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Urgent package needed for industry, trade, employees: ASSOCHAM

Indian economy

New Delhi (NVI): The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM) today supported the Central Government’s move to extend lockdown and save people from the unprecedented global pandemic while seeking urgent financial help for industry, trade and employees, observing that “the pain of the crisis will be felt more in coming weeks and months”.

ASSOCHAM secretary general, Deepak Sood said that the body has fully supported PM Modi’s decision to extend the lockdown, with a firm conviction that the government would soon be announcing a large and effective financial package for protecting agriculture, industry, trade with a particular focus on the MSMEs and millions of jobs.

“Prime Minister’s decision to consolidate gains from the earlier 3-week lockdown is a wise move, even though it has economic costs, as Shri Modi has talked about in his address to the nation,” Sood said, adding that PM’s call to the people and the state and local authorities to strictly enforce the lockdown till April 20 for qualifying to get relaxation is a double-edged tool for effective results.

“His concern for the most vulnerable sections of the society and the agriculture is highly appreciated and would help revive the economy after Coronavirus is gone,” Sood said.

The ASSOCHAM secretary-general said the trade body has been in constant touch with the Centre, states and other institutions like the RBI, sharing ground reports on the state of industry, trade and the broader economy.

“The situation is quite challenging, but somehow, the industry is managing to stay afloat and pay salaries and other essential disbursements in the supply chain. However, the situation may become unsustainable in the coming weeks, making it extremely important for the Government to announce an effective and sizeable package for the economy,” he said.

“There is a broad national consensus that the Government can go in for a wider fiscal deficit, even though the unconventional tool of monetising it by direct bond buying by the RBI. The subsistence funds are required both for the industry and trade as also their employees,” he said.

Besides, the massive health infrastructure, so urgently needed to fight the health battle requires large resources. There is not much alternative but to spend our way through this crisis on keeping the economic lifeline alive and robust. The FRBM Act has a provision for such a window, he added.

ASSOCHAM further added that the RBI needs to keep a strict watch on currency movement in the foreign exchange market to guard against any volatility. “Large foreign exchange reserves in excess of USD 450 billion are a great source of comfort at this critical time,” said Sood.

The chamber has also worked out and shared with the government a plan for graded re-opening of the economy with the mantra of social distancing. “We hope that when guidelines for selective opening of the sectors and the areas are issued, our suggestions would find value in the same,” added the secretary general.

Sood further stated that the Indian economy has an inherent strength that is enabling the uninterrupted supply chain of essentials. “However, going forward, this supply chain may face challenges if quick and effective steps are not taken. These include smooth operation of truckers with adequate manpower, reaching out to farmers and their produce for perishable commodities. There are several industries which are part of the crucial supply chain, and the same must be kept in operation,” he said.

ASSOCHAM had approached the government yesterday also for an immediate and an impactful stimulus package without getting weighed in by any possible downgrade by global rating agencies.

In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the industry body, having assessed the ground impact of the three-week lockdown on the industry, trade and the broader economy, had stressed that the fiscal stimulus is a must for saving both ‘Jaan’ and ‘Jahan’, “as has been so rightly emphasised by the Prime Minister”.

Railways suspends all passenger train services till May 3

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Railways today extended the suspension all passenger trains till May 3, in view of the nationwide lockdown extension by 19 days.

Earlier, the Railways had suspended its passenger trains till April 14, under the 21-day lockdown.

“All passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of 3rd May 2020,” the Indian Railways said in a tweet.

After the lockdown extension announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, the Railways said that all ticket bookings will remain suspended till further orders.

It said that a full refund for reservation will be made for trains cancelled till May 3 and advance bookings for further dates.

No advance reservation of trains tickets, including e-tickets, till further orders, the Railways said, adding that online cancellation facility remains functional.

However, the special freight and parcel services of the Railways, which were active in the last 21 days, will continue in the extended lockdown phase.

Railways continue to run its freight trains to transport essential commodities like medicine and food across the country, amid the COVID-19 situation.

The rail ministry yesterday said that in the first 12 days of April, the Railways loaded and carried 36,724 wagons of foodgrain, 861 wagons of sugar, 1,753 wagons of salt, 606 wagons/tanks of edible oil and 14,317 wagons of fertilizers. One wagon contains 58-60 ton consignment

In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said that this was done “to ensure that kitchens of all Indian homes continue to run normally and farmers in agriculture sector continue to get all necessary inputs for farming.”

Meanwhile, all international and domestic flights also remain suspended till May 3, in view of the extended lockdown.

Both train and flight services were suspended till May 14, under the 21-day lockdown, earlier.

In his address to the nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Government has decided to extend the lockdown till May 3, on the basis of suggestions from the state governments and experts on the current coronavirus situation in the country.

Lockdown 2: All domestic, international flights suspended till May 3

New Delhi (NVI): In view of the extension of the nationwide lockdown by 19 days, all passenger flight services will remain suspended till May 3, the Government said today.

“All domestic and international commercial passenger flights will remain suspended till 11.59 pm of May 3,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri also tweeted on the further suspension of flights, saying he understands the problems being faced by the people who need to travel.

“There were good reasons for the Lockdown to be extended till 3rd May. We can consider lifting restrictions on both domestic & international flights thereafter. I understand the problems being faced by people who need to travel & request them to bear with us,” he tweeted.

Apart from that, the Railway board has also decided to suspend all passenger train services till May 3. However, the special freight and parcel services of railways are active to transport essential commodities like medicine and food across the country, amid the COVID-19 situation.

Earlier, both the train and flight services were suspended till May 14, under the 21-day lockdown.

In his address to the nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Government has decided to extend the lockdown till May 3, on the basis of suggestions from the state governments and experts on current coronavirus situation in the country.

129th birth anniv of BR Ambedkar

New Delhi (NVI): India is observing Ambedkar Jayanti today, as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on this day.

He was born in the town and military cantonment of Mhow, Maharashta in 1891.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to Ambedkar while addressing the nation on the lockdown.

“Humble tribute to Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary on behalf of all countrymen,” PM Modi also tweeted in this regard.

Babasaheb was the first minister of Law and Justice of India from August 29, 1947, to January 24, 1950.

He is also known as the principal architect of the country’s Constitution and is called the Father of Indian Constitution.

He protested against the social injustices faced by people belonging to backward castes in India and also published scores of journals and advocated for Dalits rights.

Bhimrao Ambedkar also received the Bharat Ratna posthumously after 40 years of his death.

Coronavirus cases nearing 2 million globally; deaths top 1,19,500

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of cases worldwide have reached 1.92 million with more than 1,19,500 fatalities, according to the data compiled by John Hopkins University.

Nearly 4,50,000 people have fully recovered or have cured of the novel coronavirus that has affected more than 180 countries around the globe.

In addition to this, New York state alone has now reported more than 10,000 deaths, with a total of 21,662 deaths across US.

In addition to this, New York state alone has now reported more than 10,000 deaths, with a total of 21,662 deaths across US. Whereas, the total number of positive coronavirus cases have reached 5,47,627 in the US, making it the worst affected country in the world.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) is due to release its latest strategic advice on tackling the outbreak. It will include six criteria for lifting restrictions on movement.

The death rate in Italy, Spain and France – three of the countries worst-affected by the coronavirus in Europe – appears to be slowing.

In another development, China has reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases at 108 in nearly six weeks.

PM Modi extends COVID-19 lockdown till May 3

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the nationwide lockdown has been further extended by 19 days, till May 3, on the basis of suggestions from the state governments and experts, regarding the current coronavirus situation in the country.

He said that the extended lockdown will be enforced strictly till April 20 and there will be conditional relaxation after that.

“Till 20th April, all districts, localities, states will be closely monitored, as to how strictly they are implementing norms. States which will not let hotspots increase, they could be allowed to let some important activities resume, but with certain conditions,” he said.


The PM also announced lockdown relaxations for daily wagers who have suffered a severe blow due to the situation.

He said that detailed guidelines on lockdown will be issued tomorrow and the main focus would be on providing some relief to the poor class.

Hotspots will be under special vigilance, he said, adding that farmers will be given some relaxation because of the reaping season of rabi crop.

“In case of any positive development in any particular area or district, we can give a conditional concession from April 20. In case of any violation, development of any new hotspots, those concessions will be rolled back in those areas,” the Prime Minister said.

In his speech, the PM also urged the citizens to maintain social distancing and follow the lockdown restrictions so as to curb the virus spread.

He also lauded the people across the country for their support and efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. “With fast action and early lockdown, India has done much better than the bigger nations. The figures from these developed nations show that we are doing much better,” he said.

PM Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown on March 24, which ended today.

COVID-19 cases reach 10,815 in India, death toll at 353

New Delhi (NVI): As the 21-day nationwide lockdown ends today, the total number of coronavirus cases in India increased to 10,815 with 353 deaths from the pandemic, Union Health Ministry confirmed.

The ministry also said that 1,211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state in the country with 2,334 cases followed by Delhi with 1,510 cases and Tamil Nadu which has reported 1,173 cases.

Other states with a high virus hit included Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, of the total deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 160 fatalities, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 43, Delhi at 28 and Gujarat at 26, shows the Health Ministry’s data.

There are 9272 active cases, 1189 cured/discharged and one migrated case, so far.

Use technology for online teaching: VP

New Delhi (NVI): Vice President Venkaiah Naidu today asked universities and other educational institutions to ensure continuity of academic calendar during the lock-down period by fully harnessing the power of technology.

While interacting with the Vice Chancellors of Delhi, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Punjab, Makhanlal Chaturvedi Universities and Director of the Indian Institute of Public Administration through a video conference, the Vice President observed that it might take some more time for normalcy to return and enquired about their plans to cope with the disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Naidu, who is also the President of IIPA and Chancellor of three Universities, urged the institutions to reach out to students, promote collaborative learning and self-learning. He asked them to optimally utilize technological tools for ensuring interactive learning for all students.

“Ensure continuity of the teaching and learning process during lockdown by using technology,” he said.

Libya: Bombs, bullets and now Covid-19

The protracted conflict in Libya had forced thousands of people to leave their home. Many sought sanctuary in the city of Benghazi, where ICRC distribute food and other essential household items to the most vulnerable. (Credit: ICRC)

New Delhi (NVI): A war-torn Libya, which was caught between bombs and bullets, is facing another challenge in the form of COVID-19, as the pandemic threatens to spread and debilitate the country’s fragile health system.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), there are fears that the virus will compound the suffering of conflict-affected families, who are already struggling to meet basic needs, from shelter to food, water, and medical care.

“The Libyan health care system was struggling before COVID-19,” said Willem de Jonge, ICRC’s head of operations for Libya.

“Today, some medical professionals who need to be trained on COVID-19 infection prevention protocols keep being called back to the frontlines to treat the injured. Clinics and hospitals are overwhelmed caring for war-wounded and those with chronic illnesses, so their capacity to receive COVID-19 patients is limited. They need more support and resources to face this challenge,” he said.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, fighting in Tripoli has escalated, forcing people to flee their homes and damaging civilian infrastructure, says ICRC in its report. Some areas in Tripoli like Abu Salim have seen their patient-load quadruple in recent months, mostly due to the influx of displaced families, many of whom live in collective centres, it says.

“Displaced Libyans, including some of our colleagues, have told us they have no choice but to return to their homes near the frontline, for fear they could bring the virus into the homes of their elderly parents or family members,” said Maria Carolina, ICRC’s deputy head of sub-delegation for Tripoli.

“This highlights the unimaginable choices some people are now forced to make as they struggle to decide whether shelling and airstrikes pose a greater threat to their lives than COVID-19,” she said.

The ICRC says that special preventive measures must also be taken to ensure that COVID-19 does not enter prisons, as physical distancing is impossible. Migrants in Libya are also highly vulnerable to the disease, as many have only limited access to information, health care, or income, it said.

At the same time, restrictions such as curfews and border closures, while important in curbing the spread of the disease, are creating new challenges to deliver humanitarian aid and keep the supply chains for food, medicine, and basic needs open.

“Authorities must ensure that delivery of humanitarian aid is facilitated while maintaining preventive measures such as physical distancing, or those who depend on it will suffer tremendously,” said Jonge.

“We are already seeing the cost of food and other essential supplies increase, putting an additional strain on some of Libya’s most vulnerable families. COVID-19 comes on top of years of conflict in which families have seen their public services interrupted and job opportunities vanish,” he added.

In the wake of Covid-19 crisis in Libya, ICRC continues to provide food and household items to internally displaced people, residents and returnees. In March, these efforts reached more than 8,200 people.

The ICRC is also giving cash to health care facilities to help them buy equipment and medical consumables such as masks, soap and disinfectants. Three hospitals will also receive generators, so they can keep working through power cuts, the committee said in its report.

AICTE launches free e-learning portal for students amid Covid-19

New Delhi (NVI): Amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused extreme distress to students, and is a setback to academic activity, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced an online ELIS portal which will offer e-learning content.

In order to foster digital learning and support the student community across the country at this time, Enhancement in Learning with Improvement In Skills (ELIS) portal has been designed by AICTE and is available at free.aicte-india.org.

ELIS portal has been created to provide all students with content that not only enhances learning for regular subjects but also aims to build up valuable skill sets as required in the actual work environment, according to a statement released by the AICTE.

The e-learning content on the portal has been sourced from 18 leading Ed-tech companies with 26 different courses, the Council said.

Under normal circumstances, these are selectively available at prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000. However, all participating companies have offered to enrol students in the present lockdown period without any cost till 15 May 2020, it said.

All companies have also gracefully agreed to keep the course free, the Council said. In effect, there shall be no charges whatsoever to be paid by learners who enrol now till the course is
completed, it added.

The portal was formally launched yesterday (April 12) by Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman AICTE along with Prof MP Poonia, Vice-chairman AICTE and Prof Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary, AICTE.

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