Five Indians - locked inside a detention centre in the state of Louisiana, United States are on a hunger strike. According to reports, they have been detained despite the fact they have formal sponsors for their stay.&nbsp;

These Indians are at the La Salle detention centre and have been on a hunger strike for 90 days now. Those under detention include four Hindus and one Sikh who seek asylum.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that these Indian under detention are being force-fed by the officials. The United Nations says that force-feeding amounts to torture and is a medically unethical practice.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-detention-of-illegal-immigrants-a-political-hot-potato-277854">Detention of illegal immigrants a political hot potato</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-detention-camps-inhumane-but-inevitable-277874/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is not the first time that Indians have resorted to a hunger strike under detention.

Under Trump administration, border officials have begun implementing a policy of mandatory detention for asylum seekers - but they have the authority to release them.

According to US government data, more Indians are now trying to enter America illegally. The Trump administration, however, is determined to keep the immigration numbers down. The rejections have shot up.&nbsp;

Between 2015 and 2017, more than seven thousand Indians were sent back from the US to India.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-the-highest-rate-of-children-in-detention-centres-un-study-263214">US has the highest rate of children in detention centres - UN study</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-on-a-hunger-strike-at-us-detention-camp-277870/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Under Donald Trump, American detention centres are quicky gaining a notorious reputation for their inhumane conditions.&nbsp;

Last year, the United Nations Human Rights chief said that she was appalled by the conditions in which America detained people. &nbsp;

Under Trump, over 24 immigrants have died in custody. At least four others died shortly after they were released.

Five Indians - locked inside a detention centre in the state of Louisiana, United States are on a hunger strike. According to reports, they have been detained despite the fact they have formal sponsors for their stay.

Five Indians - locked inside a detention centre in the state of Louisiana, United States are on a hunger strike. According to reports, they have been detained despite the fact they have formal sponsors for their stay. These Indians are at the La Salle detention centre and have been on a hunger strike for 90 days now. Those under detention include four Hindus and one Sikh who seek asylum. Reports suggest that these Indian under detention are being force-fed by the officials. The United Nations says that force-feeding amounts to torture and is a medically unethical practice. Also read: Detention of illegal immigrants a political hot potato × This is not the first time that Indians have resorted to a hunger strike under detention. Under Trump administration, border officials have begun implementing a policy of mandatory detention for asylum seekers - but they have the authority to release them. According to US government data, more Indians are now trying to enter America illegally. The Trump administration, however, is determined to keep the immigration numbers down. The rejections have shot up. Between 2015 and 2017, more than seven thousand Indians were sent back from the US to India. Also read: US has the highest rate of children in detention centres - UN study × Under Donald Trump, American detention centres are quicky gaining a notorious reputation for their inhumane conditions. Last year, the United Nations Human Rights chief said that she was appalled by the conditions in which America detained people. Under Trump, over 24 immigrants have died in custody. At least four others died shortly after they were released.

Five Indians in American detention camps on hunger strike for over 2 months: Report 

A cut in personal income tax, sops for rural and agriculture sectors as well as an aggressive push on infrastructure spending are likely to be part of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's "feel-good" second Budget.

Facing the worst economic slowdown in more than a decade, Sitharaman is expected to pull out all stops to spur consumer demand and investment, government sources and economists said.

Sitharaman's second Budget, to be presented on February 1, is expected to announce measures to restore economic growth and to set out a clear road map for achieving the ambitious target of USD 5 trillion economy by 2025.

Investments have failed to pick up despite corporate tax cuts and other stimulus measures, higher FDI inflows, plans to consolidate state-owned banks and monetary easing.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/business-economy/briefcase-or-bahi-khata-what-will-sitharaman-carry-for-her-second-budget-presentation-277851">Briefcase or 'bahi-khata' - What will Sitharaman carry for her second budget presentation?</a>

After corporate tax cuts in September last year, speculation is rife about possible reduction in personal income taxes. A combination of an increase in the basic exemption limit and/or the introduction of a differentiated tax rate structure for higher incomes may be on the cards.

To cushion the impact on collections, these tweaks might be accompanied by rationalisation in tax rebates.

"The government announced a slew of stimulus measures in the last four months but consumer confidence is missing. Not many are eager to take loans to buy homes or cars fearing the worst. The feel good factor in the economy is missing," a senior government source said.

"I think the Budget will be a feel-good Budget that will try to restore faith in the economy and spur spending and investments," the source said.

With disbursements under the PM-Kisan scheme to farmers being less than the budgeted amount, the Budget may also see measures to get states to onboard more eligible farmers under the scheme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-news-2020-budget-glossary-here-are-key-terms-you-should-know-to-understand-the-budget-273968">2020 Budget Glossary - Here are key terms you should know to understand the Budget</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/expectations-from-the-indian-union-budget-2020-277852/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also, there would be announcements for sectors such as renewable energy, e-vehicle, power, affordable housing, real estate, and exports, they said.

Financial markets are expecting relief on Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Long Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCG) and removal of dividend tax.

Capital infusion in public sector banks and liquidity measures for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) may also be on the horizon.

Both the government sources and the economists felt the Budget would reaffirm the focus on infrastructure spending after the rollout of an ambitious National Infra Pipeline (NIP) in December.

Social sector schemes such as rural electrification, MGNREGA, healthcare, education and skill training may also find mention in the Budget.

However, all such measures would come at the cost of fiscal slippage.

The Economic Survey for 2019-20, released on Friday, has already laid the ground by suggesting to the government to keep the focus on reviving growth and letting go of fiscal discipline a bit.

The RBI, armed with a favourable inflation backdrop, defended slowdown risks last year with 110 basis points cut in interest rates. As it puts a brake on the easing cycle, due to an unseasonal spurt in food prices leading to above-target inflation, the ball is in the government's court to revive growth.

Sitharaman would have to do a balancing between efforts to boost growth and the need for fiscal restraint. Economists expect a slight policy tilt towards prioritising growth.

Real GDP growth is estimated to fall to an 11-year low of 5 per cent in FY20 from 6.1 per cent in FY19. Estimated nominal growth at 7.5 per cent in FY20 is the lowest since 1975-76 (FY76) as per the FY12-based GDP series.

IIP growth turned positive but remained low at 1.8 per cent in November 2019 after contracting by (-) 4 per cent in October 2019.

CPI inflation increased to a 65-month high of 7.4 per cent in December 2019, its fifth sequential rise, mainly due to persistently rising vegetable prices. 
Also, growth in bank credit fell to a 25-month low of 8 per cent in November 2019

A cut in personal income tax, sops for rural and agriculture sectors as well as an aggressive push on infrastructure spending are likely to be part of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's "feel-good" second Budget.

A cut in personal income tax, sops for rural and agriculture sectors as well as an aggressive push on infrastructure spending are likely to be part of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's "feel-good" second Budget. Facing the worst economic slowdown in more than a decade, Sitharaman is expected to pull out all stops to spur consumer demand and investment, government sources and economists said. Sitharaman's second Budget, to be presented on February 1, is expected to announce measures to restore economic growth and to set out a clear road map for achieving the ambitious target of USD 5 trillion economy by 2025. Investments have failed to pick up despite corporate tax cuts and other stimulus measures, higher FDI inflows, plans to consolidate state-owned banks and monetary easing. Also read: Briefcase or 'bahi-khata' - What will Sitharaman carry for her second budget presentation? After corporate tax cuts in September last year, speculation is rife about possible reduction in personal income taxes. A combination of an increase in the basic exemption limit and/or the introduction of a differentiated tax rate structure for higher incomes may be on the cards. To cushion the impact on collections, these tweaks might be accompanied by rationalisation in tax rebates. "The government announced a slew of stimulus measures in the last four months but consumer confidence is missing. Not many are eager to take loans to buy homes or cars fearing the worst. The feel good factor in the economy is missing," a senior government source said. "I think the Budget will be a feel-good Budget that will try to restore faith in the economy and spur spending and investments," the source said. With disbursements under the PM-Kisan scheme to farmers being less than the budgeted amount, the Budget may also see measures to get states to onboard more eligible farmers under the scheme. Also read: 2020 Budget Glossary - Here are key terms you should know to understand the Budget × Also, there would be announcements for sectors such as renewable energy, e-vehicle, power, affordable housing, real estate, and exports, they said. Financial markets are expecting relief on Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Long Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCG) and removal of dividend tax. Capital infusion in public sector banks and liquidity measures for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) may also be on the horizon. Both the government sources and the economists felt the Budget would reaffirm the focus on infrastructure spending after the rollout of an ambitious National Infra Pipeline (NIP) in December. Social sector schemes such as rural electrification, MGNREGA, healthcare, education and skill training may also find mention in the Budget. However, all such measures would come at the cost of fiscal slippage. The Economic Survey for 2019-20, released on Friday, has already laid the ground by suggesting to the government to keep the focus on reviving growth and letting go of fiscal discipline a bit. The RBI, armed with a favourable inflation backdrop, defended slowdown risks last year with 110 basis points cut in interest rates. As it puts a brake on the easing cycle, due to an unseasonal spurt in food prices leading to above-target inflation, the ball is in the government's court to revive growth. Sitharaman would have to do a balancing between efforts to boost growth and the need for fiscal restraint. Economists expect a slight policy tilt towards prioritising growth. Real GDP growth is estimated to fall to an 11-year low of 5 per cent in FY20 from 6.1 per cent in FY19. Estimated nominal growth at 7.5 per cent in FY20 is the lowest since 1975-76 (FY76) as per the FY12-based GDP series. IIP growth turned positive but remained low at 1.8 per cent in November 2019 after contracting by (-) 4 per cent in October 2019. CPI inflation increased to a 65-month high of 7.4 per cent in December 2019, its fifth sequential rise, mainly due to persistently rising vegetable prices. Also, growth in bank credit fell to a 25-month low of 8 per cent in November 2019

'Feel good' budget may see cut in tax rate, sops for social sectors

Two latest studies point at the fact that rapid deployment of cervical cancer vaccines can avoid over 70 million cases and nearly 62 million deaths due to cervical cancer in the next 100 years to come.&nbsp;

As per the report published in 'The Lancet', it was found that vaccination of cervical cancer in girls coupled with cervical cancer screening in women was projected to bring down the incident of cervical cancer by over 90 per cent.&nbsp;

It was estimated that a major chunk of new cervical cancer across the globe could be attributed to low and lower-middle-income nations.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harnessing-immune-system-can-help-in-curing-all-types-of-cancers-study-275712">Newly discovered immune cell could help kill all types of cancers</a>

"Approximately 570 000 cases of cervical cancer and 311 000 deaths from the disease occurred in 2018. Cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women, ranking after breast cancer (2·1 million cases), colorectal cancer (0·8 million) and lung cancer (0·7 million)," notes a Lancet report which was published last year.

The report also stated that China and India together "contributed more than a third of the global cervical burden, with 106 000 cases in China and 97 000 cases in India, and 48 000 deaths in China and 60 000 deaths in India".&nbsp;

Lack of awareness and easy availability of vaccines and invasive treatment add more to the burden of rising cancer cases and related mortality.&nbsp;

"US$1.16 trillion is the estimated total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010," estimates WHO.&nbsp;

An estimated 8.8 million died of the disease in 2015 and the number of cases is only rising by the day.&nbsp;

While nothing guarantees cancer prevention, dietary tweaks and changes in lifestyle can go a long way in minimising the risks.

Two latest studies point at the fact that rapid deployment of cervical cancer vaccines can avoid over 70 million cases and nearly 62 million deaths due to cervical cancer in the next 100 years to come.

Two latest studies point at the fact that rapid deployment of cervical cancer vaccines can avoid over 70 million cases and nearly 62 million deaths due to cervical cancer in the next 100 years to come. As per the report published in 'The Lancet', it was found that vaccination of cervical cancer in girls coupled with cervical cancer screening in women was projected to bring down the incident of cervical cancer by over 90 per cent. It was estimated that a major chunk of new cervical cancer across the globe could be attributed to low and lower-middle-income nations. Also read: Newly discovered immune cell could help kill all types of cancers "Approximately 570 000 cases of cervical cancer and 311 000 deaths from the disease occurred in 2018. Cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women, ranking after breast cancer (2·1 million cases), colorectal cancer (0·8 million) and lung cancer (0·7 million)," notes a Lancet report which was published last year. The report also stated that China and India together "contributed more than a third of the global cervical burden, with 106 000 cases in China and 97 000 cases in India, and 48 000 deaths in China and 60 000 deaths in India". Lack of awareness and easy availability of vaccines and invasive treatment add more to the burden of rising cancer cases and related mortality. "US$1.16 trillion is the estimated total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010," estimates WHO. An estimated 8.8 million died of the disease in 2015 and the number of cases is only rising by the day. While nothing guarantees cancer prevention, dietary tweaks and changes in lifestyle can go a long way in minimising the risks.

Mass cervical cancer vaccine deployment could save over 60 million lives in next 100 years

As world economies prepare themselves to tackle the menace of coronavirus outbreak, experts spar over the origins of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

According to reports, experts believe that bats could be the source of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;the latest study published in the journal 'The Lancet', US experts, so far, have been able to trace the virus to bats.&nbsp;

Why bats are sought as the most probable culprits is because of their&nbsp;association with deadly viruses like Marburg and Hendra. Not to mention, the deadly outbreak of Nipah virus last year in the southern Indian state of Kerala was also linked to fruit-eating bats.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-mask-or-not-to-mask-confusion-spreads-over-coronavirus-protection-277869">To mask or not to mask - Confusion spreads over coronavirus protection</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wuhan-virus-pak-refuses-to-help-stranded-citizens-gravitas-277889/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Bats have traditionally been found to have spurred outbreaks in countries like Uganda, Bangladesh among others and are believed to be the natural hosts of the Ebola virus, SARS and MERS.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the link between bats and novel coronavirus looks stronger as the 2019-nCoV is a virus similar to SARS and MERS coronaviruses that also bear associations with the winged mammal.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-while-air-india-flight-lands-in-china-to-rescue-indians-pakistan-says-it-wont-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-277853">Coronavirus outbreak - Pakistan says it won't evacuate citizens from Wuhan</a>

A 2017 study published in journal Nature found bats to harbour more fatal viruses than other species. Experts studied over 150 known zoonotic viruses to arrive at the finding that bats' capability to host these viruses was "significantly higher" than other mammals.

As world economies prepare themselves to tackle the menace of coronavirus outbreak, experts spar over the origins of the deadly virus. According to reports, experts believe that bats could be the source of the deadly virus.

As world economies prepare themselves to tackle the menace of coronavirus outbreak, experts spar over the origins of the deadly virus. According to reports, experts believe that bats could be the source of the deadly virus. As per the latest study published in the journal 'The Lancet', US experts, so far, have been able to trace the virus to bats. Why bats are sought as the most probable culprits is because of their association with deadly viruses like Marburg and Hendra. Not to mention, the deadly outbreak of Nipah virus last year in the southern Indian state of Kerala was also linked to fruit-eating bats. Also read: To mask or not to mask - Confusion spreads over coronavirus protection × Bats have traditionally been found to have spurred outbreaks in countries like Uganda, Bangladesh among others and are believed to be the natural hosts of the Ebola virus, SARS and MERS. Interestingly, the link between bats and novel coronavirus looks stronger as the 2019-nCoV is a virus similar to SARS and MERS coronaviruses that also bear associations with the winged mammal. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - Pakistan says it won't evacuate citizens from Wuhan A 2017 study published in journal Nature found bats to harbour more fatal viruses than other species. Experts studied over 150 known zoonotic viruses to arrive at the finding that bats' capability to host these viruses was "significantly higher" than other mammals.

Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak

The BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, promising wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg for the poor, cycles and scooties for girl students as well as an 10 per cent increase in the health and education budget annually.

The BJP, in its 'Sankalp Patra 2020' (manifesto), also said it would focus on women empowerment, traders, infrastructure development and housing for all by 2022.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the outgoing AAP government's subsidy schemes for power and water will be continued by his party if it is voted to power.

The 'Sankalp Patra' was released at the Delhi BJP office by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, election in-charge Prakash Javadekar and manifesto committee convener Harsh Vardhan.

Party MPs Vijay Goel, Meenakshi Lekhi, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Hans Raj Hans and Gautam Gambhir were also present.

The manifesto booklet also created a flutter as it mentioned Raj Kumar Chauhan as the manifesto committee's co-convener, when he has joined the Congress.

The BJP will run the "bullet train" of development in the national capital, Gadkari told reporters.

"BJP's history is linked to Delhi. The future of Delhi will be changed by the BJP," the Union minister said.

Supply of clean drinking water to every household will be ensured when the BJP comes to power, the manifesto stated.

In the document, the BJP asserted that as soon as it comes to power, it will implement the Modi government's Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi.

City BJP chief Tiwari said each poor family will be provided good quality, subsidised 'atta' (wheat flour) at a rate of Rs 2 per kilogram.

The BJP will bring an ambitious 'Samridh Delhi Infrastructure Scheme', with a provision of Rs 10,000 crore, to ensure "focussed and priority" development of roads, flyovers, foot over-bridges and other key infrastructure projects, the manifesto stated.

The manifesto promises to set up a 'Colonies Development Board' for undertaking development of various civic amenities.

It also said that 10 lakh offices and shops of traders in Delhi will be converted from leasehold to freehold on priority basis.

"Necessary changes will also be made in the existing law to provide relief to traders from the ceiling drive," Tiwari said.

In order to improve connectivity in Delhi, 10,000 new green buses will be added to the public transport. Double decker buses will also be introduced with video and free Wi-Fi schemes, the party promises.

High quality free Wi-Fi will be provided on public transport vehicles and at stations and bus stops, it said.

The AAP government has launched a free Wi-Fi scheme that provides 1.5 GB data and the services is being expanded.

"We will ensure access to high quality health services for the people of Delhi by increasing the health budget by 10 per cent every year," the BJP said in its 'Sankalp Patra'.

The manifesto also promised 400 health and wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat and a 'Mission Zero' to check dengue, chikungunya and malaria.

It said an annual health screening will be conducted for every citizen and a 'Smar Health Card', with fully digitised information, will be issued.

The BJP, which has been slamming the Kejriwal government for failing to fulfil its promises to open new schools and colleges, said it will open 200 new schools and 10 new colleges.

The education budget will be increased by 10 percent every year, the party said.

The manifesto also promised quality power supply and added that the BJP will ensure annual audit of all power companies.

"We will ensure adequate and affordable availability of power to residents of JJ clusters by installing Suryajyoti Domes," it said.

The manifesto also promises to evolve a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution in Delhi.

Installing WAYU equipment at polluted traffic junctions, 'Pari-Yantra' air purification systems on rooftops of public buses, incentivising use of electric vehicles and setting up charging stations, are also among the BJP's promises.

Scientifically designed barriers to prevent schoolchildren from air and noise pollution, vapur recovery systems at petrol pumps to prevent benzene pollution, are among the measures the BJP will take to combat air pollution, the manifesto said.

The manifesto also listed various promises for women empowerment and safety, including for girls born in poor families.

It said a fixed amount would be deposited in an account on the birth of the first two girls in every economically weaker family so that they receive Rs 2 lakh after attaining 21 years.

Girls belonging to poor families studying in class 9-12 will be provided free bicycle while those pursuing higher education will be provided electric scooty, Tiwari said.

Free sanitary napkins for school girls, a women security cell at the chief minister's office, more fast track courts for redressal of crimes against women, Rani Laxmi Bai Suraksha

Yojna, deployment of women home guards and CCTV cameras at crowded areas, and parity of wages, are some other promises made by the BJP in its manifesto.

Tiwari also said that BJP will ensure job security of contract workers, provide arrears to sanitation workers, create 10 lakh job opportunities, fill the vacant government posts, if it comes to power in Delhi.&nbsp;

The BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, promising wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg for the poor, cycles and scooties for girl students as well as an 10 per cent increase in the health and education budget annually.

The BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, promising wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg for the poor, cycles and scooties for girl students as well as an 10 per cent increase in the health and education budget annually. The BJP, in its 'Sankalp Patra 2020' (manifesto), also said it would focus on women empowerment, traders, infrastructure development and housing for all by 2022. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the outgoing AAP government's subsidy schemes for power and water will be continued by his party if it is voted to power. The 'Sankalp Patra' was released at the Delhi BJP office by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, election in-charge Prakash Javadekar and manifesto committee convener Harsh Vardhan. Party MPs Vijay Goel, Meenakshi Lekhi, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Hans Raj Hans and Gautam Gambhir were also present. The manifesto booklet also created a flutter as it mentioned Raj Kumar Chauhan as the manifesto committee's co-convener, when he has joined the Congress. The BJP will run the "bullet train" of development in the national capital, Gadkari told reporters. "BJP's history is linked to Delhi. The future of Delhi will be changed by the BJP," the Union minister said. Supply of clean drinking water to every household will be ensured when the BJP comes to power, the manifesto stated. In the document, the BJP asserted that as soon as it comes to power, it will implement the Modi government's Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi. City BJP chief Tiwari said each poor family will be provided good quality, subsidised 'atta' (wheat flour) at a rate of Rs 2 per kilogram. The BJP will bring an ambitious 'Samridh Delhi Infrastructure Scheme', with a provision of Rs 10,000 crore, to ensure "focussed and priority" development of roads, flyovers, foot over-bridges and other key infrastructure projects, the manifesto stated. The manifesto promises to set up a 'Colonies Development Board' for undertaking development of various civic amenities. It also said that 10 lakh offices and shops of traders in Delhi will be converted from leasehold to freehold on priority basis. "Necessary changes will also be made in the existing law to provide relief to traders from the ceiling drive," Tiwari said. In order to improve connectivity in Delhi, 10,000 new green buses will be added to the public transport. Double decker buses will also be introduced with video and free Wi-Fi schemes, the party promises. High quality free Wi-Fi will be provided on public transport vehicles and at stations and bus stops, it said. The AAP government has launched a free Wi-Fi scheme that provides 1.5 GB data and the services is being expanded. "We will ensure access to high quality health services for the people of Delhi by increasing the health budget by 10 per cent every year," the BJP said in its 'Sankalp Patra'. The manifesto also promised 400 health and wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat and a 'Mission Zero' to check dengue, chikungunya and malaria. It said an annual health screening will be conducted for every citizen and a 'Smar Health Card', with fully digitised information, will be issued. The BJP, which has been slamming the Kejriwal government for failing to fulfil its promises to open new schools and colleges, said it will open 200 new schools and 10 new colleges. The education budget will be increased by 10 percent every year, the party said. The manifesto also promised quality power supply and added that the BJP will ensure annual audit of all power companies. "We will ensure adequate and affordable availability of power to residents of JJ clusters by installing Suryajyoti Domes," it said. The manifesto also promises to evolve a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution in Delhi. Installing WAYU equipment at polluted traffic junctions, 'Pari-Yantra' air purification systems on rooftops of public buses, incentivising use of electric vehicles and setting up charging stations, are also among the BJP's promises. Scientifically designed barriers to prevent schoolchildren from air and noise pollution, vapur recovery systems at petrol pumps to prevent benzene pollution, are among the measures the BJP will take to combat air pollution, the manifesto said. The manifesto also listed various promises for women empowerment and safety, including for girls born in poor families. It said a fixed amount would be deposited in an account on the birth of the first two girls in every economically weaker family so that they receive Rs 2 lakh after attaining 21 years. Girls belonging to poor families studying in class 9-12 will be provided free bicycle while those pursuing higher education will be provided electric scooty, Tiwari said. Free sanitary napkins for school girls, a women security cell at the chief minister's office, more fast track courts for redressal of crimes against women, Rani Laxmi Bai Suraksha Yojna, deployment of women home guards and CCTV cameras at crowded areas, and parity of wages, are some other promises made by the BJP in its manifesto. Tiwari also said that BJP will ensure job security of contract workers, provide arrears to sanitation workers, create 10 lakh job opportunities, fill the vacant government posts, if it comes to power in Delhi.

Delhi polls: BJP promises wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg, scooties for girl students 

India on Friday banned the export of personal protection equipment such as masks and clothing amid a global coronavirus outbreak.

It did not give a reason for the ban but it reported its first case of the new coronavirus on Thursday, a woman in Kerala who was a student of Wuhan University in China.

The central Chinese city of Wuhan is the epicentre of the outbreak, and the virus has since spread to more than 9,800 people globally and killed 213 people in China.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-us-others-nations-tighten-curbs-on-travel-to-china-as-virus-toll-hits-213-277797">Coronavirus outbreak - US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213</a>

Several Indian citizens living in Wuhan will arrive in India by plane on Saturday and be taken to a quarantine centre on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi.

India, the world's second most heavily populated country after China, has taken measures to ensure that all people arriving from China report to health authorities.

India on Friday banned the export of personal protection equipment such as masks and clothing amid a global coronavirus outbreak. It did not give a reason for the ban but it reported its first case of the new coronavirus on Thursday, a woman in Kerala who was a student of Wuhan University in China.

India on Friday banned the export of personal protection equipment such as masks and clothing amid a global coronavirus outbreak. It did not give a reason for the ban but it reported its first case of the new coronavirus on Thursday, a woman in Kerala who was a student of Wuhan University in China. The central Chinese city of Wuhan is the epicentre of the outbreak, and the virus has since spread to more than 9,800 people globally and killed 213 people in China. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 Several Indian citizens living in Wuhan will arrive in India by plane on Saturday and be taken to a quarantine centre on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi. India, the world's second most heavily populated country after China, has taken measures to ensure that all people arriving from China report to health authorities.

India bans export of protective masks, clothing amid coronavirus outbreak

Pakistan has said that it has no plans, as of now, to evacuate its nationals living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign office has said that the government is monitoring the situation in China closely and is in contact with the authorities to ensure the safety of Pak students in Wuhan.

This is when governments all around the globe are grappling with the challenge of how to get their citizens out of China's Hubei province, where almost 60 million residents are now under virtual lockdown.

Air India special flight from Delhi landed in Wuhan, China earlier in the day for the evacuation of Indian citizens.

An official from Islamabad said that the government has also taken up the issue of food shortages in Wuhan.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-us-others-nations-tighten-curbs-on-travel-to-china-as-virus-toll-hits-213-277797">Coronavirus outbreak - US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pakistan-on-coronavirus-scare-in-wuhan-277835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Moreover, the official also claims to have been assured by the Chinese government of full cooperation in looking after these students from Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has also said that quarantine regulations prevented it from flying out the more than 500 Pakistani students and their families from Wuhan as they said they were putting aircraft on standby.

Special assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on health, Dr Zafar Mirza said, "It is our thinking that our loved ones, those who are in China, it is better for them and in the larger interests of the region, our country and the world not to evacuate them at the moment. This is what the World Health Organisation is saying and this is also the policy of China, and this is our policy as well. On this, we are standing in full solidarity with China".

Meanwhile, foreign students stuck in Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - are launching social media campaigns, making phone calls and writing letters urging their governments to get them out as soon as possible.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-no-flights-between-china-and-pakistan-till-february-2-due-to-coronavirus-scare-277787">Pakistan halts flights to and from China as coronavirus death toll rises</a>

Pakistani student in China, Kabia Sultana said, "At the moment, I am in the Chinese city Jingzhou which is one hour's drive from Wuhan. There are many Pakistanis here with us. At least more than 300 Pakistanis are here with us. We appeal to the Pakistani government through Sarim Burni trust to please get us out of here as soon as possible because we are under mental torture and can't stay here long. Please, please, we should be rescued from here. We should be evacuated from here as early as possible on medical grounds. Our blood should be tested and then we should be sent to our country, Pakistan. Please, get us out of here. We appeal to you on behalf of all Pakistanis that we should be evacuated from China as soon as possible". The video messages of some of the Pak students was released by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Over 200 people have lost lives in China owing to the coronavirus outbreak. The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan has said that it has no plans, as of now, to evacuate its nationals living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak. Pakistan's foreign office has said that the government is monitoring the situation in China closely and is in contact with the authorities to ensure the safety of Pak students in Wuhan.

Pakistan has said that it has no plans, as of now, to evacuate its nationals living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak. Pakistan's foreign office has said that the government is monitoring the situation in China closely and is in contact with the authorities to ensure the safety of Pak students in Wuhan. This is when governments all around the globe are grappling with the challenge of how to get their citizens out of China's Hubei province, where almost 60 million residents are now under virtual lockdown. Air India special flight from Delhi landed in Wuhan, China earlier in the day for the evacuation of Indian citizens. An official from Islamabad said that the government has also taken up the issue of food shortages in Wuhan. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 × Moreover, the official also claims to have been assured by the Chinese government of full cooperation in looking after these students from Pakistan. Pakistan has also said that quarantine regulations prevented it from flying out the more than 500 Pakistani students and their families from Wuhan as they said they were putting aircraft on standby. Special assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on health, Dr Zafar Mirza said, "It is our thinking that our loved ones, those who are in China, it is better for them and in the larger interests of the region, our country and the world not to evacuate them at the moment. This is what the World Health Organisation is saying and this is also the policy of China, and this is our policy as well. On this, we are standing in full solidarity with China". Meanwhile, foreign students stuck in Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - are launching social media campaigns, making phone calls and writing letters urging their governments to get them out as soon as possible. Also read: Pakistan halts flights to and from China as coronavirus death toll rises Pakistani student in China, Kabia Sultana said, "At the moment, I am in the Chinese city Jingzhou which is one hour's drive from Wuhan. There are many Pakistanis here with us. At least more than 300 Pakistanis are here with us. We appeal to the Pakistani government through Sarim Burni trust to please get us out of here as soon as possible because we are under mental torture and can't stay here long. Please, please, we should be rescued from here. We should be evacuated from here as early as possible on medical grounds. Our blood should be tested and then we should be sent to our country, Pakistan. Please, get us out of here. We appeal to you on behalf of all Pakistanis that we should be evacuated from China as soon as possible". The video messages of some of the Pak students was released by news agency Reuters. Over 200 people have lost lives in China owing to the coronavirus outbreak. The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus outbreak: While Air India flight lands in Wuhan to rescue Indians, Pak says it won't evacuate citizens

All eyes will be on Nirmala Sitharaman tomorrow as she will present her second budget as the country's finance minister.

Trade pundits and businesses are waiting with a baited breath, expecting her to bail out the economy of the ongoing slump.

On a lighter vein, it also remains to be seen if she would carry documents in a briefcase or a traditional bahi-khata which she used for her maiden budget presentation. On the day of the Union Budget presentation in 2019, Sitharaman broke away from long-standing traditions of colonial-era when she ditched the briefcase and opted for traditional bahi khata, which is a kind of a ledger wrapped in a red coloured cloth.

The word 'budget'&nbsp;has its origin in the French word Bougette, which means leather briefcase. Traditionally, budget documents -- which primarily include papers related to revenue receipt and expenditure as well as the speech of finance minister -- were carried in a brown briefcase, a legacy passed on by the British.

However, traditional Indian businessmen used bahi-khata to maintain their books of account. Commenting on the shift from a briefcase to bahi-khata during the 89th Union Budget, Chief Economic Advisor, Krishnamurthy Subramanian had told ANI in July last year: "The government is following Indian tradition and bahi khata symbolises our departure from the slavery of Western thought."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-news-2020-budget-glossary-here-are-key-terms-you-should-know-to-understand-the-budget-273968">Here are key terms you should know to understand the Budget</a>

On being asked about the replacement of the briefcase, Subramanian had said, "It is not a Budget, but a Bahi-Khata (ledger)."

"Sitharaman believes that leather made products are not auspicious for the big occasion, so she avoided the leather bag and took the bahi khata wrapped in the red cloth. This is considered to be auspicious," he had said.

In July last year, Sitharaman had said that Modi government is not a "suitcase-carrying government".In a veiled attack on Congress, she connected her idea of carrying budget documents wrapped in a red cloth instead of a briefcase with alleged corruption in the previous UPA government at the Centre.

"For Budget 2019, I did not carry a suitcase. We are not a suitcase-carrying government. A suitcase also denotes something else: suitcase-taking, suitcase-giving. Modi ji's government is not a suitcase government," she had said at the International Business Conference of Nagarathar in July 2019.

Before Sitharaman, a long-standing tradition in connection with the budget presentation was broken during the Atal Behari Vajpayee government with the then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha presenting the budget at 11 am rather than at the traditional time of 5 pm. Since then all governments have been presenting the budget at 11 am.&nbsp;

All eyes will be on Nirmala Sitharaman tomorrow as she will present her second budget as the country's finance minister. Trade pundits and businesses are waiting with a baited breath, expecting her to bail out the economy of the ongoing slump.

All eyes will be on Nirmala Sitharaman tomorrow as she will present her second budget as the country's finance minister. Trade pundits and businesses are waiting with a baited breath, expecting her to bail out the economy of the ongoing slump. On a lighter vein, it also remains to be seen if she would carry documents in a briefcase or a traditional bahi-khata which she used for her maiden budget presentation. On the day of the Union Budget presentation in 2019, Sitharaman broke away from long-standing traditions of colonial-era when she ditched the briefcase and opted for traditional bahi khata, which is a kind of a ledger wrapped in a red coloured cloth. The word 'budget' has its origin in the French word Bougette, which means leather briefcase. Traditionally, budget documents -- which primarily include papers related to revenue receipt and expenditure as well as the speech of finance minister -- were carried in a brown briefcase, a legacy passed on by the British. However, traditional Indian businessmen used bahi-khata to maintain their books of account. Commenting on the shift from a briefcase to bahi-khata during the 89th Union Budget, Chief Economic Advisor, Krishnamurthy Subramanian had told ANI in July last year: "The government is following Indian tradition and bahi khata symbolises our departure from the slavery of Western thought." Also read: Here are key terms you should know to understand the Budget On being asked about the replacement of the briefcase, Subramanian had said, "It is not a Budget, but a Bahi-Khata (ledger)." "Sitharaman believes that leather made products are not auspicious for the big occasion, so she avoided the leather bag and took the bahi khata wrapped in the red cloth. This is considered to be auspicious," he had said. In July last year, Sitharaman had said that Modi government is not a "suitcase-carrying government".In a veiled attack on Congress, she connected her idea of carrying budget documents wrapped in a red cloth instead of a briefcase with alleged corruption in the previous UPA government at the Centre. "For Budget 2019, I did not carry a suitcase. We are not a suitcase-carrying government. A suitcase also denotes something else: suitcase-taking, suitcase-giving. Modi ji's government is not a suitcase government," she had said at the International Business Conference of Nagarathar in July 2019. Before Sitharaman, a long-standing tradition in connection with the budget presentation was broken during the Atal Behari Vajpayee government with the then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha presenting the budget at 11 am rather than at the traditional time of 5 pm. Since then all governments have been presenting the budget at 11 am.

Briefcase or 'bahi-khata': What will Sitharaman carry for her second budget presentation?

A Delhi court on Friday deferred the execution of Nirbhaya convicts until further orders. The four convicts were scheduled to be executed on February 1, 2020.&nbsp;

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana passed the order on plea by the convicts seeking a stay on their execution that was supposed to take place tomorrow morning.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea filed by one of the four death row convicts.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-supreme-court-dismisses-curative-petition-i-hope-convicts-are-hanged-on-february-1-nirbhayas-mother-277536">I hope convicts are hanged on February 1 - Nirbhaya's mother</a>

The review plea filed earlier in the day was taken up for consideration in-chamber by a bench comprising Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna.&nbsp;

Pawan Gupta, on Friday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea. The apex court had on January 20, rejected Gupta's petition challenging a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence.&nbsp;

The top court had observed that there were no grounds to interfere with the High Court order. Earlier, Pawan had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime and that the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-delay-tactic-to-avoid-execution-says-nirbhayas-mother-on-convicts-plea-in-supreme-court-275446">It is delay tactic to avoid execution, says Nirbhayas mother on convicts plea in Supreme Court</a>

Four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma - are facing execution on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the chilling night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Delhi court on Friday deferred the execution of Nirbhaya convicts until further orders. The four convicts were scheduled to be executed on February 1, 2020. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana passed the order on plea by the convicts seeking a stay on their execution that was supposed to take place tomorrow morning.

A Delhi court on Friday deferred the execution of Nirbhaya convicts until further orders. The four convicts were scheduled to be executed on February 1, 2020. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana passed the order on plea by the convicts seeking a stay on their execution that was supposed to take place tomorrow morning. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea filed by one of the four death row convicts. Also read: I hope convicts are hanged on February 1 - Nirbhaya's mother The review plea filed earlier in the day was taken up for consideration in-chamber by a bench comprising Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna. Pawan Gupta, on Friday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea. The apex court had on January 20, rejected Gupta's petition challenging a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence. The top court had observed that there were no grounds to interfere with the High Court order. Earlier, Pawan had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime and that the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact. Also read: It is delay tactic to avoid execution, says Nirbhayas mother on convicts plea in Supreme Court Four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma - are facing execution on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the chilling night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Nirbhaya gang-rape case: Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders

The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency.

With the death toll rising to 213, all of them in China, the United States warned Americans not to travel to the Asian country, where the outbreak first appeared in Wuhan, capital of the central Hubei province.

Japan advised citizens to put off non-urgent travel to China, Iran's health minister urged a ban on all travellers from China and Britain reported its first two cases of the virus.

Singapore said it was suspending entry to travellers with a recent history of travel to China and suspending visas for Chinese passport holders. The ban, effective on Saturday, will also apply to those transiting Singapore, a major travel hub.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-coronavirus-impact-on-the-tourism-industry-277803">Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry</a>

Italy's government decided to declare a state of emergency and stopped all air traffic with China after announcing its first cases, in two Chinese tourists.

Stock markets steadied slightly after the WHO praised China's efforts to contain the virus, following a tumble the previous day over a rising toll on the world's second-biggest economy and its global knock-on effect.

The outbreak could "reverberate globally", hitting supply chains, Moody's said, adding: "Global companies operating in the affected area may face output losses as a result of the evacuation of workers."

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="210ebc35-ed82-442c-a50d-2556150d30b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-31T181501.313.jpg" />

Hyundai Motor said it planned to halt South Korean production of a sport utility vehicle this weekend to cope with a supply disruption caused by the virus outbreak. Sangyong Motor said it would idle its plant in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek from Feb. 4 to Feb. 12 for the same reason.

Home appliance maker Electrolux issued a similar warning. Alphabet Inc's Google and Sweden's IKEA have already suspended operations in China.

"Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan," the U.S. State Department said on its website, raising the warning for China to the same level as Afghanistan and Iraq.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-coronavirus-outbreak-air-india-flight-leaves-for-wuhan-to-bring-back-indian-students-277772"> China coronavirus outbreak - Air India flight leaves for Wuhan to bring back Indian students</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/more-than-2000-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-china-death-toll-rises-to-213-277633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

China has taken "the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures", a foreign ministry spokeswoman said in response to the WHO declaration. Hubei is in virtual lockdown.

"We have full confidence and capability to win this fight," Hua Chunying said in a statement.

But people were leaving and entering Hubei by foot over a bridge spanning the Yangtze river, a Reuters witness said.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had commended China for its efforts and said the WHO was not recommending curbs on travel or trade with Beijing. A WHO spokesman said keeping borders open prevented illegal or unofficial border crossings.

The number of confirmed cases in China has risen beyond 9,800, Beijing's envoy to the United Nations in Vienna said.

There have been no deaths outside China, although 131 cases have been reported in 23 other countries and regions.

The WHO has reported at least eight instances of human-to-human transmission in four countries: the United States, Germany, Japan and Vietnam. Thailand said on Friday it too had a case of human-to-human transmission.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-portugal-set-to-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-as-coronavirus-death-toll-increases-277578">Several countries seal border with China as coronavirus death toll increases</a>

Unlocking secrets

Some airlines have stopped flying to mainland China, including Air France KLM SA, British Airways, Germany's Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic. Others have cut flights.

Japan's ANA Holdings said it may consider suspending China flights, media reported, after the airline said bookings for February flights leaving China had halved.

Several foreign governments evacuating citizens from Hubei are holding them in quarantine for the 14-day incubation period of the virus.

A plane carrying Britons and other Europeans left Wuhan on Friday, Britain's embassy said.

Japan, with 14 confirmed cases, said it would take special measures against the virus, including compulsory hospitalisation and the use of public funds for treatment. It has sent three flights to bring citizens home.

<img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b47c52b-48c6-436b-a43e-76021a6899bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-31T181733.762.jpg" />

The first of four planned flights taking South Koreans home landed on Friday.

China is trying to bring home its tourists stranded abroad, with the state-run People's Daily saying two flights were sent on Thursday, to Thailand and Malaysia.

At least 15 Chinese municipalities and provinces have asked companies to extend the Lunar New Year holiday by a week, to Feb. 10.

China's statistics show just over 2% of infected people have died, suggesting the virus is less deadly than the coronaviruses responsible for the 2002-2003 outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and an episode of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

But economists fear its impact could be bigger than SARS, which killed about 800 people at an estimated cost of $33 billion to the global economy, since China's share of the world economy is now far greater.

With new cases being reported abroad, anti-China sentiment is emerging in some places and manufacturers are scrambling to meet demand for protective masks.

The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency.

The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency. With the death toll rising to 213, all of them in China, the United States warned Americans not to travel to the Asian country, where the outbreak first appeared in Wuhan, capital of the central Hubei province. Japan advised citizens to put off non-urgent travel to China, Iran's health minister urged a ban on all travellers from China and Britain reported its first two cases of the virus. Singapore said it was suspending entry to travellers with a recent history of travel to China and suspending visas for Chinese passport holders. The ban, effective on Saturday, will also apply to those transiting Singapore, a major travel hub. Also read: Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry Italy's government decided to declare a state of emergency and stopped all air traffic with China after announcing its first cases, in two Chinese tourists. Stock markets steadied slightly after the WHO praised China's efforts to contain the virus, following a tumble the previous day over a rising toll on the world's second-biggest economy and its global knock-on effect. The outbreak could "reverberate globally", hitting supply chains, Moody's said, adding: "Global companies operating in the affected area may face output losses as a result of the evacuation of workers." Hyundai Motor said it planned to halt South Korean production of a sport utility vehicle this weekend to cope with a supply disruption caused by the virus outbreak. Sangyong Motor said it would idle its plant in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek from Feb. 4 to Feb. 12 for the same reason. Home appliance maker Electrolux issued a similar warning. Alphabet Inc's Google and Sweden's IKEA have already suspended operations in China. "Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan," the U.S. State Department said on its website, raising the warning for China to the same level as Afghanistan and Iraq. Also read: China coronavirus outbreak - Air India flight leaves for Wuhan to bring back Indian students × China has taken "the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures", a foreign ministry spokeswoman said in response to the WHO declaration. Hubei is in virtual lockdown. "We have full confidence and capability to win this fight," Hua Chunying said in a statement. But people were leaving and entering Hubei by foot over a bridge spanning the Yangtze river, a Reuters witness said. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had commended China for its efforts and said the WHO was not recommending curbs on travel or trade with Beijing. A WHO spokesman said keeping borders open prevented illegal or unofficial border crossings. The number of confirmed cases in China has risen beyond 9,800, Beijing's envoy to the United Nations in Vienna said. There have been no deaths outside China, although 131 cases have been reported in 23 other countries and regions. The WHO has reported at least eight instances of human-to-human transmission in four countries: the United States, Germany, Japan and Vietnam. Thailand said on Friday it too had a case of human-to-human transmission. Also read: Several countries seal border with China as coronavirus death toll increases Unlocking secrets Some airlines have stopped flying to mainland China, including Air France KLM SA, British Airways, Germany's Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic. Others have cut flights. Japan's ANA Holdings said it may consider suspending China flights, media reported, after the airline said bookings for February flights leaving China had halved. Several foreign governments evacuating citizens from Hubei are holding them in quarantine for the 14-day incubation period of the virus. A plane carrying Britons and other Europeans left Wuhan on Friday, Britain's embassy said. Japan, with 14 confirmed cases, said it would take special measures against the virus, including compulsory hospitalisation and the use of public funds for treatment. It has sent three flights to bring citizens home. The first of four planned flights taking South Koreans home landed on Friday. China is trying to bring home its tourists stranded abroad, with the state-run People's Daily saying two flights were sent on Thursday, to Thailand and Malaysia. At least 15 Chinese municipalities and provinces have asked companies to extend the Lunar New Year holiday by a week, to Feb. 10. China's statistics show just over 2% of infected people have died, suggesting the virus is less deadly than the coronaviruses responsible for the 2002-2003 outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and an episode of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). But economists fear its impact could be bigger than SARS, which killed about 800 people at an estimated cost of $33 billion to the global economy, since China's share of the world economy is now far greater. With new cases being reported abroad, anti-China sentiment is emerging in some places and manufacturers are scrambling to meet demand for protective masks.

Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213

The government on Friday revised downwards the economic growth rate for 2018-19 to 6.1 per cent from 6.8 per cent estimated earlier, mainly due to deceleration in mining, manufacturing and farm sectors.

"Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for the years 2018-19 and 2017-18 stand at Rs 139.81 lakh crore and Rs 131.75 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 6.1 per cent during 2018-19 and 7.0 per cent during 2017-18," the National Statistical Office said in revised national account data released on Friday.

Under the first revision released in January 2019, real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 was pegged at Rs 131.80 lakh crore, showing a growth of 7.2 per cent.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-tables-economic-survey-in-parliament-gdp-growth-projected-at-6-65-for-2020-21-277715">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables Economic Survey in Parliament</a>

"The growth in real GVA (gross value added) during 2018-19 has been lower than that in 2017-18 mainly due to relatively lower growth in Agriculture, Forestry &amp; Fishing', Mining and Quarrying', Manufacturing', Electricity, Gas, Water Supply &amp; Other Utility Services', Financial Services, Public Administration and Defense' and Other Services'," it added.

During 2018-19, at constant prices, the growth rates of primary (comprising agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining &amp; quarrying), secondary (comprising manufacturing, electricity, gas, water supply &amp; other utility services, and construction) and tertiary (services) sectors have been estimated at 1.0 per cent, 6.0 per cent and 7.7 per cent, as against 5.8 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 6.9 per cent, respectively, in the previous year.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-can-end-up-with-5-real-gdp-growth-this-fiscal-chairman-of-pms-economic-advisory-council-277423">India can end up with 5% real GDP growth this fiscal: Chairman of PM's Economic Advisory Council</a>

The Nominal Net National Income (NNI) at current prices for 2018-19 stands at Rs 167.89 lakh crore as against Rs 151.50 lakh crore in 2017-18, showing growth of 10.8 per cent during 2018-19 as against 11.2 per cent in the previous year.

The per capita income, that is per capita net national income at current prices, is estimated as Rs 1,15,293 and Rs 1,26,521 respectively for the years 2017-18 and 2018-19. 
Per capita Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) at current prices for the years 2017-18 and 2018-19 is estimated at Rs 76,794 and Rs 84,808 respectively.&nbsp;

The government on Friday revised downwards the economic growth rate for 2018-19 to 6.1 per cent from 6.8 per cent estimated earlier, mainly due to deceleration in mining, manufacturing and farm sectors.

The government on Friday revised downwards the economic growth rate for 2018-19 to 6.1 per cent from 6.8 per cent estimated earlier, mainly due to deceleration in mining, manufacturing and farm sectors. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for the years 2018-19 and 2017-18 stand at Rs 139.81 lakh crore and Rs 131.75 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 6.1 per cent during 2018-19 and 7.0 per cent during 2017-18," the National Statistical Office said in revised national account data released on Friday. Under the first revision released in January 2019, real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 was pegged at Rs 131.80 lakh crore, showing a growth of 7.2 per cent. Also read: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables Economic Survey in Parliament "The growth in real GVA (gross value added) during 2018-19 has been lower than that in 2017-18 mainly due to relatively lower growth in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing', Mining and Quarrying', Manufacturing', Electricity, Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services', Financial Services, Public Administration and Defense' and Other Services'," it added. During 2018-19, at constant prices, the growth rates of primary (comprising agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining & quarrying), secondary (comprising manufacturing, electricity, gas, water supply & other utility services, and construction) and tertiary (services) sectors have been estimated at 1.0 per cent, 6.0 per cent and 7.7 per cent, as against 5.8 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 6.9 per cent, respectively, in the previous year. Also read: India can end up with 5% real GDP growth this fiscal: Chairman of PM's Economic Advisory Council The Nominal Net National Income (NNI) at current prices for 2018-19 stands at Rs 167.89 lakh crore as against Rs 151.50 lakh crore in 2017-18, showing growth of 10.8 per cent during 2018-19 as against 11.2 per cent in the previous year. The per capita income, that is per capita net national income at current prices, is estimated as Rs 1,15,293 and Rs 1,26,521 respectively for the years 2017-18 and 2018-19. Per capita Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) at current prices for the years 2017-18 and 2018-19 is estimated at Rs 76,794 and Rs 84,808 respectively.

GDP growth rate for 2018-19 revised downwards to 6.1% from 6.8%

Indian shares gave up early gains to settle lower on Friday, dragged down by energy stocks, a day ahead of the federal budget that comes amid the country's worst economic slowdown in a decade.

The NSE <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-end-lower-on-coronavirus-fears-metals-drag-277556">Nifty </a>50 index ended 0.61 per cent lower at 11,962.12, while the S&amp;P BSE <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-end-lower-on-coronavirus-fears-metals-drag-277556">Sensex </a>closed 0.47 per cent weaker&nbsp;at 40,723.49.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sharp-slwodown-in-india-a-drag-on-world-economy-275527">Sharp slowdown in India drag on the world economy, says IMF</a>

The Nifty on Friday closed below the 12,000 level for the first time since December&nbsp;12, ending the month 1.70 per cent&nbsp;lower.

Markets have been volatile ahead of the 2020-2021 budget on February&nbsp;1, when Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-defers-anti-caa-resolution-vote-relief-for-modi-govt-277447">Narendra Modi'</a>s government is expected to raise spending on infrastructure and cut some personal tax, to spur consumer demand and investment, government sources and economists have said.

Indian stock markets will be open for trading on Saturday on account of the budget, but debt and forex markets will remain shut.

Record profit from India's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) failed to lift sentiment as energy stocks fell sharply, led by a 2.2&nbsp;per cent drop in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-posts-record-profit-on-consumer-strength-274936">Reliance </a>Industries Ltd, the country's biggest company by market value.

The Nifty energy index shed 2.66 per cent, marking its worst day since early September, as oil prices were set for a fourth consecutive weekly loss on Friday.&nbsp;

Shares in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/slowdown-in-india-expected-to-hit-job-sector-sbi-report-274275">SBI </a>ended 2.5&nbsp;per cent firmer, while those in private-sector lender <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/kotak-mahindra-bank-q4-profit-rises-14-to-rs-2038-crore-214769">Kotak Mahindra</a> Bank gained 3.9 per cent after the central bank eased rules around the shareholding of its billionaire-founder.

Indian shares gave up early gains to settle lower on Friday, dragged down by energy stocks, a day ahead of the federal budget that comes amid the country's worst economic slowdown in a decade.

Indian shares gave up early gains to settle lower on Friday, dragged down by energy stocks, a day ahead of the federal budget that comes amid the country's worst economic slowdown in a decade. The NSE Nifty 50 index ended 0.61 per cent lower at 11,962.12, while the S&P BSE Sensex closed 0.47 per cent weaker at 40,723.49. Also read: Sharp slowdown in India drag on the world economy, says IMF The Nifty on Friday closed below the 12,000 level for the first time since December 12, ending the month 1.70 per cent lower. Markets have been volatile ahead of the 2020-2021 budget on February 1, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is expected to raise spending on infrastructure and cut some personal tax, to spur consumer demand and investment, government sources and economists have said. Indian stock markets will be open for trading on Saturday on account of the budget, but debt and forex markets will remain shut. Record profit from India's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) failed to lift sentiment as energy stocks fell sharply, led by a 2.2 per cent drop in Reliance Industries Ltd, the country's biggest company by market value. The Nifty energy index shed 2.66 per cent, marking its worst day since early September, as oil prices were set for a fourth consecutive weekly loss on Friday. Shares in SBI ended 2.5 per cent firmer, while those in private-sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank gained 3.9 per cent after the central bank eased rules around the shareholding of its billionaire-founder.

Nifty, Sensex end lower ahead of budget; energy stocks lead losses

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.