New Delhi, May 7 () The Railways on Thursday said it will deploy over 2,500 doctors and 35,000 paramedics at its coaches-turned-coronavirus care centres that will be parked at 215 railway stations across the country for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Various zones have been recruiting doctors and other healthcare professionals on a temporary basis, it said in a statement, a day after the government gave its nod for the deployment of 5,231 coaches.. The trains will be attached to the nearest COVID-19 hospital. "Around 5,000 beds in 17 dedicated hospitals and 33 hospital blocks in railway hospitals have been identified for treatment of such patients and to get ready for any contingency," it said. According to health ministry's guidelines, state governments will send the requisition to Railways and it will make allocation of these coaches to the sates and union territories. "After allocation by Railways, the train shall be placed at required station with necessary infrastructure, and handed over to District Collector/Magistrate or one of their authorised persons. Wherever the train is placed, watering, electricity, repairs required, catering arrangements, security shall be taken care by railways," it said. The coaches will be spread across all major hotspots in India and cover both the big cities as well as rural areas.The railway stations where the coaches will be parked are in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and other cities. At 21, Maharashtra has the maximum number of stations where the coaches will be kept, followed by Uttar Pradesh (19), West Bengal (18), Bihar (15), Madhya Pradesh(14) and Assam (13). ASG DPBDPB

Railways to deploy over 2,500 docs, 35,000 paramedics at COVID-19 care centres

Mumbai, Jun 11 () Death of two women coronavirus patients from a family in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district has shone a spotlight on the nightmarish situation at government hospitals which are struggling to cope with the pandemic. The death of one of them -- an 82-year-old woman -- made headlines on Wednesday as she had gone 'missing' according to the hospital, and her body was found inside the toilet eight days later. On Thursday, a case for 'causing death by negligence' was registered against concerned staff by Jalgaon city police. The other patient, the woman's daughter-in-law, died while waiting for ICU bed in the hospital on May 31. Speaking to on Thursday, district collector Avinash Dhakane said that at least three other coronavirus patients had died at the Jalgaon Civil Hospital after fainting while walking to the toilet unassisted. "Even this 82-year-old lady had reported only 76 per cent oxygen level. She should have been either given bed pan or helped by the hospital staff to reach the toilet," he said. The woman's grandson works in a private company in Pune. His father is recovering from COVID-19 at a private hospital in Nashik. The young man's parents and his grandmother who lived in Bhusaval tested positive for virus in the last week of May. He himself could not go and meet them as his wife is nine months pregnant, he said. The young man's mother was taken to Jalgaon Civil Hospital after she complained of breathlessness on May 31. According to him, she had to wait in the hospital's reception area for six hours as no ICU bed was available. "She even fainted once and had to wait for fellow patients to come to rescue as the staff did not help her. She died in the waiting room on May 31," he said. The older woman's case was more shocking as the hospital staff did not realise that she had died in the toilet until June 10. A senior official of the civil hospital said paramedical personnel were afraid of dealing with COVID-19 patients. "There were arguments with the medical staff as they were reluctant to serve COVID-19 patients," he said. Collector Dhakane said there were only five toilet units on the floor. "It means nobody from the hospital went to clean the toilet for eight days. The foul smell from inside forced other patients to call the authorities," he said. Hospital dean Dr B S Khaire was suspended late Wednesday night. On Thursday, a case under sections 304(A) (causing death by negligence) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC was registered against the concerned doctor, nurses, ward boys, sweepers and other staff. "We will ascertain the role of doctors, nurses and other staff who were deputed in the ward 7 from June 1 to 10," said a local police official. ND DC ARU KRK KRK

Two COVID-19 deaths in family show chaos at govt hospitals

Aurangabad, Jul 12 () Expressing concern over rising number of COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the government was planning to set up sample testing laboratories in all districts. Thackeray has inaugurated a COVID RT-PCR laboratory in Jalna city in Marathwada via video conferencing from Mumbai. RT-PCR or the real-time polymerase chain reaction test is the most commonly used one for Covid-19. "When coronavirus transmission began, we had only two testing labs. That number has gone up to 110 now. The state is now planning to set up such testing facilities in every district," he said. The CM said the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic should be fought with a positive mindset. The state government has augmented various health facilities for people, and also ramped up tracing and testing, he said. "....Some places have temporary facilities but the government is planning to make them permanent," the chief minister said. Health and Jalna district guardian minister Rajesh Tope said results of samples will now be available quickly through the BSL-3 type new laboratory. "The laboratory can also test HIV samples," he said, adding that plasma and antibody testing machines will also be made available soon. Union Minister and local MP Raosaheb Danve said the state and Central governments are taking steps to curb the pandemic. District collector Ravindra Binwade said the newly- inaugurated laboratory has been established with the expenditure of Rs 1.07 crore. "It has the capacity to test 500 swab samples," he added. Maharashtra's COVID-19 cases spiked by 7,827 to 2,54,427 on Sunday while the number of fatalities mounted by 173 to 10,289, as per state Health department. AW/CORR NSK NSK

Maha govt will set up COVID-19 labs in all districts: CM

<ul><li>India's COVID-19 caseload has breached 94.31 lakh as of November 30.</li><li>In order to battle the rising COVID cases, states and district authorities have imposed several curbs on the local levels. </li><li>Here’s a quick look at which states have imposed fresh curfews and restrictions to combat coronavirus spread.</li></ul>The number of COVID-19 cases in India are on the rise again. While most European countries have already seen the second wave of coronavirus sweep over the continent — India had so far been sheltered. That may no longer be the case. Experts believe India is now riding on the second<a href="https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/india-vulnerable-to-second-wave-of-coronavirus-aiims-director"> wave of COVID-19 nationwide</a>. After keeping at around 29,000 new cases daily earlier this month, things took a turn for the worse when the country recorded nearly 39,000 cases on November 30. As of November 30,India's Covid-19 tally has breached to 94.31 lakh mark with 38,772 fresh cases, while the recoveries surged to 88,47,600, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Monday. As the crisis grows, state and district authorities have imposed several curbs on local levels. Here’s a quick look at the states that have imposed fresh curfews and restrictions to combat coronavirus in India: Uttar Pradesh: Government issued a fresh set of COVID-19 guidelines The Uttar Pradesh government issued a fresh set of guidelines, authorising the districts’ administration to impose night curfews and local restrictions, based on the assessment of the situation in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The new guidelines with regard to social and other gatherings, including marriage parties, outside containment zones will remain the same as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/section-144-imposed-in-lucknow-kanpur-ghaziabad-greater-noida-meerut-and-agra/articleshow/79423248.cms">issued by the state government on November 23</a>. Tamil Nadu: TN extends COVID-19 restrictions till December 31 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday extended the COVID-19 lockdown in the state till December 31 subject to certain relaxations. In a statement issued here, Palaniswami said based on the discussions with medical, public health experts and District Collectors to prevent coronavirus spread, the Covid-19 lockdown is extended till December 31 from November 30. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/tamil-nadu-extends-covid-19-restrictions-till-december-31/articleshow/79484878.cms">Checkout the detailed guideline here.</a> Rajasthan: Government imposes night curfew in 13 districts Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has decided to impose lockdown in containment zones till December 31 and increase night curfew from 11 to 13 districts of the state. The government issued guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution for the period of December 1 to December 31. Taking in account the prevailing COVID-19 scenario in the state, it has been decided to force lockdown in containment zones till December 31, according to the order issued on Sunday night. The state government has increased the number of districts from 8 to 13, where the night curfew will be imposed from 8 pm to 6 am. Kota, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Nagaur, Pali, Tonk, Sikara and Ganganagar are the districts where the night curfew has been imposed. Uttarakhand: CM Trivendra Singh Rawat issues new COVID-19 guidelines Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat-led government has come up with fresh guidelines with certain restrictions such as the ceiling of 100 people in marriage, religious, educational and entertainment events. The state earlier allowed up to 200 people for such events. The government has also directed inter-state travellers to register themselves on the smart city website. The government has also made the COVID-19 test mandatory for people coming from Delhi. Punjab: Night curfew from December 1 As the coronavirus cases surged in Punjab, the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has imposed night curfew in all towns and cities from 10 pm to 5 am, starting December 1. The government has also doubled the fine for people flouting COVID-19 rules effective from December 1. The fine for not wearing masks and not following social distancing norms has been hiked from ₹500 to ₹1,000. Gujarat: After Ahmedabad, night curfew in Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot The police commissioner of Ahmedabad, Sanjay Shrivastav, has decided to extend the night curfew in the city till December 11 in view of the prevailing coronavirus situation. The Gujarat government had imposed a night curfew in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot from Saturday 9:00 pm due to a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases. After the Diwali festivities, there has been a significant rise in the number of COVID cases in Gujarat, especially in the financial capital of the state, Ahmedabad. Many people were seen roaming the markets without adhering the standard precautions. The state authorities had earlier announced the curfew till December 7. “People must remain indoors during this period. People must not stand at public roads, streets or public places or move around on foot or in vehicles during this period," the order said. Himachal Pradesh: Night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am Himachal Pradesh is the latest state to impose night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am in 4 districts — Shimla, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu. The government has ordered schools and colleges to be closed until December 31. The government has also increased the fine for not wearing masks from ₹500 to ₹1,000. Madhya Pradesh: Night curfew in five district The Madhya Pradesh Government has also ordered night curfew in five districts due to rising COVID-19 cases. They have already come into effect in Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Vidisha, and Ratlam districts from Saturday and will be effective from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am every day. Maharashtra: Covid negative report mandatory to enter Maharashtra As Covid-19 cases are on the upswing in several parts of the country, Maharashtra on Monday imposed conditions for all travellers arriving in the state from Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan and Delhi, starting from Wednesday (November 25). The state has made it compulsory for a RT-PCR negative test report for all people arriving by air, road or rail from these four states. In a notification, the state has said that for people who land here by flights, the RT-PCR test must have been done within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival at the Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad airports. For those entering the state by roads, the administrations in the state's border districts will make arrangements for checking symptoms, body temperature and conducting tests before they are permitted onward travel in Maharashtra. Haryana: Khattar shuts down schools, lockdown may not be on the cards After nearly 150 students tested positive, the Haryana government ordered the closure of schools in the state until November 30. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has also appealed to people to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines, like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the state. "Now, the issue comes whether we should impose another lockdown, which can be done with just one order. But we have seen earlier that markets and factories were closed and how people faced difficulty. We have seen that phase... if at this stage, we can take full precautions to help check the spread of this infection, we must do that," Khattar said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/heres-what-to-expect-from-maruti-mm-hero-bajaj-auto-in-november-car-bike-sales/articleshow/79489474.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"> November auto sales estimates — Here’s what to expect from Maruti, M&amp;M, Hero, Bajaj Auto, and other automakers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/centre-invites-agitating-farmer-unions-for-talks-on-december-1-two-days-ahead-of-a-scheduled-meeting/articleshow/79502391.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Centre invites agitating farmer unions for talks on December 1, two days ahead of a scheduled meeting</a>

Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand issue fresh COVID-19 guidelines, TN extends lockdown — these are the states reimposing curfews and restrictions

(Eds: combining related stories, adds PM quotes) New Delhi, Jun 17 () India recorded the highest ever spike of 2,003 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday after Maharashtra and Delhi added earlier fatalities not attributed to the disease as Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked states to make full use of the expanded coronavirus testing capacity and saving lives a top priority. Modi also called for fighting the stigma associated with the coronavirus and that people should be assured there is no need to panic if somebody has contracted the infection as the number of recovered patients has also been rising. The COVID-19 recovery rate for the country currently stood at around 53 per cent. The COVID-19 death toll stood at 11,903 while the number of cases jumped by over 10,000 for the sixth day to cross another grim milestone of over 3.5 lakh cases, according to Union Health ministry data. The COVID-19 caseload climbed to 3,54,065 with 10,974 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours. Of the 2,003 new deaths, Maharashtra accounted for the highest 1,409 fatalities taking its COVID-19 death tally to 5,537, while the death toll in Delhi stood at 1,837 after 437 more people died of the disease, according to the data updated at 8 am. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi are the three worst affected states. "The sudden surge in deaths is based on entry of data by the states. Maharashtra and Delhi have reconciled data from previous days," a Health Ministry official said. As COVID-19 cases spike, some states came out with new strategies to check the spread of the disease. In a first, Tamil Nadu tested as many as 25,463 samples in a single day while 2,174 people tested positive for the coronavirus, the highest increase in a 24-hour period, propelling the tally to over 50,000. The Maharashtra government has been testing samples aggressively and tracing new cases under 'chase the virus' strategy, and has also ramped up health infrastructure, according to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. With this strategy, the virus spread has been significantly contained in Dharavi, the biggest and thickly-populated slum sprawl in Mumbai, an official release quoted Thackeray as having told the prime minister during a video conference. The state's COVID-19 tally stood at 1,13,445 as on June 16, according to a state health bulletin. The Karnataka government has decided to conduct random testing on slum dwellers, vendors and bill collectors at markets, delivery and courier boys among others, aimed at effective surveillance, an official circular said. The death toll has breached the 100 mark to touch 102, while the number of cases rose by 204 to total 7,734. In Delhi, health surveys were conducted for a population of 1,77,692 in 242 containment zones between June 15-16 in a bid to improve contact mapping in the national capital, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah stepped in and announced a slew of measures to fight the pandemic. Speaking to chief ministers and representatives of 14 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir through video conference, Modi underlined the emotional aspect of the fight against the coronavirus, including battling fear of being afflicted, and the stigma attached by making people aware of the high number of those who have defeated the infection and recovered. The active cases stood at 1,55,227, while 1,86,934 people have recovered, according to official figures. Saving lives should be the top priority, Modi told the chief ministers, as he called for expanding the health infrastructure of the states, according to an official statement. The Wednesday interaction was the second and final segment of Modi's sixth round of consultations with chief ministers in the last three months on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Referring to the rise in number of infections, he underscored the need for testing, tracking, tracing and isolating COVID-19 patients to deal with the pandemic. Noting that the spread of COVID-19 is more in a few big states and cities, he asked states to make full use of their existing testing capacity and also work to augment health infrastructure. India has stepped up testing capacity significantly to three lakh samples per day with a network for 924 laboratories including 674 in the government sector. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 60,84,256 samples have been analysed for coronavirus in the country till June 16 with 1,63,187 tested on Tuesday. The prime minister said big crowds, lack of physical-distancing, daily movement of large number of people and small houses in some cities have made the battle against the coronavirus "more challenging". People's discipline during the nationwide lockdown has stopped the virus' exponential growth, he said, adding that India is now better placed than earlier vis-à-vis treating patients, health infrastructure and trained manpower. The Maharashtra government demanded from the Centre COVID-19 treatment drugs remdesivir and tocilizumab "in large quantity and at reasonable rate". Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the state also wants the Centre to provide additional 500 ventilators. "We have been issuing remdesivir and tocilizumab drugs to treat COVID-19 patients on case-to-case basis with the help of ICMR. But now we need these medicines in large numbers and at reasonable price from the Centre for treatment of patients," he said. The AIIMS, meanwhile, conducted a pilot study to assess the effect of low dose radiation therapy in alleviating symptoms of pneumonia in coronavirus-infected patients. Dr D N Sharma, head of the Radiation Oncology department at AIIMS and the principal investigator of the research project, said two COVID-19 patients who were on oxygen support were given the therapy last Saturday and their condition has improved since then. He said the two patients, aged above 50 and who were being treated at the National Cancer Institute, AIIMS, Jhajjar, are off the oxygen support now. Sharma said eight more patients will undergo the therapy after which the data of the results will be analysed. If the therapy is found is to be effective in COVID-19 treatment in moderate to severe cases, the research project would be expanded further. "Radiation therapy usually is given in high doses for cancer treatment but in this case we are giving a safe low dose of radiation at 70 cGy in one sitting to the patient," he elaborated. The entire treatment takes around 15 to 20 minutes and has no side-effects. According to Sharma, this treatment mode was used till 1940s for treating pneumonia when there were no antibiotics. "Similar studies are being conducted in the US, Spain and Italy also," he said. PLB NAB KR ND ACB MR KSU VGN GSN GSN GSN

India registers highest-ever spike of 2,003 COVID-19 deaths; make saving lives a top priority, PM to states

(Eds: adds updated figures) New Delhi, Jun 17 () Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked states to make full use of the expanded COVID-19 testing capacity and saving lives a top priority as India recorded the highest ever spike of 2,003 coronavirus deaths after Maharashtra and Delhi added earlier fatalities not attributed to the disease. Modi also called for fighting the stigma associated with coronavirus and that people should be assured there is no need to panic if somebody has contracted the infection as the number of recovered patients has also been rising. The COVID-19 recovery rate for the country currently stood at around 53 per cent. The COVID-19 death toll stood at 11,903 while the number of cases jumped by over 10,000 for the sixth day to cross another grim milestone of over 3.5 lakh cases, according to Union Health ministry data. The COVID-19 caseload climbed to 3,54,065 with 10,974 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours. According to a tally based on reports from the states, the number of cases jumped by 15,082 to total 3,56,044 with 1,92,571 recoveries. The death toll stood at 12,183. Of the 2,003 new deaths, Maharashtra accounted for the highest 1,409 fatalities taking its COVID-19 death tally to 5,537, while the death toll in Delhi stood at 1,837 after 437 more people died of the disease, according to the data updated at 8 am. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi are the three worst affected states. "The sudden surge in deaths is based on entry of data by the states. Maharashtra and Delhi have reconciled data from previous days," a Health Ministry official said. As COVID-19 cases spike, some states came out with new strategies to check the spread of the disease. In a first, Tamil Nadu tested as many as 25,463 samples in a single day while 2,174 people tested positive for the coronavirus, the highest increase in a 24-hour period, propelling the tally to over 50,000. The Maharashtra government has been testing samples aggressively and tracing new cases under 'chase the virus' strategy, and has also ramped up health infrastructure, according to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. With this strategy, the virus spread has been significantly contained in Dharavi, the biggest and thickly-populated slum sprawl in Mumbai, an official release quoted Thackeray as having told the prime minister during a video conference. The state's COVID-19 tally stood at 1,16,752, according to a state health bulletin. The Karnataka government has decided to conduct random testing on slum dwellers, vendors and bill collectors at markets, delivery and courier boys among others, aimed at effective surveillance, an official circular said. The death toll has breached the 100 mark to touch 102, while the number of cases rose by 204 to total 7,734. In Delhi, health surveys were conducted for a population of 1,77,692 in 242 containment zones between June 15-16 in a bid to improve contact mapping in the national capital, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah stepped in and announced a slew of measures to fight the pandemic. Speaking to chief ministers and representatives of 14 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir through video conference, Modi underlined the emotional aspect of the fight against the coronavirus, including battling fear of being afflicted, and the stigma attached by making people aware of the high number of those who have defeated the infection and recovered. The active cases stood at 1,55,227, while 1,86,934 people have recovered, according to the health ministry. Saving lives should be the top priority, Modi told the chief ministers, as he called for expanding the health infrastructure of the states, according to an official statement. The Wednesday interaction was the second and final segment of Modi's sixth round of consultations with chief ministers in the last three months on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Referring to the rise in number of infections, Modi underscored the need for testing, tracking, tracing and isolating COVID-19 patients to deal with the pandemic. Noting that the spread of COVID-19 is more in a few big states and cities, he asked states to make full use of their existing testing capacity and also work to augment health infrastructure. India has stepped up testing capacity significantly to three lakh samples per day with a network for 924 laboratories including 674 in the government sector. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 60,84,256 samples have been analysed for coronavirus in the country till June 16 with 1,63,187 tested on Tuesday. The prime minister said big crowds, lack of physical-distancing, daily movement of large number of people and small houses in some cities have made the battle against the coronavirus "more challenging". People's discipline during the nationwide lockdown has stopped the virus' exponential growth, he said, adding that India is now better placed than earlier vis-à-vis treating patients, health infrastructure and trained manpower. The Maharashtra government demanded from the Centre COVID-19 treatment drugs remdesivir and tocilizumab "in large quantity and at reasonable rate". Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the state also wants the Centre to provide additional 500 ventilators. "We have been issuing remdesivir and tocilizumab drugs to treat COVID-19 patients on case-to-case basis with the help of ICMR. But now we need these medicines in large numbers and at reasonable price from the Centre for treatment of patients," he said. The AIIMS, meanwhile, conducted a pilot study to assess the effect of low dose radiation therapy in alleviating symptoms of pneumonia in coronavirus-infected patients. Dr D N Sharma, head of the Radiation Oncology department at AIIMS and the principal investigator of the research project, said two COVID-19 patients who were on oxygen support were given the therapy last Saturday and their condition has improved since then. He said the two patients, aged above 50 and who were being treated at the National Cancer Institute, AIIMS, Jhajjar, are off the oxygen support now. Sharma said eight more patients will undergo the therapy after which the data of the results will be analysed. If the therapy is found is to be effective in COVID-19 treatment in moderate to severe cases, the research project would be expanded further. "Radiation therapy usually is given in high doses for cancer treatment but in this case we are giving a safe low dose of radiation at 70 cGy in one sitting to the patient," he elaborated. The entire treatment takes around 15 to 20 minutes and has no side-effects. According to Sharma, this treatment mode was used till 1940s for treating pneumonia when there were no antibiotics. "Similar studies are being conducted in the US, Spain and Italy also," he said. PLB NAB KR ND ACB MR KSU VGN PM GSN GSN GSN

Make saving lives a top priority, PM to states; India records highest-ever spike of 2,003 COVID-19 deaths

<ul><li>Chhattisgarh schools and colleges to remain closed till March 31: CM Bhupesh Baghel </li><li>Google Bengaluru office employee tests positive. </li><li>Indo-Pak check post in Punjab's Attari shuts as a precautionary measure. </li><li>Indian equity market crashed; trading halted for 45 minutes, amid <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> fears.</li></ul>India reported its first death due to coronavirus in Karnataka yesterday (March 12) after the epidemic infected more than 79 people in India. So far, the world has reported more than 130,000 cases, and the pandemic has killed almost 5000 people, across the globe. Nagpur reports two cases of Coronavirus Nagpur reports two cases of Coronavirus taking the total to three positive in the city, said Maharashtra divisional commissioner confirmed. Currently in Maharashtra, 16 people have tested positive including nine in Pune, three in Mumbai, one in Thane and three in Nagpur. Haryana closes educational institutes in five districts The Haryana government on Friday (March 13) decided to close all colleges and universities in five districts located adjoining the national capital till March 31 as a precautionary measure. This press statement by the state’s Higher Education Department stated that all government and private schools in Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Faridabad and Gurugram districts, in the neighbourhood of Delhi, will be closed. However, the schools in other districts of the state will function as usual. Italian restaurant employee tests positive in Manesar A quarantined Indian has tested positive of coronavirus at the Indian Army’s Manesar facility. He was employed with a restaurant in Italy for the last 14 years and had returned to India on March 11. Google Bengaluru office employee tests positive After Google confirmed that an employee from the Bengaluru office had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the tech major directed all its employees in the office to work from home. “We have taken and will continue to take necessary precautionary measures, following the advice of public health officials,” Google spokesperson told <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1238312106652393473">ANI</a>. Noida firm redirects 700 employees to work from home A Noida based private firm directed around 700 of its employees to work from home after one of its senior executives was tested positive for COVID-19. The company said the employee who tested positive was a resident of Delhi and had interacted with several people in the office. Wuhan evacuees tested negative at ITBP quarantine The third batch of 112 evacuees at ITBP Quarantine Facility in New Delhi tested negative for coronavirus. The batch was airlifted to Delhi from China and quarantined last month and had 76 Indians and 36 foreign nationals, PTI reported. 44 Indians evacuated from Iran to arrive in Jaisalmer As many as 44 Indians evacuated from Iran will arrive at the Army camp in Jaisalmer on Friday, Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said. "We have been informed by the central government that 44 Indians evacuated from Iran will arrive today at the Army camp in Jaisalmer. All are tested negative. As per the protocol, they will be kept in isolation at the Army Hospital for 14 days. Collector Jaisalmer has been provided all requisite support and logistics by us and there is no need for any panic," he added. Indo-Pak check post in Punjab's Attari closed The movement of people and commodities from Pakistan at the joint check post (JCP) at Attari near Amritsar in Punjab was suspended indefinitely on Friday as a precautionary measure. Also, commodities arriving from Afghanistan via Pakistan would not be allowed to enter India through this Attari-Wagah JCP, around 30 km from Amritsar, a customs official told IANS. Travel by Indian devotees from Dera Baba Nanak town through the Kartarpur Sahib corridor to visit Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Shakargarh tehsil in Narowal district of Pakistan is also likely to be suspended soon, IANS reported. Chhattisgarh schools and colleges closed till March 31: CM Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday (March 12) directed all schools and colleges in the state to be closed till March 31. During the meeting held at the CM’s residence, the decision was taken in line with the Centre’s advisory. Although, the examinations in schools and colleges will be held as per the schedule, according to official statements from the state’s School Education and Higher Education departments. Indian Rupee hits record low The Indian Rupee dropped to a record low on Friday (March 13) amid the global selloff. The Indian rupee fell by another 16 paise to 74.44 against the US dollar. On March 12, the Indian currency had tumbled by 60 paise to close at a new 17-month low of 74.28 against the dollar. Indian Embassy in the US opens 24/7 helpline Indian Embassy and Consulates in the US has opened up a 24/7 helpline for Indians in the USA for queries and clarifications regarding the travel advisory issued by the Indian government. Indian equity market crashed; trading halted for 45 minutes Trading halted in Indian stock markets for 45 minutes as the <keyword id="53232" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BSE-sensex">BSE Sensex</keyword> plunged over 3,100 points or almost 10% on Friday (March 13). Nifty50 was also down by 966 points or almost 10% and stood at 8,624.05. However, the markets rebounded after trading resumed around 10:15 am. The <keyword id="35140" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BSE">BSE</keyword> Sensex was at 32,351 points up from 29,194, while the Nifty recovered over 400 points and stood at 9,503 levels. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/coronavirus">coronavirus: Latest News, Articles on coronavirus | Business Insider India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/what-is-the-meaning-of-pandemic-epidemic-outbreak/articleshow/74587579.cms">What is the meaning of pandemic and how is it different from an epidemic or an outbreak</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-travel-ban-india-on-lockdown-till-april-15/articleshow/74586131.cms">Coronavirus travel ban: India on lockdown till April 15</a>

Coronavirus: Nagpur ​reports two new cases of Coronavirus; total cases in Maharashtra surges to 16

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/51864431.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> People belonging to minority communities of <keyword id="3001" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword>, staying in India on a Long Term Visa, will soon be allowed to buy property, open bank accounts and get PAN and Aadhaar cards, with the <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword> planning to roll out special facilities for them. 
 
Among other concessions the BJP-led government is all set to offer them include reduction in fees for registration as citizens of India from Rs 15,000 to as low as Rs 100. 
 
Though the exact number of minority refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan living in India is not known, according to rough official estimates there are around two lakh such people, mostly Hindus and Sikhs. 
 
There are around 400 Pakistani Hindu refugee settlements in cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Kutch, Bhopal, Indore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Delhi and Lucknow. 
 
"The central government has been constantly reviewing the hardships being faced by the minority communities in Pakistan staying in India on LTV. To ease some of their difficulties, it is proposed to provide the facilities," a notification issued by the Home Ministry says. 
 
The facilities include permitting opening of bank accounts without prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India subject to certain conditions, permission for purchase of dwelling unit for self-occupation and suitable accommodation for carrying out self-employment without prior approval of RBI subject to fulfilment of certain conditions. 
 
Issue of driving licence, PAN and Aadhaar cards, permission to take up self-employment or for doing business which is considered safe from security point of view, dispensing with the requirement of personal appearance before the Foreigners Registration Officer for registration are a few other facilities being planned. 
 
Allowing free movement within the State/ UT where they are staying instead of their movement within the place of stay, allowing free movement to those living in the National Capital Region (NCR), simplifying the procedure for visit to a place in any other State/ UT are being proposed. 
 
Permission for transfer of LTV papers from one State/ UT to another State/ UT, waiver of penalty on non-extension of short term visa/ LTV on time, permission to apply for LTV at the place of present residence in cases where the applicants have moved to the present place of residence without prior permission are some of the other highlights. 
 
It has also been proposed to simplify the procedure for grant of Indian citizenship to such nationals belonging to minority communities in Pakistan. 
 
Collector, Deputy Commissioner or the District Magistrate will be empowered to authorise, in his absence, in writing an officer not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Magistrate for administering the oath of allegiance to the applicant. 
 
Powers will be given to the Collectors or the District Magistrates of a few select districts in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for a period of two years for registration of such Pakistani nationals as citizens of India. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Pakistani Hindus living in India can now buy property, open bank accounts

<ul><li>The Ministry of Health <a href="https://www.mohfw.gov.in/">data</a> shows that there are 1,636 active cases, 132 recovered and 38 dead. </li><li>The number of positive <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> cases linked to the Nizamuddin Markaz where the Tablighi Jamaat held a congregation of thousands has risen to 93. </li><li>Maharashtra saw the sharpest spurt since lockdown, the number of positive cases notched staggering 302, with the highest number from Mumbai.</li></ul>It is day eight of a 21-day lockdown here in India. As the country entered the critical phase of Coronavirus pandemic, it touched a new high today, nearing the 1400 mark with regards to the number of infected people. The Ministry of Health <a href="https://www.mohfw.gov.in/">data</a> shows that there are 1,466 infected people, out of which 132 recovered and 38 died. 13 new COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan, tally reaches 106 A total of 13 new cases of COVID-19 positive patients was reported on Wednesday in Jaipur, taking the total tally to 89 in Rajasthan which when counted with 17 evacuees from Iran, who tested positive in Jodhpur, counted 106 in state, confirmed health officials. All 13 are the contacts of the first person who tested positive in Ramganj a few days ago. They have been kept in isolation at the Rajasthan University of Health Services and NIMS and samples were taken from there, said Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh. The man who tested positive a few days ago after returning from Oman is now been termed as a super-spreader as he also infected his friend a day after he returned. Govt sets up national monitoring dashboard on COVID-19 grievances The government has set up a National Monitoring Dashboard where novel coronavirus or COVID-19 related grievances received in Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System with all ministries, departments, states and Union Territories are monitored on priority basis by a technical team. It aims to ensure timely redress of COVID-19 grievances. Directions have been issued to all ministries and departments to prioritize these grievances and provide redress in three days. The grievances monitored by a technical team of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) which developed the dashboard and implemented it at https://darpg.gov.in. DARPG is the nodal agency of the Central government for administrative reforms as well as redress of public grievances relating to the states in general and those pertaining to Central Government agencies in particular. 25-year-old man succumbed to death in UP Uttar Pradesh reported its first coronavirus-related death on Wednesday after test reports of a 25-year-old man, who died two days ago, came COVID-19 positive. The man was admitted to the BRD Medical College here on Sunday and he was suffering from kidney and liver problems, the institute's principal Ganesh Kumar said. "The sample of the patient was found positive for the coronavirus," an official of the King George's Medical University (KGMU) said in Lucknow. Coronavirus droplets could travel up to 27 feet: MIT scientist New coronavirus droplets could travel up to 27 feet as a sneeze or a cough results in a turbulent gas cloud that could contain SARS-CoV-2 droplets, an MIT researcher has claimed in a paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Lydia Bourouiba, associate professor at MIT and an expert in fluid dynamics, has suggested to revise social distancing of six feet (2 metres) to limit the risk of exposure as well as currently used surgical and N95 masks which "are not tested for these potential characteristics of respiratory emissions". "Mask efficacy as source control depends on the ability of the mask to trap or alter the high-momentum gas cloud emission with its pathogenic payload. Peak exhalation speeds can reach up to 33 to 100 feet per second (10-30 m/s), creating a cloud that can span approximately 23 to 27 feet (7-8 m)," Bourouiba wrote. 6.88 lakh persons surveyed in TN under corona containment plan Around 6.88 lakh individuals residing in 182,815 houses in 16 districts of Tamil Nadu have been surveyed under the Coronavirus Containment Plan. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state government said that 688,473 individuals were surveyed till March 31 under the plan to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Under the plan, seven km radius from the residence of a corona positive person would be marked and officials check each house within the area to ascertain whether anyone else shows signs of coronavirus infection. Covid-19 positive cases from Nizamuddin event at 93, cause a national spike The number of positive coronavirus cases linked to the Nizamuddin Markaz where the Tablighi Jamaat held a congregation of thousands has risen to 93. Due to this, there has been a big spike in India's number of cases and on Tuesday (March 31), 146 new cases were reported by the Union Health Ministry. This takes the total number of COVID-19 positive cases to 1,397 in India, including 1,238 active cases and 35 deaths while 124 persons have been cured. Jamaat participants identified in MP, Noida, Bhopal and Jaunpur After Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz congregation incident led to six deaths in Telangana, many states are scrambling to trace contacts. The Madhya Pradesh government claimed to have identified 82 out of 107 persons who attended a religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi. "We have the addresses of 82 persons out of 107 who have attended Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi. Some of them have been taken for quarantine. The rest of the persons would soon be tracked down," he said. This came after 32 people from Bhopal were put under quarantine in the national capital itself and the Jaunpur administration quarantined about 50 people in the Jaunpur district. Noida administration also twice home quarantined 34 attendees from Gautam Buddh Nagar, who have shown no symptoms of coronavirus yet. Covid-19 positive cases cross 100-mark in <keyword id="6354780" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword> After Maharashtra and Kerala Covid-19 positive cases crossed the 100-mark in Karnataka. As many as 13 more people tested positive in the last 24 hours, raising the state's tally 101, an official said on Tuesday (March 31). "Till date, 101 Covid-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes three deaths and eight discharges," an official said. Among the 90 people currently admitted to different hospitals across the state, the condition of 88 persons is stated to be stable while two are critical -- case number 43 and 101. The 43rd case was a 63-year-old man from Bengaluru who returned on March 19 after travelling to Brazil and Argentina while a 62-year-old woman from the city emerged as positive case number 101. COVID-19 positive cases rise to 4 in Odisha A 29-year-old male from Odisha's Bhadrak district with travel history to Dubai has been tested COVID-19 positive, said the Health department, on Tuesday (March 31). "Fourth COVID-19 positive case in Odisha; 29 years old male of Bhadrak district with travel history to Dubai," tweeted the Health department. Health Secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhal spoke to Bhadrak district collector and asked him to shift the patient to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. UP gets strict as COVID-19 tally reaches 103 The coronavirus tally in Uttar Pradesh reached 103 by Tuesday (March 31) night. Chief Minister <keyword id="43254" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Yogi-Adityanath">Yogi Adityanath</keyword>, in a late-night meeting on Tuesday, also asked officials to strictly enforce the lockdown in the state and ensure strict punishment for violators. Seven new cases were reported from different parts of the state -- five from Bareilly and one each from Noida and Ghaziabad— on Tuesday(March 31). State surveillance officer, Vikasendu Agarwal, said, "The cases in Bareilly are all close relatives of the previous patient who worked in the Noida factory." Chief medical officer of Ghaziabad N.K. Gupta informed that the patient who tested positive for corona was a resident of Murad Nagar area and worked in the cease-fire company of Noida. He said that this is the third case of coronavirus in Ghaziabad associated with the Noida factory. Maha Covid-19 positive cases shoot to 302, 11 deaths Eighteen more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 320, a health official said on Wednesday. "Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally till Tuesday night was 302. Today, we got reports of 18 more people testing positive for the viral infection. This has taken the state tally to 320," the official said. Of the 18 new cases, 16 have been reported from Mumbai and two from Pune, he said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/data-of-coronavirus-patients-state-wise-in-india/articleshow/74669748.cms">Coronavirus cases in India state wise</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/coronavirus-myths-and-facts-here-are-some-rumours-about-covid-19-that-arent-true/articleshow/74487962.cms">Coronavirus myths and facts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/coronavirus-dos-and-donts-for-protection-against-convid-19/articleshow/74475858.cms">Do’s and Don’ts for protection against COVID-19</a>

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 1,636, 132 cured and 38 dead

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48425009.cms" /> 
Indians have come of age and don’t like things in a rush. Gone are the days when people would stand in queue and depend on one’s fate of getting a confirmed booking in travel and accommodation. A recent survey has revealed that 57% Indian book activities in advance to avoid wasting time by standing, long queues for tickets to theme parks and museums. 
 
The survey also brought to light the fact that, 48% Indians are interested in cultural events like Carnivals, Oktoberfest and Tomatina festival. 55% wish to check out the city specific activities &amp; cultural performance. 31% Indians wish to explore the city with locals and enjoy knowing their culture and 48% Indian talk and interact more with the locals. 30% wish to indulge in adventure sports, whereas 21% are curios collectors 47% Indian want to discover unexplored destinations 
 
One of the world’s largest online travel agencies, Expedia, who conducted this survey has studied 520 respondents across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad. 
 
The detailed analysis shows, while 56% Indians preferred to travel in peak season, 44% chose off season. Bangaloreans highest to prefer off season at 55%, key reasons being better deals on flights &amp; hotels (60%), less crowd (56%), no children running around making noise (33%), easier to get leave (27%) and better service in hotels (24%). 
 
For 60% Indians who love travleing, booking online is easier and 37% find more activity options available. 33% Indians get more suggestions on popular tours/ activities and for 30% its economical. And guess what the best part is? Indians travelers give a damn about Excess baggage (2%) and asking for leaves (4%) from office. 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48424959.cms" />

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