India cancels order for 'faulty' China rapid test kits.

Orders for around half a million rapid testing kits from China after they were found "faulty" in field conditions were cancelled by India. A BBC report said that after finally allowing the use of imported rapid test kits after initial reluctance, the government has paused its use, and has also cancelled further shipment of the product. States were building pressure on ICMR to allow their use amid concerns that India was not testing enough samples to stop the spread of the virus.
But the report said that there accuracy were found to be around 5 percent.

Govt to chart out evacuation plan for stranded seafarers in international waters, says Union

A plan for evacuation of seafarers stuck on international waters amid COVID-19 pandemic is being formed by the government, Union Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya said on Monday.
Thousands of Indian seafarers are currently stuck aboard cruise ships and cargo vessels in far off waters, and maritime bodies have been demanding from the government strategies for bringing them home fearing that delays might result in a disruption in the supply chain.
"I am trying to get the details of stranded seafarers. Based on it, the Shipping Ministry will chart out a plan for evacuation of stuck seafarers," Shipping Minister M L Mandaviya told PTI.
He further said: "I am concerned about the challenges faced by Indian seafarers in these testing times and I appreciate their work for moving the supply chain in the world."

NITI Aayog officer tests positive for COVID-19

A NITI Aayog officer was tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. The necessary protocol is being followed, including sealing of the building for two days for thorough disinfection and sanitisation, according to Ajit Kumar, Deputy Secretary (Administration), NITI Aayog.
8 new cases registered in Karnataka
8 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka from Monday 5:00 pm to Tuesday noon. This takes the total number of cases to 520, according to the Karnataka government's latest bulletin.

Mumbai Police directs personnel above 55 years to stay-at-home

In Mumbai Police personnel who are above 55 years of age and having some pre- existing ailment have been asked to go on leave, in a bid to protect them from the coronavirus infection.
The move comes after COVID-19 claimed lives of three Mumbai Police personnel in the last three days.
During an analysis, it came to light that the three deceased and the other police personnel currently undergoing treatment for coronavirus disease were above the age of 50, a senior Mumbai Police official said on Tuesday.
"In view of this, we have decided to protect our policemen and officers - who are above 55 years of age and having some pre-existing ailment — and asked them to take leave," he said.
"Because of their age, these police personnel are at a higher risk. Therefore, we are allowing them to take leave during these days," the official said.

No fresh cases reported in 80 districts for past 7 days, says Harsh Vardhan

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan while addressing the media on coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday said, "No fresh case reported in 80 districts for last 7 days. In 47 districts, no case has been reported in the last 14 days, while 39 districts have not reported a case for the last 21 days. 17 districts have not reported a case for the last 28 days."
He also said, "For the last 14 days, our doubling rate is 8.7, while for the last 7 days, it is 10.2 days. In the last 3 days, it is 10.9 days roughly."