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Sun, 31 May 2020
Spain's PM seeks further extension of emergency
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21:47 Spain's PM seeks further extension of emergency
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez celebrated the great results of the last few weeks when it comes to coronavirus cases during a news conference on Sunday, but said "we can't relax" and said "the virus is still present in our country.
The prime minister announced that his government will be seeking a further 15-day extension of the state of emergency.
We need 15 more days to end this health emergency in a definite manner," he explained.
Snchez also announced that starting June 8, the government will transfer the responsibility of the de-escalation process to the regional governments in regions in phase three.
The central government will only keep control on mobility once the regions reach phase three.
21:11 Noida-Delhi border to stay sealed
The Noida-Delhi border will remain sealed for movement of people to and from the national capital, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration said in its latest guidelines for the COVID-19 lockdown issued on Sunday.
The decision has been taken as the source of infection in 42 per cent of coronavirus cases detected in the district in the last 20 days has been tracked to Delhi, the guidelines said.
The district administration had on April 21 banned movement of people between Noida and Delhi.
The inter-state travel ban exempts ambulances, doctors, goods carriers, media, those directly involved in COVID-19 services and those with passes issued by the administration.
-- PTI
20:43 Brazil has 4th highest COVID-19 death toll
The coronavirus death toll in Brazil is now the world's fourth-highest.
The number of deaths in Brazil surpassed that of Spain, and on Sunday it overtook France.
Brazil has now recorded 28,834 fatalities, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. It has the world's second-highest number of confirmed infections.
It's a sign of how the country has failed to get the virus under control despite dire warning signs from Europe and Asia.
It should be said however that Brazil's population -- at more than 200 million -- is several times larger than those of the Western European countries.
Yet despite the steadily worsening situation in Brazil, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has continued to downplay the severity of the outbreak, opposing lockdowns instituted by state and city governments.
20:22 Around a dozen UP districts put on 'locust' alert
In view of the presence of locusts in the Bundelkhand region, the Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday put its neighbouring districts on alert.
An official release said though there was no report of any locust attack in any part of the state during the day, the agriculture department has asked Agra, Mathura, Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Mahoba, Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur and Mirzapur districts to stay alert and take precautionary measures to drive away the pests.
Over the last few days, swarms of locusts have been sighted in Madhya Pradesh, Vidharbha region of Maharashtra and urban areas of Rajasthan.
19:54 Delhi Police loses 2 ASIs to COVID within 24 hrs
Two Delhi Police Assistant Sub-Inspectors have died due to COVID-19 since Saturday evening, taking the overall coronavirus casualty figure in the force to three, officials said on Sunday.
While a 52-year-old ASI died around 11.30 am Sunday during treatment at the Army Base Hospital here, another officer of the rank passed away at the same facility Saturday evening, they said.
A Delhi Police spokesperson said that nearly 500 personnel have tested positive for the deadly virus so far.
Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava paid homage to the two ASIs and spoke to all Station House Officers through videoconferencing on preventive measures and dedicated COVID-19 facilities for his personnel.
"Delhi Police family mourns the loss of 2 brave police officers in our fight against Corona pandemic despite best efforts to save them. We pay homage to ASIs Vikram and Shesh Mani Pandey and may their souls rest in peace. We are committed to providing all help to their families," he said in a tweet.
Officials said that the ASI Vikram, who died Sunday morning, was posted in the Sultanpuri Police Station of Outer District and was on highway patrol duty in the area since May 1.
Before Vikram, 54-year-old ASI Shesh Mani Pandey died on Saturday evening. He worked with the Finger Print Bureau of the Crime Branch in Central Delhi's Kamla Market area, another set of officials said.
He was an ex-army personnel and had joined the Delhi Police on November 1, 2014. He hailed from Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh and was residing at Naraina village in west Delhi, police said.
-- PTI
19:31 Dingko Singh tests positive for COVID-19
Asian Games gold medal-winning former boxer Dingko Singh, who is already battling liver cancer, has tested positive for COVID-19, said a source close to him on Sunday.
The 41-year-old was flown to the national capital earlier this month to undergo radiation therapy and had returned to his home state Manipur after being diagnosed with jaundice once again.
"He was negative when he left from Delhi but has tested positive on his return to Manipur," the source said.
The swashbuckling former bantamweight boxer won the Asian Games gold in the 1998 edition in Bangkok. He is an Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee.
-- PTI
18:45 Highest spike of 1,295 COVID-19 cases in Delhi
Delhi recorded its highest single-day spike of 1,295 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday, taking the tally to 19,844, as the death toll due to the disease mounted to 473, authorities said.
The previous single-ay highest spike of 1,163 fresh cases was recorded on May 30.
This is the first time in Delhi when more than 1,200 COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day.
In a bulletin issued on Sunday, the Delhi health department said the death toll due to coronavirus infection has risen to 473 and the total number of cases mounted to 19,844.
It, however, added the cumulative death figures refers to fatalities where primary cause of death was found to be COVID-19, as per the report of the Death Audit Committee on the basis of case sheets received from various hospitals.
On Saturday, the total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 18,549, including 416 deaths.
18:14 200 special trains to start operations from June 1
The Railways on Sunday said it will begin operations of 200 special trains from June 1 and more than 1.45 lakh passengers will travel on the first day.
It also said around 26 lakh passengers have booked for Advance Reservation Period from June 1 to June 30.
These services will be in addition to Shramik Special trains and 30 Special AC trains being run since May 12.
Passengers will have to reach station at least 90 minutes before departure and only travellers with confirmed or RAC tickets will be allowed to enter railway station and board trains, the Railways said.
According to MHA guidelines, all travellers will be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to enter or board a train.
-- PTI
17:46 Faithful return to St. Peter's Square to hear Pope Francis' words
In a small sign of life getting back to normal, crowds returned to St Peters Square in the Vatican City on Sunday as Pope Francis resumed his traditional greeting from his window, for the first time since lockdown began in Italy nearly three months ago.
The Pope said he hoped people would have the courage to change, to be better than before and to positively build the post-pandemic world.
He appealed for everyone, including the world's poorest people, to have access to health care and prayed particularly for those affected in the Amazon region of South America. People are more important than the economy, he said.
Tourists were noticeably absent and only several hundred people, mainly Italians, wearing masks and social distancing, gathered to listen to the Pope and receive his blessing.
You know that from a crisis like this, you dont come out of it the same as before. You come out either better or worse, he said.
The human family needs to come out of this crisis more united and not more divided.
Italian and Vatican Police were stationed at all entrances and people entering St. Peters Basilica had their temperatures checked.
The Vatican museums will open on Monday, by online reservation only. Museums and other cultural sites throughout Italy will also reopen this week.
17:13 Maharashtra extends lockdown till June 30
The government of Maharashtra has extended the lockdown till June 30 in the state.
However, it has issued guidelines to open up the lockdown partially. According to the guidelines, jogging/cycling/running will be allowed. The guidelines state that government offices can open with 15 per cent capacity, while private offices can open with 10 per cent capacity from June 8.
Non essential shops will also be allowed to open up.
Maharashtra is the worst-hit coronavirus state in the country.
16:42 Malls, hotels, to reopen in UP from June 8
The coronavirus-induced lockdown will remain in force till June 30 in Uttar Pradesh with some relaxations outside the containment zones, said Awanish Awasthi, state's Additional Chief Secretary, Home, on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference, Awasthi said that religious places, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls will reopen from June 8. According to him, all government offices will operate with 100 per cent workforce. "Staggered timings will be followed -- 9 am to 5 pm, 10 am to 6 pm and 11 am to 7 pm," he said.
Awasthi further said that all markets will remain open from 9 am to 9 pm. "Supermarkets are allowed to open with conditions of social distancing and other precautionary measures. Weekly markets will be allowed in rural areas," he said.
"Salons and beauty parlours are allowed to remain open with conditions of social distancing and other precautionary measures. Staff working in salons/beauty parlours should wear face shields and gloves while working," he added.
Awasthi said the state buses will be allowed to operate on the condition that only passengers as per the seating capacity of the buses travel. Passengers cannot travel while standing in the bus.
"Prohibition on the entry of people from containment zones or hotspot areas in Delhi to Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad will remain," he said.
Amit Mohan Prasad, Principal Secretary, Health, said that in the last 24 hours, 262 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Uttar Pradesh.
"There are 2,901 active cases in the State and 4,709 people have been cured/discharged. The death toll stands at 213," he said.
-- ANI
16:08 Recovery rate of Covid-19 patients increases to 47%
As per the ministry of information and broadcasting, the recovery rate of novel coronavirus patients in India has risen to 47.76 per cent on the same day as the country's Covid-19 death toll surpassed 5,000.
India is the ninth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday, India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases on Sunday with 8,380 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 1,82,143, while the death toll rose to 5,164, according to the Union Health Ministry.
15:28 Maha govt yet to issue guidelines on lockdown
Even as the Centre has extended the lockdown in COVID-19 containment zones till June 30, the Maharashtra government was yet to revise its guidelines about the restrictions, an official said on Sunday.
As per the guidelines issued on May 19 by the state government for the fourth phase of the lockdown, inter-state and intra-state movement of vehicles was allowed for medical workers, goods and cargo only.
The Union ministry of home affairs had on Saturday said 'Unlock-1' will be initiated in the country from June 8 under which the nationwide lockdown effectuated on March 25 will be relaxed to a great extent, including opening of shopping malls, restaurants and religious places, even as strict restrictions will remain in place till June 30 in the country's worst-hit areas.
A Maharashtra government official said, "The May 19 guidelines haven't been amended as yet by the state."
Hours after the Centre announced extension of lockdown in containment zones till June 30, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his alliance partner and NCP president Sharad Pawar held a discussion on Saturday night.
-- PTI
15:10 Delhi govt seeks Rs 5,000 crore from Centre to pay employees' salaries: Sisodia
Faced with drastic decline in tax collection, the Delhi government on Sunday sought an immediate assistance of Rs 5,000 crore from the Centre to pay salaries to its employees and meet office expenses in this "hour of disaster".
Addressing an online media briefing, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the coronavirus-forced lockdown has affected the economy of the country as well as Delhi.
After the briefing, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter and requested the central government to help the people of Delhi "in this hour of disaster".
Sisodia, who also holds finance portfolio, said the Delhi government required Rs 3,500 crore per month to pay salaries to its employees and meet office expenses.
He said that the tax collection in Delhi has been around 85 per cent less than the normal collection due to coronavirus and lockdown.
Sisodia said that in a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he has demanded Rs 5,000 crore from the Centre as Delhi government did not get anything from the disaster relief fund that was given to other states, causing financial problems before the AAP dispensation.
"The major crisis before us is how to pay salaries of our employees so I have written to the Union Finance Minister for urgent assistance of Rs 5,000 crore," he said.
Delhi's tax collections are also low, the deputy chief minister said.
In the last two months, Delhi's GST collection has been only Rs 500 crore each month, Sisodia said, adding that the total revenue of Delhi government from different sources was Rs 1735 crore in two months.
"But, we need at least Rs 7,000 crore to be able to pay salaries to our employees many of whom are discharging frontline duties against the coronavirus epidemic, and meet necessary office expenses," Sisodia said.
-- PTI
14:40 'Terrorist camps, launch pads in PoK full'
All the terrorist camps and around 15 launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir "are full", according to top army commander Lt Gen B S Raju, who anticipates an increase in infiltration attempts from across the border this summer to replenish the diminishing terrorist cadres in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant General Baggavalli Somashekar Raju asserted that the back of terrorism has been "virtually broken" and that Pakistan is unable to "digest" that Kashmiris are experiencing peace and an improved law and order situation.
"The back of terrorism is virtually broken. Because of the successes in eliminating terrorists operating in the hinterland, we expect cross-border infiltration to increase in the summer season to make up for the dead terrorists. I anticipate more and more attempts to replenish the depleting cadres, as the window for infiltration is also restricted to the summer season only," Lt Gen Raju said.
"All the terrorist camps and around 15 launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are full. These terrorist cadres are desperate to infiltrate with the help of Pakistani army."
-- PTI
13:52 Army rejects video of eastern Ladakh face-off
The Indian Army on Sunday rejected a video, which emerged on the social media, purportedly showing clashes between Chinese and Indian troops in eastern Ladakh.
"The contents of video being circulated are not authenticated. Attempt to link it with the situation on the Northern borders is mala fide," the Army said in a statement.
It said differences between the two sides are being addressed through interaction between military commanders following established protocols on management of border between the two countries.
The undated video purportedly shows clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Pangong Tso area in eastern Ladakh.
"Currently no violence is happening. Differences are being addressed through interaction between military commanders, guided by established protocols on management of borders between the two countries," the Army said.
"We strongly condemn attempts to sensationalise issues impacting national security. The media is requested not to air visuals that are likely to vitiate the current situation on the borders," it added.
13:38 CISCE allows class 10,12 students to change exam centre, appear for boards later
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has allowed students to appear for the pending board exams from the city they are in at present and has also given an option to candidates to take up the exam later during compartmental tests, according to officials.
The exams, which were postponed in view of a nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, have been scheduled from July 1 to 14.
However, many students have moved to different locations after the lockdown came into effect on March 25.
"We have received requests from schools and parents for a change in the candidate's exam centre. To ensure that students who are not present in the district where their school is located, the candidates have been allowed to appear for the remaining examinations from an exam centre located in a CISCE affiliated school in the location they are in," said Gerry Arathoon, chief executive and secretary, CISCE.
Students who are unable to appear for the remaining exams due to COVID-19 will be permitted to take the exams at the time of conduct if compartmental exams, he added.
The students have been asked to make request for change in the exam centre by June 7 with their respective schools.
The Council has also asked schools to ensure social distancing is followed and directed candidates to carry hand sanitisers and wear face masks.
Unlike the CBSE, which will conduct the pending exams in only 29 subjects crucial for promotion and admission to higher educational institutions, the CISCE will hold all pending exams.
The pending Central Board of Secondary Education exams are scheduled from July 1 to 15.
-- PTI
13:02 91 more Maharashtra cops test positive in 24 hrs
The coronavirus positive tally in Maharashtra Police department climbed to 1,421 after 91 more cops tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours.
The total tally includes 183 police officers and 1,238 policemen.
Total 26 cops have died due to coronavirus in the Maharashtra police department.
12:26 529 domestic flights carrying 45,646 passengers operated on Saturday: Puri
A total of 529 flights carrying 45,646 passengers operated on Saturday, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday.
Domestic services were suspended in India due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown and resumed after a gap of two months on Monday.
Indian carriers operated a total of 2,340 flights till Friday -- 428 on Monday, 445 on Tuesday, 460 on Wednesday, 494 on Thursday and 513 on Friday.
Puri said on Twitter on Sunday: "Domestic operations on 30th May 2020 (Day 6) till 2359 hrs. Departures 529. 45,646 passengers handled. Arrivals 530. 45,622 passengers handled."
A departure is counted as a flight during the day.
During the pre-lockdown period, Indian airports handled around 3,000 daily domestic flights, aviation industry sources said.
In February, when the lockdown was not imposed, around 4.12 lakh passengers travelled daily through domestic flights in India, according to Directorate General of Civil Aviation data.
Airports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have been allowed to handle a restricted number of daily flights as these states do not want a huge influx of flyers amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
While domestic services resumed in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, they restarted in West Bengal on Thursday.
-- PTI
11:58 Curfews in major US cities over race protests
Curfews were imposed in major United States cities as clashes over police brutality escalated across America with demonstrators ignoring warnings from US President Donald Trump that his government would stop the violent protests "cold."
Minneapolis, the epicenter of the unrest, was gripped by a fifth consecutive night of violence with police in riot gear firing tear gas and stun grenades at protesters venting fury at the death of a black man during an arrest in the city on Monday.
Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta were among two dozen cities ordering people to stay indoors overnight as more states called in National Guard soldiers to help control civil unrest not seen in the United States for years.
From Seattle to New York, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding tougher murder charges and more arrests over the death of George Floyd who stopped breathing after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
11:47 What will reopen in Phase I?
The home ministry on Saturday issued new guidelines for the phased reopening of all activities outside containment zones till June 30.
Here's what will open in phase I.
11:23 Covid fight is powered by spirit of citizens: PM
PM Modi is speaking about India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
-- The fight against COVID19 is also being powered by the innovative spirit of our citizens. They are innovating in a wide range of sectors
-- The road ahead is a long one.We are fighting a pandemic about which little was previously known
-- Making every effort to mitigate people's problems in this time
-- The Indian Railways Family is at the forefront of fighting COVID-19
11:15 Important to be more careful against COVID: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation in the 65th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' today amid the countrywide coronavirus lockdown.
On Saturday, the Union ministry of home affairs issued new guidelines, extending the nationwide lockdown till June 30 with a phased plan to unlock India.
Here are the highlights from PM Modi's "Mann Ki Baat":
-- During the last two Mann Ki Baat programmes, we have been largely discussing the COVID-19 situation. It indicates how importance of talking about the pandemic and taking the relevant precautions
-- It is important to be even more careful now to fight the Corona Pandemic
-- Every Indian has played a part in the battle against COVID-19
-- India has repeatedly expressed gratitude to those at the forefront of battling COVID-19
-- India is seeing the remarkable work of Women Self Help Groups
11:03 Russia plans Covid-19 vaccine trials by mid-June
Russia, which is the third-worst affected country by coronavirus, is planning to start clinical trials within two weeks on a vaccine to combat the coronavirus, the health minister said.
Authorities approved the country's first anti-COVID-19 drug. Officials revealed that Russian researchers are working on almost 50 different vaccine projects.
Volunteers have already been selected to participate in the study.
"The tests are under way and we plan to start clinical trials in the next two weeks," Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted by local news agency.
The Healthy Ministry has approved Avifavir for coronavirus treatment, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund. It was developed on the basis of a drug known generically as favipiravir.
RDIF has reported Avidavir to be successful in the first stage, and hopes it will prove out tot be successful in the final stage too, with the participation of 330 patients.
10:51 WHO releases new guidance for outdoor events and mass gatherings
The World Health Organization released new guidance for mass gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic, recommending a number of possible changes to large events -- once theyre allowed to take place.
Holding gatherings outdoors, limiting attendance to healthy people and staggering arrivals could all help limit the spread of the virus, according to the guidance.
In the context of Covid-19, mass gatherings are events that could amplify the transmission of the virus and potentially disrupt the host countrys response capacity, the guidance said. But it said large events offered benefits, too, such as providing employment and boosting psychological well-being.
Since mass gatherings have substantial political, cultural, social, and economic implications, authorities should assess the importance and necessity of an event and consider the option that it may take place, provided all associated public health risks are adequately addressed and mitigated, the guidance said.
The WHO called on public health authorities and event organisers to perform a risk assessment before any gathering and listed a number of steps organizers could take if large events do occur, such as:
-- Staggering arrivals
-- Increasing the frequency of transport
-- Designating seating
-- Venue capacity could also be adjusted
-- Events could be held virtually or outdoors
-- Some recommendations focused on participants, reminding people to observe physical distancing, cough etiquette and hand hygiene practices
People at risk of developing severe illness -- including those over the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions -- could be advised to stay away, or special arrangements could be made for them.
The WHO recommendations included a number of other measures as well, such as limiting the duration of events and providing on-site isolation facilities for people who become sick.
10:23 India has highest 1-day spike of 8,380 cases
India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases on Sunday with 8,380 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 1,82,143, while the death toll rose to 5,164, according to the Union health ministry.
The number of active COVID-19 cases stood to 89,995, while 86,983 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, it said.
"Thus, around 47.75 per cent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said.
The total confirmed cases includes foreigners.
The death toll has gone up by 193 since Saturday morning, of which 99 were from Maharashtra, 27 from Gujarat, 18 from Delhi, nine each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, seven from West Bengal, six each from Tamil Nadu and Telangana, five in Bihar, three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Punjab, and one each from Haryana and Kerala.
-- PTI
09:19 Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till June 30
The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced extension of the ongoing lockdown till June 30, albeit with more relaxations that included partially opening up public transport and allowing more employees at the workplace.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami said the curbs on religious places, inter-state bus transport, and Metro and suburban rails would continue.
Pubic transport will resume with reduced services from June 1, but buses will not be operated in Chennai, Kancheepurm, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts having the highest concentration of COVID-19 cases in the state.
Private stage carriers will be allowed to operate in authorised routes, Palaniswami said.
"To prevent the spread of coronavirus, the curfew is being extended till June 30 under the State Disaster Management Act and as per the Union Home Ministry's notification," he said in a statement.
Tamil Nadu is among the states worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It witnessed the biggest single-day spike of 938 new coronavirus cases on Saturday taking the infection count to 21,184.
The Centre had on Saturday announced 'Unlock 1", a graded exit plan from the lockdown that allowed, among others, reopening places of religious worship and restaurants.
The state government on Sunday also announced a number of other relaxations, barring containment zones, and these include allowing more employees at the workplace and permitting showrooms and jewellery shops to re-open. Malls will remain closed, the chief minister said. -- PTI
08:58 DGCA extends Intl flight ban till June 30
Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday said the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger flights will continue till midnight on June 30, hours after the home ministry announced fresh guidelines pertaining to the countrywide lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
"It is once again reiterated that foreign airlines shall be suitably informed about the opening of their operations to or from India in due course," the circular issued by the DGCA said.
Domestic passenger flight services resumed in the country from Monday after a hiatus of two months since the lockdown was announced on March 25, when all scheduled commercial passenger flights were suspended in India. International flights continue to remain suspended even now.
The home ministry on Saturday said 'Unlock-1' will be initiated in the country from June 8 under which the nationwide lockdown effectuated on March 25 will be relaxed to a great extent, including opening of shopping malls, restaurants and religious places, even as strict restrictions will remain in place till June 30 in the country's worst pandemic-hit areas.
International air travel shall remain suspended, the MHA order said, adding that a decision on when to resume it would be taken after making an assessment of the situation. -- PTI
08:17 Trump postpones G7, wants India to join group
United States President Donald Trump on Saturday postponed the "outdated" Group of Seven summit that he planned to hold in June at the White House, seeking inclusion of India and some other countries to the grouping of world's top economies.
Trump told reporters, travelling with him on board the Air Force One from Florida to Washington DC, that he is "postponing it until September" and plans to invite Russia, South Korea, Australia and India.
"I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world. It's a very outdated group of countries," he said.
Alyssa Alexandra Farah, White House Director of Strategic Communications, said that this is bringing together "our traditional allies" to talk about how to deal with the future of China.
German chancellor Angela Merkel's office had said on Saturday that she would not attend the summit unless the course of the coronavirus spread had changed by then.
G7 is a forum of the seven countries with the world's largest and most advanced economies -- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Heads of States of these countries meet annually on international economic and monetary issues.
The US holds the presidency of the G7 this year.
During the summit, G7 president normally invites heads of States of one or two countries to attend the meeting as a special invitee.
Last year French President Emanuel Macron had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit.
Trump talking about inviting India to the next G7 Summit is reflective of the growing international stature of the country. -- PTI
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