Podcasts about disaster management act

MK Party leader Jacob Zuma is attending the trial of alleged July 2021 unrest instigator Bonginkosi Khanyile which is underway in the Durban Regional Court. Khanyile is facing charges of inciting violence and contravening Disaster Management Act. The court heard that in July 2021 just before the riots, Khanyile encouraged some people to go on the rampage until Zuma was released from prison. At that time , Zuma had been arrested for contempt of court after failing to appear before the State Capture Commission. The State has based its evidence in this case on videos in which Khanyile is seen addressing people and the videos went viral on social media.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Khalesakhe Mbhense in KZN

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 1st of August and here are today's headlines.In the devastating Kerala landslides, the death toll has risen to 277, with over 200 injured as of earlier this morning, following a series of landslides in the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived at the disaster site and are set to visit relief camps and the medical college to support and meet with the affected families. Additionally, CM Pinarayi Vijayan chaired an all-party meeting in Wayanad to address the crisis and noted the challenges faced in bringing in machinery to assist with the rescue operations but highlighted that the completion of the Bailey Bridge has significantly facilitated the efforts.Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to today, introduce a bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, in both Houses of Parliament. This comes amid devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad. A day earlier, Shah had said that the Centre had given an early warning to Kerala on July 23 and again on July 24 and July 25, following which nine NDRF teams were dispatched to the state. He said the loss of lives could have been minimised had the Kerala government become alert following the arrival of NDRF teams.Building collapsing in Kullu, roads being washed away, pilgrims being airlifted — these were the scenes in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh earlier this morning as multiple cloudbursts led to rain wreaking havoc claiming 5 lives in Himachal and 2 in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the areas affected by heavy rains in Baheda Tehri Garhwal to monitor the rescue and relief operations underway. Chardham Yatra registrations have been put on hold for the time being and a safety advisory has been issued urging the devotees to delay their travel due to the weather conditions.Starting with India at the Olympics, it was another historic moment in the sport of shooting as Swapnil Kusale became the first Indian to win a medal in the 50m Rifle 3-Position event, clinching bronze with a fine fightback. Meanwhile, it's an all-Indian clash with Lakshya Sen taking on HS Prannoy in the men's singles round of 16 while PV Sindhu and Satwik-Chirag will also be in action in the women's singles round of 16 and men's doubles quarterfinal respectively.The Israeli military confirmed today that the Hamas' military wing chief Mohammed Deif was killed in an airstrike in Gaza on the 13th of July. This comes a day after a senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran. On July 13, the Israeli military hit a compound in Mawasi to the west of Khan Younis, which killed over 90 people and injured 300, according to Gaza health officials. At the time, there had been no immediate confirmation that Deif was killed.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Welcome back to THE IAS COMPANION. Follow us on Youtube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@IASCompanion Today, we delve into the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Established in response to calamities like the Gujarat earthquake in 1999 and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the NDMA operates under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Led by the Prime Minister as the ex-officio chairperson, the NDMA aims to foster a safer and disaster-resilient India through prevention, preparedness, and mitigation measures. Additionally, the NDMA oversees State and District Disaster Management Authorities, coordinating efforts at various levels to enhance disaster preparedness and response nationwide. #UPSC #IASprep #civilserviceexam #IASexamination #IASaspirants #UPSCjourney #IASexam #civilservice #IASgoals #UPSC2024 #IAS2024 #civilservant #IAScoaching #aUPSCmotivation #IASmotivation #UPSCpreparation #IASpreparation #UPSCguide #IASguide #UPSCtips #IAStips #UPSCbooks #IASbooks #UPSCexamstrategy #IASexamstrategy #UPSCmentorship #IASmentorship #UPSCcommunity #IAScommunity #UPSCpreparation #IASpreparation #UPSCguide #IASguide #UPSCtips #IAStips #UPSCbooks #IASbooks #UPSCexamstrategy #IASexamstrategy #UPSCmentorship #IASmentorship #UPSCcommunity #IAScommunity --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theiascompanion/message

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has some serious concerns about BC's new Emergency and Disaster Management Act, which came into effect on November 8. According to a provincial government video, “We know people are worried about the climate driven challenges across British Columbia that are significantly affecting our families, communities, economy, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Modern realities like frequent floods, wildfires, drought, and extreme heat, as well as the COVID 19 pandemic have a lasting impact on people and communIties. A significant step in our response to these challenges involves modernizing BC's emergency management legislation to include the requirement that the emergency management plans of provincial ministries, local authorities, and critical infrastructure operators are informed by risk assessments.” At their Wednesday Dec 13 meeting. Protective Services Coordinator Shaun Koopman told the SRD Board his concerns with the way the government was implementing these ideas: “ I would really want to see from the province a compilation of the data, statistics, and answers that they receive from all local authorities that are providing feedback to this regulation discussion paper that's available to the public because I can guarantee you we're all telling the province to put their cuckoo back in the clock.” “I think the public needs to see that as well. It's not entirely out of the box. When the province first started talking about updating the act back in 2020, they asked for feedback from our Regional Board. I brought a report to the board that we (recently) sent to the provincial government.” Koopman outlined some of his objections: Q/How long are we going to need to implement these regulations? “At the very best, I feel that's a question that's being asked in bad faith because they aren't telling us what these regulations are. I have no clue how long we're going to need to implement these regulations until they tell us the details. You'll see a lot of ‘nos' in the answers to the questions in that.”

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for child malnutrition in the Eastern Cape to be declared a disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. The commission recently released a report that found that 120 children died of malnutrition in the province between 2021 and 2022. The report also found that over 1 000 children were diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the province, in the same period. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to South African Human Rights Commission Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter.

Dr. Eileen Carter is the head of the SAHRC in the Eastern Cape, and she joins John to explain that the results of an in-depth investigation have motivated The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to urge that child hunger in the Eastern Cape be declared a disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trial of alleged July unrest instigator Ngizwe Mchunu has been postponed to the 5 of December as the main witness is currently testifying in another matter in the high court. The former Ukhozi FM radio personality has been charged with inciting violence during the unrest in 2021. Mchunu made a brief appearance in the Randburg Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg June for his alleged involvement to the incident. During that court appearance, prosecutor. Mchunu faces charges of inciting public violence and breaching the Disaster Management Act. He's out on two-thousand rand bail. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Pearl Magubane, 

Government has hit back against claims made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that National Treasury is refusing to release funds to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial government for disaster relief. Government Communication Information System (GCIS) spokesperson Phumla Williams said the allegations are “mischievous and unwarranted” as government and society pull together to rebuild the lives of those affected by the floods. KZN was recently hit by devastating floods that have claimed more than 400 lives and severe infrastructure damage. The Disaster Management Act caters for the reprioritisation of funds in the event of a disaster such as the recent floods. The reprioritisation of funds are also in line with government's budgeting system. Williams explained that government embarked on a phased approach following the floods, beginning with immediate humanitarian relief and moving on to reconstruction and repair. “The R1-billion referred to by President Cyril Ramaphosa relates to funding that is catered for in the 2022 Division of Revenue Bill for immediate response through the Provincial Disaster Response Grant and the Municipal Disaster Response Grant,” Williams said. While the reprioritisation of funds from budgets were used to fund immediate needs, Williams pointed out that there is process that must be followed to unlock these funds. This includes provinces and municipalities making applications for these funds to the National Disaster Management Centre and Department of Human Settlements, which will process them before submitting the applications to Treasury. Further, the procuring departments will have to ensure that procurement and supply chain processes are strictly followed. Government has also put in place additional monitoring measures, through the Auditor-General of South Africa to ward against corruption. Williams said government urged all stakeholders and commentators to engage with factual information and to not create panic and confusion.

Two tavern owners will appear in the Ladysmith Magistrates Court tomorrow after being arrested for contravention of the Disaster Management Act.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has extended South Africa's national state of disaster by a further month. In a government gazette published over the weekend, Minister Dlamini-Zuma extended the state of disaster to December the 15th, effectively marking the next month as the 21st month since the state of disaster was declared back in March 2020. The South African government has used the Disaster Management Act to better fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing lockdown regulations which include a time curfew. For a closer look at how the National Disaster Act has been implemented thus far, Professor Dewald Van Niekerk from the African Centre for Disaster Studies at the North West University

    "Bafana Bafana's game against Ethiopia at FNB stadium saw the return of fans to the stadium for the first time since the Lockdown started in March 2020, thanks to the latest change in the government regulations of the Disaster Management Act. Prominent football fans Mama Joy and Machaka spoke to us from the stadium."                      

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Wednesday gazetted the extension of the National State of Disaster on Covid-19 until November 15. Last month it was extended until October 15. The government first declared a National State of Disaster on March 15, 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Dlaminin-Zuma explained that the latest extension follows consultations with stakeholders and approval by Cabinet. “The extension takes into account the need to continue observing all non-pharmaceutical interventions against Covid-19 and increasing vaccinations as part of contingency measures being undertaken to mitigate its impact,” she added. Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa will need to meet certain requirements before the country's state of disaster regulations can be lifted, including whether appropriate Covid-19 prevention regulations are in place in each sector outside of the Disaster Management Act or if the Covid-19 pandemic ends. Dlamini-Zuma stressed that government was trying to save lives and was committed to ensuring that more people got vaccinated to ensure the opening of the economy.

Guest: Nhlanhla Mabaso Today a convener of Nazareth Baptist Church Ebuhleni faction march has been arrested for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act. Over 6000 members of the Nazareth Baptist Church Ebuhleni faction breached Covid-19 protocols by congregating in their thousands to bring the Durban CBD to a standstill on Tuesday.  The peaceful march was conducted in order to show support for Mduduzi Shembe.   There are strong divisions in the church after a succession battle between Mduduzi "Unyazi Lwezulu" Shembe and his late uncle Vela Shembe, who is aligned to the Thembezinhle faction.   In 2016, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban declared Vela the legitimate successor to late spiritual leader Vimbeni Shembe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business Unity South Africa has called on government to use the current Disaster Management Act to implement a 24-hour curfew in key hotpots around KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

On today's show, we will discuss the case of Reepak Kansal v. Union of India and Others, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 554 of 2021, wherein the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, interpreted S. 12 of the Disaster Management Act that provides for ex gratia assistance to sufferers of a disaster, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ex gratia literally means “by favour.”To read more about it, please visit our Blog http://www.desikanoon.co.in/2021/07/supreme-court-covid-19-relief-assistance.htmlTelegram: https://t.me/Legal_Talks_by_DesiKanoonYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMmVCFV7-Kfo_6S42kPhz2wApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-talks-by-desikanoon/id1510617120Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KdnziPc4I73VfEcFJa59X?si=vYgrOEraQD-NjcoXA2a7Lg&dl_branch=1&nd=1Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS84ZTZTcGREcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuz4ifzpLxAhVklGMGHb4HAdwQ9sEGegQIARADAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4b89fb71-1836-414e-86f6-1116324dd7bc/Legal-Talks-by-Desikanoon  Please subscribe and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord, Telegram and Facebook. Credits: Music by Wataboi from Pixabay 

Recently, the Supreme Court heard a plea seeking compensation to the families of those who have died from COVID-19 or post-COVID complications. The petitioners, citing Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and a 2015 notification, said that the Centre should make ex gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to each of the victims' families. But the government has been reluctant to commit to any such compensation. It has said that given the magnitude of the COVID-19 death toll --- which is nearly 4 lakh as per official figures (and likely to go up) – this would mean paying ₹4 lakh to nearly 4 lakh families, which may not be feasible. Is the government obliged under the law to pay compensation for COVID deaths? How credible are arguments that payouts of this magnitude are not financially feasible or advisable? How realistic is the idea of setting up a dedicated COVID Compensation Fund, which has been mooted by the Opposition? For more clarity on these questions, we speak to Dr Abhay Shukla, who has been working on public and community health issues for over 35 years. A national co-convenor of the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, Dr Shukla has also been a member of the National Human Rights Commission's committee for formulating human rights responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by G. Sampath

ICMR Director-General Dr Balram Bhargava expressed confidence that India's entire population will be vaccinated by December 2021.Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an important meeting regarding the prospect of Class 12 Board Examinations.Alapan Bandyopadhyay has been issued a show-cause notice by the central government on Tuesday under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. For more live news download Etv Bharat Download ETV Bharat on App store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/etv-bharat/id1453416186 Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.etvbharat.android Or watch us live on – www.etvbharat.com ETV Bharat is a Division of Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. , is a comprehensive digital national news platform conceived to deliver seamless news and information services, using video-centric Mobile App and Web Portals. It is first-of-its kind offering in India in terms of diversity and depth, dedicated journalists network, reach of 24 states with services in 13 languages i.e.– Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Assamese, Odia and English. ETV Bharat is the latest initiative of the five-decade old multi-dimensional Ramoji Group. The Group's highly successful media endeavors include : Eenadu - one of the largely circulated language dailies in the country , and ETV Network with Telugu general entertainment, infotainment and news channels. With a strong lineage of the most trusted media house, ETV Bharat would draw on its strengths of decades' long experience and innovation. ETV Bharat will combine the new technologies of mobile and digital media to engage news and information seekers in a new connected world. It will be driven by well-established news gathering setup, technology specialists and other professionals.

There were two sets of petitions. In the first set of Petitions, private unaided schools had assailed the validity of the Rajasthan Schools (Regulation of Fee) Act, 2016 (in short, “Act of 2016”) and in the second set of Petitions, Orders directing deferment of collection of school fees including reduction of fees limited to 70% of Tuition Fees by CBSE Schools and 60% from Rajasthan Board Schools, in view of reduction of syllabus by the respective Boards due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. FIRST SET OF PETITIONS Grounds of Challenge to the Rajasthan Schools (Regulation of Fee) Act, 2016 1. Arbitrarily restricting the autonomy of the School to determine fee is violative of Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution of India. 2. The Constitution of School Level Fee Committee (SLFC) under the Act of 2016 wherein the School Management has only one representative against five parents, three teachers and one principal, restricts the autonomy of the School Management to regulate fees. Such parents could also be of those wards who are availing free education under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (in short, “RTE Act”) and thereby have no stakes at all in relation to the School Fees. 3. The Division Fee Regulatory Committee (DFRC) and the Revision Committee constituted under the Act of 2016 have powers to issue summons, search, seizure and penalties thereby considering School Fees to be res extra commercium (thing that is outside purview of commerce) and endlessly embroiling the School in the process of appeal, revision and judicial proceeding putting their financial future in jeopardy. 4. The process of determining fees is a dynamic exercise and the factors enumerated under the Act of 2016 are vague, subjective and irrelevant. In TMA Pai Foundation & Ors. v. State of Karnataka & Ors., (2002) 8 SCC 481, it was observed that it is in the interests of the general public that autonomy and non-regulation of the school administration will ensure that more good quality schools will get established. 5. It was also urged that the field of regulation of fees of schools is already occupied by the RTE Act and the State Legislature cannot enact a law on the same subject. Grounds taken by the State in relation to the Act of 2016 1. The State/Respondent cited various cases such as Modern Dental College and Research   Centre & Ors. v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors., (2016) 7 SCC 353, wherein identical provisions enacted by various states in relation to fixation of fee by external committees were upheld. 2. Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution of India is not an absolute right and the State has the power to regulate such rights. Observations by the Court in relation to the Act of 2016 1. It is not open to argue that the Government cannot provide for external regulatory mechanism for determination of school fees. The real question is whether the Act of 2016 stands the test of reasonableness and rationality and balances the rights of the School under Article 19 (1) (g). 2. The Court also considered the ground that the RTE Act already occupies the field and observed that the purpose of the RTE Act is completely different since it talks about free and compulsory education to the children of the age of 6-14 years and otherwise has no connection with the fee structure that is adopted by the Schools. 3. The Court considered the Act of 2016 in great depth and upheld the validity of the Act of 2016; however, it read down the following provisions: - a. Section 4 that talks about lottery system was read down wherein even the parents of the wards admitted under the RTE Act could become a part of the SLFC. The Court held that the parents who are part of the SLFC must be willing, well-informed and capable of having a meaningful discourse on the proposal of fee structure. Such eligibility ought to be specified in the Act. b. Section 7 was also read down to the extent that the constitution of DFRC under it must ensure that only those parents who wards are actually studying in the School at that point of time are a part of it and such parents should not be the members of SLFC of any school within the divisional area. Further, such parents should have basic knowledge about functioning of the Schools and that their ward should not have secured admission under the RTE Act. c. Section 10 was also read down that deals with the Revision Committee wherein the decisions of the DFRC could be assailed, to the extent that in the Revision Committee as well, the stipulations contained in point b. hereinabove are followed. SECOND SET OF PETITIONS In the second set of Petitions, Orders were passed by the Rajasthan Government directing deferment of collection of school fees including reduction of fees limited to 70% of Tuition Fees by CBSE Schools and 60% from Rajasthan Board Schools, in view of reduction of syllabus by the respective Boards due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Those Orders were upheld by the Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court taking the view that such Orders could also be even in exercise of powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (in short, “Act of 2005” of “DM Act”) According to the Schools, they were already following the mandate of the Act of 2016 and the Fee was fixed by the SLFC and there is no provision under the Act of 2016 that permits such interference by the State Authorities in respect of School Fees. Further, it was urged that the Disaster Management Act has no applicability in the facts of the present case as it has nothing to do with regulation of fees. According to the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides for preparation of a plan for disaster management by concerned authorities and “it is the direct effect of disaster that is required to be mitigated and not indirect hardship caused to individuals much less in respect of contractual matters” and “in the scheme of the Act of 2005, there is nothing to indicate that the Authorities can interfere with   contractual matters or indirect hardships — such as inability of parents to pay school fees due to pandemic situation. The Director, Secondary Education, in no way, is   concerned with the preparation of a disaster plan or its enforcement and implementation under the Act of 2005.” The State of Rajasthan also tried to invoke the Rajasthan Epidemic Disease Act, 2020, to justify its Orders. Section 4 of the said Act talks about permitting the government to regulate the functioning of offices, governmental, private and educational, but according to the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the same gives no authority to the State Government to decide about the fee structure of unaided private schools. The Hon'ble Supreme Court also observed that the State Government cannot issue directions in respect of commercial or economic aspects of legitimate subsisting contracts (Contract between Students/Parents and Schools) between two private parties with which the State has no direct causal connection. It was further observed that “in the guise of management of pandemic situation or to provide “mitigation to one” of the two private parties “at the cost of the other”. This is akin to – rob Peter to pay Paul.” More strong remarks were made by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and it was stated that in the guise of curbing profiteering, the State “cannot transcend the line of regulation   and impinge upon the autonomy of the school to fix and collect “just” and “permissible” school fees from its students” and “it is certainly not an essential commodity governed   by the legislation such as Essential Commodities Act, 1955 empowering the State to fix tariff or price thereof.” Another interesting argument that was taken by the Government/Respondent was that it was regulating the Fees while exercising the powers under Article 162 of the Constitution of India. Article 162 provides that the Executive/Government has the powers to make laws on all matters to which the Legislature of the State has power to make laws. On this argument, it was the view of the Hon'ble Supreme Court that plethora of cases decided earlier have held that determination of school fee structure is the exclusive prerogative of the School Management running a private unaided school and hence, in such cases, it is not open to the Legislature to make a law touching upon that aspect. In words of the Court, “Ex consequenti, the State Government also cannot exercise power under Article 162 of the Constitution in that regard.” The Hon'ble Court stressed on the fact that the Disaster Management Act is not a panacea for all difficulties much less not concerning disaster management as such. While holding that the Government has no power reduce fees of the Schools, the Hon'ble Court also observed that this does not mean that the Schools have a Carte Blanche to be oblivious to the conditions of the Pandemic and the School Managements should “reschedule payment of school fee in such a way that not even a single student is left out or denied opportunity of pursuing his/her education, so as to effectuate the adage “live and let live”.” Further, the Hon'ble Court also observed that the Schools can collect fees only in respect of activities and facilities which they are providing and demanding fees in respect of overheads that are not being incurred by them would be “nothing short of indulging in profiteering and commercialization.” According to the Hon'ble Court, since the schools were not allowed to be open for a substantial period of time due to the Pandemic, they must have saved overheads and recurring costs on various items such as fuel, maintenance, water, stationery etc. Due to lack of empirical data in this regard, the Court observed that despite lack of mathematical exactitude, it would assume that the Schools must have saved around 15% of the annual school fees fixed by them for the relevant period. In light of the above-stated reasoning, it was held by the Hon'ble Court that: - 1. The Schools shall provide a minimum of 15% deduction on the annual school fees to the students. 2. The amount so payable shall be paid in six equal monthly instalments before 05.08.2021. 3. No student shall be debarred or withheld from attending either online/physical classes on account of non-payment of fees and request to remit fees should be considered sympathetically by the Schools. 4. Such arrangement mentioned hereinabove will not affect the collection of fees for the academic year 2021-22. OPINION AND CONCLUDING REMARKS I have mixed feelings about this Judgment. On the one hand, the Hon'ble Court has artistically brought down every non-sensical argument of the Government/State to hold that regulation of fee is a private affair in case of private unaided schools but on the other hand, the Court went ahead with providing deduction in respect of fees that is to be collected by the Schools. Further, the students cannot be debarred by the Schools if their parents fail to deposit fees in respect of academic year 2020-21. I think the overall winners in this entire battle of regulation of fees are the students and quite rightly so. They are the ones who would suffer most if the education were not imparted to them. But, in the garb of imparting education to the students, I respectfully submit that that the Hon'ble Court has left the parents without any consequences. I think it would be better if some form of mandatory direction with respect to the parents is also given that makes sure that the parents who are in a position to pay must pay the fees and failure to do so would entail liabilities not for their kid but directly on them. A small window of opportunity has been given to the unscrupulous parents who despite having the paying capacity may end up taking undue advantage of the leniency shown to them by the Court. But be that as it may, Hon'ble Courts can do only so much in such uncertain times. The best part of the Judgment is that the Hon'ble Court considered each, and every argument advanced by all the sides in proper spirit and perspective and did not allow high-handedness or callousness to prevail. I can just hope that our respective governments also start taking the matters at hand in a serious and a responsible manner, as is expected from every legitimate government. It is too bad that for every little thing, painstaking efforts have to be made by the Courts to balance the rights of the people vis-à-vis the powers of the government whereas such situations ought not to arise ever if the governments adopt a rational and a sympathetic view to the legitimate plights of the citizens of this country. 

PM Modi announced the launch of a joint climate and clean energy initiative, Virat Kohli became the first player in history to notch up 6000 runs in IPL, The Centre on Thursday invoked the Disaster Management Act & other top news in this bulletin.

Vide Order dated 27.03.2020 in the instant, the Hon'ble Supreme Court had extended “the period of limitation prescribed under the general law or special laws whether compoundable or not with effect from 15.03.2020 till further orders.” The Court also observed that though the end of the pandemic remains to be seen yet there seems to be considerable improvement in the state of affairs and it is of the opinion that the Order extending the period of limitation has served its purpose. Important Directions Thus, following important directions have been issued by the Court: - 1. “In computing the period of limitation for any suit, appeal, application or proceeding, the period from 15.03.2020 till 14.03.2021 shall stand excluded. Consequently, the balance period of limitation remaining as on 15.03.2020, if any, shall become available with effect from 15.03.2021.” 2. “In cases where the limitation would have expired during the period between 15.03.2020 till 14.03.2021, notwithstanding the actual balance period of limitation remaining, all persons shall have a limitation period of 90 days from 15.03.2021. In the event the actual balance period of limitation remaining, with effect from 15.03.2021, is greater than 90 days, that longer period shall apply.” 3. Such exclusion of period of limitation is also applicable on S.23(4), 29A of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 and Provisos (b) and (c) of Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.  4. The State shall allow regulated movement for legal, medical, educational, and employment related requirements. Concluding Remarks Though this is a small and laconic Order yet its significance is immense. There is a lot of confusion among the litigants as well as the legal fraternity regarding the computation of period of limitation in various cases. This conundrum started with the Order dated 24.03.2020 that was passed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in exercise of the powers under Section 6 (2) (i) and 10 (2) (l) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (in short, ‘Act of 2005'). This lockdown was extended from time to time and after few months, the government started calling the same guidelines as ‘Unlock' guidelines. The present Order provides much needed relief and clarity to every by making it amply clear that the period of last one year shall be excluded for the purposes of computing the period of limitation. Another significant aspect of the instant Order is that the Court has directed the State allow regulated movement for legal, medical, educational, and employment related requirements. I think this has a lot of significance and can be used by common people as a shield against the atrocities and excesses committed by the State in various places. Getting a job and securing employment is equally important as breathing air or drinking water. It is high time that the State starts playing a proactive role in alleviating the agony of its citizens.

In this, the first Consumerwatch feature of 2021, Wendy Knowler reveals why the price of ginger has skyrocketed, and why the government's Disaster Management Act regulation preventing landlords from cutting off electricity to tenants who are in arrears is, in reality, hollow protection. ECR Consumerwatch

Directions in relation to Fire Safety The Court also acknowledged the steps taken by the Union of India, States and Union Territories in this respect. Further, the Court holistically looked at the situation and passed certain directions in relation to ‘Fire Safety' in Covid Hospitals that are provided as under: - 1. All States/Union Territories should appoint one nodal officer for fire safety for each Covid Hospital and a Committee is to be constituted to carry their Fire Audits at regular intervals for taking follow-up action. 2. The Covid Hospitals are to apply for obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Fire Departments of the States after which appropriate action is to be taken against the errant Covid Hospitals. Duties and Responsibilities of the Governments and the Administrations 1. Right to health is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and it includes right to affordable treatment. The State is to make provisions for affordable treatment and if required, there should be a cap on the fees charged by the private hospitals by exercising the powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. 2. “More and more police personnel shall be deployed at the places where there is likelihood of gathering by the people, such as, Food Courts, Eateries, Vegetable Markets (Wholesale or Retail), sabzi Mandies, bus stations, railway stations, street vendors, etc.” 3. As far as possible, no permission is to be granted by the local administrations for celebrations/gatherings even during the day hours and where permission is granted, strict compliance of SOPs is to be ensured. 4. The Court also observed that “there shall be more and more testing and to declare the correct facts and figures.” And further, the people are not be misled otherwise they might become negligent. 5. Guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, in relation to keeping private hospital's beds free must be strictly complied with and helpline numbers in this regard must be setup. 6. “Curfew on weekends/night be considered by States where it is not in place.” Any decision relating to curfew must be announced long in advance to give time to people to make provisions. 7. To cut the chain of transmission in areas where number of cases are on higher scale, sealing and lockdown should be done. 8. Political parties must follow the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India in relation to Covid-19. 9. Some mechanism may be required for the doctors, nurses and the health workers to give them intermittent rest, as they are already exhausted physically and mentally. Other Observations by the Court The Court also observed that people too have a duty to perform their fundamental duties and they must follow the rules made by the governments “very strictly” failing which they cannot be permitted to infringe the rights of other citizens which includes the right to health. It further acknowledged that “It cannot be disputed that for whatever reasons the treatment has become costlier and costlier and it is not affordable to the common people at all. Even if one survives from COVID-19, many times financially and economically he is finished…” Interestingly, the Court also stated as under: - “5. Due to unprecedented Pandemic, everybody in the world is suffering, one way or the other. It is a world war against COVID-19. Therefore, there shall be Government Public Partnership to avoid world war against COVID-19.” Concluding Remarks The Order pronounced by the Supreme Court explains the profound and the dire state of affairs prevalent everywhere. I too acquiesce to the fact that people are confused, require guidance and need some respite. I think one of the most important observations by the Court is that there is a need to devise some mechanism to provide rest to the health workers since they are the ones at the forefront and are truly exhausted.  I wish to conclude by saying that these are tough times for everyone, and we must show patience, faith and courage in our common knowledge and wisdom in such times.

Facts The Petitioner questioned the decision taken by the various States and Union Territories to affix posters outside the residences of persons who have been tested Covid-19 positive and are required to undergo home isolation. Many arguments in this regard were advanced by the Petitioner. It was prayed by the Petitioner inter alia to issue directions to stop publishing the names of Covid-19 Positive persons/patients by the officials of the States and the Union Territories. It was further prayed to stop freely circulating their names in welfare associations of colonies and apartment complexes as the same constitutes serious violation of fundamental rights, right to privacy and dignity. Important Observations After hearing all the parties, the Court observed that the Union of India has not issued any guidelines for pasting or affixing of posters or other signage outside the residence of Covid-19 Positive persons. It was also observed that the guidelines pertaining to Covid-19 are referable to exercise of powers by the authority under the Disaster Management, 2005 and the same do not contain any requirement of pasting of posters against the houses of Covid-19 patients. Final Observations and Held In view of the above, it was finally observed by the Court that “no State or Union Territory is required to paste posters outside the residence of Covid-19 positive persons, as of now.” It was further held in unequivocal terms by the Court that the State Governments and Union Territories can resort to the exercise of posting posters against the houses of Covid-19 patients only when any direction is issued in this regard under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Analysis The final observations of the Court are quite interesting. On the one hand, the Court made it amply clear that currently, there is no requirement of pasting posters against the houses of the Covid-19 patients and on the other hand, the Court did not close that option or did not held the pasting of posters to be a violation of fundamental rights or illegal per se. Thus, the question whether posters would be required to be affixed against the houses of Covid-19 patients or not in the future has been left wide open by the Court and in a way, the Court refused to venture into this question since in the considered opinion of the Court, it is the job of the authorities under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Concluding Remarks The Disaster Management Act, 2005 is the main law under which the Union Government has been making endeavours to manage the Covid-19 pandemic. Everything relating to management of the Covid-19 pandemic is being handled by the Union Government under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. I concur with the methodology of the Court that when something is not required currently (pasting of posters against the houses of Covid-19 patients), then it is not necessary to venture into the question of its legality or illegality. At the present moment, it is an academic question at best. But the Court did not stop here since it very well understands the hazards of a pandemic like Covid-19. By giving this judgment, the Court acknowledged that it is not an expert on Covid-19 pandemic, and it left its manner of management to be decided by the experts and competent authorities.

There has been mixed reaction from some opposition parties to the extension of the National State of Disaster by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the extension which now ends on the 15th of September is necessary. On the other hand, the Freedom Front Plus says it is now in the process of amending the Disaster Management Act through a private members bill. The party says this is to curb the sole power of the CoGTA Minister to indefinitely extend the state of disaster on a month to month basis without parliamentary oversight. Our Parliamentary Correspondent Mercedes Besent has more details............

At least 25 people were arrested yesterday across the Cape Penisula on charges of public violence and contravening sections of the Disaster Management Act. This followed various shutdown protests called by the Cape Coloured People's Congress demanding among others houses and job opportunities.

Smokers in South Africa are waiting anxiously for the High Court in Pretoria to deliver judgement in the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Assocation (FITA) case against a ban on the sale of tobacco products. FITA took the government to court saying Regulation 27 of the Disaster Management Act was irrational its impact on people's lives was not considered. A full bench of judges reserved judgement in the matter.

The Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) will ask the Pretoria High Court to unban the sale of tobacco products. FITA consists of 7 independent tobacco companies. They are asking the high court to declare Regulation 27 of the Disaster Management Act, irrational and illegal saying it infringes on the rights of smokers.

1. Two COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospital. With this total active cases in Assam stand at 7. Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had sent out a tweet on this. 2. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa said that the state has sufficient ICU beds and quarantine centres, PPE kits and COVID-19 facilities. He said during a press conference that Assam is in talks with Centre to rescue stranded citizens outside state and a workable solution might soon arrive. Sarma also said that Government employees will also get their full salary in the month of May. They will receive this on 8 May 3. There has been 80% drop in GST revenue collection this Apr compared to Apr 2019, informed Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference. The collection in April 2019 was Rs 932.36 cr April 2019 and this year it is Rs 193 crore in the same month. However, Government employees will get full salary in May month. On the 8th of the month the salary will be received. Some austerity measures such as organising conferences, fair; staying at 5 star hotels; spendings government resources, traveling first class has been taken looking at economic situation in the country. Sarma also said that he is discussing ways to streamline education within lockdown period. 4. Tripura has become the fifth North Eastern state to become coronavirus free. The Centre has declared five of the eight northeast states — Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura — coronavirus free. 5. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has urged Union Home Minister to facilitate transport that can bring back stranded students in different parts of the country back to state. Tripura Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath informed that the request got a positive response from Shah. 6. The Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (ATTSA) has sought CM Sarbananda Sonowal's intervention in making sure that tea garden workers must get their full wages amid lockdown caused due to coronavirus pandemic. The association said that the CM must take action against Golaghat based tea planters' association for publishing “false reports” citing Rs 1200 crore loss for tea industry amid lockdown. This was done to evade payment to workers, the association claims. 7. CRPF sub-inspector who was a resident of Assam's Barpeta district has died from coronavirus in Delhi. SI Ikram Hussain was posted with 31st Battalion of the CRPF in Noida. He contracted the infection from a nursing staff within the force. He died due to “breathlessness” on Tuesday at Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi. 8. Manipur police has booked several people who had criticised the government on the way COVID-19 pandemic was handled in the state. People have been booked under sections of Disaster Management Act and Indian Penal Code. In Imphal West, 10 cases were there. Three cases were there where people were charged with sedition. 9. The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma inaugurated a telemedicine facility in Shillong. He tweeted,”Inaugurated the #Telemedicine facility at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong. Use of technology for health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication is crucial in our fight against #COVID19.” 10. Actor Irrfan Khan is no more. He breathed is last on Wednesday. The actor was 53 years old. He is survived by wife Sutapa Sikder, and sons Babil and Ayan. He was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital due to a colon infection, his spokesperson said

At the outset, it is apologized that the notes of this episode are not as comprehensive as it should be. However, further episodes shall have detailed episode notes.Introduction of Contributors Suyash Verma is a Lawyer and a Freelance writer. He completed B.B.A. LL.B. (Constitutional Law Honours) from National Law University, Jodhpur in 2012 and LL.M. in International Trade Law from National Law University, Jodhpur in 2015. Presently, he is practising as an Advocate in the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Jabalpur. He has a keen interest in Constitutional Law, International Trade Law and Jurisprudence. His other interests include On-line Gaming and reading.Saurabh Kumar is an Advocate Practicing Law since July 2010. He is LL.M. (Trade & Investment Laws) & B.B.A. LL.B. (Honors in Trade Related Laws and WTO) from National Law University, Jodhpur. He is also pursuing his Doctoral Studies in the Laws of Outer Space, apart from advocacy. He holds Observer status at The Hague International Space Resources Governance Working Group, Universitiet Leiden. Whatever spare time he gets, he devotes it to blogging and reading about Law. Important Provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005Definition of Disaster – S. 2 (d)It sets up various authorities at four levels.1. National Authority (NDMA) [S.2(j) & S.3]2. State Authority [S.2(q) & S.14]3. District Authority [S.2(f) and S. 31]4. Local Authorities [S.2(h)]Powers and functions are defined under S. 6.In case of a disaster, it was the intention of the Parliament of India that the Disaster Management Act, 2005 may occupy the field at once. It is extremely exhaustive and contains detailed provisions and mandatory guidelines for governments at all levels to be followed.The scheme of the Act makes it amply clear that there is no need to adopt a scattered approach by any of the governments or authorities and all they need to do is peruse and follow this Act to letter in letter and spirit.

1. Embankment Works to resume after April 21 in Assam following Coronavirus guidelines - The embankment works to resume after April 21 in Assam. State Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta toured Kamrup, Darrang, Biswanath and other districts of the State and instructed departmental officials and contractors to go ahead with the works of vulnerable embankments after April 21. 2. Guwahati to run short of fruits; fruit-laden trucks are not allowed to enter State - The supply of fruits remained restricted as the fruit-laden trucks are not allowed to enter the State in view of the corona outbreak. According to Guwahati city vendors, the stocks of fruits in cold storages will also be exhausted within a few days. 3. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal talks to Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma - In view of the situation created by the outbreak of novel coronavirus across the country and its fallout in the Northeast, State Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal spoke to his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma on Friday over phone and requested him to ensure hassle-free transportation of the vehicles carrying essential commodities from Guwahati to Barak Valley and vice versa through Meghalaya. 4. ‘Lay emphasis on storage of food grains, essential items' Says Phani Bhusan Choudhury - Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Forum Minister, Phani Bhusan Choudhury, during a review meeting with the officials of his departments and local traders' association at circuit house here on April 16 had asked officials of his department and district administration to put emphasis on storage of food grains and other essential items to avoid crisis at least for one month in the district. 5. Take action against unauthorized individuals & vendors selling fish: Fishery dept. to DC - Even though the Kamrup (M) district had assured to make arrangement door-to-door sale of local fish in the Greater Guwahati areas, a section of unauthorized persons and vendors are selling fish among consumers by violating new coronavirus protocols and causing health concerns. As such, the State Fishery Department has directed the Kamrup (M) administration to take step against the unauthorised persons and vendors, who are selling fish. 6. NFR transports 408 rakes of freight carrying trains during lockdown period - The Northeast Frontier Railway carried more than 408 freight rakes to and from various parts of the country during the lockdown period from March 23 to April 16 to check scarcity of food essentials in the region. 7. Corona guidelines: Pillion riding banned; only two allowed in one car in Guwahati - The Assam Police has introduced new traffic rules to the guidelines on new coronavirus management under Disaster Management Act 2005, on Friday. The rules include – Ban on pillion riding on two wheelers; In case of private cars, only driver and one person on back seat is allowed and wearing of face masks has been made compulsory. 8. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal telephones eminent persons of State - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on Friday called several eminent personalities from different walks of life of the state belonging to Barak, Brahmaputra, hills and plains. Sonowal while greeting them on the occasion of Rongali Bihu and Assamese New Year talked to them over the prevailing situation in the state. CM Sonowal in his usual demeanour enquired about the health and wellness of the personalities and talked to them.

The South African Local Government Association (Salga) says it is disappointed about the reports of some Councillors are acting in direct contravention of the Regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act. Salga says it condemns the unlawful and criminal behaviour and has called upon the municipalities to urgently initiate proceedings against the said Councillors, who are found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. We spoke to Polokwane Executive Mayor and President of the South African Local Government Association (Salga), Thembi Nkadimeng....

KindnessCan spoke to Karen Botha (LLB LLM) of Karen Botha Attorney regarding the Regulations promulgated in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 in particular how they relate to the care or and contact with minor children during the lockdown period. An amendment was published relating to this on 7 April 2020. Jane's page on ECR

1. Assam police has launched tele-counseling helpline numbers to deal with mental stress amid lockdown, which has been imposed to deal with coronavirus pandemic. The helplines will operate from 9 am to 3 pm. 2. The 23-year-old woman from Manipur who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 23 has now recovered. With this she becomes the first patient from the North East to have recovered fully. 3. Manipur government has decided to transfer a financial assistance of Rs.2000 from the CM's COVID-19 RELIEF FUND to the Bank accounts of each person who are stranded outside the State during the lockdown. 4. Yumnan Devjit, a man in Manipur has been booked under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, after an audio clip emerged where he was heard urging people to not participate in PM Modi's 9 min 9 pm call citing power failure. 5. Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Golay took a stock of situation amid lockdown in a high-level meeting where he instructed ministers that relief work during the crisis should be carried out with efficiency. Also essential commodities and food items should reach people within the next 48 hours.He said that relief materials should be distributed through tokens issued by the district collectors and there should not be overcrowding at all. 6. Meghalaya government has said that it is going to relax lockdown restrictions from April 15 onwards. Government offices will start to function. Vehicles will be allowed on the road. Agricultural activities will resume. However, private business places will remain shut. Additionally, Rs 700 will be paid to daily wage earners who were unemployed during the time the lockdown was in place. The state has not reported any coronavirus positive case so far. 7. 4 more Markaz attendees who belong to Tripura have tested positive for coronavirus at UP. “All of them had attended the congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz on March 21. Among the eight persons, two tested positive in Delhi, four in Uttar Pradesh and two in Rajasthan's Bikaner. None of them returned to the state after attending the congregation,” informed state nodal officer for COVID-19, Dr Deep Kumar Debbarma. 8. Educational institutions in Meghalaya will stay shut until April 30. Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters after attending a cabinet meeting. The situation will be reviewed and decisions will be taken accordingly. 9. Police is yet to trace a youngster from Arunachal Pradesh reportedly abducted by China's People's Liberation Army on March 19 from Asapila sector. According to reports, Togley Singkam along with two of his friends had gone fishing. 10. Parts of north east India are expected to experience fresh rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds between April 8 and 9. An orange alert has been issued on this front. 11. Nagaland government while issuing a slight modification to the lockdown has informed that grocery shops, bakeries, vegetable vendors, pharmacies as well as shops selling essential commodities are permitted to open only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Only one member of each family will be allowed to venture out. Only pharmacies will also stay open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Movement of vehicles will be restricted. 12. People in MP's Morena area defied lockdown and attended a Shraddh ceremony that has now caused panic in the area. 12 people who have attended the ceremony tested positive for coronavirus and 800 people have been quarantined. The ceremony was organised by a man who had just returned from Dubai.

KindnessCan spoke to Karen Botha (LLB LLM) of Karen Botha Attorney regarding the Regulations promulgated in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 in particular how they relate to the care or and contact with minor children during the lockdown period. Jane's page on ECR

Follow lockdown, says PM Narendra Modi during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat - Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat' appealed to people not to violate nationwide lockdown imposed to fight against coronavirus pandemic and follow the norms even as he apologised for taking harsh steps to contain the spread of the virus and stressed upon “increasing social distancing but reducing emotional distancing.” No coronavirus positive case in Assam so far: State Health and Family Welfare Department - There is no coronavirus positive case in Assam so far, said sources in the State Health and Family Welfare Department. NRL to produce more LPG by 8% to prevent any crisis during an ongoing nationwide lockdown - The Numaligarh Refinery Ltd has decided to increase its LPG production by around 8% with an aim to prevent any crisis of the commodity during the ongoing nationwide lockdown. Masks made from gamosa distributed among children in Lakhimpur - In order to prevent from possible infection of coronavirus, Sulekha Hazarika of Ghilamora under Dhakuakhana subdivision of Lakhimpur district has been making masks from gamosa day and night. 20 arrested for breaking lockdown guidelines in Barpeta District - Barpeta district police administration has till now arrested 20 persons for venturing out during the time of lockdown. The police also registered case individually against those law breakers under Indian Penal Code and Disaster Management Act. Tinsukia district administration cancelled Permision to Hindustan Unilever Limited - The stand-off between Doomdooma based Hindustan Unilever Limited and the workers' union has been finally resolved after Tinsukia district administration cancelled the permission accorded to Hindustan Unilever Limited permitting the company to manufacture essential commodities amid countrywide lockdown. GMC along with Fire & Emergency Services continues sanitization drive to prevent coronavirus - The Guwahati Municipal Corporation along with the teams of Fire and Emergency Services continued the sanitization drive to tackle the corona outbreak in the state, on Friday. Three teams of the GMC are carrying out the sanitization process. Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna reviews coronavirus management - The daily meeting of State Level Task Force to review the status and action for management of coronavirus was held under the chairmanship of Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna, on Sunday at Janata Bhawan, Dispur. Assam College Teacher Association donates one-day salary to fight against coronavirus - The Assam College Teacher Association has decided to offer a one-day salary of its members as a contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Target people for isolation who has come to State from a foreign country: Ganesh Saikia - Who are the target people the entire force of the State Health Department wants to isolate for their and others' safety in the State? To be specific, this target group comprises anyone who has come to the State from a foreign country, the people who have mingled with them knowingly or unknowingly, anyone to have come to the State from other States of the country. This has been revealed in a conversation on coronavirus which this reporter had with Joint Director of Health, Kamrup metro district, Ganesh Saikia.

There won't be any dearth of essential commodities during the lockdown: Government - The State government has spelt it out in clear terms that any violation of the 21-day lockdown that began from midnight on Tuesday is punishable under the Disaster Management Act. The government has also assured the people of the State that there won't be any dearth of essential commodities in the State during the lockdown. Sarusajai Stadium and Nehru Stadium in Guwahati to be converted into quarantine centres - To combat the threat rising from COVID-19 infection, the Assam government has decided to set up two large quarantine centres with capacity of 1,000 persons each in the city-one in Sarusajai Stadium and the other in the Nehru Stadium, said Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. DGP: stringent punishment, including 1-year non-bailable jail for lockdown violators - State DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, who was also present at a press conference along with the Chief Secretary, said police personnel, going against their will, had to be tough in enforcing the 21-day lockdown since midnight on Tuesday. He added, “This lockdown under the Disaster Management Act, first of its kind so far I remember, has provisions for stringent punishment, including one-year non-bailable jail. Youth arrested in Hailakandi district of Assam's for concealing travel history to China - A youth who had recently returned from China was arrested in Hailakandi for having concealed his travel history, said an official. The youth has been quarantined, and an FIR has been filed at the Sadar Police Station against the youth and his father, a government employee. Assam State Excise department has directed 5 companies to produce 1 crore hand sanitizers - Assam State Excise department has directed five companies to produce 1 crore hand sanitizers of 200 ML each to be sold at government-fixed prices. The companies will have to produce the item following the guidelines set by WHO and also the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. Pastor from Mizoram tested positive for coronavirus, making it the 2nd case in NE - A 50-year-old man, a Christian pastor from Mizoram has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, making it the second case in the north-eastern region of India, officials said on Wednesday. Coronavirus cases in India: 42 patients recovered and have been discharged from hospital - In a major relief for the panic-stricken people. There are at least 606 confirmed Coronavirus cases in India as of Wednesday. While 553 are active cases, 42 patients have been discharged from hospital and 10 people have lost their lives, said the Ministry of H&FW Ministry. Health Services Department: 1,366 home-quarantined in Lakhimpur - In the wake of the outbreak of coronavirus, strict vigil on persons coming back from other States continues in Lakhimpur district. As per report from the Health Services Department, the number of people kept under home quarantine increased up to 1,366 on Wednesday. On the day, home quarantine for 1,002 more such people of the district was ensured by the Health Services Department. CM directs setting up of 24x7 control room - Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed to set up a 24x7 control with adequate staff to help the people to gather information about essential and emergency services in the state in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic.

To facilitate movement and delivery of essential items, Assam Police will be issuing Essential Service Passes through the local Police. The State government has spelt it out in clear terms that any violation of the 21-day lockdown is punishable under the Disaster Management Act. The government has also assured the people of the State that there won't be any dearth of essential commodities in the State during the lockdown. Purabi Dairy of the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Ltd., Guwahati, on Thursday said that it has taken adequate measures to ensure that there would be no disruption in the supply of milk and milk products in Guwahati and outstation markets where Purabi has been present. Bhubaneswar Kalita of BJP has pledged Rs 1 cr 10 lakh towards fighting coronavirus pandemic. He sent out a tweet on this. Gaurav Vohra, a 40-year-old man, has been arrested by Delhi police for attacking a woman from Manipur and calling her “corona” a few days ago. Vohra, who works at a pressure cooker manufacturing unit, even spat at her. The woman had filed a complaint with the police after which investigations began. Police caught him after analyzing CCTV footage from the area. A white scooty was also seized from his possession. Netizens have condemned the incident. Some even shared details of the incident on Twitter. The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court granted bail to KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi. Along with him Dhajya Konwar, Bitu Sonowal, Manas Konwar have also been granted bail. Due to three-week lockdown, toll collection across National Highways has been suspended. A tweet was sent out by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India in this regard. CBSE and NIOS will postpone exams and evaluation until 31March due to lockdown because of coronavirus pandemic. A British national tested negative for coronavirus after going through HIV antiretroviral drug treatment in Kerala. The Ernakulam Medical College Hospital informed that the British patient responded well to a combination of drugs Ritonavir and Lopinavir. The patient was given the drugs for seven days but after three days he tested negative for the virus. The man along with a group of tourists was holidaying in Munnar, Kerala. Now the entire group has been put under quarantine at a hotel. Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written to finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the possibility of spread of coronavirus through currency notes. “Various credible studies have revealed that currency notes carry major risk of containing various virus, which may lead to number of infectious diseases. In the wake of coronavirus and for other precautionary reasons, we request you to order ‘a larger investigation' to assess the chances of diseases spreading via notes,” said CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal. The Confederation has also asked Sitharaman to consider change in policies to focus on discovering alternative modes of payment as well as considering polymer notes.WHO has also urged people to use contactless technology instead of using cash notes amid coronavirus pandemic. As countries face lockdown, people are binging on Netflix. Viewers have now pointed out bizarre similarities between sub-plots of a Korean drama and the current coronavirus epidemic. In 2018, Terrius Behind Me or My Secret Terrius had started airing. In the 53rd minute of the show's 10th episode a scene unfolds around manmade virus. The doctors in the scene are seen talking about coronavirus, MERS, SARS and common flu “all fall in the same family with the same gene information” and that coronavirus causes respiratory disease

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a national lockdown for 21 days under the Disaster Management Act. This follows a meeting with the National Command Council to assess the efficacy of the measures put into place on Sunday last week. The lockdown will run from midnight on Thursday 21 March up until 16 April and will see all citizens required to stay home with the exception of various professional catgaories. Measures have also been announced to mitigate the negative economic impact of the disease.