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COVID-19 Highlights: India has registered 84,712 coronavirus cases, data from state health departments showed on Friday, crossing the COVID-19 tally of China where the virus emerged in late last year. India now is ranked 11th in the world in terms of coronavirus cases.
However, India's fatality rate still remains significantly better than China's at 3.2 per cent compared to 5.5 per cent. More than 27,000 people have recovered in India, according to the latest available data from the Union Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, the government will amend Essential Commodities Act to enable better price for farmers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today, in her third set of announcements on the mega economic stimulus to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
Agriculture food stuff including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potato will be deregulated, Ms Sitharaman said.
The government will also bring in law to implement agriculture marketing reforms to provide marketing choices to farmers. The law will provide adequate choices to farmers to sell produce at an attractive price, said the Finance Minister.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a cumulative package of Rs 20 lakh crore, nearly 10 per cent of India's GDP, to help various sections of the economy battered by coronavirus lockdown.
This included a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package comprising free foodgrain and cash to poor for three months announced in March, and Rs 5.6 lakh crore stimulus provided through various monetary policy measures by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The government has so far made two tranches of announcements with a cumulative package of Rs 9.1 lakh crore, comprising largely of credit lines to smaller firms, concessional credit to farmers and support to shadow banking and electricity distributors.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases Highlights:
Amit Shah Holds Meeting With Officials Ahead Of Fourth Phase Of Lockdown
Home Minister Amit Shah held several meetings with his ministry's officials ahead of the announcement of guidelines for the fourth-phase of the coronavirus-induced lockdown that begins from Monday, officials said. Read more
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Demands "Clarity" In Economic Package
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday demanded transparency and clarity in the package announced by the Union finance minister. Read more
Assam Losing Rs 1,000 Crore Daily During Lockdown: Sarbananda Sonowal
Assam has been losing around Rs 1,000 crore every day because of the COVID-19 induced lockdown, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said, quoting a survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Read here
"Geniuses": Rahul Gandhi Takes A Dig At NITI Aayog Over COVID-19 Prediction
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a shot at the Centre over its preparedness to fight the coronavirus on Friday, saying the "geniuses" at the NITI Aayog had predicted that the nationwide lockdown would ensure no fresh COVID-19 cases from May 16. Read here
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a shot at the Centre over its preparedness to fight the coronavirus on Friday, saying the "geniuses" at the NITI Aayog had predicted that the nationwide lockdown would ensure no fresh COVID-19 cases from May 16. Read here
US Will Donate Ventilators To India, Stand With PM Modi: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump on Saturday tweeted that his country would donate ventilators to India in the fight against COVID-19. "We stand with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during this pandemic," he wrote. Read here
"Only Thirteen Zeroes": Congress Slams Centre's COVID-19 Stimulus Plan
The centre's Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package crafted to cushion the economic impact of coronavirus has proved to be "only 13 zeroes", the Congress said on Friday, following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's press conference in which she announced the third tranche of announcements. Read here
"Nobody Needs To Travel On Foot": Nitish Kumar Urges Migrant Workers
Migrants returning to Bihar from other parts of the country must not travel on foot upon entering the state and, in case of non-availability of vehicles, should inform the nearest police station or block headquarters and arrangements will be made to ferry them to their respective destinations, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said on Friday. Read here
Maharashtra Leaving Migrants At Wrong Places, Says Madhya Pradesh Official
Amid stray incidents of stone-pelting and unruly behaviour over the past week by migrants amassed at the Madhya Pradesh border, a senior official from Indore on Friday said Maharashtra should send these stranded people directly to their native Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Read here
Amid stray incidents of stone-pelting and unruly behaviour over the past week by migrants amassed at the Madhya Pradesh border, a senior official from Indore on Friday said Maharashtra should send these stranded people directly to their native Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Read here
JustIn| Donald Trump tweets "US will donate ventilators to India, stand with PM Modi during pandemic"
In Migrants From Bihar, Yogi Adityanath Finds New Fan Base Amid COVID-19
While it is fairly well-known that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar privately blames his Uttar Pradesh counterpart for a wave of violations during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, it seems that Yogi Adityanath has found favour among migrants from Bihar, especially those coming via road, crisscrossing various districts of the state. Read here
Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Favours Lockdown Extension But In Moderation
Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Friday said he favours an extension of the coronavirus-triggered lockdown but with more leniency and states to be given liberty to decide what activities should be allowed for a gradual return to normalcy.
When asked if he was in favour of extending the lockdown in Haryana, Mr Chautala said the measure has to remain in place while citing the recent spike in number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
"Yes, there should be lockdown, but there should be leniency on day-to-day life (activities)," he told reporters at his residence in the evening, news agency PTI reported.
Odisha: Special train carrying 670 passengers from Delhi reached Bhubaneswar railway station, today. Quarantine stamps with indelible ink were marked on the hands of the passengers. pic.twitter.com/hL0nHdwb8X
- ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has declared that except in four zones in Hyderabad, there are no coronavirus active cases in the State: Chief Minister's Office
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory for managing health care workers working in COVID and Non-COVID areas of the hospitals. pic.twitter.com/OO364fK7HE
- ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020
Pune Civic Body To Distribute Homoeopathic Drug In COVID-19 Hotspots
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to distribute a homoeopathic medicine, recommended by the AYUSH Ministry in the fight against coronavirus, to 70,000 households in the COVID-19 hotspot areas in the city, an official said on Friday.
In January this year, the AYUSH Ministry had issued a health advisory and recommended that homoeopathic medicines could be effective in the prevention of novel coronavirus infections.
It had recommended that homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album 30 could be taken empty stomach daily for three days as a prophylactic medicine against the COVID-19 infection, the official said.
"We have received some 14 lakh vials of the immunity booster medicine- arsenicum album 30- and we will start distributing among the 70,000 households in the hotspot areas in the city," PMC commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said.
He added that it is a three-day course with two tablets twice a day.
Talking about Pune's COVID-19 death rate, which is more than five per cent, Mr Gaikwad said that testing needs to be increased to curb the number of fatalities.
Since the last seven days, over 1,000 tests were being conducted on a daily basis.
"We can further increase the testings, but there are some limitations with the National Institute of Virology (NIV)," he added, news agency PTI reported.
Bihar Government Seeks Extension Of Lockdown Till End Of May
The Bihar government has urged the Centre to extend the nationwide lockdown till the end of this month besides keeping air and rail traffic, other than Shramik Special trains, suspended during the period, sources said on Friday.
The suggestions were made in response to the Centre inviting feedbacks from the states for framing guidelines for the fourth phase of the lockdown which shall come into force from May 18, they said.
In his address to the nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted that the lockdown which is to end on May 17, would be extended but with revised guidelines to enable resumption of economic activities for which his government has announced Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package, news agency PTI reported.
42,259 Undertrials Released From Jails Across Country During Lockdown: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Report
In nearly over one and half months, a total of 42,259 undertrial prisoners were released from jails across the country during the lockdown period in a move to decongest the prisons in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
An interim report on initiative taken by National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) said that during the period, Uttar Pradesh released highest number of 9,977 undertrials prisoner followed by Rajasthan (5,460), Tamil Nadu (4,547), Punjab (3,698), Maharashtra (3,400), Madhya Pradesh (2,833), Delhi (2,177), Haryana (1,843), West Bengal (1,715) and Chhattisgarh (1,643).
It said during the pandemic the undertrial prisoners were released pursuant to the recommendations of the High Powered Committees constituted by the Supreme Court.
The top court had on March 23, directed all the states and UTs to constitute High Powered Committees which could decide which prisoners may be released on interim bail or parole during the pandemic.
The report said that across the country, a total of 16,391 convicts were released during the period on parole, etc. in pursuant to the recommendations of the High Powered Committees, news agency PTI reported.
With 213 new positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Rajasthan today, the total number of positive cases and deaths rise to 4,747 and 125 respectively. The number of recovered cases stand at 2,729 while there are 1,893 active cases in the state: Rajasthan Health Department
India has registered 84,712 coronavirus cases, data from health departments in states, showed on Friday, crossing the COVID-19 tally of China where the virus emerged in late last year. India now is ranked 12th in the world in terms of coronavirus cases.
I welcome today's measures announced by FM @nsitharaman. They will help the rural economy, our hardworking farmers, fishermen, the animal husbandry and dairy sectors. I specially welcome reform initiatives in agriculture, which will boost income of farmers. #AatmaNirbharDesh
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2020
1,486 Stranded Himachal Pradesh Residents Return From Goa In Special Train
A total of 1,486 people from Himachal Pradesh stranded in Goa due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown arrived here in a special train on Friday, an official spokesperson said.
The train arrived at Una railway station in the morning, Una Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar said.
This was the second special train bringing back stranded HP residents to their state. Earlier, 642 people from Karnataka returned to HP in a special train on Wednesday.
Two more special trains will bring back more state residents from Maharashtra and Chennai in the coming days, Mr Kumar said.
Of the 1,486 passengers arriving from Goa, 415 were from Mandi, 397 from Kullu, 322 were from Kangra, 128 from Chamba, 80 from Shimla, 53 from Hamirpur, 37 from Solan, 24 from Bilaspur, 20 from Sirmaur, 7 from Una, two from Lahaul-Spiti and one from Kinnaur, he said.
The passengers were provided face masks, hand sanitisers, water and food packets before being sent to their home districts in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses, Mr Kumar said, news agency PTI reported.
Liquor Shops To Open In Tamil Nadu Tomorrow, Colour-Coded Tokens For Crows Management At Outlets
Colour coded tokens, that specify the time and day of the week are ready for distribution to consumers to buy liquor at state-owned outlets set to open on Saturday as part of efforts to manage crowd and ensure social distancing.
The Supreme Court's order earlier on Friday paved the way for resumption of liquor salein Tamil Nadu through Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation retail vends.
As per the new arrangement, those seeking to buy liquor will have to gettoken first and only then they could make the purchase on the date and time specified, an office-bearer of a TASMAC workers association said here on Friday.
The liquor outlets start sales from tomorrow in non- containment areas, except in Chennai Police limits and Thiruvallur district limits, a press note said.
Shops would be open 10 a.m to 5 p.m and only 500 tokens would be issued to the public per day per shop, the release added.
Seven different colour-coded tokens have been readied to be provided to the people, news agency PTI reported.
169 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Madhya Pradesh today, taking the total number of cases to 4,595. Death count in the state stands at 239 with 2,293 recoveries: State Health Department
1,576 new COVID-19 positive cases and 49 deaths reported in Maharashtra today, taking the number of active cases to 21,467 and deaths to 1,068. Total positive cases stand at 29,100. Total 6,564 patients have been recovered/discharged in state so far: Maharashtra Health Department
In last 24 hours, 340 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Gujarat. Total number of positive cases rise to 9,932 including 4,035 cured/discharged and 606 deaths: Gujarat Health Department
933 fresh positive cases of COVID-19 and 24 deaths have been reported today in Mumbai, taking the total positive cases to 17,512 and 655 respectively. 4,658 patients have been discharged so far: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
385 new cases of COVID-19 and 5 deaths have been reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 10,108 and deaths to 71: Tamil Nadu Health Department
84 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi taking the total number of cases in the area to 1,145. No new death recorded today; death count stands at 53 in Dharavi: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
Kargil is COVID-19 free: Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner/Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Union Territory of Ladakh.
With the possibility of resumption of domestic flights soon, #AAI has released some steps that must be followed so passengers are fully geared up while travelling. Wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer, keep docs handy & register on #AarogyaSetuApp. #AAICares pic.twitter.com/N6ooZIoOsc
- Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 15, 2020
4 more COVID-19 cases reported today in Gautam Buddha Nagar. The total number of cases in the district is now at 242, including 169 discharged, 69 active patients and 4 deaths: District Surveillance officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is taking steps to ensure social distancing among the passengers when the metro services resume. The date of opening of the metro has still not been finalized. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/4YYkNllQn7
- ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020
Coronavirus India: Over 2,000 People Detained For Violating Lockdown In Delhi
Fifty-one cases were registered and over 2,000 people detained in the national capital on Friday for violating lockdown norms, police said here.
According to the data shared by the police, 51 cases were registered under relevant section of the Indian Penal Code till 5 pm.
A total of 2,068 people were detained under section 65 (persons bound to comply with reasonable directions of police officers) and 100 vehicles impounded under section 66 of the Delhi Police Act, it showed.
A total of 282 movement passes were issued during the day, the police said.
Fourteen cases were registered against people for stepping out of their houses without wearing masks, they added.
Since March 24, 1,65,635 people have been detained for violating government orders under section 65 of the Delhi Police Act in the city, news agency PTI reported.
Maharashtra: CM Uddhav Thackeray today visited a Corona Care Center in Goregaon; this care centre with 1000 beds has been established by BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). pic.twitter.com/ijsM1McBle
- ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020
16 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in state today, taking the total number of cases to 576 and active cases to 80: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
13 more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 1,012: Sanjay Kumar, State Principal Health Secretary
Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand, taking the total number of cases to 205: Nitin Madan Kulkarni, State Health Secretary
Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Reforms To Help Farmers Earn Better PricesThe government will amend Essential Commodities Act to enable better price for farmers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today, in her third set of announcements on the mega economic stimulus to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
Agriculture food stuff including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potato will be deregulated, Ms Sitharaman said.
Coronavirus Lockdown India: Migrants Stranded In Haryana Cross Yamnua To Reach Uttar Pradesh
Nearly 100 migrant workers crossed the Yamuna, which flows along UP-Haryana border on some stretches, and reached Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, police said on Friday.
The workers, who were stranded in Haryana due to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, crossed the river and reached Kairana town in Shamli during Thursday night, police said.
The district authorities have sent them to a shelter home, police added. The workers decided to cross the river as many inter-state borders have been sealed and movement without permission from authorities is not allowed.
On the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, six migrant workers walking to their homes in Bihar from Punjab were killed when a roadways bus ran over them in Muzaffarnagar, news agency PTI reported.
A facilitative legal framework will be created to enable farmers for engaging with processors, aggregators, large retailers,exporters in a fair and transparent manner: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
A central law will be formulated to provide adequate choices to the farmers to sell produce at an attractive price, barrier-free interstate trade and framework for e-trading of agricultural produce: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Government to amend the Essential Commodities Act to enable better price realisation for farmers; agriculture products including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions, and potatoes to be de-regulated: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Operation Greens to be extended from Tomatoes, Onions and Potatoes (TOP) to all fruits and vegetables (TOTAL): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Government to implement a Rs 500 crore scheme of infrastructure development related to integrated beekeeping development centres, collection, marketing and storage centres, post-harvest and value addition facilities; this will lead to an increase in income of 2 lakh bee-keepers: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Rs 4,000 crore allocated for promotion of herbal cultivation; 10,00,000 hectare will be covered in the next 2 years. National Medicinal Plants Board will bring 800-hectare area by developing a corridor of medicinal plants along the banks of river Ganga: Finance Minister Sitharaman
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund of Rs 15,000 crores will be set up: Finiance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis launched with a total outlay of Rs 13,343 crore: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
May 15, 2020 16:32 (IST)