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RBI joins fight against Coronavirus: Key measures announced

A day after Narendra Modi government announced Rs 1.75 lakh crore relief package to support the economy during this crisis, RBI also joined in the fight against Coronavirus as it announced a slew of measures in order to mitigate economic risks.

Here are few major developments that the RBI announced today:

  • The RBI’s MPC has voted in favour of an interest rate cut to the tune of 75 basis points, which brings the repo rate down to 4.4 per cent from 5.15 per cent. The reverse repo rate has also been reduced by 90 basis points to 4 per cent in a bid to maintain financial stability and revive growth.

 

  • “The outlook is now heavily contingent upon the intensity, spread and duration of the pandemic. There is a rising probability that large parts of the world will slip into recession,” RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said.

 

  • It also announced that banks are permitted to allow a three-month moratorium for on payment of EMIs on all term loans that were outstanding on March 1.

 

  • It has been decided to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of all banks by 100 basis points to 3% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities with effect from the fortnight beginning March 28 for a period of 1 year.

 

  • Das assured that the fundamentals of India’s economy are sound and added that it will continue to support the economy as long as required. “Tough times never last, only tough people and institutions do. The RBI is at work and at mission mode. Will do everything required to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
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Corona Roundup: G20 meet; Sonia, Rahul hail govt & more

From G20 leaders holding virtual meeting to Congress hailing the government’s move over Coronavirus, here are the big developments of the day:

G20 leaders unite to fight coronavirus

The G20 leaders practiced extreme social distancing today as they held a virtual conference discussing Coronavirus and required measures to curb the growing menace.

G20 finance ministers and central bankers agreed this week to develop an “action plan” to respond to the outbreak, calling it their “absolute priority” to tackle its health, social and economic impacts.

G20 leaders said they were ready to strengthen global financial safety nets, called for more private sector coordination and said “we will overcome this” together.

“We are gravely concerned with the serious risks posed to all countries, particularly developing and least developed countries, and notably in Africa and small island states,” the leaders said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman called on Thursday for G20 leaders to boost funding for a coronavirus vaccine.

The G20, currently chaired by Saudi Arabia, has faced criticism of a slow response to the worsening crisis, which is expected to trigger a global recession.

PM assigns different states to union ministers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assigned union ministers to take charge of specific states to oversee the measures that are being taken to defeat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak in India.

“The elected representatives have been asked to ensure that poor and underprivileged get food, that the PDS shops in their area do not run out of ration, essential commodities are available in local markets and people are not overcharged for the same,” said an official.

Among the ministers who have been placed in charge of states are:

  • Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi for Jharkhand
  • Nitin Gadkari and Prakash Javadekar for Maharashtra
  • Rajnath Singh, Mahendra Nath Pandey, Sanjeev Balyan, and Krishna Pal Gurjar for Uttar Pradesh
  • Ravi Shankar Prasad and Ram Vilas Paswan for Bihar
  • Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for Rajasthan and Punjab.

Sonia, Rahul praise the government

Few hours after the government rolled out the relief package of Rs 1.75 lakh crore for the poor and farmers in the ongoing crisis of Coronavirus, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed the move calling it the “first step in the right direction”.

“The government announcement today of a financial assistance package, is the first step in the right direction. India owes a debt to its farmers, daily wage earners, labourers, women and the elderly who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing lockdown,” Rahul tweeted.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced a Rs 1,75,000-crore scheme, dubbed the “Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan scheme, adding that the government would ensure that “no one will go hungry”.

Rahul’s remarks came hours after his mother and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi also hailed the government’s move of imposing the lockdown in the country.

Writing a letter to the PM, she said, “As president of the Congress, I would like to state that we will support and collaborate fully with every step taking by the union government to ensure the containment of the pandemic.”

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Govt announces Rs ₹1.7 lakh crore relief package; will give direct cash to the farmers

To combat the economic impact of the 21-day nationwide lockdown on the poor, the Narendra Modi government today announced a ₹1.7 lakh crore relief package under Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Yojana.

Making announcements for the same, finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam said, Ujjwala beneficiaries to get free cooking gas (LPG) cylinders in next three months under the package; which will benefit 8.3 crore BPL families.

Government will pay EPF contribution, both of employer and employee, for 3 months for all those establishments with less than 100 employees out of which 90% earn less than ₹15,000 per month.

Collateral-free loan has been doubled to ₹20 lakh to 63 lakh women self-help groups. The move will impact 7 crore households.

Women Jan Dhan account holders will receive Rs 500 in their accounts so that they can take care of their households. This will happen for the next 3 months.

Under cash transfers which is largely under DBT there are going to be 8 specific group of people who will be addressed. These include farmers, MGNREGA beneficiaries, poor widows, poor divyang, women having Jan Dhan Yojana accounts and women under Ujjwala yojana, women in SHGs, women under EPFO, construction workers.

The PF scheme regulations will be amended because of coronavirus to allow employees to draw non-refundable advance of 75% of amount standing to credit or 3 months wages, whichever is lower.

Rs 2,000 to be transferred to immediately in first week of April to farmers.

“Per person 5kg rice or 5kg wheat for free for 3 months; 1kg of pulse per household as per to regional preference”, said FM Sitharaman

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Modi, Putin discuss COVID-19: 6 key points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed COVID-19 with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a day before G-20 countries will discuss the issue through a video conference.

“On the initiative of the Indian side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi,” officials said.

“In line with the continuing trust-based dialogue that reflects the special nature of the Russia-India strategic partnership, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi informed each other in detail about the measures introduced in both countries to counter the spread of this infection,” said the official statement.

Here are key points of the discussion:

  • The Prime Minister conveyed his good wishes for early recovery of all those suffering from the disease in Russia and expressed the hope that Russia’s efforts, led by President Putin, to fight the disease would be successful. President Putin conveyed to the Prime Minister his good wishes for the success of measures adopted in India to combat COVID-19.

 

  • The two leaders agreed on further consultation and cooperation in adequately addressing all challenges faced by this major global crisis, including those pertaining to health, medicine, scientific research, humanitarian matters and impact on global economy.

 

  • The Prime Minister appreciated the cooperation of Russian authorities in ensuring well-being of Indian students in Russia and hoped that the same would continue. President Putin assured all help in this regard.

 

  • The two leaders also agreed to continue their close cooperation for maintaining the excellent momentum and the warm of the cordial and time-tested bilateral relations.

 

  • Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi briefed each other on measures introduced in both countries to contain the spread of infection.

 

  • They reiterated that they looked forward to several opportunities for their interaction in person during the course of the year.
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First Day of Lockdown: 1 succumbs to Corona in TN, UP govt to deliver essential items at doorstep

In a major move to combat the spread of Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced complete lockdown of the entire India for next 21 days.

Various state governments are making sure that the lockdown is followed properly, even if they have to stick to strict measures that ensure that people remain inside.

Here are major developments that happened on the first day of the lockdown:

UP govt to deliver essential needs at doorstep

There is a plan to deliver essential commodities at people’s doorstep and there is no need to panic or go out, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said this evening, minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day “curfew-like” lockdown.

“I would like to assure the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh that we have enough stock of essential items like vegetables, milk, medicines etc. For the safety of you and your family don’t step out of your houses and maintain social distance,” Yogi Adityanath was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Corona patient dies in Tamil Nadu

A 54-year-old man in Tamil Nadu dies of coronavirus infection, the first from the state.

According to state minister for health and family welfare Dr C Vijayabaskar, the patient had a medical history of prolonged illness with steroid-dependent COPD, uncontrolled diabetes with hypertension. The minister tweeted, “Despite our best efforts, the Covid-19 +ve Pt at MDU, #RajajiHospital, passed away a few minutes back. He had a medical history of prolonged illness with steroid dependent COPD, uncontrolled Diabetes with Hypertension.”

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray postpones GudiPadwa celebrations

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray addressed the people of Maharshtra via social media on the occassion of GudiPadwa. “We have sufficient stock of essential commodities like vegetables, rice & other items of daily use, so there is no need to worry. All shops selling essential goods are open too. We will celebrate GudiPadwa once we tackle this crisis,” he said.

In Maharashtra, the total number of COVID-19 patients shot up to 116 on Wednesday after five of a family tested positive for coronavirus in Sangli

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COVID-19: Modi announces complete lockdown in India for next 21 days

In a major announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared complete shutdown in whole India for the next 21 days, starting from 12 midnight today.

Modi urged the entire country with folded hands to stay indoors as he stressed lockdown was the only way to overcome the pandemic.

“People in countries like America have adhered to the quarantine guidelines laid down by the government to the last letter, which is how they are starting to overcome the disease now. Social distancing — from the prime minister down to the last citizen in every village, has to follow self-isolation,” Modi said, urging citizens for the second time over quarantine.

He also said that multiple countries around the world are suffering from the coronavirus, despite having world-class health care systems.

“You must not forget that sometimes people infected with coronavirus appear to be healthy. They do not look sick at all,” says PM Modi.

Modi further said that the country will increase the medical facilities including masks, ventilators, and other necessary medical equipment.

Modi said that every citizen should be compassionate and grateful for those in essential services like doctors and nurses and police, and even the media and hygiene workers who are sanitising public areas.

Narendra Modi quoted WHO statistics to emphasise the need of the complete nationwide lockdown in a bid to spread coronavirus. He said that from taking 60+ days to spread to one lakh people, the coronavirus has now started spreading faster and faster.

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News Roundup: IT return date extended, Omar Abdullah released from detention & more

As the entire world grapples the menace of Coronavirus, that is spreading at a fast speed, here are big developments that happened in the nation today.

Deadline to file IT return extended and more major announcements

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced various statutory and regulatory compliance relief measures amid a complete shutdown almost all over the country to control the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus or Covid-19 infection.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has extended the deadline to file IT returns to 30 June 2020.  She has also reduced interest rate to 9 per cent vs 18 per cent, on delayed deposit of TDS. The deadline to file March, April, and May, has also been extended to June-end.

Amid coronavirus scare, any debit card can be used to withdraw money from any bank’s ATM, without any extra charge.

Bank account holders do not need to worry about maintaining a minimum monthly balance as non-maintenance charges will be waived off for three months.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan wins trust vote

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan proved his majority by winning the trust vote in the Assembly today.Chouhan was back as the Chief Minister on yesterday for a record fourth term. The legislator from Budhni took oath of office at a simple function in Raj Bhawan last night, where he was sworn-in by Governor Lalji Tandon.

Earlier, Kamal Nath had to resign as Chief Minister last week after his government lost majority following the resignation of 22 Congress MLAs.

Omar Abdullah released from detention

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah walked out of detention after nearly eight months. He was in detention since August last year in view of the abrogation of Artcile 370.

After the move, Abdullah said, “232 days after my detention today I finally left Hari Niwas. It’s a very different world today to the one that existed on 5th August 2019.”

First coronavirus case in North East

Amid lockdown in most parts of India to deal with novel coronavirus threat, the Covid-19 tally has crossed the 500-mark with the first case coming to the fore from the North East on Tuesday.

A 23-year-old, with a travel history to the UK, tested positive for novel coronavirus on Tuesday the first confirmed case of infection reported from North East India. The 23-year-old from Manipur is stable and is being treated, officials have said.

According to Health Ministry data on Tuesday, the total number of Covid-19 cases in India includes at least 41 foreign nationals. Thirty-six people have been cured/discharged/migrated, it added.

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It is the beginning of a long battle: Modi after Janta Curfew

The entire India followed the janta curfew on Sunday as people stayed indoors and came out in their balconies in the evening to bang thalis, clap, blow conch, in a way to appreciate and thank the health workers who are working day and night risking their lives for others.

As the entire country followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directions, the minister thanked the country for the support but asked them to be prepared for a long battle.

“Today’s Janta Curfew may end at 9.00 pm, but this does not mean we start celebrating. The self-imposed curfew should not be considered as a success as it is the beginning of a long battle. Today countrymen have told that we are capable, and once we decide we can take on any challenge together,” he tweeted.

In an earlier tweet, he had said the country thanked each person who led the fight against the coronavirus. “Many thanks to the countrymen.With this resolve and patience, let’s restrict (social distancing) ourselves as part of this long battle.”

The coronavirus cases across the country took another huge jump on Sunday, touching 396 by 6 pm. The day’s spike was 81, said the Indian Council of Medical Research, the country’s nodal agency for COVID-19 testing.

Various government departments and banks have asked all their staff to work from home, except those working on providing essential services.

India is locking down large swaths of the country until at least the end of the month, as it seeks to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus following a surge in cases over the last two days.

Delhi was placed under lockdown till March 31, shutting down public transport, sealing borders and closing shops. Metro will stop services till Mach 31.

Punjab and Rajasthan have ordered a “full shutdown” until March 31, suspending all public transport and closing malls and shops. Goa, one of India’s most popular holiday destinations, has shut down its borders to mass passengers and tourist vehicles.

Gujarat has announced a lockdown for four cities, Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara, until Wednesday.

Bengal and UP have also opted for a partial lockdown.

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3 BIG announcements of the day: UP, Delhi locked down; passenger trains suspended

As the entire country witnessed the junta curfew today, with all cities wearing a deserted look, the state governments made big announcements, in a bid to fight against the Coronavirus spread, which is infecting large number of people in the country.

The Delhi government has imposed Section 144, which restricts gathering of more than 4 people at one place, in the national capital from 9 pm on Sunday till March 31 in view of coronavirus outbreak.

“The order will come into force with effect from 9 pm on 22.03.2020 and remain valid upto 12 midnight of 31.03.2020,” said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

“As per the latest decision in the fight against coronavirus, it has been decided that metro services will remain completely closed till March 31, 2020,”

All internal routes leading in and out of Delhi will be closed. There are close to 127 internal roads which connect Delhi with Noida, Ghaziabad, Sonepat, Faridabad and Gurgaon.

The five main highways will however will be allowed to remain functional for essential services and in case of emergencies.

Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday announced lockdown in 15 districts of the state beginning Monday and also said that UP roadways services will be suspended till March 25.

Yogi Adityanath even appealed to people to perform prayers inside their houses and not visit religious place for worshipping.

In the third big announcement, the government closure of all passenger rail services across the nation till March 31.The railways had already trimmed down its services on Friday by cancelling a majority of trains. However, it had allowed all trains that had already started the journey to continue.

“Adequate arrangements shall be made to facilitate hassle-free refund to passengers affected by train cancellations,” railway officials said.

As India reported a surge in Covid-19 cases and two more deaths on Sunday, the Centre and state governments decided to completely lockdown 75 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported, PTI reported officials as saying.

The number of coronavirus positive patients in India rose to 341 on Sunday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). A total of 16,999 samples from 16,109 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 as of 10:00 am on March 22, as per ICMR data.

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Janta curfew begins in India; cities wear deserted looks

As coronavirus cases in India has reached 315, the country witnessed a ‘Junta Curfew’ on march 22, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal. As part of the initiative, Modi said no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of the house, today from 7 am-9 pm.

 

He also urged people to get out in their balconies and thank doctors and other emergency services who have been risking their lives but taking care of people in this crucial time, by blowing whistles, clapping, thumping thalis and blowing conch.

‘Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against Covid-19 menace,’ tweets PM Modi as India observes Janta Curfew today.

“Today we need to unite & fight a big battle against Covid-19. ‘Janta Curfew’ is an important step by the people for the health of the people. I request all of you to follow the guidelines given by PM Narendra Modi, regarding the curfew,” said BJP president JP Nadda.

Bollywood stars have also urged people to follow the curfew.

Bachchan, who had earlier hailed Prime Minister’s statement, took to Instagram and wrote, “Tomorrow #janatacurfew, 7 am to 9 pm. I shall abide and at 5 pm clap, ring bells , blow shankh, in gratitude and honour for them that continue to work on all the essential services despite extenuating circumstances.”

I would urge you all to follow the #JantaCurfew tomorrow from 7am to 9pm and at 5pm, let’s stand tall in solidarity in our own homes and show our appreciation loudly for those who are helping us fight the virus while risking their own lives! #SocialDistancing #StayHomeStaySafe,” Anil Kapoor said on Twitter.

States across India have worn deserted looks as people are staying indoors as part of the curfew. Many are claiming that the step is to break the chain and stop the spread of the virus.

For the first time in nine years, the entire Bengaluru Metro network will remain shut the whole of Sunday in the wake of Janta Curfew.

Delhi metro services have also been suspended.

Coronavirus has so far infected more than 2,70,000 people and killed more than 11,000 across the world. India has witnessed 5 deaths so far.