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10 Public Sector Banks merge into 4 today

New Delhi (NVI): The merger of 10 Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Banks, that was announced in August last year, comes into effect from today. With this, six banks will cease to exist.

The Union Cabinet had given final approval in this regard on March 4.

Reserve Bank of India has also revealed that the scheme of merging these 10 PSU banks into four bigger lenders is on schedule i.e., it will come into force from April 1, despite the country-wide coronavirus lockdown.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also announced that the mega bank consolidation plan will be executed as planned.

In the biggest consolidation exercise in the banking space, Sitharaman in her mega plan had announced the merger of 10 public sector lenders into four bigger and stronger banks in August 2019.

With this merger, the total number of public banks in India comes down to 12. The four banks which absorbed the smaller PSU banks are Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India and Indian Bank.

Following the merger, customers, including depositors of merging banks, will be treated as customers of the banks in which these banks have been merged.

Bank mergers have also taken place in the past as well. Last year, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank were merged with the Bank of Baroda.

Kotak Mahindra Bank and ING Vysya Bank merger and amalgamation of Centurion Bank of Punjab Ltd. with HDFC Bank took place in 2014 and 2008, respectively.

How Indian celebrities are dealing with coronavirus lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): With the entire country under lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, what are the celebrities doing while remaining indoors.

Actors, actresses and cricketers are indulging in various kinds of activities to pass time and several of them have shared videos and photographs to give an idea about these engagements.

While some are busy doing household chores like cleaning, cooking, etc., others are pursuing their passions or hobbies like a workout to remain fit, sketching, reading, cooking, etc., or spending their time in learning something new.

Salman Khan

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is pursuing his passion for painting and sketching amid the lockdown phase. The actor shared a video on Instagram giving a sneak-peek into his sketching time. He can also be seen humming the “Kaho naa Pyaar hai” song while sketching.

Alia Bhatt

Actress Alia Bhatt is learning creative writing, her Instagram post reveals. She shared a picture on Instagram where she is taking down notes and a book titled – ‘The Craft of Plot’ is open on her laptop.

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Stay home & .. learn something new ?

A post shared by Alia Bhatt ☀️ (@aliaabhatt) on

Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has a massive social media fan following, is also spending his quarantine time to fullest amid the lockdown. The actor recently shared a poem by his father and renowned poet Harivansh Rai on Instagram.

While sharing the poem, he also mentioned its importance and relevance in today’s times. The actor also shared a beautiful caption with the poem.

Vicky Kaushal

Actor Vicky Kaushal is spending some ‘memorable moments’ with family amid quarantine. The ‘Masaan’ actor shared an adorable picture with his mom as they observe a sunset while staying indoors amid the countrywide lockdown.

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माँ-ए नी मेरीए ?

A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) on

 

Shilpa Shetty

Actress Shilpa also shared a video where she is cleaning her lawn. In the instagram post, she can be seen using a broom to sweep leaves and later watering plants. “Cleaning and tending to the garden for last few days,” she says suggesting her fans that cleaning home during lockdown is the best workout.

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Cleaning and tending to the garden for these last few days. This lockdown time has made me realise and remember that having help in any form is one of those few things we should always appreciate. Our lives become so much easier because of all our house help/staff but unfortunately, sometimes we only realise this in times like these. Today, I’m grateful for every single person who has made life easier for us in their own way. It is because of them that we can enjoy the gift of time to go out and pursue our dreams. When life gets back to normal, don’t forget to let them know that you value them. . . . . . #20DaysOfGratefulness #SwasthRahoMastRaho #GetFit2020 #stayhome #staysafe #blessed #gratitude #quarantinelife #selfisolation

A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty) on

Anushka Sharma

Actress Anushka Sharma has turned hairstylist for her cricketer husband Virat Kohli. The couple popularly called Virushka, indulged in some customised salon treatment as Anushka shared the video on Instagram on Saturday. What’s interesting is that Anushka used a pair of kitchen scissors for Virat’s hair cut!

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Meanwhile, in quarantine.. ??‍♂??‍♀

A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) on

While getting his hair trimmed, Virat says: “This is what quarantine does to you. We allow things like this to happen. Getting a haircut with kitchen scissors! Can you see this gradual fade? Beautiful haircut by my wife.”

The couple has been active on Instagram, making frequent appearances while appealing their fans to stay home and stay safe.

Jacqueline Fernandes

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez has shared a video on Instagram of her doing Surya Namaskar while asking her fans to not quit physical activity despite the closure of gyms due to lockdown.

“This is 1 surya namaskar, 20 mins you can do 20 and it’s a great workout! I do 108. yoga to the rescue!!!,” she captioned a video which she shared on Instagram recently.

Malaika Arora

Bollywood celebrity Malaika Arora has been sharing her love for healthy food on social media. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, she is self-quarantining and is utilizing her time with family while cooking delicious food.

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I love to cook! I love cooking for my family and friends but with my busy schedule, I hardly get time to pursue this passion of mine. But with this self isolation upon us, I thought of utilising this time in a constructive and healthy way by cooking some sumptuous and delicious 'Malabari veg stew for the soul'. I have got this recipe from mom @joycearora and a bit from my friend Maunika @cookinacurry who's a lovely cook. Everyone at home simply loves this stew and we are going to have it with some white rice and some delicious gluten-free, vegan chickpea bread that my friend Raveena @iamayogisattva made for me. M in for a lovely treat, I hope you too utilise this time to do something positive and healthy. Stay calm and stay safe! #stayhome#quarantine #covid_19

A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) on

Recently, she shared a video on her social media account of herself cooking, with a caption that said, “I love to cook! I love cooking for my family and friends but with my busy schedule, I hardly get time to pursue this passion of mine.”

COVID-19: UT, state-wise breakdown of cases and fatalities

New Delhi (NVI): The novel coronavirus pandemic has created a situation of panic in the country, with a total of 1,397 confirmed cases of the disease and 35 fatalities, according to the Health Ministry data.

After the first confirmed case in India, which was reported on January 30, the contagion has tightened its grip in the entire nation.

Following is a list of the total number of cases and fatalities across the nation:

Death in States and UT’s

Maharashtra: 9
Gujarat: 6
Madhya Pradesh: 3
Karnataka: 3
Delhi: 2
Punjab: 3
Bihar: 1
Telangana: 1
West Bengal: 2
Tamil Nadu: 1
Jammu and Kashmir: 2
Kerala: 1
Himachal Pradesh- 1

Number of positive cases UT and state-wise

Andhra Pradesh- 57
Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 11
Bihar- 16
Chandigarh- 18
Chhattisgarh- 9
Delhi- 109
Goa- 5
Gujarat- 83
Haryana- 44
Himachal Pradesh- 4
Jammu and Kashmir- 62
Karnataka- 86
Kerala- 267
Ladakh- 13
Madhya Pradesh- 50
Maharashtra- 243
Manipur- 1
Mizoram- 1
Odisha- 3
Puducherry- 1
Punjab- 47
Rajasthan- 89
Tamil Nadu- 82
Telangana- 88
Uttarakhand- 7
Uttar Pradesh- 120
West Bengal- 32

A total of 123 people have been cured and discharged from hospitals in India. There are around 1,238 active cases currently.

Coronavirus cases surpass 8,50,000 globally

Coronavirus cases
(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of infected cases due to the coronavirus have now reached 8,59,556 globally while the deadly virus has claimed more than 42,000 around the world, according to John Hopkins Universoty data.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is tightening its grip around the globe with cases being reported from more than 180 countries.

The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, has warned the coronavirus pandemic presents the world with its “worst crisis” since World War II.

Meanwhile, the number of casualties in the United States are now higher than in China, where US announced more than 800 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to more than 3,834, which is the third highest death toll after Italy and Spain.

The US has reported a total of 1,85,499 positive cases of COVID-19 across the country.

Both the US and Italy have recorded more than 1,00,000 cases, while Spain is nearing that figure. All have more cases than China, where the outbreak began, according to the media reports.

In addition to this, Spain, the United Kingdom and France, each reported their biggest overnight jump in deaths since the start of the pandemic.

A total of 1,789 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive, the country’s Department of Health and Social Care says.

Northwest India to witness rise in temperature

New Delhi (NVI): The plains of northwest India could experience a rise in their maximum daytime mercury levels for the next few days, according to weather forecasters.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated parts over the northwest may also experience wet conditions, as rains and thunderstorms have been forecasted over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh.

However, the weather conditions over the region are likely to get drier, as the induced cyclonic circulation over north Rajasthan fades.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, light drizzle was also witnessed in Delhi-NCR region.

While the eastern and southeastern states of Odisha, Telangana, interior Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are likely to witness a gradual rise in their maximum daytime temperatures.

Apart from that, the west Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat will mark an increase in their respective daytime temperatures.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, the minimum temperature today was recorded at 17 degrees Celsius.

However, the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to rise over the next few days, according to IMD.

Covid-19 cases in India rise to 1,397, death toll at 35

New Delhi (NVI): With 146 new infections reported across the country in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 1,397 today, while the death toll due to the pandemic rose to 35.

The Union Health Ministry in its latest data said that the active number of COVID-19 cases stands at 1,238.

There was a total of 32 fatalities due to the disease till yesterday. Three more deaths- two in Punjab and one in Maharashtra were reported today.

As per the latest Health Ministry data, 123 people have been either cured or discharged while 1 case has been migrated so far.

Looking at the state-wise toll, then Maharashtra has reported most deaths so far at 9. Gujarat has reported six deaths, while Karnataka, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh have 3 deaths each. Delhi, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir have reported 2 deaths each. Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh have recorded single deaths each.

Kargil woman under quarantine gives birth to baby boy

Mubashir Bukhari

Kargil (NVI): Lady luck smiled upon a woman under quarantine in Kargil, when she went into her labour pain. Hours later, a healthy baby boy was throbbing with life in her lap at District Hospital Kargil.

The lady from Sanko area of Kargil, along with her family members were kept under quarantine center after two of her close relatives were tested positive for coronavirus.

But on March 28, the lady developed labour pain and was shifted to District Hospital Kargil where she gave birth to a baby boy.

Liqayat Ali, a volunteer from Islamia School came to the rescue of woman and helped her to reach the hospital along with one local girl.

“All her family members were under quarantine. We rushed her to the hospital and purchased clothes and medicines. Since everything was shut, I went home and brought traditional food which we usually give to the lactating mother. Besides, we also arranged clothes for baby,” he said.

Senior doctor at Government Hospital Kargil, Dr Vilayat Ali told NVI said one pregnant lady who had completed 12 days in quarantine gave birth to healthy baby boy at the hospital. “The lady had already tested negative for COVID 19 twice, but as a precautionary measure, we took samples of both mother and baby and reports are awaited,” Ali said.

Ali said now the lady and her family members have completed the 14-day mandatory period and have been released from quarantine center. “They have been sent to their home village, where they will be kept under home surveillance period,” he said.

Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, deputy commissioner, Kargil said that this lady had a normal delivery.

“Both the mother and her baby are doing fine,” he said.

India warns against use of tourist visa for religious activities

New Delhi (NVI): In the wake of controversial Tableeghi gathering at Nizamuddin shrine, India today warned foreigners travelling here on tourist visas against indulging in religious activities, as authorities started hunting for those who attended the congregation despite lockdown.

The Union Home Ministry said if any foreigner on tourist visa is found indulging in religious activity, he/she will be treated as a visa violator.

The Ministry, in a statement, said strict action will be taken against foreigners who attended the Nizamuddin Markaz event in Delhi, in case they are found guilty of violating visa rules.

“Usually, all the foreign nationals visiting India as a part of Tabligh team come on the strength of tourist visa. MHA had already issued guidelines that they should not indulge in missionary work on tourist visa. State Police would be examining categories of visas of all these foreign TJ workers and take further action in case of violation of visa conditions,” the ministry said in a statement.

The government’s action came after it was found that a large Tableegi congregation had taken place at Nizamuddin shrine and many people got infected with coronavirus there.

At least six people from Telangana, who attended the congregation, died due to coronavirus.

Apart from that, the government has also banned tourist visas to Tableegi activists from abroad. No foreigner coming on tourist visa will now be allowed to conduct Tableegi activities.

Moving forward in this direction, MHA has also asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to seeks details of Tableegi activists who apply for visa. These would include their details of accommodation in India, return ticket and finance.

Tableeghi Jamaat workers, both foreigners as well Indians, indulge in Tabligh activities (Chilla) across the country throughout the year, MHA said in a statement.

Various nationals, particularly from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan come for Tabligh activities, it said.

All such foreign nationals normally report their arrival at Tabligh Markaz at Banglewali Mosque in Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi. From here, they are detailed for Chilla activities to different parts of the country.

The Ministry also said that approximately 2100 foreigners had visited India for Tabligh activities from January 1 onwards this year.

“While approximately 824 of them, as on March 21, were dispersed in different parts of the country, approximately 216 of them were staying at Nizamuddin Markaz. Others might have left the country before the lockdown,” it added.

24 of total 97 Covid cases in Delhi from Nizamuddin event: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said that the Nizamuddin Markaz event was an irresponsible act as 24 out of total 97 COVID-19 cases in the national capital are from the religious gathering that took place around mid-March.

Speaking at a virtual press conference here, Kejriwal slammed the organisers of the event saying that it was criminal in nature, considering the serious outbreak of deadly disease.

He said action will be taken in this regard and that his government has already written to Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal recommending the registration of an FIR against the organisers.

He also said that if any official is held responsible for a lapse in connection with the Nizamuddin event, then strict action will be taken against him/her.

Meanwhile, the Delhi CM also said there has been no community transmission of coronavirus in Delhi currently. “41 have travel history to foreign countries and 22 are family members of foreign travelers. 10 cases yet to be verified. No local community transmission right now,” he said adding that there are 89 active cases of COVID-19 in national capital at present.

Regarding the Nizamuddin gathering, he said that out of those who attended the event, 441 people have been admitted to hospitals while 1,107 have been quarantined.

Yesterday, Delhi police sealed off a major area in Nizamuddin where several people showed symptoms of coronavirus after taking part in the gathering around mid-March.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also taken cognizance of the fiasco, saying that the Government committed to identify, isolate and quarantine COVID-19 positive Tablighi Jamaat (TJ) workers in India post their congregation in Nizamuddin.

“Government committed to identify, isolate and quarantine #COVID19 positive Tabligh Jamaat (TJ) workers in India post their congregation in Nizamuddin, Delhi. So far, 1339 TJ workers shifted to quarantine facilities & hospitals. So far, 1339 TJ workers shifted to quarantine facilities & hospitals,” MHA said in a tweet.

“Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) shared details of foreign and Indian Tabhlig Jamaat (TJ) workers in India with all States on March 21, 2020, after COVID-19 positive cases among these workers surfaced in Telangana,” the MHA said in a statement.

20 areas declared red zones in Kashmir amid Covid-19 outbreak

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): Following the detection of more and more positive COVID-19 from Jammu and Kashmir, The UT Government today declared 20 villages/areas as ‘red zones’, and issued orders that entry to these areas will remain restricted.

These areas fall in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora and Budgam districts of Kashmir.

In Srinagar, Mehjoor Nagar, Natipora, Lal Bazar, Eidgah and Shalteng areas have been declared as red zones. In Budgam district, only Chadoora falls under this category.

In Bandipora district, Parray Mohala Hajin, Chandergeer Hajin, Batagund Hajin have been declared as red zones.

Gudoora, Chandgam, Pinglena, Parigam, Abhama, Sangerwani and Khaigam in Pulwama district, Waskura in Ganderbal district and Sedew and Ramnagri areas in Shopian district have been declared as red zones.

Earlier, five villages in Manjakote tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district were declared as red zones and their surrounding villages as buffer zones to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the government has said that several areas surrounding the location of COVID-19 cases or untraced contact cases had to be sealed in Jammu, Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, and Rajouri in the interest of controlling the spread of the dreaded disease.

“Aggressive contact tracing of positive cases key to control spread of #Coronavirus. Yesterday several areas surrounding location of positive cases or untraced contact cases had to be sealed in Jammu, Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Rajouri,” tweeted Principal Secretary of Information Department, Rohit Kansal.

“This is purely in the interest of controlling the spread of #coronavirus, and helping identification of contacts on real-time basis,” Kansal, who is also the JK government spokesman, said.

“Inconvenience so caused is temporary in nature but benefits will be immense. Request all to cooperate and take it in the right spirit,” he added.

Till now, 55 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir, with two deaths and two recovery cases.

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