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Govt not even giving 2% of GDP in name of economic package: Anand Sharma

New Delhi, May 17 (ANI): Congress leader Anand Sharma on May 15 said the central government is not even giving 2% of the GDP in name of economic package to mitigate effects of COVID-19 pandemic. While speaking to ANI, Sharma said, "We have to make clear distinction between fiscal stimulus, economic package and easing of liquidity. 95% of what we are seeing is easing of liquidity. It would be economic package if there was cash or income support for those who lost wages and livelihood. It has not come from Government. The actual transfer of funds so far or outgo of cash from the Government is less than 1 lakh crore as of today. What is going out is not even 2% of the GDP. There is no 10% of GDP that we are giving."

Govt to bring in law which will enable farmers to sell produce at attractive prices

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 15 announced that a central law will be formulated to provide adequate choices to the farmers to sell produce at an attractive price. She said, "A central law will be formulated to provide adequate choices to the farmers to sell produce at an attractive price, barrier-free interstate trade and framework for e-trading of agricultural produce.

94-year-old Maharashtra woman gets warm send-off after defeating coronavirus

Sangli (Maharashtra), May 15 (ANI): A 94-year-old woman from Sangli district of Maharashtra has won battle against coronavirus. She discharged from the hospital on May 14. The staffs of the hospital were accorded a warm send-off. Meanwhile, the total number of cases in Maharashtra stands at 27,524 which include 1019 deaths so far.

FM Sitharaman announces Rs 1 lakh crore Agri-Infra fund for farm gate infrastructure

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): While addressing a press conference in Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 15 said the government will immediately create a Rs 1 lakh crore Agri-Infrastructure Fund for farm gate infrastructure for farmers. Finance Minister unveiled the third tranche of the Rs 20 lakh crore COVID-19 economic package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May12.

BJP playing politics, NOC already given for 110 trains: Jharkhand CM on Piyush Goyal's allegations

Ranchi (Jharkhand), May 15 (ANI): After Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal made a statement that Jharkhand government is not giving nod for enough trains to ferry migrant trains, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said Central government is playing politics over it and also said that NOC (No Objection Certificate) for 110 trains have been already given. While speaking to ANI, Soren said, "It has become the habit of BJP and centre to play politics over everything. Jharkhand government has given NOC for 110 trains. Around 50 trains have brought back around 60,000-70,000 migrant workers so far. Jharkhand was the first state that brought back the labourers. Lakhs of migrant workers are walking on foot but Central government doesn't have any mechanism to send them to their homes. The central government is just playing politics over the issue."

Rs 5,000 crore liquidity for 2 crore dairy farmers through interest subvention: FM Sitharaman

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 15 unveiled the third tranche of the Rs 20 lakh crore COVID-19 economic package announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing a press conference in Delhi, she said, "During COVID lockdown period, the demand for milk reduced by 20-25%. A new scheme to provide interest subvention at 2% per annum to dairy cooperatives for 2020-21. The scheme will unlock Rs 5000 crore additional liquidity, benefit to 2 crore farmers."

IMD predicts cyclonic storm over parts of Bay of Bengal

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cyclonic storm over south and adjoining central parts of Bay of Bengal by tomorrow (May 16) evening. IMD also issued warning to fishermen. "The low pressure system over southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to concentrate into a depression today evening or night and could further intensify into a cyclonic storm over south and adjoining central parts of Bay of Bengal by tomorrow evening," said IMD Director General of Meteorology, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra while talking to ANI. "Under influence of the low pressure system, we expect rainfall to start over coastal Odisha from May 18. We are also expecting rainfall over West Bengal on May 19 and May 20, with occurrence of heavy rainfall at a few places," Mohapatra further said.

Embarkation of Indians onboard INS Jalashwa commences in Male

Male (Maldives), May 15 (ANI): Indian citizens embarked on INS Jalashwa at Male under Operation Samudra Setu. Ship will commence its journey from Male to Kochi (Kerala) shortly. INS Jalashwa berthed alongside Maldives Ports Ltd in the early hours on May 15. Approximately 700 Indian nationals will head back home.

Congress shouldn't indulge in politics over migrant workers: Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): The Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan hit out at Congress for lambasting BJP over situation of migrant workers. While taking to ANI, the Minister said, "Congress should be sensitive towards the migrant labourers and instruct Congress-ruled states to shoulder their responsibility. Congress shouldn't indulge in petty politics at this juncture. The poorest of the poor is at the epicenter of decisions by Prime Minister."

Prithviraj Chavan clarifies on his gold monetization suggestion to raise resources

Satara (Maharashtra), May 15 (ANI): Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan claimed that his suggestion of gold monetization from all religious trusts to raise resources amid crisis due to COVID-19 situation, has been deliberately twisted and misrepresented by a particular section. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced an economic revival package of Rupees 20 lakh crore but questions have been asked as to how government will raise these resources. I had suggested that govt ask various individuals and religious trust to deposit idle gold lying with them," said Prithviraj Chavan. "Anti-social elements twisted it out of context and tried to project that I had targeted a particular religion. I'm going to take up with appropriate legal authorities. My suggestion was nothing new. Whenever there's a national economic crisis, PMs resorted to collect gold," Chavan further said.

Lockdown 3.0: Haryana Roadways bus service resumes with limitations

Ambala (Haryana), May 15 (ANI): Haryana Roadways bus service resumed after the state government decided to start special bus services on selected routes. The buses will run only within the state. Stranded are hoping for further relaxations after conclusion of lockdown 3.0.

Indian nationals in New York applaud govt for Vande Bharat Mission

New York (US), May 15 (ANI): Indian nationals at New York airport on May 14 praised Indian authorities and government for Vande Bharat Mission. "We are really grateful to Indian government. The procedures have been conducted so well, and we feel so safe," said Indian Nationals. "We came to New York for a holiday, but we got stuck here for 2 long months," said another Indian national at NY airport. Government of India started Vande Bharat Mission to bring home Indians stranded in foreign land via 64 flights in first phase of plan.

Lockdown 3.0: 310 NRIs set to fly back to UK from Amritsar

Amritsar (Punjab), May 15 (ANI): Around 310 Non-Resident Indians (NRI) reached Amritsar airport to board a special flight for United Kingdom. NRIs thanked British government for the initiative amid coronavirus situation. An NRI said, "I came to India to perform last rites of my father in March and got stuck here due to lockdown. I thank British Govt for sending the flight for us". Arrangements were made at Amritsar airport to facilitate their travel. UK had announced several charter flights to bring stranded British citizens from Amritsar.

After struggle with COVID-19, Delhi cop and wife blessed with baby girl

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): After spending several stressful days, Delhi Police Constable Devender of Jahangirpuri Police Station who was infected coronavirus along with his pregnant wife, had moments to cherish when a baby girl came into their lives. Several senior police officials visited Devender's residence to express their support for doing his duty amid coronavirus crisis and also to shower the baby girl with their blessings. Recounting the stressful days, Devender said, "I got infected with coronavirus while on duty at C Block of Jahangirpuri. Of the police personnel who were stationed there about 6 people were infected with the virus," he told ANI. The couple later tested negative for the virus. "Everything went well and on May 8 as I was blessed with a baby girl," Devender said. Varun Dalal, Additional SHO, said senior police officials came to express their appreciation for the Constable for his selfless efforts in COVID-19 fight. They also came to celebrate the birth of his baby

Lockdown 3.0: Retailers in Amritsar open shops with certain restrictions

Amritsar (Punjab), May 15 (ANI): Shops selling non-essential commodities have been opened in Amritsar amid final days of lockdown 3.0. State govt has ordered that the shops in the state will remain open between 7 AM to 6 PM. Shopkeepers have been directed to ensure social distancing norms. "We are following social distancing norms, circles have been made outside the shops," said a local. Meanwhile a shopkeeper said, "Government has taken a right decision, we need to manage things properly in view of virus spread."

Glass Furin wind bells gains popularity among tourists in Japan

Tokyo (Japan), May 15 (ANI): As summer approaches in Japan, glass craftsmen become busy making wind bell or wind chime called "Furin" in Japanese. People hang them on the window of their home as per tradition that is being followed for the last 500 years. These wind bells have dozens of types and names that vary depending on their shape and sound and recently they have become a popular Japanese traditional gift among the tourists. Each bell makes a unique sound. Earlier, there were street vendors who sold Furin bells on their carts, but now they are being sold in department stores and local gift shops. Each region in Japan has its own traditional designs and accordingly the names of the bell are kept. There are few workshops that still make Furin bells. This factory is trying to preserve this craft by inviting people from all over Japan as well as school kids. The craftsman explains to them the history of Furin bells so that they can appreciate its importance as a key component of Japa

World Bank announces USD 1 billion social protection package for India

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): The World Bank on May 15 announced USD 1 billion social protection package for India linked to central government programmes amid the coronavirus pandemic. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, the Country Director for the World Bank in India said, " What COVID-19 has actually got government to create linkages between the system and begin to move the social protection system of India, what will be the 21st social protection system, in that context we have put in 1 billon dollar in social protection package."

Equity indices slip amid selling pressure in auto, financial sectors

Mumbai, May 15 (ANI): Equity benchmark indices traded lower during early hours on Friday as selling pressure built up in auto and financial sectors. A day earlier, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had unveiled details of the second tranche of Rs 20 lakh crore economic package with a focus on migrant workers, street vendors and small farmers. There was no positive impact of that in today's trading as investors remained concerned about the economic fallout of coronavirus pandemic even as businesses and cities readied to open up after the countrywide lockdown is lifted in phases. At 10:15 am, the BSE SandP Sensex was down by 249 points or 0.8 per cent at 30,874 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 61 points or 0.67 per cent at 9,082. Except for Nifty metal which was up by 1.2 per cent, all sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the negative zone with Nifty auto down by 1.4 per cent, private bank by 1 per cent and financial service by 0.6 per cent. Auto stocks suffer

Delhi sends suggestions for lockdown 4.0

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Delhi Health Minister, Satyendar Jain said that State Government has sent or proposal to Centre for the fourth phase of coronavirus lockdown. While talking to ANI, Satyendar Jain said, "We have sent proposals to the Centre. Most of the people have given proposal to wear mask in public space and maintain social distancing. They've suggested that movement of buses and metro rails may be started in limited numbers to maintain social distancing." The health minister also that we have to learn 'living' with coronavirus, as World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that coronavirus may never go away.

Japanese Kokeshi dolls attracting tourists

Tokyo (Japan), May 15 (ANI): Japanese Kokeshi dolls, one of the oldest forms of dolls in the world. Made from a single piece of wood, these dolls are made in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional designs to modern cultural references. Today, this doll has become a famous icon of Japanese culture. The Kokeshi doll has been manufactured in the same way for hundreds of years. Though there is variety of trees, the most common type is the cherry tree, which doesn't get affected by moisture and is very dense therefore it is perfect for the sculpturing process. After carving the wood, detail is either burnt or painted onto the wood. The method used primarily is ironing with hot metal. In the past, all the decorations were painted with hot ember. Now Kokeshi doll has become the most famous gift from Japan and many tourists are keen to acquire it. Though Kokeshi doll was introduced as a toy for kids but it has today become an integral part of Japanese culture.