Tuesday 30 June 2020

Daily updates 30 june 2020

LIVE BLOG

India-China live news: Both nations hold 3rd round of Lt Gen-level talks

India-China live news: Both nations hold 3rd round of Lt Gen-level talks
This round of talks will focus primarily on finalising modalities for disengagement of troops from several friction points.
04:43 PM

3rd round of Lt Gen-level talks

  • The talks are taking place at a meeting point in Chushul sector on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control.
  • The previous two rounds of dialogue took place at Moldo on the Chinese side of the LAC.
  • In the last two rounds of talks, the Indian side pitched for restoration of status quo ante and immediate withdrawal of Chinese troops from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso and a number of other areas.
03:49 PM

Indo-French Discussion

The discussion between the two foreign ministers comes at a time the Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks.
03:41 PM

India's Chinese app ban seen jolting $1 bln expansion of ByteDance

  • An Indian ban on dozens of Chinese apps following a border clash between the two nations has possibly derailed a $1 billion India expansion plan of China's ByteDance, while also sparking an uproar from users of its popular TikTok video app.
  • TikTok was removed from Google and Apple app stores in India after New Delhi said on Monday night it was among the 59 apps which it believed posed a "threat to sovereignty and integrity".
  • The biggest casualty of the move appears to be ByteDance, which has since last year hired several senior executives and laid out plans to invest $1 billion in India. India is TikTok's top growth market and accounts for 30% of its 2 billion downloads worldwide.
03:27 PM

Congress hits out at PM Modi

03:03 PM

French Defence Minister Florence Parly writes letter to her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, condoles death of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley, offers to visit India to boost bilateral strategic cooperation

- French diplomatic sources

02:49 PM

Demographic genocide: China cuts Uighur births with IUDs, abortion, sterilisation

  • The Chinese government is taking draconian measures to slash birth rates among Uighurs and other minorities as part of a sweeping campaign to curb its Muslim population, even as it encourages some of the country's Han majority to have more children.
  • While individual women have spoken out before about forced birth control, the practice is far more widespread and systematic than previously known, according to an AP investigation based on government statistics, state documents and interviews with 30 ex-detainees, family members and a former detention camp instructor.
  • The campaign over the past four years in the far west region of Xinjiang is leading to what some experts are calling a form of “demographic genocide."
02:37 PM

After telecom, auto industry raises a red flag over restrictions on Chinese imports

  • Almost all the companies, ranging from Maruti to Hyundai to Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, will be impacted and so would be two-wheeler makers like Hero Moto.
  • The situation is worse for Chinese companies such as MG Motors that sources petrol engines and many other parts from China, apart for key components for its electric vehicle ZS.
  • Both the industry associations, ACMA (of parts makers) and Siam (auto companies) have expressed their reservations.
02:34 PM

Indian Startups to create better than Chinese apps: Prakash Javadekar

02:17 PM

Eastern Ladakh standoff: India, China hold third round of Lt Gen-level talks

  • Indian and Chinese militaries on Tuesday held another round of Lt General-level talks with a focus on finalising modalities for disengagement of troops from several friction points in eastern Ladakh, government sources said.
  • The talks took place at a meeting point in Chushul sector on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, they said.
  • In the previous two rounds of talks, the Indian side pitched for restoration of status quo ante and immediate withdrawal of Chinese troops from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso and a number of other areas.
02:09 PM

Water-flow increases in Galwan river, need for specialised waterproof clothing felt on Indian side

  • As the water-flow has increased in the Galwan river, the Indian Security forces are now feeling the need for specialised waterproof clothing for the troops deployed there in a standoff position with China.
  • The Chinese side seems to have come prepared for the deployment as their troops deployed in the Galwan river valley bed are wearing water-proof clothes which allows them to step in the icy water there.

02:00 PM

China factory activity improves in June but exports weak

  • China's manufacturing activity improved in June after anti-virus controls were eased to revive the economy but export demand was weak, a survey released Tuesday showed.
  • A monthly purchasing managers' index released by the government statistics agency and an industry group rose to 50.9 from May's 50.6 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show activity expanding.
01:48 PM

Top ministers discuss ‘ban’ on Chinese 5G equipment

  • The government has begun consultations at the highest level to decide on the use of 5G technology.
  • This is seen as a precursor to a possible bar on the use of equipment from Chinese companies, such as those sold by Huawei.
  • Top ministers discussed the issue at a meeting on Monday.
  • The talks came along with the discussion to block 59 Chinese apps.
01:34 PM

The scheduled telephonic talk between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and American Defence Secretary Mark Esper not to be held today. It is being rescheduled for a later date: Defence Ministry Officials

01:29 PM

We want to stress that Chinese Govt always asks Chinese businesses to abide by international & local laws-regulations. Indian Govt has a responsibility to uphold the legal rights of international investors including Chinese ones.

- Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
01:14 PM

TikTok, Helo say will comply with India ban, not sending data to China

  • Chinese short-video making app TikTok and Helo said they are in the process of complying with the govt order.
  • They said, they're not sharing any data of Indian users with the Chinese govt.
01:12 PM

China is strongly concerned, verifying the situation: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on India banning Chinese apps

12:45 PM

Why was TikTok banned in India but PUBG was not?

No overwhelming China footprint
  • PUBG was developed by an arm of South Korean video game maker Bluehole
  • It was only after the game's popularity that Chinese giant Tencent Holdings became its distributor.

    No clear and present danger?
  • Insiders believe that PUBG must have been put through the security scanner by the sleuths.
  • But that it must have passed the test for the time being.
  • Some also say that data theft is the one and only basis for the ban.
12:13 PM

This was a hard blow against soldiers, their families,& the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast & friendly support, along with that of French armed forces.

- Writes French Defence Minister Florence Parly to her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh
12:12 PM

French Defence Minister Florence Parly yesterday wrote to her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, condoling the death of twenty Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley

11:57 AM

BJP promotes Make in India, but buys from China: Rahul Gandhi

  • Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday attacked PM's ambitious programme -- Make in India.
  • He said imports from China after 2014 have actually increased.
  • "Facts don't lie. BJP says: Make in India. BJP does: Buy from China," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
  • The tweet had graphics of the percentage of imports from China during the UPA rule and the NDA.
  • The graphics showed that from 2008 to 2014, the imports from China were below 14 per cent.
  • During the BJP-led NDA rule, the Chinese import increased to over 18 per cent.
11:45 AM

Corps Commander-level meeting between Armies of India and China has started in Chushul to resolve the ongoing dispute over Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh area.

- Indian Army Sources
11:43 AM

Indian social app Chingari on fire, logs over 3 million downloads

  • Indians have rushed to download social app Chingari, a desi alternative to Chinese TikTok.
  • The app is witnessing nearly 1 lakh downloads and over 2 million views per hour.
  • This spike is seen since the government banned 59 Chinese apps over national security concerns.
  • Already downloaded over 3 million times, the app which was founded by Bengaluru-based programmers.
11:40 AM

Indian newspapers, websites not accessible in China

  • Though Chinese newspapers and websites continue to be accessible in India.
  • People in China can only access the Indian media websites with VPN server.
11:20 AM

India’s war on China apps will have network effect

  • Giants from Alibaba to Xiaomi have made significant inroads on the subcontinent.
  • For Beijing-based ByteDance, India has been the biggest driver of TikTok installs
  • It accounts for 611 million downloads, or 30% of the total, according to SensorTower.
  • Cutting off new users, and existing ones, will sting its mooted valuation of $110 billion.
  • TikTok faces a similar backlash in the US over suspicions about Beijing’s access to consumer data.
  • There is increased pressure on TikTok’s new boss, Kevin Mayer, to make a clean break from its Chinese parent.
11:12 AM

Canada: Regional Tibetan Youth Congress protest against China outside the Chinese Consulate-General in Toronto, raise "Tibet stands with India" & "Thank you Indian Army" slogans.

11:03 AM

Government may license import of ACs, TVs to check shipments

  • The govt is looking to license the import of 10-12 items, including AC and several of its components.
  • The move is aimed to discourage the entry of foreign goods into the country, especially from China.
10:51 AM

Top US senators slam China's 'unwarranted armed' aggression against India

Top Republican Senator Marco Rubio on Monday spoke with India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and expressed solidarity with the people of India on the Chinese aggression.
10:46 AM

TikTok says does not share information with Chinese government

  • Chinese short-video app TikTok said it is in the process of complying with the govt order.
  • TikTok said it has been invited to meet govt officials to respond and submit clarifications.
  • ByteDance's two popular apps TikTok and Helo were taken down from Google and Apple app stores.
10:20 AM

The Government of India has issued an interim order for the blocking of 59 apps, including TikTok, and we are in the process of complying with it. We have been invited to meet with concerned government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications.

- Nikhil Gandhi, Head of TikTok, India
09:51 AM

Companies prodded to rely less on China, but few respond

The United States, Japan and France are prodding their companies to rely less on China
This includes reliance on China to make the world's smartphones, drugs and other products.
But even after the coronavirus derailed trade, few want to leave skilled China's skilled workforce and efficient suppliers of raw materials to move to other countries.
09:42 AM

A tweet is circulating in the name of Union Home Minister mentioning fixed-line broadband and internet in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to be snapped. This tweet is fake. No such tweet has been done from Union Home Minister’s twitter handle.

- Ministry of Home Affairs
09:16 AM

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to talk to his American counterpart Mark Esper over telephone. Ongoing tensions between India and China on the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh expected to come up for discussion in talks.

- Defence Ministry officials
08:36 AM

Amit Shah, S Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal meet amid standoff

The meeting was held without officials, amid the standoff with China.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Seema Suraksha Bal falls under the home ministry.
The presence of commerce minister Goyal amid campaign for boycott of Chinese products created a buzz.
08:22 AM

At Galwan, Chinese posts affected by spate in the river

  • India has taken up strategic positions along the heights in Galwan Valley.
  • The Chinese side remains dug in.
  • Satellite images shows several posts set up by the PLA along the river affected by a sudden spate of water in the past few days.
07:58 AM

China’s untenable demand to resolve Pangong standoff

  • China, sources said, is making unacceptable demands.
  • while the Indian position has been consistent that status quo ante has to be restored.
  • India's position is clear that PLA has been the aggressor by moving its troops forward.
  • They had also set up infrastructure across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
07:38 AM

Presence of 14 Chinese vehicles and 16 tents to be raised at WMCC meet

  • ET has learnt that PLA has increased military activity along LAC in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley.
  • This includes soldiers, military vehicles, earth-moving machinery and structures.
  • Satellite images indicate consolidation of Chinese positions in the area.
07:18 AM

Congress welcomes ban on Chinese apps, seeks more 'effective' measures

07:17 AM

Ahmed patel welcomes decision to ban Chinese apps

06:52 AM

PM Modi to address the nation on today evening

His address comes against the backdrop of a bitter standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
06:46 AM

Canadians overwhelmingly support boycott of Chinese goods amid disputes - Poll

  • Canadians overwhelmingly support a boycott of Chinese goods amid a number of disputes with China
  • This happened amid detention of two Canadian nationals by Beijing
06:43 AM

Delays in port clearance to impact vehicle manufacturing: SIAM

The Centre is taking a tough stand on imports from China amid border tensions
Several industries that are depended on inputs from China are facing delay in getting their supplies.
The goods are held up at ports and airports and are being subjected to stricter Customs scrutiny.
06:39 AM

Ladakh stand-off: Tibetan groups in US hold protests in front of Chinese Consulate to show solidarity with India

06:37 AM

Today, US is ending exports of Political-Military Affairs,US Dept of State controlled US origin defense equipment & sensitive US Commerce Dept controlled dual-use technologies to Hong Kong. If Beijing now treats Hong Kong as “One Country, One System,” so must we.

- US Secy of State
06:36 AM

Amid border tensions with China, government bans 59 apps including s

Monday 29 June 2020

Daily updates Corona virus 29 june 2020


COVID-19 India Updates: The number of active cases stands at 2,10,120
New Delhi:

Coronavirus Live Updates: India's coronavirus tally has surged past 5.48 lakh-mark with 19,459 new patients, taking the total to 5,48,318 infections, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday morning. The country also witnessed 380 COVID-19-related deaths during the period, taking the total number of casualties due to the virus to 16,475.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has extended the coronavirus lockdown till July 31 amid a steady growth in the COVID-19 numbers in the state. Issuing fresh guidelines for what it called "Mission Begin Again", the government said that movement for non-essential activities must be restricted within the neighbourhoods.

India is the fourth worst-hit country in the world by the pandemic after the United States, Brazil and Russia.

"It is further directed that the movement of persons for the purposes of non-essential activities like shopping and the outdoor exercises, shall be restricted within the neighbourhood area limits with all necessary prescribed mandatory precautions of wearing masks, social distancing and personal hygiene," a statement read.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases In India Live Updates:

Coronavirus Live Updates: India's coronavirus tally has surged past 5.48 lakh-mark with 19,459 new patients, taking the total to 5,48,318 infections, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday morning. The country also witnessed 380 COVID-19-related deaths during the period, taking the total number of casualties due to the virus to 16,475.

Jun 29, 2020 19:41:22 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Himachal Pradesh's COVID-19 count at 919
The count of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh stands at 919, according to the Department of Health and Family Welfare of the state government on Monday.

These cases include 536 cured and discharged patients and 363 active cases. The state has witnessed 7 fatalities to date, reported news agency ANI.

The department in its media bulletin said that the results of 515 samples are awaited.

India recorded 19,459 new coronavirus cases and 380 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.
Jun 29, 2020 19:29:12 (IST)
COVID-19: Karnataka Chief Minister directs private hospitals in Bengaluru to arrange 2,500 additional beds by Tuesday
Private hospitals and nursing homes in the city have been directed to set apart an additional 2,500 beds for treatment of COVID-19 patients, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Monday.

He also said there was no need for any panic in view of spurt in cases in Bengaluru and the government has made arrangements for good treatment and food in hospitals.

"Today we had a discussion with the owners of private hospitals. We have arrived at a conclusion that they need to arrange 2,500 beds by tomorrow," Mr Yediyurappa told reporters after chairing a meeting with the hospital authorities.

The direction has been given in view of shortage of beds in hospitals, he said.
Jun 29, 2020 19:03:40 (IST)
COVID-19: Tamil Nadu reports 3,949 fresh coronavirus cases
Tamil Nadu reported 3,949 fresh coronavirus cases and 62 deaths propelling tally to 86,224 and fatalities to 1,141, showed government data Monday.
Jun 29, 2020 18:38:27 (IST)
Coronavirus: Rights Body's recommendations for improving COVID management at Delhi hospital
From monitoring of quality of food served to patients to providing psychological counselling to medical and paramedical staff on COVID-19 duty, the NHRC has made a slew of recommendations to LNJP Hospital for improving overall management at the dedicated coronavirus facility of the Delhi government.

The recommendations have been made in a report sent by the the National Humans Rights Commission (NHRC) to the the Delhi government, the rights panel tweeted.

The report is based on the visit of a team of the NHRC, led by its member Jyotika Kalra, to the LNJP Hospital on June 11 for an on-spot inspection of the facility in the wake of allegations of mismanagement in handling the COVID-19 situation in the city.

LNJP Hospital is a dedicated COVID-19 facility under the Delhi government, reported news agency PTI.
Jun 29, 2020 18:26:44 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Bengal government preparing app to store data on migrant labourers
The West Bengal government is preparing a mobile app to store detailed information about migrant labourers who have returned to the state during the lockdown period, as well as their families, officials said on Monday.

The labour department is collecting data on nearly 11 lakh workers who have come back from other states, they said.

"The data collection process is in the final stage of completion. The information will be fed to the app. Once that is concluded, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate it," state Labour Minister Moloy Ghatak said.

According to the officials, the app will have personal and professional information of a labourer, reported news agency PTI.
Jun 29, 2020 18:04:07 (IST)
COVID-19 news: 30 more coronavirus patients cured in Ladakh, active cases drop to 347
Thirty coronavirus infected patients were discharged on Monday after they were declared cured in Ladakh, bringing down the number of active cases in the Union Territory to 347, officials said.

The active cases included a new patient who was tested positive for COVID-19 in Kargil district on Sunday evening, the officials said.

The officials said 18 patients from the COVID designated hospital in Kargil and three patients from a COVID Care Centre in Kargil were discharged on Monday after they were tested negative for the virus twice as per the set protocol, reported news agency PTI.

Similarly, nine more patients, who were in home isolation in Leh district, were also tested negative twice and subsequently discharged, they said.

With this, the number of active cases in Ladakh has dropped to 347 -- 98 in Leh district and 249 in Kargil district, the officials said adding that the condition of all the 347 patients is "stable".
Jun 29, 2020 17:55:25 (IST)
Coronavirus news: West Bengal to procure 3 Crore masks, says Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Jun 29, 2020 17:40:25 (IST)
COVID-19 news: Odisha receives first consignment of Remdesivir and Favipiravir medicines
The Odisha government on Monday received the first consignment of Remdesivir and Favipiravir medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Health and Family Welfare, P K Mohapatra said Remdesivir medicine will be used only in the treatment of moderate to severely ill COVID-19 patients, reported news agency PTI.

"The Remdesivir medicines have been sent to all COVID hospitals across the state", he said.
Jun 29, 2020 17:35:47 (IST)
Coronavirus: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requests Centre to declare Doctor's day as national holiday

Jun 29, 2020 16:58:57 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy inspects containment zone in Kunichampet area

Jun 29, 2020 16:48:36 (IST)
COVID-19: 12 more fatalities reported in Uttar Pradesh
The COVID-19 death count in Uttar Pradesh increased to 672 after 12 more fatalities were reported, a senior state government official said on Monday.

With 685 people testing positive for the novel coronavirus, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state now stands at 22,828, officials said.

"So far, as many as 672 COVID-19 patients have died in the state," Additional Chief Secretary Medical and Health Amit Mohan Prasad said.

"As many as 685 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported from the state," he told reporters.
Jun 29, 2020 16:41:02 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Punjab to be short of Rs 30,000 crore in revenue this fiscal , says Chief Minister Amarinder Singh
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday said that the state is estimated to be short of Rs 30,000 crore in revenue this financial year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"I have just sent to the Prime Minister a memorandum of the Government of India seeking fiscal and non-fiscal assistance from the government. We have covered all our areas. We estimate, that by the end of this financial year, we will be short of about Rs 30,000 crore in revenue," Mr Singh said in a press conference.

He observed that trade is going down and added that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be reduced, reported news agency ANI.
Jun 29, 2020 16:13:58 (IST)
Coronavirus: Increase COVID-19 testing facilities in UP, says Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to officers
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday directed officers to increase COVID-19 testing facilities in the state and operate available TrueNat machines at full capacity.

Use of TrueNat machines should be promoted in private hospitals, he said addressing an unlock review meeting with senior officers and ministers.

"The testing capacity for COVID-19 should be increased. Available TrueNat and rapid antigen machines should be operated at full capacity for doing maximum tests in the state," an official release said quoting the chief minister.

As part of its efforts to ramp up the testing capacity, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had approved the use of TrueNat, a diagnostic machine for tuberculosis, for conducting coronavirus tests.
Jun 29, 2020 16:04:24 (IST)
Coronavirus: Haryana to start plasma therapy for treatment of COVID-19 patients, says Health Minister Anil Vij
Haryana will soon start convalescent plasma therapy for treatment of COVID-19 patients in all its medical colleges, Health Minister Anil Vij said on Monday.

"Haryana to start Plasma Therapy for treatment of Covid-19 patients in all its medical colleges after approval from ICMR," Mr Vij said in a tweet.

Coronavirus cases in Haryana have touched 14,000 with 223 fatalities, reported news agency PTI.

Nearly 10,000 of the total cases are from three worst-hit districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad and Sonipat, which fall in the National Capital Region. Most of the fatalities are also from these three districts, according to state health department data.
Jun 29, 2020 15:53:54 (IST)
Coronavirus news: 77 police personnel found positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra in last 24 hours

Jun 29, 2020 15:45:24 (IST)
Maharashtra Extends Lockdown Till July 31 Day After Urging Caution
The Maharashtra government has extended the coronavirus lockdown till July 31 amid a steady growth in the COVID-19 numbers in the state." itemprop="description
Jun 29, 2020 15:41:22 (IST)
Coronavirus news: Uttarakhand government to begin Chardham Yatra for pilgrims from the state from July 1
Uttarakhand government will begin the Char Dham Yatra for residents of the state from July 1, Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board Chief Executive officer said on Monday.

"Uttarakhand government will begin Char Dham Yatra for the residents of the state from July 1, following standard operating procedure (SOPs) issued by the government in view of COVID-19," the board said.

It said that people from containment zones and quarantine centres within the state will also not be allowed to take part in the pilgrimage, reported news agency ANI.
Jun 29, 2020 15:31:04 (IST)
Coronavirus: India's COVID-19 recovery rate reaches 58.67 %
India's coronavirus recovery rate has reached 58.67 per cent as the gap between recoveries and active cases stands at 1,11,602, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

A total of 12,010 COVID-19 patients have been cured in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry on Monday, the total coronavirus cases in the country stands at 5,48,318 including 2,10,120 active cases, 3,21,723 cured/discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths.
Jun 29, 2020 15:23:14 (IST)
COVID-19: Gujarat's Ahmedabad gets 7 new micro-containment areas
Seven new micro-containment zones have been added to the 37 existing ones in Ahmedabad city in Gujarat, taking the total number of people placed under restriction in civic limits to 27,509, an official said.

While six of the new areas are in the western zone of the city, one is in the south-west, he added.

The western part accounts for 643 or 22 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Gujarat's largest city, the highest among all six zones in Ahmedabad, reported news agency PTI.

The new micro containment zones are in Chandlodia, Chandkheda, Bodakdev, Vasna, Sabarmati, Naranpura and Sarkhej localities, covering 270 houses with 1,080 residents.
Jun 29, 2020 15:14:15 (IST)
Odisha Reports 245 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 2 More Deaths

Odisha's COVID-19 tally climbed to 6,859 on Monday as 245 people, including two NDRF personnel, tested positive for the disease, while the number of deaths rose to 23 with two more fatalities, a health official said.

The latest fatalities were reported from the state's worst-hit Ganjam district, which alone accounts for 12 of the 23 deaths so far, a health department statement said.

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Khorda stood at five, followed by four in Cuttack, and one each in Bargarh and Puri districts, the official said.

Jun 29, 2020 15:13:21 (IST)
COVID-19: Ahmedabad Gets 7 New Micro-Containment Areas
Seven new micro-containment zones have been added to the 37 existing ones in Ahmedabad city in Gujarat, taking the total number of people placed under restriction in civic limits to 27,509, an official said.

While six of the new areas are in the western zone of the city, one is in the south-west, he added.

The western part accounts for 643 or 22 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Gujarat's largest city, the highest among all six zones.
Jun 29, 2020 15:10:01 (IST)
"Boosting Make In India": Centre Allows 50 Lakh PPE Suits' Monthly Export
Fifty lakh coronavirus protective suits - PPE (personal protection equipment) medical coveralls - can be exported every month, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said this afternoon, stressing that the government's latest move will give a "boost to 'Make in India' exports". Read more

'Boosting Make In India': Centre Allows 50 Lakh PPE Suits' Monthly Export
Jun 29, 2020 14:52:35 (IST)
Delhi Government Announces Rs 1 Crore For Family Of Doctor Who Died Fighting COVID
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced Rs 1 crore for the family of a senior doctor of the city government-run LNJP Hospital who died battling COVID-19, and said the society has "lost a very valuable fighter". Read more

Delhi Government Announces Rs 1 Crore For Family Of Doctor Who Died Fighting COVID
Jun 29, 2020 14:38:18 (IST)
12 Fresh COVID-19 Cases In Tripura; Count Rises To 1,352

Twelve more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has said.

Eight of the new patients are from Sepahijala district, three from Khowai and one from Gomati, he said.

"Out of 1,063 samples tested for COVID-19, 12 people found positive. Among them 9 people have travel history & 3 people were in contact with COVID-19 patients," Mr Deb tweeted late on Sunday.

In another tweet on the previous day, he said eight more people have recovered from COVID-19.

Of the total 1,352 cases in the state, 273 are active while 1,079 people have recovered.


Jun 29, 2020 14:12:50 (IST)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Lauds LNJP Doctor Who Died Fighting COVID-19

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday paid tribute to the senior doctor of city government-run LNJP Hospital who died battling COVID-19, saying the society has "lost a very valuable fighter".

The 52-year-old doctor served in the front line of the war against the pandemic at the government facility, and died of novel coronavirus infection in an ICU of a private hospital on Sunday.

"Dr Aseem Gupta, a senior doctor of LNJP Hospital succumbed to Covid yday. He was known for going out of his way to serve his patients. We have lost a very valuable fighter. Delhi salutes his spirit and sacrifice...,"Mr Kejriwal tweeted.

The chief minister also said in his tweet that he has spoken to Dr Gupta''s wife and "offered my condolences and support".
Jun 29, 2020 13:48:50 (IST)
21 More BSF Personnel Test Positive For COVID-19

As many as 21 more Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, said BSF on Monday.

"In the last 24 hours, 21 more Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for COVID-19 and 18 have recovered," stated an official statement released by the BSF.

It further said that till date 655 personnel have recovered from coronavirus and have been discharged. The active cases as on Monday stand at 305.
Jun 29, 2020 13:31:00 (IST)
Coimbatore-Based Robotics Engineer Develops ''COVID-19 Smart Swab Robot''

A Coimbatore-based robotics engineer has claimed to develop a ''COVID-19 Smart Swab Robot'' that can collect samples for COVID-19 test.

With an increase in testing in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Karthi Velayutham claims to have developed a prototype at Rs 2,000. The robot can operate using an app, ensuring social distancing. It takes two minutes to collect samples, informed Velayutham.

"It can be operated through a smartphone with the help of an app. It's a prototype, developed at Rs 2,000. It will take 2 minutes to collect samples. Currently, swab is collected manually. It is dangerous and can spread COVID," said Karthi Velayutham.
Jun 29, 2020 12:46:17 (IST)
Delhi To Have Plasma Bank, Arvind Kejriwal Asks Covid Survivors To Donate
The Delhi government will create a plasma bank to fight coronavirus, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said this afternoon, urging those who have recovered from the infection to donate plasma to help other patients. Read more

Delhi To Have Plasma Bank, Arvind Kejriwal Asks Covid Survivors To Donate
Jun 29, 2020 12:22:30 (IST)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Addresses Media:
  • A senior anesthesiologist died in Delhi. His friends tell me how dedicated he was.
  • His wife had also tested positive, she is now cured.
  • Dr Aseem Gupta is an inspiration to all of us.
  • Earlier, ppl complained of lack of beds in the hospital. We have taken various measures.
  • There is lot of confusion over Plasma. We were one of the first states to start trial for plasma. The results have been encouraging.
  • Plasma helps improve oxygen level and respiration level.
  • We have got permission for plasma therapy.
  • We have decided to create plasma bank in Delhi. This will be a first plasma bank to cure COVID patients.
  • We will complete all the formalities in 2-3 days. Private, government hospitals can avail this service.
  • Doctor/hospital recommendation must for service through plasma bank
  • I request all those people who have cured to provide plasma.
  • There are very few chances one gets to save life of others - this is your chance
  • Pls don't be under misconception that plasma gives 100% results. It is beneficial for those in morbid stage. Of the 35 patients who got plasma at LNJP, 34 recovered.
  • Donors have misconception that they might contradict virus. You will have to visit ILBS, it is not a COVID-19 hospital.
  • All your transport arrangements will be taken care of by Delhi government.
Jun 29, 2020 12:13:11 (IST)
Haryana MLA Tests COVID-19 Positive After Attending Solar Eclipse Prayers
A BJP MLA in Haryana, who had attended a religious event in Kurkshetra about a week ago held to mark this year's first solar eclipse, has tested positive for coronavirus. Read more

Haryana MLA Tests COVID-19 Positive After Attending Solar Eclipse Prayers

Jun 29, 2020 11:46:24 (IST)
Cansino's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Approved For Military Use In China
China's military has received the greenlight to use a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by its research unit and CanSino Biologics after clinical trials proved it was safe and somewhat efficient, the company said on Monday. Read more

Cansino's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Approved For Military Use In China
Jun 29, 2020 11:28:24 (IST)
Reusable Upto 80 Washes, Coimbatore Based Textile Manufacturing Company Develops PPE Coveralls

A Coimbatore-based textile manufacturing company has claimed that they have developed personal protective equipment (PPE) coveralls which are reusable up to 80 washes.

Speaking to ANI, KG Denim, the company''s Managing Director said, "It has the ability to recharge chlorine in fabric for nearly 80 washes. It has antimicrobial certification from SITRA."

"Disinfecting properties of chlorine is built in our fabric and is active on its surface for two weeks. On washing, chlorine is absorbed again by fabric giving it antimicrobial facility. Property available in the fabric in first wash is available even after 80 wash," he added.
Jun 29, 2020 11:11:09 (IST)
Vande Bharat Flight With 195 Indians Departs From Washington DC

A special flight under Vande Bharat Mission departed from Washington DC with 195 stranded Indians for Delhi on Sunday.

"#VandeBharatMission Phase III @airindiain with 195 pax left Washington, DC for Delhi," Indian embassy in the US tweeted.

Vande Bharat Mission, which started from May 7, is in its third phase. The recent phase commenced on June 11.

As of Thursday, 3,64,209 people have returned under this mission., the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Jun 29, 2020 10:36:56 (IST)
Australia Sees Biggest Daily Rise In COVID-19 Cases In Two Months

Australia's second most populous state said on Monday it is considering reimposing social distancing restrictions after the country reported its biggest one-day rise in new coronavirus infections in more than two months.

While many states and territories have yet to report their latest numbers, Victoria said it has detected 75 cases in the past 24 hours - enough to make it Australia's biggest daily outbreak since April 11.

The growing figures have stoked fears of a second wave in Australia after several weeks of fewer than 20 new cases a day.

As cases have mounted, Victoria has embarked on a massive testing regime and the state's chief health officer said the state is considering reimposing social distancing restrictions.
Jun 29, 2020 09:51:21 (IST)
Bengal Ready To Market Immunity-Boosting Sandesh Sweets: Official
Sweet-loving Bengalis have something to cheer about in COVID-19 time as the West Bengal government decided to come out with a "sandesh" which will contain honey from Sundarbans and increase immunity, an official said on Sunday. Read more

Bengal Ready To Market Immunity-Boosting Sandesh Sweets: Official
Jun 29, 2020 09:33:43 (IST)
JustIn| 19,459 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 5.48 lakh total cases so far, 16,475 deaths

Jun 29, 2020 09:07:03 (IST)
Nobel Laureates Call On International Community To Make COVID-19 Vaccines Free, Globally Available

More than 100 global leaders, including 18 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have signed a letter calling on the international community to make COVID-19 vaccines available worldwide as a "common good," the Dhaka-based Yunus Center, founded by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus, said.

Former presidents, politicians, as well as world-renown artists and international organisations, have joined the initiative. The list includes such names as Desmond Tutu, Mikhail Gorbachev, Malala Yousafzai, George Clooney, Thomas Bach and Andrea Bocelli among many others.

"We appeal to governments, foundations, philanthropists and social businesses to come forward to produce and/or distribute the vaccines all over the world for free. We invite all social, political, and health entities to re-affirm our collective responsibility for the protection of all vulnerable persons without any discrimination whatsoever," the statement published on Sunday read.
Jun 29, 2020 08:51:19 (IST)
288 COVID-19 Deaths In US In Last 24 Hours: Report
The United States added 288 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University tally showed Sunday, with the infection rate remaining high as the country struggles to control a new surge of the disease. Read more

288 COVID-19 Deaths In US In Last 24 Hours: Report
Jun 29, 2020 08:28:21 (IST)
Vande Bharat Flight Departs With 222 Indians From San Francisco

A special flight under Vande Bharat Mission from San Francisco departed with 222 stranded Indians from Delhi and Bangalore."flight#21from San Francisco -AI 174 took off from @flySFO at 11.05 hrs (PDT) for DEL-BLR with 222 pax on board. Wishing them a safe flight!," Indian consulate in San Francisco tweeted.

Vande Bharat Mission, which started from May 7, is in its third phase. The recent phase commenced on June 11.As on Thursday, 3,64,209 people have returned under this mission., the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

In the first three phases of the Vande Bharat Mission, around 875 international flights were scheduled for operation from over 50 countries across 5 continents.

So far more than 700 of these flights have reached India, repatriating around 150000 Indians. The Indian government has also approved additional flight services to bring back Indian nationals who are still stranded abroad.
Jun 29, 2020 08:15:19 (IST)
"Not Able To Breathe": Hyderabad Man's Message To Father Before He Dies Of COVID-19
A video by a dying 34-year-old man giving his last message to his father from a government hospital in Hyderabad has left people shocked amid the coronavirus pandemic. The man was finally admitted to Hyderabad Government Chest Hospital on Wednesday after at least 10 private hospitals refused admission, the man's father said. Read more

Jun 29, 2020 07:29:42 (IST)
Hyderabad Lockdown Recommended By Medical Experts, Decision In 3-4 Days
Hyderabad should be placed under lockdown once again to slow the spread of coronavirus, a team of medical experts have recommended and a decision will be taken in three to four days, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said on Sunday. The Chief Minister, popularly known as KCR, said there was no need for panic about the rising number of COVID-19 cases and all arrangements are in place to offer treatment to the poor. Read more

Jun 29, 2020 06:50:05 (IST)
22 More Test COVID-19 Positive In Jharkhand, Total Rises To 2,364
Twenty-two more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand on Sunday, raising the state's tally to 2,364, a health department bulletin said.

According to it, 69 people recovered from the infection and were discharged from hospitals during the day.

The recovery rate in Jharkhand is at 75.84 per cent, it said, adding that overall 1,793 people have been cured of the disease.

At present, the state has 559 active cases.

Twelve people have died of COVID-19 in the state since March 31. Ranchi accounted for four fatalities followed by two each in Bokaro and Hazaribag and one each in Giridih, Gumla, Koderma and Simdega.

A total of 1,37,438 samples have been tested so far, it added.
Jun 29, 2020 06:13 (IST)
Jun 29, 2020 05:44:50 (IST)
Meghalaya Chief Minister Tests Negative For Coronavirus
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who travelled to Manipur and Delhi last week, tested negative for coronavirus infection, officials said on Sunday.

The chief minister has been under home quarantine for the past four days after his return from Delhi where he took disgruntled National People's Party (NPP) MLAs of Manipur from Imphal to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The first test was conducted on Mr Sangma, who is also the NPP president, on June 22 and the second one on Sunday, an official at the CMO said.

He had made a trip to Manipur capital Imphal on June 21 to meet the four party MLAs, who switched allegiance from the BJP-led ruling coalition to the Congress. He again went there on June 23, and travelled subsequently to Delhi along with them and returned on June 25.

As a precautionary measure, the chief minister will be under home quarantine for four more days before he resumes office, the official added.

The CMO official said the team of officials and police, who accompanied the Chief Minister to Guwahati were also tested negative and they are also under home quarantine.
Jun 29, 2020 05:32:29 (IST)
Jun 29, 2020 05:31:57 (IST)
Global Coronavirus Death Count Surpasses 5 Lakh Mark: Report
More than half a million people have been killed by the novel coronavirus, nearly two thirds of them in the United States and Europe, according to an AFP tally at 2200 GMT Sunday based on official sources.

The official death count for the disease now stands at 500,390 deaths from 10,099,576 cases recorded worldwide. The United States has suffered the highest death count (125,747), followed by Brazil (57,622) and the United Kingdom (43,550).

The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

Many countries are testing only the most serious cases.
Jun 29, 2020 05:30:09 (IST)
2,889 New COVID-19 Cases In Delhi, Total Cross 83,000-Mark
Delhi recorded 2,889 fresh coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the tally in the city over the 83,000-mark, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 2,623, authorities said.

The number of containment zones in the city also jumped to 417 on Sunday from 315 on Saturday, according to a Delhi health department data.

The national capital had reported the highest single-day spike of 3,947 cases on June 23. Recently, Delhi had eclipsed Mumbai as the city worst-hit by the pandemic in the country.

Sixty-five fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, the Delhi health department bulletin said.

It said the death count due to coronavirus has risen to 2,623 and the total number of cases mounted to 83,077.