Category: COVID19

08.15PM

Covid19 cases in India crosess 2800

As India enters the tenth day of lockdown, an exponential spike in the total number of COVID-19 positive cases is now witnessed by the nation. PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation via short video message and requested the 130 crore Indians to switch off their lights on Sunday (April 5) and light a lamp, candle or show flashlight for 9 minutes at 9 pm, to show the power of light in fight against coronavirus. Crossing the 2800-mark, Tablighi Jamaat’s Markaz event in Delhi’s Nizamuddin has contributed majorly to this increase. The rising number of cases in Dharavi is also a major fear factor for the people of Mumbai. One more in Chattisgarh and Gujarat lost their lives to COVID-19 today, raising the death toll to 82 in the country. The total number of cases in India is now at 2,8.

7.50 PM | GUJARAT

67-year-old man dies in Ahmedabad

A 67 year old male patient dies in Ahmedabad civil hospital. He was infected with Coronavirus and had comorbid conditions. Today two patients have died in Gujarat, taking the casualties to 9.

7.35 PM | ODISHA

Odisha reports three new cases

Three more COVID-19 positive cases were detected in Bhubaneswar on Friday taking the total number of positive cases in Odisha to nine, according to State Health Department.

7.25 PM | NEW DELHI

Home Minister rolls out ₹11,092 crore to States

Home Minister Amit Shah approves release of ₹11,092 crore under the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF), to all States in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

7.20 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

One more person test positive in Ujjain

A person from Ujjain tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, taking the count to 129 in Madhya Pradesh, said the Chief Medical and Health Officer, Ujjain. The city has recorded seven patients and two deaths so far.

7.15 PM | KARNATAKA

Three new cases in Karnataka, count reaches 128

Three persons from Belagavi tested positive for COVID 19. They had all attended the Tablighi Jamaat markaz congregation in New Delhi in March. This takes the state’s total to 128.

They include a 70 year old person numbered patient -126,  a 26 year old person named Patient 127 and a 20 year old person named Patient number 128.

They are all being treated at the designated COVID hospital in the district civil hospital in Belagavi, said a release by the State Health department in the evening bulletin.

7.05 PM | LONDON

U.K. reports record 684 COVID-19 new deaths in 24 hours

Britain on Friday reported a record 684 new COVID-19 deaths in its daily update, as the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus climbed by 4,450 on the previous 24 hours.

“As of 9am (0800 GMT) 3 April, a total of 173,784 people have been tested of which 38,168 tested positive. As of 5pm on 2 April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 3,605 have sadly died,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

7.00 PM | NEW DELHI

Over 150 FIRs registered, 3,195 detained for violating lockdown norms in Delhi

Over 150 FIRs were registered and 3,195 people detained in the national capital on Friday for violating lockdown norms, the Delhi Police said.

According to data shared by the police, 156 FIRs were registered under Section 188 (for disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code till 5 pm.

A total of 3,195 people have been detained under Section 65 (persons bound to comply with reasonable directions of police officers) and 365 vehicles have been impounded under Section 66 of the Delhi Police Act, the data added.

6.55 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

Ten new cases in Madhya Pradesh

Ten persons from Morena tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, taking the count to 128 in Madhya Pradesh. On Thursday, two persons had tested positive from the district.

6.40 PM | KERALA

India’s oldest COVID-19 survivor, wife discharged from Kerala hospital

A 93-year old man, India’s oldest COVID-19 survivor, and his wife were discharged from the government Medical College Hospital here on Friday, days after they fully recovered, in what is being dubbed by the medical community as a “miracle cure”, officials said.

Thomas Abraham and 88-year old Mariyamma have recovered after days of life-and-death battle against the deadly coronavirus since their admission to the hospital on March 9, officials said.

“They are fine now. The decision to discharge them was taken after their latest sample test also turned negative for coronavirus,” a state government official said.

6.35 PM | PUNE

11 new cases in Pune district, count reaches 71

With 11 fresh cases, the tally for Pune Division has risen to 101, with 57 positive cases reported from Pune city, 14 from Pimpri-Chinchwad (Pune district tally at 71), 25 from Sangli district, three from Satara and two from Kolhapur district, informed Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Deepak Mhaisekar.

6.25 PM | CHANDIGARH

No decision yet on extending curfew beyond Apr 14: Punjab CM

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said any decision on extending the curfew imposed in the state beyond April 14 would depend on the prevailing situation.

Mr. Singh was reacting to reports in a section of the media which quoted him as saying that the government would not lift the curfew on April 14.

6.15 PM | LONDON

U.K. PM Boris Johnson continues self-isolation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he would continue his self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, following a week of staying at home and working remotely.

“In my own case, although I’m feeling better and I have done my seven days of isolation, alas, I still have one of the minor symptoms… a temperature, so in accordance with government advice, I must continue my self-isolation until that symptom itself goes,” he said in a video message on Twitter.

6.05 PM | SRINAGAR

J&K reports five new cases

Five more COVID-19 cases were detected in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, taking the total number to 75. “The five cases comprise 4 in Kashmir and 1 in Jammu,” an official spokesperson said.

5.45 PM | DELHI

President Kovind expresses concern over Anand Vihar situation, Tablighi Jamaat

Taking note of the problems faced by the homeless, the unemployed and the weaker sections of society during this [COVID-19] crisis, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the country would have to be extra sensitive towards their needs. He was speaking at a conference held with Governors and LGs.

He invited participants at the conference to deliberate upon the ways and means to ensure nobody remains hungry. Acknowledging that this was a big challenge, the President said  that he was confident the Governors will contribute to the efforts made at the Central and State levels and involve all sections of society.

Stating that people had set an example by “showing exemplary courage, discipline and solidarity in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic”, Mr.  Ram Nath Kovind expressed concern over two incidents, the gathering of migrant workers in Anand Vihar and the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin, both in Delhi, that caused a setback to the efforts.

The President expressed appreciation for his fellow citizens for their patience and cooperation. He thanked the doctors and all officers and employees who have been serving society, the nation and humanity despite grave risk to their lives. He also expressed his full confidence that the people of the country will continue the campaign against the pandemic with full alertness and firm determination.

5.30 PM | ASSAM

Four new cases in Assam

Four more have tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, taking the total to 20, said State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

All four had attended the congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin.

5.15 PM | DELHI

91 new cases in Delhi in the last 24 hours

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has said that one more person evacuated from the Markaz has died, taking the total number of deaths to five.

91 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours.

“The number of cases may seem high but a majority of these are related to those with travel history; there is no community spread,” he said.

“A total number of 1787 centres set up by the Delhi Govt are providing meals every day to those in need; 6.50 lakh people had lunch, 6.30 lakh had dinner at these.

“Delhi Govt. is launching a dedicated helpline number 8800007722 on Whatsapp to provide information about the coronavirus, centres set up for those in need,” he added.

5.00 PM | TAMIL NADU

Cases in Tamil Nadu climb to 411

State Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar has tweeted that the number of positive cases in Tamil Nadu now stands at 411.

Out of the 3,684 samples, 2789 have tested negative, 7 have been discharged, 411 are positive and 484 are under process, Mr. Vijayabaskar added.

This is the third straight day the state has witnessed a surge in the number of positive cases.

On Wednesday it had reported 110 positive cases and on Thursday 75 with all but one being returnees from a recent Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin West, the country’s biggest hotspot of the pandemic.

4.45 PM | WORLD

Google Maps offers user location data to health officials

Google Maps is offering user location data to help public health officials spot increase or decrease of movement across high-level categories of places — such as retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces and residential areas.

 4.30 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

47 persons who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi test positive in U.P.

Forty-seven persons who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi have tested positive in U.P., said Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awasthi Awasthi.

The government has so far identified 1203 people associated with the event in the State.

Positive cases have jumped to 172 with the emergence of these 47 new  cases across U.P., said Amit Mohan Prasad, Principal Secretary, Health, U.P.

4.20 PM | SPAIN

More than 900 deaths in Spain for second day

More than 900 people died in Spain over the past 24 hours for the second day running, government figures showed on Friday, although the rate of new infections and deaths continued to slow.

4.15 PM | INDIA

647 cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 States: Health Ministry

Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agrawal said there have been 647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat cluster in 14 States.

“30 lakh people have downloaded the Covid-19 tracking app Aarogya Setu,” Mr. Agrawal said.

“Without physical presence, farmers can sell agri-products through eNam website, through which 585 mandis have been linked, 415 more to be added,” he added.

“Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has expressed concern over attacks on health workers engaged in the fight against Covid-19.

“State governments have been ensuring effective lockdown. There have been some incidents of attacks on health workers. The government has asked the State governments concerned to take strict action against those involved,” he said.

An ICMR spokesperson said that 8000 samples have been tested since yesterday and 66,000 samples have been tested so far.

960 foreign nationals have been blacklisted, and action being taken under Disaster Management Act and the Indian Penal Code, in connection with the Tablighi Jammat cluster cases, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

Chief Secretaries of the States have also been asked to make arrangements for smooth disbursal of benefits under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojna, while ensuring social distancing measures, the spokesperson said.

The Home Ministry has also issued directions for initiating action against the 360 foreigners who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat meeting in Delhi and gone back.

4.10 PM | KERALA

Kerala allows home delivery of food and essentials

The Kerala government on Friday sanctioned the door-to-door delivery of food from hotels and bakeries till 8 p.m. Shops selling essential supplies can also undertake door delivery till 8 pm.

 4.00 PM | INDIA

RBI cuts hours for currency, govt securities markets

The Reserve Bank of India has reduce the timing of market hours from April 7 to April 17 due to the unprecedented situation that has emerged due to the spread of coronavirus.

Call money market, government securities market, currency market, and many others which typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. will mostly now be open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

3.55 PM | BIHAR

Quarantined migrants attack officials in Bihar villages; run away from centres

Hundreds of thousands of migrants who recently reached their home town in Bihar from different parts of the country, covering over 1,000 km on foot or pedalling ‘thelas’ (cart-wheels) or cycle-rickshaws, have now started either fleeing from State government’s quarantine centres in local government schools or are attacking the officials reaching out to them for their identification.

 3.50 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

UP govt. imposes NSA against 6 Tablighi members for misbehaving with nurses

The Uttar Pradesh government has said it will impose the National Security Act against the six persons associated with the Tablighi Jamaat, who are accused of misbehaving with the women staff of the district hospital in Ghaziabad.

 3.40 PM | DELHI

OPD services at LNJP, GB Pant hospitals to be shut April 4 onwards

The OPD services at the LNJP Hospital and the GB Pant Hospital will be closed from April 4 onwards, Delhi government authorities have said.

Both these hospitals are among the five facilities in Delhi designated for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

3.30 PM | INDIA

India’s power demand falls over 25% to 125.81 GW on April 2

India’s peak power demand slipped over 25% to 125.81 GW on Thursday compared 168.32 GW on April 2 amid the lockdown to contain COVID-19 outbreak, showed power ministry data.

3.15 PM | INDIA

Plea in SC seeks minimum wages for migrant workers

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the plight of migrant workers, especially in the unorganised sector, during the lockdown and asked the Union government to respond by April 7 to a petition demanding that Central and State governments should pay them minimum wages.

3.00 PM | TAMIL NADU

18 Tamil Nadu districts now have designated hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients

A total of 21 hospitals, including four in Chennai, have been notified as designated hospitals for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in Tamil Nadu. Each of these hospitals will cover patients from earmarked districts.

 2.30 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

Ghaziabad police file FIR against six who attended Tablighi congregation

After a complaint was lodged by the woman staff of the MMG district hospital against persons who attended the Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation in Delhi and were admitted to the isolation ward of the hospital, an FIR has been registered by the Ghaziabad police against six persons.

2.20 PM | INDIA

ICMR gives go ahead for COVID-19 testing in labs under DBT, CSIR, DAE

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given its consent for initiation of COVID-19 testing in laboratories under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The DBT, DST, CSIR and DAE laboratories have been advised to strictly follow ICMR guidelines before initiation of testing for coronavirus infection, an ICMR official said.

2.10 PM | ODISHA

Sixth case in Odisha

The sixth COVID-19 positive case of Odisha has been detected in Cuttack. The patient had recently travelled to Delhi.

2.00 PM | TAMIL NADU

Private clinical establishments to face action if they close down essential services

The State Appropriate Authority, Clinical Establishments Act and Director of Medical and Rural Health Services has cautioned private establishments that provide maternal and child healthcare, and treatment for chronic illnesses against closing down their establishments and not offering medical services for their regular patients.

 1.30 PM | ANDHRA PRADESH

First COVID-19 death in A.P.

The Andhra Pradesh government has reported the State’s first death due to COVID-19.

The deceased was a 55-year-old man who hailed from Vijayawada city outskirts.

According to a bulletin issued by A. Srikanth, nodal officer for COVID-19 contaiment, the deceased was admitted to the government hospital in Vijayawada at 11.30 a.m. on March 30 and breathed his last within an hour.

1.25 PM | TAMIL NADU

During lockdown, Chennai police personnel play Good Samaritans

Police personnel are playing the role of the Good Samaritans in feeding hungry migrant labourers, platform dwellers and the wandering mentally challenged on the roads.

1.15 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

Senior official tasked with procuring drugs, equipment in Madhya Pradesh tests positive

A senior official tasked with procuring drugs and equipment for public healthcare institutions in the State tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday night, said sources at the Health Department.

An official, requesting anonymity, confirmed to The Hindu that the patient had contracted the illness which had infected 118 individuals and left eight dead in the State already. The government is yet to officially declare him COVID-19 positive.

12.55 PM | KARNATAKA

Another case in Karnataka

Another case has been detected on Friday morning in Karnataka, taking the total number of cases in the State to 125. This includes three deaths and 11 discharged persons.

The new patient is a 75-year-old male. A detailed investigation is under process. The patient is isolated in a designated hospital.

12.50 PM | ODISHA

Odisha announces shutdown in Bhubaneswar, Bhadrak till April 5

Odisha government announces complete shutdown for 48 hours from 8.00 p.m. today to 8.00 p.m. of April 5 in Bhubaneswar city and Bhadrak town to prevent community transmission of coronavirus.

All shops selling essential goods, barring some medicine stores, to remain closed both places during the 48 hour shutdown.

12.45 PM | INDIA

PM-CARES | Centre sends conflicting signals on foreign donations

Initially, Indian ambassadors were directed to mobilise donations from abroad, with SWIFT code details made available in order to accept such contributions. However, the Centre has now seemed to take a step back, indicating that foreign funds would be accepted only from individuals and foundations, with details for foreign donations unavailable for now.

 12.30 PM | TAMIL NADU

Pudupet area in Chennai sealed after Tablighi Jamaat attendees traced

The entire Pudupet area was sealed after five persons who attended the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi were traced there. They were taken to a hospital for testing last night.

12.15 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

NSA to be slapped against persons who attack policemen enforcing lockdown in U.P.

The stringent National Security Act (NSA) will be slapped on people who attack policeman enforcing the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Uttar Pradesh government said.

“The police is doing its duty by preventing people to come out during lockdown. There have been incidents in the State in which policemen were attacked by people. To deter such persons, it has been decided to invoke NSA against such persons,” a senior Home Department official told PTI.

12.10 PM | HIMACHAL PRADESH

Second death in Himachal Pradesh

A woman from Baddi in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district has died due to COVID-19 at the PGIMER in Chandigarh, a senior official said on Friday.

Her case was earlier unreported, Solan Deputy Commissioner KC Chaman told PTI.

With this, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the hill state has risen to seven.

This is the second death in Himachal Pradesh due to COVID-19.

12.00 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

Eight new cases in Uttar Pradesh

The number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 134 in Uttar Pradesh with a total of eight fresh cases reported in Agra and Jaunpur, officials said on Friday. While 6 cases were found to be positive in Agra, two positive cases were found in Jaunpur.

11.50 AM | INDIA

ICMR recommends antibody test for speedy detection of COVID-19 cases

To ensure speedy detection of coronavirus cases, those residing in COVID-19 hotspots or areas which have reported large numbers of cases may have to undergo a rapid antibody blood test for the viral infection.Read more 11.45 AM | MADHYA PRADESH

7 new cases overnight

Seven residents of Indore tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday night, taking the city count to 89, said officials at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore. The number of cases in Madhya Pradesh stands at 118 now.

11.40 AM | ANDHRA PRADESH

12 new cases in as many hours

The number of cases in Andhra Pradesh continued to rise as 12 persons tested positive in as many hours since 10 p.m. Thursday night.

With this, medical and health officials said, the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 went up from 149 to 161 in the State.

Meanwhile, the lockdown is being implemented across the State as per the guidelines issued by the Centre while Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is monitoring the situation arising from the public hazard.

11.15 AM | AHMEDABAD

One dead in Gujarat

Seven new Coronavirus positive cases recorded in Gujarat while one infected patient has succumbed to the infection, Health Department has said.

Out of the 7 cases reported from Ahmedabad, one person had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi.

The total number of cases in the State reaches 95 cases, including eight deaths.

All seven cases reported today were from Ahmedabad, which has been identified as one of the hotspots for Coronavirus pandemic.

The deceased was from Godhra.

So far, 10 patients have been discharged after complete sure. 75 are stable while two patients are on ventilators in the State, a State bulletin said.11 AM | RAJASTHAN

Twenty one COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Rajasthan today.

This includes seven from Tonk who were contacts of Tablighi Jamaat members found infected earlier.

Others include seven Tablighi Jamaat members – six from Maharashtra and one from Jharkhand – who were already under isolation in Rajasthan University of Health Sciences’ hospital.

This takes the total number of cases in Rajasthan to 136.

Second case in Jharkhand

Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, a second COVID-19 positive case has been reported. The man is from Hazaribagh district and has been put under isolation.

10.50 AM | USA

Sara Bareilles reveals coronavirus diagnosis, says she has ‘fully recovered’

Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles has revealed that she had contracted coronavirus but has since made a full recovery.

The 40-year-old American musician shared her diagnosis and her recovery on Instagram.

“I had it, just so you know. I’m fully recovered, just so you know. And I am just thinking about all the people who are walking through this really tricky time and sending a lot of love and just being really grateful for every easy breath and every day that I get to be walking around,’” Ms. Bareilles said in a video.

10.45 AM | ODISHA

Odisha’s first COVID-19 patient who was being treated at Capital hospital in Bhubaneswar has recovered and tested negative for the disease. He will be discharged today.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in the State is now three, according to the State Health Department.1

0.20 AM | CHINA

China to observe April 4 as mourning day for coronavirus victims

China will observe a national day of mourning on Saturday for martyrs, including the “whistleblower” doctor Li Wenliang, who sacrificed their lives in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak and the over 3,300 people who died of the COVID-19 in the country.

During the commemoration, national flags will fly at half-mast across the country and in all Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, and public recreational activities will be suspended across the country, official media reported on Friday.

At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Chinese people nationwide will observe three minutes of silence to mourn the deceased.

10 AM | INDIA

PM Modi urges people to light candles, mobile torches for nine minutes at 9 p.m. on April 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 3 asked Indians, entering the ninth day of a harsh lockdown, to demonstrate collective will to fight the coronavirus, a token demonstration of which, he said, would be to light candles, lamps, mobile torches for nine minutes on April 5 at 9 p.m. “There is no bigger force than our conviction and resolve. There is nothing we cannot achieve with these forces,” he said.

Addressing the nation via a video conference, Mr. Modi made it very clear that the coronavirus threat could only be combated with the full co-operation of the people, and that the collective strength was what would take the country out of what he termed “darkness that engulfs us” in the form of coronavirus.

Peace, happiness, compassion in such times will be very valuable.What we will do on the 5th will further these. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/IYiICsp9Z5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020

 9.45 AM | SOUTH KOREA

South Korea has 86 new cases, total over 10,000

South Korea has reported 86 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing its caseload above 10,000.

South Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said about half of the new cases came from the densely populous Seoul metropolitan area, where infections linked to international arrivals have been rising.

Another 22 infections were detected at airports where workers have been isolating and testing passengers arriving with fever or respiratory symptoms.

South Korea has been enforcing two-week quarantines on all passengers arriving from overseas since Wednesday to stem a rise in imported infections.

9.30 AM | SINGAPORE

Singapore reports fifth death

Singapore reported another coronavirus-related death on Friday, raising the city-state’s total fatalities from the disease to five.

The latest death was of an 86-year-old female Singapore citizen, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The country has reported 1,049 coronavirus cases in total.

9.10 AM | KARNATAKA

27 persons who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation test negative

Twenty-seven of the 33 people from the Belagavi district of Karnataka who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin, Delhi, have tested negative for coronavirus.

The results of six others are awaited.

The district administration had identified 62 persons from Belagavi district who had attended the meeting in new Delhi in March. However, only symptomatic cases are being tested.

Of them, the throat swab samples of 33 suspected cases had been sent for testing. The tests of 27 have proven negative and the results of six are awaited.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police S.B. Bommanahalli has urged the people to declare if they had attended the meeting.

Members of the general public who have knowledge of anyone from their village attending the meeting have been requested to inform the concerned teheshildar.

9.00 AM

24 Indian expatriates test positive for Covid-19 in Kuwait

Twenty four Indian expatriates have tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday in Kuwait, signaling that New Delhi will have to keep an eye on the conditions of millions of Indian workers in the Gulf, where the footprint of novel Coronavirus is gradually expanding.

The daily Kuwait Times quoting Kuwaiti Health Ministry, reported on Thursday that 28 new coronavirus cases have been reported beteween April 1 and April 27, of whom are expats, including 24 Indians, two Bangladeshis and one Nepali. This raises the total number of Covid 19 cases in Kuwait to 317. — Atul Aneja

8.50 AM | INDIA

Air India to bring personal protective equipment from Shanghai, Hong Kong

Air India has received China’s clearance to operate cargo flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong to help Indian pharmaceutical companies import personal protective equipment for frontline health workers.

“We have secured requisite approvals from Shanghai for our flights on April 4 and 5 and await clearances for flights on April 6,7 and 8. Permissions have also been obtained for operations to Hong Kong,” Air India Chairman and Managing Director, Rajiv Bansal, said at a press conference.

The flights are being operated on commercial basis following demands from pharmaceutical companies and their intermediaries and will carry cargo on inbound as well as outbound flights.

8.30 AM | USA

Chinese figure of 82,000 COVID-19 cases ‘not accurate,’ says Nikki Haley

Indian-American politician Nikki Haley has cast doubt on the accuracy of China’s official coronavirus figures, terming them “clearly not accurate”, amidst reports that the CIA has advised the White House not to trust the data being provided by Beijing.

“China has reported only 82,000 coronavirus cases & 3300 deaths in a nation of 1.5 billion people. This is clearly not accurate,” Ms. Haley, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, said in a tweet on Thursday.

As compared to China, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. on Thursday jumped to 240,000 and the fatalities rose to 5800.

 8 AM | INDIA

World Bank approves $1 billion emergency funds for India to tackle pandemic

The World Bank on Thursday approved $1 billion emergency financing for India to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 76 lives and infected 2,500 others in the country.

The World Bank’s first set of aid projects, amounting to $1.9 billion, will assist 25 countries, and new operations are moving forward in over 40 nations using the fast-track process, the bank said. The largest chunk of the emergency financial assistance has gone to India — $1 billion.

7.30 AM | BIHAR

Six more COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in Bihar, bringing the total tally in the State to 30. More details are awaited.

08.15PM

Covd19 cases in India crossed 2380

As India enters the ninth day of lockdown, an exponential spike in the total number of COVID-19 positive cases is now witnessed by the nation. Crossing the 2000-mark, Tablighi Jamaat’s Markaz event in Delhi’s Nizamuddin has contributed majorly to this increase. The first case in Arunachal Pradesh was a man who attended the event. Haryana sees its first COVID-19 death, along with 3 deaths in Telangana and one in Gujarat and Rajasthan each, today, raising the death toll to 75 in the country. The total number of cases in India is now at 2,381. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has proposed a massive $2 trillion infrastructure plan, along with several other measures to stimulate their economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

8.15 PM | J&K, LADAKH

8 more test positive in J&K, one in Ladakh

Eight have tested positive for COVID-19 in J&K and one in Ladakh on Thursday. Meanwhile, 324 people with travel histories were discharged from the administrative quarantine centres in Kashmir after completing 14-day isolation.

A government spokesman said that of the eight new positive cases, five were detected in the Jammu division and three from the Kashmir division, taking the total number of such cases in J&K to 70.

8.00 PM | JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Media wants 4G Net restored in J&K to fight COVID-19

A petition has urged the Supreme Court to restore 4G mobile Internet service in Jammu and Kashmir as, it said, doctors, patients and the general public were unable to access the latest information, guidelines, advisories, daily updates and restrictions on the COVID-19 pandemic.Read more 7.50 PM | DELHI

The Chief Medical Officer of Composite Hospital, CRPF, New Delhi, has been tested COVID-19 positive.

He has since been shifted to the isolation ward of AIIMS, Jhajjar, Haryana after his test report was received today.

The Transit Officers’ Mess in Saket where the Officer was staying, has since been sanitized and orders have been issued to immediately quarantine the working staff and guests/officers living there, according to an MHA official.

7.30 PM | SPAIN

Spain’s deaths rise above 10,000

Spain’s death toll from the coronavirus rose above 10,000 on Thursday after a record 950 people died overnight, but health officials saw a glimmer of hope with the epidemic slowing in terms of proportional daily increases in infections and deaths.

7.15 PM | INDIA

Home Ministry blacklists 960 foreign Tablighi Jamaat members for violating visa rules

The Home Ministry has blacklisted 960 foreign Tablighi Jamaat members for violating visa rules. Their visas have been cancelled.

Directions have been issued to States to book them under provisions of DM Act and Foreigners Act, according to a tweet by Home Minister Amit Shah.

7.05 PM | ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh records 11 more cases

Andhra Pradesh has recorded 11 new cases, with the number of cases in the State standing at 143 as of 6 p.m., according to State Health Department’s bulletin.

7.00 PM | INDIA

BSF contributes one day’s salary of troops to PM-CARES Fund

The Border Security Force (BSF) contributed one day’s salary of its staffers, totalling over Rs 33.28 crore, to the PM-CARES Fund to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

“An amount of Rs 33,28,57,504 has been deposited to the PM-CARES account. This amount is the one day salary of the troops and other staffers of the force,” a BSF spokesperson said.

6.40 PM | HARYANA

927 Nizamuddin event attendees traced in Haryana, five test positive: State Home Minister

Haryana’s Home Minister Anil Vij said that 927 attendees of the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area have been traced in the State, with five of them testing COVID-19 positive so far.

Of the 927 people traced till now, 107 are foreigners.

6.30 PM | KARNATAKA

Around 1,000 linked to Tablighi Jamaat screened in Karnataka, 11 test positive for COVID-19

Nearly 1,000 people from Karnataka, who are linked to Tablighi-Jamaat congregation in New Delhi, have been screened so far following the inputs provided by the Centre and police, and 11 have tested positive for COVID-19

6.25 PM | GUJARAT

Gujarat police identifies 12 more who attended Nizamuddin event

The Gujarat police said they have identified 12 more persons who had attended the Islamic congregation in Delhi, taking the number of visitors from Gujarat to 84 till now, one of them an elderly man who succumbed to coronavirus after returning from the meet.

6.20 PM | MAHARASHTRA

Cases in Maharashtra cross 400 mark

Cases in Maharashtra have crossed the 400 mark. Total cases in the State are now at 416 and the death toll is 19. As many as 81 new cases have been reported today, according to the State Health Department’s 6 p.m. update.

6.00 PM | TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu reports 75 new cases

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Beela Rajesh has stated that the State has recorded 75 new cases.

5.45 PM | WEST BENGAL

West Bengal deaths climb to 7

West Bengal has seen the highest rise in COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours . The total number of patients now stands at 53 while casualties have risen to 7.

5.30 PM | WEST BENGAL

Defying lockdown, devotees in Bengal assemble at temples on Ram Navami

Amid chants of ‘Jai Sri Ram’, hundreds of devotees assembled in temples in various parts of West Bengal on the occasion of Ram Navami, defying social distancing norms prescribed by the government during the ongoing nationwide lockdown period.

5.20 PM | TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister seeks ₹3,000 crore from PM for procuring PPE and other supplies

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate ₹3,000 crore for procuring personal protective equipment (PPE), N-95 masks and ventilators for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. During his video conference interaction with the PM, Mr. Palaniswami also sought to increase the supply of test kits to the State.

 5.10 PM | DELHI

Two evacuated from Nizamuddin have died of COVID-19: Kejriwal

The coronavirus in Delhi is not spreading and has been contained to those who have returned from abroad and their contacts, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference.

Two people, who were evacuated from the Tablighi Jamaat Centre in Nizamuddin and tested positive, have died, he said.

“Over 6 lakh people ate lunch and dinner at delhi government facilities yesterday. We now have spare capacity to feed people.

“Autodrivers, e-rickshaw drivers and other public transport service providers will be given Rs. 5,000 in their account as relief. The problem is that we do not have their bank account numbers and we are working things out. It will take about 10 days,” he added.

“Today is Ram Navami, you can’t go to the mandir but stay at home and celebrate. The best way to celebrate is to ensure that nobody in the vicinity of your house is hungry,” Mr. Kejriwal said.

In a digital press conference, Mr. Kejriwal said of the 2,346 people evacuated from the Markaz, 108 have tested positive.

However, the number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital may rise in the coming days as the government has decided to test all those who were evacuated from the Markaz, he said.

5.00 PM | UTTAR PRADESH

Cases climb to 121 in U.P.

The number of positive cases in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 121, including one each in Meerut and Ghazipur, persons associated with the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, according to senior officials.

429 samples of Tablighi Jamaat members have been sent for testing so far, said Amit Mohan Prasad, Principal Secretary, Health. U.P. has so far identified 1172 members of the  Delhi Tablighi Jamaat event, of whom 884 have been put under quarantine, said additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awanish Awasthi.

The government has also lodged 32 FIRs in  13 districts against foreign nationals for violating tourist visa norms and engaging in religious activities.  211 passports have been seized, said Mr. Awasthi.

4.45 PM | NEW DELHI

Another letter from Home Secretary

Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla writes another letter to States to make proper arrangements for disbursal of money from banks under PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana that will start April 3.

He asks States to implement Finance Ministry’s advisory to stagger the account holders and maintain social distancing at bank branches. Also take help of security personnel to maintain law and order at banks.

4.30 PM | NEW DELHI

COVID-19 app

Government has launched an app called ‘Aarogya Setu’ to disperse updated information on COVID-19.

The app supports 11 languages and is available on Google Play and Apple iStore.

Union government has placed for 1.5 crore PPEs for use. Those supplied so far have been sent to the States as per requirement. They were procured from Domestic manufacturers. Orders have been placed for one crore N95 masks too, says Health Ministry.

4.20 PM | NEW DELHI

400 positive cases linked to the Tablighi event

As many as 400 COVID-19 cases have been linked to the Tablighi Jamaat event held in Nizamuddin in mid-March, says Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry.

Of them, 171 are from Tamil Nadu, 67 from Andhra Pradesh and 22 are from Jammu and Kashmir. Assam, Rajasthan, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have also reported positive cases.

About 9,000 people linked to the Nizamuddin event have been traced in different parts of the country. 1306 were foreigners while the rest were Indians, he says.

4.15 PM | NEW DELHI

Book violators of lockdown: Union Home Secretary

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla writes yet another letter to Chief Secretaries of all States, asks them to book people under relevant provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the IPC for false claims, obstruction, false warning, disobedience, Failure of officer on duty among others.

Anyone obstructing enforcement of lockdown could be punishable for jail term of up to 2 years, Mr. Bhalla says.  Misappropriation of money or material in disaster-like situation invites 2 years of jail with fine.

Anyone making false claim on any matter can be punished up to 2 years of jail with fine and laws, he says.4.00 PM | NEW DELHI

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Hardeep Puri: Lockdown is till April 14 and resumption of flights from different countries will be decided on case by case basis.

3.30 PM | CHENNAI

Over 800 scientists, doctors call upon government to reveal post-lockdown plan

Over 800 scientists, academicians and public health professionals issued a statement on April 1, drawing attention to key aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and urging the government to take a few important steps in this regard.

3.00 PM | MUMBAI

Modi accepts Thackeray’s suggestion

Accepting suggestion from CM Uddhav Thackeray of making an appeal to religious leaders of all sects across the country to ensure no overcrowding, PM Narendra Modi in his video conference with CMs of all states asked them to establish communication with leaders of all religions, Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office has said.

2.55 PM | BHOPAL

Indore COVID-19 toll soars to five

A man and a woman from Indore died of COVID-19 on Thursday morning, taking the toll owing to the illness to five in the city. Besides, 12 residents of the city tested positive for the disease on Wednesday night, according to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore. 

The man, aged 54, and the woman, 65, didn’t have a contact or a travel history.

2.45 PM | DELHI

AIIMS resident doctor tests positive for COVID19. He is from the physiology department. The family is now being screened.2.30 PM

The Prime Minister’s video conference with the chief ministers has ended.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in a series of tweets, has revealed what the PM has said. Here are his tweets:

War has just began now. We can never be contended. Let us no mistake. Every 24 hours we must be alert; unitedly we must fight to defeat the outbreak of #COVID19.: PM

This is a fight which must be fought by each of us. This is a war which cannot be left alone to health workers, policemen or the govt. Time is now for all different ideologies to unite to defeat the enemy of mankind: PM

“Time is now to leverage technology to fight #coronavirus. Let us not compete to announce packages! It is for all of us to be realistic and practical. The fight could go for any length and we can’t predict how things will turn. “

May not #21daysLockdownIndia go waste. Even after lockdown, follow corona prevention safety measures like wearing mask, cleanliness, distancing etc. Being responsible will save us: PM

We need zero budget to fight this #coronavirus. If we can maintain social distancing, it is enough to prevail over #COVID19: PM

Two from Pune district who went to Nizamuddin conclave test positive

1.00 PM

BMC conservancy worker is second positive case in Dharavi

A 52-year-old Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation conservancy worker became the second person to test positive for COVID-19 in Dharavi on Thursday.

Dharavi reported its first case on Wednesday and the person died the same day.

The second affected person is not a resident of Dharavi but of Worli’s Jijamata Nagar, another Coronavirus hotspot.

12.50 PM

PM, CMs video conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a video conference with all chief ministers to discuss ways to check the spread of coronavirus.

The meeting is underway.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and top bureaucrats were present along with the Prime Minister.

Issues such as spread of coronavirus, movement of migrants, availability of essentials and contact tracing of Tablighi Jamat participants are also likely to come up for discussion.

12.40 PM | ANDHRA PRADESH

AP reports 21 new COVID-19 positive cases

Andhra Pradesh reported 21 new COVID-19 positive cases after testing 487 samples, most of which belonged to those who had returned from the Tablighi Jamaat meeting in New Delhi, and their contacts.

A total of 1,301 samples of Delhi returnees and their contacts were tested in the last two days, in the light of the countrywide outbreak trend.

The State now has 132 positive cases. Two patients have recovered after treatment. Results of 493 samples are awaited.

12.20 PM | ISRAEL

Israel’s health minister diagnosed with coronavirus

Israel’s health minister and his wife were diagnosed with coronavirus and are in isolation following guidelines, the health ministry said on April 2.

Yaakov Litzman, 71, an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has appeared regularly alongside the premier to provide updates on the spread of the pandemic and new measures to combat it.But Litzman has scaled back public appearances in recent weeks and the ministry’s director-general has held daily briefings instead. Litzman and his wife feel well, the ministry said in a statement.

 12.10 PM | ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh confirms first case

Arunachal Pradesh has confirmed its first COVID-19 positive case, said the Chief Minister on Twitter on Thursday.

The patient is a 31 year-old non-native who participated in the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi.

At present, he is asymptomatic and is kept in isolation, said the CM on Twitter. The patient’s condition is stable, he added.

12 PM | MADHYA PRADESH

12 test positive, one dies in Indore

Twelve persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Indore late on April 1, taking the count of reported cases in the city to 75. Besides, a 65-year-old woman from the city succumbed to the illness on April 2, according to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore.

While no new patient has travel history, just one case has had a confirmed contact with an infected person even as health officials scramble to zero in on the source in Indore. On March 31, Indore reported 36 cases, the steepest rise reported in the city as well as the State in a day. Four residents of the city and seven in the State in total have succumbed to the illness so far, while cases in Madhya Pradesh touched 98.

 11.40 AM | NOIDA

1 held, dozen booked for group namaz in Noida despite lockdown

One man was arrested and around a dozen people booked here for allegedly gathering for a group namaz in violation of lockdown restrictions imposed due to coronavirus, the Noida police said on Thursday.

An FIR was lodged under provisions including those of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Uttar Pradesh Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 after a video surfaced on social media on Wednesday evening purportedly showing the gathering on the terrace of a house for the prayer, the police said.

 11.30 AM | CHENNAI

Not the time to cause chaos by congregating in religious places: A.R. Rahman

Stressing that congregating in religious places will cause “chaos” in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, music maestro A.R. Rahman has urged people to adhere to the advice of the government and self-isolate.

The Oscar winner’s appeal comes after Tabligh-e-Jamaat’s Markaz in Delhi’s Nizamuddin West emerged as an epicentre for spread of COVID-19 in different parts of the country after thousands of people took part in a congregation from March 1 to 15.

In a lengthy statement on Twitter, Rahman on Wednesday asked people to be “kind and thoughtful.”

This message is to thank the doctors, nurses and all the staff working in hospitals and clinics all around India, for their bravery and selflessness… pic.twitter.com/fjBOzKfqjy

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) April 1, 2020

Oscar-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty and Rahman’s collaborator on the award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire shared the same sentiments.

”… God is in your hearts not in shrines, you don’t have to congregate now, follow Govt rules, few days of isolation might give you many years of life!” Pookutty tweeted on Thursday.

11.20 AM | MAHARASHTRA

Three fresh cases reported in Maharashtra

Three new cases of COVID-19 were reported on April 2 from Pune and Buldhana districts, taking Maharashtra’s tally to 338.

Two new cases were reported from Pune and, in a matter of growing concern for authorities, yet another case was reported from Buldhana district in the State’s Amravati division.

With these fresh cases, Pune district’s tally of positive cases stands at 52, while Buldhana’s tally has reached five.

 11.10 AM | RAJASTHAN

Another death in Rajasthan

An 85-year-old man from Alwar, who had tested COVID-19 positive and was admitted to Sawai Man Singh Government Hospital in Jaipur two days ago, died on Thursday. Cause of death is brain stroke paralysis, according to preliminary analysis.

Nine more COVID-19 cases have been detected in Rajasthan today. Seven of them are from the curfew-bound Ramganj area of Jaipur, and two are from Jodhpur and Jhunjhunu. The Jhunjhunu patient is a member of Tablighi Jamaat cluster.

The tally in Rajasthan is now 111.

11 AM | WORLD

World could face a food crisis: UN, WTO

The heads of three global agencies warned on Wednesday of the risk of a worldwide “food shortage” if authorities fail to manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis properly.

Many governments around the world have put their populations on lockdown causing severe slow-downs in international trade and food supply chains. Panic buying by people going into confinement has already demonstrated the fragility of supply chains as supermarket shelves emptied in many countries.

10.40 AM | WORLD

First UNSC meeting on COVID19 by next week or before: Council President

The UN Security Council is likely to meet for the first time by “next week or before” to discuss the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 42,000 people globally, according to Dominican Republic Ambassador Jose Singer, the current president of the world body’s top organ.

The Dominican Republic assumed the rotating presidency of the powerful 15-nation council for the month of April, taking the baton from China, a permanent and veto-welding member.10.30 AM | HARYANA

As many as 113 people, most of them Tablighi Jamaat workers, have been traced in Haryana’s Palwal district on Wednesday night, says the CMO

This includes frequent visitors to Nizamuddin Tabligh centre. Thirty-one of them have been kept in an isolation centre at Civil Hospital, and their samples have been taken. The rest have been sent to NGF quarantine centre, added the CMO.

10.15 AM | ODISHA

5 held in Odisha for posting false messages on WhatsApp, Facebook

At least five persons, including a woman, have been arrested in Odisha’s Bhadrak district on the charge of posting false messages on different social media platforms to create panic about the COVID-19pandemic.

While two persons were arrested from Bhadrak town police station area for posting false messages on WhatsApp, the woman was arrested from the same locality for posting false messages on Facebook on Wednesday, according to Bhadrak district police.

 10 AM | INDIA

India sees a sharp spike in infections

India reported three deaths and over 370 new cases on April 1 — the highest-ever single-day increase in its COVID-19 tally.

This brought the total confirmed cases to 1,637 and took the death toll to 38. One hundred and thirty two persons have been cured/discharged from hospitals after recovery, the Union Health Ministry said at its daily press briefing, which was the shortest in a month as questions were restricted to a couple of media outlets.

9.45 AM | BIHAR

With one more positive case detected in Bihar on Wednesday, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the State has gone up to 24.9.25 AM | GUJARAT

A 52-year-old man infected with coronavirus died in Vadodara.

He and his wife had recently visited Sri Lanka, and had been tested positive for COVID-19. Three other family members have also been infected.

With this, the death toll in Gujarat climbs to seven.

9 AM | KARNATAKA

Nearly 1,500 from Karnataka may have attended Tablighi event

About 1,500 people from Karnataka may have attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Nizamuddin West, Delhi, from March 8 to 20. Of these, the State has been able to trace 800 people and 143 of these have been found to be symptomatic.

Jawaid Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), said that the Centre had sent the list of 1,500 people to the State. “We cannot say if all these have attended the congregation. Some of them may have attended and some may be the contacts of those who have attended. We have been able to trace 800 from the list and samples of 143 symptomatic persons have been sent for tests,” he said.

 8.30 AM | PUNJAB

Punjab reports fifth death

Punjab on Thursday reported its fifth COVID-19 related death, a senior official said.

The 62-year-old patient, who was a former ‘Hazoori Raagi’ at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar has passed away in the wee hours of Thursday.

K.B.S. Sidhu, Special Chief Secretary, Punjab Disaster Management tweeted the information about the death of patient. The patient was tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and was undergoing treatment in Amritsar.

8.15 AM | ASSAM

15 more test positive in Assam, all attended Nizamuddin meet

Fifteen more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, taking the total number of such cases in the State to 16, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. All the patients had attended a congregation organised by the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi’s Nizamuddin West last month, Sarma tweeted.

Assam now has the highest number of cases in the Northeast, followed by Manipur and Mizoram with one case each.

8 AM | INDIA

Tablighi Jamaat headquarters cleared

All occupants of the Tablighi Jamaat headquarters, at the centre of an extensive net of the novel coronavirus transmission, were evacuated by early Wednesday, even as the authorities scrambled to identify and quarantine visitors who had returned home to various parts of the country.

At least 29 more occupants tested positive on Wednesday, taking the total in Delhi alone to 53.

11.00PM

The Covid-19 relief package announced by the government last week of March is a welcome move. The RBI has left the implementation of the relief package to the banks, so the nitty gritty of the exemption from payments, the accrual of interest arrears and the eligibility assessment may differ across lenders.

Each bank will decide how to carry out the various measures of the relief package on its own. People have a lot of misconceptions about what has been promised. Keep these things in mind when you make financial decisions basis the announcements in the relief package.

Moratorium is for payment of EMIs, not on interest: Under the relief package, the government has instructed banks to give borrowers a grace period of three months for payment of EMIs. If you have a loan going, you need not pay the EMI for March, April and May. However, this does not mean that three months’ EMI have been waived. It is only a grace period, not a waiver of the loan. Also, the banks are likely to charge interest for three months on the unpaid amount. However, these decisions could vary across individual lenders. Some may choose to extend the loan tenure. Others may seek a bullet payment in June or hike the EMI from June onwards.

Credit card balance: The accrual of interest gets tricky in case of credit cards. The dues payable on credit cards will also get a three month grace period, but the interest cost of this deferment could well be astronomical. In normal times, one can defer a payment by paying 5% of the due amount while the unpaid amount is carried forward to the next billing cycle and charged 2-4% interest. Under the relief package, if you don’t pay for three months and the bank decides to charge as it normally does, the cumulative interest could be prohibitive at more than 6-12%. What’s more, additional spends would also accrue interest from the very first day and you might end up with hefty interest costs.

Grace period is for everybody: If you do not pay by due date, the bank will automatically give a grace period to the payment. At the same time, if there is ECS mandate for the EMI and there is enough balance in the account, the bank will debit the account on the due date. So you will need to inform your bank about your inability to pay. However, if you have ample liquidity and don’t want to unnecessarily incur interest costs, make sure your payment reaches your bank by the due date.

No impact on credit score: If you miss a credit card payment or an EMI, it shows up as a black mark on your credit score and jeopardises your ability to access credit in future. But under the Covid relief package, your credit history will not get blemished by non-payment and your credit score will not be impacted. This should come as a big relief for self-employed people who could be under extreme financial stress due to the lockdown.

Tax saving investments: Apart from the relief package, the government has also extended the last date of filing belated tax returns for 2018-19 and the deadline for tax saving investments for 2019-20 to 30 June. If you have not completed your 2019-20 tax planning till now, here is your chance to save tax.

source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/moratorium-on-loan-emis-credit-card-dues-will-have-an-interest-cost/articleshow/74906115.cms

covid19 cases in India crosses 1800

On the eighth day of the 21-day lockdown, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in India crossed 1,800 mark, as of April 1, and the death toll touched 55. Andhra Pradesh reported 43 new cases overnight, tally in the state now rises to 87. Uttar Pradesh reported two deaths. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal also reported deaths due to coronavirus. A Delhi doctor was also tested positive for the virus.

8.25PM | TamilNadu

110 new cases reported from TamilNadu

As many as 110 people who returned to Tamil Nadu from Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi tested positive for novel coronavirus on Wednesday.

The fresh cases have taked the total cases in Tamil Nadu to 234, a top health department official said.

This comes as a huge jump in the novel coronavirus cases as Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of new cases in a single day so far.

Health secretary Beela Rajesh told reporters in Chennai that 110 people, hailing from 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, have tested positive for the contagion.

All of them had participated in the Delhi religious congregation and the tally of Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu now stood at 234, Beela Rajesh said.

Around 1,500 people from Tamil Nadu had attended the event last month and of them over 1,131 have returned to Tamil Nadu so far.

All new coronavirus positive cases are linked to Delhi’s Nizamuddin event.

8:20 PM | DELHI

Engineering entrance exam postponed

JEE Advanced, which was scheduled to be held on May 17, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 situation, says IIT-Delhi, which is conducting the exam this year. The  examination, which is meant for entrance to the IITs, will be rescheduled after the JEE-Main examination, which is now likely to be held in the last week of May.

8.10 PM | DELHI

Gujarat reports 13 new cases

“Thirteen new Coronavirus positive cases reported from Gujarat. Total cases have jumped to 87”, says  Health department.

8.05 PM | DELHI

32 new COVID-19 cases in Delhi

Thirty-two new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 152, according to the Delhi government.

This is the biggest single-day jump in the number of cases in the city so far.

Twenty-nine of the 32 positive cases are people from a centre run by Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin which has been evacuated by the authorities.

A total of 53 people from the centre have tested positive for COVID-29 so far just in Delhi alone.7.35 PM | DELHI

No pending board exams to be conducted in foreign countries, says CBSE

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will not conduct pending class 10 and 12 examinations in foreign countries due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to officials.

“There are several CBSE schools located in 25 countries. Each of these countries are also under lockdown or have decided to close down the schools for various and differential lengths of time. Under such circumstances, it is felt that the board will not be in a position to hold differential set of exams for each of these countries,” CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi said.

Meanwhile, after assessing the COVID-19 situation, CBSE will give 10 days notice before rescheduling the postponed Class 10 and 12 board examinations.

Only board examinations in 12 key subjects for Class 12 will be rescheduled. Exams in 28 minor subjects for Class 12 and 2 subjects for Class 10 will not be held at all.

7.25 PM | DELHI

CJI, other SC judges provide financial assistance to battle COVID-19

All Supreme Court judges including Chief Justice of India donated ₹50,000 each to the PM CARES fund to aid the nation’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

An official of the apex court told PTI that all the 33 judges including the CJI have donated ₹50,000 each to the fund.

7.20 PM | MAHARASHTRA

33 new coronavirus cases in Maharashtra

The number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra increased by 33 to 335 on Wednesday, a health official said.

Thirty of these cases were found in Mumbai alone, two in Pune and one in Buldhana, he said.

The state had reported 302 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope had said earlier in the day that the number of cases would increase further because there were around 5,000 persons in “high-risk” category.

7.15 PM | DELHI

PM Modi to hold video conference with State CMs tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with all chief ministers on Thursday during which issues such as ways to contain the spread of COVID-19, movement of migrants and contact tracing of Tablighi Jamat participants are likely to come up for discussion, sources said on Wednesday.

The availability of essential items will also be discussed during the conference, they added.

This will be the second such interaction in less than two weeks on the critical issue of the COVID-19 outbreak and related matters, and the first after the Central government imposed a 21-day nationwide lockdown from March 25. The last interaction took place on March 20.

6.50 PM | DELHI

States violating lockdown measures: Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla writes to all States saying some States are allowing exceptions beyond what has been allowed under lockdown measures by the MHA. This amounts to violation of the lockdown measures under Disaster Management Act, 2005 and may defeat the overall objective of containing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

6:10 PM | DELHI

CBSE students to be automatically promoted to higher classes

All CBSE students in Class 1-8 to be automatically promoted to the higher class in view of the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, says the HRD Ministry. Class 9 and 11 students will be promoted based on internal school-based assessments including projects, periodic tests, term exams conducted so far. Those not promoted can appear for school-based tests, online or offline.

6.05 PM | BIHAR

600 quarantined in Indore in last eight days

.At least 600 people in Indore in Madhya Pradesh have been quarantined in the last eight days to prevent the spread of coronavirus, a senior official said here on Wednesday.

Indore is among the cities that are worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with 63 patients testing positive and three fatalities.

“As precautionary measures, around 600 people have been moved to quarantine centres set up at marriage gardens and other places in the city.

“It is suspected that these people had come into contact with the patients who were found positive for the infection in some way. Most of them are family members of the COVID-19 patients,” Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Praveen Jadia, Indore district, told reporters.

He said the condition of all the 600 people kept in the quarantine centres is being constantly monitored.

6.00 PM | BIHAR

86 Tablighi Jamaat-returnees suspected in Bihar, 37 identified

As many as 86 people have travelled to different districts of Bihar after attending the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat Markaz (center) at Nizamuddin in New Delhi.  Bihar, so far, has reported 23 COVID-19 positive cases with one death.

“Out of the 86 who had come to Bihar after attending the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in New Delhi, 37 – 17 from Patna, 13 from Buxar and 7 from Katihar have been identified and the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) is working on tracing the remaining 49”, Bihar Director General of Police, Gupteshwar Pandey told media persons on Wednesday after a high-level meeting in Patna. He also said that identification of 57 international travellers too is under way.

5.50 PM | CHANDIGARH

503 including 72 foreigners who attended Nizamuddin event traced in Haryana

Haryana’s Home Minister Anil Vij said on Wednesday that 503 people, including 72 foreigners, who attended the Tabligh-e-Jamaat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area earlier this month have been traced in the state.

He said that health teams are at their job after Haryana police traced the congregation attendees in various districts including Gurgaon and Ambala.

On the purpose of this group entering Haryana, the minister said that after attending the congregation they are assigned duties and sent to different places across India to preach. “They stay in mosques, go to people’s homes and hold meetings.”

5.30 PM | JAMMU

Eight villages in J&K’s Udhampur declared red zones

Eight villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur have been declared as red zones after it was found that 10 people from the district had attended the Tablighi Jamaat religious congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin, officials said on Wednesday.

They have been traced and sent to quarantine, officials said, adding that two of them have tested positive for COVID-19. “After some people tested positive, Megani area and its surrounding villages have been declared as red zones,” District Magistrate of Udhampur, Piyush Singla said.

The villages include Kotli Paie, Chopra Shop, Rehambal, Megiyot, Rakh Sansu, More Duggar, Padam and Jib, he said.

5.15 PM | NEW DELHI

CM Arvind Kejriwal on coronavirus situation in Delhi:

Community transmission has not started in Delhi.

Doctors and nurses working on the frontline are like soldiers and if anybody dies, their family will get ₹1 crore

Doctors have complained that many patients are getting aggressive and we have made arrangements with the Delhi Police to provide protection for them.

Doctors have said that there is a shortage of testing kits. I appeal to the Central government to provide testing kits.

We have identified 10 lakh people who may not have ration cards. They can go to the Delhi government website and apply for a ration card and we will provide ration as long as the coronavirus lockdown lasts.

Phone tracing will be done to ensure that people who are in quarantine do not step out.

Police will trace phones to ensure that people do not break quarantine.

4.30 PM | NEW DELHI

Till date 47,951 tests done, says ICMR chief Raman Gangakhedkar.

We have reached 38% capacity utilisation, he says. As many as 816 tests in private labs since yesterday, 126 ICMR labs are testing.

51 private labs have been approved for testing, he adds. 

PTI adds:

47,951 tests for COVID-19 conducted in country so far out of which 4,562 tests done at ICMR network labs on March 314.15 PM | NEW DELHI

21,486 relief camps have been set up across the country to lodge migrants and homeless, Home Ministry spokesperson says, adding that 6,75,133 persons are being sheltered there.

 – Jacob Koshy

PTI adds:

Cases have increased due to Tablighi Jamaat congregation; it does not show national trend.

5,000 railway coaches have been modified to set up quarantine facilities.

States where cases have been reported asked to initiate rigorous contact tracing and containment strategies.

States asked to carry out intensive drives to ensure tests of those who came in contact with affected people.

We urge people to follow guidelines during lockdown period, avoid congregations and religious gatherings.

Railways setting up 3.2 lakh isolation and quarantine beds, 20,000 coaches being modified in process.4.10 PM | NEW DELHI

India to get 80,000 isolation beds by modifying railway coaches

In his daily briefing, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Lav Agarwal says, “India is preparing 80,000 isolation beds by modifying railway coaches.”

As many as 24 classes of medical devices will be regulated as drugs, he says. This would mean these devises cannot  increase prices by more than 10%.

4.00 PM | JAIPUR

89 cases in Rajasthan so far

Jaipur has reported 13 more COVID-19 positive cases today. All of them are contacts of the first person who was found infected in Ramganj locality.

The number of positive cases in Rajasthan has soared to 89. This is without taking into account Iran evacuees lodged in Army facilities – Mohammed Iqbal3.15 PM | GUWAHATI

Fresh cases in Assam

Assam has reported four new cases. All of them have attended the Nizamuddin congregation, according to State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.3.00 PM | LUCKNOW

Second death in UP due to COVID-19. A 72-year-old patient in Meerut has passed away, confirms R. C. Gupta, Principal, Meerut medical college.

The deceased,tested positive in March 29, was the father-in-law of an earlier positive case.  The victim was also suffering from chronic pulmonary disease and was a diabetic, says Dr. Gupta. – Omar Rashid2.15 PM | CHENNAI

TN CM requests Delhi meeting participants to come forward

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday requested those who participated in the religious conference at Nizamuddin West in Delhi to voluntarily come forward, so that they can be tested and treated for COVID-19 if necessary. Mr. Palaniswami, responding to a question, also said if there were symptoms among any participants at the Isha Foundation event held recently, they would also be subjected to testing.

 1.25 PM | KOLKATA

Two more deaths in West Bengal

Two more deaths were reported from Coronavrius in West Bengal on Wednesday taking the number of deaths  due to contagious viral infection in the State to six.

While one patient who was admitted to NRS Medical College and Hospital passed late on Tuesday evening another person died in at a private health facility in Belghoria in the northern parts of the city on Wednesday.

The State has reported 27 cases, out of which three have been discharged. – Shiv Sahay Singh1.10 PM | PATNA

The COVID-19 positive cases in Bihar has gone up to 23, confirmed state principal health secretary Sanjay Kumar. The latest two positive cases have come Nalanda and Begusarai districts and have travel history. 

1.00 PM | AGARTALA

Tripura to provide free ration to 6.19 lakh poor families for one month

Tripura government on Wednesday announced that 6.19 lakh poor families in the state would get free ration for one month in view of the COVID-19 situation and the 21-day lockdown.

As per the Public Distribution System (PDS) records, Tripura has 5.79 lakh ‘poor’ families including 1.09 lakh Antodaya Annapurna Yojana (AAY) families, 4.70 lakh priority
group or BPL families. – PTI

12.15 PM | VIJAYAWADA

COVID-19 tally doubles in Andhra Pradesh with 43 new cases

Due to a major overnight spike, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the State doubled making the total count to 87 on Wednesday. As many as 43 new cases from eight districts were reported.

As many as 373 samples were tested overnight and 330 turned negative while 43 came as positive. Kadapa and West Godavari districts which did not have a single positive case until yesterday now reported 15 and 13 positive cases respectively. Chittoor reported five new cases and it is followed by Prakasam with four new cases, Nellore and East Godavari two each cases and Visakhapatnam and Krishna one each case.

12.10 PM | LUCKNOW

First death in UP

A 25-year-old man from Basti district in Uttar Pradesh died at the BRD hospital in Gorakhpur on Monday. His sample has tested positive, as per a doctor in district hospital Basti but still waiting for official confirmation from the King George’s Medical University in Lucknow where the sample was sent. This would be the first death due to COVID in the State.

The patient didn’t reveal travel history to Mumbai and was admitted to the COPD after complaining of breathing issues, says the doctor in-charge of Basti hospital. 

11.50 AM | BHOPAL

Another death in Madhya Pradesh

A 65-year-old man from Khargone, who had died on March 29 at a hospital in Indore, tests positive for COVID-19, says Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore. The toll owing to the illness climbs to six in Madhya Pradesh.

 1.10 AM | NEW DELHI

The Nizamuddin Tablighi centre building was evacuated after a 36 hour-long operation. A total of 2,361 people were evacuated and 617 of them were sent to hospitals and 1,744 were sent to quarantine facilities, says Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

11.00 AM | NEW DELHI

Delhi State Cancer Institute has been shut and is being sanitized after a doctor at the hospital tested positive for COVID-19, says Delhi government spokesperson.

10.50 AM | AHMEDABAD

Eight new Coronavirus positive cases found in Ahmedabad. Gujarat’s total no of cases jump to 82.

10.30 AM | BHOPAL

20 new COVID-19 cases in MP

Twenty more people tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 86.

Among the new cases, 19 were reported from Indore and one from the neighbouring Khargone district.

Among the new cases, nine patients live at the same postal address in Tanzim Nagar in Indore. They include six women aged 45,21,30,36,23,30, two female toddlers aged three and five and a boy aged eight. A man aged 39 and woman 66 also live at the same address at another location in Indore, so do two men aged 24 and 74.    

9.35 AM  | PUDUCHERRY

Two who attended Nizamuddin event test positive in Puducherry

Two persons, who had attended a religious congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, tested positive for coronavirus in Puducherry on Wednesday.

Director of Health and Family Welfare Mohan Kumar said the two had returned from Delhi after attending the congregation and were admitted to the State Government hospital

PUNE | 9.30 AM

Over 100 from Pune attended Tablighi event

At 182 persons in Pune division including more than 130 in Pune district had attended the fortnight-long conclave hosted by the Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic organisation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin West area earlier this month, said authorities on Wednesday.

Speaking to The Hindu, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Deepak Mhaisekar said that the divisional authorities had requisite information regarding their whereabouts and that they were tracking down the concerned persons who had participated in the conclave, some of whom were foreign nationals.

09.00AM | BENGALURU

Yediyurappa to donate one year’s salary to fight COVID-19

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday announced he will donate his one year’s salary to the Chief Minister Relief Fund COVID-19.

He has appealed to Ministers, legislators, Members of Parliament, officials and citizens to also do their bit and contribute in whatever capacity possible to help the state in fighting the coronavirus outbreak. – PTI

8.40 AM | SRINAGAR

Srinagar Mayor’s escort ‘isolated’

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday quarantined the entire escort of Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu after the brother of a police personnel tested positive for COVID-19. In a separate action, seven people associated with Tablighi Jamaat were booked for hiding travel history.