Highlights: Total coronavirus cases in Rajasthan rise to 1,964

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi lashed out at people who stigmatize Covid-19 afflicted highlighting that such hostility nips the efforts to stem the pandemic in the bud.

250 UK nationals stranded in India were sent back home through Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on a special Brit Airways flight.

Punjab: Around 250 people of the United Kingdom who were stranded in India amid #CoronavirusLockdown, left for their country from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on a special British Airways flight. pic.twitter.com/05nIHVANhR

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2020

With 269 deaths, Maharashtra has become the worst-hit state in India's battle against Covid-19. 34% of nationwide deaths have been reported from the state. 26% of the total cases across India come from Maharashtra.

Unilever, a consumer goods company, has become one of the latest companies to withdraw revenue forecasts.

16 positive cases were reported from Karnataka. 443 Covid-19 cases are registered in the state.

16 new positive cases (including 9 from Bengaluru Urban) reported from 22th April, 5:00 PM to 23th April, 12:00 noon.
Till now, there are 443 COVID-19 positive cases in the State including 17 deaths & 141 discharges: Government of Karnataka pic.twitter.com/L0evxuXpoG

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2020

A meeting between PM and all CMs is scheduled for April 27. It will be held via videoconference.

PM @narendramodi will interact with all CMs by video conference on 27th April morning pic.twitter.com/XeKeU6UAj9

— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 23, 2020

New Zealand Cricket Board's CEO David White said that no possibility of coming to a conclusion or postponing the tournament before July. "There's contingency planning going on and lots of discussions but no decisions will be made... if decisions are made... it will be in July," White told the press in a conference call.

South Korea's Hyundai Motors said that their net profit for January-March was 463 billion won compared to projections of 607 billion won. The automaker said that weakening profitability in the second quarter is apparent due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Sonia Gandhi said BJP is unable to tackle to pandemic in a united manner. She outlined that the ruling party is involved in spreading communal hatred.

When we should be tackling coronavirus unitedly, BJP continues to spread virus of communal prejudice and hatred: Sonia Gandhi at CWC meet

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2020

Home Minister tweeted in praise of PM Modi and said that Indians feel secure in the hands of PM Modi and the world community praises PM's efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

Truth is self evident!

Entire world is praising PM @narendramodi, the way he is handling COVID-19 global pandemic, taking care of Indians and helping the world community in such challenging times. Every Indian is feeling safe and trusts his leadership. pic.twitter.com/caq5y8Hjio

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 23, 2020

Sonia Gandhi said 11 crore people who are directly employed by MSMEs are also one-third of the GDP. The Congress president said a special package should be announced for these workers.

CWC meeting.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi says,”MSMEs employ close to 11 crore personnel today. They make up for one third of the GDP. If they are to be protected from economic ruin, it is imperative that a special package be announced urgently for their survival.”

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 23, 2020

Former PM Manmohan Singh, who was also a finance minister in the early-90s, pointed out that cooperation is key to judge success of lockdown.

CWC meeting.

Dr. Manmohan Singh says,”Success of lockdown is to be judged finally on our ability to tackle COVID-19....Cooperation between the Centre & States is key to success of our fight against Covid....”

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 23, 2020

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said 12 crore jobs have been lost due to lockdown and since economic activity is at a standstill, ₹7,500 should be provided to each family to tide over the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

CWC meeting.

Sonia ji says,” 12 crore jobs have been lost in the first phase of the lockdown. Unemployment is likely to increase further as economic activity remains at a standstill. It is imperative to provide at least Rs.7,500 to each family to tide over this crisis.”

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 23, 2020

The Congress president lauded the doctors, nurses, police and NGOs who are the forefront fighting the pandemic.

CWC meeting.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi says,”The doctors, nurses, paramedics, health workers, sanitation workers and essential service providers, NGO and the lakhs of citizens providing relief to the most needy all over India. Their dedication and determination truly inspire us all.”

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 23, 2020

Congress says PM was urged to test more, but supply of Covid-19 test kits are low and kits are of substandard quality.

CWC Meeting.

Sonia ji says,”We have repeatedly urged the Prime Minister that there is no alternative to Testing, Trace and Quarantine. Unfortunately, testing still remains low and testing kits are still in short supply and of poor quality. PPE kits number and quality is poor.”

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 23, 2020