Covid-19 Bulletin: Spike in Corona cases, Shramik trains for migrants among top Corona News; Fact-check of fake news

New Delhi: As the extended lockdown comes to an end tomorrow, the government issued another set of guidelines and further extended the lockdown for 2 more weeks, with effect from May 4. However, certain activities are set to begin from May 4 in Green as well as Orange zones.

Recovery rate has also improved to 26.65%, however the number of Corona cases witnessed sharp spike with over 2200 cases reported in last 24 hours.

To facilitate movement of migrant labourers, 5 Special Shramik trains have also started running in various parts of the country.

Updates on COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

So far, a total of 9950 people have been cured. In the last 24 hours, 1061 patients were found cured. This takes our total recovery rate to 26.65%. The total number of confirmed cases is now 37,336. Since yesterday, an increase of 2293 has been noted in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in India.Additional guidelines on rational use of Personal Protective Equipment were issued yesterday by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Clarification over vehicle movement in Orange Zone

In the Orange Zones, in addition to the activities prohibited throughout the country, inter-district and intra-district plying of buses remains prohibited. Two other activities have been allowed with restrictions:
• Taxis and cab aggregators are permitted, with one driver and two passengers only.
• Inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed, only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver, in four wheeler vehicles.

Extended Cancellation of passenger train services

In continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, it has been decided that the cancellation of all passenger train services on Indian Railways shall be extended till 17th May, 2020.However, movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places shall be carried out by Shramik Special trains, as required by the State Governments, in terms of the guidelines issued by MHA.Freight and Parcel train operations shall continue, as at present.

PM Modi holds meeting to discuss ways to boost agriculture sector

PM Modi held a meeting today to deliberate on the issues and reforms required in Agriculture sector. Special emphasis was given on reforms in agriculture marketing, management of marketable surplus, access of farmers to institutional credit and freeing agriculture sector of various restrictions with appropriate backing of statute.

PM Modi holds review meeting to discuss education Sector

PM Modi held a meeting to deliberate on the issues and reforms required in education sector including National Education Policy. Special emphasis was given on the use of technology in the education sector and enhancing learning and adapting by the use of technology such as on-line classes, education portal and class-wise broadcast on dedicated education channels.The focus was on bringing uniformity in education providing universal access to quality education, improving the quality of kelementary education, through a new national curriculum framework that focuses on multi-linguistic, 21st century skills, integration of sport and art, environmental issues etc.

India open to mutually benefitting collaborations: Piyush Goyal tells foreign missions

Minister of Commerce and Industry ShriPiyushGoyal has said that India is open to mutually benefitting collaborations with interested countries as far as the reciprocity in the deal is maintained. Interacting with foreign missions in New Delhi, he welcomed the interested countries who are planning to do business with India. He advised that this is the best time to connect digitally for the planning of a road map for bilateral (or multilateral) agreements.The Minister appealed to other countries for the collaborative efforts against the outspread of Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan reviews preparedness for AES in Bihar

Assuring all support of the Centre to Bihar for AES management, Dr. Harsh Vardhan exhorted all to ensure that the cases of AES are not neglected and eclipsed during the time of COVID outbreak.

Armed Forces salute Corona Warriors

A press conference was conducted in Delhi today wherein Gen BipinRawat, CDS accompanied by Gen MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Air Staff addressed the média to acknowledge the efforts of the Corona Warriors and vowed to continue the support of front-line warriors to them in the coming days.

Indian Coast Guard joins nation to thank COVID-19 Warriors

The ICG is also actively taking part in the ‘India Thanks COVID-19 Warriors’ initiative by illuminating ships and showering petals at hospitals treating Corona patients. Ships will appreciate the efforts of the COVID-19 Warriors by illuminating the ships on May 03, 2020 at 25 locations covering the entire coastline of the country including the remote sites and far flung island territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands. In addition, ICG helicopters will also shower petals on COVID-19 hospitals at five locations.

PM Modi’s telephone conversation with Thailand PM

Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi had a telephone conversation with H.E. Gen(ret) Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand.The two leaders shared information on the steps being taken in their respective countries to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

422 flights operated under Lifeline Udan

422 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 244 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. Cargo transported till date is around 790.22 tons. Aerial distance covered by Lifeline Udan flights till date is over 4,13,538 km.‘LifelineUdan’ flights are being operated by MoCA to transport essential medical cargo to remote parts of the country to support India’s war against COVID-19.

MSP of 49 items revised

In acrucial announcement affecting the livelihoods of tribal gatherers, the Government has revised the Minimum Support Pricefor Minor Forest Produce (MFP) of 49 items.