343 deaths, while the Aurangabad city has reported 1,609 cases and 83 fatalities, it said.

The case count for Solapur city stood at 973 and fatalities at 80.

Malegaon, a hotspot in Nashik district, did not report any fresh case or death on Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, it had reported 762 cases and 58 deaths, it said.

The tally of cases in Nagpur city is 596 with 11 deaths.

601 cases with 27 fatalities have been recorded in Akola city till date.

The number of containment zones in Maharashtra now stands at 3,661.

The COVID 19 tally in Maharashtra: total cases 74,860, recoveries 32,329, deaths 2,587, active cases 39,935 and people tested 4,97,276.

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said.

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said. The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said. A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said. The number of active cases in the state now stands at 39,935, it said, adding that a total of 4,97,276 samples have been tested so far. "Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said. Pune city, another major hotspot, reported 19 more deaths in a day, it added. Mumbai on Wednesday reported 1,276 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the case count to 43,262 and the number of fatalities to 1,417, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. A total of 259 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours from various COVID facilities, taking the tally of recovered cases to 17,472, it said. The number of active cases now stands at 24,373. "27 of the 49 deceased had pre-existing underlying health conditions," the BMC said in a release. A total of 795 new suspected patients have been admitted in various hospitals. Meanwhile, as rains lashed parts of Mumbai and suburbs earlier in the day, the civic body has issued an advisory fearing a rise in monsoon-related diseases in addition to the coronavirus infections. "All citizens are requested not to ignore any fever and not to self-medicate," it said. The civic body also asked citizens to visit nearby clinics or inform community health volunteers if they experience symptoms like fever with chills, joint pains, rashes, cough, breathlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and jaundice. "All high-risk citizens having co-morbidities should continue to take their prescribed medicines and senior citizens take special care and not to go out of house," it said. The civic body appealed to citizens to maintain premises of their residential buildings and surrounding areas clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in any disposed articles. It also asked people to void outside food and to follow personal hygiene. The MMR accounts for 56,794 coronavirus cases and 1,742 deaths, it stated. The total number of cases in Pune Municipal Corporation limits now stands at 7,390 with 343 deaths, while the Aurangabad city has reported 1,609 cases and 83 fatalities, it said. The case count for Solapur city stood at 973 and fatalities at 80. Malegaon, a hotspot in Nashik district, did not report any fresh case or death on Wednesday. As of Tuesday, it had reported 762 cases and 58 deaths, it said. The tally of cases in Nagpur city is 596 with 11 deaths. 601 cases with 27 fatalities have been recorded in Akola city till date. The number of containment zones in Maharashtra now stands at 3,661. The COVID 19 tally in Maharashtra: total cases 74,860, recoveries 32,329, deaths 2,587, active cases 39,935 and people tested 4,97,276.

Maharashtra COVID-19 cases up by 2,560 to 74,860; 122 die in one day

With Gujarat bracing for the approaching cyclonic storm 'Nisarg', the Valsad and Navsari district administrations have started evacuating nearly 20,000 people from 47 villages located close to the state coastline, officials said on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-on-red-alert-as-cyclone-nisarga-to-strike-pandemic-hit-city-302509" hreflang="en">Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city</a>

Besides, in a relief to people living near the shore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday indicated the cyclone may not make a landfall on the Gujarat coast.

However, it will have an impact in the form of gusty winds coupled with heavy rainfall in the coastal belt, state MeT centre director Jayanta Sarkar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-gujarat-on-alert-over-cyclonic-storm-nisarga-302417" hreflang="en">Maharashtra, Gujarat on alert over cyclonic storm Nisarga</a>

As a precautionary measure, the district administrations of Valsad and Navsari have started shifting people living near the coast to safer places.

In all, nearly 20,000 people will be shifted from both the districts.

"We have deployed our teams to shift nearly 10,000 people living in 35 coastal villages. We have already identified shelter homes and started the evacuation process," Valsad Collector R R Raval said.

In adjoining Navsari district also, the administration has initiated the process of shifting some 10,200 people from 12 villages, Collector Ardra Agarwal said.

As per an IMD release, the deep depression over east- central Arabian Sea is currently around 670 km from Surat and it may intensify into a cclonic storm in next six hours.

In the subsequent 12 hours, it will turn into a severe cyclonic storm and "cross north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibaug of Maharashtra during the afternoon of June 3, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph," it said.

"As per the present predictions, the cyclone will make a landfall near Alibaug, that is in between north Maharashtra and south Gujarat. Though the cyclone will not cross south Gujarat, it will leave its impact in the form of gusty winds and heavy rainfall in south Gujarat," said Sarkar.

As many as 14 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in the coastal region.

Five more teams will be airlifted from other states and reach here soon, a statement by NDRF said.

With Gujarat bracing for the approaching cyclonic storm 'Nisarg', the Valsad and Navsari district administrations have started evacuating nearly 20,000 people from 47 villages located close to the state coastline, officials said on Tuesday.

With Gujarat bracing for the approaching cyclonic storm 'Nisarg', the Valsad and Navsari district administrations have started evacuating nearly 20,000 people from 47 villages located close to the state coastline, officials said on Tuesday. Also read: Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city Besides, in a relief to people living near the shore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday indicated the cyclone may not make a landfall on the Gujarat coast. However, it will have an impact in the form of gusty winds coupled with heavy rainfall in the coastal belt, state MeT centre director Jayanta Sarkar said. Also read: Maharashtra, Gujarat on alert over cyclonic storm Nisarga As a precautionary measure, the district administrations of Valsad and Navsari have started shifting people living near the coast to safer places. In all, nearly 20,000 people will be shifted from both the districts. "We have deployed our teams to shift nearly 10,000 people living in 35 coastal villages. We have already identified shelter homes and started the evacuation process," Valsad Collector R R Raval said. In adjoining Navsari district also, the administration has initiated the process of shifting some 10,200 people from 12 villages, Collector Ardra Agarwal said. As per an IMD release, the deep depression over east- central Arabian Sea is currently around 670 km from Surat and it may intensify into a cclonic storm in next six hours. In the subsequent 12 hours, it will turn into a severe cyclonic storm and "cross north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibaug of Maharashtra during the afternoon of June 3, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph," it said. "As per the present predictions, the cyclone will make a landfall near Alibaug, that is in between north Maharashtra and south Gujarat. Though the cyclone will not cross south Gujarat, it will leave its impact in the form of gusty winds and heavy rainfall in south Gujarat," said Sarkar. As many as 14 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in the coastal region. Five more teams will be airlifted from other states and reach here soon, a statement by NDRF said.

Ahead of cyclone, over 20,000 people to be evacuated from Gujarat districts

The Maharashtra government has permitted resumption of shootings for films, teleserials, advertisements, OTT, etc with immediate effect.

The move follows appeals from the film industry. A delegation of Bollywood bigwigs reportedly had called on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in this regard last week.

Shooting for films and other production activities have remained suspended since mid-March in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Issuing a Government Resolution (GR), the Cultural Affairs Ministry on Sunday said that producers will have to conduct pre-production and post-production works by adhering to the guidelines laid down by the government.

The order stated that social distancing norms will have to be followed strictly with focus on personal hygiene.

To this end, members of the entertainment industry, including producer Ekta Kapoor, actor-director JD Majethia, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, thereby expressed gratitude towards the Maharashtra government.

Majethia, chairman, TV wing, Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), said the move has come as a relief.

"It feels great. It (the industry) was shut for so long, we thought it'd not open by June 15. This is much faster than what we expected. We thank the CM of Maharashtra for doing this wonderful job. He has pleasantly surprised all of us. This industry is Mumbai's pride.

"It will now reach every household and bring smiles, happiness to everyone with fresh content. This was an important decision. It'll bring cheer all across, it's a big relief," Majethia told PTI.

Kapoor also expressed her gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for allowing the commencement of shoots.

"Would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the honourable @CMOMaharashtra Uddhav Ji, for considering our requests to begin work in a phased out manner by easing restrictions on films and television shooting.

"Special thanks to Adesh Bandekar and Nitin Vaidya for their relentless efforts to help the industry return to work,with new guidelines that still keep an individuals health above all else," she tweeted.

BN Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), said the decision has come at a time when workers were on the verge of losing hope.

"Some had already left for home. This announcement has ignited hope that others will now stay. We are so thankful for this decision. There are several challenges ahead of us. But this was very much needed. This will make the industry come alive," Tiwari told PTI.

Both Majethia and Tiwari said the industry insiders will now schedule meetings with broadcasters, federations and associations to chalk out a plan to restart the shooting.

"The process now will be that whoever wants to shoot should start getting ready to meet the guidelines. It can't be like they shoot today and go back to their place tomorrow because everyday test isn't possible.

"One would have to work carefully now. It's a creative work and naturally you wouldn't want to compromise. But even if one member tests positive for COVID-19, the entire cast and crew will be quarantined. There are several challenges, but the move is welcome," Tiwari said.

Pandit, president of Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), said while he welcomes the decision, the move comes with its own set of challenges.

He said, some of the Government Resolutions, including the mandatory presence of a doctor, nurse and ambulance on every set is not feasible.

"You can do it area wise, which is what we had suggested. On an average, there are 65-70 sets a day in Mumbai. How can you have that many ambulances and doctors there when they are in shortage?" he asked.

The producer said another suggestion from the government that the actors or crew members above the age of 65 shouldn't be allowed on set is unfair.

"There is an age restriction on the set. How can you do that? That way actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, can't work. There are senior technicians of that age. Everyone has the right to work and while we all are concerned about our health, this seems impractical.

"Federation will make a presentation to the government but certain things have to be rethought. The intentions are on point, but we will make an appeal to the government," he told PTI.

According to the Government Resolution, producers will have to apply to managing director of the Maharashtra Film, Theatre, Cultural Development Corporation, the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon, Mumbai, and to district collectors outside Mumbai for resuming shootings.

The applications will be scrutinised, after which the authority shall give the go-ahead for the shooting proposals. They will have to adhere to the coronavirus guidelines issued separately for the purpose.

Earlier in the day, the state government extended the lockdown in containment zones till June 30 and announced easing of restrictions and phase-wise resumption of activities in non-containment regions under the "Mission Begin Again."&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The Maharashtra government has permitted resumption of shootings for films, teleserials, advertisements, OTT, etc with immediate effect. The move follows appeals from the film industry.

The Maharashtra government has permitted resumption of shootings for films, teleserials, advertisements, OTT, etc with immediate effect. The move follows appeals from the film industry. A delegation of Bollywood bigwigs reportedly had called on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in this regard last week. Shooting for films and other production activities have remained suspended since mid-March in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Issuing a Government Resolution (GR), the Cultural Affairs Ministry on Sunday said that producers will have to conduct pre-production and post-production works by adhering to the guidelines laid down by the government. The order stated that social distancing norms will have to be followed strictly with focus on personal hygiene. To this end, members of the entertainment industry, including producer Ekta Kapoor, actor-director JD Majethia, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, thereby expressed gratitude towards the Maharashtra government. Majethia, chairman, TV wing, Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), said the move has come as a relief. "It feels great. It (the industry) was shut for so long, we thought it'd not open by June 15. This is much faster than what we expected. We thank the CM of Maharashtra for doing this wonderful job. He has pleasantly surprised all of us. This industry is Mumbai's pride. "It will now reach every household and bring smiles, happiness to everyone with fresh content. This was an important decision. It'll bring cheer all across, it's a big relief," Majethia told PTI. Kapoor also expressed her gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for allowing the commencement of shoots. "Would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the honourable @CMOMaharashtra Uddhav Ji, for considering our requests to begin work in a phased out manner by easing restrictions on films and television shooting. "Special thanks to Adesh Bandekar and Nitin Vaidya for their relentless efforts to help the industry return to work,with new guidelines that still keep an individuals health above all else," she tweeted. BN Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), said the decision has come at a time when workers were on the verge of losing hope. "Some had already left for home. This announcement has ignited hope that others will now stay. We are so thankful for this decision. There are several challenges ahead of us. But this was very much needed. This will make the industry come alive," Tiwari told PTI. Both Majethia and Tiwari said the industry insiders will now schedule meetings with broadcasters, federations and associations to chalk out a plan to restart the shooting. "The process now will be that whoever wants to shoot should start getting ready to meet the guidelines. It can't be like they shoot today and go back to their place tomorrow because everyday test isn't possible. "One would have to work carefully now. It's a creative work and naturally you wouldn't want to compromise. But even if one member tests positive for COVID-19, the entire cast and crew will be quarantined. There are several challenges, but the move is welcome," Tiwari said. Pandit, president of Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), said while he welcomes the decision, the move comes with its own set of challenges. He said, some of the Government Resolutions, including the mandatory presence of a doctor, nurse and ambulance on every set is not feasible. "You can do it area wise, which is what we had suggested. On an average, there are 65-70 sets a day in Mumbai. How can you have that many ambulances and doctors there when they are in shortage?" he asked. The producer said another suggestion from the government that the actors or crew members above the age of 65 shouldn't be allowed on set is unfair. "There is an age restriction on the set. How can you do that? That way actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, can't work. There are senior technicians of that age. Everyone has the right to work and while we all are concerned about our health, this seems impractical. "Federation will make a presentation to the government but certain things have to be rethought. The intentions are on point, but we will make an appeal to the government," he told PTI. According to the Government Resolution, producers will have to apply to managing director of the Maharashtra Film, Theatre, Cultural Development Corporation, the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Goregaon, Mumbai, and to district collectors outside Mumbai for resuming shootings. The applications will be scrutinised, after which the authority shall give the go-ahead for the shooting proposals. They will have to adhere to the coronavirus guidelines issued separately for the purpose. Earlier in the day, the state government extended the lockdown in containment zones till June 30 and announced easing of restrictions and phase-wise resumption of activities in non-containment regions under the "Mission Begin Again." (with inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra permits shootings to resume; entertainment industry welcomes move

Inter-state travel by road, air and trains from Maharashtra will remain prohibited in the latest phase of the lockdown until June 30 with exceptions being made for migrant workers, stranded people and 'Shramik' special trains, as per the latest guidelines issued on Sunday.

Announcing the extension of the lockdown, which it called the "Mission Begin Again", the state government has granted a slew of relaxations in the form of reopening of all markets, market areas and shops, except malls, from June 5 on the odd-even basis in non-containment zones.

However, religious places, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants will continue to remain closed.

"Inter-state road movement as well as air, train and metro travel will continue to remain prohibited in Maharashtra, except the travel of migrant workers, stranded persons and Shramik special trains," as per the guidelines.

Plying of buses within and outside Maharashtra will not be allowed in Red zones and in containment zones. However, intra-district plying of buses is allowed in remaining parts of the state, the guidelines said.

Worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Maharashtra has reported 65,168 cases and 2,197 deaths by May 30.

Inter-state travel by road, air and trains from Maharashtra will remain prohibited in the latest phase of the lockdown until June 30 with exceptions being made for migrant workers, stranded people and 'Shramik' special trains, as per the latest guidelines issued on Sunday.

Inter-state travel by road, air and trains from Maharashtra will remain prohibited in the latest phase of the lockdown until June 30 with exceptions being made for migrant workers, stranded people and 'Shramik' special trains, as per the latest guidelines issued on Sunday. Announcing the extension of the lockdown, which it called the "Mission Begin Again", the state government has granted a slew of relaxations in the form of reopening of all markets, market areas and shops, except malls, from June 5 on the odd-even basis in non-containment zones. However, religious places, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants will continue to remain closed. "Inter-state road movement as well as air, train and metro travel will continue to remain prohibited in Maharashtra, except the travel of migrant workers, stranded persons and Shramik special trains," as per the guidelines. Plying of buses within and outside Maharashtra will not be allowed in Red zones and in containment zones. However, intra-district plying of buses is allowed in remaining parts of the state, the guidelines said. Worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Maharashtra has reported 65,168 cases and 2,197 deaths by May 30.

Inter-state travel from Maharashtra remains banned with exceptions

As lockdown 4.0 comes to an end today, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued guidelines for a phased-wise reopening of the economy from tomorrow.

India: Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu become worst-hit regions

The Karnataka government on Thursday pitched for down scaling air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19 and it would be difficult to manage quarantine if more arrived.

"The government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of flights from these states in view of high prevalence of coronavirus cases there", Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/blog-flying-in-the-new-normal-days-301114">Also read|&nbsp;Blog: Flying in the new normal days</a>

Earlier, speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the minister said the government has decided to "suspend" air traffic from these states. "People are coming from other states to Karnataka. We have decided to suspend air traffic from five states, as cases here (Karnataka) may further increase," he said.

In the statement released later, he clarified that the government has not sought a ban on flights emanating from these five states. "Karnataka has appealed to the Civil Aviation Ministry to take steps to lessen the air traffic to the state, with the sacred intention that there may not be adequate quarantine facilities, if there is huge turn out at a short span of time, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-may-get-extended-for-15-days-goa-cm-after-meeting-amit-shah-301733">Also read|&nbsp;Lockdown may get extended for 15 days: Goa CM after meeting Amit Shah</a>

Domestic air travel resumed in the country only on Monday after nearly two months of COVID-19 induced lockdown with Karnataka stipulating seven days institutional quarantine for passengers coming from seven states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have high prevalence of cases. During the media interaction, Madhuswamy also said the existing restrictions on entry of people by road from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat into Karnataka would continue until further orders.

"...because large number of people who have come from these states have tested positive and it will be difficult to manage quarantine if more people come. Until some people who are currently in quarantine go home after their quarantine period ends, we have decided to stop (arrivals) by imposing restriction," the Minister added. Karnataka had on May 18 barred entry of people from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which have COVID-19 cases in five figures.

The government is likely to decide on allowing trains from these states once the services resume on June 1. However, responding to a question, Madhuswamy said there will be restriction on entry of people by road, air and train from Maharashtra for some time as the recent spike in positive cases in Karnataka was due to returnees from the Western state.

Pointing out that the load of cases has increased, particularity among those coming from Maharashtra, he said asymptomatic cases have gone up and it has become inevitable to test all those in quarantine. He said those already in quarantine were also unhappy over passengers arriving fresh being accommodated along with them.

"So the plan is that after the current set of people are relieved, we will allow the next set of people from these states, until then we will have restrictions," he said.

The Karnataka government on Thursday pitched for down scaling air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19 and it would be difficult to manage quarantine if more arrived.

The Karnataka government on Thursday pitched for down scaling air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19 and it would be difficult to manage quarantine if more arrived. "The government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of flights from these states in view of high prevalence of coronavirus cases there", Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy said in a statement. Also read| Blog: Flying in the new normal days Earlier, speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the minister said the government has decided to "suspend" air traffic from these states. "People are coming from other states to Karnataka. We have decided to suspend air traffic from five states, as cases here (Karnataka) may further increase," he said. In the statement released later, he clarified that the government has not sought a ban on flights emanating from these five states. "Karnataka has appealed to the Civil Aviation Ministry to take steps to lessen the air traffic to the state, with the sacred intention that there may not be adequate quarantine facilities, if there is huge turn out at a short span of time, he said. Also read| Lockdown may get extended for 15 days: Goa CM after meeting Amit Shah Domestic air travel resumed in the country only on Monday after nearly two months of COVID-19 induced lockdown with Karnataka stipulating seven days institutional quarantine for passengers coming from seven states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have high prevalence of cases. During the media interaction, Madhuswamy also said the existing restrictions on entry of people by road from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat into Karnataka would continue until further orders. "...because large number of people who have come from these states have tested positive and it will be difficult to manage quarantine if more people come. Until some people who are currently in quarantine go home after their quarantine period ends, we have decided to stop (arrivals) by imposing restriction," the Minister added. Karnataka had on May 18 barred entry of people from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which have COVID-19 cases in five figures. The government is likely to decide on allowing trains from these states once the services resume on June 1. However, responding to a question, Madhuswamy said there will be restriction on entry of people by road, air and train from Maharashtra for some time as the recent spike in positive cases in Karnataka was due to returnees from the Western state. Pointing out that the load of cases has increased, particularity among those coming from Maharashtra, he said asymptomatic cases have gone up and it has become inevitable to test all those in quarantine. He said those already in quarantine were also unhappy over passengers arriving fresh being accommodated along with them. "So the plan is that after the current set of people are relieved, we will allow the next set of people from these states, until then we will have restrictions," he said.

Karnataka urges government to reduce flights from 5 states with high COVID-19 cases

Scotching all speculation over the stability of the Maharashtra government,&nbsp;Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that Sharad Pawar met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, but there`s nothing to worry about the stability of the Maha Vikas Aghadi which is firmly in the saddle.

His comments came after coalition partner and Nationalist Congress Party President Pawar held a private 90-minute on Monday evening amid speculations that differences had cropped up among the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Opposition has yet to discover a vaccine for Corona and a dose to bring down the Uddhav Thackeray government But efforts are on," Raut said, indirectly hinting at a potential political crisis. However, in the same breath he warned that "any attempt to destabilize the state could backfirea and advised the Opposition to go into aquarantine`.

Raut dismissed as "wishful thinking" all rumours hovering over the fate of the MVA regime, saying "the government is strong, and there`s no cause for worries".

Amid a Centre-State fracas, hectic politicking started in the state on Monday capped with Pawar and his close confidante Praful Patel, MP getting an invite from Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for high-tea last evening at Raj Bhavan.

Pawar made his first-ever courtesy visit` to greet Koshyari setting tongues wagging, and later he travelled to Bandra to meet Thackeray at his residence `Matoshree`.

Shortly afterwards, senior BJP leader and ex-Chief Minister Narayan Rane called on the Governor and reportedly demanded imposing President`s Rule in the state as the Thackeray government had failed to rein in the pandemic.

Rane voiced the views of Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis who last week complained that the Thackeray government had bungled in handling the Coronavirus situation, and later the Governor called a review meeting on the subject.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scotching all speculation over the stability of the Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that Sharad Pawar met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, but there`s nothing to worry about the stability of the Maha Vikas Aghadi which is firmly in the saddle.

Scotching all speculation over the stability of the Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that Sharad Pawar met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, but there`s nothing to worry about the stability of the Maha Vikas Aghadi which is firmly in the saddle. His comments came after coalition partner and Nationalist Congress Party President Pawar held a private 90-minute on Monday evening amid speculations that differences had cropped up among the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The Opposition has yet to discover a vaccine for Corona and a dose to bring down the Uddhav Thackeray government But efforts are on," Raut said, indirectly hinting at a potential political crisis. However, in the same breath he warned that "any attempt to destabilize the state could backfirea and advised the Opposition to go into aquarantine`. Raut dismissed as "wishful thinking" all rumours hovering over the fate of the MVA regime, saying "the government is strong, and there`s no cause for worries". Amid a Centre-State fracas, hectic politicking started in the state on Monday capped with Pawar and his close confidante Praful Patel, MP getting an invite from Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for high-tea last evening at Raj Bhavan. Pawar made his first-ever courtesy visit` to greet Koshyari setting tongues wagging, and later he travelled to Bandra to meet Thackeray at his residence `Matoshree`. Shortly afterwards, senior BJP leader and ex-Chief Minister Narayan Rane called on the Governor and reportedly demanded imposing President`s Rule in the state as the Thackeray government had failed to rein in the pandemic. Rane voiced the views of Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis who last week complained that the Thackeray government had bungled in handling the Coronavirus situation, and later the Governor called a review meeting on the subject. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra govt firmly in saddle, says Sanjay Raut after Pawar, Uddhav meet

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said he could not say that lockdown will be over on May 31.

"We will have to see how we will go forward. The coming time is crucial as the multiplication of the virus is picking up. I want to assure the medical fraternity that we are with them in all ways," he said.

Thackeray said that he needs more time to prepare for the resumption of domestic air travel.&nbsp;

''Today morning, I spoke to civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri and requested him to give us some time to do preparations (to resume domestic air travel),'' he said.&nbsp;

The fight against COVID19 was going to be tougher now but there is no need to panic as we are prepared with extra health facilities, he said as positive cases crossed 47,000 in the state.

&nbsp;The number of active patients is 33,786 and over 13,000 have recovered in the state.

''Monsoon season is approaching, hence, related ailments will be there too. So, we need to take extra precautions,'' Thackeray added.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said he could not say that lockdown will be over on May 31. "We will have to see how we will go forward. The coming time is crucial as the multiplication of the virus is picking up.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said he could not say that lockdown will be over on May 31. "We will have to see how we will go forward. The coming time is crucial as the multiplication of the virus is picking up. I want to assure the medical fraternity that we are with them in all ways," he said. Thackeray said that he needs more time to prepare for the resumption of domestic air travel. ''Today morning, I spoke to civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri and requested him to give us some time to do preparations (to resume domestic air travel),'' he said. The fight against COVID19 was going to be tougher now but there is no need to panic as we are prepared with extra health facilities, he said as positive cases crossed 47,000 in the state. The number of active patients is 33,786 and over 13,000 have recovered in the state. ''Monsoon season is approaching, hence, related ailments will be there too. So, we need to take extra precautions,'' Thackeray added.

Can't say that lockdown will be over by 31 May, says Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday took oath as a member of the Legislative Council.

At a function held at Vidhan Bhawan in south Mumbai, Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar administered the oath to Thackeray and others who were elected unopposed to the Upper House on May 14.

The nine seats fell vacant on April 24.

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Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray called on Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan today. The Governor congratulated CM on his election as a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. <a href="https://t.co/czrJMcTC1M">pic.twitter.com/czrJMcTC1M</a>
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The 288-member Legislative Assembly was the electoral college for the biennial elections to the nine seats.

With this election, 59-year-old Thackeray, who is also the president of Shiv Sena, makes his debut as a legislator.

He was sworn in as chief minister on November 28 last year and required to become a member of either House of the legislature before May 27. 
Thackeray's son Aaditya is a member of the Legislative Assembly and also a minister in the three-party alliance government led by him.&nbsp;

Thackeray called on Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan after taking oath.

The Governor congratulated CM on his election as a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday took oath as a member of the Legislative Council. At a function held at Vidhan Bhawan in south Mumbai, Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar administered the oath to Thackeray and others who were elected unopposed to the Upper House on May 14.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday took oath as a member of the Legislative Council. At a function held at Vidhan Bhawan in south Mumbai, Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar administered the oath to Thackeray and others who were elected unopposed to the Upper House on May 14. The nine seats fell vacant on April 24. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray called on Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan today. The Governor congratulated CM on his election as a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. pic.twitter.com/czrJMcTC1M — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2020 × The 288-member Legislative Assembly was the electoral college for the biennial elections to the nine seats. With this election, 59-year-old Thackeray, who is also the president of Shiv Sena, makes his debut as a legislator. He was sworn in as chief minister on November 28 last year and required to become a member of either House of the legislature before May 27. Thackeray's son Aaditya is a member of the Legislative Assembly and also a minister in the three-party alliance government led by him. Thackeray called on Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan after taking oath. The Governor congratulated CM on his election as a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray, 8 others take oath as MLCs

Authorities in Maharashtra have released over 7,200 prisoners so far to check overcrowding in jails amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said on Sunday. Around 10,000 more will be released shortly, they said. 
 
In a bid to decongest state jails due to coronavirus outbreak, the state prisons department has so far released over 7,200 prisoners across the state on either temporary bail or parole, an official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-count-in-mumbais-dharavi-crosses-1000-death-toll-stands-at-40-298508">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus count in Mumbai's Dharavi crosses 1,000, death toll stands at 40</a>

Following the Supreme Court directives to states and Union territories to set up a panel to consider the release of prisoners on parole to avoid overcrowding in jails to check the spread of coronavirus, the state government had said that around 11,000 prisoners in Maharashtra, whose sentence period is less than seven years, would be released temporarily.

"The pre-lockdown population in the 60 prisons across the state was over 35,000 and so far we have released over 7,200 inmates temporarily to decongest the jails," an official from the prisons department told PTI.

In all, around 17,000 jail inmates would be released on temporary bail or parole, he said.

A high-powered committee appointed by the state government recently decided to release 50 per cent prisoners from various jails across the states and this figure is around 17,000, he said.

The committee's decision came after over 100 inmates and staff of central Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail tested positive for COVID-19.

The pre-lockdown population of Arthur Road Jail was 2300, of which around 700 prisoners were released, he said. There are 1572 inmates in the jail now, he added.&nbsp;

Authorities in Maharashtra have released over 7,200 prisoners so far to check overcrowding in jails amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said on Sunday. Around 10,000 more will be released shortly, they said.

Authorities in Maharashtra have released over 7,200 prisoners so far to check overcrowding in jails amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said on Sunday. Around 10,000 more will be released shortly, they said. In a bid to decongest state jails due to coronavirus outbreak, the state prisons department has so far released over 7,200 prisoners across the state on either temporary bail or parole, an official said. Also read: Coronavirus count in Mumbai's Dharavi crosses 1,000, death toll stands at 40 Following the Supreme Court directives to states and Union territories to set up a panel to consider the release of prisoners on parole to avoid overcrowding in jails to check the spread of coronavirus, the state government had said that around 11,000 prisoners in Maharashtra, whose sentence period is less than seven years, would be released temporarily. "The pre-lockdown population in the 60 prisons across the state was over 35,000 and so far we have released over 7,200 inmates temporarily to decongest the jails," an official from the prisons department told PTI. In all, around 17,000 jail inmates would be released on temporary bail or parole, he said. A high-powered committee appointed by the state government recently decided to release 50 per cent prisoners from various jails across the states and this figure is around 17,000, he said. The committee's decision came after over 100 inmates and staff of central Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail tested positive for COVID-19. The pre-lockdown population of Arthur Road Jail was 2300, of which around 700 prisoners were released, he said. There are 1572 inmates in the jail now, he added.

COVID-19: Maha releases 7,200 prisoners to curb overcrowding

Its been two weeks since Irrfan Khan died, but the nation is still mourning the loss of such a great actor. Numerous tributes have poured in for the superlative actor and now a village in Maharashtra has decided to name one of its locality after him. 
 
According to reports, the people of Igatpuri village in Maharashtra shared a special bond with Irrfan and have now decided to name an area after him. Irrfan had bought a piece of land there and since then has been helping villagers with development work.

<h4><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vishal-bhardwaj-pens-a-screenplay-for-beautiful-friend-irrfan-khan-297925" hreflang="en">Also read: Vishal Bhardwaj pens a screenplay for 'beautiful friend' Irrfan Khan</a></h4>

The actor had even donated books, raincoats, sweaters and other essential items to the tribal children who lived and studied in the area. He would also celebrate festivals with these families and send them sweets as well. 
 
The news of his demise came as a rude shock to the people of this village with most terming it as a personal loss. They have now decided to rename the locality in which Irrfan's house is situated as&nbsp; Hero-chi-wadi which literally means the locality of a hero. 
 
Irrfan died on April 29 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Its been two weeks since Irrfan Khan died, but the nation is still mourning the loss of such a great actor. Numerous tributes have poured in for the superlative actor and now a village in Maharashtra has decided to name one of its locality after him.

Its been two weeks since Irrfan Khan died, but the nation is still mourning the loss of such a great actor. Numerous tributes have poured in for the superlative actor and now a village in Maharashtra has decided to name one of its locality after him. According to reports, the people of Igatpuri village in Maharashtra shared a special bond with Irrfan and have now decided to name an area after him. Irrfan had bought a piece of land there and since then has been helping villagers with development work. Also read: Vishal Bhardwaj pens a screenplay for 'beautiful friend' Irrfan Khan The actor had even donated books, raincoats, sweaters and other essential items to the tribal children who lived and studied in the area. He would also celebrate festivals with these families and send them sweets as well. The news of his demise came as a rude shock to the people of this village with most terming it as a personal loss. They have now decided to rename the locality in which Irrfan's house is situated as Hero-chi-wadi which literally means the locality of a hero. Irrfan died on April 29 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Village in Maharashtra pays tribute to Irrfan Khan by naming a locality after him

A major fire broke out at a factory in Satanpur area of Nashik on Thursday.

10 fire tenders have rushed to the spot to contain the fire. As of now, no casualties have been reported. Fire department and officials are taking control of the situation, and have started investigations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boiler-blasts-in-tamil-nadu-at-least-seven-people-injured-297258">Also read:&nbsp;Boiler blasts in Tamil Nadu; at least seven people injured</a>

More details in the matter are awaited.

This is the fourth major explosion within 24 hours. Before this two gas leaks in Vizag and Chhattisgarh took place, which was followed by an explosion of a boiler in Tamil Nadu. These incidents have left more than 500 people injured and hospitalised, while more than 10 people have already been reported dead.

A major fire broke out at a factory in Satanpur area of Nashik on Thursday. 10 fire tenders have rushed to the spot to contain the fire. As of now, no casualties have been reported.

A major fire broke out at a factory in Satanpur area of Nashik on Thursday. 10 fire tenders have rushed to the spot to contain the fire. As of now, no casualties have been reported. Fire department and officials are taking control of the situation, and have started investigations. Also read: Boiler blasts in Tamil Nadu; at least seven people injured More details in the matter are awaited. This is the fourth major explosion within 24 hours. Before this two gas leaks in Vizag and Chhattisgarh took place, which was followed by an explosion of a boiler in Tamil Nadu. These incidents have left more than 500 people injured and hospitalised, while more than 10 people have already been reported dead.

Fire broke out in Nashik; 10 fire tenders on the spot

While the nation fights the coronavirus, Karnataka is also fighting a battle against an incoming drought.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his concern over the acute water shortage in few districts of North Karnataka.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-colonel-major-killed-in-kupwara-encounter-296332">Also read:&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir: Colonel, major killed in Kupwara encounter</a>

He wrote a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister&nbsp;Uddhav Thackeray requesting him to release six TMC water from the Maharashtra&nbsp;reservoirs to the the rivers passing through and in Karnataka.

The water shortage has been acute since early March in mainly few districts, namely&nbsp;Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Kalaburagi, Yadagiri and Raichur.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-starts-flypast-from-dal-lake-to-salute-covid-19-workers-transporting-medical-supplies-too-296340">Also read:&nbsp;IAF starts flypast from Dal Lake to salute COVID-19 workers; transporting medical supplies too</a>

"I request you to kindly direct the concerned authorities to release 3 TMC of water from Warna/Koyna reservoirs to Krishna river and 3 TMC of water from Ujjaini reservoir to Bhima river on humanitarian grounds for drinking purpose," Yediyurappa said in his letter.

This is not the first time Karnataka has asked Maharashtra government to help the state in times of drought. In recent past, too, Maharashtra has helped Karnataka by releasing water from its reservoirs for Karnataka, to accomodate the needs of humans as well as livestock of Karnataka.

While the nation fights the coronavirus, Karnataka is also fighting a battle against an incoming drought. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his concern over the acute water shortage in few districts of North Karnataka.

While the nation fights the coronavirus, Karnataka is also fighting a battle against an incoming drought. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his concern over the acute water shortage in few districts of North Karnataka. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Colonel, major killed in Kupwara encounter He wrote a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray requesting him to release six TMC water from the Maharashtra reservoirs to the the rivers passing through and in Karnataka. The water shortage has been acute since early March in mainly few districts, namely Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Kalaburagi, Yadagiri and Raichur. Also read: IAF starts flypast from Dal Lake to salute COVID-19 workers; transporting medical supplies too "I request you to kindly direct the concerned authorities to release 3 TMC of water from Warna/Koyna reservoirs to Krishna river and 3 TMC of water from Ujjaini reservoir to Bhima river on humanitarian grounds for drinking purpose," Yediyurappa said in his letter. This is not the first time Karnataka has asked Maharashtra government to help the state in times of drought. In recent past, too, Maharashtra has helped Karnataka by releasing water from its reservoirs for Karnataka, to accomodate the needs of humans as well as livestock of Karnataka.

BS Yediyurappa urges Maharashtra to help in the drought-like situation

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday led a party delegation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming there was an undeclared emergency in the state and that journalists were being terrorised by the Uddhav Thackeray government.

Fadnavis, leader of the opposition in the Assembly and former chief minister, was accompanied by Pravin Darekar, leader of opposition in the council, senior leaders Ashish Shelar and Vinod Tawde, as well as Mumbai party unit chief Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Fadnavis claimed ABP Majha journalist Rahul Kulkarni was arrested in connection with a migrant mob gathering in Bandra during the lockdown on April 14 because he had exposed a letter given by a state government official to scam-accused DHFL promoters Wadhawans allowing them to travel from Mumbai to Satara during the lockdown.

Since the case was filed in Mumbai, the arrested journalist was made to travel through COVID-19 hotspots from Osamanabad to the metropolis, he alleged. He said a case had also been filed against a Times Now journalist for a new report.

The media can be asked to clarify a negative news report but filing cases and arresting them amounts to terrorising the media, the former CM claimed.

Fadnavis further pointed out that journalist Arnab Goswami was grilled for 12 hours by the police in connection with a news programme he hosted.

Those speaking out against the state government on social media are also being harassed, adding that even distribution of newspapers was being curtailed in the name of a health threat.

The door-to-door delivery of newspapers has been prohibited in containment areas to stop the spread of novel coronavirus.

“We urge you to intervene and seek a response from the state government,” Fadnavis told the governor.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday led a party delegation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming there was an undeclared emergency in the state and that journalists were being terrorised by the Uddhav Thackeray government.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday led a party delegation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari claiming there was an undeclared emergency in the state and that journalists were being terrorised by the Uddhav Thackeray government. Fadnavis, leader of the opposition in the Assembly and former chief minister, was accompanied by Pravin Darekar, leader of opposition in the council, senior leaders Ashish Shelar and Vinod Tawde, as well as Mumbai party unit chief Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Fadnavis claimed ABP Majha journalist Rahul Kulkarni was arrested in connection with a migrant mob gathering in Bandra during the lockdown on April 14 because he had exposed a letter given by a state government official to scam-accused DHFL promoters Wadhawans allowing them to travel from Mumbai to Satara during the lockdown. Since the case was filed in Mumbai, the arrested journalist was made to travel through COVID-19 hotspots from Osamanabad to the metropolis, he alleged. He said a case had also been filed against a Times Now journalist for a new report. The media can be asked to clarify a negative news report but filing cases and arresting them amounts to terrorising the media, the former CM claimed. Fadnavis further pointed out that journalist Arnab Goswami was grilled for 12 hours by the police in connection with a news programme he hosted. Those speaking out against the state government on social media are also being harassed, adding that even distribution of newspapers was being curtailed in the name of a health threat. The door-to-door delivery of newspapers has been prohibited in containment areas to stop the spread of novel coronavirus. “We urge you to intervene and seek a response from the state government,” Fadnavis told the governor.

‘Undeclared emergency in Maharashtra, journalists being terrorised’: Devendra Fadnavis after meeting Governor Koshyari

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

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

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

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

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

Coronavirus Pandemic: Drones being used in Dharavi for surveillance

Shah Rukh Khan's generous donation towards COVID-19 relief work has been lauded across sectors. The superstar has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-news-shah-rukh-khan-pledges-support-to-pm-cares-fund-and-six-other-organisations-to-battle-coronavirus-290262">not only donated to PM CARE fund </a>but also provided PPE kits and provided food and financial assistance to the needy. 
 
Praising SRK's timely donation, Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra, Rajesh Tope thanked the actor on Twitter. "Many thanks, Mr Shah Rukh Khan for your kind contribution of 25,000 PPE kits. This will go a long way in supporting our fight against COVID19 and protecting our frontline medical care team," Tope`s tweet on Monday read. 
 
Responding to this, Khan thanked the Minister for "sourcing the kits" and added that he stood with all the others in this hour of need."Thank you, sir, for all your help to source the kits. We are all together in this endeavor to protect ourselves and humanity. Glad to be of service. May your family and team be safe and healthy," Khan`s response on Twitter read.

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Thank you sir for all your help to source the kits. We are all together in this endeavour to protect ourselves and humanity. Glad to be of service. May your family &amp; team be safe and healthy. <a href="https://t.co/DPAc7ROh7i">https://t.co/DPAc7ROh7i</a>
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk/status/1249768169801039872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Apart from this, a look at the top actor`s Twitter profile reveals that he has been active in reaching out to the authorities and contributing in every way he can to boost the fight against COVID-19 in multiple locations across the country. 
 
Earlier last week, the official Twitter handle of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had thanked him and his wife, Gauri Khan, for offering their "4-storey personal office space to help expand our quarantine capacity equipped with essentials for quarantined children, women and elderly." 
 
Apart from this the IPL-franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner, had also committed to contributing to the PM-CARES Fund and had also donated to Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal Chief Minister`s Relief Fund.

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Shah Rukh Khan's generous donation towards COVID-19 relief work has been lauded across sectors. The superstar has not only donated to PM CARE fund but also provided PPE kits and provided food and financial assistance to the needy.

Shah Rukh Khan's generous donation towards COVID-19 relief work has been lauded across sectors. The superstar has not only donated to PM CARE fund but also provided PPE kits and provided food and financial assistance to the needy. Praising SRK's timely donation, Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra, Rajesh Tope thanked the actor on Twitter. "Many thanks, Mr Shah Rukh Khan for your kind contribution of 25,000 PPE kits. This will go a long way in supporting our fight against COVID19 and protecting our frontline medical care team," Tope`s tweet on Monday read. Responding to this, Khan thanked the Minister for "sourcing the kits" and added that he stood with all the others in this hour of need."Thank you, sir, for all your help to source the kits. We are all together in this endeavor to protect ourselves and humanity. Glad to be of service. May your family and team be safe and healthy," Khan`s response on Twitter read. Thank you sir for all your help to source the kits. We are all together in this endeavour to protect ourselves and humanity. Glad to be of service. May your family & team be safe and healthy. https://t.co/DPAc7ROh7i — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 13, 2020 × Apart from this, a look at the top actor`s Twitter profile reveals that he has been active in reaching out to the authorities and contributing in every way he can to boost the fight against COVID-19 in multiple locations across the country. Earlier last week, the official Twitter handle of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had thanked him and his wife, Gauri Khan, for offering their "4-storey personal office space to help expand our quarantine capacity equipped with essentials for quarantined children, women and elderly." Apart from this the IPL-franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner, had also committed to contributing to the PM-CARES Fund and had also donated to Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal Chief Minister`s Relief Fund.

Shah Rukh Khan donates 25,000 PPE kits, Maharashtra Health Minister thanks the actor for his 'kind contribution'

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday said she will contribute an amount of Rs 25 lakhs to Maharashtra Chief Minister`s relief fund to combat the coronavirus crisis. 
 
The veteran singer has joined the growing list of names from the entertainment industry to support the country in the fight against COVID-19. 
 
Earlier, singer Adnan Sami had on Monday announced his support and contribution to the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund, without disclosing the amount. 
 
Other celebrities who have chipped in support of the fight are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-akshay-kumar-to-hrithik-roshan-indian-celebs-come-forward-to-help-daily-wage-earners-amid-lockdown-289290">Akshay Kumar, Kapil Sharma</a>, Shilpa Shetty, Rajkummar Rao, and Varun Dhawan. Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Sara Ali Khan also recently announced their support to aid the battle against COVID-19. 
 
The country is under a 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed 32 lives and infected at least 1251 people.

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday said she will contribute an amount of Rs 25 lakhs to Maharashtra Chief Minister`s relief fund to combat the coronavirus crisis.

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Tuesday said she will contribute an amount of Rs 25 lakhs to Maharashtra Chief Minister`s relief fund to combat the coronavirus crisis. The veteran singer has joined the growing list of names from the entertainment industry to support the country in the fight against COVID-19. Earlier, singer Adnan Sami had on Monday announced his support and contribution to the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund, without disclosing the amount. Other celebrities who have chipped in support of the fight are Akshay Kumar, Kapil Sharma, Shilpa Shetty, Rajkummar Rao, and Varun Dhawan. Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Sara Ali Khan also recently announced their support to aid the battle against COVID-19. The country is under a 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has claimed 32 lives and infected at least 1251 people.

Lata Mangeshkar donates Rs 25 lakh to Maharashtra CM relief fund to combat COVID-19

Known for her work with UNICEF, Priyanka Chopra pledged support to the organisation to tackle hunger and poverty in times of coronavirus. The actress and her husband Nick Jonas on Tuesday announced that they have donated to several organisations including PM CARES Fund to help fight the outbreak of coronavirus. 
 
Other organisations to which the couple donated include Feeding America, Goonj, Doctors Without Borders, No Kid Hungry and Give India. 
 
The actress also urged fans to contribute even if it is a small amount. 
 
"The world needs our help more than ever. These organizations are doing amazing work by helping those impacted by #Covid19. They are feeding the hungry (including children out of school), supporting doctors and first responders, helping low income and homeless communities, and supporting our colleagues in the entertainment industry," read Priyanka`s post on Twitter.

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These organizations are doing amazing work by helping those impacted by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a>. They are feeding the hungry, supporting doctors and first responders, helping low income and homeless communities, and supporting our colleagues in the entertainment industry. <a href="https://t.co/Za12mrjboG">pic.twitter.com/Za12mrjboG</a>
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankachopra/status/1244839175574056960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Nick and I have already donated to these charities: @unicef, @feedingamerica, @goonj, @doctorswithoutborders, @nokidhungry, @give_india, and @sagaftra, #IAHV, @friends_of_aseema, and #PMCares Fund. Thank you for everything you are doing. "They need your support too, and we would implore you to donate as well. I have linked to each org with a swipe up in my stories...no donation is too small. Together we can help the world beat this.@nickjonas."

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Thank you for everything you are doing. They need your support too, and we would implore you to donate as well. I have linked to each org with a swipe up in my stories...no donation is too small. Together we can help the world beat this. ❤️
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankachopra/status/1244839180129075200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A similar post was also shared by Nick on his social media profiles. According to the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 has affected over seven lakh people globally.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-akshay-kumar-to-hrithik-roshan-indian-celebs-come-forward-to-help-daily-wage-earners-amid-lockdown-289290">From Akshay Kumar to Hrithik Roshan, Indian celebs come forward to help daily wage earners amid lockdown</a> 
 
Priyanka and Nick join a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/initiatives-taken-by-global-icons-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-287487">long list of celebrities</a> who have donated to various charitable organisation amid the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

Known for her work with UNICEF, Priyanka Chopra pledged support to the organisation to tackle hunger and poverty in times of coronavirus. The actress and her husband Nick Jonas on Tuesday announced that they have donated to several organisations including PM CARES Fund to help fight the outbreak of coronavirus.

Known for her work with UNICEF, Priyanka Chopra pledged support to the organisation to tackle hunger and poverty in times of coronavirus. The actress and her husband Nick Jonas on Tuesday announced that they have donated to several organisations including PM CARES Fund to help fight the outbreak of coronavirus. Other organisations to which the couple donated include Feeding America, Goonj, Doctors Without Borders, No Kid Hungry and Give India. The actress also urged fans to contribute even if it is a small amount. "The world needs our help more than ever. These organizations are doing amazing work by helping those impacted by #Covid19. They are feeding the hungry (including children out of school), supporting doctors and first responders, helping low income and homeless communities, and supporting our colleagues in the entertainment industry," read Priyanka`s post on Twitter. These organizations are doing amazing work by helping those impacted by #Covid19. They are feeding the hungry, supporting doctors and first responders, helping low income and homeless communities, and supporting our colleagues in the entertainment industry. pic.twitter.com/Za12mrjboG — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 31, 2020 × "Nick and I have already donated to these charities: @unicef, @feedingamerica, @goonj, @doctorswithoutborders, @nokidhungry, @give_india, and @sagaftra, #IAHV, @friends_of_aseema, and #PMCares Fund. Thank you for everything you are doing. "They need your support too, and we would implore you to donate as well. I have linked to each org with a swipe up in my stories...no donation is too small. Together we can help the world beat this.@nickjonas." Thank you for everything you are doing. They need your support too, and we would implore you to donate as well. I have linked to each org with a swipe up in my stories...no donation is too small. Together we can help the world beat this. ❤️ — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 31, 2020 × A similar post was also shared by Nick on his social media profiles. According to the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 has affected over seven lakh people globally. From Akshay Kumar to Hrithik Roshan, Indian celebs come forward to help daily wage earners amid lockdown Priyanka and Nick join a long list of celebrities who have donated to various charitable organisation amid the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas contribute to PM CARES Fund, UNICEF; urge fans to donate

The Indian state Maharashtra government has announced partial lockdown in certain parts of Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Maharashtra announces partial lockdown

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