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Business & Economy

Indian Rupee falls below 75 level against US dollar

Mumbai, Mar 19 (PTI) The Indian rupee weakened further and fell below 75 level against the US dollar on Thursday amid sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country and weak domestic equities.

Forex traders said market participants are concerned that rise in coronavirus cases, which has touched 169 in the country according to the Health Ministry, could weigh on the economy.

Indian Railways cancels 84 more trains; total 155 cancelled

New Delhi, Mar 19 (PTI) Railways on Thursday cancelled 84 more trains, which will not operate between March 20 and March 31 in view of coronavirus and low occupancy, officials said.

With this, the total number of cancelled trains has climbed to 155.

The national transporter had cancelled around 99 trains on Wednesday night.

"All passengers having tickets in these trains are being informed about it individually," the official said.

India: Sensex plummets over 2,100 pts; Nifty drops below 7,900

Mumbai, Mar 19 (PTI) Equity benchmark Sensex plummeted over 2,100 points and the Nifty gave up the 7,900 level in opening session on Thursday as global gloom over the Covid-19 pandemic continued to hammer equities.

The rupee too depreciated 60 paise to 74.87 against US dollar in morning session.

India: Yes Bank: Anil Ambani appears before ED in Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 19 (PTI) Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai in connection with a money-laundering probe against Yes Bank promoter Rana Kapoor and others, officials said.

The agency is expected to record the statement of Ambani under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The 60-year-old businessman arrived at the ED office in Ballard Estate around 9:30 am.

UK PM denies intention to extend Brexit transition period

LONDON, March 19 (NNN-Xinhua) — British Prime Minister indicated that he is sticking to the timetable that will see Britain and European Union (EU) end the Brexit transition period at the end of this year.

Currently, Britain and the EU are involved in talks to reach a permanent trade deal to come into force when a transition period ends by Dec 31 of 2020.

Asked by an MP on whether he “recognizes the inevitable” and will extend the post-Brexit transition period, Johnson said: “There is legislation in place and I have no intention of changing it.”

Aussie National Carrier Halts All International Flights, Slashes Jobs

SYDNEY, Mar 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, halted all international flights, and temporarily stood down two-thirds of its workforce, in an effort to endure mass travel disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The airline made the announcement today, after already issuing a 90 percent reduction in international services earlier in the week, along with a 60-percent drop in domestic services, which remained in place.

India: Govt may cut rate on small savings schemes in next quarter

New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) The government is considering rate moderation for small savings schemes in the upcoming quarter, a development that could lead to speedier transmission of monetary policy rate cuts, sources said.

During the current quarter, the government refrained from cutting interest rates on small savings schemes, such as Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC), despite moderating bank deposit rates.

India: J&K admin bans entry of foreign tourists

Srinagar, Mar 17 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday barred foreign tourists from entering the Union Territory as a precautionary measure in view of coronavirus outbreak.

"Advisor to the Lt. Governor Baseer Ahmad Khan has issued necessary orders in this regard. Secretary Tourism, Director Tourism and DCs have been asked to ensure implementation of the order with immediate effect," an official spokesman said.

Eggs' consumption goes down owing to Coronavirus

KANPUR: Just to test the price of eggs, the consumers bought one complete crate and it was available at a much lesser price. It proved to a degree that there was ample consequence of the coronavirus on the consumption of the essential commodities in our daily lives.

At one stockist in Jajmau area, one crate of 30-count eggs were available below one hundred. 

The fear of coronavirus has definitely restricted the people to consume the egg and as a result, the demand has decreased. This has brought the price down, this trend reflects in the open market.

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