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Lockdown 3.0: 310 NRIs set to fly back to UK from Amritsar

Amritsar (Punjab), May 15 (ANI): Around 310 Non-Resident Indians (NRI) reached Amritsar airport to board a special flight for United Kingdom. NRIs thanked British government for the initiative amid coronavirus situation. An NRI said, "I came to India to perform last rites of my father in March and got stuck here due to lockdown. I thank British Govt for sending the flight for us". Arrangements were made at Amritsar airport to facilitate their travel. UK had announced several charter flights to bring stranded British citizens from Amritsar.

After struggle with COVID-19, Delhi cop and wife blessed with baby girl

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): After spending several stressful days, Delhi Police Constable Devender of Jahangirpuri Police Station who was infected coronavirus along with his pregnant wife, had moments to cherish when a baby girl came into their lives. Several senior police officials visited Devender's residence to express their support for doing his duty amid coronavirus crisis and also to shower the baby girl with their blessings. Recounting the stressful days, Devender said, "I got infected with coronavirus while on duty at C Block of Jahangirpuri. Of the police personnel who were stationed there about 6 people were infected with the virus," he told ANI. The couple later tested negative for the virus. "Everything went well and on May 8 as I was blessed with a baby girl," Devender said. Varun Dalal, Additional SHO, said senior police officials came to express their appreciation for the Constable for his selfless efforts in COVID-19 fight. They also came to celebrate the birth of his baby

Lockdown 3.0: Retailers in Amritsar open shops with certain restrictions

Amritsar (Punjab), May 15 (ANI): Shops selling non-essential commodities have been opened in Amritsar amid final days of lockdown 3.0. State govt has ordered that the shops in the state will remain open between 7 AM to 6 PM. Shopkeepers have been directed to ensure social distancing norms. "We are following social distancing norms, circles have been made outside the shops," said a local. Meanwhile a shopkeeper said, "Government has taken a right decision, we need to manage things properly in view of virus spread."

Glass Furin wind bells gains popularity among tourists in Japan

Tokyo (Japan), May 15 (ANI): As summer approaches in Japan, glass craftsmen become busy making wind bell or wind chime called "Furin" in Japanese. People hang them on the window of their home as per tradition that is being followed for the last 500 years. These wind bells have dozens of types and names that vary depending on their shape and sound and recently they have become a popular Japanese traditional gift among the tourists. Each bell makes a unique sound. Earlier, there were street vendors who sold Furin bells on their carts, but now they are being sold in department stores and local gift shops. Each region in Japan has its own traditional designs and accordingly the names of the bell are kept. There are few workshops that still make Furin bells. This factory is trying to preserve this craft by inviting people from all over Japan as well as school kids. The craftsman explains to them the history of Furin bells so that they can appreciate its importance as a key component of Japa

World Bank announces USD 1 billion social protection package for India

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): The World Bank on May 15 announced USD 1 billion social protection package for India linked to central government programmes amid the coronavirus pandemic. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, the Country Director for the World Bank in India said, " What COVID-19 has actually got government to create linkages between the system and begin to move the social protection system of India, what will be the 21st social protection system, in that context we have put in 1 billon dollar in social protection package."

Equity indices slip amid selling pressure in auto, financial sectors

Mumbai, May 15 (ANI): Equity benchmark indices traded lower during early hours on Friday as selling pressure built up in auto and financial sectors. A day earlier, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had unveiled details of the second tranche of Rs 20 lakh crore economic package with a focus on migrant workers, street vendors and small farmers. There was no positive impact of that in today's trading as investors remained concerned about the economic fallout of coronavirus pandemic even as businesses and cities readied to open up after the countrywide lockdown is lifted in phases. At 10:15 am, the BSE SandP Sensex was down by 249 points or 0.8 per cent at 30,874 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 61 points or 0.67 per cent at 9,082. Except for Nifty metal which was up by 1.2 per cent, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the negative zone with Nifty auto down by 1.4 per cent, private bank by 1 per cent and financial service by 0.6 per cent. Auto stocks suffer

Delhi sends suggestions for lockdown 4.0

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Delhi Health Minister, Satyendar Jain said that State Government has sent or proposal to Centre for the fourth phase of coronavirus lockdown. While talking to ANI, Satyendar Jain said, "We have sent proposals to the Centre. Most of the people have given proposal to wear mask in public space and maintain social distancing. They've suggested that movement of buses and metro rails may be started in limited numbers to maintain social distancing." The health minister also that we have to learn 'living' with coronavirus, as World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that coronavirus may never go away.

Japanese Kokeshi dolls attracting tourists

Tokyo (Japan), May 15 (ANI): Japanese Kokeshi dolls, one of the oldest forms of dolls in the world. Made from a single piece of wood, these dolls are made in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional designs to modern cultural references. Today, this doll has become a famous icon of Japanese culture. The Kokeshi doll has been manufactured in the same way for hundreds of years. Though there is variety of trees, the most common type is the cherry tree, which doesn't get affected by moisture and is very dense therefore it is perfect for the sculpturing process. After carving the wood, detail is either burnt or painted onto the wood. The method used primarily is ironing with hot metal. In the past, all the decorations were painted with hot ember. Now Kokeshi doll has become the most famous gift from Japan and many tourists are keen to acquire it. Though Kokeshi doll was introduced as a toy for kids but it has today become an integral part of Japanese culture.

DTC starts bus shuttle services for railway passengers arriving in Delhi

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Delhi Transport Co-operation (DTC) bus shuttle services started for passengers who are arriving from train in New Delhi. "21 buses are in service, the passenger will be dropped at Shivaji Stadium and Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi, from where they will get another changeover," said a senior manager of Delhi Transport Co-operation. Indian Railways resumed partial train services on May 12. The total number of coronavirus cases stand at 8470 in the national capital.

Lockdown 3.0: 5 friends opt for auto-rickshaw to reach Bihar from Mumbai

Lucknow (UP), May 15 (ANI): With no signs of hope in the near future, 5 persons who work in Mumbai are heading towards their village in Madhubani (Bihar) in an auto. Dhananjay Kumar said, "I work as a food delivery executive. We waited for 2 months. When we realised that Nitish Kumar won't do anything we decided to take up this journey." Several people remain stranded despite resumption of special train services.

UPSRTC sets up committee to review travel fare from Delhi Airport

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), May 15 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has set up committee to review their decision on travel fare from Delhi Airport to state amid lockdown . While talking to ANI, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), Managing Director Raj Shekhar said, "When it was brought to our notice that rates are high then UPSRTC took immediate cognisance and formed a committee. They'll look into the matter and decide within 24 hours that what amendments have to be brought. We'll issue notifications and provide better facilities." "If there are only few people from a district, bus isn't feasible option. Small vehicles like taxis are used upto 250 kilometer a day. Since its chartered facility, chartered rates apply," said Shekhar while reacting on the reports that UPSRTC to charge Rupees 10,000 for taxi from Delhi Airport to Noida and Ghaziabad.

Lockdown 3.0: People gather in large numbers at village fair in Karnataka

Ramanagara (Karnataka), Ma y 15 (ANI): People in large numbers gathered in Karnataka's Ramanagara for a fair in Kolagondanahalli on May 14 amid the coronavirus lockdown. Attendees reportedly took permission for gathering from Panchayat Development Officer NC Kalmatt. He has been suspended by Ramanagara Deputy Commissioner following a report by Tehsildar.

Gujarat dendrophiles initiate rescue mission of 100-yr-old tree

Vadodara (Gujarat), May 15 (ANI): Two tree lovers in Vadodara have taken up the task of saving a 100-year-old Baobab tree after a part of it fell down due to infection. "Baobab tree is mainly found in Africa. There are a total of nine species of this tree in Africa, of which one species is found in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat," said Dr Jitendra Gavali, Director at Community Science Centre. "Recently, a part of this tree fell due to infection. To prevent the infection from spreading further in the 100-year-old tree, an ointment has been applied on the infected part. The ointment is made of garden soil, neem oil and water," he added. Hitarth Pandya, who also helped in the efforts to save the tree, said it was important to apply ointment due to rising temperature. "We know stepping outside amid the coronavirus outbreak is dangerous for us. However, with the increase in temperature, it became more important to save the Baobab tree," he said.

Away from her child, migrant worker bursts into tears

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): As uncertainty looms over their work due to coronavirus lockdown and no signs of hope in the near future, migrant labourers decided to head back to their native places on foot. However, they were stopped by police at Delhi-UP Border. While talking to media persons, a migrant worker burst into tears. "We will walk and go home on foot, please don't stop us. If you can't provide a transport, let us walk home. My child is in Jhansi, he is crying continuously, I want to go back to him," said a migrant worker. "We will try to get them vehicles to reach their native places," said a police official. Despite Shramik special train services, many migrants remain stranded in different states.

Coronavirus lockdown: Assumed to be dead, Uday returns home after 3 years

Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh), May 15 (ANI): A boy from Dilwari village in Chhatarpur, named Uday, who was assumed dead after he went missing three years ago, has returned home amid coronavirus lockdown. Uday said, "I fled to Delhi as some people were trying to falsely accuse me in a theft case. I am happy to be back." The family, who lost hope of getting their son back, is now feeling thrilled.

'Difficult to sustain without money', say Maharashtra auto drivers enroute to native places

Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), May 15 (ANI): India's lockdown has made it difficult for auto drivers to meet their ends. Group of auto drivers from Maharashtra decided to leave the state due to lack of work. An auto driver said, "I'm without work for last 2.5 months. It's difficult to sustain without money. So, I'm returning to Ranchi, Jharkhand with my family."

Portals of Badrinath shrine reopen

Chamoli (Uttarakhand), May 15 (ANI): The portals of Badrinath Temple reopened at 4:30am on May 15 morning. 28 people including the Chief Priest were present at reopening of the temple. Meanwhile, Prime Minister sent his prayer request to the priest of Badrinath Temple. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi sends me prayer request, this is the first prayer request we receive at Badrinath Temple today after reopening," said the priest of Badrinath Temple, Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal. District Magistrate of Chamoli, Swati S Bhadauria said, "The gate of Badrinath shrine were reopened in the presence of permitted people, however tourists are not allowed in the state due to lockdown till May 17."

Speech-generated droplets and COVID-19 transmission

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Researchers report that airborne droplets produced through speech could be a potentially significant mode of COVID-19 transmission. Recent experiments have shown that speaking produces thousands of oral fluid droplets per second. The droplets can harbour respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Philip Anfinrud, Adriaan Bax, and colleagues used laser light scattering to examine the small-sized droplets that can linger in the air for minutes after exiting the mouth and that have been implicated in airborne disease transmission. Based on the rates at which droplets disappeared from the field of view, the authors estimated an average terminal velocity corresponding to a particle diameter of approximately 4 um. Because speech-generated droplets rapidly shrink to an estimated 20-34% of their original size due to water evaporation once they become airborne, the observed 4 um particles would initially have been emitted as 12-21 um droplets. Speaking generated about 2,

Kolkata's idol making hub 'Kumartuli' facing hardships amid COVID-19

Kolkata (West Bengal), May 15 (ANI): The renowned idol making hub of northern Kolkata is facing hardships amid coronavirus lockdown. Kumartuli is a traditional potters' quarter in northern Kolkata of West Bengal. The city is known for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also exports them in various countries. There are total 2290 confirmed cases of coronavirus in West Bengal. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 active cases rose to 49,219 with 2549 deaths in India.

COVID-19: Entrepreneur turns factory into PPE making workshop to help medical staff

Baramulla (JandK), May 15 (ANI): As the coronavirus pandemic hit across globe, the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for doctors and other front line healthcare workers has made news everywhere. An entrepreneur is providing PPE kits to the medical staff in JandK's Baramulla district. Mohd. Muzzafar Baba has transformed his garment factory into a PPE kit making workshop. He manufactures ready-made garments especially school uniforms for students. The entrepreneur hails from Sopore town of Baramulla. Currently, four employees are working in the factory in order to maintain the norm of social distancing. While speaking to ANI, Mohammad Muzzafar Baba said, "There was very less quantity of protective gears available in various hospitals along with other supplies. I thought to put my efforts in providing materials and started making kits." There are total 971 confirmed cases of coronavirus in JandK. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of CO