To contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday night announced a complete lockdown in India for 21 days. He emphasised on social distancing and said it’s the only way to deal with the pandemic threat.
Here are the top 10 developments:
1. India is under complete lockdown for 21 days.
2. PM Modi announced Rs 15,000 crore to boost health infrastructure to deal with COVID-19.
3. Shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal fodder, ration shops under PDS will remain open during the lockdown period.
4. Hospitals and all related medical establishments, including manufacturing and distributing units, both in public and private sector, such as dispensaries, chemist and medical equipment shops, clinics, ambulance etc will continue to remain functional.
5. Banks, insurance offices, and ATMs shall remain operational.
6. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India so far is 519, including 40 who have recovered and 10 dead.
7. First confirmed case of COVID-19 reported from North East India on Tuesday.
8. The last date for filing GST returns for March, April and May 2020 is extended to June 30, 2020, due to COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
9. For the FY 2018-19, the last date to file ITR has been extended to June 30, 2020, and the interest rate on delayed payment is reduced to 9% from 12%.
10. To ensure the implementation of the lockdown, the government has announced action, including fines, against violators.