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classyfoxdestiny · 3 years

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Covid Live News Updates: US announces new protocol for international travelers from November

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has allowed fully vaccinated flyers from several countries, including India, to enter America from early November. The US announced that strict protocols will be in place from early November to curb the spread of COVID-19 from international passengers. According to a senior government official, once the protocol is in place, passengers from several countries, including the UK, India and Brazil and Europe would be allowed to enter the US with proof of vaccination.

!1 New UpdateClick here for latest updates

Schools reopen for classes 10 &12 in Srinagar after months of Covid-19 induced lockdown

Jammu and Kashmir: Explosive material was detected near Gogoo Gali at Humhama area of Airport road in Budgam district

Explosive material was detected near Gogoo Gali at Humhama area of Airport road in Budgam dist, by security forces,… https://t.co/Fq8XbIXXO5

— ANI (@ANI) 1632199829000

Major incident averted as IED detected in J&K

Security forces averted a major incident with the timely detection of an improvised explosive device in high security Gogo area of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. The area is close to several sensitive defence and civilian installations, including Srinagar airport, Technical airport, headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry of the Army.

Mumbai Police Crime Branch has issued Look Out Circular against absconding accused (in a pornography case) Yash Thakur alias Arvind Srivastava and Pradeep Bakshi, an aide of businessman Raj Kundra, says the police.

National Investigation Agency today morning carried out searches at seven locations including Anantnag, Baramulla, Srinagar, Doda, Kishtwar in connection with June 27 case linked to IED recovery in Jammu: NIA sources

During the investigation (in a pornography case), police found 119 porn videos from businessman Raj Kundra’s mobile, laptop, and a hardrive disk. He was planning to sell these videos for Rs 9 crores: Mumbai Police Crime Branch

Muzaffarnagar riots: 20 acquitted due to lack of evidence

Twenty persons, accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, have been acquitted by a local court. Additional district and sessions judge, Baburam, acquitted them on Monday saying that the prosecution had failed to provide evidence against them.

Active COVID-19 cases in country decline to 3,09,575: Union Health Ministry

Manipur polls: BJP ready to field candidates in 60 seats

With the key target to win two-third majority in the assembly polls due early next year, the ruling BJP has completed the organisational ground work for fielding its candidates in all 60 seats.

President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Narendra Giri death case: FIR registered against his disciple Anand Giri under IPC Section 306 (Abetment of suicide). The FIR has been registered on the basis of the complaint filed by another disciple Amar Giri Pawan Maharaj.

The post mortem of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad chief, Mahant Narendra Giri, will be done on Tuesday afternoon after which his mortal remains will be kept in the Baghambari Mutt to enable people to pay their last respect. According to Mutt sources, the saint will be given ‘samadhi’ within the Mutt complex in the evening.

Jaishankar raises COVID-19 quarantine issue during his meeting with UK counterpart

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged for an “early resolution” of the COVID-19 quarantine issue and discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the developments in the Indo-Pacific during his meeting with the newly appointed British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss.

ED arrests MD of Andheri firm for cheating banks, laundering Rs 916 crore

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Vinod Chaturvedi, managing director of Andheri-based company Usher Agro Ltd, in a Rs 916 crore money laundering case and produced him before a court on Saturday. The court remanded Chaturvedi in five days’ ED custody. The ED alleged Chaturvedi and director Manoj Pathak, along with others, conspired to cheat banks after taking loan and had siphoned off the money through fictitious transactions.

Joe Biden aims to enlist allies in tackling climate, COVID, more

President Joe Biden planned to use his first address before the U.N. General Assembly to reassure other nations of American leadership on the global stage and call on allies to move quickly and cooperatively to address the festering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and human rights abuses.

Schools in Himachal Pradesh to be closed till September 25

The state executive committee on Monday ordered that all schools, except residential ones, in Himachal Pradesh will continue to remain closed until September 25. Teaching and non-teaching staff will continue to attend the school. All the residential schools are expected to follow the SOPs developed by the department of education to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Mumbai: 45+ can take only second dose of Covid-19 vaccines at public centres on Tuesday

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) vaccination centres on Tuesday will operate between 9 am and 5 pm. Only second dose of Covishield and Covaxin will be administered to those above 45 years of age at General Hospitals in Vashi, Nerul and Airoli. Each centre has been given only 500 doses. Frontline and healthcare workers, who wish to take their second dose, can take the jab at these Covid vaccination centres.

India reports 26,115 new Covid-19 cases, 252 deaths and 34,469 recoveries in last 24 hrs

India reports 26,115 new Covid-19 cases, 252 deaths and 34,469 recoveries in last 24 hrs, says Health Ministry

Total Cases: 3,35,04,534

Total Active cases: 3,09,575

Total Recoveries: 3,27,49,574

Total Death toll: 4,45,385

Total vaccination: 81,85,13,827 (96,46,778 in 24 hrs)

Indian shares open higher as tech, banking stocks gain

Indian shares bounced back on Tuesday, helped by gains in the technology and banking sectors, while increasing worries that Chinese property giant China Evergrande could default on its debt pile gripped global markets. The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index climbed 0.31% to 17,450.5 by 0340 GMT, and the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex rose 0.24% to 58,630.06.

Today, President Biden announced that beginning in early Nov, US will be putting in place strict protocols to prevent spread of COVID-19 from pax flying internationally into US by requiring that adult foreign nationals traveling here be fully vaccinated: Senior US admn official

BJP using ED, CBI to threaten Maharashtra govt: Shiv Sena

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using the central agencies like Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to threaten the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, alleged Saamana editorial on Tuesday.

The Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece said that BJP leaders in Maharashtra think that central investigation agencies like ED, CBI are in their pockets and at their behest, they can threaten political opponents.

In Pics: Several areas in Kolkata partially submerged after heavy rain in the city

West Bengal | Several areas in Kolkata partially submerged after heavy rain in the city (Visuals from Golf Green) https://t.co/hHvK3lfpdr

— ANI (@ANI) 1632194473000

55,50,35,717 samples tested for COVID-19 up to 20th September 2021. Of these, 14,13,951 samples were tested yesterday

– Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

BJP doesn’t run on a single leadership, In BJP, it is the team that takes a decision, not an individual. Here also we’ll work as a team. We’ll perform better in upcoming elections, including panchayat, municipalities & Lok Sabha: West Bengal BJP’s new president, Sukanta Majumdar

Canadians re-elect Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party

Canadians gave Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party a victory in Monday’s parliamentary elections, but it was unclear whether his gamble to win a majority of seats paid off.

The Liberals were on track to win the most seats of any party. The 49-year-old Trudeau channeled the star power of his father, the Liberal icon and late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, when he first won election in 2015 and now appeared to have led his party to the top finish in two elections since.

The Liberals were leading in 148 ridings, the Conservatives in 103, the Quebec-based Bloc Quebecois in 28 and the leftist New Democratic Party in 22.

Afghanistan: 40 arrested in connection with Nangarhar explosions

At least 40 people have been arrested in connection with explosions that rocked Jalalabad city of eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday and Sunday.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s head of intelligence directorate in Nangarhar said on Monday that 40 people have been arrested in connection with explosions that rocked Jalalabad city on Saturday and Sunday,” reported Ariana News.

On Sunday, a child was killed and two people including a Taliban member injured in an explosion in Nangarhar province.

Meanwhile, on Saturday three persons were killed and 21 injured in three consecutive explosions targeting the Taliban in Police District 5 of Jalalabad city of eastern Nangarhar province.

Pakistan says no rush to recognize Taliban govt

Pakistan’s foreign minister says Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers should understand that if they want recognition and assistance in rebuilding the war-battered country “they have to be more sensitive and more receptive to international opinion and norms.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Monday evening that countries are watching to see how things evolve in Afghanistan before considering recognition. He says, “I don’t think anyone is in a rush to recognize at this stage.”

The Pakistani minister says his country’s objective is peace and stability in Afghanistan and to achieve that “we would suggest to Afghans that they should have an inclusive government.” He says their initial statements indicate they aren’t averse to the idea, so “let’s see.”

Qureshi expresses hope the Taliban live up to their promise “that girls and women would be allowed to go to school, college and university.”

635,000 people displaced in Afghanistan this year, says UN

UN humanitarians said on Monday that 635,000 people in Afghanistan were routed from their homes this year because of violence, with more than 12,000 recently displaced to Kabul, mainly from Panjshir Province.

The world organization and its partners have reached 8 million people in the first half of 2021, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a release.

Some 1,300 displaced people in Kabul are about to receive aid.

The office said the UN Refugee Agency and the International Organization for Migration handed out relief to more than 9,300 people displaced by the violence in Kunar Province.

White House condemns border guard use of whip-like cord against Haitian migrants

The White House on Monday criticized the use of horse reins to threaten Haitian migrants after images circulated of a U.S. border guard on horseback charging at migrants near a riverside camp in Texas.

No Iran nuclear deal ministers’ meeting at U.N., says EU’s Borrell

Ministers from Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia will not meet with Iran on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations this week, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters on Monday.

Daesh not capable of posing threat to Afghanistan, says Taliban

The Taliban on Monday said that it can restrain Islamic State (Daesh) in Afghanistan and they are not capable of posing a threat to the country. Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Zabihullah Mujahid speaking to Tolo News said, “Daesh is not a threat, because the thought of Daesh is a hated thought among the people. No one supports them. Second, our combat against Daesh was effective in the past and we know how to neutralize their techniques.” Considering the last attacks in Nangarhar and Kabul, some political analysts said that the group seems to be present in Afghanistan.

EU ministers voice “solidarity” with France on submarine deal: Borrell

Reports AFP

Gujarat: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence arrested two persons over seizure of nearly 3,000 kgs of heroin at Kutch’s Mundra Port

US Vice-Prez Kamala Harris to meet PM Narendra Modi on September 23

US Vice-President Kamala Harris will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, a day ahead of the maiden bilateral meet between him and President Joe Biden and the Quad Summit at the White House, officials have said. Biden will host Modi for their first in-person bilateral meeting at the White House on September 24. Later on that day, Biden will host the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit at the White House with Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Firefighters race to protect giant sequoias in California fires

Hundreds of firefighters were battling to protect several groves of giant sequoias in the United States on Monday, warning the enormous ancient trees were at risk from out-of-control blazes. A number of separate fires were converging on the California woodland that is home to the huge trees, highlighting the terrifying power of wildfires to consume everything in their path.

Assam CM apprises Amit Shah about progress on implementation of central schemes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and apprised him of the progress in the implementation of various central schemes.

Modi-Biden bilateral meet will strengthen India-US relation, boost QUAD, says White House official

The maiden bilateral meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on Thursday will allow taking the relationship between the two countries from strength to strength while helping in reinforcing and giving momentum to the Quad grouping, a White House official has said.

Assam reports 455 COVID-19 cases, 10 fatalities. Infection tally rises to 5,98,423, death toll 5,807. The state now has 3,637 active cases of the disease.

Income Tax Dept conducted searches &seizure operations at over 30 premises on Sept 17 in case of a prominent public figure in Nagpur&his family members. Group has wide business interest spanning in education, warehousing &agri-business areas, in Maharastra:Finance Ministry

Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi decided to launch pro-poor initiatives from October 2, 2021 in the state, to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi: Chief Minister’s Office, Punjab

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severecollectorangel · 3 years

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Strategies Every Real Estate Developer Should Follow During COVID-19

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal and one of India’s four metros, has had a comparatively recent growth history. Kolkata is presently one of the cities where the real estate market has seen significant expansion, rising in residential and retail property values. Over the years, housing demand has been increased due to severe supply restrictions. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) have also been coveting the real estate in this area, raising demand even further. The value of real estate properties in Kolkata has grown. Nonetheless, like any other firm, the market sustained minor losses as a result of the pandemic.

The pandemic has presented some opportunities for innovative brainstorming. Real estate enterprises have incurred losses due to the pandemic, and business chains have been interrupted. According to the research, the real estate business is also experiencing challenges such as lack of capital and construction delays. However, bad times necessitate strict measures. Real estate property dealers should take advantage of this moment to devise innovative solutions to the problem.

Creative Ideas for Real Estate Developers during COVID-19

Since February 2020, the real estate industry in India has taken a substantial hit as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. According to several studies, more than 85% of active projects are put on hold due to the lockdown, which began the first week of March.

Due to the pandemic, the real estate sector was caught off guard by the crisis, which resulted in low homebuyer inquiries and site visits and ongoing construction activity restrictions. However, the circumstances compelled the real estate industry to adopt digital business tactics to look for residential spaces and flats in Kolkata in the following year.

Although the real estate projects in Kolkata might have suffered losses in the first and second waves of the pandemic, the housing demands are reviving with gradual unlocks.

Thanks to some creative strategies of real estate developers who have helped revive the industries in crucial times.

Let us look into some strategic creative ideas for Real Estate Developers during COVID-19!

List of Creative Strategies During COVID-19

Virtual Availability- The pandemic has reflected hardships. With several businesses moving online, the real estate businesses are no different. One can use PowerPoint slides to showcase the negative and the positive sides of selling properties and residential flats in Kolkata. Also, the real estate developers can show the videos and pictures virtually and leave the options to the buyers whether they like it or not. Such a virtual presence will help focus on minute details and clarify the buyers’ queries. Moreover, this allows the developer to reduce the number of site visits for potential consumers while also allowing them to exhibit their property to their relatives and colleagues. With this product, the developer can also reach out to potential clients in any part of the world.

Bring Out The Latest Information To Public- Going virtual and using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and so forth will help get the buyers’ attention. Google Ads is also attempting to reach out to the general public to provide them with information. If purchasers want to learn about property descriptions and see project photos, mailing them some of the most recent project photos via email or WhatsApp is a great alternative. Delivering promotional text messages can be a fantastic mode of advertising when the world seems to be too tied to mobile phones.

Turn Your Competitors Into Collaborators- Since your fellow competitor is facing challenges in tough times, why not offer some help? Promote each other’s projects depending on the desired location available to both groups. Form long-term professional partnerships that may lead to future collaborative ventures.

Chat-Bots And Computerized Response-By embedding a chat-bot on real estate developers’ official website can provide automated responses to their questions. For the same objective, you can utilize lead funnels from Facebook or Google. If your client is still undecided, you can telephone them and have a direct conversation with them. Artificial intelligence gives them fast access to all of the solutions.

Digital Verification Of Documents-Document verification is an essential aspect of every property purchase. Digitizing the documents and making them available to the public online will boost openness and the project’s credibility.

Discounts And Unique Offers- You can provide amazing deals and discounts to buyers to entice them to engage in your ventures. Some of the convenient options such as GST discounts, ready-to-move-in apartments, zero cancellation charges, and so forth are in fashion. Some unique offers can pique customers’ curiosity. If a customer changes his mind about purchasing real estate, they will not be charged anything if they cancel their reservations straight away. Also, attractive prices during COVID outbreaks will help to lure more customers. Allow your clients to check over your profile and see the low booking quantities. It can save them much money by providing them with better ideas and allowing you to make more money.

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#real estate property in kolkata #real estate flats kolkata #real estate properties kolkata #real estate kolkata south #2bhk flats in kolkata #residential flats newtown #2bhk flats in new town #2 BHK flat in South Kolkata

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francescafini · 3 years

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LAZZARO_ART DOESN’T SLEEP is a networked digital art exhibition curated by Laura Mega and Claudia Pecoraro. The event will happen at the same time in several cities in the world, projected onto walls, buildings and facades, thanks to the participation of our international partners and their beamers. The idea was born during the first Lockdown in Italy, when people started making music and shows from their balconies. THE FIFTH EDITION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 27th 2021 with the participation, among the others, of video and performance artist Francesca Fini.LAZZARO - FIFHT EDITION in partnership with the Municipality of Rome and Latina, Italy.The art exhibition will be projected in the cities of Rome, Latina, Milan, Naples, New York, Lima, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Poconos Mountains, Maastricht, Los Angeles, Madrid, Kolkata and many others. The art projection involves international artists based in those cities mentioned above.

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selldorealestatecrm · 3 years

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Understanding The Change In Home Buyer Sentiments And Preferences

2020 has been a roller-coaster for most industries across the globe. But it has also been an evolutionary experience for Real Estate in terms of changing home buyer tendencies. Developers have experimented with different measures to survive during such changing times. The industry underwent a significant shift in customer engagement and property selling. Digitization played an essential role in this transition by creating a win-win solution for both homebuyers and developers.

Since the government announced the lockdown Real Estate industry received a setback majorly in two ways. Firstly, of course, the prices went through a downfall, and secondly, people who were saving up for their first house had to postpone the decision majorly due to market instability.

Majority of the surveys conducted brought forth the fact that property buyers were reconsidering their plans. It was pretty evident that Real Estate developers had to realign their processes to suit the change in buyer behaviour.

What are the commonly observed trends?

Most buyers are still expecting price drops and additional offers on properties to a large extent. There’s also a growing preference for ready-to-move-in homes. There are added expectations related to pricing due to the reduced stamp duty and registration charges.

In terms of the home buying experience, people are expecting most of the interaction to happen online with minimal requirement for site visits.

Budgets are actively being reconsidered. Presently, mid-segment of 40-80 lakh is the flavor of the season; it should align with home buyer preferences.

Positive about Buying property – Surveys have shown that people were initially confused about COVID-19. Still, after the initial settlement, they are positive and looking at it as a good time to get good deals.

Gated Community – In big cities like Delhi – NCR and Kolkata, gated communities are in demand. The major reason for the same is safety and security.

Measures Real Estate Developers can take

Instill confidence: Homebuyers are still in a dilemma and have questions like is this the right time to invest in Real Estate, how should you evaluate trustworthy developers and many other such queries. One effective way to re-establish their trust is through knowledge sharing. You could try sending targeted emails, blog links to your lead databases, even organize webinars if possible. The more transparency you maintain in this activity, the better are the chances of regaining your foothold in the minds of prospective buyers.

Capture leads from all possible sources: Besides ad campaigns, developers should also integrate lead capturing through various property portals.

Engage virtually: Developers are already using websites, ads, emailers, social media and videos to promote properties. They should also explore engaging their audiences through app engagement, virtual walkthroughs, video conferencing and dedicated apps.

Implement safety measures: With the lockdowns relaxing, many homebuyers will think of visiting your sites at least once. You will have to ensure that the visit is conducted safely. Sanitization and social distancing measures will have to be implemented, and it's advisable to inform your visitors beforehand about the whole process.

Promote online buying: Although in its nascent stages, online property buying has been welcomed by homebuyers for its convenience and safety. Mahindra Happinest, one of Sell.Do’s clients implemented the feature to sell more than 300 flats within 3 weeks.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the measures that can be implemented to suit homebuyers’ changing needs. There’s ample scope for innovation through technology and digital transformation. And an integrated solution like Sell.Do, the exclusive Real Estate CRM can enable you to get your business on track.

#real estate crm #real estate CRM software #best crm for real estate #best crm software #best real estate crm software #real estate crm india #crm in real estate industry

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satnpifi · 4 years

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Whis will be interesting. Some guy from WHO says that (Warning auto play video): “We in the World Health Organisation do not advocate lockdowns as the primary means of control of this virus” and “Lockdowns just have one consequence that you must never ever belittle, and that is making poor people an awful lot poorer,”. Here it’s easy to assume the last is the reason one of the most famous critics of the lockdown in the west is a woman born in Kolkata, Sunetra Gupta (Kolkata I first speled “Calicut”, because I know so little that I didn’t realize that it's two different Indian cities). She’s not just of theoretical epidemiology at the University of Oxford, she might also have known something about poverty. It’s also one reason I think it’s not a natural law that the left should be pro-lockdown. Btw two of the three founders of the Great Barrington Declaration are POC.

(Of course the guy didn't seem to say, "never lockdown", but contrary to hobby epidemiologists on social media, with their memes and associated black and white worldview, polarization, and ugly rhetorical tricks, he say it is not the "primary means".)

#covid #lockdown #sunetra gupta #great barrington declaration #who

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loyallogic · 4 years

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Technological transitions in the legal fraternity during COVID-19

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

— Buckminster Fuller

Unprecedented times called for an unprecedented solution. The Covid-19 pandemic brought a drastic change in various sections of society, including the Legal fraternity like never before, which not only affected the court proceedings, but also the Corporates all over the world. The courts were closed in India from 24th March when the first phase of the national lockdown for 21 days was imposed as there was a major need to control the situation before it turned into a disaster. This disruption due to Covid-19 was a major cause of concern to the Judicial system. As, it was not possible to suspend the judicial proceedings completely as long as the lockdown would have lasted, so the Supreme Court started taking up urgent matters by way of video conferencing. The Supreme Court also asked all the High Courts to get equipped with the technological requirements and start functioning through the use of video conferencing.

The 3 Judge bench of the Supreme Court Comprising Hon’ble CJ SA Bobde, Dr. DY Chandrachud, and L. Nageswara Rao, JJ in a suo moto case passed an order wherein they laid down guidelines for the functioning of courts through video conferencing. Further, many meetings and discussions were conducted during this period and after receiving many requests by the lawyers to open the courts, as they were facing many challenges, the e-committee in its latest meeting concluded, that the courts would be functioning through video conferencing only, till the situation gets normalized.

The pandemic came with many challenges before the legal fraternity and every effort was made to overcome the difficulties posed by it. Now the main debate will be whether the courts will go back to the same procedures they were following for years or will they adapt to the changes brought by the Covid-19. What seemed impossible just a few years ago due to the lack of infrastructure, was developed in months just because of necessity, as we all know “necessity is the mother of invention”. But in our case, it is not the invention but the adaptation to the technological advancements that should have been implemented years ago if the right measures were taken.

Incorporation of various technologies

The Supreme Court along with the e-committee by putting tremendous amounts of effort is coming up with new developments every day so that the members of the legal fraternity face no difficulty while engaging in the virtual justice delivery system. Some of the recent developments brought by them are mentioned below:

Recently, the Supreme Court has introduced the system for e-filing to take up fresh matters on board. The process for e-filing was planned in the year 2017, but deliberations surrounding it went in vain after the retirement of the then Chief Justice J.S Khehar. The facility of e-filing will be made available 24*7 and will not be restricted to the working hours of the court. The defects in the filed petitions can also be rectified through the Online mode. This will ease the working of the lawyers, litigants, registry staff, and law clerks.

The Supreme Court and some High Courts are working on bringing the digitized form of the pending and disposed cases on the same platform of e-filing, and trying to establish a Standard Operating Procedure for the same for the benefit of all courts.

The E-committee of the Supreme Court has developed a paperless module for commercial courts at a district level, where trials shall be conducted on a digital platform that will help in speedy disposal of commercial disputes. This project has been planned to be launched in 4 metro cities namely Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata in its initial stage.

The Supreme Court through its E-committee has also updated the E-Sewa Kendra portal which is on a pan India basis for accessing various facilities of the courts. This facility will mainly help the lawyers by providing for the e-filing of petitions by scanning the hardcopies, attaching e-signatures, and generating file numbers for the particular petition. Further, it will also help the litigants in the online purchase of e-stamp papers, e-payments, and will also guide as to which application should be downloaded by the litigants for information relating to their case. The E-Sewa Kendra will also act as a platform for redressal of queries relating to the cause list, whether the matter has been taken on board, or if any judge is on leave and matters relating thereof.

Smart summon system has also been set up, in which devices will be provided to bailiffs, location of which can be traced when the summon will be pasted or delivered. This will be prime facie the proof of delivery of summons and it will aim at addressing the existing bottlenecks. Recently, the trend of serving summons through WhatsApp was also accepted by courts, this shows that the courts have shown an inclusive approach when it comes to technology.

Artificial Intelligence is soon going to be introduced which will decide the matters and will reduce the burden of the court regarding the trivial matters of which over millions of cases are pending like traffic challans, petty offenses, summary violations, etc. All the said cases will be dealt through an online process and which will help the judges devote their crucial time for deciding other important offenses. Like for instance in Delhi, the traffic challan violations are decided through an online process that is presided by only 1 judge, which was previously dealt by 20 judges.

Further, the E-committee of the Supreme Court is planning to bring a single integrated platform centralizing crime and police data. It will be an inter-operable criminal justice system that will provide access to all the records in just a click which will expedite the justice delivery.

Positive implications due to the digital shift

The establishment of virtual courts during the pandemic can be said as a blessing in disguise as there have been many efforts in the past to establish them, but all were in vain due to various reasons. But the pandemic situation gave a thrust to the efforts and helped in establishing the virtual courts which ended up being beneficial for the legal fraternity. The primary advantages of continuing with the virtual system of functioning will provide a speedy, transparent, intelligible, and efficient justice delivery system. With the establishment of virtual courts, a sense of accountability can be brought amongst the judiciary.

One of the many benefits of conducting hearings through video conferencing can also help the witnesses and jail inmates to participate in the hearings from various locations other than the Courtroom. Thereby, reducing the chances of delay in presentment before the court. For instance, the High Court of Kerala is going to launch the Interoperable Bail E-Module which will increase access to justice. It will ensure real-time scrutiny of Bail applications, help in fostering relationships with Jail authorities, and will provide greater accountability of the Public Prosecutors.

Barriers in implementation of the technological advancements

As every coin has two sides, so does the pandemic have its fair share of pros and cons. The scenario post COVID is going to be extremely challenging for all sectors in the economy, especially the legal fraternity. As we all know the Judiciary has tried to set up a platform through which it can hear matters through the virtual medium and to some extent has also implemented it, but still, there are many practical problems connected to it.

Even though the judges tried to cope up with the new technologies that were integrated to provide justice. They were not very comfortable with it, as according to them proper justice can only be provided through the medium of physical courts. The virtual courts also have many shortcomings like evidence cannot be submitted, witnesses cannot be presented, cross-examination cannot be conducted in its true sense. Till now only extremely urgent matters were heard through the video conferencing and this has now added to the already enormous backlog of cases. Some of the judges of various courts are also reluctant to the new technology that has been adopted by the courts as they are not very technically advanced and prefer in-person hearings rather than virtual mediums.

If the virtual courts are continued even after the pandemic is over a majority of lawyers will be facing a lot of difficulties. As all the lawyers are not equipped with the technical advancements that will be required by them to get adapted to the new developments and the major share of cases will be grabbed by the tech-savvy lawyers. Especially the lawyers who belong to not so developed areas or those who are not financially sound will get affected by it the most.

The virtual court system has not been adopted by all the lower courts, judicial and quasi-judicial bodies across the country. The reason behind this is the lack of requisite technological resources and their unwillingness to adapt a change in their way of functioning. Even though some of the courts are already equipped with technological advancement, the legal fraternity members refrain from adopting the technology as they do not have the requisite resources and technical knowledge to access or use them. Therefore, the main obstacle for bringing the paradigm shift will require a huge amount of investment in developing the infrastructure which is user friendly, educating the members of the legal fraternity regarding its use and setting up the bandwidth which is free from technical glitches so that the hearings can be conducted smoothly.

The major difficulty that the pandemic is going to bring is the number of disputes that are going to rise in different sectors of the economy. The courts in India will be burdened with the number of litigations relating to cyber-attacks, security infringement due to increase in the use of technology, workers and employees disputes relating to remuneration, companies getting insolvent, breach of contracts due to non-performance, invocation of force majeure clause, frustration of contract, rent related disputes, and matters relating thereof.

The legal fraternity is going through a transition, with an increase in technological advancements. The proposition of virtual courts comes with new challenges relating to cybersecurity threats which can result in hacking of important data, breach of privacy, threat to confidentiality, chances of identity theft, etc. Although the government has formulated the Cyber Security Strategy but it has merely prescribed guidelines wherein the procedure for implementation is still not provided. Therefore, there is a major need for deployment of a robust security system as the security of the E-courts system is of paramount importance.

Conclusion

As rightly said, “If we do not change from time to time, the time would reject us.”. The pandemic has provided an opportunity for the legal fraternity to adapt to the technology and uplift the way the judicial system functions and also brings transparency and accountability. The dedication of the E-committee to protect the Rule of Law in this pandemic situation is commendable. This willingness of the courts to make a shift from physical to virtual medium suggests a future filled with opportunities for the various members that are a part of the legal fraternity. The disadvantages posed due to the technological up-gradation as mentioned above can be outweighed in the long run if appropriate guidelines, required infrastructure, proper training, knowledge, methods for recording evidence, and cross-examination are adopted by courts.

The views of the researcher are in line with the Supreme Court Judge and e-committee chairman His Lordship Hon’ble Justice D Y Chandrachud, where he in a webinar with students of NALSAR University has said that “virtual courts cannot replace open court hearings as it constitutes the spine of the judicial system but emphasized that pandemic warranted reliance on technology would continue to play a major role in speeding up justice dispensation.”

“What I perceive for the future is a healthy mixture of hearings in open courts and virtual courts. Virtual courts must be encouraged in areas they are suited to. And we must necessarily have an open court hearings which really constitute the spine of our system,“

Even though the measures taken by the e-committee are laudable, it further boils down to one simple question that is, after the lockdown is lifted, how feasible is it for the members of the legal fraternity to function through the virtual medium?

To conclude, this pandemic has compelled our age-old legal judicial system to make a prompt shift towards digitization, which in future can hopefully be continued post the Covid-19 crisis.

LawSikho has created a telegram group for exchanging legal knowledge, referrals and various opportunities. You can click on this link and join:

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swedna · 4 years

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Coronavirus update: India's total number of coronavirus cases has jumped to 287,155, and death toll to 8,107, in the country's biggest-ever spike in the number of cases and deaths in a single day, according to Worldometer. India is now only a shade behind the UK among the most affected countries globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India should convert the Covid-19 crisis into a turning point towards becoming a self-reliant nation. PM Modi also emphasized the need for import-substitution while delivering the inaugural address of the 95th annual plenary session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) via video conferencing.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discus the Covid-19 situation in the national capital. Delhi recorded 1,501 fresh Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, taking its tally to over 32,800, while the death toll in the national capital due to the disease climbed to 984.

Coronavirus world update: The global tally of coronavirus cases stands at 7,460,415 and 419,049 people have died from the disease so far.

Stay tuned for all coronavirus LIVE updates

CATCH ALL THE LIVE UPDATES Auto Refresh 02:06 PM Coronavirus LIVE update: Chennai begins reconciliation of Covid-19 death figures The work on reconciliation of Covid-19 death figures in Chennai has begun with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), said a top official of the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. The move came following discrepancies noticed in the toll, after it was estimated that deaths at individual homes due to the virus was perhaps going under reported. "An expert committee has been constituted and it will go into the details of the data submitted by the GCC," T.S.Selvavinayagam, Director told IANS. He said the members of the committee will get the data from GCC. The GCC in its turn will be collecting the data from its burial grounds located in different parts of the city. The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has also written to GCC to submit the Covid-19 deaths from March onwards and daily intimation henceforth. According to GCC officials data from its burial grounds are being collected to check the Covid-19 toll so far. 01:58 PM Coronavirus LIVE update: Buses being sanitised in Chandigarh

ANI ✔ @ANI Chandigarh: Buses being sanitised by the Chandigarh Transport Department at the Interstate Bus Terminal of Sector 43 today. #COVID19

View image on TwitterView image on TwitterView image on TwitterView image on Twitter 158 10:19 AM - Jun 11, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy See ANI's other Tweets 01:54 PM It's time for India to take bold decisions and become self-reliant: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged Indian industry leaders to set up globally-competitive domestic supply chains and turn the coronavirus crisis into an opportunity to become a self-reliant nation. "This is not the time for a conservative approach. It is time for bold decisions and bold investments," he said while addressing the 95th annual plenary session of the Indian Chambers of Commerce (ICC) in Kolkata through video conferencing. "We have to take the Indian economy out of 'command and control' and take it towards 'plug and play' mode. The coronavirus crisis has given us a pressing reason to turn the corners and become self-reliant. Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission is the reflection of that reason," the Prime Minister said. While the world is battling coronavirus, India is fighting that too. But there are other issues also. "Flood, locusts, hailstorm, fire in an oil well, small earthquakes, two cyclones -- we are fighting all of these together," he said.

01:48 PM There is no community spread in Tamil Nadu till now: CM Edappadi K Palaniswami

ANI ✔ @ANI There is no community spread in Tamil Nadu till now. Coronavirus has been curtailed in many districts of the state. Since Chennai is densely populated the spread of the virus is more there: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. #COVID19

View image on Twitter 186 10:12 AM - Jun 11, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 21 people are talking about this 01:44 PM Covid-19 LIVE: Coronavirus cases rise to 3,922 in Indore, death toll reaches 163 The number of Covid-19 cases in Indore rose to 3,922 after 41 more people tested positive for the disease in the Madhya Pradesh district in last 24 hours, a health department official said on Thursday. Two more deaths due to the disease were also reported in the district, taking the toll to 163, he said. Till Wednesday, there were 3,881 Covid-19 cases in the state's worst affected district. In the last 24 hours, 41 more people tested positive for the viral infection, raising the count of cases to 3,922, the official said. Besides, two more persons - an 83-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman - died in different hospitals here in the last 10 days while undergoing treatment for Covid-19. With this, the death toll due to the epidemic in the district has reached 163, he said. Till now, 2,618 people have been discharged after recovery. 01:38 PM India's total number of coronavirus cases has jumped to 287,155, and death toll to 8,107

01:35 PM Coronavirus LIVE: Auto registrations in May down 89% due to Covid-19 lockdown Automobile registrations plummeted by 88.87 per cent in May as the country grappled with coronavirus pandemic and shutdown of most businesses, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said on Thursday. For the first time, said FADA President Ashish Harsharaj Kale, the month of April witnessed zero retails. While lockdown was gradually relaxed beginning May, auto dealerships and workshops opened for the first time after 40 days in many cities. At the end of May, about 60 per cent showrooms and 80 per cent workshops out of 26,500 outlets were operational across the country. Commercial vehicles witnessed a downswing of 96.63 per cent to 2,711 registrations versus 80,392 in May 2019, data released by FADA showed. Three-wheeler registrations were down by 96.34 per cent with 1,881 registrations in May 2020 compared to 51,430 in the year-ago period.Two-wheeler registrations totalled 1.59 lakh last month compared to 14.2 lakh in May 2019, marking a slide of 88.8 per cent. 01:25 PM Shrinking rate of fresh covid infections creates bizarre problem for vaccine developers The shrinking number of new infections in former coronavirus hot spots, including Britain, China and many of the hardest-hit regions in the United States, may be a good news, of course, but researchers who are rushing to develop vaccines in a global race to ward off the contagion may have to face a bigger problem with less people to test drugs. A lead researcher from Oxford University group, one of the furthest ahead with human trials, admitted to The Washington Post that the declining numbers of new infections this summer could be one of the big hurdles vaccine developers face in the global race to beat down the virus. Vaccine developers need sufficient numbers of infected people, with and without symptoms, circulating in the general population -- in the streets, workplaces, clinics -- to test whether the vaccine protects volunteers when they are exposed. If there is not much chance of volunteers running into someone with the virus, researchers will have to expand their efforts and potentially chase down outbreaks in other countries, delaying the prospect of a successful vaccine. 01:19 PM SC takes suo moto cognizance of 35 children contracting Covid-19 in govt-run home in Chennai The Supreme Court on Thursday took suo moto cognizance of news reports that 35 children in a government-run home in Chennai's Royapuram have tested positive for coronavirus and sought a status report from Tamil Nadu government regarding the spread of Covid-19 in shelter homes and steps taken to safeguard the children. A bench comprising of Justice L Nageswara Rao, Justice Krishna Murari and Justice S Ravindra Bhat sought to know how the children got infected and whether the top court's earlier orders for protecting children were not observed. 12:31 PM The total number of Covid-19 positive cases in Himachal Pradesh is 458 The total number of Covid-19 positive cases in Himachal Pradesh is 458 now including 182 active cases, 259 recovered and 6 deaths: State Health Department

#Coronavirus

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brajeshupadhyay · 4 years

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Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package LIVE Updates: FM to announce details of Centre's Rs 20 lakh crore economic package shortly

15:56 (IST)

Sensex soars ahead of FM's address; Nifty jumps over 150 pts

Indices continued to stay in the green as Sensex was trading 637.49 points or 2.03 percent higher at 32,008.61 while the Nifty was up 187 points or 2.03 percent at 9,383.55 at around 3.30 pm.

15:39 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

152 new confirmed cases, three deaths reported in Rajasthan

With 152 more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Rajasthan as of 2 pm on Wednesday, the total confirmed cases in the state climbed to 4,278, said the health department.

After three COVID-19 patients succumbed to the viral infection since yesterday, the toll in the state reached 120 so far

15:27 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Form special teams to ensure transport arrangements for migrants: Bombay HC to dist collectors

The Bombay High Court has directed all district collectors, council authorities and police commissioners in Maharashtra to form special teams to monitor highways and arrange travel till the state border for migrant workers and others who are trying to walk back to their native places.

Justice Madhav Jamdar of the Nagpur bench of the high court was hearing a petition taken up by suo moto (on its own) on the plight of migrants, daily wage labourers and other stranded persons who are heading towards their home states on foot on highways and other roads.

The HC on Tuesday said the special teams to be formed by the authorities shall inform either the district collector or the concerned police commissioner or superintendent of police about the number of stranded persons.

15:18 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

S Jaishankar participates in virtual SCO Foreign Ministers meet on COVID-19

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries on Wednesday to discuss cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The foreign ministers and diplomats attending the meeting from eight different countries are expected to discuss the global challenges, preparedness, and response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar takes part in the video conference meeting of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries. pic.twitter.com/fW8n7M0ds7

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2020

15:00 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Twitter employees can work from home 'forever' even after COVID-19 pandemic ends

Twitter will allow its employees to work from home "forever", chief executive officer Jack Dorsey said in a company-wide email Tuesday. This means Twitter employees will be able to work from home even after the pandemic ends.

A Twitter spokesperson was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "We were uniquely positioned to respond quickly and allow folks to work from home given our emphasis on decentralization and supporting a distributed workforce capable of working from anywhere."

The spokesperson further said, "The past few months have proven we can make that work. So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen."

14:47 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Paramilitary canteens to sell only Made-in-India products from 1 June after PM's pitch for indigenous goods

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday announced that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from 1 June to 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel.

In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for opting for local products and being self-reliant.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens will now sell only indigenous products. This will be applicable to all CAPF canteens across the country from 1 June, 2020. With this, 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh CAPF personnel will use indigenous products," he said.

14:32 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

Mamata Banerjee calls for three-month short term plan to tackle pandemic

Asserting that it was unlikely to find a remedy to the COVID-19 crisis anytime soon, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday called for a three-month plan to tackle the situation.

"Don’t think we will get relief from the COVID-19 crisis anytime soon. We should have a three-month short term plan in place to tackle the situation," she said after a review meeting with state officials.

14:26 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

Red zones in Bengal to be divided in three parts, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced that the red zone areas in the state will be further divided into three categories. However, she said the red zones will see relaxations as they will be divided into three parts.

"The red zones would be further divided into three categories. Steps would also be taken to restart the 100-day work scheme in the non-containment areas," said Mamata.

There are at least 566 containment zones in the state. Of them, Kolkata has 326 containment areas.

14:17 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Toll rises to 32 in Karnataka; 26 new cases emerge

With the death of a 60-year-old man in Kalaburagi, the COVID-19 toll in the Karnataka city climbed to 32 on Wednesday. The man passed away on 11 May. He later tested positive for the infection after being brought to a hospital in Kalaburagi.

The state witnessed an increase in the total number of positive cases by 26, thereby taking the overall count to 951, the health department said on Wednesday.

14:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka to conduct CET 2020 on 30 and 31 July, says Deputy CM

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) 2020 will now be held on 30 and 31 July. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief minister and Higher education minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Wednesday.

The exam was originally scheduled to held on 22, 23 and 24 April but, was postponed due to the nation-wide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) will be conducted on 30th and 31st July: State Higher Education Minister, Dr C N Ashwath Narayan (file pic) pic.twitter.com/NzKqo9OXOS

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2020

13:45 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Fresh support of only 60% in PM's economic stimulus package: Report

Of the Rs 20-lakh-crore package that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to defend the economy against coronavirus disruptions, fresh support may be only around 60 percent of the offer as it counts the first financial stimulus and liquidity support that Reserve Bank has given already, and will overburden bond market, says a report.

Modi outlined a Rs 20-lakh-crore which is 9.7 percent of GDP support package, of which new allocations could only be 50-60 percent of the offer. But until more details are known, financing burden will fall on the bond markets, Radhika Rao, the economist at Singaporean lender DBS Bank said in a note on Wednesday.

She further noted that "the new fiscal package is upsized and its scale lends a positive surprise, at a bigger-than-anticipated size with emphasis on making the economy more self-reliant via local manufacturing and improved supply chains.

In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore.

13:27 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka registers 951 COVID-19 cases

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka climbed to 951 after 26 more individuals tested positive between 5 pm on Tuesday till 12 pm on Wednesday, said the state health department.

So far, the state has registered 32 fatalities while 442 COVID-19 patients have been discharged, taking the recovery rate to 46.5 percent.

13:12 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Self-reliant India Mission just another version of Make in India: Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday took a jibe at the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package and "Self-reliant India Mission" announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as being nothing new but a repackaged version of "Make in India" initiative.

He tweeted a Hindi couplet to express his views on the subject.

The couplet roughly translates to: "He sold the old couplet/lion with a new name; He sold piles of dreams again."

नए नाम से वही पुराना शेर बेच गए सपनों के वो फिर से ढ़ेरों ढ़ेर बेच गए...#MakeInIndia is now आत्मनिर्भर भारत, कुछ और भी नया था क्या? pic.twitter.com/2yQhaaJyNF

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 13, 2020

12:50 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Chandigarh Latest Updates

Two more, including 7-yr-old, test positive for COVID-19 in Chandigarh

Two more, including a seven-year-old boy, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Chandigarh on Wednesday. With this, the total number of confirmed cases in the Union Territory is now at 189, said the health department.

As many as three COVID-19 patients have succumbed to the infectious disease so far in Chandigarh.

12:43 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Update

One more tests positive for COVID-19 in Puducherry, taking total cases to four

One more person, hailing from neighbouring Arumbathpuram village tested positive for the COVID-19, taking the total cases of the infection to four in Puducherry, the health department said on Wednesday.

Secretary to Health Prashant Kumar Panda told reporters here that the 36-year-old patient has since been admitted to the Indira Gandhi government medical College hospital.

The person admitted for coronavirus treatment was a worker in private industry in Puducherry. Already the hospital was treating two active cases in addition to the one in Karaikal region.

12:39 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

Karnataka's road transport corporations donate one-day pay of staffers to CM relief fund

Officials and employees of all the four road transport corporations in Karnataka have contributed their one day salary amounting to Rs 9.85 crore to the Chief Minister's COVID-19 relief fund.

Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who also holds the transport portfolio, handed over the cheque to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday, an official statement said.

State's bus services are operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and North East Road Transport Corporation (NERTC).

12:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Smokers or people with COPD have higher death rate and risk of severe complications

Being a current smoker or having a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of severe complications and higher death risk from COVID-19 infection, according to a study. COPD is a common, persistent dysfunction of the lung associated with a limitation in airflow.

The researchers from the University College London in the UK noted that an estimated 251 million people worldwide are affected by COPD.

Given the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on respiratory function, they sought to understand the prevalence and the effects of COPD in COVID-19 patients.

Read full report

12:29 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

Indore reports 91 COVID-19 cases in part 24 hours, taking total to 2,107 in district

At least 91 more people tested positive for coronavirus in Indore in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of such cases in the worst-hit district of Madhya Pradesh to 2,107, an official said on Wednesday.

Besides, three more persons died of COVID-19 in the district, raising the toll to 95, Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadia told PTI.

12:22 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Nepal Latest Update

Nepal registers highest single-day spike in COVID-19 infections, cases rise to 217

Nepal registered its highest single-day increase in the coronavirus cases with 83 new infections, including 26 from the Indo-Nepal border area, taking the total COVID-19 tally to 217 in the country, health officials said.

Nepal, which is under nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus, is among the nations that have the least number of cases of the deadly COVID-19 with no deaths.

The total number of people infected by the novel coronavirus has climbed to 217 in Nepal with 83 new cases, the highest number of confirmation of virus transmission in a single-day, Joint Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Samir Kumar Adhikari said on Tuesday.

12:15 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Nagaland Latest Update

Nagaland offers Rs 10,000 to stranded residents who postpone return, says report

The Nagaland government has said that they will offer Rs 10,000 to those residents who opt not to return to the state right now. A press statement by Chief Secretary Temjen Toy on Tuesday said that many bodies (civil societies, tribal hohos and NGOs) in the state had appealed to stranded citizens not to come back unless it is ‘unavoidable', reports Indian Express.

12:09 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

18.5 lakh samples tested for COVID-19, says ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 18,54,250 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the country till 9.00 am on Wednesday.

12:03 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

BRICS' New Development Bank provides $1billion loan to India

The New Development Bank of the BRICS countries has fully disbursed USD one billion emergency assistance loan to India to help it contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce human, social and economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB) was established by the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries in 2014 and is headed by veteran Indian banker K V Kamath.

Read full report here

11:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India becomes 12th worst COVID-hit nation with 74,281 confirmed cases

India is now the 12th most affected country by the coronavirus pandemic, as the number of confirmed cases was inching closer to 75,000 on Wednesday.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of positive cases stand at 74,281 in the country. The ministry also said that 2,415 people have died due to the disease as of Wednesday.

With these figures, India has crossed Canada’s overall count of 69,156 COVID-19, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) list. India is just below China now where the disease originated in December, 2019.

11:57 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

First repatriation flight from Dubai with 177 passengers lands in Mangaluru

The first repatriation flight to Mangaluru from Dubai with 177 passengers landed at the international airport. The total passengers, including 88 men, 84 women, five children, and two infants arrived by the Air India Express flight IX 384 late Tuesday night, airport sources said.

There were 12 medical emergency cases and 38 pregnant women among them, they said. The district administration had made arrangements for receiving the passengers, who were provided with sanitizers and masks.

They were advised to maintain social distancing as per the health protocol. All the foreign returnees were screened as per the standard operating procedure to ensure that they were asymptomatic.

The passengers were taken to their chosen place of accommodation in KSRTC buses.

11:51 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Rupee rises 21 paise to 75.30 against US dollar in early trade

The rupee appreciated 21 paise to 75.30 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package enthused investors.

Forex traders said PM's economic booster aided sentiments. Besides, a positive opening in domestic equities also supported the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 75.31, then gained ground to touch 75.30, registering a rise of 21 paise over its previous close. On Tuesday, the rupee had settled at 75.51 against the US dollar.

11:45 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

Andhra reports 48 new cases in past 24 hours

Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday reported 48 new COVID-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state is now 2137 including 948 active cases, 1142 cured/discharged and 47 deceased, said Andhra Pradesh Health Department.

48 new #COVID19 positive cases reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours; the total number of positive cases in the state is now 2137 including 948 active cases, 1142 cured/discharged and 47 deceased: Andhra Pradesh Health Department pic.twitter.com/WRLvCYpoje

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2020

11:41 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate at 36%

Since Tuesday, 346 COVID-19 patients have been discharged in Delhi, taking the total number of recovered cases to 2,858, said health minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday.

With this, the COVID-19 recovery rate in the Union Territory was at 36 percent.

11:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

20 new COVID-19 deaths, 359 confirmed cases reported in Delhi in past 24 hrs

359 more individuals have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the total confirmed cases in the National Capital to 7,998 on Wednesday.

The COVID-19 toll stood at 106 after 20 patients succumbed to the viral infection.

11:32 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

'Stimulus package to provide India with economic quantum jump': JP Nadda

BJP president JP Nadda on Wednesday welcomed the Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revive the COVID-19-hit economy.

Nadda dubbed the financial package "historical" and said it would provide a "quantum jump" to the Indian economy.

"Poor people, labourers, medium and small industries of the country have been given special consideration in this package. Middle class has also been given consideration, this package is historical and will become the basis to give India an economic quantum jump," said the BJP president.

11:19 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Three COVID-19 deaths in Odisha so far; recovery rate at 22%

According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Odisha government, of the total 538 confirmed cases, 419 were active cases. So far, 116 patients have been cured and discharged so far taking the recovery rate to 22 percent.

Three deaths have been reported due to the infection so far from the state.

11:17 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha reports highest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases with 101 new patients

As many as 101 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported from Odisha, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 538 on Wednesday. This is the highest number of cases confirmed in a single day in the state.

11:12 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Air India flight to bring back 169 stranded Indians from Dhaka to Srinagar

A batch of 169 Indian students, stranded in Bangladesh due to the lockdown imposed in view of the novel coronavirus, on Wednesday will board a special Air India flight under Vande Bharat Mission for home.

The evacuation flight carrying the students from Dhaka will land directly in Srinagar on Wednesday. This will be the fifth flight from Bangladesh, which will depart from Dhaka.

10:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Venkaiah Naidu welcomes stimulus package announced by PM

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday welcomed the Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revive the COVID-19-hit economy. He said it will be the way forward in overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore.

10:49 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Crowd gather in MP district to welcome Jain monk; police probe on violation of social distancing norms

A huge crowd gathered in Banda, Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, to welcome a Jain monk on Tuesday. According to police, the incident was being investigated to see if social distancing norms were flouted.

"Directions given to investigate and take action against organizers if social distancing norms and section - 144 were violated," Praveen Bhuria, ASP Sagar says,

Madhya Pradesh: A crowd gathered to welcome Jain monk Pramansagar in Banda, Sagar district yesterday. Praveen Bhuria, ASP Sagar says, "Directions given to investigate & take action against organizers if social distancing norms & section-144 were violated". pic.twitter.com/eWNgk4qf4o

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2020

10:36 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

FM will expand on relief package at 4 pm press conference

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce details of an economic package worth Rs 20 lakh crore, aimed towards achieving the mission of a self-reliant Aatmanirbhar Bharat, at 4 pm on Wednesday at National Media Centre.

10:04 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 relief package to involve everyone, including 'honest' middle class tax payers: Sitharaman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India will include everyone - a hawker/street vendor, a trader, a MSME, an honest tax paying middle class, a manufacturer etc., tweeted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

She further dubbed the COVID-19 economic package a "reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul, and a thrust in governance."

@PMOIndia’s vision:#AatmanirbharBharat Abhiyan to include everyone-a hawker/street vendor, a trader, a MSME, an honest tax paying middle class,a manufacturer etc. This shall not be just a financial package, but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul, and a thrust in governance.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 12, 2020

09:58 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

In Images: Passenger train from Mumbai arrives at Delhi

The first passenger train from Mumbai to Delhi since lockdown, arrived at New Delhi railway station today morning. A passenger says, "I was waiting since many days, I was very happy when I heard train services have resumed. I am happy to have reached home". pic.twitter.com/2gCZDaR0GV

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2020

09:53 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

87 new COVID-19 cases emerge in Rajasthan

After 87 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the total number of confirmed cases in the state climbed to 4,213 on Wednesday.

With new COVID-19 deaths being reported in the state since Tuesday, the toll stood at 117, said Rajasthan Health Department.

09:21 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Careful examination of recipients COVID-19 economic stimulus will be done: Chidambaram

P Chidambaram on Wednesday said that a careful scrunitisation will be done of the COVID-19 economic package, announced by Narendra Modi, to examine the recipients of the massive stimulus.

"The first thing we will look for is what the poor, hungry and devastated migrant workers can expect after they have walked hundreds of kilometres to their home states," said the former finance minister.

He further added that a thorough examination of what will be received by the bottom half of the Indian population or 13 crore families, in terms of real money, will be done.

We will also carefully examine who gets what? And the first thing we will look for is what the poor, hungry and devastated migrant workers can expect after they have walked hundreds of kilometres to their home states.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 13, 2020

09:14 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

'PM gave us a headline and blank page': Chidambaram on Modi's COVID-19 financial package announcement

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram took a potshot at Narendra Modi after the prime minister on Tuesday announced an economic package of Rs 20 lakh crores to provide relief to the people and help the country fight the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Yesterday, the prime minister gave us a headline and a blank page. Naturally, my reaction was a blank!" said Chidambaram.

He further, "Today, we look forward to the FM filling the blank page. We will carefully count every additional rupee that the government will actually infuse into the economy."

Yesterday, PM gave us a headline and a blank page. Naturally, my reaction was a blank! Today, we look forward to the FM filling the blank page. We will carefully count every ADDITIONAL rupee that the government will actually infuse into the economy.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 13, 2020

08:51 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Gilead signs license pacts with drugmakers in India, Pakistan to make Remdesivir

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Tuesday it has signed non-exclusive licensing pacts with five generic drugmakers based in India and Pakistan to expand the supply of its experimental COVID-19 treatment Remdesivir.

The pacts allow the companies - Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Hetero Labs Ltd, Mylan NV and Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd - to make and sell the drug in 127 countries.

The countries consist of nearly all low-income and lower-middle income ones, as well as several that are upper-middle- and high-income, the drugmaker said. Afghanistan, India, North Korea, Pakistan and South Africa are among the countries.

08:46 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 economic package is reform stimulus: Nirmala Sitharaman

The COVID-19 support measures announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday is not only a financial package, but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul, and a thrust in governance, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was quoted by All India Radio News.

Finance Minister #NirmalaSitharaman says this shall not just be a financial package, but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul, and a thrust in governance. #AatmanirbharBharat #IndiaFightsCorona #COVID19Pandemic File Photo pic.twitter.com/w2BxQMgUxv

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 13, 2020

08:40 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Sitharaman to provide fine-print of COVID-19 relief package today, says report

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a press briefing later on Wednesday to provide the fine-print of the economic package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, CNN-News18 reported. However, official statement on the time of the press conference yet to be announced.

The focus of the package will be on labourers and small scale sectors, according to sources. The Centre wants to ensure employment, maintaining the demand and supply chain and ensure consumption of non-essential goods, added the sources.

Addressing the nation for the fifth time since the coronavirus outbreak in India, Modi Tuesday announced a massive Rs 20 lakh crore package.

08:10 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 doubling rate improves to 12.2 days from 10.9 in three days: Harsh Vardhan

Even as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the nation, the doubling rate has improved to 12.2 days over the last three days from 10.9 days in the past two weeks, health minister Harsh Vardhan said on Tuesday.

He further highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and contact tracing in view of migrants and expats returning home.

07:58 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Aarogya Setu has now 100 million users

India's COVID-19 tracking app Aarogya Setu has reached 100 million users in just 13 days of its launch on 2 April.

The app, available on Android and iOS, allows people to self-assess their symptoms of the infectious disease by answering a set of questions. It then uses this information to alert users if they have come in contact with a COVID-19 infected person.

Breaking - 100 Million plus downloads for Aarogya Setu App making it one of the world's most widely used Apps for Contact Tracing in the fight against COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/1C7YHjBW1l

— Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) May 13, 2020

07:44 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Recipients of COVID-19 economic package

Narendra Modi shed some light as to the intended recipients of the massive economic package announced on Tuesday evening.

"With the package, various sections of the society and economic links will get support," he said, adding, "land, labour, liquidity and laws are in focus in the package and it will support India's cottage industries, home industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs)."

This package is "for the country's labour, farmers who have worked in every condition and every weather and round the clock for the fellow countrymen, for India’s middle class who pays tax honestly and for industries," he added.

07:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

PM announces relief package of Rs 20 lakh cr to fight pandemic

A day after interacting with chief ministers over the way forward in the battle against COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs.20 lakh crore economic package aimed at making the country self-reliant.

Calling the coronavirus outbreak "a crisis unimaginable for mankind", he said that the only way forward was turning the crisis into an opportunity and making India self-reliant.

Modi also observed that the crisis has taught everyone the importance of local manufacturing, local market and local supply chains. "All our demands during the crisis were met 'locally'. Now, it is time to be vocal about the local products and help these local products become global," he said.

07:24 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Modi announces lockdown 4 as confirmed cases rise to 70,756

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that there will be a fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown, but with new and different rules. His announcement came on a day when the number of confirmed cases in the country jumped to 70,756 and the toll reached 2,293.

Nirmala Sitharaman on Economic Package Latest Updates: Twitter will allow its employees to work from home "forever", chief executive officer Jack Dorsey said in a company-wide email Tuesday.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday announced that all canteens of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CRPF and the BSF will sell only indigenous products from June 1 to 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh personnel.

In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for opting for local products and being self-reliant.

He tweeted a Hindi couplet to express his views on the subject.

The couplet roughly translates to: "He sold the old couplet/lion with a new name; He sold piles of dreams again."

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka climbed to 951 after 26 more individuals tested positive between 5 pm on Tuesday till 12 pm on Wednesday, said the state health department.

So far, the state has registered 32 fatalities while 442 COVID-19 patients have been discharged, taking the recovery rate to 46.5 percent.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 18,54,250 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the country till 9.00 am on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday reported 48 new COVID-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state is now 2,137.

The rupee appreciated 21 paise to 75.30 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package enthused investors. Forex traders said prime minister's economic booster aided sentiments. Besides, a positive opening in domestic equities also supported the local unit.

359 more individuals have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the total confirmed cases in the National Capital to 7,998 on Wednesday.

The COVID-19 toll stood at 106 after 20 patients succumbed to the viral infection

She further dubbed the COVID-19 economic package a "reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul, and a thrust in governance."

Yesterday, the prime minister gave us a headline and a blank page. Naturally, my reaction was a blank!" said Chidambaram.

He further, "Today, we look forward to the FM filling the blank page. We will carefully count every additional rupee that the government will actually infuse into the economy."

Addressing the nation for the fifth time since the coronavirus outbreak in India, Modi Tuesday announced a massive Rs 20 lakh crore package.

He further highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and contact tracing in view of migrants and expats returning home.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that there will be a fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown, but with new and different rules.

His announcement came on a day when the number of confirmed cases in the country jumped to 70,756 and the toll reached 2,293.

In his address to the nation, Modi also announced a relief package of Rs.20 lakh crores, amounting to almost 10 percent of the GDP which he said will address problems of a wide range of sectors. The details of the package will be announced by the finance minister, he said

India reports 3,604 cases, 87 deaths in 24 hours

The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 2,293 and the number of cases climbed to 70,756 in the country on Tuesday, registering an increase of 87 fatalities and 3,604 cases in the last 24 hours since Monday 8 am, according to the Union health ministry. The total figure of 70,756 includes foreign nationals.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in the country stood at 46,008, while 22,454 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the ministry said.

"Thus, around 31.73 percent patients have recovered so far," PTI quoted a senior health ministry official as saying.

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan said the fatality rate is 3.2 percent while the doubling rate had now improved to 12.2 days. He, however, highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and contact-tracing in view of migrants and expats returning home.

Of 87 deaths were reported since Monday morning, 36 were in Maharashtra, 20 in Gujarat, six each in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, five in West Bengal and one each in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

Of the 2,293 deaths, Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of fatalities at 868, followed by Gujarat (513), Madhya Pradesh (221), West Bengal (190), Rajasthan (113), Uttar Pradesh (80), Delhi (73), Tamil Nadu (53) and Andhra Pradesh (45).

According to the health ministry's website, more than 70 percent of the deaths are due to comorbidities.

According to the health ministry data update in the morning, the highest number of 23,401 confirmed cases is from Maharashtra, followed by Gujarat (8,541), Tamil Nadu (8,002), Delhi (7,233), Rajasthan (3,988), Madhya Pradesh (3,785) and Uttar Pradesh (3,573).

However, according to a PTI tally at 9.05 pm, 12 hours after the health ministry's update, the countrywide case count had touched 74,029 while the toll had climbed to 2,338. According to the news agency, 23,938 persons had been cured and discharged.

According to data released by the state health department, Maharashtra reported 1,026 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 24,427 while the death toll rose to 921.

With 53 fresh deaths, 28 of them in Mumbai alone, the number of fatalities shot up to 921, a health official told PTI. Mumbai also reported 426 new cases, pushing the total number of infections in the country's financial capital to 14,781.

In neighbouring Gujarat, 261 more people contracted the viral infection in Ahmedabad district while 21 persons died due to the disease. So far, Ahmedabad has reported 6,353 cases and 421 fatalities.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases in the National Capital shot up to 7,639, with 406 new cases recorded till Tuesday morning, Delhi also reported its highest single-day spike in fatalities as 13 people died due to the viral infection, taking the toll to 86.

New cases were also reported in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, among others. The number of cases in Tami Nadu shot up by 716 to 8,718 and eight deaths were recorded.

Kerala, which had stopped seeing fresh cases till a few days back, saw five new cases as the flow of Keralites returning home from other countries and states continued.

PM announces economic package, says lockdown 4.0 will be different

Calling the coronavirus outbreak "a crisis unimaginable for mankind", he said that the only way forward was turning the crisis into an opportunity and making India self-reliant.

"I announce a special economic package today. This will play an important role in the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. The announcements made by the government over COVID-19, decisions of the RBI and today's package totals to Rs 20 Lakh Crores. This is 10 percent of India's GDP." he said.

The prime minister said that the economic package will lay emphasis on land, labour, liquidity and laws. He further said, "This package is for our cottage industries, small and medium industries, which provide livelihoods to crores of people."

The prime minister also hinted at economic reforms and said that the details of the economic package will be announced by the finance minister in the next few days. These reforms include supply chain reforms for agriculture, rational tax system, simple and clear laws, capable human resource and a strong financial system. These reforms will promote business, attract investment, and further strengthen Make in India, he said.

The prime minister also said that there would be a fourth phase of the lockdown which would have new rules, which would be announced after incorporating suggestions given by the states.

"Scientists say that corona will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can't let our lives remain confined around the virus. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us. So lockdown 4 will be in a new form with new rules," he said, adding that the details of the same will be revealed before 18 May.

Railways restarts passenger trains

Meanwhile, the Railways cautiously resumed its passenger service after over 50 days, as three trains chugged out of New Delhi and five others left for the National Capital, each carrying around 1,100 passengers who first underwent screening and followed other norms necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, under the strict vigilance of authorities.

In an unprecedented measure, the railways, which is called the lifeline of the country, had suspended passenger service from March 22 midnight due to the pandemic, leaving lakhs of people stranded as road and air services were also stopped during the the coronavirus lockdown.

Passengers at the boarding stations expressed mixed feelings of relief and apprehension, with many arriving hours before the scheduled train departures.

The Railways has issued new guidelines for travel on these special trains , asking passengers to carry their own food and linen and arrive at stations at least 90 minutes before departure for health screening in the wake of the pandemic. The railways also made it mandatory for passengers to download the Aarogya Setu App.

Shramik special trains for migrants also continued to operate, with the first Shramik special train from Mysuru division of South Western Railway with leaving for Bihar on Tuesday with 1,428 migrant workers on board. Around 2,400 migrants from Surat and Pune have been brought in two special trains to Uttarakhand, officials told PTI.

Centre to repatriate Indians under second phase of Vande Bharat Mission

Under the Union governemnt's Vande Bharat Mission, total of 6,527 Indians from the Gulf region as well as countries like the US, the UK, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Malaysia and the Maldives, PTI quoted sources as saying.

The sources also said that the Centre plans to repatriate Indians from 31 countries in 149 flights in the second phase of the mission, between 16 and 22 May. The government will bring back people from Canada, Oman, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, France, Tajikistan, Singapore, the US, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Qatar, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Kuwait and Italy, the said.

With inputs from agencies

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womenofcolor15 · 4 years

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Silver Lining? The Earth's Ozone & Wildlife Are Living Their Best Lives With Lowest Pollution Levels Ever

The Earth’s ozone layer (and earth everywhere, honestly) is reportedly healing thanks to self-isolating. More inside…

It seems being on lockdown is healing Mother Earth.

According to reports, the Earth is healing itself from damage. The largest ozone hole is healing itself amid the Coronavius pandemic. Less people are out on the roads, reducing pollution.

Scientists claim the hole over the Arctic, noticed in March this year, has healed.

The unprecedented 2020 northern hemisphere #OzoneHole has come to an end. The #PolarVortex split, allowing #ozone-rich air into the Arctic, closely matching last week's forecast from the #CopernicusAtmosphere Monitoring Service.

More on the NH Ozone hole https://t.co/Nf6AfjaYRi pic.twitter.com/qVPu70ycn4

— Copernicus ECMWF (@CopernicusECMWF) April 23, 2020

“The unprecedented 2020 northern hemisphere #OzoneHole has come to an end. The #PolarVortex split, allowing #ozone-rich air into the Arctic, closely matching last week's forecast from the #CopernicusAtmosphere Monitoring Service,” the official Twitter handle of Copernicus ECMWF tweeted.

The ozone layer absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays, shielding the planet from the harmful radiation which can cause skin cancer. Earlier in March, scientists had spotted signs of a rare hole forming above the north pole and they though it was a result of low temperatures. The hole was understood to be a result of low temperatures at the north pole. Had the record-breaking hole managed to move south with the air currents, it would have posed a direct threat to humans.

Copernicus' Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), implemented on behalf of the European Commission, have now confirmed that the hole over the north pole has healed itself. A recent tweet by the agency also explains the reasons behind the same.

Check it:

youtube

So it seems being quarantined is at least helping the earth, which we all can be thankful for. Despite what governors are doing right now, we need you all to stay at home so we can get this Coronavirus handled.

Wildlife is also doing its thing, since the lower pollution and traffic has caused the skies, the roads, the oceans and other bodies of water to clear up.

WATCH: Biologist Andrea Mangoni filmed a mesmerizing video of a jellyfish gliding through the canals of Venice, Italy on Easter Sunday. He believes that recent low tide and low traffic had increased water transparency and made it possible to observe marine life in the city. pic.twitter.com/YuRr9qXAjh

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 26, 2020

A CANAL IN VENICE, ITALY (Yikes) pic.twitter.com/EzHzpA6Kgh

— Solange Silverman (@solange99) April 24, 2020

Positives right now? The water looks cleaner in Venice, Italy and NASA's world-famous canals, pictures show how pollution is falling rapidly in cities across the globe.. pic.twitter.com/Q3NSRSl9uD

— David Reilly (@DavidLGReilly) April 24, 2020

Venice, Italy: With tourists numbers culled because of the virus, the waters in Venice’s canals are cleaner than they have been, so much so, in fact, that fish can be seen once again in the canals. #CoronaOnEnvironment

muratart pic.twitter.com/fWS5kpdqzK

— Kimaani (@Kimaani) April 23, 2020

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy pic.twitter.com/LiQdMvCxn1

— Tee_Tot (@2turnttot) April 22, 2020

The Grand Canal (Venice, Italy )

1st pic - January 6th 2018 2nd pic - April 17th 2020.

(Same location before and after the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) lockdown) pic.twitter.com/VBjsova6er

— Walid Berer Rabih (@BererRabih) April 22, 2020

Right now Sydney is at her best. Pollution is clearing away. The place is green. Cool night's and warm days. Perfect. At least in my part of the city. This is Comp. pic.twitter.com/GwqoyqgF3J

— Textrovert (Australian Labor Apostate ) (@Karlcastan) April 25, 2020

The skies are clearing of pollution, wildlife is returning to newly clear waters, a host of flights have been scrapped, and crude oil is so worthless that the industry would have to pay you to take it off their hands – a few months ago, environmentalists could only dream of such pic.twitter.com/l5zuhNOPeD

— Eugene D'Rozario (@edrniren) April 23, 2020

"For the first time in almost 30 years (I) could clearly see the Himalayas due to India's lockdown clearing air pollution. Just amazing," Manjit Kang wrote.https://t.co/YW3OSneiyV via @CNNTravel

— E. Morey (@EMorey4) April 22, 2020

THEY'RE GLOWING! Dolphins light up the waters off Southern California as they swim through bioluminescent waves just after sunset.

When disturbed, bioluminescent phytoplankton give the surf an electric blue glow, according to National Geographic. https://t.co/xFVgqjwN6S pic.twitter.com/OKe8C8ldPy

— ABC News (@ABC) April 27, 2020

After nearly 30 years, 'critically endangered' South Asian River Dolphins ( Ganges Dolphins) are back across the ghats of Kolkata, all thanks to the reduced water pollution, due to the lockdown....@MamataOfficial #lockdownhustle #covidsafe #mondaythoughts #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/FuqkLuUBoR

— Saloni Srivastava (@SrivastvaSaloni) April 27, 2020

Good news! Pollution has dropped 30% in the Northeast US and some lakes became clearer,you can see the fish and some dolphins! pic.twitter.com/GG18YuY3uC

— Jillian (@Jillian11606125) April 26, 2020

Pollution levels plummet, wildlife enters city amid coronavirus lockdowns https://t.co/LZFfP8R9Xv pic.twitter.com/nfKYjyC3jW

— Scripps National News (@ScrippsNational) April 25, 2020

Photo: Triff/Shutterstock.com

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/04/27/silver-lining-the-earth%E2%80%99s-ozone-is-the-smallest-its-ever-been-she%E2%80%99s-thanking-us-for-sitti

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liveindiatimes · 4 years

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Empty roads and eerie silence: Aerial view shows Kolkata during lockdown. Watch - it s viral

New Post has been published on https://www.liveindiatimes.com/empty-roads-and-eerie-silence-aerial-view-shows-kolkata-during-lockdown-watch-it-s-viral/

Empty roads and eerie silence: Aerial view shows Kolkata during lockdown. Watch - it s viral

As the entire nation is under lockdown, netizens are keeping busy by tracking surprising phenomenas taking place all over the world through videos and pictures. From animals fearlessly stepping out from forested areas into city streets to striking pictures of the Himalayas seen from Jalandhar, Punjab, social media is flooded with some interesting events. Adding to this list is a stunning video of the City of Joy, Kolkata, captured during the lockdown.

Freelance photographer Archisman Saha has used a drone to give a vivid picture of the otherwise hustling city engulfed in an eerie silence as people stay indoors.

Shared on Facebook, the three-minute-long video was shot from 10 am to 2 pm during what are peak office hours when one can usually see people rushing to catch a bus or hail a cab.

The video starts with a view of the empty streets of Kolkata with occasional appearances of birds, along with a completely blank picture of one of the city’s busiest spots, Esplanade. A few seconds into the video, the frame takes flight and goes on to document the city minus its constant hustle and bustle.

Shot on a Gopro hero 7 and DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, the video also shows empty roads and flyovers across different locations of Kolkata with few to zero vehicles. Giving one the perfect aerial tour, it ends with a shot of the iconic Howrah Bridge majestically overlooking the Ganga. The footage of the river looks right out from a movie with its serene state devoid of any water traffic.

Check out the blissful video:

“While I was shooting the clips, it was mostly blank. I heard the birds chirping and not the shrillness of loud horns. I am being brutally honest, it made me uncomfortable,” Saha told Hindustan Times. “Witnessing this completely different side of the ‘City of Joy’ it dawned upon me that when everything stops we must remember and learn to coexist,” he says.

Covering all the prime and busy locations of the city, Saha was genuinely surprised with such a different picture of the city. “I tried to maintain all the safety features and guidelines while shooting and had absolutely zero contact with people and honestly, during these four hours of shooting and travelling, I hardly saw 20 people,” he adds.

The video has garnered over 3,100 views and tons of praise and surprise from netizens.

“Incredible clip. Never imagined will see my favourite City of Joy in a form like this,” writes a Facebook user. “A different Kolkata!” exclaims another.

What do you think of this striking bird’s eye view of Kolkata?

Source link

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cladust · 4 years

Video

At the beginning i didn't panic. i wasn't afraid, even when state lockdown had established and then national lockdown. But now, the first week of lockdown has almost passed and in first few days in #India ... #Police has beaten people to death because he broke the lockdown by going out of his home to buy some milk and after killing him tried to cover it up: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bengal-man-who-was-out-to-buy-milk-dies-after-being-beaten-up-by-police-1659842-2020-03-26? Then, Police beaten up a food delivery boy because he was delivering during lockdown: https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/delivery-guys-carrying-orders-beaten-up-mercilessly-by-police-as-country-enters-lockdown-509233.html? Then Yesterday #AdityaNathYogi(BJP)'s Uttar Pradesh government sprayed deadly chemicals on immigrant workers returning home from other states , " to sanitize / decontaminate them out of #coronavirus, because drastic measures needed to be taken " ... again, only against the poor i suppose: https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/bareilly-furore-after-migrants-sanitised-with-chemical-spray-at-bus-depot-on-arrival-priyanka-gandhi-slams-yogi-govt/1913638/ And Then unprepared #ArvindKejriwal's Delhi government and it's police fails to to prevent mass gathering /crowd of migrant workers in Anand Vihar Bus Stand, dying to return to their home states. No #coronavirus checkpoints , No one knows how many people infected how many??: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/delhi/watch-thousands-of-migrant-workers-crowd-anand-vihar-bus-terminal-amid-lockdown/videoshow/74865108.cms https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/india-thousands-crowd-anand-vihar-bus-terminal-groud-report-from-delhi-1184441 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/migrant-workers-crowd-anand-vihar-bus-terminus-to-return-to-their-villages/articleshow/74863940.cms Nobody is maintaining #SocialDistance specially in markets. Mass gathering are happening often. Not much people are using breathing masks. In Baruipur police got beaten up trying to disperse mass gatherings ( the people who gathered , there for no reason but to chat) A family even disobeyed the order for home quarantine and went to a wedding ceremony.. ends up their whole family getting infected including people from ceremony and the passengers they traveled in train with : https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/pictures/covid-19-update-up-roadways-buses-ferrying-desperate-migrant-workers-as-social-distancing-rule-not-followed-31585380430579-1.html https://eisamay.indiatimes.com/nation/three-policemen-were-killed-in-baruipur-to-raise-awareness-of-corona/articleshow/74868451.cms https://www.anandabazar.com/calcutta/coronavirus-in-kolkata-police-has-taken-some-steps-to-maintain-social-distance-in-market-dgtl-1.1127128 https://bengali.news18.com/videos/coronavirus-latest-news/kolkata-market-on-lock-down-situation-am-427615.html This kind of viral outbreak happened in India after hundred of years. After seeing all these, My feelings now are like: We are Sooo .......... Done. 🤔 #Coronavirus #COVID19 #novelcoronavirus #SARS-CoV-2

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francescafini · 3 years

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ladystylestores · 4 years

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Cyclone Amphan’s Death Toll Rises to 80 in India and Bangladesh

NEW DELHI — More than 80 people were killed by the powerful cyclone that slammed into India and Bangladesh on Wednesday, wiping out thousands of homes and drenching low-lying areas in torrential rain, officials said on Thursday.

Many of the dead were crushed by falling trees, electrocuted by downed wires or buried inside collapsing buildings as Cyclone Amphan pummeled the region, leaving a wide swath of devastation and grief.

The worst damage was reported in the Indian state of West Bengal, home to the metropolis Kolkata and many small, coastal villages where people live in shacks made from mud and sticks. The storm ripped through there, and though many villagers had evacuated beforehand, as the Indian authorities had urged, some had resisting packing into shelters because they feared the coronavirus.

West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, one of India’s most powerful women, said she had “never seen such a disaster before.”

“At one end there is this small Covid virus that is terrifying people,” she said in a video conference. “This was another virus from the sky.”

Initially, the Indian authorities believed that a combination of an impressive evacuation effort and the weakening of the storm as it swirled onto land had spared more lives. On Tuesday and Wednesday, as the storm barreled up the Bay of Bengal, emergency crews had plied beach roads, shouting to people through megaphones to leave their homes and go to evacuation shelters. Around three million people in India and Bangladesh heeded the calls and moved to safety.

But Indian police officers had said that some villagers resisted, fearful of being stuck in a closed space with thousands of others at a time when India is struggling to contain the coronavirus contagion. Just this week, the country reported its 100,000th infection; many health experts believe the real numbers are far higher, but hidden because of India’s relatively low rates of testing.

On Thursday, as the day wore on, more stories of death flowed in.

Khanat Begum, a mother in a village in southern Bangladesh, was cooking when a blast of wind uprooted her neighbor’s tree, crashing it through the roof of her home. Her 13-year-old daughter was also inside the house. They both died.

Like many homes in Chandpur village, Ms. Begam’s house has been obliterated. The roads leading to the village were still blocked on Thursday.

“Our village has been reduced to rubble,” said Israar Kamal, a resident of Chandpur.

The cyclone weakened further as it moved into northeastern India on Thursday, with a wind speed of 37 miles per hour. The skies over many of the cyclone-damaged areas were clear.

Many villagers who had fled to cyclone shelters were still inside them; others were beginning to trickle back to their villages, only to find their homes smashed to the ground, scatterings of sticks and clumps of mud.

The authorities said it was too early to assess the full damage. Many areas were still inaccessible because of downed trees and blocked roads.

Among the reported deaths, the authorities said that 10 people had died in Bangladesh and at least 73 in India.

One of the hardest-hit places was the metropolis of Kolkata, one of India’s oldest cities, with around 15 million people in the greater urban area. The authorities said that the cyclone had killed at least 15 people there. On Thursday, its streets were littered with trees, and parked cars bumped into one another as workers struggled to clear the roads.

The eye of Cyclone Amphan had passed nearby, bringing with it 100-mile-an-hour winds and nearly nine inches of rain.

Videos on social media showed inundated airports, uprooted trees blocking roads and water cascading down the stairs of residential buildings. The runway of Kolkata’s airport, one of the busiest airports in India before the nationwide lockdown, was completely underwater and looked like a long pond.

“I was very scared when water started coming into my flat,” said Anushree Hamirwasia, 22, a student in Kolkata.

Mohammed Salah Uddin, 42, said that he and 10 others returned to his village in southern Bangladesh after crisscrossing uprooted trees and electricity wires on the streets. He said that the cyclone shelter he was in had been overcrowded and that people had not maintained a safe distance from one another, despite the threat of the coronavirus. Photographs from other shelters in Bangladesh showed huge crowds of people, few of them wearing masks.

“It looked scary,” Mr. Uddinsaid. “It is better to live in a destroyed home than catch the diseases.”

Belinda Wright, the executive director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said there had been serious damage to the ecosystem of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a wildlife refuge, home to endangered species including Bengal tigers. The cyclone made landfall very close to the Sundarbans, which stretches across the border of India and Bangladesh along the Bay of Bengal.

Villagers in that area, Ms. Wright said, told her that there wasn’t “a tree standing.”

But the villagers also relayed that no one had been injured in the storm.

“They don’t like leaving their homes,” Ms. Wright said, adding that because they know how “terribly dangerous” cyclones can be, most villagers in that area had followed the instructions to evacuate.

Rescue operations intensified on Thursday across the whole area. Jawhar Sircar, a retired government administrator who lives in Kolkata, said that in his part of the city, the situation was peaceful. Electricity was back on, though essential supplies like vegetables and fruits were still not available because street vendors were unable to move on the roads.

“The mood in Kolkata is like it is all over now,” he said.

Hari Kumar contributed reporting.

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What happens as courts and tribunals go online – opportunities and challenges

This article is written by Suman Chatterjee Team LawSikho.

In a letter to lawyers, Judge Dennis Bailey of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida wrote about how some lawyers are getting lax in the new virtual judiciary system.

“One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers. And putting on a beach cover-up won’t cover up you’re poolside in a bathing suit. So, please, if you don’t mind, let’s treat court hearings as court hearings, whether Zooming or not.”

The legal world is upended by this recent public health crisis and while the courts are gradually going online, the question arises, “What next?”

When urgent matters are being heard over Vidyo, lawyers and even judges are contemplating how this is going to affect the legal community as a whole.

In this article, we will look at what opportunities and challenges are going to be discovered, the good and the bad of it, and how it is going to play out in the short and long term.

How much have courts gone online?

The United States’ Bureau of Justice Assistance constituted a task force in 2007 to frame a strategy on how to tackle the judiciary system during a pandemic. Of course, India has never done such a thing, so we are constrained to look at what this US task force said.

Dealing with substantive legal issues and also modifying the legal procedure in a way that it ensures public safety and also keeps the judicial functioning intact is of paramount importance. The urgency of legal matters should be outlined clearly and prominently for it to be followed in a structured manner, without any confusion and prejudice.

Unfortunately, India didn’t have a plan in place, and the only possible solution was to go into an almost full shutdown without further delay.

And why not? Courts are inarguably one of the most publicly crowded places in the world (including India) and higher social exposure indicates a higher threat to the health of judges, staff, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses.

But a total shutdown was impossible, so only urgent issues are being heard in the Supreme Court.

In Indian courts, urgency is subjective, and can mean “bigger matters argued by big name lawyers”.

Some high courts—Patna, Guwahati and Kolkata—have followed suit. Civil cases and cases of smaller pecuniary value are being given short shrift which could be even more urgent from another perspective – that those who needed relief are poorer and are facing bigger problems.

To top it, the lower judiciary is basically non-functional. No lawsuits are being filed and no complaints are being entertained during this lockdown. While litigation lawyers practising in the lower courts are sitting idle in their homes, a huge number of potential cases are piling up without any imminent remedy.

Let’s just say, if it were to go on like this, the current lack of access to justice would cripple the tottering economy further and would probably lead to a drastic collapse of the social order.

Thus, courts and tribunals are opening up online to deal with these challenges – because we cannot afford to keep them closed for much longer.

In the absence of any well-defined rules and regulations, the shifting to the virtual world is taking place in a haphazard manner at the moment.

I expect the situation to be sorted out in the coming few months. However, let’s see what is happening so far and how it has impacted the legal fraternity as well as those who knock to doors of the court for justice.

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Advantages

Social distancing and safety

The coronavirus outbreak can be considered the “once-in-a-century” pandemic, and social distancing is not a choice but rather a necessary condition.

Face masks and gloves are only a preemptive measure but might not be enough if you keep travelling in public transport or breathe the same air as 100 other people in a crowded courtroom. The answer?

Stay indoors. And the court must go virtual.

When the courts work in the virtual world, social distancing is no challenge.

Given that many judges and lawyers are quite senior in age, their health should also be of paramount concern. Online courts really help to keep everyone safe.

Full marks on this count.

Except if you are forced to visit court anyway for filing or even accessing online

No transportation, higher productivity

Once upon a time, I had to travel 75 km to and fro every single day to appear before a certain lower court. It took me a total of 5 hours (-ish) to go and come back from the place. That’s uncalled-for wastage of 5 hours per day! I am sure, many lawyers had to undergo a similar experience in their daily professional lives.

Even within city limits, running around courts trying to be on time before a judge, despite massive traffic jams, that’s a big headache for every lawyer.

With the shutdown and the courts and tribunals going online, the need of travelling to distant or not so distant courts have been eliminated and those wasted hours can now be utilized in far more productive pursuits. That’s a blessing in disguise for many.

Ability to attend or appear in many different forums in a single day

If you are a lawyer who occasionally flies from one courtroom to another during simultaneous hearings, while your junior often excuses for your absence at times, you now stand relieved.

All you have to do is sit in front of your laptop, connect it to the internet and log in to separate meetings, conferences, and court hearings, without stepping an inch out of your house! Though there might still be timing clashes at times, it’s all about exiting one and entering another which does not take more than a few clicks!

Managing time is definitely much easier these days for lawyers.

This also means you can accept more matters than ever before.

Less time wasted waiting for matters to be called

Have you ever wasted your time sitting in a courtroom waiting for your matter to be called? I have – sometimes, even for the whole session until the judge rose from his seat. A complete day wasted, and there was no solution to it whatsoever.

The root of the problem is that you will not be able to reach the courtroom from your chamber, so you end up staying there nonetheless. You do ask your junior to wait and notify you when it’s almost time for the matter to be called. Sometimes, you do it yourself when you have no junior available at hand.

In the virtual courtroom, this problem is nipped in the bud because you can enter and exit a virtual courtroom in a few seconds. If you find out that there are still two cases before yours is going to be called, all you have to do is mute the audio and get on with your work.

Proceedings are on video, therefore documented – increased scrutiny

Since the proceeding is being carried out via video conferencing tools, it is highly likely that someone may be recording it. Judges are aware of this. So are court staffers. And lawyers.

While travelling to a court and getting accepted into the court space seem like a challenge for many, virtual courts are often “open” courts where anyone and everyone can log in to watch the hearing live in action, an experience that no case summary or media report would match up to! Recently, in a court hearing in Kansas Supreme Court, over 3,500 people logged in to watch YouTube Livestream of a court hearing.

Click Above

Imagine when thousands are watching you live, you would be worried about saying or doing anything wrong even if you wanted to.

The chances of undergoing scrutiny go up, resulting in a lower possibility of manipulation, corruption or untoward behaviour because you know everything is possibly being recorded by someone.

Younger lawyers are getting more time from judges

Younger lawyers are often tolerated and not enjoyed, as per court wisdom.

This is evident from the fact that while senior advocates are often allowed to speak for hours at a stretch, younger lawyers are expected to be brief and concise in their submissions and not to assume airs at all!

Now if your opponent is a senior lawyer, he would bring in his own “style” while you would not.

A sheer disparity but unresolved and unaddressed.

However, when everyone is sharing equal screen real estate, the playing field is often evened out as per many experts. In such a situation, younger lawyers are due to get more time and importance from the judges and might be able to perform better. Don’t forget they are tech-savvier than the senior advocates too. More power to junior lawyers.

Disadvantages

Frequent technical glitches, connectivity issue

In the recent Speedtest Global Index, India ranks 128th for mobile broadband and 66th for fixed broadband. And that’s considering the BEST internet speed available in a chosen area of some city in the country.

For the rest, the internet speed sucks!

Not only that, to be able to conduct video conferencing smoothly and efficiently, you would also have to have sophisticated digital equipment like standalone microphone, white lighting and a high-end laptop or a desktop computer. If you think you can do it with your 10-year old Pentium 4 PC, it’s not going to work.

Something to think about.

This could mean that a lot of lawyers and courts are having plenty of tech and connectivity issues while arguing their matters virtually.

Many lawyers are not comfortable with new technology

Add to the above, many senior advocates have crossed that age where they would love to tinker with new technological stuff as teenagers do.

I myself have been using the same mobile phone for the last 4 years and worried about trying out newer phones and I am just 32.

Let’s say that not everyone is tech-savvy and even with the junior helping you in setting the environment up, the lawyer might still find it hard to operate it during the initial stages.

With consistent hardships in even muting and unmuting oneself (in Vidyo or maybe other apps too), many lawyers would end up frustrated and end up supporting the no-technology-in-courts movement sooner or later.

Access to people without digital access is not addressed

Also, we tend to forget that as high as around 50 percent of Indians do not have access to the internet. This is despite having the 2nd highest number of internet users in the world.

One can argue that even a person without an internet connection can go to someone with such a connection to use it, which is definitely easier than going to a faraway court for a rural person. Still, the digital divide remains a big challenge for half of the citizens to access or understand virtual courts.

I would daresay that a significant percentage of them, even having access to the internet through their phones, may not have access to the essential digital setup to attend the online hearings.

However, this is a problem that is not very hard to solve as most state governments have introduced digital kiosks in the past across countrysides in order to give access to government services, and India has almost 100% broadband coverage in its territory. Government has also promised broadband access in every Indian village by 2022.

Lawyers are finding that they need different abilities to be effective in online hearing

Last but not least, online court hearings are not the same as standing in front of the mic with your opponent standing by your side, and the judge sitting before you, looking intently for what you have to say.

You can throw your hands vehemently in the air, bring in some melodrama with queer face expressions, and infuse life into the courtroom with your secret antics, carefully sharpened over the years when the hearing is in a courtroom.

However, now that you are seated on your sofa, in front of the digital screen, the atmosphere suddenly seems so different. It’s not like the court you are used to.

You can’t see the reactions of your opponent lawyer. The judge seems less divine and more like a normal person (at your level, physically!), and here you are—the great Mr Lawyer cowered in front of that tiny laptop camera.

The core remains the same, but the paraphernalia has changed and many lawyers are struggling to adjust.

What do you think?

I want to know what you think.

You might be a practising lawyer. Or, you might be a legal professional.

If you are directly or indirectly involved with the Indian judiciary, I want to know what you feel about the courts and tribunals going online.

Is it good? Is it problematic?

I want to know your opinion, and if we think it makes sense, we would even publish it on our blog in the form of a compilation of the best replies we get.

Hope to hear about your thoughts.

All ears.

P. S. LawSikho is running hour-long webinars every day. Want to learn how to improve your learning skills? Prepare an LLM application to a foreign university? Career opportunities in new, upcoming areas of law? Don’t miss these high-quality webinars with industry and academic experts.

P. P. S. All our premium courses are covered under an unwavering 45 days full money-back guarantee.

After taking a course, if you feel like it is not working out for you, maybe you are not getting enough value out of it or it is not meeting your expectations, just get in touch with us. We will refund every rupee you paid for the course.

No questions asked, as long as the minimum requirements of the refund policy are fulfilled.

LawSikho has created a telegram group for exchanging legal knowledge, referrals and various opportunities. You can click on this link and join:

https://t.me/joinchat/J_0YrBa4IBSHdpuTfQO_sA

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