20 Lakh Crore Package Announced by PM Modi - Lockdown 4.0 to continue

FM Nirmala Sitharaman to announce details of Centre’s Rs 20 lakh crore economic

PM Modi in his address to the nation on May 12, 2020 announced a Whopping 20 Lakh Crore Relief package to the nation. Further he announced that the lockdown will continue with new guidelines. Center has asked states to send the suggestions by 15th May. The new guidelines are expected before 18th May, PM said.

The most important point covered by Modi was Atma Nirbhar Bharat, A self reliant India which can manage on its own. 

We need to promote Local, so lets be Vocal for the Local now onward. 

Announcing the 20 lakh crore stimulus package PM said that this package will definitely infuse vitality into the economy and benefit all sections of the society from the migrant labourers to big businesses.

The entire world is under lockdown situation from many days due to Coronavirus. Nearly 300000 people have already died and lakhs people are infected as of now. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all schools, markets, malls are shut down across the country. The companies have asked the employees to Work From Home (WFH) where possible. As a result the economy of the country is in doldrums. There was a dire need of government stimulus to boost the economy of the country.

An unprecedented damage has already been done by the COVID-19 this year. The entire world is now facing the economic damage caused by the deadly virus.

The consequences of a combined health pandemic and a global recession will be catastrophic for many developing countries and halt their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals - UN

The United Nation (UN) is calling for a USD 2.5 trillion rescue package for the developing nations out of which

• $1 trillion should be made available through the expanded use of special drawing rights
• $1 trillion of debts owed by developing countries should be cancelled this year
• $500 billion needed to fund a Marshall Plan for health recovery and dispersed as grants

The announcement of 20 Lakh crore package has come as a boon to the already struggling economy. The small scale industres, labour class, middle class are expecting the relief from this package.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be giving the details of the package soon.

Indians Stranded in UAE, Dubai and other Gulf Countries to be brought back by aircrafts and by Naval Ships

Here is a good news for the Indians who are stranded in the gulf countries and struggling to meet the expenses amid Covid-19 pandemic. The operation to bring back Indian citizens from Gulf countries will srat on May 7, 2020.

Over 2 Lakh people from UAE alone have already registered to avail this facility.

Government has been receiving distress calls and requests from the workers in Gulf countries. The MHA has decided that the Indian citizens who are asymptomatic will be allowed to return.However there is a condition attached to this. They will be quarantined in a hospital or any other center on payment basis.

The government is offering this facility to stranded Indians on payment basis. The detailed plan is ready with the government.

"The government of India is facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. The travel will be arranged by aircraft and naval ships." - the Union Home Ministry said

The embassies and high commissions of the respective nations have been asked to prepare a list of distressed citizens who are willing to come back to India.

According to ministry of home affairs, all the passengers will be screened before they board the flight or ship, but only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel.

After staying in a quarantine facility for 14 days these people will be allowed to go home if tested negative for Covid-19

Amid Corona Lockdown EdTech Startups offering Free Online Classes

India is under Lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19. All Schools and colleges are closed across India. Therefore the worried Parents and Students are looking for online learning platforms. EdTech startups have come up with many free offers are expecting a rise in the number of online learners

Digital Learning while at Home

The rise in Covid-19 cases has disrupted the day to day normal activities of every individual across the globe. Due to lockdown in most of the states, the schools, colleges and all other educational institutions have shut their premises. The movement of students is also restricted and they are exploring various online education platforms. There are many EdTech platforms in India already having a good subscriber’s base. The Edtech Platforms are also coming forward with the offers like free online classes to the students.

The EdTech companies at the same time are also offering free teaching resources to the educators. The higher education institutions are adopting new technologies to offer online education to their students.

The Institutes are using tools like Video Conferencing software, online assessment tools and other e-learning resources during the Covid-19 lockdown period.

EdTech Companies are becoming necessities and are not just Teaching Tools now

The EdTech companies are aggressively promoting their platforms with a lot of offers to lure new students. The institutions are also using their platforms for online classes for their students. There is a surge in the usage and signups of the EdTech companies.

The Byju’s and Vedantu are offering free access to the students on their platform in this Covid-19 shutdown.

“Considering the rigour of the exam season, access to the learning program will further assist and help students continue with their preparation for the year-end examinations,” Byju’s said in a statement

The rival company Toppr was also quick to announce the free offers for its live and video recorded classes.

Offers from Vedantu & Extramarks

Vedantu is giving access to the school teachers of various schools across India to take live classes from their homes. Vedantu has launched free ‘Learn Live Online” programme for X and XII students.
ExtraMarks, yet another popular EdTech company, has offered a “Go to School” campaign for school students and the services will be free till April 30, 2020. The teachers can also use this free service to interact with the students.


The big players like Coursera have also announced free online support to the educational institutions.
“We’re going to make ‘Coursera for Campus’ offering freely available to any college or university in the world that is impacted by coronavirus, in the hope that they can rapidly allow students to start learning and ensure we have minimal impact from coronavirus on the student community,” said Leah Belsky, chief enterprise officer and senior vice-president, Coursera.



The good thing about the EdTech platforms is that even during the lockup, the students can continue with their studies. At the same time the institutes and teachers also have the platforms to take online lectures and classes. The parents will also feel relaxed, when they will see their children hooked to studies instead of TV and games.

I Want 9 Minutes of Yours on 5 April at 9 pm- PM Modi

PM Modi asks the 130 crore Indians to stay united in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. While addressing the nation on April 3, Narendra Modi asked for 9 Minutes at 9 pm on Sunday, April 5 to end the darkness of COVID-19. PM urged the countrymen to switch off all the lights and light candles or Diyas at their balconies or doorsteps. People can also flash their mobile flashlight or a torch.

“I want 9 minutes of yours on Sunday, 5 April at 9 pm. Kindly Switch off all lights at your homes, stand at balcony or doorstep with a candle, torch or mobile phone's flash light”

PM said that the 1.3 billion Indians are together at this hour of crisis and thanked them for supporting the lockdown. He said that even though we are in our homes, we are not alone.
PM again emphasized and requested the people to never cross the line of social distancing. Let us together defeat Coronavirus and disperse the darkness spread by the pandemic. Let us together give hope to the poor who are the most impacted by the lockdown.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update in India

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 45000, and over 1300 people have died so far according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.


Maharashtra has seen the highest number of Corona positive cases, followed by Tamil Nadu.

COVID-19 Impact: Orders of Zomato & Swiggy drop by 70%

Zomato and Swiggy have started bearing the brunt of lockdown now. Both the platforms witnessed a sharp decline in the orders immediately after the lockdown. According to the reports, the food delivery orders for Zomato and Swiggy have dropped 70% amid the pandemic.

Most of the restaurants are shut, and people have stopped ordering food from outside during the lockdown.

“From a steady state of 2.5 million deliveries a day, today we are at sub 1 million orders which are marginally inching up,” said an investor in the food delivery space to ET.

The platforms are facing some difficulties in delivering the orders in some parts due to certain confusions. The RWA’s and resident’s associations have also banned the entries of food delivery boys in many locations. Zomato and Swiggy are also in touch with the authorities to sort out some issues which can make the deliveries smooth in the coming days.

 COVID-19 - Restaurant Industry severely impacted

The food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy are open, but there is a shortage of delivery boys and restaurant partners. Restaurants have to step back, and because of very limited or no orders, they are finding it difficult to sustain. The Curfew like situation and fear have prompted people to spend less. The food orders from customers have almost dried up, and as a result, most of the restaurants have shut shop in India.
There are only 5-6 restaurant chains in India having enough cash reserves to sustain for more than a month. One of them is Dominos, which is still operational and serving their customers. However, there is a need for a bailout package from the government if there is no improvement after May

Zomato raises $5M from Baillie Gifford affiliate fund

Amid the slowdown, there was some good news as well. Zomato has raised close to $5 million (Rs 38.20 crore) from Pacific Horizon Investment Trust, a fund managed by British investment manager Baillie Gifford. The same investment management firm had earlier invested in Flipkart and homegrown ride-hailing major Ola.

Marico Partners with Zomato and Swiggy to Deliver FMCG products

Since Zomato and Swiggy have a well-organized delivery infrastructure, they have shown their interest to deliver groceries and other essential items. Grofer’s has already taken the lead and is delivering groceries from kirana stores after partnering with Punjab government.

Marico Ltd has come up for the rescue of Zomato and Swiggy. Mumbai-based packaged consumer goods company has launched “Saffola Store" in partnership with online food ordering apps Zomato and Swiggy. Under this partnership, these platforms will deliver its range of oats and cooking oils to consumers.

On the Zomato app, there is going to be an option of Saffola Store. The service in Delhi-NCR area and Bangalore is already operational. Marico is planning to roll out this service very soon in other cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.


On Swiggy, you will find the services of Saffola Store in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

PM Modi’s Appeal to Follow Seven Steps During Lockdown 2.0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation on April 14, 2020, announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3. The government is preparing new guidelines, which will be shared with the general public on 15th April.

PM Modi hinted that there would be more strictness this time and requested people to follow the lockdown guidelines to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.  The Administration will keep an eye on the situation till April 20 on the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, if in some areas where no COVID-19 cases are reported, the government could give some conditional relaxations.

Narendra Modi said that this is not the right time to compare our efforts with other nations, but it was fast-action by the government and early lockdown that has helped India to spread Corona. As a result, India has done much better than the developed nations.

He even raised his concern about the daily wagers and farmers who have suffered a lot due to the lockdown. His government is committed to helping this section of society and will announce further measures and relief for them.

In an emotional appeal to the nation, Modi requested the citizens to follow seven steps amid Lockdown 2.0.
PM's 7 Pointers Appeal to the Citizens:
1. Every citizen should take proper care of the senior citizens in the house. Particular attention should be given to those who are ill and are already suffering from underlying problems.

2. PM requested people to follow social distancing and emphasized on wearing masks, particularly homemade masks or face covers.

3. Modi asked people to follow the directions of the Ayush Ministry and try to increase their immunity. They can drink warm water or homemade Kaadha (Brew).

4. PM requested to download the Aarogya Setu application mobile application developed by the Government of India to connect essential health services with the people of India in our combined fight against COVID-19. People should also ask their friends and relatives to download the app.

5. At this hour of crisis, people should help the needy and low-income families wherever possible.

6. Modi also asked the businessmen to be sensitive towards their employees and coworkers and requested them not to downsize the employees.

7. Last but not least, Modi applauded the efforts of the Coronavirus 'soldiers'. He asked the entire nation to respect doctors, nurses, sanitation workers, Police and all others who are serving us during the Corona crisis.

We, at The Brand Global, will constantly keep you updated with the latest COVID- 19 updates. Do share your thoughts on the extension of the Coronavirus Lockdown 2.0.

Lockdown 3.0 guidelines for Red, Orange, Green zones from May 4

Lockdown is extended till May 17th now. This is the third time the lockdown has been extended to control the spread of Corona.




Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on April 14, 2020, announced the extension of the nationwide Lockdown till May 3. However, he also mentioned that the government will ease lockdown on certain sections of the economy from 20th April, owing to the plight of daily workers and farmers. On April 15, 2020, the central ministry issued a list of economic activities which would be permitted to operate, with some conditions.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1250276720562688001?s=20

The following list contains the economic activities which is approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs to be operational after April 14: 

1. Supply Chain and Logistic Activities:

There will be no restrictions on the transportation of essential goods. All goods carriers including trucks, goods and parcel trains, and air cargo movement will be allowed in the lockdown. On the highways, the 'dhabas', and truck repairing shops shall remain open.


a. Farming  - There would be no restriction on any agricultural and horticultural activity during the lockdown. The farmers can continue their farming operations and farm works in the field. All the agencies engaged in the procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations, are also exempted.


b. Fisheries - Aquaculture industry is also exempted during lockdown. The farmers can continue with feeding and maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing and other fishing operations.


c. Plantation - Operations can be resumed at tea, coffee and rubber plantations with a limited number of employees (maximum 50% of workers).


d. Animal Husbandry - All operations related to animal husbandry are exempted during the lockdown. The collection of milk by dairy plants from the producers, its distribution, transportation and sale will be exempted. Animal feed manufacturing units and its distribution will also get relief.


3. Commercial Activities
The industries functioning in rural areas will be allowed to operate from April 30, but they need to follow the social distancing norms.

MNREGA, the rural employment generation scheme, will commence and works to be allowed with strict implementation of social distancing and use of face masks. Work related to irrigation and water conservation shall get priority.

The government has allowed the Manufacturing units and industries functioning from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to operate during the lockdown. The firms can start operations after April 20 only if they arrange the stay and transport of its employees.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers and the units manufacturing essential goods have been allowed to operate.


From April 20, shops of farm machinery, its spare parts, supply chain, repairs, 'Custom Hiring Centres' related to machinery will remain open.

Besides, the call centers for government activities will also resume services.

Essential good stores like grocery stores, fruit, vegetable shops or carts, and milk booths, poultry, meat, and fish shops will also remain open during lockdown. Self-employed electricians, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters can start giving their services from April 20
Banks and ATMs, IT vendors for banking operations, banking correspondents, ATM operation, and cash management agencies to remain functional during the lockdown.



The exempted organizations need to conduct screening of all employees. They need to maintain proper social distancing by allowing the staff to work in shifts and giving staggered lunch breaks. Also, it is mandatory for workplaces to display the list of all hospitals and medical facilities dealing with COVID-19.

No Exemptions till May 3

The activities which are still ban till 3rd May 2020: 

• Schools, colleges, and other educational and training institutions shall remain closed.
• Cab aggregators like Ola and Uber, other taxis, autos, and cycle rickshaws cannot operate
• All malls, cinema halls, markets, shopping/sports complexes, swimming pools, gyms, theatres, and bars shall remain prohibited.
• Train services and all international, domestic flights remain suspended   
• No social, political, sports, religious functions, will be allowed during the lockdown.
• The holy places, places of worship shall remain closed to the public.

The number of coronavirus cases in India crossed 12,000 as of April 16, 2020. The lockdown 2.0 aims to contain the spread of COVID-19. Hence the following steps are being implement to control the further spread of the virus:

• Wearing face cover is compulsory in all public places and workplaces. 
• A complete ban on the sale of tobacco, gutka, and liquor. 
• Spitting in public places shall be punishable with fine.
• Gatherings during the funerals and marriages will be monitored and regulated by the District Magistrate.

COVID-19 Impact: Online Fitness Business is Booming

With the rise in COVID-19 cases and amid complete lockdown, demand for health gadgets have surged. Not only general users, but doctors and other healthcare providers are finding the devices beneficial.

Millions of people are stuck at homes these days. The TV viewership has increased multifold, along with net surfing on mobiles. However, apart from mobile and TV, there are other things that people are trying to get rid of boredom during the lockdown.

Concerned about their health and wellness, people are exercising and eating nutritious food at home. As a result, people are joining online home exercise classes that have never been much popular.
Consequently, the online fitness business is booming. According to the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the fitness industry, which was worth $ 95 billion in 2018, has grown significantly.

Online Fitness Classes

The routine of the people has changed drastically due to living inside homes. Fitness freaks who used to go to the gym in the morning or evening, have no other option but to do yoga and exercises at home. Many people are now taking online classes to train themselves. Gym trainers and yoga experts are also encouraging people to join online courses and continue exercising.
FITTR (formerly known as SQUATS) is getting hundreds of queries every day for online fitness classes. It was started as a WhatsApp group by Jitendra Chauksi, where he would help his friends and family members get fit. The group became popular very soon and later a Facebook group was also created to address people’s queries around fitness and nutrition.

Ira Trivedi, author and yoga teacher, is also conducting yoga classes by using Zoom app.

Cure.Fit is another platform which claims that over 2 lakh people are attending their online fitness classes every day. They have different versions of the same exercises depending on the flexibility and fitness level of the person.


Apart from online yoga and exercise, people are also trying to stay healthy by mediation. People who used to go to meditation camps are now opting for online meditation classes. Due to the lockdown restrictions, the online fitness business has grown considerably.

Online Consultation

As people have become more health-conscious, in addition to exercise, they are eating more nutritious food than before in lockdown. The office going people are in the habit of eating something from outside, mostly junk food. Since there is no movement now and the shops are closed, people are making nutritious food at home.

Many people are taking the help of Dieticians via online consultations to remain fit during this period. Similarly, doctors and hospitals have also started online consultations via WhatsApp, and you can consult a doctor while sitting at home.

Conclusion

The trend of online fitness classes may last even after the lockdown. Many people may continue exercising with the online platforms. The fitness coaches are also adapting to online classes and workouts. They are experimenting with every available technology to meet the needs of their consumers. People have understood that the best way to stay fit and stay motivated is to workout and exercise. The online platforms are here to assist them during the lockdown.