3.57°C Vancouver

Mar 19, 2020 1:58 AM -

India: PM Modi chairs review meeting on COVID-19, to address nation at 8 pm on Thursday

Share On
india-pm-modi-chairs-review-meeting-on-covid-19-to-address-nation-at-8-pm-on-thursday
Prime Minister Modi will address the nation at 8 p.m. on Thursday and is expected to talk about issues relating to COVID-19. Photo-ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19 in India.

Prime Minister Modi will address the nation at 8 p.m. on Thursday and is expected to talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat the pandemic that has claimed more than 7,500 lives across the world.

"Ways to further strengthen India's preparedness (over coronavirus) were discussed.

This includes further enhancing testing facilities," an official statement after the review meeting said. In the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the pandemic.

He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others, the statement said.

Latest news

canada-confirms-death-of-canadian-citizen-amid-iran-protests-condemns-state-violence
CanadaJan 15, 2026

Canada confirms death of Canadian citizen amid Iran protests, condemns state violence

Canada’s foreign affairs department has confirmed the death of a Canadian citizen in Iran as widespread anti-government protests continue across the country. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the federal government has received information indicating the individual died at the hands of Iranian authorities. Anand said Canada strongly condemns the use of violence by the Iranian government against protesters and civilians, and is calling for an immediate end to the crackdown. The confirmation comes amid heightened international concern over arrests, injuries, and deaths linked to demons
bathinda-court-allows-kangana-ranaut-to-appear-via-video-in-defamation-case
IndiaJan 15, 2026

Bathinda court allows Kangana Ranaut to appear via video in defamation case

A Bathinda court on Thursday granted actor and MP Kangana Ranaut exemption from personal appearance in a defamation case linked to her controversial remarks during the farmers’ protest, allowing her to attend future hearings through video conferencing. The case was filed by Mahinder Kaur, an elderly woman from Punjab, who alleges she was defamed after Ranaut made public comments identifying her during the 2020–21 farmers’ agitation. The matter has been under hearing in a Bathinda court, drawing attention due to its political and social context. During arguments, Ranaut’s legal counsel
headline-b-c-to-end-drug-decriminalization-pilot-as-province-shifts-focus-to-treatment-and-recovery
BCJan 15, 2026

B.C. to end drug decriminalization pilot as province shifts focus to treatment and recovery

British Columbia will allow its three-year drug decriminalization pilot project to expire at the end of this month, with the provincial government confirming it will not seek an extension from Health Canada. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the pilot, which was launched to encourage people to seek help without fear of criminal penalties, did not produce the outcomes the province had hoped for. The exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is scheduled to end on Jan. 31. The decriminalization initiative began in January 2023 and permitted adults to possess up to 2.5 grams
overpass-strike-causes-lane-closure-and-delays-on-highway-1-in-surrey
BCJan 14, 2026

Overpass strike causes lane closure and delays on Highway 1 in Surrey

An overpass strike involving a commercial truck has partially shut down Highway 1 eastbound in Surrey, prompting an investigation by BC Highway Patrol and traffic delays for commuters. Police say the collision occurred near the 192 Street overpass when a flatdeck truck towing an excavator struck the structure, causing visible damage. The eastbound right lane of Highway 1 was closed immediately as a precaution while safety assessments began. BC Highway Patrol was called to the scene shortly before 9:30 a.m. after motorists reported witnessing the incident. Officers are now working with Commerci
BCJan 14, 2026

Vancouver man charged after alleged assault on fast-food worker over unpaid add-on

A Vancouver man is facing a criminal charge after police say a dispute over a burger order escalated into a violent assault at a downtown fast-food restaurant. According to Vancouver police, the incident happened around 7:05 p.m. on January 12 at a restaurant on Granville Street. Investigators allege a customer demanded free bacon on his burger and became aggressive when told he would have to pay for the extra item. Police say the suspect went behind the counter and into the kitchen area, where he allegedly punched a 23-year-old cook in the face. The worker suffered a serious facial injury and

Related News