Modi calls for tech solutions to tackle Covid-19

New Delhi, March 16 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for harnessing technology to tackle the coronavirus (Covid-19) challenge.

Noting that a number of people have been suggesting technology-driven solutions for tackling the pandemic, Modi urged netizens to share their ideas with the government.

"Harnessing innovation for a healthier planet. A lot of people have been sharing technology-driven solutions for Covid-19. I would urge them to share them on @mygovindia. These efforts can help many. #IndiaFightsCorona," the Prime Minister's tweeted.

Even as the government is not sparing any effort to stop the spread of Covid-19, the number of confirmed cases has been steadily rising with 114 cases being reported till Monday.

Covid-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization with over 1,70,000 cases being reported from around 100 countries across the world.

Trio held for fake news on death due to coronavirus

Three people were on Monday arrested for allegedly spreading fake news in the social media about the death of a person due tocoronavirus (COVID- 19), police said.

"The trio in the age group of 20-25 created fake message that one person died of coronavirus and circulated the false news in a whatsapp group," Assistant Commissioner of Police (Bhongir Division) N Bhujanga Rao told PTI.

The three were booked under section 54 (punishment for false warning) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and during the course of the investigation they were arrested, police said.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh M Bhagwat warned those creating and spreading fake news on coronavirus.

Earlier, a case was registered against an unknown person for allegedly spreading fake news about coronavirus (COVID-19) in the social media.

The case was registered under section 54 (punishment for false warning) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 following a complaint by a police official who stated that one unknown person was spreading fake news about coronavirus in a local whatsapp group, a release from Rachakonda Police Commissionerate said.

Further investigations were underway.

The city police had issued a warning against spreading false information on coronavirus and asked citizens not to believe in any unverified news or messages.