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At Modi’s 5th video-conference, KCR may demand fiscal package for Telangana

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At Modi’s 5th video-conference, KCR may demand fiscal package for Telangana

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao on Monday will raise the issue of fiscal stimulus package to the state government during the fifth video-conference of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with all the CMs.

While the chief ministers of the states and union territories are expected to push for stepping up economic activities in a calibrated manner, KCR as K Chandrasekhara Rao is popularly known, will explain the current financial status of the State arising out of the complete lockdown for more than 45 days to contain the spread of Covid-19. The PM’s video-conference will begin at 3 pm on Monday. KCR will demand for enhancement of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) from the present 3.5% to 5%. Pointing out that the corona virus pandemic has dealt a huge blow to the state economy, KCR may reiterate his demand of deferring loan installments to be paid by the Telangana government by at least six months and also permission to raise more loans when Modi will discuss the way forward with all the CMs in the battle against the corona virus on Monday.

The Chief Minister may also broach the farmers distress situation in the state and demand linking agriculture to MNREGA.

In the last Cabinet meeting, KCR has extended the lockdown period till May 29 — 10 days after it is scheduled to end in the rest of the country. In the press briefing after the Cabinet meeting last week, KCR turned his ire against the central government for its failure to mitiage the state’s financial crisis due to the complete lockdown. To tide over the financial crisis, KCR had asked the central government to either give the states required power or money. KCR had sought Rs 10.15 lakh crore Quantitative Easing to counter the impending state financial crisis. In the press briefing, he had pointed out that Telangana”s monthly revenue has come down from Rs 17,000 crore to Rs 1,600 crore.

“Please increase FRBM limit as loans will be borne by the states and the Centre has to bear nothing. I asked for deferment on loan repayment at least for six months but there is no response. I am surprised what burden this will put on the Centre. What is this policy I am not able to understand. I am not happy with the attitude of the central government. It has not responded to the State’s request for deferment of instalments payable by the government on the loans it had availed. We will not keep quiet,” KCR had said.

The PM’s video-conference on Monday will be attended ministers of home and health, secretaries of these departments, chief secretaries and Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of all states will also be present along with the CMs in the meeting. All CMs will be given an opportunity to share their opinion in PM’s fifth video-conference with the CMs.

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Chandrababu letter to Modi for detailed probe: Vizag Gas Leak

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Chandrababu letter to Modi for detailed probe: Vizag Gas Leak

Telugu Desam Party National President and former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narenda Modi on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh for the latter’s empathy and prompt action in extending rescue activities to create confidence in the survivors of Visakhapatnam gas disaster.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Naidu said the ghastly accident that occurred in LG Polymers has left a trail of immense sadness. “However, your quick response has brought us solace and confidence. I wholeheartedly commend your quick response and your directions to probe further into the alleged accident. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has swung into action for neutralizing the toxic effects of the gas and further airlifting para-tertiary butyl catechol (PTBC) from Gujarat has happened in quick succession with your prompt directions.”

In this backdrop, Mr. Naidu expressed some concerns and made suggestions for the kind consideration of PM. The TDP chief urged Modi for the constitution of a Scientific Experts’ Committee to carry out a detailed probe into the alleged gas leakage and the circumstances that led to the release of toxic vapours/gases. The company claims that the gas leaked out was Styrene. However, there were conflicting reports of other toxic gases being involved, which needs to be investigated to understand the enduring health impacts.

Mr. Naidu said that the long-lasting impact of the health of those undergoing treatment is of serious concern. It is apprehended that the toxins emitted may cause permanent damage to the victims. Close monitoring of the ambient air quality is required in and around Visakhapatnam city for understanding present and future impact. Roping in national and international health-experts for proper health assessment and accordingly to take immediate and long-term health measures. This assessment would be helpful in giving proper compensation.

The TDP chief stressed the need for a thorough monitoring of each patient on a long-term basis with the help of electronic health records, which may help build confidence among the victims and reinforce trust in your efforts.

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Modi convenes NDMA meet on Vizag gas leak

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Modi convenes NDMA meet on Vizag gas leak

The prime minister has convened a meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority at his residence in New Delhi at 11 am in wake of the gas leak in Vizag.

“In the wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam, PM Narendra Modi has called for a meeting of the NDMA at 11 am,” stated the Prime Minister”s Office.

Modi will will interact with Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State for Home Kishan Reddy and senior officers of the National Disaster Management Authority and is likely to direct them to lay down policies for disaster management.

Eight persons, including a minor, dead while hundreds of others reported sick after a gas leaked from the LG Polymers India plant at R.R. Venkatapuram village on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.

Modi expressed his condolences for the families of the deceased and issued instructions for proper treatment and assistance to be given to those who have taken ill. Modi also spoke to Union home ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to take stock of the situation in Vizag arising out of the gas leak.

The prime minister wrote on Twitter that he spoke with Union Home Ministry officials and National Disaster Management Authority regarding the situation “which is being monitored closely.” “Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi.

Responding to the Vizag gas leak incident on Thursday, Home Minister Amit Shah said that he has spoken to the officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, “which is being monitored closely.” “The incident in Vizag is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam,” tweeted Amit Shah.

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11 dead , 320 hospitalized in Visakha gas leak. People fell like pack of cards

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11 dead , 320 hospitalized in Visakha gas leak. People fell like pack of cards

A major gas leak in a polymer company in Visakhapatnam has led to death of at 11 people, including a child and two senior citizens. Two of them fell into well while trying to escape and died.

Over 320 have been hospitalized following the leak, which took place at LG Polymers chemical plant owned at R R Venkatapuram around 2.30 am on Thursday after they inhaled toxic PVC gas (or Styrene) leaked from LG Polymers. Styrene gas is used to make plastics and rubber and can be dangerous. The gas had leaked out of two 5,000-tonne tanks that had been unattended due to coronavirus lockdown in place since late March. The plant was reopened after easing of the lockdown regulations without proper safety measures and adequate maintenance before starting production work led to the tragedy. The plant is owned by the South Korean company LG Corp.

At least 11 people had died from toxic gas exposure and that 320 others were affected by the gas to varying degrees, including some who are in intensive care. The deceased were identified as Krishnamurthy (73), Shreya (6), Grisha (9), Gangaraju (48) , Chandramouli (19), Narayanamma (39) and Narasamma (43). Some unconfirmed reports estimated that around 1,000 people were affected by the gas leak.

The toxic fumes have spread over five villages and officials have been evacuating people from surrounding areas. As the gas spread, residents ran out of their homes in panic. Hordes of people came out of their houses faces covered, ambulances rushing towards the the affected areas. Video footage showed dozens of men and women lying unconscious in the street. Visuals of a stray dog struggling to use its legs to stand before collapsing on the floor, two sisters tightly hugging each other, a cop choking, a daughter desperately trying to revive her mother collapsed on the street by puming her heart were disturbing. It was one horrific and tragic scene. People fell like a pack of cards, some fell off their bikes, some morning walkers collapsed inhaling the toxic fumes, children and women were found unconsicous on the pavements.

Hundreds of people have been taken to hospital – many complaining of a burning sensation in the eyes, nausea and breathing problems. Ambulances, fire engines and policemen reached the chemical plant. Residents of Simhachalam, Gopalapatnam, Vepagunta have been evacuated as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have reached the spot. Chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is closely monitoring the situation and is rushing to the Port City.

Of the 320 gas leak victims, around 193 are undergoing treatment at King’s George Hospital, 66 at private hopsitals and another 57 at various health centers. The KGH hospital in Vizag had to grapple with a swarm of patients cramming hospital emergency rooms with more than 2 gas victims being treated in one bed. There were children everywhere, often two to three to a bed. Some were brothers and sisters.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called up Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to inquire about the situation. Jagan reportedly informed the Prime Minister that the situation was under control and that people in the nearby villages were evacuated. Modi expressed his condolences for the families of the deceased and issued instructions for proper treatment and assistance to be given to those who have taken ill. Modi also spoke to Union home ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to take stock of the situation in Vizag arising out of the gas leak. The prime minister has also convened a meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority at 11 am in wake of the situation, the PMO said.

The prime minister wrote on Twitter that he spoke with Union Home Ministry officials and National Disaster Management Authority regarding the situation “which is being monitored closely.” “Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi.

Responding to the Vizag gas leak incident on Thursday, Home Minister Amit Shah said that he has spoken to the officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, “which is being monitored closely.” “The incident in Vizag is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam,” tweeted Amit Shah.

Andhra Pradesh Govenor Bishwabhushan Harichandan expressed anguish over the situation in Visakha. Bishwabhushan Harichandan advised the government to press in Red Cross volunteers to mitigate the crisis.

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Virus is far from over, lockdown will continue in hotspots: PM to CMs

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Virus is far from over, lockdown will continue in hotspots: PM to CMs

In the fourth video-conference with the CMs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the lockdown enforced by the Centre to arrest the spread of novel coronavirus in the country will continue in hotspots.

In the virtual interaction with the CMs of all the states, Modi some relaxations would largely depend on the situation in those states and curbs would be lifted in districts that have shown improvement. A decision on extending the countrywide lockdown would be taken after May 3.

Modi said social distancing and face masks would become a part of daily life, not just in urban areas but also rural areas. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy who was hoping for some relaxations in green zones was disappointed Modi stated that, ‘Virus is far from over. Constant vigil is paramount. Masks will be become part of our lives going ahead. Lockdown has yielded positive results. We were able to save thousands of lives,” Modi stated in his address to the CMs.

Some CMs, including Jagan Mohan Reddy were of the view that any extension of the lockdown should be taken only after May 3, but economic activities should commence in ‘green zones’.

In the last video-conference, Jagan emphasized that the wheel of the economy should be kept moving, while pointing out that the lockdown should be limited only to identified red zones in the state where the Covid-19 was prevalent. Of the total 676 mandals in the state, 37 have been identified as red zones and another 44 as orange zones. AP reported 1,177 with 31 deaths. In Andhra Pradesh, 11 districts are in the red zones including Kurnool, Guntur, Nellore, Prakasam, Krishna, Kadapa, West Godavari, Chittoor, Vishakhapatnam, East Godavari and Anantapur.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao sought more resources to deal with the health and the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and pitched for leveraging Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to counter the same. He called for increasing the pay and number of work days under MGNREGA. He also called for Quantitative Easing (QE) or new money supply by the Reserve Bank of India, increasing the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management limit to 6%. He also sought deferring the interest payments that States are supposed to remit to the central government on their borrowings for at least six months. Telangana reported 1,001, 25 deaths, while Andhra Pradesh continues to see a surge of coronavirus cases. There are over 221 containment clusters in Telangana, 139 are in Hyderabad, where in and out public movement is totally prohibited with high barricades and heavy police deployment.

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Jagan-KCR attend PM’s virtual conference with CM

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Jagan-KCR attend PM’s virtual conference with CM

AP Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy and his Telangana counterpart KCR have attended the virtual CMs’ conference held by Prime Minister Modi. Curiosity arose on what Jagan would present before the PM on lockdown extensions. It is well known how CM Jagan is very desperate to hold local body elections and win 90 per cent results so as to shift Capital to Vizag on the strength of public approval. But, contrary to AP mood, many other States including Telangana are asking for lockdown extensions in the face of rising Coronavirus cases.

KCR has already decided to implement lockdown till there is clear decline in cases. Delhi, Punjab, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal have also favoured lockdown. However, the Modi government was also in favour of lockdown to continue but with considerable relaxations to boost economy.

The Centre has already given a call for ‘minimum mobility and maximum output’ in order to balance between social distancing and economic recovery. CM Jagan Reddy has already expressed concern over diminishing finances which is putting Andhra Pradesh into a thoroughly disadvantageous situation. There are lots of expectations on the coordination and balancing act by the Centre and the State governments in putting the country back on recovery path while keeping COVID at bay.

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Modi to interact with CMs on April 27

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Modi to interact with CMs on April 27

Just six days before the extended lockdown ends, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with Chief Ministers of all states and Union territories on April 27.

The Monday meeting, scheduled in the morning, will take place through video link. The exact time of the meeting is yet to be confirmed.

The meeting is likely to discuss the country’s overall and state-specific progress in the war on Covid-19 in the second leg of the lockdown and the way forward. It will be fourth such meeting since the imposition of lockdown in March.

While the Centre has allowed partial easing in the lockdown norms from April 20 to activities, like road construction, agriculture and mining, few states, such as Telangana, have decided against relaxations.

The Prime Minister is also likely to take up state-specific issues and formulate a common exit plan.

The nationwide 21-day lockdown that started on April 14 was extended till May 3 by Prime Minister Modi on the last day of its first leg. Modi said between life and livelihood, he valued saving lives and that prompted him to extend the lockdown.

By Wednesday evening, Covid-19 tally had reached 20,471 and 652 deaths.

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PM says lockdown till May 3. Jagan cannot enforce lockdown only in red zones till April 20

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PM says lockdown till May 3. Jagan cannot enforce lockdown only in red zones till April 20

In his much-awaited address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the country will remain in coronavirus lockdown for another 19 days till May 3 as the country’s corona tally crossed the 10,000 mark with around 339 deaths reported.

The Prime Minister said the government had decided to enforce strict lockdown till April 20 followed by graded relaxations. The government may ease curbs post April 20 in non-hotspot areas. “It all depends on the corona cases in the states. Any relaxations in the states will be closely monitored,” the PM said. With the complete lockdown enforcement by the central government till April 20, the Jagan-led government cannot enforce lockdown only in red zones. The lockdown in Andhra Pradesh has to be strictly followed even in orange and green zones till April 20 and the central government will closely monitor the spread of covid-19 in all the states till April 20 and if there are no new hotspots identified there could be some relaxations.

In a national address on Tuesday, he said that only by respecting the confinement rules would the battle against Covid-19 be won. Thanking the people for cooperating with the government’s complete lockdown so far, he appealed to the people to stay at home and keep social distancing. He said lockdown is the only answer at the moment and social distancing will help stop the spread of virus. “Foreign countries could not gauge the seriousness of the problem which led to the spread of this disease. However, India sensed the gravity of the problem even before the country reported a single case. The government had immediately cancelled all the international flights. As the country reported 100 cases of corona, the government had made 14-day isolation mandatory. “The government took the tough decision of complete lockdown when the country reported 550 cases,” Modi said in his address to the nation.

Prime Minister observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the states have helped reduce the impact of corona virus but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount. He emphasized the criticality of coming three to four weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge. “Your sacrifice has helped us fight this battle. You went through the pain to fight this. Indians made a lot of sacrifice even in this season of festivals. The spirit should continue for some more weeks.

He asked people to follow the 7 simple do’s and don’t s – “Look after the elderly in your house, take measures to boost immunity, don’t cross lockdown Lakshmana Rekha, download ‘Aarogya Setu’ app, don’t lay off and show compassion to employees, respect and honour covid warriors such as doctors, nurses, safai karamcharis and the police, help the needy. These are the ways to win this battle against the virus. Let us do this together till May 3. Stay where you are, safe and healthy,” he said

The extension of complete lockdown was given as states including Telangana favoured extension. In video interaction with Prime Minister Modi, more than 10 states favoured the extension of the lockdown barring Jagan Mohan Reddy who proposed lockdown in Andhra Pradesh only in red zones. He was of the view that the complete lockdown should be enforced only in areas declared as hotpsots by the state government. “The Andhra Pradesh government has put in place containment cluster strategy. Around 141containment clusters were declared as hotspots. He said in a total of 676 mandals, the state government had identified 81 mandals as red zones and orange zones. “Of the 81 mandals, 37 were declared as red zones and 44 as oranges zones. In my opinion, the lockdown should be enforced in the red zones. The restrictions should continue in public gatherings like malls, cinema halls, places of worship, schools.”

Jagan said while the full economic impact on the state was yet to be assessed, he said several sectors are already feeling the pain, especially the farm sector which is the mainstay in Andhra Pradesh. Jagan said while the government should initiate very bold steps, “we have to ensure the wheel of economy keeps moving if not in full speed at least to the level of sustenance of the people. I would like to emphasize the impact of lockdown on the state particularly on the common man. Agriculture sector is the mainstay of our economy constituting more than 35 per cent of the GSDP and employing more than 62 per cent of workforce in our state. Interstate movement of agriculture commodities has come to an abysmal low with less than 25 per cent of the trucks on the roads due to fear of stoppage in between. There is very little storage space available for agriculture commodities within the state and our godowns,” he had noted.

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Lockdown till May 3, this is the only way: PM

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Lockdown till May 3, this is the only way: PM

In his much-awaited address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the country will remain in coronavirus lockdown for another 19 days till May 3. Strict lockdown will be enforced till April 20 followed by graded relaxations.

In a national address on Tuesday, he said that only by respecting the confinement rules would the battle against Covid-19 be won.

Thanking the people for cooperating with the government’s complete lockdown so far, he appealed to the people to stay at home and keep social distancing. He said lockdown is the only answer at the moment and social distancing will help stop the spread of virus. “Foreign countries could not gauge the seriousness of the problem which led to the spread of this disease. However, India sensed the gravity of the problem even before the country reported a single case. The government had immediately cancelled all the international flights. As the country reported 100 cases of corona, the government had made 14-day isolation mandatory. “The government took the tough decision of complete lockdown when the country reported 550 cases,” Modi said in his address to the nation.

Prime Minister observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the states have helped reduce the impact of corona virus but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount. He emphasized the criticality of coming three to four weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge. “Your sacrifice has helped us fight this battle. You went through the pain to fight this. Indians made a lot of sacrifice even in this season of festivals. The spirit should continue for some more weeks.

He asked people to follow the 7 simple do’s and don’t s – “Look after the elderly in your house, take measures to boost immunity, don’t cross lockdown Lakshmana Rekha, download ‘Aarogya Setu’ app, don’t lay off and show compassion to employees, respect and honour covid warriors such as doctors, nurses, safai karamcharis and the police, help the needy. These are the ways to win this battle against the virus. Let us do this together till May 3. Stay where you are, safe and healthy,” he said

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PM Modi to address nation on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

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PM Modi to address nation on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. He is likely to announce the extension of the ongoing nationwide lockdown and exemptions, if any, during the address.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) took to Twitter to announce, “Prime Minister @narendramodi will address the nation at 10 a.m. on 14th April 2020.”

Earlier, there were indications that the Prime Minister’s Office is contemplating a graded lifting of lockdown measures, and marking the country into red, yellow and green zones, depending on the severity of the coronavirus spread.

Government sources say, areas under yellow and green zones may get some exemptions. Moreover, the government is considering giving more reprieve to the agricultural sector, in face of an extension of the current shutdown.

Sources indicated that at least ten Chief ministers “strongly advocated” an extension of the ongoing shutdown during the CM Conference, recently held through video conference. While some Chief Ministers have advised the Prime Minister to extend it “at least for the rest of April”, some have advocated “caution”, in case he decides against extending it.

On Friday, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, during a Facebook address to the ABVP cadre in the JNU, gave the clearest indication of the extended shutdown. “A few states have extended the shutdown because measures such as this are the only ways we can win the battle. If we have to get ready for another 15 days, we will need new volunteers.”

The current shutdown ends on the night of April 14, and Prime Minister Modi will address the nation on Tuesday to convey what’s in store for them.

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KCR seeks Rs 10.15 lakh crore package to counter recession

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KCR seeks Rs 10.15 lakh crore package to counter recession

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce Rs 10.15 lakh crore Quantitative Easing to counter what he called the impending recession.

Rao said that though the lockdown had crippled the economy, it needs to be extended till April 30 as the economic activity can be revived but human lives once lost cannot be revived.

The Chief Minister in a letter to Modi suggested that the only way to counter the impending recession is through Quantitative Easing (QE) and the effective use of ‘helicopter money’.

“Quantitative Easing proposed should be at least 5 per cent of GDP of the country. As per the Central Statistical Office, the 2019-20 GDP of India is Rs 203.85 lakh crore and QE at 5 per cent works out to Rs 10.15 lakh crore,” Rao wrote.

The Chief Minister said this approach was being followed by all major central banks of the world.

“All over the world, the central banks have taken very bold measures to counter the global recession which is worse than the Great Depression of 1929 and global financial crisis of 2008. Distressed times need desperate measures,” he said.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, told a news conference on Saturday night that he also put forward his demands before the Prime Minister during the latter’s videoconference with the Chief Ministers of all the states earlier in the day.

He said QE was required to help all the sectors, including informal business sector, industrial workers, the poor and farmers.

The Chief Minister said the revenue of the states had become nill. “As compared with the proportionate monthly revenue of Rs 4,000 crore, the actual collections are abysmally low at only Rs 100 crore in April 2020 in Telangana and borrowings seem to be the only option.”

He demanded that the FRBM limits on the fiscal deficit may be increased from 3 per cent to 5 per cent of GSDP for a period of one year to counter unprecedented slowdown

“To reduce the cash outflows and conserve resources to fight the recession, it is requested that the entire debt service (principal repayments and interest payment) of all the SDL loans, and the loans taken by state PSUs based on state government guarantee and negotiated loans may be deferred by two quarters and the ways and means advance, increased by 30 per cent recently by the RBI to manage temporary mismatches in liquidity may be further increased by 100 per cent,” KCR wrote.

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‘Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi’ — govt motto on corona, Modi tells CMs

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‘Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi’ — govt motto on corona, Modi tells CMs

Underlining the motto of ‘jaan hai to jahaan hai’ to ‘jaan bhi, jahaan bhi’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for the third time interacted with the chief ministers to chalk out the exit plan for the lockdown and said there seems to be a consensus among the states to extend the lockdown by another two weeks.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown is coming to end on April 14 and the number of coronavirus cases is rising further across the country.

Talking about the exit plan from lockdown, the Prime Minister said, “There seems to be a consensus among the states on extension of lockdown by another two weeks.”

He underlined that the motto of the government earlier was ‘jaan hai to jahaan hai’ but now it is: ‘jaan bhi, jahaan bhi’.

This was Modi’s third interaction with the Chief Ministers. He interacted with the chief ministers earlier on March 20 and April 2.

The meeting went on for four hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the video conference, the Prime Minister talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through tele-medicine and also suggested that direct marketing for farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding in mandis, for which model APMC laws should be reformed swiftly.

“Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep,” he said in the meeting.

The Prime Minister observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the states has definitely helped reduce the impact of Covid-19, but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount.

He emphasized the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge.

Modi assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines and said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers.

He also gave a “stern” message against black-marketing and hoarding.

Condemning and expressing distress at the instances of attacks on the doctors and medical staff, and at incidents of misbehavior with students from North-East and Kashmir, Prime Minister underlined that such cases need to be dealt with firmly.

He also spoke about the need to curb lockdown violations and ensure that social distancing is followed.

The Prime Minister also spoke about popularizing the Aarogya Setu app to ensure downloads in greater numbers.

He referred to how South Korea and Singapore got success in contact tracing. “Based on those experiences, India has made its own effort through the app which will be an essential tool in India’s fight against the pandemic,” he said.

He also referred to the possibility of the app being an e-pass which could subsequently facilitate travel from one place to another.

Talking about the economic challenges, Modi said that the crisis is an “opportunity” to become “self-reliant” and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse.

During the video conferencing, the Chief Ministers provided feedback about the Covid-19 positive cases in their respective states, steps taken by them to maintain social distancing, ramp up healthcare infrastructure, mitigate difficulties of migrants and maintain supply of essentials.

The Chief Ministers also suggested that lockdown should be extended by two weeks. They also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Centre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic.

On Saturday, the total number of Covid-19 cases in India rose to 7,447 with 239 deaths across the country.

The Prime Minister had announced 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 24 during his second special address to the nation.

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President Trump praises, thanks PM Modi profusely for HCQ

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President Trump praises, thanks PM Modi profusely for HCQ

The US president Donald Trump on Thursday profusely praised and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decision to supply hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the anti-malaria drug used for COVID-19 disease, to some of the most affected nations.

In his morning tweet, President Trump said, “Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!”

President Trump’s admiration for Modi and gratitude towards India, put rest to several speculative media reports that claimed that the Indian government had taken the decision to lift the ban on the export of HCQ under the “threat of retaliation” in international trade by the US.

At a White House press briefing on Monday President Trump, in response to a question whether he was worried about “retaliation to the US ban on export of medical goods” from India, had said, “I would be surprised if he (Modi) would, you know, because India does very well with the US… I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him, and I said, we’d appreciate you allowing our supply (of HCQ) to come out. If he doesn’t allow it to come out, that would be ok. But of course, there may be retaliation. Why wouldn’t there be?”

Trump’s response to the reporter’s leading question was construed by some sections of Indian media as a threat even as the government denied that it had taken the decision under any pressure.

In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic, India on Tuesday decided to licence paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to neighbouring countries who are dependent on Indian capabilities. India will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations which have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic, a ministry of external affairs statement said.

The US as of now has the highest number of the novel coronavirus cases in the world, with over 418,000 cases of infections and over 14,200 deaths. Relatively, India has managed to contain the pandemic with 178 deaths and over 5900 cases of infections.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has notified lifting restrictions on 14 drugs. Paracetamol and HCQ, have been kept in a licensed category and their demand status is to be continuously monitored. HCQ is being used to treat COVID-19 patients and as prophylactic by the frontline health care workers deployed in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The Modi government had imposed a ban on export of the drug since the coronavirus outbreak hit India.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

PM calls for CMs meet, lockdown extension to be decided on April 11

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PM calls for CMs meet, lockdown extension to be decided on April 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to take a call on extending the complete lockdown in the country after holding a review meeting with chief ministers of all the states on April 11. A 21-day nationwide lockdown is in force since March25 to facilitate social distancing and halt the rapid spread of coronavirus.

In his last meeting , Modi had sought suggestions from CMs on lifting the lockdown, several states were against such a move given the surge in number of cases of novel coronavirus. Several CMs seem to be in favour of extending the lockdown, including Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. As a matter of fact, the April 11 meet comes close on the heels of the KCR’s demand for continuing with the lockdown. KCR while defending the complete lockdown noted that human life should be above economic interests. He said he had called the PM to propose extension of the lockdown. ‘‘We need to save lives, later we can save the economy,” Rao had said. The extension of lockdown now seems imminent.

On Wednesday, TRS Lok Sabha floor leader Nama Nageswara Rao and the party’s Rajya Sabha floor leader K Keshava Rao attended the video-conference held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From YSRCP, floor leader in Lok Sabha and two-time MP P V Mithun Reddy and the party’s Rajya Sabha floor leader Vijaya Sai Reddy gave their suggestions on the extension of the lockdown. A broad consensus on the extension of the lockdown is expected in the second review meeting with the CMs. The floor leaders discussed the availability of testing kits, medical facilities and essential commodities in the video-conference with the PM.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Modi dials Jagan on corona situation in AP

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Modi dials Jagan on corona situation in AP

As the country entered its 11th day of lockdown and with a sudden spike in positive cases of corona in Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called up Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to take stock of the situation in the state.

The Prime Minister enquired about the measures being initiated by the state government to contain the spread of the contagion. Andhra Pradesh has so far reported 252 cases of corona, 190 of them linked to the Tablighi Jamaat religious congregation in South Delhi’s Nizamuddin. Andhra Pradesh reported around 62 new cases on Sunday evening and the state government had placed the residential locations of people who tested positive on a red alert list. The Prime Minister asked Jagan to intensify its monitoring efforts to trace, track and test people with signs of corona virus. AP saw a spurt in COVID-19 cases after March 20, when large numbers of people who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Delhi, between March 13-15, began returning to their homes. Jagan had appealed to the people to refrain from blaming any particular community for the spread of the virus in the state.

Modi also called up TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday to enquire about the situation in Telangana. He also dialled former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil as well as former Prime Ministers H.D. Deve Gowda and Manmohan Singh on Sunday. He spoke to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Odisha CM and Biju Janata Dal leader Naveen Patnaik, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Prakash Singh Badal and DMK chief M.K. Stalin.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Modi responds on Ram Charan video

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Modi responds on Ram Charan video

Corona virus has literally brought down the world to stand still and many countries are fighting the virus with vigour. It is known news that PM Modi has asked people of India to light up lamps today at 9 pm. Ram Charan supported this move and posted on twitter and Modi responded on this.

Ram Charan tweeted, “I am proud of everyone who has faithfully been abiding by the lockdown! My love to you all.

With the same spirit, let’s light up lamps and come together to spread awareness for 9 minutes at 9 pm this Sunday. Don’t forget! 🙏🤗
@NarendraModi #LightForIndia #IndiaFightsCorona”.

Modi responded on this and tweeted, “Well pointed.
Follow the lockdown.
Spread brightness.
Together we will all defeat COVID-19. #IndiaFightsCorona”

Of course, there is some criticism on Modi’s call to light the lamps today. We have to wait and see how people respond on this today.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Modi thanks Chiranjeevi-Nagarjuna for COVID-19 video

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Modi thanks Chiranjeevi-Nagarjuna for COVID-19 video

Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Varun Tej and Sai Dharam Tej appeared in a video appealing to the people to observe social distancing and stay-at-home norm. The video got widely circulated. Even the DD News has tweeted about the wide awareness being created by the Telugu actors.

Incidentally, PM Modi has also seen the video. Immediately, the PM has tweeted his thanks in Telugu language to all the four actors for their gesture. He thanked them for taking so much interest in awareness creation against the Coronavirus threat. Modi further said that all should remain at home to practice social distancing in order to defeat the COVID-19 disease.

The Telugu actors have made this video by sitting at their homes. Each of them gave a message to the people on the need for discipline in the interests of themselves, their families and the overall community. They have appealed for personal distance and hygiene in the battle against the deadly virus. The actors’ fans are now overjoyed over the PM’s thanksgiving tweet.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Let us defeat darkness of corona by lighting candles on April 5, says PM

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Let us defeat darkness of corona by lighting candles on April 5, says PM

Amid a nationwide lockdown for 21 days to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the people to unitedly fight against the specter of corona virus and appealed to 130 crore people of the country to challenge the darkness of coronavirus by lighting lamps.

In a short video message, the Prime Minister said “I want 9 minutes of yours on April 5 at 9 pm. Switch off all lights, stand at balcony or gate with a candle, torch or mobile phone’s flash light. -This Sunday, April 5, we need to challenge the darkness of coronavirus.”

The Prime Minister said it is time for the nation to unleash the power of light and move towards light from the darkness created by coronavirus. “At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, at 9 pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows or balconies of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, symbol of strength and a source of hope,” he appealed.

Modi said people have displayed an unprecedented discipline and sense of service during the lockdown and appealed to the people to continue the same spirit to defeat the darkness created by corona virus. “We are at home during lockdown, but we are not alone as collective strength of entire country is with each one of us. Let’s defeat corona together and make India win,” he said

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

PM outlines govt’s priority: Test, track, isolate & quarantine to combat corona

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PM outlines govt’s priority: Test, track, isolate & quarantine to combat corona

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, for the second time, interacted with Chief Ministers via video conferencing and discussed measures to combat coronavirus, saying the government’s first priority for the next few weeks should be “testing, tracing, isolating and quarantining” and for this, administrative efforst down to the district level must be coordinated.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister thanked the states for supporting the lockdown decision due to which India has achieved some success in limiting the spread of Covid-19.

He also appreciated the states for working together as a team to check the spread of the virus. He, however, warned that the global situation remains far from satisfactory and informed them about probabbility of a possible second wave of spread of the virus in some countries.

Outlining the common goal for the country to ensure minimum loss of life, Modi said, “In the next few weeks, testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine should remain the areas of focus.”

He highlighted the necessity of “maintaining supply of essential medical products, availability of raw material for manufacture of medicines and medical equipment” and said it is necessary to ensure availability of separate, dedicated hospital facilities for Covid-19 patients.

Underscoring the importance of coordinated action and the need to avoid overlaps in efforts of stakeholders, the Prime Minister talked about the need of setting up “Crisis Management Groups” at district level and appointment of District Surveillance Officers.

He said, “Data must be taken from the accredited labs for testing — this will ensure congruence in data of district, state and centre.”

Modi said it is necessary to ensure staggered release of funds to the beneficiaries under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana to avoid crowding at banks. In view of the crop harvesting season, the Prime Minister asked the states to think of other platforms for procuring grains apart from APMC, and explore the possibility of creating pooling platforms for rural areas, like that in ride-sharing apps, which can be used for this purpose.

The Chief Ministers also mentioned their efforts of maintaining social distancing, tracking suspect cases, identifying and quarantining the suspects from Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi, containing community transmission, boosting medical infrastructure, strengthening medical workforce, provision of tele-medicine, provision of mental health counselling, distribution of food and other essentials to those in need and taking care of migrant workers.

The States spoke about the importance of mobilising resources, financial as well as medical, to mitigate the crisis.

Modi said it is imperative to work on a war footing, identify hotspots of the virus, encircle them and ensure that the virus does not spread out.

After the video conferencing with the Prime Minister, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, took to twitter and wrote: “Completion of lockdown will end on April 15 next. But it doesn’t mean free will to move out on streets. We all must be responsible in slowing down. Lockdown and social distancing are the only way to fight #COVID19.”

Khandu was referring to what Modi said in the video conferencing. However, the Chief Minister deleted that tweet and in another tweet clarified that “the tweet with respect to the lockdown period was uploaded by an officer whose comprehension in Hindi was limited. And therefore same was removed”.

On Thursday, a total of 1,965 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Indian while 50 people have died across the country. Out of 1,965, 150 people have recovered.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

PM calls isolation as the real battle against coronavirus

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PM calls isolation as the real battle against coronavirus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again came before the nation, making a fervent appeal to people to follow social distancing as their duty. Modi held video conference with the citizens of his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. He told the people that there is no option left for the people of the country but to follow home isolation guidelines. Modi once again said that social distancing is the only way to battle against this epidemic.

Modi’s call comes amid reports of people in some states unable to cope with the national lockdown. There are growing instances of people unable to go to their homes in view of the restrictions. Different cities are facing this problem. Common public are coming out in the name of buying essential commodities. This is happening despite the police beating up citizens at some places.

PM told the people that it is a time for their patience, determination and personal discipline. This is required to save our families, our communities and our country as a whole. Modi says it is enough to stay at home in order to defeat Coronavirus. Lots of victims are following this and getting back to good health.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

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