COVID-19 CRISIS

Singapore reports 1,037 new COVID-19 cases

WEB DESK Singapore yesterday reported 1,037 new COVID-19 cases, more than 1,000 of which are foreign workers, including Indian nationals, mostly working in labour-intensive industries and living in packed dormitories. This is the fourth day in a row that Singapore has reported a daily increase of more than 1,000 cases. Of the 1,037 new cases, … Continue reading Singapore reports 1,037 new COVID-19 cases →

COVID-19: China announces additional USD 30 mn grant for WHO

WEB DESK China today announced an additional 30 million US Dollar grant to the World Health Organization, days after Beijing expressed serious concern over US President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze the funding for the global health agency over its handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang made the announcement at … Continue reading COVID-19: China announces additional USD 30 mn grant for WHO →

Two cats in New York test positive for coronavirus

WEB DESK Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the first confirmed cases in companion animals in the United States, federal officials said. The cats, which had mild respiratory illnesses and are expected to recover, are thought to have contracted the virus from people in their households or … Continue reading Two cats in New York test positive for coronavirus →

UK: Social distancing measures might stay for rest of the year

WEB DESK British government’s chief medical adviser has warned that social distancing measures in the UK may well have to stay in place for the rest of the year. Professor Chris Whitty said at the government’s daily briefing that he’s confident a vaccine will have proof of concept well within a year. But he said … Continue reading UK: Social distancing measures might stay for rest of the year →

India may be one of the most successful countriesto control COVID 19

WEB DESK Australian High Commissioner-designate Barry O’Farrell has said India may be one of the most successful developing countries in managing the pandemic. Addressing National Defence College through video-conference, he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global outreach to deal with it. He said Mr Modi is also one of the leading voices shaping the G20 … Continue reading India may be one of the most successful countriesto control COVID 19 →

Coronavirus pandemic becoming a ‘human rights crisis’: UN Chief

WEB DESK United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres today said that the Corona virus pandemic is a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis.In a video message, the U N Chief said, there is discrimination in the delivery of public services to tackle COVID-19 and there are structural inequalities that impede access … Continue reading Coronavirus pandemic becoming a ‘human rights crisis’: UN Chief →

Saudi King approves reduced number of Taraweeh prayers in Two Holy Mosques

WEB DESK The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved performing a reduced version of Taraweeh prayers in the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Press Agency reported today, citing a statement from the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques’ Affairs. … Continue reading Saudi King approves reduced number of Taraweeh prayers in Two Holy Mosques →

Oman: Mosques to remain closed during Ramadan

WEB DESK The Supreme Committee in Oman decided that Mosques will remain closed and no gatherings shall be permitted during the Holy month of Ramadan in view of the Corona virus pandemic. The Mosques will only open to call for prayers. The local media quoting Oman’s Supreme Committee said that several decisions were announced on … Continue reading Oman: Mosques to remain closed during Ramadan →

Maldives: Nine including five Bangladeshi nationals tested positive of COVID-19 today

WEB DESK Nine persons including five Bangladeshi nationals were tested positive of COVID19 today in Maldives bringing the number of cases to 74 in the island city. The capital had seen the first positive case last Wednesday and has seen a spike of cases since then. Over 1400 people have been sent to quarantine to … Continue reading Maldives: Nine including five Bangladeshi nationals tested positive of COVID-19 today →

Pakistan receives USD 1.39 bn loan from IMF to deal with Corona crisis

WEB DESK Pakistan has received an emergency loan of 1.39 billion US Dollars from the International Monetary Fund to boost its foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the further economic downturn due to the Corona virus crisis. Earlier, Pakistan requested the global money lender for a low-cost, fast-disbursing loan under its Rapid Financing Instrument … Continue reading Pakistan receives USD 1.39 bn loan from IMF to deal with Corona crisis →