E-commerce firms have been urging the government to allow sale of non-essentials like smartphones, electronic and stationary items on the premise that access to the items have become necessary as Corporate India shifted to work from home while students moved to online classes.

Want services to resume only after at least three major airports in the country become functional

The company has already started operations in the Middle East, with the re-opening of 9 standalone showrooms in UAE and 3 showrooms in Qatar on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Kalyan Jewellers will be following the highest level of safety and precautionary measures across operational showrooms, to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and staff alike.

The government feels this will allow shopping and leisure activities to start up while maintaining physical distancing as traffic will be less than usual and easy to control. On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh notified retail stores to open from 6am until midnight.

MFIs have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many finding it difficult to meet the operating costs and pay salaries during the ongoing lockdown.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has submitted a blueprint suggesting a road map for opening up e-commerce based on the current containment model of zoning.

While announcing a few relaxations in green zones, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said experts are of the opinion that restrictions should continue in Bengal till the end of May.

The lenders have also agreed to extend the three-month moratorium provided by the RBI on term loans to borrowers, the statement said, adding, collections will be made only from customers who have opted out of it.

Ganesh Jadhav, like many other farmers at Vavna and Sonari villages in drought-prone Marathwada''s Phulambri tehsil.