The US became the first country in the world to have more than one million cases of the novel Coronavirus. It accounts for nearly one-third of the 3.1 million cases globally on Tuesday, while the fatalities spiked to over 58,300, exceeding the number of American soldiers who lost their lives in the two-decade-long Vietnam War.

'We're coming back strong'
According to the US National Archives, 58,220 American soldiers died in the Vietnam conflict, which began in 1955 and ended in 1975. With 58,355 deaths so far, the US also accounts for one-fourth of the over 2,13,000 global fatalities.

"We continue to pray for the victims as well as for those Americans who are grieving their lost ones and their loved ones. There's never been anything like this. We suffer with one heart but we will prevail. We are coming back, and we're coming back strong," US President Donald Trump said at the White House during his remarks on the Paycheck Protection Programme.

"Now that our experts believe the worst days of the pandemic are behind us, Americans are looking forward to the safe and rapid reopening of our country," he said. "Throughout this ordeal, millions of hard-working Americans have been asked to really make tremendous, tremendous sacrifices. It is sacrifices like nobody thought would even be possible; nobody thought we would ever be talking about something like this," Trump said. Meanwhile, several states have initiated the process to reopen their economies.

Some states reopen
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom outlined the phased reopening of his state.
"We are not going back to the way things were until we get to immunity or a vaccine. We will base reopening plans on facts and data, not on ideology. Not what we want. Not what we hope," he told reporters. More than 1,800 people have died due to the coronavirus in California so far. Schools and colleges, he said, could start in July-August.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also announced first phase reopening of the state. Tennessee on Monday allowed reopening of restaurants and later this week retail outlets could resume their businesses. Pennsylvania has announced three-phase reopening of the state beginning May 3. The US, Trump said, is opening up again.

58,355
No. of deaths due to COVID-19 in America

58,220
No. of US soldiers killed in two-decade-long war

People visit Yellow Crane Tower after it reopened to the public in China's Wuhan, the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

China's parliament to meet on May 22

China on Wednesday said it will hold from May 22 its annual parliament session, signalling that the pandemic that paralysed the country for over three months is finally under control. The third session of the 13th National People's Congress, which was to be held from March 5, was postponed for the first time ever due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

After rolling out exit plan, Spain sees spike

With 325 new deaths, Spain on Wednesday witnessed a slight rebound in fatalities, a day after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced his plan to ease the COVID-19 lockdown. Individual exercise, haircuts and other personalised services with an appointment will be allowed from Saturday. COVID-19 has killed 24,275 Spaniards and infected over 2,12,000.

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China's warning of trade repercussions from Australia's campaign for an independent inquiry into COVID-19 has rattled Australian business leaders as President Donald Trump's administration urges other governments to back such a probe. China has accused Australia of parroting the US in its call for an inquiry independent of the World Health Organisation to determine the origins of COVID-19 and how the world responded to the emerging pandemic.

Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye used an Australian newspaper interview this week to warn that pursuing an inquiry could spark a Chinese consumer boycott of students and tourists visiting Australia as well as of sales of major exports including beef and wine. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday stood firm on his call for an inquiry and denied any motivation other than to prevent such a pandemic from happening again.

"I don't think anybody's in any fantasy land about where it started. It started in China. What the world over needs to know is how did it start and what are the lessons that can be learnt," Morrison said. "That needs to be done independently and why do we want to know that? Because it could happen again."

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China, where the deadly coronavirus first emerged in December last, reported just one COVID-19 case, the National Health Commission (NHC) said on Saturday. The death toll remained at 4,633 with no new fatality. As of Friday, the total confirmed cases on the mainland were 82,875. As many as 77,685 patients have been recovered, the NHC said.

One new imported coronavirus case was reported on Friday with no new local infection, it said. China has reported a total of 1,671 imported COVID-19 cases, including seven in critical condition. The Hubei province and its capital Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, have not reported any coronavirus case for 28 consecutive days since April 4, local health commission said on Saturday. Hubei also lowered its COVID-19 emergency response from the highest level to the second-highest on Saturday.

The lowering of the emergency level shows a major breakthrough in Hubei's prevention and control against the coronavirus, Hubei Vice-Governor Yang Yunyan told media. Meanwhile, 20 new asymptomatic cases were reported on Friday, taking the total number of such patients to 989. Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others.

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The US food and drug regulatory body has allowed the emergency use of an investigational anti-viral vaccine to treat COVID-19 patients after some researches, including one led by an Indian-American physician, found that the drug helped recover some of the infected cases faster.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the use of investigational anti-viral Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. "I'm pleased to announce that Gilead now has an EUA from the FDA for Remdesivir," US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.

Remdesivir is given to patients through a vein one time each day for up to 10 days depending on recommendations of healthcare providers. The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced the results of a trial involving more than 1,000 people on Wednesday.

It found that hospitalised COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress got better quicker than those on a placebo. Specifically, patients on the drug had a 31 percent faster time to recovery. "Although the results were clearly positive from a statistically significant standpoint, they were modest," Anthony Fauci, the scientist who leads the NIAID, said. While not considered a miracle cure, Remdesivir's trial achieved a "proof of concept," according to Fauci that could pave the way for better treatments.

Possible side effects of Remdesivir include infusion-related reactions and increases in levels of liver enzymes. "These are not all the possible side effects of Remdesivir. It is still being studied so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time," said the FDA.

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In a touching gesture, a bride ensured her grandmother staying in an assisted home gets to be a part of her wedding by visiting her on her big day amid the Coronavirus scare. Shauna Varner from Minnesota stopped at nothing to involve her grandmother Janis Krueger in her wedding, even if it was from behind the glass door.

Varner and her fiancé Travis Scepaniak had planned a big wedding but had to call it off and smaller ceremony with a small number of guests due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As it was impossible to get Krueger out of the assisted home, Varner came up with an idea to get the administration there involved to help her.

The assisted home shared the heartfelt moment of  Varner making her bridal debut in front of Janice on their Facebook page, with the caption that read, “COVID-19 cannot stop true love.” The post, which concluded with the home conveying their wishes to the couple, also read that love radiated between the grandmother-granddaughter duo as soon as the bride got out of her car.

The post shared last week garnered more than 105680 views on Facebook with over 2,600 likes and was shared 531 times. Users commenting the video praised the bride’s gesture and conveyed their best wishes to the couple.

A user said, “This is so sweet that they would come to visit Grama and make her part of their special day! Congratulations to the happy couple and your families! Your dress is beautiful and the groom looks pretty good too!” Another user said, “How beautiful grandma could still participate ! Love has no boundaries ! Wonderful that the facility help make a dream come true!” One user said, “Wow!!! Goosebumps and tears! How very special!”

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Russia reported more than 10,000 new cases of coronavirus infections on Sunday, the first time the country's daily tally reached five figures."More than half of the 10,633 new cases reported were in Moscow, where concern is rising about whether the capital's medical facilities will be overwhelmed. Russia has recorded more than 1,34,000 coronavirus infections overall and 1,420 deaths."

150 test positive in Kabul
Afghanistan's public health ministry announced Sunday that 500 random Coronavirus tests in the capital revealed more than 150 positive results, raising fears that the virus may be spreading faster than originally thought.

Ministry spokesman Wahid Mayar called the results from Kabul "concerning" and said people must remain in their homes to slow the spread. He said the country's actual infection rate would likely increase as testing becomes more available. Afghanistan has thus far taken close to 12,000 samples, of which over 2,700 have been positive, and 85 have died.

Kabul and most other cities are in lockdown. Afghanistan has also received more than 250,000 refugees who have returned from Iran, the country hardest hit by coronavirus in the region. There are growing fears that the country's health care system, devastated by four decades of war, will be woefully unprepared for a major outbreak.

Pakistan's COVID-19 tally crosses 19,000

Pakistan's COVID-19 tally crossed 19,000 on Sunday after 989 new patients were diagnosed in the past 24 hours. The Ministry of National Health Services said 23 patients died in this period, taking the total toll to 440. The authorities so far have conducted 2,03,025 tests, including 8,716 in the last 24 hours. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he was not sure when the anti-COVID-19 vaccine will be available and expressed fears that "we may have to live with the virus for six months or (even) a year". He said the war against the pandemic can be won by wisdom and not by using force to shut down the masses.

657 more infected in Singapore

Singapore on Sunday recorded 657 new cases, over 600 of whom are foreign workers, taking the total number of COVID-19 infections to 18,205. "The number of cases among migrant workers has been fluctuating in recent days due to clearance of backlogged cases by one laboratory," the Health Ministry said. Singapore will allow some businesses to reopen from May 12.

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The number of Coronavirus deaths in the US will jump to over 3,000 and new cases to about 2,00,000 per day by June 1, an internal draft report has said, even as over two dozen US states announced to open up their economy amid the health crisis.

The US is the worst-hit country from the pandemic. By Monday, over 1.2 million Americans tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of fatalities crossed 69,000.

Multiple media reports on Monday quoted the draft report projecting the horrifying figures. "The numbers underscore a sobering reality: while the US has been hunkered down for the past seven weeks, not much has changed. And the reopening to the economy will make matters worse," The New York Times reported.

"There remains a large number of counties whose burden continues to grow," the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned according to the daily.
However, both the White House and the CDC disavowed the report. The slides carry the CDC's logo, The Washington Post reported. The projection was prepared by Justin Lessler, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

"I had no role in the process by which that was presented and shown. This data was presented as an FYI to CDC. it was not in any way intended to be a forecast," Lessler told The Washington Post. "There are reopening scenarios where it could get out of control very quickly," he said.

US gave no proof on COVID-19 origin: UN

The WHO's emergencies chief Michael Ryan said on Monday it has received no evidence from the US government to back up allegations by President Donald Trump that virus could have originated at a laboratory in Wuhan. "From our perspective, this remains speculative."

4 new cases in S Korea, China

China and South Korea, which had early, intense outbreaks of the COVID-19, together reported only four new infections on Tuesday and were slowly resuming public events after months of containment efforts. While South Korea reported three new cases, China reported one.

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Israeli Defence Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday said he witnessed a "significant breakthrough" by the country's biological research institute in developing an antibody to COVID-19 infection. Bennett visited the labs of the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), a secretive unit that works under the Prime Minister's Office, in Ness Ziona and was briefed by the research team, who revealed that the development phase of COVID-19 antibody or passive vaccine that attacks the virus and neutralizes it in the body has been complete, his office said in a statement cited by The Jerusalem Post.

IIBR is now working to patent its antibody and secure a contract for its commercial development. All legal procedures will be coordinated with the Defence Ministry. "I am proud of the Biological Institute staff, who have made a major breakthrough," Bennett was quoted as saying. "The Jewish creativity and ingenuity brought about this amazing achievement," he added.

Last month, IIBR announced that it had begun testing its antibody-based vaccine prototype on rodents. IIBR is also involved in plasma collection from people who have recovered from infection with the new coronavirus, in the hope that this might help research, the Post reported further.

A second Israeli research team, MigVax, has also reported that it is close to completing the first phase of development of a coronavirus vaccine. Last week, it secured a USD 12 million investment from OurCrowd to accelerate the path to clinical trials.

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The Trump administration has initiated talks on winding down the White House Task Force on COVID-19 and gradually delegating its responsibilities to the relevant federal agencies, US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday. Pence leads the task force.

"As I have said before, as we continue to practise social distancing and states engage in safe and responsible reopening plans, I truly believe — and the trend lines support it — that we could be in a very different place. And by late May and early June — and that probably represents the timetable for our agencies."

President Donald Trump also confirmed the news. Asked why is now the time to wind down the task force if there could be a recurrence, he said, "Because we cannot close our country down for the next five years. The administration has learned a lot." The president noted that health experts believe there could be a recurrence but they would need to "put it out". Over 71,000 Americans have died more than 12 lakh have been infected from COVID-19 so far.

Infection rate rising
Meanwhile, the infection rate outside of New York is rising even as states move to lift their lockdowns, an Associated Press analysis found Tuesday.

New confirmed infections per day in the US exceed 20,000, and deaths per day are well over 1,000, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

And public health officials warn that the failure to flatten the curve and drive down the infection rate in places could lead to perhaps tens of thousands of deaths as people are allowed to venture out and businesses reopen. "Make no mistakes: This virus is still circulating in our community, perhaps even more now than in previous weeks" said Linda Ochs, director of the Health Department in Shawnee County, Kansas.

HCQ warnings ignored
Fired vaccine expert Dr Rick Bright has alleged that the US ignored the concerns of doctors over the import of hydroxychloroquine from "uninspected" factories in India and Pakistan and flooded the US with the unproven and potentially dangerous drug to treat COVID-19 patients.

Italy claims to have made vaccine that neutralises COVID-19

Italian biotech firm Takis has claimed that they have developed a vaccine that neutralises COVID-19 in human cells. According to reports, the tests conducted on mice at Rome's Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases showed that the vaccine generated antibodies in mice that could work on human cells too. "This is the most advanced stage of testing of a candidate vaccine created in Italy. We believe this will also happen in humans," Takis CEO Luigi Aurisicchio said.

Pak becomes 29th country with over 500 COVID-19 deaths

With a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the past week, Pakistan has now become the 29th country in the world where over 500 deaths have been reported. The Executive Director of National Institute of Health (NIH), Maj Gen Prof Dr Aamer Ikram said things would start improving for Pakistan in June, Dawn reported. But as things stand, he said the total number of cases in Pakistan could go up to 1,50,000. Pakistan's cabinet has given a nod to relax the lockdown restrictions after May 9.

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The Disneyland theme park in Shanghai will reopen on May 11 under "enhanced health and safety measures," the firm said. Only limited attendance will be allowed initially, and visitors will need to book tickets and make reservations in advance. Social distancing will be maintained in lines for amenities, in restaurants, on rides and other facilities and sanitisation and disinfection will be boosted, it added.

With warmer weather and new virus cases and deaths falling to near-zero, China has been steadily re-opening, parks, museums and tourist sites such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City ancient palace complex in Beijing. China has reported two confirmed cases and 20 new asymptomatic infections.

China asks US for proof
China on Wednesday dared US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to show "enormous evidence" he claimed to have to prove that the virus originated from a lab in Wuhan and said he has no proof to back up his claims.

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India is projected to record the highest number of births in the 9 months since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March, with more than 20 million babies expected to be born in the country between March and December, according to top UN body. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned that pregnant mothers and babies born during the pandemic across the world were threatened by strained health systems and disruptions in services. An estimated 116 million babies will be born under the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF said on Wednesday, ahead of Mother's Day, observed on May 10.

These babies are projected to be born up to 40 weeks after COVID-19 was recognised as a pandemic on March 11. The highest numbers of births in the 9 months since the pandemic was declared are expected to occur in India, where 20.1 million babies are projected to be born between March 11 and December 16. Other countries with the expected highest numbers of births during this period are China (13.5 million), Nigeria (6.4 million), Pakistan (5 million) and Indonesia (4 million), it said. "Most of these countries had high neonatal mortality rates even before the pandemic and may see these levels increase with COVID-19 conditions," UNICEF said.

It is estimated that there will be 24.1 million births in India for the January-December 2020 period. UNICEF warned that COVID-19 containment measures can disrupt life-saving health services such as childbirth care, putting millions of pregnant mothers and their babies at great risk. Even wealthier countries are affected by this crisis. In the US, the sixth highest country in terms of expected number of births, over 3.3 million babies are projected to be born between March 11 and December 16.
"New mothers and newborns will be greeted by harsh realities," UNICEF said, adding they include global containment measures such as lockdowns and curfews; health centres overwhelmed with response efforts; supply and equipment shortages; and a lack of sufficient skilled birth attendants as health workers, including midwives, are redeployed to treat COVID-19 patients.

"Millions of mothers all over the world embarked on a journey of parenthood in the world as it was. They now must prepare to bring a life into the world as it has become ¿ a world where expecting mothers are afraid to go to health centres for fear of getting infected, or missing out on emergency care due to strained health services and lockdowns," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. "It is hard to imagine how much the coronavirus pandemic has recast motherhood" Fore said.
UNICEF said its analysis was based on data from World Population Prospects 2019 of the UN Population Division.

An average full-term pregnancy typically lasts a complete 9 months, or 39 to 40 weeks. For the purposes of this estimate, the number of births for a 40-week period in 2020 was calculated. The 40-week period of March 11 to December 16 is used in this estimate based upon the WHO's March 11 assessment that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic. UNICEF warned that although evidence suggests that pregnant mothers are not more affected by COVID-19 than others, countries need to ensure they still have access to antenatal, delivery and postnatal services.

Similarly, sick newborns need emergency services as they are at high risk of death. New families require support to start breastfeeding, and to get medicines, vaccines and nutrition to keep their babies healthy, it said. "This is a particularly poignant Mother's Day, as many families have been forced apart during the coronavirus pandemic, but it is also a time for unity, a time to bring everyone together in solidarity. We can help save lives by making sure that every pregnant mother receives the support she needs to give birth safely in the months to come," Fore said.

Issuing an urgent appeal to governments and health care providers to save lives in the coming months, UNICEF said efforts must be made to help pregnant women receive antenatal checkups, skilled delivery care, postnatal care services, and care related to COVID-19 as needed. Ensure health workers are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment and get priority testing and vaccination once a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available so that can deliver high quality care to all pregnant women and newborn babies during the pandemic, it said.

While it is not yet known whether the virus is transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy and delivery, UNICEF advised all pregnant women to follow precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus. Closely monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek advice from the nearest designated facility if they have concerns or experience symptoms. Pregnant women should also take the same precautions to avoid COVID -19 infection as other people: practice physical distancing, avoid physical gatherings and use online health services, it said.

UNICEF said even before COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 2.8 million pregnant women and newborns died every year, or 1 every 11 seconds, mostly of preventable causes.
The agency called for immediate investment in health workers with the right training, who are equipped with the right medicines to ensure every mother and newborn is cared for by a safe pair of hands to prevent and treat complications during pregnancy, delivery and birth.

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As Europe and the US loosen their lockdowns against the Coronavirus, health experts are expressing growing dread over what they say is an all-but-certain second wave of deaths and infections that could force governments to clamp back down.

'Risking a backslide'

"We are risking a backslide that will be intolerable," said Dr Ian Lipkin of Columbia University's Centre for Infection and Immunity. Around the world, German authorities began drawing up plans in case of a resurgence of the virus. Experts in Italy urged intensified efforts to identify new victims and trace their contacts. And France, which has not yet eased its lockdown, has already worked up a "re-confinement plan" in the event of a new wave.

"Typically pandemics occur in waves across different places, so people shouldn't think we are getting out of the woods just yet," the Guardian quoted Irwin Redlener, a physician and director of the National Centre for Disaster Preparedness, as saying.

US health officials worried

In the US, with about half of the states easing their shutdowns, public health authorities are worried. "If we relax these measures without having the proper public health safeguards in place, we can expect many more cases and, unfortunately, more deaths," said Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington.

Trump admin shelves CDC guide to reopen

A detailed report by the top Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigators meant to give step-by-step advice to local leaders deciding when and how to reopen public places such as day care centers and restaurants during the still-raging pandemic has been shelved by the Trump administration. The report was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance "would never see the light of day," said a CDC official.

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Four top Republican senators have urged President Donald Trump to suspend all new guest worker visas for 60 days and certain categories of new guest worker visas, including the H-1B, for at least a year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels in the US amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic, which has so far claimed 76,000 lives and infected over 1,256,000 in the US, has ravaged the labour market, and 1 in 5 American workers have filed for first-time unemployment benefits since mid-March, when the lockdown hit businesses across the country, the world's largest economy.

1/5th workforce out of work

The letter to president Trump, dated May 7, has been signed by Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, Chuck Grassley and Josh Hawley. "More than 33 million Americans have filed for unemployment coverage just since mid-March, and approximately one-fifth of the American workforce is currently out of work. "This is a stunning difference compared with the historically-low nationwide unemployment rate of just 3.5 per cent in February this year," the senators said in their letter.

"To protect unemployed Americans in the early stages of economic recovery, we urge you to suspend all non-immigrant guest worker visas for the next 60 days," the senators said.

'Suspend EB-5 visa too'

"That suspension should, at a minimum, include H-2B visas (non-agricultural seasonal workers), H-1B visas (specialty occupation workers) and the Optional Practical Training programme (extension of foreign student visas after graduation). We also urge you to suspend the EB-5 immigrant visa programme, effective immediately," the lawmakers wrote. The H-1B work visa for foreign technology professionals is highly popular among Indians and a large number of Indians also opt for the EB-5 investors visa.

Worst monthly record

The US unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, as 20.5 million jobs vanished in the worst monthly loss on record. The figures are stark evidence of the damage the coronavirus has done to a now-shattered economy.

The collapse of the job market has occurred with stunning speed. The government's report Friday noted that many people who lost jobs in April but didn't look for another one weren't even counted in the unemployment rate. The impact of those losses was reflected in the drop in the proportion of working-age Americans who have jobs: Just 51.3%, the lowest on record.

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[Source: Research & Innovation] A revolutionary approach to neuro-rehabilitation developed by EU-funded researchers could help intensive care patients to recover, including survivors of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Source: Research & Innovation] A total of 117 innovative solutions to tackle the coronavirus have been selected as winners of the European Innovation Council-led #EUvsVirus Hackathon.

[Source: Research & Innovation] The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Pilot will work with an extra €150 million to support game-changing innovations to tackle the coronavirus crisis. The additional budget, approved by the European Commission today, will fund the best start-ups and SMEs who applied under the March cut-off.

[Source: Research & Innovation] Polymer Comply Europe (PCE) is pleased to announce its next live webinar on the polynSPIRE project “Demonstration of innovative technologies towards a more efficient and sustainable plastic recycling”, organised on behalf of European Plastics Converters (EuPC) and the polynSPIRE project. The live webinar will focus on recycling and redesigning the plastics value chain are essential in reusing plastic waste material and avoiding landfill. Webinar agenda: Welcome & Introduction About CIRCE The polynSPIRE project: goals, challenges and progress Questions & Answers Closing

A number of goods and services tax regime amendments, intended to simplify compliance for traders, will become effective in India from April 1, 2019.

A number of goods and services tax regime amendments, intended to simplify compliance for traders, became effective in India from April 1, 2019.

India has again extended the due date for furnishing the annual GST return and reconciliation statement for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

India's Ministry of Finance has released a new Notification that sets the "tolerable range" for arm's length dealings.

On March 17, 2020, the Dutch Ministry of Finance announced that the Government has adopted a package of measures intended to protect the economy from the coronavirus epidemic, including several tax changes.

On May 28, 2019, Dutch State Secretary for Finance Menno Snel issued an update on the Government's 2019 fiscal agenda, which includes an outline of tax legislative proposals that the Government intends to submit to parliament in the remainder of the year.

On March 23, 2020, the Turkish Government published a resolution in the official gazette to temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on air passenger transport to one percent.

CYIENT share price has plunged 6% and is presently trading at Rs 219.

Meanwhile, the BSE IT Index is at 13,667 (up 1.2%).

Among the top losers in the BSE IT Index today is CYIENT (down 5.6%).

FIRSTSOURCE SOL. (up 2.6%) and ORACLE FINANCIAL (up 2.5%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, CYIENT has moved down from Rs 568 to Rs 219, registering a loss of Rs 349 (down 61.4%)..

The BSE IT has moved down from 15,682 to 13,667, loss of 2,015 points (down 12.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE IT Index stocks during this same period were INFIBEAM AVENUES (up 14.6%) and NIIT TECHNOLOGIES (up 10.1%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.8%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 3.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and SBI.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.5%). DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.1%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.35%).

CYIENT Financial Update...

CYIENT net profit stood at Rs 1 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 924 million a year ago. Net Sales declined 6.9% to Rs 11.1 billion during the period as against Rs 11.9 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, CYIENT reported 13.3% increase in net profit to Rs 4.8 billion compared to net profit of Rs 4.2 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 17.9% to Rs 46 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of CYIENT, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 5.1x.

This article (CYIENT Plunges by 6%; BSE IT Index Up 1.2%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

BANK OF MAHARASHTRA share price has zoomed 9% and is presently trading at Rs 10.

Meanwhile, the BSE BANKEX Index is at 22,787 (up 2.1%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE BANKEX Index today is BANK OF MAHARASHTRA (up 8.6%).

Over the last one year, BANK OF MAHARASHTRA has moved down from Rs 15 to Rs 10, registering a loss of Rs 5 (down 35.9%).

On the other hand, the BSE BANKEX has moved down from 32,704 to 22,787, loss of 9,917 points (down 30.4%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE BANKEX Index stocks during this same period were [param_historic_top3].

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.8%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 3.0%), INDUSIND BANK (up 2.9%) and BAJAJ FINANCE (up 2.8%). Other gainers include AXIS BANK (up 2.7%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 2.5%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and SBI.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.5%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.1%), INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.8%) and HUL (up 3.2%). Other gainers include HINDALCO (up 2.5%) and ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 2.3%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.35%).

BANK OF MAHARASHTRA Financial Update...

BANK OF MAHARASHTRA net profit declined 103.6% YoY to Rs 1 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 38 billion a year ago. Operating income rose 14.0% to Rs 30.2 billion during the period as against Rs 26.5 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, BANK OF MAHARASHTRA reported 328.3% increase in net profit to Rs 47.6 billion compared to net profit of Rs 11.1 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 2.2% to Rs 108 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of BANK OF MAHARASHTRA, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 6.7x.

This article (BANK OF MAHARASHTRA Surges by 9%; BSE BANKEX Index Up 2.1%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

DR. REDDYS LAB share price has zoomed 5% and is presently trading at Rs 4,100.

Meanwhile, the BSE HEALTHCARE Index is at 15,318 (up 1.6%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE HEALTHCARE Index today is DR. REDDYS LAB (up 5.3%).

NARAYANA HRUDAYALAYA LTD (down 0.3%) and IPCA LABS (down 0.5%) are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, DR. REDDYS LAB has moved up from Rs 2,943 to Rs 4,100, registering a gain of Rs 1,157 (up 37.2%).

On the other hand, the BSE HEALTHCARE has moved up from 14,034 to 15,318, registering a gain of 1,284 points (up 9.0%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE HEALTHCARE Index stocks during this same period were ABBOTT INDIA (up 145.8%), J.B.CHEMICALS (up 87.6%) and IPCA LABS (up 61.8%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.8%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 3.0%), INDUSIND BANK (up 2.9%) and BAJAJ FINANCE (up 2.8%). Other gainers include AXIS BANK (up 2.7%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 2.5%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and SBI.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.5%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.1%), INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.8%) and HUL (up 3.2%). Other gainers include HINDALCO (up 2.5%) and ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 2.3%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.35%).

DR. REDDYS LAB Financial Update...

DR. REDDYS LAB net profit down at Rs 6 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 5 billion a year ago. Net Sales rose 13.8% to Rs 44.0 billion during the period as against Rs 38.6 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, DR. REDDYS LAB reported 108.9% increase in net profit to Rs 19.1 billion compared to net profit of Rs 9.1 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 8.2% to Rs 154 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of DR. REDDYS LAB, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 40.9x.

This article (DR. REDDYS LAB Surges by 5%; BSE HEALTHCARE Index Up 1.6%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

ASHOK LEYLAND share price has zoomed 5% and is presently trading at Rs 48.

Meanwhile, the BSE AUTO Index is at 12,741 (up 1.7%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE AUTO Index today is ASHOK LEYLAND (up 5.1%).

Over the last one year, ASHOK LEYLAND has moved down from Rs 86 to Rs 48, registering a loss of Rs 37 (down 43.5%).

On the other hand, the BSE AUTO has moved down from 18,491 to 12,741, loss of 5,750 points (down 31.2%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE AUTO Index stocks during this same period were MRF LTD. (up 11.8%) and BALKRISHNA INDUSTRIES (up 6.4%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.6%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 3.3%), INDUSIND BANK (up 2.5%) and BAJAJ FINANCE (up 2.3%). Other gainers include RELIANCE IND. (up 2.3%) and TATA STEEL (up 2.3%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and SBI.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.5%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.1%), INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.8%) and HUL (up 3.2%). Other gainers include HINDALCO (up 2.5%) and ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 2.3%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.54%).

ASHOK LEYLAND Financial Update...

ASHOK LEYLAND net profit down at Rs 278 million for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 4 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 36.5% to Rs 40.2 billion during the period as against Rs 63.3 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, ASHOK LEYLAND reported 19.7% increase in net profit to Rs 21.8 billion compared to net profit of Rs 18.2 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 11.0% to Rs 332 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of ASHOK LEYLAND, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 15.0x.

This article (ASHOK LEYLAND Surges by 5%; BSE AUTO Index Up 1.7%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

NCC share price has zoomed 5% and is presently trading at Rs 25.

Meanwhile, the BSE REALTY Index is at 1,345 (up 1.3%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE REALTY Index today is NCC (up 5.4%).

Over the last one year, NCC has moved down from Rs 92 to Rs 25, registering a loss of Rs 68 (down 73.5%).

On the other hand, the BSE REALTY has moved down from 1,983 to 1,345, loss of 638 points (down 32.4%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE REALTY Index stocks during this same period were [param_historic_top3].

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.6%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are INDUSIND BANK (up 3.5%), HUL (up 3.0%) and BAJAJ FINANCE (up 2.6%). Other gainers include RELIANCE IND. (up 2.3%) and AXIS BANK (up 2.3%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.6%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.3%), INDUSIND BANK (up 3.8%) and HUL (up 3.2%). Other gainers include INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.0%) and HINDALCO (up 2.9%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.52%).

NCC Financial Update...

NCC net profit down at Rs 1 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 2 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 32.5% to Rs 22.8 billion during the period as against Rs 33.8 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, NCC reported 153.1% increase in net profit to Rs 6.8 billion compared to net profit of Rs 2.7 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 53.7% to Rs 129 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of NCC, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 3.4x.

This article (NCC Surges by 5%; BSE REALTY Index Up 1.3%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

HATHWAY CABLE share price has zoomed 11% and is presently trading at Rs 20.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 1.2%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE 500 Index today is HATHWAY CABLE (up 11.5%).

ADANI PORTS & SEZ and CARE RATING are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, HATHWAY CABLE has moved down from Rs 29 to Rs 20, registering a loss of Rs 9 (down 32.2%).

On the other hand, the BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 19.2%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 432.6%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 145.6%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 117.3%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.4%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are INDUSIND BANK (up 4.0%), HUL (up 3.2%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 2.6%). Other gainers include RELIANCE IND. (up 2.5%) and ICICI BANK (up 2.4%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.4%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include INDUSIND BANK (up 3.9%), DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.5%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 3.2%). Other gainers include INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.2%) and HUL (up 2.9%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.71%).

HATHWAY CABLE Financial Update...

HATHWAY CABLE net profit declined 168.0% YoY to Rs 131 million for the quarter ended March 2020, compared to a loss of Rs 192 million a year ago. Net Sales rose 5.7% to Rs 1.5 billion during the period as against Rs 1.4 billion in January-March 2019.

For the year ended March 2019, HATHWAY CABLE reported 336.0% decrease in net profit to Rs 2.4 billion compared to net profit of Rs 1.0 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 1.5% to Rs 16 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of HATHWAY CABLE, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 206.9x.

This article (HATHWAY CABLE Surges by 11%; BSE 500 Index Up 1.2%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

CASTROL INDIA share price has zoomed 6% and is presently trading at Rs 131.

Meanwhile, the BSE OIL & GAS Index is at 11,694 (up 1.4%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE OIL & GAS Index today is CASTROL INDIA (up 5.7%).

Over the last one year, CASTROL INDIA has moved down from Rs 149 to Rs 131, registering a loss of Rs 18 (down 12.5%).

On the other hand, the BSE OIL & GAS has moved down from 15,092 to 11,694, loss of 3,398 points (down 22.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE OIL & GAS Index stocks during this same period were INDRAPRASTHA GAS (up 52.7%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 15.1%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.5%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are INDUSIND BANK (up 4.3%), HUL (up 3.3%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 2.9%). Other gainers include RELIANCE IND. (up 2.7%) and AXIS BANK (up 2.4%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are RELIANCE IND. and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.4%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include INDUSIND BANK (up 3.9%), DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.5%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 3.2%). Other gainers include INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.2%) and HUL (up 2.9%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.63%).

CASTROL INDIA Financial Update...

CASTROL INDIA net profit stood at Rs 3 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 2 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 2.1% to Rs 10.1 billion during the period as against Rs 10.3 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended December 2018, CASTROL INDIA reported 2.4% increase in net profit to Rs 7.1 billion compared to net profit of Rs 6.9 billion during FY17.

Revenue of the company grew 1.4% to Rs 39 billion during FY18.

The current Price to earnings ratio of CASTROL INDIA, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 15.6x.

This article (CASTROL INDIA Surges by 6%; BSE OIL & GAS Index Up 1.4%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

TV18 BROADCAST share price has zoomed 10% and is presently trading at Rs 20.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 1.5%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE 500 Index today are TV18 BROADCAST (up 10.1%) and HATHWAY CABLE (up 13.5%).

PAGE INDUSTRIES and SCHAEFFLER INDIA LTD (down 0.1%) are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, TV18 BROADCAST has moved down from Rs 30 to Rs 20, registering a loss of Rs 10 (down 33.8%).

On the other hand, the BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 19.0%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 433.0%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 146.0%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 119.0%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.6%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are INDUSIND BANK (up 4.7%), KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 3.3%) and HUL (up 3.0%). Other gainers include AXIS BANK (up 2.7%) and BAJAJ FINANCE (up 2.7%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are SBI and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.4%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include INDUSIND BANK (up 4.6%), DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.9%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 3.1%). Other gainers include HUL (up 3.1%) and INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.0%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.56%).

TV18 BROADCAST Financial Update...

TV18 BROADCAST net profit down at Rs 1 billion for the quarter ended March 2020, compared to a loss of Rs 2 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 0.0% to Rs 14.2 billion during the period as against Rs 14.3 billion in January-March 2019.

For the year ended March 2019, TV18 BROADCAST reported 390.2% decrease in net profit to Rs 1.7 billion compared to net loss of Rs 602.0 million during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 243.7% to Rs 57 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of TV18 BROADCAST, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 9.1x.

This article (TV18 BROADCAST Surges by 10%; BSE 500 Index Up 1.5%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

J.B.CHEMICALS share price has hit an all-time high at Rs 635 (up 4.2%).

Meanwhile, the BSE HEALTHCARE Index is at 15,318 (up 1.3%).

Among the top gainers in the BSE HEALTHCARE Index today are J.B.CHEMICALS (up 4.2%) and ABBOTT INDIA (up 0.3%).

CADILA HEALTHCARE and DISHMAN CARBOGEN AMCIS LTD (down 0.1%) are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, J.B.CHEMICALS has moved up from Rs 331 to Rs 635, registering a gain of Rs 304 (up 91.7%).

The BSE HEALTHCARE has moved up from 14,034 to 15,318, registering a gain of 1,284 points (up 8.7%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE HEALTHCARE Index stocks during this same period were ABBOTT INDIA (up 145.2%), J.B.CHEMICALS (up 91.7%) and IPCA LABS (up 62.9%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.4%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are INDUSIND BANK (up 4.3%), HUL (up 3.3%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 2.9%). Other gainers include ICICI BANK (up 2.8%) and BAJAJ FINANCE (up 2.4%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are SBI and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.3%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.9%), INDIABULLS HOU. FIN. (up 3.6%) and INDUSIND BANK (up 3.6%). Other gainers include HUL (up 3.3%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 2.8%).

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of -6,188 points (up -16.7%).

J.B.CHEMICALS Financial Update...

J.B.CHEMICALS net profit stood at Rs 622 million for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 464 million a year ago. Net Sales rose 9.3% to Rs 3.9 billion during the period as against Rs 3.5 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2018, J.B.CHEMICALS reported 24.8% decrease in net profit to Rs 1.4 billion compared to net profit of Rs 1.8 billion during FY17.

Revenue of the company grew 3.3% to Rs 14 billion during FY18.

The current Price to earnings ratio of J.B.CHEMICALS, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 20.4x.

This article (J.B.CHEMICALS at All Time High; BSE HEALTHCARE Index Up 1.3%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

ITD CEMENTATION INDIA share price has zoomed 11% and is presently trading at Rs 38.

Meanwhile, the BSE REALTY Index is at 1,345 (up 1.3%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE REALTY Index today is ITD CEMENTATION INDIA (up 10.8%).

SOBHA LIMITED and OMAXE LTD are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, ITD CEMENTATION INDIA has moved down from Rs 115 to Rs 38, registering a loss of Rs 78 (down 67.5%).

On the other hand, the BSE REALTY has moved down from 1,983 to 1,345, loss of 638 points (down 32.4%) during the last 12 months.

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.6%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%), ICICI BANK (up 3.8%) and BHARTI AIRTEL (up 3.1%). Other gainers include HUL (up 2.7%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 2.7%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are SBI and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.5%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include RELIANCE IND. (up 4.1%), ICICI BANK (up 3.8%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.7%). Other gainers include BHARTI AIRTEL (up 3.3%) and HUL (up 2.7%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.56%).

LAURUS LABS LTD share price has plunged 9% and is presently trading at Rs 488.

Meanwhile, the BSE HEALTHCARE Index is at 15,333 (up 1.6%).

Among the top losers in the BSE HEALTHCARE Index today is LAURUS LABS LTD (down 8.8%).

J.B.CHEMICALS (up 5.5%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 3.9%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, LAURUS LABS LTD has moved up from Rs 386 to Rs 488, registering a gain of Rs 102 (up 26.5%)..

The BSE HEALTHCARE has moved up from 14,034 to 15,333, registering a gain of 1,299 points (up 9.3%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE HEALTHCARE Index stocks during this same period were ABBOTT INDIA (up 144.4%), J.B.CHEMICALS (up 94.1%) and IPCA LABS (up 66.0%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.7%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are ICICI BANK (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are SBI and INDUSIND BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.5%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 6.1%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.48%).

NTPC share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 92.

Meanwhile, the BSE POWER Index is at 1,456 (down 2.1%).

Among the top losers in the BSE POWER Index today is NTPC (down 5.1%).

RELIANCE INFRA (up 5.0%) and THERMAX (up 0.8%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, NTPC has moved down from Rs 134 to Rs 92, registering a loss of Rs 42 (down 31.0%)..

The BSE POWER has moved down from 1,954 to 1,456, loss of 498 points (down 25.5%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE POWER Index stocks during this same period were TORRENT POWER LTD (up 20.9%) and GMR INFRA (up 7.2%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.4%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.3%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 5.2%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.73%).

NTPC Financial Update...

NTPC net profit down at Rs 14 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 27 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 2.6% to Rs 235.0 billion during the period as against Rs 241.2 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, NTPC reported 151.3% increase in net profit to Rs 161.6 billion compared to net profit of Rs 64.3 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 8.7% to Rs 957 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of NTPC, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 5.1x.

This article (NTPC Plunges by 5%; BSE POWER Index Down 2.1%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

TORRENT POWER LTD share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 327.

Meanwhile, the BSE POWER Index is at 1,456 (down 2.1%).

Among the top losers in the BSE POWER Index today is TORRENT POWER LTD (down 5.1%).

RELIANCE INFRA (up 5.0%) and THERMAX (up 0.8%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, TORRENT POWER LTD has moved up from Rs 255 to Rs 327, registering a gain of Rs 72 (up 28.1%)..

The BSE POWER has moved down from 1,954 to 1,456, loss of 498 points (down 25.5%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE POWER Index stocks during this same period were TORRENT POWER LTD (up 20.1%) and GMR INFRA (up 7.5%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.3%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.3%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 4.7%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.76%).

TORRENT POWER LTD Financial Update...

TORRENT POWER LTD net profit stood at Rs 4 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 2 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 5.4% to Rs 30.8 billion during the period as against Rs 32.5 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2018, TORRENT POWER LTD reported 121.5% increase in net profit to Rs 9.5 billion compared to net profit of Rs 4.3 billion during FY17.

Revenue of the company grew 15.1% to Rs 115 billion during FY18.

The current Price to earnings ratio of TORRENT POWER LTD, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 10.0x.

This article (TORRENT POWER LTD Plunges by 5%; BSE POWER Index Down 2.1%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

JM FINANCIAL share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 66.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 1.2%).

Among the top losers in the BSE 500 Index today are JM FINANCIAL (down 5.1%) and LAURUS LABS LTD (down 8.3%).

TV18 BROADCAST (up 9.0%) and E.I.D. PARRY (up 7.3%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, JM FINANCIAL has moved down from Rs 85 to Rs 66, registering a loss of Rs 19 (down 22.1%)..

The BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 18.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 433.0%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 143.2%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 117.1%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.5%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.6%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.4%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 5.0%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 4.6%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.61%).

JM FINANCIAL Financial Update...

JM FINANCIAL net profit stood at Rs 2 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 2 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 8.0% to Rs 8.3 billion during the period as against Rs 9.0 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, JM FINANCIAL reported 14.5% increase in net profit to Rs 11.1 billion compared to net profit of Rs 9.7 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 16.1% to Rs 35 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of JM FINANCIAL, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 6.6x.

This article (JM FINANCIAL Plunges by 5%; BSE 500 Index Up 1.2%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

TIMKEN INDIA share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 888.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 1.0%).

Among the top losers in the BSE 500 Index today are TIMKEN INDIA (down 5.1%) and LAURUS LABS LTD (down 8.9%).

E.I.D. PARRY (up 8.0%) and TV18 BROADCAST (up 7.4%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, TIMKEN INDIA has moved up from Rs 549 to Rs 888, registering a gain of Rs 339 (up 61.6%)..

The BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 18.8%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 432.8%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 142.8%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 115.8%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.2%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are RELIANCE IND. (up 4.2%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and ICICI BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 1.1%). ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 4.9%) and DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.3%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.83%).

TIMKEN INDIA Financial Update...

TIMKEN INDIA net profit stood at Rs 846 million for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 264 million a year ago. Net Sales declined 3.0% to Rs 3.7 billion during the period as against Rs 3.8 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, TIMKEN INDIA reported 61.6% increase in net profit to Rs 1.5 billion compared to net profit of Rs 920.0 million during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 33.0% to Rs 17 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of TIMKEN INDIA, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 26.5x.

This article (TIMKEN INDIA Plunges by 5%; BSE 500 Index Up 1.0%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

E.I.D. PARRY share price has zoomed 10% and is presently trading at Rs 164.

Meanwhile, the BSE 500 Index is at 12,146 (up 0.8%).

Among the top Gainers in the BSE 500 Index today are E.I.D. PARRY (up 10.5%) and HATHWAY CABLE (up 10.0%).

MAH. SCOOTERS and 3M INDIA are among the top losers today.

Over the last one year, E.I.D. PARRY has moved down from Rs 187 to Rs 164, registering a loss of Rs 23 (down 12.3%).

On the other hand, the BSE 500 has moved down from 14,958 to 12,146, loss of 2,812 points (down 19.5%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE 500 Index stocks during this same period were ADANI GREEN ENERGY (up 431.3%), ABBOTT INDIA (up 143.8%) and NAVIN FLUORINE (up 109.8%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 1.1%).

The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.1%), RELIANCE IND. (up 4.0%) and NESTLE (up 3.7%). Other gainers include TECH MAHINDRA (up 3.2%) and SUN PHARMA (up 3.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are INDUSIND BANK and ICICI BANK.

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.7%). The top gainers in the NSE Nifty include DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.3%), HUL (up 3.8%) and RELIANCE IND. (up 3.8%). Other gainers include BRITANNIA (up 3.7%) and ZEE ENTERTAINMENT (up 3.5%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 16.94%).

E.I.D. PARRY Financial Update...

E.I.D. PARRY net profit stood at Rs 3 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 1 billion a year ago. Net Sales rose 9.9% to Rs 40.8 billion during the period as against Rs 37.1 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, E.I.D. PARRY reported 15.4% decrease in net profit to Rs 4.4 billion compared to net profit of Rs 5.2 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 7.3% to Rs 166 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of E.I.D. PARRY, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 3.5x.

This article (E.I.D. PARRY Surges by 10%; BSE 500 Index Up 0.8%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

M&M share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 408.

Meanwhile, the BSE AUTO Index is at 12,741 (down 1.6%).

Among the top losers in the BSE AUTO Index today is M&M (down 5.0%).

MOTHERSON SUMI (up 2.1%) and ASHOK LEYLAND (up 0.9%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, M&M has moved down from Rs 636 to Rs 408, registering a loss of Rs 228 (down 35.8%)..

The BSE AUTO has moved down from 18,491 to 12,741, loss of 5,750 points (down 31.1%) during the last 12 months.

The top gainers among the BSE AUTO Index stocks during this same period were MRF LTD. (up 11.6%) and BALKRISHNA INDUSTRIES (up 4.3%).

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.7%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.8%). DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.3%) is among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.24%).

M&M Financial Update...

M&M net profit down at Rs 3 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a loss of Rs 11 billion a year ago. Net Sales declined 5.5% to Rs 123.5 billion during the period as against Rs 130.7 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, M&M reported 4.8% increase in net profit to Rs 44.3 billion compared to net profit of Rs 42.2 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 12.3% to Rs 1,047 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of M&M, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 8.8x.

This article (M&M Plunges by 5%; BSE AUTO Index Down 1.6%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

BANDHAN BANK LTD share price has plunged 5% and is presently trading at Rs 262.

Meanwhile, the BSE BANKEX Index is at 22,880 (up 0.1%).

Among the top losers in the BSE BANKEX Index today are BANDHAN BANK LTD (down 5.0%) and RBL BANK LTD (down 8.1%).

ICICI BANK (up 2.0%) and KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK (up 1.4%) are among the top gainers today.

Over the last one year, BANDHAN BANK LTD has moved down from Rs 590 to Rs 262, registering a loss of Rs 328 (down 55.5%)..

The BSE BANKEX has moved down from 32,704 to 22,880, loss of 9,824 points (down 30.0%) during the last 12 months.

What About the Benchmark Indices?

The BSE Sensex is at 32,089 (up 0.7%). The top gainers among the BSE Sensex stocks today are HUL (up 4.0%). The most traded stocks in the BSE Sensex are ICICI BANK and RELIANCE IND..

In the meantime, NSE Nifty is at 9,383 (up 0.8%). DR. REDDYS LAB (up 4.3%) and HUL (up 4.3%) are among the top gainers in NSE Nifty.

Over the last 12 months, the BSE Sensex has moved down from 38,277 to 32,089, registering a loss of 6,188 points (down 17.24%).

BANDHAN BANK LTD Financial Update...

BANDHAN BANK LTD net profit stood at Rs 7 billion for the quarter ended December 2019, compared to a profit of Rs 3 billion a year ago. Operating income rose 64.7% to Rs 27.2 billion during the period as against Rs 16.5 billion in October-December 2018.

For the year ended March 2019, BANDHAN BANK LTD reported 45.0% increase in net profit to Rs 19.5 billion compared to net profit of Rs 13.5 billion during FY18.

Revenue of the company grew 38.4% to Rs 66 billion during FY19.

The current Price to earnings ratio of BANDHAN BANK LTD, based on rolling 12 month earnings, stands at 9.3x.

This article (BANDHAN BANK LTD Plunges by 5%; BSE BANKEX Index Up 0.1%) is authored by Equitymaster.

Equitymaster is a leading 'independent' equity research initiative focused on providing well-researched and unbiased opinions on stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Indian share markets ended their trading session on a positive note today.

Benchmark indices edged higher, tracking overnight gains in the US market and positive Asian stock markets.

Further, talks of an economic stimulus for small businesses battered by the coronavirus outbreak improved sentiment.

Reportedly, the government may unveil fiscal stimulus amounting to 0.3% of the country's gross domestic product, focusing on small and medium sized businesses, real estate firms and banks.

At the closing bell, the�BSE Sensex�stood higher by 199 points (up 0.6%) and the�NSE Nifty�closed higher by 52 points (up 0.6%).

SGX Nifty�was trading at 9,260, up by 64 points, at the time of writing.

The BSE Mid Cap�index ended up by 0.1%, while the�BSE Small Cap�index ended the day down by 0.5%.

On the sectoral front, gains were seen in the energy sector and FMCG sector, while power stocks witnessed selling pressure.

Asian stock markets�finished on a strong note as of the most recent closing prices.

The�Hang Seng�was up 1% and the Nikkei was trading higher by 2.6%. The Shanghai Composite was up 0.8%.

European markets were trading on a positive note. The DAX was trading up by 0.8%, while the CAC 40 was trading up by 0.7%.

The rupee was trading at 75.55 to the US$ at the time of writing.

Gold prices�are currently trading up by 0.2% at Rs 46,274.

Speaking of the current stock market scenario, Indian stock markets have seen a stunning recovery over the last 5 weeks.

From its all-time high levels of 42,274 touched on January 20 this year, the Sensex crashed 39% to a multi-year low at 25,639 on March 23. Later, the index made a rapid recovery till April 30 as it added 4,250 points.

Thereafter, in just two sessions of this month, Sensex lost 7%.

Excluding this week's 7% fall, of all the rebounds after a 35%-40% fall in the market, the current one has been the biggest by a distance.

This is evident from the chart below:

Sensex: From Bear to Bull in 30 Days

While the Sensex has rebounded sharply, there are still many stocks out there that are trading at attractive valuations.

Co-head of research at�Equitymaster, Rahul Shah, believes this is a good time to get into stocks, even if you missed the rally because the market is fairly valued.

History has shown that after years like the one we had just now, the next 3 years are good for the markets. In fact, these corrections are the rare times when you find businesses with solid fundamentals at reasonable valuations.

If you can�find good businesses�that can survive the current crisis, you will do well in the long run.

Moving on, market participants were tracking�Shree Cement share price,�TCI Express share price, and�SBI Cards and Payment Services share price�as these companies announced their March quarter results (Q4FY20) today.

You can read our recently released Q4FY20 results of other companies here:�Ambuja Cement,�IndusInd Bank,�Axis Bank,�Tech Mahindra,�Reliance Industries,�Marico,�Kansai Nerolac,�NIIT Technologies,�Persistent Systems,�SKF India.

In news from the banking sector, RBL Bank share price was in focus today.

The private lender on Thursday reported a 54% decline in its March quarter net profit to�Rs 1,143 million on the back of higher provisions.

The bank's total provisions trebled on a year-on-year (YoY) basis and stood at�Rs 6.1 billion in Q4FY20. It holds�Rs 1,079.5 million of provisions in excess of what RBI has mandated for covid-19 related moratorium.

The lender logged a 37% YoY growth in its operating profit at Rs 7.7 billion compared to Rs 5.6 billion a year ago.

The bank's total revenue jumped 33% YoY to Rs 15.2 billion from Rs 11.5 billion reported in Q4FY19.

RBL Bank's net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.93% in the March quarter. Its net interest income (NII) grew 38% YoY to�Rs 10.2 billion in Q4FY20.

The bank's deposits fell 1% to�Rs 578.1 billion in Q4FY20. Current and savings account (Casa) deposits grew 17% and 2% sequentially to�Rs 171.1 billion in the March quarter.

The private lender's advances increased 7% to�Rs 580.2 billion.

For the financial year 2019-20, the bank's total income stood at Rs 55.4 billion, up 39% YoY from Rs 39.8 billion, while its operating profit jumped 42% YoY to Rs 27.5 billion.

To know more, you can read RBL Bank's Q4FY20 result analysis on our website.

Moving on to news from the pharma sector, shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories rallied 8% today to hit a 52-week high of Rs 4,132, after the company received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from US health regulator for its manufacturing plant at Srikakulam.

In a regulatory filing, the company said it has received EIR from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), for the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) manufacturing plant at Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh (CTO VI).

The site was issued warning letter in November 2015 after the inspection in 2014, and was under "Official Action Indicated" classification till now.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories share price ended the day up by 3.8%.

In other news, Laurus Labs share price witnessed selling pressure today. Stock of the company�slipped 10% today after more than 30 million equity shares of the pharmaceutical company changed hands via multiple block deals.

As much as 19.1 million shares were traded on BSE, while on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), about 15.3 million shares changed hands.

Last week, the company had reported its consolidated net profit at Rs 1.1 billion, which more than doubled from Rs 430 million reported in the year-ago quarter.

The company's board also recommended for the sub-division of equity shares of the company from existing face value of Rs 10 each to face value of Rs 2 each, subject to regulatory approvals.

Speaking of the pharma sector, in December 2019, co-head of Research at�Equitymaster, Tanushree Banerjee had predicted that pharma could be the sector to see a�big rebound in 2020.

And rightly so, most�pharma companies�have re-emerged as the safer bets for investors in the ongoing market turmoil. Last month, the Indian rupee touched a new record low of Rs 76.92 against the US dollar. Most�pharma companies�generate their revenues through exports. Hence, a depreciating rupee is a positive development for them.

As per Tanushree, in a�post Covid-19 world, healthcare expenditures globally will see a big rejig.

Tanushree has her eyes on an exciting tech stock. The company in question is developing its medical division. It's focusing on telemedicine, which Tanushree believes will be a huge growth driver in a post Corona world.

Looking at the potential upside in the stock, over a period of five to ten years, Tanushree believes investors could become a�One Stock Crorepati.

To know what's moving the Indian stock markets today, check out the most recent�share market updates here.

Belgium, Denmark, and Germany have the highest personal income tax burdens, at over 35 percent, among OECD countries, according to the latest OECD Taxing Wages report, which says that just over half of countries made small increases to their average personal tax rates last year.

On September 13, the OECD launched a substantial report on the tax policy reforms implemented last year by advanced nations.

The South African Revenue Service has reminded taxpayers that individual tax payment is required by January 31, 2018.

On April 1, 2018, South Africa will raise its value-added tax rate to 15 percent from 14 percent.

On April 1, 2018, South Africa increased its value-added tax rate to 15 percent from 14 percent.

Xiaomi has finally launched the Mi 10 in India, and with starting price of Rs 49,999, it goes up against the likes of the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro, which were recently launched in India. Here it is compared with the OnePlus 8 Pro.

Xiaomi's Mi 10 competes fiercely with premium-end flagships from the Android universe -- both in terms of hardware and design. Here's why it could end up being a winner.