India’s COVID-19 toll crosses 17,000 in 24 hours; 407 deaths reported

NEW DELHI, INDIA - MARCH 26: Indian shopkeepers and customers are seen in a crowded Mandi (market place), as nationwide lockdown continues over the highly contagious novel coronavirus on March 26, 2020 in New Delhi, India. India is under a 21-day lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19 infections and while the security personnel on the roads are enforcing the restrictions, the workers of country's unorganized sector are bearing the brunt of the curfew-like situation. According to the international labour organisations India's 90% workforce is employed in the informal sector and most do not have access to pensions, sick leave, paid leave or any kind of insurance. Reports on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is preparing a massive bailout to reach to the underprivileged sections of the country and will hand over the dole through direct cash transfers. (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)