In an order issued by the Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla Saturday, the Ministry said, "In the exercise of powers, conferred under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the undersigned hereby directs that the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure compliance to the containment measures for Covid-19, as conveyed vide Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will remain in force up to 30th September 2021."
Noting that the overall pandemic situation at the national level now appears to be largely stable, except for the localised spread of the virus in few states, Bhalla said, "The total number of active cases and high case positivity in some districts continue to remain a matter of concern".
In a separate communication with states and UTs, he noted that the weekly enforcement data received from across the country with regard to wearing face masks in public, maintaining social distancing norms and imposition of fines indicate a downward trend, but asked the state governments and UT administrations to augment their efforts for effectively checking transmission of the disease.
Bhalla also directed the state administration to fix up the responsibility of the district officials if any failures occur in effective enforcement of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.
The Union Home Secretary also said that the states and UTs need to take suitable measures to avoid large gatherings during the coming festive seasons and if required, impose local restrictions with a view to curb such large gatherings.
"We need to continue our focus on the five-fold strategy -- test, track, treat, vaccination and adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour", he added.
Noting that the country has made significant progress in vaccination, Bhalla also asked the states and the UTs to continue their vaccination programmes so as to inoculate the maximum number of eligible persons and also to ensure that areas having no virus or low virus transmission are adequately protected by increasing testing and other surveillance measures.
The incident came to light after TASMAC employees opened the shop at Kadampuzha on Monday, which had been kept closed for long due to the lockdown.
They found the caps of the 12 quarter liquor bottles open, with bite marks of rats and wine in them emptied, official sources said.
On being informed, the supervisor and senior TASMAC officials carried out an investigation, which revealed the presence of rats inside the shop, they said.
The cost of the bottles is said to be around Rs 1,500, they said.
The cities included London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, New York, Toronto, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Seoul.
Particle pollution was found to be high indoors in most cities even after the lockdown had lifted.
British home appliance maker Dyson collected data during the first phases of lockdown between March and May, while post-lockdown data was collected between June and September, when many countries had loosened Covid restrictions.
As Covid restrictions now continue across the globe, higher levels of indoor particulate matter can once again be expected, the study warned.
The reason could be attributed to new habits incurred during lockdown. For example, the year 2020 saw a significant uplift in pet ownership. Pet dander, pollen and other organic material may be significant sources of both PM2.5 and PM10, which are likely increasing indoor pollution and allergen levels.
"Before the pandemic, indoor PM2.5 generated indoors by normal human functions would be spread between the home, the office and other indoor spaces. Instead, it all builds up in our homes now. Lockdown is like a perfect storm -- the growing indoor plants trend, uplift in pet ownership and increase in flower deliveries can all increase allergen levels in indoor air, when we're spending more time at home than ever," said Alex Knox, Vice-President of Engineering for Environmental Care, in a statement.
Further, actions like frying food in the kitchen can increase PM2.5 levels by five times. The combustion process while cooking releases particulates into the air, likely contributing to this increase, the study noted.
Usage of common household items like deodorants, perfumes, aerosols and cleaning sprays also increases the concentration of volatile organic compounds within our homes.
With homes now also doubling up as offices, schools and gyms, increased indoor allergens may cause greater disruption than in previous years on working, studying and exercise, as well as normal, indoor activities like sleeping and relaxing, the study maintained.
The study also emphasised that cleaning indoor surfaces and vacuuming carpets isn't always enough to prevent the inhalation of allergens and that attention should be paid to the indoor air quality.
"The state government is taking a calculated risk and hence people have to take care of themselves. Nothing is going to be eased immediately, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said ahead of the start of the five-tier' unlock process based on weekly positivity rate and occupancy of oxygen beds in districts.
Thackeray emphasised that the local administration will take decisions on whether to ease restrictions and further tighten them.
In Mumbai, the country's financial capital, restaurants, shops selling non-essential items and public places are set to reopen from Monday but malls, theatres and multiplexes will continue to remain shut as the metropolis has been categorised under level 3 of the 'unlock' plan.
However, the national capital, which began the unlock exercise from May 31 will see further easing of restrictions from Monday, with the government allowing resumption of metro services at 50 percent capacity and reopening of markets and malls on an odd-even basis.
Officials said teams of police and district administration have been deployed across the city to enforce COVID-appropriate behaviour.
Possible super spreader areas like prominent markets, malls and liquor stores that attract large crowds have been marked for strict compliance with precautions like the use of face masks and social distancing.
In June, several states and Union Territories have begun easing the lockdown restrictions which they first started imposing in mid-April as the second COVID wave hit the country, but the Centre has cautioned that the unlock process has to be slow and that COVID-appropriate behaviour needs to be strictly followed.
Whatever we know from possible scenarios presented by eminent people, it (COVID) will decline and June will be much much more better but the concerns are when we open up, how do we behave because the virus has not gone anywhere, NITI Aayog member (Health) V K Paul had said last week.
The Uttar Pradesh government also extended the relaxations in the coronavirus curfew to four more districts on Sunday. With this, curbs have been eased in 71 districts where shops and markets outside containment zones will be allowed to open for five days a week.
While the count of active cases have fallen below the 600-mark in these districts, a watch is being kept on the remaining four districts of Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Saharanpur, and a decision on these districts may be taken on Tuesday, an official statement said
The Haryana government said it was extending the lockdown, clamped in the state on May 3, till June 14 as a preventive and precautionary measure though the COVID positivity rate and the number of new Covid positive cases have declined.
While further relaxations regarding the opening of shops and shopping malls have been given, religious places are also allowed to open now with 21 people at a time.
Corporate offices can have 50 percent attendance after adopting social distancing norms and gatherings of up to 21 people are allowed at weddings, funerals and cremations from the earlier 11.
The Sikkim government, while announcing the state-wide lockdown for one more week till June 14, also allowed relaxation for shops selling groceries and hardware.
Even as the COVID situation has relatively improved in most of the northern and western states, southern and eastern parts of the country are still reporting a high number of cases.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had announced the extension of the lockdown by a week till June 14 with some easing of restrictions from Monday, except in 11 districts where the number of new cases reported was still high.
Earlier, neighbouring Karnataka had extended the lockdown till June 14.
Himachal Pradesh and Goa had also extended the 'Corona curfew' till June 14 with some easing of curbs.
Ladakh on Sunday announced a gradual unlocking after a month-long 'corona curfew' in the Union Territory.
India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 percent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.
With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339.
The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,46,759 with 2,677 daily deaths, the lowest in 42 days, while the active cases dropped below 15 lakh, the data updated at 8 am showed
India had reported more than 88.82 lakh coronavirus infections in May alone during the raging second wave of COVID-19, accounting for 31.67 percent of the over 2.8 crore cases reported in the country so far and making it the worst month of the pandemic.
The month of May also saw 1,17,247 fatalities due to the disease, which is around 35.63 percent of the total 3,29,100 deaths recorded so far.
The daily cases peaked on May 7 when the country registered 4,14,188 infections in a span of 24 hours, while daily deaths were the highest on May 19 with India reporting 4,529 fatalities due to COVID-19.
The active cases had peaked on May 10 at 37,45,237.
Here is a look at coronavirus-induced restrictions/lockdown imposed by states and union territories:
24.60 Cr Vaccine Doses Provided To States/UTs: Centre
Amid reports of vaccine shortage in some states, the Centre on Sunday said that 24.60 crore Covid vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs till date.
It said that it has so far provided, both through the free of cost category and through direct state procurement category, more than 24 crore vaccine doses (24,60,80,900) to states/UTs, and of this, total consumption, including wastages, is 22,96,95,199 doses (as per data available at 8 a.m. on Sunday).
More than 1.63 crore vaccine doses (1,63,85,701) are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, it added.
The Central government said that it has been supporting the states and UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost, and in addition, has also been facilitating direct procurement of vaccines by them.
Vaccination is an integral pillar of the comprehensive strategy of government for containment and management of the pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid Appropriate Behaviour, it said.
The move by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comes amid rising Covid-19 cases and fatalities in many districts in the state, though Mumbai and parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are currently in a better shape.
As per the new directives, Mumbai suburban trains will not permit regular commuters but only those engaged in essential services and other pre-notified categories.
At the cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday, all ministers belonging to Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress supported the need to extend the lockdown.
Following the cabinet nod, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte issued the official notification this afternoon extending the lockdown provisions from 7 a.m. on May 15, till 7 a.m. on June 1.
The state also made it mandatory for any persons entering the state by any mode of transport to carry a Covid-19 negative report which is issued within 48 hours prior to his/her arrival.
The government has directed the local Disaster Management Authorities to keep tight vigils over rural markets and APMCs to ensure covid appropriate behavior and if rules are not complied, they can shut these down or impose further restrictions on a case-to-case basis.
The incident happened on Sunday when the bodies of the deceased - Hanumantha Daryappa Shinde, 38, his wife Pragya, 28, and their infant son Shivtej - were recovered from their home.
Shinde's fathe, Daryappa A. Shinde lodged a complaint with Loni Kalbhor Police Station, said Investigating Officer Bhagwat Shendge.
As per preliminary investigations, the Shinde family hailed from Solapur and had come looking for work to Kadamwak a few months ago.
They were living in a rented chawl and eked out a living doing odd jobs in the vicinity which stopped after the latest phases of lockdown were implemented.
Feeling depressed and helpless due to unemployment, around noon on Sunday, Shinde strangulated his wife, slashed his son's throat, before ending his own life by hanging himself with a dupatta from the fan.
The three bodies have been sent for an autopsy, an accidental death report has been lodged and further probe is underway, said Shendge.
The move has been initiated to check the misuse of identity cards by staff of IT, bank and other industries in twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, said police commissioner Soumendra Priyadarshi.
Priyadarshi said the Commissionerate police has not issued any pass to people this time for movement during enforcement of lockdown and shutdown in the Twin City.
“One of the major steps in controlling the spread of Covid-19 infection is to curb crowding. Second measure is restricting unnecessary movement of people. Therefore, we have intensified the enforcement in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack,” Priyadarshi said.
He said the State government has provided a major window to several activities while issuing guidelines for lockdown and shutdown, this time. IT companies, banks and other industries have been allowed to function with a limited staff. “However, often some staff of these companies are making unnecessary movement freely during the lockdown and shutdown by showing their ID cards. Therefore, we have urged authorities of the services industries to furnish the list of their staff they have allowed to come to their offices to the deputy commissioner of police (DCP). Besides, they have been asked to issue authorisation letter to their employees for movement during the restrictions,” Priyadarshi added.
The CP expressed hope that the new move will restraint the unauthorised movement of people during the lockdown and shutdown.
Jharkhand government announces lockdown from April 22-29 with few exemptions. Essential services allowed, religious places to remain open but the gathering of devotees not allowed. Mining, agricultural & construction activities permitted (ANI)
— OTV (@otvnews) April 20, 2021
Decision to enforce lockdown from April 22 to April 29 was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister here.
Soren said the period will be observed as “health safety week”.
The identified offices of central government, state government and also those in private sector have been exempted from the total shutdown while others will remain shut, Soren said in a statement.
He appealed to the people not to venture out of their home unless and intil its necessary in this period.
Agriculture,industries and mining operations will function during the time.
Religious places will remain open but devotees in fixed numbers will be allowed there during this time period, he said.
The chief minister said that curfew under section 144 of the CrPC will be in force across Jharkhand during this time to prevent gathering of more than five persons at a public place.
The detail of the curbs during the lockdown will be issued this evening, he added.
Like other parts of the country, Jharkhand is also witnessing a spike in coronavirus cases in its second wave.
As per the last health bulletin, Jharkhand had a total of 1,33,479 positive cases, while 1456 patients have lost their lives.
There are 28,010 active cases in the state.
The NEET, whose marks are used for admission in colleges across the country, was scheduled for May 3.
Also Read: JEE Main 2020 Postponed In View Of Coronavirus Outbreak, NTA Issues Notification
The HRD Ministry's National Testing Agency (NTA) postponed the exam in view of the three-week lockdown as well as pending board exams for a few subjects.
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' said the decision has been taken to avoid any inconvenience to students and parents who have to travel to different centres across the country to write the exam.
"In view of hardships faced by both parents and students in view of the covid-19 epidemic, the NEET exam scheduled on May 3 has been postponed, NTA Director General Vineet Joshi said.
He said, "We are hopeful that we would get back to normal situation relatively soon but for now various concerned ministries and examination boards are examining the scenario to evaluate situation that might necessitate any changes in schedule.
"As of now, the examination is proposed to be held in last week of May. Exact dates will be announced later after assessing the situation," Joshi said.
The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 19 in the country on Saturday and the number of positive coronavirus cases climbed to 748, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The government has announced a countrywide lockdown till April 14 to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Also Read: COVID-19: UGC Tells Universities To Postpone Exams, Suspend Evaluation Work
Meanwhile, Vidyamandir classes, which provides coaching for engineering and medical entrance exams, is conducting its National Admission Test (NAT) online on Sunday.
(PTI)
In the video posted by Anushka, Virat says: "This is what quarantine does to you, you allow things like these to happen, getting a haircut with the kitchen scissors. Beautiful haircut, by my wife."
Meanwhile, in quarantine.. ??♂??♀ pic.twitter.com/XO0UJ7NmSU
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) March 28, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
With some Indian citizens failing to abide by the lockdown rules implemented by the government, Kohli on Friday made an appeal to all to strictly follow the guidelines that have been set by not just the government, but also medical experts in our fight against the coronavirus outbreak.
Taking to Twitter, Kohli said: "Hello, I am Virat Kohli. Today I am speaking to you not as an India player, but as a citizen of the country. What I have seen in the last few days — people moving in groups, not abiding by curfew rules, not following lockdown guidelines — it shows that we are taking the fight very lightly. But this fight is not as easy as it looks or feels.
Also Read: World Test Championship Biggest Of All ICC Events: Virat Kohli
"I wish to request everyone to please maintain social distancing and follow it. Also we should follow the directives given by the government and just for once think how you would feel if due to your negligence someone in your family gets affected by the virus. Please follow the experts as they are working very hard. It will only be successful when we follow our duties rather than going out in groups and breaking rules. This for me is an act against the country's well-being. So now, I along with all of you wish to see things improve and please follow the directives of the government. Jai Hind!"
Following a high-level meeting here, Principal Secretary in the Home department, Sanjiv Chopra, informed, "The control room recently set up for the purpose has received 5,200 distress calls so far. As confirmed by the callers, it is estimated that there are 1.5 lakh Odisha residents stranded without food and proper accommodation. Of these, more than 40000 people have been touched as a result of this initiative."
"In the initial phase, 230 places were identified where more than 100 Odia workers are stranded in each location. The workers who have provided with food and shelter in stranded places have given confirmation to the state government. We are exploring all ways to reach all people in distress," Chopra said.
"We have received around 5,200 calls and there are nearly 1.5 lakh people stranded in other states," says Principal Secretary in the Home department, Sanjiv Chopra, while briefing on #Odisha residents stranded in other states#CoronavirusLockdown #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/rsBdCqoGr5
— OTV (@otvnews) March 31, 2020
Read: COVID19: Odisha To Use School, Hostel Buildings As Temporary Shelters For Migrant Workers
On Monday, around 50 families stranded in Vivekanand Nagar in Bengaluru contacted OTV seeking help. All the families expressed gratitude after they were provided with ration and other essential food commodities for 12 days.
BJP national vice-president Jay Panda too is on a mission mode to ensure that the daily wagers do not suffer during this lockdown. Panda has contacted party senior karyakartas across States to assist the stranded Odia residents.
Moments after he requested Bengaluru City Police and Bengaluru South BJP MP Tejasvi Surya to help Odia workers stuck in the city without food, the latter swung into action and provided groceries to all the Odia workers.
BJP National VP Jay Panda extends thanks to party MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya for his swift response in providing groceries to Odia workers stuck in Bengaluru amid #CoronavirusLockdown https://t.co/T3HS5RcEDp pic.twitter.com/g3MLLpWAGO
— OTV (@otvnews) March 29, 2020
In another such instance, Panda sought the help of MoS for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy and other senior officials of Telangana to assist 15 workers from Odisha stranded without food in Begumpet, Hyderabad. Reddy's office got in touch with them, and all necessary food essentials were arranged.
.@KishanReddyOfc in coordination with Mithun Jain, Mahesh kumar and
C.Venkat Yadav Delivered the required food essentials. pic.twitter.com/0QLy7ezcu5— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) March 31, 2020
Similarly, around 50 workers from Odisha were stranded without food in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The national BJP spokesperson sought UP CM Yogi Adityanath's help in assisting the daily wage labourers. Emergency help was provided immediately by the authorities.
@mp_office जी की सूचना पर 112 राहत वालंटियर श्री आयुष श्रीवास्तव जी के सहयोग से #पीआरवी 0078 द्वारा सभी के लिए भोजन उप्लब्ध कराया गया.
भोजन तैयार करने के लिए आयुष जी का आभार!#112HaiSath #IndiaFightsCorona #JeetegaBharatHaaregaCorona #CoronaCommando https://t.co/9QFNZ0EoeM pic.twitter.com/d8hoW7R6Vt
— Call 112 (@112UttarPradesh) March 31, 2020
Panda also requested party senior leaders in Tamil Nadu to arrange food for 25 to 30 migrant workers from Odisha stranded at Tirupur in Pudupalayam.
Done ?? we have taken care ! pic.twitter.com/GuC3c4sAgK
— Vijayakarthikeyan K (@Vijaykarthikeyn) March 31, 2020
On Jay Panda's request, ration was provided to 50 odd Odia workers who were stranded in Mumbai.
Personally went and provided ration to Rajesh Nayak and team
— Ramesh Solanki (@Rajput_Ramesh) March 30, 2020
Thank you Kishan Ji and @KishanReddyOfc ????@PandaJay https://t.co/CyxDuHGUj8
— Office of Jay Panda (@mp_office) March 31, 2020
Thank you Prithvi Ji. Appreciate your timely help???? https://t.co/TaGUJCHghu
— Office of Jay Panda (@mp_office) March 31, 2020
As an Andhra Pradesh Incharge for #CoronaVirus, spoken to @BJP4Andhra President Sri @klnbjp Ji and Vijayawada District Incharge & they have assured me that it would be sorted & will take care of all them on priority. @JPNadda @PandaJay @blsanthosh #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/0zN4hLxXLz
— Dr K Laxman (@drlaxmanbjp) March 30, 2020
Dear @satyakumar_y Anna Rajesh Sahu ji & team had received the ration/provisions/vegetables
Sincere thanks to @Vijaykarthikeyn sir & team for reaching the needy & extending help within 60 minutes of reporting. Hats off to you sir@narendramodi @CMOTamilNadu @PandaJay @mp_office pic.twitter.com/YNiJbDpxPV
— PRITHVI G.A (@gaprithvi) March 30, 2020
Thank you Shashi Ji, Vikram Ji, Anand Ji and all your team mates for this swift help. ?? https://t.co/9YBH9hdeHA
— Office of Jay Panda (@mp_office) March 31, 2020
Senior leaders of the party @dileepkilaru & #Sriram are reaching the place in a while to extend necessary assistance. Shall revert pl@drlaxmanbjp @BJP4India https://t.co/SEczbhUkSu
— Y. Satya Kumar (@satyakumar_y) March 30, 2020
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, tweeted: "I have spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani about stranded Odia workers in his state. The CM has assured me that his government will look after shelter, food and health of stranded Odia workers."
https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1244821561812455424
Later in the day, Pradhan thanked the Tamil Nadu government for providing basic amenities to Odia migrants who are in the State.
https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1244976230631215104
Also Read: ‘Odisha Govt On Toes For Migrant Workers, Zero Tolerance For Lockdown Violators’
It is to be noted that CM Naveen Patnaik had earlier written to his counterparts in all the States urging them to provide assistance to stranded Odia migrant workers. He also called upon Odia associations to help their brethren who are stranded in their areas.
Patnaik assured his counterparts in other states and the Odia associations that the expenditure incurred in keeping the stranded migrant workers safe will be borne by his government.
The Odisha government, on the other hand, has opened 252 camps to provide shelter and food to 18,000 migrant workers from other states who have been stranded due to the nationwide lockdown.
Alia Bhatt & Ranbir Kapoor Are Living Together?
Early in March when Alia celebrated her birthday with her sister Shaheen and friends with no Ranbir Kapoor around, rumors started that the couple has split. But a video that surfaced recently showed the couple strolling together followed by a dog. The video is of only a few seconds but was enough to encourage the fans to start speculating that the couple is currently living together. Both Alia and Ranbir can be seen in gym clothes with Lionel- the dog of Ranbir following them.
Although they were not exactly outside on the road, the clip reveals that they are on the premises of a building. Both the actors have their apartments but it is not exactly clear as to in which apartment they are currently staying. Affair and marriage rumors of Ranbir and Alia have been going around for more than a year now, but it is for the first time that the two have been spotted in a live-in.
Read More: Anushka Turns Barber For Hubby & Captain Virat Kohli: Watch Video
It might be an indication that Alia and Ranbir might soon take their relationship to the next level and get married this year.
Hrithik Roshan & Sussanne Khan-Ex-couple Together Again?
Childhood sweethearts Hrithik and Sussanne Khan married early had kids and shocked everyone when they separated and divorced in 2014 citing personal differences. The good thing about their separation was neither of the two blamed the other for what happened. Over the last couple of years, they have bonded as friends and have set an illustrious example of co-parenting. Now that lockdown has forced everyone to stay at home, both Hrithik and Sussanne did not want their children to miss either of the parents.
That is why, Sussanne, who is a famous interior designer decided to shift temporarily to her ex-husband’s house. The “War” actor and Sussanne share two kids, Hridhaan and Hrehaan. The latter turned 14 on March 28 and the ex-couple celebrated the birthday of their elder son together video-conferencing with all the family members.
Also Read: Coronavirus Scare: Raveena Tandon Cleans Train Cabin, Sonu Nigam To Stay In Dubai
Fans are hoping that Hrithik and Sussanne should think once again about coming together as a couple as they understand each other so well.
People can order groceries and vegetables over the phone by dialing the phone numbers of the BMC mobile vans. The civic body has made 120 such vans operational to supply groceries & vegetables and is proposing to increase the number to 200 today, informed Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi.
In a series of tweets, Sarangi informed about the initiative and shared the list of BMC Mobile Vans with their phone numbers. “Find out the telephone number of the van of your area & order if you can’t walk,” he tweeted.
Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi shares list of BMC Mobile Vans with phone numbers, urges to contact BMC helpline number 1929 for further details in case of difficulty #OdishaFightsCorona #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/ivSogtMnfk
— OTV (@otvnews) April 6, 2020
He further informed that there is no restriction on Home Delivery Services and urged people to contact BMC helpline number 1929 for further details or in case of any difficulty.
Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi shares phone numbers of BMC Vans, requests everyone to circulate it widely on social media. People can dial 1929 to get groceries & vegetables through mobile vans
#OdishaFightsCorona #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/C6ri4CjVsI
— OTV (@otvnews) April 6, 2020
The Police Commissioner also advised people to go to their nearest market for the essentials during the ongoing lockdown and refrain from using vehicles for marketing.
“There is no restriction on the use of vehicle passes for bonafide official purpose. Just that vehicle passes cannot be misused to buy vegetables, groceries or for other private purposes like visiting relatives. The main use of the vehicle pass must be to travel from home to workplace,” Sarangi tweeted.
There is no restriction on use of vehicle passes for bonafide official purpose. Just that vehicle passes cannot be misused to buy vegetables, groceries or other private purposes like visiting relatives.The main use of the vehicle pass must be to travel from home to workplace.
— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) April 6, 2020
“Use of bike or car for buying vegetables, groceries, medicine, etc. will not be tolerated. Any vehicle reaching any market with or without vehicle pass will be seized,” Sarangi said.
Also Read: Odisha COVID-19 Lockdown: BMC Ropes In 28 Stores, Malls To Home Deliver Essential Commodities
According to sources, the Commissionerate police today seized 286 vehicles for violating the COVID19 regulations under different Police Stations in Bhubaneswar. Similarly, 1019 vehicles were seized in Cuttack urban police district (UPD) for violation of the guidelines.
Don’t use vehicles for marketing. Go to the nearest market for the essentials. So far 286 vehicles have been seized today for violating the #COVID19 regulations in different Police Stations in Bhubaneswar: DCP #Bhubaneswar #OdishaFightsCorona #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/6yZ3L7906Y
— OTV (@otvnews) April 6, 2020
Despite repeated requests for our safety, people are not obeying govt orders for which 1019 vehicles were seized/detained in #Cuttack for violation subject to criminal proceedings. Please cooperate, don’t use vehicle for shopping: DCP Cuttack #OdishaFightsCorona #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/T3vIxjL1PX
— OTV (@otvnews) April 6, 2020
While 71 per cent of those IT and security professionals who were surveyed reported an increase in security threats or attacks, 61 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about security risks of changes made to enable remote work.
Phishing attempts (55 per cent) and websites claiming helpful information on coronavirus (32 per cent) have emerged as the leading threats to the organisations, the respondents said.
In phishing attacks, a bad actor steals sensitive information by tricking people to open an email, instant message, or text message containing malicious links or attachments.
Read More: Hackers Eye Workers From Home In Absence Of Secure Networks
The findings showed that the rapid changes to enterprise working practices, and broader concerns about the pandemic, are both being exploited by cybercriminals as they step up their attacks, generating a raft of new challenges for security professionals.
"Cybercriminals will always seek to capitalise on the latest trends to try and boost the success rates of attacks, and the coronavirus pandemic has created a perfect storm of a global news event together with dramatic changes in working practices and the technologies used by organisations," said Rafi Kretchmer Check Point's Head of Product Marketing.
"This has meant a significant increase in the attack surface of many organizations, which is compromising their security postures. To ensure security and business continuity in this rapidly evolving situation, organizations need to protect themselves with a holistic, end-to-end security architecture," Kretchmer added.
The survey was conducted in a bid to examine the severity of impact coronavirus has had on enterprise security. It involved 411 IT and security professions -- all from organisations over 500 people.
As many enterprises rely on Zoom to facilitate their employees working from home, Check Point recently saw a spike in the number of "Zoom" domains registered and spotted malicious "Zoom" files targeting people working from home.
Check Point documented 1,700 new "Zoom" domains registered since the advent of pandemic, 25 per cent of which were registered in the past week days, and has deemed 70 domains as suspicious.
(With Agency Inputs)
Also Read: COVID-19 Phishing Attacks Increase By 667%
Restrictions on the movement of retail traders are leading to rise in the prices of essential commodities amid the ongoing COVID19 lockdown in the State.
“Godowns have sufficient stock of essential items, but retailers are unable to move due to the restrictions imposed by the government,” said Odisha Traders Association Secretary, Sudhakar Panda.
“Though decisions are being taken in the administrative level to facilitate free movement of goods, they are not being properly communicated to the ground-level staff. As a result, the ground-level officials are restricting movement of retail traders,” Panda alleged.
Panda said that lack of coordination between the officials is leading to shortage in the supply of goods.
Also Read: Covid-19: 66% Odisha Households Yet To Receive Advance NFSA Ration!
The traders’ association secretary said that small traders are not allowed to take two-wheelers to bring essential commodities from godowns. The two-wheelers are being seized by the police.
“I request the director general of police (DGP) and the State government to facilitate hassle-free movement of the retail traders for ensuring availability of essential commodities,” Panda added.
Narrating the hardship, a vegetable seller near Rama Devi Women’s University said, “Penalties are being collected from us whenever we go out to purchase stock from wholesalers. Yesterday, I was forced to pay Rs 500 fine when I went to Unit-I market to bring vegetables in an auto-rickshaw.”
On the other hand, Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi rubbished reports of restriction on the movement of goods. “Media may please inform the small traders (grocery and vegetables) that there is no restriction on the movement of goods,” Sarangi said in a tweet.
Media may please inform small traders (grocery & vegetables) that there is no restriction on movement of goods. Our officers today visited Banki, Athagarh, Khuntuni to counter rumours. We're proactively facilitating movement. They can contact PS or dial 100: CP Sudhanshu Sarangi pic.twitter.com/ZEiCsmSAOy
— OTV (@otvnews) April 8, 2020
“Our officers today visited Banki, Athagarh, Khuntuni to counter rumours. We are proactively facilitating movement. They can contact the police station or dial 100,” he added.
Retail is getting decentralised & will become more efficient going forward. We have no practical problem in facilitating movement. Let’s not believe in rumours. The restriction on movement & the sacrifices are for the greater good of society. Let’s be steadfast.
— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) April 8, 2020
Giving an insight into the supply of foodgrains across the State during the lockdown period, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department secretary, Vir Vikram Yadav today said that the department released allotment of 5.655 MT foodgrains (rice and wheat) for 30 districts. The foodgrains will cater to 3.30 crore beneficiaries which is 80 per cent of the total population in the State.
Read More: Coronavirus Lockdown: Bhubaneswar Witnesses Shortage Of Vegetable Supply
He said the distribution process was started on March 19 and all the field machinery has been pressed into service. “Over 500 supply inspectors, SESOs and CSOs are carrying out the distribution work at the district, subdivision, block and ULB levels,” Yadav said.
He added that officials are conducting regular monitoring in markets to curb hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities and to ensure that the prices of the items do not rise.
Later in the day, the Commissionerate Police has reportedly assured to issue passes to retail traders for smooth transportation of goods. Informing about the development, traders' association secretary Sudhakar Panda said, "Retail traders will visit police stations of their respective areas and collect passes.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs today wrote to all states to ensure availability of essential items during the lockdown period by invoking the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.
"Invoke provisions of Essential Commodities Act, fix stock limits, cap prices, enhance production of essential commodities," Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla directed the chief secretaries of all states.
https://youtu.be/PEvUK4eM8_s
Speaking to IANS, sources in the team management said that apart from handing the contracted players workout routines, the duo of Nick and Nitin are also monitoring the progress made and areas that might need further focus through the AMS App.
"Assessments are on every day as the progress of the players are checked by Nick and Nitin once the boys put in their data on the app. We do not need dates or a virtual assessment set-up to check on what the boys are doing with regards to following the fitness routines given to them because they are already being monitored on a daily basis," the source said.
Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: No Talks Around Kohli & Boys Taking Pay Cut, Says BCCI Treasurer
A former player had recently joked that a lockdown doesn't mean that the cricketers should now go ahead and gorge on delicious food which are high on calories. The source said that while players are allowed to have their sweet little cheat meals, everything is being closely monitored.
"These boys are too professional to even think of going on an eating spree. The culture set in this team by skipper Kohli himself is such that they all know that a cheat meal here and there is fine, but nothing at the cost of their fitness standards taking a hit. Also, with the AMS App, they can themselves understand when they can indulge in high-calorie food and when they should keep away," the source pointed.
Commenting on the type of exercises that have been given to the players, the source said: "The routines have been created keeping in mind the demands of the players. So, for example, a bowler has been given exercises which work to make his core and lower body strong. Similarly, a batsman has been given exercises which also work on his shoulders and wrists."
Also Read: COVID-19: Here’s What Yuvraj, Harbhajan & Others Did To Support Coronavirus Fight
A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Kumari Sanju Panda took a decision to this effect on Wednesday and from Thursday the Video Conferencing Scheme-2020 was made effective.
The high court observed that the scheme has been formulated with the aim to ensure citizens have access to justice during the ongoing nationwide lockdown.
The 21-day lockdown from March 25 was imposed by the central government to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Read: COVID-19 Outbreak: Odisha First State To Extend Lockdown Till April 30
With this scheme, litigants, as well as lawyers, can file cases, appear and argue cases from their home through video conferencing and they need not visit the court.
The bench also said litigants should not visit the court for obtaining the copies of its orders.
"The court orders, uploaded in the high court website, can be downloaded and they shall be treated at par with the certified copies," the high court said.
The provisions of the scheme shall remain in force from April 9, 2020, till the exigencies arising out of COVID- 19 persists.
However, the high court may extend the period and scope of applicability of this scheme with such amendments, the high court said.
On March 23, Orissa High Court had directed to suspend hearings till March 31. Apart from suspending hearings, the HC also had ordered the closure of subordinate courts.
Furthermore, Orissa HC had clarified that the urgent matters can be mentioned before the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) through WhatsApp message or video call. As per the orders, only one advocate/prosecutor will be allowed to remain present in the court to represent their concerned parties, said the order. The order was released in view of avoiding gathering in courts during hearings of urgent matters.
(With Agency Inputs)
Also Read: Lockdown Impact: Orissa High Court Suspends Hearing; Subordinate Courts To Remain Closed
The fuel outlets decision was announced by Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association general secretary Sanjay Lath.
The petroleum dealers in Odisha have decided to not give fuel to people who turn up at filling stations without wearing masks amid COVID-19 outbreak. The decision was taken in view of State government’s strict directive asking people to mandatorily wear masks and also as a precautionary measure for the petrol pump workers who are vulnerable, informed General Secretary of Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association Sanjay Lath.
There are about 1600 fuel outlets across Odisha.
"The decision has been taken to ensure that people follow the governments guidelines", Lath said.
Read More: Odisha Fights Coronavirus: Not Wearing Mask In Public To Attract Penalty
Reports from Bhubaneswar and various parts of the state said that grocery and vegetables shop owners are also refusing to sell itens to the customers not wearing masks.
Lath said thousands of employees of the fuel stations are putting their lives at risk for the sake of duty and are also susceptible to infection.
"In the process (mask wearing), both the employees and the customers will be protected from the highly infectious disease, he said.
The association general secretary said all filling station owners in the state have been asked to strictly adhere to the social distancing norm in their outlets.
The state government has made it mandatory for the citizens to wear masks while stepping out of homes. It has also decided to impose fines on the violators, Rs 200 for the first three offences and Rs 500 on every subsequent violation.
The must wear mask order came into force from the previous day morning everywhere in the state.
In view of the shortage of N-95 masks in the markets, it allowed people to use a clean handkerchief or a piece of cloth with multiple folds to cover the nose and mouth while going out.
The order exempted children below two years of age and asthama patients.
(With Agency Inputs)
Also Read: Odisha Enhances Contingency Fund Corpus To Rs 2,000 Crore To Tackle COVID-19
Be it food grains, petroleum products, coal, fruits and vegetables, milk, edible oil, sugar, salt or any other essential item, the Railways has made sure there is problem in transportation.
“With the concept- “You stay safe at home, we are bringing you the essential commodities"- Rail warriors of East Coast Railway are working hard 24x7 to fight against COVID-19,” said a statement of ECoR.
Amidst the #COVID19 lockdown, @RailMinIndia continues to deliver essential commodities to fulfill the requirements of India's citizens.
Since March 23, the Indian Railways has transported approximately 6.75 lakh wagons of commodities across the nation: https://t.co/EyXsbZoTxh pic.twitter.com/ynRig4SYH7
— United Nations in India (@UNinIndia) April 11, 2020
Today morning, essential medicines dispatched from Visakhapatnam Railway Station by a Special Parcel Express were received at Palasa, Berhampur, Bolangir, Bargarh, Sambalpur and Rayagada stations in Odisha. Apart from that, medical equipment have also been received at Kesinga in Kalahandi district.
Also Read: Odisha COVID-19 Lockdown: BMC Ropes In 28 Stores, Malls To Home Deliver Essential Commodities
Similarly, milk powder and other items which were dispatched from Visakhapatnam station have been received at Berhampur railway station today. Green coconut from Vizianagaram have been received at Titilagarh and Balangir stations. Grocery items from Vizianagaram were also received at Rayagada.
Moreover, around 3364 tonnes of wheat in 58 wagons from Garha Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh were received at Cuttack Railway Station today by the Food Corporation of India. Similarly, rice bags are being loaded at Srikakulam, Pendurthy, Bargarh Road and Balangir by FCI towards South India, the ECoR said.
@RailMinIndia carrying essential commodities to nook & corners of d country in #COVID19 epidemic time. A train of rice being loaded #Dungripali stn @eastcoastrail following #SocialDistancing You stay safe at home, we bring essential goods to you #21DaysChallenge #21daylockdown pic.twitter.com/TWHpXDdnW1
— DRM Sambalpur (@drmsambalpur) April 11, 2020
Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla gave the instructions in a fresh letter to the state and UT Chief Secretaries and authorities on Sunday.
He reminded the states and UTs to ensure the movement of inter-state and intra-state cargo movement of essential goods.
"Union Home Ministry on Sunday again issued a clarification to the state and Union Territory (UT) governments instructing that there is no restriction on inter-state or intra-state cargo movement of essential items or any other items," a ministry official said in a press briefing.
Read: COVID-19: Invoke Stringent Law Against Those Hoarding, Black Marketing Essentials: MHA To States
"Godowns and cold storages can store any kind of goods. The godowns inside the company premises are also under exempted category. It is also directed to all state authorities to ensure the movement of employees of the manufacturing units of essential goods."
The instruction came just two days ahead of the end of the nationwide lockdown, with no word yet about its future. The movement of essential goods and services are exempted from the lockdown measures while violations are punishable under the Disaster Management Act and the Indian Penal Code as per the Home Ministry's consolidated guidelines.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Centre is focussing on a quick solution to the issues flagged with the Union Home Ministry control room.
A team of officers of Joint Secretary and above from various ministries are engaged with the task and they try to resolve the issues in coordination with the state and Union Territory governments.
"Issues raised with the Home Ministry control room are solved by the officials of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Railways and Civil Aviations who take help of state governments for the purpose," a ministry official said.
In its persistent effort to help the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Ministry has been addressing hundreds of calls received from people from different states. These queries were addressed by its nine control room helplines being run round-the-clock for seven days at its office.
The official also said that the state governments are trying their best in providing door to door supply of essential commodities to the people residing in hotspot areas so that they should not go out of their houses.
The state governments are also taking the help of volunteers and the civil society organisations in this effort, the official said. As per the official, Army units have also come forward at some locations and they have been extending their support in the distribution of food and increasing awareness in rural areas.
"The condition of essential commodities is under control."
The COVID-19 pandemic has so far claimed 273 lives and infected over 8,000 people across the country despite the nationwide 21-day lockdown imposed here since March 24 to break the transmission of the deadly disease.
The Union Home Ministry asked states and the Union Territories to abide by the Supreme Court's order on dealing with migrant workers in a humane manner.
Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of states and the administrators of UTs said they should take necessary action in compliance with the apex court's direction while implementing the lockdown.
The Supreme Court's directions were linked to welfare of migrant labourers, housed at relief camps in different parts of the country.
As per the apex court order, the states and the UTs should ensure adequate medical facilities, proper arrangements for food, clean drinking water and sanitation at these camps.
Further, trained counsellors and/or community group leaders belonging to all faiths should visit the camps to deal with any consternation that the migrants might be going through.
The court said the migrants' anxiety and fear should be understood by the police and other authorities, and that they should deal with them in a humane manner. The state governments and UTs should engage volunteers along with the police to supervise the welfare of migrants, it said.
The MHA communication also reiterates the directions in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's letter to states and UTs. The Health Ministry has already issued detailed guidelines to deal with psychosocial issues among migrants.
The Supreme Court's intervention came following a plea that the migrant workers were facing problems due to the pandemic as they had lost jobs and were unable to meet their basic needs.
(With IANS Inputs)
Also Read: COVID-19 Nationwide Lockdown Maybe Extended Till April 30 With Tweaked Restrictions
A number of large and small scale sectors have been allowed where they are mandated to ensure social distancing norms. The proposal comes two days before the lockdown is to end.
An important point made is that all employers whose entities are allowed to operate may be allowed to ask the labourers to report for duty. If labourers do not report for duty, no salary guarantee without work will be the responsibility of the employer. This needs to be clarified by the Ministry of Labour, the government said.
Industry Secretary Guruprasad Mohapatra has written to Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla making the point that the lockdown has been in place since March 23.
"However, it is felt that certain more activities with reasonable safeguards should be allowed once a final decision on extension and nature of lockdown is taken by the Central government. These new activities are essential to improve economic activity and provide liquidity in the hands of the people," Mohapatra said.
With unemployment concerns mounting, the government is keen to address this issue by allowing industry and economic activity to restart. Compared to the small opening that was being talked about, this is a rather large scale opening up after the lockdown.
Read: COVID19 Lockdown: Godowns/Cold Storages Can Store All Goods: MHA
Mohapatra has pointed out that the suggestions are on the basis of detailed discussions held by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal with states and industry associations. The recommendations come a day after the video conference held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the states where a two-week extension to the lockdown was unanimously recommended.
The Industry Ministry has given these recommendations to the Home Ministry with a list of 15 industries which should be opened with minimum manpower and distancing norms on a single shift basis.
These include those involved in manufacturing of heavy electrical items like transformers and circuit vehicles, telecom equipment and components including optic fiber cable, compressor and condenser units, steel and ferrous alloy mills, spinning and ginning mills, power looms, defence and defence ancillary units.
Cement plants, however, can run in three shifts as cement production is a continuous process.
Pulp and paper units can resume their production in clusters where COVID-19 cases are low based on the data by the state authorities.
Fertiliser plants, paints and dyes manufacturing, all types of food and beverages, seeds processing units, plastic manufacturing units, automotive units, gems and jewellery sector units, all units in Special Economic Zones and Export Oriented Units have also been exempted from nationwide lockdown measures.
There is no clear thread in the industries and most of these are diverse in nature. The focus seems to be addressing employment, starting economic activity across sectors and putting the onus on industry to ensure social distancing, hygiene and well-being of the workforce.
At the back of the mind are also considerations for the central and state governments to generate revenue through GST and Income Tax as several states have pointed out that while they are distributing rations and providing shelter, revenues have vanished because of the lockdown and cost-cutting will have to be resorted to.
As economic activity starts and salaries start flowing, it will also share the weight on the government's shoulders in terms of providing for the migrant labourers and others.
It has sought free movement of all vehicles and manpower required for continuing the activities permitted so far under various MHA notifications and this has to be allowed by all government authorities concerned with the movement of man and material.
Big companies with proper sanitation and distancing norms in place in sectors such as textiles, automobiles and electronic manufacturing (20 per cent to 25 per cent capacity in single shift may be considered to start with).
Companies/MSMEs with export commitments need to be allowed to operate with minimal manpower and necessary movement of material as a new entity.
Housing and construction sectors need to be allowed if the labourers stay at the sites with all facilities and safeguards. Contractors shall ensure safety, sanitation and distancing norms. Although there is not much construction activity, this is a large employment sector.
All transport vehicles of all sizes, whether inter-State, intra-State or intra-city, need to be allowed, whether empty or full, by all enforcement agencies without asking any question, is the recommendation.
It has recommended that all street vendors like fruit and vegetable sellers should be allowed by the States in order to improve doorstep delivery and also to provide much-needed liquidity to this population.
Certain repairing units like those individuals or small agencies involved in providing repair services of mobiles, electrical items like refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions etc, plumbing, cobblers, ironing (dhobi), electrician, automobile mechanics, and cycle repair mechanics should be allowed.
Read More: COVID19: Numbers Can Be Exponential, Resurge In Cases Abroad Cause Of Concern: Health Ministry
However, these individuals should also carry their ID cards and operate at their stalls or traditional sites. This will help the citizens under lockdown to avail these critical services and also provide them cash liquidity, which is required very much. Also, these services do not lead to any crowding. E-commerce entities providing such repair services may also be allowed.
As timber, plywood and wood-based industry provide packaging material to pharma companies, FMCG and other companies producing essential commodities, these should also be allowed by the state authorities.
Glass and foundry industry may be allowed with their minimal manpower to keep the manufacturing in a continuous recycling mode.
Certain rubber items are essential items related to medical/health care and domestic system-related manufacturing items, and these may be given priority for starting manufacturing while keeping in mind the safety, sanitation and distancing norms.
(IANS)
The Odisha government has advised people to stay at home and come out only for basic services while strictly following the social distancing guidelines. There shall be complete shutdown in the areas declared as ‘containment zone' or 'buffer zone' by the Health & Family Welfare Department or any other appropriate authority.
While informing about the exceptions and what will remain operational during the second phase of the lockdown, the Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha, Pradeep Jena informed agricultural activities & e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Big Basket etc will be allowed to resume their services during this period. Transportation of seeds, movement of tractors will also be allowed during the 2nd phase of the lockdown period. Vegetables will be procured directly from farmer producer organisations. All the cold storages and godowns will be kept open.
Also read: COVID19 Lockdown: Govt To Lift ‘Restrictions’ On 15 Industries, Street Vendors
Jena informed that in view of the harvesting of Ravi crops and the upcoming Kharif season, the government has decided to exempt farming and irrigation activities. Movement of equipment and vehicles like tractors will be allowed during this time. All the shops related to fertilisers, sales and repair of agricultural equipment will also remain open.
Procurement of paddy by women SHGs will continue and the government has plans to procure fruits and flowers directly from farmers. Similarly procurement of oilseeds and pulses will continue through NAFED and MARKFED. Poultry and seafood processing units and its transportation will be allowed as usual.The government will be allowing marine fishing activities and functioning of fishing harbours, providing a much needed relief for the fishermen community across the Odisha coastline.
Jena said that "All the co-operative banks and LAMPCS will remain open for the farmers to avail loans for the upcoming Kharif season. The programmes under MGNREGA, PMAY, Biju Pucca Ghar and Swachh Bharat will continue too.
The dhabas and restaurants will be allowed to open but only for take-away purposes. The SRC has categorically prohibited eating inside such eateries.
Industrial units, mainly MSME units that ensure workers to remain inside premises while maintaining social distancing norms will be allowed to operate.
Taxi aggregators like OLA and Uber will be allowed to operate only for emergency medical services.
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown: Ola Begins Emergency Services In Bhubaneswar, Cuttack
Though, all anganwadi centres in the state have been ordered to shut down, distribution of food items and nutrition support by anganwadi workers at the door steps of children, women and lactating mothers will be exempted.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said that home delivery of all kinds of products and courier services by platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Blue Dart, DTDC and BigBasket will resume in the 2nd phase of the lockdown starting from 15th April till 30th April this year. Transportation of seeds, movement of tractor will also be allowed during 2nd phase of lockdown period. Vegetables will be procured directly from farmer producer organisations. All the cold storages and godowns will be kept open.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1249589525338181632
Jena further informed that in view of the harvesting of Rabi crop and the upcoming Kharif season, the government has decided to exempt farming and the subsequent irrigation of the farm lands in the 2nd phase of lockdown. Movement of the equipment and vehicles like tractors will be allowed during this period. All the shops related to manure, sells and repair of agricultural equipment will also remain open.
Read: Extend Lockdown, Facilitate Agri Works But Suspend Rail & Air Services: Odisha CM To PM Modi
In a major respite for truckers and transporters, the roadside dhabas and restaurants will be allowed to open but only for take-away and home-delivery purposes.
Modifying the lockdown rules further, Jena said, “All the Co-Operative banks and LAMPSCS will remain open for the farmers to avail loans for the upcoming Kharif season. The programmes under MGNREGA, PMAY, Biju Pucca Ghar and Swachh Bharat will continue too.”
Odisha is the first state to extend the lockdown till April 30. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also had informed that the State government suggested the Union Government to shut down rail and air services till April 30.
Patnaik, who participated in the meeting online along with Chief Ministers of all other States on Saturday to discuss the coronavirus situation in the country, suggested PM Modi that the nationwide lockdown be extended till April 30 to contain the rising COVID-19 cases from spiralling more.
Besides, all the educational institutions, including schools and colleges in the State will continue to remain closed till June 17, Patnaik had said in a video message.
Earlier, the government had given permission for delivery of food through online delivery operators and grocery by several outlets.
Also Read: COVID19 Lockdown: ECoR Continues Delivery Of Essential Goods In Odisha
Odisha has reported 55 coronavirus positive cases so far. Of these, 13 have recovered whereas one person succumbed to the disease. Now, the active cases are 41 in the state.
(With Agency Inputs)
Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Shilpa Shetty Kundra has offered yoga tips to beat lockdown inactivity that can make our muscles stiff.
In a video she has shared on Instagram, Shilpa performs Surya Namaskar. "Being indoors for days on end can lead to the body stiffening up. One of the best ways to give your body the much-needed flexibility and toning, is through a few rounds of Surya Namaskaras," she wrote.
Elaborating on the asana, the actress added: "It's a complete workout. To make it even more beneficial, I added a few variations. You can try it out too (if your body has no injuries and permits). It helps increase shoulder-&-core strength while improving back flexibility, stamina, and endurance. This one's also a high calorie-burning variation, so performing about 8 to 16 repetitions every alternate day will also help reduce fat and increase metabolism too."
She had this message for her fans: "Today, I'm grateful for the ability to share whatever knowledge I have with millions of people around the globe. Please do take care of your health and your families too. Stay indoors, stay safe."
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6QF0vBxtO/
Alia Bhatt
Actress Alia Bhatt has turned to baking to while away her lockdown hours, and her moment in the kitchen in casual pajamas has gone viral.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-i_GsIFK4J/
Alia's sister Shaheen took to her Instagram to share a photograph of the actress in her pajamas.
In the monochrome image, the actress, who looked pretty in a casual t-shirt and pajamas, is flashing a big smile for the camera as she is standing in her kitchen. In the caption, Shaheen said that Alia was making a pudding.
"Little pudding making pudding," she wrote.
During the lockdown period, the sisters are experimenting in the kitchen. Recently, Alia shared a set of drool-worthy images of the chocolate cake and banana bread on her Instagram, writing: "Stayed home and .. baked a little with the sister. Shaheen Bhatt made the real chocolate cake and I made the grain-free paleo banana bread."
Meanwhile, on the film front, Alia will be seen in Ayan Mukerji's "Brahmastra", which also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor, and "Sadak 2".
Riteish Deshmukh & Genelia D'Souza Deshmukh
Locked up with each other during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Riteish Deshmukh and wife Genelia has found an exciting way to kill time! The couple has taken to TikTok for time pass and has shared an adorable video which is winning hearts on social media!
Also Read: Lockdown Diaries: Watch Salman Khan Eating Leaves With His Horse
In the video, Riteish and Genelia can be seen performing with the evergreen love song "Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Paagal Hai" from the 1991 romantic superhit film "Saajan" which originally featured Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt.
However, instead of using the original melodious track sung by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, the celeb-couple performed with a remixed version of the number sung by Atif Aslam.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6NZYAjEUl/
Riteish-Genelia's on-screen romance reflects their bonding in real life as well. Fans are loving the video on Instagram and flooded the post with comments like "Lovely couple", "Best couple" and "Favourite Jodi".
Bhumi Pednekar
Actress Bhumi Pednekar has become the latest Bollywood celebrity who has taken to baking cakes to while away the COVID-19 lockdown hours.
Bhumi on Sunday took to Instagram, where she shared a photograph of herself baking a walnut and dates cake. The image shows the cake baking in the oven.
The actress captioned the image: "Bhumi the Baker #WalnutAndDatesCake #happyeaster #stayhomestaysafe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-4SZ_upwes/
She later took to her Instagram stories, where she shared that she was asking "moong dal halwa" for her mother Sumitra Pednekar.
Bhumi posted that it took her a while to make and that a lot of efforts went into making the halwa.
She then thanked her mother being her "eternal teacher".
She wrote: "Sumitra Pednekar thank you my eternal teacher of all things amazing. Also, you're the real captain of this team I am still kachcha nimbu."
On the professional front, Bhumi will next be seen in "Durgavati" and "Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare".
(IANS)
Also Read: Lockdown Diaries: Here’s What Kareena, Alia, Kartik & Other Stars Are Doing In Home-Isolation
These tournaments were rescheduled to start on April 29 and continue till July 3 but have been suspended for now.
"...Hockey India has taken a decision to postpone the remaining annual 2020 Hockey India National Championships keeping in mind the well-being of all our stakeholders including the players, Coaches, organisers, fans and officials," Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said.
"These tournaments have been postponed indefinitely and we will announce new dates basis the evolution of the COVID-19 situation in India," he added.
Following the extension of nation-wide lockdown till 3 May 2020 announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today, Hockey India has postponed the remaining annual categories of the 2020 Hockey India National Championships.
More ? https://t.co/XvbucJzohH #IndiaKaGame
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 14, 2020
Ahmad said HI is working with the relevant central and state government departments to ensure that all necessary precautions are duly taken to maintain public health.
He said the participating member units must use this period to continue to update the member unit portal with player details.
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown Extended Till May 3, Announces PM Modi
"We would like to thank the various Hosts and Member Units who have been extremely co-operative to accommodate the request to postpone.
"I would also like to urge all the participating Member Units to continue to update the Member's portal with player's registrations and use this time effectively," Ahmad said.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also decided to postpone all matches and competitions scheduled to take place in May and June keeping in mind the safety of all stakeholders that include not just the players, but also the fans.
"Following the continued preventive measures and travel restrictions put in place by several governments, the Asian Football Confederation has decided today to postpone all matches and competitions scheduled to take place in May and June until further notice," an AFC statement said.
"As one of the first confederations in world football to undertake precautionary measures in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the latest decision reinforces the AFC's commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of players, participating teams, officials, fans and all stakeholders."
Earlier, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian football players were among those lauded by the AFC for their contributions towards the fight against coronavirus.
Read More: India’s Coronavirus Death Toll Reaches 339, Cases Soar To 10,363
"The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Guam Football Association (GFA), the J.League and the Wuhan Football Association have helped by giving donations, promoting public awareness messages and opening training centres to house medical teams," AFC stated in a press release.
"...players from India - Pritam Kotal, Pronoy Halder, Prabir Das and Arindam Bhattacharjee - have contributed a combined total of Rs 145,000 to various charities and donated food, and organised feeding-the-poor programmes in the country," the AFC said.
Meanwhile, the I-League Committee announced that it will decide on the fate of the remaining 28 matches in a video call meeting at the end of the week, a top league official said.
The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the league to suspend its matches with the country initially observing a 21-day lockdown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an extension of the current nationwide lockdown till May 3, claiming social distancing is the only way to pass the "agni pariksha".
Mohun Bagan have won the title with four rounds to spare and will be officially crowned the I-League champions.
"No decision has been made so far on cancelling the league altogether. The League Committee will decide that in a video conference meeting," a top official told IANS on Tuesday.
"Let's see the meeting could be on Friday or over the weekend or maybe on Monday," the official added.
Besides the I-League, the second division I-League is also not finished and the AIFF could offer a solution of playing a qualifier before the start of the next season.
In the I-League, the second and third place clubs need to be determined as well as the team to be relegated to second division.
(IANS & PTI)
In separate letters to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, both of them expressed concern over a significant number of poor, destitute and homeless facing difficulties since they are not able to avail the benefits of the public distribution system (PDS) as they do not have ration cards.
During interactions with administrative authorities, NGOs and volunteers during the lockdown period, a key concern has been raised regarding ensuring food supply to migrant labourers, daily wage earners, poor, homeless and destitute, Sarangi said in his letter.
Read: Odisha Ramps Up Dedicated COVID19 Hospital Capacity
Though the authorities have been trying to enlarge access to food by doing away with the requirement of ration card and distributing foodgrains through the PDS to anyone who needs it during lockdown, many people, across the country, are being deprived of ration supply being provided by government agencies, Sarangi said in his letter, copy of which was released to the media.
"In Odisha, several instances have also come to my notice where despite the best efforts of the authorities, ration could not reach a significant number of poor, destitute and homeless not having ration cards," the minister said.
Maintaining that the country has enough foodgrains to feed the people, the BJP leader urged the state government to direct the district authorities to waive, for the time being, the requirement of ration card for supplying foodgrains.
They can do so by undertaking proper identification of such people gram-panchayat wise so as to ensure that not a single person in the state goes to sleep with empty stomach, Sarangi said.
In his letter, Naik said that many poor people who are not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) in Odisha are in a state of despair during the lockdown.
The senior BJP leader urged the state government to provide free rice and pulses under the PDS to all households, who do not have ration cards, to mitigate their plight in this hour of crisis due to coronavirus pandemic.
Pointing out that the Centre has relaxed certain rules for use of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Fund to fight COVID-19, Naik requested the chief minister to use the funds to provide free rice and pulses to those poor families, who are yet to get ration cards.
(PTI)
Also Read: Odisha Sets ‘Zero Transmission’ Target Against COVID-19
Asking people to maintain an active lifestyle while staying indoors, the Department of Health and Family Welfare advised them not to sit on a bed or sofa while working on a computer.
"Make sure that your back gets enough support," the advisory said.
It also asked people to take a break in every 40 minutes and walk at least for 30 minutes every day.
"Avoid looking down on the screen of laptop/computer," the advisory said.
The health department also appealed to the people to stay connected with each other through social media but stay away from fake news in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.
On the psychological point of view, the health department suggested that people should accept the prevailing situation and not to be in denial mode.
"Be brave, be hopeful, rely and respect the system," it said.
Read: Odisha Police Gets Special Powers For Coronavirus Lockdown Enforcement
Asking people not to go for intoxicants to get false consolation, the health department forbade them to hate or suspect the family of a COVID-19 patient or to treat health workers with suspicion.
"Read, do yoga, work and give yourself some me-time, take rest and do physical work," the advisory said.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government is planning to set up an NDRF-like health disaster mitigation facility in the state, said Health Minister Naba Kishore Das on Thursday.
A proposal has been made to establish a health disaster mitigation training centre so that doctors, paramedics, nurses can be imparted advance training for immediate deployment during future health exigencies, said the Health Minister.
"The proposed training centre will be set up in line with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)," the Minister said following a meeting of the empowered group of ministers on COVID-19 held through video conferencing on Thursday.
He said that the Health Department has decided to conduct a massive pool test of the coronavirus at the community level to identify the infected patient at the earliest.
Proposals have been made to facilitate coronavirus testing at all medical colleges in the state and increase the day-wise test count to more than 3000, he added.
Panchayati Raj Minister Pratap Jena said the meeting on COVID-19 stressed on manpower development, training and capacity building.
Recommendations were made for the opening of coronavirus testing labs at all medical colleges and hospitals, he added.
(With Agency Inputs)
Also Read: Odisha Sets ‘Zero Transmission’ Target Against COVID-19
Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, however, made it clear that there will be no inter-state movement of workers during the lockdown, which has been extended till May 3.
The order issued by Bhalla said that due to the spread of coronavirus, workers employed in industry, agriculture, construction and other sectors have moved from their respective places of work and are housed in relief and shelter camps being run by state and UT governments.
Since additional activities, outside the containment zones, have been permitted in the consolidated revised guidelines with effect from April 20, these workers could be engaged in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works.
Also Read: COVID-19: Disinfectant Spraying On People Harmful, Says Health Ministry
To facilitate their movement within the state or UT, the following guidelines may be followed:
The migrant labourers currently residing in relief and shelter camps in states and UTs should be registered with the concerned local authority and their skill mapping be carried out to find out their suitability for various kinds of works.
The SoP said in the event that a group of migrants wish to return to their places of work within the state where they are presently located, they would be screened and those who are asymptomatic would be transported to their respective places of work.
It may be noted that there shall be no movement of labour outside the state and UT from where they are currently located.
During the journey by bus, it would be ensured that safe social-distancing norms are followed and the buses used for transport are sanitized as per the guidelines of the health authorities.
The local authorities shall also provide for food and water etc., for the duration of their journey, the SOP said.
The work under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) will also start, he noted, adding that over 13 crore families will benefit.
A day before a host of relaxations to boost economic activities kick in amid the nationwide lockdown, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said on Sunday that more relief measures/relaxations are bound to come if India continues to manage the coronavirus crisis well, asserting that "you cannot (have) lockdown permanently".
In an interview to PTI, the Information and Broadcasting Minister also called for fully observing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request to people to stay wherever they are amid a row over the UP government's decision to send buses to Kota in Rajasthan to bring back students stuck there.
"I will not go into any particular incident but let me make it clear that the Prime Minister has spoken about people facing hardship when they are away from home. He has advised them to stay wherever you are. That is the real point," he said when asked about the incident.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has objected to the development, saying it was against the spirit of lockdown, and some opposition leaders have questioned as to why then the central government is not making provisions for stranded migrant labourers to return to their homes.
"Our policy is 'stay wherever you are and help each other'," Javadekar said, adding that Modi's appeal in this regard should be observed 100 per cent.
A member of the group of ministers to oversee the measures to combat the pandemic, he said unlike leaders in some other countries, who are "confused" between the choices of the shutdown and letting economic activities pick up, PM Modi is "not in two minds" about the way forward and knows what needed to be done and when.
Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: Know The Economic Activities To Begin From Tomorrow
"He gave the call of lockdown at the right time and is now partially allowing economic activity while the lockdown continues. With such a (huge) population we have managed well if this continues we will get more relief," he said.
While the relaxations starting from April 20 are primarily aimed at boosting the rural economy, Javadekar expressed confidence that economic activities will start in cities as well "sooner than later".
"The lockdown has been very successfully conducted. The world is praising it because this is the way to fight the coronavirus. But even after this you cannot (have) lockdown permanently. It was needed to start the economic activity.
"The world has seen that in such a pandemic the country which saves lives actually then gets better... We have saved lives and at the same time, we must start the economic activity. To that end Prime Minister has partially opened economic activities," he said.
To a question about Rahul Gandhi's claim that the lockdown is not a solution to the pandemic, he took a dig at him, saying that the Congress leader must be "more knowledgable" about COVID-19 than others.
"The world is praising India for timely lockdown and its good implementation. Compared to what we are witnessing in western countries, we are doing much better," the senior BJP leader said, in an apparent reference to thousands of deaths in developed countries like the US, France and Italy.
The toll due to COVID-19 in India was at 507 and the number of cases at 15,712 on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The Prime Minister, Javadekar said, kept a keen eye on the COVID spread outside India even when there was not a single case here and would tell his cabinet colleagues about its potential danger and seriousness.
India now has 700 COVID-19 hospitals, over one lakh isolation beds, more than 11,000 ICUs for coronavirus patients and has begun manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), rapid test kits and masks that it did not have earlier, he added.
The Union minister said the partial resumption of economic activities, including all agriculture-related work, fishery and dairy works besides industries active in rural areas, under the prescribed guidelines will be a good relief to the rural economy.
The lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to combat the coronavirus endemic. While extending the lockdown till May 3, the prime minister declared that select activities will open up from April 20 in identified areas.
(PTI)
Recently, Disha took to Instagram to share a video of herself flaunting amazing dance moves on "Yonce". The video has gone viral in the virtual world.
Disha posted a video of herself performing a hip-hop routine to Beyonce's track "Yonce". She is seen wearing a white sports bra and a pair of camouflage cargo pants.
"#beyonce Choreography #brian #quarantinelife," the "Bharat" actress wrote along with the video.
The clip is winning hearts, and earned her a lot of love from fans and her friends, including Elli AvrRam.
Disha is popular for her dancing skills and has been part of many music videos and special songs, most recent being "Do you love me" in "Baaghi 3"
Also Read: Disha Patani Reveals About The Type Of Boy She Wants
A few days earlier, Disha Patani left the social media users smitten once again with her latest gorgeous photograph.
Disha took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of herself sitting on a chair. She is seen sporting a crotchet white dress with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit.
The actress captioned the image, which currently has a whopping 1.7 million likes on the website, with a flower emoji.
On April 11, Disha penned a note for "Malang" director Mohit Suri on his birthday, saying he is an "amazing person".
Disha took to Instagram to share a couple of throwback photographs with Suri, and send him some virtual love.
"Happy b'day to one of the most amazing directors and an even more amazing human, have an amazing year ahead sir, lots of love always� Mohit Suri," Disha wrote along with the photographs.
On the work front, Disha was last seen in "Malang", which also features Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor and Kunal Kemmu.
She will next be seen in "Radhe" starring superstar Salman Khan.
(With IANS Inputs)
Read: Disha Patani ‘All Set’ With Her Future Plans!
While they are not getting raw material to create products forcing them to sit idle, the handloom sector has experienced sudden stalling of orders as retailers have closed their shops due to the lockdown.
Until recently, you would hear the hum of the looms in several districts of Odisha known for their finest weaves. But, the looms have fallen silent following the COVID-19 lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
"The weavers could not receive raw material due to the lockdown. Besides, our products are not reaching to the markets. We are living in a bad condition," said master weaver Surendra Meher of Barpali in the Bargarh district.
Read: Odisha CM Announces Rs 100-Crore Package For Urban Poor Families
He said the state government should allow shops selling traditional weaving products like Saree, Gamcha, dhoti clothing, etc. to start operation only from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily with strict enforcement of social distancing norms.
Bijay Meher, General Secretary of All Odisha Weavers Association, said the shops selling cotton threads and other weaving related materials need to be allowed for the sustenance of the community, who completely depend on weaving.
"The government should consider opening the wholesale weaving product markets Balijuri Bazar of Bargarh. Thousands of weavers depend to sell products and manage their families on the market, which transacts in crores daily," he said.
Meher said Balijuri Bazar is one of the largest handloom markets in the country.
Odisha has carved a niche in the global market for its handloom products.
Kotpad handloom fabric, Orissa Ikat, Khandua Saree, Gopalpur Tussar fabrics, Dhalapathar Parda and fabrics, Sambalpuri Bandha Saree, Bomkai Saree, Habaspuri Saree, Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree and Joda have received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.
Weavers in Bolangir, Sonepur and Khurdha districts, who are known for producing beautiful sarees and dress materials, are waiting for assistance from the government to feed their families.
"We have no lands to grow crops to earn our livelihood during this crucial time. For generations, we have been weaving sarees, towels and other dress materials. But the coronavirus and lockdown forced us to sit idle affecting our livelihood. Now, only government assistance can help us," said a weaver from Sonepur.
(With IANS Inputs)
DMK President M K Stalin expressed concern over many journalists contracting the contagion and appealed to the government and others to cancel all press conferences till the lockdown ends and wanted the state to test all scribes for coronavirus on a war footing.
Sending news to the media houses through e-mail and avoiding press conferences was a very important protective measure, Stalin said in a statement.
PMK, an ally of the ruling AIADMK, voiced concern over journalists testing positive and urged media organisations to protect their staff and suggested that the government can do away with press conferences on COVID-19.
Not less than 25 people, including journalists, have tested positive of the 90 plus samples taken for the confirmatory RT-PCR test from those associated with the Tamil news channel, a health official told PTI.
On behalf of the channel, a video message was circulated, saying operations have been put on hold temporarily, adding that work would resume soon.
The development comes days after two journalists, including one who worked with the same TV channel, tested positive for the contagion in the city.
To a question, the official said the test results of those associated with the television channel were being collated and those who tested positive from the media house were being admitted to the Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital at Government Estate.
A government bulletin said 178 people were discharged today following recovery and active cases as on date is 940.
Three girls, discharged from the Stanley government hospital here, were gifted dolls while all others sent home following recovery in State-run hospitals were given fruits and accorded a warm send-off by authorities.
"Even if we spend several lakhs of Rupees in a corporate hospital, we would not have got the best of treatment, which we got from the government hospital," said an 82-year-old man who was discharged from the Stanley.
"The government doctors not only treated us for Coronavirus but also for various other ailments.
We got good food. Toilet and other amenities were good," he added.
On Tuesday, 76 people tested positive in Tamil Nadu taking the total count to 1,596 cases, the bulletin said.
Totally, 55 people tested positive today in Chennai and Chennai District has a tally of 358 of the total 1,596 positive cases in Tamil Nadu.
Coimbatore and Tirupur have 134 and 109 positive cases respectively.
As on date, 22,254 are in-home quarantine and 145 in government quarantine facilities in the State.
A release, meanwhile, said the Indian Medical Association and the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association thanked the government for arresting 21 men involved in obstructing and attacking people during the burial of a neurosurgeon, a COVID-19 victim here on Sunday late night.
(PTI)
Also Read: ICMR Asks States To Stop Using Chinese COVID19 Rapid Test Kits
In a letter to all district Collectors, Municipal Commissioners and Twin City Police Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena asked the officials to ensure free and uninterrupted movement of labour and in ‘non-hotspots districts multiple vehicle repair, battery, spare parts shops at a single location but not contiguous shall be allowed to open on all days’.
Grant of passes by police and district administration is not a feasible option for such large workforce. On the other side, free movement of all people will compromise the sanctity of lockdown. Hence, the following Standard Operating Procedures for free movement of labour and keeping transport logistics arrangements should be followed, wrote Jena.
#LockdownRelaxation#Odisha issues standard operating procedure for smooth movement of goods, labour and opening of vehicle repair shops #OdishaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/dg6t40VT34
— OTV (@otvnews) April 21, 2020
1. Free Movement Of Labour
The identity cards issued by the concerned companies will be treated as a valid document for workers. The permitted business/ shop owners may issue paper document containing the name and other details of the employee/ labourer. Free movement of labourers who are on foot and bi-cycle may be allowed.
If any entity/organization, as permitted in the above-mentioned guidelines desires to move their workers to their warehouse/worksite, they can transport them in passenger vehicles limiting to 40% of the approved seating capacity maintaining social distancing norms.
Such vehicle shall be moving from Point to Point with no picking of passengers en-route. It is clarified that no person shall be allowed to either board or alight en-route between the starting point and destination point of the journey.
Also Read: Odisha Fights Corona: 1.4K Corona Warriors on battlefield, 3.18 lakh on ready mode!
For obtaining passes for passenger vehicles, concerned Business entity/Contractor will apply to the Collector/RTO of the district /concerned authority in Municipal areas. The Commissioner, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commisionerate may also issue pass for the purpose.
Dhabas located on National Highways/ State Highways will remain open to provide only take away food. The will provide toilet facilities maintaining hygiene and social distancing.
Where the inter-district movement of labourers is required, the contractor shall specifically approach the Collector of the district from where labourers are to be moved, for necessary permission for transportation of labourers following the MHA guidelines in this regard. Such labourers, upon such transportation, shall be provided on-site accommodation by the Contractor.
2. Vehicle, Battery & Tyre Repair Shops
In non-hotspot districts multiple vehicle repair, battery, spare part shops at a single location but not contiguous shall be allowed to open on all days. Concerned Collectors/ Municipal Commissioners of the non-hotspot districts/ Municipal Corporations will regulate on the opening of such shops and duration of their opening and numbers.
In order to prevent congregation and ensure proper social distancing, single locations having more than 5 contiguous shops shall not be allowed to open till the lockdown period is over.
The provisions contained herein shall not apply to a containment zone as notified from time to time.
The Collector and the Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) / Municipal Commissioners may impose any restriction as may be required to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
In the districts designated as Red and Orange category, opening of such shops, their scale and numbers will be decided by Collectors and Municipal Commissioners in case of Municipal Corporation areas taking into account the local conditions. The Collectors may be liberal,in permission in areas which are beyond the affected/hotspot areas.
Also Read: Second COVID Spurt: Rural Odisha turns hotspot, 10 more suspects identified!
Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ released the 'Alternative Academic Calendar' for the upper primary stage was released in New Delhi today. The 'Alternative Academic Calendar' for the primary stage has been released by Union HRD Minister on April 16, 2020.
Union Minister Pokhriyal said that the 'calendar' provides guidelines to teachers on the use of various technological tools and social media tools available for imparting education in fun-filled and interesting ways. Learners, parents and teachers can use these tools even while being at home. However, it has taken into account the varying levels of access to such tools-Mobile, Radio, Television, SMS and various social media.
Also Read: CBSE To Offer New Courses For Students, Check Details
He further stated that it is a fact that many learner, parents and teachers may not have internet facility in their mobile or may not be able to use different social media tools- such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. Under such circumstances, the calendar guides teachers to further guide parents and students through SMS on mobile phones or through voice call. Parents are expected to help elementary stage students to implement this Calendar.
Further, the minister said that soon all the remaining classes i.e., IX to XII and subject areas will be covered under this calendar. This calendar will cater to the need of all children including Divyang children (children with Special Need). Under this initiative, the link for audiobooks, radio programmes and video programme will be included.
The calendar contains week-wise plan consisting of interesting and challenging activities, with reference to theme/chapter taken from the syllabus or textbook. Most importantly, it maps the themes with the learning outcomes. The purpose of mapping of themes with learning outcomes is to facilitate teachers/parents to assess the progress in the learning of children and also to go beyond textbooks. The activities given in the calendar focus on learning outcomes and can thus be achieved through any resource including the textbooks that children use in their state or UT.
It also covers experiential learning activities such as arts education, physical exercises, yoga, pre-vocational skills, etc. This calendar contains class-wise and subject-wise activities in tabular forms. It also includes activities related to four languages as subject areas, i.e., Hindi, English, Urdu and Sanskrit and also gives space to the strategies of reducing stress and anxiety among teachers, students and parents. The calendar also includes a link for chapter wise e-content available on the e-pathshala, NROER and DIKSHA portal of GoI.
All the given activities are suggestive in nature, not prescriptive, nor is the sequence mandatory. Teachers and parents may opt to contextualise the activities and do those activities that the student shows interest in, irrespective of the sequence.
NCERT has already commenced live interactive sessions with students, parents and teachers through the TV channel Swayam Prabha (Kishore manch) ( available through Free DTH channel 128, Dish TV Channel # 950, SunDirect #793, Jio TV, Tatasky #756, Airtel Channel #440, Videocon Channel # 477),
Students, teachers and parents can download the Kishore Manch App from play store and can also access the YouTube live (NCERT Official Channel). NCERT will telecast the sessions from Monday to Saturday. The telecast timing for primary classes is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and for upper primary classes from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In addition to interacting with the viewer, hands-on activities along with the teaching of topics are demonstrated in these live sessions. This calendar would also be disseminated by conducting video conferencing with SCERTs/SIEs, Directorates of Education, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, CBSE, State School Education Boards, etc.
The calendar will empower students, teachers, school principals and parents to find out positive ways to deal with COVID-19 using on-line teaching-learning resources and also improving their learning outcomes getting school education at home.
Also Read: CBSE to conduct class 10, 12 exams for only 29 main subjects: HRD minister
In an exemplary act during the nationwide COVID19 lockdown, Gambhir performed the last rites of a woman from Odisha, who had been engaged to look after the MP's child at his residence for the last several years.
The deceased, Saraswati Patra of Kusunpur village in Jajpur district, was reportedly taking care of Gambhir’s child at the latter’s residence in New Delhi. She reportedly had some pre-existing illness and had to be admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, but she breathed her last while undergoing treatment on April 21.
[caption id="attachment_447084" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Late Saraswati Patra From Odisha[/caption]
Though Gambhir and his office tried to contact the family members of Saraswati to shift her body to Odisha for cremation, it was not possible due to the nationwide lockdown restrictions. Later, the Parliamentarian performed her last rites.
“Taking care of my little one can never be domestic help. She was family. Performing her last rites was my duty. Always believed in dignity irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. Only way to create a better society. That’s my idea of India! Om Shanti,” tweeted Gambhir.
Soon, praises poured in for the MP from East Delhi constituency for his humane act.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to the cricketer-turned-politician for performing the last rites of Saraswati. "Taking care of Saraswati throughout the course of her illness, he also ensured her dignity in death by performing her last rites himself since her mortal remains could not be sent to her family back home in Odisha," tweeted Pradhan.
You May Like: Pratap Sarangi Bats For Universal Edu Schedule For Students Across India Amid COVID-19
"His act of compassion will enliven the faith in humanity for millions of poor, who are working far from their homes for livelihood and will garner respect from all folds of society," added Pradhan.
Informing about the decision, Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb stated that as per Puri Shankaracharya's recommendations, the rituals will be conducted inside Meghanadh Pacheri, the boundary wall of the Srimandir till the time COVID19 lockdown is in force till May 3. But the details regarding the place inside the temple will be finalised after discussion with servitors and other stakeholders tomorrow, the Gajapati said.
Such decision was taken after a high-level delegation comprising Gajapati Maharaj, SJTA officials, members of the Jagannath Temple Managing Committee discussed the matter with the Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati.
“Puri Shankaracharya was of the view that rituals cannot be interrupted. As the rituals cannot be conducted outside due to COVID19 lockdown, which restricts congregation & outdoor festivals, the Akshaya Tritiya rituals, which are vital pre-Rath Yatra rituals, will be conducted inside the temple premises,” said the Gajapati Maharaj.
Read More: Puri Rath Yatra Chariot Construction Can’t Take Place During COVID-19 Lockdown: Gajapati Maharaj
Puri King further stated that the matter will be discussed with all servitors tomorrow and appropriate steps will be taken for the conduct of the rituals inside the temple premises.
“It is the responsibility of the Centre and State government to ensure that all the existing traditions are followed. I welcome the decision taken today by all the stakeholders through a harmonious mutual discussion,” said Puri Shankaracharya.
Krishan Kumar, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) informed that, “It has been decided to follow all the directions of the Centre and the State government and the rituals which are conducted outside the temple will be conducted inside.”
Puri Collector Balwant Singh said, “Today’s meeting was crucial and it has been decided to conduct the rituals inside the temple without violating any prescribed lockdown guidelines.”
Also Read: COVID-19: Chhatisa Nijog Bats For Rath Yatra In Controlled Environment
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also welcomed the suggestion of Puri Shankaracharya to conduct rituals like Akshay Tritiya inside Srimandir premises till May 3. He said it will help preserve the rich tradition of Lord Jagannath Temple.
ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ ଶ୍ରୀଜଗନ୍ନାଥଙ୍କ ନୀତିକାନ୍ତି ଓ ମହାନ ପରମ୍ପରାକୁ ରକ୍ଷା କରିବା ସହ କରୋନା ମହାମାରୀର ସଠିକ୍ ମୁକାବିଲା କରିବା ପାଇଁ ଜଗତଗୁରୁ ପରମପୂଜ୍ୟ ଶଙ୍କରାଚାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ମହାରାଜ ଯେଉଁ ପରାମର୍ଶ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି ସମଗ୍ର ହିନ୍ଦୁ ସମାଜ ଏବଂ ସାଢେ ୪ କୋଟି ଓଡ଼ିଶାବାସୀଙ୍କୁ ଆଶ୍ୱସ୍ତ କରିବ ବୋଲି ମୋର ଆଶା । pic.twitter.com/4PZ49ELpwr
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 25, 2020
Later, in a clarification released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it said that shops have been allowed to open in multi-brand or single brand malls.
In rural areas, all shops, except those in shopping malls are allowed to open. In urban areas, all standalone/neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open.
E-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only.
However, shops in markets/market complexes & shopping malls are not allowed to open. Besides, the sale of liquor and other items are also prohibited, the release read.
Moreover, no shops will be permitted to open in hotspots/containment zones, the clarification issued said.
The Home Ministry clarified that only standalone shops are being allowed to open as per the directive and that the order does not apply to COVID-19 containment zones or liquor stores. Then in a further clarification, the government said that salons, barber shops, and restaurants will continue to be closed as the relaxation was given to "shops selling items".
The Ministry has cleared the air after initial confusion due to Friday night's MHA order. The clarification says, "In urban areas, all standalone/neighbourhood shops & shops in residential complexes are allowed to open. Shops in markets/market complexes & shopping malls are not allowed to open."
Here are all shops that can open:
1. All shops in residential areas and markets in the neighbourhood will open those sell items.
2. All shops that are registered under the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State or the Union Territory, including those shops in residential complexes and market complexes, outside the municipal corporations and municipalities, will be allowed to open.
3. In urban areas, non-essential goods and services will be allowed to operate provided they are in residential areas or are a standalone shop. This essentially means a sweet shop too can function.
4. However, those shops in registered markets but outside municipal corporations and municipalities can open only with 50 per cent staff.
5. Shops that fall under rural and semi-rural areas and markets that are registered can open. In cities, only standalone shops and residential shops can open.
Meanwhile, the ministry also clarified that sales by e-commerce companies will continue to be restricted to essential goods only.
Shops that can't be open
1. No shops have been allowed to open in multi-brand or single brand malls, it had said. So, one can forget about their plans for a mall visit.
2. No movie theaters are being allowed to open.
3. Liquor shops too will remain closed and the MHA has made it a point to stress on that.
3. Gyms and swimming pools too will be off-limit as they are areas where social distancing goes for a toss.
4. Markets with a cluster of shops like that of south Delhi's Khan Market too will remain shut.
5. Since they don't sell items but offer services, salons too will remain closed.
However, much of the final decision rests with respective state governments and UT administrations. But where they do allow these new reprieves, however conditionally, it will surely be a welcome change for a locked-down populace.
Meanwhile, the largest traders' body Confederation of All India Traders lauded the decision but issued a caution to the traders to follow orders by their state government in the matter and also sanitize shops and market places before resuming business.
CAIT's national general secretary Praveen Khandelwal said, "The central government has taken this decision only after fully assessing the present circumstances related to Corona and keeping in mind the difficulties of the public and economic scenario of the country."
"We appeal the traders across the country to not open their shops in their extreme enthusiasm and await the order of respective state government and as per the same, the shops can be opened. Since trade and shops and establishment is the state subject, only the States Governments are empowered to take the decision," Khandelwal added.
The traders' body with over 7 crore traders across the nation also wrote to the Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri mentioning that in the context of the opening of shops or markets, it is necessary that shops and markets are properly sanitized.
It demanded that the government should make a clear plan immediately and advise all the state governments to take necessary steps for sanitizing the markets and the shops.
(With Agency Inputs)
The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, said there was a need to maintain a strict lockdown till May 3 so that the gains are not squandered away. The nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 in a bid to combat the coronavirus threat. It was further extended till May 3.
In a series of tweets, the Union Home Ministry said it has held a comprehensive review meeting on the lockdown situation in the country and has found that there have been tremendous gains and improvement in the COVID-19 situation due to the lockdown till now.
"New guidelines to fight #COVID19 will come into effect from 4th May, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts. Details regarding this shall be communicated in the days to come," the home ministry spokesperson tweeted.
New guidelines to fight #COVID19 will come into effect from 4th May, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts. Details regarding this shall be communicated in the days to come.#Corona Update#StayHomeStaySafe @PMOIndia @HMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) April 29, 2020
The first guidelines were issued on March 24 immediately after the prime minister announced the lockdown for 21 days. The guidelines, issued under the Disaster Management Act by the Union Home Secretary, specified the people and services exempted from the lockdown.
The home ministry spokesperson also said to ensure that these gains are not squandered away, the lockdown guidelines should be strictly observed till May 3.
The home ministry's tweets tagged the Prime Minister's Office, Home Minister's Office and the Ministry of Health with a hashtag "#StayHomeStaySafe".
The Telangana government has already extended the lockdown till May 7 while the Punjab government extended it for two more weeks beyond May 3.
Several chief ministers, who attended a meeting convened by the prime minister on Monday, have sought the extension of the lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the country.
The number of COVID-19 hotspot districts in India on Wednesday has come down to 129 from 170 a fortnight ago, but in the same period the number of infection-free districts or green zones too decreased from 325 to 307.
During this time, the number of non-hotspot districts, also known as orange zones, increased from 207 to 297.
On April 15, the Centre had declared 170 districts across 25 states and Union Territories as coronavirus hotspots or red zones. Of these, 123 were hotspot districts with large outbreaks and 47 with clusters.
It had also said 325 districts had not reported any coronavirus case because of actions initiated at the field level.
According to the Health Ministry data, the number of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 31,787 and the number of fatalities rose to 1,008 on Wednesday, registering a record jump of 71 deaths in 24 hours.
There has been a spike of 1,813 cases since Tuesday evening. The total COVID-19 cases reported so far include 111 foreign nationals.
The government has already allowed industrial activities in rural areas with conditions. Similarly, apart from the shops for the essential commodities, standalone business establishments of non-essential goods were also allowed to open during the lockdown.
Movement of essential and non-essential cargos are also allowed through trucks and trains. On Wednesday, the home ministry allowed movement of migrant workers, students, tourists and other people with certain conditions.
(PTI)
As per reports, the first lot of stranded migrants from Surat boarded in four buses on Monday and reached Seragad and Dharakot areas of Ganjam on Thursday midnight. The migrants had booked the vehicles on their own expenses to reach their home State. Surat district administration had granted the required permission for the same.
As the migrants have arrived from a Coronavirus affected State, all of them have been lodged at a government quarantine centre and will stay there for the next 14 days. Prior arrangements were made at Dharakot and Seragad Model Schools for quarantine purpose. Swab samples of the travellers will be tested and none of them will be allowed to their respective homes during the quarantine period. Moreover, no family members of the travellers will be allowed to meet them.
Each of the quarantine centres is facilitated with over 100 beds and needful arrangements have been made. After swab sample tests and completing a quarantine period of 14 days, the health department will discharge them if they don't show any signs of COVID-19 infection and their health condition remains stable.
Taking to Twitter, Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange confirmed the news. The authorities have strictly barred the public from visiting the quarantine centres where the returnees are lodged.
All four buses reached at Quarantine centre. 217 people returned from Surat. Primary health screening done. We request all people of ganjam not to visit these quarantine centres. Strict action will be initiated if any violations @CMO_Odisha @HFWOdisha @PRDeptOdisha pic.twitter.com/TXIr4gMGzg
— Collector & District Magistrate, Ganjam (@Ganjam_Admin) April 29, 2020
Meanwhile, four more buses from Surat will be arriving in the State soon. Of the four buses, one has set off from Surat while three others will commence the journey today. As per sources, as many as 57 passengers in the buses are from Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Khurda and Jagatsinghpur districts. The passengers have purchased the bus tickets at Rs 3,500. Of the three buses to set off from Olpad near Surat, one bus will carry passengers to Ganjam while the other two buses will arrive at Bhadrak's Tihidi.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik had earlier held discussions with his Gujarat counterpart regarding safe evacuation of Odia workers from the State amid the lockdown.
Similarly, as many as 975 students of the State, who were stranded at country's premier coaching hub, Kota in Rajasthan due to the ongoing lockdown will begin their journey to home from Thursday.
While the students have made arrangements for their own transport, the state government has facilitated the permit for travelling in buses. As per sources, as many as 1200 students from Odisha are now stuck at Kota, and their parents had earlier appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to ensure their safe return to the state. Of the total number of students, the State government has prepared a list of 975 students.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1255755231746560000
"The government has taken up the matter with Kota administration in Rajasthan and is ensuring the safe return of the students," said a senior IPS officer in charge of coordinating with other states.
The State government has also asked the students to strictly adhere to social distancing and quarantine guidelines after arriving at their respective districts.
Odisha government acted on the process of bringing back the students after the governments of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Assam took similar measures to bring back students of their respective states.
On behalf of all parents, mother of a student who is returning from Kota expressed her gratitude to Odisha CM and BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda.
https://twitter.com/otvnews/status/1255767229901213701
Odisha's Higher Education Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo has appealed the students to take the lockdown period and the time of crisis as an opportunity to prepare well for exams which may be conducted on any feasible day after the institutions reopen on June 17.
On the UGC advisory, minister Sahoo proposed to form an expert panel to discuss the issues related to the exams and the academic calendar and the appropriate measures for ensuring the future of the students.
"UGC had formed an expert panel including seven members. The experts handed over a report to UGC which was further sent to the Ministry of Education. Further UGC has released a guideline analyzing the report. Our department will further analyze the guideline and we will finalize appropriate decisions for the State," he added.
UGC, the governing body of all the Universities of higher education across India on Wednesday suggested grading intermediate semester students on internal assessment of the present and previous semesters and recommended to conduct exams in July in states where the COVID-19 situation has normalized.
As per the statement released by UGC, Universities may adopt efficient and innovative modes of examinations by reducing the time from 3 hours to 2 hours. Universities may conduct terminal or intermediate semester or yearly examinations in offline or online mode, as per their regulations, the scheme of examinations, observing the guidelines of “social distancing” and keeping in view the support system available with them and ensuring a fair opportunity to all students.
Furthermore, the terminal semester or year examination for postgraduate, undergraduate courses, programmes may be conducted by Universities as suggested in the academic calendar. The timing of the examination may be considered appropriately by the Universities, and examination may be conducted keeping in mind the guidelines of social distancing.
Patnaik made the request of return of Odias to the Tamil Nadu chief minister through video conferencing which was also attended by Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Pradhan agreed to coordinate between the two states for trouble-free movement of the stranded people to Odisha.
The Tamil Nadu CM informed that there are 1,30,000 workers from Odisha working in the state, mostly in Tirupur district.
Patnaik thanked Palaniswami for personally visiting some of the camps where Odia people are grounded. He deputed CMs advisor R Balakrishnan to coordinate with Tamil Nadu on behalf of Odisha.
Patnaik also spoke to some of the odia people held up and presently staying at Guru Nanak College in Chennai.
A large number of natives of Odisha including migrant workers, fishermen, students and professional are stuck in different parts of Tamil Nadu and unable to return home due to lockdown.
Both the governments agreed to cooperate with each other for facilitating smooth movement of people.
Earlier, Patnaik had spoken to the chief ministers of Gujarat and Maharastra where Odia people are also stranded due to the lockdown imposed to contain spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
A batch of migrant workers have already returned home from Gujarat and a group of students are on their way back to the state from Kota in Rajasthan.
The people who are stuck in other parts of the country have to register their names with Aadhar number and mobile phone number in a portal launched by the Odisha government.
On their arrival in the state, the returnees will have to undergo mandatory quarantine in Odisha.
The state government has opened temporary medical camps and quarantine centres in all the 6798 gram panchayats and over 100 urban local bodies to keep the returnees in quarantine before allowing them to go to their houses.
Meanwhile, State Governments COVID-19 spokesperson Subroto Bagchi said Odisha has been taking steps to ensure return of Odias stranded in different places as per the guidelines issued by the Centre.
(PTI)
Acknowledging that putting all the returnees in quarantine will be a challenge, Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy today informed that pre-registration through the dedicated portal of the State government is mandatory for the returnees. Moreover, special measures have been undertaken by the State government for the migrants, students, tourists and others who are expected to return from other States either through buses or special trains. According to Tripathy, health screening of people at the place from where they are starting their journey is mandatory and will be undertaken by the concerned States as per the Government of India circular.
Modalities For Those Returning By Road ( Buses, Other Vehicles):
As per the circular issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on April 19, those who want to return to different States will have seek permission and requisite passes from the local administration (concerned State government). The concerned State government officials will ensure that those who want to return to Odisha have registered themselves and their details including contact numbers will be recorded.
People will only be allowed to enter Odisha through 11 check-points- Biramitrapur (Sundergarh), Champua (Keonjhar), Chandili (Koraput), Girisola (Ganjam), Jamsola (Mayurbhanj), Kerada (Rayagada), Khariar (Nuapada), Laxmanath (Balasore), Luharchati (Bargarh), Motu (Malkangiri) and Sunki (Koraput).
At these check points, Odisha has set up camps and multi-disciplinary teams including police, RTO and health officials will verify the data filled up by the returnees during registration. Those who cannot register themselves, they can register on the spot but we have urged Chief Secretaries of other States to ensure that people complete the pre-registration process before they are allowed to travel to Odisha.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already spoken with the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu through video conferencing and urged them to allow people of Odisha to travel with necessary passes. Secondly, the people will have to intimate in prior advance the concerned district Collectors or Municipal Commissioners regarding the final destination of their journey, said Tripathy.
People returning from other states by road should obtain passes from the authorities of the originating districts; the pass should mention whether the person has registered or not in #Odisha govt portal & the destination district: #Odisha Chief Secretary pic.twitter.com/gdpOYS7Ocr
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2020
Stamping Of Returnees:
All passengers, who reach the designated checkpoints in Odisha, will be stamped with indelible ink with entry date and it will be used for counting quarantine period. A sticker will be pasted on the windscreen of the concerned vehicles by which people will return to Odisha. This sticker (standard sticker) will act as a valid pass for the entire State. The number of occupants in the concerned vehicle, source and final destination of the journey will be mentioned in the sticker at the check point.
“The data from the border check points will be provided to Collectors and Sarpanchs for monitoring purposes. District administration will receive the returnees and send them to identified quarantine centres,” said Tripathy.
People returning to the state will be STAMPED with indelible ink on their right hand mentioning their date of entry which will be used to calculate quarantine period: #Odisha Chief Secretary pic.twitter.com/i1VXADCrh8
— OTV (@otvnews) May 1, 2020
Modalities For Those Returning By Trains:
Odisha government informed that soon point-to-point trains from some States like Kerala, Gujarat and others are expected to start shortly for stranded people. As per norms, pre-registration of returnees is mandatory and no train will be allowed without Odisha government’s clearance.
Returnees will be received at identified railway stations from where they will be sent to their respective districts. The State government will make arrangements for transportation if they want to go to rural areas where they will undergo 14-day quarantine, he added.
Quarantine In Urban Areas:
Home quarantine will be a preferred mode in urban areas. Either municipal commissioner or executive officers will decide the quarantine mode. The quarantine officers with assistance of local health authorities will check health status of the returnees and allow for home quarantine. If the concerned person doesn’t have arrangements for home quarantine, they can opt for institutional or paid quarantine facilities (hotel, lodges with some payments).
Quarantine In Rural areas:
Odisha has come up with nearly 2.60 lakh beds at quarantine centres set up in rural areas across State.
Sarpanchs have been asked to allow/permit home quarantine for pregnant women, children, students, professionals, third genders, and mentally challenged. If they do not have any scope for home quarantine, Sarpanchs and other field officers will make necessary arrangements for them.
Stickers will be put up in front of the houses of people who will be under home quarantine. The health status will be monitored by health teams both in urban and rural areas on a daily basis.
Those who will avail home quarantine, they should ensure 100 per cent compliance with the prescribed COVID-19 norms. If there is any wilful violation, stern action will be taken against the concerned persons under Disaster Management Act 2005, Epidemic Disease Act 1897 and other relevant sections of IPC, Tripathy added.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said that police found Garima, 35, who was five-months pregnant, dead in her residence in Jersey City on Sunday morning with injuries to the upper body and her husband, Man Mohan Mall, 37, in the Hudson River.
Both were declared dead at the scene.
"While it remains at this time that these deaths are the result of a murder-suicide, the final determination is still pending the complete findings of the Regional Medical Examiner's Office," Suarez said in a statement.
She said that the medical examiner has determined after a postmortem that Kothari's death was a homicide while the cause of Mall's death was still pending.
Kothari's restaurant, Nukkad, which opened in February in Jersey City, was closed a month later because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
She re-opened it partially in April for only pick-up and delivery orders and delivered donated meals to healthcare workers at the Jersey City Medical Centre, New Jersey magazine reported.
A week before her death, she gave an indication in a Facebook post about the financial difficulties of small restaurants and complained about large restaurant chains grabbing federal loans meant for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She wrote, "Yet another tough decision "Nukkad is up and running" even on Sundays now. I would so appreciate the support of the community at this point of time! Existence in silo is not possible, hence I feel compelled to stay open & support my skeletal staff & be able to pay some fixed expenses (now that small biz fed loans have been lapped up by the Ruths & Shake shacks!!)"
Later, Shake Shack chain that operates nearly 250 restaurants and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse with about 80 locations agreed to return the Paycheck Protection Programme loans meant for small businesses that they had taken.
When the restaurant opened, New Jersey magazine wrote that Nukkad "is an elegant-looking fast-casual Indian restaurant doing "Indian Soul Food" from chef Garima Kothari, one of the top 15 finalists from 'Master Chef: India'."
It said that Kothari had started as an investment banker in India but switched careers after her performance on the "Master Chef" show.
The magazine said that she studied pastry and baking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and after working as a pastry chef she opened a catering company, Breaking Bread Co, in Jersey City before starting Nukkad with her husband.
Mall described himself on Facebook as an IIT Kharagpur graduate with an advanced degree in financial engineering from Columbia University in New York.
(IANS)
In the first phase, Odisha government is implementing operation 'Subha Yatra' in coordination with the Kerala government to bring back 1,150 migrants from various parts of Kerala. Under this initiative, Kerala govt officials have shared all the requisite data of the returnees which will enable Odisha to properly track and quarantine people.
Sharing details about the operation at the daily COVID19 briefing of the State government, the IT Secretary Manoj Mishra said Kerala government set up 12 teams comprising its Revenue department, health and police officials to trace out Odisha people who intend to return to Odisha.
"The teams screened them for presence of any COVID-19 and ILI symptoms and accordingly handed them health certificates. Later the officials brought them to the railway station in buses by following proper COVID protocols. They sent us the detailed information about all returnees who are being sent back to Odisha and after inspection in our State COVID portal, we found that all of them have been registered," Mishra said.
On the modus operandi of the operation in Odisha, Mishra said, "After profile-matching of the incoming migrants we have selected two places where they will be alighted from the train so that they can be sent to their designated quarantine camps smoothly. By coordinating with district collectors, RTOs, required number of buses and other vehicles have been arranged for Bhubaneswar and Jagannathpur in Ganjam district where the train will halt."
"All migrants belonging to southern districts will be asked to de-board the train in Jagannathpur and thereafter the rest of them will disembark at Khurda Road junction," he said.
"Entire mapping of returnees travel route to their respective gram panchayats have been made and accordingly the operation will be carried out to ensure that there is no ambiguity," the secretary said.
The government has made it clear that general public have been barred from venturing near the stations and places where the migrants will board and deboard, only authorized government and railway officials will be in charge of all operations.
According to Mishra, for better execution of Subha Yatra operation, all State government wings are working under Home Secretary Sanjeev Chopra who has been put in charge as the nodal officer of Railway movement.
This operation will be followed for bringing Odia people from all other States during the lockdown.
With the Centre granting permission to reopen liquor shops in designated Green Zones, Odisha Excise Commissioner today asked the State government to allow operation of liquor industrial units which have been closed since March 25.
At present, while Odisha has a total of 12 bottling plants, 5 breweries and 2 distilleries, the government has been urged to reopen the closed units to manufacture/stockpile IMFL/beer/country liquor in advance to cater to the high demand of consumers soon after the liquor shops are reopened.
'The existing stock of liquor both in the shops and Odisha State Beverages Corporation Limited (OSBCL) depots may meet the demand only for a few days,' a letter from the Excise Commissioner Anjan Kumar Manik to the Excise department Secretary read.
Excise Commissioner said that the industrial units will adhere to all COVID19 protocols like restricting manpower to 50%, social distancing, use of masks and sanitisers.
On the other hand, liquor vendors' association in the State has expressed unwillingness to open liquor shops after May 3.
"It is improper to allow liquor trade in selective zones because it endangers the very purpose of the government's dedication and efforts in fighting this pandemic. As per government's demarcation, if a Green Zone is situated near an Orange or Red Zone, there are chances that people might cross zones illegally to buy booze by breaking COVID protocols," said Pravat Kishore Das, secretary of Odisha liquor vendors' association.
Das further said, "Even though we will accept State government's decision, we would suggest that liquor shops should remain closed during lockdown for the benefit of everyone."
The returnees and those passing through are required to enter the state only from these points.
Officials at these checkpoints, after due diligence, will allow entry of vehicles into different parts of Odisha and transit of vehicles through Odisha, said the official.
Additional Chief Secretary and Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the return of stranded Odia people to all District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Municipal Commissioners, and Police Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.
The SOP said that the 12 Border Checkpoints will be set up in 11 border districts -- Biramitrapur in Sundargarh, Champua in Keonjhar, Chandili in Koraput, Girisola in Ganjam, Jamshola in Mayurbhanj, Kanktora in Jharsuguda, Kerada in Rayagada, Khariar Road in Nuapada, Laxmannath in Balasore, Loharchoti in Bargarh, Motu in Malkangiri, and Sunki in Koraput.
Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy has directed police, health, commerce and transport officials to operate as a team at the ground level for smooth return of the migrants.
The pre-registration number of the returnees will be checked at the checkpoints and, if required, fresh registration will be done. The returnees will be stamped with indelible ink on the right inner forearm, indicating the entry details.
Jena said these stamps would be helpful in deciding about the quarantine of the returnee in the state.
Meanwhile, hundreds of migrants from Surat in Gujarat who are on their way to Uttar Pradesh were left stranded in transit despite necessary permissions, as Uttar Pradesh government is not allowing entry of their buses, Surat Police Commissioner RB Brahmbhatt said on Saturday.
He said that Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh governments are in talks to resolve the confusion caused by some "technical issues".
Brahmbhatt also said that some of the migrants are returning to Surat amidst the confusion.
"About 40-50 buses carrying migrants are on their way to Uttar Pradesh. They were provided passes from Surat.
However, the buses were later stopped (due to the lack of permission from the UP government), leading to confusion," said Brahmbhatt.
He said talks are on between the two (Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat) governments to resolve some "technical issues".
"People are restless. Several buses are in transit in Madhya Pradesh, as Uttar Pradesh is not allowing them the entry," he said, adding that some buses had managed to enter Uttar Pradesh.
The Centre government recently allowed movement of stranded labourers, tourists and students from one state to another on the permission of local authorities amidst the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown, which has been extended till May 17.
Up to Friday evening, about 50,000 people had left for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha in about 4,000 vehicles including buses, cars, tempo, trucks etc.
Meanwhile, Surat Collector Dhaval Patel issued an order stating that no checkposts will issue offlline permits to vehicles leaving for other states.
"Migrant labourers will have to seek online permission only," he added.
Patel said no permits will be issued for vehicles carrying migrant workers to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Assam, and other North-Eastern states.
Vehicles leaving for other states will have to register online at http://www.digitalgujarat.gov.in and www.
digitalgujarat.gov.in for an online permit.
"They will have to take a printout of the online permit as a valid pass for their vehicles," the collector said.
He also said that people leaving for other states will be screened at three check-posts by medical teams for any Coronavirus symptoms before being allowed to leave the district.
The Uttar Pradesh government has issued advertisements in Gujarati papers in which CM Yogi Adityanath has appealed to workers from his state living in Surat to keep patience.
"Efforts are being made to coordinate with all state governments to ensure that all workers and youths from Uttar Pradesh are safely transported back to their homes. We humbly appeal to you to keep your patience and stay wherever you are.
"Do not walk back home. The Uttar Pradesh government is making arrangement for your safe return in a phase-wise manner," reads the advertisements.
(With Agency Inputs)
The State government will not compromise with its ongoing fight against COVID-19 for a few people. The violators will be arrested and kept in quarantine away from their home districts, said Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy on Sunday.
In the last two months, we have been able to contain #COVID19 spread in #Odisha; a lot of frontline workers are working 24/7 across the State; we don’t want to comprise it at any level: #Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy pic.twitter.com/REAZUQpFbz
— OTV (@otvnews) May 3,
2020
He further stated that the quarantine period for the persons resorting to any indiscipline or violating norms will be extended and they will also be deprived of the financial assistance from the government. Clear instructions have been issued to district Collectors, Sarpanchs and other field officials in this regard, said Tripathy.
At present, all the migrant workers and others returning to the State in buses are being allowed to enter through 12 check points. However, it has been learnt that several buses are violating route norms and travelling to other areas in the State other than the stipulated route.
The returnees, who are creating nuisance & escaping from quarantine centres, will be kept at quarantine centres away from their respective districts; violators will be arrested, quarantine period will be extended & no incentive will be paid: #Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy pic.twitter.com/246dySEXJy
— OTV (@otvnews) May 3, 2020
"Some buses are also not following the prescribed vehicle module. They are travelling to other districts instead of the route prescribed in the stickers issued to them. Such vehicles will be seized for violating the prescribed route norm," said the Chief Secretary.
Besides, Tripathy warned that the buses found overcrowded and violating the prescribed route norms will not be allowed to enter the State.
Odisha has been able to contain the spread of COVID-19 so far due to strict compliance with the lockdown norms and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), said Tripathy adding, “Clear instructions have been issued to Sarpanchs and Collectors to ensure 100 per cent compliance of quarantine norms and to initiate legal action against violators from today, respectively.”
Some buses ferrying migrants from other States are not following prescribed route norms; stern action will be taken against such vehicles; buses without passes & overcrowded will not be allowed to enter #Odisha: Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy pic.twitter.com/sAuYnwyByr
— OTV (@otvnews) May 3, 2020
Due to the nation-wide lockdown that started on March 25, IT hardware production distribution had largely remained shut in India, impacting sales revenue in April. However, much of these activities are set to reopen starting Monday as several restrictions are set to be lifted.
"We do have a slew of launches scheduled in the later half of the year. Quite immediately we are looking forward to a couple of launches from the gaming segment starting June 2020," Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer & Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, told IANS in an email interview.
To meet the expected surge in demand for laptops as companies implement "work from home" for their employees' education goes online, ASUS India is working on boosting its plans with its current partners like Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm and other e-commerce platforms, while the company also plans to revive its retail expansion strategy in "due course".
"We have been bullish in the offline space prior to the lockdown and we intend to continue with the same gusto at a more appropriate time. We have more than 100 ASUS exclusive stores (AES) and our aim is to have 200 AES by 2020 financial year," he said.
"We believe that once the lockdown is lifted/relaxed, there will be an increase in online shopping. But at the same time we also foresee the growth of the offline route once things return to normalcy," Su said.
India is one of the core markets in the Asia Pacific region for ASUS which contributes significantly to the global growth of the organisation.
"The laptop market in India is among the top 10 largest markets in the world. ASUS PC segment is 15 years old in India and currently we have a 13-15 per cent market share which is testimony to our rapid growth in this geography," Su said.
Citing an internal study, ASUS India said it has grown in its consumer PC segment by 44 per cent in Q1 2020 vs Q4 2019, whereas the PC market overall witnessed a decline by 22 per cent in the same period.
ASUS India believes that its aggressive retail expansion in India prior to the lockdown helped it maintain this growth in Q1.
"Collaborating with large format stores like Reliance, Vijay Sales among others has been successful and we aim to continue with these partnerships," Su said.
"We do foresee a considerable impact on the overall laptop business in India by 30-40 per cent in Q2 2020 as compared to Q2 2019," he said.
ASUS said that in light of the pandemic, it had undertaken measured approaches to safeguard employees and mitigate financial and operational exposure with various resilience plans for business continuity.
"In spite of the severity of the pandemic, we are continuing with our annual appraisals and ensuring employee benefits are safeguarded," Su said.
"We are committed to ensuring that there is no disruption in our ability to serve customers, societies and our employees," he added.
(IANS)
A provision in the SOP, which drew a good deal of flak, said the "local state government shall handover the tickets for these passengers cleared by them and collect the ticket fare and hand over the total amount to Railways."
"If you are stuck abroad during this COVID crisis this government will fly you back for free but if you are a migrant worker stranded in another state be prepared to cough up the cost of travel (with social distancing cost added). Where did 'PM Cares' go? Like I said earlier you were better off getting stranded overseas & flown back home!," tweeted NC leader Omar Abdullah.
In the SOP, the railways said the responsibility for food, security, health scanning, providing tickets to the stranded will be with the state from which the train is originating. It has however taken the burden of providing one meal to passengers whose journey will be of 12 hours or more.
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury hit out at the Union government for burdening the states and said the situation with migrant workers was a result of the Centre's abrupt announcement of a lockdown.
"It is very unfair that the entire responsibility has been shifted to the state governments. This problem was not caused by the states. In the Parliament, the government said it bore the entire cost of repatriating Indians stuck abroad. In the same manner, the migrants should have been sent back.
"Anyway, thousands of crores have been directed to PM-CARES," Yechury told PTI.
The railways on Friday rolled out the special trains to ferry migrant workers, students and others stranded in various parts of the country since the nationwide lockdown began on March 25.
Normally, the national transporter said in the guidelines, the Shramik Special trains will be run for distances more than 500 km and will not stop at any station before the destination. Each train with full-length composition with social distancing (not counting the middle berths) can carry about 1,200 passengers.
"The originating state shall plan the group of travellers accordingly. The occupancy of the train should not be less than 90 per cent. Railways shall print train tickets to the specified destination, as per number of passengers indicated by originating state and hand them over to the local state government authority.
"The local state government authority shall handover tickets to passengers cleared by them and collect the ticket fare and hand over the total amount to railways," the guidelines added.
The state government shall issue food packets and drinking water at the originating points, it said.
It will be mandatory for all passengers to wear face covers.
"The originating state will encourage all passengers to download and use Aarogya Setu App," it said.
On arrival at the destination, the passengers will be received by state government authorities, who would make all arrangements for their screening, quarantine, if necessary, and further travel.
The receiving state will make adequate security arrangements at the railway station.
"Railways reserves the right to discontinue Shramik Special train operations if safety, security and hygiene protocols are flouted at any stage," the guidelines issued to all zonal general managers said.
While the railways is yet to issue any clarification on the charges, officials said as the transporter, railways was charging the states for services rendered.
Railway officials said there have been no issues so far with states on payments while some states like Jharkhand have already paid in advance, others like Gujarat has arranged for an NGO to sponsor part of the services.
Criticising the decision to charge for the travels, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav said exploiting the poor in times of a disaster is the "job of money lenders, not the government".
"The news of the BJP government taking money from the poor, helpless labourers going back home by train is very shameful. It has become clear today that the BJP, which pardons billions to capitalists, is with the rich and against the poor. Exploiting during a disaster is the job of money lenders, not the government," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar said his party was ready to provide aid to the state government for payment of train fare for migrants.
"Giving Rs 1 crore cheque to KSRTC from the KPCC for ensuring Free Transport to our working-class & labour people who are suffering to reach home because of the rates being charged by the Karnataka Govt. Govt should let us know if they need more, the KPCC will fulfill that as well," he tweeted.
(PTI)
“SC Mohapatra, Development Commissioner-cum-additional Chief Secretary would head the overall state response on the return of persons stranded in Odisha to their home states,” read a circular issued by the office of the Chief Secretary.
“It is desired that the State must proactively facilitate and support the return of stranded persons with a humane approach,” the official statement said.
The government has also issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the smooth return of the stranded persons from Odisha to their home states.
Labour Commissioner N Thirumala Naik has been designated as the State Nodal Officer. He will facilitate movement of workers stranded in Odisha to their home States and will co-ordinate with the counterpart in the receiving State.
If a person or group of such persons intend to move to their State from Odisha in vehicle arranged by them, they may be advised to contact State Helpline No. 1800 34567 03 (Labour & ESI Dept.) or WhatsApp on 7008110717 or the respective District Labour Officer.
State Nodal Officer shall coordinate with the District Collector/ Municipal Commissioner for screening of such workers and issuing authorisation/ vehicle pass to asymptomatic persons.
District Collector/ Municipal Commissioner will then intimate the vehicle details, passenger details and date/ time of Journey with route chart to the Labour Commissioner-cum-State Nodal Officer who will inform the receiving State for further necessary arrangements.
Besides, Home Department Principal Secretary will be responsible for implementation of a decentralised system for issue of passes through district/ municipal administration. He shall also finalise a standard format for the passes.
Stranded persons may apply to the respective district collector/superintendent of police/municipal commissioners/ police commissioner for permission to travel, giving their details including destination state/district. The officials on receipt of application will issue passes with intimation to Odisha Home department and the counterpart district authority in the destination state.
Odisha issues guidelines for issue of permission for inter-State movement
In the wake of an increasing number of requests made by people to allow them either to go outside the State or come to Odisha due to various reasons, the Odisha government has come up with specific guidelines to restrict unessential inter-State movement during the third phase of lockdown enforced from today.
The MHA on Sunday also asked the States to permit only distressed people to go home but not allow persons residing at workplaces who wish to visit their native places amid the lockdown 3.0.