Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has contributed Rs 1 crore from her MPLAD funds in the ongoing battle against coronavirus in India.

The government on Thursday said the mega bank consolidation plan is very much on track and will take effect from April 1 despite the onslaught of coronavirus pandemic throwing the country out of gear. 

Equity benchmark Sensex was trading over 1,000 points higher in afternoon session on Wednesday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a stimulus package worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore to cushion the impact of the lockdown in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced to double collateral-free loans to Rs 20 lakh for Self Help women groups that would benefit 7 crore households.

Announcing the coronavirus relief measures amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that government would pay EPF contribution both of the employer and employee for the next three months; 24 per cent contribution in total.

Finance Minister Sitharaman on Thursday announced that the government will pay the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contribution, both of employer and employee every month for the next three months, as part of COVID-19 relief package.

Making a big announcement amid coronavirus pandemic, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said Ujjwala beneficiaries will get free LPG cylinders in next 3 months, which will benefit 8.3 crore BPL families. Sitharaman's press briefing comes amid the 21-day lockdown in the country in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced medical insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per person for coronavirus warriors, who are treating COVID-19 patients and helping the country to fight against the deadly novel coronavirus.

Sitharaman today announced an economic package that will benefit migrant workers, urban and rural poor which will be known as the Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan scheme.

The last date for the income tax return for the financial year 18-19 is extended to 30th June 2020. For delayed payments interest rate has been reduced from 12 per cent to 9 per cent, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a series of measures that the government has taken to fight the impact of coronavirus outbreak. Sitharaman announced the extension of ITR, GST filing deadlines. Here are the highlights of Sitharaman's relief measures for the economy:

Nirmala Sitharaman said that the central government is preparing an economic package to help the country tide over losses incurred owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.

As the bank merger becomes effective April 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to meet the chief executives of the amalgamating banks on Thursday to review the preparedness for the merger. The Union cabinet already approved consolidation of 10 public sector banks into four, earlier in the month.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a meeting with chief executives of amalgamating banks on Thursday to review preparedness for the merger beginning April 1. 

In what can be a relief to thousands of Yes Bank employees, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that Yes Bank employees will continue to get salary. Yes Bank is currently in crisis and Reserve Bank of India has set a maximum withdrawal cap of Rs 50,000 for depositors.

As Yes Bank depositors rush to ATMs on Friday to withdraw cash a day after it was put under a moratorium, security at its branches, ATMs, headquarters across Mumbai was tightened to avert any untoward incident. The RBI has capped a withdrawal limit of Rs 50,000 as Yes Bank's faces capital crunch.

"Chacha-Bhatija" were given loans under Congress rule, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a jibe on Friday as she spoke about the crisis in Yes Bank.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Yes Bank crisis Friday said that the RBI Governor has assured her there will be no loss to any Yes Bank depositor, a day after the central bank imposed a moratorium on the banking institution.

SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar on Friday arrived in Parliament to meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the Yes Bank issue.

​The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved amalgamation of 10 public sector banks, including Allahabad Bank, Andhra Bank and OBC, to create large four state-owned lenders with effect from April 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. These will be in addition to State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India.