Sitharaman participates in second virtual G20 meet, discusses global economy amid pandemic

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday, April 15 participated in virtual session of second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Goverrs (FMCBG) meeting host by Saudi Arabia. According to reports, ministers discussed global ecomic outlook amid coronavirus crisis.

According to a release from Ministry of Finance, Sitharaman focused upon role of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Goverrs in safeguarding lives and livelihood of people while maintaining macro-ecomic stability in a sustainable manner.

Along with it, Union minister shared measures taken by India to provide "vulnerable sections" with timely assistance. Furr, Sitharaman also stated that  monetary policy measures undertaken by Government of India, Reserve Bank of India and or regulators have helped de-freeze market and regularize credit flows. 

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Action Plan

According to Ministry of Finance release, on directions of G20 leers, an action plan has been prepared to protect lives, safeguard jobs and incomes, restore confidence, preserve financial stability, revive growth and recover stronger, provide help to countries needing assistance, coordinate on public health and financial measures and minimise disruption to global supply chain.

Calling plan 'a step in right direction', FM Nirmala Sitharaman stated that  document will guide individual and collective actions for G20 members in responding to COVID-19 pandemic. 

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COVID-19 in India 

According to latest update of Union Health Ministry, re are currently a total of 11,933 cases of coronavirus in country including about 10,197 active cases. While 392 deaths have been reported overall, around 1,344 people have been cured/discharged/migrated.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday anunced extension of nationwide lockdown till May 3 in order to contain spre of dely coronavirus. He dressed nation on April 14 as ongoing pan-India lockdown entered its 21st day.

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(With ANI Inputs)