The IT city of Bengaluru got its first integrated war room to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. The state of Karnataka has so far detected 38 cases, most of which are in the capital city Bengaluru. The war room was built by the BBMP in just 24 hours and will bring all relevant departments under one roof to tackle the virus problem in a more streamlined manner. &nbsp;

'This war room is a tool to track the location of the Covid-19 positive patients, monitor those home quarantined and those who have returned from various foreign countries. The war room will also monitor the primary and secondary contacts of all the positive cases' said Anil Kumar, BBMP Commissioner. &nbsp;

The war room will run 24/7 and will serve as a virtual training centre for health professionals and government officials. The technologies in the war room will enable the integration of the health department with police, hospitals, surveillance teams, Asha workers and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Interactive screens in the war room allow for mapping of each Covid-19 case, positive and suspected, using Geographical Information System. Bengaluru-based pro-digital labs that have set up the war room might also set up one nationally.

'Till today we have been tracking patients manually through excel sheets. But going forward if the data builds up we need to be equipped with the right technologies and infrastructure to tackle the situation. At the command centre, we also have GPS tracking system to track the movement of our health workers and service vehicles. We have plans of purchasing disinfection vehicles to spray disinfectants across the city. The movement of each of these vehicles will be monitored from our command centre. This allows transparency in the administration.' said Upendra Kumar, Director, Pro Digital Labs&nbsp;

The system can also draw up containment plans using Heat Mapping Technologies. The home quarantined cases are tracked using GPS and if they are found to be leaving their homes. 'All the zones are mapped. From Jt Commissioners to Asha workers, everyone will be given the information. Those who are home quarantined and attempt to violate it, we can track it when their phones leave the house. We inform the local police and the local health department. That is how we are managing it.' said Upendra Kumar.&nbsp;

Apart from using the GPS mechanism to restrict home quarantined persons, officials are also employing the physical method where neighbours and RWAs are asked to keep a watch on the person(s). The home quarantined patients are stamped and notice is served to ask them to follow the home quarantine rules prescribed by the GOI. The primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases are also being stamped to ensure they stay in-home quarantine.&nbsp;

'Once the stamping has been done, as a follow-up measure, every 2-3 days there will be a phone call which will go from the war room to ascertain whether the person has started developing symptoms like cough, cold, fever, sneezing etc. If he/she has developed symptoms we immediately take them for testing. Secondly, we check if any of their family members are showing symptoms and the same protocol is followed. We will do this 3-4 times over 14 days to keep a track if the suspected cases are turning into positive cases. This monitoring is happening from the war room.' said Anil Kumar. &nbsp;

The war room also provides facilities where doctors and healthcare professionals can be apprised of Covid-19 protocols using video conferencing. Most importantly, the war room will be handling the growingly cumbersome data of contact tracing. 'So if a person has been identified as a positive case, the person is shifted to the isolation hospital. Then a 3km radius around the patient's home will be identified as the containment zone. Another 5km radius beyond that is the buffer zone. All houses in this 8km radius will be visited by our teams from the BBMP and Health dept and awareness given to them about coronavirus and what precautionary measures they have to take. These activities are tracked and initiated from the war room' said the BBMP Commissioner.&nbsp;

A team of 40-50 professionals have been working round the clock to build the war room and develop software applications on a war footing. The war room will soon be used for self-reporting and an application is being developed for the same. 27 cases in BBMP limits, 22,600 persons with a travel history and 3000 persons in the primary and secondary contact list are currently being tracked through the war room. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The IT city of Bengaluru got its first integrated war room to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. The state of Karnataka has so far detected 38 cases, most of which are in the capital city Bengaluru.

The IT city of Bengaluru got its first integrated war room to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. The state of Karnataka has so far detected 38 cases, most of which are in the capital city Bengaluru. The war room was built by the BBMP in just 24 hours and will bring all relevant departments under one roof to tackle the virus problem in a more streamlined manner. 'This war room is a tool to track the location of the Covid-19 positive patients, monitor those home quarantined and those who have returned from various foreign countries. The war room will also monitor the primary and secondary contacts of all the positive cases' said Anil Kumar, BBMP Commissioner. The war room will run 24/7 and will serve as a virtual training centre for health professionals and government officials. The technologies in the war room will enable the integration of the health department with police, hospitals, surveillance teams, Asha workers and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Interactive screens in the war room allow for mapping of each Covid-19 case, positive and suspected, using Geographical Information System. Bengaluru-based pro-digital labs that have set up the war room might also set up one nationally. 'Till today we have been tracking patients manually through excel sheets. But going forward if the data builds up we need to be equipped with the right technologies and infrastructure to tackle the situation. At the command centre, we also have GPS tracking system to track the movement of our health workers and service vehicles. We have plans of purchasing disinfection vehicles to spray disinfectants across the city. The movement of each of these vehicles will be monitored from our command centre. This allows transparency in the administration.' said Upendra Kumar, Director, Pro Digital Labs The system can also draw up containment plans using Heat Mapping Technologies. The home quarantined cases are tracked using GPS and if they are found to be leaving their homes. 'All the zones are mapped. From Jt Commissioners to Asha workers, everyone will be given the information. Those who are home quarantined and attempt to violate it, we can track it when their phones leave the house. We inform the local police and the local health department. That is how we are managing it.' said Upendra Kumar. Apart from using the GPS mechanism to restrict home quarantined persons, officials are also employing the physical method where neighbours and RWAs are asked to keep a watch on the person(s). The home quarantined patients are stamped and notice is served to ask them to follow the home quarantine rules prescribed by the GOI. The primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases are also being stamped to ensure they stay in-home quarantine. 'Once the stamping has been done, as a follow-up measure, every 2-3 days there will be a phone call which will go from the war room to ascertain whether the person has started developing symptoms like cough, cold, fever, sneezing etc. If he/she has developed symptoms we immediately take them for testing. Secondly, we check if any of their family members are showing symptoms and the same protocol is followed. We will do this 3-4 times over 14 days to keep a track if the suspected cases are turning into positive cases. This monitoring is happening from the war room.' said Anil Kumar. The war room also provides facilities where doctors and healthcare professionals can be apprised of Covid-19 protocols using video conferencing. Most importantly, the war room will be handling the growingly cumbersome data of contact tracing. 'So if a person has been identified as a positive case, the person is shifted to the isolation hospital. Then a 3km radius around the patient's home will be identified as the containment zone. Another 5km radius beyond that is the buffer zone. All houses in this 8km radius will be visited by our teams from the BBMP and Health dept and awareness given to them about coronavirus and what precautionary measures they have to take. These activities are tracked and initiated from the war room' said the BBMP Commissioner. A team of 40-50 professionals have been working round the clock to build the war room and develop software applications on a war footing. The war room will soon be used for self-reporting and an application is being developed for the same. 27 cases in BBMP limits, 22,600 persons with a travel history and 3000 persons in the primary and secondary contact list are currently being tracked through the war room.

Bengaluru's war room uses technology to contain covid-19

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison &amp; Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.&nbsp;

The meet will happen from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Arabian Standard Time (AST) and before that on Wednesday G20 Sherpas will meet.&nbsp;

The Sherpa meet that will take place from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, AST. India will be represented by its G20 Sherpa Suresh Prabhu.

Speaking to WION last week, Suresh Prabhu said, "Our honourable Prime Minister has always taken a lead in dealing with global issues.&nbsp;

G20, the grouping, representing 86% of the global GDP is a forum that can play a leadership role. Coronavirus has become one of the most destabilising factors, economically, socially, politically all over the world. A situation like this must have prevailed during the 2nd-second world war, businesses are shutting down, people are apprehensive."

Other G20 member countries have lauded India's role at the grouping regarding the need for a summit via video conference on coronavirus outbreak.

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain asked about the initiative had said, "We expect a lot from India, India is going to be the chair of G20 in 2022. In the run-up to this big year, we expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20."

PM Modi had also called for a SAARC video conference on the crisis which took place earlier this month. New Delhi announced a COVID emergency fund and said its rapid response teams are at the disposal of all SAARC countries.

All SAARC countries, barring Pakistan have announced contribution for SAARC COVID Fund. Total contribution by COVID SAARC Fund by India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives &amp; Bhutan stands at $18.3 million.

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison & Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison & Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud. The meet will happen from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Arabian Standard Time (AST) and before that on Wednesday G20 Sherpas will meet. The Sherpa meet that will take place from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, AST. India will be represented by its G20 Sherpa Suresh Prabhu. Speaking to WION last week, Suresh Prabhu said, "Our honourable Prime Minister has always taken a lead in dealing with global issues. G20, the grouping, representing 86% of the global GDP is a forum that can play a leadership role. Coronavirus has become one of the most destabilising factors, economically, socially, politically all over the world. A situation like this must have prevailed during the 2nd-second world war, businesses are shutting down, people are apprehensive." Other G20 member countries have lauded India's role at the grouping regarding the need for a summit via video conference on coronavirus outbreak. French envoy Emmanuel Lenain asked about the initiative had said, "We expect a lot from India, India is going to be the chair of G20 in 2022. In the run-up to this big year, we expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20." PM Modi had also called for a SAARC video conference on the crisis which took place earlier this month. New Delhi announced a COVID emergency fund and said its rapid response teams are at the disposal of all SAARC countries. All SAARC countries, barring Pakistan have announced contribution for SAARC COVID Fund. Total contribution by COVID SAARC Fund by India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives & Bhutan stands at $18.3 million.

Emergency G20 summit on Covid-19 on Thursday via video conference

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s eight-month detention ended on Tuesday after the administration revoked the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against him.

The National Conference leader, who turned 50 on March 10, has been under detention since August 5, when the Centre announced the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and its bifurcation into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The order revoking the PSA against him was issued by Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra. Abdullah was booked under the stringent act on February 5, hours before his six-month custody under preventive detention was to end.

The government has revoked his detention with immediate effect, the order stated.

Abdullah’s mother was the first to arrive at the makeshift detention centre after news came in that her son was about to be released. He was kept at the state guesthouse Hari Nivas, just a few hundred metres from his official residence.

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Had lunch with my mum &amp; dad for the first time in almost 8 months. I can’t remember a better meal even though I’ve been in a bit of a daze &amp; don’t remember what I ate ☺️ <a href="https://t.co/W4duuhCVjI">pic.twitter.com/W4duuhCVjI</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1242372950692528129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, was also charged under the PSA and released on March 13 after 221 days in detention. PDP leader and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti continues to be under detention.

On February 5, Omar Abdullah, who was junior foreign minister and commerce minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, was served with a three-page dossier that was challenged in the Supreme Court by his sister Sara Abdullah Pilot.

The Supreme Court last week asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to inform by this week if it was releasing him.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah told the counsel appearing for the Centre that Abdullah’s sister’s plea against his detention would be heard on merit if he was not released soon.

The petition, which may now become infructuous, could have come up for hearing on Wednesday or later this week.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s eight-month detention ended on Tuesday after the administration revoked the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against him.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s eight-month detention ended on Tuesday after the administration revoked the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against him. The National Conference leader, who turned 50 on March 10, has been under detention since August 5, when the Centre announced the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and its bifurcation into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The order revoking the PSA against him was issued by Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra. Abdullah was booked under the stringent act on February 5, hours before his six-month custody under preventive detention was to end. The government has revoked his detention with immediate effect, the order stated. Abdullah’s mother was the first to arrive at the makeshift detention centre after news came in that her son was about to be released. He was kept at the state guesthouse Hari Nivas, just a few hundred metres from his official residence. Had lunch with my mum & dad for the first time in almost 8 months. I can’t remember a better meal even though I’ve been in a bit of a daze & don’t remember what I ate ☺️ pic.twitter.com/W4duuhCVjI — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 24, 2020 × His father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, was also charged under the PSA and released on March 13 after 221 days in detention. PDP leader and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti continues to be under detention. On February 5, Omar Abdullah, who was junior foreign minister and commerce minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, was served with a three-page dossier that was challenged in the Supreme Court by his sister Sara Abdullah Pilot. The Supreme Court last week asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to inform by this week if it was releasing him. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah told the counsel appearing for the Centre that Abdullah’s sister’s plea against his detention would be heard on merit if he was not released soon. The petition, which may now become infructuous, could have come up for hearing on Wednesday or later this week.

Omar Abdullah released after 8 months in detention, PSA charges revoked

The government of India on Tuesday has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order.

Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country. As Maharashtra remains the worst-affected in India, section 144 has been imposed in the state from Monday.

The number of positive cases in India jumps to 509 and the death toll stands at 10, the lockdown comes into effect in 32 states and Union Territories in the country.&nbsp;

Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'.&nbsp;

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown.

The Centre has also decided to restrict all domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

The government of India on Tuesday has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order. Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country.

The government of India on Tuesday has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order. Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country. As Maharashtra remains the worst-affected in India, section 144 has been imposed in the state from Monday. The number of positive cases in India jumps to 509 and the death toll stands at 10, the lockdown comes into effect in 32 states and Union Territories in the country. Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown. The Centre has also decided to restrict all domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country. All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

Impose curfew wherever necessary: Centre tells states

The government of India has decided to cover Covid-19 treatment of in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat — the central government’s health insurance scheme for the deprived.

According to the National Health Authority (NHA) all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will be included in the scheme.

According to health ministry data, there are 492 confirmed cases in the country at present; this number has been rising continuously.

Currently, the Ayushman-PMJAY scheme, which does not deal with preventive healthcare cover, offers hospitalisation packages for intensive care units, high-dependency units and normal wards.&nbsp;

There’s no provision for isolation wards under the universal health assurance scheme, which caters to underprivileged citizens with an annual cover of Rs 5 lakh per family.&nbsp;

Since isolation wards, a necessity for patients infected with the virus will be like private wards, the cost, to be borne by PMJAY, will be significantly higher.

Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'.&nbsp;

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally.&nbsp;

The government of India has decided to cover Covid-19 treatment of in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat — the central government’s health insurance scheme for the deprived.

The government of India has decided to cover Covid-19 treatment of in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat — the central government’s health insurance scheme for the deprived. According to the National Health Authority (NHA) all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will be included in the scheme. According to health ministry data, there are 492 confirmed cases in the country at present; this number has been rising continuously. Currently, the Ayushman-PMJAY scheme, which does not deal with preventive healthcare cover, offers hospitalisation packages for intensive care units, high-dependency units and normal wards. There’s no provision for isolation wards under the universal health assurance scheme, which caters to underprivileged citizens with an annual cover of Rs 5 lakh per family. Since isolation wards, a necessity for patients infected with the virus will be like private wards, the cost, to be borne by PMJAY, will be significantly higher. Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally.

Ayushman Bharat to cover coronavirus treatment as number of cases rise in India

The government has decided to restrict domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

"Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 15,303 lives and infected 349,676 people globally.&nbsp;

“Our biggest challenge is how do we break this chain of transmission,” Lav Agarwal, a senior health ministry official, said at a briefing in New Delhi on Sunday.

The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 19 states and 6 Union Territories across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported till March 31.

Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Railways decided to cancel all train services till March 31.

The Railways said that movement of goods trains will continue to ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the government of India has asked state governments to strictly enforce lockdown and take legal action against violators, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The government has decided to restrict domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

The government has decided to restrict domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country. All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights. "Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 15,303 lives and infected 349,676 people globally. “Our biggest challenge is how do we break this chain of transmission,” Lav Agarwal, a senior health ministry official, said at a briefing in New Delhi on Sunday. The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 19 states and 6 Union Territories across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported till March 31. Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Railways decided to cancel all train services till March 31. The Railways said that movement of goods trains will continue to ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country. Meanwhile, the government of India has asked state governments to strictly enforce lockdown and take legal action against violators, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus

The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation.

Although the cross-border human movement is halted till midnight of March 29, the supply of goods from the countries will continue as usual, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada told a press conference on Sunday night.

"The government decided to seal both the southern and the northern borders as entire South Asia and South East Asia are heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There is a greater risk of the disease spreading into Nepal due to cross-border human movement," Khatiwada said.

Nepal, which shares an 1,800-km open border with India, has total 37 motorable land entry points with it, while with China it has four such entry points.

The government's decision to seal the border with India and China came following its decision to suspend all international flights to and from Nepal effective from March 22 to March 31 as a precautionary measure to control the spread of COVID-19.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on Sunday held a discussion with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on closing the border, officials said, adding that the two sides agreed to cooperate with each other to contain the coronavirus spread.

The Nepal government will develop the Armed Police Force (APF) hospital in Kathmandu as a dedicated medical centre for COVID-19 patients, Khatiwada said.

The government will deploy medics from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the paramilitary forces to treat COVID-19 cases, if any, he said.

The government has also decided to set up quarantine facilities at provincial and local levels as a precautionary measure to provide quick treatment to people infected with the deadly virus.

Khatiwada said the government will contribute Rs 500 million to the Coronavirus fund it has created to purchase logistics to be used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in case of an outbreak.

All Cabinet ministers will donate their one-month salary to the fund, he said. Meanwhile, a prominent industrialist and Norvic International Hospital chairman Basanta Kumar Chaudhary has announced to donate NPR 100 million to fund.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation.

The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation. Although the cross-border human movement is halted till midnight of March 29, the supply of goods from the countries will continue as usual, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada told a press conference on Sunday night. "The government decided to seal both the southern and the northern borders as entire South Asia and South East Asia are heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There is a greater risk of the disease spreading into Nepal due to cross-border human movement," Khatiwada said. Nepal, which shares an 1,800-km open border with India, has total 37 motorable land entry points with it, while with China it has four such entry points. The government's decision to seal the border with India and China came following its decision to suspend all international flights to and from Nepal effective from March 22 to March 31 as a precautionary measure to control the spread of COVID-19. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on Sunday held a discussion with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on closing the border, officials said, adding that the two sides agreed to cooperate with each other to contain the coronavirus spread. The Nepal government will develop the Armed Police Force (APF) hospital in Kathmandu as a dedicated medical centre for COVID-19 patients, Khatiwada said. The government will deploy medics from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the paramilitary forces to treat COVID-19 cases, if any, he said. The government has also decided to set up quarantine facilities at provincial and local levels as a precautionary measure to provide quick treatment to people infected with the deadly virus. Khatiwada said the government will contribute Rs 500 million to the Coronavirus fund it has created to purchase logistics to be used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in case of an outbreak. All Cabinet ministers will donate their one-month salary to the fund, he said. Meanwhile, a prominent industrialist and Norvic International Hospital chairman Basanta Kumar Chaudhary has announced to donate NPR 100 million to fund.

Coronavirus outbreak: Nepal seals borders with India, China

NASA said it has suspended work on building and testing the rocket and capsule for its Artemis manned mission to the Moon due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the community.&nbsp;

The space agency is shutting down its Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the Space Launch System rocket is being built, and the nearby Stennis Space Center, administrator Jim Bridenstine said late Thursday.

“The change at Stennis was made due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community around the centre, the number of self-isolation cases within our workforce there, and one confirmed case among our Stennis team,” he said. “NASA will temporarily suspend production and testing of Space Launch System and Orion hardware. The NASA and contractors teams will complete an orderly shutdown that puts all hardware in a safe condition until work can resume.” The Space Launch System is a powerful deep-space rocket to transport astronauts to the Moon and beyond while Orion is the crew module.

The virus outbreak could hit the US plans to return to the Moon by 2024. “We realize there will be impacts to NASA missions, but as our teams work to analyze the full picture and reduce risks we understand that our top priority is the health and safety of the NASA workforce,” Bridenstine said.

A manned return to the Moon is the first part of the Artemis program to set up a long-term colony and test technologies for a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.

NASA said it has suspended work on building and testing the rocket and capsule for its Artemis manned mission to the Moon due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the community.

NASA said it has suspended work on building and testing the rocket and capsule for its Artemis manned mission to the Moon due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the community. The space agency is shutting down its Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the Space Launch System rocket is being built, and the nearby Stennis Space Center, administrator Jim Bridenstine said late Thursday. “The change at Stennis was made due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community around the centre, the number of self-isolation cases within our workforce there, and one confirmed case among our Stennis team,” he said. “NASA will temporarily suspend production and testing of Space Launch System and Orion hardware. The NASA and contractors teams will complete an orderly shutdown that puts all hardware in a safe condition until work can resume.” The Space Launch System is a powerful deep-space rocket to transport astronauts to the Moon and beyond while Orion is the crew module. The virus outbreak could hit the US plans to return to the Moon by 2024. “We realize there will be impacts to NASA missions, but as our teams work to analyze the full picture and reduce risks we understand that our top priority is the health and safety of the NASA workforce,” Bridenstine said. A manned return to the Moon is the first part of the Artemis program to set up a long-term colony and test technologies for a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.

Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket

The Delhi Metro services will be closed on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Janata Curfew" initiative to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-complete-shutdown-in-mumbai-malls-closed-in-delhi-287550">Also read: Complete shutdown in Mumbai, malls closed in Delhi</a> 
 
Yesterday in a video telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi propounded the enforcement of 'Janata Curfew' on March 22 (Sunday) from 7 am to 9 pm -- under which nobody, apart from people involved in duties of emergency and national importance, shall come out of their respective houses.

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In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaCurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaCurfew</a>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1240939400898301954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In his 30-minute-long televised address to the nation, PM Modi pleaded to the countrymen to exercise "restraint" while interacting with others and resolve to fight COVID-19.&nbsp;

The number of coronavirus cases in India is 223 and 23 people have been discharged. India has put over 1,12,000 under community surveillance. 6,700 are begin monitored for close contact.

The number of people who have died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic now exceeds 10,000, according to an AFP tally based on official data at 1030 GMT Friday.

In total, 10,080 deaths have been reported, most of them in Europe (4,932) and Asia (3,431). Italy is the worst affected country with 3,405 fatalities, followed by China with 3,248, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, and Iran with 1,433.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi Metro services will be closed on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Janata Curfew" initiative to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in India.

The Delhi Metro services will be closed on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Janata Curfew" initiative to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in India. Also read: Complete shutdown in Mumbai, malls closed in Delhi Yesterday in a video telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi propounded the enforcement of 'Janata Curfew' on March 22 (Sunday) from 7 am to 9 pm -- under which nobody, apart from people involved in duties of emergency and national importance, shall come out of their respective houses. In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19. #JantaCurfew — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 20, 2020 × In his 30-minute-long televised address to the nation, PM Modi pleaded to the countrymen to exercise "restraint" while interacting with others and resolve to fight COVID-19. The number of coronavirus cases in India is 223 and 23 people have been discharged. India has put over 1,12,000 under community surveillance. 6,700 are begin monitored for close contact. The number of people who have died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic now exceeds 10,000, according to an AFP tally based on official data at 1030 GMT Friday. In total, 10,080 deaths have been reported, most of them in Europe (4,932) and Asia (3,431). Italy is the worst affected country with 3,405 fatalities, followed by China with 3,248, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, and Iran with 1,433. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call

Italy passed a grim milestone on Thursday when it overtook China as the country with most reported deaths from the new coronavirus sweeping the planet.

The world has stepped up its war to try to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19, with several countries imposing lockdowns that are keeping tens of millions of people trapped in their homes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-london-tube-stations-shut-down-amid-covid-19-outbreak-287349">Also read: Dozens of London tube stations shut down amid COVID-19 outbreak</a> 
 
But the death toll has soared in Europe even as China saw a glimmer of hope with zero new domestic cases reported for the first time.

Italy announced another 427 fatalities on Thursday, taking its total to 3,405, according to an AFP tally. China, where the outbreak first emerged in December last year, has officially reported 3,245 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-spain-virus-death-toll-soars-nearly-30-per-cent-to-767-287409">Also read: China reports no new local coronavirus transmissions for first time</a>

Globally, the death toll from the virus -- whose main symptoms are a dry cough and fever -- has risen to over 9,000.

Countries have tightened border controls and unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the teetering world economy, only to see the once-in-a-century pandemic seemingly spiral further out of control.

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China listed no new domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak first erupted in the central city of Wuhan in December, before spreading worldwide.

It appeared to have staunched the virus with strict measures including a complete quarantine of Wuhan since January, meaning the number of infections and deaths in the rest of the world have surpassed those in China.

But there were fears that Asia faces a second wave of cases imported from abroad, with 34 new cases reported in China, the highest figure for two weeks.

'Paying a big price'

US President Donald Trump, who has come under fire for his response to the crisis, charged Thursday that the world was paying for China's lack of transparency on the outbreak of the new coronavirus there several months ago.

"It could have been contained to that one area of China where it started. And certainly, the world is paying a big price for what they did," he said.

As the toll surged in his country, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the national lockdown, which has been copied around Europe, would be prolonged to April 3, shattering hopes of a quick end to the crisis.&nbsp;

"We will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before," he said.

France also mooted extending the two-week lockdown ordered this week by President Emmanuel Macron, as the interior minister blasted "idiots" who flout home confinement rules and put others at risk.

The disease continued to hit high-profile figures with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Monaco's Prince Albert II among those testing positive.

Bank bazooka

With countries paralysed by the pandemic and stock markets imploding, policymakers this week unleashed a wave of measures to shore up the global economy.

The European Central Bank late Wednesday announced a 750-billion-euro bond-buying scheme, dubbed the "big bazooka".

"Extraordinary times require extraordinary action. There are no limits to our commitment to the euro," ECB chief Christine Lagarde said.

In the United States, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is urging Congress to pass a $1-trillion emergency stimulus package immediately, with many economists saying the US is now in deep recession.

Trump has said he views himself as a "wartime president", even as his administration faced growing criticism over a lack of testing for coronavirus and for the speed of its response.

The US has so far shied away from the sweeping restrictions used in China and many European countries, although the streets of many of its major cities have emptied as local curbs come into effect.

European and US stocks staged a rebound on the stimulus news, although Asian markets took another beating.

But the sense of impending doom continues to cast a pall over the world economy with airlines, carmakers and others all warning of bleak times ahead.

'Enemy against humanity'

The battle is only just beginning across the rest of the world, with the shadow of the virus lengthening across Africa.

The Nigerian megacity of Lagos announced it would shut its schools while Burkina Faso confirmed the first death in sub-Saharan Africa.

Russia reported its first death and even the Pacific nation of Fiji said it had its first case.

The UN warned that as nations bring in shutdowns and travel bans, some three billion people lack even the most basic weapons to protect themselves from the virus: soap and running water.

World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to "come together as one against a common enemy: an enemy against humanity".

Countries are taking increasingly drastic steps to stem infections, with Australia and New Zealand banning non-residents from arriving, and India imposing a one-day nationwide curfew.

Britain closed dozens of London Underground stations and shut down schools, although the government denied reports it was about to lock down the capital.

'Like a psychosis'

While the EU has closed its borders to outsiders, in many countries bars, restaurants and most shops have closed their doors until further notice, bringing life in Europe's normally bustling cities to a halt.&nbsp;

The virus also continues to hit sports and cultural events, with Greece handing over the Olympic flame to Tokyo 2020 organisers at a ceremony held behind closed doors amid calls for the games to be postponed.

English football also extended its shutdown until at least April 30. Interpol warned that criminals around the world were cashing in on the pandemic by offering fake or sub-standard medical products like surgical masks.

Countries are also working to combat hoarding.As others stockpiled toilet paper and pasta, the French are thronging bakeries for their famed baguettes.

"We've seen people come in who want to buy 50 baguettes at a time," said Matthieu Labbe of France's Federation of Bakeries. "There's something like psychosis in some people,".

Italy passed a grim milestone on Thursday when it overtook China as the country with most reported deaths from the new coronavirus sweeping the planet. The world has stepped up its war to try to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19, with several countries imposing lockdowns that are keeping tens of millions of people trapped in their homes.

Italy passed a grim milestone on Thursday when it overtook China as the country with most reported deaths from the new coronavirus sweeping the planet. The world has stepped up its war to try to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19, with several countries imposing lockdowns that are keeping tens of millions of people trapped in their homes. Also read: Dozens of London tube stations shut down amid COVID-19 outbreak But the death toll has soared in Europe even as China saw a glimmer of hope with zero new domestic cases reported for the first time. Italy announced another 427 fatalities on Thursday, taking its total to 3,405, according to an AFP tally. China, where the outbreak first emerged in December last year, has officially reported 3,245 deaths. Also read: China reports no new local coronavirus transmissions for first time Globally, the death toll from the virus -- whose main symptoms are a dry cough and fever -- has risen to over 9,000. Countries have tightened border controls and unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the teetering world economy, only to see the once-in-a-century pandemic seemingly spiral further out of control. China listed no new domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak first erupted in the central city of Wuhan in December, before spreading worldwide. It appeared to have staunched the virus with strict measures including a complete quarantine of Wuhan since January, meaning the number of infections and deaths in the rest of the world have surpassed those in China. But there were fears that Asia faces a second wave of cases imported from abroad, with 34 new cases reported in China, the highest figure for two weeks. 'Paying a big price' US President Donald Trump, who has come under fire for his response to the crisis, charged Thursday that the world was paying for China's lack of transparency on the outbreak of the new coronavirus there several months ago. "It could have been contained to that one area of China where it started. And certainly, the world is paying a big price for what they did," he said. As the toll surged in his country, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the national lockdown, which has been copied around Europe, would be prolonged to April 3, shattering hopes of a quick end to the crisis. "We will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before," he said. France also mooted extending the two-week lockdown ordered this week by President Emmanuel Macron, as the interior minister blasted "idiots" who flout home confinement rules and put others at risk. The disease continued to hit high-profile figures with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Monaco's Prince Albert II among those testing positive. Bank bazooka With countries paralysed by the pandemic and stock markets imploding, policymakers this week unleashed a wave of measures to shore up the global economy. The European Central Bank late Wednesday announced a 750-billion-euro bond-buying scheme, dubbed the "big bazooka". "Extraordinary times require extraordinary action. There are no limits to our commitment to the euro," ECB chief Christine Lagarde said. In the United States, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is urging Congress to pass a $1-trillion emergency stimulus package immediately, with many economists saying the US is now in deep recession. Trump has said he views himself as a "wartime president", even as his administration faced growing criticism over a lack of testing for coronavirus and for the speed of its response. The US has so far shied away from the sweeping restrictions used in China and many European countries, although the streets of many of its major cities have emptied as local curbs come into effect. European and US stocks staged a rebound on the stimulus news, although Asian markets took another beating. But the sense of impending doom continues to cast a pall over the world economy with airlines, carmakers and others all warning of bleak times ahead. 'Enemy against humanity' The battle is only just beginning across the rest of the world, with the shadow of the virus lengthening across Africa. The Nigerian megacity of Lagos announced it would shut its schools while Burkina Faso confirmed the first death in sub-Saharan Africa. Russia reported its first death and even the Pacific nation of Fiji said it had its first case. The UN warned that as nations bring in shutdowns and travel bans, some three billion people lack even the most basic weapons to protect themselves from the virus: soap and running water. World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to "come together as one against a common enemy: an enemy against humanity". Countries are taking increasingly drastic steps to stem infections, with Australia and New Zealand banning non-residents from arriving, and India imposing a one-day nationwide curfew. Britain closed dozens of London Underground stations and shut down schools, although the government denied reports it was about to lock down the capital. 'Like a psychosis' While the EU has closed its borders to outsiders, in many countries bars, restaurants and most shops have closed their doors until further notice, bringing life in Europe's normally bustling cities to a halt. The virus also continues to hit sports and cultural events, with Greece handing over the Olympic flame to Tokyo 2020 organisers at a ceremony held behind closed doors amid calls for the games to be postponed. English football also extended its shutdown until at least April 30. Interpol warned that criminals around the world were cashing in on the pandemic by offering fake or sub-standard medical products like surgical masks. Countries are also working to combat hoarding.As others stockpiled toilet paper and pasta, the French are thronging bakeries for their famed baguettes. "We've seen people come in who want to buy 50 baguettes at a time," said Matthieu Labbe of France's Federation of Bakeries. "There's something like psychosis in some people,".

Coronavirus: Italy death toll reaches 3,405, overtaking China

For Pakistan Coronavirus pandemic is an excuse to beg for money

We are living amid a pandemic. Citizens are looking up to their respective governments for direction. But there is one country Pakistan that is not interpreting this virus as an existential threat for its people. It sees this as a tool to shift responsibility and make money out of this crisis.

At a time when world leaders are looking at ways to contain the spread of coronavirus. Imran Khan wants Pakistan's debt written off — and his ploy is working.

The Pakistan government has managed to secure millions in relief aid from the world bank. But nothing in Imran Khan's record can lead us to believe — that he will use this money to protect his citizens.

Imran khan could have done a lot. His government could have rescued stranded students from Wuhan. They could have taken aggressive measures to slow the outbreak.

The Pakistan health ministry could have tested and quarantined thousands of pilgrims arriving from Iran to Taftan in Balochistan.

But Imran Khan did none of these things, Instead — he used the virus as an excuse to beg the world for money.

This even as he continues to fund ventures for self-promotion. His government is spending 42 million Pakistan rupees on defending itself on the internet.

Now, Pakistan was offered help — India reached out as we have reported in the past.India asked Pakistan to be a part of the SAARC video conference on Covid-19.

The Indian govt wanted to put issues on the back-burner and help its neighbours in times of crisis.But Pakistan wasted the chance, this was a humanitarian platform. Pakistan chose to politicise it.

It decided to push the Kashmir agenda — that too on the shoulders of a scam-accused health advisor. Zafar Mirza, this man is leading the country's coronavirus battle.

How you may ask?

By smuggling masks out of Pakistan — the country's federal investigative agency has named Zafar Mirza in its chargesheet. 20 million masks were smuggled out of Pakistan. Thanks to him — right now — a box of ordinary surgical masks are being sold for more than 4,000 Pakistani rupees.

This crisis like many in Pakistan is of its own making. Its citizens are panicking at super-markets and stores to find masks. The number of coronavirus cases has risen 335 there. But confronted with the reality — Imran Khan is trying to evade all blame.

He is using the only political trick he knows — tell the world how powerless he is and how vulnerable Pakistan is. The Pakistan PM wanted a loan waiver — he has now got 588 million dollars for Pakistan's so-called emergency response to Covid-19.

The Asian development bank and the world bank have committed to providing this money to his government. Once again — the fact that Pakistan has constantly used many such financial doles to fund terror has been conveniently ignored.

Ever since his election — Mr Khan has managed to winkle out bail packages from world leaders. And at the same time, a conducive environment for terror has flourished in Pakistan.

Even this year — the country was on the FATF grey-list for inaction on state-sponsored terror. The coronavirus may be a pandemic for the world. For Pakistan — it's an opportunity to exploit the chaos.

For Pakistan Coronavirus pandemic is an excuse to beg for money We are living amid a pandemic. Citizens are looking up to their respective governments for direction.

For Pakistan Coronavirus pandemic is an excuse to beg for money We are living amid a pandemic. Citizens are looking up to their respective governments for direction. But there is one country Pakistan that is not interpreting this virus as an existential threat for its people. It sees this as a tool to shift responsibility and make money out of this crisis. At a time when world leaders are looking at ways to contain the spread of coronavirus. Imran Khan wants Pakistan's debt written off — and his ploy is working. The Pakistan government has managed to secure millions in relief aid from the world bank. But nothing in Imran Khan's record can lead us to believe — that he will use this money to protect his citizens. Imran khan could have done a lot. His government could have rescued stranded students from Wuhan. They could have taken aggressive measures to slow the outbreak. The Pakistan health ministry could have tested and quarantined thousands of pilgrims arriving from Iran to Taftan in Balochistan. But Imran Khan did none of these things, Instead — he used the virus as an excuse to beg the world for money. This even as he continues to fund ventures for self-promotion. His government is spending 42 million Pakistan rupees on defending itself on the internet. Now, Pakistan was offered help — India reached out as we have reported in the past.India asked Pakistan to be a part of the SAARC video conference on Covid-19. The Indian govt wanted to put issues on the back-burner and help its neighbours in times of crisis.But Pakistan wasted the chance, this was a humanitarian platform. Pakistan chose to politicise it. It decided to push the Kashmir agenda — that too on the shoulders of a scam-accused health advisor. Zafar Mirza, this man is leading the country's coronavirus battle. How you may ask? By smuggling masks out of Pakistan — the country's federal investigative agency has named Zafar Mirza in its chargesheet. 20 million masks were smuggled out of Pakistan. Thanks to him — right now — a box of ordinary surgical masks are being sold for more than 4,000 Pakistani rupees. This crisis like many in Pakistan is of its own making. Its citizens are panicking at super-markets and stores to find masks. The number of coronavirus cases has risen 335 there. But confronted with the reality — Imran Khan is trying to evade all blame. He is using the only political trick he knows — tell the world how powerless he is and how vulnerable Pakistan is. The Pakistan PM wanted a loan waiver — he has now got 588 million dollars for Pakistan's so-called emergency response to Covid-19. The Asian development bank and the world bank have committed to providing this money to his government. Once again — the fact that Pakistan has constantly used many such financial doles to fund terror has been conveniently ignored. Ever since his election — Mr Khan has managed to winkle out bail packages from world leaders. And at the same time, a conducive environment for terror has flourished in Pakistan. Even this year — the country was on the FATF grey-list for inaction on state-sponsored terror. The coronavirus may be a pandemic for the world. For Pakistan — it's an opportunity to exploit the chaos.

For Pakistan, Coronavirus pandemic is an excuse to beg for money

India has received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for its rapid response team, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the disposal of SAARC countries. PM Modi had made the announcement on Sunday during the video conference with SAARC leaders for the joint strategy to deal with Corona Virus Crisis.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh in response to a question at the special presser on coronavirus crisis said, "A crisis of this magnitude does not recognize borders. It requires a coordinated response on a regional and global level. It was in this spirit that Prime Minister took the initiative of getting all the SAARC countries to cooperate closely to combat the pandemic."

Adding, "Initiative has been appreciated by several countries, including the SAARC member States. We are moving very fast on these announcements."

PM Modi had also announced the establishment of a SAARC Emergency Response Fund for COVID-19, with the initial US $ 10 million contributions from India which is up and running.&nbsp;

India has also got requests from SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, gloves, disinfectants and other items and the quantum of requests received is already above 1 million Dollar. India has already sent supplies to Bhutan and Maldives.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir said, "India is the only country which has come to the concrete assistance of Maldives. We have provided 5.5 ton of essential medicines which will suffice for three months. We have also provided a rapid response medical team which is working right now in the Maldives. We are committed, and will always stand by the side of Maldives. "

India had evacuated 9 Maldivians from Wuhan, which was the epicentre of the crisis in January. Other than Maldivians, India got back 23 Bangladeshis, 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali also from Wuhan.

Another SAARC video conference is also scheduled for 26th March among the Health Professionals of all the SAARC. During the conference, the best practices being followed by health professionals of the respective countries will be discussed.

India has received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for its rapid response team, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the disposal of SAARC countries.

India has received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for its rapid response team, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the disposal of SAARC countries. PM Modi had made the announcement on Sunday during the video conference with SAARC leaders for the joint strategy to deal with Corona Virus Crisis. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh in response to a question at the special presser on coronavirus crisis said, "A crisis of this magnitude does not recognize borders. It requires a coordinated response on a regional and global level. It was in this spirit that Prime Minister took the initiative of getting all the SAARC countries to cooperate closely to combat the pandemic." Adding, "Initiative has been appreciated by several countries, including the SAARC member States. We are moving very fast on these announcements." PM Modi had also announced the establishment of a SAARC Emergency Response Fund for COVID-19, with the initial US $ 10 million contributions from India which is up and running. India has also got requests from SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, gloves, disinfectants and other items and the quantum of requests received is already above 1 million Dollar. India has already sent supplies to Bhutan and Maldives. Speaking to WION, Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir said, "India is the only country which has come to the concrete assistance of Maldives. We have provided 5.5 ton of essential medicines which will suffice for three months. We have also provided a rapid response medical team which is working right now in the Maldives. We are committed, and will always stand by the side of Maldives. " India had evacuated 9 Maldivians from Wuhan, which was the epicentre of the crisis in January. Other than Maldivians, India got back 23 Bangladeshis, 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali also from Wuhan. Another SAARC video conference is also scheduled for 26th March among the Health Professionals of all the SAARC. During the conference, the best practices being followed by health professionals of the respective countries will be discussed.

SAARC conference on coronavirus: Maldives, Nepal request for India's rapid response teams

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation on the coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 2,00,000 people and killed more than 9000 across the world.&nbsp;

This pandemic has forced countries to close down borders and implement stringent steps to curb its spread.&nbsp;

Here are the highlights from the speech:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>On March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow 'Janta Curfew'.</li>
	<li>This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world.</li>
	<li>I ask local administration to clap and ring bells at 5 pm on March 22 as a form of gratitude to the workers who are fighting the coronavirus.</li>
	<li>All those above 60-65, please don’t venture out of the house for the next couple of weeks.</li>
	<li>If you think you are well and can roam around in markets without getting affected, then you are doing injustice not only to yourself but others around you. Hence, I urge all Indians to step out of their house only if necessary.</li>
	<li>I request people to avoid going to hospitals for a routine check-up to ease pressure on the medical staff.</li>
	<li>Keeping in mind economic challenges arising out of coronavirus, govt has decided to form COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force.</li>
	<li>Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential.</li>
	<li>Do not to believe rumours and hoard eatables as the government of India is ensuring that there should not be any shortage of eatables in the country.</li>
</ul>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation on the coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 2,00,000 people and killed more than 9000 across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation on the coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 2,00,000 people and killed more than 9000 across the world. This pandemic has forced countries to close down borders and implement stringent steps to curb its spread. Here are the highlights from the speech: On March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow 'Janta Curfew'. This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world. I ask local administration to clap and ring bells at 5 pm on March 22 as a form of gratitude to the workers who are fighting the coronavirus. All those above 60-65, please don’t venture out of the house for the next couple of weeks. If you think you are well and can roam around in markets without getting affected, then you are doing injustice not only to yourself but others around you. Hence, I urge all Indians to step out of their house only if necessary. I request people to avoid going to hospitals for a routine check-up to ease pressure on the medical staff. Keeping in mind economic challenges arising out of coronavirus, govt has decided to form COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force. Restrain is compulsory to protect ourselves and remain healthy. I request that for the coming weeks people should go out of their homes only if essential. Do not to believe rumours and hoard eatables as the government of India is ensuring that there should not be any shortage of eatables in the country.

Highlights of PM Modi's address to Nation on coronavirus

With several states going on partial lockdown as a part of precautionary measures against the Coronavirus, isolated incidents of racism are on the rise against people from the North-Eastern states of India. Given the large number of people from the North East who are settled in many other states and cities of the country, such cases of racial discrimination are a cause for concern. The community hopes that an advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to all the states would be very helpful in allaying their fears and creating more awareness.

Two incidents of racism in Chennai have come to the notice of the North East community after Monday when the State government decided to shut the malls, cinema halls, and educational institutions across the state of Tamil Nadu. The shut down until March 31st means that students would be out of their hostels and those working in the informal sector would be out of work and in some cases looking to return home.&nbsp;

“We have come across incidents where men and women from our community have been shouted at in public places. Some miscreants and ill-informed people look at us and scream Corona! Our features may be similar to those in the Eastern part of the world, but our fellow Indians should know that we have different types of people in this country. Such discriminatory remarks shouldn’t be happening and we Indians should be united as this is a global crisis. Such incidents are very unfortunate given that there are over 10,000 people from the North East who are in Chennai. They are engaged in academic pursuits, professional careers, and they also work in the malls, restaurants and other informal sectors” Wapang Toshi, President, North East India Welfare Association Chennai, told WION.&nbsp;

The availability of fewer flights, trains coupled with the higher ticket prices and apprehensions about travel has resulted in many people worried about their continued stay in the city.

“We are Expecting situation to come down and seriously hope and pray that it doesn’t go from bad to worse. We have requested an appointment with the Home Secretary in Tamil Nadu to personally apprise him of the situation. Also, the tweet by Minister Kiren Rijjiju has also come as a great relief for us. We are highly anticipating the advisory in this regard from the Ministry of Home Affairs”, Toshi added.&nbsp;

Responding to the instances of hate and racial remarks against the Northeast people, Minister for State for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju had tweeted on Wednesday, “Some incidents of racial remarks against North-East people have emerged in some parts of India in the wake of #Coronavirus due to cultural ignorance, prejudice mindset &amp; lack of understanding. The matter discussed with NE Division, MHA. The strict advisory is being issued to the States.”

With several states going on partial lockdown as a part of precautionary measures against the Coronavirus, isolated incidents of racism are on the rise against people from the North-Eastern states of India.

With several states going on partial lockdown as a part of precautionary measures against the Coronavirus, isolated incidents of racism are on the rise against people from the North-Eastern states of India. Given the large number of people from the North East who are settled in many other states and cities of the country, such cases of racial discrimination are a cause for concern. The community hopes that an advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to all the states would be very helpful in allaying their fears and creating more awareness. Two incidents of racism in Chennai have come to the notice of the North East community after Monday when the State government decided to shut the malls, cinema halls, and educational institutions across the state of Tamil Nadu. The shut down until March 31st means that students would be out of their hostels and those working in the informal sector would be out of work and in some cases looking to return home. “We have come across incidents where men and women from our community have been shouted at in public places. Some miscreants and ill-informed people look at us and scream Corona! Our features may be similar to those in the Eastern part of the world, but our fellow Indians should know that we have different types of people in this country. Such discriminatory remarks shouldn’t be happening and we Indians should be united as this is a global crisis. Such incidents are very unfortunate given that there are over 10,000 people from the North East who are in Chennai. They are engaged in academic pursuits, professional careers, and they also work in the malls, restaurants and other informal sectors” Wapang Toshi, President, North East India Welfare Association Chennai, told WION. The availability of fewer flights, trains coupled with the higher ticket prices and apprehensions about travel has resulted in many people worried about their continued stay in the city. “We are Expecting situation to come down and seriously hope and pray that it doesn’t go from bad to worse. We have requested an appointment with the Home Secretary in Tamil Nadu to personally apprise him of the situation. Also, the tweet by Minister Kiren Rijjiju has also come as a great relief for us. We are highly anticipating the advisory in this regard from the Ministry of Home Affairs”, Toshi added. Responding to the instances of hate and racial remarks against the Northeast people, Minister for State for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju had tweeted on Wednesday, “Some incidents of racial remarks against North-East people have emerged in some parts of India in the wake of #Coronavirus due to cultural ignorance, prejudice mindset & lack of understanding. The matter discussed with NE Division, MHA. The strict advisory is being issued to the States.”

People of North-East apprehensive as coronavirus-related racist incidents on the rise

Israel's foreign intelligence service Mossad has obtained coronavirus testing kits for the country, Israeli officials said on Thursday.

According to some local media reports, the Mossad haul included 100,000 kits procured from Gulf Arab states that do not formally recognise Israel but which have pursued low-level coordination on regional security challenges such as Iran.

While not providing such details, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying that "Mossad and other agencies" had brought in "required and vital equipment" from abroad to help with the coronavirus crisis.

Separately, the Health Ministry director-general thanked Mossad for providing it with "important and working-order kits" - phrasing that may have been aimed at dispelling media speculation that the equipment could prove defunct.

The official, Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, also thanked Israel's domestic security service Shin Bet for its role in the procurement efforts. The Shin Bet has been under scrutiny after Netanyahu approved using its counter-terrorism mobile phone tracking technologies for mapping out possible viral infections.

The Mossad test-kit mission was apparently so secret that even Israel's intelligence minister was kept in the dark.

"I became aware of this report the same way you did," the minister, Israel Katz, told Army Radio in a live interview.

Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would aim to carry out 3,000 coronavirus tests daily, which will rise to 10,000 a day within two weeks.

Israel has 529 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far, 279 of whom have been hospitalised. There have no reported deaths.

Israel's foreign intelligence service Mossad has obtained coronavirus testing kits for the country, Israeli officials said on Thursday. According to some local media reports, the Mossad haul included 100,000 kits procured from Gulf Arab states that do not formally recognise Israel but which have pursued low-level coordination on regional security challenges such as Iran.

Israel's foreign intelligence service Mossad has obtained coronavirus testing kits for the country, Israeli officials said on Thursday. According to some local media reports, the Mossad haul included 100,000 kits procured from Gulf Arab states that do not formally recognise Israel but which have pursued low-level coordination on regional security challenges such as Iran. While not providing such details, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying that "Mossad and other agencies" had brought in "required and vital equipment" from abroad to help with the coronavirus crisis. Separately, the Health Ministry director-general thanked Mossad for providing it with "important and working-order kits" - phrasing that may have been aimed at dispelling media speculation that the equipment could prove defunct. The official, Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, also thanked Israel's domestic security service Shin Bet for its role in the procurement efforts. The Shin Bet has been under scrutiny after Netanyahu approved using its counter-terrorism mobile phone tracking technologies for mapping out possible viral infections. The Mossad test-kit mission was apparently so secret that even Israel's intelligence minister was kept in the dark. "I became aware of this report the same way you did," the minister, Israel Katz, told Army Radio in a live interview. Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would aim to carry out 3,000 coronavirus tests daily, which will rise to 10,000 a day within two weeks. Israel has 529 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far, 279 of whom have been hospitalised. There have no reported deaths.

Israel says its spies have procured coronavirus kits abroad

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits surged to a 2.5-year-high last week, suggesting a pickup in layoffs as the coronavirus pandemic fractures economic activity.

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Initial claims for state unemployment benefits jumped 70,000 to a seasonally adjusted 281,000 for the week ended March 14, the highest level since September 2017, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for the prior week was unrevised.

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Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims would increase to 220,000 in the latest week. The Labor Department attributed the jump in claims to COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.

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"A number of states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs, while many states reported increased layoffs in service-related industries broadly and in the accommodation and food services industries specifically, as well as in the transportation and warehousing industry, whether COVID-19 was identified directly or not," it said.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits surged to a 2.5-year-high last week, suggesting a pickup in layoffs as the coronavirus pandemic fractures economic activity.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits surged to a 2.5-year-high last week, suggesting a pickup in layoffs as the coronavirus pandemic fractures economic activity. In pics: How coronavirus has taught us 'social distancing' Initial claims for state unemployment benefits jumped 70,000 to a seasonally adjusted 281,000 for the week ended March 14, the highest level since September 2017, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for the prior week was unrevised. Also read: Europe's top football leagues could face a major hit if the season gets cancelled due to coronavirus Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims would increase to 220,000 in the latest week. The Labor Department attributed the jump in claims to COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. Also read: Dozens of London tube stations shut down amid COVID-19 outbreak "A number of states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs, while many states reported increased layoffs in service-related industries broadly and in the accommodation and food services industries specifically, as well as in the transportation and warehousing industry, whether COVID-19 was identified directly or not," it said.

Unemployment in the United States claims to jump to 2.5-year-high; coronavirus blamed

The Punjab government on Thursday announced the suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight, besides restricting public gatherings to less than 20, in the state, inching closer to a shutdown amid the global outbreak of coronavirus.

It has also decided to shut marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state.

“Public transport buses, tempos and auto-rickshaws will be suspended from the midnight of Friday,” Local Bodies minister Brahm Mohindra here.

These decisions were taken in a meeting of the seven-member Group of Ministers (GoM), formed by the Punjab government to review the situation triggered by the coronavirus outbreak daily.

The GoM also decided to restrict the public gathering to 20. Earlier, it was restricted to 50 people.

The minister further said the public dealing in the government offices will also be restricted.

He further said the exams of classes 10 and 12 of the Punjab School Education Board have been postponed till March 31.

All commissioners, deputy commissioners, senior superintendent of police have been directed not to leave their stations, said the minister.

“The government is ready to deal with any eventuality,” he further said, adding that the number of isolation wards would also be increased in hospitals.

The Punjab government on Thursday announced the suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight, besides restricting public gatherings to less than 20, in the state, inching closer to a shutdown amid the global outbreak of coronavirus.

The Punjab government on Thursday announced the suspension of public transport services from Friday midnight, besides restricting public gatherings to less than 20, in the state, inching closer to a shutdown amid the global outbreak of coronavirus. It has also decided to shut marriage palaces, hotels, restaurants, banquets and dining places, except home delivery services and takeaways in the entire state. “Public transport buses, tempos and auto-rickshaws will be suspended from the midnight of Friday,” Local Bodies minister Brahm Mohindra here. These decisions were taken in a meeting of the seven-member Group of Ministers (GoM), formed by the Punjab government to review the situation triggered by the coronavirus outbreak daily. The GoM also decided to restrict the public gathering to 20. Earlier, it was restricted to 50 people. The minister further said the public dealing in the government offices will also be restricted. He further said the exams of classes 10 and 12 of the Punjab School Education Board have been postponed till March 31. All commissioners, deputy commissioners, senior superintendent of police have been directed not to leave their stations, said the minister. “The government is ready to deal with any eventuality,” he further said, adding that the number of isolation wards would also be increased in hospitals.

Coronavirus outbreak: Punjab to suspend public transport from Friday midnight

The Central government on Thursday allowed 50 per cent of its employees to work from home and the remaining to attend office every day besides implementing different time slots for working hours in its effort to further check the spread of the coronavirus disease.

An order issued by the Personnel Ministry directed the Heads of Departments (HoDs) to ensure that 50 per cent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day and the remaining 50 per cent staff is instructed to work from home.

“All HoDs are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first 
week, HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office or use their own transport to travel to the offices,” it said.

The order further said the working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be staggered.

It suggested that three groups of employees be formed and asked to attend office during three time slots — 9 AM to 5.30 PM, 9.30 AM to 6 PM and 10 AM to 6.30 PM, the ministry said.

“The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigency of work,” it said.

These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19, the ministry said.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) may issue similar instructions regarding financial institutions and public sector undertakings, it said.

The decision came after the Personnel Ministry on Tuesday asked all central government departments to take precautionary measures.

“Discourage, to the maximum extent, entry of visitors in the office complex. Routine issue of visitor/temporary passes should be suspended with immediate effect. Only those visitors who have proper permission of the officer who they want to meet, should be allowed after being properly screened,” it had said.

All government departments were asked to install thermal scanners as feasible as well as mandatorily place hand sanitisers at the entrances of government buildings.

“Those found having flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc.,” the ministry had said.

It said meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. All departments were asked to avoid non-essential official travel of its staff, undertake essential correspondence on official email and avoid sending files and documents to other offices, to the extent possible, and facilitate delivery and receipt of postal documents at the entry points of the office buildings as far as practicable.

“Close all gyms/recreation centres/creches located in government buildings.

Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces,” the ministry said.

The order advised the leave sanctioning authorities to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

“Advise all employees who are at higher risk, i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The ministries/departments may take care not to expose such employees to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public,” the ministry had said in a communique to all the ministries.

The Central government on Thursday allowed 50 per cent of its employees to work from home and the remaining to attend office every day besides implementing different time slots for working hours in its effort to further check the spread of the coronavirus disease.

The Central government on Thursday allowed 50 per cent of its employees to work from home and the remaining to attend office every day besides implementing different time slots for working hours in its effort to further check the spread of the coronavirus disease. An order issued by the Personnel Ministry directed the Heads of Departments (HoDs) to ensure that 50 per cent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day and the remaining 50 per cent staff is instructed to work from home. “All HoDs are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks. While deciding the roster for the first week, HoDs are advised to include officials who are residing in close proximity to their office or use their own transport to travel to the offices,” it said. The order further said the working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be staggered. It suggested that three groups of employees be formed and asked to attend office during three time slots — 9 AM to 5.30 PM, 9.30 AM to 6 PM and 10 AM to 6.30 PM, the ministry said. “The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office, if called for any exigency of work,” it said. These instructions shall not apply to the offices and employees engaged in essential/emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19, the ministry said. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) may issue similar instructions regarding financial institutions and public sector undertakings, it said. The decision came after the Personnel Ministry on Tuesday asked all central government departments to take precautionary measures. “Discourage, to the maximum extent, entry of visitors in the office complex. Routine issue of visitor/temporary passes should be suspended with immediate effect. Only those visitors who have proper permission of the officer who they want to meet, should be allowed after being properly screened,” it had said. All government departments were asked to install thermal scanners as feasible as well as mandatorily place hand sanitisers at the entrances of government buildings. “Those found having flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc.,” the ministry had said. It said meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing. All departments were asked to avoid non-essential official travel of its staff, undertake essential correspondence on official email and avoid sending files and documents to other offices, to the extent possible, and facilitate delivery and receipt of postal documents at the entry points of the office buildings as far as practicable. “Close all gyms/recreation centres/creches located in government buildings. Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces,” the ministry said. The order advised the leave sanctioning authorities to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self-quarantine as a precautionary measure. “Advise all employees who are at higher risk, i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The ministries/departments may take care not to expose such employees to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public,” the ministry had said in a communique to all the ministries.

Coronavirus pandemic: Work from home, staggered working hours for central govt employees – All you need to know

The virus epic center china has reported 21 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and only one is from the worst-hit province of Hubei. The Chinese health authority has also confirmed 13 new deaths.

Coronavirus pandemic over in China?