Daily News Summary: 29.05.2020

The number of Covid-19 cases in India stood at 1,72,744, the country recorded 7,466 cases in the 24 hours that ended at 8 a.m. on Friday, according to figures from the Health Ministry, and the death toll, at 4,963, had crossed China’s official figure.

With the closure of Lockdown 4.0 on May 31, PTI reports that as of June 1, the Center will only have a limited role and will allow states and UTs to decide whether to tighten the lockdown rules in their jurisdiction or to rest. However, the central government advises state officials to maintain strict restrictions in the Covid-19 control areas in the 30 most affected municipal areas, accounting for 80% of positive cases in the country. These 30 municipal areas are from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Odisha.

The government strongly rejected the claim by the President of the United States, Donald Trump that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the true line of control with China. He also denied that the two leaders spoke at all.

The Railways Board Chairman, meanwhile, has termed news reports about some Shramik special trains being delayed and losing their way as “fake”. The Railways clarified that these trains had been diverted as there was congestion in the routes.

A special court in Mumbai today rejected the interim bail plea of human rights activist Sudha Bharadwaj, arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad case. Bharadwaj (58) is currently lodged in Byculla women’s jail, where an inmate earlier this month tested positive for COVID-19.

The Chair of the European Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Maria Arena, has written to Home Minister Amit Shah expressing concern over the treatment of human rights activists in India. Referring specifically to the arrests of activists Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha,

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, 74, died on Friday after being hospitalised in Raipur following a heart attack. His death was announced on Twitter by his son Amit Jogi.

The Union government is promoting its Central Vista Vista project, which could change the face of the national capital. The government plans to move the offices of various ministries to the new buildings proposed by the Central Department of Public Works (CPWD) in Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Africa Avenue, while the existing buildings along Central Vista will be demolished as part of the redevelopment project.