Coronavirus news highlights: Karnataka reports 54 new cases; India's tally crosses 90k

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. Govt package only worth Rs 3.22 lakh cr and is only 1.6% of GDP; it's not Rs 20 lakh crore as announced by PM: Congress leader Anand Sharma

. With the spike of 54 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported today in Karnataka, the total number of positive cases rise to 1146. Total number of active cases stands at 611 with 497 discharges and 37 fatalities: State Health Department

. Considering the rising cases of coronavirus in the state, Maharashtra govt has decided to extend the lockdown till May 31.

. I want to tell the Opposition party that on the issue to migrants we all must work together. We are working with all states on this issue. With folded hands, I ask Sonia Gandhi ji that we must speak & deal with our migrants more responsibly: FM Sitharaman

. The overall stimulus package under the Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat amounts to Rs 20,97,053: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

. States have so far borrowed only 14 per cent of the limit which is authorised to them. 86 per cent of the limit remains unutilised. Centre has decided to increase borrowing limits of states from 3 per cent to 5 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2020-21: FM

. Technology-driven education to be the focus- PM eVIDYa programme for multi-mode access to digital/online education to be launched immediately. Top 100 universities will be permitted to automatically start online courses by 30th May 2020: FM

. FM says minimum threshold to initiate insolvency proceedings raised to Rs 1 crore from Rs 1 lakh to benefit MSMEs

. Health expenditure will be increased & investment at grassroots level will be ramped up for health & wellness centres, with particular focus on aspirational districts. All districts will have infectious diseases block in hospitals. Public health labs will be set up at block levels:FM

. Health expenditure will be increased&investment at grassroots level will be ramped up for health&wellness centres, with particular focus on aspirational districts. All districts will have infectious diseases block in hospitals. Public health labs will be set up at block levels:FM

. The government will now allocate an additional Rs 40,000 crores to MGNREGS to provide employment boost: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

. 20 crore Jan Dhan account holding women got Rs 10,025 crores. 2.2 crore building and construction workers got Rs 3,950 crores. 6.81 crore people got free LPG cylinders and12 lakh EPFO holders got online withdrawal of advance: FM Sitharaman

. One-time transfer of Rs 2,000 has reached 8.19 crore farmers, total amount Rs 16,394 crore. NSAP beneficiaries got Rs 1,405 crore in first installment & Rs 1,402 crore in second instalment, target of Rs 3,000 crore nearly achieved: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package used technology to do direct benefit transfer to people. We could do what we did because of the initiatives taken during the last few years: FM Sitharaman

. Pulses were given 3 months in advance. I appreciate concerted efforts of Food Corporation of India, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India&states, giving pulses& grains in huge quantities, despite logistical challenges: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

. Reforms to be focus of 5th and final tranche of eco stimulus package, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

. Nirmala Sitharaman speaks on how the government is trying hard to address the issues of the migrants.

. 120 deaths have occurred in the last 24 hours.Highest ever spike of 4987 COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours. (ANI)

. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will address a press conference on the 5th and last tranche of announcements under Aatmanirbhar Bharat today at 11 am.

. Mumbai:Maharashtra Govt has arranged buses for migrant labourers to drop them to Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh borders. BN Devra, Traffic Inspector says,"this service was started on May 11, every day 20 buses of state transport corporation are run. We don't take any payment from them" (ANI)

. This is the kind of weekend beer lovers have been waiting for. The drinks would begin to flow from the taverns and watering holes, and would flow unbelievably cheap as many restaurants, hotels and pubs are offering big discounts to clear their old stock.

. The Delhi High Court has directed the AAP government to ensure uninterrupted working of their helpline numbers for migrant workers so that they can approach nodal officers who shall be easily available to labourers.

. The BBMP has covered nearly 13 lakh households across all the zones in a week in its effort to create a database of senior citizens with COVID-19 conditions.

. Four Delhi University (DU) professors have written to President Ram Nath Kovind against the varsity’s “arbitrary decision” to hold exams through open-book mode online if the COVID-19 situation doesn't normalise.

. The ‘high-handedness’ of a senior IPS officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), who forced officials to open the gate of Cubbon Park for his morning walk, has led to the suspension of a deputy director of the Horticulture Department the order for which was issued on Saturday.

. The government's decision to raise the FDI limit in defence manufacturing to 74 per cent from 49 per cent under the automatic route will prove to be a "game changer" as it will help in realising India's true potential in production of weapons and military hardware, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

. RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) on Saturday asked the government to "find novel ways to revive the economy and not failed ideas".

. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said his government has suggested the Centre to resume air, railways and inter-state bus services with reduced capacity.

. Germany gave football-starved fans reason to be cheerful on Saturday with the Bundesliga's return to action behind closed doors, on a day in which Borussia Dortmund hammered local rivals Schalke in an echoing Signal Iduna Park.

. London police arrested 19 people on Saturday for deliberately breaking social distancing guidelines in protest against the rules, on the first weekend since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a slight loosening of England's lockdown.

. More details awaited.

(ANI)

. VAT rate on petrol is increased from 26% to 32% with effect from 17th May 2020 increasing Rs 3.11 per litre. VAT rate on diesel is increased from 26% to 28% with effect from 17th May 2020 increasing Rs 1.03 per litre: Government of Odisha

. In last 24 hours, 65 new COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in the state. The total number of positive cases stands at 737, of which 538 are active cases & 196 persons have already recovered/discharged. Death toll is at 3: Information & Public Relations Dept, Odisha Govt

. Govt has decided not to conduct the remaining exams for Class 10 of Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education. Merit list of Class 10 will be announced based on the exams held. The pending exams of Class 12 will be held between June 8 & June 16: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Private schools are allowed to charge only tuition fee from students for the period between March 19 & the date when lockdown ends the CM added

. A total number of 1946 people have tested positive for COVID-19 till date, including 1257 patients cured and 32 deaths: Department of Information & Public Relations, Government of Punjab

. Deaths today 67 Progressive deaths 1137

Total cases 1606 Total progressive cases 30706

Total active cases 22479

Total discharge today 524 Progressive discharge 7088

**

Mumbai

41 deaths today Progressive deaths 696

. A 22-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manipur after returning from Chennai, taking the total number of cases to 7 including 5 active cases: Manipur Health Department

. A total of 34,466 people who tested positive for the new coronavirus have died in the United Kingdom, a rise of 468 in a 24-hour period, the health ministry said on Saturday.

The figures are as of 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) on May 15. Including deaths due to suspected cases, Britain's toll is over 40,000

. Maximum relaxations to be given in non-containment zones. Schools, however, to remain closed.

. To provide relief to migrant labourers, Indian Railways is ready to run "Shramik Special" trains from any District in the Country. District Collectors should prepare lists of stranded labour & destination and apply to Railways through the State nodal officer says Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

Railway appointed nodal officers in every states to help ferry migrants to their home states, says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

. Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday recorded the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases, with 108 fresh infections, including 12 pregnant women, taking its tally to 1121 and the death toll in the Union Territory rose to 12.

. Two persons from Garhwa & Ranchi have been tested positive for COVID-19 today: DK Singh, Director Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences

With this, number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 217 in Jharkhand.

.National Migrant Info System (NMIS) - a central online repository on MigrantWorkers - developed by NDMA to facilitate their seamless movement across StatesMHA to States: Upload data on NMIS Dashboard for better coordination, movement monitoring & contact tracing.. Guajarat's tally of coronavirus cases breached 10,000-mark on Saturday with348 persons testing positive for the disease, total stands at 10,280. Death toll rose to 625 after state reported 19 fresh deaths in the past 24 hours

. Odisha govt urges Centre to suspend Shramik Special trains passing through its coastal areas for 3-4 days due to impending cyclone:Official

. Three more COVID-19 deaths in Tamil Nadu, toll now 74; 477 test positive,count rises to 10,585: TN govt

. 36 new COVID-19positive cases reported in Karnataka today, the total number of positive cases in the state rises to 1092 - including 496 discharged and 36 deaths: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka

. Phishing attacks in name of Aarogya Setu mobile application witnessing "high rise" as online scamsters are taking advantage of increased inquisitiveness of internet users during COVID-19 pandemic, says Computer Emergency Response Team of India

. Total infected so far: 587 Now under treatment : 87 3 died today 497 negative so far 4 negative today 11 fresh cases today 56362 in home observation 619 in hospital observation 43,669 samples tested so far 41,814 negative

. 195 fresh cases of C OVID-19& 3 deaths recorded in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 4140 & death toll to 95. There are 1718 active cases in the state: Uttar Pradesh Health Department

. No new case of COVID-19 reported today in Chandigarh. The total number of positive cases stands at 191, of which 137 are active cases. The death toll is at 3. 51 patients have been cured/discharged till date: Chandigarh Health Department

. 115 fresh cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the last 24 hours in West Bengal, taking the total number of cases to 2576 including 892 recoveries. Seven people succumbed to the infection in the last 24 hours: State Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay

. Research reactor in PPP model for the production of medical isotopes will be established to promote welfare of humanity through affordable treatment for cancer and other diseases.PPP mode will be used for irradiation technology for food preservation to compliment agri reforms and assist farmers.This is help link India’s robust startup ecosystem to nuclear sector- Technology Development cum incubation centres will be set up for fostering synergy between research facilities and tech entrepreneurs

. Will provide level playing field for pvt companies in satellite launches and space-based services. Will provide predictable policy and regulatory environment to pvt players.Pvt sector entities will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities. Future project for planetary exploration, outer space travel and others to be open for private sector. Liberal geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to tech entrepreneurs.

. Rs 8100 crores to given in the form of viability gap funding for social infrastructure. Government will enhance quantum of viabiilty gap funding will be upped to 30% each of total project cost as VGF by centre and state/statutory bodies. Social infra projects will be proposed by central ministries/state govt/statutory entities.Other sectors will receive 20% each existing support from GOI and states and statutory bodies will continue.

. These reforms will bring in reduction of flying costs by Rs 1000 crores. Only 60% of Indian airspace is freely available. Airspace will be rationalised to save fuel, travel time and pilots’ flying time.

6 more airports to be auctioned by AAI, more world-class airports to be made available

MRO (Maintenance/ repair for airlines) facilities to be set in India. Defense and civil sectors to strengthened; so India can become an aircraft hub

. Foreign Direct Investment limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is being raised from 49% to 74%: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Time-bound defence procurement process and faster decision making will be ushered in by setting up of a project management unit to support contract management. Realistic setting of general staff qualitative requirements of weapons and platforms. Trial and testing will be overhauled.

. FDI limits will be raised from 49% to 74% under automatic route. Time-bound defence procurement process and faster decision making will be ushered in by setting up of a project management unit to support contract management. Realistic setting of general staff qualitative requirements of weapons and platforms. Trial and testing will be overhauled.

. Notify a list of weapons/platforms for ban on import with year-wise timelines. Imported spares will be indigenised. This will improve autonomy, accountability and efficiency in ordinance supplies by Corporatisation of Ordinance Factory Board.

. Make in India and self reliance have now become partners, especially in critical industries like defence. Defence forces definitely require advanced technology and artillery.

We shall notifya list of weapons and platforms which shall not be allowed for import but can be bought from India

. Removal of distinction between captive and non-captive and non-captive mines to allow transfer of mining leases and sale of surplus unused minerals, leading to better efficiency in mining and production.

. Introduction of a seamless composite exploration-cum-mining-cum-production regime. 500 mining blocks will be offered through open and transparent auction process. Introduction of joint auction bauxite and coal mineral blocks to enhance aluminium industry’s competitiveness. Will help aluminium industry reduce electricity costs.

Sale of unused minerals to be made available

. There is a need to reduce import of substitutable coal and increase self-reliance in coal production. Government will introduce competition, transparency and pvt sector participation in the coal sector through revenue sharing mechanism instead of fixed rate. Entry norms will be liberalised, nearly 50 blocks will be offered immediately.

. FM says govt will open up the coal sector

. Coal

Minerals

Defence

Civil aviation

Air space / Airport management

MRO

Power distribution in UT

Space sector

Atomic energy sector

. PM had said that we should prepare for tough competition. When we speak of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, we are not looking inwards, it is not isolationist policy, it is making India rely on its strengths, ready to face global challenges: FM

. FM Nirmala Sitharaman says structural reforms will be focus of fourth tranche of eco stimulus package with aim to boost growth, create jobs

. WB Chief Secy writes to Indian Railways, says WB will bear the cost of bringing migrants back to state.

Saluting the toil faced by migrant brethren, I am pleased to announce the decision of GoWB to bear the entire cost of movement for our migrant workers by special trains from other states to WB. No migrant will be charged: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

. Six new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Uttarakhand, taking total number of cases to 88 including 51 recoveries. Number of active cases stands at 36: Uttarakhand Health Department

. We are discussing as to what are the provisions of govt to help them. It's an unfortunate incident. I've directed my officers that no migrant worker, regardless of the state he/she belongs to, should be seen walking on road: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on accident in UP's Auraiya

. CPI to protest against Modi govt on May 19 for its 'indifference' to the plight of migrant workers and the poor

Demands include - provide adequate funds, financial support to states - run more trains, buses for migrant workers - Give Rs 10,000 to each worker as travel allowance - Guarantee urban employment and shelter - No dilution of labour laws

. The langoor handler in Rail Bhawan has been found COVID-19 positive. Few officials asked to be on home quarantine for 14 days. He was in charge of chasing away monkeys in the Railway Ministry building.

. Fresh cases: 438

Total cases: 9333

Deaths reported today: 6

Total deaths: 129

Discharged today: 408

Total number of patients discharged: 3926

Still under treatment: 5278 (1983 in home isolation)

Total samples tested till date:130845

. Of the 103 deaths reported since Friday morning, 49 were in Maharashtra, 20 in Gujarat, 10 in West Bengal, eight in Delhi, seven in Uttar Pradesh, five in Tamil Nadu, two in Madhya Pradesh, one each in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.

. Two doctors and a contractor have been booked for not reporting COVID-19 cases to the health department. Two cases have been registered in this regard based on complaints by a BBMP officer and a resident.

. Barring four zones of Hyderabad, there are no COVID-19 active cases in the state,Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao said on Friday, as 40 people tested positive for the virus. COVID-19 cases are confined to only LB Nagar, Malakpet, Charminar and Karwan zones in Hyderabad, Rao said.

. The World Health Organization on Friday urged countries, companies and researchers to pull down the barriers and open up their findings on COVID-19 as it unveiled a global knowledge-sharing platform.

. The United States is working with India on developing a vaccine for COVID-19, President Donald Trump said on Friday, praising Indian-Americans as “great” scientists and researchers.

. Bihar breached the four-digit-mark in terms of number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday when 19 people tested positive for the disease and took the tally in the state to 1,018, an official said here.

. The Union Health Ministry on Friday issued guidelines on preventive measures, isolation and quarantine for healthcare workers deployed in COVID and non-COVID areas of hospitals.

. The COVID-19 lockdown is likely to be extended by two weeks with more relaxations and an announcement is expected on Saturday.

. With India expected to breach 100,000 active COVID-19 cases in another ten days, researchers tracking the pandemic are in the favour of liftingthe lockdown for the benefit of the people as the epidemic’s peak is at least a couple of months away.

Read more here

. With more reports of migrant workers walking to their native places emerging, the Centre on Friday said it is state governments' responsibility to facilitate their travel to their homes on special trains while asking them to ensure that there is no movement of such labourers on roads.

Read more here

. The World Health Organization said Friday it was studying a possible link between COVID-19 and illness similar to Kawasaki disease that has sickened and killed children in Europe and the United States.

"Initial reports hypothesise that this syndrome may be related to COVID-19," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing, calling on clinicians worldwide to help "better understand this syndrome in children." (AFP)

. Two days before Lockdown 3.0 ends on Sunday, states have submitted their views to the Prime Minister’s Office on what should be the contours of the Lockdown 4.0 beginning Monday and how a graded exit from lockdown can be achieved at.

Read more here

. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs to ensure that there is no movement of migrant workers on roads and railway tracks, and facilitate their movement through special buses or Shramik special trains.

. I welcome today’s measures announced by FM Nirmala Sitharaman. They'll help rural economy, our hardworking farmers, fishermen, animal husbandry & dairy sectors. I especially welcome reform initiatives in agriculture, which will boost income of farmers: PM Narendra Modi.

. Not more than 50 guests, no air conditioning, no consumption of liquor and paan, no invitation to people aged above 65 and below 10 years and also pregnant women are some of the guidelines to be followed for holding marriages or events in Karnataka with easing of the lockdown.

Read more here

. The government on Friday announced a Rs 1.63 lakh crore package for agriculture and allied sectors aimed at strengthening infrastructure, logistics and capacity building at farm gate. Announcing the third tranche of an overall package of Rs 20 lakh crore to deal with the economic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Rs 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund that will finance projects at farm-gate and aggregation point for efficient post-harvest management of crops.

Read more here

. Indian equity investors have been one of the worst-hit across the globe, as Indian markets have tumbled more than any other market in the world, save French equities. Unlike other world economies, India has experienced COVID-19 on the back of the lingering economy and fundamental woes in the financial system.

Read more here

. Sixteen more persons in Kerala, including 13 who came from other states and countries, were tested COVID-19 positive on Friday (May 15) taking the number of active cases to 80.

Of the 576 persons tested COVID positive in Kerala since January 30, 311 came from abroad, eight were foreigners and 70 came from other states. Only 187 got the infection through a local contact.

Read more here

. All mid term andlong term measures. No immediate measures to provide relief. Finance Minister had no answers when asked what are the new expenditures! Obfuscation- Modi style says CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

. Karnataka: Scores of migrant workers from West Bengal today gathered outside District Magistrate's office in Shivamogga demanding West Bengal govt to provide them train. A worker says, "120 people are stranded here. Govt here is saying Mamta Banerjee is not giving green signal". (ANI)

. The Gujarat High Court has asked the state government to take necessary steps to regulate the "exorbitant" fees charged by private hospitals which are authorised to treat coronavirus patients.

The order was passed on Thursday by a division bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and Ilesh Vora which took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of news reports about various issues related to the coronavirus pandemic, including the high cost of treatment in private hospitals.

Read more here

. Karnataka's single-day highest spike sees a new high with 69 new cases reported today. Three days ago, the single-day highest spike was seen when 63 cases were reported because of an influx of passengers from Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Today most cases are patients who have returned from neighbouring Maharashtra's Mumbai to Mandya.

. Online restaurant guide and food ordering platformZomatoon Friday said it is going to layoff around 13 per cent of its workforce on account of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has around 4,000 employees in different roles.

In a blog post,ZomatoFounder and CEODeepinder Goyal said multiple aspects of the company's business have changed dramatically over the last couple of months and many of these changes are expected to be permanent.

Read more here

. Due to prolonged lockdown announced by the Govt. to control the spread of COVID-19 and other disruptions due to pandemic, establishments covered under EPF & MP Act, 1952 are distressed and unable to function normally and pay the statutory contributions in time.

Considering the difficulty faced by the establishments in the timely deposit of contributions or administrative charges due for any period during the lockdown, the EPFO has decided that such delays due to operational or economic reasons shall not be treated as default and penal damages should not be levied for such delay.

. The third day of reforms are focused on agriculture and essential commodities act to be amended, it could benefit some Agri related stocks but the bigger trigger and benefits for consumers and companies is missing. We do not expect any major positive upmove. Global markets movement will be key to watch: Vikas Jain, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities.

. The third tranche of announcementsfocuses on agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry and allied industries.

"Indian farmers would give us on the highest yield despite monsoons and droughts and most of these farmers are small and marginal farmers," said the finance minister at the beginning of her speech. “Indian farmers, against all adversaries, have always stood up to the challenge and endured a lot,” she added.

Read more here

. The facilitativelegal framework will be created to enable farmers to engage with processors, aggregators, large retailers and exporters in a fair and transparent manner. Risk mitigation for farmers, assured returns and quality standardisation shall be an integral part of the framework. This is being done to tackle the issue of farmers lacking an enforceable standard mechanism for predictable prices of crops at the time of sowing: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was enacted in days of scarcity. Govt will amend the Essential Commodities Actto enable better price realisation for farmers by attracting investments and making Agri sector competitive. Agri foodstuff including cereals, edible oils, pulses, onions, potato will be deregulated. The stock limit will be imposed under very exceptional circumstances like national calamities, famine with a surge in prices. No such stock limit shall apply to processors or value chain participant, subject to their installed capacity or to any exporter subject to the export demand.: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Operation Greens will be extended from tomatoes, onions and potatoes to all fruits and vegetables. 50% subsidy on transportation from surplus and deficient markets. 50% subsidy on storage, including cold storage. Distress sale of perishables needs to be prevented including the reduction of price: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Increases yield and quality of crops through pollination. Govt will implement a scheme for infra developmentrelated to integrated beekeeping developmentcentres, collection, marketing and storage centres, post-harvest and value-added facilities: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

. 15k crore will be provided for the ANimal husbandry infra debt fund. Aim to support Pvt investment in Dairy processing, value addition and cattle feed infrastructure. Incentives to be given for establishing plants for the export of niche products: FM Sitharaman.

. National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and mouth disease and brucellosis launched with total outlay of 13,343 cr. It ensures 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo and other livestock, total 53 cr animals for Foot and mouth disease and for brucellosis. Till date 1.5 cr cows and buffalos tagged and vaccinated: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Govt will launch the PMMSY for integrated, sustainable, inclusive development of maritime and inland fisheries. Rs 11,000 crore for activities in marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture. 9000 cr for infrastructure: FM Sitharaman.

. All COVID-19 related deadline extensions relating to fisheries activities, many of them involving overseas contracts, have been honoured. Very many measures which will help marine and coastal farmers have been undertaken as promised: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Government introduces a Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE); the scheme promotes PM's vision of 'Vocal for Local with global outreach': FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. One lakh crore will be provided for funding agriculture infra projects at farm-gate and aggregation points Agri entrepreneurs, primary Agri coop societies, startups, farmer producer organisations. The impetus for depth of farm-gate and aggregation point, affordable ad financially viable post-harvest management infra: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. 11 measures were announced today by the finance minister. Eight of which pertain to the strengthening of infrastructure and capacities. Three measures will be made to effect governance and administrative reforms, said the Finance minister.

. Border Security Force (BSF) has reported 11 new COVID-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours. Since yesterday, 13 (Tripura-10, Delhi -03) BSF personnel have been discharged from hospital after testing negative for the virus: BSF.

. Dispatches from a Quarantined City by well-known Chinese literary writer Fang Fang. The ebook will be published on 15th May with the audio to follow on 26th May. HarperNonFiction acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, the translator is Michael Berry. The book is a compilation of the author’s diary entries and social media posts that document 60 days of lockdown during the COVID-19 epidemic.

. As per Third Advance Estimates for 2019-20, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 295.67 million tonnes which is higher by 10.46 million tonnes than the production of foodgrain of 285.21 million tonnes achieved during 2018-19: Government of India

. Scores of migrant workers from Jharkhand today staged a protest outside Town Hall in Mangalore demanding Jharkhand government to provide them train in order to return to their state amid lockdown due to COVID-19.

. We have sent our written recommendation that we want this lockdown to be continued. Let Government of India take a view because it is not a single step, to take recommendations, but many steps have to be considered: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

. "Hi @CMofKarnataka, Expose the list of home quarantined people with their travel history and their personal data on the Internet is not a good idea. Everyone deserves privacy," said a twitter user under the username 'Elliot Alderson' (@fs0c131y), with a list of those who are under home quarantined in the state.

. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Punjab rise to 1942 with 7 new positive cases reported today: Punjab Health Department

. "We are witnessing the greatest human tragedy of our times & the central govt is shrugging its responsibilities. The BJP is proving time & again that the poor are simply a vote bank for them," says Congress, over Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcements for migrants and urban poor in the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package.

. "80% of the bogus 20 lakh crore package announced. What more recycling and gimmickry remains? How many more jumlas will India endure as pain, agony and distress intensifies?" tweets Congress leader Jairam Ramesh over the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package detailing by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Reliance Jio announces one more Work-from-Home plan for high data prepaid users on Friday. This time it is a quarterly plan which offers 3GB per day for just Rs999 for 84 days.

This new plan offers free and unlimited voice calls from Jio to Jio and landline. It offers 3,000 minutes of voice calls from Jio to other mobile and 100 SMSes / day. It offers unlimited data of 3GB/Day of high-speed data which thereafter reduces to unlimited at 64 Kbps. Along with this, the offer also gives complimentary subscription to JioApps.

Ever since of lockdown, the need of high-speed data has increased, many people have started working from home and also have been looking for more entertainment. Considering the need, Jio came up with this new quarterly Work-from-Home plan

. 45 new COVID-19 cases reported in the state from 14th May, 5 pm to 12noon today; the total number of positive cases in the state is now 1032, according toKarnataka Health Department

20 international passengers who had arrived from Dubai in a repatriation flight to Mangaluru as a part of Vande Bharat Mission test positive for novel coronavirus.

. 1061 personnel of Maharashtra Police including 112 police officers have been tested positive for #COVID19 so far. Out of the total infected police personnel, 174 have been cured while 9 others lost their lives: Maharashtra Police

. Delhi: Union Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting on COVID-19, underway at the Health Ministry. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat also present.

. "The Finance Minister said that she will loan ₹3 lakh crore to MSMEs.

But the Minister of MSMEs, Shri Nitin Gadkari, opened the secret - told that the government owes MSMEs ₹5 lakh crore.This is 'selling comb to bald'!Wow Modi!" tweets Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala.

. Total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 672, including 158 discharged and 3 deaths: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Odisha

. On Thursday 145 Shramik Special operated which highest in a day since May 1. Total railways operated 1000 Shramik special trains since May 1 to March 14 and ferried over 14 lakh passengers, says Railway ministry official.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal says West Bengal, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Chhhattisgarh approved the least number of trains despite a large number of migrant workers of these states stranded across the country. Goyal requested these states to give approval for more trains for ferry stranded migrant workers. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar approved the highest number of trains.

With the receiving states approval railways can't operate Shramik Special trains says Goyal.

. "Darkness is dense, it is a difficult time, have courage - we stand in the safety of all of them. Their screams will reach the government, they will get all help for their rights. They are not the ordinary people of the country, they are the flag of the country's self-respect ... Never will let it bow down," tweets Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

. Karnataka: People gathered in large numbers yesterday in Kolagondanahalli village of Ramanagara for a village fair.They had taken permission for gathering from Panchayat Development Officer NC Kalmatt. He has been suspended by Ramanagara Dy Commissioner following a report by Tehsildar.

. Four million girls are at a risk of child marriage in the next two years because of the new coronavirus pandemic, a global charity said on Friday, as campaigners warned that the crisis could undo decades of work to end the practice.

. The novel coronavirus has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide, mostly in Europe and the United States, since it emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP tally of official figures on Thursday at 2030 GMT.

. Maharashtra Govt mullslockdown extensionin major hotspot areas like Mumbai, Pune, Malegaon, Aurangabad and Solapur until May 31, according to multiple media reports.Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in a meeting with his cabinet members, consideredextending the lockdown in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and cities like Pune, Malegaon and Aurangabad till May 31. The CM said that the decision will be left to the Centre, according to the Indian Express .

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday discussed theglobal response to COVID-19 with philanthropist Bill Gates and pitched for leveraging India's Aarogya Setu contact tracing app globally to strengthen the fight against the disease.

. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced every aspect of consumers’ life, including the way they read books. In the absence of physical books, as stores are closed for nearly two months, many readers are gravitating towards ebooks.

. Fears that community spread of COVID-19 may have started in Padarayanapura has forced civic officials to deploy a mobile testing lab to begin the stalled mass testing programme.

. US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to cut off the whole relationship with China in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus across the world that has killed nearly 300,000 people globally, including over 80,000 in America.

. COVID-19toll in Rajasthan rises to 125 with 4 more deaths; tally 4,534 after 206 new cases, including 59 in Udaipur, 36 in Jodhpur, 22 in Jalore, 20 in Jaipur & 17 in Nagaur districts; active cases 1,771

. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh each for the families of all village heads who lose their lives in the battle against COVID-19. Hailing the Sarpanchs as frontline warriors in the battle against COVID-19 at the grassroots level, Patnaik said for the benefit of their families they have been included in the scheme of Rs 50 lakh financial assistance announced earlier.

Read more here

. With 144 more people being confirmed positive for coronavirus, the number of cases rose to 3,902 in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday while two persons died of the infection in the state, officials said.

"A total of 3,092 cases have been reported so far in the state, of which 1,742 are active while 2,072 people have been discharged from hospitals after recovery," an official statement said.

Read more here

. Enough foodgrain stock is lying in godowns of state governments which they can lift from Friday onwards for free distribution to 8 crore migrants who do not have ration cards to avail such supplies, Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday said.

Read more here

. West Bengal first gave permission for only 2 trains, but after Union Home Minister wrote to state CM then the announcement was made that 8 more trains will be allowed. But until today afternoon, only 5 out of those 8 trains were allowed by WB Govt: Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.

. Whistleblower Dr Rick Bright warned on Thursday that the US 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.

Read more here

. Britain's approval of a COVID-19 antibody test is an "important breakthrough" and might lead to Britons being able to use health certificates if antibodies are present, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday.

The antibody tests - also known as serology tests - show who has been infected, although it is not yet clear whether the presence of antibodies to the new coronavirus confers permanent immunity.

Read more here

. A health worker checks the body temperature of a worker at DH Cube Industries, a heavy manufacturing factory,at Vasna Buzarg village, some 40 kms from Ahmedabad on May 14, 2020. (Photo by SAM PANTHAKY / AFP)

. A vaccine for the coronavirus could be ready in a year's time under an "optimistic" scenario, based on data from trials that are underway, the European Medicines Agency said Thursday.

"We can see the possibility if everything goes as planned that some of them (vaccines) could be ready for approval in a year from now," Marco Cavaleri, the EMA's head of biological health threats and vaccines strategy, told a video news conference.

Read more here

. As long, jostling queues formed outside liquor stores in India during the easing of a coronavirus lockdown, Karthik Velayutham found a way to maintain social distancing -- by building a robot to shop for him.

The humble machine -- a cardboard box resting on a four-wheel wooden platform -- took the computer engineer two days to make and cost Rs 3,000 ($40).

Read more here

. So you have to wear a mask to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus? Wondering how to chose one? Or if it will slip off, or be suffocating?

While masks are everyday accessories in parts of Asia, for those not accustomed to wearing them the experience can be unnerving, even daunting.

Read more here

. Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jaganmohan Reddy has directed officials to set up a food, water provision center at every 50 KM along the highways in the state where the migrant labour are walking towards their homes.

Officials manning such centres should counsel the migrants about the Shramik trains and buses etc., transport facilities and dissuade them from walking further.

. As many as 167 passengers of a special train bringing migrants to Haridwar from Gujarat's Surat have gone missing, causing concern among officials here.

The number of passengers who deboarded the train here does not match with the list of passengers received from Surat, Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar said on Thursday.

Read more here

. A mysterious and deadly disease rips through the population causing a fearful public to adopt hastily-made masks as experts debate how best to slow the spread of infection.

A scene this week from cities in Europe and the United States tiptoeing out of lockdown?

Read more here

. India has supplied paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine to over 120 countries in the last two months while ensuring the domestic supply, as these two medicines are in huge demand due to COVID-19, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

Read more here

. Today’s announcements by FM Nirmala Sitharaman 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: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

. West Bengal is required to run 105 trains daily, while there's unconfirmed news that they've prepared list of permission for only 105 trains for next 30 days. It's a cruel joke with workers of West Bengal that govt there's not giving them the facility to go to their homes: Piyush Goyal.

. Rs 6,000 crore CAMPA funds lying in various states are being given a push, they are going to be approved shortly, will create jobs for tribals / Adivasis for forestry-related work and put money in their hands: FM Sitharaman.

. 50 lakh street vendors can avail special loan facility of about Rs5,000 crore Special scheme to be launched within a month Will help these vendors to resume business and tide over difficulties, after lifting of lockdown: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Rs 2 lakh crore Concessional credit boost to 2.5 crore farmers through Kisan Credit Cards; Fishermen and Animal Husbandry farmers will also be included in this drive: FM Sitharaman.

. Government to extend the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for middle income group (annual income Rs 6-18 lakhs) up to March 2021; 2.5 lakh middle income families to benefit during 2020-21: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. We are looking at re-skilling of workers who have lost their jobs, and social security scheme for gig workers. All occupations should be open for women, with provision for night working rights and adequate safeguards: FM Sitharaman.

. We have already generated 14.62 crore person-days of work till 13th May, which is 40-50% more persons enrolled as compared to last May. Migrant workers going back to their states being actively enrolled: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Governmenthas permitted state governments to utilise SDRF for setting up shelter for migrants and providing them food and water etc...We are conscious, we are attending to the migrants and giving them in various different ways: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

. Today's initiativefocuses on migrant workers, street vendors, small farmers, shop keepers. Nine steps will be announced. Three for migrant workers, one to street vendors, one for employment generation for tribals, two for farmers, says finance minister Nirmala sitharaman.

. Phase II of the flights operated by Air India and Air India Express for return of stranded Indians from 32 countries will start from 16 May. Reservation for travel from India to select destinations in the USA, UK, Australia&to Frankfurt, Paris andSingapore will commence from 14 May: Air India.

. Consumption during ceremonial occasions like At-Home ceremonies and state banquets will be minimised by taking measures like keeping smaller guest lists to maintain social distance, lesser usage of flowers and items for decoration and reducing food menu to the extent possible: Rashtrapati Bhavan.

. PTI file photo

. With 2 new positive cases of COVID-19, total number of positive cases in Chandigarh rise to 191, including 3 fatalities: Union Territory Health Department

. 24 fresh cases have been reported in Rajasthan today till 2 pm. Total number of positive cases now stands at 4418 including 122 deaths, 2346 discharged and 1716 active cases: State Health Department

. The Shiv Sena on Thursday raised questions over the Centre's Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced to revive the COVID-hit economy, and asked if India is not a "self-reliant" country at present.

. The Delhi government has received an overwhelming 5.48 lakh suggestions from the public regarding relaxations that should be provided post-May 17 in COVID-19 lockdown 4.0 with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday saying it included partial opening up of markets and malls, relaxation in construction activities and doing away with restrictions on movement in the night.

. 3 COVID-19 cases reported in Uttarakhand today, all in Dehradun district. Total number of cases in the state is now at 75, including 24 active cases, 50 recovered & 1 death: State Health Department

. A blame game and petty politics have pushed much desired coordinated administrative measures by the Centre and state government to the backseat in West Bengal. Every step taken by both sides to deal with the COVID-19 crisis has met with adverse opposition from the ruling parties at the Centre and the state.

. Fresh Cases 472 Total 8470

No deaths reported in 24 hours Nine deaths added to total toll Total 115

Recovered 187 Total 3045

Active Cases 5310 (1123 in home isolation)

Total Samples Tested 119736

.Limited metro services should start with restrictions. Almost everyone agrees that senior citizens should stay at home. Majority of people want public transport to open with restrictions.State Disaster Management Authority is meeting with Lieutenant-Governor at 4 PM today. After that, we will send a report to the central govt & then they will decide. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, DH photojournalist Pushkar V brings you the stories of migrant labourers who left Bengaluru on foot headed to various states in North and Central India. DH journalist Akash Sriram brings news highlights and DH Fact Check.

. (ANI)

. 22 more COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka between 5 pm yesterday & 12 pm today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 981, including 456 discharged & 35 deaths: State Health Department

. 1001 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state, of which 851 are active cases, 142 recovered & 8 deaths. There have been 218 incidents of assault on police personnel during the lockdown period & 770 accused have been arrested for the same: Maharashtra Police

. 36 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 2100, including 1192 discharged and 48 deaths: State Command Control Room, Andhra Pradesh

. "I wish Modi ji would have listened to this red-faced person.Purchased a train ticket on 22 March, till date the railways did not return the money, now they are demanding money for the new ticket to go to the village.

But Congress colleagues are arranging tickets," tweets Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala.

. With effect from 13th May, IRCTC has started taking the destination address of all passengers, booking online tickets. This will help us in contact tracing, if required later: Indian Railways.

. CM had sought suggestions from the public, we got around 5 lakh suggestions. A policy is being formulated & you will get to know about it in 2-3 days, whatever opens will be opened keeping in mind social distancing: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on

. 1 inmate of Delhi's Rohini Jail has tested positive for COVID-19He was in DDU hospital for some intestinal problem and his operation was done on 10th May. He was also tested for COVID & his result came y'day. 20 other inmates & 5 jail staff have been quarantined: Jail official

. The World Health Organization's emergencies chief said it's possible the new coronavirus may be here to stay, warning it's impossible to predict when the pandemic might be controlled.

. See which countries are the worst-affected by the pandemic

. CM announces Rs 2 Lakh each ex-gratia to next of the kin of the deceased & compensation of Rs 50,000 each to injured. Officers have been directed to send bodies of the workers to Bihar. Saharanpur Divisional Commissioner has been asked to submit report after investigation: UP CMO

. Abbott Laboratories' speedy coronavirus test, which can deliver results within minutes, could be missing a third to nearly half of positive cases, according to a study from New York University researchers published on Wednesday.

. With 66 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 1 death reported in Rajasthan till 9 am today, the total number of positive cases and deaths rise to 4394 and 122 respectively. The number of recovered cases stand at 2575 while 1697 active cases remain in state: State Health Department

. 73 new positive cases reported in Odisha till 9 am - 3 in Khordha, 43 in Ganjam, 9 in Bhadrak, 17 in Jajpur, 2 in Sundergar. 71 of these had returned from other states&2 cases were found in containment zone. Total positive cases 611: Info & Public Relations Dept, Odisha

. Railway cancelled passenger trains till June 30. The national transporter also announced to fully refund the money to those who booked ticket till June 30. However Special Rajdhani trains and Sharamik Special trains continue to operate.

. Spike of 3722 COVID-19 cases & 134 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total positive cases in the country is now at 78003, including 49219 active cases, 26235 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2549 deaths: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

. Bihar: At least 2 dead, 12 injured in a collision between a bus and a truck today near Shankar Chowk in Samastipur. The injured have been taken to a hospital. The bus was going from Muzaffarpur to Katihar and was carrying 32 migrant labourers. More details awaited.

. Former Union Minister & Congress Karnataka MLC, C M Ibrahim has written to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. Letter states, "After consulting medical experts, take a suitable decision enabling Muslims all over the state to offer Idd prayers at Idgah Maidan or Masjids....".

. Madhya Pradesh: 8 labourers dead & around 50 injured after the truck they were travelling in, collided with a bus in Cantt PS area in Guna last night. Injured persons shifted to district hospital.All the 8 killed labourers were going to their native places in UP from Maharashtra.

. 6 migrant workers who were walking along the Muzaffarnagar-Saharanpur highway killed after a speeding bus ran over them late last night, near Ghalauli check-post. Case registered against unknown bus driver. ANI . The samples of an assistant sub inspector attached to Vinoba Bhave Nagar police station in Mumbai who died on Friday have tested positive for novel coronavirus, officials said on Saturday.

. A WhatsApp text that lists 21 dos and don’ts on how to resume life after the lockdown has been ascribed to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi. It is being widely forwarded on WhatsApp.

. Three children in New York have died from a rare inflammatory syndrome believed to be linked to the novel coronavirus, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday, a development that may augur a pandemic risk for the very young.

. Airline companies are sitting on a cash pile of close to Rs 3,700 crore towards the tickets booked before March 25 for travel between March 25 and May 17. This amount is not refunded to passengers and is kept in the credit shells for passengers.

. Restaurants, eateries, mithai shops (for take away/home delivery only), all dhabas on highways, hardware, building material, AC, Cooler, TV, Electronic, Electric Material& electronic repair shops and automobile sale outlets may open: Rajasthan Govt

. Virus if from a lab, not natural, Union minister Gadkari tells NDTV in an interview.

. We have decided to provide 4 masks and 1 soap each to all families in the rural areas, free of cost. The state government will spend Rs 160 Crore for this purpose. We are also strengthening the facilities at quarantine centres, saysBihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi.

. Indian Railways preparing itself for running mail and express trains in due course of time. There will not be RAC tickets in future in trains.Special trains, ones to be notified later by Railways will have waiting lists from May 22 onwards.

Railways capped waiting list for special trains at 100 for AC 3 tier, 50 for AC 2 tier, 200 for sleeper class, 100 for chair cars. There will not be any RAC ( Reservation Against Cancellation)

. Delhi govt receives 5.48 lakh suggestions regarding what relaxations should be given post May 17 in lockdown. Till 5 PM on Tuesday, the Delhi government has received 4,76,000 WhatsApp messages, 10,700 emails, and 39,000 calls. 22,700 responses have been received on the Change.Org petition.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sought suggestions on the relaxation of lockdown, about the tenure and gravity of the relaxation, on the sectors that should get the relaxation, and whether the public transport system should begin or whether buses, autos, metros ply.

. Protocol for social distancing being worked upon in our trains and premises. The date of the opening of the Delhi Metro has still not been finalised and will be notified to the public in due course, said theDelhi Metro

. 117 COVID19 cases confirmed in West Bengal today. The total number of cases in the state is now at 2290, including 135 deaths. 72 deaths also occurred due to comorbidity: West Bengal Health Department

. Out of Rs 3100 crores, a sum of approximately Rs 2000 crore will be earmarked for the purchase of ventilators, Rs1000 crores will be used for care of migrant labourers and Rs.100 crores will be given to support vaccine development: Prime Minister's Office

. Amid concerns over privacy and surveillance, citizens are demanding that the source code of the Aarogya Setu app be made public.

. 364 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours; the total number of positive cases rise to 9268: Gujarat Health Department

Number of COVID-19 cases climbs to 4173 in Madhya Pradesh, with 187 more people testing positive today. Number of active cases & deaths stands at 1937 & 232, respectively: Madhya Pradesh Health Department

. All stakeholders will work collectively to fulfill vision of PM to expand economy,to bring in more demand in business cycle,to ensure infra projects get a boost,systems on which country is running made more liberal&easy to operate in,&to leverage demography: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

. 509 new cases of COVID-19 & three deaths have been reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total number of cases to 9,227 & deaths to 64. Number of active COVID-19 patients stands at 6,984: Tamil Nadu Health Department

. "The so-called 'package' by Modi govt is a farce. Those who urgently and immediately need help are walking hungry on the roads or looking for a meal from somewhere. This is completely insensitive to the existential crisis being faced by crores," said CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on FM's press briefing.

"We are witnessing the pettiest form of politics from Modi govt. There is nothing for the state govts which have been asking for funds, as they are at the forefront of fighting the pandemic. Nothing for them, not even their legitimate dues!" he said.

. "A Shramik Special train is scheduled to operate between Delhi-Hubli-Kalaburgi-Bengaluru tomorrow. Train fair will be borne by Karnataka Govt. More than 1,000 people are expected to board the train from Delhi and nearby areas, through e-pass of GoK & medical screening," said Karnataka MP Pralhad Joshi.

. Total infected so far: 534 Now under treatment: 41 4 died 490 negative so far 1 negative today 10 fresh cases today 33,953 underhome observation 494 in hospital observation 39,380 samples tested so far 38,509 negative

. "We need to develop khadi & village industry because it is giving maximum employment in the backward area. Because of this lot of order is going to the village industries, khadi industries which is going to create more employment potential," saidUnion Min Nitin Gadkari.

"That will be a great achievement for the rural labour, those who are particularly working in the area of tribal, rural & agriculture. So this is going to give a good boost to village industries," the Union Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises said.

"Presently we have a turnover of Rs 88,000 Cr - of village industries. Now we have a target to make it Rs 5 Lakh Cr within 2 yrs. This can be helpful for khadi industries. We will increase the export," he said.

. "Today’s announcements by FM Nirmala Sitharaman will go a long way in addressing issues faced by businesses, especially MSMEs. The steps announced will boost liquidity, empower the entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitive spirit," tweeted PM Narendra Modi.

. Till now, total 66 persons (including 25 active cases, 4-migrated, 35-recovered, 2-deaths) have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state: Himachal Pradesh Health Department

The number of COVID-19 cases has reached 71 in Uttarakhand, with one more person testing positive in Almora district today. Number of active cases stands at 23: Uttarakhand Health Department

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases reported in Punjab till date is 1924, including 200 people cured and 32 deaths: Government of Punjab

24 more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 932: Bihar Principal Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar

. "I thank PM Narendra Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman for these unprecedented steps, targeted at assisting MSMEs, cope with challenges of COVID-19.It reflects PM Modi’s commitment to revive our economy, help small businesses and boost employment," said Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

. "There is nothing in what Finance Minister said today for the lakhs of poor, hungry & devastated migrant workers walked & many thousands are still walking back to their home states. It's a cruel blow to those who toil everyday," saidEx-FM and Congress leader P Chidambaram, reacting to Nirmala Sitharaman's briefing on the Economic Package.

"There is also nothing by way of cash transfer to the bottom half of the population - 13 crore families who have been pushed into destitution," he said.

. All pending refunds of charitable trusts, non-profit business, cooperatives and small partnerships, shall be issued immediately. Due date of all Income taxreturns for FY19-20 from July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2020, extended till November 31, 2020.

Read more here

. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free automatic loan for businesses, including SMEs.

This will benefit 45 lakh small businesses, she said detailing parts of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package.

The loan will have 4-year tenure and will have a 12-month moratorium, she said.

Read more here

. During the press briefing, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while detailingthe economic stimulus support for MSMEs, said that there is an urgent need to re-defining what micro, small and medium enterprises are.

Read more here

. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman whileaddressing a press conference unveiled the details of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12. The finance minister announced six relief measures for MSMEs, two measures eachfor EPF and NBFCs and MFIs, one each fordiscoms, contractors, real estate, and threetax measures.

Read more here

. All pending refunds of charitable trust, non-profit business, cooperatives and small partnerships, shall be issued immediately. Due date of all I-T returns for FY19-20 from July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2020 extended till November 31, 2020. Tax audits extended from September 30, 2020 till October 31, 2020. Date of assessments getting barred as of September 2020 is extended till December 2020. Those getting barred on March 31, 2021 are being extended till September 31, 2021. Vivad se Vishwas scheme is being extended till December 31, 2020 without any additional amount: FM Sitharaman

.Ministry of Housing to advise States/UTs &their Regulatory Authorities to extend registration&completion date suo-moto by 6mnts for all registered projects expiring on or after 25Mar,2020 without individual applications.Treat COVID-19 as an event of 'Force Majeure' under RERA: FM Sitharaman. Photo credit: ANI

.Photo credit: ANI. Rs 50,000 cr. equity infusion for MSMEs through Fund of Funds; to be operated through a Mother Fund and few daughter funds; this will help to expand MSME size as well as capacity: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

. In an alarming number, the lockdown to battle coronavirus has reduced the income of 84% Indian households, with 34% of them starring at poverty like situation in a week's time. According to the new data set to put out by the Rustandy Centre for Social Sector Innovation, in collaboration with the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the worst-hit categories are the household with per capita income ranging between Rs 3,801 per month and Rs 8,142 per month.

Read more here

. A 57-year old policeman attached to Sewri Police Station succumbed to COVID-19 early on Wednesday morning. This takes the death toll of policemen claimed by Coronavirus to 5 in Mumbai and eight in the state.

. Total number of cases in CRPF is 247. Four personnel have recovered while one Assistant Sub Inspector has died.

.Editors Guild of India expresses concern over "growing pattern of misuse of criminal laws to intimidate journalists" in different parts of the country. Condemns the sedition case slapped against editor of Gujarati portal as well as summoning a reporter of Indian Express by Delhi Police over reporting on the possibility of audio clip of Tablighi Jamaat leader, Maulana Saad, being doctored.It says government and police must recognise that media is an integral part of the governance structure in any democracy.. 13 more BSF personnel tests positive for Covid-19. The total number of BSF personnel with Covid-19 cases is now around 250.

CISF has reported 114 cases as of now, including 46 fresh cases in the past 24 hours.

. 152 COVID-19 cases & 3 deaths reported in Rajasthan today, as of 2 pm. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4278, including 1699 active cases, & 120 deaths: State Health Department

. One more person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand, taking total number of cases to 70 out of which 23 cases are active: Uttarakhand Health Department

. An inmate of Agra Central Jail was tested positive for C OVID-19 on May 6. Now, 10 other inmates, who were in his close contact, have been found positive. 98-102 other inmates of their barrack will also be tested for the disease: Uttar Pradesh Director General (Prison) Anand Kumar

. Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar takes part in the video conference meeting of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries.

. Three more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Jhajjar, Rewari & Rohtak, taking the total number of cases to 783 in Haryana out of which 421 cases are active. Number of fatalities due to the disease stands at 11: Haryana Health Department

. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress writes to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath giving 11 suggestions for bringing relief to people of the state in view of #COVID19 . pic.twitter.com/8hVANNBw8H

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 13, 2020

. The gradual reopening of India’s economy after a 43-day coronavirus lockdown has been marred by a hyper-centralization of decision-making. Deepening mistrust between New Delhi and the 28 states threatens to splinter the country’s common market of 1.3 billion people, its biggest draw for investors.

. With several police personnel testing COVID-19positive, long & challenging work hours are leaving Maharashtra police stretched. Ramzan Eid is also on May 25th, to help maintain law & order the state has requested 20 companies of CAPF: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

. From the hospital ward and the distress of patients dying, to the home front full of fear of infecting their own families, medical workers face gut-wrenching daily decisions more than ever in the fight against the coronavirus.

. Homegrown pharma major Cipla Ltd on Wednesday said it has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences Inc for manufacturing and distribution of investigational drug remdesivir, a potential therapy for COVID-19.

. (PTI)

. 2 more COVID-19 cases reported in Chandigarh today. Total number of cases in the Union Territory (UT) is now at 189, including 3 fatalities: UT Health Department

. 26 more COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka between 5 pm yesterday & 12 pm today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 951, including 442 discharged & 32 deaths: State Health Department

. With the Olympics postponed due to the coronavirus, top Japanese fencer Ryo Miyake has swapped his metal mask and foil for a bike and backpack as a Tokyo UberEats deliveryman.

. In last two days, Delhi has added 33 cases to the bulletin, which were not part of earlier toll. This came after reports about mis-match in official toll and deaths reported by hospitals

. Over 300 lawmakers from around the world on Wednesday urged the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to cancel the debt of the poorest countries in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and to boost funding to avert a global economic meltdown.

. See state-wise breakup here

. Deaths reported 20 (deaths happened in April/May added to bulletin) Total to 106

Fresh cases 359 Total 7998

Discharged 346 Total recoveries 2858

Still under treatment 5934, including 1113 in home isolation

. In the global hunt for coronavirus treatments, a Japanese antiviral medicine known as Avigan has won plaudits from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and $128 million in government funding.

But it's not the only game in town.

. Special Rajdhani trains started by Indian Railways has received a massive response from passengers as already more than 1,60,000 people have booked tickets.

. A 113-year-old woman, believed to be the oldest person living in Spain, has beaten the coronavirus at a retirement home where several other residents died from the disease, the residence said Tuesday.

. "Poor people,labourers,& medium & small industries of the country have been given special consideration in this package. Middle class has also been given consideration, this package is historical & will become the basis to give India an economic quantum jump": JP Nadda,BJP

. 20 deaths&359 new positive cases were reported in Delhi in 24 hours till midnight y'day, taking the total number of cases to 7998 and deaths to 106. 346 people have been cured/discharged taking the total number of recovered cases to 2858: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, DH journalist L Subramani speaks with taxi driver Rakshit about his struggles in the lockdown and how he is coping. Subramani also speaks with Forms and Gears Managing Director Reji Verghese about how the lockdown has affected the automobile manufacturing sector. DH Journalist Dhanyata M Poovaiah talks to Dr Madhavi Latha of Bangalore Birth Network, to know more about the COVID-19 Mother-Child helpline.

. Madhya Pradesh: A crowd gathered to welcome Jain monk Pramansagar in Banda, Sagar district yesterday. Praveen Bhuria, ASP Sagar says, "Directions given to investigate & take action against organizers if social distancing norms & section-144 were violated".

. As on 12th May, 101 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Odisha taking the total number of cases in the state to 538 including 419 active cases, 116 cured/discharged and 3 deceased: Odisha Health Department

. 87 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 4213. No death reported in the state today; death toll stands at 117: Rajasthan Health Department

. 47480 Active Cases 24385 Cured / Discharged 2415 Deaths 1 Migrated . US Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a $3 trillion coronavirus response package, the largest yet, to fund efforts to fight the pandemic and provide emergency payments to millions of American households.

. According to the central government, there are just over one million doctors registered with the state medical councils. Approximately 80% of them are in active service. This means that we have just one doctor for every 1500 people. While this is significantly short of the WHO recommended doctor-patient ratio of 1:1000, it is even more worrisome considering the fact that we are in the middle of a pandemic.

. A newly revised coronavirus mortality model predicts more than 147,000 Americans will die from COVID-19 by early August, up nearly 10,000 from the last projection, as restrictions for curbing the pandemic are increasingly relaxed, researchers said on Tuesday.

. In total, 290,477 deaths have been registered, with Europe accounting for 159,205 of them. The United States is the worst-affected country with 82,105 deaths, followed by Britain (32,692), Italy (30,911), France (26,991) and Spain.

. Some say crises don’t so much alter the course of history as accelerate changes already underway. That’s certainly the case when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic and the offshoring of American jobs.In recent years, businesses have been rethinking the way that overextended, overseas supply lines expose them to unacceptable risks, a reassessment that got a boost from President Trump’s reorientation of US trade policy.

. See where we stand today

. As the nation approaches the end of the third phase of the extended lockdown on May 17, decisions about its continuance, relaxation or lifting are becoming more and more challenging. Read more

. See here

. 201 new COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh, total rises to 3,986; death toll 225 with 4 more fatalities – 2 in Indore, 1 each in Bhopal & Burhanpur districts; active cases 1,901

. C OVID-19 death toll in UP rises to 82 with 2 more fatalities – 1 each in Meerut & Hapur districts; total cases 3,664 after 91 people test positive, active cases 1,709

. COVID-19 death toll in Telangana rises to 32 with 2 more fatalities; total cases 1,326 after 51 people, including 37 from Hyderabad, test positive; active cases 472

. COVID-19 tally in Haryana rises to 780 with 50 new cases, including 16 in Gurgaon, 15 in Faridabad & 13 in Sonipat; active cases 427: Health Department

. 91 samples tested positive for COVID-19 on 12th May, taking the total number of cases in Indore district to 2107. The total death increased to 95 after three deaths were reported on May 12: Praveen Jadia, Indore Chief Medical Health Officer Madhya Pradesh

. Four people, who returned to Tamil Nadu from abroad and were sent to quarantine facilities, tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, in the first incident of foreign returnees being infected with COVID-19 in the state.

The day also saw 716 fresh COVID-19 cases and a sharp increase in the number of deaths for a single day as eight people breathed their last in the past 24 hours.

. A day after his interaction with 30 chief ministers, many of whom pitched for extending lockdown beyond May 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made it clear that the contours of Lockdown 4.0 will be completely different from the three other lockdowns in the past.

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the world's largest holistic relief package and he is leading from the front in this time of the COVID-19 crisis, BJP president J P Nadda said on Tuesday.

. Crude oil traders expect the market to be closer to balance in the next few months as production cuts are implemented and the global transport system emerges from a coronavirus lockdown.

. IIT Delhi's low-cost COVID-19 testing kit will be produced by a Bengaluru-based biotechnology firm and is expected to be available by the first week of June, according to officials.

. Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd on Tuesday said it has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc that will grant it the right to register, manufacture and sell the latter's investigational drug, remdesivir, a potential therapy for COVID-19, in 127 countries including India.

. Auto component industry is likely to witness a second consecutive year of double-digit degrowth this fiscal mainly on account of disruption in operations due to coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, according to a report.

. Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII, said, "The Prime Minister has delivered a visionary statement that truly captures the needs of the nation at this critical hour during the Coronavirus pandemic. He has promised a package of Rs 20 lakh crores which would be delivered to stressed sections of society, farmers, workers, and MSME. We truly appreciate his emphasis on strengthening MSME which support millions of jobs as well as his emphasis on competitiveness of Indian industry. Global supply chains, agriculture and agri supply chains, and local supply chains all found mention in this very important statement from the Prime Minister. Workers in organised and unorganised sectors can both be expected to receive benefits in the coming days.

We appreciate that the Prime Minister spoke about the areas of land, labour, liquidity and simplification of laws which are the key challenges of the economy. Reforms in these four areas will truly unleash the next wave of economic growth within this crisis situation. The Prime Minister’s high emphasis on self-reliance and strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing is indeed welcome. He has rightly identified the five pillars of the economy as quantum jump of the economy, world-class infrastructure, technology processes, demography and strong domestic demand.

. The coronavirus pandemic is like world war and if some funds could be marshalled into certain areas, there could be another wave of innovativeness arising out of a problem just like what happened in World War II or the Cold War, according to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata.

. Forty-eight days after the Railways suspended its operations following the countrywide lockdown to prevent COVID-19 spread, the first passenger train carrying 1,100 passengers arrived at the Udhampur railway station in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday from Bengaluru.

. A big Thank You to PM Narendra Modi and FM Nirmala Sitharaman! It’s time for India to dream big. What this package does is, it strengthens the dream of a strong India. It’s a good step towards a great India: FICCI President Dr Sangita Reddy.

. In the times of COVID-19, PM Narendra Modi is leading the country from the front. The 21st century will be defined by India, Hon PM’s message today has laid foundation stone for implementing this. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is our Mantra for driving country towards this new change: J P Nadda

. 53 deaths today

921 deaths total

1026 cases today

24427 cases total

331 discharged today

5125 discharged total

. A self-reliant leader PM Modi leads India towards the path of Self-reliance.

“Self-reliance is Self-dependence.”

This will prepare us for any eventuality for now & for the future. It’s about self-reliant village, to city, to nation!: Kiran Bedi

. Extraordinary, inspiring & motivating address by PM Narendra Modi.

Rs 20 lakh cr package shows empathy for all segments of society in these challenging times.I am sure this will become a beacon for #AatmanirbharBharat.

PM Modi has once again given us optimism: Ravi Shankar Prasad

. In his address to the nation on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi made a big appeal to the citizens of the country. Bringing a new slogan - 'Vocal for local' - PM urged people of India to increasingly purchase local products.

. Prime minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, addressed the nation. In his address, PM spoke about being self-reliant in the 21st century and the COVID-19 crisis must be turned into an opportunity.

. Every Indian, from now on, must become vocal for his local products. We must not just buy it, but also advertise it. I'm sure we can do this as well. Your contributions and efforts have always been successful: PM Modi

. Economy that makes quantum jumps

Infrastructure that becomes the face of an advanced India

A system that looks to fulfill the dreams of a technology-driven 21-st century

India's vibrant demography, which is a strength and source of energy

The need to use the full extent of demand and supply supply chain

. The definition of self-reliance has changed globally. From economy-based globalization, the world has now moved on to human-based globalization. India's culture and traditions speak volumes about self-reliance and the world as a whole family: PM Modi

. The Maharashtra government on Tuesday allowed home delivery of liquor to avoid crowding at shops.

. The doubling time of COVID-19 cases has now improved to 12.2 days from 10.9 days, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Tuesday, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and contact-tracing in view of migrants and expats returning home.

. The Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation seeking door to door testing to screen all residents in the city for COVID-19.

. The CPI(M)-affiliated Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will observe Thursday as 'Demands Day' for safety of COVID-19 frontline workers, saying symbolic gestures like clapping, clanging of utensils and showering flower petals will only end up in "pseudo satisfaction" and what they need is safety gears and insurance coverage for treatment.

. The Indian Railway has announced that passengers travelling in AC special trains mandatorily install Aarogya Setu application in their mobile phone before starting journey.

. Filling up of a detailed questionnaire related to COVID-19, carrying no cabin baggage, using Aarogya Setu app and reaching airport at least two hours before a flight departure might well be among the requirements for air passengers during the initial phase after resumption of commercial flights.

. Air India is planning to operate 149 repatriation flights to 31 countries between May 16 and May 22 during the second phase of the Vande Bharat mission to bring back home Indians stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, officials said.

. Kerala IT employees have stared feeling the pinch of COVID-19 as several firms working in the government run IT parks started downsizing, while a major automobile firm haswithdrawn the placement offers given to engineering students.

. Two-thirds (67 per cent) of workers reported having lost their employment following the COVID-19-induced lockdown, according to early findings of a survey conducted in 12 States by Azim Premji University, in collaboration with ten civil society organisations.

. A CISF official posted in Kolkata has died tdue o COVID-19 infection on Monday. With the latest death, the COVID-19 toll in CISF has gone up to three.

. On the occasion of International Nurses' Day, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday lauded nursing professionals for their continuous work during theCOVID-19 pandemic, calling them the "strong and pivotal pillars" of the healthcare delivery system.

. Total infected so far: 524

Now under treatment : 32

3 died

489 negative so far

0 negative today

5 fresh cases today

31,143 in home observation

473 in hospital observation

38,547 samples tested so far

37,721 negative

. British finance minister Rishi Sunak extended the government's job retention scheme - the costly centrepiece of its attempts to mitigate the coronavirus hit to the economy - by a further four months until the end of October.

.Karnataka sees the highest single day spike since the start of the pandemic in the state, higher than Sunday's spike in cases. 63 new cases have been reported till evening today.. The domestic steel sector will take a longer time to recover from COVID-19 disruptions and will need government's handholding to emerge from this crisis situation, a top industry executive said.

. The humiliation of the migrant workers, who have been fleeing industrial towns in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab and other parts of the country amid the lockdown and arriving in Uttar Pradesh, continues.

. National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal has developed low-cost, reusable, transparent face shields using locally available materials.

. Bihar reported 15 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking the state's virus tally to 761, a top health department official said on Tuesday.

. CITU To observe May 14 as Demands Day for Safety of Fronline Workers. Says clapping and clanging of utensils and showering flowers to a few may be symbolic respect and appreciation for pseudo satisfaction for a few, but will help little the real corona warriors in their fight for life - theirs and of others.

. 159 personnel have contracted the virus infection so far. One person passed away while one has been discharged. Condition of 157 stillunder treatment is stable.

. Wuhan plans to conduct coronavirus tests on the Chinese city's entire population after new cases emerged for the first time in weeks in the cradle of the global pandemic, state media reported Tuesday.

. Russia on Tuesday reported 10,899 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total past that of Britain to 232,243, the third highest total worldwide.

. 21 fresh cases of C OVID-19have been reported in Rajasthan today till 2 pm taking the total number of positive cases to 4056. Active cases stand at 1563 with deaths at 115: Rajasthan Health Department

. No new case of COBID-19 reported in Uttarakhand today. Total number of positive cases stands at 68 including 21 active cases and 46 recovered: State Health Department

. 6037 Indians have been flown back to India in 31 inbound flights operated by Air India and Air India Express under V ande Bharat mission in 5 days beginning from 7th May 2020: Ministry of Civil Aviation

. UntilApril 14, Bihar was one of the least coronavirus-affected states with merely 66 positive cases out of 13 crore population. On May 12, the number of COVID-19 patients, however, stood at 761, a quantum jump in the last one month.

. Police personnel are not just a group of baton-wielding men and women determined to enforce the lockdown. But they also have a humane side. This became evident in an incident in Alipurdurar district in north Bengal where police officials came to the rescue of a woman in labour. The woman, a migrant worker from Assam, was returning to her home state on a truck with other workers.

. Preventing the spread of the coronavirus in rural areas following the return of lakhs of migrants will be the next big challenge for the state government, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Tuesday.

. Scrapping the money-spinning Indian Premier League this year because of the coronavirus pandemic would cost more than half a billion dollars, but cutting players' pay was not yet being considered, a top official told AFP.

. A day after six-hour-long deliberations with 30 Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation on Tuesday night to unveil the next strategy for fighting the pandemic COVID-19 after the end of Lockdown 3.0 on May 17.

. Asserting that COVID-19 lockdown cannot be lifted immediately as cases are spreading, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday sought suggestions from people on relaxations that can be provided in the coming days.

. Mr. Modi,

Why not ‘Bande Bharat’ for these slippers of Indian labourer brothers?

Millions of workers are feeling helpless due to your insensitivity!

Today at 8 o'clock, tell them about them.

-- tweets Randeep Singh Surjewala

. Health screening of passengers will be conducted at the stations. We have also requested them to travel light as no coolies are available at stations. We will be handing over the data of each and every passenger to their state government: Arun Kumar, DG Railway Protection Force

. 13 deaths reported today Total death toll 86

406 cases reported today Total no. of cases 7639 Total discharged 5041

Active cases 5041 (1073 in home isolation)

Total tests crosses 1 lakh mark -- 1,06,109

. Fuel consumption in India is showing signs of rebounding after witnessing the worst monthly sales in more than 12 years.

. A Central Industrial Security Force personnel posted in Kolkata has succumbed to coronavirus, taking the virus death toll in the force to three, officials said on Tuesday.

. Haruki Murakami, one of Japan's most acclaimed novelists, will host a radio special to try to lift the nation's spirits as a state of emergency over the novel coronavirus lingers.

. 13 deaths and 406 new positive cases were reported in Delhi in 24 hours till midnight y'day, taking the total number of cases to 7639 and deaths to 86. 383 people have been cured/discharged taking the total number of recovered cases to 2512: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain

. With monsoon just a month away and no signs of a partial lifting of lockdown, a new crisis seems to be brewing up in Mumbai and its suburban areas.

. With the Indian Railways announcing special trains from 15 destinations connecting New Delhi, a total of eight trains will start today from different places.

Total three trains will leave from New Delhi Railways station. The first train will start from New Delhi Railway Station to Bilaspur in Chattisgarh at 4 pm.

. 2 students from Jamshedpur, who had returned from Kolkata, have tested COVID-19 positive. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 164: Jharkhand Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni (ANI)

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, DH journalist Varsha Gowda talks to Deputy Executive Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr Suvanand Sahu on how COVID-19 can affect tuberculosis patients

. West Bengal Principal Health Secretary Vivek Kumar transferred and posted as Principal Secretary Environment Department, West Bengal.

. Over 45,533 tickets worth Rs 16.15 crore booked for special trains for next seven days; 82,317 passengers booked tickets: Rlys

. (PTI)

. See where the country stands

. 47 new COVID-19 positive cases, 2 deaths reported in Rajasthan today; the total number of positive cases in the state is now 4035: Rajasthan Health Department

. (ANI)

. One person from Giridih tested positive for COVID-19 last night. The total number of positive patients in the state is now 162: Jharkhand Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni

. 46008 Active Cases 22454 Discharged 2293 Deaths 1 Migrated . 12 more COVID-19 positive cases reported in Bihar taking the total number of cases in the state to 761: State Principal Secretary (Health), Sanjay Kumar

. Karnataka wants to do away with the red-orange-green zoning of districts, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, while recommending micromanaging the containment of COVID-19.

Yediyurappa also pitched for resumption of public transport services in non-containment zones.

. "I'm not interested in that," Trump told reporters when asked about reports that China was looking to reopen talks about the trade deal signed in January.

. Global alarm was sounded on Monday over a potential second wave of coronavirus infections after Germany reported that the reproduction rate of the pathogen had risen above 1, indicating the disease was again spreading just days after the first tentative steps there to reopen the economy.

. An association of medics of civic hospitals in Delhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that doctors of the north corporation have not been paid salaries for the last three months.

. The World Health Organization on Monday hailed dwindling COVID-19 infection rates and deaths in some countries but called on nations to show "extreme vigilance" as they begin loosening their restrictions.

. An association of medics of civic hospitals in Delhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that doctors of the north corporation have not been paid salaries for the last three months.

. For Adithya Shetty, getting a seat on the first evacuation flight from London to Bengaluru was a massive relief after a desperate wait for a month. “I feel very happy to be here. Bengaluru feels so much safer, with even the lockdown getting eased,” he told DH on arrival at the Kempegowda International Airport early Monday morning.

. An assistant sub-inspectorfrom the KG Halli police has been suspended for slapping and kicking workers from Uttar Pradesh who had come to register themselves for a train journey to their home state.

. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday held a video conference with his counterparts from India, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan and South Korea on issues related to coronavirus pandemic.

. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar favoured extending lockdowntill the end of May in meeting with PM, said it would help the state bring under control situation that has arisen with natives returning on large scale: Officials

. Vande Bharat Mission: Repatriation flight Air India Express IX 687, carrying 180 passengers including 3 infants from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) landed at Chennai Airport.

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he continues to feel optimistic, when not even a single state sounded despondent & that this collective determination will make India win in its fight against COVID-19. PM said that post-COVID era also brings opportunities that India must leverage: PMO.

. Prime Minister Modi said that we must understand that the world has fundamentally changed post COVID-19. Now the World will be Pre-Corona, Post-Corona just like in the case of the World Wars. And this would entail significant changes in how we function: Prime Minister's Office.

. PM Modi said,"I am of the firm view that the measures needed in the first phase of lockdown were not needed during the 2nd phase and similarly the measures needed in the 3rd Phase are not needed in the fourth": PMO

. Three facts about viruses: Viruses outnumber cellular life at least 10:1; viruses drive global biogeochemical cycles, and are part of cellular life on earth; and, some viruses are beneficial, others are sources of pathogens, and not all viruses make you sick – as Prof Vincent Racaniello, Columbia University, notes in his lecture “What is a virus?”

Read more here

. The recent issuance of an executive order by US President Donald Trump authorising private, commercial uses of the Moon, Mars, meteors and other space bodies is a violation of the accepted idea that outer space and the objects in it are global commons. The order has viewed all space bodies as “off-earth resources’’ which are to be used and exploited.

Read more here

. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation and cybersecurity experts believe Chinese hackers are trying to steal research on developing a vaccine against coronavirus, two newspapers reported on Monday.The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are planning to release a warning about the Chinese hacking as governments and private firms race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported.

Read more here

. The government on Monday issued a set of guidelines to be followed for data processing of Aarogya Setu app users and added a few clauses that may lead to imprisonment of persons found guilty of violating certain norms. The new rules prohibit the storage of data beyond 180 days and enable individuals to seek deletion of their data from the government's Aarogya Setu related record within 30 days of raising the request.

Read more here

. Leading industrialist Anand Mahindra on Monday said that if lockdown is extended for much longer duration then the country will be "risking economic hara-kiri".The Mahindra Group chairman said that while the lockdown has been able to save lakhs oflives, its further extension could lead to severe difficulties for weaker sections of the society.

Read more here

. Over 1.26 lakh COVID-19 positive cases are likely to be reported in 15 states by May 31, claimed a new model of assessment developed by a team of researchers from IIT-Guwahati and Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.The IIT Guwahati on Monday said the team used data science models to analyse and predict the total number of cases in the next 30 days.

Read more here

. Those passengers travelling in AC special trains, to be operated by Indian Railways from May 12, have to reach station 90 minutes early and bring own food and blankets, as per the standard operating procedure ( SOP) announced by the national transporter.

Read more here

. India will have to devise and implement a "balanced strategy" to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, and the biggest challenge for the country will be to ensure that the infection does not spread to villages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told chief ministers on Monday during a video conference.

Read more here

. As India registered a record jump of 4,213 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the government on Monday said some relatively large outbreaks have been noticed in particular locations and it is important to focus on containment efforts to ensure that the country does not reach the community transmission stage.

Read more here

. Blaming the recent spurt in COVID-19 cases in Karnataka on 'Tablighis and Ajmeris', Karnataka BJP general secretary N Ravikumar charged that they were entering the state like “thieves” and spreading the virus.Addressing a media briefing, Ravikumar said: "What do you call the mentality (of persons) that infects and kills oneself and other members of the society? If this is neither Jihad nor a conspiracy, what is it then?"

Read more here

. After a limited start to railway services, the focus has now turned to the aviation sector with airports and airlines gearing up for a resumption of flights after the lockdown to combat COVID-19 is scheduled to endon May 17.The Civil Aviation Ministry has been in talks with the airline companies which are staring at huge financial losses because of the shutdown of commercial passenger flights in the last week of March.

Read more here

. The Indian railways is yet to begin full operations of trains but the IRCTC websitehas already crashed, with officials suspecting that high demand to limited number of tickets may be the reason for the crash.The crash was noticed around Monday afternoon, hours before the railways was supposed to start ticket sales for the 30 special trains running between different states to transport stranded passengers.

Read more here

. The KSRTC’s old buses have been transformed to erase the last mile gap between citizens and fever clinics that have formed the frontline of the administration in its fight against COVID-19. However, unlike government hospitals, those with symptoms have to pay Rs 3,750 to get a test done.

Read more here

. Four days after his young son died of COVID-19, a cancer patient from Srinagar became the fresh victim of the deadly virus in the Valley on Monday, taking the toll in Jammu and Kashmir to ten.Health officials said that the man in his late 50’s who had already tested positive for coronavirus last week had underlying serious comorbidities as well.

Read more here

. Aarogya Setu app has been downloaded in 9.8 crore smartphones so far. It will be available on Jio feature smartphones from tomorrow. We've worked a lot on data privacy of Arogya Setu users andmade sure that user data are not compromised: Ajay Sahni, Chairman of Empowered Group 9.

. Scientists say they have uncovered evidence in animals about the importance of maintaining physical distance to minimise the spread of certain microbes among individuals.The study, published in the journal Animal Behaviour, observed monkeys in the wild to understand what role genetics, diet, social groupings and distance in a social network play when it comes to the microbes found inside an animal's gut.

Read more here

. The BJP on Monday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "misleading" people on the extent of coronavirus cases in the state by "hiding" its real numbers.

"When West Bengal has been hit by COVID-19, then where have you hidden Mamata ji? People of your state want to know where are you and what are you doing? The state's people and Bengali labourers outside have been pleading you for help," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said.

Read more here

. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said many states were amending labour laws, but the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic cannot be an excuse to exploit workers, suppress their voice and crush their human rights.

Read more here

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers on ways to strengthen the COVID-19 containment strategy and stepping up of economic activities in a calibrated manner as the 54-day nationwide lockdown nears an end.

Large-scale movement of migrant workers from urban to rural India and the problems theirreturnto home states may cause in restarting the economy will also be among the focus areas during thefifth virtual interaction between the prime minister and chief ministers since the outbreak of the deadly virus in the country.

Read more here

. There will be no increase in lease rent for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units for the financial year 2020-21. Payment of lease rent of 1st quarter is to be deferred up to 31st July 2020 for all SEZ units: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

(ANI)

. So far, 184 trains have brought 2.26 lakh migrant workers from other states. 55 more trains will arrive in Uttar Pradesh today. Around 1 lakh migrant workers have returned by their own conveyance: Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi

. What is necessary for a pandemic to die down? Perhaps the best answer is that herd immunity must develop.

We must learn to live with the idea that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time ahead and tailor our response to the disease accordingly. Read more

. Fresh Cases 310 Total 7233

Fresh Discharges 60 Total Recoveries 2129

Still under treatment 5,031 (981 underhome isolation)

Total samples tested 97678, including 3,868 fresh ones

. 126 new cases of coronavirus and 2 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan today till 1 pm, taking the total number of cases & deaths to 3940 & 110, respectively. Number of active cases stands at 1566: Rajasthan Health Department

. Ministry of Home Affairs issues Standard Operating Procedures for movement of persons by train, states, "Only those with confirmed e-tickets shall be allowed to enter the station.

. COVID-19 would be recorded as an "underlying cause of death" when leading to pneumonia, cardiac injury and clotting in the bloodstream, among others, according to the guidance issued by ICMR for appropriate recording of deaths due to the disease

. Fight against COVID-19 cannot be an excuse to exploit workers, suppress their voice and crush their human rights

. India's financial capital, Mumbai, is worst affected by COVID-19 and what is alarming that it takes two to seven days to get the test report.

. The Centre has said it has noted with great concern that migrant workers continue to walk on roads and railway tracks to return to their native places and asked states to ensure that they travel home on the special trains being run for them from various parts of the country.

. The rapid global economic slowdown, India's coronavirus lockdown of 1.3 billion people and an exodus of venture capital are testing a start-up community that has quickly become one of the world's biggest, raising a record $14.9 billion last year.

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, DH journalist Dhanyata M Poovaiah talks to Aryaman Khosla, a Class 12 student who raised over Rs 8.3 lakh to provide ration to the slum dwellers in Bengaluru. DH Business Journalist Samiksha Goel gives an update about how the IVF industry has been affected because of COVID-19. DH journalist Akash Sriram brings you DH Factcheck.

. In a video tweeted by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, body bags seen lying next to patients in a ward in Mumbai’s KEM hospital. No comment yet from KEM hospital on the body bags or unsanitary conditions of the ward "Maximum care is being taken. If any such video (KEM Hospital) is viral on social media then it might have happened at that very moment but corrective measures would have been taken immediately. All officials are working efficiently. No need to defame anyone: Anil Desai, Shiv Sena"

. COVID-19 cases in Odisha rise to 391 after 14 more people, including 12 in Ganjam district, test positive; 320 active cases: Health Department

. See which states are worst-hit, where we stand

. 10 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka, taking the total number of positive cases to 858 including 31 deaths & 422 discharges: Karnataka Health Department

. 84 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of cases & deaths to 3898 & 108, respectively. Number of active cases stands at 1537: Rajasthan Health Department

. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has appealed all States especially states which have allowed very few trains to give approvals liberally to transport migrant workers. West Bengal had approved only few trains despite large numbers of migrants belonging to the state being stranded in different parts of the country.

. The Indian Railways decided to give stoppages to Shramik Special trains. There will be maximum three stoppages other than the final stoppage in destination state. The train will run with full capacity of around 1600 instead of current 1200. So far railways operated 468 Shramik special trains

. Delhi: Shram Shakti Bhawan has been sealed as per protocol, after an employee in the Ministry of Power, whose office is the building tested positive for coronavirus. All employees have been advised to work from home, till further notice

. Total 160 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state till date, of which 79 are active cases and 78 are recovered/discharged cases: Jharkhand Health Department

. 11 more COVID-19 positive cases reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 707: Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary (Health), Bihar

. 310 new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi till midnight of 10th May. The total number of positive cases is now 7233. We have ordered all hospitals to submit death report with death summary each day: Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain

. To ensure that social distancing&other norms are strictly followed all seats will not be available for booking in the passenger trains: Union Min of State for Railways Suresh Angadi on Indian Railways' decision to restart passenger trains from 12 May.

. ●Ensure smooth movement, including inter-state, of all medical professionals, paramedic staff, sanitation personnel & ambulances etc. ●Private clinics & nursing homes be allowed to open without hindrances to facilitate fighting COVID-19 & non-COVID emergencies

. MHA writes to all States/UTs to cooperate with Railways in running more Shramik Special Trains without any hindrance & facilitate faster movement of stranded Migrant Workers to their native places.

They may be counseled to not walk on roads & rail tracks.

. Indian Railways to restart passenger train operations with special trains from New Delhi connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad,Bengaluru,Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad&Jammu Tawi from tomorrow.

The booking for reservation in these Indian Railways special trains will start at 4 pm today and will be available only on the IRCTC website

. Men's blood has higher levels than women's of a key enzyme used by the new coronavirus to infect cells, the results of a big European study showed on Monday -- a finding which may help explain why men are more vulnerable to infection with COVID-19.

. More than 300 Indians returned to Bengaluru from London, UK, on an Air India special flight early morning today.

. Wait for an upturn, or pick up stakes and look for work elsewhere? That's the dilemma facing oil workers around Carlsbad in New Mexico, where a brutal drop in petroleum prices has hit the local economy hard. In this dusty town in the Permian Basin -- site of the planet's largest oil and natural gas deposits, astride the Texas-New Mexico border -- a worker can earn $100,000 or even $150,000 a year, twice or more than the average private sector wage there.

. Pence has repeatedly tested negative, including on Sunday, for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to a tweet by a Bloomberg reporter.

. USA, Spain, UKcontinue topping the list of highest number of cases deaths. Read here to find where you stand

. Air India flight 1387 carrying Indians from Manila, Philippines has arrived in Mumbai: Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

United States: Indian passengers arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport to board the Air India flight to Mumbai. The flight will later fly to Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Thermal screening and security checks imn place. "First Air India special flight from the US brings in 225 Indians from San Francisco to Mumbai": Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

. South Eastern Railway reduces speed of all goods, special trains to 40 kmph in its Kharagpur-Bhadrak section till Monday morning owing to the movement of migrant workers along railway tracks: Official

. 77 samples tested positive for COVID-19 on 10th May 2020, taking the total number of cases in Indore district to 1935. Death toll is at 90: Praveen Jadia, Indore Chief Medical Health Officer Madhya Pradesh

. Rajasthan reports two more COVID-19 deaths, 106 fresh cases, tally now 3,814; active cases 1,465, death toll 108: Officials

. Man jumps home quarantine to buy liquor in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district, sent to institutional quarantine after wife complains to police: Official

. COVID-19 cases in Telangana rise to 1,196 after 33 more people, including 26 from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits, test positive; active cases 415

. After facing flak over the COVID-19 death numbers, Delhi government issues an SOP on reporting deaths by hospitals. It says public and private hospitals are not reporting COVID-19deaths occurring in their hospitals in a timely and regular manner. Despite repeated reminders, the death summaries of patients are not being provided to the Death Audit Committee, resulting in incorrect/delayed reports being submitted. The new order and SOP came against the backdrop of reports that Delhi government official bulletin is not providing correct picture on deaths as the numbers in official bulletin and those actually reported vary. While govt has reported 73 deaths, hospitals have reported at least 124.

. Fifteen countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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. 28 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Haryana today. Total number of positive cases stands at 703 including 10 deaths and 393 active cases: Haryana Health Department

. Indian Railways plans to gradually restart passenger train operations from 12th May, 2020, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys). These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi Station connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Jammu Tawi.

. Hello readers and welcome to our live coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak in India and across the globe. Stay tuned for live updates.

. 42 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka from 5 pm yesterday to 12 noon today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 904 including 31 deaths and 426 discharges: Karnataka Health Department

. Three new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh taking the total number of cases in state to 62 including 21 active cases. Of 3 new cases one is police head constable and one has travel history to Jalandhar, Punjab: Nipun Jindal, State Special Secy

. 33 new COVID-19 cases reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours; the total number of positive cases in the state is now 2051: Andhra Pradesh Health Department

. 28 people, including former BJP MLA, test positive for COVID-19 in Bhopal; total cases in the city rise to 732: Official

. 25 new positive cases reported in Jammu & Kashmir today (2 from Jammu division and 23 from Kashmir division), taking the total number of cases to 861. The total death toll stands at 9: Government of UT of Jammu & Kashmir

. The total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 1823 in Punjab, with 61 more people testing positive today. Number of active cases & fatalities due to the infection stands at 1626 & 31, respectively: Punjab Health Department

. Two sub-inspectors were injured as UP and Rajasthan policemen jostled over the homeward journey of migrant workers at the Mathura border on Sunday, officials said.

. With several states making delay ingiving approval for running Shramik special trains to transport stranded people,Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Sundayappealed to all states to permit the operation of trains so that the stranded can reach home in the next three to four days.

.It has been observed that Govt and private hospitals are not sending the COVID-19 updates regularly. The daily summary about COVID-19 deaths is not being sent to the death audit committee because of which daily reports get delayed or are submitted with wrong details: Delhi Govt - ANI. Senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister A K Antony on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to prevent starvation deaths in the country in the wake of the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

. A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to states to disallow sale of liquor in order to prevent chaos being created due to mass gathering around shops which might defeat the purpose of the national lockdown, clamped to contain COVID-19.

. Seven more, including three NRIs, tested COVID positive; 4 recovered; Kasargod now nil cases

Total infected so far: 512

Now under treatment : 20

3 died

489 recovered so far

4 recovered today

7 fresh cases today

26,350 in home observation

362 in hospital observation

37,464 samples tested so far

36,630 negative

. As COVID-19 situation mushrooms and economy slides,migrant workers from Mumbai and its larger metropolitan area continue to risk lives and go back homes.

. Army Chief Gen M M Naravane has said that a comprehensive "test-bedding" of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) was concluded but its roll out has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

.18 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Border Security Force (BSF) today- 16 from Tripura and 2 are from Delhi. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the force stands at 276. ANI.As per the directions of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi, Railways is fully geared up to run 300 Shramik Special trains everyday at short notice since the last six days. - Piyush Goyal. A third first-team player from Brighton & Hove Albion tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, the Premier League club's chief executive Paul Barber has confirmed.

. A total of 1,916 migrant labourers stranded in the coronavirus-induced lockdown were given permission by Saki Naka police station to travel on board a Shramik Special train that left Mumbai for Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, a senior official said on Sunday.

. INS Magar, the second naval ship of the Indian Navy’s Operation Samudra Setu, to evacuate stranded Indian Nationals from Maldives and ensure smooth and safe passage back to India, arrived at Male Port today, 10 May 2020.

INS Magar, an LST(L) designed for landing operations, had made all necessary logistic, medical and administrative preparations at her base port Kochi to comfortably accommodate civilians before setting sail towards Maldives.

The ship will evacuate about 200 citizens while ensuring all precautions related to COVID-19 including social distancing norms are followed. An entirely separate section of the ship with essential facilities like food and washrooms has been prepared to accommodate the evacuees and a separate mess has been allotted for ladies, infants and senior citizens. Additional precautions have been taken by dividing the evacuees into groups to avoid crowding at common areas like dining hall, bathrooms etc.

Concurrently, the first ship carrying evacuees from Maldives, INS Jalashwa reached Kochi harbour this morning with 698 Indian citizens.

. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which normally begins in the last week of June or in the first week of July, may still be held on time, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Sunday, amid concerns that the coronavirus pandemic may delay its start.

. Maintaining that the combined fiscal deficit of the Centre and states may go up to 13-14 per cent this fiscal, former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao on Sunday said the financial stimulus announced by the Centre on March 26 on account of lockdown to contain spread of COVID-19, is "not sufficient".

. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said 75 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the city are asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms, and asserted that the number of serious patients and deaths caused by the infection is "less".

. Permission for 7 trains to carry migrant labourers from Mumbai to West Bengal has been sought from West Bengal Govt, but not even one permission has been granted. I appeal to Mamata didi to give permission as soon as possible: Maharashtra Leader of Opposition, Devendra Fadnavis - ANI

. Days after Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb declared Tripura COVID 19-free, the state witnessed an abrupt spike in coronavirus cases with over 130 people testing positive for the disease in just one week since May 2.

. A 32-year old man, running a bakery here has been arrested for alleged promotion of products using a tagline that said his firm does not employ Muslims, police said on Sunday.

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of various states via video conference on Monday afternoon, the Prime Minister's Office said.

. Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday warned the ruling AIADMK against reopening state-run liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu, saying if it was done, it should not harbour "dreams" of coming to power again, apparently in next year's Assembly elections. In a tweet, he also asked the government to work out alternate modes of revenue generation.

. Over 25 states and union territories, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Delhi, havebanned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places in view of COVID-19, official sources in the Union health ministry said.

. The number of coronavirus cases worldwide topped four million as some of the hardest-hit countries readied Sunday to lift lockdown restrictions despite concern about a second wave of infections.

. 20 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Haryana today. Total number of positive cases stands at 695 including 10 deaths and 394 active cases: Haryana Health Department

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. 45 new cases of C OVID-19 & one death have been reported in Rajasthan today, taking total number of cases to 3753 & death toll to 107, respectively. Number of active cases stands at 1470 in the state: Rajasthan Health Department

. Top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci is among three members of the White House's coronavirus task force who will self-isolate after potential exposure to the pathogen, US media reported Saturday.

Read here

. Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Sunday the government is looking to lift the state of emergency in "many of 34 prefectures" that are not among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic before the nationwide deadline of May 31.

. A 54 year-old inmate of Byculla women jail has tested positive for COVID-19.Her first test result on 8th May was negative but the second test conducted on 9th May has come positive. She is under treatment at St George's Hospital: Byculla Jail authorities

. A female teacher deputed on ration distribution duty in North Delhi area has passed away due to C OVID-19: North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) Official

. Where we stand today

. 53 more COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka between 5 pm yesterday and 12 pm today. Of the 53 new cases, 31 have a history of travel to Ajmer & 8 to Ahmedabad. Total number of cases in the state is at 847, including 405 discharged & 31 deaths: State Health Department

. 18 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in last 24 hours; there are a total of 64 active cases as on today: Central Industrial Security Force

. Sitting on a liquor stockpile of around Rs 3,000 crore, restaurants and hotels across the country are asking state governments to allow them to sell the stock lying with them due to the coronavirus lockdown.

. 5 pilots of Air India found C OVID-19 positive, during the pre-flight COVID test which is carried out 72 hours before they are rostered for flight duties. All of them are asymptomatic and based in Mumbai. They had undertaken cargo flights to China: Air India Sources

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, DH journalist Sagar Kulkarni explains the new change in testing strategy India is adopting. DH Journalist Prajwal S Suvarna talks to a former professor at Centre for Political Institutions, Governance and Development, Institute for Social and Economic Change Supriya Roy Chowdhury on Skilling challenges in India and how it will affect the post-COVID scene. Director Maya Chandra explains to Ahmed Shariff what motivated her to come up with a tribute to frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

. A sign requiring a face mask at SpeakEasy Bar & Grill on May 09, 2020 in Newport, Rhode Island. Non-critical retail establishments began opening their doors with limited capacity as part of Phase 1 to reopen the state that was shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Restaurants are now permitted to sell alcoholic mixed drinks with to go orders, and some state parks are welcoming visitors again. Gatherings are still limited to five people or fewer, and close contact businesses such as hair and nail salons are still shut down. Rhode Island has reported 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. (AFP Photo)

. Chittoor: A large number of migrant workers from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh hold protest demanding return to their native places amid COVID19 lockdown. They say,"No arrangements have been made for our return in the last 40 days".

. Hyderabad International Airport handled the first arrival evacuation flight from Kuwait on 9th May. The national carrier - Air India flight – AI 988 - from Kuwait landed at the airport on 9th May at 10.07 PM with 163 Indian citizens stranded in Kuwait. Till 10th May 2020, GMR Hyderabad International Airport has handled 12 departures evacuation flights serving over 900 foreign nationals who were repatriated by various special relief flights from Hyderabad city to the countries viz. the UK, the UAE, the US, Kenya and Germany.

. Fresh cases 381 (Figures for 12 AM May 8 to 12 AM May 9) Total cases 6923

Deaths reported 5 Total toll 73

Fresh recoveries 49 Total 2069

Under-treatment 4781 (including 1428 in home isolation)

Total samples tested 93810

. 50 new COVID19 cases (including 26 returned from Gujarat & 1 returned from Karnataka) reported in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1980: Andhra Pradesh, Nodal Officer, COVID-19 (ANI)

. Health Ministry issues revised discharge policy for COVID-19 patients; Very mild, mild and moderate patients can be discharged without test.

. 786 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 inMaharashtra so far, of which 703 are active cases, 76 recovered and 7 deaths. There have been 200 incidents of assault on police personnel during the lockdown period and 732 accused have been arrested for the same: Maharashtra Police

. 33 new COVID19 positive cases reported in the state today, taking the total number of positive cases to 3741, death toll 107: Rajasthan Health Department

. INS Jalashwa carrying 698 repatriated Indian citizens from the Maldives arrived in Kochi harbour on Sunday morning, completing the Indian Navy's first massive evacuation exercise from foreign soil during the COVID-19 lockdown, official sources said.

. Patna: Bihar Military Police camp area in Patna is a COVID19 hotspot area. Yesterday, 5 Bihar Military Police jawans from Khajpura tested positive for COVID19 yesterday

(ANI)

. 786 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state, of which 703 are active cases, 76 recovered & 7 deaths. There have been 200 incidents of assault on police personnel during the lockdown period & 732 accused have been arrested for the same: Maharashtra Police

. USA, Spain and Italy top the list of countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases & deaths. Find where we stand

See the full list here

. Spike of 3277 COVID-19 cases & 127 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases in the country now at 62939, including 41472 active cases, 19358 cured/discharged/migrated and 2109 deaths: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

. Companies should not try to achieve high production targets in 1st week of operations after lockdown: NDMA guidelines for industries Factories need to maintain sanitisation routine every 2-3 hours, especially in common areas For accommodation, sanitisation needs to be performed regularly to ensure workers' safety, curb contamination spread

. It has not gotten much attention with the world focused on coronavirus, but deforestation has surged in the Amazon rainforest this year, raising fears of a repeat of last year's record-breaking devastation -- or worse.

. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issues guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after lockdown. "While restarting the unit, consider the first week as the trial or test run period; ensure all safety & protocols, & don't try to achieve high production targets", says MHA.

. The United States recorded 1,568 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 78,746, according to the latest real-time tally reported by Johns Hopkins University

. 58 more COVID-19 cases reported in Odisha. The total number of cases in the state is now at 352, including 281 active cases, 68 cured/recovered & 3 deaths: State Health Department

. Arrangements are in place as Consulate General of India in San Francisco gets ready for the first repatriation flight for Indian nationals, from the US.

. Maharashtra: A group of migrant workers from UP, living in Pune's Kondhwa, is walking back to their home state - covering a distance of over 1300 km on foot.

Coronavirus news highlights: Karnataka reports 54 new cases; India's tally crosses 90k

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