LIVE! Twitter tells global staff to work from home

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Thu, 12 March 2020

Twitter tells global staff to work from home

Timeline Refresh

23:54 Twitter tells global staff to work from home

In a bid to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Twitter informed all its employees to work from home.

On March 1, Twitter suspended non-critical business travels and events, followed by encouraging employees to work from home a day later.

On March 11, the company moved to mandatory work from home globally, an official tweet noted. Other than mandating working from home, Twitter is also providing additional support and resources to its employees, contractors, vendors, and other staff to curb chances of the pandemic's spread.

-- ANI

The AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu on Thursday said it has put on hold the National Population Register exercise, saying the Central government has not responded to its concerns over some new features.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami had written to the Centre seeking appropriate amendments to the provisions to allay the fears of minority communities, especially Muslims, over queries like Aadhar and details of parents and the Centre was yet to respond, Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar said.

AIADMK is the second ally of BJP to raise concerns over NPR after the assembly in NDA-ruled Bihar passed an unanimous resolution that it would be carried out strictly according to the 2010 format.

Udhayakumar said the Tamil Nadu government was clear it will begin the exercise only after getting clarification from the Centre.

-- PTI

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo could be postponed for a year, as organizers insist the Games will go ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak.

"Maybe they postpone it for a year," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"It's a shame" but "I like that better than I like having empty stadiums," he said.

22:43 India reports its first coronavirus death

The commission of health in Karnataka has confirmed that India has had its first coronavirus death.

Elaborating, it said, "The 76-year-old man from Kalaburgi who passed away and was a suspected COVID-19 patient has been confirmed positive for COVID-19. Telangana government has also been informed as he went to a hospital there."

The man had a travel history to Saudi Arabia.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to discuss the coordinated international efforts required to tackle the spread of deadly coronavirus.

The deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 4,600 lives and infected more than 124,330 people across 118 countries and territories.

"The PM spoke to Indian Prime Minister Modi today. They discussed the coronavirus outbreak and emphasised the importance of coordinated international efforts to tackle the spread of the virus," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

A statement issued by the Indian Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi said the two leaders expressed their desire to further strengthen the India-UK Strategic Partnership in the new decade.

"They agreed that it would be useful to formulate a comprehensive roadmap towards this objective," the PMO statement said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over UK Health Minister Nadine Dorries testing positive for coronavirus, and wished her a speedy recovery.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the cooperation between India and UK in the field of climate change, especially with reference to the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

-- PTI

22:02 Canadian PM self-quarantines amid coronavirus

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is quarantining himself at home after his wife exhibited flu-like symptoms.

Trudeau's office said that Sophie Grgoire Trudeau returned from a speaking engagement in Britain and had mild flu-like symptoms, including a low fever late, Wednesday night.

She is being tested for the COVID-19 disease and is awaiting results.

She is self-isolating at home awaiting test results, and her symptoms have since subsided, a statement from the PMs office says.

According to the statement, a doctor has advised the Canadian PM to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given that he has no symptoms himself.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Canadian PM is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie's results," wrote Trudeaus office.

Two more cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Maharashtra on Thursday evening, one of them in Mumbai and other in neighbouring Thane, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said here.

It took the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state to 14.

The new coronavirus patient in Mumbai was a 65-year-old man who had returned from Dubai and his condition was somewhat critical, Tope told reporters.

The patient in Thane had travelled to France, he said.

Earlier in the day, test of one person in Pune had come out positive.

There are now nine confirmed coronavirus patients in Pune, three in Mumbai, one in Thane and another in Nagpur.

-- PTI

Amid the coronavirus scare, the Indian Council of Medical Research said that vaccines for the virus will take a minimum of 1.5 to 2 years to come into existence.

"Coronavirus is difficult to isolate but our first effort has been successful as now we have 11 such isolates. Figuring this isolate was a prime requisite for doing any kind of research. Now, we have a virus and it is safer to start from that base rather than the sequence of the gene to look at what should be the pretopes -- those which can lead to the development of the antibodies and what are those regions that should be used to vaccine," Dr Raman R Gangakhedar, head of ICMR told reporters in a press conference.

He also said, "For the vaccine to come into existence we need to understand that it will take 1.5 - 2 years with expatiated clinical trials and expatiated approvals to actually see it being used."

The ICMR head, however, said that certain viruses can reoccur with severity even after the vaccines being given.

"Hence, we need to factor the part that it could take a long time and there are potential hazards regarding the vaccination," he added.

For now, we must try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible and contain it, the ICMR head said.

-- ANI

21:08

Cong names Deepender Hooda as candidate for Rajya Sabha polls from Haryana, Shaktisinh Gohil, Bharatsinh Solanki from Gujarat

20:46 Coronavirus: No public gatherings to be allowed in Maharashtra

No permission will be granted for public gatherings in the state in view of the coronavirus threat, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday evening.

With one more person testing positive for the disease in Pune earlier in the day, the number of confirmed coronavirus patients in the state increased to 12 -- nine in Pune, two in Mumbai and one in Nagpur.

"All passengers from seven countries will be quarantined (whether they have symptoms of the disease or not)," the minister told reporters.

Officials had said earlier that passengers with travel history to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after February 15 will be kept under quarantine by default.

Tope said all the 12 confirmed patients in the state were stable and "asymptomatic", which meant they did not show any severe symptoms of the disease.

To prevent spread of the virus, district collectors and commissioners have been instructed not to allow public gatherings, nor should there be any official programmes, the minister said.

Even political or religious gatherings should not be allowed, the collectors have been told, Tope said.

-- PTI

Former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said he considers himself fortunate that the BJP accepted him in the party and assured party workers that he will work wholeheartedly for them.

Speaking at the state BJP office, Scindia also said the one thing he was bringing to the table was hard work.

"I am feeling fortunate to join the BJP. Party president J P Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah opened the doors of this party for me," Scindia said.

"I have brought only one thing with me (to BJP) and that is my hard work," Scindia said.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was present to welcome Scindia at the party office.

"The organisation and family in which I have spent 20 years, the organisation where I have put my hard work and efforts, I am leaving all that behind and handing myself over to you," said Scindia, who joined the BJP on Wednesday.

"It is a very emotional day for me today. I consider myself fortunate that this family (BJP) opened the doors for me," he said.

-- PTI

The Shiv Sena on Thursday nominated its deputy leader Priyanka Chaturvedi as the party's candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls from Maharashtra.

Chaturvedi had quit the Congress and joined the Shiv Sena in April 2019 as she was upset with Congress's decision to reinstate the party workers, who had allegedly misbehaved with her.

She will file her nomination on Friday.

Election for the seven Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held on March 26.

-- PTI

Rohit Shettys Sooryavanshi, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, has been postponed due to the spread of coronavirus across India and the world, its producers said on Thursday. The scheduled release date was March 24.

The cop thriller, which follows Shettys similarly themed films Singham, Singham Returns, and Simmba, will be back for you just then the time is right, according to a statement by Rohit Shetty Picturez. After all, safety comes first, the statement added.

19:23 No need for documents in NPR: Amit Shah in RS

Speaking on the Delhi violence in the Upper House, Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that no documents are needed for NPR and that nobody will be classified doubtful.

Earlier responding on the issue, the Home Minister said:

>> Those behind killing of 2 Delhi policemen have been arrested; investigation into conspiracy will continue

>> Want to assure nation that nothing will be done to give any relief to any guilty of Delhi riots

>> Hate speeches started after CAA came; Muslims being mislead, no one's citizenship is being taken away

After former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party to join BJP, the Shiv Sena asserted that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led coalition government in Maharashtra is not facing any threat of collapse. Notably, CM Thackeray is running a coalition government in Maharashtra in alliance wth Congress and Nationalist Congress Party.

An editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' also slammed the Congress for failing to address the concerns of its youth leaders. The editorial also said the BJP in Maharashtra should stop "day-dreaming" about toppling government in Maharashtra. It added that the BJP should not forget the defeat it faced in Maharashtra four months ago and should expect for a "shock experiment" in Madhya Pradesh too.

Referring to the ongoing political turmoil in Madhya Pradesh, the Shiv Sena said that even though veteran Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh are running the show in Madhya Pradesh Congress, the grand old party had committed a mistake by neglecting a senior leader like Scindia.

"Kamal Nath is also a shrewd and daring politician and will not give up easily. Just like the unexpected political drama in Maharashtra, a shock experiment can take place in Madhya Pradesh," the Marathi daily said.

Shiv Sena also mentioned that the Congress failed to perform well in Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh under the leadership of Kamal Nath and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

"When seniors fail, the young leadership should be encouraged. This is not happening and that is why (Rajasthan deputy chief minister) Sachin Pilot and Gehlot are at loggerheads. If the matter is not resolved, it is believed that Rajasthan may go the Madhya Pradesh way," it claimed.

Violence in Delhi last month over contentious citizenship law, which killed over 50 people and injured over 200, is being discussed in the Rajya Sabha today.

Responding to the debate, Home Minister Amit Shah answers:

>> The culprits, they may be of any religion, caste or party, they will not be spared. They will be brought before the law

>> Only driving licence and voter ID card is being used for face identification (of the culprits involved in #DelhiViolence). Aadhar data is not being used for it, as wrongly reported by some sections of media

>> We had information from several agencies that money had come from abroad and from the rest of the country and was spread in Delhi before the 24th morning

The Bombay Bar Association on Thursday urged its members to avoid handshakes and asked litigants not to visit its premises in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The BBA issued a notice asking members to use hand sanitisers, wear mask or cover their mouth and nose with handkerchief while sneezing. Handshakes should also be avoided, it added.

As per suggestions made by the BBA, the Bombay high court administration has agreed to provide temperature guns at security gates to screen entrants and issue directions to litigants to not attend proceedings unless asked by the court.

So far, 11 coronavirus cases have been reported in Maharashtra, including eight in Pune, two in Mumbai and one in Nagpur.

-- PTI

After Jyotiraditya Scindia joined the BJP, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday took a potshot at his former party colleague.

Digvijaya Singh tweeted: "May God keep him safe in BJP. I pray to God to keep Scindia safe in BJP."

Earlier, Singh refuted the charge that Scindia was not given importance in the Congress party. He said, "Gandhi family has always given respect to Madhavrao Scindia and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Even Rahul Gandhi said that his doors were always open for Scindia."

On Wednesday, Scindia joined the BJP in Delhi in the presence of party president JP Nadda.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the government over its handling of the economy and in tackling coronavirus, and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "sleeping at the wheel".

On the state of the economy, he said it is just the beginning of a "tsunami" and things would be worse going forward.

"We can see what is happening to stock market. The economy has been destroyed by the Modi government," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

"What we have seen is only the beginning of a tsunami, things will be worse," he said.

The prime minister is not speaking a word on the economy and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman does not understand economy, the former Congress chief alleged.

He also said that coronavirus is seriously affecting the economy and it is already too late, but the government should take measures to minimise damage.

-- PTI

17:49 Jyotiraditya won't get respect from BJP: Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said Jyotiraditya Scindia forgot his ideology as he was apprehensive about his political future and that he would not get respect in the BJP.

Talking about Scindia's move to the BJP ending his long association with the Congress, Gandhi said there is a difference between what Scindia is saying and what is in his heart. Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament that Scindia was an old friend of his and had forgotten his ideology as he was apprehensive about his political future. Scindia would not get respect in the BJP, nor would he feel satisfied there, the former Congress chief said.

On the government's reaction to coronavirus, Gandhi said Narendra Modi was sleeping at the wheel. "Coronavirus seriously affecting economy; it is already too late but govt should take measures to minimise damage."

A day after quitting the Congress, Scindia joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday in the presence of its president JP Nadda and slammed his former party for "denying reality" and "not acknowledging" new thoughts and new leadership. Scindia has been named as the BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh. PTI

17:43 Delhi govt declares coronavirus epidemic

The Delhi government on Thursday declared coronavirus an epidemic and announced that all schools, colleges and cinema halls in the national capital will remain shut till March 31. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting attended by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, LG Anil Baijal and top government officials.

"The city government has declared coronavirus an epidemic," Kejriwal said. He said disinfecting all public places, including government and private offices and shopping malls has been made compulsory. The national capital has so far recorded six cases of coronavirus. The number of coronavirus patients in the country has risen to 73 with 13 fresh cases, including nine from Maharahtra and one each from Delhi, Ladakh and Uttar Pradesh as well as one foreign national, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. PTI

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has closed all public tour visits from Friday as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus, official spokesman said on Thursday.

A brief statement released by the spokesman said the presidential house will remain closed for exploratory tour visit from Friday till further orders.

"Moreover, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) and the Change of Guard ceremony will not be open to public till further notice," the spokesman said. PTI

The Union Health Ministry on Thursday said that it is generally expected that coronavirus may have difficulty in surviving in higher temperatures but it is not confirmed.

"All facts about it are still being studied. There are no confirmatory studies. It is generally expected that the virus, if it is in higher temperatures, may have difficulty in surviving, but it is not confirmed," said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health.

Aggarwal said right now for India there's no community transmission, there are only a few cases that have come from outside and they have primarily affected their close kin.

The Central government on Thursday advised the Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) against conducting the Indian Premier League amid coronavirus concerns, though added that the final decision with respect to the same lies with the organisers.

"I think it is for the organisers to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. Our advice would be to not do it at this time but if they want to go ahead, it is their decision," Dammu Ravi, additional Secretary, MEA, said during a press briefing on Thursday.

The development comes a day after the World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a global pandemic, and against the backdrop of the Central government suspending all visas to April 15 as part of the measures to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

The 13th edition of IPL is scheduled to commence from March 29, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meeting at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the first match.

Earlier in the day, sources within the IPL's governing council had said that the foreign players would not be available for the tournament due to the visa restrictions. -- ANI

17:02 10 biggest falls in Sensex

A selloff across sectors along with panic selling in the broader markets hurt investor sentiment, he said. Besides a selloff in global equities, massive plunge in international oil prices and depreciating rupee added to the volatility.

Image: KBK Graphics

State Bank of India said on Thursday it will buy 725 crore shares of Yes Bank at the price of Rs 10 per share, subject to regulatory approvals.The public sector bank's Executive Committee of Central Board has approved the proposal, it said in a statement.

"Our shareholding will remain within 49 per cent of the paid-up capital of Yes Bank," it added.The development came after the Reserve Bank of India last week released a draft scheme for the reconstruction of Yes Bank.

Under the scheme, the central bank said the investor bank will need to invest in the equity of reconstructed bank to the extent that post-infusion it holds 49 per cent shareholding in the bank at a price not less than Rs 10.

RBI had invited suggestions and comments from members of the public, including the banks' shareholders, depositors and creditors on the draft scheme.

Last week, the RBI suspended the board of directors at India's fourth-largest private bank and imposed the withdrawal limit on account holders till April 3 citing its poor financial health due to bad loans.

On March 13, the Union Cabinet is likely to consider Yes Bank's draft restructuring scheme. -- ANI

16:37 COVID-19: PM bans travel for union ministers

PM Narendra Modi tweets on the coronavirus pandemic. "The Government is fully vigilant about the situation due to COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Across ministries and states, multiple steps have been proactively taken to ensure safety of all. These steps are wide-ranging, from suspension of Visas to augmenting healthcare capacities.

"Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions. No Minister of the Central Government will travel abroad in the upcoming days. I urge our countrymen to also avoid non-essential travel. We can break the chain of spread and ensure safety of all by avoiding large gatherings."

And here's the Union Ministry of Health's statement on the coronavirus pandemic: "Visa-free travel facility granted to Overseas Citizen Of India (OCI) cardholders are kept in abeyance till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure," says Luv Aggarwal, Health Ministry,

"Out of the 73 positive cases reported in India so far, 56 are Indians and 17 are foreigner. So far, the Government of India has evacuated 900 Indian citizens along with 48 belonging to other nations like Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, US, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, and Peru."

"52 testing facilities are located across the country. There are a total of 56 sample collection centers. We already have around 1 lakh testing kits available, additional testing kits have already been ordered and they are also in procurement. Mask is not always necessary, if a person maintains effective social distance, mask is not needed. There is no need to panic."

Seven people have been arrested so far in connection with the murder of a Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal during clashes over the Citizenship Amendment Act in the north-east district last month, police said on Thursday.

Lal sustained gunshot injury while he was out in the field to control the violence in north-east Delhi's Gokalpuri on February 24.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job to the family of Ratan Lal. At least 40 persons have been killed and over 200 injured in the communal violence that raged unabated in north-east Delhi for two days.

The police today also informed media that two people have been arrested in Akbari Begum murder case and four more have been held in the case pertaining to the four bodies recovered from a drain in the violence-affected region. -- ANI

16:24 Digvijaya rules out possibility of floor test

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday said that the question of floor test does not arise as the resignations submitted by the legislatures have not been accepted by the Speaker yet.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of holding his 19 party MLAs hostage.

"Floor test can not take place as the resignations submitted by 19 MLAs have not been accepted. They should physically come before the Speaker and speak for themselves. These MLAs have been held hostage by the BJP," he said while speaking to reporters in Bhopal.

The Congress party has been witnessing an internal turf war in Madhya Pradesh since the party formed the government in the state in 2018.

The crisis deepened on Tuesday after Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned from the party and at least 22 MLAs close to him announced to withdraw support from the Kamal Nath government. Scindia on Wednesday joined the BJP in the presence of party chief JP Nadda. -- ANI

16:21 Sensex crashes, Nifty ends at 9590

Sensex crashes 2,919.26 points to end at 32,778.14; Nifty sinks 868.25 points to 9,590.15.

The S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 indices suffered their biggest single-day fall ever on Thursday mirroring losses in global markets after the World Health Organisation declared the deadly coronavirus a pandemic.

The Sensex plummeted as much as 2919.26 points to 32,778 and the Nifty 50 index plunged as much as 868 points to hit 9,590.15. A sharp fall in international oil prices also spooked investors across the globe. More than 1,00,000 people have been infected by the deadly coronavirus around the globe and 73 in India.

In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 3.2 per cent and touched its lowest level since early 2019, while Japan's Nikkei crumbled 5.3 per cent. Domestic benchmarks fell the most on record in terms of biggest single-day fall in absolute terms to hit over two year lows.

The Chinese city of Hubei, close to the epicenter of the novel coronavirus had lifted production limits and restriction on the movement of people for the first time after the outbreak but had to implement a complete lockdown just 30 minutes after it opened, reported South China Morning Post.

At 8:30 am on Wednesday (Local time), the government said that all restrictions on the movement of people and traffic would be lifted at 10 am.

The government again clamped down the movement at 10:30 am (local time).

"The city will continue its restrictions on the movement of traffic and residents," the government said, without explaining further.

Later in the day, the Hubei government issued a statement outlining the different restrictions that applied to each city within the province based on their particular situation of the Covid-19.It also said that only a handful of businesses in key sectors were permitted to resume their operations.

The statement also imposed a harsh lockdown in the city of Qianjiang, despite having the lowest number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 of any city in Hubei. -- ANI

Eateries and small traders in Amritsar are feeling the pinch as the famous beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border has been suspended due to the coronavirus scare, stemming the flow of tourists to the area. It has also hit the hotel and tourism industry in the holy city.

Each day, nearly 50,000 tourists used to visit the border, mainly to catch a glimpse of the beating retreat ceremony, which has been suspended till further orders.

Taxi operator Raman Sharma said before the ceremony was suspended, he used to get hundreds of bookings every day. He used to provide vehicles -- ranging from small cars to sedans and multi-purpose and sports utility vehicles -- to tourists to travel to the international border.

"My business has been hit hard after the retreat ceremony was suspended recently," Sharma said on Thursday. He said he had to pay salary to 20 drivers who worked for him, but things had become difficult for him now. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Shivdullar Singh Dhillon said,

"The retreat ceremony was stopped due to the increasing fear of coronavirus and the decision to suspend the event was taken keeping public health in view.

The ban on public entry will continue till further orders." "Sarhad", a popular hotel-cum-restaurant on the nearly-25-km Amritsar-Attari road leading to the border, wears a deserted look these days.

Owner Aman Jaspal said the footfall at his restaurant had dropped sharply after the retreat ceremony was suspended. "In the current circumstances, the government should exempt the hotel industry from service tax since running expenditure like staff salary, electricity bill and other things cannot be avoided. The government should at least take small steps to save the hotels near the Indo-Pak border," he said.

"We are not the only sufferers. Many people like rehriwallas, dozens of kiosks, small traders have shut down their evening business for the time being and it will be tough for them to get two square meals if the current situation continues for a few more days," Jaspal added.

Amandeep Singh, an autorickshaw driver, said, "More than one hundred autorickshaws used to ply on the Attari road. Most of the drivers have purchased new autorickshaws by taking loans, but with no tourists to ferry now, paying bank installments and earning livelihood have become difficult." Surinder Singh, president, Amritsar Federation of Hotel and Guest Houses, said there was a 50-per cent fall in bookings due to the coronavirus scare.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell on Thursday apprehended a man in connection with the killing of IB staffer Ankit Sharma during the riots last month in the national capital's northeast district, police said. The accused has been identified as Salman alias Nanhe, they said. Sharma's body was found in a drain near his home in northeast Delhi's Chand Bagh area on February 27, a day after he went missing. Earlier, police had arrested suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain in the case. -- PTI

Image: IB officer Ankit Sharma

15:30 IPL on TV? Govt drops hints amid COVID-19

The BCCI kept mum but the Sports Ministry on Thursday dropped hints that the IPL could be held in empty stadiums due to the COVID-19 pandemic even as foreign players were ruled out of the glitzy event till April 15 following government-imposed travel restrictions.

IPL in empty stadiums would be up for discussion at the event's Governing Council meeting on Saturday and the BCCI has decided to adopt a wait and watch policy till then. The T20 tournament is due to start on March 29 in Mumbai.

However, the Sports ministry has asked all national federations, including the cricket board, to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events. "...ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event. In the event the sporting event cannot be avoided, the same could be done wihout allowing gathering of people, including spectators," read an order from the Sports ministry.

Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya reiterated the ministry's position while talking to PTI. "We have asked all the NSFs, including the BCCI, to follow the Health Ministry's latest advisory, which says public gatherings should be avoided in all events, including sporting activities," Julaniya said.

The outbreak, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday, has led to more than 4,000 deaths globally.

While referring the matter to a larger bench, the Supreme Court on Thursday did not interfere with the Allahabad High Court's order for removal of hoardings depicting names, addresses, and photographs of those who were accused of violence during anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh.

The vacation bench of the top court further observed that the matter be placed for detailed hearing before a three-judge bench.Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, represented the Uttar Pradesh government. The right to privacy has several dimensions, as far as K Puttaswamy judgement is concerned, Mehta said, opposing the plea of the accused persons that their right to privacy is violated as their names and address are put up in hoardings and banners.

Mehta further submitted to the Supreme Court that the Allahabad High Court had erred in passing the order directing it to remove hoarding. He further stated that if a person, wielding gun during a protest and allegedly involved in violence, cannot claim the right to privacy.

There is no law which can back your action, the apex court said.SC observed and questioned the way the Uttar Pradesh government had taken this "drastic" step of putting names and photographs of alleged arsonists through hoardings, and said, it can understand the anxiety of the state but there is perhaps no law to back its decision.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, senior lawyer appearing for accused SR Darapuri, noted that his client is a 1972 batch IPS officer and retired as an IGP.

"Where is our system of naming and shaming a person of accused," Singhvi stated. He added that on December 30, Darapuri was asked to reply to the notice sent to him by the authorities. And on January 10, he replied to them. This is a sub judice case and the matter is going on in court, Singhvi said.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper's visit to India on March 15-16 has been called off due to the coronavirus threat, Defence Ministry officials said on Thursday.

The trip, during which Esper was supposed to meet his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, is among the several events being postponed because of the coronavirus infection. A two-day conference organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), which was to start from Thursday, has also been postponed due to the COVID-19 threat. The defence minister and Home Minister Amit Shah were scheduled to attend the conference, which included seminars on a range of security issues in Asia.

"Due to the prevailing global situation with regard to COVID-19, it has been decided to postpone the 21st Asian Security Conference (ASC) to a later date. Fresh dates for the Conference will be conveyed in due course," the Ministry of Defence think tank said in an email to the participants.

The conference organised by IDSA, now rechristened Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis, was to be attended by participants from countries such as the US, Russia, Australia, Vietnam, Sweden, Belgium, Japan and the UK. Besides this, Milan-2020, the largest multilateral exercise hosted by the Navy to be held from March 18 to 28 in Visakhapatnam, was indefinitely postponed as a precaution. -- PTI

14:50 15 labs for coronavirus tests, says govt

As the number of people infected with coronavirus climbed up to 73 in India with Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh reporting a witnessing a surge in cases, Union Health Minister on Thursday said in Lok Sabha that 15 laboratories have been set up to test for the virus.

"National Institute of Virology in Pune is our central reference lab. After this we started with 15 labs because this is not a routine test, it can't be tested in every laboratory," the Minister said.

"Even now, despite this being such a big task, activities are being coordinated at 51 laboratories across the country and collection centres at 56 locations," he added.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India, including foreign nationals, has gone up to 73. Out of these 73 people, 56 are Indian citizens. With 17 coronavirus positive cases, the maximum number of cases in the country has been reported from Kerala.

Maharashtra reported 11 cases while in Uttar Pradesh there were 10 positive cases including a foreigner, according to latest data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

After the World Health Organisation termed the deadly disease coronavirus as a 'pandemic', Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking on the subject and focusing on toppling elected governments of opposition parties in various states."Sensex has fallen. The WHO has labeled the coronavirus a pandemic. There is chaos among people. If the Prime Minister, who is skilled in the PR stunt, has got free time from toppling the elected government, then he should also speak on this subject necessary for the country. Coronavirus pandemic," Priyanka tweeted.

The Central government has taken several steps to contain the virus, including suspension of all visas to India till April 15, after the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.The virus, which originated in China, has infected over 1,10,000 people worldwide spreading to over 90 countries. As many as 73 cases have been reported positive for coronavirus in India.

Moreover, equities were on a freefall around midday on Thursday after the WHO declared coronavirus a global pandemic and the United States suspended travel from Europe.Oil also slipped further as Russia and Saudi Arabia increase output and saw prices fall.At 12 noon, the BSE S&P Sensex was down by 2,509 points or 7.03 per cent to 33,188 while the Nifty 50 slumped by 736 points at 9,723. -- ANI

The Indian boxing team, returning from the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jordan, will be "home-quarantined" in view of the COVID-19 threat even though all the members have got the necessary health clearances, the national federation told PTI on Thursday.

A total of 13 boxers and almost an equal number of coaching staff arrive back on Thursday after clinching an unprecedented nine Olympic slots in the qualifiers which concluded on Wednesday in Amman. "They will be asked to quarantine themselves at their homes or hostel rooms for a few days. They have, however, been given the necessary health clearances by the Jordanian Olympic association," Boxing Federation of India's Executive Director R K Sacheti said.

The boxers were training in Italy, one of the worst-affected by the coronavirus pandemic, till February 26. They reached Amman from Assisi on February 27 and were found all clear after undergoing the mandatory screening for symptoms. Jordan has so far recorded only one positive case. "They have got the health certificates. Plus we will follow all the government guidelines on this. They will be screened on their arrival and would be asked to stay at home for some days. But there is no cause of concern, all of them are healthy," Sacheti said. "They will be told to avoid any media interactions. We are also in touch with health ministry to for any further instructions," he added.

Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault, and the women who accused the disgraced Hollywood mogul welcomed the verdict, terming it as the victory of the justice system and the "power of people who speak up".

Weinstein, who has been accused of violating scores of women, was convicted last month of raping a once-aspiring actress in a New York City hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on former TV and film production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006.

The producer behind Oscar-winning films as "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction" was the first prominent Hollywood name to be accused for his alleged predatory behaviour in the bombshell expose by The New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey on October 5, 2017, followed by Ronan Farrow's piece in The New Yorker on October 10.

The report sparked off the #MeToo movement, which empowered survivors of sexual assault, abuse and rape to raise their voice and hold the perpetrators responsible.

Actor Mira Sorvino, who was one of the first to go on record to accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment, said she cried "tears of amazement and gratitude" after the sentence was pronounced. "23 years. Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his crimes of rape and sexual assault. I literally cried tears of amazement, gratitude that the justice system has worked on behalf of all of his victims today," Sorvino tweeted Wednesday.

The Silence Breakers group, which has spoken out against sexual harassment and assault and includes several Weinstein accusers like actors Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd, released a statement after his sentencing. "Harvey Weinstein's legacy will always be that he's a convicted rapist. He is going to jail -- but no amount of jail time will repair the lives he ruined, the careers he destroyed, or the damage he has caused."

"The Silence Breaker community was founded on solidarity, support and compassion. The New York trial has ended, but the Silence Breakers will persist in our crusade for cultural change, justice and to have our voices heard," the statement read. Farrow tweeted about the power of those who speak up. "A lot of news underlines how hard it is to hold wealthy and connected people accountable.

More than 90 women, including Hollywood A-listers Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong'o, Lea Seydoux and Uma Thurman, eventually came forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual assault and sexual harassment after the news expose. Rosanna Arquette, another member of The Silence Breakers, paid gratitude to McGowan, one of the first women to call out Weinstein, among scores of other "brave" women who broke their silence. -- PTI

Yashodhara Raje, four-time Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Madhya Pradesh and former MP, is Jyotiraditya Scindia's aunt, his late father Madhavrao Scindia's youngest sister."Well, we are in the same party now. We have to create a base from which the BJP will become stronger," Yashodhra Raje tells Archana Masih/Rediff.com about her nephew's entry into her party and the Gwalior region where Jyotiraditya and she have been on opposing sides since he entered electoral politics 18 years ago. Read the interview here

In the wake of rising cases of coronavirus in Maharashtra, the ongoing Assembly session has been curtailed by six days. State cabinet minister Anil Parab announced that the budget session will conclude on March 14 against its scheduled date of March 20, 2020.

Yesterday, while addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had announced that "the Assembly session will be completed by Saturday or Sunday so that the people sitting in the House can work on the coronavirus issue."

On whether the schools and colleges will be closed in the wake of coronavirus, Thackeray had stated, "Class 10 examination is going on right now. So wait for two days, all schools and colleges will be closed if needed." -- ANI

Image: CM Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti

The BJP in Madhya Pradesh will seek a floor test on March 16 in the wake of 22 Congress MLAs resigning the state, a senior BJP leader said on Thursday. The 14-month-old Kamal Nath-led government has been facing deep crisis following the resignation of 22 Congress MLAs after former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party on Tuesday.

"Since the government is in minority, we are going to request the governor and the Assembly speaker for a floor test on March 16 when the state budget session begins," BJP's chief whip in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Narottam Mishra said.

The governor and the speaker have the resignations of 22 MLAs. Now it is up to them to take a call, he said. "This government has lost majority," senior BJP leader former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said here.

The Congress has a wafer thin majority in the 228-member Assembly. Before the rebellion, its tally was 114. It also has the support of four Independents, two BSP MLAs and one from the SP, but some may now switch sides to the BJP. If the resignations of the 22 MLAs are accepted, the strength of the Assembly will fall to 206. The Congress, on its own, will then be left with 92 seats, while the BJP has 107 seats with the magic number for a majority being 104. -- PTI

In the wake of Jyotiraditya Scindia joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Chandrakant Kavlekar on Thursday said that the Congress must do 'chintan,' (introspection) as to why its leaders are deserting the party.

Interacting with reporters, Kavlekar said that he had himself quit the Congress last year as he saw no future in the party.

"This is what is happening everywhere, we also did the same months ago. No one sees a proper future in the party; no one listens to anyone there. That is why the exodus is happening," said the minister.

"There is something lacking in Congress. If it stays the same then the remaining people may also leave soon. The party should rectify it; the party should do 'chintan,' as to why this is happening. Madhya Pradesh will also eventually come to the BJP as Karnataka has already come to us. More states could also see a similar turn of events. It is happening on its own, the BJP is not behind it," he added.

On Wednesday, Scindia joined the BJP in New Delhi in the presence of party President JP Nadda. He had resigned from the Congress a day earlier after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. -- ANI

12:51 Coronavirus matter of concern: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaking in the Lok Sabha on how India is battling the spread of Coronavirus.

Jaishankar said the outbreak of coronavirus is a matter of concern and we need to respond responsibly.

"As the House would have noticed, where specific interventions are required - as in the case of Wuhan in China, the Diamond Princess crew in Japan or now the pilgrims in Iran, we will take necessary action. But these are exceptional situations that require exceptional response. At this time, travel in itself is not recommended as it only heightens risks. Where communities are understandably anxious, we should reassure them and encourage the observants of globally recognised precautions and procedures.

"An excessive sense of alarm would only be to the detriment of those who are really in it. There are operational constraints in evacuating Indians as Iranian system is strict.

"We will continue to track welfare of all Indians stranded in Iran. There are 6000 Indians stranded in Iran including 1,100 pilgrims from Maharashtra and J-K and 300 students. The initial focus on bringing back pilgrims, mostly stranded in coronavirus-hit Qom in Iran. 229 out of the 529 samples of Indians stranded in Iran have tested negative for coronavirus.

"I visited Srinagar recently and took the initiative to meet the parents of some of the students who are in Iran. Their anxiety at this time is completely understandable. I shared with them in details, the ground situation and sought their understanding.

"I assured them that the govt would facilitate the earliest possible return of their children and I would like to share with the House that the sampling of these students has begun today."

@IndiaHistorypic shares this image from the 1890s: The Ball Room of the Goverment House in Parel, Bombay, was converted into the Plague Ward. In 1855 Bubonic Plague which originated in Yunnan China spread across the world killing millions.

In September 1896 the first case of Bubonic plague was detected in Mandvi. It spread rapidly to other parts of the city, and the death toll was estimated at 1,900 people per week through the rest of the year. Many people fled from Bombay at this time, and in the census of 1901, the population of the city had fallen to less than eight lakh.

BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia met Union Minister and party leader Amit Shah this morning after meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier. Shah said, "I am sure his induction into the party will further strengthen the BJPs resolve to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh."

In the wake of Jyotiraditya Scindia joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, former Chief Minister and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday took a jibe at his former party colleague, stating that "may God keep him safe in BJP". "I pray to God to keep Scindia safe in BJP," Singh tweeted.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway at BJP's Bhopal office to welcome Scindia. Posters, banners and a red carpet have been arranged to welcome Scindia to the party.

On Wednesday, Scindia joined BJP in New Delhi in the presence of party President JP Nadda. He had resigned from Congress a day earlier after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Scindia will file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections on March 13. -- ANI

11:36 Scindia meets Rajnath

BJP leader (will take a while getting used to writing that) Jyotiraditya Scindia meets Defence Minister and party leader Rajnath Singh at his residence. Scindia is headed home to Bhopal today. After quitting the Congress, Scindia joined the ruling BJP on Wednesday in the presence of its president JP Nadda and slammed his former party for "denying reality" and "not acknowledging" new thoughts and new leadership. Scindia has been named as the BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday said even if his political party, which is yet to be formed, were to come to power in the state, he will not head the government.

At a keenly-awaited press conference in Chennai, Rajikanth unveiled his 3-point programme for a political party to "usher in a revolution across the country'.

One, he will abolish unnecessary party positions, which are essential during election time but at other times are a fount for corruption as the post-holders are offered tenders and contracts for their services. This has to stop, Rajinikanth said.

Two, 60-65 percent of the posts in his party will be for youth, educated and those with good reputation, including people from the two Dravidian majors in the state. The remaining posts will be for former judges, ex-IAS officers and the like, with a record of social service and commitment.

Three, unlike the DMK and AIADMK in which both the government and party are headed by the same people, in his party, there will be a clear difference between the two. "We will monitor the government's performance, but will not interfere in governance," he said.

Rajinikanth also made it clear that he will not be the chief minister if his party is voted to power.

When he met his fans last week to find out their thinking to his three ideas, he said he only told them of point 3, but the negative response from them left him shaken, which is why he made the statement that he was "disappointed about one thing'.

Even the political leaders he shared his vision with were not happy with his plan, which is why he decided to call the press conference so that the media can reach his ideas across the nation and create an awakening.

"The time for awakening, for revolution, is now. When I see this change, I will announce my party," he said.

No foreign player will be available for this year's IPL till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by the government to contain the novel coronavirus threat, a top BCCI source told PTI on Thursday, casting fresh doubts on the fate of the event.

"The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government's directive, they can't come till April 15," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The government issued fresh advisory with a ban on all existing foreign visas, except a few categories like diplomatic and employment, till April 15 in the wake of new positive cases of novel coronavirus in the country. India has reported 60 positive cases in the outbreak which has led to over 4,000 deaths globally. The fate of the IPL itself will be decided on March 14 at the event's Governing Council meeting in Mumbai.

"All decisions will be taken by the GC in Mumbai," the source said. Having the IPL, starting March 29, played in empty stadiums is an option being explored. PTI

10:58 Maha CM celebrates Shivaji Jayanti

Maharashtra: CM Uddhav Thackeray and his son and minister Aaditya Thackeray pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on Shivaji Jayanti today, at the Shivaji Statue on Western Express Highway in Vile Parle, Mumbai.

10:40 Maharaja's humiliation has begun in BJP: Cong

The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Thursday took a dig at Jyotiraditya Scindia, who broke ranks with the party and joined BJP on Wednesday, by pointing out that neither PM Modi nor Amit Shah had not even put out as much a tweet to welcome him in the party, and construed it as "humiliation" for the "maharaja".

"Not even a tweet by Narendra Modi ji or Amit Shah ji to welcome Scindia ji! Modiji, Shah ji, at least do not do it so soon! It has not even been 24 hours yet and you guys have already started humiliating him...!" Madhya Pradesh Congress tweeted in Hindi.

Taking a jibe at Scindia, a scion of the erstwhile royal family of Gwalior who ended his 18-year-long association with the Congress party on a bitter note, the state Congress said: "He is a maharaja, the one whose history is often mentioned by Shivrajji (former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan)."

On Wednesday, Scindia joined BJP in New Delhi in the presence of party president JP Nadda. He had resigned from Congress a day earlier after meeting Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Scindia will file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections on March 13. He is slated to arrive in Bhopal today. -- ANI

The Melbourne Cricket Ground statement: The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), as ground managers of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), is aware that a person who attended the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final at the MCG on Sunday, March 8 has now been diagnosed with COVID19. The Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommends that those who were seated in N42 at Sunday's event should continue to go about their normal routine, with an increased focus on hygiene measures, and should any flu-like symptoms emerge to consult with a medical professional. The DHHS has advised of the patron's diagnosis and has classified it as a low-risk of spreading COVID19 to surrounding members of public and staff. The patron sat on Level 2 of the Northern Stand at the MCG in section N42.

State Bank of India announced on Thursday that it has decided to waive maintenance of Average Monthly Balance for all savings accounts. The charges on maintaining AMB have been waived off on all 44.51 crore SBI savings bank accounts, according to a press release by the bank.

Currently, SBI Savings Bank customers need to maintain AMB of Rs 3000, Rs 2000 and Rs 1000 in Metro, Semi-Urban and Rural areas respectively. The bank used to levy a penalty of Rs 5 to Rs 15 + taxes on non-maintenance of AMB.

The bank has also waived off SMS charges and has has also rationalised interest rate on savings bank accounts to a flat 3 per cent per annum for all buckets.Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, SBI announcing the waiver said, "This announcement will bring in more smiles and delight to our valuable customers. Waiving AMB is SBI's yet another initiative to provide customers more convenience and elated banking experience. We believe this initiative would empower our customers towards banking with SBI and boost their confidence in SBI." -- ANI

10:21 Kamal Nath undersetimated new generation: Sena

The Shiv Sena on Thursday said that the impending fall of the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh is because Chief Minister Kamal Nath had underestimated the new generation.

"Under the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia, 22 Congress MLAs have resigned from the Congress. Scindia has entered BJP. This brought Kamal Nath's government in a minority. If the Congress government falls in Madhya Pradesh, the credit does not go to the BJP. The decline of Kamal Nath's government is due to his carelessness, arrogance and tendency to underestimate the new generation," Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana said in an editorial.

"Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath are the old leaders of Madhya Pradesh. Their economic power is high, so they got support by gathering legislators from here and there while being at the brink of majority. Even if this is true, politics cannot be done in Madhya Pradesh by ignoring Jyotiraditya Scindia. Scindia may not have influence over the entire state but he has influence in large areas like Gwalior and Guna," it added.

The editorial also raised questions over the sidelining of Jyotiraditya Scindia by Congress after the legislative assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh in December 2018.

"Before the assembly elections, Jyotiraditya Scindia was the Congress party's chief minister face. But later, party seniors pushed him aside," Saamana said.It also said that Jyotiraditya Scindia had criticised BJP with relation to the Karnataka government crisis in 2019 and the Delhi violence recently but joined the same party which he opposed."

Only six months ago, the same Jyotiraditya addressed the BJP as a 'party that strangled democracy'. He gave this response after the BJP overthrew the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka," the Sena mouthpiece said.

"After the violence in Delhi 15 days earlier, he accused BJP leaders of bringing 'politics of malice'. Now the same Jyotiraditya has become a BJP member by saying that 'now the Congress Party is no longer the same'," it added.

Scindia, who joined the BJP on Wednesday, will file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections on March 13. Scindia had joined BJP in New Delhi in the presence of party president JP Nadda. He had resigned from Congress a day earlier. -- ANI

The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra has urged the Indian Medical Association's local chapter to postpone its conferences planned in near future in view of the coronavirus scare. The civic body's health officer Dr Neeta Padalkar told PTI that they have also appealed to people to avoid large gatherings and follow the do's and dont's to check the spread of the virus.

"We have received certain guidelines from government agencies. We are implementing them as a precautionary measure," Padalkar said on Wednesday.

"Many foreign delegates visit Aurangabad and attend conferences arranged to discuss health sector dimensions and most of them are doctors. Hence, we have requested the IMA Aurangabad chapter to postpone its conferences, if planned in near future," the official said. -- PTI

With growing concerns over coronavirus in the country, the Indian Premier League governing council announced that it will meet on March 14 to discuss the current situation and the upcoming edition of the league.

The 13th edition of IPL is scheduled to commence on March 29 and the first match will be played between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Earlier on Wednesday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the IPL should happen behind closed doors or it should be postponed after 10 positive cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the state. He further added that the final decision will be taken in the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday.

"In the current situation, it is not possible to schedule the IPL match in a packed stadium. We want it to happen in closed doors or postpone it later. The final decision will be taken in the assembly session tomorrow. We all are of the view that IPL should not take place at this time. It is very dangerous to conduct the IPL in this situation," Tope told reporters.

Also, the central government has suspended all visas to India till April 15 as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has jumped to 60. Out of the 60 cases, 36 are Indian citizens.World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and expressed deep concern both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. -- ANI

09:42 Sensex crashes 1600 points, Nifty below 10K

Sensex plummets 1600 points to 34,024 in the opening session; Nifty tanks 500 points to 9,957. Domestic stock markets started Thursday's session sharply lower amid a selloff in global markets after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary travel ban from Europe in order to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The S&P BSE Sensex plunged as much as 1,821.27 points to hit 33,876.13 in the first few minutes of trade, and the broader NSE Nifty benchmark slid to 9,916.55, down 541.85 points from the previous close. Equities around the globe plunged after the US President's announcement - suspending all travel from Europe except the UK for 30 days starting Friday - stunned investors, threatening more disruptions to businesses and the world economy.

The WHO also declared the coronavirus to be a pandemic steeply affecting market sentiment.

With global economic activities and supply of essential goods hit due to the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is dependent on "supply lines" from various countries and he has spoken to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

The deadly novel coronavirus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories, with the World Health Organisation describing the outbreak a pandemic.

"I also spoke to the prime minister of India, my friend Narendra Modi. We are dependent on supply lines from various countries. We are looking into it all the time," Netanyahu told a press conference on Wednesday.

His remarks came during joint statements with the finance minister, the economy and industry minister, the Bank of Israel's governor and the finance ministry director general on dealing with the economic implications of the coronavirus.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office, however, did not clearly spell out the subject of Netanyahu's discussions with Modi in its press release.

The Israeli prime minister has announced a package of 10 billion NIS (USD 2.86 billion) to facilitate economic activity in the midst of challenges posed by the spread of the virus.

"The Israeli economy is in a better situation than most economies in the world: Unemployment is low, growth is high and the debt to GDP ratio is good," Netanyahu said.

"However, we have a great challenge here that we all are feeling and which we are all aware of. In our view, we can also deal with it in a way that will allow us to get through it successfully in peace," he said.

"Not without difficulty, and not without sacrifice, but in the end, in peace, and I think that we can do this together in an optimal manner," Netanyahu asserted .

The package lays special stress on the health sector and other businesses impacted by the coronavirus such as tourism and the aviation sector. It outlines financial assistance provisions for businesses affected by the global menace. -- PTI

09:00 Tom Hanks, wife test positive for coronavirus

Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks has revealed that he and wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The actor couple, currently in Australia to shoot for the pre-production of Baz Luhrmann's untitled Elvis Presley film as per Deadline, decided to get tested after they felt "a bit tired".

"Hey folks Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive," Hanks said in a tweet.

The Academy-award-winning actor said the medical team had already taken over.

"The medical officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks will be tested, observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires," Hanks said.

"Not much more to it than one-day at a time approach, no? We will keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves!" Hanks tweeted.

The deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories, with the World Health Organisation on Wednesday describing the outbreak a pandemic.

China remains the hardest-hit with more than 80,000 infections and 3,000 deaths. -- PTI

08:34 COVID-19: US suspends all travel from Europe

United States President Donald Trump has announced he is suspending all travel from Europe, excluding the United Kingdom, to the US for the next 30 days to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus that has claimed 37 lives and infected 1,300 in the country.

In a televised address to the nation from his Oval Office in the White House, Trump said the new rule will be coming into effect from Friday midnight and there will be exemptions for Americans returning to the US after undergoing multiple screenings.

The president said the European Union has "failed to take the same precautions" as his administration had implemented to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump said he is monitoring the situation in China and South Korea, and asked citizens to suspend all essential travels. He urged them to adopt best hygiene, wash their hands and stay away from large gatherings to reduce the chance of spread of the infection.

China remains the hardest-hit with over 80,000 infections and 3,000 deaths.

"This is not a financial crisis. This is just a temporary moment in time that we will overcome as a nation and a world," Trump said, adding that "we are marshalling the full power of the federal government and the private sector to protect the American people".

The president announced small business administration will begin extending loans to small businesses who will be affected by the coronavirus slowdown.

He was askew for payroll tax relief and said some tax filings will be delayed to help provide extra liquidity.

"We are all in this together. We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation and one family. As history has proven time and time again, Americans always rise to the challenge and overcome adversity," Trump said.

"Our future remains brighter than anyone can imagine. Acting with compassion and love, we will heal the sick, care for those in need, help our fellow citizens, and emerge from this challenge stronger and more unified than ever before," he said.

Over a dozen states in the US have declared a state of emergency with cities and counties announcing to take sweeping measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, officials confirmed 37 deaths in various parts of the US due to the virus. -- PTI

Air India has cancelled all its flights to South Korea and Italy till March 25 and March 28, amid coronavirus fears in the country, an official of the national carrier said on Wednesday.

The move comes after the central government suspended all visas to India till April 15 as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The virus, which originated in Wuhan in China last December has claimed over 4,000 lives. Besides China, Italy and South Korea have recorded maximum number of cases of the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus a pandemic.

The central government said that with 10 more people confirmed positive for novel coronavirus, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India has jumped to 60. Out of the 60 cases, 36 are Indian citizens.

-- ANI

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