COVID-19: Over 74,200 Cases in India; FM Announces TDS, EPF Cut
Catch all the updates on the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown here.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the media on Wednesday, 13 May, a day after PM Narendra Modi announced an economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore and said lockdown 4.0 would be different from the other phases.
Among the major announcements, she talked about a revised definition of MSMEs, reduced the TDS by 25 percent till end of March 2021, and a reduction 10 percent instead of 12 percent of employer and employee from salaries for Provident fund.
The number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 74,281 on Wednesday. According to the Health Ministry data, there are now 47,480 active cases across the country, while 2,415 people have died. As many as 24,385 patients have been cured or discharged and one has migrated.
In the last 24 hours, 3,525 new COVID-19 cases and 122 deaths have been recorded.
- During his address, PM Modi emphasised on the concept of ‘self-reliance’ and being ‘vocal for local’
- Maharashtra has sought the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces to reduce the stress on the state police during lockdown
- Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi wrote to UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday giving suggestions for bringing relief to the people amid COVID-19 crisis
- India is currently under the third phase of the lockdown till 17 May to curb the spread of the virus
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1,894 COVID-19 Deaths in US in 24 Hours
The United States recorded 1,894 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, bringing the total to 82,246, AFP reported on Tuesday, citing the Johns Hopkins University tally. This is a big jump as compared to the daily death tolls of the last two days, which were less than 1,000.
COVID-19: India’s Case Tally Rises to 74,281; Death Toll at 2,415
The number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 74,281 on Wednesday. According to the Health Ministry data, there are now 47,480 active cases across the country, while 2,415 people have died. As many as 24,385 patients have been cured or discharged and one has migrated.
In the last 24 hours, 3,525 new COVID-19 cases and 122 deaths have been recorded.
Economic Package: Finance Minister Sitharaman to Address Media at 4 pm Today
A day after PM Narendra Modi announced an economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore and said lockdown 4.0 would be different from the other phases, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be address the media at 4 pm on Wednesday.
101 New COVID-19 Cases in Odisha; Tally Rises to 538
Odisha on Wednesday reported 101 fresh COVID-19 cases, with the tally going up to 538, an official was quoted by PTI as saying.
87 New COVID-19 Cases in Rajasthan; Tally Rises to 4,213
As many as 87 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Rajasthan on Wednesday, taking the tally in the state to 4,213. However, no new death has been reported in the state, with the death toll standing at 117.
359 New COVID-19 Cases, 20 Deaths in Delhi
As many as 359 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths were reported in Delhi in 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 7,998 and the death toll to 106.
A total of 2,858 patients have recovered in the national capital so far, Health Minister Satyendar Jain was quoted by ANI as saying.
26 New COVID-19 Cases in Karnataka; Tally Rises to 951
As many as 26 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka between 5 pm on Tuesday and 12 pm on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 951, including 442 discharged patients and 32 deaths.
48 New COVID-19 Cases in Andhra Pradesh; Tally Rises to 1,142
As many as 48 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the tally in the state to 2,137, including 948 active cases, 1,142 cured/discharged patients and 47 deaths, ANI reported.
'Better Coordination Between Centre and States a Must': C'garh CM on COVID-19
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday echoed West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee's discrimination charge against the Centre in the COVID-19 fight, reported PTI.
"Better coordination between Centre and states (are a) must for more effective tackling of the COVID-19 outbreak," Baghel told the news agency.
Priyanka Gandhi Writes to UP CM, Seeks Relief for People Amid COVID-19 Lockdown
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote to UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday giving 11 suggestions for bringing relief to the people of the state amid the coronavirus crisis and the lockdown, ANI reported.
She sought zero interest on home loans, waiver of tubewell and power bills of farmers for four months, as well as relief for small and medium industries in the state, according to PTI.
Maharashtra Seeks Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said that they have sought the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to reduce the stress on the state police during lockdown, PTI reported.
The state has recorded over 24,400 COVID-19 cases so far, the highest among states.
Only Indigenous Products to be Sold at All CAPF Canteens from 1 June
The Home Ministry has decided that only indigenous products will be sold at all CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) canteens from 1 June, Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted on Wednesday, a day after PM Modi's speech announcing an economic package amid the COVID-19 lockdown and emphasising on the concept of 'self-reliance'.
41 New COVID-19 Cases in CISF
Forty-one new coronavirus cases have been reported in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), with a majority of them from its Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) unit, officials were quoted by ANI as saying.
Offices of Bihar Ministry to Remain Closed Till 15 May for Sanitation Work
“All offices of Bihar Home Ministry at Sardar Patel Bhawan to remain closed till 15 May 2020 for santisation work. The work in these offices will resume on 16 May 2020,” said Anirudh Kumar, Special Secretary — Home Department, Bihar.
FM Shares Details of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' in Media Briefing
“PM laid out a comprehensive vision, and that vision was laid out after wide consultations with several sections of the society,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
She added that focus on factor of production — land, labour, liquidity and law, and that the motto of self-reliance doesn’t mean that India will become isolationist.
“If we look at the poor, the migrants, through DBT we have been able to put money in their Jan Dhan accounts,” Sitharaman claimed.
The FM added that, “Rs 18,000 crore refunds given to tax payers; 14 lakh taxpayers benefitted from clearing of refund dues.”
New Definition of MSMEs, Investment Limit Increased: FM
“Definition of MSMEs has been revised, investment limit to be revised upwards, additional criteria of turnover also being introduced,” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
“Investment upto one crore and turnover upto 5 crore is classified as Micro Enterprises,” she said.
Delhi HC Issues Notice to Centre, State Over Petition Seeking Operation of Public Transport
Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Centre and state government on a petition seeking direction to permit the operation of public transport in all districts of the national capital, reports ANI.
66 Fresh Cases in Mumbai's Dharavi
“Mumbai's Dharavi reports 66 new cases of COVID-19 today, taking the total number of cases in the area to 1,028,” said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, reported ANI.
642 'Shramik' Special Trains Operated Till 13 May: Govt`
“Indian Railways has operated 642 'Shramik Special' trains till 13 May, across the country. Around 7.90 lakh passengers have reached their home states,” the government said, reports ANI.
Chattisgarh Govt Imposes 10% 'Corona Tax' on Foreign Liqour
Chhattisgarh government imposes 10 percent “Corona tax” on foreign liquor and an increase of Rs 10 on price of each bottle of country made liquor, reports ANI.
Migrant Workers Stage Protest Outside Deputy Commissioner's Office in Ludhiana
In Punjab, migrant workers stage a demonstration outside the deputy commissioner's office in Ludhiana, demanding that they be sent back to their home states. A worker said, “My employer did not pay me in April. My wife is pregnant. How will we manage things without money here?”
Total 71 Cases, 23 Active in Uttarakhand
“The number of COVID-19 cases has reached 71 in Uttarakhand, with one more person testing positive in Almora district today. Number of active cases stands at 23,” said Uttarakhand Health Department, reports ANI.
Measures Announced by FM Will Boost Liquidity, Empower Entrepreneurs: PM Modi
“Today’s announcements by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will go a long way in addressing issues faced by businesses, especially MSMEs. The steps announced will boost liquidity, empower the entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitive spirit,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
22 Inmates of Permanent, Temporary Jails Test Positive in UP
“A total of 22 inmates of permanent and temporary jails have tested positive in Uttar Pradesh so far. Eleven prisoners have been found positive in Agra Centra Jail, six in Moradabad Jail (all recovered) an five inmates in temporary jails,” said the Uttar Pradesh government, reports ANI.
5 New Cases in Noida; Guatam Buddh Nagar's Tally at 236
Five new COVID-19 cases in Noida, one in Jewar. The total rises to 236 in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of UP, there are 90 active cases, reports ANI.
15 More Test Positive in Assam; Tally at 79
'Fifteen more people have been tested positive for COVID-19 in Kamrup Metro, taking the number of total cases to 79 in Assam out of which 37 cases are active,” said Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, reports ANI.
509 New Cases in TN; Tally Rises to 9,227
“Five-hundred and nine new cases of COVID-19 and three deaths have been reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total number of cases to 9,227 and deaths to 64. Number of active COVID-19 patients stands at 6,984,” the Tamil Nadu Health Department said.
Maharashtra Reports 1,495 Cases Today: Tally at 25,922
“1,495 new COVID-19 cases and 54 deaths reported in Maharashtra today, taking total number of cases to 25,922 and deaths to 975. 5,547 patients have been recovered/discharged in the state so far. 15,747 cases and 596 deaths have been reported in Mumbai,” the Maharashtra Health Department said, reports ANI.
634 Fresh Cases in Gujarat; Tally at 9,268
“Three hundred and sixty-four new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours; the total number of positive cases rise to 9,268,” the Gujarat Health Department said, ANI reported.
SC Asks Lawyers Not to Wear Coats, Long Gowns During Vid Conference
The Supreme Court has asked lawyers not to wear coats, long gowns during hearings through video conferencing ‘till medical exigencies exist or until further orders' in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, reports PTI.
PM-CARES Fund Trust Allocates Rs 3,100 Cr For Fight Against Corona
“PM-CARES Fund Trust allocates Rs. 3,100 Crore for fight against COVID-19,” said the Prime Minister's Office, according to ANI.
PMO added, “Out of Rs 3,100 crores, a sum of approximately Rs. 2,000 crore will be earmarked for the purchase of ventilators, Rs. 1,000 crores will be used for care of migrant labourers and Rs.100 crores will be given to support vaccine development.”
Total 793 Cases in Haryana; 418 Discharged
“Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Haryana stands at 793, including 418 patients recovered/discharged and 11 deaths:,” the Health Department, Government of Haryana said, ANI reported.
Total Cases in Haryana at 793
Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Haryana stands at 793, including 418 patients recovered/discharged and 11 deaths.
Maha CM Donates Funds from CMRF For Migrant Labourers
To purchase Shramik Train tickets for migrant labour stranded in Maharashtra and to bring back the ones stranded in other states, CM Uddhav Thackeray has approved Rs 54.75 crore from the chief minister’s relief fund. This amount has been transferred to the District Collectors.
117 New Cases in West Bengal
At least 117 COVID-19 cases confirmed in West Bengal today. The total number of cases in the state is now at 2290, including 135 deaths. 72 deaths also occurred due to comorbidity.
Flight from Jeddah Departs for Kozhikode
First Air India flight under Vande Bharat Mission from Jeddah to Kozhikode departed at 5 pm today with 151 persons on board.
Cases in Ladakh Rise to 43
Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Ladakh rises to 43.
116 New Cases in UP
Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state reaches 3,758 with 116 new cases today. 115 patients recovered today . The total death toll is 86.
202 New Cases in Rajasthan
At least 202 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 4,328
Haryana Government to Start Buses on Specific Routes
The Haryana government has decided to start special bus services on selected routes from 15 May, to facilitate people stranded within the state due to lockdown. Buses will ply only in Haryana but the special bus service will not be started in areas severely affected with COVID-19, CM Manohar Lal Khattar sid.
8 New Cases in Bihar
At least 8 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Bihar, taking the total number of positive cases to 940.
41 New Cases in Telangana
At least 41 new coronavirus positive cases reported in Telangana today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,367.