 "Supreme Court clears Vantara elephant project, rejects PIL: Top 5 things to know")
 "Focus back to India-US trade deal: Trump’s negotiators landing in New Delhi tonight")
Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Repeat samples of three people, admitted at Pune’s Naidu Hospital, have tested negative for COVID-19. They will be discharged from the hospital following due process, ANI reported. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday refuted reports of the restoration of 4G services in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement said, “Neither the Ministry of Home Affairs nor the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued any such orders. The news report is not true.” Director of AIIMS in Delhi said that the institute is going to start a “tele-consultation facility”. “Our follow-up patients can consult doctors through telephone. Several patients had appointments which are now cancelled. Chronic patients can consult doctors through this facility.” “This will be rolled out in a day or two. Every department will have some doctors who will resolve the health related issues of the follow-up patients. All health services personnel — doctors, nursing officers, OT technicians, administrative staff, have been working 24/7. Some are monitoring patients in Jhajjar, some are making preparations to look after COVID patients for which we’ve done several rehearsals,” he added. The first two COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra were discharged from hospital after their full recovery from the disease, as confirmed by 2 successive negative samples during follow-up period, the state public health department said. The total number of coronavirus positive cases have risen to 606 in India (including 553 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people and 10 deaths), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday. Narendra Modi, noting reports of doctors facing discrimination because of treating coronavirus patients in several parts of the country, said that he is very pained with discriminatory behaviour against the staff of essential services. Warning against discrimination, he said that “people in white coats and doctors are like God right now, they are protecting us”. He also appealed for help towards the underprivileged. “Everyone must strive to help at least nine people during nine days of Navratri.” Reports on Wednesday said that four more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the Kashmir Valley. Reportedly, all the patients are from the Bandipora district. “Preliminary findings suggest they were close contacts of Srinagar patient who tested positive yesterday. All 5 reported to have participated together in religious event. Total 8 Positive cases in Kashmir now,” a report by News18 Urdu said. The Madhya Pradesh government said that a journalist who attended former chief minister Kamal Nath’s press conference on 20 March has tested positive for coronavirus and advised all other attendees to “immediately” self-quarantine and stay away from their family members. “If anybody wants to know more can call 0755-2704201 for further details,” the statement said. The Government of India has suspended data collection for updation of the National Population Register and the first phase of Census 2021. The exercise will remain suspended until further orders, ANI reported. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the people not to panic about the availability of essential commodities during the 21-day nationwide lockdown. Further, a helpline number 011-23469536 to reach the police commissioner’s office has been announced for use by those facing any non-cooperation from the cops. The number of COVID-19 cases in Gujarat has gone up to 38 as three more people tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, a health department official said. With this, the total number of cases in Ahmedabad is 14, Surat and Vadodara-seven each, Gandhinagar-six, Rajkot-three, and Kutch-one. The exercise to update the National Population Register (NPR) and the first phase of the Census-2021 have been deferred indefinitely due to the 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported five new coronavirus cases since Tuesday night, taking the number of cases in the state to 112, the highest in the country so far, officials said. Five persons admitted in different hospitals of Indore have tested positive for the coronavirus, taking the number of COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh to 14, health officials said on Wednesday. None of the patients in Indore have a history of travel abroad. A 33-year-old resident of Pilibhit has been tested positive for coronaVirus on Wednesday. “He doesn’t have any travel history, it is a confirmed case of contact transmission,” Dr Sudhir Singh, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow told ANI. The number of coronavirus cases reached 562 in India, with active cases stand at 512, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. This includes 40 cured/discharged patients and 9 deaths. Another person test positive for coronavirus in Patna’s Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, taking the total number of cases to 4 in Bihar. While the government, amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, banned the export of anti-malarial drug hydroxycloroquine, with immediate effect to ensure sufficient availability of the medicine in the domestic market. The Centre has asked the state governments to ensure unhindered operation of essential services and their seamless availability for the general public during the 21-day lockdown period announced to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. A nationwide lockdown for 21 days announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi came into effect from Tuesday midnight. He asserted that social distancing is the only way out for the country in its decisive battle against the coronavirus. In his second address to the nation on the pandemic raging across much of the world with the number of infections rising in India, Modi made a fervent appeal to the countrymen not to cross the ’lakshman rekha’ of their homes in the next three weeks. Any negligence in these 21 days will “push the country and your families by 21 years”, he said underlining the massive danger the coronavirus poses. The experience of countries, which have been able to contain the virus to some extent and experts’ views have made it clear that social distancing caused by a lockdown is the only way to break the cycle of the infection, he said. This is the only ray of light, he asserted. “To save India, to save every Indian, there will be a complete ban on people from stepping outside their houses from 12 midnight today,” he said. “Lockdown is being imposed on every state, union territory, district, village, mohalla and street,” he added. The lockdown will be like “curfew” and more stringent than the ‘janata curfew’, which the country had observed on Sunday, he said, adding it will have an economic cost but saving people’s lives is of the paramount interest to his government. A lockdown in most of the country was already in place till 31 March, and Modi’s announcement extended it everywhere and for two more weeks after this month. Modi folded his hands a few times to emphasise his request to citizens to adhere to his call, saying it is applicable to everyone from the prime minister to a citizen in a village. Even countries like Italy, France and the US with world class infrastructure have been left helpless due to the spread of the disease despite their relentless efforts, he said, emphasising the gravity of the situation. Some people suffer from this wrong mindset that only infected persons need to follow social distancing, he said, warning that such a view can endanger lives of others and their families.
Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: COVID-19 cases in India cross 600; Modi, Kejriwal say discrimination against medical staff won't be tolerated
Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: Repeat samples of three people, admitted at Pune’s Naidu Hospital, have tested negative for COVID-19. They will be discharged from the hospital following due process, ANI reported.
 "Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: COVID-19 cases in India cross 600; Modi, Kejriwal say discrimination against medical staff won't be tolerated")
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Toll plazas temporarily suspended
“In view of COVID19, it has been ordered to temporarily suspend the collection of toll at all toll plaza across India. This will not only reduce inconvenience to the supply of emergency services but also save critical time,” Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways said on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
24,254 people have been tested for COVID-19: ICMR
A total of 25,144 samples from 24,254 people have been tested for the novel coronavirus, the Indian Council of Medical Research said on Wednesday. Of which, 581 people have tested positive.
Coronavirus in Germany Latest Updates
Angela Merkel tests negative for COVID-19
German chancellor Angela Merkel has tested negative for the novel coronavirus in a second test, CNN reported on Wednesday.
“The Chancellor’s second coronavirus test was negative. She continues to work from home and there she will be tested again at the beginning of next week,’’ the spokesperson confirmed.
Coronavirus in Spain Latest Updates
Spain deputy PM tests positive for COVID-19
Spain deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo reportedly tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. “She had tested negative in previous tests, the statement said, but doctors didn’t think those provided conclusive data. Calvo is receiving medical treatment and progressing favorably, the statement said. She’s in quarantine at a hospital,” CNN reported.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
3-yr-old tests positive for COVID-19 in Telangana
Two coronavirus positive cases were reported in Telangana on Wednesday, taking total positive cases in the state to 41. The first case, a woman in Hyderabad, is the family/primary contact of a positive case. The second case, a 3-year-old boy, has a travel history to Saudi Arabia, the Telangana government said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Another COVID-19 patient dies in Gujarat, says report
India Today reported that an 85-year-old woman has passed away due to the coronavirus in Gujarat, and that she had a travel history abroad.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Three patients recover in Maharashtra
Repeat samples of three people, admitted at Pune’s Naidu Hospital, have tested negative for COVID-19. They will be discharged from the hospital following due process, ANI reported.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
J&K admin to pay Rs 1,000 to 3.5 lakh construction workers
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Girish Chandra Murmu on Wednesday directed the Labour and Employment department to release Rs 1,000 to each of 3.50 lakh workers registered with Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for purchase of ration during the 21 days lockdown period.
Coronvirus in India Latest Updates
Grofers, Big Basket, Zomato allowed to function in Noida
Reports said that the Noida Police has been directed that the online delivery services Grofers, Milk Basket, Zomato, Big Basket, Harvest Gold, Easy Day, and Spencer will be allowed to operate their services in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Omar Abdullah slams Centre on denial on restoration of 4G services
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday criticised the government over its denial of restoring 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.
If you are going to restore our 4G then please just go ahead & do it. Stop messing with our heads with these “orders” “fake orders” & “denials”. Why should we be made to feel like beggars for restoration of basic services the rest of the nation take for granted?
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 25, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA says 4G internet services not restored in Jammu and Kashmir
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday refuted reports of the restoration of 4G services in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement said, “Neither the Ministry of Home Affairs nor the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued any such orders. The news report is not true.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
No one will starve: Kerala CM
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said, “Kerala has taken extensive measures to ensure that no one will starve during lockdown. Will be implemented through Local Self Governments, ward-level committees and volunteers.”
No one will starve during this lockdown #COVID19
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) March 25, 2020
Kerala has taken extensive measures to ensure that no one will starve during lockdown. Will be implemented through Local Self Governments, ward-level committees & volunteers
🍛 Will deliver cooked meals
📞 Will work by phone
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Sachin Pilot shares recommendation to reduce spread of COVID-19
Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Wednesday shared a “valuable recommendation” as a measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Sharing a valuable recommendation:
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) March 25, 2020
Use your non-dominant hand (left hand for right handed people) for door-knobs, handles and bathroom, because it is much more difficult for you to touch your face with that hand.
In Korea they widely spread this premise, and it worked
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
AIIMS to begin tele-consultation facility
Director of AIIMS in Delhi said that the institute is going to start a “tele-consultation facility”. “Our follow-up patients can consult doctors through telephone. Several patients had appointments which are now cancelled. Chronic patients can consult doctors through this facility.”
“This will be rolled out in a day or two. Every department will have some doctors who will resolve the health related issues of the follow-up patients. All health services personnel — doctors, nursing officers, OT technicians, administrative staff, have been working 24/7. Some are monitoring patients in Jhajjar, some are making preparations to look after COVID patients for which we’ve done several rehearsals,” he added.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
IndiGo offers aircraft to distribute relief material in country
The IndiGo airline on Wednesday offered the Centre its aircraft and crew to transport medicine, equipment, relief material across country, PTI reported.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
One more COVID-19 case reported in Rajkot
One more coronavirus positive case has been reported in Rajkot, the Gujarat government said. A total of 39 positive cases have been reported in Gujarat so far:
“Till now 147 FIRs has been registered for quarantine break,” the governemnt said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA says helplines are available for inconvenience in receiving goods
Punya Salila Srivastava, joint secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday said, “Helplines have been set up to address the challenges being faced by people for transportation, so that goods can reach the destination. We’re also working with e-commerce companies and states/UTs, if people want to get supplies through e-commerce.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre working to produce protective gear locally: Health ministry
In its daily briefing, the health ministry said on Wednesday, “As far as personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks are concerned, most of these have some imported components. There had been disruption in import of certain components required for PPEs-masks. Govt has been aware of situation from the time cases started happening in other parts of world.
“We prohibited export of masks-PPEs as early as 31 Jan. We’ve also started analysing the technical guidelines with respect to what type of PPEs can be put to use based on the type of virus. We’ve started analysing the suppliers available in India.
“We’re taking their support to ensure that we can get production through these indigenous buyers also. We have even contacted DRDO & BEL and we are taking support of all such agencies to see that we have sufficient availability in India.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Two COVID-19 patients recover in Maharashtra
The first two COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra were discharged from hospital after their full recovery from the disease, as confirmed by 2 successive negative samples during follow-up period, the state public health department said.
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
US citizens in India to be ‘safely’ taken back
The US Embassy in India said that the US government is working with the Indian government to take back its citizens who are still in India.
“We are in contact with the Indian government to emphasize the need for hotels to continue to lodge US citizens. US Mission to India continues to work with the US Department of State and airline companies to arrange flights from India to US, for our citizens. Once these flights are arranged, we will work with the Indian government to arrange to the greatest extent possible safe passage to airports for US citizens,” the statement said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Third COVID-19 death reported in Maharashtra
IndiaSpend reported, “Another death due to COVID-19 has been reported in Maharashtra, increasing the state’s tally to three and country’s to ten. Total COVID19 cases in India have reached 606 as of 25 March.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Health ministry reiterates hydroxychloroquine is only for healthcare workers
“There’s a medicine, Hydroxychloroquine. It can only be given to 2 particular cases for use as prophylaxis, healthcare workers, dealing with suspected/confirmed cases, and the first contacts of confirmed cases. No one else should use this,” Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Delhi authorities tell those in Maujpur mohalla clinic to self-isolate
The Shahdara sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) said, “All those who visited or were present at the Mohalla Clinic in the Mohanpuri area of Maujpur in Delhi between 12 March to 18 March are directed to home quarantine for 15 days, after a confirmed coronavirus positive case was reported from the clinic.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Health ministry says no community transmission in India
Health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal told CNN-News18 that no community transmission of the novel coronavirus has been reported in India yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide 21-day complete lockdown on Tuesday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
606 COVID-19 cases reported in India, 42 cured
The total number of coronavirus positive cases have risen to 606 in India (including 553 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people and 10 deaths), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Karnataka COVID-19 cases rise to 51
The Karnataka government said that fifty-one coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the state till Wednesday, including 10 new cases in the last 24 hours, ANI reported. Out of these cases, three people have been cured/discharged, while one has died due to the virus.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Kejriwal says discrimination against medical staff won’t be tolerated
Arvind Kejriwal said, “Some landlords are threatening to evict doctors/nurses from their houses. They’re saying they’ll (medical perosnnel) spread the coronavirus. It won’t be tolerated. God forbid, if someone gets infected from your house then they, and no one else, will come to your rescue..”
#WATCH Delhi CM: Some landlords are threatening to evict doctors/nurses from their houses. They're saying they'll (medical perosnnel) spread #COVID19. It won't be tolerated. God forbid, if someone gets infected from your house then they, & no one else, will come to your rescue.." pic.twitter.com/5R8gHlDbb3
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Delhi govt to provide e-passes for those in essential services
Arvind Kejriwal said that in the duration of the 21-day complete lockdown to tackle the coronavirus, people involved in essential services will be issued an e-pass “You can reach out to us at 1031 to avail the e-pass,” he said.
“People who buy from their local grocery shops — located in their neighborhood or colonies, don’t need curfew passes. People don’t need any pass for walking up to their local grocery shops. You can buy vegetables, medicines, milk&other things from your local grocery shops,” he said.
He added, “It is government’s responsibility that essential services are provided to all. For people who are working during the lockdown, and have government IDs, they will be allowed to move in the city if they show their IDs. Private hospital and media IDs will also work.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Kejriwal says 5 new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that in the last 24 hours, five new coronavirus cases have been reported in Delhi. “One of them has foreign travel history. Now, the total number of cases rises to 35 in Delhi,” he said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Harsh Vardhan chairs high-level meeting on COVID-19
A high-level meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on coronavirus was held at Nirman Bhawan on Wednesday under the leadership of Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. The GoM detailed the deliberation on the prevention and management of COVID-19 in the meeting, ANI reported.
Coronavirus in Switzerland Latest Updates
Roger Federer donates £8,57,000 for COVID-19-affected families
Tennis player Roger Federer on Wednesday donated £8,57,000 to ‘most vulnerable’ Swiss families amid coronavirus crisis.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 25, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Medanta MD says complete lockdown is necessary
Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and MD of Medanta, said that the 21-day nationwide lockdown is necessary because “Indians are not disciplined”.
Our safety lies within the confines of our homes.
— Medanta (@medanta) March 24, 2020
Here's what Dr. Naresh Trehan (Chairman & MD, Medanta) had to say on #lockdownIndia as our best chance of stopping the #Coronavirus pandemic in its tracks.#21DaysLockdown #CoronavirusLockdown #COVID19 https://t.co/l7QyLgs9Xg
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
Chef Floyd Cardoz passes away due to COVID-19
Chef Floyd Cardoz of the Bombay Canteen and O Pedro restaurants passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, reports said on Wednesday. Reportedly, the 59-year-old had flown from New York City to Bombay for a Bombay Canteen celebratory dinner and all guests were informed after he tested positive for the infection.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Madhya Pradesh reports first COVID-19 death
Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday reported its first coronavirus death, a woman who succumbed to viral infection, an official was quoted by PTI as saying.
Meanwhile, the total number of cases in India rose to 603.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Don’t attempt to treat COVID-19 on your own: Modi
In an address to the people Varanasi on Wednesday, Modi said, “You should not attempt to treat Coronavirus infection on your own. Stay at your home, do things only after consulting a doctor. Call them up, ask them, tell them your ailments. We will have to note that no vaccine has been developed for it so far, anywhere in the world.”
“Scientists in India and across the world are working on a cure, work is going on rapidly. If someone recommends you a medicine then kindly talk to your doctor first. Take medicine only after consulting a doctor.”
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi says report bad behaviour towards medical staff
“I appeal to all the citizens, if you notice any incident where professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are ill-treated then you should take an initiative to make such people (those who are ill-treating healthcare professionals) understand that they are wrong. I have told Home Ministry and DGPs to take strict action against those who are not supporting or not co-operating with doctors, nurses & other professionals who are serving us in this critical time,” Narendra Modi said in his address to the citizens of Varanasi on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
People in white coats are like God right now, says Modi, warns against discrimination
Narendra Modi, noting reports of doctors facing discrimination because of treating coronavirus patients in several parts of the country, said that he is very pained with discriminatory behaviour against the staff of essential services. Warning against discrimination, he said that “people in white coats and doctors are like God right now, they are protecting us”.
He also appealed for help towards the underprivileged. “Everyone must strive to help at least nine people during nine days of Navratri.”
Coronavirus in US Latest Updates
US says those ‘intentionally’ spreading COVID-19 could be charged as terrorists
The US Justice Department was quoted by Politico as saying that the people who are “intentionally spreading” the novel coronavirus could face charges under the US’ federal terrorism laws.
“In a memo to top Justice Department leaders, law enforcement agency chiefs and US Attorneys across the country, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said prosecutors and investigators could come across cases of “purposeful exposure and infection of others with COVID-19,” the report said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi shares Whatsapp helpline number
The Centre has formed a help desk in collaboration with WhatsApp to seek correct information about the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a video conference with the citizens of Varanasi on Wednesday. “If you have access to WhatsApp, you can use the number 9013151515 for the purpose. If you write ‘Namaste’ on this WhatsApp number, either in English or in Hindi, then you will get an immediate response,” he said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Modi interacts with Varanasi citizens over video
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to citizens of Varanasi via video conferencing, a day after he announced the Centre’s plan of a complete lockdown to tackle the coronavirus spread. He is the representative of the Varanasi constituency in the Parliament.
“Today is the first day of Navratri, you all must be busy in performing rituals and offering prayers, but still you took out time for this interaction, I’m grateful to all of you. I pray to Goddess Shailputri to give us the strength to fight country’s battle against coronavirus. As the MP of Varanasi, I should have been among you in times like these. But you know the things which are going on in Delhi. Despite being busy here, I’ve been taking regular updates about Varanasi from my colleagues,” he was quoted as saying.
News18 SheShakti 2025: Voices of cinema, sport and music redefine nation-building
At News18 SheShakti 2025 Delhi, women from sports, cinema, and music discussed breaking barriers. Kriti Sanon and Sanya Malhotra focused on equity in cinema, Mira Erda and Ashalata Devi on sports challenges, and Kavita Krishnamurti stressed humility and perseverance for lasting success.
More Impact Shorts "Charlie Kirk, shot dead in Utah, once said gun deaths are 'worth it' to save Second Amendment")
 "From governance to tourism, how Gen-Z protests have damaged Nepal")
 "Did Russia deliberately send drones into Poland’s airspace?")
 "Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages: Qatar PM after Doha strike")
 "Charlie Kirk, shot dead in Utah, once said gun deaths are 'worth it' to save Second Amendment")
 "From governance to tourism, how Gen-Z protests have damaged Nepal")
 "Did Russia deliberately send drones into Poland’s airspace?")
 "Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages: Qatar PM after Doha strike")
Top Shows
