Covid LIVE: Preparing for third wave, says Uddhav as cases hit 2-month low

Coronavirus live updates: India's Covid fatality count remains above the 3000-mark. Stay tuned for corona-related news

8:07 AM

More states in US ease lingering virus rules as Covid vaccine rates rise

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, more US cities and states are shrugging off lingering COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and the number of infections falls.

 

Massachusetts lifted a mask requirement Saturday, a day after New Jersey dropped its mandate. In New York City and Chicago, officials reopened public beaches, though winds and cool temperatures kept crowds away.

 

Welcome back, Chicago," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a video announcement. The lakefront is open." READ HERE...

7:43 AM

Mizoram reports 329 new Covid positive cases and one death on Saturday

Mizoram reports 329 new Covid positive cases and one death on Saturday.

7:42 AM

Centre refutes reports claiming CoWIN portal creating digital divide

Union Health Ministry on Saturday refuted media reports claiming that CoWIN platform creating a digital divide and allowing unscrupulous elements to hack the system to benefit a few sections of population.

 

"There have been some unfounded media reports of the CoWIN platform creating a digital divide and allowing unscrupulous elements to hack the system to benefit a few sections of population. Reports are incorrect and not supported by full information on the matter," the Ministry said. READ MORE...

7:34 AM

32 kids orphaned in Covid pandemic in Delhi: Child rights panel chief

The Delhi child rights panel has identified 32 children who have been orphaned during the Covid pandemic in the national capital.

 

Ten more children, living with single parents, have lost them, said Commission for Protection of Child Rights chief Anurag Kundu.

 

"Sixteen children have been identified who lost their parents during the second wave. We have been enquiring about them whether they require medical attention, ration, counselling, immunisation etc, said DCPCR member Ranjana Prasad.

 

We are providing them the help they ask for," she added. READ HERE...

7:33 AM

Domestic flights to cost more as govt raises minimum airfares by 13%-16%

Flights within the country are set to become costlier as the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has decided to raise the lower limit on domestic airfares from 13 per cent to 16 per cent, which will come into effect from June 1.

 

As per an order by MoCA on Friday, "Fare for domestic travel less than 40 minutes of duration will be hiked by Rs 2,300 to Rs 2,600, which is 13 per cent of the current fare."

 

Flights with duration between 40 minutes to one hour will have fares at a lower limit of Rs 3,300. The fares for such flights were earlier capped by the ministry at Rs 2,900. Similarly, for flights of duration between 60-90 minutes airfare will be charged at Rs 4,000, 90-120 minutes at Rs 4,700, 150-180 minutes at Rs 6,100 and 180-210 minutes will cost Rs 7,400. READ ON...

7:31 AM

Total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in India crosses 21 crore: Health Ministry

7:28 AM

Govt announces scheme to provide pension for dependents of Covid victims

The government on Saturday announced a string of measures, including a pension for dependents of those having lost their lives due to COVID-19, among other benefits for the families who lost their earning members to the pandemic.

 

Besides family pensions, insurance benefits under the Employees' Deposit-Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme have been enhanced and liberalised. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said these steps will help mitigate financial difficulties faced by these families.

 

Modi said his government stands in solidarity with these families. READ ON...

7:27 AM

Delhi extends coronavirus curbs till June 7, relaxes norms for construction

The Delhi government has extended the COVID curfew for another week till 5 am of June 7 while allowing operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises.

 

"The DDMA extended the curfew on the movement of individuals except for essential activities in Delhi till 5 am on June 7 (Monday) or further orders whichever is earlier. Operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises in approved industrial areas and construction activities within their worksites shall be allowed outside the containment zones during the curfew period," reads the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) order. READ MORE...