Coronavirus Live Updates: Prez, PM, MPs take paycuts to fund Government's efforts on COVID-19

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that his government would be declaring National Emergency. The decision to impose a nation-wise state of emergency comes in the wake of increasing number of novel coronavirus patients in the country. Currently, Japan has reported 4,563 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which also includes about 700 passengers from the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship.

PM Abe spoke to the press and explained the government�¢??s plan to introduce major economic package to tackle #COVID19. PM also stated that he intends to announce emergency declaration tomorrow and speak to the people on the measures and ask for their cooperation. pic.twitter.com/W1eQYAs06B

— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) April 6, 2020

As per the latest numbers shared by the Union Health Ministry, the total number of positive cases for COVID-19 on Monday evening stands at 4281. On the other hand, the death toll also rose to 111 today.

IISF World Cup 2020 – a shooting event, which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi, has been cancelled amid the rising concerns around COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) decided to postpone the tournament keeping in mind the health and safety of our athletes, officials, staff and of all members of our shooting fraternity in mind.  The tournament was scheduled to be held from 5^th to 30^th May for Rifle/Pistol participants, while for Shotgun participants the World Cup was to be held from 20^th to 29^th May 2020.

Politics has begun on the Central Government’s decision to temporary suspend MPLAD Funds that are allotted to MPs to undertake developmental works in their respective constituencies. Opposing Government’s move, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted that “Centre's decision to cut salaries &pensions of MPs is welcome. It's a good way for us to show solidarity w/people suffering across the country. But the Ordinance ending MPLADS funds for 2 years &pooling them into a Consolidated Fund run by the CentralGovt is problematic.” On similar lines, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also tweeted terming the decision as a “huge disservice to the constituents” and the decision will “undermine the role and functions of MPs”.

Centre's decision to cut salaries &pensions of MPs is welcome. It's a good way for us to show solidarity w/people suffering across the country. But the Ordinance ending MPLADS funds for 2 years &pooling them into a Consolidated Fund run by the CentralGovt is problematic: [contd.]

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 6, 2020

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in his evening press briefing informed that with addition of 20 fresh cases in last 24 hours, the state’s tally of total number of positive COVID-19 cases has gone upto 523. He also added that of the total number, 330 people are linked to Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi.

During the Union Cabinet Meeting, the government decided to implement paycuts for MPs to fund government’s efforts against COVID-19. According to the details shard by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, government will bring in an ordinance which will cut pension and allowances of MPs by 30 per cent for a year. He also added that the MPLADs (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund has been discontinued till 2022.He also said that apart from MPs, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and many state governors and lieutenant-governors have also voluntarily decided to take a pay cut as a social responsibility.

#Cabinet approves Ordinance amending the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 reducing 'salary' by 30% w.e.f. 1st April, 2020 for a year.#CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/kZzO8RiLve

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) April 6, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison had a telephonic conversation today. The leaders also discuss the prevailing situation in their respective countries and also talked about strategies that they have adopted to control the spread of novel Coronavirus. In the conversation, both the leaders expressed solidarity and support for each other’s countries in their efforts to counter COVID-19 pandemic. During the conversation, PM Modi assured Australia PM that any Australian citizen stranded in India due to travel restrictions will be supported and looked after by his government. Australian PM Morrison also expressed that Indian community in Australia would continue to be valued as a vibrant part of Australian society.

ICMR has approved use of Truenat Machines – which are used to detect drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB). Truenat is a small machine that is battery operated and requires minimal training. It can also be easily used in a smaller setting.

Get Complete Details Here.

The University Grants Commission has asked all the universities to setup mental health helplines to address psychological concerns of the students who are deeply affected by the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19.

As per media reports, two hospitals located in South Bombay have been declared as containment zones after several staff members from the hospitals were found to be positive for novel Coronavirus. Reports suggest that Wockhardt Hospital which is located at Mumbai Central has 26 nurses and 3 doctors who have tested positive while Jaslok Hospital too has 10 Covid-19 positive staffers, including six nurses.

According to media reports, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City has tested positive for the COVID-19 disease. Reports have confirmed that Nadia, the 4-year-old female Malayan tiger has tested positive novel Coronavirus, after it had developed dry cough. This is the first reported case of COVID-19 in an animal in the US.

From Dr. Paul Calle, Bronx Zoo chief veterinarian; "The COVID-19 testing that was performed on our Malayan tiger Nadia was performed in a veterinary school laboratory and is not the same test as is used for people.

— Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) April 6, 2020

Today, PM Narendra Modi will chair a Union Cabinet Meeting at 1 PM via video conferencing. As per the details available right now, the PM will be assessing the preparedness of various ministries and departments to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and curb it spread further in the country.

Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor has been discharged from the hospital, after her 6^th Coronavirus test came back negative. Kanika was admitted at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow after she was found to be infected for COVID-19.

Singer Kanika Kapoor has been discharged from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow after the report of her sixth test, came negative. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/LpWEuHyLls

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 6, 2020

Health Ministry confirmed that the total number of positive cases for COVID-19 in the country has crossed the 4000 mark. In total, the current tally of positive Coronavirus cases in India stands at 4067, which includes 3666 active cases, 292 cured/discharged/migrated people and 109 deaths. As per the official figures, India reported 27 deaths, which is highest in a single day since the coronavirus outbreak in the country.