Panaji, Jul 15 () A three-day lockdown with stricter provisions will be enforced in Goa from Friday in view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday. Besides, there will also be a "Janata Curfew" in the state from 8 pm to 6 am every day with effect from Wednesday till August 10, he told reporters. Only people associated with essential services and those having medical emergencies will be allowed to move out during the curfew and lockdown, he said. Sawant said COVID-19 cases are rising in the state, and noted that people are not wearing masks and not following the social distancing guidelines. He said more than 40,000 people in the state have so far been fined for not wearing mask. "Somewhere, we need to be more strict. There should be awareness and discipline among people, he said. The chief minister said COVID-19 cases in the state are expected to peak in next few days due to continued rains. "We are expecting a spike between July 15 and July 20, he said. Sawant also said that COVID care facilities will be set up in all talukas of the coastal state. On Tuesday, Goa reported 170 new COVID-19 cases, its highest single-day spike, taking the tally to 2,753. The state has so far reported 18 deaths due to the disease. RPS GK GK

Three-day lockdown in Goa from Friday to curb COVID-19 spread

<ul><li>PM Modi’s address on ‘complete lockdown’ became the biggest news event in India so far. </li><li>The viewers are more than the finale of Indian Premier League 2019, which stood at 133 million. </li><li>Modi’s first address to the nation about Coronavirus on March 19 — where he announced Janta curfew — saw 83 million viewers across 19 channels. </li></ul>When India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the world's largest lockdown to contain Coronavirus on March 24, as many as 197 million people were glued to TV across 201 news channels, said Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). The lockdown became the biggest news event in India so far. It received more viewers than the finale of Indian Premier League 2019, which had 133 million viewers. Modi’s first address to the nation about Coronavirus on March 19 — where he announced Janta curfew — had 83 million viewers across 19 channels. The announcement about abrogation of Article 370 in August last year had 57 million viewership across 114 channels. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Date </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">PM Address to the nation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Channels </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Viewership in millions </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 November 2016 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Demonetisation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">114 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">57 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 August 2019 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Article 370 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">163 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">65 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">19 March 2020 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Janata Curfew due to COVID-19 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">191 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">83 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">24 March 2020 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Complete Lockdown in India due to COVID-19 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">201 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">197 </td></tr></tbody></table> Most people watch TV through the day As thousands of people stay indoors and work from home, total TV consumption throughout India in Week 1 (starting March 14) has gone up by 8%. The growth is derived from the increase in viewership during non-prime time slots (8 am-5 pm). According to the report, most people watch TV throughout the day. Moreover, the curiosity about coronavirus had led to an 8% increase in the news user base in the first week of coronavirus disruption. An average user in India spends 32 minutes per week to watch news. “We are living through unprecedented times. Physical social distancing seems to have a phenomenal growth in virtual social togetherness with an almost 20% increase in time spent per user on chats, social media and news in the last one week,” Dolly Jha Country Leader, Nielsen Global Media, South Asia said. Nielsen report anticipates the viewership of TV, smartphones and social media to grow further. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-cases-in-maharashtra-news-and-updates/articleshow/74768562.cms">Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra </a>

Modi’s address on ‘complete lockdown’ drew nearly 200 million viewers on TV — making it the biggest news in India so far

<ul><li> PM Modi called for a ‘Janata Curfew’ - a unique voluntary lockdown to be implemented and supervised by citizens on March 22. </li><li>This week will be very crucial for India. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India is in the second stage of transmission which is local transmission. </li><li>Moreover, there are no signs on community transmission as yet but that could change. </li></ul>On March 20, India recorded its fifth death due to coronavirus after an Italian tourist died in Jaipur. The Union Health Ministry said that India now has 219 infected people — out of which 20 have recovered and five are dead. There are numerous steps taken by Indian government to fight the Coronavirus. PM Modi has called for a ‘Janata Curfew’ - a unique voluntary lockdown to be implemented and supervised by citizens on March 22. This week will be very crucial for India. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India is in the second stage of transmission which is local transmission. Moreover, there are no signs on community transmission as yet but that could change. Here are the different <keyword id="8931635" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="stages-of-coronavirus">stages of Coronavirus</keyword> spread and how they determine the status of a country: Stage 1: Imported Cases 
 <div type="image" title="BFDD027C-DC56-4801-B278-2FE44EC2B460" msid="74728659" hostid="261"></div>



 This is the stage when the virus has just entered a country through someone who returned from a foreign country. India confirmed its first Coronavirus case on January 30, when a student from Wuhan University returned to Kerala. In this stage, most of the cases diagnosed are those of people who have traveled history to foreign countries. Stage 2: Local Transmission 
 <div type="image" title="D770992D-EC97-40BB-8000-DC5D0E66C272" msid="74728663" hostid="261"></div>



 Since the virus is highly contagious, local transmission takes place when people come in contact with the infected. Hence, only those people who have been in touch with Coronavirus patients are tested. ICMR claims that India is in the second stage. However, experts believe that the country is yet to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-51922204">identify thousands of cases as it is testing very few.</a> As of March 19, ICMR tested 13,786 individuals. Stage 3: Community Transmission 
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 Community transmission happens when a country starts reporting domestic cases. There are no signs of community transmission in India yet, according to ICMR. They have also started testing random samples of around 1,000 individuals. However, Tamil Nadu’s second patient who tested positive without any travel history has raised fears of a community transmission. Stage 4: Epidemic This is the last stage and happens when a large number of people are infected with the disease. Health authorities are forced to choose who to give treatment as the number of patients is very high and facilities are limited. This can be seen in Italy which reported 3,405 deaths. The number of cases rose exponentially in China too which reported 80,967 confirmed cases. Chinese government recently declared that they have reported a new case of community transmission and their temporary hospitals are closed. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/the-cost-of-containing-coronavirus-the-world-has-set-aside-3-trillion-so-far/articleshow/74725124.cms">The cost of containing Coronavirus — the world has set aside $3 trillion so far</a>

Stages of Coronavirus and how they determine the status of a country

Mumbai, Apr 6 () Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was once again criticised for sharing fake news on social media by retweeting a post on Twitter that falsely showed an illuminated India in the world map on Sunday.Last Friday, Prime Minister Narendrea Modi had appealed people to switch off lights at their homes and light laps, candles, diya's and mobile phone torches on Sunday for nine minutes at 9pm to show solidarity in the country's fight against Coronavirus.Bachchan, 77, shared a tweet showing how the entire country was 'lit up' with lamps and candles for the #9pm9minutes drive."The World sees us .. we are ONE .." the actor wrote as he shared the post.Bachchan is one of the most active and followed celebrities on social media. His followers count on Twitter alone stands at a staggering 41.1 million.Calling out the tweet as fake, a social media user said, "And the #KingOfFakeNews is back appreciating a Whatsapp forward. Request @TwitterIndia to suspend him and save us the daily embarrassment."This is the third time in a little over a fortnight that the actor has shared misinformation on social media.On March 23, Bachchan was called out for one of his tweets, which claimed vibrations from clapping, blowing conch shells as part of Janata Curfew would have reduced or destroyed coronavirus potency as it was 'amavasya', the darkest day of the month. Even the Press Information Bureau busted the viral fake claim, writing, "NO! The vibration generated by clapping together will NOT destroy #Coronavirus infection."Four days later, Bachchan shared a video in which he cited Chinese experts to claim that COVID-19 spreads through flies, a claim which was later busted by the Union Health Ministry. RDS BKBK

Amitabh Bachchan shares fake news on Twitter again, gets trolled

Police have imposed prohibitory orders in Mumbai, Pune and Thane cities of the state from early Monday to March 31. Police have invoked section 144 of the CrPC, which gives them wide-ranging preventive and remedial enforcement powers. As per the orders, the restrictions have been imposed in Mumbai, Pune and Thane cities from Monday 5 am to March 31. The Mumbai police had earlier issued a separate order for section 144 for period between 9 pm on Sunday, the time the Janata curfew ended, till 5 am on Monday. As per the orders, religious events, cultural ceremonies, festivals, fairs, sporting activities in private or public places where five or more people come together, will be prohibited. The order will restrict presence or movement of one or more persons in public places and also any vehicles carrying such persons. The ban is also applicable to restaurants, eateries, permit rooms, pubs, malls, theatres, swimming pools, schools, colleges and gyms. However, the order does not apply to establishments that come under essential services such as hospitals, pathology labs, post offices, banks, water supply, power companies, groceries, clinics, petrol pumps railway stations, ST stands, airports and last rites. Violators would be punished under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the <keyword id="75223" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Penal-Code">Indian Penal Code</keyword>, the order said. ZA SPK COR NP NP

Coronavirus: Mumbai, Pune and Thane locked down till March 31

<ul><li>The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday announced that around 35 lakh labourers in the state will get ₹1,000 each as financial aid .</li><li>Chief Minister <keyword id="43254" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Yogi-Adityanath">Yogi Adityanath</keyword> has directed officials for immediate release of payment to MNREGS workers in the state and to make foodgrains available to the poor in cities and villages.</li><li>The statement said all metro services in UP will be closed Sunday and that bus services of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and city bus services will be closed from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm.</li></ul>The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday announced that around 35 lakh labourers in the state will get ₹1,000 each as financial aid while free ration for one month will be provided to 1.65 crore construction workers amid the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> outbreak. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials for immediate release of payment to MNREGS workers in the state and to make foodgrains available to the poor in cities and villages, a statement issued by the UP government said. "In view of the precautions being taken throughout the country to prevent the coronavirus outbreak, the state government is alert and cautious. With immediate effect, the state government will provide Rs 1,000 per person for maintenance to 35 lakh labourers. This payment will be sent directly to their accounts through direct bank transfers," said the statement issued on Saturday. It said Adityanath has instructed officials to provide one month free ration in April to over 1.65 crore construction workers and daily labourers registered under the Antyodaya Yojana and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme (MNREGS) with the Labour Department. Daily wage labourers in urban areas who do not have ration cards will get the document on priority basis, the statement said. It said the chief minister has also directed officials that payment be immediately released to the MNREGS workers in the state. "Orders have been issued to provide food grains to those working in rural and urban areas in the state, especially to labourers, cart pullers and others," the statement said. Adityanath appealed to the people of the state to stay indoors during Sunday's 'Janata' curfew called for by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>. "A call for Janta curfew was given. Please stay in your homes. Metro trains, roadways buses and city buses will not operate on Sunday," the statement said on behalf of the chief minister. It said all metro services in UP will be closed Sunday and that bus services of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and city bus services will be closed from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. "Coronavirus is in the second stage all over the country. It will convey a big message to the entire world if we are successful in stopping this at this stage. To curb this infection, we are working on a war footing. Isolation wards have been set up in every district hospital and medical college. So far, 23 patients have been identified in the state, out of which nine have completely recovered. There is no need to panic, but prepare yourself to fight against this challenge," the UP chief minister said in the statement. He asked traders to not hoard essential items and people to purchase only necessary things, assuring people that the state has enough food grain. He urged people to not crowd or stand in queues at shops to prevent the infection from spreading. Adityanath said coronavirus spreads through infection and that the disease has to stopped at any cost. Reminding people of the Prime Minister's appeal to citizens to avoid going to crowded places and not to hold any public gathering, Adityanath said as a precautionary measure the government has directed shutting down of all educational institutions, multiplexes, theatres and malls in the state and that unnecessary traffic has been stopped. The Chief Minister appealed that the public should not go to the markets unnecessarily during the Janta curfew on Sunday. "We should all stay at our homes. The government has enough medicines and food grains. There will be no shortage of necessary items in the market. Everyone will get goods, and they should not queue at shops, and hoard unnecessarily," he said.

Coronavirus in UP: Government announces ₹1,000 financial aid to 35 lakh labourers, free ration to 1.65 crore workers

<ul><li>Indian government has denied all claims of extending the <keyword id="91743" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="lockdown">lockdown</keyword>. </li><li>This comes after government<a href="https://twitter.com/PBNS_India/status/1244464697790713858"> run- Prasar Bharti News Service</a>s flagged a report by The Print calling it fake news. </li><li>The Print reported a potential increase in the extension period of the nationwide lockdown by a week, citing unnamed official sources. </li></ul>The Press Information Bureau, the nodal agency of the Government of India, categorically denied all reports that the 21-day lockdown will be extended beyond April 15. The first to flag off a report by The Print which suggested an extension was the government<a href="https://twitter.com/PBNS_India/status/1244464697790713858"> run- Prasar Bharti News Service</a>s. The Print report said that there could be a potential increase in the extension period of the nationwide lockdown by a week, citing unnamed official sources. After that, several government handles tweeted that there would be no extension. <div type="twitter" handle="PIB_India" handlename="PIB India 🇮🇳 #StayHome #StaySafe" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/974552536408444928/TVZG_9jP_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1028" retweetcount="431" status="Alert : There are rumours &amp; media reports, claiming that the Government will extend the #Lockdown21 when it expire… https://t.co/gEhicfagST" createdat="1585541614000" id="1244477847051304962"></div> PM Narendra Modi on March 24 announced a 3-week nationwide lockdown to contain <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword>. He said, “If we do not adhere to the 21 day lockdown, the next 21 years will be affected. And many families will be destroyed.” Previously, Modi announced a voluntary “Janata Curfew” on March 22. While most of the cities wore a deserted look , thousands of migrants in New Delhi were seen rushing to the Uttar Pradesh border in hopes of getting home. With cases growing day by day, pictures of crowded Anand Vihar Bus Terminal sent chills down one’s spine. The lockdown has shut doors of thousands of businesses running across the country which are non-essential. Only selected services including grocery stores, pharmacy and milk shops are permitted to remain open. So far (March 30), India reported 1024 coronavirus cases. Out of which, 96 patients have recovered and 27 died. Delhi alone reported 23 new cases, taking the total <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coranavirus-cases-in-delhi-news-and-updates/articleshow/74773842.cms">number of cases to 72. </a> See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=coronavirus&amp;sortorder=score">Latest update on coronavirus in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/harrowing-pictures-show-how-hundreds-of-thousands-of-migrant-workers-flock-to-state-borders-in-india-despite-the-nationwide-lock-down/articleshow/74870281.cms">Harrowing pictures show hundreds of thousands of migrant workers flocking to state borders in India despite nationwide lock down</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/brands/article/to-break-the-covid-19-chain-mumbai-locals-stopped-working-it-is-now-using-social-media-to-reiterate-the-importance-of-social-distancing/articleshow/74865221.cms">To break the COVID-19 chain, Mumbai locals stopped working; it is now using social media to reiterate the importance of social distancing</a>

Indian government says lockdown won’t be extended beyond 21 days

<ul><li>Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackaray has directed all offices in Mumbai, Pune and other select areas to remain shut till March 31.</li><li>The directive goes into effect at midnight today, March 20.</li><li>Residents have been assures that basic supplies like groceries and other necessities will remain available.</li></ul>As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads in India, states are taking stringent precautions to ensure that social distancing and self isolation are followed. The chief minister of Maharashtra <keyword id="53973" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uddhav-Thackeray">Uddhav Thackeray</keyword> has announced that all offices in Mumbai and its suburbs, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur will remain closed till March 31. The directive goes into effect at midnight today, March 20. Government offices are also being thinned down with instructions to operate with only 25% of the staff. Train and bus services will also continue to function to in order to help medical workers and other staff working to render essential services, such hospital employees. 
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="PIBMumbai" handlename="PIB in Maharashtra" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1012213722406793216/63uZpWnP_normal.jpg" favoritecount="9" retweetcount="3" status="Maharashtra CM Shri Uddhav Thackeray addressing the state https://t.co/jvO5G1s4wi #CoronaVirusUpdate #COVID" createdat="1584692890000" id="1240918038242684934"></div>









 Even though a lot of shops will now be shut, residents of the area need not panic. Groceries, milk and other day-to-day items shall still remain available. The government also appealed to establishments to not stop paying minimum wages to their staff. Bank will remain open. Other financial institution like stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, and SEBI registered participants are also except from the directive. However, people are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary movement. Maharashtra currently has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country with 47 people confirmed with the infection. Mumbai and Pune, in particular, are two of the worst-hit cities. Two days ago, March 18, the state reported its first death. A 64-year old patient was the third pass away due to Covid-19 in India. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="PIBMumbai" handlename="PIB in Maharashtra" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1012213722406793216/63uZpWnP_normal.jpg" favoritecount="26" retweetcount="9" status="#Mumbaikars stay vigilant &amp; take preventive measures to avoid #Covid_19 The following images shared by @mybmc are… https://t.co/GUXpBY2JPX" createdat="1584690345000" id="1240907363500032000"></div>





 Despite the dramatic rise in coronavirus cases, the hustle and bustle on most streets continues despite public transportation being curbed. The Maharashtra government’s announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced last night that a voluntary shutdown deemed ‘Janata Curfew’ till take place on March 22 from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-updates-in-india-and-steps-taken-by-narendra-modi-government/articleshow/74723667.cms">A look at Indian government response to coronavirus, so far, shows some quick reactions but not enough foresight</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/the-cost-of-containing-coronavirus-the-world-has-set-aside-3-trillion-so-far/articleshow/74725124.cms">The cost of containing Coronavirus — the world has set aside $3 trillion so far</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/coronavirus-cases-across-the-world-news-and-updates/articleshow/74727479.cms">Coronavirus cases across the world: 245,922 infected, 88,465 recovered and 10,048 dead</a>

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray directs offices in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur to shut down till March 31

Kolkata, Mar 20 () West Bengal reported its second <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> case on Friday with a youth having a travel history to the UK testing positive, prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ban all international flights to the state with immediate effect. The 22-year-old resident of Kolkata who is pursing higher studies in the UK had returned on March 13 and was admitted to the Beliaghata ID Hospital here on Thursday with COVID-19 symptoms, health officials said. Swab of the patient was collected and the reports received from the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) confirmed that he had contracted the deadly virus, a health department official said. The youth reported to the Beliaghata ID Hospital on March 19 only after learning about the health status of his friends in Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh, who have tested positive, the official said. Eleven of his family members, domestic helps and drivers were sent to the quarantine unit at Rajarhat in two special ambulances, he added. The official said the youth, a resident of the Ballygunge area, disregarded the advice for medical tests and visited public places, just like the state's first novel coronavirus patient had reportedly done a few days ago. The officials are now trying to ascertain the number of people who had come in contact with him. Earlier this week, an 18-year-old man, who returned from England on March 15, tested positive for the virus. A miffed Banerjee announced two weeks of compulsory home quarantine for those returning from abroad and warned that if they fail to do so, her government would put them under forced quarantine. Following her directive, two women who had recently returned to Kolkata from abroad, were taken to the hospital by police after they disregarded the advice of self isolation and were found to be strolling near their apartment. Welcoming Modi's proposal of staying indoors, Banerjee urged him during a video-conference interaction with him, to ban with immediate effect all international flights to the state. "I have asked them to immediately stop all international flights to Bengal. Bengal shares border with three countries...More than one lakh brothers and sisters recently returned from abroad. International flights are still coming to the city. They should be stopped immediately," she said. The DGCA on Thursday had issued instructions that no international commercial flight will be allowed to disembark its passengers, foreigners or Indians, on Indian soil after 1.30 am on March 23. The Centre also issued a statement that no international flight would be allowed to land in India from March 22 onward for a period of one week. Addressing the media at the state secretariat here, Banerjee said, "We welcome this 'ghar mein raho' proposal, but we should also be provided with infrastructure, more kits to tackle the problem." Modi had on Thursday called for a 'janata curfew' on March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of their house. Banerjee said she also requested the Centre to come up with a relief package for the unorganised sector, which according to her is currently suffering due to COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in the day, she made a slew of announcements, including asking state government employees to come on rotation till March 31 and 50 per cent employees will work from home through e-office system. She said that a state emergency relief fund is being created to receive donations from those who want to donate, in order to fight the pandemic. Banerjee announced that the state government would provide free food grains under the PDS system for next six months, benefitting 7.5 crore people of the state. The state Public Service Commission postponed all written examinations, scheduled from March 21 to April 5, and ongoing physical endurance tests, as a precautionary measure. The state correctional home department has decided not to allow visitors to meet the convicts till March 31, as a precautionary measure. The iconic Coffee House at College Street, for the first time since its inception, on Friday announced closure till March 31. At least two prominent shopping malls have responded to Prime Minister's janata-curfew call and decided to stay shut. A woman, who recently returned from Spain to her hometown Siliguri, disregarded doctor's advice of home quarantine and went out on a walk with her dog on Friday, triggering panic in the area. On Friday, 1,118 passengers have been enlisted for observation while 1,128 people were kept under home surveillance, a bulletin of the state health department said. As many as 14 passengers were sent to the hospital isolation ward in different hospitals, it added. TEAM PNT SNS ZMN See Also - <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> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/helpline-numbers-for-coronavirus-cases-in-india-state-wise/articleshow/74725332.cms">India Helpline number for Coronavirus cases</a>

2nd coronavirus positive case in Bengal, travel history from UK

By Kishor Dwivedi Noida (UP), Apr 23 () As many as 3,219 people have been arrested across Noida and Greater Noida in a month - an average 107 arrests a day - for violating lockdown restrictions, according to police data. Altogether 3,681 people were booked for defying lockdown curbs during the period that saw registration of 944 first information reports (FIRs), stated the police data from March 23 till 7 pm of April 22. The Uttar Pradesh government had announced a three-day lockdown from March 23 and later a country-wide lockdown was announced, an official told , explaining why the data is from March 23. The nation-wide lockdown that restricted people's movement outdoors came into force on March 24 and was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an objective to break the transmission of the deadly coronavirus. The 21-day lockdown was preceded by a day-long voluntary Janata curfew on March 2. On April 14, Modi announced extension of the lockdown till May 3, as law enforcement agencies across in Gautam Buddh Nagar like elsewhere in the country got down to ensure stricter adherence to the guidelines that included action against those out on streets during the pandemic without a valid reason. "Between March 23 and April 22, 3,681 people were booked for violating the lockdown of which 3,219 got arrested and 944 FIRs were registered," the police data stated. The FIRs were registered under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and violation of prohibitory orders put in place under CrPC Section 144, which bars assembly of four or more persons. Separately, five FIRs were registered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in which five people were booked and three of them arrested till April 22, the data said. "During the period, 63,273 vehicles were checked across 200 barrier points in the district and challans issued to 12,118 of them for lockdown violation. Another 807 vehicles were impounded for the offence and Rs 1,47,400 were collected in fines," according to the police data seen by . The district police allowed passage to 3,200 vehicles – more than 106 daily on an average -- that were categorised in the emergency services during the period, according to the data. Gautam Buddh Nagar adjoining Delhi in western UP is one of the worst COVID-19-hit districts in the state and has recorded 103 positive cases of the disease till April 22 evening, trailing only Agra (324) and Lucknow (170), according to official figures. On the brighter side, 48 of the 103 patients have got cured and discharged in the district, which has identified 33 hotspots – areas where more than one COVID-19 case has been detected. KIS DVDV

3,219 arrested in Noida, Greater Noida so far for defying lockdown: police

<ul><li>In the wake of <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword>, Niti Aayog CEO <keyword id="6358887" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amitabh-kant">Amitabh Kant</keyword> in a recent interview said that India needs to be ready for a huge economic impact. </li><li>He said that people will lose jobs in rural and urban areas. </li><li>Kant said that small businesses should be provided better working capital. </li></ul>India is facing one of its darkest hours and is caught in between the need to contain Covid-19 and stop businesses from closing down. Amitabh Kant, CEO, government’s think tank Niti Aayog described them as ‘extraordinary and challenging times’. In a<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGWsdvJBcgo&amp;feature=youtu.be"> virtual interview</a> with the Observer Research Foundation, Kant warned of the economic implications – people will lose jobs, small businesses will suffer. “There will be an economic impact and we should be ready for it. People are going to lose jobs not only in rural areas but urban areas. The state’s first responsibility should be towards people who are at the margin and are going to lose their jobs, and should be able to provide them with a source of livelihood. And that should be in the form of a direct benefit transfer,” he said. While <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/while-pm-modi-called-for-a-janata-curfew-the-kerala-government-implemented-some-serious-steps/articleshow/74717250.cms">Kerala</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coranavirus-cases-in-tamil-nadu-news-and-updates/articleshow/74785909.cms">Tamil Nadu</a> announced measures like free ration and a handout, no national level programme to support daily labourers and other small businesses has been announced. For small businesses, Kant said that we need to look at options of providing them with better working capital. “This is not a time to over-concern yourself with fiscal deficit. This is a time to support the industry,” he said. The government’s fiscal deficit which is the difference between government’s revenues and spending - has ballooned to ₹9.85 lakh crore in the current financial year. ‘RBI needs to look beyond the definition of non-performing assets’ Apart from government, Kant also believes that the central bank should also play a part. According to him, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should provide a larger window for repayment of loans by micro and small and medium businesses. “We have a system where defaults after 90 days are termed as non-performing assets, this needs to be relooked at by the RBI. We need to provide a much much longer window as Coronavirus will go on till about May end minimum and then it will take another 7-8 months for factories to revive themselves,” he said. This also means that supply chains across the world are broken. Kant believes that this also gives India the massive opportunity to step in and become a major supplier. “The Cabinet recently passed a scheme for mobile phone operators of ₹42,000 crore, for big manufacturers to establish their supply chain in India. Based on incremental production in India, they will get support. The second step the government took is a ₹17,000 crore scheme for supporting the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients in India,” he said. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/while-pm-modi-called-for-a-janata-curfew-the-kerala-government-implemented-some-serious-steps/articleshow/74717250.cms">While PM Modi called for a 'janata curfew', the Kerala government implemented some serious steps</a>

People will lose jobs, warns NITI Aayog chief as he pushes for cash handouts

<ul><li>The statue of India’s iconic ‘Common Man’ in Mumbai was spotted wearing a facemask. </li><li>RK Laxman’s Common Man comic strips were known from representing the average India’s concerns.</li><li>Maharashtra is one of the worst hit states with more than 500 Coronavirus positive patients.</li></ul>R.K. Laxman’s daily comic strips about the ‘Common Man’ has always represented the average Indian’s trials and troubles. This time the dhoti-clad comic strip character was spotted wearing a protective facemask in Mumbai. <div type="image" title="commonman3_edited" msid="74983617" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Common Man statue is seen wearing a protective, during a countrywide lockdown as a precautionary measure against the new coronavirus on 3 April 2020&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The biggest statue of <keyword id="1115777" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Common-Man">the Common Man</keyword> is a 8-foot rall bronze structure at the Symbiosis University’s campus in Pune. However, the statue at Mumbai’s Worli seaface is one of the first to come into existence. Maharashtra is one of the worst hit states in India will Coronavirus cases cases rising to 537 after 28 new cases were reported earlier today, April 4, by state’s health department. The Common Man and India The Common Man is always dressed in a dhoti with a small tuft of hair billowing in the wind as he gazes bewildered through his rounded spectacles at the scenes unfolding around him. <div type="image" title="laxman2" msid="74983526" hostid="261"></div> He commented on the most maddening of everyday inconveniences that the average Indian has to face — including what the father of the nation, Mahathma Gandhi, may think of the situations unfolding in the country. <div type="image" title="laxman1" msid="74983540" hostid="261"></div> The Common Man comic strip has always had something to say about some of India’s most significant moments. RK Laxman, the prominent cartoonist behind the series, died in January 2015 at the age of 94. <div type="image" title="laxman3" msid="74983559" hostid="261"></div> Coronavirus and the Common Man The total number of cases in India has reached 2,650 with 183 Coronavirus positive patients cured and 68 deaths. However, these number may not be telling the whole story with experts suggesting that they may be underestimated with India’s testing rate being one of the lowest in the world. According to experts, it’s going to take <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/coronavirus-vaccine-will-at-least-a-year-to-make-but-thats-not-a-reason-to-worry-say-experts/articleshow/74966951.cms">at least a year</a> for there to be a vaccine against Covid-19 that will be effective and safe for human use. In the meanwhile, there’s a nationwide lockdown in place for 21 days. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/whether-india-will-extend-its-coronavirus-lockdown-will-be-decided-by-next-week-say-experts/articleshow/74960603.cms">Whether or not it will be extended</a> will depend on the data at comes in over the course of next week. In Maharasthra, the state’s health minister Rajesh Tope has announced that the state may not lift the lockdown on April 14, even if the nationwide restrictions are lifted, if the residents do not adhere to social distancing and other best practices to avoid the spread of infection. Three days before the lockdown was announced on March 25, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi first tested the waters with a ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/what-is-janata-curfew-that-pm-narendra-modi-suggested-coronavirus-impact/articleshow/74716089.cms">Janata Curfew</a>’. Everyone came out of 5:00 pm to ring bells and make some noise for the dedicated health workers on the front lines of the pandemic. Now, on Sunday April 5, Modi has again asked for the citizens of India to participate in a nationwide exercise. This time everyone is to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/narendra-modi-speech-and-highlights-on-april-3/articleshow/74959547.cms">switch off their lights and light a candle</a>, torch or diya to show a “collective resolve” in fights the Coronavirus infection in India. However, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-power-grids-gear-up-for-1-3-billion-people-switching-of-their-lights-on-april-5/articleshow/74980245.cms">states are concerned</a> that the sudden fluctuation in power supply as everyone shuts off their electricity puts power grids at risk. If a dispatch center or transmission utility were to trip — it could result in a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/modis-bid-for-a-blackout-could-trip-power-grids-heres-what-happened-the-last-two-times-india-had-a-massive-power-outage/articleshow/74981355.cms">cascading effect across the nation</a> akin to the blackouts of 2012. The Common Man would surely have something to say about the troubling times that India is facing today due to the Coronavirus pandemic. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/modis-bid-for-a-blackout-could-trip-power-grids-heres-what-happened-the-last-two-times-india-had-a-massive-power-outage/articleshow/74981355.cms">PM Modi's bid for a blackout could trip power grids — Here's what happened the last two times India had a massive power outage</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-puts-curbs-on-exports-of-testing-kits-with-immediate-effect/articleshow/74979665.cms">India puts curbs on exports of testing kits with immediate effect</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/coronavirus-impact-global-food-supply-chain-could-sky-rocket-with-anxiety-driven-panic-say-experts/articleshow/74977714.cms">Coronavirus' impact on the global food supply chain could sky-rocket with anxiety-driven panic, say experts</a>

India's iconic 'Common Man' wears a facemask in Mumbai to raise awareness around Coronavirus

<ul><li>Kerala is discouraging public gatherings but is yet to shut down its liquor shops.</li><li>People waiting in queues outside these state-run establishments are being directed to stand at least a meter apart by the local authorities.</li><li>One man who tried to petition the Kerala High Court for home delivery of alcohol was fined ₹50,000.</li></ul>Coronavirus may be on the prowl but Kerala isn’t shutting down its liquor shops — and demand doesn’t seem to be shrinking either. The one thing that has changed is social distancing. People standing in queues outside state-run establishments are maintaining a distance of a few feet between them to reduce the chance of an infection. A few videos also surfaced of guards asking people to maintain at least a meter of space between them. <div type="javascript" title="Facebook" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[

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 However, some reports suggest that the videos of social distancing at liquor stores is only optics. Reporters with <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/covid-19-videos-social-distancing-kerala-liquor-shops-just-optics-120723">TNM</a> saw a very different picture on the ground. One brave soul petitioned the Kerala High Court to make way for the home delivery of alcohol. Instead, he was slapped with a ₹50,000 fine as per <a href="https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/online-liquor-delivery-to-home-154132">LiveLaw</a>’s report. The case for home delivery of alcohol The petitioner argued that since alcohol shops were crowded during peak hours, it’s not safe for him to go out and actually buy what he needed. Instead, he suggested alternative ways in which delivery would be feasible during the Coronavirus outbreak. 
 <div type="image" title="kerala3_edited" msid="74732924" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Liquor bottles being arranged at the renovated BEVCO outlet on the power house&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



 However, Judge Nambiar was not amused. “It is with a deep sense of exasperation and a tinge of disgust that I write this judgment,” he said. “The petitioner's conduct in filing this frivolous petition at a time like this, while making a mockery of the salutary concept of access to justice — which this institution strives to guarantee — also ridiculous the functioning of this noble institution,” he added before instructing the petitioner to address the costs and send them to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. Liquor makes the government money Even though the state government has called for people to avoid leaving the house and restrict public gatherings — there is no plant to shut down liquor shops. Revenue from liquor sales in a major source of income for Kerala. 
 <div type="image" title="kerala4_edited" msid="74732939" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Staff unloading liquor bottles at a bar in Kozhikode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



 During 2018-19, sales reached an all-time high of ₹14,508 crore, which means the government gets a cut of around ₹2,521 crore as excise duty. Sources at the Kerala State Beverages Corporation told the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/covid-19-keralas-liquor-shops-open-for-revenue-813994.html">Deccan Herald</a> that despite the emergency around Coronavirus, there hasn’t been much of a fall in liquor sales. Others within the government feel that the shutting down of liquor shops may trigger alcoholics to drink copious amounts of alcohol in the name of stocking up before stores shut down. This could lead to a more dangerous situation, sources told <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-scare-social-distancing-for-keralas-tipplers/articleshow/74731096.cms">ET</a>. To ensure that necessarily precautions are taken, local authorities have posted additional guards at every Indian-made foreign liquor outlet to enforce social distancing. The police have distributed masks, gloves and hand sanitizers for the staff at these shops. <div type="javascript" title="Facebook" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[

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 See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/while-pm-modi-called-for-a-janata-curfew-the-kerala-government-implemented-some-serious-steps/articleshow/74717250.cms">While PM Modi called for a 'janata curfew', the Kerala government implemented some serious steps</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-updates-in-india-and-steps-taken-by-narendra-modi-government/articleshow/74723667.cms">A look at Indian government response to coronavirus, so far, shows some quick reactions but not enough foresight</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/stages-of-coronavirus-and-how-they-determine-the-status-of-a-country/articleshow/74728639.cms">Stages of Coronavirus and how they determine the status of a country</a>

You Searched For "janata curfew by PM" and got 13 results

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