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India's COVID-19 cases near 20,000; death toll 640

INDIA has reported 1,383 fresh COVID-19 cases and 50 deaths in a day across the country.

The total number of cases in India has gone up to 19,984, according to the data from the ministry of health on Wednesday (22).


The death toll risen to 640. Currently, there are 15,474 active COVID-19 patients in the country.

Gujarat (2,178) now has the most number of COVID-19 cases in India after Maharashtra (5,218)

As many as 3,869 people who had been infected with conoravirus have recovered so far, said the ministry.

Maharashtra remains the worst affected state with 5,218 cases and 251 casualties.

The other badly affected states are Gujarat (2,178), Delhi (2,156), Tamil Nadu (1,596), Rajasthan (1,659), Madhya Pradesh (1,552), Uttar Pradesh (1294) and Telangana (928).

As of Tuesday (21), about 4.5 lakh samples for COVID-19 infection had been tested, a top official of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

The ICMR advised states to stop using the rapid antibody test kits for next two days till it examines their quality in the wake of complaints that they are not fully effective.

The kits were recently imported from China.

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Councils issue 55,000 blue badges for 'hidden disabilities' as applications triple

The badges allow parking on double yellow lines for up to three hours and exemptions from congestion charges and tolls

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Councils issue 55,000 blue badges for 'hidden disabilities' as applications triple

Highlights

  • Blue badge approvals for hidden disabilities rose to 55,000 in 2025 from 18,000 in 2021.
  • Social media shows tips on getting badges for ADHD and anxiety.
  • Experts say the system meant for mobility issues is being misused.
The number of blue badges issued for 'hidden disabilities' has jumped threefold in recent years, raising concerns that parking permits meant for people with severe mobility problems are being obtained by those with anxiety and ADHD.

Councils handed out 55,000 blue badges for hidden disabilities in last year, compared to 18,000 in 2021.

The increase follows rule changes in 2019 that opened up applications to people with conditions including dementia, Parkinson's and arthritis, but also extended to those with anxiety and other mental health conditions.

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