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With the steep hike in excise duty in the past couple of months, an average consumer of petrol now pays over 275% in taxes to centre and states on a litre of the fuel.  The base price of petrol is just about Rs 18. The taxes are close to Rs 50 and the pump price is over Rs 72.

India imports 85% of all its crude oil demand.  After a steep hike in excise duty in the past two months despite a hold on daily price revisions by the oil public sector undertakings (PSUs), Indian consumers now pay 275% collectively in excise duty to state and centre. 

The central government hiked excise on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 and Rs 13 respectively last month. The excise duty on petrol is taxed around Rs 33-a-litre while the same on diesel it is Rs 32.

The Value-Added Tax (VAT) on both petrol and diesel is Rs 16.44 and Rs 16.26 respectively. Both the taxes together are around Rs 49 while it is sold at petrol pumps at 73-per-litre.

These two taxes cumulatively account for 69% of tax which is higher than anywhere else in the world. The same is taxed at 19% in the US, 47% in Japan, UK 62% and 63% in France. The government does not pass on the benefit of lower crude oil prices to the customer.

It is to be noted that Indian consumers continued to pay Rs 70-a-litre even when crude oil prices hit a paltry US $ 20-a-barrel on April 12.

Former finance minister and Congress leader recently took a jab at the Centre over rising prices stating, “Fuel selling prices raised twice in two days, following tax hikes two weeks ago. This time to benefit oil companies. Government is poor, it needs more taxes. Oil companies are poor, they need better prices. Only the poor and middle class are not poor, so they will pay”.

Apr 10: The UAE reported 331 new coronavirus cases - through extensive testing - and two deaths late Thursday night.

The UAE conducted over 40,000 coronavirus tests over the past two days across various segments of society, including citizens and residents, using latest state-of-the-art-technology in line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention's plans to intensify Covid-19 screenings to contain the spread of the virus.

The Ministry also revealed that two patients suffering from Covid-19, an Asian national and an Arab, had died due to complications caused by the virus. Both of the deceased had prior chronic illnesses. The total number of deaths has now reached 14.

UAE announced on Thursday that places of worship will be closed in the country until further notice - amid the coronavirus situation. Authorities decided to extend the closure of mosques, churches and other places of worship in the UAE until further notice for the safety of community members, Wam reported. The measure has been taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The decision was taken in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency and Disaster Management, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, federal, local religious bodies and health authorities in the state.

Residents face deportation for breaking rules

People who repeatedly flout 'stay at home' measures and endanger others' lives are inviting harsh punishments including deportation, a senior police officer has said.

"The UAE's Attorney-General has already announced the fines and punishments for breaking rules on social distancing and curfew restrictions. Repeated offenders or those who commit crimes that have a 'snowball' effect on the society will be fined, jailed and deported at the end of their term," said Col Saeed Al Hajeri, head of the Cyber Crime Department at Dubai Police, in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.

Al Hajeri said the Dubai police are tightening the noose against violators by resorting to 'naming and shaming' them.

The officer said 'reckless residents' will face serious consequences as they are not allowing the government to serve the people.i.  

Movement permit not to be misused

The officer said residents should not misuse the movement permit introduced by the Dubai Police and those who go out without a permit will be fined on their Emirates ID. Al Hajeri said they expect residents to be highly responsible. "Those who are exempted from taking movement permit can use the company letter to go to work but not for other purposes. You cannot fool the system by obtaining a permit for buying medicine and then going out to visit your sister or brother."

Social media as a double-edged sword

Warning people against circulating rumours and videos mocking authorities, the he said people should instead use the time to be productive or creative.

"We encourage people to use this time to learn new skills and not create scams and endanger the society. This is a difficult time and it will pass. What is more important is what you gain out of this."

Col Al Hajeri said the Dubai Police are aware that many people are using social media as a positive tool and encourage them. "We encourage that, and want people to use social media for positive messaging, to spread awareness about personal hygiene, social distancing and various precautions to be followed."

13 new drive-through coronavirus test centres open across UAE

Thirteen new drive-through testing facilities for Covid-19 have been opened across the UAE over the recent days. The Abu Dhabi Media Office on Thursday reported that under the directives of His Highness Sheikkh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, 13 additional Covid-19 drive-through testing facilities were opened in 10 days, in addition to the centre previously opened in Zayed Sports City in AbuDhabi.

According to authorities, more than 12,000 people have been tested since the centres opened .

The examination process begins by booking an appointment in advance by calling the 8001717 Estijaba centre, or through the SEHA smart application, for an initial assessment.

Priority will be given to those with symptoms, senior citizens, pregnant women and those who suffer from chronic diseases.

Precautionary examinations costs Dh370, and payment will be done electronically through the SEHA application.
 
50,000 workers to be screened in a month

A massive initiative has been launched by healthcare provider Right Health and Al Futtaim Health's HealthHub to screen 50,000 workers for Covid-19 within a month.

Out of the 58 facilities across the UAE, 33 primary health centres of the Right Health are located at the workers' accommodation areas in Jebel Ali, Sonapur and Al Qouz.

"We will be working with businesses across the UAE to ensure their workforces stay safe and healthy. It is essential that private healthcare providers do everything they can to support the government's efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this campaign is to screen as many people as possible.

Crime falls by 96% in Sharjah

A massive drop in crimes has been observed in Sharjah after the implementation of Covid-19 precautionary measures. The crime rate has declined by 96 per cent, according to the Sharjah Police. Only 48 cases were reported in the emirate during this period compared to 717 cases registered last year.

Dispose of masks, gloves safely, say police

Motorists caught throwing face masks and gloves out of their vehicle windows will be fined Dh1,000 and six black points will be registered against their driving licences, the police have warned. The Abu Dhabi Police on Thursday said some people have been throwing used masks and gloves out of the car windows, violating traffic laws. "The masks and gloves pose a threat to public health and the environment. They may have been contaminated and lead to the spread of diseases," the police said in a statement. The police also noted that adhering to precautionary measures that prevent the spread of communicable diseases is everyone's responsibility.

Medical experts explain UAE's high Covid-19 recovery and low death rates

Compared to global rates of Covid-19, the UAE has been showing very high recovery and very low death rates.

According to statistics made available on the World O Meter, the Covid-19 death rate in the UAE is only 0.5 per cent of the total 2,659 infected.
Khaleej Times reached out to UAE doctors and medical experts who have attributed this phenomenon to the UAE's high healthcare standards, the country's predominant younger population, and residents' compliance to the Stay at Home guidelines.

'UAE age structure plays a role'

However, Dr Standford said: "Although death occurs at all ages, there is a predominance of the elderly. The age structure in the UAE is completely different from most countries outside the GCC as there is a predominance of young expatriates here under work permits.
He added: "Most (expatriates) will leave the country by the age of 60. There is therefore only 1.5 per cent of residents aged 65 or more. Compare this with a country like the UK where the equivalent number is 18.2 per cent."

Early intervention

Dr Jacob Cherian, specialist internal medicine, Medcare Medical Centre Marina and medical director for Medcare Medical Centres, attributed early intervention and intensive testing as one of the main reasons for the UAE's faster recovery rates.

"Compared to other countries, the UAE adopted early intervention measures. The UAE closed schools and limited social gatherings when there were hardly any cases," he said. Compliance from residents and a relatively younger and healthier population are other reasons for the lower death rates and high recovery rates, according to Dr Jacob.

Pakistan extends suspension flight operations till April 21

The Pakistan government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flight operations in the country until April 21 in a bid to contain the coronavirus spread, said a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

In its last notification, the CAA had said that diplomatic, special/cargo flights and flights of national carrier to/from Pakistan holding special approval from the competent authority for transporting stranded passengers would be exempted from the ban.

Bengaluru, Jul 6: Criminal cases will be registered against private hospitals that refuse treatment to COVID-19 patients, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference here at Vidhana Soudha, he said: "No hospital should refuse to admit patients and if any hospital is found denying treatment criminal cases will be registered against them."

He spoke to media persons after returning from his surprise visit to Jayanagar General Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Chest Hospital responded to the questions regarding private hospitals refusing to treat covid patients.

"The government has come up with 6 different systems for treatment of COVID-19 patients. COVID care centres, government medical colleges, private medical college, government hospitals, corporate hospitals and home isolation with proper facilities and according to government guidelines," the minister added.

Dr Sudhakar gave the statistics of 4 metropolitan cities in the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru.

"Bengaluru's and the mortality rate is the lowest at 1.46%. The aim is to increase testing by optimal utilisation of capacity especially in private labs. Once we increase testing, it is natural that the positive cases will also increase," he said.

"So citizens need not panic due to this but should take all precautionary measures. He advised to get tested in the nearest fever clinics as soon as any symptoms like cough, fever etc are found. Guidelines regarding the home isolation will be released soon," the minister said.

He announced that 400 ambulances will be deployed in Bengaluru and 2 each for every ward.

He said that the government recommended patients at private hospitals will be provided with insurance under Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust.

"If private hospitals refuse to admit the patients, call 1912 helpline to get assistance. If admitted in Private hospital voluntarily the treatment cost will be borne by patients as per the rates fixed by the government," Sudhakar said.

He said that the cost of testing at private labs has been capped at Rs 2,200 as per test.