Most Asian currencies slipped, with the Indonesian rupiah down nearly 0.2% and leading losses
asia1 hour ago
India on Thursday reported more than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases for the first time, driven by a surge in infections in rural areas at a time when the government is further easing curbs on movement and commerce.
There were 52,123 new cases in the previous 24 hours, according to federal health data, taking the total number of infections to almost 1.6 million.
Some 775 people died of Covid-related conditions over the same period, raising total deaths now just under 35,000 - low compared to the total number of cases, but showing little sign of slowing.
While major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai have seen their cases ease, infections in rural areas are continuing to rise sharply, alarming experts who fear weak healthcare systems there will be unable to cope.
India has the third highest number of infections globally, behind the United States and Brazil. It has nearly 20 times the number of cases as China, which has a similar-sized population and where the virus was first recorded late last year.
Separately, New Delhi announced the third phase of easing restrictions that had been aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. An evening curfew will be lifted from August 1, and gyms will be allowed to open, but schools, cinemas, and bars will remain closed.
The restrictions, which included an almost total shutdown of the country for nearly three months, have hurt small businesses in what is still predominantly a low-income country.
Consumer demand is showing little sign of picking up ahead of India's festival season, where it usually rises significantly.
"Every year we get orders for big idols, but this year due to Covid-19 restrictions we didn't get any," Alagar, an idol maker in the southern city of Madurai, told Reuters partner ANI on Thursday.
Most Asian currencies slipped, with the Indonesian rupiah down nearly 0.2% and leading losses
asia1 hour ago
The fleet includes stainless-steel tankers, which are equipped with an operating box or pump room installed at the rear of the vehicle instead of at the bottom of the tankers. This change in the location of the operating box helps to facilitate safer operations
kt network2 hours ago
The airline will refurbish another 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777
uae2 hours ago
Yellow metal prices retraced from earlier gains following the release of the US April employment report
markets2 hours ago
New investment adds to the S$11.5 billion the company has poured into the Asia Pacific Region until 2023
tech3 hours ago
Safety experts have said the problems at the company suggest significant safety culture defects that will not be turned around quickly
world3 hours ago
'Aquarabia' will offer extreme watersports zone dedicated to rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, free solo climbing and cliff jumping and more
gulf3 hours ago
From street food vendors to mid-market restaurants, people have a wide range of options
uae4 hours ago