Thousands of couples get married in mass wedding ceremony in South Korea braving coronavirus fears

Finance Minister Nirmala <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2020-21-gross-enrolment-ratio-for-girls-is-now-higher-than-boys-says-sitharaman-278001">Sitharaman</a> on Friday said the budget presented by her last week provides a "discreet and considered" stimulus.

Speaking to industry representatives in Mumbai, Sitharaman said the Budget draws on experiences of all the past instances of a slowdown in growth where the government has had to provide for a booster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-increase-spending-capacity-nirmala-sitharaman-278011">Also Read:&nbsp;Wanted to increase spending capacity, says Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget 2020</a>

It can be noted that some constituencies have expressed disappointment with the Budget for not having any big announcements, especially at a time when growth has slipped to a decadal low.

"Based on the experiences that we had in the last round of government trying to provide stimulus, we've essentially made sure that we are doing it in a very discreet and considered manner," Sitharaman said at the interaction.

"We kept the macroeconomic fundamentals in mind and made sure that the necessary stimulus which was the demand of the time, both for increasing consumption and also for ensuring investments in long-term asset building as a means to providing stimulus will be taken up," she added.

Accompanied by all the secretaries in the ministry, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-breaks-record-of-longest-budget-speech-278005">Sitharaman </a>said unlike the past instances of providing for a stimulus, the remedies that the budget have provided are "very focused, very clear that it is going in a well chalked out path with a clear intention of spending responsibly in building capital assets".

She pointed out that the rural and farm sector had got attention through the 16-point agenda, startups have been given a fillip and infrastructure investments have also been taken up.

"The remedy is a considered remedy. I'm sure discerning people will be able to see why it is so," she said.

Sitharaman said divestments are necessary to get transparency in the working of companies by making necessary disclosures.

She added that the government will only sell those companies where it sees no strategic rationale in running those.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the budget presented by her last week provides a "discreet and considered" stimulus. Speaking to industry representatives in Mumbai, Sitharaman said the Budget draws on experiences of all the past instances of a slowdown in growth where the government has had to provide for a booster.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the budget presented by her last week provides a "discreet and considered" stimulus. Speaking to industry representatives in Mumbai, Sitharaman said the Budget draws on experiences of all the past instances of a slowdown in growth where the government has had to provide for a booster. Also Read: Wanted to increase spending capacity, says Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget 2020 It can be noted that some constituencies have expressed disappointment with the Budget for not having any big announcements, especially at a time when growth has slipped to a decadal low. "Based on the experiences that we had in the last round of government trying to provide stimulus, we've essentially made sure that we are doing it in a very discreet and considered manner," Sitharaman said at the interaction. "We kept the macroeconomic fundamentals in mind and made sure that the necessary stimulus which was the demand of the time, both for increasing consumption and also for ensuring investments in long-term asset building as a means to providing stimulus will be taken up," she added. Accompanied by all the secretaries in the ministry, Sitharaman said unlike the past instances of providing for a stimulus, the remedies that the budget have provided are "very focused, very clear that it is going in a well chalked out path with a clear intention of spending responsibly in building capital assets". She pointed out that the rural and farm sector had got attention through the 16-point agenda, startups have been given a fillip and infrastructure investments have also been taken up. "The remedy is a considered remedy. I'm sure discerning people will be able to see why it is so," she said. Sitharaman said divestments are necessary to get transparency in the working of companies by making necessary disclosures. She added that the government will only sell those companies where it sees no strategic rationale in running those.

We ensured discreet and considered stimulus in Union Budget: Nirmala Sitharaman

The central government said that it is unable to hang the convicts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya </a>case because of the stay on their execution.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Supreme Court</a> on Thursday said it will hear the government's appeal on Friday.

The government moved the top court seeking an urgent listing of its appeal against high court's verdict rejecting its plea against stay on execution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya gang-rape case: Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Delhi High Court </a>had, on Wednesday, granted a week's time to the four death row convicts to avail all legal remedies available to them and said that the convicts cannot be hanged separately since they were convicted for the same crime.

The High Court had passed the order while hearing petitions filed by the centre and Tihar jail authorities challenging the Patiala House Court's order which had stayed "till further order" the execution of the four convicts in the matter.

The central government said that it is unable to hang the convicts of the Nirbhaya case because of the stay on their execution. The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will hear the government's appeal on Friday.

The central government said that it is unable to hang the convicts of the Nirbhaya case because of the stay on their execution. The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will hear the government's appeal on Friday. The government moved the top court seeking an urgent listing of its appeal against high court's verdict rejecting its plea against stay on execution. Also read: Nirbhaya gang-rape case: Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders Delhi High Court had, on Wednesday, granted a week's time to the four death row convicts to avail all legal remedies available to them and said that the convicts cannot be hanged separately since they were convicted for the same crime. The High Court had passed the order while hearing petitions filed by the centre and Tihar jail authorities challenging the Patiala House Court's order which had stayed "till further order" the execution of the four convicts in the matter.

Unable to hang Nirbhaya convicts due to stay on execution: Government tells Supreme Court

&nbsp;

The Israeli Army said it was the target of attack in the car ramming incident on Wednesday.

"During the incident, a terrorist sped his car towards (Israeli) soldiers who marched adjacent to the First Station in Jerusalem as part of a military activity," the army statement said.&nbsp;

After the incident, I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-warplanes-hit-hamas-in-gaza-after-border-fire-278047">sraeli</a> police had said it was being investigated as a &nbsp;"terror attack".

"Police responded to an incident when a vehicle struck a number of people and fled the scene. The incident took place at 1:45... Police units and medics arrived at the scene and are searching for the vehicle. The incident is being investigated as a terror attack," Rosenfeld said.

At least 14 persons were injured after a car hit Jerusalem's First Station, known for bars and restaurants.

The suspect had fled the scene after the crime, the police immediately&nbsp;launched a manhunt to nab the culprit, Israeli police said.

"Due to the nature of the incident, United Hatzalah's Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit were dispatched to the scene and treated eight people who were suffering from emotional or psychological shock," the medical staff said in a statement.

No group or person has taken responsibility for the attack so far.

The Israeli Army said it was the target of attack in the car ramming incident on Wednesday. "During the incident, a terrorist sped his car towards (Israeli) soldiers who marched adjacent to the First Station in Jerusalem as part of a military activity," the army statement said.

The Israeli Army said it was the target of attack in the car ramming incident on Wednesday. "During the incident, a terrorist sped his car towards (Israeli) soldiers who marched adjacent to the First Station in Jerusalem as part of a military activity," the army statement said. After the incident, Israeli police had said it was being investigated as a "terror attack". "Police responded to an incident when a vehicle struck a number of people and fled the scene. The incident took place at 1:45... Police units and medics arrived at the scene and are searching for the vehicle. The incident is being investigated as a terror attack," Rosenfeld said. At least 14 persons were injured after a car hit Jerusalem's First Station, known for bars and restaurants. The suspect had fled the scene after the crime, the police immediately launched a manhunt to nab the culprit, Israeli police said. "Due to the nature of the incident, United Hatzalah's Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit were dispatched to the scene and treated eight people who were suffering from emotional or psychological shock," the medical staff said in a statement. No group or person has taken responsibility for the attack so far.

Soldiers target of attack in car ramming incident in Jerusalem: Israel Army

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">Surat diamond industry</a> is likely to face a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore in next two months as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;which is a major export destination, has declared a state of emergency due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">coronavirus </a>outbreak in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">China</a>, say experts.

Every year polished diamonds worth around Rs 50,000 crore are exported from Surat to Hong Kong every year.

"That's around 37 per cent of the total exports from here. Now, due to coronavirus scare, Hong Kong has declared a month-long vacation. Gujarati traders having offices there are coming back to India," said Dinesh Navadiya, regional chairman in Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). 
&nbsp; 
If the situation does not improve, it will have a huge impact on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">Surat diamond industry</a>, which polishes 99 per cent of all rough diamonds imported in the country, he said.

"The Surat diamond industry is staring at a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore for February and March," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diamonds-are-forever-inside-surats-diamond-industry-25364">Inside Surat's diamond industry</a>

There is a possibility of cancellation of an international jewellery exhibition in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;to be held next month, due to the coronavirus scare, which would hit the jewellery business in Surat.

The response at this exhibition reportedly sets the tune for diamond orders for the rest of the year.&nbsp;Diamantaires depend on it for bulk orders as well as cutting edge technology and jewellery designs. The&nbsp;cancellation could be a huge blow for the industry.

Hong Kong has one of the world's busiest airports and is a major transit point for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-surat-diamond-industry-278956">China</a>.

It is also struggling with the virus outbreak, with 18 people testing positive for the disease, including one who died.

On Tuesday, health officials in Hong Kong warned there was now growing evidence of local transmissions cases where people have become infected without travelling to China.

The Surat diamond industry is likely to face a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore in next two months as Hong Kong which is a major export destination, has declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak in China, say experts.

The Surat diamond industry is likely to face a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore in next two months as Hong Kong which is a major export destination, has declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak in China, say experts. Every year polished diamonds worth around Rs 50,000 crore are exported from Surat to Hong Kong every year. "That's around 37 per cent of the total exports from here. Now, due to coronavirus scare, Hong Kong has declared a month-long vacation. Gujarati traders having offices there are coming back to India," said Dinesh Navadiya, regional chairman in Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). If the situation does not improve, it will have a huge impact on the Surat diamond industry, which polishes 99 per cent of all rough diamonds imported in the country, he said. "The Surat diamond industry is staring at a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore for February and March," he added. Also read: Inside Surat's diamond industry There is a possibility of cancellation of an international jewellery exhibition in Hong Kong to be held next month, due to the coronavirus scare, which would hit the jewellery business in Surat. The response at this exhibition reportedly sets the tune for diamond orders for the rest of the year. Diamantaires depend on it for bulk orders as well as cutting edge technology and jewellery designs. The cancellation could be a huge blow for the industry. Hong Kong has one of the world's busiest airports and is a major transit point for China. It is also struggling with the virus outbreak, with 18 people testing positive for the disease, including one who died. On Tuesday, health officials in Hong Kong warned there was now growing evidence of local transmissions cases where people have become infected without travelling to China.

Coronavirus: Surat diamond industry likely to  suffer huge loss of Rs 8,000 crore in February and March

The United Nation's&nbsp;Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It&nbsp;comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syrian army advanced</a> into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib province</a>.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads&nbsp;which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-planes-pound-idlib-as-offensive-escalates-turkey-france-call-for-de-escalation-270092">backed by Russia</a> continue to advance despite Turkey's warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">Turkey has chosen</a> to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296">Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers</a>

Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on&nbsp;the Turkish border.

Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are backed by Russia continue to advance despite Turkey's warning. Turkey has chosen to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Also Read: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on the Turkish border. Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-wants-four-day-work-week-with-six-hour-days-272651">Finland </a>has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months.

Finland's women-led government has been setting new benchmarks repeatedly.&nbsp;The move is seen as a way to boost birth rates in the northern European country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-wants-four-day-work-week-with-six-hour-days-272651">Finland's PM Sanna Marin wants four-day work week with six-hour days</a>

The news policy announced by its 34-year-old Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-wants-four-day-work-week-with-six-hour-days-272651">Sanna Marin</a>'s will grant nearly seven months paid leave to each parent, for a total of 14 months of paid leave.

Parents would be allowed to transfer up to 69 of their own days to the other parent, if they so desired and for single parents the country is giving all 328 days to the parent.

The new policy allows one month of pregnancy allowance to a pregnant mother even before the parental leave starts.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-christmas-tourism-boom-creates-headwinds-for-environment-270036">Finland's Christmas tourism boom creates headwinds for environment</a>

The new policy is a significant step up from the current rules which allow about four months for maternity leave&nbsp;and about two months for fathers.&nbsp;The changed policy is set to be effective from the latter part of next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-christmas-tourism-boom-creates-headwinds-for-environment-270036">Finland's </a>birth rate has been on the decline since 1990&nbsp;when the average woman had 1.9 children which has&nbsp;fallen to 1.4.&nbsp;

Last year <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finlands-christmas-tourism-boom-creates-headwinds-for-environment-270036">Finland's </a>total fertility rate was the lowest ever recorded in the Nordic countries.

Finland has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months.

Finland has announced plans to offer men and women equal paid parental leave as well as an extension of the total family allowance from 11.5 months to just over 14 months. Finland's women-led government has been setting new benchmarks repeatedly. The move is seen as a way to boost birth rates in the northern European country. Also read: Finland's PM Sanna Marin wants four-day work week with six-hour days The news policy announced by its 34-year-old Prime Minister Sanna Marin's will grant nearly seven months paid leave to each parent, for a total of 14 months of paid leave. Parents would be allowed to transfer up to 69 of their own days to the other parent, if they so desired and for single parents the country is giving all 328 days to the parent. The new policy allows one month of pregnancy allowance to a pregnant mother even before the parental leave starts. Also read: Finland's Christmas tourism boom creates headwinds for environment The new policy is a significant step up from the current rules which allow about four months for maternity leave and about two months for fathers. The changed policy is set to be effective from the latter part of next year. Finland's birth rate has been on the decline since 1990 when the average woman had 1.9 children which has fallen to 1.4. Last year Finland's total fertility rate was the lowest ever recorded in the Nordic countries.

Finland to offer equal paid parental leave to mothers and fathers

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-acquitted-of-impeachment-charges-in-republican-majority-senate-278933">US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7a81ec9-5121-4e3c-81a9-5e2cc8095ba1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_20.jpg" />

After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate, where the majority is Republicans, who voted to protect him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship</a>

<img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07a396da-ff0c-49ee-8171-4076064ba3b5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_22.jpg" />

The death toll in the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;rose to at least 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-team-india-fined-for-slow-over-rate-for-third-successive-time-278930" hreflang="en">India fined for slow over-rate for third successive time</a>

<img alt="Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b1e7ac0-5766-4c58-b7f2-e76bc9e3e173" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_24.jpg" />

The&nbsp;Indian team&nbsp;have been fined 80 per cent of match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first One Day International on Wednesday in Hamilton.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-christian-bale-to-play-villain-in-next-mcu-film-thor-love-and-thunder-278897" hreflang="en">Christian Bale to play villain in next MCU film 'Thor: Love and Thunder'?</a>

<img alt="Christian Bale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c102ea8d-189d-42d8-816d-c699704f67fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_20.jpg" />

We are excited to see Christian Bale in an MCU film and have been thinking of all possible roles that the brilliant actor can take up.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lanka-drops-tamil-version-of-national-anthem-278924">Gravitas: Sri Lanka drops Tamil version of national anthem</a>

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Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was recently acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate, where the majority is Republicans, who voted to protect him. Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship The death toll in the coronavirus rose to at least 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients. India fined for slow over-rate for third successive time The Indian team have been fined 80 per cent of match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first One Day International on Wednesday in Hamilton. Christian Bale to play villain in next MCU film 'Thor: Love and Thunder'? We are excited to see Christian Bale in an MCU film and have been thinking of all possible roles that the brilliant actor can take up. WATCH | Gravitas: Sri Lanka drops Tamil version of national anthem ×

Morning News Brief: Trump impeachment, coronavirus death toll rises and lots more

The death toll in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newborn-baby-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-just-30-hours-after-birth-278877">coronavirus</a> rose to over&nbsp;560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644">Also Read:&nbsp;China's coronavirus death toll rises</a>

Hubei's health commission confirmed at least &nbsp;2,987 new cases as the virus showed no signs of abating.

The virus which has already spread to twenty countries reached a &nbsp;cruise liner in the port of Yokohama south of Tokyo where ten more people tested positive with nearly 3,700 people on the ship facing two weeks quarantine on the Diamond Princess.

Watch Video:

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A baby in Wuhan city which is the epicentre of the virus was detected with the novel coronavirus just 30 hours after being born, the state-run media said as the virus continued to spread nationwide.

As the virus continued to spread, several companies have halted operations with German sportswear Adidas declaring that it was closing a "significant" number of stores in China over the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">In Pics: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy</a>

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization requested for 613 million euros in donations for a plan to fight the novel coronavirus.

"Today we're launching a strategic preparedness and response plan.... we're requesting $675 million to fund the plan for the next three months," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"Our message to the international community is invest today or pay more later," Tedros added.

The virus took political overtures after China's ambassador to France slammed Hong Kong medical workers for going on strike.

"I think it's shameful," Lu Shaye said, adding,"at a time when everyone is throwing themselves into the fight against the epidemic, and a few cases have already been confirmed (in Hong Kong), it's not fair."

"These people are not working to save lives, their actions have grave consequences. It only serves to underscores their perversity," he said.

The death toll in the coronavirus rose to over 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients.

The death toll in the coronavirus rose to over 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients. Also Read: China's coronavirus death toll rises Hubei's health commission confirmed at least 2,987 new cases as the virus showed no signs of abating. The virus which has already spread to twenty countries reached a cruise liner in the port of Yokohama south of Tokyo where ten more people tested positive with nearly 3,700 people on the ship facing two weeks quarantine on the Diamond Princess. Watch Video: A baby in Wuhan city which is the epicentre of the virus was detected with the novel coronavirus just 30 hours after being born, the state-run media said as the virus continued to spread nationwide. As the virus continued to spread, several companies have halted operations with German sportswear Adidas declaring that it was closing a "significant" number of stores in China over the virus. In Pics: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy Meanwhile, the World Health Organization requested for 613 million euros in donations for a plan to fight the novel coronavirus. "Today we're launching a strategic preparedness and response plan.... we're requesting $675 million to fund the plan for the next three months," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "Our message to the international community is invest today or pay more later," Tedros added. The virus took political overtures after China's ambassador to France slammed Hong Kong medical workers for going on strike. "I think it's shameful," Lu Shaye said, adding,"at a time when everyone is throwing themselves into the fight against the epidemic, and a few cases have already been confirmed (in Hong Kong), it's not fair." "These people are not working to save lives, their actions have grave consequences. It only serves to underscores their perversity," he said.

Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-cuts-repo-rate-by-35-basis-points-to-540-loans-to-get-cheaper-241299">Reserve Bank of India</a>, for the second straight time, on Thursday kept its key policy rate unchanged at 5.15 per cent, maintaining its accommodative policy stance as long as it was necessary to revive growth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reserve-bank-of-india-cuts-repo-rate-by-25-bps-from-540-per-cent-to-515-per-cent-253649">Also Read: Reserve Bank of India cuts repo rate by 25 bps, &nbsp;from 5.40 per cent to 5.15 per cent</a>

The central bank retained GDP growth at 5 per cent for 2019-20 and pegged it at 6 per cent for the next fiscal.

"Economic activity remains subdued and the few indicators that have moved up recently are yet to gain traction in a more broad-based manner. Given the evolving growth-inflation dynamics, the MPC felt it appropriate to maintain status quo,"&nbsp;the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said.

The six-member committee voted unanimously to hold rates, but also said that there is ?policy space available for further action?. 
Between February and October 2019, the RBI had reduced repo rate by 135 basis points.

After leaving benchmark interest rates rates unchanged in the second consecutive policy review, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank has many other instruments to address the sluggishness the economy, not just interest rates.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its sixth bi-monthly monetary policy pegged GDP growth for FY21 at 6 per cent, but guided towards an uncertain inflation outlook.

In a January 31 release, the National Statistical Office (NSO) had revised down real GDP growth for FY19 to 6.1 per cent from 6.8 per cent provided in the provisional estimates of May 2019. Given this, the central bank noted that the economy is still plagued by deep output gaps.

"The RBI has several instruments to address the sluggishness in the growth momentum," Das told reporters at the customary post-policy conference. The monetary policy committee (MPC) kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.15 per cent, continuing with the accommodative stance to revive growth.

The governor said the continuity in policy from last pause should not be read as a pointer to future actions. "While the decision is as per expectations, it is important not to discount RBI," he said.

The Reserve Bank of India, for the second straight time, on Thursday kept its key policy rate unchanged at 5.15 per cent, maintaining its accommodative policy stance as long as it was necessary to revive growth.

The Reserve Bank of India, for the second straight time, on Thursday kept its key policy rate unchanged at 5.15 per cent, maintaining its accommodative policy stance as long as it was necessary to revive growth. Also Read: Reserve Bank of India cuts repo rate by 25 bps, from 5.40 per cent to 5.15 per cent The central bank retained GDP growth at 5 per cent for 2019-20 and pegged it at 6 per cent for the next fiscal. "Economic activity remains subdued and the few indicators that have moved up recently are yet to gain traction in a more broad-based manner. Given the evolving growth-inflation dynamics, the MPC felt it appropriate to maintain status quo," the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said. The six-member committee voted unanimously to hold rates, but also said that there is ?policy space available for further action?. Between February and October 2019, the RBI had reduced repo rate by 135 basis points. After leaving benchmark interest rates rates unchanged in the second consecutive policy review, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank has many other instruments to address the sluggishness the economy, not just interest rates. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its sixth bi-monthly monetary policy pegged GDP growth for FY21 at 6 per cent, but guided towards an uncertain inflation outlook. In a January 31 release, the National Statistical Office (NSO) had revised down real GDP growth for FY19 to 6.1 per cent from 6.8 per cent provided in the provisional estimates of May 2019. Given this, the central bank noted that the economy is still plagued by deep output gaps. "The RBI has several instruments to address the sluggishness in the growth momentum," Das told reporters at the customary post-policy conference. The monetary policy committee (MPC) kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.15 per cent, continuing with the accommodative stance to revive growth. The governor said the continuity in policy from last pause should not be read as a pointer to future actions. "While the decision is as per expectations, it is important not to discount RBI," he said.

Reserve Bank of India keeps repo rate unchanged; predicts 6% GDP growth in next fiscal

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Pakistan </a>Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Imran Khan</a> continues to harp about the rights of the people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kashmir</a>, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.

People from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Afghanistan </a>protested outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Pakistan </a>embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kabul </a>against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Islamabad</a>'s continued interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Kashmir </a>and in Afghanistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy</a>

The protesters were seen carrying placards like ''down with Pakistan'' and ''Pakistan is enemy''.

They also demanded the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Manzoor Pashteen</a>, the chief of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Pashtun Tahafuz Movement</a>, a movement for the protection of ethnic Pashtun people in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army</a>

The 27-year-old activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Pashteen</a>, was arrested along with nine supporters in Peshawar last month and has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

The protests dampened the embassy's plans to hold the so-called Kashmir solidarity day which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Pakistan </a>observes every year on February 5.

Pakistan has been marking this day since 1990 by calling for the secession of Kashmir from India.

While Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to harp about the rights of the people of Kashmir, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and Kashmir.

While Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to harp about the rights of the people of Kashmir, he is now facing protests about Pakistan's continued interference in Jammu and Kashmir. People from Afghanistan protested outside the Pakistan embassy in Kabul against Islamabad's continued interference in Kashmir and in Afghanistan. Also read: Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy The protesters were seen carrying placards like ''down with Pakistan'' and ''Pakistan is enemy''. They also demanded the release of Manzoor Pashteen, the chief of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, a movement for the protection of ethnic Pashtun people in Pakistan. Also read: Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army The 27-year-old activist Pashteen, was arrested along with nine supporters in Peshawar last month and has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The protests dampened the embassy's plans to hold the so-called Kashmir solidarity day which Pakistan observes every year on February 5. Pakistan has been marking this day since 1990 by calling for the secession of Kashmir from India.

Afghans protest outside Pakistan embassy in Kabul

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-uttar-pradesh-tamil-nadu-to-become-grand-defence-manufacturing-corridors-says-pm-modi-278894">Narendra Modi</a> while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address on Thursday in the Lok Sabha said "if we worked according to the old ways then the Ram Janmabhoomi issue would have remained unresolved".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744">Also Read: Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra trust formed,&nbsp;Modi informs Lok Sabha</a>

"Citizens of India have not only changed the Sarkar(government). They want the "sarokar"(concern)&nbsp;to be changed as well."

"If we had worked according to the old ways and thoughts then Article 370 would never have been abrogated," he said, adding,"Muslim women would have kept suffering due to Triple Talaq."

The prime minister said President Kovind had highlighted the vision of New India and his "address comes at a time when we enter the third decade of the century."

"President's address instills a spirit of hope and presents a roadmap for taking the country ahead in future," the prime minister added.

Highlighting issues related to India's north-east, PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-our-target-is-5-billion-of-defence-export-in-next-five-years-narendra-modi-278885">Modi </a>said: "For years, distance became a reason to ignore the Northeast region. Things have changed now. The Northeast is becoming a growth engine. Excellent work has been done in so many sectors and ministers and officials are regularly visiting the region."

The prime minister also thanked Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Kiren Rijiju for their efforts to promote the "Fit India" movement. "He also does gymming while delivering his speeches," the prime minister joked.

"India can no longer wait for problems to remain unsolved. And, rightfully so. That is why our target is speed, scale, determination and decisiveness, sensitivity and solution," India's prime minister asserted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address on Thursday in the Lok Sabha said "if we worked according to the old ways then the Ram Janmabhoomi issue would have remained unresolved".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address on Thursday in the Lok Sabha said "if we worked according to the old ways then the Ram Janmabhoomi issue would have remained unresolved". Also Read: Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra trust formed, Modi informs Lok Sabha "Citizens of India have not only changed the Sarkar(government). They want the "sarokar"(concern) to be changed as well." "If we had worked according to the old ways and thoughts then Article 370 would never have been abrogated," he said, adding,"Muslim women would have kept suffering due to Triple Talaq." The prime minister said President Kovind had highlighted the vision of New India and his "address comes at a time when we enter the third decade of the century." "President's address instills a spirit of hope and presents a roadmap for taking the country ahead in future," the prime minister added. Highlighting issues related to India's north-east, PM Modi said: "For years, distance became a reason to ignore the Northeast region. Things have changed now. The Northeast is becoming a growth engine. Excellent work has been done in so many sectors and ministers and officials are regularly visiting the region." The prime minister also thanked Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Kiren Rijiju for their efforts to promote the "Fit India" movement. "He also does gymming while delivering his speeches," the prime minister joked. "India can no longer wait for problems to remain unsolved. And, rightfully so. That is why our target is speed, scale, determination and decisiveness, sensitivity and solution," India's prime minister asserted.

If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha

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