New Delhi: The government on Thursday exempted various medical equipment from levy of basic customs duty and health cess in order to allow cheaper imports of these critical devices that are required in large numbers in the country to contain coronavirus pandemic. The basic customs duty exemption will be applicable until September 30 so that […]
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Centre clears Covid-19 emergency package for states, UTs
New Delhi: The Central government has approved a Covid-19 emergency response and health system preparedness package in a bid to strengthen the national and state health systems. The Centrally funded project will be implemented in three phases — from January 2020 to March 2024 — stated an April 7 letter signed by National Health Mission […]
RBI’s Monetary Policy Report forecasts global recession
Mumbai: Outlining a grim picture for the global economy amid the coronavirus crisis, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Report says that the global economy may slump into recession in 2020. The report noted that the the coronavirus pandemic, lockdown and the expected contraction in global output will weigh heavily on the growth outlook. […]
Odisha extends lockdown till April 30, first state to do so
Keeping in view COVID-19 pandemic, Odisha Government on Thursday decided to extend lockdown till April 30, thus becoming first state to do so. According to news agency ANI, Odisha has extended lockdown till April 30 and it has become first state to do so. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has requested the Centre not to start […]
Times like these bring friends closer: Modi after Trump’s praise
New Delhi: “Times like these bring friends closer,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump thanked him for clearing the export of anti-malarial drug, hydroxychloroquine, to the US. The drug has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a potential treatment for the coronavirus and was touted repeatedly […]
COVID-19 total tally reaches 5,734, 166 dead
New Delhi: The total tally of novel coronavirus cases in India reached up to 5,734 on Thursday, the data of Union Health Ministry said. As per the Ministry data, of the total number, 5,095 are active cases, 166 are dead, one has migrated, while 472 people have been discharged after recovery. Maharashtra is the worst […]
PM indicates shutdown to stay, final decision after meet with CMs on April 11
New Delhi: In what can be seen as a movement towards extension of the ongoing shutdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told all the floor leaders of various parties in the Parliament that the kind of response and suggestions he has received does not indicate that the lockdown should be lifted, said sources. The […]
UP government to now seal COVID-19 hotspots in 15 districts till April 15
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to impose a complete lockdown in places which have emerged as COVID-19 hotspots. This is being done to check the spread of Coronavirus. The order will come into effect from 12 am tonight and will continue till April 15. The 15 districts where hotspots will be shut down […]
India records 773 new corona cases, most in a day
New Delhi: India recorded 773 coronavirus positive cases and 32 deaths in the past twenty-four hours, according to the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. India’s total count of corona positive cases stands at 5,194 with total deaths at 149. As many as 1.21 lakh tests have been conducted so far, the Ministry said, adding the country […]
Labs should not overcharge for COVID-19 tests, observes SC
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday suggested private labs should not charge exorbitantly for COVID-19 tests, and asked the Centre to explore a mechanism wherein the amount spend on these tests could be reimbursed. The observation from the apex court came on a petition that sought its direction to ensure free COVID-19 testing for […]