23:56 (IST)
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
Virus whistleblower tells lawmakers US lacks vaccine plan
Whistleblower Rick Bright warned on Thursday that the U.S. lacks a plan to produce and fairly distribute a coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available. The nation could face “the darkest winter in modern history” unless leaders act decisively, he told a congressional panel.
Bright alleges he was ousted from a high-level scientific post after warning the Trump administration to prepare for the pandemic.
Bright said, “We don’t have (a vaccine plan) yet, and it is a significant concern.” Asked if lawmakers should be worried, he responded, “absolutely.”
(AP)
23:40 (IST)
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Delhi govt asks Centre for permission to open markets post 17 May
"The Delhi government today submitted a proposal to the Centre on lockdown relaxations post 17 May and suggested opening of markets, shopping complexes and operation of buses and metro services with strict social distancing norms. The government has suggested operation of construction activities in the national capital and that movement of labourers within Delhi be allowed," News18 reported.
23:26 (IST)
Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates
One new COVID-19 case reported in Chhattisgarh
One more person tested positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarh's Balod on THursday. Presently, there are four active cases in the state, AIIMS Raipur said.
23:18 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Railways says 140 passengers in Bengaluru were reluctant for institutional quarantine
The Delhi-KSR Bengaluru train that arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday morning had 543 passengers, as confirmed from BBMP. Out of 543 persons, 20 were on transit to other states and left by road to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Indian Railways said.
"A section of passengers ranging about 140, were reluctant for institutionalised quarantine and were protesting against the same. After persuasion and discussion by senior officers of state government, Police and Railways, majority of them have proceeded to said quarantine," the statement said.
23:13 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MEA says Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians
MEA does not discriminate between states. GOI’s Vande Bharat Mission is for all stranded Indians, including those from West Bengal. Over 3700 of them have registered for repatriation from different parts of the world. (1/2)@MoCA_GoI @HomeSecretaryWB https://t.co/CEzU0rCAnM
— Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) May 14, 2020
23:03 (IST)
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
Donald Trump says 'disappointed' with China for 'failure to contain COVID-19'
US president Donald Trump reportedly said he was "very disappointed" with China for "its failure to contain the novel coronavirus", and that the worldwide "pandemic had cast a pall over his trade deal with Beijing".
22:48 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi interacts with Bill Gates over global COVID-19 response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Co-chair, Bill Gates via video conference. They discussed global response to coronavirus and importance of global coordination on scientific innovation and R&D to combat pandemic, the PMO saud.
Prime Minister Modi today interacted with Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation Co-chair, Bill Gates via video conference. The dignitaries discussed global response to #COVID19 & importance of global coordination on scientific innovation & R&D to combat pandemic: Prime Minister's Office pic.twitter.com/Jx8or5B9IB
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2020
22:38 (IST)
Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates
Haryana govt to ply buses from Delhi from 18 May
Haryana government will ply buses to felicitate return of the people who are stranded in Delhi, from 18 May, Haryana transport minister Moolchand Sharma said.
22:30 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Piyush Goyal slams Bengal govt over permission for special trains
Union minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that he was "pained" that several states weren't giving permission for enough 'shramik special trains' to bring stranded people to the state.
"West Bengal first gave permission for only two trains,but after Home Minister wrote to state chief minister, then announcement was made that eight more trains will be allowed. But until today afternoon, only five out of those eight trains were allowed by West Bengal government.
"I once again appeal to West Bengal Govt, instead of allowing 105 trains in 30 days, please give permission for 105 trains every day. We will send back all the migrant labourers of WB who want to go back home," he said.
22:20 (IST)
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates
206 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today
With 206 new positive cases of #COVID19 and 4 deaths reported in Rajasthan today, the total number of positive cases and deaths rise to 4534 and 125 respectively. The number of recovered cases stand at 2638 while 1771 active cases remain in state: State Health Department
22:15 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre allows states to hire buses for passengers arriving at train stations
The MHA on Thursday issued a guideline allowing hiring of special buses by States/UTs to ferry passengers arriving at railway stations, in view of restrictions of public/private transport during lockdown.
Centre allows hiring of special buses by States/UTs to ferry passengers arriving at railway stations, in view of restrictions of public/private transport during lockdown: Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs pic.twitter.com/7wbFXo6WKT
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2020
22:01 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Ram Vilas Paswan says instructed FCI to provide grains as per FM announcement
:I have given instructions to FCI (Food Corporation of India) Chairman to prepare to provide food grains to state from tomorrow for migrant labours even if they don't have ration cards, as announced by Financial Minister Nirmala Sitharaman," said Union Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan.
21:53 (IST)
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Nine migrants electrocuted while travelling, says report
Mojo Story reported that nine migrant workers were electrocuted on Thursday "after the tractor in which they were traveling came in contact with an electric pole."
21:43 (IST)
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
87 new COVID-19 cases reported in Bengal today
The West Bengal government said that 87 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total cases to 2,377. Eight people have succumbed to the infection in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 143.
21:30 (IST)
Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates
Two more people test positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand
Two more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Jharkhand, taking the total number of cases to 192, the state health secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni said on Thursday.
21:21 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates
Kerala sees spike in COVID-19 cases as 26 more test positive
Barely a week after the Kerala government declared that the COVID-19 curve has been flattened, the state on Thursday saw a sharp spike in new cases with 26 people, including seven foreign returnees and a police personnel, testing positive for the virus, taking the total to 560. The active cases, the number of people under treatment, also rose to 64 compared to just 16 on last Friday, when only a solitary fresh infection was reported.
"This is a sign of danger we are facing. However, we can overcome this difficult time", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, referring to the sudden jump in the last two days.
21:06 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
Demanding food, buses, migrants pelt stones on MP-Maharashtra border
Demanding food and transportation, hundreds of migrant workers on Thursday pelted stones near Sendhwa on the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border. Thousands of migrants, on the way to northern states from Maharashtra amid the coronavirus crisis, are pouring in at Sendhwa in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district. Eye witnesses said that groups of migrants created ruckus, alleging that government machinery made no arrangement of food and transportation for them.
21:00 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
RSS-affiliated labour union to protest against UP ordinance relaxing labour rights
RSS affiliated trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has decided to stage nationwide agitation against the ordinance on labour issues of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments. All three states are ruled by the BJP. The protest will be held on 20 May.
20:49 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Gujarat Latest Updates
324 new coronavirus cases take Gujarat tally to 9,592; 20 die
With 324 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the tally in Gujarat reached 9,592 on Thursday, while the death toll increased to 586, said health department officials. During the same period, 20 patients succumbed to the infection, taking the toll to 586 in the state, said Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi. During the same period, 20 patients succumbed to the infection, taking the toll to 586 in the state, said Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi.
20:40 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates
West Bengal reported 87 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday with 8 deaths. The total number of cases in the state is now at 2377, including 143 deaths. The state has tested 5,295 samples today, and 66 patients have been discharged.
20:32 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates
Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally rises to 27,524
Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally reached 27,524 with addition of 1,602 cases, a new single-day high. The state also reported 44 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the overall toll to 1,019.
20:18 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
806 'Shramik Special' trains operated so far, over 10 lakh migrants ferried home: Railways
The Railways has operated 806 Shramik Special trains since May 1, ferrying home 10 lakh migrant workers who were stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, officials said on Thursday. Of these, Uttar Pradesh received the maximum number of trains followed by Bihar, they said.
20:00 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
NHRC sends notice to Maharashtra, MP govts after woman gave birth on road
The NHRC has sent notices to the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh governments over reports that a pregnant woman, who was walking on foot from Nashik to Satna, gave birth to her child on road, officials said on Thursday. The rights panel has termed the incident an "indignity to motherhood". According to reports, the woman and her husband had reportedly started their journey from Maharashtra's Nashik and were walking towards their home in Satna in Madhya Pradesh, when she gave birth to the child on road.
19:57 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
CRPF man among 2 new COVID-19 patients in Gautam Buddh Nagar, 16 discharged
A CRPF personnel and a 19-year-old woman have tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, taking the total number of cases to 238 in the district, officials said on Thursday. With 16 patients getting discharged on Thursday, the recovery rate in the district shot up to 66.80 per cent, according to official statistics. The 35-year-old CRPF personnel is posted at Surajpur camp in Greater Noida, while the woman is a resident of Sector 8, Noida.
19:52 (IST)
BJP govts both in Centre and UP have failed to tackle corona crisis: Akhilesh
Samajwadi party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said both the Union and Uttar Pradesh governments have failed to tackle the coronavirus-triggered crisis due to their "short-sightedness and impractical decisions". The BJP governments, both in state and the Centre, have failed to deal with the coronavirus crisis due to their short-sightedness and impractical decisions. Instead of taking positive and concrete steps, decisions are being taken only to mislead people," Akhilesh Yadav said in a statement.
19:36 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates
Two Mumbai Police ASI's succumpb to COVID-19
1,001 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra so far, informed the state police on Thursday. The force has reported two new fatalities after ASIs Murlidhar Waghmare and PN Bhagwan Parte succumbed to the disease
Mumbai Police regrets to inform about the unfortunate demise of ASI Murlidhar Waghmare (Sewri PStn) & PN Bhagwan Parte (Shivaji Nagar PStn). ASI Waghmare & PN Parte were battling Coronavirus.
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) May 14, 2020
May their souls rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with their families.
19:26 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates
73 more test positive for COVID-19 in Odisha; 15 recover
At least 73 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha on Thursday, raising the total count in the state to 611, a health department official said. The number of recoveries in the state rose to 158, with 15 more patients, all from Jajpur district, having defeated the deadly disease, the official said. With this, the number of active cases in Odisha now stands at 450. Three persons have died of the infection so far. Of the 73 fresh cases, 71 had been living in quarantine centres following their return from Gujarat, West Bengal and Karnataka.
19:23 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
Narendra Modi says FM's announcements will benefit migrants, farmers
Today’s announcements by FM @nsitharaman will especially benefit our farmers and migrant workers. The announcements include a series of progressive measures and will boost food security, credit to farmers as well as street vendors. #AatmaNirbharBharatPackage
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 14, 2020
19:00 (IST)
COVID-19: 68 fresh cases in AP, tally reaches 2,205, govt to recruit 550 doctors
18:55 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
Congress dubs Sitharaman's announcements for migrant workers, farmers 'Jumla'
The Congress on Thursday said the government's economic package has so far fallen way short of what the prime minister had promised the nation and dubbed it as a "jumla package". Senior spokesperson of the party Anand Sharma said the country believed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was serious when he made the "dramatic" announcement of giving 10 per cent of the GDP as a package to revive the economy and support workers and migrant labourers, and expectations had soared.
18:44 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Haryana Latest Updates
Haryana to begin plying local transport buses from Friday
Online booking and wearing masks will be must for passengers boarding the Haryana Roadways buses which are to start plying on select routes in the state from Friday, said Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma. "No passenger will be allowed to board the bus if online booking has not been done. The bus services will be point-to-point on select routes and wearing masks is mandatory. Thermal screening of passengers will also be done,” Sharma told PTI over phone on Thursday.
18:39 (IST)
36 million have sought US unemployment aid since virus hit
Nearly 3 million laid-off workers applied for US unemployment benefits last week as the viral outbreak led more companies to slash jobs even though most states have begun to let some businesses reopen under certain restrictions.
18:34 (IST)
Cancer patients who went to Mumbai for treatment among Assam's new COVID-19 cases, total at 86
Seven persons who recently returned from Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, taking the total number of cases to 86 in Assam, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. Among those who tested positive are three cancer patients, and a 13-year-old girl who recently underwent heart surgery in Mumbai. The other three are their attendants.
18:26 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
Students who could not pass classes 9, 11 to get another opportunity to clear school-based tests: CBSE
Students of classes 9 and 11, who failed in the exams this year, will get a one-time opportunity to appear in school-based tests and improve their performance in view of the COVID-19 situation, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced. The board had last month announced promoting all students up to class 8, irrespective of their performance in the exams.
The board has clarified that the one-time opportunity is being extended only in the current year in view of the unprecedented conditions of COVID-19 and the benefit will not be extended in the future. The board reiterated that this exemption is to be extended to all students, even if they were given the opportunity prior to the notification.
18:11 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Gujarat Latest Updates
Ahmedabad: Shops selling essential items to reopen from Friday
Over a week after the shops selling essential commodities, like vegetables and grocery, were shut in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat to curb the spread of coronavirus, these outlets will reopen from Friday, officials said. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had ordered closure of all the shops, except those providing milk and medicines, from May 7 till May 15.
18:05 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates
'Work from home' to be new normal for govt offices post lockdown, draft guidelines issued
'Work from home' may become a new normal post-lockdown for government employees to ensure social distancing norms till the coronavirus pandemic is checked. Draft guidelines in this regard have been circulated by the Personnel Ministry to all central government departments asking them to send their comments on it by May 21, failing which, it would be presumed that they are in agreement with the proposed draft.
17:47 (IST)
Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates
900 migrants return to J-K from Maharashtra
Nine hundred migrants from Jammu and Kashmir, including 400 students belonging to the Valley, were ferried home from Maharashtra by a 'Shramik Special' train on Thursday, officials said. However, several students from Jammu stranded in Pune alleged that the union territory administration was biased in the evacuation process. "The government has failed to evacuate us from Pune while some students were sent home from the same area today," a 26-year-old student from Jammu said
17:26 (IST)
Centre announces Rs 2 lakh crore concessional loans for farmers, fisherman, animal husbandry workers
Seeking to expand the net of the PM Kisan Credit card, the finance minister said that Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit will be extended to 2.5 crore farmers through Kisan credit card. Fisherman and animal husbandry workers will also be included under this scheme.
17:23 (IST)
FM announces Rs 6,000 Crore employment push using CAMPA funds
17:20 (IST)
Rs 30,000 cr emergency funding for farmers through NABARD: FM
"NABARD will extend additional refinance support of Rs 30,000 crore for crop loan requirements. This is over and above Rs 90,000 crore to be approved by NABARD through normal finance methods to benefit 3 crore farmers, mostly small and marginal farmers, to meet post harvest Rabi and current Kharif requirement in May/June," Sitharaman said.
17:09 (IST)
Rs 1,500 Crore Interest Subvention for MUDRA Shishu Loans
Announcing relief for micro units who had taken Mudra Shishu Loans, the government said it will provide interest subvention of 2 percent for prompt payees for a period of 12 months.
Government of India will provide Interest subvention of 2% for prompt #MUDRA-Shishu Loans payees for a period of 12 months
— PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) May 14, 2020
Relief of Rs 1500 cr to MUDRA-Shishu loanees#AatmaNirbharBharatPackage pic.twitter.com/IaHZl86d1c
17:05 (IST)
Rs 5,000 Crore Special Credit Facility for Street vendors
The Centre has announced a special credit facility of Rs 5,000 crores for 50 lakh vendors. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the scheme will be launched within a month. An initial working capital of up to Rs 10,000 will also be provided.
16:56 (IST)
Affordable rental housing scheme for migrant labours announced
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that government will convert government housing complexes lying vacant to be rented out to migrants on concessional rates. PPP model will also be used to achieve this under the PM Awas Yojna.
Migrant Workers / Urban Poor to have Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC): Government will launch a scheme under #PMAY #AatmaNirbharBharatPackage pic.twitter.com/9TUcgjDsoy
— PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) May 14, 2020
16:53 (IST)
Govt introduces one nation, one ration card scheme, says will ensure 100% coverage of PDS by March 2021
'One Nation One Ration Card' by March 2021#AatmaNirbharBharatPackage pic.twitter.com/3QiezlPBgr
— PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) May 14, 2020
16:49 (IST)
FM announces free food for migrant workers on move; says those without ration cards will also get benefit
Finance Minister announced free food grain supply for migrant labourers on the move. She said that even those workers who do not have ration cards or are not registered under the public distribution network can also avail 5 kilos of wheat or rice, and one kilos of gram free of cost. The move is expected to benefit 8 crore migrant labours and will cost the government Rs 3500 crore.
The finance minister also added that the responsibility to reach out to the migrants and implement the scheme will rest with the respective state governments.
16:40 (IST)
MNREGA offering work to 2.33 cr people, wages hiked from Rs 182 to Rs 202, says FM
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says MNREGA is offering work to 2.33 cr wage seekers in 1.87 lakh Gram Panchyats. She also recalled that in the previous economic package, the wages under MNREGA were also increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 in order to provide benefit to India's poorest.
16:35 (IST)
FM reels off measures already in pipeline to provide relief to migrant labours, urban poor
- Universal right to minimum wages
- Removing regional disparity in minimum wage, and introducing National floor wage
- Yearly health check ups for all labours
- Occupational Safety and health code for workers in hazardous sectors
- Benefits for interstate migrant workers
- Labour Codes and workers' welfare
- Portability of welfare benefits for migrant workers
- Mandatory ESIC coverage for employees of hazardous industries
- Social security schemes for gig and platform workers
- Re-skilling of retrenched workers
16:32 (IST)
Sensex plunges over 880 points, Nifty cracks below 9,200-level as initial stimulus disappoints
Weighed down by weak global cues, the India equity market made a Gap-down opening despite the government’s announcements on Wednesday evening to revive liquidity and the MSME sectors. Market players were disappointed as the immediate spend out of the government's Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus package was seen to be relatively small, raising doubts about the revival of growth any time soon, experts said.
Market erased Wednesday’s gains with Sensex and Nifty slipping over 2% each; Sensex slipped 886 points to 31,123 & Nifty 241 points to 9,143 with Nifty Bank declining 567 points to 19,069 & Midcap index falling 46 points to 13,018
16:27 (IST)
FM says 7,200 new Self Help Groups started since 15 March
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Self help Groups have been actively engaged in providing the uran poor with livelihood. She said that around 12,000 SHG groups produced over 3 cr masks and 1,20 lakh litres of sanitisers for the COVID-19 crisis. She also said that the government has facilitated the start of 7,200 new SHGs since 15 March to provide livelihood during lockdown.
16:23 (IST)
Centre sent Rs 11,000 cr from disaster relief fund for setting up shelter for urban poor, including migrants: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government has already approved the use of state disaster relief fund for use of setting up of shelters for urban poor, including migrant labours. This amounts to a direct help of Rs 11,000 crore from the centre.
Additionally, three meals per day are being provided to urban homeless at Centre's cost.
Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates: Kerala reported 26 fresh infections and three recoveries on Thursday, as the pandemic appears to strengthen more in the state after significantly slowing down.
The count of coronavirus positive patients in Mumbai reached 16,738 on Thursday after 621 more persons were found infected, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
1,001 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra so far, informed the state police on Thursday. The force has reported two new fatalities after ASIs Murlidhar Waghmare and PN Bhagwan Parte succumbed to the disease.
As many as 68 fresh COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Andhra Pradesh, where the total number of infections rose to 2,205. The state government is in the process of recruiting 550 doctors to work in COVID-19 designated hospitals across the state, a state government bulletin said.
The Congress party on Thursday disapproved of the announcements made in Nirmala Sitharaman's second presser since the prime minister announced a Rs 20 lakh crore economic package. It called the announcements Jumla and said Sitharaman's presser was a display of her ignorance and insensitivity
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced several steps to extend relief to migrant workers, including provision for free food grains for the next two months.
NABARD will extend additional refinance support of Rs 30,000 crore for crop loan requirements. This is over and above Rs 90,000 crore to be approved by NABARD through normal finance methods.
Finance Minister announced free food grain supply for migrant labourers on the move. She said that even those workers who do not have ration cards or are not registered under the public distribution network can also avail 5 kilos of wheat or rice, and one kilos of gram free of cost
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says MNREGA is offering work to 2.33 cr wage seekers in 1.87 lakh Gram Panchyats. She also recalled that in the previous economic package, the wages under MNREGA were also increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 in order to provide benefit to India's poorest.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Self help Groups have been actively engaged in providing the uran poor with livelihood. She also said that the government has facilitated the start of 7,200 new SHGs since 15 March to provide livelihood during lockdown.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will give details of the second set of announcements from the Rs 20 lakh crore package the prime minister announced on Tuesday. She will address a bilingual press conference with MoS Finance Anurag Thakur at 4 pm today.
India's national carrier Air India will resume bookings for select international destinations including Frankfurt, Paris and Singapore from 5 pm today. Flyers will be able to call up the AI helpline, or book tickets through the airline's website and chat bot.
The West Bengal government has arranged for additional 105 special trains to help facilitate the return of migrants to the state, said chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday.
"Towards our commitment to helping all our people stuck in different parts of the country and who want to return back to Bengal, I am pleased to announce that we have arranged 105 additional special trains," tweeted Mamata.
With 472 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Delhi in the past 24 hours, the total number of confirmed cases in the National Capital climbed to 8,470.
So far, 115 COVID-19 patients have succumbed to the infection, while 187 people have recovered. There are 5,310 active cases in Delhi at present, according to health bulletin released by Delhi government on Thursday.
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar will hold a meeting with few key ministers on Thursday to review the current economic situation of the state in the backdrop of COVID-19 lockdown.
The ministers will also mull upon the measures to be taken for the revival of the state's economy. CM and his colleagues are likely to discuss the post lockdown economic revival plan for the state.
Some people in Delhi asked if we can start public buses. They said many offices are allowed to work now, but not everyone has a vehicle and they need public transport, said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday.
With 22 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Karnataka from 5 pm on Wednesday till 12 pm on Thursday, the total number of positive cases in the state climbed to 981.
So far, the state has registered 35 deaths, said the health department.
BSP chief Mayawati said that the Rs 1,000 crore allocated for migrant labourers from the PM-CARES, must be directly transferred to states like Uttar Pradesh, where labourers have been affected the most.
"Speedy direct cash transfers to migrant workers in 'worst-affected' states like UP can help them become self-sufficient," said Mayawati.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a press conference on Thursday at 4 pm. This will be the second in a series of planned press conferences meant to announce details of the COVID-19 economic stimulus package.
Indian Railways cancelled all tickets booked to travel on or before 30 June, 2020, ANI reported. Refunds will be given to all tickets booked till 30 June. However, all special trains and Shramik Special train will ply as usual.
Congress leader P Chidambaram took to Twitter to slam the BJP-led Centre decision to allocate funds to migrants workers, by saying 'PM-CARES has allocated Rs 1000 crore for migrant workers. Please don’t make the common mistake. But nothing will go to the hands of the migrant workers,' he said.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each to the kin of the deceased in the Muzaffarnagar bus accident that left at least six migrant labourers dead.
"Officers have been directed to send bodies of the workers to Bihar. Saharanpur Divisional Commissioner has been asked to submit report after investigation," said Uttar Pradesh CMO.
As many as 134 new COVID-19 deaths and 3,722 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours across the nation. This takes the total confirmed coronavirus cases in the country to 78,003 with the toll at 2,549 on Thursday.
According to the health ministry, there are 49,219 active cases till now.
Eight labourers were killed and around 50 were injured after the truck they were travelling in collided with a bus in Madhya Pradesh's Guna on Wednesday night, ANI reported.
The injured labourers have been shifted to a district hospital. They were going to their home towns in Uttar Pradesh from Maharashtra.
Six migrant workers were killed and two were injured after being mowed down by a state transport bus while they were walking towards Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar late Wednesday night.
The labourers, who were headed home in Bihar on foot, were killed in the Muzaffarnagar-Saharanpur highway after a speeding bus ran over them late last night, near Ghalauli check-post.
A case of negligence will be filed against the driver, Indian Express quoted Anil Kaparvan, SHO Kotwali police station as saying.
The nationwide tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases inched towards 75,000 on Wednesday with several large urban clusters reporting a further spread of the novel coronavirus, while the government unveiled measures amounting to about Rs 6 lakh crore in easy loans, additional liquidity and other incentives to help businesses fight the crisis.
The first installment of the Rs 20-lakh-crore economic package, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, came on the 50th day of the coronavirus lockdown and merely four days before the end of its third phase on 17 May.
Representational image. AP
A decision on the future course of action on the lockdown is expected in the next few days, though Modi has said that the 'fourth' phase will be an 'improved' version of third phase, in which some relaxations were already given.
On Wednesday evening, the Centre also said that the PM-CARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate Rs 3,100 crore for the fight against COVID-19, out of which nearly Rs 2,000 crore will be earmarked for purchasing ventilators and Rs 1,000 crore for migrant labourers.
Another Rs 100 crore will be given to support coronavirus vaccine development, the PMO statement said.
The trust formed on 27 March is headed by the prime minister. The other ex-officio members of the trust are the defence minister, the home minister and the finance minister.
Centre unveils first dose of Rs 20-lakh-crore economic package
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the first part of the economic package, which is aimed at making India 'self-reliant' and also promote 'local' businesses.
Sitharaman said that no global tenders will be issued for government contracts worth up to Rs 200 crore to promote Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Taking forward the new 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Mission), Home Minister Amit Shah separately announced that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from 1 June.
These canteens cater to nearly 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel. In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said that the decision has been taken after Modi's appeal for being self-reliant and opting for local products.
There are expectations that many more steps might be announced soon to promote indigenous products, though Sitharaman said being self-reliant does not mean that India would look only inwards and become an "isolationist" country.
Modi said the measures announced by the finance minister will enhance liquidity, empower entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitive spirit, while addressing various issues faced by businesses, especially MSMEs.
The measures included Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free automatic loan for businesses including MSMEs, which Sitharaman said would benefit 45 lakh small businesses.
Consultancy major KPMG India's Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar said MSMEs are critical for employment preservation and growth and helping them is the surest way to accelerate job creation. He also welcomed measures for improving liquidity for lenders and businesses, including by helping non-banking finance companies.
Congress leader P Chidambaram, however, said that the Centre's COVID-19 economic stimulus package had nothing for lakhs of poor and hungry migrant workers who have been walking to their homes.
India's MSME sector employs nearly 11 crore people and accounts for about 45 percent of the country's total manufacturing output, 40 percent of exports and almost 30 percent of the GDP. However, the sector has been hit hard by the lockdown, with millions of units staring at the prospect of closure and the threat of job losses.
Lakhs of migrant workers were also left jobless and homeless due to the pandemic, especially after the lockdown came into effect on 25 March.
While special trains and buses have been arranged for them in the recent weeks and continue to operate to help them reach their native places, thousands of them had to walk or even hide in trucks and containers to reach their destinations.
In the past few days, the large scale migrant movement has raised another worry of the virus getting spread further. Also, some cases have come to the light, including in Kerala, of people testing positive after being airlifted from abroad under a massive evacuation scheme of the Centre which is currently underway to bring back Indians and expatriates stranded in different countries.
COVID-19 cases in India cross 75,000-mark, toll rises to 2,415
In its morning update, the Health Ministry said the toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 2,415 and the number of cases has climbed to 74,281, registering an increase of 122 deaths and 3,525 cases since Tuesday morning. This included over 47,000 active cases and more than 24,000 people who have recovered from the infection.
However, a PTI tally of numbers disclosed by states and UTs, as of 6.45 pm, showed at least 75,144 total cases across the country. It also showed nearly 25,000 having recovered so far.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that nine states and UTs, including Chhattisgarh, Ladakh, Manipur and Meghalaya, have not reported any new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours while Daman and Diu, Sikkim, Nagaland and Lakshadweep have not reported any cases so far.
Vardhan also said the the doubling time of cases has improved to 12.6 in the last three days, from 11 in the past 14 days. He further observed that the fatality rate is 3.2 percent and the recovery rate is pegged at 32.8 percent.
Kerala, where new cases had stopped coming up till a few days back, saw 10 more people testing positive, including four who have come from abroad.
At the same time, large numbers of new cases continued to come up in Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, among some other states and UTs.
Maharashtra saw the highest single-day jump in cases on Wednesday, with 1,495 new patients testing positive in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state, which is one of the worst hit, crossed 25,000 and toll reached 975.
Mumbai accounts for over 60 percent of all cases in Maharashtra, with around 1500 cases.
Lockdown eased in England, Saudi Arabia announces Eid curfew
The sound of a crisply struck golf ball could be heard in England for the first time in nearly two months as golf courses reopened on Wednesday as part of a modest easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions that has bred confusion and an increase in the use of public transport, AP reported.
People in England are allowed to exercise more than once a day and with one person from outside their household, provided they remain two meters (around 6.5 feet) apart. Other sporting activities, such as tennis and swimming in lakes and fishing, are allowed too.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced a new 24-hour nationwide curfew from 23 May and during the Eid holidays to curb the COVID-19 spread, CNN reported.
In Italy, the number of calls to a government run anti-violence helpline rose by 73 percent during the coronavirus lockdown, the report added.
from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/35YTpgO
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