Nine people--seven in Kerala, two in Mumbai and one in Hyderabad--who were among the hundreds of passengers who returned from China in the recent days are under observation in hospitals to check for possible exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus, central and state officials said on Friday.

Officials in Kerala said another 73 people were being kept under medical surveillance at their homes in the state.

As over 20,000 passengers returning from mainland China and Hong Kong underwent thermal screenings at the seven international airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) in Delhi has set up an isolation ward and kept beds ready for providing treatment to any suspected case of the respiratory infection.

According to Kerala state health ministry officials in Thiruvananthapuram, seven people who had shown mild symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat are under watch in state-run hospitals in different districts in the state. Two of them are in the state capital while one each is in observation in Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Pathanamthitta.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-second-case-of-coronavirus-at-least-50-under-investigation-276437">US confirms second case of coronavirus, at least 50 under investigation</a>

The state government has advised those under home surveillance to remain at home for 28 days from the date of their departure from China.

The coronavirus is a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes, but the virus in China is a novel strain and not seen before. It has killed 26 people so far, and has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

According to a union health ministry official, two persons who returned from China have been kept under observation at a Mumbai hospital while one person has been placed under watch at a hospital in Hyderabad.

However, no positive case has been detected in the country so far, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-first-case-reported-in-nepal-ministry-of-health-confirms-276431">Coronavirus outbreak - First case reported in Nepal, ministry of health confirms</a>&nbsp;

The official said a total of 20,844 passengers who travelled in 96 flights from China have been screened at the airports till January 24.

Also, on the basis of the details provided by the Indian Embassy in China, around 25 students who have returned to India recently from Wuhan are being closely monitored, the official said.

Their details have been shared with district-level officers and they are being monitored closely for any symptoms.

Two people who returned to Mumbai from China have been kept in an isolation ward at Kasturba Hospital, and their blood samples collected to check for the new strain of coronavirus, officials said in Mumbai.

As many as 1,789 passengers underwent thermal screening at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai for the coronavirus since January 19 and two of them were admitted to civic-run Kasturba Hospital in the city as a precaution, they said.

Till now, no cases of coronavirus infection have been detected during screening, a health department official said.

"No passenger with history of visit to Wuhan city of China in the last 14 days was found positive (for the virus) during thermal scanning," he said. 
Coronavirus cases were first reported from Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei province.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has created an isolation ward at the Kasturba hospital.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-likely-to-rise-in-china-world-health-organisation-276391">Coronavirus cases likely to rise in China - World Health Organisation</a>&nbsp;

"The isolation ward has been created for diagnosis and treatment of persons suspected to have the virus infection," said Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer of the BMC.

Keskar said the two persons under observation at the hospital have a mild cough and exhibited cold-related symptoms.

Doctors at the airport have been asked to send travellers returning from China to the isolation ward if they show any symptoms of the novel coronavirus, she said.

"All private doctors in the city have been asked to alert us if they observe symptoms of coronavirus in any person who has returned from China," she added.

According to Kasturba Hospital sources, they have received detailed instructions from the Maharashtra government about how to deal with a coronavirus infection.

Apart from Kasturba Hospital, quarantine facilities have also been provided at Naidu Hospital in Pune, the officials said.

During the screening at the Mumbai airport, six passengers -- three from Pune and another three from Mumbai -- underwent a further medical examination, he said.

"Four of them were found to be perfectly alright. As a precaution, two others who were suffering from a minor cold and cough have been admitted to the Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai and kept under monitoring," he said.

AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said, "We have an isolation ward and we have beds kept ready for providing care and treatment for suspected coronavirus cases in Delhi or elsewhere in India."

"All precautionary measures -- in terms of personal protection equipment for healthcare workers to prevent the spread of the disease while treating infected patients -- are in place."&nbsp;

Nine people--seven in Kerala, two in Mumbai and one in Hyderabad--who were among the hundreds of passengers who returned from China in the recent days are under observation in hospitals to check for possible exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus, central and state officials said on Friday.

Nine people--seven in Kerala, two in Mumbai and one in Hyderabad--who were among the hundreds of passengers who returned from China in the recent days are under observation in hospitals to check for possible exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus, central and state officials said on Friday. Officials in Kerala said another 73 people were being kept under medical surveillance at their homes in the state. As over 20,000 passengers returning from mainland China and Hong Kong underwent thermal screenings at the seven international airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) in Delhi has set up an isolation ward and kept beds ready for providing treatment to any suspected case of the respiratory infection. According to Kerala state health ministry officials in Thiruvananthapuram, seven people who had shown mild symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat are under watch in state-run hospitals in different districts in the state. Two of them are in the state capital while one each is in observation in Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Pathanamthitta. Also read: US confirms second case of coronavirus, at least 50 under investigation The state government has advised those under home surveillance to remain at home for 28 days from the date of their departure from China. The coronavirus is a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes, but the virus in China is a novel strain and not seen before. It has killed 26 people so far, and has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). According to a union health ministry official, two persons who returned from China have been kept under observation at a Mumbai hospital while one person has been placed under watch at a hospital in Hyderabad. However, no positive case has been detected in the country so far, he said. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - First case reported in Nepal, ministry of health confirms The official said a total of 20,844 passengers who travelled in 96 flights from China have been screened at the airports till January 24. Also, on the basis of the details provided by the Indian Embassy in China, around 25 students who have returned to India recently from Wuhan are being closely monitored, the official said. Their details have been shared with district-level officers and they are being monitored closely for any symptoms. Two people who returned to Mumbai from China have been kept in an isolation ward at Kasturba Hospital, and their blood samples collected to check for the new strain of coronavirus, officials said in Mumbai. As many as 1,789 passengers underwent thermal screening at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai for the coronavirus since January 19 and two of them were admitted to civic-run Kasturba Hospital in the city as a precaution, they said. Till now, no cases of coronavirus infection have been detected during screening, a health department official said. "No passenger with history of visit to Wuhan city of China in the last 14 days was found positive (for the virus) during thermal scanning," he said. Coronavirus cases were first reported from Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei province. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has created an isolation ward at the Kasturba hospital. Also read: Coronavirus cases likely to rise in China - World Health Organisation "The isolation ward has been created for diagnosis and treatment of persons suspected to have the virus infection," said Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer of the BMC. Keskar said the two persons under observation at the hospital have a mild cough and exhibited cold-related symptoms. Doctors at the airport have been asked to send travellers returning from China to the isolation ward if they show any symptoms of the novel coronavirus, she said. "All private doctors in the city have been asked to alert us if they observe symptoms of coronavirus in any person who has returned from China," she added. According to Kasturba Hospital sources, they have received detailed instructions from the Maharashtra government about how to deal with a coronavirus infection. Apart from Kasturba Hospital, quarantine facilities have also been provided at Naidu Hospital in Pune, the officials said. During the screening at the Mumbai airport, six passengers -- three from Pune and another three from Mumbai -- underwent a further medical examination, he said. "Four of them were found to be perfectly alright. As a precaution, two others who were suffering from a minor cold and cough have been admitted to the Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai and kept under monitoring," he said. AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said, "We have an isolation ward and we have beds kept ready for providing care and treatment for suspected coronavirus cases in Delhi or elsewhere in India." "All precautionary measures -- in terms of personal protection equipment for healthcare workers to prevent the spread of the disease while treating infected patients -- are in place."

Coronavirus: 9 people who returned from China under watch in hospitals in Kerala, Mumbai and Hyderabad

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said votes in the coming assembly polls would be cast on the basis of work done by the AAP government in the last five years and not on the basis of caste or religion.

Addressing a public meeting in Rohini, Kejriwal said he was very happy to hear Home Minister Amit Shah talk about unauthorised colonies, education and health in his speech as it shows the AAP government has changed the narrative of politics in the country.

"It shows that while in rest of the country the BJP seek votes on the basis of caste and religion, in Delhi they are forced to seek votes on the basis of development work like health and education," he said.

For the first time in 70 years, Kejriwal claimed, a party is asking for votes in the name of development.

"No party has ever asked for votes in the name of improvement of schools, hospitals, free and cheap electricity. They ask for votes in the name of religion and castes. The BJP asks for votes in the name of Jat and non-Jat in Haryana, in the name of Maratha and non-Maratha in Maharashtra, Patel and non-Patel and Hindu-Muslim in states like Gujarat," he said.

Kejriwal said his party has changed the discourse and narrative of politics in the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-2020-arvind-kejriwal-says-freebies-in-limited-doses-good-for-economy-276288">Delhi assembly election 2020 - Arvind Kejriwal says freebies in limited doses good for economy</a>

"Now people will talk about Delhi's development and work instead of religion or caste. People will only vote for parties that will improve schools, hospitals, roads, provide free electricity and water," he added.

Kejriwal appealed to the supporters of BJP, Congress and other parties to vote for AAP as it will contribute towards the development of Delhi.

"We have made a lot of effort in improving schools and hospitals in Delhi, voting for any other party will again deteriorate their condition. We have to keep the development speed constant throughout. Vote for us keeping the welfare of your family in mind," he added.

Kejriwal said he has worked how an elder son in a family works.

"I have worked as an elder son of the family in the last five years. It is he who shoulders the responsibility of managing the household, paying electricity and water bills, taking his parents to a pilgrimage, taking care of the education of the children of his family, taking care of the health of his family. I have tried to take all these responsibilities on my shoulder by being an elder son of every household in Delhi in the last five years," he said.

He also addressed a public meeting in Nangloi, where he presented his "guarantee card" which has ten assurances that his government is giving to the people of Delhi. 
The card vows guarantees of free power, 24-hour drinking tap water, pollution-free Delhi, including a clean Yamuna, pucca houses to every slum-dweller and world-class education for children.

Kejriwal was joined by Rajesh Nama Bansiwala, AAP candidate from Rohini constituency, and Raghuvinder Shaukeen, AAP candidate from Nangloi constituency. 
Earlier Friday, Kejriwal carried out three roadshows in west Delhi's constituencies of Janakpuri, Tilak Nagar and Madipur.

Delhi Assembly polls will be held on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said votes in the coming assembly polls would be cast on the basis of work done by the AAP government in the last five years and not on the basis of caste or religion.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said votes in the coming assembly polls would be cast on the basis of work done by the AAP government in the last five years and not on the basis of caste or religion. Addressing a public meeting in Rohini, Kejriwal said he was very happy to hear Home Minister Amit Shah talk about unauthorised colonies, education and health in his speech as it shows the AAP government has changed the narrative of politics in the country. "It shows that while in rest of the country the BJP seek votes on the basis of caste and religion, in Delhi they are forced to seek votes on the basis of development work like health and education," he said. For the first time in 70 years, Kejriwal claimed, a party is asking for votes in the name of development. "No party has ever asked for votes in the name of improvement of schools, hospitals, free and cheap electricity. They ask for votes in the name of religion and castes. The BJP asks for votes in the name of Jat and non-Jat in Haryana, in the name of Maratha and non-Maratha in Maharashtra, Patel and non-Patel and Hindu-Muslim in states like Gujarat," he said. Kejriwal said his party has changed the discourse and narrative of politics in the state. Also read: Delhi assembly election 2020 - Arvind Kejriwal says freebies in limited doses good for economy "Now people will talk about Delhi's development and work instead of religion or caste. People will only vote for parties that will improve schools, hospitals, roads, provide free electricity and water," he added. Kejriwal appealed to the supporters of BJP, Congress and other parties to vote for AAP as it will contribute towards the development of Delhi. "We have made a lot of effort in improving schools and hospitals in Delhi, voting for any other party will again deteriorate their condition. We have to keep the development speed constant throughout. Vote for us keeping the welfare of your family in mind," he added. Kejriwal said he has worked how an elder son in a family works. "I have worked as an elder son of the family in the last five years. It is he who shoulders the responsibility of managing the household, paying electricity and water bills, taking his parents to a pilgrimage, taking care of the education of the children of his family, taking care of the health of his family. I have tried to take all these responsibilities on my shoulder by being an elder son of every household in Delhi in the last five years," he said. He also addressed a public meeting in Nangloi, where he presented his "guarantee card" which has ten assurances that his government is giving to the people of Delhi. The card vows guarantees of free power, 24-hour drinking tap water, pollution-free Delhi, including a clean Yamuna, pucca houses to every slum-dweller and world-class education for children. Kejriwal was joined by Rajesh Nama Bansiwala, AAP candidate from Rohini constituency, and Raghuvinder Shaukeen, AAP candidate from Nangloi constituency. Earlier Friday, Kejriwal carried out three roadshows in west Delhi's constituencies of Janakpuri, Tilak Nagar and Madipur. Delhi Assembly polls will be held on February 8 and the counting of votes will take place on February 11.

Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal

The meteorological office of the United Kingdom has predicted that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere this year will rise to become the largest annual rise&nbsp;since 1958.&nbsp;

The report also stated that the impact of weather patterns on global ecosystems is also likely to go up by 10 per cent this year with the devastating Australian bushfires to account for about one-fifth of this rise.&nbsp;

The UK met report further explained how the uptake of carbon dioxide by land ecosystems is affected by "weather patterns linked to year-by-year swings in Pacific Ocean temperatures".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bushfires-can-ecosystems-recover-from-such-dramatic-losses-of-biodiversity-275472">Bushfires - Can ecosystems recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity?</a>

Absorption of Co2&nbsp;becomes difficult when regions become warmer and drier due to "a warmer tropical Pacific". In such a case, it becomes difficult for plants to grow which in turn hampers Co2 absorption. As a result, we see droughts and wildfires similar to that of Australia's.&nbsp;

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"Along with other weather patterns and human-induced climate change, this has contributed to the recent hot, dry weather in Australia, which played a key role in the severity of the bushfires," the report explained.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/making-sense-of-australias-bushfire-crisis-means-asking-hard-questions-and-listening-to-the-answers-272544">Making sense of Australia’s bushfire crisis means asking hard questions</a>

An unusually long bushfire season has scorched an area one-third the size of Germany in Australia. While over 25 people have lost lives in the deadly blazes since September, an estimated 1 billion animals have been killed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The meteorological office of the United Kingdom has predicted that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere this year will rise to become the largest annual rise since 1958.

The meteorological office of the United Kingdom has predicted that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere this year will rise to become the largest annual rise since 1958. The report also stated that the impact of weather patterns on global ecosystems is also likely to go up by 10 per cent this year with the devastating Australian bushfires to account for about one-fifth of this rise. The UK met report further explained how the uptake of carbon dioxide by land ecosystems is affected by "weather patterns linked to year-by-year swings in Pacific Ocean temperatures". Also read: Bushfires - Can ecosystems recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity? Absorption of Co2 becomes difficult when regions become warmer and drier due to "a warmer tropical Pacific". In such a case, it becomes difficult for plants to grow which in turn hampers Co2 absorption. As a result, we see droughts and wildfires similar to that of Australia's. × "Along with other weather patterns and human-induced climate change, this has contributed to the recent hot, dry weather in Australia, which played a key role in the severity of the bushfires," the report explained. Also read: Making sense of Australia’s bushfire crisis means asking hard questions An unusually long bushfire season has scorched an area one-third the size of Germany in Australia. While over 25 people have lost lives in the deadly blazes since September, an estimated 1 billion animals have been killed. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australian bushfires to fuel biggest annual rise in CO2 this year: UK Met office

Nepal on Friday confirmed the first case of new coronavirus. A Nepali student who had returned from China tested positive for the virus, a health ministry official told news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"One patient tested positive for coronavirus. He is a Nepali student studying in China," Mahendra Shrestha, a Health Ministry spokesperson, told Reuters.

As per reports, the Nepalese student had come home on a break from the Chinese city of Wuhan. The student is under surveillance and those in close contact with him are being investigated.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-26-dead-and-millions-on-lockdown-china-to-build-new-hospital-within-10-days-276334">Coronavirus - 26 dead and millions on lockdown; China to build new hospital within 10 days</a>

Wuhan in China is the epicentre of the virus. The airport in the Chinese city was shut down on January 23.

With over 800 reported cases of the new coronavirus and more than 20 killed, China has stepped up a series of countermeasures to fight the growing menace of the new viral disease.&nbsp;

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As many as 10 cities have been in a state of lockdown with the suspension of public transport and closure of public spaces.&nbsp;

Chinese authorities are in a state of a hurry to quickly build a new hospital to treat those infected by the virus.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation on Friday said&nbsp;the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-likely-to-rise-in-china-world-health-organisation-276391">new coronavirus cases is likely to be on the rise</a> in China.&nbsp;

A WHO spokesman added that it is still too soon to evaluate the severity of the virus.&nbsp;

"It's still too early to draw conclusions on how severe the virus is," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a Geneva news briefing as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"The focus is not so much on the (case) numbers, which we know will go up," he added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Nepal on Friday confirmed the first case of new coronavirus. A Nepali student who had returned from China tested positive for the virus, a health ministry official told news agency Reuters.

Nepal on Friday confirmed the first case of new coronavirus. A Nepali student who had returned from China tested positive for the virus, a health ministry official told news agency Reuters. "One patient tested positive for coronavirus. He is a Nepali student studying in China," Mahendra Shrestha, a Health Ministry spokesperson, told Reuters. As per reports, the Nepalese student had come home on a break from the Chinese city of Wuhan. The student is under surveillance and those in close contact with him are being investigated. Also read: Coronavirus - 26 dead and millions on lockdown; China to build new hospital within 10 days Wuhan in China is the epicentre of the virus. The airport in the Chinese city was shut down on January 23. With over 800 reported cases of the new coronavirus and more than 20 killed, China has stepped up a series of countermeasures to fight the growing menace of the new viral disease. × As many as 10 cities have been in a state of lockdown with the suspension of public transport and closure of public spaces. Chinese authorities are in a state of a hurry to quickly build a new hospital to treat those infected by the virus. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation on Friday said the number of new coronavirus cases is likely to be on the rise in China. A WHO spokesman added that it is still too soon to evaluate the severity of the virus. "It's still too early to draw conclusions on how severe the virus is," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a Geneva news briefing as reported by news agency Reuters. "The focus is not so much on the (case) numbers, which we know will go up," he added. (With inputs from Reuters)

Coronavirus outbreak: First case reported in Nepal, ministry of health confirms 

India plans to increase import duties on more than 50 items including electronics, electrical goods, chemicals and handicrafts, targeting about $56 billion worth of imports from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-myanmar-economic-corridor-turning-out-to-be-another-cpec-275688">China</a> and elsewhere, officials and industry sources said.

Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-nirmala-sitharaman-unveils-rs-102-lakh-crore-of-infra-projects-for-next-5-years-271287">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> could make the announcement when she presents her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-halwa-ceremony-ahead-of-budget-275107">annual budget</a> for 2020-2021 on February&nbsp;1, along with other stimulus measures to revive sagging economic growth, one of the government officials said.

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Higher customs duties are likely to hit goods such as mobile phone chargers, industrial chemicals, lamps, wooden furniture, candles, jewellery and handicraft items, two government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The move could hit smartphone manufacturers that still import chargers or other components such as vibrator motors and ringers, along with retailers such as giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ikea-opens-its-first-india-store-in-hyderabad-158016">IKEA</a> that is in the process of expanding its footprint in India.

IKEA had previously flagged higher Indian customs duties as a challenge.

The government had identified items and decided to increase import tariffs by 5 to 10 percent as recommended by a panel of trade and finance ministry officials, among others, the second government official said.

"Our aim is to curb imports of non-essential items," said the official, adding a hike in import duties would provide a level playing field for local manufacturers-hit by cheap imports from China, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asia-should-ban-foreign-trash-imports-environmentalists-228309">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN), and other countries that enjoy trade pacts with India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rcep-was-unbalanced-trade-agreement-says-piyush-goyal-at-world-economic-forum-276198">Also read:&nbsp;RCEP was unbalanced&nbsp;trade agreement, says Piyush Goyal at World Economic Forum</a>

The sources asked not be identified as the discussions were private.

A spokesman for the finance ministry and a spokeswoman for the commerce ministry declined to comment.

Since taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/nepal/nepal-invites-pm-narendra-modi-for-sagarmatha-dialogue-276287">Narendra Modi </a>has imposed several restrictions on imports while allowing more foreign investment in manufacturing, defence and other sectors.

Modi's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/delhi-assembly-elections-bjp-must-declare-chief-ministerial-candidate-275883">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) has also asked the government to increase duties on non-essential items to boost local manufacturing.

"We expect the budget will address the issue of ... cheap imports under free trade pacts," Gopal Krishan Agarwal, the head of BJP's Economic Affairs Cell, told Reuters.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-detains-800-central-american-migrants-headed-to-united-states-276281">United States </a>wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US. trade concession and seal a wider pact, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-rolls-back-law-preventing-pollution-in-drinking-water-sources-276317">Donald Trump </a>cited trade barriers last year when removing India from its Generalized System of Preferences programme that allowed zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States. In retaliation, India slapped higher tariffs on more than two dozens U.S. products.

India plans to increase import duties on more than 50 items including electronics, electrical goods, chemicals and handicrafts, targeting about $56 billion worth of imports from China and elsewhere, officials and industry sources said.

India plans to increase import duties on more than 50 items including electronics, electrical goods, chemicals and handicrafts, targeting about $56 billion worth of imports from China and elsewhere, officials and industry sources said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman could make the announcement when she presents her annual budget for 2020-2021 on February 1, along with other stimulus measures to revive sagging economic growth, one of the government officials said. Higher customs duties are likely to hit goods such as mobile phone chargers, industrial chemicals, lamps, wooden furniture, candles, jewellery and handicraft items, two government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. The move could hit smartphone manufacturers that still import chargers or other components such as vibrator motors and ringers, along with retailers such as giant IKEA that is in the process of expanding its footprint in India. IKEA had previously flagged higher Indian customs duties as a challenge. The government had identified items and decided to increase import tariffs by 5 to 10 percent as recommended by a panel of trade and finance ministry officials, among others, the second government official said. "Our aim is to curb imports of non-essential items," said the official, adding a hike in import duties would provide a level playing field for local manufacturers-hit by cheap imports from China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other countries that enjoy trade pacts with India. Also read: RCEP was unbalanced trade agreement, says Piyush Goyal at World Economic Forum The sources asked not be identified as the discussions were private. A spokesman for the finance ministry and a spokeswoman for the commerce ministry declined to comment. Since taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed several restrictions on imports while allowing more foreign investment in manufacturing, defence and other sectors. Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also asked the government to increase duties on non-essential items to boost local manufacturing. "We expect the budget will address the issue of ... cheap imports under free trade pacts," Gopal Krishan Agarwal, the head of BJP's Economic Affairs Cell, told Reuters. The United States wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US. trade concession and seal a wider pact, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. US President Donald Trump cited trade barriers last year when removing India from its Generalized System of Preferences programme that allowed zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States. In retaliation, India slapped higher tariffs on more than two dozens U.S. products.

India likely to raise import duties on more than 50 items

India's corporate and income tax collection for the current year is likely to fall for the first time in at least two decades, several senior tax officials told Reuters, amid a sharp fall in economic growth and cut in corporate tax rates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government was targeting direct tax collection of 13.5 trillion rupees ($189 billion) for the year ending March 31 - a 17 per cent increase over the prior fiscal year.

But a sharp decline in demand has stung businesses, forcing companies to cut investment and jobs, denting tax collections and prompting the government to forecast 5 per cent&nbsp;growth for this fiscal year - the slowest in 11 years.

The tax department had managed to collect only 7.3 trillion rupees as of January&nbsp;23, more than 5.5 per cent below the amount collected by the same point last year, said a senior tax official.

After collecting taxes from companies in advance for the first three quarters, officials typically garner about 30-35 per cent of annual direct taxes in the final three months, data from the past three years shows.

But eight senior tax officials interviewed by Reuters said despite their best efforts, direct tax collections this financial year were likely to fall below the 11.5 trillion collected in 2018-19.

"Forget the target. This will be the first time that we'll see a fall in direct tax collection ever," said a tax official in New Delhi.

He estimates that direct tax collections for this year could end up roughly 10 per cent below fiscal 2019.

The finance ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Direct taxes typically account for about 80 per cent of the government's projections for annual revenue, and the shortfall may leave the government needing to boost borrowing to meet expenditure commitments.

The tax officials also say that a surprise cut in the headline corporate tax rate last year aimed at wooing manufacturers and boosting investment in Asia's third-biggest economy is another reason behind the sluggish tax collections.

"We'll be very happy if we can even break even with what we collected last year," said another senior tax official in the financial capital, Mumbai, the biggest tax generator, accounting for about a third of revenues from direct taxes. "But given the state of the economy, I'm not too hopeful."

'Go all out'

The concerns are exacerbated by a gaping shortfall in the goods and services tax (GST) that is expected to further hurt total collections.

The total tax collection shortfall for the current fiscal year could be about 3 trillion rupees - the highest shortfall ever recorded.

"With revenue sources stretched, we're not assuming any rise in the capex bill in FY21," Pranjul Bhandari, chief economist at HSBC in India, said in a note, adding she expects the government to resort to higher borrowing from the market.

The government is likely to keep the fiscal deficit under 3.8 per cent of gross domestic product, sources told Reuters earlier this month, while letting it slip from its earlier set target of 3.3 per cent for the year.

Tax officials have been stuck between the increasing number of complaints of harassment from Indian businesses, dubbed "tax terrorism" by Indian media, and the government's push to meet the target.

The government asked its officials at a meeting on December 20 to identify and initiate stern action against wilful tax evaders, sources said.

"The message from the top is very clear - go all out and collect," said a senior tax official in the eastern city of Kolkata.

India's corporate and income tax collection for the current year is likely to fall for the first time in at least two decades, several senior tax officials told Reuters, amid a sharp fall in economic growth and cut in corporate tax rates.

India's corporate and income tax collection for the current year is likely to fall for the first time in at least two decades, several senior tax officials told Reuters, amid a sharp fall in economic growth and cut in corporate tax rates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government was targeting direct tax collection of 13.5 trillion rupees ($189 billion) for the year ending March 31 - a 17 per cent increase over the prior fiscal year. But a sharp decline in demand has stung businesses, forcing companies to cut investment and jobs, denting tax collections and prompting the government to forecast 5 per cent growth for this fiscal year - the slowest in 11 years. The tax department had managed to collect only 7.3 trillion rupees as of January 23, more than 5.5 per cent below the amount collected by the same point last year, said a senior tax official. After collecting taxes from companies in advance for the first three quarters, officials typically garner about 30-35 per cent of annual direct taxes in the final three months, data from the past three years shows. But eight senior tax officials interviewed by Reuters said despite their best efforts, direct tax collections this financial year were likely to fall below the 11.5 trillion collected in 2018-19. "Forget the target. This will be the first time that we'll see a fall in direct tax collection ever," said a tax official in New Delhi. He estimates that direct tax collections for this year could end up roughly 10 per cent below fiscal 2019. The finance ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Direct taxes typically account for about 80 per cent of the government's projections for annual revenue, and the shortfall may leave the government needing to boost borrowing to meet expenditure commitments. The tax officials also say that a surprise cut in the headline corporate tax rate last year aimed at wooing manufacturers and boosting investment in Asia's third-biggest economy is another reason behind the sluggish tax collections. "We'll be very happy if we can even break even with what we collected last year," said another senior tax official in the financial capital, Mumbai, the biggest tax generator, accounting for about a third of revenues from direct taxes. "But given the state of the economy, I'm not too hopeful." 'Go all out' The concerns are exacerbated by a gaping shortfall in the goods and services tax (GST) that is expected to further hurt total collections. The total tax collection shortfall for the current fiscal year could be about 3 trillion rupees - the highest shortfall ever recorded. "With revenue sources stretched, we're not assuming any rise in the capex bill in FY21," Pranjul Bhandari, chief economist at HSBC in India, said in a note, adding she expects the government to resort to higher borrowing from the market. The government is likely to keep the fiscal deficit under 3.8 per cent of gross domestic product, sources told Reuters earlier this month, while letting it slip from its earlier set target of 3.3 per cent for the year. Tax officials have been stuck between the increasing number of complaints of harassment from Indian businesses, dubbed "tax terrorism" by Indian media, and the government's push to meet the target. The government asked its officials at a meeting on December 20 to identify and initiate stern action against wilful tax evaders, sources said. "The message from the top is very clear - go all out and collect," said a senior tax official in the eastern city of Kolkata.

India faces first fall in direct taxes in at least two decades

Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohammed-bin-salman-caught-spying-jeff-bezos-accused-saudi-prince-of-hacking-his-phone-275857">hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone</a>.

Hundreds and thousands of tweets have been shared by Saudi government officials and pro-Saudi media organisations in retaliation to the accusation on the Crown Prince.&nbsp;

Riyadh dismissed the accusations on Tuesday and called them <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/describing-as-absurd-saudi-arabia-rejects-hacking-jeff-bezos-phone-reports-275917">absurd</a>.&nbsp;

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Recent media reports that suggest the Kingdom is behind a hacking of Mr. Jeff Bezos' phone are absurd. We call for an investigation on these claims so that we can have all the facts out.
— Saudi Embassy (@SaudiEmbassyUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaudiEmbassyUSA/status/1219792870389035008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I think 'absurd' is exactly the right word," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told Reuters in an interview in Davos. "The idea that the crown prince would hack Jeff Bezos’ phone is absolutely silly," he added

Since Thursday, the microblogging website has gone abuzz with #BoycottAmazonproducts - a hashtag believed to have started by a pro-government account with over 50,000 followers.&nbsp;

Also read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-all-of-what-you-hear-or-told-its-not-true-saudi-crown-princes-text-to-bezos-276150">Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true': Saudi Crown Prince Salman's text to Bezos</a>

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On Thursday, disinformation analyst Ben Nimmo said that over 8,000 pro-Saudi tweets called for action to boycott Amazon products - a number that is only expected to have grown manifold by Friday.&nbsp;

"Indeed, here it goes: call from fans of MBS to boycott Amazon products. 8.5k tweets since the morning in Arabic, a handful in English," Nimmo tweeted out yesterday.&nbsp;

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Indeed, here it goes: call from fans of MBS to boycott Amazon products. 
 
8.5k tweets since the morning in Arabic, a handful in English. <a href="https://t.co/704haHu82I">https://t.co/704haHu82I</a>
— Ben Nimmo (@benimmo) <a href="https://twitter.com/benimmo/status/1220286211992039429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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UN experts have called for an immediate investigation into the allegations on Saudi crown prince being involved in a plot to hack the phone of Amazon boss and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos.

On Wednesday, UN special rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and David Kaye said they had information pointing to the "possible involvement" of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the alleged 2018 cyberattack, which preceded alleged threats by the National Enquirer to publish intimate photographs of the billionaire tech tycoon.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%A7_%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%AA_%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%88%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#قاطعوا_منتجات_امازون</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottAmazonproducts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottAmazonproducts</a> 
Done ✅ 🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/5FjiCs3a3C">pic.twitter.com/5FjiCs3a3C</a>
— رغـــد .. 🕊 (@Raghod501) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raghod501/status/1220266727499583488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Callamard, the special rapporteur for extra-judicial killings, and Kaye, special rapporteur for free expression, said in a statement that they believed the hack was carried out "in an effort to influence, if not silence, The Washington Post’s reporting on Saudi Arabia" and called for an "immediate investigation by US and other relevant authorities," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

As per reports, the call for an investigation is based on a 17-page forensic report drawn up by Washington-based FTI Consulting, reportedly commissioned by the Amazon chief.&nbsp;

The report suggests that Bezos's iPhone X was hijacked by a malicious video file which was sent to him on May 1, 2018, from a WhatsApp account used by the crown prince.&nbsp;

The hacking is said to have taken place before Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's cold-blooded killing in October 2018. Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince.

(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone.

Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone. Hundreds and thousands of tweets have been shared by Saudi government officials and pro-Saudi media organisations in retaliation to the accusation on the Crown Prince. Riyadh dismissed the accusations on Tuesday and called them absurd. Recent media reports that suggest the Kingdom is behind a hacking of Mr. Jeff Bezos' phone are absurd. We call for an investigation on these claims so that we can have all the facts out. — Saudi Embassy (@SaudiEmbassyUSA) January 22, 2020 × "I think 'absurd' is exactly the right word," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told Reuters in an interview in Davos. "The idea that the crown prince would hack Jeff Bezos’ phone is absolutely silly," he added Since Thursday, the microblogging website has gone abuzz with #BoycottAmazonproducts - a hashtag believed to have started by a pro-government account with over 50,000 followers. Also read: 'Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true': Saudi Crown Prince Salman's text to Bezos × On Thursday, disinformation analyst Ben Nimmo said that over 8,000 pro-Saudi tweets called for action to boycott Amazon products - a number that is only expected to have grown manifold by Friday. "Indeed, here it goes: call from fans of MBS to boycott Amazon products. 8.5k tweets since the morning in Arabic, a handful in English," Nimmo tweeted out yesterday. Indeed, here it goes: call from fans of MBS to boycott Amazon products. 8.5k tweets since the morning in Arabic, a handful in English. https://t.co/704haHu82I — Ben Nimmo (@benimmo) January 23, 2020 × UN experts have called for an immediate investigation into the allegations on Saudi crown prince being involved in a plot to hack the phone of Amazon boss and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos. On Wednesday, UN special rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and David Kaye said they had information pointing to the "possible involvement" of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the alleged 2018 cyberattack, which preceded alleged threats by the National Enquirer to publish intimate photographs of the billionaire tech tycoon. #قاطعوا_منتجات_امازون #BoycottAmazonproducts Done ✅ 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/5FjiCs3a3C — رغـــد .. 🕊 (@Raghod501) January 23, 2020 × Callamard, the special rapporteur for extra-judicial killings, and Kaye, special rapporteur for free expression, said in a statement that they believed the hack was carried out "in an effort to influence, if not silence, The Washington Post’s reporting on Saudi Arabia" and called for an "immediate investigation by US and other relevant authorities," news agency Reuters reported. As per reports, the call for an investigation is based on a 17-page forensic report drawn up by Washington-based FTI Consulting, reportedly commissioned by the Amazon chief. The report suggests that Bezos's iPhone X was hijacked by a malicious video file which was sent to him on May 1, 2018, from a WhatsApp account used by the crown prince. The hacking is said to have taken place before Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's cold-blooded killing in October 2018. Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince. (With inputs from Reuters)

Angry Saudis tweet to boycott Amazon over Crown Prince's alleged involvement in hacking Bezos' phone

According to the World Health Organisation, the number of new coronavirus cases is likely to be on the rise in China.&nbsp;

A WHO spokesman added that it is still too soon to evaluate the severity of the virus.&nbsp;

"It's still too early to draw conclusions on how severe the virus is," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a Geneva news briefing as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"The focus is not so much on the (case) numbers, which we know will go up," he added. &nbsp;

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China, so far, had officially reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-26-dead-and-millions-on-lockdown-china-to-build-new-hospital-within-10-days-276334">830 confirmed cases and 25 deaths</a> with officials scurrying to assemble another emergency clinic in just 10 days to treat patients at the focal point of the fatal virus outbreak.&nbsp;

In Wuhan, where more of the cases have been detected, shopping centres and streets are eerily quiet after authorities told residents not to leave the city.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Wuhan's local government, suspended most transport, including outgoing flights to contain the virus.&nbsp;There is no vaccine for this virus so far and fever, difficulty in breathing and coughing are some of its symptoms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

According to the World Health Organisation, the number of new coronavirus cases is likely to be on the rise in China. A WHO spokesman added that it is still too soon to evaluate the severity of the virus.

According to the World Health Organisation, the number of new coronavirus cases is likely to be on the rise in China. A WHO spokesman added that it is still too soon to evaluate the severity of the virus. "It's still too early to draw conclusions on how severe the virus is," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a Geneva news briefing as reported by news agency Reuters. "The focus is not so much on the (case) numbers, which we know will go up," he added. × China, so far, had officially reported 830 confirmed cases and 25 deaths with officials scurrying to assemble another emergency clinic in just 10 days to treat patients at the focal point of the fatal virus outbreak. In Wuhan, where more of the cases have been detected, shopping centres and streets are eerily quiet after authorities told residents not to leave the city. On Thursday, Wuhan's local government, suspended most transport, including outgoing flights to contain the virus. There is no vaccine for this virus so far and fever, difficulty in breathing and coughing are some of its symptoms. (With inputs from Reuters)

Coronavirus cases likely to rise in China: World Health Organisation 

Monetary policy has its limits and the Indian government will have to use fiscal measures and structural reforms to revive demand and support the sagging economy, Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das said in a speech on Friday.

The economy is projected to grow 5% in the fiscal year due to end in March, its lowest growth rate in 11 years.

Das said the RBI had used the space that was opened up by the moderation in inflation early last year and started loosening monetary policy after having recognised the imminent slowdown in growth even before it was confirmed by data.

"Monetary policy, however, has its own limits," he said.

"Structural reforms and fiscal measures may have to be continued and further activated to provide a durable push to demand and boost growth".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/government-must-continue-reforms-announce-fiscal-measures-rbi-chief-shaktikanta-das-276417">Global economy seems to be moving into 'new, unsettling phase' - RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das</a>

Das was speaking at a college event in New Delhi ahead of the federal budget that is due to be presented on February&nbsp;1.

He said potential drivers of growth like prioritising food processing industries, tourism, e-commerce, start-ups and efforts to become a part of the global value chain could give a significant push to the economy.

"The government is also focusing on infrastructure spending which will augment the growth potential of the economy. States should also play an important role by enhancing capital expenditure which has a high multiplier effect," Das added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will announce the budget, is widely expected to include stimulus measures for small businesses and non-banking finance companies as a cut in corporate tax rates and rate cuts by the central bank have failed to revive growth.

The central bank, which has cut interest rates by a combined 135 basis points in five moves since February last year, kept rates on hold at its last review in December. It is expected to maintain sit tight on February&nbsp;6 as well.

Monetary policy has its limits and the Indian government will have to use fiscal measures and structural reforms to revive demand and support the sagging economy, Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das said in a speech on Friday.

Monetary policy has its limits and the Indian government will have to use fiscal measures and structural reforms to revive demand and support the sagging economy, Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das said in a speech on Friday. The economy is projected to grow 5% in the fiscal year due to end in March, its lowest growth rate in 11 years. Das said the RBI had used the space that was opened up by the moderation in inflation early last year and started loosening monetary policy after having recognised the imminent slowdown in growth even before it was confirmed by data. "Monetary policy, however, has its own limits," he said. "Structural reforms and fiscal measures may have to be continued and further activated to provide a durable push to demand and boost growth". Also read: Global economy seems to be moving into 'new, unsettling phase' - RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Das was speaking at a college event in New Delhi ahead of the federal budget that is due to be presented on February 1. He said potential drivers of growth like prioritising food processing industries, tourism, e-commerce, start-ups and efforts to become a part of the global value chain could give a significant push to the economy. "The government is also focusing on infrastructure spending which will augment the growth potential of the economy. States should also play an important role by enhancing capital expenditure which has a high multiplier effect," Das added. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will announce the budget, is widely expected to include stimulus measures for small businesses and non-banking finance companies as a cut in corporate tax rates and rate cuts by the central bank have failed to revive growth. The central bank, which has cut interest rates by a combined 135 basis points in five moves since February last year, kept rates on hold at its last review in December. It is expected to maintain sit tight on February 6 as well.

Government must continue reforms, announce fiscal measures: RBI chief Shaktikanta Das

From Bill Gates to Jeff Bezos: Generous billionaires who donate for charity

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Indonesia and Malaysia account for 85 per cent of the world's palm oil output while India is the biggest buyer of edible oil. India has effectively halted imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia since early January in retaliation for Malaysia's accusation that recent Indian policies discriminate against Muslims.

Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of India's row with Malaysia. Indonesian crude palm oil has sold at a premium to Malaysian oil since India this month placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil.

The trade ministers of India and Indonesia, which want to more than double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025, met in Davos on Thursday and agreed to fast-forward trade between them, one of the informed sources said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-palm-import-curbs-to-start-malaysia-indonesia-price-war-souces-273149">India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war</a>

"This is a goal we agreed upon earlier, now the process accelerates," said the Indian source. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

"Starting now, they have promised that they will buy a lot more meat, a lot more sugar and autos/auto parts. Palm oil imports from Indonesia will increase and there are many areas where we will export more."

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The sources declined to give figures.

An Indian government document, reviewed by Reuters, said that Indonesia had "informally agreed" to double the annual quota for Indian bovine meat exports to 200,000 tonnes.

Indian-Indonesian trade was worth $21.2 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in March, $15.84 billion of which comprised Indian purchases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysia-too-small-to-respond-to-indias-boycott-of-palm-oil-with-trade-retaliation-mahathir-mohamad-275346">Malaysia too small to respond to India's boycott of palm oil with trade retaliation - Mahathir Mohamad</a>

Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto will visit India next month to hold further talks on enhancing trade, according to one of the Indian government sources.

A spokeswoman for Indonesia's trade ministry had no immediate comment. An Indian trade ministry spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Indonesia imported 94,500 tonnes of Indian buffalo meat worth $323 million in the 2018/19 fiscal year. It is the third biggest buyer of Indian buffalo meat after Vietnam and Malaysia.

Indonesia, however, bought only 555 tonnes of sugar from India last fiscal year.

"They have now changed some of their norms to let more Indian sugar come in," said one of the sources. "In other areas, there's an ongoing process of discussion on easing regulations or standards, or increasing quotas in these areas."

Malaysia's top sugar refiner told Reuters on Thursday that it would increase purchases of sugar from India, a move that two sources in Malaysia said was part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid the palm spat.

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday. Indonesia and Malaysia account for 85 per cent of the world's palm oil output while India is the biggest buyer of edible oil. India has effectively halted imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia since early January in retaliation for Malaysia's accusation that recent Indian policies discriminate against Muslims. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of India's row with Malaysia. Indonesian crude palm oil has sold at a premium to Malaysian oil since India this month placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil. The trade ministers of India and Indonesia, which want to more than double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025, met in Davos on Thursday and agreed to fast-forward trade between them, one of the informed sources said. Also read: India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war "This is a goal we agreed upon earlier, now the process accelerates," said the Indian source. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media. "Starting now, they have promised that they will buy a lot more meat, a lot more sugar and autos/auto parts. Palm oil imports from Indonesia will increase and there are many areas where we will export more." × The sources declined to give figures. An Indian government document, reviewed by Reuters, said that Indonesia had "informally agreed" to double the annual quota for Indian bovine meat exports to 200,000 tonnes. Indian-Indonesian trade was worth $21.2 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in March, $15.84 billion of which comprised Indian purchases. Also read: Malaysia too small to respond to India's boycott of palm oil with trade retaliation - Mahathir Mohamad Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto will visit India next month to hold further talks on enhancing trade, according to one of the Indian government sources. A spokeswoman for Indonesia's trade ministry had no immediate comment. An Indian trade ministry spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Indonesia imported 94,500 tonnes of Indian buffalo meat worth $323 million in the 2018/19 fiscal year. It is the third biggest buyer of Indian buffalo meat after Vietnam and Malaysia. Indonesia, however, bought only 555 tonnes of sugar from India last fiscal year. "They have now changed some of their norms to let more Indian sugar come in," said one of the sources. "In other areas, there's an ongoing process of discussion on easing regulations or standards, or increasing quotas in these areas." Malaysia's top sugar refiner told Reuters on Thursday that it would increase purchases of sugar from India, a move that two sources in Malaysia said was part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid the palm spat.

Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat: Report

The United States wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American poultry and farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US&nbsp;trade concession, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump cited trade barriers last year when removing India from its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States. In retaliation, India slapped higher tariffs on more than two dozens US&nbsp;products.

Ahead of a Trump visit to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month, negotiators on both sides are hammering out terms for a trade deal that would include New Delhi rolling back higher tariffs on some farm goods such as almonds, walnuts and apples, one of the sources said.

Both governments had hoped to work out a limited trade deal last year, but struggled to reach an agreement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-deal-what-were-the-key-issues-and-are-they-resolved-275073">US-China trade deal - What were the key issues and are they resolved?</a>

India's commerce ministry and the US&nbsp;Embassy in New Delhi did not respond to a request for comment. The office of the US&nbsp;Trade Representative did not immediately respond outside regular business hours.

While India has offered a partial relief on medical device price caps that have hurt American pharma giants and a rollback in tariffs on some US&nbsp;goods, Trump's team wants a sweetener of $5-6 billion in additional trade for US&nbsp;goods to restore GSP privileges, three of the sources said.

That demand was conveyed by the United States to India in late December, said two sources.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-markets-scale-a-new-high-after-us-china-phase-one-trade-deal-274665">US-China trade deal - Hits and misses for India</a>

As part of the negotiation, the US&nbsp;wants India to increase imports of frozen poultry products, the first source said. The US&nbsp;has already been pushing India to cut the high import taxes on poultry products.

"The deal has to be agriculture-focused, the US&nbsp;is putting a number on everything (if India wants GSP back)," said one of the sources.

The sources asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

Other than the agriculture sector, the United States could be swayed if some of that additional revenue goes to its energy sector, said one of the sources.

Indian oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan this week said India was looking forward to extending its energy cooperation with the United States and other countries but didn't disclose any planned deals.

Trump is likely to visit India in late February, in what would be his first visit to the South Asian nation since he took office three years ago.

The United States wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American poultry and farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US trade concession, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters.

The United States wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American poultry and farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US trade concession, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. US President Donald Trump cited trade barriers last year when removing India from its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States. In retaliation, India slapped higher tariffs on more than two dozens US products. Ahead of a Trump visit to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month, negotiators on both sides are hammering out terms for a trade deal that would include New Delhi rolling back higher tariffs on some farm goods such as almonds, walnuts and apples, one of the sources said. Both governments had hoped to work out a limited trade deal last year, but struggled to reach an agreement. Also read: US-China trade deal - What were the key issues and are they resolved? India's commerce ministry and the US Embassy in New Delhi did not respond to a request for comment. The office of the US Trade Representative did not immediately respond outside regular business hours. While India has offered a partial relief on medical device price caps that have hurt American pharma giants and a rollback in tariffs on some US goods, Trump's team wants a sweetener of $5-6 billion in additional trade for US goods to restore GSP privileges, three of the sources said. That demand was conveyed by the United States to India in late December, said two sources. Also read: US-China trade deal - Hits and misses for India As part of the negotiation, the US wants India to increase imports of frozen poultry products, the first source said. The US has already been pushing India to cut the high import taxes on poultry products. "The deal has to be agriculture-focused, the US is putting a number on everything (if India wants GSP back)," said one of the sources. The sources asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Other than the agriculture sector, the United States could be swayed if some of that additional revenue goes to its energy sector, said one of the sources. Indian oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan this week said India was looking forward to extending its energy cooperation with the United States and other countries but didn't disclose any planned deals. Trump is likely to visit India in late February, in what would be his first visit to the South Asian nation since he took office three years ago.

US pushes India to buy $5-6 billion more farm goods to seal trade deal: Report

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