Some world leaders continue to call the Wuhan Coronavirus a 'flu' and are downplaying the severity of this disease. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a list of the high-profile deniers.

Gravitas: Exposing the Coronavirus deniers

More than four lakh people around the world have been infected with the coronavirus. In this special report, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you personal accounts of the patients & the doctors fighting the deadly disease.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: Voices of Patients & Doctors

Indian army's field hospitals have been instructed by the Army Chief to be ready to set up a 45-bed isolation facility and create 10 bed ICU facility exclusively forCOVID patients at six hours notice.&nbsp;

About 30% of Field Hospitals have been put on standby for constructing COVID-19 hospitals in coronavirus hotspots. These are part of the Indian army's measures to deal with the crisis, which is a global pandemic.&nbsp;

Speaking in response to several media questions via emails, Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane &nbsp;said, "Next few weeks will be crucial to prevent negative effects of this deadly mutant virus."

He said that the Covid crisis in a preparatory stage in India and the Indian army has the "inherent capability to rise to various emergency situations by virtue of organizational structure and training."

Army's QuickReaction Medical Teams (QRMTs) will be ready to mobilize at six hours notice to meet the requirements of the hospitals/ civil administration.&nbsp;

COAS also said, "There is likely to be an increase in demand for medical services for both infected/ suspected cases within the Indian Army as also requisition from civil administration in the coming days. Necessary instructions have been passed to Command Headquarters to augment medical facilities"

Army has established quarantine facilities at Manesar, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur for the evacuees from China, Italy and Iran and additional four locations have been earmarked for setting up of wellness/ quarantine facilities. Till now 372 evacuees have been treated at Manesar and currently, 82 are under quarantine. At Jaisalmer 484 citizens who were evacuated from Iran are under quarantine and another 277 at Jodhpur.

Indian army's field hospitals have been instructed by the Army Chief to be ready to set up a 45-bed isolation facility and create 10 bed ICU facility exclusively forCOVID patients at six hours notice.

Indian army's field hospitals have been instructed by the Army Chief to be ready to set up a 45-bed isolation facility and create 10 bed ICU facility exclusively forCOVID patients at six hours notice. About 30% of Field Hospitals have been put on standby for constructing COVID-19 hospitals in coronavirus hotspots. These are part of the Indian army's measures to deal with the crisis, which is a global pandemic. Speaking in response to several media questions via emails, Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane said, "Next few weeks will be crucial to prevent negative effects of this deadly mutant virus." He said that the Covid crisis in a preparatory stage in India and the Indian army has the "inherent capability to rise to various emergency situations by virtue of organizational structure and training." Army's QuickReaction Medical Teams (QRMTs) will be ready to mobilize at six hours notice to meet the requirements of the hospitals/ civil administration. COAS also said, "There is likely to be an increase in demand for medical services for both infected/ suspected cases within the Indian Army as also requisition from civil administration in the coming days. Necessary instructions have been passed to Command Headquarters to augment medical facilities" Army has established quarantine facilities at Manesar, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur for the evacuees from China, Italy and Iran and additional four locations have been earmarked for setting up of wellness/ quarantine facilities. Till now 372 evacuees have been treated at Manesar and currently, 82 are under quarantine. At Jaisalmer 484 citizens who were evacuated from Iran are under quarantine and another 277 at Jodhpur.

Field hospitals can create 10 bed ICU facility in 6-hour notice: Indian Army chief

Uncertainty looms over the global sporting calendar. How will multiple sporting events be accommodated in 2021? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: No clarity yet on 2021 Olympics

Why aggressive testing is required to fight the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak? Why hospitals dealing with coronavirus patients need to be equipped with ventilators? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you answers.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: Ventilators are required

Retired healthcare workers are returning to duties as lockdowns intensify across the world. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the 10 big developments from across the world for Thursday.

Gravitas: Coronavirus Tracker: The big global developments for March 26

Amazon Inc and a research programme run by Bill Gates are joining hands to pick up and deliver coronavirus testing kits in the largest city in the US state of Washington - Seattle.

A group of medical, public health, and research organisations constitute the Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network. They’re collectively trying to understand how the infection is spreading virally in the region by taking nasal swabs from people across King County and Seattle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-to-hire-100000-workers-as-online-orders-surge-on-coronavirus-worries-286971" hreflang="en">Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge on coronavirus worries</a>

One of the worst coronavirus-hit places in the US includes King County in the state of Washington.

The CDC or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 33,453 positive cases of coronavirus in the country on Monday. Earlier, there were 18,185 cases of coronavirus in the country.&nbsp;

The death toll has also increased from 199 to 400.

The infrastructure and logistical support will be provided to employees by Amazon Care, which is responsible for medical care, Reuters reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-former-amazon-executive-turns-off-alexa-smart-speaker-when-he-needs-privacy-281316" hreflang="en">Former Amazon executive says he turns off Alexa when he needs privacy</a>

Such shipments require special handling, which only&nbsp;United Parcel Service and FedEx can undertake in the US. Such parcels require temperature control. However, Reuters reported that there is no clarity of a partnership with either of the logistical conglomerates.

According to media reports, this move shall remain limited to Amazon Care and will not extend to the wider delivery network.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amazon Inc and a research programme run by Bill Gates are joining hands to pick up and deliver coronavirus testing kits in the largest city in the US state of Washington - Seattle.

Amazon Inc and a research programme run by Bill Gates are joining hands to pick up and deliver coronavirus testing kits in the largest city in the US state of Washington - Seattle. A group of medical, public health, and research organisations constitute the Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network. They’re collectively trying to understand how the infection is spreading virally in the region by taking nasal swabs from people across King County and Seattle. Also read: Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge on coronavirus worries One of the worst coronavirus-hit places in the US includes King County in the state of Washington. The CDC or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 33,453 positive cases of coronavirus in the country on Monday. Earlier, there were 18,185 cases of coronavirus in the country. The death toll has also increased from 199 to 400. The infrastructure and logistical support will be provided to employees by Amazon Care, which is responsible for medical care, Reuters reported. Also read: Former Amazon executive says he turns off Alexa when he needs privacy Such shipments require special handling, which only United Parcel Service and FedEx can undertake in the US. Such parcels require temperature control. However, Reuters reported that there is no clarity of a partnership with either of the logistical conglomerates. According to media reports, this move shall remain limited to Amazon Care and will not extend to the wider delivery network. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon partners with research group backed by Bill Gates to deliver COVID-19 testing kits

Many are hoping that the summer will help contain the Coronavirus. But will the rise in temperatures actually stop the virus from spreading further? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what the experts say.

Gravitas: Can heat slow down Coronavirus spread?

Music has no boundaries and there are ample examples of this that we can see in today's time.&nbsp;

Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine recently wrote a new track on coronavirus pandemic and this is something that you have to hear.&nbsp;

The singer shared a video on his Twitter account, ''Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs &amp; Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against <a data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#COVID19</a>. Full video..''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs &amp; Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. Full video.. <a href="https://t.co/6ea3shezSs">pic.twitter.com/6ea3shezSs</a>
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HEBobiwine/status/1242850597067542531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The singer is also known as Robert Kyagulanyi and&nbsp;with fellow artist Nubian Li tune he has come together to teach people&nbsp;about the importance of personal hygiene&nbsp;throught East Africa's signature rhumba melodies.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUHrck2g7Ic" width="560"></iframe>

In the song, he is&nbsp;talking about the deadly virus, "The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim," Kyagulanyi says in the lyrics. "But the good news is that everyone is a potential solution." and also urge people to regularly wash hands, keep a distance and look out for symptoms like fever and cough. 
 
Uganda has confirmed 14&nbsp;cases of COVID-19 so far, and as a precautions, they have sealed borders and banned public gatherings to contain the outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/doctor-who-made-contagion-look-real-now-has-coronavirus-if-it-can-hit-me-it-can-hit-anybody-288593">Also read:&nbsp;Doctor who made 'Contagion' look real now has coronavirus: If it can hit me, it can hit anybody</a>

Music has no boundaries and there are ample examples of this that we can see in today's time. Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine recently wrote a new track on coronavirus pandemic and this is something that you have to hear.

Music has no boundaries and there are ample examples of this that we can see in today's time. Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine recently wrote a new track on coronavirus pandemic and this is something that you have to hear. The singer shared a video on his Twitter account, ''Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs & Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against #COVID19. Full video..'' Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs & Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against #COVID19. Full video.. pic.twitter.com/6ea3shezSs — BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) March 25, 2020 × The singer is also known as Robert Kyagulanyi and with fellow artist Nubian Li tune he has come together to teach people about the importance of personal hygiene throught East Africa's signature rhumba melodies. In the song, he is talking about the deadly virus, "The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim," Kyagulanyi says in the lyrics. "But the good news is that everyone is a potential solution." and also urge people to regularly wash hands, keep a distance and look out for symptoms like fever and cough. Uganda has confirmed 14 cases of COVID-19 so far, and as a precautions, they have sealed borders and banned public gatherings to contain the outbreak. Also read: Doctor who made 'Contagion' look real now has coronavirus: If it can hit me, it can hit anybody

Watch: Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine's new viral song on coronavirus pandemic

In Spain, elderly people have been found dead and abandoned in nursing homes. The elderly are the most vulnerable to the Wuhan Coronavirus. With no cure in sight, how can the community lend a helping hand? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: India's elderly population faces high risk

Countries across the world have gone all out to contain the Coronavirus crisis. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the biggest global developments for Wednesday.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Top 10 global developments for March 25

A new report has claimed that an "Anti-Xi" faction is unhappy with the Chinese President's response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Can Xi Jinping's grip on power be challenged? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: A revolt against Xi Jinping?

I&B Advisor to Imran Khan Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan says the Coronavirus is not deadly. Pakistan is reporting more than 1,000 cases. But, it is yet to impose a lockdown. Is Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan downplaying the crisis? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Pakistan govt is still in denial

After more than two months of restrictions, China is now slowing lifting the curbs. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the pictures coming out of China.

Gravitas: China eases restrictions after Coronavirus outbreak

The UN is yet to discuss the Coronavirus outbreak. Estonia was preparing a draft statement for the Security Council. But sources tell WION, the statement is on "hold". China is the chair of the UNSC for this month. Has Beijing blocked the discussion? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: China blocking a discussion at UN?

The coronavirus pandemic killed over 21,000 people worldwide with most of the deaths reported from Europe with early a third of the world’s population living under coronavirus-related movement restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-cases-near-70000-more-than-1000-dead-288573">Also read: US coronavirus cases near 70,000, more than 1,000 dead</a> 
 
Over 471,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-second-consecutive-day-of-no-new-local-coronavirus-transmissions-imported-cases-rise-288566">Also read: China reports second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus transmissions, imported cases rise</a>

Most of the countries concerned, including Argentina, Britain, France, India and Italy as well as many US states, have imposed mandatory lockdown measures. Others have introduced curfews, quarantines and other social distancing recommendations. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585275689446000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjuBE1M1VDLfsLMOltHuMMvzHfEg" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306" target="_blank">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>&nbsp;

In the United States, the number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus rose to 1,031 &nbsp;on Wednesday, with 68,572 confirmed cases nationwide, a tracker run by the Johns Hopkins University showed. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-lists-six-steps-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-lauds-india-for-taking-early-steps-288582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to nearly every country in the world since it first emerged in China at the beginning of the year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus pandemic killed over 21,000 people worldwide with most of the deaths reported from Europe with early a third of the world’s population living under coronavirus-related movement restrictions.

The coronavirus pandemic killed over 21,000 people worldwide with most of the deaths reported from Europe with early a third of the world’s population living under coronavirus-related movement restrictions. Also read: US coronavirus cases near 70,000, more than 1,000 dead Over 471,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Also read: China reports second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus transmissions, imported cases rise Most of the countries concerned, including Argentina, Britain, France, India and Italy as well as many US states, have imposed mandatory lockdown measures. Others have introduced curfews, quarantines and other social distancing recommendations. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? In the United States, the number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus rose to 1,031 on Wednesday, with 68,572 confirmed cases nationwide, a tracker run by the Johns Hopkins University showed. The new coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to nearly every country in the world since it first emerged in China at the beginning of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus death toll tops 21,000 globally

With the number of coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. According to US Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams, the country is ''already be seeing the beginnings of this in some areas, marking a new stage of the nation's outbreak.''

United States emerges as coronavirus hotspot

The number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus rose to 1,031 in the United States on Wednesday, with 68,572 confirmed cases nationwide, a tracker run by the Johns Hopkins University showed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-second-consecutive-day-of-no-new-local-coronavirus-transmissions-imported-cases-rise-288566">Also read: China reports second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus transmissions, imported cases rise</a> 
 
The tracker had shown 827 just a few hours earlier. The United States has the third-highest number of confirmed cases behind China and Italy, and the US death rate is now 1.5 per cent, based on reported cases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-global-death-toll-tops-20000-more-than-3-billion-people-under-lockdown-288555">Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown</a>

The true number of infected people is believed to be far higher, meaning the real death rate would be lower.

New York is one of the hardest-hit states in the country, with 280 deaths in New York City since the start of the pandemic, according to the tracker. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585275689446000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjuBE1M1VDLfsLMOltHuMMvzHfEg" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306" target="_blank">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>&nbsp;

The virus has killed more than 21,000 people around the world after it was first identified in central China in late December.

A projection shared with Congress earlier this month said that between 70 to 150 million people could eventually be infected in the United States.

If the real mortality rate is one per cent, this would result in 700,000 to 1.5 million deaths.

Heart disease was the leading cause of death for Americans in 2018, the latest year for which official figures are available, with just over 650,000 deaths.

The flu and pneumonia caused around 60,000 deaths.

The number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus rose to 1,031 in the United States on Wednesday, with 68,572 confirmed cases nationwide, a tracker run by the Johns Hopkins University showed.

The number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus rose to 1,031 in the United States on Wednesday, with 68,572 confirmed cases nationwide, a tracker run by the Johns Hopkins University showed. Also read: China reports second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus transmissions, imported cases rise The tracker had shown 827 just a few hours earlier. The United States has the third-highest number of confirmed cases behind China and Italy, and the US death rate is now 1.5 per cent, based on reported cases. Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown The true number of infected people is believed to be far higher, meaning the real death rate would be lower. New York is one of the hardest-hit states in the country, with 280 deaths in New York City since the start of the pandemic, according to the tracker. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? The virus has killed more than 21,000 people around the world after it was first identified in central China in late December. A projection shared with Congress earlier this month said that between 70 to 150 million people could eventually be infected in the United States. If the real mortality rate is one per cent, this would result in 700,000 to 1.5 million deaths. Heart disease was the leading cause of death for Americans in 2018, the latest year for which official figures are available, with just over 650,000 deaths. The flu and pneumonia caused around 60,000 deaths.

US coronavirus cases near 70,000, more than 1,000 dead

One third of the world's population is under lockdown as coronavirus pandemic spreads different parts of the world. Tech giants are collaborating to ease the pressure on health institutions.

Fineprint: An AI tool to help & differentiate symptoms

Pakistan establishment, in a mala fide move, is establishing facilities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to quarantine and treat suspected COVID-19 cases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-global-death-toll-tops-20000-more-than-3-billion-people-under-lockdown-288555">Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown</a>

Covid-19 patients from other areas of Pakistan are being moved to POK despite unrest in this region due to this move. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585275689446000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjuBE1M1VDLfsLMOltHuMMvzHfEg" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306" target="_blank">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>&nbsp;

This is being resisted by the people of Mirpur, who have now urged the central leadership of the&nbsp;United Kashmir People's National Party&nbsp;to take up this issue with international agencies like the UN and WHO.

It has been revealed that people in Mirpur are protesting and keeping a tight vigil to not allow any quarantine centre for Covid-19 patients from other parts of Pakistan. 
 
PoK lacks humane quarantine and treatment policy with regard to COVID-19.

Reports regarding the lack of adequate health screening procedures and squalid living conditions within the quarantine camps at the Taftan border crossing with Iran have further raised concerns for the surge in the number of infections, much to the angst and agony of the people, some of whom have also taken to streets to protest against the government's failure.

The PoK residents protesting in Mirpur and blocking the Mangla Bridge. They are demanding that no one from Pakistan should be allowed to come to PoK.

There have been eight Covid-19 deaths in Pakistan and the number of confirmed Coronavirus positive cases has gone up to 1078. Sindh is the worst-hit province with 413 cases.

Over 3 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 21,283 lives and infected 471,035 people globally.

(With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan establishment, in a mala fide move, is establishing facilities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to quarantine and treat suspected COVID-19 cases. Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown Covid-19 patients from other areas of Pakistan are being moved to POK despite unrest in this region due to this move.

Pakistan establishment, in a mala fide move, is establishing facilities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to quarantine and treat suspected COVID-19 cases. Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown Covid-19 patients from other areas of Pakistan are being moved to POK despite unrest in this region due to this move. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? This is being resisted by the people of Mirpur, who have now urged the central leadership of the United Kashmir People's National Party to take up this issue with international agencies like the UN and WHO. It has been revealed that people in Mirpur are protesting and keeping a tight vigil to not allow any quarantine centre for Covid-19 patients from other parts of Pakistan. PoK lacks humane quarantine and treatment policy with regard to COVID-19. Reports regarding the lack of adequate health screening procedures and squalid living conditions within the quarantine camps at the Taftan border crossing with Iran have further raised concerns for the surge in the number of infections, much to the angst and agony of the people, some of whom have also taken to streets to protest against the government's failure. The PoK residents protesting in Mirpur and blocking the Mangla Bridge. They are demanding that no one from Pakistan should be allowed to come to PoK. There have been eight Covid-19 deaths in Pakistan and the number of confirmed Coronavirus positive cases has gone up to 1078. Sindh is the worst-hit province with 413 cases. Over 3 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 21,283 lives and infected 471,035 people globally. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir turning into Pak's quarantine centre: Intel inputs

Mainland China reported a second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus infections as the epicentre of the epidemic Hubei province opened its borders, but imported cases rose as Beijing ramped up controls to prevent a resurgence of infections. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-global-death-toll-tops-20000-more-than-3-billion-people-under-lockdown-288555">Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown</a>

A total of 67 new cases were reported as of end-Wednesday, up from 47 a day earlier, all of which were imported, China's National Health Commission said in a statement on Thursday. 
 
Also read: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585275689446000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjuBE1M1VDLfsLMOltHuMMvzHfEg" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306" target="_blank">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>&nbsp;

The total number of cases now stands at 81,285.

The commission reported a total of 3,287 deaths at the end of Wednesday, up to six from the previous day.

All of the new patients were travellers who came to China from overseas, with the mainland reporting no locally transmitted infections on Wednesday.

Shanghai reported the most cases with 18 followed by the Inner Mongolia region at 12 and Guangdong province at 11.

The number of new daily cases remains down sharply from the height of the outbreak in the country in February, allowing Beijing to push for restarting economic activity in the world's second-biggest economy.

Hubei province, home to some 60 million people, reported no new cases on Wednesday and opened its borders. Public transport restarted and residents in the city of Xianning strolled the streets wearing masks.

The lockdown of Hubei's capital Wuhan, where the virus first appeared late last year, will be lifted on April 8, a milestone in China's war against the epidemic as Beijing shifts its focus towards stemming imported cases and rebooting the economy.

Fearing a new wave of infections from imported cases, authorities have ramped up quarantine and screening measures in other major cities including Beijing, where any travellers arriving from overseas must submit to centralised quarantine.

Mainland China reported a second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus infections as the epicentre of the epidemic Hubei province opened its borders, but imported cases rose as Beijing ramped up controls to prevent a resurgence of infections.

Mainland China reported a second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus infections as the epicentre of the epidemic Hubei province opened its borders, but imported cases rose as Beijing ramped up controls to prevent a resurgence of infections. Also read: Global death toll tops 20,000; more than 3 billion people under lockdown A total of 67 new cases were reported as of end-Wednesday, up from 47 a day earlier, all of which were imported, China's National Health Commission said in a statement on Thursday. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? The total number of cases now stands at 81,285. The commission reported a total of 3,287 deaths at the end of Wednesday, up to six from the previous day. All of the new patients were travellers who came to China from overseas, with the mainland reporting no locally transmitted infections on Wednesday. Shanghai reported the most cases with 18 followed by the Inner Mongolia region at 12 and Guangdong province at 11. The number of new daily cases remains down sharply from the height of the outbreak in the country in February, allowing Beijing to push for restarting economic activity in the world's second-biggest economy. Hubei province, home to some 60 million people, reported no new cases on Wednesday and opened its borders. Public transport restarted and residents in the city of Xianning strolled the streets wearing masks. The lockdown of Hubei's capital Wuhan, where the virus first appeared late last year, will be lifted on April 8, a milestone in China's war against the epidemic as Beijing shifts its focus towards stemming imported cases and rebooting the economy. Fearing a new wave of infections from imported cases, authorities have ramped up quarantine and screening measures in other major cities including Beijing, where any travellers arriving from overseas must submit to centralised quarantine.

China reports second consecutive day of no new local coronavirus transmissions, imported cases rise

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence. The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed against China for 'covering up' the pandemic.

Coronavirus Outbreak: As the world shuts down, China loosens curbs

Equity benchmark Sensex was trading over 1,000 points higher in afternoon session on Thursday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a stimulus package worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore to cushion the impact of the lockdown in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Paring early gains, the 30-share BSE barometer was up 1,055.11 points or 3.70 per cent at 29,590.89. It rallied over 1,500 points in morning session.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty stood 284.20 points, or 3.42 per cent, higher at 8,602.05 at 1430 hours.

&nbsp;IndusInd Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying up to 34 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, L&amp;T, Bajaj Finance and HDFC.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Maruti, Reliance Industries, NTPC and Sun Pharma were among the top laggards.

&nbsp;To cushion the economic blow of the 21-day lockdown to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced a slew of measures to help the citizens survive the crisis. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The Rs 1.70 lakh crore economic package will be implemented with immediate effect. 
&nbsp; 
The Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan scheme includes distribution of 5 kg of wheat or rice and one kg of preferred pulses free-of-cost every month over the next three months to 80 crore poor across the country and Rs 500 per month for next three months to as many of 20.5 crore women Jan Dhan Account holders. 
&nbsp; 
The government will front-load Rs 2,000 paid to farmers in first week of April under existing PM Kisan Yojana to benefit 8.69 crore farmers. 
&nbsp; 
The Finance Minister also said a Rs 50 lakh insurance cover will be given to healthcare workers who are at the forefront of dealing with the pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
The Indian rupee appreciated further by 84 paise to 75.10 against the US dollar in intra-day trade after the announcement.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 649 in India and the death toll rose to 13, with one death reported each from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, according to the Health Ministry.

Equity benchmark Sensex was trading over 1,000 points higher in afternoon session on Thursday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a stimulus package worth Rs 1.

Equity benchmark Sensex was trading over 1,000 points higher in afternoon session on Thursday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a stimulus package worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore to cushion the impact of the lockdown in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Paring early gains, the 30-share BSE barometer was up 1,055.11 points or 3.70 per cent at 29,590.89. It rallied over 1,500 points in morning session. Similarly, the NSE Nifty stood 284.20 points, or 3.42 per cent, higher at 8,602.05 at 1430 hours. IndusInd Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying up to 34 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, L&T, Bajaj Finance and HDFC. On the other hand, Maruti, Reliance Industries, NTPC and Sun Pharma were among the top laggards. To cushion the economic blow of the 21-day lockdown to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced a slew of measures to help the citizens survive the crisis. The Rs 1.70 lakh crore economic package will be implemented with immediate effect. The Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan scheme includes distribution of 5 kg of wheat or rice and one kg of preferred pulses free-of-cost every month over the next three months to 80 crore poor across the country and Rs 500 per month for next three months to as many of 20.5 crore women Jan Dhan Account holders. The government will front-load Rs 2,000 paid to farmers in first week of April under existing PM Kisan Yojana to benefit 8.69 crore farmers. The Finance Minister also said a Rs 50 lakh insurance cover will be given to healthcare workers who are at the forefront of dealing with the pandemic. The Indian rupee appreciated further by 84 paise to 75.10 against the US dollar in intra-day trade after the announcement. The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 649 in India and the death toll rose to 13, with one death reported each from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, according to the Health Ministry.

Sensex trades 1,000 points higher after Finance Minister announces Rs 1.70 lakh cr-stimulus package

In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, the Centre has&nbsp;come up with a Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package for the daily wage earners, women workers and migrant workers as the country remains in a 21-day lockdown period.

"A package is ready for the poor who need immediate help like migrant workers and urban and rural poor. No one will go hungry. The package is worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore," &nbsp;said Union minister. 
&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> Relief Package | ₹1.70 lakh crore package announced by <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> 
+ State govt’s advised to use State Mineral funds 
+ 5 crore MNREGA families to get additional ₹2000 
+ New NRLM loans to be collateral free 
+ PF Scheme to be amended
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1243098268684476416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The finance minister had already announced some measures on Tuesday that included an extension of tax deadlines, easing minimum balance norms for the savings account, and increasing threshold of insolvency filing to Rs 1&nbsp;crore from Rs 1 lakh. 
 
Here are the highlights of the stimulus package announced by the government:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Govt's economic package includes relief for daily wage workers. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Govt announces medical insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh medical cover per person for the government's sanitation workers, ASHA workers, doctors, paramedics, others if they need it. The scheme is to benefit 20 lakh, such workers. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>5 kg of rice or wheat will be given for free for the next three months under the Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana besides, 1 kg pulse available regionally will also be given for free to 80 crore people.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Provident Fund(EPF) contribution, both employer and employee, put together it will be 24%, this will be for the next 3 months. This is for those establishments which have up to 100 employees and 90% of them earn less than 15,000. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>For women: 20.5 crore women account holder of Jan Dhan Yojana to get Rs. 500/month for next 3 months | For next 3 months under Ujjwala Yojana, beneficiaries to get gas cylinders 4 free | 60 lakh, women, under self-help group (SHG) to get a collateral-free loan up to Rs 20 lakh. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Centre asks states to utilise Rs 31,000 crore fund to benefit construction workers to benefit 3.5 crores, such workers. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>On a question related to fiscal deficit and market borrowings, FM Sitharaman said that at this stage, we are more concerned about reaching out to people who need help. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Government asks state governments to utilise the district mineral fund healthcare facility amid coronavirus scare.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

India has entered Day 2 of the 21-day nationwide lockdown over the highly contagious Covid-19, which has infected over 650 in the country. Today, leaders of G20 nations will hold a summit via video conference to discuss measures to protect the global economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far claimed 21,200 lives globally and infected 471,363.

In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, the Centre has come up with a Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package for the daily wage earners, women workers and migrant workers as the country remains in a 21-day lockdown period.

In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, the Centre has come up with a Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package for the daily wage earners, women workers and migrant workers as the country remains in a 21-day lockdown period. "A package is ready for the poor who need immediate help like migrant workers and urban and rural poor. No one will go hungry. The package is worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore," said Union minister. India’s #Covid19 Relief Package | ₹1.70 lakh crore package announced by @nsitharaman + State govt’s advised to use State Mineral funds + 5 crore MNREGA families to get additional ₹2000 + New NRLM loans to be collateral free + PF Scheme to be amended — WION (@WIONews) March 26, 2020 × The finance minister had already announced some measures on Tuesday that included an extension of tax deadlines, easing minimum balance norms for the savings account, and increasing threshold of insolvency filing to Rs 1 crore from Rs 1 lakh. Here are the highlights of the stimulus package announced by the government: Govt's economic package includes relief for daily wage workers. Govt announces medical insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh medical cover per person for the government's sanitation workers, ASHA workers, doctors, paramedics, others if they need it. The scheme is to benefit 20 lakh, such workers. 5 kg of rice or wheat will be given for free for the next three months under the Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana besides, 1 kg pulse available regionally will also be given for free to 80 crore people. Provident Fund(EPF) contribution, both employer and employee, put together it will be 24%, this will be for the next 3 months. This is for those establishments which have up to 100 employees and 90% of them earn less than 15,000. For women: 20.5 crore women account holder of Jan Dhan Yojana to get Rs. 500/month for next 3 months | For next 3 months under Ujjwala Yojana, beneficiaries to get gas cylinders 4 free | 60 lakh, women, under self-help group (SHG) to get a collateral-free loan up to Rs 20 lakh. Centre asks states to utilise Rs 31,000 crore fund to benefit construction workers to benefit 3.5 crores, such workers. On a question related to fiscal deficit and market borrowings, FM Sitharaman said that at this stage, we are more concerned about reaching out to people who need help. Government asks state governments to utilise the district mineral fund healthcare facility amid coronavirus scare. India has entered Day 2 of the 21-day nationwide lockdown over the highly contagious Covid-19, which has infected over 650 in the country. Today, leaders of G20 nations will hold a summit via video conference to discuss measures to protect the global economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far claimed 21,200 lives globally and infected 471,363.

Centre announces coronavirus stimulus package; promises cash transfer, food provision

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