Latest News Updates: PM said he will visit Assam and other poll bound states as many times as possible.
Accusing the governments that ruled India for decades since Independence of neglecting Assam and the northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the region.
PM Modi, who dedicated to the nation three major projects in the petroleum sector, enumerated steps taken by the state government led by Sarbananda Sonowal and the centre over the past few years and said they were working together for balanced growth of the region.
Meanwhile, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surpassed 1.10 crore with 14,199 new infections being reported in a day, while active cases registered an increase for the fifth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.
The total coronavirus cases have increased to 1,10,05,850, while the death count increased to 1,56,385 with 83 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,06,99,410 which translates to a national COVID-19 recovery rate of 97.22 per cent and the case fatality rate stands at 1.42 per cent. Active coronavirus infections in the country increased to 1,50,055 which comprises 1.36 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.
Here are the Latest News Highlights:
US passes 500,000 Covid deaths: ReportMore than 500,000 people have died from Covid-19 in the United States since the pandemic began, according to Johns Hopkins University on Monday, by far the highest reported toll of any country.
The catastrophic US figure comes as some signs of hope are emerging in the world's hardest-hit country, with millions of people now vaccinated and winter's massive spike in infections dropping.
Still, the grim threshold was reached only about a month after the US recorded 400,000 fatalities from the disease in mid-January, with cases now on the decline but deaths continuing to mount.
Meghalaya reports 2 new COVID-19 casesTwo new COVID-19 cases were reported in Meghalaya on Monday, pushing the tally to 13,954, a senior health department official said.
The state currently has 22 active COVID-19 cases, Health Services Director, Aman War said.
He said two patients recuperated from the disease during the day, taking the total number of COVID-19 recoveries to 13,784, while 148 people have died so far due to the infection.
Joe Biden orders flags at half mast to mark half million Covid deathsUS President Joe Biden will lead a remembrance ceremony Monday to mark the dark milestone of 500,000 American Covid-19 deaths, but plans for easing the lockdown in Britain and a surge in vaccinations worldwide prompted growing optimism.
With the US death count on the brink of hitting half a million -- the highest impact on any country -- Biden ordered flags on federal government buildings to be flown at half mast for five days.
The president was scheduled to address the nation from the White House before attending a candle-lighting ceremony and moment of silence with wife Jill, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff.
Odisha reports 69 new COVID-19 cases, tally climbs to 3,36,705Odisha's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,36,705 after 69 more people tested positive for the virus, even as three districts were declared coronavirus free, a health department official said. The state during the day also registered recovery of 59 patients taking the total number of cured persons to 3,34,166, which is 99.24 per cent of the caseload.
Odisha's case fatality ratio (CFR) stands at 0.56 per cent while the state's positivity rate is 4.11 per cent, he said.
Over 57,000 vaccinated in Maharashtra todayA total of 57,367 persons were administered COVID-19 vaccines in Maharashtra, taking the total tally of inoculations to 9,83,830. According to an official statement, 36,182 got the first dose while the remaining 21,185 were administered the second dose.
Among those who got the first dose, 10,947 were health care workers, while 25,235 were frontline staff. Of the total beneficiaries, 55,860 were administered Covishield vaccine, while 1,507 were given Covaxin, it said.
Mumbai cops to impose Rs 200 fine on people without masks The Mumbai police is now authorised to penalise people Rs 200 for not wearing masks in public as mandated under COVID-19 norms, an official said.
"Dear Mumbaikars, Mumbai Police is now authorised to issue challans to offenders not wearing a mask too. Every time we fined you for not wearing a helmet or seatbelt it was always to remind you the value of your life and safety. Same for masks. Please take care. You matter to us," the police said in a tweet.
At least 75 per cent beneficiaries vaccinated in 4 states: Health MinistryWhile increasing the pace of COVID-19 vaccination, three states and one union territory -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Lakswadeep -- have vaccinated about 75 per cent of its healthcare workers and front line workers with the first dose of vaccine against coronavirus.
"There are three states and UTs, including Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan which have done more than 75 per cent coverage of healthcare and frontline workers in terms of the first dose," said Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary of the Union Health Ministry.
The health ministry said that 1,14,24,094 vaccinations were conducted till 6 pm today in which healthcare workers is 75,40,602, including the first dose to 64,25,060 people and second to 11,15,542 people. Similarly, a total of 38,83,492 frontline workers have been covered with the first dose.
Madhya Pradesh To Start Thermal Screening Of Those Coming From MaharashtraWith coronavirus cases showing an upward trend in Maharashtra, people coming to Madhya Pradesh from the neighbouring state will be subjected to thermal screening to check for COVID-19, government officials said.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan issued directives in this regard while reviewing the coronavirus situation in Madhya Pradesh at a meeting in the state secretariat. Start health examination of persons coming in Madhya Pradesh through districts bordering Maharashtra, Mr Chouhan told officials at the meeting.
After the Chief Ministers order, the Home Department issued directives for authorities of districts bordering Maharashtra.
No Covid restrictions on inter-state travel, says KarnatakaThe Karnataka government said it had not imposed any restrictions on inter-state travel, but has mandated RT-PCR certificates not older than 72 hours for those arriving in the state from neighbouring Kerala and Maharashtra.
Health Minister K Sudhakar also cautioned people against negligence towards observing protocol and of stricter steps if the number of cases increase and said marshals would be deployed to monitor weddings as they were taking place without following any norms or guidelines.
"We have not imposed any restrictions on passengers traveling from Kerala, Maharashtra or any other state to Karnataka. Let me clarify this, because other states may have got a wrong opinion... For inter-state travelers there is no restriction," Mr Sudhakar said.
Active COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh fall below 600-markThe number of active COVID-19 cases fell below 600 to 590 in Andhra Pradesh as 41 new positive cases were reported, along with 71 recoveries. For the third consecutive day, no coronavirus death was reported in the state, a health department bulletin said.
The cumulative positives touched 8,89,339 after 1.37 crore tests, at the rate of 6.47 per cent. The total recoveries climbed to 8,81,582 while the toll remained at 7,167, the bulletin said.
Amid rising Covid cases, restrictions to remain in Maharashtra's Nagpur till March 7Maharashtra minister Nitin Raut said strict restrictions have been set in place in Nagpur district in view of a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. After chairing a review meeting, the district guardian minister said schools, colleges and coaching classes will remain shut from Tuesday till March 7, while major markets will not open on Saturdays and Sundays during this period.
PM Modi addresses public rally in Bengal's Hooghly
Surge of Covid cases in Kerala, Tamil Nadu steps up vigil at bordersWith neighbouring Kerala and four other states in the country witnessing a surge in daily coronavirus cases, the Tamil Nadu government said surveillance in districts bordering Kerala has been intensified and it has been made mandatory for all returnees by flight to compulsorily undergo RT-PCR test.
The state health department continues to aggressively test for the virus and is involved in tracing the contacts, as it is determined to further bring down the cases, Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan said.
UK eyes end to lockdown as vaccines reach one-third of adultsUK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to start unwinding England's third and potentially final coronavirus lockdown, as a quickening UK-wide inoculation drive relieves pressure on overstretched hospitals. In a statement to parliament, PM Johnson will confirm the reopening of all English schools on March 8 in the first big step towards restoring normal life, nearly a year after he imposed the first stay-at-home order.
The Conservative prime minister, who was accused of acting too late and relaxing curbs too early last year, says he will lay out a "cautious but irreversible" plan to ensure no more lockdowns. "Today I'll be setting out a roadmap to bring us out of lockdown cautiously," he said in a Downing Street release.
"How Ethical Is It?" Top Doctor Body On Health Minister At Coronil Launch
Yoga teacher Ramdev's claims on Patanjali's Coronil as the "first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19", made in the presence of Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, has drawn blistering criticism from the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Read Here RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav drove a tractor from his residence to Assembly, earlier today, protesting against rising fuel prices and LPG cylinder price hike.
COVID-19: National Positivity Rate At 5.20 Per Cent
India has registered a record in the number of COVID-19 cumulative tests, with over 21.15 crore samples tested, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. The country's national positivity rate is pegged at 5.20 per cent. Progressive countrywide expansion in testing infrastructure has played a crucial role in the steep rise of testing numbers, the ministry underlined. With 2393 testing labs in the country including 1,220 government laboratories and 1,173 private laboratories, the daily testing capacity has got a substantial boost.
36 Per Cent Rise In Active COVID-19 Cases In Mumbai Since February 8: Mumbai Civic Body
Amid a spike in coronavirus infection in parts of Maharashtra, Mumbai has witnessed 36.38 per cent rise in the active COVID-19 cases since February 8, as per the city civic body. Careless attitude of citizens, allowing the general public to travel in local trains and opening of various other commercial activities were among the reasons behind the current surge in COVID-19 cases here, civic officials said.
Jammu and Kashmir: Train services halted due to COVID-19 pandemic resume after a year in Srinagar.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will not attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme of the inauguration of several railway projects in Hooghly today, reports news agency ANI.
They are not going to take back these 3 new laws unless they are forced and there's a reason for it. The reason is that these 3 laws are designed to destroy the agricultural system in India and give the entire business to 2-3 of PM Modi's friends: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Entire world can see the difficulty faced by Indian farmers but the Govt in Delhi is unable to understand the pain of the farmers. We have pop stars who are commenting on the situation pf the farmers, but the Indian Govt is not interested: Rahul Gandhi, in Muttil, Wayanad, Kerala
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi takes out a tractor rally from Thrikkaipatta to Muttil in Wayanad district.
Due to the Assam government's efforts, there are more than 20 engineering colleges in the state. State also working on an implementation of the new National Education Policy at the earliest. NEP focuses on education in regional language which will benefit tea workers' children and tribal people: PM Modi
COVID-19 Spike In Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar Cancels All Public Events
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Monday said he has cancelled all his scheduled public engagements in view of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra. On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 6,971 new coronavirus cases, raising the state's infection tally to 21,00,884. The state also reported 35 fatalities due to COVID-19 on Sunday, taking the toll to 51,788, as per official data.
PM Modi inaugurates Rs 44.98 crore Dhemaji Engineering College, lays a foundation of Rs 54.71 crore Sualkuchi Engineering College in Assam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of various projects in Silapathar, Dhemaji.
No COVID-19 Case Reported In Arunachal For 3 Days
Arunachal Pradesh did not report any fresh COVID-19 case in the past three days, a senior health official said on Monday. The total caseload in the northeastern state remained at 16,836, State Surveillance Officer Lobsang Jampa said. Arunachal Pradesh now has five active cases, while
16,775 people have recovered from the disease. A total of 56 patients have succumbed to the virus.
Robert Vadra rides a bicycle from Khan Market to his office in protest against the rising fuel prices.
Maharashtra: 547 New COVID-19 Cases In Thane, 3 More Deaths
With the addition of 547 new cases of coronavirus, the infection count in Maharashtra's Thane district has gone up to 2,60,725,an official said on Monday. These new cases were reported on Sunday, he said. The virus also claimed the life of three more persons, raising the death toll in the district to 6,238, he said. The COVID-19 mortality rate in the district is 2.40 per cent, the official said.
"We're Going To Beat Covid": Biden After Visiting Pfizer Vaccine Manufacturing Plant
After visiting the Pfizer manufacturing plant in Michigan, US President Joe Biden on Sunday thanked the company's workers for their tireless efforts and said because of their hard work Americans are going to beat COVID-19. "On Friday, I visited Kalamazoo, Michigan to tour a Pfizer manufacturing plant. I had an opportunity to see the COVID-19 vaccine production process up close and thank the workers for their tireless efforts - because of their hard work we're going to beat COVID-19," Biden wrote on Twitter.
Australia Starts COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout, PM Receives First Dose
Australia launched its public rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine Monday amid protests over the campaign, including a vocal show of opposition by crowds at the final of the Australian Open. Some 60,000 doses are set to be given this week, starting with frontline workers -- from healthcare staff to hotel quarantine employees and police -- and residents of aged care homes.
India Reports 14,199 New COVID-19 Cases, 83 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
With 14,199 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has climbed to 1,10,05,850, while the number of recoveries has surged to 1,06,99,410, the Union health ministry said on Monday.
"Lockdown If Cases Keep Rising For 8-15 Days," Says Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday called the coronavirus situation in the state "serious" and warned that lockdown would have to be reimposed if daily Covid cases continue to rise in the next two weeks. In a virtual address, he said it would take "8 to 15 days" to ascertain if the current upsurge in daily figures is a fresh wave of infections. He also warned people to follow coronavirus protocols to avoid lockdown.
Read Here 58 New COVID-19 Cases In Odisha
Odisha's COVID-19 tally on Sunday mounted to 3,36,636 after 58 more people tested positive for the disease, a health department official said. Fifty-eight patients were cured of the disease during the day, taking the total number of recoveries to 3,34,107, which is 99.24 per cent of the caseload.
Won't Pay For Treatment If You Skip Covid Vaccination, Says This State
Healthcare professionals and other frontline medical workers who skip COVID-19 vaccination won't get financial help from the authorities for treatment if they get infected later and won't be allowed to take quarantine or isolation leave, the Punjab government has said.
Read Here US Nears 5 Lakh Coronavirus Deaths; "It's Terrible," Says Top Expert
The United States was on the brink Sunday of the grim milestone of 5,00,000 Covid-related deaths since the start of the pandemic, as the nation's top virus expert warned a semblance of normalcy may not return until the end of the year. Signs of hope were emerging in the rollout of vaccines and the dropping off of a massive winter spike in infections, but the heavy deaths continue to mount in a nation that has reported the most fatalities and cases in the world.
Need To Increase Pace Of COVID-19 Vaccinations: Centre To States
The Union Health Ministry has written to all states and UTs highlighting the need to significantly enhance the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations, noting that a large number of healthcare and frontline workers still remain to be covered.
Bigger Private Sector Role In Covid Vaccination Soon: NITI Aayog Member
Details of large-scale participation of the private sector in the COVID-19 vaccination drive will be available in "a matter of few days", Dr VK Paul, NITI Aayog member who heads the centre's pandemic response team, has told NDTV. So far, more than 1.07 crore vaccine doses have been administered to healthcare professionals and frontline medical workers.
Read Here India sends 13 boxes of COVID-19 vaccine to Mongolia
Pune reports over 1,100 new COVID-19 cases, 6 deaths in last 24 hours
As many as 1,176 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in Pune district, as per Health Department, Pune Zilha Parishad on Sunday. The deaths due to COVID-19 mounted to 9,183. The overall positive cases stand at 3,98,607 including 7,355 active cases.
Maharashtra reported 6,971 new COVID-19 cases and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the state health department, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra has reached 21,00,884 with the addition of new cases. The deaths have risen to 51,788 with the addition of 35 deaths.
A total of 19,94,947 people have recovered from the virus in the state as of today, with 2,417 additional recoveries in the state. The number of active cases in Maharashtra stands at 52,956.
UK accelerates vaccine rollout with end of lockdown in sight
The UK government on Sunday vowed to offer a first coronavirus vaccine dose to every adult by the end of July, as it readied to announce a gradual easing of its third lockdown in England.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will outline the lockdown review in parliament on Monday, said the faster inoculation campaign would seek to offer a first dose to everyone aged over 50 by mid-April.
The previous targets were to inoculate over 50s by May, and all adults by September.
"We will now aim to offer a jab to every adult by the end of July, helping us protect the most vulnerable sooner, and take further steps to ease some of the restrictions," Johnson said, while stressing the exit would be "cautious and phased".
Britain, one of the hardest-hit countries in the world by the Covid-19 pandemic with more than 120,000 deaths, was also the first nation to begin a mass vaccination campaign, in December.