Centre seeks suggestions from stakeholders on deferring BS-IV norms. 100 to 100k Covid cases in 64 days: Where does India stand on world curve? India's Covid-19 cases climbed from 100 to 100,000 in 64 days — more than twice the number of days when compared with the United States and Spain, according to data from Worldometer.
Worldometers, run by an international team of developers, researchers, and volunteers, gives live world statistics on population and disease count, among others. India's Covid-19 count breached the 100,000 mark on Tuesday but the spread of infection is slower when compared to other countries taken into consideration by Worldometers. Countries like Germany, France, United Kingdom, among others, which have more advanced healthcare facilities, saw the jump from 100 to 100,000 cases in fewer number of days when compared with India.
According to the comparison table by Worldometers, USA, Spain, and Germany took 25, 30 and 35 days, respectively, for crossing the 100,000 tally. Cyclone Amphan: Amit Shah assures all possible help to Bengal, Odisha. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday spoke to chief ministers of West Bengal and Odisha -- Mamata Banerjee and Navin Patnaik respectively -- and assured them of all possible help to deal with the situation arising out of the super cyclone 'Amphan', officials said.
During the telephonic conversation with Banerjee, Shah took stock of the situation in West Bengal, where the cyclone is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported. The home minister assured the chief minister of all possible help to deal with the situation arising due to the cyclone 'Amphan', a home ministry official said. In his phone call with Patnaik, Shah reviewed the situation in Odisha and assured him of the necessary assistance from the central government to tide over the situation. ALSO READ: Cyclone Amphan LIVE: Halt fishing activities in Odisha, Bengal, warns IMD This is the second super cyclone over the Bay of Bengal in two decades.
Darul Uloom Deoband issues fatwa, asks Muslims to offer Eid prayers at home. Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband has issued a fatwa asking Muslims to offer their Eid prayers this time at home, instead of congregating at mosques.
The directive comes amid a nationwide lockdown to slow down the spread of coronavirus. Despite the relaxations announced in the lockdown, religious and other large gatherings are still banned. The fatwa was issued in response to a query put to the seminary, its spokesman Ashraf Usmani told PTI. The fatwa said the Eid namaz can be offered in the same manner that the Friday prayers are now being read at home. It said not holding the namaz in the usual manner is pardonable in circumstances such as these. Lockdown 4.0: Delhi govt orders staggered working hours for industries.
Delhi government on Monday announced a detailed set of restrictions and relaxations including allowing industrial firms in the national capital whose name starts with A to L to function from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, while those firms with names from M to Z to operate from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
"In order to ensure staggering of work/business hours, industrial establishments shall be permitted to function in staggered business hours. Industrial firms whose registered name starts with M/s A to M/s L may function from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, whereas firms whose registered name starts with M/s M to M/s Z may function from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm," read the order issued by Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Earlier on Monday, stating that the Delhi government has to slowly move towards the 'opening of the economy' amid the crisis, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing a press conference here, said: "We used lockdown period to make arrangements to deal with Covid-19. " Herd immunity can work only when there is vaccination also: Medical experts. As India's cumulative figure for confirmed Covid-19 cases reached 96,169 on Monday with states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Delhi witnessing a constant surge, medical experts have asserted that there is no point saying India has developed "herd immunity".
Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) told ANI: "This pandemic cannot be overcome by thinking that tomorrow we will have herd immunity. Herd immunity has failed in the UK. There is no point in saying that India has developed herd immunity. We have tried to contain the virus through the lockdown. " "Mostly, we try to develop herd immunity through children because their immunity is very fresh. We collect 8 trn threat signals daily, says Microsoft's Ann Johnson. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak and are targeting employees of companies with Covid-19 related phishing and malware.
This is being exacerbated by the fact that workforces are now largely remote and under a lot of stress, said Ann Johnson, corporate vice president – cybersecurity solutions group at Microsoft Corp. Johnson, who oversees the go-to-market strategies of cybersecurity solutions at the Redmond, Washington-based firm, said that organisations need to use technology to help employees, customers and IT professionals to navigate this crisis. US targets Huawei with tighter chip export rules; China could retaliate.
The United States on Friday announced new rules targeting Chinese telecommunications equipment company Huawei Technologies, in a move that could ruffle up more feathers in the Asian nation.
The US Department of Commerce announced new export rules to restrict Huawei's acquisition of American technology to build its semiconductors and chipsets, a Reuters report said. The Trump administration will continue to restrict exports to Huawei, with a new rule issued yesterday, which will block companies around the world from using American-made machinery and software to design or produce chips for the Chinese telecom firm of its entities.
It is the latest action to target Huawei, which is considered as a national security threat by the US. There are now fears of Chinese retaliation and hammering shares of US tech companies producing chipmaking equipment. IIT Madras-backed firm makes wearable tracker for early Covid-19 detection. Muse Wearables, a start-up incubated by Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), is developing a bluetooth-enabled tracker to monitor skin temperature, heart rate and SpO2 (Blood Oxygen saturation) sensing, activity data which help in early diagnosis of Covid-19.
The tracker can be connected to the mobile phone via an app called the Muse Health App. The body vitals of the users are stored in the phone as well as a remote server. Twitter down across Pakistan, Twitterati blame govt for throttling service. Reserve Bank makes $21-billion cut to US treasury holdings in March. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced its US treasury holdings by $21 billion in March, even as it is silently buying a huge amount of bonds from the secondary market.
The data released by the US Treasury Department shows India held $156.5 billion of US treasury papers in March, down from $177.5 billion in February. In March 2019, India held $152 billion of US treasury assets. US treasury holdings typically rise and fall with a country’s foreign exchange reserves. By the end of March 2020, India’s foreign exchange reserves were $474.66 billion; in February, they were about $481.54 billion. In March 2019, the reserves were about $412 billion. Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and India were the top three countries to shed the US assets in March. Cyclone Amphan to intensify into 'extremely severe storm': Things to know. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Amphan’ over central parts of South Bay of Bengal is going to intensify into Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm in next 6 hours.
"The trajectory is mostly towards West Bengal, Sagar Islands and probably towards Bangladesh.... But we have to watch the trajectory very closely. NDRF has deployed the teams well in advance. They are either deployed or moving towards the destination," S N Pradhan, the chief of NDRF said. Can states dilute Lockdown 4.0 guidelines? No, says Home Ministry.
The Home Ministry said on Monday that state or Union Territory can not dilute the guidelines issued for the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown that will continue till May 31. In a communication to the chief secretaries of the states and Union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the guidelines for the fourth phase of the lockdown were issued after taking the views of the states, following a video-conference held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with chief ministers on May 11. "As emphasised in my earlier letters, I would like to reiterate again that States and Union Territories cannot dilute restrictions imposed vide the aforesaid guidelines issued by MHA. States and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain other activities in various zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary. " ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE updates The home secretary said a limited number of activities will continue to remain prohibited throughout the country.
Govt will soon decide on OCI visa issue: Minister tells Indian diaspora. In a bid to allay fears of OCI cardholders over the temporary suspension of their long-term visas, Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan said his government will soon take an appropriate decision on it. He also invited members of the Indian diaspora to invest in the country in view of the recent economic reforms announced by the government. India's extradition request for Dawood aide Tiger Hanif refused by UK. The British government has turned down India's request for the extradition of Tiger Hanif, an alleged aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim wanted in India in connection with two bomb blasts in Surat in 1993, the UK Home Office has confirmed. Hanif, whose full name is Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, was traced to a grocery store in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant in February 2010. The 57-year-old since lost a number of legal bids to stay in Britain, claiming that he will be tortured in India.
However, his final bid to then Home Secretary Sajid Javid succeeded as the Pakistani-origin minister refused the request last year. We can confirm that the extradition request for Hanif Patel was refused by the then Home Secretary and Mr Patel was discharged by the court in August 2019, a UK Home Office source said on Sunday. Covid-19: Oppo suspends Noida factory operations, to screen 3,000 employees. Chinese smartphone maker Oppo on Sunday suspended operations at its Noida factory till the time it completes screening of all 3,000 employees at the plant. The company had resumed the operations on Friday after it got permission from the UP government for it with around 30 per cent of employees. The company has sent samples of all employees who have to join work for coronavirus testing.
Covid-19: India backs nations seeking independent probe into WHO's response. A total of 62 countries, including India has backed a joint effort by Australia and European Union, calling for an independent inquiry into the WHO's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a draft resolution proposed for 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting beginning today. The draft calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis. Besides, an inquiry into the actions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and "their timelines pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic. " "Initiate, at the earliest appropriate moment, and in consultation with the Member States a stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation, including using existing Mechanisms, as appropriate, to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response to Covid-19," the draft report reads.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: India records 5,242 cases in a day, total jumps to 96,169. Exports fall at fastest pace in 25 yrs in April due to coronavirus lockdown. India’s exports contracted by 60.28 per cent in April, the steepest monthly fall in at least 25 years, as manufacturing units kept shut in a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus. The rate of fall in April was the steepest since at least April 1, 1995. According to the data released by the commerce and industry ministry on Friday, exports stood at just $ billion in April, as 10.36 billion as compared to $ 26.07 billion in April, 2019. India provided medical supplies to 120 nations to fight Covid-19: Goyal. India has provided medical supplies to over 120 countries to combat the coronavirus pandemic, out of which 43 countries received it as a grant, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said during the G-20 trade ministers session on Thursday.
Goyal participated during the second G20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting. 'Very limited' fiscal space may leave govt with Rs 20,000 cr for stimulus. There is "very limited" space for fiscal stimulus as the government's revised market borrowing of Rs 12 trillion, is expected to be used largely for meeting revenue shortfall, India Ratings & Research said on Friday. Central unions to protest nationwide against labour law changes on May 22.
Ten of the dozen central trade unions on Friday announced nationwide protests on May 22 against the labour law changes. In the national capital, the trade union leaders will gather at the Gandhi Samadhi at Rajghat to observe a day-long fast. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is not part of these protests, but its workers and sectoral outfits are set to join the agitation that day, sources in these trade unions said.
In its meeting on Thursday, the ‘joint platform of central trade unions’, comprising 10 central trade unions, discussed the labour law changes that state governments are bringing. SC stays Madras HC order asking Tamil Nadu to close liquor shops in state. The Supreme Court Friday stayed the Madras High Court order which had asked the Tamil Nadu government to close state-run liquor vends on the ground that there was violation of guidelines meant to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the stay on the high court order by the apex court the state-owned liquor shops may reopen in the state. World Bank approves $1 bn to support India's fight against coronavirus. World Bank approves $1 bn to support India's fight against coronavirus. 'How can we stop it?' SC on plea to stop migrant workers walking to homes.
The Supreme Court Friday said it is impossible for courts to monitor or stop the movement of migrant workers across the country and it is for the government to take necessary action in this regard. Covid-19: US permits doctors on H-1B work visa to practice telemedicine. India must gear up to face Covid-19 community transmission: Health expert. India must gear up to face the possibility of community spread of the Covid-19, a prominent health expert said on Friday, cautioning that there could be more widespread transmission of the novel coronavirus due to easing of the lockdown.
Lufthansa Group plans to resume Mumbai-Frankfurt flight services in June. Despite Shramik trains, it's a long walk back home for migrant workers. Pollution Control Board bans use of thermocol, plastic for idol immersion. Govt pumps money into Nabard to boost rural liquidity, expands credit drive. Govt releases abridged April WPI inflation data amid Covid-19 lockdown.
Godrej Consumer gains 6% despite 75% drop in March quarter net profit. Sebi grants temporary relief to companies from public float norms. Mutual funds make limited borrowing from Reserve Bank's credit lines. Urge all states to take special loan, pass benefit to consumers: R K Singh. Rattled by 72-hour work week, BMS plans nationwide protest on May 20. UN chief urges govts to address mental health needs arising from Covid-19. Surviving on biscuits and water, migrants walk back from Delhi to Jharkhand. 'Work from home' to be new normal in govt offices; draft guidelines issued. Fitch highlights India's two big challenges in fight against coronavirus. All tickets booked for passenger trains for travel till June 30 cancelled. 16 people killed as militants storm maternity clinic in Afghanistan. Chinese hackers trying to steal US' vaccine research on Covid-19: Reports. Fed Chair Powell warns of prolonged US recession after coronavirus.
Government piled up record deficit of $737.9 bn in April: US Treasury. Reopening US too quickly will lead to serious consequences: Health official. UK's GDP shrinks by record 5.8% in March as Covid-19 pandemic bites. SC declines interim bail of Sajjan Kumar, says 'don't need hospitalisation' Gujarat, Maharashtra see largest number of migrant labourers leaving for UP. Little hope of returning home for seafarers stranded at sea amid lockdown. Case against Nirav Modi very short on proof, his legal team tells UK court. Surge in demand for preventive drugs seen post lockdown, Ayurveda in focus. India continues to be second highest requestor for user data from Facebook. From Meet to Teams: 5 free alternatives to Zoom app for video conferencing.
Breach in US law firm; data of Lady Gaga, Priyanka Chopra, others hacked. Covid-19: Airport-type screening planned at 3 railway stations in Kerala. Western disturbance may cause thunderstorm in Himachal, Delhi tomorrow: IMD. Indian Railways set for partial resumption of passenger services from today. Chinese helicopters spotted along Sino-India border in East Ladakh: Report. Yogi Adityanath-led UP govt transfers Rs 225.39 cr to MGNREGS beneficiaries. Asymptomatic passengers with confirmed tickets allowed to travel: Railways.
Maharashtra excise dept to start e-token system for liquor sale in Pune. Concessional tickets only for students, patients, Divyangjans: Railways. Jaishankar discusses Covid-19 with counterparts in US, 5 other countries. Over 450 Shramik trains brought half a million migrants home: Railways. IIT Guwahati, Duke-NUS use data science to assess Covid-19 impact in India. Supreme Court extends protection from coercive action to Arnab Goswami. In a bid to take on Zoom, WhatsApp web may integrate with Messenger Rooms. Check applicable charges while joining online conference platforms: TRAI. Aarogya Setu 'privacy-first by design', highly encrypted: NITI Aayog CEO. UP plans 100,000 Covid beds as 325,000 stranded labourers return in 2 weeks. Digital payment-led home deliveries to be allowed in Ahmedabad from May 15.
Plasma therapy worked on my body in 3 days, says recovered Covid-19 patient. Covid-19 impact: DRDO develops devices to sanitise phones, currency notes. Sharing pics of evacuation flights a violation of Covid-19 norms: Air India. India coronavirus dispatch: The search for a cure, and India's response. Covid-19 lockdown: Passenger trains to be back on tracks from Tuesday.
Labour law changes in UP, MP a bigger pandemic in the offing: BMS President. Govt hikes market borrowing limit by over 50% to Rs 12 trillion. States should consider selling liquor online or home delivering it: SC. Giving Rs 7,500 to the poor in Covid-19 crisis is critical: Rahul Gandhi. India's credit profile to face further pressure due to Covid-19: Moody's. Only 13% of industrial units resume ops after Odisha eases lockdown. US Federal Reserve won't take rates negative, say fund managers, economists. Central Board of Direct Taxes amends Rule 44G of Income-tax Rules 1962. Delhi govt launches e-token for purchase of liquor to avoid overcrowding. AIIB extends $500 mn loan to India to deal with coronavirus crisis. Franklin Templeton issues unconditional apology to market regulator, Sebi. Twitter tests warning prompt on replies with offensive, harmful language. Samsung heir apologises for corruption, won't hand control to children.
Air India flight from UAE carrying 177 Indian nationals takes off. 7 workers fall ill after gas leak at paper plant in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. Gujarat's standing summer crop at risk as state braces for locust attack. Vizag gas leak: All you need to know. Can Ganga water treat Covid-19? ICMR says no to study, need more data. How bats carry coronavirus without getting sick decoded by scientists. Shivraj Singh Chouhan likely to announce changes in MP's labour laws today. Clinical trial begins to assess plasma efficacy to limit Covid-19: ICMR. Covid-19 lockdown: BMC orders one road to have only one electronic shop.