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RBI announces 3-month moratorium on EMI payments

Economic growth
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

New Delhi (NVI): The Reserve Bank of India today announced a three-month moratorium on EMI payments of all term loans outstanding as of March 1, 2020, amid the 21-day lockdown due to the pandemic situation in the country.

This decision applies to all regional, rural banks, co-operative banks, NBFCs including Housing Finance Companies.

With the RBI giving a green signal to defer loan repayment for three months, the ball is in the banks’ court to pass on the benefit to people, many of whom have been affected due to job loss and salary cuts in wake of COVID-19 crisis.

RBI governor Shaktikanta Das in a briefing today also announced that the repo rate has been reduced by 75 basis points (bps) to 4.4 per cent. The reserve repo rate has been reduced by 90 basis points to 4 per cent.

The Repo rate cut – which is the rate of interest at which banks borrow from RBI – will ensure banks have more access to funds, while the Reverse-repo rate cut will make it less attractive for banks to park their funds with the central bank.

This comes at a time when the country is under a 21-day lockdown to curb the coronavirus contagion, which might result in adverse effects on the economy due.

The decision comes a day after the government announced Rs 1.7 lakh crore worth relief package for poor people, employees and women to cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

The RBI Governor also said that the Indian banking system is “safe and sound” and depositors should not resort to panic withdrawal of their deposits. He urged those with deposits in private banks to not indulge in panic withdrawal. Measures were also announced and listed to shore up liquidity.

Social gatherings banned: 5 ways to make the best of isolation

New Delhi (NVI): As the coronavirus pandemic is tightening its grip over the globe, with governments asking their people to socially distance themselves, virtual connections have become more important than ever before.

Although WHO has made it clear why we need to stay away from one another, confining yourself to home is no easy task. Loneliness is already a social health crisis itself, with roughly 1 in 3 adults experiencing it to some degree, according to the World Economic Forum.

Here are the five ideas to stay (virtually) social and make the best of isolation:

1. Throw your own film festival

Technology has already addressed this, and there’s never been a better time to take advantage. You can playback video at the same time, mute to discuss key plot points, and even enjoy a meal or drink together while you watch Netflix shows.

2. Keep up to a routine

With many of us working from home – or indeed not working at all – some rules and structure can help. Keeping routine following the things you usually do in daily life can help to ground us in times of isolation.

3. Do online courses

There are countless options, the internet gives you access to a number of courses from institutions including some big institutions as well. If there can be such a thing as a silver lining to the COVID-19 crisis, one might be that we all have more time. Why not put it to good use by doing an online course!

There are many courses which are free, but if you’re happy to pay a small optional fee, you can get a certificate too.

Or simply take the opportunity to learn about something you’ve always been interested in.

4. Enjoy the sunshine and exercise if you can

While we’re self-isolating and socially distancing, going outside is still okay in many cases, at least for a limited time. You could take a walk in your lawn or terrace and let the natural surroundings relax you.

Even if you can’t go out or to the gym, you can still come up with some good exercise to do at home.

5. Dress up and video calling

The internet makes it easier to continue doing some of the things you like, virtually. Video conferencing was growing in popularity before the pandemic and offers a great way to stay in touch with friends and family.

Finally, if you’re struggling to cope with the coronavirus crisis, always keep a look at the World Health Organization’s helpful advice.

US surpasses China, Italy in confirmed coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): The US has reported more coronavirus cases than any other country in the world, surpassing even China’s total, showing how rapidly the virus can move through a population.

Over 16,000 positive cases were reported in a single day in the US as the total number of coronavirus patients soared to 85,088, according to John Hopkins University data.

A week ago, the number of confirmed cases was at 8,000. It has dangerously surged 10 times in the span of a week.

At least 263 deaths more deaths have been reported in the country, taking the total death toll to 1,290 so far.

Italy has reported the highest death toll with more than 8,200 deaths.

Whereas, Spain has the second-highest death toll at 4,365 with more than 57,000 confirmed cases.

Overall, 1,20,000 people worldwide have recovered from COVID-19, while more than 23,000 people have died.

More than 5,32,000 people have been infected by coronavirus globally.

COVID-19 deaths rise to 17 in India, total 724 cases

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 724 today and 17 people have died from the pandemic so far. 88 COVID-19 cases were reported in the country yesterday, highest in a single day.

47 out of the total cases are foreign nationals, according to the Health Ministry. The 17th death has been recorded in Madhya Pradesh which recorded its first death due to the disease yesterday.

Other states which have reported COVID-19 deaths are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar, Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh.

At present, there are 640 active cases, 66 cured or discharged and 1 migrated COVID-19 patient. The Health Ministry data states that 15,24,266 passengers have been screened at airports.

Afghanistan to release around 10,000 prisoners amid COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): The Afghanistan Government today said that it will be releasing up to 10,000 prisoners, including women in children lodged in detention centers, as a preventive step against the spread of coronavirus.

Afghan officials were quoted as saying by the media as saying that the development comes after President Ashraf Ghani passed a decree in this regard.

However, those who are being released will pose no harm to the people outside as they were charged under small offences, Aghan media said.

According to the Afghan Government, six health employees have been infected by the virus in Herat and Kandahar provinces.

Apart from that, 90 people have been infected by COVID-19 in Afghanistan, while four people have lost lives so far, as per media reports.

Pakistan reports more than 1,000 coronavirus cases, 9 deaths

(Source: Twitter)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan has surged past 1,000 with 9 fatalities in the neighboring country so far, according to Dawn.

Out of the total 1190 cases, 21 have recovered. Dawn reports that 421 cases have been reported from Sindh, 405 from Punjab, 25 from Islamabad, and 131 from Balochistan.

Sindh is the worst-hit region in the country with over 400 cases, Pakistan government said.

In Karachi alone, 130 people are affected, with the majority said to be “local transmission” cases.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has confirmed 123 COVID-19 cases while Balochistan reported 110 cases, according to Dawn.

88 new Covid cases reported in India, highest in a day

(Updating earlier copy)

New Delhi (NVI): As per the latest data available with the Ministry of Health, 88 news coronavirus cases were reported in the country today, highest in a single day so far. With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 694, with 16 deaths.

The total 694 cases include 633 active cases, 44 cured/discharged, 16 deaths and 1 migrated COVID-19 patient.

47 out of the total cases are foreign nationals, the Health Ministry said.

At least 60 positive cases have been reported every day for the last five days in the country, according to the media reports.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra is the most affected state with 124 positive cases. Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh reported their first deaths today. Maharashtra also reported its third death in the state due to the pandemic.

The contagion has also spread to Goa which reported three cases of COVID-19 and in northeast India, Manipur and Mizoram confirmed one case each.

In another development, the Government has extended its ban on international flight operations to India till April 14, in the wake of COVID-19 lockdown situation. Earlier, the Government had put ban on all international commercial passenger flights to India from March 22 to 29.

Currently, the country is under 21-day lockdown from March 25 to April 14.

 

Delhi’s BLK Hospital to admit Covid-19 patients from tomorrow

New Delhi (NVI): BLK Super Specialty Hospital in Delhi will begin admissions of Covid-19 patients from tomorrow. The treatment will be available in specially designated isolation wards at the private hospital.

Amid the pandemic outbreak, the private hospital has been allowed to admit COVID-19 patients, a statement issued by the hospital said.

The development is significant as there is an increasing need for specialised infrastructure for the rising number of coronavirus patients.

The hospital, located at Rajendra Place in Delhi, is well-equipped with isolation beds, adequate supply of personal protective gear, ventilators and trained staff to support any complex positive cases, the statement said.

Speaking on the development, Dr Sanjay Mehta, Unit Head and VP, BLK Super Speciality Hospital said, “With such a massive spread world over, we are in support with the government on tackling these cases within the city.”

While, the ongoing situation has created fear and panic among masses on one hand, it has exerted tremendous pressure on healthcare professionals, he said.

“However, we are pleased to share that we are well-equipped with sufficient supply of ventilators, ICU and ward beds, trained medical professionals and motivated clinicians,” Mehta said.

“We have already streamlined numerous processes such as isolated designated areas, for first-level screening process of patients suspected of having the virus. This is a challenging phase for not only the country but the whole of humanity,” he added.

“We will keep adding bed/wards in case there is a surge in the number of COVID-19 positive patients,” he added.

BLK Hospital is one of the largest private hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi with a capacity of 650 beds including 125 critical care beds. All ambulatory services are smartly designed to ensure quick access to interventional services. The Hospital has 17 state-of-the-art well equipped modular operation theaters and a world-class pathology lab. It is equipped with most modern infrastructure, and eminent doctors drive its Centers of Excellence. The hospital also has Asia’s largest Bone Marrow Transplant Units.

J&K govt extends 2G mobile internet services till April 3

Pakistan
(Representational Image)

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): Amid COVID-19 scare and demand for high-speed internet, J&K Government today further extended ongoing curbs on 4G connectivity till April 3.

Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department, Shaleen Kabra in an official order said that the internet shall be restricted to 2G only till April 3.

“Taking note of the overall security situation in the UT of J&K and the latest reports of the law enforcement agencies, particularly with regard to the speed-related restrictions on the mobile data services, and upon assessment of the available alternatives. Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department, being satisfied that it is absolutely necessary so to do, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India,” the order reads.

According to the order, the postpaid SIM card holders shall be provided with access to the internet. However, such access shall not be made available on pre-paid sim cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for postpaid connections.

It also directed for continuation of Mac-binding internet connectivity for fixed landline connections.

“The directions shall be effective immediately and remain in force upto 3rd April, 2020, unless modified earlier,” reads the order.

Internet services along with mobile and fixed landline telephony were suspended in Kashmir on August 4 last year.

From the past few weeks, people and other political leaders had asked UT and GoI to restore 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir keeping in view the present situation.

Rajnath reviews Defence Ministry’s action plan to combat COVID-19

Meeting held to review the preparedness of the Armed forces. (Source: @DefenceMinIndia)

New Delhi (NVI): Amid the rising novel coronavirus cases in India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the preparedness of defence forces to tackle the crisis.

The meeting was held with the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Secretary Defence Ajay Kumar and armed forces chiefs to seek what more can be done in the fight against COVID-19.

Singh expressed appreciation on the proactive role played by the Armed Forces and various departments of MoD in evacuating Indian nationals as well as foreigners from COVID-19 affected countries and ensuring them proper care at various quarantine facilities.

He also urged the Armed Forces and other departments to gear up their preparedness and provide all required assistance to the civilian administration at various levels.

The Indian Air Force has made several sorties and evacuated Indian nationals from affected areas in China, Japan and Iran. While various quarantine facilities of the Armed Forces have, so far, handled 1,462 evacuees and discharged 389.

Presently, 1,073 persons are being provided care at the facilities in Manesar, Hindan, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Mumbai. Additional quarantine facilities are on standby with 950 beds capacity.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories have manufactured 20,000 litres of sanitizer and supplied to various organisations, including 10,000 litres to Delhi police. DRDO has also supplied 10,000 masks to Delhi police personnel. It is tying up with some private companies to make personal protection equipment such as body suits and also ventilators.

Army medical teams deployed in the Maldives have since returned after completion of their mission. Army medical teams and two ships of Navy are on standby to provide required assistance to friendly countries in the neighbourhood.

The meeting comes at a time when the total numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases have risen to 649 in India and 13 deaths have been recorded, according to the Union Health Ministry.

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