Indian Railways to run 2,600 more Shramik Special Trains in next 10 days, benefiting 36 lakh stranded migrants

Railways has decided to operationalise 2,600 more Shramik Special Trains in next ten days across the country. This initiative is expected to benefit 36 lakh stranded passengers. Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav said that over 45 lakh people have returned to their native places, since 1st of May, through the Shramik Special Trains. Railways started running Shramik Special trains to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lock down.

Apart from Shramik Special Trains, Railways Ministry has started 15 pairs of Special Trains from 12th of this month and announced 200 train services to be started from 1st of next month. Railways has transported more than 97 lakh tonnes of foodgrains between 1st April to 22nd May this year. Railways has ensured availability of essential commodities like foodgrains through its freight services during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.

Railway Board Chairman said, more than three thousand 255 parcel trains have been run to transport essential items like medical supplies and equipments, food items, milk and dairy. Mr Yadav said, Railways has distributed over 47 lakh free meals to needy persons during the lockdown. The food is being distributed to the poor, children, migrant labourers, stranded persons and the needy who come in search of food near the railway stations. Mr Yadav said, Railway has also contributed immensely in the efforts to domestically Produce PPEs and Sanitizers. He said, 1.2 lakh coveralls of PPEs and 1.4 lakh litres Sanitizers produces were produced in house by Railway workshops.

Center says 75 lakh migrants labourers returned home since nationwide lockdown imposed.

The Centre has said that 75 lakh migrant labourers have returned home by trains and buses, since the nationwide lockdown imposed on 25th March. Out of them, 35 lakh migrant workers have reached their destinations using Shramik Special Trains, while 40 lakh have travelled in buses to reach their homes. Home Ministry official said, according to the last census report, there are four crore migrant workers in the country.
The Ministry has also set up a 24x7 control room to monitor migrant workers issues across the country. AIR correspondent reports that Centre, State and Union Territories have taken several steps to facilitate movement of migrant workers. Home Ministry allowed interstate movement of migrant workers by buses on 29th April. Railways has also started running Shramik Special trains since 1st of this month to facilitate migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lockdown.

PM Modi discusses COVID-19 situation with his Mauritian counterpart, Sri Lankan President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth yesterday. He congratulated Mr Jugnauth for successfully controlling COVID-19 in Mauritius. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, the people of India and Mauritius share warm and special ties, based on shared culture and values. He said, Indians will stand by their Mauritian brothers and sisters during this difficult time.
Prime Minister Modi suggested that Mauritius could document its best practices, which would be helpful for other countries, especially island countries, in dealing with similar health crises. Mr Jugnauth conveyed his condolences for the losses caused in India by Cyclone Amphan. He thanked Mr Modi for sending INS 'Kesari' to Mauritius as part of 'Operation Sagar', with a consignment of medicines and a 14-member medical team to help the Mauritian health authorities fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The two leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in various areas including measures aimed at supporting the financial sector of Mauritius, and enabling Mauritian youth to study Ayurvedic medicine. 

President Rajapaksa briefed Prime Minister Modi on the steps being taken by the Sri Lankan government to restart economic activity. They also discussed the possibilities of promoting investments and value-addition in Sri Lanka by the Indian private sector. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for the health and wellbeing of the Sri Lankan people

COVID-19 recovery rate improves to 41.39 percent in the country

Health Ministry said, a total of 51 thousand 783 people have been cured. In the last 24 hours, 3,250 patients were cured. The Ministry said, the total recovery rate has reached to 41.39 per cent. Health Secretary Preeti Sudan interacted with 11 municipal areas which have high case load of Covid-19. These 11 municipal areas are from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan. 
During the meeting, it was pointed out that the focus needs to be on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population and groups. It was also pointed out that testing needs to stepped up in some municipal areas to ensure early detection of cases, timely clinical management and a reduction in fatality rate. They also need to be mindful of ramping up the health infrastructure to ensure preparedness for the next two months with special focus on isolation beds with oxygen, ventilators and ICU beds. The measures taken and best practices followed by the municipal corporations for the management of COVID-19 cases were also discussed.

Actor Kiran Kumar is Coronavirus positive and quarantined at home.

Actor Kiran Kumar was tested positive of coronavirus on May 14 and has been home quarantined currently. Mr. Kumar revealed that he is also asymptomatic.

Recovery rate of MP at 51%, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan
The recovery rate for corona patients has reached 51 percent in Madhya Pradesh, said State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

He said better arrangements are being ensured in the state for the treatment of patients infected with the novel coronavirus and a large number of fever clinics have also started functioning in the state.

"The corona recovery rate has reached 51 percent. All the collectors should ensure that the lockdown is strictly followed and the exemptions should be given as per the guidelines in their respective districts," said Chouhan on Saturday. He was reviewing the status of corona and other arrangements through video conferencing.