Coronavirus news highlights: India's Covid-19 death toll inches towards 1-lakh mark

India reports a spike of 86,821 new Covid-19 cases taking the tally over 63 lakhs. The death toll according to Deccan Herald's counting is poised to cross 1-lakh mark. In its most recent update, the Union health ministry placed the total number of cases at 63,12,584 and the death toll at 98,678. The Ministry said that 52,73,201 people have so far recovered from the infection. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Tamil Nadu's Covid-19 case count tops six lakh-mark

Over a span of nearly three months, the state has added a whopping 5,00,569 cases as Tamil Nadu had crossed the one lakhmark (1,02,721 cases) on July 3. Tamil Nadu, which breached the five lakh cases on September 13 has added a little more than one lakh cases in 17 days.

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Best time to invest in pharma, medical device sector: DV Sadananda Gowda

The Indian pharma sector, currently valued at $40 billion, has the potential to become a global pharmacy hub in the coming years, the Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister said in a statement.

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People stand in a queue at a fast-food takeaway after it reopened today, during Unlock 5, amid the coronavirus pandemic, at Viviana mall in Thane. Credit: PTI

Odisha Government issues guidelines Unlock 5; places of worship to remain closed for public till October 31. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment complexes, theatres, auditoriums and assembly halls will continue to remain closed till 31st October.

NSE successfully completes operations from disaster recovery site

National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) on Thursday said it has successfully completed live trading and other operations from its disaster recovery site.

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Gujarat reports 1351 new Covid-19 cases, 1334 discharges and 10 deaths today. Total cases in the state rise to 1,38,745, including 1,18,565 discharges and 3463 deaths. Active cases stand at 16,717: Government of Gujarat.

Karnataka reported 10,070 new COVID-19 cases, 7,144 discharges and 130 deaths today, taking total cases to 6,11,837 including 4,92,412 discharges and 8,994 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 1,10,412: State Health Department.

Workers not to bear brunt of losses caused by Covid-19: SC

"A workers’ right to life cannot be deemed contingent on the mercy of their employer or the State. The notifications, in denying humane working conditions and overtime wages provided by law, are an affront to the workers’ right to life and right against forced labour that is secured by Articles 21 and 23 of the Constitution," the court said.

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Maharashtra reports 16,476 new Covid-19 cases, 394 deaths and 16,104 discharges today. Total cases in the state rise to 14,00,922, including 37,056 deaths and 11,04,426 discharges. Active cases stand at 2,59,006: Public Health Department.

Will PM Modi hold another 'Namaste Trump!' rally to honour his dear friend Trump, asks Chidambaram

During the first presidential debate ahead of the US polls, President Trump raised questions over the credibility of India's Covid-19 tally, claiming that it was among the countries that do not accurately disclose the number of deaths due to the pandemic.

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UK PM's father pictured in shop without face mask, apologises

The 80-year-old author and former Conservative Party member of the European Parliament apologised, claiming he may not be fully updated on the new rules, under which the lack of face coverings in enclosed spaces can incur fines of 200 pounds for first-time offenders, rising steeply for repeat offences.

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Tamil Nadu reported 5,688 new Covid-19 cases, 5,516 recoveries & 66 deaths today, taking total positive cases to 6,03,290, including 5,47,335 recoveries, 9,586 deaths & 46,369 active cases: State Health Department.

Rs 1 crore fine for IPL players violating bio-bubble

The players could be fined as much 3000 AED (60,000 INR approx) for not completing their daily health passport, not wearing GPS tracker and missing a scheduled COVID-19 test. The same rules apply for family members and team officials.

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8,135 new Covid-19 cases, 2,828 recoveries & 29 deaths reported in Kerala today, taking the total number of active cases to 72,339: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. (Representative image)

2,193 new Covid-19 cases, 1,953 discharged cases and 14 deaths reported in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases rises to 1,37,485 till date, including 20,807 active cases, 1,14,135 discharged cases and 1,500 deaths: State Health Department.

Andhra Pradesh reported 6,751 new Covid-19 cases, 7,297 recoveries & 41 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total positive cases to 7,00,235, including 6,36,508 recoveries, 57,858 active cases & 5,869 deaths: State Health Department.

Delhi reports 3,037 new Covid-19 cases, 3,167 recoveries/discharges/migrations and 40 deaths today. The total cases in the state rise to 2,82,752 including 2,50,613 recoveries/discharges/migrations and 5,401 deaths. Active cases stand at 26,738.

Covid-19: Cinemas, schools to remain shut in Delhi in October

The decision was taken after reviewing the Covid-19 situation in the capital. The Centre has now allowed the opening of cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes from October 15 while leaving it to states to decide on reopening of schools after the same date.

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Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel tests positive for Covid-19

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Thursday said he has tested positive for Covid-19 and has gone into self-isolation at his residence.

Power consumption grows by 5.6% in September, recovers after six months of slump

Power consumption in the country registered a growth of 5.6 per cent in September at 113.54 billion units (BU) after six-month gap since March this year, showing spurt in sluggish industrial and commercial activities amid Covid-19 pandemic.

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More than 10k Covid-19 cases in CRPF; recovery rate at 85%

"Conducting a running event like this during the times of Covid-19 is to underline the fact that we need to boost our immunity and enhance physical capability to combat diseases like the coronavirus while following medical protocols such as wearing face masks and ensuring physical distancing," the CRPF director general told reporters at the closing event of the 'Fit India Freedom Run'at Vijay Chowk in the national capital.

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Maximum impact of Covid-19 felt by women, children claims Harsh Vardhan

Addressing the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) 'Accountability Breakfast', through video conference, he said "the maximum impact of Covid-19 has been felt by women, children, and adolescents and this called for urgent action".

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September accounted for 41.53% of total Covid-19 cases in India

India is at number one position in terms of the number of recovered coronavirus cases followed byBraziland the US, according to theJohns Hopkins University, which has been compiling Covid-19 data from all over the world.

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Odisha's Covid-19 death toll rises to 85 after record spike of 17

Khurda district, of which state capital Bhubaneswar is a part, registered four deaths. Two patients each succumbed to the infection in Cuttack and Nayagarh districts, and one each in Angul, Bhadrak, Balangir, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kendrapara, Puri and Rayagada.

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Covid-19 tally in India crosses 63-lakh mark

India's Covid-19 caseload crossed the 63-lakh mark with86,821 infections being reported in a day, while 52,73,201 people have recuperated so far,according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

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Push to bring Covid-19 vaccines to the poor faces trouble

An ambitious humanitarian project to deliver coronavirus vaccines to the world's poorest people is facing potential shortages of money, cargo planes, refrigeration and vaccines themselves — and running into skepticism even from some of those it's intended to help most.

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Active Covid-19 cases below 10 lakh for 10th successive day

For the tenthsuccessive day, active cases of coronavirus infection in India were below 10 lakh whilethe country's steady trend of posting high levels of daily recoveries continued, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.

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In crowded Gaza, public embraces mask-wearing to fight Covid-19

Five weeks into an outbreak of Covid-19 among the general population in the territory, restaurants, many shops, schools, mosques and other public facilities remain closed, and a night-time curfew is in effect.

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Telangana reports 2,214 new Covid-19 cases, 8 deaths

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) recorded 305 fresh cases, followed by Rangareddy (191), Medchal Malkajgiri (153), Nalgonda (149), Warangal Urban (131), Karimnagar (106) and other districts, a state government bulletin said on Thursday, providing data as of 8 pm on September 30.

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A health worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) waits to collect swab samples from residents for Covid-19 coronavirus tests at a temporarory collection centre in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad on October 1, 2020. Credit: AFP

Jharkhand Education Minister Jagarnath Mahato, who had tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week, shifted to a private hospital in Ranchi from state-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences after he complained of breathlessness: RIMS spokesperson

(PTI)

Coronavirus Worldometer | 15 countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic

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Scientists identify unique patterns in Covid-19 transmission in India

Researchers, including those from the Government of Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, have conducted one of the largest analysis of Covid-19 epidemiology to date, and have found that both cases and deaths due to the disease have been more heavily concentrated in the 40-69 year age group in India than is seen in high-income countries, among other trends.

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Now at the boarding gate: Coronavirus tests

American Airlines said Tuesday that it will offer coronavirus tests to passengers, joining United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Airways in rolling out preflight testing. Tampa International Airport also said it will offer tests. The tests, which range from rapid tests at the airport that return results in minutes to tests that take a few days, allow travelers whose results are negative to skip or minimize quarantine restrictions in various destinations.

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SC dismisses plea by ex-bureaucrats for inquiry into mismanagement of Covid-19 pandemic in India

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea by a group of six former senior bureaucrats for an independent inquiry into Union government's "gross mismanagement" of Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

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Fujifilm signs manufacturing contract with VLP Therapeutics for Covid-19 vaccine

Fujifilm Holdings Corp said on Thursday it concluded a manufacturing contract agreement with VLP Therapeutics for a Covid-19 vaccine formulation.

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Tickets of flights cancelled during lockdown to be refunded; Supreme Court nod to DGCA plan

The Supreme Court on Thursday put its stamp of approval on the proposal prepared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the airlines to refund air tickets booked for flights cancelled due to Covid-19-induced lockdown.

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Himachal Pradesh reports 21 new Covid-19 cases, 218 cured cases & 6 deaths since 9 pm bulletin yesterday.

Total positive cases in the state stand at 14,997, including 11,588 recoveries, 187 deaths and 3,197 active cases: State Health Department, Govt of Himachal Pradesh

Multiplex stocks jump as theatres allowed to reopen

Shares of India's two largest multiplex operators PVR Ltd and Inox Leisure Ltd surged in morning trading on Thursday, after the government said it would allow states to reopen movie theatres at half their capacity from October15 after remaining shut for six months.

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Covid-19 norms violations 'intolerable', Navi Mumbai corporation warns of strict action

Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bhangar has warned of strict action if citizens and those working in the APMC market do not follow the lockdown guidelines and protocols to curb the spread of Covid-19.

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Silver hopes for NBA fans to refill arenas in 2021

Commissioner Adam Silver sounded an optimistic tone when discussing the possible return of NBA fans next season, with the caveat that a vaccine might be necessary to fill home arenas to capacity.

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Covid-19 warnings issued for 11 countries in Europe

Germany declared regions in 11 European countries to be areas where there was an elevated risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus, while existing warnings about parts of Belgium were extended to cover the entire country.

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Students wearing protective face masks attend their class under the trees as they maintain social distancing outside their school, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Gund on the outskirts of Srinagar. Credit: Reuters Photo.

3,615 new Covid-19cases, 4,219 recoveries & 17 deaths reported in Odisha yesterday. The total number of cases rose to 2,22,734 including 1,85,700 recoveries, 36,122 active cases and 859 deaths: State Health Department

According to the serosurvey report submitted yesterday, 25.1 per cent of the participants have developed antibodies to Covid-19 in Delhi. In the last survey, it was 28.7 per cent. Next serosurvey will start within 15 days: Delhi Health Minister

India's September factory activity grew at fastest pace in over 8 years

India's factory activity expanded at its fastest pace in over eight years in September as a relaxation in coronavirus lockdown restrictions drove a surge in demand and output, a private survey showed on Thursday, though layoffs continued.

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JPMorgan finds more than 500 workers got US coronavirus relief funds

JPMorgan Chase & Co has found that more than 500 employees got assistance from taxpayers aimed at helping businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

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India's Covid-19 tally crosses 63-lakh mark with 86,821 new cases.Read more

Locals gather at a crowded fish market during Unlock 4, at Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai. Credit: PTI Photo.

Mumbai moves towards the fifth phase of Covid-19 lockdown norms in October.

The fourth phase ofcoronaviruslockdown saw easing of restrictions in select places, means of transportation, roads, beaches and eateries across Mumbai city even as it remained disproportionately strict in others.

World's biggest study on Covid-19 shows early deaths among Indians, higher risk of infection in vehicles

The world’s largest study on Covid-19 cases in India has pointed to early deaths – within six days after detection – and a hugely inflated risk of infection while sharing a vehicle with an infected co-passenger.

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Unlock 5.0: 71% of parents unwilling to send children to schools in October

The Centre might have allowed states to decide on re-opening educational institutions from October 15 but a survey conducted recently claimed that 71% of parents were unwilling to send children to schools.

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India's Centre-led strategies of enhanced infrastructure, agressive and easily accessible country-wide testinghave led to a surge in the daily testing capacities of the country. More than 15 lakhCovid-19tests can be done everyday.

Community health volunteers check the pulse of a resident during a check-up campaign for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mumbai, India. Credit: Reuters Photo

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of discharged persons stands at 52,73,201.

New York City restaurants reopened indoor dining at 25% capacity on Wednesday, welcoming patrons hungry for food and company in the pandemic with tight safety measures in candle-lit rooms and behind kitchen doors.

Canada extends ban on international travellers

Canada on Wednesday extended a ban on non-essential international entries until the end of October as the country was gripped by a surge in coronavirus cases.

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India reports 86,821 new Covid-19 cases taking the tally to 63,12,584. Death toll rises by 1,181 to 98,678, inching closer to the 1-lakh mark.

Israel limits protests in new coronavirus lockdown law

Israel's parliament approved a government-backed edict on Wednesday likely to stifle protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged corruption and his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

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No lockdowns, but Sweden seems to have controlled the Covid-19 pandemic

The scene at Norrsken House Stockholm, a coworking space, oozed with radical normalcy: Young, turtleneck-wearing hipsters schmoozed in the coffee corner. Others chatted freely, at times quite near one another, in cozy conference rooms.Face masks were nowhere to be seen.

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During the UN Biodiversity Summit, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Emergence of Covidhas emphasized the fact that unregulated exploitation of natural resources coupled with unsustainable food habits & consumption pattern lead to destruction of system that supports human life."

No clear link between school opening and Covid-19 surge

The widespread reopening of schools after lockdowns and vacations is generally not linked to rising Covid-19 rates, a study of 191 countries has found, but lockdown closures will leave a 2020 "pandemic learning debt" of 300 billion missed school days.

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Coronavirus super-spreaders drove explosive outbreak in India, says study

Coronavirus super-spreaders were behind the explosion of Covid-19 in India, the country with the most cases after the US, researchers said.

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Idol makers say their business is hampered due to Covid-19.

An idol maker says,"We were making small idols & were hopeful of selling them. But it seems there'll be no celebration in State. How'll we sustain our livelihood if we don't earn during peak season?"

(ANI)

Stranded Pakistani national students carry their luggage as they prepare to return to their native country, amid the coronavirus pandemic, at Attari-Wagah border post, about 35 kms from Amritsar. Credit: PTI Photo.

Russians were urged to return to normal life. Except for Vladimir Putin.

The officials from a secretive Russian security force seemed to know exactly what they wanted when they reached out to Olga Izranova’s company last spring.

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US FDA widens scope of safety inquiry into AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine

The USFood and Drug Administration has broadened its investigation of a serious illness in AstraZeneca Plc's Covid-19 vaccine study and will look at data from earlier trials of similar vaccines developed by the same scientists, three sources familiar with the details told Reuters.

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Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine won't be ready by US election

US biotech firm Moderna won't seek an emergency use authorisation for its coronavirus vaccine before November 25, its CEO told The Financial Times on Wednesday.

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Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths on October 1

Coronavirus in India: Total number of positive cases (including deaths): 63,01,156 as of October 1

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World's biggest study on Covid-19 shows early deaths among Indians, higher risk of infection in vehicles

The world’s largest study on Covid-19 cases in India has pointed to early deaths – within six days after detection – and a hugely inflated risk of infection while sharing a vehicle with an infected co-passenger.

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Are human challenge trials ethical?

India has the second-highest number of Covid-19 cases, and everyone is hoping for a vaccine. A safe and effective vaccine has to go through a rigorous safety and efficacy clearance process. The WHO Guidelines for clinical trials follow the following steps (broadly stating): Phase one, 50-100 healthy people to check safety. Phase two, 100-300 infected people for efficacy. Phase three, large and diverse healthy people (300-30000) for efficacy and side effects.

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Commuters travel in a crowded bus during Unlock 4, in Mumbai. Credit: PTI Photo.

Mumbai moves towards the fifth phase of Covid-19 lockdown norms in October. The fourth phase ofcoronaviruslockdown saw easing of restrictions in select places, means of transportation, roads, beaches and eateries across Mumbai city even as it remained disproportionately strict in others.

Spain to put entire capital city of Madrid under partial lockdown

With coronavirus cases spreading like wildfire, the entire city of Madrid is to be put under partial lockdown, Spain's government said Wednesday as it stepped up measures to fight the epidemic.

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