Page 238 - Latest Updates on Lockdown
FM's Day 2 package: Govt's immediate fiscal cost will be close to Rs 10K cr
The direct spending by the centre, on Thursday's announcements will include Rs 3,500 crore that the centre will spend on providing free foodgrains to 80 million migrants
 "FM's Day 2 package: Govt's immediate fiscal cost will be close to Rs 10K cr")
Centre should charge for guarantee
Only PSUs can raise money cheaply today since it is assumed that the government won't let them default
FM extends Rs 3.2-trillion stimulus to migrant workers and farmers
Migrant workers, farmers, street vendors, middle income groups to benefit ; Experts say implementation will be key, call for package to boost demand now
 "FM extends Rs 3.2-trillion stimulus to migrant workers and farmers")
No regular passenger trains likely to run before June 30: Indian Railways
Shramik Special trains for migrants and fully-air conditioned special trains to continue operations
 "No regular passenger trains likely to run before June 30: Indian Railways")
Stimulus 2.0 won't change outlook for business
The second package focuses mostly on support to businesses, especially MSMEs
Work from home to be new normal for govt offices after lifting of lockdown
Draft guidelines in this regard have been circulated by the Personnel Ministry to all central government departments asking them to send their comments on it by May 21
 "Work from home to be new normal for govt offices after lifting of lockdown")
A community behind the curve
With resources more scarce than ever, it is vital the government implemented the Sachar Committee's recommendations in earnest
 "A community behind the curve")
14 home-bound migrant workers killed in two road accidents in MP
In one of the incidents, eight Uttar Pradesh-bound migrant workers were killed and nearly 55 injured when the truck they were travelling in collided with a bus
 "14 home-bound migrant workers killed in two road accidents in MP")
Data deficiency
MPC will have to work with an incomplete inflation picture
 "Data deficiency")
Liquidity focus continues
Govt provides immediate relief, but demand boosters missing
 "Liquidity focus continues")
Centre looks to nudge more MSMEs into manufacturing to reduce imports
Sources across ministries confirmed that Narendra Modi's call to "go vocal for local" will be achieved through a host of measures, running into the dozens, and will focus on long-term goals.
 "Centre looks to nudge more MSMEs into manufacturing to reduce imports")
Urge all states to take special loan, pass benefit to consumers: R K Singh
Minister of state for power says soft loans at 8-10% interest rate being given to discoms to help them pay dues
 "Urge all states to take special loan, pass benefit to consumers: R K Singh")
Why the Rs 20 trillion will support our sovereign rating
The need of the hour is proper design and implementation
 "Why the Rs 20 trillion will support our sovereign rating")
Changes in consumer behaviour to drive brands to rethink positioning norms
The pandemic is changing consumer behaviour say experts, forcing marketers to rethink the differentiators between mass and premium brands
 "Changes in consumer behaviour to drive brands to rethink positioning norms")
Letter to BS: Modi needs a trouble shooter to push forward reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reforms today would be better served by the gift of insight and pervasive intermediation of the likes of an Arun Jaitley
 "Letter to BS: Modi needs a trouble shooter to push forward reforms")
President Kovind to forgo 30% salary, defer limousine purchase
The president's travel will be cut down. He will use technology to reach out to people
 "President Kovind to forgo 30% salary, defer limousine purchase")
MakeMyTrip partners premium hotels to launch online delivery service
With dine-in experiences coming to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic-triggered lockdown, the company aims to bring culinary experiences from top restaurants to the doorstep of customers
 "MakeMyTrip partners premium hotels to launch online delivery service")
Govt pumps Rs 30,000 crore into Nabard, offers Rs 2-trn loan to farmers
Brings 25 million farmers under concessional loan scheme; experts say these measures do nothing to address basic problem of low farm prices and falling demand
 "Govt pumps Rs 30,000 crore into Nabard, offers Rs 2-trn loan to farmers")
Sebi relaxes 25% minimum public shareholding norms, deadline postponed
Experts said Sebi's relaxation would also benefit companies where promoter holding had increased beyond 75 per cent because of open offers or other acquisitions.
 "Sebi relaxes 25% minimum public shareholding norms, deadline postponed")
Despite lockdown relaxations, courier industry stares at bleak future
The courier industry in India is made up of varied players starting from large multinational firms such as DHL, United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx India to domestic firms comprising Blue Dart, DTDC
 "Despite lockdown relaxations, courier industry stares at bleak future")