COVID-19 economic response task force to be formed under Finance Minister: Modi

19In what is seen as sensitising the citizens with a word of caution on Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday. Prime Minister also announced the creation of ‘Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force’ under the Union Finance Minister. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the Ministers for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, Civil Aviation, MSMEs and Tourism on Friday to take feedback and assess the impact of Covid-19

Modi also asked businesses and high networth individual not to cut salary of their employees.

Stressing on resolve and restraint, while asking the citizens to follow ‘Janata Curfew’ from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday, he said: “Our experience of Janata Curfew will help us chart the way ahead for tackling coronavirus in India”.

Crisil on March 19 said that Arundhati Bhattacharya, the past chairman of State Bank of India, has submitted her resignation as independent director of the company effective April 15. In her resignation, Bhattacharya has indicated that the reason for her resignation is her decision to accept a full time role as chairperson and CEO in another company, the filing said.

"Bhattacharya, an Independent Director of the company, has submitted her resignation as a director of the company, which will take effect on April 15, 2020," Crisil Ltd said in a filing to BSE.

She has confirmed that there is no other material reason, other than the reason stated in her resignation, it added.

Defence Acquisition Council approved  procurement of 83 indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft for Indian Air Force yesterday. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is going to be the backbone of Indian Air Force in future.

While orders of 40 Tejas aircraft had been placed with HAL in initial configurations, DAC paved the way for the procurement of another 83 of the more advanced version of the aircraft from HAL. Our correspondent reports, this procurement will be a major boost to Make in India as the aircraft is indigenously designed.  The Defence Acquisition Council also accorded approval for acquisition of indigenous Defence equipment for about 1,300 crore rupees.

Bajaj Auto on Wednesday said its board has approved the re-appointment of Rajiv Bajaj as Managing Director and CEO of the company. The approval was given in board meeting held on Tuesday.

"Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director and CEO of the company, whose five-year term expires on March 31, 2020, has been re-appointed for a further period of five years with effect from April 1, 2020," the company said in a filing to BSE.

However, the re-appointment of subject to approval of the shareholders of the company at the ensuing annual general meeting, it said.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has advised people to follow basic protective measures so that they can keep themselves safe from the Novel Coronavirus. People should avoid participating in large gatherings.

If a person is experiencing cough and fever he/she should avoid close contact with others. People are advised not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth without cleaning their hands. Spitting in public places should be avoided.

All the persons should practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol based hand rub. People should cover their nose and mouth with handkerchief/tissue while sneezing and coughing. Used tissues should be thrown into closed bins immediately after use. In case of fever, difficult breathing and cough, doctor should be consulted immediately. While visiting doctor wear a mask/cloth to cover mouth and nose.

World Bank has announced 14 billion US Dollars to assist companies and countries in their efforts to respond to the rapid spread of COVID-19. It has added 2 billion dollars to the initial package.

The announcement came amid fear of a major global recession in the wake of the coronavirus that has impacted more than 120 countries. The package will strengthen national systems for public health preparedness, including for disease containment, diagnosis and treatment, and support the private sector.

World Bank President David Malpass said, it is essential that we shorten the time to recovery. He added that the World Bank is committed to a fast and flexible response based on the needs of developing countries.

Yes Bank CEO-designate Prashant Kumar has assured customers that complete operational normalcy will be restored from 6 PM today. Stating that there are absolutely no worries on the liquidity front, Mr. Kumar said all the bank branches and ATMs have adequate supply of cash. He also clarified that there would not be any need to depend on external sources for liquidity.

Assuring depositors that there is no need to worry about the safety of their deposits, Mr. Kumar said customers will enjoy all the banking services as they did before the moratorium. 

CoronaVirus, that has infected more than a lakh people in the world hasnt spared even the rich and famous.

Hollywood Star Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have confirmed that they tested positive for Covid-19 in Australia, and many other famous faces have also come down with the virus.

Hanks first shared the news on Instagram that he and his wife tested positive for coronavirus last week. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too, Hanks wrote in a social media post.

The Quantum of Solace actor Olga Kurylenko revealed she has tested positive in an Instagram post. Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus. I've actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously, she wrote in the caption.

The Election Commission of India today appointed Hirdesh Kumar as the new Chief Electoral Officer of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He will replace Shailendra Kumar with effect from the date he assumes charge.  

Hridesh Kumar, a 1999 batch IAS officer is presently serving as Commissioner Secretary in the School Education Department of J&K. 

The Centre has taken the decision to close all the educational institutions including school and colleges, gyms, museums, swimming pools, theaters till 31st of this month due to corona virus situation in the country. An advisory in this regard have been sent to the State governments for implementation. Students have also been advised to stay at home.

Meanwhile, the total confirmed cases of corona virus in the country rose to 114 with four new cases from Kerala, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.  

Briefing media in New Delhi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Lav Agarwal informed that  committee of secretaries chaired by Cabinet Secretary reviewed and discussed the preventive measures to control the spread of corona virus in the country. He said, based on the recommendations of the Committee, Group of Ministers in its 7th meeting has taken the decision to adopt the social distancing as a preventive measure.