The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that high wind speed has helped keep the situation in the city and nearby regions from deteriorating, though the city continues to choke.

New Delhi's air quality touches 'severe' levels

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category.&nbsp;

People of Delhi complained of difficulty in breathing as they went out for exercising on Monday amid the haze. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coronavirus-infections-near-80-million-daily-death-toll-lowest-in-three-months-337941">India: Coronavirus infections near 80 million; daily death toll lowest in three months</a>

"The pollution is becoming hazardous," said Mukul Diwan, a local, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-arrives-in-new-delhi-338002">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi</a>

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 343 at 10 am on Monday, which comes under the category of "very poor".&nbsp;

SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said the direction and speed of the wind are favourable for the transport of the pollutants from farm fires in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions adjacent to Delhi.

For the last few years with the arrival of winter, Delhi and other northern Indian regions witness a sharp drop in air quality majorly due to stubble burning, which is done to do away farm residues.&nbsp;

Also, the cold weather let the pollutants hang in the air due to which air pollution rises.&nbsp;

Delhi is already battling a coronavirus crisis and the pollution can worsen the situation as the deadly virus confronts the respiratory system.&nbsp;

A few weeks ago, a report by a central government institute said that Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases per day in the upcoming winter season.&nbsp;

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category.

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category. People of Delhi complained of difficulty in breathing as they went out for exercising on Monday amid the haze. Also read | India: Coronavirus infections near 80 million; daily death toll lowest in three months "The pollution is becoming hazardous," said Mukul Diwan, a local, as quoted by news agency Reuters. Also read | US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 343 at 10 am on Monday, which comes under the category of "very poor". SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said the direction and speed of the wind are favourable for the transport of the pollutants from farm fires in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions adjacent to Delhi. For the last few years with the arrival of winter, Delhi and other northern Indian regions witness a sharp drop in air quality majorly due to stubble burning, which is done to do away farm residues. Also, the cold weather let the pollutants hang in the air due to which air pollution rises. Delhi is already battling a coronavirus crisis and the pollution can worsen the situation as the deadly virus confronts the respiratory system. A few weeks ago, a report by a central government institute said that Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases per day in the upcoming winter season.

'Very poor' air continues to trouble Delhi residents

India and US will hold their third edition of 2+2 ministerial dialogue on October 27 in New Delhi, India.

Third India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue to be hosted by India on Oct 27

New Delhi Municipal Council on Saturday, removed posters near Chinese embassy that gave wishes of Taiwan's national day. The posters -- bearing the words "Taiwan Happy National Day October 10" -- were issued by Delhi BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga. The posters were removed within hours. The posters were put up on Friday night

The posters were stuck on the sidewalk of Shanti Path close to the embassy of China in Chankyapuri, New Delhi's diplomatic enclave.

"We have removed the posters which were put up close to Chinese embassy," an NDMC official said Saturday.

China does not recognise Taiwan and considers it part of the country.

Earlier, the Chinese embassy here had issued guidelines to the Indian media to not violate New Delhi's ''One-China'' policy during the national day of Taiwan.

"All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honor their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government," the letter dated October 7 said.

"We hope Indian media can stick to Indian government's position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle," it said.

The letter was issued in the wake of advertisements put out by the Taiwan government in a couple of leading newspapers in India ahead of Taiwan's national day on October 10.

India Thursday took oblique potshots over the guidelines, saying there is a "free media" in this country.&nbsp;

New Delhi Municipal Council on Saturday, removed posters near Chinese embassy that gave wishes of Taiwan's national day. The posters -- bearing the words "Taiwan Happy National Day October 10" -- were issued by Delhi BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga.

New Delhi Municipal Council on Saturday, removed posters near Chinese embassy that gave wishes of Taiwan's national day. The posters -- bearing the words "Taiwan Happy National Day October 10" -- were issued by Delhi BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga. The posters were removed within hours. The posters were put up on Friday night The posters were stuck on the sidewalk of Shanti Path close to the embassy of China in Chankyapuri, New Delhi's diplomatic enclave. "We have removed the posters which were put up close to Chinese embassy," an NDMC official said Saturday. China does not recognise Taiwan and considers it part of the country. Earlier, the Chinese embassy here had issued guidelines to the Indian media to not violate New Delhi's ''One-China'' policy during the national day of Taiwan. "All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honor their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government," the letter dated October 7 said. "We hope Indian media can stick to Indian government's position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle," it said. The letter was issued in the wake of advertisements put out by the Taiwan government in a couple of leading newspapers in India ahead of Taiwan's national day on October 10. India Thursday took oblique potshots over the guidelines, saying there is a "free media" in this country.

Taiwan National Day posters come up near Chinese embassy, NDMC removes them

Days after the beginning of intra-Afghan talks in Qatar's Doha, US Special Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is scheduled to visit New Delhi on September 15 (Tuesday).

US Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to meet S Jaishankar

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. 
In a tweet, the 48-year-old AAP leader said he has gone into self-isolation. 
 
"Had got my COVID-19 test done after I had a mild fever. The report has come positive. I have gone into self-isolation. As of now, I have no fever or any other issue. I am fine. By your blessings, I will recover fully and return to work soon",&nbsp;he said in a tweet in Hindi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/delhi-conducting-maximum-covid-19-tests-per-day-per-million-on-earth-cm-kejriwal-327520" hreflang="en">Delhi conducting maximum COVID-19 tests per day per million on earth: CM Kejriwal</a> 
 
Earlier in the day, he did not attend the one-day session of the Delhi Assembly.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. In a tweet, the 48-year-old AAP leader said he has gone into self-isolation.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. In a tweet, the 48-year-old AAP leader said he has gone into self-isolation. "Had got my COVID-19 test done after I had a mild fever. The report has come positive. I have gone into self-isolation. As of now, I have no fever or any other issue. I am fine. By your blessings, I will recover fully and return to work soon", he said in a tweet in Hindi. Also read: Delhi conducting maximum COVID-19 tests per day per million on earth: CM Kejriwal Earlier in the day, he did not attend the one-day session of the Delhi Assembly.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tests positive for coronavirus

The Indian Constitution guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression, but it doesn't allow hurting the sentiment of others.

India is debating how do differentiate between hate speech and free speech which has now has snowballed into a book ban.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-row-over-delhi-riots-must-we-ban-a-book-322858/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The book, Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story&nbsp;was scheduled to release in September, but on August 22, the publisher announced they would no longer publish it.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-convict-serving-sentence-in-jail-dies-of-covid-19-310895">1984 anti-Sikh riots convict serving sentence in jail dies of COVID-19</a>

A Twitter post went viral which claimed that Bloomsbury, which was supposed to publish this book, invited BJP leader Kapil Mishra as a guest of honour.&nbsp;

Mishra is the same leader who delivered his hate speech a day before the riots and his invitation has triggered an outrage on social media, where hashtag 'Boycott Bloomsbury' is doing the rounds.&nbsp;

Later, Bloomsbury withdrew the book.&nbsp;

The question is should this or any other book be banned? The answer is no.

Around 50 books are banned in India, includiing Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses, which was banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1988, branding it as hate speech.&nbsp;

In 2003, the eastern Indian state of West Bengal banned Taslima Nasreen's book called Lajja.&nbsp;

The liberals in India, who regularly criticise the establishment for its alleged intolerance and crackdown on free speech just scored a self goal by forcing Bloomsbury into banning a book.&nbsp;

Those protesting this book should know that the book can always find a way under a different publisher or a new platform.&nbsp;

Recently, a book by Perumal Murugan named as Madhorubhagan was banned. Its ban was challenged in 2016 and was declared illegal by the court.

"The choice to read is always with the reader. If you do not like a book, throw it away. There is no compulsion to read a book," the court, in its judgment said.&nbsp;

"Literary tastes may vary, what is right and acceptable to one may not be so to other. Yet, the right to write is unhindered."

Just because a book is on hate speech doesn't mean it should be banned.

What is more cringe-worthy than Hitler's Mein Kamph.

The book is not just filled with hate, but also is repetitive, illogical and a poor piece of literature.

Still, Mein Kamph is one of the best-selling books of all times.&nbsp;

Its sales continue to rise despite Amazon slapping a ban on many of its editions.&nbsp;

To be honest, banning a book is not even the wisest way to keep it away from readers as nothing evokes curiosity than a banned book.&nbsp;

One can criticise hate speech, but forcing a ban is something altogether different.&nbsp;

And under no circumstances, leadership, or reason, should a book be banned. 
&nbsp;

The Indian Constitution guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression, but it doesn't allow hurting the sentiment of others. India is debating how do differentiate between hate speech and free speech which has now has snowballed into a book ban.

The Indian Constitution guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression, but it doesn't allow hurting the sentiment of others. India is debating how do differentiate between hate speech and free speech which has now has snowballed into a book ban. Watch | The book, Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story was scheduled to release in September, but on August 22, the publisher announced they would no longer publish it. Also read | 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict serving sentence in jail dies of COVID-19 A Twitter post went viral which claimed that Bloomsbury, which was supposed to publish this book, invited BJP leader Kapil Mishra as a guest of honour. Mishra is the same leader who delivered his hate speech a day before the riots and his invitation has triggered an outrage on social media, where hashtag 'Boycott Bloomsbury' is doing the rounds. Later, Bloomsbury withdrew the book. The question is should this or any other book be banned? The answer is no. Around 50 books are banned in India, includiing Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses, which was banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1988, branding it as hate speech. In 2003, the eastern Indian state of West Bengal banned Taslima Nasreen's book called Lajja. The liberals in India, who regularly criticise the establishment for its alleged intolerance and crackdown on free speech just scored a self goal by forcing Bloomsbury into banning a book. Those protesting this book should know that the book can always find a way under a different publisher or a new platform. Recently, a book by Perumal Murugan named as Madhorubhagan was banned. Its ban was challenged in 2016 and was declared illegal by the court. "The choice to read is always with the reader. If you do not like a book, throw it away. There is no compulsion to read a book," the court, in its judgment said. "Literary tastes may vary, what is right and acceptable to one may not be so to other. Yet, the right to write is unhindered." Just because a book is on hate speech doesn't mean it should be banned. What is more cringe-worthy than Hitler's Mein Kamph. The book is not just filled with hate, but also is repetitive, illogical and a poor piece of literature. Still, Mein Kamph is one of the best-selling books of all times. Its sales continue to rise despite Amazon slapping a ban on many of its editions. To be honest, banning a book is not even the wisest way to keep it away from readers as nothing evokes curiosity than a banned book. One can criticise hate speech, but forcing a ban is something altogether different. And under no circumstances, leadership, or reason, should a book be banned.

'Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story' — Why banning a book cannot be justified

The doubling rate of coronavirus infection in the national capital has gone up to over 100 days, the Delhi government said on Thursday as it revealed that 29.1 per cent people who took part in the latest sero-prevalence survey have antibodies against COVID-19.

The national capital recorded 1,215 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1.57 lakh, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 4,257, a health bulletin issued by the Delhi government said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sees-biggest-1-day-spike-of-69652-coronavirus-cases-tally-crosses-28-lakh-mark-321870">India sees biggest 1-day spike of 69,652 Coronavirus cases, tally crosses 28 lakh-mark</a>

Twenty-two fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, the health bulletin said. This is the highest number of deaths since August 7, when the city recorded 23 fatalities, according to the data.

On the sero-survey, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said 15,000 representative samples were taken in the August 1-7 survey from 11 districts, and the next exercise will begin from September 1.

"In the previous survey, it was found that over 22 per cent people had developed antibodies. Now, the August survey shows it is 29.1 per cent," meaning they had got infected and recovered," Jain said.

The minister also said the prevalence of antibodies found in males was 28.3 per cent and 32.2 per cent in females in the latest survey.

The sero-prevalence found in North East district was 29 per cent, South district 27 per cent, South East 33 per cent and New Delhi 24 per cent, Jain said.

"The rise, rather than the exponential rise is not there. So, people are taking safety precautions it seems. But, we cannot afford to be complacent and lower our guard, even though the positivity rate at present is 7 per cent," Jain said.

The findings also mean that 71 per cent still have chances of getting infection, he said. "Also, experts say, herd immunity is said to have been built in the community if 40-50 per cent or more develop anti-bodies, so we have to be still very watchful," he added.

The exercise was undertaken for a comprehensive assessment of the COVID-19 situation in Delhi and to formulate strategies based on its findings.

The previous sero-prevalance survey done from June 27 to July 10 by the Delhi government in association with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), had used 21,387 samples and found that around 23 per cent of the people surveyed had an exposure to the novel coronavirus.

A statement by the Chief Minister's Office said for the month of August, the mortality rate in Delhi is 1.4 percent, while the country has a mortality rate of 1.92 percent. The recovery rate in Delhi is 90.2 per cent as compared to 72.5 per cent for the rest of the country, it added. 
&nbsp;

"The efforts made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to deal with the Covid situation in Delhi are showing successful results. Delhi's position is much better than the rest of the country,"&nbsp;the statement said.

The statement also said there is a large drop in test positive rate between June 18 and August 16. Positivity rate of RT-PCR and rapid tests both have seen a sharp decrease, it added.

"At present, the doubling rate of coronavirus in Delhi has gone up to 101.5 days, as compared to the rest of the country which stands at 28.8 days,"&nbsp;the statement said.&nbsp;

 
On July 1, the doubling rate of coronavirus cases in Delhi was the same as with the rest of India at 20 days, it said.

"Since then, the doubling rate of Delhi has been steadily rising. It was 58 days on July 17, around 90 days on August 1, and has currently increased to 101.5 days. In comparison, for the rest of India, the doubling rate has remained between 20 and 27 days since July 1,"&nbsp;it added.

On the positivity rate, the statement said it has dropped for both RT-PCR tests and Rapid Antigen Tests.

"On June 18, 9,088 RT-PCR tests were conducted of which 2,804 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 30.85 per cent. In comparison, on August 16, 4,106 RT-PCR tests were conducted of which 434 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 10.57 per cent.

"Similarly, on June 18, 3,316 rapid tests were conducted in Delhi of which 247 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 7.42 per cent. In comparison, August 16, 10,882 rapid tests were conducted in Delhi of which 353 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 3.24 per cent,"&nbsp;the statement added.

On an average, the Delhi government roughly conducts 18,000-20,000 tests every day, but a majority of them are rapid tests, which experts say have very low sensitivity.

In a related development, the Delhi government has instructed its Excise department to issue necessary permits to hotels and restaurants to serve liquor.

The hotels and restaurants in the city were closed due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown since March. Even after restaurants were allowed to start functioning during the 'unlock' phase, they were not allowed to serve liquor.

In a note to the excise commissioner of the Delhi government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia directed the department to issue necessary permission to serve liquor in the restaurants and clubs by licensees at tables and in hotel rooms.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday approved opening of hotels and restaurants in the city.&nbsp;

The doubling rate of coronavirus infection in the national capital has gone up to over 100 days, the Delhi government said on Thursday as it revealed that 29.1 per cent people who took part in the latest sero-prevalence survey have antibodies against COVID-19.

The doubling rate of coronavirus infection in the national capital has gone up to over 100 days, the Delhi government said on Thursday as it revealed that 29.1 per cent people who took part in the latest sero-prevalence survey have antibodies against COVID-19. The national capital recorded 1,215 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1.57 lakh, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 4,257, a health bulletin issued by the Delhi government said. Also read | India sees biggest 1-day spike of 69,652 Coronavirus cases, tally crosses 28 lakh-mark Twenty-two fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, the health bulletin said. This is the highest number of deaths since August 7, when the city recorded 23 fatalities, according to the data. On the sero-survey, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said 15,000 representative samples were taken in the August 1-7 survey from 11 districts, and the next exercise will begin from September 1. "In the previous survey, it was found that over 22 per cent people had developed antibodies. Now, the August survey shows it is 29.1 per cent," meaning they had got infected and recovered," Jain said. The minister also said the prevalence of antibodies found in males was 28.3 per cent and 32.2 per cent in females in the latest survey. The sero-prevalence found in North East district was 29 per cent, South district 27 per cent, South East 33 per cent and New Delhi 24 per cent, Jain said. "The rise, rather than the exponential rise is not there. So, people are taking safety precautions it seems. But, we cannot afford to be complacent and lower our guard, even though the positivity rate at present is 7 per cent," Jain said. The findings also mean that 71 per cent still have chances of getting infection, he said. "Also, experts say, herd immunity is said to have been built in the community if 40-50 per cent or more develop anti-bodies, so we have to be still very watchful," he added. The exercise was undertaken for a comprehensive assessment of the COVID-19 situation in Delhi and to formulate strategies based on its findings. The previous sero-prevalance survey done from June 27 to July 10 by the Delhi government in association with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), had used 21,387 samples and found that around 23 per cent of the people surveyed had an exposure to the novel coronavirus. A statement by the Chief Minister's Office said for the month of August, the mortality rate in Delhi is 1.4 percent, while the country has a mortality rate of 1.92 percent. The recovery rate in Delhi is 90.2 per cent as compared to 72.5 per cent for the rest of the country, it added. "The efforts made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to deal with the Covid situation in Delhi are showing successful results. Delhi's position is much better than the rest of the country," the statement said. The statement also said there is a large drop in test positive rate between June 18 and August 16. Positivity rate of RT-PCR and rapid tests both have seen a sharp decrease, it added. "At present, the doubling rate of coronavirus in Delhi has gone up to 101.5 days, as compared to the rest of the country which stands at 28.8 days," the statement said. On July 1, the doubling rate of coronavirus cases in Delhi was the same as with the rest of India at 20 days, it said. "Since then, the doubling rate of Delhi has been steadily rising. It was 58 days on July 17, around 90 days on August 1, and has currently increased to 101.5 days. In comparison, for the rest of India, the doubling rate has remained between 20 and 27 days since July 1," it added. On the positivity rate, the statement said it has dropped for both RT-PCR tests and Rapid Antigen Tests. "On June 18, 9,088 RT-PCR tests were conducted of which 2,804 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 30.85 per cent. In comparison, on August 16, 4,106 RT-PCR tests were conducted of which 434 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 10.57 per cent. "Similarly, on June 18, 3,316 rapid tests were conducted in Delhi of which 247 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 7.42 per cent. In comparison, August 16, 10,882 rapid tests were conducted in Delhi of which 353 positives emerged - a positivity rate of 3.24 per cent," the statement added. On an average, the Delhi government roughly conducts 18,000-20,000 tests every day, but a majority of them are rapid tests, which experts say have very low sensitivity. In a related development, the Delhi government has instructed its Excise department to issue necessary permits to hotels and restaurants to serve liquor. The hotels and restaurants in the city were closed due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown since March. Even after restaurants were allowed to start functioning during the 'unlock' phase, they were not allowed to serve liquor. In a note to the excise commissioner of the Delhi government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia directed the department to issue necessary permission to serve liquor in the restaurants and clubs by licensees at tables and in hotel rooms. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday approved opening of hotels and restaurants in the city.

New sero survey In Delhi reveals 29% people have developed COVID-19 antibodies

Delhi witnessed the heaviest spell of rains this monsoon season on Thursday, which inundated low-lying areas and threw traffic out of gear.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ayanagar weather station recorded 99.2 mm rainfall, the maximum in the city, during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. The Palam and Ridge weather stations gauged 93.6 mm and 84.6 mm precipitation respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-14-killed-57-missing-in-landslide-as-monsoon-rains-pound-kerala-318887#:~:text=At%20least%2014%20people%20were,Friday%2C%20police%20and%20officials%20said.">At least 14 killed, 57 missing in landslide as monsoon rains pound Kerala</a>

The Safdarjung observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded 68 mm rainfall, according to the IMD.

Rainfall recorded below 15 mm is considered light, between 15 and 64.5 mm is moderate and above 64.5 mm is heavy.

Vehicles moved bumper to bumper during the morning rush hours, as the downpour led to heavy waterlogging at key road stretches.

The Delhi Traffic Police reported an incident of a tree being uprooted near the high court, which led to traffic snarls. The Raja Garden and Mayapuri flyovers also witnessed heavy waterlogging.

The incessant rains damaged a drain near the Khaira village T-point on the Dhansa road, where metro construction work is going on, the traffic police said.

The affected 200-metre stretch of the road has been closed for traffic. 
 
Pictures and videos of vehicles and people wading through waist-deep water were widely shared on social media platforms.

The downpour also brought down the rain deficiency in the national capital.

Till Wednesday evening, the Safdarjung observatory had recorded 72 per cent less rainfall than normal in August, the lowest in 10 years, according to the IMD. The shortage reduced to 14 per cent by Thursday morning.

Overall, Delhi has recorded seven per cent more rains than normal in the monsoon season so far.

Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said the city witnessed "continuous rains overnight" and more rainfall is expected during the day.

"The axis of monsoon remains close to Delhi-NCR. Also, there is a cyclonic circulation over southwest Uttar Pradesh. Southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal also fed moisture," he said.

Light rains will continue over the next two to three days, Srivastava said.

Earlier, the IMD had predicted one or two spells of heavy rains between Tuesday and Thursday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi witnessed the heaviest spell of rains this monsoon season on Thursday, which inundated low-lying areas and threw traffic out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ayanagar weather station recorded 99.

Delhi witnessed the heaviest spell of rains this monsoon season on Thursday, which inundated low-lying areas and threw traffic out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ayanagar weather station recorded 99.2 mm rainfall, the maximum in the city, during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. The Palam and Ridge weather stations gauged 93.6 mm and 84.6 mm precipitation respectively. Also read | At least 14 killed, 57 missing in landslide as monsoon rains pound Kerala The Safdarjung observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded 68 mm rainfall, according to the IMD. Rainfall recorded below 15 mm is considered light, between 15 and 64.5 mm is moderate and above 64.5 mm is heavy. Vehicles moved bumper to bumper during the morning rush hours, as the downpour led to heavy waterlogging at key road stretches. The Delhi Traffic Police reported an incident of a tree being uprooted near the high court, which led to traffic snarls. The Raja Garden and Mayapuri flyovers also witnessed heavy waterlogging. The incessant rains damaged a drain near the Khaira village T-point on the Dhansa road, where metro construction work is going on, the traffic police said. The affected 200-metre stretch of the road has been closed for traffic. Pictures and videos of vehicles and people wading through waist-deep water were widely shared on social media platforms. The downpour also brought down the rain deficiency in the national capital. Till Wednesday evening, the Safdarjung observatory had recorded 72 per cent less rainfall than normal in August, the lowest in 10 years, according to the IMD. The shortage reduced to 14 per cent by Thursday morning. Overall, Delhi has recorded seven per cent more rains than normal in the monsoon season so far. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said the city witnessed "continuous rains overnight" and more rainfall is expected during the day. "The axis of monsoon remains close to Delhi-NCR. Also, there is a cyclonic circulation over southwest Uttar Pradesh. Southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal also fed moisture," he said. Light rains will continue over the next two to three days, Srivastava said. Earlier, the IMD had predicted one or two spells of heavy rains between Tuesday and Thursday.

Delhi rains: Heaviest spell this monsoon season so far; capital city grapples with waterlogging woes 

The name of coronavirus is dreadful enough to shake an entire family.&nbsp;

Mukul Garg's family who lives in New Delhi, however, had a far bigger challenge.&nbsp;

"We knew we would all be positive," the 33-year-old said as 17 people in his family contracted the deadly disease, reports The Washington Post.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-headache-vomiting-and-more-added-to-list-of-symptoms-in-india-311077">COVID 19: Headache, vomiting and more added to list of symptoms in India</a>

"We were quite sure that someone would be sacrificed."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tests-in-india-cross-one-crore-mark-as-country-reports-more-than-20000-cases-for-fourth-consecutive-day-311043">COVID-19 tests in India cross one-crore mark as country reports more than 20,000 cases for fourth consecutive day</a>

From a three-month-old child to Mukul's 90-year-old bedridden grandfather, 11 people in the Garg family got infected with COVID-19 in a matter of days.&nbsp;

His 62-year-old father, who is diabetic and high-BP patient and 87-year-old grandmother were also not spared.

Soon, a quarantine note was stuck outside the house as their family became a cluster of coronavirus infections, which made them disconnect with the outside world.&nbsp;

Several people living under same roof could add insult to the injury, but the Garg's being well-off meant that each brother had a separate floor for himself, where they can maintain distance with themselves.&nbsp;

The family took extra precautions to contain the spread and only person at a time was allowed to buy the essentials.&nbsp;

"We were confident that because we had been extremely careful, coronavirus could not happen to us," Mukul's mother, Meena Devi, said.&nbsp;

"But then, one by one, everyone came down with a fever."

Mukul's aunt Anita also got infected with the virus and was admitted to a hospital after her health deteriorated.&nbsp;

"That is when the panic struck hard," Anita's son, Abhishek, said.&nbsp;

Mukul, who is also a trained doctor, along with his younger kin, helped the family members with the treatment, providing them with vitamin supplements, cough syrup, and acetaminophen.&nbsp;

Things started to change when Anita returned home after spending 10 days at the hospital. Neighbours clapped and rang bells to cheer Anita as she entered into the house.&nbsp;

In early June, the family met over dinner after all the infected members tested negative.&nbsp;

"It is not a simple disease to conquer," Mukul added.

"We were just plain lucky."

The name of coronavirus is dreadful enough to shake an entire family. Mukul Garg's family who lives in New Delhi, however, had a far bigger challenge. "We knew we would all be positive," the 33-year-old said as 17 people in his family contracted the deadly disease, reports The Washington Post.

The name of coronavirus is dreadful enough to shake an entire family. Mukul Garg's family who lives in New Delhi, however, had a far bigger challenge. "We knew we would all be positive," the 33-year-old said as 17 people in his family contracted the deadly disease, reports The Washington Post. Also read | COVID 19: Headache, vomiting and more added to list of symptoms in India "We were quite sure that someone would be sacrificed." Also read | COVID-19 tests in India cross one-crore mark as country reports more than 20,000 cases for fourth consecutive day From a three-month-old child to Mukul's 90-year-old bedridden grandfather, 11 people in the Garg family got infected with COVID-19 in a matter of days. His 62-year-old father, who is diabetic and high-BP patient and 87-year-old grandmother were also not spared. Soon, a quarantine note was stuck outside the house as their family became a cluster of coronavirus infections, which made them disconnect with the outside world. Several people living under same roof could add insult to the injury, but the Garg's being well-off meant that each brother had a separate floor for himself, where they can maintain distance with themselves. The family took extra precautions to contain the spread and only person at a time was allowed to buy the essentials. "We were confident that because we had been extremely careful, coronavirus could not happen to us," Mukul's mother, Meena Devi, said. "But then, one by one, everyone came down with a fever." Mukul's aunt Anita also got infected with the virus and was admitted to a hospital after her health deteriorated. "That is when the panic struck hard," Anita's son, Abhishek, said. Mukul, who is also a trained doctor, along with his younger kin, helped the family members with the treatment, providing them with vitamin supplements, cough syrup, and acetaminophen. Things started to change when Anita returned home after spending 10 days at the hospital. Neighbours clapped and rang bells to cheer Anita as she entered into the house. In early June, the family met over dinner after all the infected members tested negative. "It is not a simple disease to conquer," Mukul added. "We were just plain lucky."

How 17 members of a Delhi-based family survived coronavirus

New Delhi's largest coronavirus hospital has set up a video calling service via ipads to help patients connect with family members.&nbsp;

The service initiated by Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) in the national capital is expected to provide a major relief to family members, who were earlier complaining that they are being kept completely clueless about the treatment given to the patient and were unable to meet them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-kejriwal-appeals-to-cured-covid-19-patients-to-donate-plasma-311027">Delhi CM Kejriwal appeals to cured COVID-19 patients to donate plasma</a>

Several family members reached the help centre on Thursday to chat via video calling with their loved ones admitted inside the hospital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/99-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-rajasthan-tally-now-stands-at-20263-311006">99 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan; tally now stands at 20,263</a>

"Feeling a lot better, he said he is feeling better and he is also getting his medicines on time and we are also feeling immensely relieved after talking to him via video call," Shahista, daughter of Chhote Khan, said, reported Reuters.

Khan is admitted to the LNJP hospital for the last five days and was initially diagnosed with Typhoid, but he later complained of difficulty in breathing.&nbsp;

Dr Ritu Saxena, Deputy Medical Superintendent at LNJP, who played an instrumental role in setting up the facility, said their initiative has not only reduced the anxiety of the relatives but was also therapeutic for the patients hospitalised.&nbsp;

"With this psychotherapy the patients are getting relieved, they are getting better and the relatives are also very happy," she said.&nbsp;

Recently, India has become the country with the third-highest coronavirus cases and nearly 100,000 cases are confirmed in Delhi, causing health facilities to overwhelm.&nbsp;

In New Delhi, 99,444 cases have been reported so far, out of which 71,339 have recovered and 3,067 have died, according to the data by the union health ministry. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

New Delhi's largest coronavirus hospital has set up a video calling service via ipads to help patients connect with family members. The service initiated by Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) in the national capital is expected to provide a major relief to family members, who were earlier complaining that they are being kept completely clueless about the treatment given to the patient and were unable to meet them.

New Delhi's largest coronavirus hospital has set up a video calling service via ipads to help patients connect with family members. The service initiated by Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) in the national capital is expected to provide a major relief to family members, who were earlier complaining that they are being kept completely clueless about the treatment given to the patient and were unable to meet them. Also read | Delhi CM Kejriwal appeals to cured COVID-19 patients to donate plasma Several family members reached the help centre on Thursday to chat via video calling with their loved ones admitted inside the hospital. Also read | 99 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan; tally now stands at 20,263 "Feeling a lot better, he said he is feeling better and he is also getting his medicines on time and we are also feeling immensely relieved after talking to him via video call," Shahista, daughter of Chhote Khan, said, reported Reuters. Khan is admitted to the LNJP hospital for the last five days and was initially diagnosed with Typhoid, but he later complained of difficulty in breathing. Dr Ritu Saxena, Deputy Medical Superintendent at LNJP, who played an instrumental role in setting up the facility, said their initiative has not only reduced the anxiety of the relatives but was also therapeutic for the patients hospitalised. "With this psychotherapy the patients are getting relieved, they are getting better and the relatives are also very happy," she said. Recently, India has become the country with the third-highest coronavirus cases and nearly 100,000 cases are confirmed in Delhi, causing health facilities to overwhelm. In New Delhi, 99,444 cases have been reported so far, out of which 71,339 have recovered and 3,067 have died, according to the data by the union health ministry.

Delhi COVID-19 hospital sets up video calling facility for patients' kin

The national capital has been put on high alert by police officials following intelligence inputs about a probable terror attack, a report said on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-records-3000-new-cases-tamil-nadu-cases-near-60000-307521">COVID 19: Delhi records 3,000 new cases, Tamil Nadu cases near 60,000</a>

Intelligence agencies have alerted police on the possibility of four to five people entering Delhi to carry out a terror attack, sources told news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-health-minister-satyendar-jains-condition-deteriorates-put-on-oxygen-support-307073">COVID-19: Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain's condition deteriorates; put on oxygen support</a>

They further said that all the 15 police districts along with elite units of the Crime Branch and the Special Cell have been put on high alert.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/home-ministry-fixes-rate-for-covid-19-treatment-at-private-hospitals-in-delhi-307037" hreflang="en">Home Ministry fixes rate for COVID-19 treatment at private hospitals in Delhi</a>

Special vigil is being kept on Delhi's borders and a close watch is being maintained in market areas and hospitals, the sources added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The national capital has been put on high alert by police officials following intelligence inputs about a probable terror attack, a report said on Sunday. Also read | COVID 19: Delhi records 3,000 new cases, Tamil Nadu cases near 60,000 Intelligence agencies have alerted police on the possibility of four to five people entering Delhi to carry out a terror attack, sources told news agency PTI.

The national capital has been put on high alert by police officials following intelligence inputs about a probable terror attack, a report said on Sunday. Also read | COVID 19: Delhi records 3,000 new cases, Tamil Nadu cases near 60,000 Intelligence agencies have alerted police on the possibility of four to five people entering Delhi to carry out a terror attack, sources told news agency PTI. Also read | COVID-19: Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain's condition deteriorates; put on oxygen support They further said that all the 15 police districts along with elite units of the Crime Branch and the Special Cell have been put on high alert. Also read | Home Ministry fixes rate for COVID-19 treatment at private hospitals in Delhi Special vigil is being kept on Delhi's borders and a close watch is being maintained in market areas and hospitals, the sources added.

Delhi on high alert following intelligence of possible terror attack

Nepal’s upper house on June 18 unanimously cleared a constitutional amendment bill to reflect its new map in the national emblem, a move that is seen to virtually making the boundary row a permanent irritant in relations between Kathmandu and New Delhi. The bill received 57 votes in its support and none against.

WION Dispatch: Nepal’s map Bill gets full support in upper House

Nepal's upper house clears Map bill: Includes Indian regions

Before the coronavirus hit New Delhi, Mohammad Aamir Khan was a taxi driver making a living in the Indian capital. But after work dried up during a nearly three-month lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus, a friend suggested he take on a part-time job at perhaps the only booming business in the country - driving a private ambulance.

"Someone has to do it" - Indian taxi driver gets behind wheel of ambulance amid spiking virus cases

For centuries the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara temple in India's capital city has served free meals to people from all religions, keeping in line with the Sikh tradition of service. Bangla Sahib is the largest of New Delhi's 10 gurdwaras, whose kitchens together form a vital part of the city's strategy to feed the poor during the pandemic.

Sikh gurdwara in Delhi feeds the poor amid virus

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives.

Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the government will assess the situation again after one week. 
According to an order issued by Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the government will review the situation on April 27.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-jump-to-15712-more-than-500-dead-293348">Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead</a>

"Many people are facing difficulties due to ongoing lockdown... We too want to relax the lockdown which is an easy task. But if we give relaxations and if there is a shortage of ICU, ventilators, oxygen in hospitals and people lose their lives, we wouldn't be able to forgive us. Hence, the decision to not relax lockdown was taken today," Kejriwal said.

As the virus has started spreading at a faster pace, containment zones have been increased, he said, but assured the situation is under control. 
 
In Delhi, there are 11 districts which have hotspot areas and relaxation cannot be given there according to central government's revised guidelines.

Kejriwal also said that there have been instances where people who did not show symptoms were found infected by COVID-19. Out of 736 samples collected recently, 186 people were found to be infected by COVID-19 on Saturday and all of them were asymptomatic, he said, adding they didn't even know they have been infected by the virus.

"When we talked to one of them, he said he was engaged in serving food at a government-run food centre set up during the lockdown. I have ordered for rapid testing of all those who had visited this centre. We will also conduct rapid testing of all people engaged in food distribution at government-run centres across the city," the chief minister said.

He has previously said his government has been serving food to around 10 lakh people daily in the national capital. 
On Sunday, Kejriwal said Delhi has 2 per cent of the country's population but 12 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases.

He cited the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin last month and a major inflow of travellers from other countries as the reason for the spread of the virus in Delhi.

"Delhi is fighting a difficult battle these days. Being the national capital of country, there was a major inflow of travellers from other countries. Delhi bore the brunt of maximum travellers from other countries. Delhi also bore the brunt due to an incident in the markaz," he said.

Kejriwal said Delhi has reported 1,893 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths, adding that there are currently 26 people in ICU and six on ventilator support. Of the 43 fatalities, 24 were aged above 60.

"If there had been no lockdown, the situation here would have been similar to Italy and Spain," he said.

The Delhi government has declared 76 areas as containment zones to control the further spread of the highly contagious virus.

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives.

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives. Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the government will assess the situation again after one week. According to an order issued by Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the government will review the situation on April 27. Also read | Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead "Many people are facing difficulties due to ongoing lockdown... We too want to relax the lockdown which is an easy task. But if we give relaxations and if there is a shortage of ICU, ventilators, oxygen in hospitals and people lose their lives, we wouldn't be able to forgive us. Hence, the decision to not relax lockdown was taken today," Kejriwal said. As the virus has started spreading at a faster pace, containment zones have been increased, he said, but assured the situation is under control. In Delhi, there are 11 districts which have hotspot areas and relaxation cannot be given there according to central government's revised guidelines. Kejriwal also said that there have been instances where people who did not show symptoms were found infected by COVID-19. Out of 736 samples collected recently, 186 people were found to be infected by COVID-19 on Saturday and all of them were asymptomatic, he said, adding they didn't even know they have been infected by the virus. "When we talked to one of them, he said he was engaged in serving food at a government-run food centre set up during the lockdown. I have ordered for rapid testing of all those who had visited this centre. We will also conduct rapid testing of all people engaged in food distribution at government-run centres across the city," the chief minister said. He has previously said his government has been serving food to around 10 lakh people daily in the national capital. On Sunday, Kejriwal said Delhi has 2 per cent of the country's population but 12 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases. He cited the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin last month and a major inflow of travellers from other countries as the reason for the spread of the virus in Delhi. "Delhi is fighting a difficult battle these days. Being the national capital of country, there was a major inflow of travellers from other countries. Delhi bore the brunt of maximum travellers from other countries. Delhi also bore the brunt due to an incident in the markaz," he said. Kejriwal said Delhi has reported 1,893 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths, adding that there are currently 26 people in ICU and six on ventilator support. Of the 43 fatalities, 24 were aged above 60. "If there had been no lockdown, the situation here would have been similar to Italy and Spain," he said. The Delhi government has declared 76 areas as containment zones to control the further spread of the highly contagious virus.

Arvind Kejriwal says no to easing coronavirus relaxations in Delhi

The AAP government and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have told the Delhi High Court that there are sufficient measures in place to safeguard victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown in the country.

The submission was made before a bench of justices JR Midha and Jyoti Singh which was hearing via video conferencing an NGO's plea claiming that there was an increasing in number of domestic violence incidents since the nation was put under lockdown and sought an urgent intervention by the court.

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The NGO -- All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS) -- in its plea has sought safeguarding measures for the victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has infected 14,378 people and claimed 480 lives in India.

The Women and Child Development Department, represented by Delhi government's additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose and advocate Urvi Mohan, told the court that sufficient facilities were available to house victims of domestic violence and children in need of care and protection.

The department also said there are 24x7 helplines in place and when a complaint is received, rescue of the victim(s) is carried out immediately.

The DCW, represented by advocate Rajshekhar Rao, told the court that the volume of calls on its helpline - 181 - has gone down after April 1.

However, there was a spike in call volume between March 26 and March 31, but it was largely for seeking clarity in relation to the imposition of the lockdown.

Normally, on an average, the DCW receives around 1500-1800 calls, it told the court.

The submissions were made on notes placed before the bench by the department and the DCW on Friday.

The court, thereafter, listed the matter for further hearing on Saturday afternoon.

The DCW, in its note, has also said that analysis of the calls received on its helpline during the lockdown indicated no rising trend in domestic violence cases.

"On the contrary, the number of cases reported to the helpline has decreased. While no definite conclusion can be drawn, this is probably due to the circumspection on the part of victims in reporting such incidents due to the presence of the perpetrators in the house and the fear of further violence if such attempts to report were made known to the perpetrator," the commission said.

It has also said in its note that the cases of molestation, sexual assault and stalking, etc. have decreased manifold presumably since a large number of these incidents take place outside the domestic setting and by third parties".

"The reported cases of rapes have also decreased by 71 per cent (approx.) again presumably due to the perpetrators being third parties and the location of the attacks being outside the household. Kidnapping cases reported to the helpline has also seen a fall of more than 90 per cent," the commission said in its note.

The NGO, in its plea, has contended that incidents of domestic violence and child abuse have gripped not only India, but countries such as Australia, the UK and the US, and the reports suggest that countries are witnessing a horrific surge in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns.

The plea has claimed that the helpline numbers across the country have received about 92,000 calls based on domestic abuse and violence in the first 11 days of the lockdown alone, and sought to appoint nodal officers to attend such distress calls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The AAP government and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have told the Delhi High Court that there are sufficient measures in place to safeguard victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown in the country.

The AAP government and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have told the Delhi High Court that there are sufficient measures in place to safeguard victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown in the country. The submission was made before a bench of justices JR Midha and Jyoti Singh which was hearing via video conferencing an NGO's plea claiming that there was an increasing in number of domestic violence incidents since the nation was put under lockdown and sought an urgent intervention by the court. Also read | Switzerland mountain lights up Indian flag to express solidarity in fight against coronavirus The NGO -- All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS) -- in its plea has sought safeguarding measures for the victims of domestic violence and child abuse amid the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has infected 14,378 people and claimed 480 lives in India. The Women and Child Development Department, represented by Delhi government's additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose and advocate Urvi Mohan, told the court that sufficient facilities were available to house victims of domestic violence and children in need of care and protection. The department also said there are 24x7 helplines in place and when a complaint is received, rescue of the victim(s) is carried out immediately. The DCW, represented by advocate Rajshekhar Rao, told the court that the volume of calls on its helpline - 181 - has gone down after April 1. However, there was a spike in call volume between March 26 and March 31, but it was largely for seeking clarity in relation to the imposition of the lockdown. Normally, on an average, the DCW receives around 1500-1800 calls, it told the court. The submissions were made on notes placed before the bench by the department and the DCW on Friday. The court, thereafter, listed the matter for further hearing on Saturday afternoon. The DCW, in its note, has also said that analysis of the calls received on its helpline during the lockdown indicated no rising trend in domestic violence cases. "On the contrary, the number of cases reported to the helpline has decreased. While no definite conclusion can be drawn, this is probably due to the circumspection on the part of victims in reporting such incidents due to the presence of the perpetrators in the house and the fear of further violence if such attempts to report were made known to the perpetrator," the commission said. It has also said in its note that the cases of molestation, sexual assault and stalking, etc. have decreased manifold presumably since a large number of these incidents take place outside the domestic setting and by third parties". "The reported cases of rapes have also decreased by 71 per cent (approx.) again presumably due to the perpetrators being third parties and the location of the attacks being outside the household. Kidnapping cases reported to the helpline has also seen a fall of more than 90 per cent," the commission said in its note. The NGO, in its plea, has contended that incidents of domestic violence and child abuse have gripped not only India, but countries such as Australia, the UK and the US, and the reports suggest that countries are witnessing a horrific surge in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns. The plea has claimed that the helpline numbers across the country have received about 92,000 calls based on domestic abuse and violence in the first 11 days of the lockdown alone, and sought to appoint nodal officers to attend such distress calls.

Sufficient measures present to safeguard domestic violence victims during lockdown: AAP govt to HC

The Central government said on Friday 647 new coronavirus cases in the last 48 hours has links with Tablighi Jamaat's members.&nbsp;

In Delhi, 386 tested positive for coronavirus so far, out of which 259 were from Nizamuddin Markaz, where the Tablighi Jamaat's event took place on March 13.&nbsp;

A lot of other states have reported a large number of COVID-19 cases and the rise is mostly due to Tablighi Jamaat's religious congregation where more than 3,000 people participated, including foreign nationals.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/647-confirmed-cases-linked-to-tablighi-jamaat-in-14-states-says-health-ministry-290401">647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry</a>

This religious group is receiving a lot of flak for its irresponsible behaviour and at such a time doctors in the national capital are complaining that the patients of this group are not cooperating.&nbsp;

Some patients evacuated from Nizamuddin Markaz are not following instructions and are reluctant to take medicines, a doctor said.&nbsp;

A senior doctor from Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi also complained of the non-cooperation of patients admitted from Nizamuddin Markaz.&nbsp;

Earlier, in Delhi's neighbouring state Uttar Pradesh, doctors accused Tablighi Jamaat patients of misbehaving with the nurses, passing lewd remarks in Ghaziabad district, following which the state government imposed the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against them.&nbsp;

Now the whole Muslim community should not receive the blamed, but, when the nation is facing such a grave crisis, strict actions must be taken against those who are repeated offenders 
&nbsp;

The Central government said on Friday 647 new coronavirus cases in the last 48 hours has links with Tablighi Jamaat's members. In Delhi, 386 tested positive for coronavirus so far, out of which 259 were from Nizamuddin Markaz, where the Tablighi Jamaat's event took place on March 13.

The Central government said on Friday 647 new coronavirus cases in the last 48 hours has links with Tablighi Jamaat's members. In Delhi, 386 tested positive for coronavirus so far, out of which 259 were from Nizamuddin Markaz, where the Tablighi Jamaat's event took place on March 13. A lot of other states have reported a large number of COVID-19 cases and the rise is mostly due to Tablighi Jamaat's religious congregation where more than 3,000 people participated, including foreign nationals. Also read | 647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry This religious group is receiving a lot of flak for its irresponsible behaviour and at such a time doctors in the national capital are complaining that the patients of this group are not cooperating. Some patients evacuated from Nizamuddin Markaz are not following instructions and are reluctant to take medicines, a doctor said. A senior doctor from Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi also complained of the non-cooperation of patients admitted from Nizamuddin Markaz. Earlier, in Delhi's neighbouring state Uttar Pradesh, doctors accused Tablighi Jamaat patients of misbehaving with the nurses, passing lewd remarks in Ghaziabad district, following which the state government imposed the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against them. Now the whole Muslim community should not receive the blamed, but, when the nation is facing such a grave crisis, strict actions must be taken against those who are repeated offenders

After putting many lives at risk, Tablighi Jamaat members cause new controversy

A 69-year-old woman who was suffering from&nbsp;coronavirus died&nbsp;in Delhi, officials from Delhi government confirmed on Friday.&nbsp;

This is the second coronavirus death from India, a day after Karnataka reported the first fatality.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/81-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-india-17-foreign-nationals-tested-positive-286176">81 coronavirus cases confirmed in India, 17 foreign nationals tested positive</a>

Reportedly, the woman is the mother of a COVID-19 patient and was also suffering from hypertension and diabetes.&nbsp;

WION sources said that infected son of the woman had a travel history to Italy, one of the worst-affected regions outside mainland China.

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Earlier, the Indian health ministry refused to consider the outbreak in India as a "health emergency" and confirmed 81 infected cases in the country.&nbsp;

Addressing a one-day session of the Delhi Assembly, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the COVID-19 is in the "containment stage", and the Centre and state government are working together to deal with the crisis.

"We have closed schools, cinema halls, universities... To contain the spread of coronavirus," Kejriwal said. "We have been taking all precautionary measures and people have been supporting us."

Karnataka CM&nbsp;BS Yediyurappa today ordered the closure of schools, universities, theatres, malls, among others, after a 76-year-old from Kalaburagi became India's first coronavirus fatality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a rising number of cases, the Indian government on Wednesday suspended visas issues to all the countries till March 15, effective from today. However, UN and international organisation officials and diplomats are given relaxation from this move.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A 69-year-old woman who was suffering from coronavirus died in Delhi, officials from Delhi government confirmed on Friday. This is the second coronavirus death from India, a day after Karnataka reported the first fatality.

A 69-year-old woman who was suffering from coronavirus died in Delhi, officials from Delhi government confirmed on Friday. This is the second coronavirus death from India, a day after Karnataka reported the first fatality. Also read: 81 coronavirus cases confirmed in India, 17 foreign nationals tested positive Reportedly, the woman is the mother of a COVID-19 patient and was also suffering from hypertension and diabetes. WION sources said that infected son of the woman had a travel history to Italy, one of the worst-affected regions outside mainland China. Also read: India versus South Africa ODI series called off amid coronavirus pandemic Earlier, the Indian health ministry refused to consider the outbreak in India as a "health emergency" and confirmed 81 infected cases in the country. Addressing a one-day session of the Delhi Assembly, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the COVID-19 is in the "containment stage", and the Centre and state government are working together to deal with the crisis. "We have closed schools, cinema halls, universities... To contain the spread of coronavirus," Kejriwal said. "We have been taking all precautionary measures and people have been supporting us." Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa today ordered the closure of schools, universities, theatres, malls, among others, after a 76-year-old from Kalaburagi became India's first coronavirus fatality. After a rising number of cases, the Indian government on Wednesday suspended visas issues to all the countries till March 15, effective from today. However, UN and international organisation officials and diplomats are given relaxation from this move.

Second coronavirus death in India; 69-year-old dies in Delhi

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ajmal Ahmadi said his country sees India as a strategic partner & plan is to increase trade with New Delhi to the tune of $5 billion.

WION Exclusive: Afghan commerce minister says, 'India is Afghanistan's one of the largest trading partner'

Special flights of the IAF and Air India evacuated foreigners and Indians from coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China and cruise ship in Japan. Union Health Minister Harshwardhan said that we are trying our best to evacuate Indians from Wuhan.

Coronavirus Updates: IAF, Air India carry out Evacuations

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party registered a resounding victory in the Delhi assembly elections 2020 and retained power for a third term by winning 63 seats, hours after counting of votes began on February 11, 2020. AAP bigwigs Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendra Jain, Raghav Chadha, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Amanatulah Khan won etc over their nearest rivals in their respective assembly constituencies.

WION Special Broadcast: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP wins big in Delhi Assembly Elections 2020

The European Parliament will debate 6 resolutions that slam the new citizenship law. Should New Delhi worry? WION's Palki tells you how India should read this move by European Lawmakers.

Gravitas: CAA criticised by European Lawmakers

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