Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Narendra Modi on Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: PM address to nation over COVID-19 at 8 pm; Centre prohibits export of protective gear

19:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Two more COVID-19 cases reported in Rajkot

Two more coronavirus cases have been reported in Gujarat's Rajkot, a 36-year-old man and 76-year-old woman, The Indian Express reported. "The man has a travel history to abroad, whereas details of the woman are being ascertained, Rajkot CDHO Dr Mitesh Bhanderi said. Both patients are residents of Rajkot," the report said.

19:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mumbai Police uses horoscope to urge people to stay at home

"For once (and only once), the stars may definitely favour you if you follow these predictions!" the Mumbai Police said on Twitter.

19:11 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre prohibits export of protective gear

The Centre on Friday prohibited the export of sanitisers and all ventilators including any artificial respiratory apparatus or oxygen therapy apparatus or any other breathing apparatus, falling under any ITCHS Code (Indian Trade Clarification based on Harmonized System), with immediate effect.

18:52 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rajiv Gauba asks states to strengthen surveillance teams for positive COVID-19 cases

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba wrote a letter to states today asking them to strengthen surveillance team as well as rapid response teams to identify all positive cases. 

Here is the excerpt:

" ...Request you to suitably supplement your state and district surveillance teams as well as the rapid response teams. It is absolutely essential that surveillance and contact tracing of all positive cases is taken up and no suspected or high risk person is left out. It is important that while these tasks are being monitored at the state level by the state health secretaries, this activity is directly and regularly monitored at the district level by the district magistrates involving the official machinery available in the district."

18:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Harsh Vardhan 'deeply anguished' over discrimination against doctors

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday said that he was "deeply anguished" over reports of discrimination against doctors treating coronavirus patients.

"I’m DEEPLY ANGUISHED to see reports pouring in from Delhi, Noida, Warangal, Chennai etc that DOCTORS and PARAMEDICS are being ostracised in residential complexes & societies. Landlords are threatening to evict them fearing #COVID2019 infection. Pls don’t panic!" he said.

18:36 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi govt issues advisory over use of hydroxychloroquinolones

The Delhi government on Friday issued an advisory to pharmacists and chemists through the chemists' association, to stop the sale of drugs like hydroxychloroquinolones chloroquine, lopinavir, etc to anybody except those who have a "prescription from a registered medical practitioner".

18:27 (IST)

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

London Underground crowded despite virtual lockdown

Roads were much quieter than usual on Tuesday after Britain went into virtual lockdown to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but London Underground trains were crammed with people and streets were far from deserted.

Some workers were also still mingling close together after Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday evening ordered people to stay at home, said most shops must close and banned social gatherings.

The unprecedented peacetime restrictions, which will last at least three weeks, are intended to stop the state-run National Health Service (NHS) being overwhelmed after the number of deaths from the coronavirus in Britain rose to 335.But social media images showed London Underground railway trains were packed with commuters and one large retail chain suggested it wanted to stay open.

(Reuters)

18:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in Japan Latest Updates

Japan asks for Olympics to be defered by a year

Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe's office on Friday said that after discussions with the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, an agreement to defer the Olympics scheduled for this year in Tokyo  by a year.

"After his telephone talks with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, PM Shinzo Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, & the games will be held by the summer of 2021," the statement said.​

18:12 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi doctors narrate incidents of discrimination 

Doctors at Sanjay Nursing Home claim to have housing and food issues amid the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus. Senior resident doctor Amandeep Singh was quoted by ANI as saying, "Doctors who are living on rent here are being asked to vacate their houses as their landlords believe that they will spread the virus."

Another doctor, said, "Police are prohibiting our mess workers from bringing food from outside. We request the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to solve the problems faced by the health professionals."

18:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Kejriwal takes note of reports of doctors claiming discrimination

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, taking note of the reports of doctors claiming that they are facing discrimination because they are treating COVID-19 patients, said, "On the request of Prime Minister we clapped for our doctors, nurses and others who are giving essential services. But now I am getting information that a landlord has forcefully evicted a nurse tenant as works among coronavirus patients."

17:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

AIIMS doctors allege discrimination in letter to Shah

The resident doctors of the AIIMS institute, in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, alleged that people are questioning them over their activities because they are in touch with COVID-19 patients and those suspected of having the infection. The Resident Doctors' Association on Friday said that they "have been forced to vacate rented houses".

They also requested appropriate action against those forcing eviction.

17:34 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

No new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi in 40 hours: CM

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that no new cases of coronavirus had been reported in the National Capital in the last 40 hours.

"In last 40 hours no new patient has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Delhi. Of the 30 patients some patients have gone home. There are only 23 patients now. This is good news but we shouldn't be happy as the fight is still on. The numbers might spike anytime. We should remain alert," he added.

17:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Hydroxychloroquine to be used only by healthcare workers, ICMR reiterates

The ICMR on Friday said, "The empiric use of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-Cov-2 infection is recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases."

"Mathematical modeling done by ICMR suggests that entry screening of travellers with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 can delay the introduction of the virus into the community by three days to three weeks," the statement added.

What does 'asymptomatic' mean?

"The term asymptomatic means literally the absence of symptoms. It describes a condition that is present, but in which a person does not show any outward signs or symptoms of the disease."

17:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

ICMR says India has capacity to test 12,000 per day

The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said that at least 118 government laboratories have been included in ICMR network of coronavirus testing. "The network has the capacity to test 12,000 samples a day. Additionally, 22 private laboratory chains, with about 15,500 collection centres, have been registered with ICMR till today," the statement said.

16:52 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal under lockdown from 5 pm 

Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal will impose a statewide lockdown from 5 pm on Tuesday, the respective chief ministers' offices said. The lockdown in West Bengal will be in effect till 31 March, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

16:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Pune lab develops first indigenous COVID-19 testing kit

A Pune-based, Mylab Discovery Solutions, has developed India's first indigenous novel coronavirus testing kit that has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), ANI reported. A single kit costs Rs 80,000 and can test 100 patients.

"We can produce 1 to 1.5 lakh tests in a week, we are trying to increase our production for the public. These kits cost 1/4th the price that the imported kits are being sold for," said Ranjit Desai, a scientist at the lab.

16:43 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rajiv Gauba asks states to earmark hospitals for COVID-19

In a letter to chief secretaries of states, Union cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba said, "All states should immediately identify & earmark hospitals dedicated for management of COVID-19 cases & ensure they are fully ready in the event of a further spike in the number of confirmed cases".

16:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Woman with no travel history abroad tests positive in Noida

A 47-year-old woman with no recent history of foreign travel tests positive for COVID-19 in Noida, PTI quoted officials as saying on Tuesday.

With this, the number of coronavirus cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh are at nine, officials said. Her husband and daughter have been quarantined, while their housing society has been completely sealed — no entry or exit allowed except in emergency cases.

16:24 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Uttar Pradesh govt to impose lockdown across state

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday said that the lockdown imposed till 25 March in 17 districts will be extended across the state on Wednesday in a bid to combat the coronavirus.

"All of UP to be locked down by Wednesday," Additional Chief Secretary of Information Awanish Awasthi was quoted as saying. The districts currently under lockdown are Agra, Lucknow, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Varanasi, Lakhimpur Kheiri, Bareilly, Azamgarh, Kanpur, Meerut, Prayagraj, Aligarh, Gorakhpur, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Jaunpur.

16:15 (IST)

Coronavirus in Myanmar Latest Updates

Myanmar reports first cases of COVID-19

Myanmar confirms its first cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday night, News18 reported. "The country of 54 million people had been the world's largest country by population not to report a single case of the pandemic that has confined more than 1.7 billion to their homes," the report said.

16:07 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases rise to 106 in Maharashtra

Maharahstra health minister Rajesh Tope said that coronavirus cases rose to 106 in the state and three deaths have been reported till Tuesday.

16:02 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Metropolis lab approved as COVID-19 testing centre

A statement on the website of the Metropolis pathology lab said, "Metropolis has been approved by the government to test and collect samples for COVID-19 under ICMR approved COVID-19 testing registration number Metro001.

"Home Collection can happen ONLY if prescribed by a qualified physician for COVID-19 test, which is a swab based test. We offer safe and hygienic sample collection at home by our trained technicians. Get accurate and quick reports done at cost in 24 hours. To book a home visit for COVID-19 testing, Call 8422-801-801. Metropolis stands with you during this crisis. We care for you."

15:46 (IST)

Coronavirus in South Africa Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in South Africa rise to 554

Coronavirus cases in South Africa rose to 554 on Tuesday, with an increase of 102 cases in 24 hours. News18 reported that local businesses are racing to plan for a nationwide lockdown from midnight on Tuesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 21-day lockdown in an address to the nation.

15:31 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Finance ministry and regulators monitoring volatility in markets, says FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said regulators and her ministry are monitoring developments and volatility in stock markets. She said the developments on stock markets are monitored thrice a day.

The government is working on an economic package to deal with the hardships caused by the lockdown to control the coronavirus crisis and the same will be announced soon, she said adding different sub-groups have held sectoral discussions.

15:28 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Pune-based firm develops testing kit for faster confirmation of cases

In what may go down as an important solution in India''s fight against coronavirus, Pune-based Mylabs Discovery Solutions has created an indigenous solution to test patients for COVID-19 that can halve the time taken for results.

The molecular diagnostic company, which received statutory approvals late on Monday from authorities, can manufacture over 15,000 testing kits per day from its facility at Lonavala in Pune district and the same will be ramped up to 25,000 kits per day, its co-founder Shrikant Patole told PTI.

Citing the experience in South Korea, the World Health Organisation has been stressing on the importance of tests to fight the pandemic, which has so far claimed nine lives in India.

15:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Two more test positive in Srinagar

Two more persons tested coronavirus positive in Srinagar on Tuesday, taking such patients in the city to three. One woman, who returned after Umrah pilgrimage from Saudi Arabia, has already tested positive and is admitted at Srinagar's superspecialty hospital.

15:17 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Economic relief package to be announced 'soon', reiterated FM

As the media briefing came to an end, Nirmala Sitharama reiterated that an economic package will be announced "sooner", rather than later.

She also said, "We are closely monitoring the situation. SEBI has come up with guidelines and stated its position on the recent volatility. We are monitoring the stock market."

15:12 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Debit cardholders can withdraw money, free of charge, announces FM

Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, while briefing the media about the government's plan for relief plan announced that debit cardholders who withdraw cash from any bank ATM can do it free of charge, from any other bank’s ATM, for the next three months. She also stated that there shall not be any minimum balance requirement fee.

The government said that bank charges are reduced for digital trade and transactions.

15:08 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt might suspend Section 7, 9 and 10 of IBC

The government is considering to suspending Section 7, 9 and 10 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), at a later stage, if the current situation continues beyond six months. 

Meanwhile, for fisheries, the finance minister said that a one-month delay will be condoned in the arrival of the consignment of fisheries. Import permits for fisheries expiring in April have been extended by three months.

15:03 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Threshold for default extended to Rs 1 crore, says FM

Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that the threshold of default extended to Rs 1 core from existing Rs 1 lakh, in order to prevent insolvency proceedings against MSMEs. 

15:00 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Extra 6 months given to newly incorporated firms to file declaration 

The finance ministry announced that for newly incorporated companies, there is a requirement to file declaration on commencement within six months, which the government is giving an additional six months to file their returns.

Nirmala Sitharaman also said that If there was a company director who does not comply with the minimum residency requirement, it shall "not be treated as a violation."

14:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mandatory requirement of holding board meetings relaxed for 60 days

The government on Tuesday said that the mandatory requirement of holding board meetings is being relaxed by a period of 60 days, has been relaxed for the next two quarters. The finance minsitry said that if no board meeting held for 2019-20, it will not be considered a violation

The finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said that the applicability of The Companies Auditors’ Report Order 2020, which was supposed to have come into force in 2019-20, has been shift to 2020-21.

14:52 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Customs clearance will operate 24x7 till 30 June, says FM

In a major relief to imports/exporters, the government on Tuesday said that customs clearance now an essential service, till 30 June, 2020 and it will be working 24/7.

14:49 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Payment under ‘Sabka Vishwas’ scheme extended to 30 June

The government announced on Tuesday that payment date under the ‘Sabka Vishwas’ scheme, which was for settling disputes in the indirect tax regime, has been extended till 30 June 2020.

14:46 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

No interest, penalty for firms with less than Rs 5 cr turnover

The finance minister announced on Tuesday that there is no interest, no penalty and no late fee will be charged for companies with a turnover of less than Rs 5 crore. The minister said that the interest rate for such companies is reduced to 9 percent.

She added that only interest will be applicable, but no late fee and no penalty for bigger companies.

14:41 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Last date of filing GST returns extended to 30 June

The last date for filing March, April and May 2020 GST returns is being extended to 30 June 2020, said Nirmala Sitharaman during the media conference on Tuesday. She added that different staggering dates will be applicable, but all will be the end of June. The interest rate for filing a delayed return has also been brought down.

14:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Aadhar Card-Pan Card linking last date extended to 30 June, says Nirmala Sitharaman

 

The finance minister announced on Tuesday that the Aadhaar-PAN linking date has been extended to 30 June 2020 from what was 31 March 2020.  Nirmala Sitharam also said that the Interest rate on delayed deposit of TDS reduced. She said, "No extra 10 percent interest will be charged between now and 30 June."

14:30 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Last date to file I-T returns extended to 30 June

The last date for income tax returns for the financial year 2018-19 is extended tfrom 31 March to 30 June, announced Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday. She said that she will be making announcements on income tax, customs, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)-related matters, bank-related compliances, fisheries, among other things. She added that for the delayed payments, interest rate has been reduced from 12 percent to 9 percent.

14:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt has come up with comprehensive plan, says FM

We have come up with a comprehensive plan about statutory and regulatory compliance matters, said fiance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a media presser on Tuesday. She also said, "The lockdown has been done with an intention of flattening that curve of coronavirus’ spread. Therefore, I must appreciate you all for joining us today. We are close to coming up with an economic package, which will be announced soon."

14:23 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

BREAKING: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s briefing via video conference has begun

14:20 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

UP govt extends lockdown to entire state

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to extend the lockdown, currently being enforced in 17 districts, to the entire state to combat coronavirus and an announcement on the duration of the curbs is likely later on Tuesday, a senior official said.

"All of UP to be locked down by Wednesday," Additional Chief Secretary of Information Awanish Awasthi said, without providing further details.Seventeen of the state's 75 districts that reported positive cases of coronavirus have already been placed under lockdown. Uttar Pradesh has reported 33 cases of coronavirus, including a foreigner.

14:07 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

FM to begin media presser shortly

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a briefing via video conferencing shortly. The briefing is likely to be about the measures the government is taking to reduce the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, including an economic relief package. 

14:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Three more cases reported from Telangana; state toll at 36

Three fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Telangana on Tuesday, taking the total number of people detected for the coronavirus in the state to 36, the government said. The three fresh cases are a 49-year-old man with travel history to London, a 39-year-old woman who returned from Germany and a 61-year-old woman who travelled to Saudi Arabia, a media bulletin on COVID-19 said. The condition of all three patients was stable in designated hospitals, it said. The Telangana government has already announced a lockdown till March 31 to contain the spread of coronavirus. 

14:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

BJP MPs extend financial assistance through MPLADS fund

Two BJP MPs Ravindra Kushwaha and Virendra Singh Mast have extended financial help through their MPLADS funds for medical equipments to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter to Ballia district magistrate, Kushwaha, BJP MP from Salempur, has extended financial help of Rs 50 lakhs from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund in checking the disease and providing necessary medical equipments.

Ballia MP Virendra Singh Mast, who is also the national president of BJP Kisan Morcha, has also extended financial assistance of Rs 35 lakhs from his fund.

13:50 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Congress demands imposition of curfew in populated areas of HP

 

Curfew should be immediately imposed in populated areas of Himachal Pradesh to ensure social distancing to avoid the spread of coronavirus, Congress Mukesh Agnihotri said on Tuesday.

Talking to PTI amid reports of violation of lockdown directions in several parts of the state, the leader of opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly said curfew should be imposed in Dharamshala, industrial town Baddi in Solan district and other populated areas.

Himachal Pradesh government had announced a lockdown in the state on Monday but people are not taking it seriously, Agnihotri said.

13:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Sonia Gandhi urges PM to take measures for wage support to construction workers

Expressing concern over the plight of construction workers after the country-wide lockdown over coronavirus, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce emergency measures, including wage support to those in distress.

In a letter to the prime minister, Gandhi said over 44 million construction workers are now faced with a "precarious" future as many of them are stranded in cities and are deprived of livelihood due to the lockdown.

She said the country is in the midst of the worst global pandemic and this has necessitated stringent measures for containment and management of the COVID-19 transmission. "These measures have led to widespread economic disruptions that had a debilitating impact on the informal sector," she noted.

13:44 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India 'had time to prepare' to face the COVID-19 crisis, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to say the current situation could have been avoided if the coronavirus threat had been taken seriously at the time time. 'I am feeling sad, because this was completely avoidable. We had time to prepare. We should have taken this threat much more seriously and have been much better prepared,' he tweeted.

13:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in China Latest Updates

China to lift lockdown over epicentres Hubei province, Wuhan

China on Tuesday said it will lift the travel curbs in Hubei province, where the deadly coronavirus first emerged last year, on Wednesday and will end the three-month lockdown of its capital Wuhan on April 8, lifting the mass quarantine over the city with a population of over 11 million as the COVID-19 began to abate.

Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the virus cases were first detected in December last year on Monday reported one new confirmed case of the COVID-19 after reporting zero cases for five consecutive days.

Hubei province and Wuhan which together have over 56 million population were kept under strict lockdown since January 23 with a ban on all movement of people and transportation.

13:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Woman booked for escaping home quarantine in Maharashtra

 A 35-year-old woman, who was asked to remain under home quarantine after her return from Sharjah, fled to her parent's house in Uttar Pradesh from Maharashtra's Nagpur city, police said on Tuesday.

The woman arrived at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur on 15 March, and with no obvious symptoms of coronavirus, she was asked to remain under home quarantine for 14 days, an official from Sonepur police station said.

The incident came to light on Monday, when a team of doctors visited her home and found her missing, following which the police were roped in to investigate, he said.

13:33 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

UP govt issues orders on not stopping vehicles carrying essential commodities

In a bid to prevent a shortage of essential commodities in the locked-down districts of the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued directives on not stopping the vehicles carrying these items.

"Some restrictions have been imposed because of the lockdown in some districts on the movement of vehicles and trucks carrying goods have been stopped. This could lead to a shortage of essential commodities, the directives issued by Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Kumar Awasthi said.

Narendra Modi on Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday said that he was "deeply anguished" over reports of discrimination against doctors treating coronavirus patients.

"I’m DEEPLY ANGUISHED to see reports pouring in from Delhi, Noida, Warangal, Chennai etc that DOCTORS and PARAMEDICS are being ostracised in residential complexes & societies. Landlords are threatening to evict them fearing #COVID2019 infection. Pls don’t panic!" he said.

Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe's office on Friday said that after discussions with the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, an agreement to defer the Olympics scheduled for this year in Tokyo by a year.

"After his telephone talks with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, PM Shinzo Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, & the games will be held by the summer of 2021," the statement said.​

The resident doctors of the AIIMS institute, in a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, alleged that people are questioning them over their activities because they are in touch with COVID-19 patients and those suspected of having the infection. The Resident Doctors' Association on Friday said that they "have been forced to vacate rented houses".

They also requested appropriate action against those forcing eviction.

The Indian Council of Medical Research on Tuesday said that at least 118 government laboratories have been included in ICMR network of coronavirus testing. "The network has the capacity to test 12,000 samples a day. Additionally, 22 private laboratory chains, with about 15,500 collection centres, have been registered with ICMR till today," the statement said.

A 47-year-old woman with no recent history of foreign travel tests positive for COVID-19 in Noida, PTI quoted officials as saying on Tuesday.

The last date for filing March, April and May 2020 GST returns is being extended to 30 June 2020, said Nirmala Sitharaman during the media conference on Tuesday. She added that different staggering dates will be applicable, but all will be the end of June. The interest rate for filing a delayed return has also been brought down.

As the media briefing came to an end, Nirmala Sitharama reiterated that an economic package will be announced 'sooner', rather than later. She also said, 'We are closely monitoring the situation. SEBI has come up with guidelines and stated its position on the recent volatility. We are monitoring the stock market.'

Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, while briefing the media about the government's plan for relief plan announced that debit cardholders who withdraw cash from any bank ATM can do it free of charge, from any other bank’s ATM, for the next three months. She also stated that there shall not be any minimum balance requirement fee.

Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that the threshold of default extended to Rs 1 core from existing Rs 1 lakh, in order to prevent insolvency proceedings against MSMEs.

The finance ministry announced that for newly incorporated companies, there is a requirement to file a declaration on commencement within six months, which the government is giving an additional six months to file their returns.

The government on Tuesday said that the mandatory requirement of holding board meetings is being relaxed by a period of 60 days, has been relaxed for the next two quarters.

In a major relief to imports/exporters, the government on Tuesday said that customs clearance now an essential service, till 30 June 2020 and it will be working 24/7.

The last date for filing March, April and May 2020 GST returns is being extended to 30 June 2020, said Nirmala Sitharaman during the media conference on Tuesday. She added that different staggering dates will be applicable, but all will be the end of June. The interest rate for filing a delayed return has also been brought down.

The finance minister announced on Tuesday that the Aadhaar-PAN linking date has been extended to 30 June 2020 from what was 31 March 2020.  Nirmala Sitharam also said that the Interest rate on delayed deposit of TDS reduced. She said, "No extra 10 percent interest will be charged between now and 30 June."

The last date for income tax returns for the financial year 2018-19 is extended to June 30, announced Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday. She said that she will be making announcements on income tax, customs, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)-related matters, bank-related compliances, fisheries, among other things. She added that for the delayed payments, interest rate has been reduced from 12 percent to 9 percent.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she would address the media at 2 pm today amid preparations of preparing an economic package that is likely to help the country through the coronavirus lockdown. She said in a tweet that the package would be announced soon on priority and that she would give the media presser through video conference. Her speech will be specifically be focused on statutory and regulatory compliance matters.

Ahead of Narendra Modi's address, the whole of Odisha will be under lockdown from Tuesday midnight because of the coronavirus threat, a top state government official said. Fourteen of the state's 30 districts are already under a lockdown. The Madhya Pradesh government has also imposed curfew in Bhopal and Jabalpur cities, where coronavirus cases have been found, right after Shivraj Singh Chouhan took oath as chief minister.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she would address the media at 2 pm today amid preparations of preparing an economic package that is likely to help the country through the coronavirus lockdown.

India has reported its tenth death on Tuesday after a 64-year-old man who was admitted to Kasturba hospital on 23 March, died within a few hours of admission. He had returned from the UAE and had travelled to Ahmedabad on 15 March, returned to Mumbai on 20 March.

American lawyer Larry Klayman has filed a USD 20 trillion lawsuit against China for the creation and the release of the novel coronavirus that has infected more than 334,000 people globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 pm regarding the vital aspects relating to the COVID-19 menace. Meanwhile, the 26 March Rajya Sabha election to 55 seats, scheduled to be held on 26 March, has been deferred.

Two new positive cases of coronavirus are recorded in Gujarat, total cases mount to 33, stated the Gujarat Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi. Meanwhile, a 54-year-old domestic passenger was arrested at the airport here for allegedly refusing to follow instructions given by doctors for the prevention of the spread of novel coronavirus, police said on Tuesday.

The number of states and Union Territories (UTs) which have imposed a lockdown has increased to 32 from 30 last night. The number of districts under lockdown has increased to 560 from 548. The number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra has reached 101 on Tuesday. Four more patients were tested positive in Pune and one was tested positive in Satara.

Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday. According to the data updated Tuesday morning, the total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 492. Benchmark indices erased most of its early gains but trading higher with Nifty above 7700. The Sensex is up 369.34 points or 1.42 percent at 26350.58, and the Nifty up 108.40 points or 1.42 percent at 7718.65.

Benchmark indices opened in positive territory on 24 March with Sensex added more than 1000 points. At 09:17 hrs IST, the Sensex is up 1,212.60 points or 4.67 percent at 27193.84, and the Nifty up 353.85 points or 4.65 percent at 7964.10. Manipur has reported the first case of COVID-19 in Northeast India, say reports. Northeast Now reports that a 23-year-old from Imphal (west) has been identified as the first confirmed case in the state.

The Tihar Prison authorities said they are planning to release around 3,000 prisoners to ease congestion in jails over the coronavirus threat. However, it will not include hardened or dangerous criminals. While in the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has enforced the strictest curbs on movement of people for at least three weeks to try and control the spread of COVID-19 in the country, where the death toll has reached 335.

Security was tightened at the protest site in Shaheen Bagh, on Tuesday, after a prohibitory order under section 144 CrPC has been promulgated in Delhi, with the police clearing out the protest site. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the pandemic of disease caused by the coronavirus is accelerating, with more than 300,000 cases now recorded and infections reported from nearly every country worldwide.

The number of deaths in India due to the novel coronavirus rose to nine on Monday with 468 testing positive as the Centre announced a lockdown in 22 states and Union Territories across the country and the Indian Council of Medical Research recommended the use of an anti-malarial drug in cases of high risk.

The health ministry, in its daily press briefing on Monday, said Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra,  and Andhra Pradesh are under complete lockdown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked captains of industry to ensure that the production of essential items is not impacted in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and there is no hoarding and black marketing. "The impact on the economy will be felt for some time to come," said Modi as he exhorted India Inc to adopt a humanitarian approach and not to cut down on the workforce in spite of the COVID-19 negative impact on their businesses.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that companies' expenditure to fight the coronavirus pandemic will be considered valid under corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The coronavirus outbreak will be treated as a disaster, the Finance Minister said on Twitter.

The Delhi Police on Monday moved to seal all border pickets in the national capital and said curfew passes will be issued to people associated with essential services as "execution" of the prohibitory orders in the city was "not up to the mark today".

Media persons, however, will not need the passes and their ID cards will suffice, they said.

Details like the format of the application for the passes and from when they will be required, etc are likely to be shared on Tuesday, the police said.

On Sunday, police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Delhi till 31 March in view of the coronavirus outbreak, banning protests, and other gatherings.

Section 144 of the CrPC bans the assembly of four or more people in one place.

The Nagaland government will promulgate prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC in Dimapur district from Tuesday to make people stay indoors during the ongoing lockdown declared in the state to contain the coronavirus outbreak, an official said.

The order, issued by Dimapur police commissioner Rothihu Tetseo on Monday, will come into force from 6 am on 24 March, the official said.

Dimapur, a commercial hub of the state, witnessed an "unprecedented" movement of vehicles during the lockdown which began from Sunday midnight, he said.

Police seized a number of taxis for plying on roads, the official said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has enforced the strictest curbs on movement of people for at least three weeks to try and control the spread of COVID-19 in the country, where the death toll has reached 335.

In a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, he said while no prime minister wants to make such demands on the population, the situation was such that he was forced to clamp down on people's movement and the crackdown on any gatherings of more than two people.

With his central message calling on people to restrict their movements outside their homes only for the very basic essentials, Johnson said, "From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction you must stay at home."

In the US, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to prevent hoarding of vital medical supplies and personal protective equipment as the country for the first time registered over 130 deaths in a day due to coronavirus.

Till Monday, more than 43,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in the United States. Of these, over 10,000 were added in one day, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles COVID-19 cases. With 139 deaths, the number of fatalities crossed 550 by Monday night.

Signing the executive order, Trump said his government would take action against hoarding and excessive pricing of vital medical and personal protective equipment as well as supplies such as hand sanitisers and face masks.



from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/2QHSKu2
Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)