BILL GATES WRITES TO PM MODI, PRAISES HIS EFFORTS AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK & FIGHT 

Renowned philanthropist Bill Gates wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised his leadership in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in India. He also lauded the measures taken by his government to flatten the curve of coronavirus cases in the country.

According to government sources, the Microsoft co-founder in a letter said, "We commend your leadership and the proactive measures you and your government have taken to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 infection rate in India, such as adopting a national lockdown, expanding focused testing to identify hot spots for isolation, quarantining, and care, and significantly increasing health expenditures to strengthen the health system response and promote R&D and digital innovation."

"I'm glad your government is fully utilising its exceptional digital capabilities in its COVID-19 response and has launched the Aarogya Setu digital app for coronavirus tracking, contact tracing, and to connect people to health services. Grateful to see that you're seeking to balance public health imperatives with the need to ensure adequate social protection for all Indians," the letter added.

Earlier in the day, India's Coronavirus cases crossed the 20,000-mark, including 652 deaths. Meanwhile, the government stated that the speed of transmission of the virus is reducing due to the lockdown extension until May 3.

As per a NDTV report, Bill Gates and wife Melinda Gates, who own one of the world's largest philanthropic foundations have been among the most active participants in the global response to the COVID-19 crisis. 

The couple had announced an extra $150 million from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation above the $100 million pledged earlier to help in the development of treatments, vaccines and public health measures to tackle the outbreak.