HIGHLIGHTS AT 5:00 pm

These are the top stories at 5:00 pm:

NATION

DEL52 CAB-HEALTH WORKERS-ORDINANCE

COVID-19: Cabinet nod to ordinance to protect healthcare personnel from attacks

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of attacks on healthcare personnel fighting coronavirus, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance making acts of violence against them as cognizable and non-bailable offences, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said.

DEL15 VIRUS-CASES

Death toll due to COVID-19 touches 640; cases rise to 19,984

New Delhi: The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 640 and the number of cases to 19,984 in the country on Wednesday, according to the Union health ministry.

 

DEL44 SHAH-DOCS IMA

IMA calls off proposed protests after meeting with Shah

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called off its proposed 'White alert' and 'Black day' protests scheduled on April 22 and 23 following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah through video conference on Wednesday.

DEL14 LOCKDOWN-MHA-LD BENGAL

WB says it will abide by Centre's orders on lockdown

New Delhi: The West Bengal government has said "it is not a fact" that there was no cooperation with the Central team deputed to assess the COVID-19 situation in the state and gave an assurance that it will abide by all Union government orders on lockdown.

DEL38 VIRUS-EDUCATION-UNESCO

Over 154 cr students hit by schools,colleges closure due to COVID-19; girls to be worst hit:UNSECO

New Delhi: Over 154 crore students are severely impacted by closure of educational institutions across the world amid the COVID-19 outbreak due to which girls will be the worst hit as it will lead to increased drop-out rates and further entrench gender gaps in education, UNESCO said. By Gunjan Sharma

DEL32 AVI-VIRUS-MINISTRY

Aviation ministry employee tests positive for coronavirus

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday said an employee of the ministry who attended office on April 15 has tested positive for COVID-19.

DEL28 I&B-VIRUS-MEDIA

I&B Min issues advisory, asks media persons covering COVID19-related incidents to take precautions

New Delhi: In the wake of a large number of media persons contracting COVID-19, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to print and electronic media on Wednesday, calling on journalists covering coronavirus-related incidents to take precautions.

DEL25 RAHUL-MSME

Rahul seeks suggestions from public for economic stimulus package for MSMEs

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sought suggestions from the public for an economic stimulus package for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) hit by the coronavirus lockdown.