Top news of the day: India records lowest daily growth rate in coronavirus cases since mid-March; Anand Teltumbde’s interim bail plea rejected, and more

The major news headlines of the day, and more.

Buyers throng a market in Chennai on April 25, 2020, a day before a total lockdown takes effect in several cities in Tamil Nadu.

Coronavirus | India records lowest COVID-19 daily growth rate since it crossed 100 cases

The average doubling rate of COVID-19 cases in the country is 9.1 days as of now and in the 24 hours ending 8 a.m. on April 25, India recorded a 6% growth in new cases, which is the lowest daily growth rate recorded since the country crossed 100 cases , the government said.

India coronavirus lockdown Day 32 updates

| Interactive map of confirmed coronavirus cases in India |State-wise tracker for coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates |Helpline numbers

| Download The Hindu’ s multi-language e-book on essential COVID-19 information

Elgar Parishad case | Special court rejects Anand Teltumbde’s interim bail plea

The National Investigation Agency arrested the Dalit scholar on April 14 after he surrendered before it following the Supreme Court’s directives.

Coronavirus | BRO opens Rohtang Pass 3 weeks in advance

“Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Agriculture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, led the first convoy of vehicles, carrying essential supplies and approximately 150 farmers, to the Lahual Valley..., thus officially opening the Rohtang Pass this year,” the Army said in a statement.

Coronavirus | Congress calls on Centre to devise national plan to tackle COVID-19 pandemic

Onus to tackle pandemic left to States, says Kapil Sibal. | Sonia seeks economic package for MSME revival

Coronavirus | Neighbourhood and standalone shops can open, says govt

Those in markets, market complexes and shopping malls will continue to be shut.

Coronavirus | After COVID-19, India’s next challenge could be mega-sized locust attack this summer

Official sources told The Hindu that the government was preparing for a “two-front war”— one, which was ongoing against the COVID-19 infections and another to ensure food security — in anticipation of the locust attack on farms.

Coronavirus | Complete lockdown announcement triggers panic buying in Tamil Nadu

Ahead of the complete four-day lockdown scheduled to begin in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbaore on April 26, thousands of people thronged markets, grocery shops and supermarkets and crowded vegetable vendors on the streets to do last-minute shopping on Saturday, many flouting physical distancing norms.

Coronavirus | HRD Ministry asks universities to research how India handled 1918 Spanish Flu

Bureaucratic solutions can be blinkered, according to an official. | Watch: A history of pandemics since the 20th century | Analysis: How pandemics have changed the world

Coronavirus | Global death toll tops 197,000

More than 2,821,030 cases were registered in 193 countries and territories. | China approves third COVID-19 vaccine for clinical trials

Coronavirus | Nearly 4,000 Sri Lankan Navy personnel quarantined after 60 tested positive for COVID-19: report

The move came as 30 Navy personnel tested positive for the COVID-19 virus each on Friday and Saturday at the country’s Welisara Naval camp, the State-run Daily News reported. | 60 new coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan

Coronavirus |U.S. Senator asks Trump to reverse order on green card, speed up H-1B visas for healthcare workers

Senator Michael Bennet called on the U.S. President to reverse the executive order suspending the issuance of new green cards to the United States for at least 60 days.

Non-coronavirus news:

Two militants, aide killed in Pulwama encounter

Supreme Court orders govt to pay ₹1 lakh compensation to ex-RAW officer

Five years after earthquake, academic institutions, health facilities await reconstruction in Nepal

Indian-American lawyer Seema Nanda to step down as CEO of Democratic Party

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