Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a virtual conference. --File Photo

Lockdown likely to be extended after April 14, PM Modi suggests at all-party meet amid rise in COVID-19 CASES
INDIA (The Statesman/ANN) -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a major development, on Wednesday announced that by all accounts, it will not be possible to end the lockdown on April 14 as the number of Coronavirus cases continue to surge in the country.
Chairing the first all-party meet since the 21-day lockdown was announced on March 24, PM Modi said he would consult with Chief Ministers on the matter.
According to a report in NDTV, he said life will not be the same again after COVID-19 and that there would be “pre-corona and post-corona”.
He further told the political leaders that “massive behavioural, social and personal changes will have to take place.”
In his meeting via conferencing with floor leaders of parties with five or more MPs, PM Modi said the entire world is currently facing the grave challenge of COVID-19, adding that the present situation is an era-changing event in mankind’s history. “We must evolve to counter impact.” he said.
He also praised the efforts of states working together with the Centre in fight against the pandemic.

(Latest Update April 9, 2020