LIVE! 5 security personnel injured in grenade attack

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Wed, 29 April 2020

5 security personnel injured in grenade attack

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23:49 5 security personnel injured in grenade attack

Five security forces personnel were injured in a grenade attack by suspected terrorists in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar on Wednesday, police said.

Terrorists hurled a grenade on a security forces' party around 9.25 pm at main chowk Nowhatta in the old city area in Srinagar, a police spokesman said.

He said five security forces personnel, including a Jammu and Kashmir policeman, were injured in the explosion.

All the injured were shifted to a hospital, the spokesman said.

He said a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation taken up. -- PTI

22:52 Sharjeel Imam charged under UAPA

The Delhi Police has added charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against former Jawaharlal Nehru University student Sharjeel Imam, officials said on Wednesday.

Imam was arrested allegedly for instigating and abetting riots with his speech delivered on December 13. -- PTI

Asserting that India was proud of its farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the government was continuously taking steps to ensure the interests of those 'who feed the entire country' were protected.

He also said his government was committed to protect the rights of these 'anndataas' (food providers).

'India is proud of its food providers. The government is committed to protect the rights of those who feed the entire country, and is taking steps to take care of their interests,' Modi tweeted.

Modi posted these remarks on Twitter along with a video link of a press conference of Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The country's farm sector is functioning smoothly despite the COVID-19 lockdown, and there will not be much impact on its growth in the current fiscal unlike other sectors, Tomar said at the press conference.

'Agriculture GDP was at 3.7 per cent during last year. I am confident that this growth in future will not be impacted much,' the minister added.

Agriculture accounts for 15 per cent of India's gross domestic and a source of livelihood for more than half of the country's 1.3 billion population. -- PTI

22:00 India's Covid recovery rate improves: Niti CEO

India's COVID-19 recovery rate has improved from 15 per cent on April 19 to 24.56 per cent as of Wednesday, Niti Aayog Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant said.

He also stressed on the need to keep working tirelessly on states and districts with high load of cases to further improve the recovery rate.

'Happy to note that with 7700 + recoveries, our COVID-19 recovery rate has improved. It was 15% on 19 April, 19.2% on 26 April and 24.56% today. We must keep working tirelessly on high case load states and districts to further improve our recovery rate,' Kant said in a tweet.

Death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 1,008 and the number of cases climbed to 31,787 in the country on Wednesday, registering a record jump of 71 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry.

There has been a spike of 1,813 cases since Tuesday evening.

Active COVID-19 cases stand at 22,982, while 7,796 people have recovered, and one patient has migrated, the ministry said.

"Thus, around 24.52 per cent of the patients have recovered so far," a health ministry official said. -- PTI

21:26 Pak shells forward posts along LoC in Poonch

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked shelling on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Wednesday, a defence spokesperson said.

The Pakistani troops initiated small arms firing and mortar shelling around 5.15 pm in Shahpur and Kirni sectors of Poonch, he said.

The Indian Army retaliated befittingly and the cross-border shelling between both the sides was going on when last reports came in, the spokesperson added.

However, there was no immediate report of any casualty. -- PTI

21:20 Ally LJP asks Nitish to bring home migrants

Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan on Wednesday asked the Bihar government to make quick arrangements to bring home students and migrant workers stranded in different parts of the country amid the lockdown, and said there is no 'excuse' now for not doing so.

In comments that also appeared to be critical of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for so far declining to make arrangements for the return of students and labourers citing lockdown provisions, Paswan hoped that 'at least now' Kumar will take measures to help people.

The LJP leader's comments came after the Union home ministry in fresh guidelines said workers, tourists, students and other people, who are stranded in different parts of the country, would be allowed to move to their respective destinations with certain conditions.

"I hope that the spirit of lockdown now allows Nitish Kumar to make arrangements for the return of people of the state who are stranded in different places," Paswan said.

His comments were in a reference to Kumar's remark earlier that any movement of people will be in violation of the lockdown spirit, as he appealed to stranded migrants and students to stay wherever they are.

Paswan said he had spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday and briefed him on the poor conditions of the state's students and labourers in different parts of the country.

Paswan said in his telephonic conversation with students, they often wondered as to why the Bihar government was not making arrangements for their return when UP and Madhya Pradesh governments had done so.

He hailed the revised guidelines of the home ministry, and said his party always wanted the Bihar government to take measures to bring the state's people back but in vain.

The Bihar government had so far helped poor migrants from the state by crediting Rs 1,000 in their bank accounts.

There have been protest by migrants in different places, including Mumbai and Surat, demanding that arrangements be made for their return home.

Paswan's comments underline the dim view even the allies of the Janata Dal-United president have taken of his handling of the matter.

Both the JD-U and the LJP are part of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance.

Union minister and BJP leader Ashwini Choubey also welcomed the Home Ministry guidelines and said it will pave the way for migrant workers' return to their home. -- PTI

Police personnel stand guard after a mob attacked several policemen who were enforcing lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus at Tikiapara in Howrah district, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo

21:06 10 arrested for attacking policemen enforcing lockdown in Howrah

10 persons were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting policemen enforcing lockdown in the coronavirus red zone of Howrah district last evening.

According to a senior official of the Howrah police commissionarte, a total of 10 persons have been arrested and three cases under different sections of the Indian Penal Code and other penal laws have been lodged against the accused.

The situation in the area remained peaceful during the day as police patrolled the streets to strictly execute the shutdown in the area.

Two policemen were injured after a mob attacked a police party, enforcing lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus at Tikiapara in Howrah district, a 'red zone'.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening when a police patrol reached Belirius Road at Tikiapara, a minority-dominated area, after receiving information that a large number of people were jostling with each other in a local market, violating the shutdown and social distancing norms.

"The police asked them to return home and that led to an altercation and exchange of blows. The locals then pelted stones at the policemen. Two of our personnel were injured and two vehicles were damaged," a police official had said.

Howrah has recently been declared as one of the four districts falling under the red zone.

Around 75 per cent of the state's COVID-19 cases were reported from these districts. The other three such districts are Kolkata, East Midnapore and North 24 Parganas.

The incident has triggered a war of words between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

While the TMC said stern action would be taken against the culprits behind the violence, the saffron party alleged the unpleasant episode was due to the state government's 'politics of appeasement'. -- PTI

20:07 Uddhav speaks to PM as Guv delays MLC decision

As the decision about his appointment to the legislature as Governor's nominee hangs fire, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, sources claimed.

Thackeray spoke to Modi on phone and told him that attempts were being made to create political instability in the state, sources told PTI.

"Political instability in a huge state like Maharashtra when it is facing the COVID-19 crisis is not right and Thackeray urged the PM to look into it," they said.

The telephone call came a day after leaders of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) met Governor B S Koshyari with a fresh cabinet recommendation to nominate Thackeray to the Legislative Council through the Governor's quota.

The first recommendation of the state cabinet had been made on April nine.

Thackeray, who is not a member of either house of the state legislature, was sworn in as chief minister on November 28, 2019.

He has to become a member by May 28 when he completes six months in office. Otherwise he will cease to the chief minister.

A delegation of MVA leaders led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met the Governor on Tuesday, and handedover the cabinet decision's copy to him.

A senior minister who was part of the delegation told PTI that he requested the Governor to take decision at the earliest.

The cabinet decision is valid as per law and accepting the cabinet recommendation was binding for the Governor, he said.

To which the Governor said he will let them know his decision within a week, the minister said.

Thackeray could not get elected to the Council through biennial polls as the elections were postponed due to coronavirus outbreak. -- PTI

Mumbai's biggest slum sprawl Dharavi on Wednesday reported 14 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall tally to 344, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.

Dharavi, considered as the biggest slum in Asia, has so far reported 18 deaths, he said.

"New cases were reported from 90-feet road, 60-feet road, Matunga Labour camp, Koliwada, Kuttiwadi, Dhorwada, Transit Camp, and Kunchi Kurve Nagar localities in Dharavi," he said.

The BMC has so far medically screened 70,000 people in Dharavi. -- PTI

Mumbai's biggest slum sprawl Dharavi on Wednesday reported 14 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall tally to 344, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.

Dharavi, considered as the biggest slum in Asia, has so far reported 18 deaths, he said.

"New cases were reported from 90-feet road, 60-feet road, Matunga Labour camp, Koliwada, Kuttiwadi, Dhorwada, Transit Camp, and Kunchi Kurve Nagar localities in Dharavi," he said.

The BMC has so far medically screened 70,000 people in Dharavi. -- PTI

The Haryana government has got the Centre's nod to use testing kits manufactured by a South Korean company to conduct COVID-19 rapid tests, state minister Anil Vij said on Wednesday.

The state government had received its first lot of 25,000 rapid test kits from SD Biosensor, a South Korean bio-diagnostic company, a week ago.

Last week, India had procured 5 lakh rapid antibody test kits from two Chinese firms and they were distributed to several states reporting a rise in the number of coronavirus cases.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), however, advised states to stop using these kits till it examined their quality in the wake of complaints that they were not fully effective.

Vij had earlier brought to the Union health ministry's notice that Haryana had procured 25,000 rapid test kits from a South Korean company and it was not using the Chinese ones, but the state was asked to put these also on hold for the time being.

"However, now we have been given permission by the Centre to go ahead and conduct the tests using the kits which we had procured from the South Korean company," the Haryana health minister said on Wednesday.

He said the rapid test kits will be first used to test health and sanitation workers as well as police personnel who are at the frontline of the coronavirus battle. -- PTI

As India readies what could easily be the biggest repatriation exercise of stranded Indians from the Gulf nations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it makes it to the front page of the Khaleej Times published from the United Arab Emirates, testifying to the emotiveness of the issue among the vast diaspora in the region.

Those interested in reading the report can do so, here.

A special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Mumbai on Wednesday extended till May 1 the custody of DHFL promoter Kapil Wadhawan and his brother Dheeraj, accused in a corruption case against former Yes Bank CEO Rana Kapoor, officials said.

Wadhawan and RKW Developers promoter Dheeraj Wadhawan were arrested on April 26 from Mahabaleshwar, a hill station near Mumbai, nearly 50 days after they were booked in the multi-crore scam also involving Kapoor, the former Yes Bank CEO and co-founder.

Both brothers did not join the investigation since the FIR was registered against them on March 7, the officials said.

The court on Wednesday extended their custody till May 1, they said. -- PTI

17:51 Govt allows movement of migrants, tourists

JUST IN: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allows movement of migrant workers, tourists, students etc. stranded at various places due to nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Read the full order. -- ANI

17:26 Palghar lynching: 3 more cops suspended

Three more personnel of Kasa police station in Palghar district of Maharashtra were suspended on Wednesday in connection with the April 16 lynching of two sadhus and their driver by a mob, an official said.

Palghar district superintendent of police Gaurav Singh has suspended an assistant sub-inspector and two constables after conducting a departmental inquiry against them, he said.

Earlier, an assistant inspector and sub inspector of Kasa police station, in whose limits the lynching incident took place, were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.

On Tuesday, thirty-five personnel of the police station were transferred.

The three victims, from Kandivali in Mumbai, were travelling in a car to attend a funeral in Surat in Gujarat amid the lockdown when they were attacked and killed by a mob in Gadchinchile village in the presence of a police team.

Over 100 people have been arrested so far while nine juveniles detained. -- PTI

17:13 Next Parl session depends on situation: Naidu

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday told members of Rajya Sabha that the next session of Parliament depends on the situation on the ground and hoped for a normal schedule saying efforts to contain coronavirus were showing results, according to sources.

The Rajya Sabha chairman was interacting with the MPs as part of his 'Mission Connect' during which he has been talking to a large number of parliamentarians as well as former presidents and prime ministers, present and former chief justices of India, governors and chief ministers, besides leaders of political parties.

The sources said when some members of Rajya Sabha asked Naidu about the next session, he told them that it 'depends on the situation on the ground'.

He further said that with intensive virus containment efforts being mounted across the country and results showing on ground, one may hope for normal schedule, the sources add. -- PTI

Image only for representation

16:57 Quarantined rail employee ends life, test report negative

A 55-year-old railway employee kept in quarantine at a medical college in Firozabad allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday, police said.

The COVID-19 report of the man has been found negative, District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh said.

The railway employee was sent to quarantine on April 20 after his senior had tested positive for coronavirus.

His body was found hanging in the quarantine facility at F H Medical College and Hospital, Gyanendra Kumar, SHO, Tundla said.

The body has been sent to the district hospital for postmortem, he added.

The man's samples were earlier taken on April 23 for testing, but the test could not be conducted.

Another sample was taken for testing on Tuesday, SDM, Tundla, K P Singh Tomer said. -- PTI

Eminent banker Suresh N Patel on Wednesday took oath as the Vigilance Commissioner in the anti-corruption watchdog CVC, officials said. Patel, who is in Ahmedabad, was administered the oath of office by Central Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari through video conference, they said. Patel's name to the post was recommended by a high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February this year. He has over three decades of banking experience, and has also worked as the executive director in Oriental Bank of Commerce before taking over as the Managing Director and CEO of Andhra Bank in 2015. -- PTI

16:26 27% of top 100 NSE firms can't afford salaries

As many as 27 out of the top 100 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange will not be able to sustain current wage bill if their revenue dips by 30 per cent or more due to a nationwide lockdown and imminent salary cuts, a Deloitte study said. Given the slowdown in general consumption across all levels, companies must evaluate their ability to pay salaries, said Deloitte, which conducted a study of the top 100 companies listed on the NSE in terms of market capitalisation.

It said, "27 companies won't be able to sustain current wage bill from cash profits, if their revenue dips by 30 per cent or more. The impact will, in fact, be even larger since the cash stuck in inventory and receivables is likely to increase in such a scenario".

These companies, it said, will have to either dip into its cash balance or borrow in short term. Without naming the companies, the study said 11 of the 27 vulnerable companies have a debt to equity ratio of more than 1, making it difficult to borrow to pay salaries.

"All the companies covered have an ability to pay their fixed opex, interest and compensation cost from cash and cash equivalents for about 5.5 months at the median," it said, adding for 20 companies, this cover can last for less than a quarter.

A nationwide lockdown imposed from March 25 to contain the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in the shutting down of businesses and factories, suspension of flights and trains and restrictions on the movement of people and goods. This has led to a slump in consumption, denting revenues of many companies.

"The situation appears less comfortable after considering that other current liabilities also need to be serviced from the same cash and cash equivalents cover. Thus, even if shareholders were to take the most generous view of foregoing their share of value adds for the current year, wage bill cuts are imminent for even some of the largest of the companies in India," it said. Deloitte said companies must evaluate their ability to pay salaries using the very effective parameter of Compensation Cost Coverage Ratio. -- PTI

Tablighi Jamaat members, who got cured of COVID-19, have been asked by their organisation to donate their plasma for treatment of other coronavirus-infected patients, a move that the outfit thinks will help it shed its "villain' tag. "Maulana Saad, in an open letter on April 21 to all Jamaatis who have recovered from the coronavirus (infection), has appealed them to donate their plasma to help others. The message has reached all the members," Maulana Anees Ahmad Nadvi, the manager of Tablighi Jamaat's Lucknow branch, told PTI on Wednesday.

"As per the Health Department data, over 50 per cent of corona patients are Jamaatis. Among them those who have recovered are being contacted and all of them are ready to donate their plasma," claimed Nadvi. "We have till now contacted 400 Jamaatis. In the entire country, those who have recovered are also giving their plasma. Markaz has given instructions that no one should be left from donating plasma," he said.

"Jamaatis are not doing any favour to anyone by giving their plasma. This is a humanitarian step. This is true that Jamaatis are being presented as villains after coronavirus spread, but Maulana Saad has asked us to forgive those doing this," he said.

Tablighi Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi is on the run after an FIR was registered against him by the Delhi police for organising a religious gathering in March this year despite restrictions to combat the coronavirus spread. With some plasma therapy trial results rekindling hopes of it being a likely cure for COVID-19, the Uttar Pradesh government too had begun contracting patients cured of it for plasma donation, but the move was suspended after the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said the therapy was only at an experimental stage and there was no evidence yet to support that it can be used as treatment for COVID-19.

Uttar Pradesh Surveillance Officer, Dr Vikasendu Agarwal, said all those who have recovered from coronavirus, including Jamaatis, were being contacted for plasma donation, but the move has been suspended after the Centre's statement on the issue. Refusing to divulge the number of cured Jamaatis, he said "We were contacting them. They are not different from us. We were contacting all our patients and asking them that they could donate if they find it appropriate, as it would help other patients."

The first experiment to use plasma therapy for treating a COVID-19 patient has been successful in Maharashtra, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said here on Wednesday. "The first plasma therapy has been successful in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. We are carrying out a second experiment on another patient in BYL Nair hospital, also in Mumbai. We are hopeful that it will be successful as well," he told reporters.

Convalescent Plasma Therapy is an experimental procedure for COVID-19 patients. In this treatment plasma, a blood component, from a cured COVID-19 patient is transfused to a critically ill coronavirus patient. The blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 develops antibodies to battle against the virus. This therapy uses antibodies from the blood of a cured coronavirus patient to treat another critical patient.

The Union Health Ministry said plasma therapy is at an experimental stage and there is no evidence yet to support that it can be used as treatment for COVID-19. PTI

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday condoled the death of actor Irrfan Khan and said his demise is a big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers. "Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Irrfan Khan. A rare talent and a brilliant actor, his diverse roles and remarkable performances will remain etched in our memories. A big loss to the world of cinema and millions of film lovers. Condolences to his family & admirers," the President tweeted. -- ANI

15:46 Two ThePrint journaists, driver test COVID +ve

Two journalists of ThePrint -- Reporter Simrin Sirur and National Photo Editor Praveen Jain, and their driver Anil Kumar -- have tested positive for Covid-19 while on a reporting assignment in Vadodara, Gujarat. They have been quarantined at a railway facility in the city and are being taken care of by authorities there, reports ThePrint.

All three are asymptomatic and are doing well.Simrin, Praveen and Anil had set out from Delhi on 11 April to cover the pandemic and travelled through Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur and Ahmedabad before reaching Vadodara.

Lockdown will be lifted from 7 am to 11 am every day in Punjabm, announces Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. "During this time people can come out of their houses and shops will be opening. Also, we have decided to extend the curfew in the state by two more weeks," Amarinder said.

15:30 Irrfan Khan laid to rest at 3 pm at Versova

Actor, performer, Irrfan Khan was buried at the Versova Kabrastan in Mumbai at 3 pm in the presence of his family, close relatives and friends. The mourners paid their final respects prayed for his soul. "He was strong in his fight, and we all have to be strong too in this loss," the official statement from Irrfan Khan's office read.

The versatile actor, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, with a colon infection two days ago.

Two men were hospitalised after drinking disinfectant in an effort to prevent Covid-19. The patients, in Georgia, who both have a history of psychiatric problems, are expected to make a full recovery, reports the Indpendent. Read the report here.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Wednesday condoled the demise of actor Irrfan Khan.The cricketer said he knew that Irrfan khan had fought till the end and he is in a better place now. On March 16, 2018, Irrfan had announced through a Twitter post that he was suffering from a neuroendocrine tumor - a rare form of cancer. Yuvraj, who also battled cancer, said that he is well aware of the journey and the pain that Irrfan must have gone through.

"I know the journey I know the pain and I know he fought till the end some are lucky to survive some don't I'm sure you are in a better place now Irfan Khan my condolence to your family. May his soul RIP," Yuvraj tweeted.

Irrfan passed away at Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital on Wednesday while battling rare cancer. He was 53.

Irrfan was last seen on screen in 'Angrezi Medium'. He was not a part of the film's promotions owing to his ill health.He was regarded as a fine actor by fans and critics alike with critically acclaimed films like 'The Lunchbox' and 'Paan Singh Tomar' to his credit. -- ANI

15:07

Former Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar has been appointed as the Chairperson of Public Enterprises Selection Board for three years.

15:05 Irrfan Khan... my friend, my inspiration: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan condoles the death of Irrfan Khan: "My friend...inspiration & the greatest actor of our times. Allah bless your soul Irrfan bhai...will miss you as much as cherish the fact that you were part of our lives. Paemane kahe hai koi, maikhana kahe hai duniya teri aankhon ko bhi, kya kya na kahe hai."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his partner and fiancee Carrie Symonds announce the birth of son at a London hospital. Both mother and baby are doing very well, say reports, adding that Johnson and Symonds 'would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team'. The PM returned to office last week after testing positive for the coronavirus a month ago.

The five-day extradition trial of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi will begin from May 11 in a part-remote setting, a UK court has ordered. Modi is fighting his extradition to India over the nearly USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud and money laundering case. The 49-year-old, who has been lodged at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London since his arrest last year, appeared before the court via video conferencing due to the social distancing procedures put in place across the UK courts in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing, which took place at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. District Judge Samuel Goozee, who presided over the case management hearing, expressed some reservations about the extradition hearing going ahead next month as scheduled under the current lockdown. But it was agreed between all the parties that a trial run of the court's CVP (Common Viewing Platform) will take place during a lawyers-only hearing on May 7 ahead of the final hearing.

"Some prisons are producing prisoners in person, so I will direct Wandsworth Prison to produce Mr Modi in person for the trial from May 11. If that is not practicable, his participation by live link remains a backstop," Judge Goozee concluded.

It was agreed that a limited number of legal representatives will be present physically in court for the trial as witnesses give their evidence via videolink. Modi will be able to observe the proceedings either from the dock, if the prison authorities agree to a physical transfer, or via the judiciary's common viewing system from Wandsworth Prison.

The five-day hearing from May 11 relates to the Indian government's extradition request certified by the UK government last year. The case, filed by the CBI and the ED, relates to a large-scale fraud upon an Indian Public Sector Undertaking through the fraudulent obtaining of letters of understanding and the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud. -- PTI

"Irrfan is associated with my life in many ways.

The last film that Anjum (my husband) and I watched together in a theatre was Haasil.

Anjum was a huge fan of the actor.

Days before his death, Anjum slipped into a coma.

But before that, he had become delusional and I had to ask him questions like 'What is your name?', 'Which film is playing on TV?'

He remembered Haasil.

With the news of Irrfan's passing, all those memories flash before my eyes," writes Patcy N.

If there is one Irrfan Khan eulogy you read today, let it be this.

People queue up for ration in Patna

14:28 'Govt should universalise ration in this crisis'

"Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. Our country has a buffer stock of grain. At this time of crisis, the government should universalise ration, only then is it possible to cater to the demands of people at a short notice," Saurabh Kumar -- regional manager, ActionAid for Bihar and Jharkhand which has been providing dry rations to people in certain districts in those two states -- tells Archana Masih/Rediff.com.

Read the interview here

PM Narendra Modi condoles Irrfan Khan's death. "Irrfan Khan's demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace," the PM tweeted.

Irrfan Khan died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, April 29, losing his two-year battle with a rare form of cancer. The legendary actor, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, lost his mother in Jaipur just four days ago.

Irrfan was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, north west Mumbai, with a colon infection two days ago.

Read the report here.

14:21 Cops bring in tiny tot's birthday

Hyderabad police go beyond the call of duty. They helped celebrate the 1st birthday of toddler, Myra, after her parents, who live in US, requested it yesterday. The Hyderabad Police Commissioner said, "Due to the lockdown she couldn't go to her parents. On their request from USA, we greeted the little girl."

A 70-year-old COVID-19 patient ran away from an isolation facility in the Balewadi area of Pune and apparently walked 17 kilometres to reach his home in Yerwada. He alleged that he escaped the civic body's quarantine facility as it did not provide food to patients and lacked basic amenities like clean washrooms. On Tuesday evening neighbours found the senior citizen sitting helplessly outside his home, which was locked up since the rest of his family members were also quarantined after some of them also tested positive for COVID-19.

When locals found that the old man, who had tested positive for coronavirus on April 25, had arrived at his house, they informed the authorities. The matter then reached the Yerawada area corporator Siddharth Dhende who arranged for an ambulance to take him away to an isolation facility.

"I informed the authorities to immediately rehabilitate the elderly man. I learned that even civic officials were not even aware about that he had disappeared. He was a suspected coronavirus case and was first sent to the Rakshaknagar quarantine facility in Kharadi on April 24. Next day, he was detected positive and he was shifted to Balewadi's National Institute of Construction Management and Research facility," the coporator said.

Dhende also expressed concerns regarding the lack of basic amenities in the quarantine facilities and urged the higher authorities to look into the matter.

The elderly man's son, who had also tested positive for COVID-19 arrived with an ambulance and convinced the man to move into the quarantine facility again. The son managed to convince his father after over two hours.

The officials said that thankfully the elderly man did not come in contact with anyone else on his way from isolation facility to home. -- ANI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said three out of 529 media persons, who gave their swab samples recently, have tested positive for COVID-19. He wished a speedy recovery to those found to be infected with novel coronavirus. "Am so happy to share only 3 out of 529 media persons tested have been detected positive. My best wishes to all of you. Your work is very important esp during a pandemic. Those who have been detected positive, I am praying for your speedy recovery," Kejriwal tweeted.

Last week, the Delhi government had set up a centre for testing of media persons working in the national capital, after 53 scribes tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai. The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital climbed to 3,314 on Tuesday, with 206 fresh cases being reported in a day. -- PTI

The Government of India has made it compulsory for all its staff including outsourced staff working in the central government to download the Aarogyasetu App on their phones with immediate effect.

A memo sent by the Personnel Ministry says that before staff leave for office, they must review their status on the app and commute only when the app shows its safe to do so.

However, if the app shows a message that the user/employee is at moderate or high risk on the basis of his or her location to a COVID infected person or recent contact with an infected person, the staffer should self isolate for 14 days.

Aarogya Setu, is a mobile app developed by the ministry of electronics and IT to help citizens identify their risk of contracting Covid-19 has notched up more than 10 million downloads since its launch five days ago.

The app is there on both Google Play (for Android phones) and Apple App Store (for ioS). It is available in 11 languages 10 Indian languages and English.

Aarogya Setu is designed to keep an user informed in case s/he has crossed paths with someone who has tested positive. The tracking is done through a Bluetooth & location-generated social graph, which can show your interaction with anyone who has tested positive.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday dismissed the claim made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that Centre has waived off Rs 65,000 crore of loan defaulters, stating that he must take tuition from former Finance Minister P Chidambaram to understand the difference between writing off and waiving off.

"I was taken aback by Rahul Gandhi's comment that Modi govt has waived off Rs 65,000 crore. Not a single penny has been waived off. Writing off is not waiving off," said Javadekar in a video message.

Cornering Gandhi over the matter, the Union Minister suggested that Gandhi should take tuition classes from Chidambaram to understand the difference between writing off and waiving off.

"Rahul Gandhi must take tuition from Chidambaram to understand the difference between writing off and waiving off," he said.

Describing the meaning of ''writing off", the Union Minister gave examples of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi and billionaire Vijay Mallya.

"Writing off is a process to show depositors correct pictures of the bank. It does not stop banks from taking actions and pursuing recovery. We have seen how Nirav Modi's assets are seized and auctioned. Mallya is left with no choice but to come back as his appeal in High Court has been rejected," he said.

Gandhi had attacked the BJP after the RBI released a list of 50 willful defaulters accused of cheating banks.Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Gandhi alleged that the BJP was hiding the names of defaulters as it included "friends of the government". "I had asked a simple question in Parliament - tell me the names of 50 bank defaulters. Finance Minister refused to answer. Now RBI has put names of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and other BJP friends in the list. This is why they hid the truth from Parliament," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi along with a video.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had on Tuesday rebutted Gandhi and Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala's allegations regarding "wilful defaulters, bad loans and write-offs", and stated that they have "attempted to mislead people in a brazen manner". -- ANI

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12:54 700 die in Iran drinking 'corona cure' alcohol

More than 700 people have died in Iran after ingesting toxic methanol, believing that alcohol can cure may help in effectively warding off the dangerous and fast spreading contagion. The national coroner's authority said that alcohol poisoning killed 728 Iranians between February 20 and April 7. Last year there were only 66 deaths from alcohol poisoning, according to the report cited by Al Jazeera.

Alcohol poisoning has seen a 10-fold increase in Iran in the past year, according to a government report released earlier in April, amid a significant surge in coronavirus cases in the country -- considered to be the epicenter of the pandemic in Middle East.

Iranian health ministry spokesman, Kianoush Jahanpour, said 5,011 people had been poisoned from methanol alcohol, adding that some 90 people have lost their eyesight or are suffering eye damage from the alcohol poisoning.

Hossein Hassanian, a health ministry adviser, said the final tally of people who lost their eyesight could be much higher.Iran is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East with 5,806 deaths and more than 91,000 confirmed cases.Methanol cannot be smelled or tasted in drinks.

It causes delayed organ and brain damage. Symptoms include chest pain, nausea, hyperventilation, blindness and even coma. -- ANI

12:49 'I don't want to meet the Talwars'

Our 2015 interview with Irrfan Khan after the release of the film, Talvar:

Read it here

The 2012 interview with the actor after the release of Paan Singh Tomar. Read it here

12:37 'It is hard to say when Irrfan fell ill'

Varun Gautam, Irrfan's friend from his Jaipur days, learned about Irrfan's illness when he received a phone call from Sutapa. This was sometime before Irrfan officially announced his illness.He assured her, 'Even if the doctors are concerned, he will still stay alive.' A gripping excerpt from Rediff.com Contributor Aseem Chhabra's new book, Irrfan Khan: The Man, The Dreamer, The Star. Read it here

'If I was intelligent enough, I would not have dreamt of becoming an actor': Irrfan Khan's 2016 interview with Rediff.com. Do read

12:28 'We lost you too soon'

Actress Raveena Tandon shares this image with Irrfan Khan tweeting, "Fantastic costar, an actor par excellence ,and a beautiful human being , you are irreplaceable #irrfankhan. @irrfank We lost you too soon! Unbelievable. Om Shanti."

Amitabh Bachchan: ... just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. Folded hands

An incredible talent .. a gracious colleague .. a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema .. left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum .. Prayers and duas

Bhumi Pednekar: Heartbroken on the demise of #IrrfanKhan sir. We are shocked & just sad. My condolences to the family .You will live on forever in our hearts sir. Thank you for entertaining us and giving us such powerful performances .You were an institution & an inspirational force . RIP

Shoojit Sircar: My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute.

Parineeti Chopra: This hurts so much because he was the nicest, coolest guy! Every interaction with him was so memorable. Love you Irrfan Sir. You were a real fighter!! Love and strength to the family Blue heart #RIP #IrrfanKhan

Ashok Gehlot: I am saddened and shocked to know about the untimely demise of one of our country's most versatile actors, #IrrfanKhan. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace.

Shekhar Kapur: An actor that every director wanted to work with. A human being that gave his best in every role. Indian film's most succesful export to Hollywood. A man loved by all. Sad to see #IrrfanKhan leave us, after what we thought was suucesfull fight against cancer. God bess you Irfan .

Taapsee Pannu: When we thought nothing could make us feel worse,this happened. I think I will refuse to believe you are no more by watching all your work time n again n again n again. I have known you that way n shall continue to know you that way for ever. You ARE the best we have #IrrfanKhan

Harsha Bhogle: In grief on reading of the passing of #IrrfanKhan. So much energy, so much intensity taken away so soon. My heartfelt condolences to Sutapa and the children. His work lives forever.

12:16 Official statement on Irrfan Khan's death

"I trust, I have surrendered": These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It's saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it.

Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, "As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it."

12:12 Actor Irrfan Khan passes away

Breaking news: Actor Irrfan Khan passes away. He was 54. Khan, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018, was admitted to the intensive care unit of a Mumbai hospital with a colon infection, his spokesperson said on Tuesday. Details awaited.

"Yes, it is true that Irrfan Khan is admitted to ICU at Kokilaben in Mumbai because of a colon infection. We would keep everyone updated.'He is under doctor's observation," his spokesperson said in a statement as rumours about the actor's ill health started doing the rounds yesterday.

"His strength and courage have helped him battle and fight so far and we are sure with his tremendous willpower and prayers of his well wishers, he will recover soon," the statement added.

Khan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour, a rare form of cancer that targets various parts of the body, in 2018 and went abroad for treatment soon after.

After his return in 2019, the actor shot for Angrezi Medium, the sequel to his 2017 hit Hindi Medium.

However, his health condition prevented him from promoting the movie, which hit the theatres in March just before the lockdown that began on March 25.

12:05 UP hopes to draw investors away from China

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sidharth Nath Singh has expressed hope that foreign investors looking to move out of China can be attracted to India. The comments came after a team of Uttar Pradesh government, led by Singh, took part in a webinar with over 100 United States firms on Tuesday.

The webinar was organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

"The USA has a significant investment in China and with companies exploring options to shift base from China, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister want to use the opportunity to see how they can be brought to India, to UP. A webinar was held with over 100 American companies yesterday," said Sidharth Nath Singh, UP's Minister for Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"Companies, including big names from logistics, scientific instrumentation, electronic, automobile industries, have expressed their interest. They already have investments in China. I am hopeful we will be able to bring them to UP, given how we are working by making changes in our industrial and sectorial policy," added the minister. -- ANI

Shares of Axis Bank on Wednesday dropped over 6 per cent in early trade after the company reported a standalone net loss of Rs 1,387.78 crore for March quarter of 2019-20. The scrip declined 6.15 per cent to Rs 427.50 at the BSE. At the National Stock Exchange, it fell 6.47 per cent to Rs 425.95. Axis Bank on Tuesday reported a standalone net loss of Rs 1,387.78 crore for March quarter of 2019-20 as provisioning for bad loans and contingencies soared.

The private sector lender had reported a net profit of Rs 1,505.06 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year. Income during the latest quarter stood at Rs 20,219.57 crore. It was Rs 18,324.31 crore in the year-ago period, Axis Bank said in a regulatory filing. -- PTI

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11:16 C'garh: Woman Naxal killed, two cops injured in encounter

A woman Naxal was killed and two police personnel were injured in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Narayanpur district on Wednesday morning, an official said. The exchange of fire broke out in a forest under Chhotedongar police station limits around 8 am, when a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) was out on a counter-insurgency operation, Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg told PTI. When the patrolling team was cordoning off the forest close to a hillock near Kademeta police camp, the ultras, who had laid an ambush, detonated IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and opened fire at the security personnel, leading to the gun-battle, he said.

"Two security personnel, one belonging to the DRG and another from CAF, sustained injuries in the incident," he said, adding that they were being shifted to a local hospital. -- PTI

Lessons from history: How India battled the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. Read the report here

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10:52 India readies 3 warships for Gulf evacuations

The Indian Navy is readying its warship INS Jalashwa and two Magar class amphibious warships for evacuating Indian citizens from Gulf countries, if required. While the INS Jalashwa is based out of Visakhapatnam, the Magar class warships are on the western seaboard. The warships are on standby mode and would be ready to move after the orders are issued, say government sources to ANI.

Most of the people who will be evacuated from Gulf countries belong to the southern states. They will be quarantined for the mandatory 14-day period. The government of Kerala has received several representations from various groups in Gulf countries who are keen to return. Enough facilities have been set up to take in these people who are expected to return, the Kerala government has said.

Julia Roberts at the Academy Awards last year

10:44 Only streamed films to be eligible for Oscars 2021 for the first time

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will allow only films streamed online for the forthcoming Oscars in the wake of the industry-wide shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The organisers of the annual awards made the announcement on Tuesday, adding that the COVID-19 outbreak had forced the Academy to make the "temporary exception" due to the shutdown of theatres.

Earlier, the Academy required that a film be shown in a commercial motion picture theatre in Los Angeles County for a theatrical qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days, during which period screenings must occur at least three times daily.

"The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules.

"The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever," said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement.

For the 93rd awards ceremony only, the films that had a planned theatrical release but are initially made available on a commercial streaming or video on-demand service may qualify in the best picture, general entry and specialty categories.

The film must be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of its streaming or VOD release. When theatres reopen as per the government guidelines and on a date to be set by the Academy, this rules exemption will no longer apply.

"All films released thereafter will be expected to comply with the standard Academy theatrical qualifying requirements," according to the press release. -- PTI

As the number of people infected by the coronavirus in the United States crossed one million and fatalities jumped to nearly 59,000, US Donald J. Trump said the numbers reflected the testing done in the country. @realDonaldTrump tweeted: "The only reason the U.S. has reported one million cases of CoronaVirus is that our Testing is sooo much better than any other country in the World. Other countries are way behind us in Testing, and therefore show far fewer cases!"

Several states have initiated the process to reopen their economies amidst signs of decline in both new cases and deaths. "We continue to pray for the victims as well as for those Americans who are grieving their lost ones and their loved ones. There's never been anything like this. We suffer with one heart but we will prevail. We are coming back, and we're coming back strong," US President Donald Trump said at the White House during his remarks on the Paycheck Protection Program.

The US on Tuesday became the first country in the world to have more than one million cases of coronavirus. It accounts for nearly one-third of the 3.1 million cases globally. With nearly 59,000 deaths, the US also accounts for one-fourth of the over 213,000 global fatalities. "Now that our experts believe the worst days of the pandemic are behind us, Americans are looking forward to the safe and rapid reopening of our country,' Trump said.

"Throughout this ordeal, millions of hard-working Americans have been asked to really make tremendous, tremendous sacrifices. It is sacrifices like nobody thought would even be possible; nobody thought we would ever be talking about something like this,' he said.

10:05 Sensex jumps over 300 points in early trade

Equity benchmark Sensex surged over 300 points in opening trade on Wednesday led by buying in index-heavyweights HDFC twins and positive cues from Asian peers. After hitting a high of 32,431.20, the 30-share index was trading 285.83 points or 0.89 per cent higher at 32,400.35. Similarly, the NSE Nifty advanced 78.95 points, or 0.84 per cent, to 9,459.85.

HDFC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying nearly 5 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra, M&M, Reliance Industries and NTPC. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Titan, HUL, Asian Paints and Infosys were among the laggards.

In the previous session, the BSE barometer settled 371.44 points or 1.17 per cent higher at 32,114.52, while the Nifty advanced 98.60 points, or 1.06 per cent, to close at 9,380.90. Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers in the capital market on Tuesday, as they offloaded equity shares worth Rs 122.15 crore, according to provisional exchange data. Market participants were seen accumulating stocks in anticipation of another stimulus package by the government, traders said. Investor sentiment improved on hopes that gradual lifting of global lockdowns would help start economic recovery, they added. -- PTI

10:04 COVID-19 could lead to 47 mn oops pregnancies

Ongoing lockdowns and major disruptions to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic could leave 47 million women in low and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to seven million unintended pregnancies in the coming months, according to data released by the UN Population Fund and partners.

The agencies estimate that the number of women unable to access family planning or facing unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and other harmful practices, could "skyrocket" by millions due to the crisis.

"This new data shows the catastrophic impact that COVID-19 could soon have on women and girls globally," UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem said on Tuesday.

"The pandemic is deepening inequalities, and millions more women and girls now risk losing the ability to plan their families and protect their bodies and their health," Kanem said. As a clear view of the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is only beginning to take shape, experts estimate that the human cost could be extraordinary.

The economic and physical disruptions caused by the disease could have vast consequences for the rights and health of women and girls, the new analysis by the UNFPA and partners noted.

Globally, around 450 million women across 114 low and middle-income countries use contraceptives, the study said. "Significant levels of lockdown-related disruption over 6 months could leave 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence," it said.

The pandemic is also expected to cause significant delays in programmes to end female genital mutilation and child marriage, resulting in an estimated two million more cases of FGM over the next decade than would otherwise have occurred.

These delayed programmes, on top of growing economic hardships globally, could result in an estimated 13 million more child marriages over 10 years. There also will be 31 million additional cases of gender-based violence during the same period, with a further 15 million more cases expected for every three months the lockdowns continue. -- PTI

09:51 Kedarnath temple opens, 1st puja in PM's name

The portals of Kedarnath Temple were thrown open at 6.10 am on Wednesday after a six-month-long winter break.Amid the nationwide lockdown, pilgrims are prohibited from visiting the shrine.Covered in a thick layer of snow, the temple was decorated with 10 quintals of marigold flowers.The process of opening the doors of Kedar Dham began at 3 am. Shiva Shankar Linga, the chief priest of the shrine, carried out the tradition of opening the doors.

The first ''pooja" was performed in the name of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said a statement.

A representative of the Devasthanam Board, BD Singh, along with 20 employees from Panchagai, was present here when the religious rituals and aarti were performed. Apart from this, around 15 policemen and administration officials participated in the aarti.

All participants maintained social distancing during the rituals.

This year the Army band did not participate in the religious ceremony at a time of opening the portals of the shrine due to lockdown restrictions.With the opening of the doors of Kedarnath Dham, three of the four dhams of Uttarakhand will be opened. While Gangotri-Yamunotri Dham opened on April 26 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the portals of Badrinath Dham will open on May 15. -- ANI

09:33 British Airways to cut 12,000 jobs

British Airways may be forced to cut more than a quarter of its workforce as the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll on one of Europe's biggest airlines. Parent company IAG (ICAGY) said in a statement cited by CNN on Tuesday that the Airways is notifying labour unions about a restructuring program which will affect most employees and "may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them.

"IAG, which also includes Spanish airline Iberia, said its first-quarter revenues declined by 13 per cent to EUR4.6 billion (USD 5 billion) as it swung to an operating loss of EUR535 million (USD 579 million).

The airline group warned that losses in the second quarter would be "significantly worse" and that it expects that "the recovery of passenger demand to 2019 levels will take several years."

The warning echos a similar decision made by airline group Lufthansa which owns national carriers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium. Announcing earlier this month that it was permanently reducing the size of its fleet and shuttering one of its low-cost carriers, Lufthansa said that worldwide demand for air travel will take years to recover from the coronavirus.

"What we are facing as an airline ... is that there is no 'normal' any longer," British Airways CEO Alex Cruz said in a letter to staff that was released to CNN Business.

"Yesterday, British Airways flew just a handful of aircraft out of Heathrow. On a normal day, we would fly more than 300," he added.

The news comes as flight bans and nationwide lockdowns are threatening to bankrupt airlines around the world. The "mounting financial crisis" facing carriers could cause revenues to tumble by as much as 55 per cent this year, or some USD 314 billion, according to the International Air Transport Association.Virgin Australia collapsed into administration last week, while sister airline Virgin Atlantic confirmed on Monday that it was on the hunt for outside investors to keep it alive.

Virgin Atlantic, which is controlled by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is also seeking a commercial loan from the British government.

Earlier this month, British Airways furloughed 30,000 employees on 80 per cent of their regular monthly pay until the end of May, with the government covering the first 2,500 ($3,100) under its coronavirus job retention program.

09:28 ASHA worker in Haridwar manhandled, FIR filed

An ASHA worker was manhandled when she went to collect data at Haridwar. "We had gone for a COVID19 survey. We had collected the data of all families. When we went to the last house, they told us to strike off all names. One woman took our register tore the pages. We received some injuries," says Anita, the ASHA worker

The police have registered a case. "A medical team which went to Makhanpur village in Haridwar district yesterday was manhandled while carrying out a survey for COVID19," the SSP said. An FIR has been registered and one person has been arrested. A search is on for absconders. Action will be taken under the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment)Ordinance 2020.

09:10 Sushmita's HOT yoga with Rohman

Do you practice yoga and pranayam before you get down to work? No? Yoga makes you feel fresh and increases your immunity especially needed in COVID times. Here's Sushmita Sen to inspire you. Take a look

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09:07 US repatriates 71K Americans, now largest request from India, Pak

The US has repatriated more than 71,000 Americans from 127 countries and now the largest number of pending requests are from India and Pakistan, an official said. "It looks like we are now at 71,538 Americans who have been repatriated on 750 flights from 127 countries and territories since January 29th," State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters.

"We are still seeing the largest number of US citizens requesting repatriation assistance in the South and Central Asia region, specifically in India and Pakistan,' said Ian Brownlee, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.

"Upcoming worldwide, we have another 63 flights planned with about 4,000 people on the passenger schedule, and we're going to try to bring all those folks home sometime over the next week or so," he said. At the same time, the State Department official said that list of those to be repatriated from India is now not very clear as a number of them say no at the last minute.

"We're getting to the point in India where the yet-to-be-repatriated list is not as clear as it was two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, we had a list of folks and we were pretty sure if we called folks they'd show up at the airport and say, "Yes, please"," he said. "We're now getting to the point on that list we're having to make multiple calls for individual seats because people are deciding no, they'd just as soon ride it out where they are. So I'm not really willing to say what the number of people yet to be repatriated from there is just for that reason," Brownlee said.

The United States, he said, is still tracking a handful of cruise ships around the world with US citizen crew members. "Some of those ships are still looking for docking permissions, and others have docked. We are now working with the CDC, the cruise companies, and foreign governments on procedures to disembark those cruise members in order to arrange their safe transport home. We continue to follow these developments closely and to help wherever appropriate,' Brownlee said. -- PTI

09:00 India's COVID cases rise to 31,332

Total number of COVID19 positive cases in India rises to 31,332 including 1007 deaths, 7695 cured/discharged and 1 migrated: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Maharashtra remained the state with the highest tally of COVID-19 cases at 9,318 after 729 new positive cases were detected on Tuesday, the state public health department stated, yesterday.

It said that 31 deaths were reported on Tuesday, taking the total number of fatalities in the state to 400. Out of the total number, 1,388 people have been discharged till Tuesday.

The United States is considering coronavirus scanning of air travellers from countries hit hard by the virus to stop its spread in the country, President Donald Trump has said. Trump told reporters that this could be done in coordination with either the airlines or government.

"We're working with the airlines. Maybe it's a combination of both,' he said. "We're looking at doing it on the international flights coming out of areas that are heavily infected," he said.

"But, I think that we're going to look at it from the standpoint--I was discussing that with the Governor of Florida, with Ron (DeSantis), a little while ago. So, we're going to be looking at that coming in from other countries, frankly, but South America seems to be one that's talked about because they have so much business going into Florida," he said.

US President Donald Trump doubled down on China for failing to tame the coronavirus at its very origin, saying it has led to 184 countries "going through hell", as several American lawmakers demanded steps to reduce dependence on Beijing for manufacturing and minerals. Trump has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy" and launched an investigation against it. He has also indicated that the US may be looking at "a lot more money" in damages from China than the USD 140 billion being sought by Germany from Beijing for the pandemic. Leaders of the US, the UK and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases.

"It's in 184 countries, as you hear me say often. It's hard to believe. It's inconceivable," Trump told reporters at White House Tuesday. "It should have been stopped at the source, which was China. It should have been stopped very much at the source, but it wasn't. And now we have 184 countries going through hell."

The virus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in mid-November, has killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally. The largest number of them are in the US: nearly 59,000 deaths and over one million infections. The massive outbreak in the US has put Trump under increasing pressure from American lawmakers to decrease US dependence on Beijing and they have also sought compensation from China.

Senator Ted Cruz and his colleagues have urged Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to support the development of a fully domestic supply chain of rare earths and other minerals that are critical for manufacturing defence technologies and supporting national security.

"It is clear that our dependence on China for vital rare earths threatens our US manufacturing and defence-industrial base. As the October 2018 Defence Industrial Base Report states: 'China represents a significant and growing risk to the supply of materials deemed strategic and critical to US national security.' [...] Ensuring a US supply of domestically sourced rare earths will reduce our vulnerability to supply disruptions that poses a grave risk to our military readiness," the Senators wrote.

The US is 100 percent import-dependent for rare earths as well as 13 other metals and minerals on the US Government Critical Minerals List and more than 75 percent import reliant for an additional 10 minerals.

Congressman Brian Mast on Tuesday introduced a legislation to hold China accountable for its "coronavirus deception". The resolution would empower the US to withhold payments on debts owed to China equal to the costs incurred by the US in response to COVID-19. -- PTI

As per the health ministry's protocol, the NITI Bhavan will resume normal operations after 48 hours, NITI Aayog said.

"All officers of NITI Aayog are functional, available and currently working from home. As per the protocol of the Ministry of Health, the NITI Bhavan will resume normal operations after 48 hours," it said in a tweet.

A NITI Aayog employee was tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday after which its building was sealed as a precautionary measure.

"An employee working at NITI Bhavan has been detected positive with COVID-19. It was informed to the authorities at 9 am this morning. NITI Aayog is following all the due protocols necessary as per the ministry of health guidelines. The building has been sealed," NITI Aayog had tweeted.

-- ANI

07:59 Coronavirus cases in US cross 1 million mark

The number of people infected by the coronavirus in the United States crossed one million and the fatalities jumped to nearly 59,000, but several states initiated the process to reopen their economies amidst signs of decline in both new cases and deaths.

"We continue to pray for the victims as well as for those Americans who are grieving their lost ones and their loved ones. There's never been anything like this. We suffer with one heart but we will prevail. We are coming back, and we're coming back strong," US President Donald Trump said at the White House during his remarks on the Paycheck Protection Program.

The US on Tuesday became the first country in the world to have more than one million cases of coronavirus. It accounts for nearly one-third of the 3.1 million cases globally.

With nearly 59,000 deaths, the US also accounts for one-fourth of the over 213,000 global fatalities.

"Now that our experts believe the worst days of the pandemic are behind us, Americans are looking forward to the safe and rapid reopening of our country," Trump said.

-- PTI

Crime branch officials at Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

00:47 Constable who visited Markaz tests positive

A Delhi Police constable posted with the Crime Branch who allegedly visited the Nizamuddin headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat in south Delhi tested positive for coronavirus recently, police said on Tuesday.

The constable had visited the Markaz building in connection with the probe into the religious congregation held there last month where many people were reported to have contracted the virus, they said.

A case has been registered against Maulana Saad of the Nizamuddin headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat under relevant sections of the Epidemic Diseases Act and Indian Penal Code for allegedly violating government orders with regard to the management of the centre pertaining to holding social, political or religious gatherings.

According to police, around 15 team members of the Crime Branch who came in contact with the constable have been advised home quarantine after he tested positive for the virus.

More than 21 Delhi Police personnel have tested positive for the novel coronavirus which include 14 from the central district, six from northwest district and one from the traffic police.

The Delhi Police has sanctioned Rs 1 lakh each to its personnel who have tested positive for coronavirus while on duty.

The police headquarters will arrange the payment from the Delhi Police Welfare Society for the personnel expeditiously through the DCPs concerned, police said. -- PTI

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