Coronavirus live updates: Govt exploring various options on financing Covid-19 vaccine development

The government on Tuesday said Covid-19 could co-exist with a range of seasonal epidemic-prone diseases such as dengue, malaria, seasonal influenza and chikungunya and asked hospitals to be geared to treat a potential high burden of severe diseases while their diagnosis, treatment and outcomes are likely to be challenging.

The Indian economy, severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, is projected to contract by a massive 10.3 per cent this year, the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday. However, India is likely to bounce back with an impressive 8.8 per cent growth rate in 2021, thus regaining the position of the fastest growing emerging economy, surpassing China's projected growth rate of 8.2 per cent, the IMF said in its latest 'World Economic Outlook' report.

The decision was taken as the national carrier is anticipating a passenger rush during the upcoming festive season, the Railway ministry said in a statement.

Toll rises to 6,291 with 35 more deaths

"About 53 per cent Covid-19 deaths registered among those aged 60 and above, 35 per cent in 45-60 years, 10 per cent in 26-44 years and 1 per cent each in the age-group 18-25 years and below 17 years," health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan said.

European Union countries on Tuesday approved a series of guidelines aimed at facilitating free movement across the bloc and avoiding further disruption during the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting in Luxembourg, envoys for the 27 member states agreed on a common approach to travel restrictions and testing to help citizens and workers get more clarity on how they can transit across the continent.