In an effort to shape a consensus on the ongoing nationwide lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told Parliament floor leaders that the situation in the country was akin to a “social emergency”, and indicated the curbs were likely to continue beyond April 14.

Interacting with them via videoconferencing, the PM said he would take a decision on extending the lockdown after a meeting with chief ministers on Saturday. The number of coronavirus cases in the country crossed 5,000 on Wednesday, with 149 deaths, the data from the heath ministry said. ...