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Economic Times | 31 Jul, 2020 | 12.08AM IST
Unlock 3.0 updates: No Sunday lockdown in Karnataka
Also restrictions on the movement of individuals during the night (from 9 pm-5 am) have been removed under unlock 3.0.
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Highlights of the day
- RIL Q1 results: Profit jumps 31% YoY to Rs 13,233 crore on exceptional gains, beats Street estimates
- NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover launches to the Red Planet
- Disengagement not yet complete: India to China
- Andhra Pradesh reports highest ever single-day Covid cases
- India may add 35,000 troops along China border
- In Kerala, Manipur govt defines rules for eid celebrations
- Bihar govt files caveat in SC, seeks to be heard in Rhea's plea in Sushant Rajput death case
Jharkhand extends lockdown restrictions outside containment zones till Aug 31
PM Modi meets financial regulators; discusses measures to revive COVID-hit economy
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a brainstorming session with financial sector regulators and discussed various measures to revive the economy hit hard by COVID-19 crisis.
- According to sources, the meeting discussed various steps that regulators, especially the Reserve Bank of India, can take to push economic growth staring at the risk of contraction.
- RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Sebi chairman Ajay Tyagi, Irdai chairman S C Khuntia and PFRDA chairman Supratim Bandyopadhyay were in the meeting, which saw presence of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, among others.
- Besides, senior government officials attended the virtual three-hour long meeting.
COVID-19 test reports sent through SMS to ensure timely communication: Punjab health minister
India, Bangladesh appreciate mutual sensitivity and respect: MEA
- India and Bangladesh appreciate mutual sensitivity and respect in building further on their close relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
- The assertion came after Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen's reported remarks that Indian government and society have an obligation to prevent any development that can fracture the historic ties with Bangladesh.
- According to a media report, the Foreign Minister's remarks were in response to the August 5 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
- Asked about his remarks, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "We are confident that both sides appreciate mutual sensitivity and mutual respect in building further on this relationship."
All religious places in the state to re-open for common devotees, from 1st Sept. Home Ministry to issue a guideline for the same, in the wake of COVID. CM Gehlot has instructed all Dist Collectors to make arrangements, ensuring social distancing & health protocols: Rajasthan govt
Delhi: CM Kejriwal met the family of Dr Javed Ali, who died due to COVID on 20 July. Says, "We gave them compensation of Rs 1 Cr. It's a small amount through which we're saying that we care for them & are with them. I assured that they can tell us if they need any help in future"
Global experts stress on rigorous standards as COVID vaccines across globe enter human trial phase
Congress to air Rahul Gandhi's conversation with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on Friday
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's dialogue with renowned Bangladeshi economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will be aired on his YouTube channel on Friday in which they will be seen discussing ideas that could re-shape the post pandemic world and delving into limitations of adopting a western economic model, the party said.
India has banned 106 Chinese applications that threatened its citizens’ privacy and security: United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the Fiscal Year 2021 State Department Budget request
Our diplomatic efforts are working, & momentum is building to mitigate the threats that Chinese Communist Party presents. All 10 ASEAN nations have insisted that the South China Sea disputes must be settled on basis of international law, including UNCLOS
- US Secretary of State
Japan led the G7’s condemnation of China’s national security law targeting Hong Kong. The EU condemned the law too, and also declared China a “systemic rival” just last year. Our Quad – the United States, Australia, India, and Japan has been reinvigorated
- US Secretary of State
Max Financial Q1 net profit jumps over 3-fold to Rs 182 cr
India's Covid count
#PIB’S DAILY BULLETIN ON #COVID19 India’s Total #COVID19 Recoveries cross the milestone of 10 lakh More than 30,0… https://t.co/Q7QY06O9N3
— PIB India (@PIB_India) 1596128011000Big B greets on Eid al Adha
T 3510 - Eid al Adha mubarak .. https://t.co/A2GS8t8QHR
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) 1596126863000Reliance Infra posts net loss of Rs 288 crore in Apr-Jun quarter
Haryana reports four more COVID-19 deaths; 623 fresh cases
Thane's COVID-19 tally crosses 84,000-mark with 1,579 cases
Himachal Pradesh's Covid tally rises to 2,506: ANI
Not opening multiplexes to impact jobs: Industry body
- The government's decision not to open multiplexes in Unlock 3.0 will impact millions of livelihoods dependent on the sector, industry body MAI said on Thursday.
- The Multiplex Association Of India (MAI) said the industry was thoroughly prepared with stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines to offer a safe movie watching experience.
- "We are extremely disappointed with the Unlock 3.0 announcement to keep cinemas under continued lockdown," MAI Member Alok Tandon said.
- The government on Wednesday issued the Unlock 3.0 guidelines amid efforts to restore normalcy in economic activities hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cinema halls and multiplexes have been kept under the prohibited category, along with metro rail services, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
Unlock 3.0: No Sunday lockdown in Karnataka
- Also restrictions on the movement of individuals during the night (night curfew from 9 pm-5 am) have been removed under unlock 3.0.
- For the first time since the coronavirus lockdown came into force on March 25, the government has allowed the opening of yoga institutes and gymnasiums from August 5.
- The order said, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu reports 5,864 new COVID-19 cases, tally surges to 2,39,978
Assam is expecting to flatten the COVID-19 curve by August 15: Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Assam health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that state is expecting to flatten the COVID-19 curve by August 15.
- Sarma said, “Though government of India has announced relaxation in unlocking 3 however we will think about it and continue with some restrictions till August 15. As COVID situation has improved, we do not want fitter away the gain.”
- Sarma who is also the education minister said that though schools and colleges are closed till August. “We are readying with SOP and if things improve and government of India allows we will be ready to open the educational institutions from September 1 onwards.”
- Sarma said that state government is examining the new education policy. “With suitable changes we will come to state cabinet for discussion.”
- The health minister tweeted, “Today @DCKamrupMetrohas completed 4267 tests for COVID 19 in Guwahati City. Soon we will touch the 5000 figure. Well done team Kamrup metropolitan.”
- Meanwhile Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu, stated that five worshippers will be allowed to perform Namaz at the Masjids and Idgahs on August 1 in view of the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. Various organisations have urged to allow five persons to offer Namaz.
- "Great organisations don’t see people as a commodity to be managed to help grow their money, they think of money as a commodity to be managed to help grow their people".
Punjab's Covid update
511 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today. The total number of cases now stands at 15,456 including 4,577 active cases, 10,509 discharged cases and 370 deaths: Department of Information & Public Relations, Punjab Government
Haryana's Covid tally
623 new COVID-19 cases reported in Haryana today; the total number of cases in the State reaches 34,254. There are 6,497 active cases; death toll stands at 417: State Health Department
U.S. Economy Shrinks at Record 32.9% Pace in Second Quarter
Andhra Pradesh reports 10,000 plus fresh cases
The exponential growth of coronavirus cases continued in Andhra Pradesh as it recorded 10,000 plus cases for the second straight day on Thursday, taking the cumulative figure to 1,30,557.
Constitution supreme for me, there is no pressure
- Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra
Five special flights carrying1,153 residents of Gujarat, who have been stranded in various countries due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown in India, will land in Ahmedabad between May 10 and May 13, a senior official said on Saturday.
Delhi BJP to install big screens across city for live telecast of Ram temple 'Bhumi Pujan'
The Delhi BJP will install giant LED screens across the city for people to watch groundbreaking ceremony for a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 5, and will celebrate the occasion by lighting diyas, party leader Adesh Kumar Gupta said. The Delhi BJP president said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present during the 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony in Ayodhya and it will be a "historic" occasion.
In Noida, sweet shops outside containment zones allowed to open this weekend
- Sweet shops and those selling rakhis outside containment zones can conduct business during the weekend in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar in view of Raksha Bandhan on Monday, officials said on Thursday.
- District Magistrate Suhas L Y asked residents and shopkeepers to take all precautionary measures like maintaining social distancing and wearing face covers during outdoor activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Shops and markets remain closed during weekends in Uttar Pradesh since lockdown-like restrictions have been clamped on outdoor activities from 10 pm on Fridays till 5 am on Mondays in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sonia Gandhi admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
Congress President Sonia Gandhi admitted today at 7 pm to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. She has been admitted for routine tests and investigations. Her condition is currently stable: Dr D.S. Rana, Chairman.
Bihar government files caveat before Supreme Court challenging actor Rhea Chakraborty's petition, seeking transfer of the FIR, registered in Patna, to Mumbai in actor #SushantSinghRajput's death case.
Maharashtra's Covid tally
Maharashtra reports 266 deaths and 11,147 new COVID-19 cases today. The total number of cases is now 4,11,798 including 2,48,615 recovered cases and 1,48,150 active cases: State Health Department.
Uttarakhand's Covid update
Uttarakhand reports 199 COVID-19 cases and 185 cases of discharge today. The total cases here rise to 7065, including 76 deaths and 3996 cases of recovery: Uttarakhand State Control Room COVID-19
Manipur govt asks people to celebrate Eid at home
More restrictions in Bihar
Government of Bihar imposes additional restrictions, in-state headquarters, district headquarters, sub-divisional headquarters, block headquarters and all municipal areas in the state from 1st to 16th August in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
Delhi reports 1093 COVID-19 positive cases, 1091 recovered/discharged/migrated and 29 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total cases here rise to 1,34,403 including 1,19,724 recovered/discharged/migrated and 3936 deaths: Government of Delhi
Gujarat reports record spike of 1,159 in coronavirus
1,159 COVID-19 cases and 22 deaths reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours. State tally rises to 60,285 including 13,793 active cases, 44,074 cured/discharged and 2,418 deaths: State Health Department
Gyms prepare to reopen with precautions
- Gyms in the national capital have equipped themselves with loads of disinfectants, PPE kits for trainers, hired more workers for regular sanitisation and made Aarogya Setu app mandatory as they prepare to reopen after more than four months.
- Some have even made it mandatory for their members to furnish their medical history and give an undertaking that they are not infected by coronavirus.
- However, they have not made mask mandatory as it may cause breathing difficulty during a heavy workout.
- The Centre on Wednesday released guidelines for unlock 3 -- the third phase of gradual lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions in the county -- allowing gyms and yoga centers to reopen from August 5.
Reliance Industries posts Rs 13,248 cr net profit for Jun qtr
Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday reported a better-than-expected net profit of Rs 13,248 crore in the June quarter on the back of exceptional income. Net profit was Rs 10,141 crore in the same period a year back, the company said in a regulatory filing. The company said it recognised an exceptional gain of Rs 4,966 crore from stake sale.
J&K Covid tally
450 new COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir today; 83 from Jammu division and 367 from Kashmir division. The total number of cases stands at 19,869 including 7,662 actives cases, 11,842 recoveries and 365 deaths: Government of J&K
Karnataka's Covid update
Karnataka reports 6,128 new COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths today. The total number of cases in the State stands at 1,18,632 including 69,700 active cases and 2,230 deaths: State Health Department
Hardik Satishchandra Shah appointed as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. He is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office.
Bamboo can be main pillar of medicinal, paper industries: Jitendra Singh
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday that bamboo can be the main pillar of ecological, medicinal, paper and building sectors in India and it can become one of the important components of the country's post-COVID-19 economy.
- Chairing a review meeting of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Singh urged the Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) to explore setting up of vocational training and skill development centres for the bamboo sector for its full exploitation, branding, packaging and marketing in India and abroad.
- Bamboo can be the main pillar of ecological, medicinal, paper and building sectors in India, he said.
- The minister for DoNER said that CBTC, in coordination with National Bamboo Mission, will work in this direction to boost the bamboo economy in the northeastern region.
Disengagement process along LAC not yet complete: India
India & China agreed that early & complete disengagement of troops along Line of Actual Control & de-escalation from border areas, & full restoration of peace & tranquillity was essential for smooth overall development of bilateral relations. There has been some progress made towards this objective but the disengagement process has as yet not been completed. The senior commanders of the two sides will be meeting in near future to work out steps in this regard: MEA
Trump floats election 'delay' amid claims of voting fraud
- President Donald Trump is for the first time floating a ``delay'' to November's presidential election, as he makes unsubstantiated allegations that increased mail-in voting will result in fraud.
- The dates of federal elections are set by Congress, and the Constitution makes no provisions for a delay to the Jan. 20, 2021 presidential inauguration.
- Trump tweeted Thursday: ``With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???''
- There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through mail-in voting, even in states with all-mail votes.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra vacates govt accommodation
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hands over the documents of her central government allotted accommodation, to officials of Central Public Works Department. She vacated the accommodation at Delhi's Lodhi Estate today.
Pompeo says closed Chinese consulate in Houston was 'den of spies'
Tamil Nadu's Covid tally
5,864 new COVID-19 cases and 97 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total to 2,39,978 cases and 3,838 deaths till date. 5,295 patients were discharged today. 57,962 cases still active in the state: Health & Family Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu
Disengagement process not yet completed: MEA on China's claim troops have disengaged in most localities in eastern Ladakh
Airtel CEO says tariffs must go up, flags concerns on high cost of 5G spectrum
- Bharti Airtel on Thursday said tariffs have to go up, and the question is of right timing, as the telco asserted that ARPU should rise to Rs 200 and eventually to Rs 300 for a sustainable business model.
- Speaking at an earnings call post Q1 results, Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal said the indicative reserve price for 5G spectrum, as recommended by regulator, is "very expensive", unaffordable and does not support business case at those levels.
- The 5G ecosystem is "still nascent" and commercial roll out of 5G is still a few years away, he said.
US donates 100 ventilators to Pak to combat COVID-19 pandemic
PM Modi condoles folk musician Sonam Tshering Lepcha's death
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of folk musician Sonam Tshering Lepcha on Thursday, recalling his efforts to popularise the Lepcha culture.
- Lepcha passed away at the age of 92 years.
- "Padma Shri Ren Sonam Tshering Lepcha Ji was a a multi-faceted personality. He made outstanding efforts to popularise the great Lepcha culture," Modi said in a tweet.
- Lepcha's works are respected across generations, he pointed out. "Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.
Electricity bill of Rs 6.67 lakh
- B Veerababu, a resident of Amberpet was in shock when he received an electricity bill of Rs 6.67 lakh for the last four months.
- Later on Wednesday, electricity department officials have approached Veerababuand changed the meter to avoid trouble in future.
- Speaking to ANI, Veerababu said, "Usually, I get an electricity consumption bill of around Rs 800 to Rs 1,100 for my house. But for the past three months, the electricity department officials did not come to take the meter reading or nor did they generate any bill."
COVID-19 tanks U.S. economy in second quarter, outlook shaky
Manish Sisodia on new education policy
The nation was waiting for a new Education Policy for 34 years. It's now here. It's a forward-looking document which accepts flaws of today's education system but has two issues with it - it was unable to break free of pressures of education's old tradtions. Secondly, the Policy doesn't say how will the reforms, it speaks of, will be achieved. The Policy is either silent or confused on those issues, says Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Education
In Punjab, plasma will be provided free of cost
Amid spiralling COVID infections and deaths, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh says that plasma will be provided free of cost by the state government to all those in need: Punjab Chief Minister's Office
We look forward to collaborating with India as it seeks to build self-reliance and grow trade, investment b/w our nations...India has become attractive for many reasons. We see clear effort in India to introduce economic reforms & attract investment
- Australian High Commissioner
