The current system for recurring transactions will continue till September 30. (File)
In a reprieve for millions, the Reserve Bank of India has deferred a new rule requiring additional authentication for auto payments made from their accounts of mobile and other bills as well as subscription charges for over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The current system for recurring transactions will continue till September 30.
Under the new rule, which was earlier to be enforced from tomorrow, recurring transactions will require additional authentication by the customer (at minimum, at the time of setting up a new recurring payment) to proceed.
Meanwhile, Passengers at Delhi Airport - arriving from states witnessing a Covid surge - will be tested randomly and "those found positive shall be mandatorily quarantined," the government has said. The move will be followed next at railway and bus stations.
"Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) shall conduct random COVID-19 testing of passengers coming from the states where the cases are increasing," read a statement tweeted today by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
Here are the Latest News Live Updates:
Maharashtra government slashes by half COVID-19 testing charges
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday brought down the rates of coronavirus RT-PCR tests
to Rs 500 from Rs 1,000.
The charges for rapid antigen tests were also brought down, PTI reported. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope made the announcement.
Bengal reports 982 new COVID-19 cases, 2 fresh fatalities
West Bengal's COVID-19 tally mounted to 5,86,915 as the state reported this year's biggest single-day spike of 982 cases on Wednesday, a health bulletin said.
Fiji PM thanks India for COVID-19 vacccines
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on Wednesday thanked the Government of India for providing the island country with Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines.
"Through Vaccine Maitri, India is adding the missing piece of equity to COVID equation. To my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian High Commission in Fiji -- dhanyawaad for your commitment to humanity," the Prime Minister said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that Made in India Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccines landed in Fiji. According to the latest update by Johns Hopkins University, Fiji has reported as many as 67 COVID-19 cases and two deaths related to the virus.
Under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative, India has provided COVID-19 vaccines to over 70 countries.
Punjab Chief Minister warns of stricter curbs if COVID situation does not improve by next week
A day after announcing curbs to tackle coronavirus, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said a decision on stricter restrictions will be taken after a review of the situation in the state on April 8.
The Chief Minister's warning to impose harsher restrictions if the situation does not improve by next week comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and fatalities in the state.
On Tuesday, the Punjab government issued orders to ramp up COVID-19 testing and vaccination and also directed closure of schools and colleges in the state for 10 days.
Addressing a virtual meeting with top health, administrative and police officials on Wednesday, the chief minister said a decision on further curbs will be taken after a review of the situation on April 8, as per an official statement.
"I will watch things for a week, and then if there is no improvement, we may have to go for stricter curbs," Mr Singh said.
Odisha issues COVID-19 guideline for April, focuses on by-poll and festivals
With the resurgence of coronavirus cases in some areas of the state, Odisha government on Wednesday issued guidelines for the month of April keeping in view the ensuing by-elections at Pipili and a series of religious festivals next month.
The guideline to be effective between April 1 and April 30, allowed the district authorities and municipal corporations to enforce micro containment zones according to the protocols of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The new guideline also stressed on the testing, tracking and treatment. The proportion of RT-PCR tests in the total mix should be scaled up to the extent possible.
COVID-19: Karnataka logs 4,225 new cases,26 deaths
Registering a sharp spike in daily infections, Karnataka on Wednesday reported 4,225 new cases of COVID-19 and 26 more fatalities, taking the total number of infections to 9,97,004 and the death toll to 12,567, the Health department said.
The day also saw 1,492 patients getting discharged after recovery.
The state had recorded 2,975 new cases yesterday. Of the fresh infections reported on Wednesday, 2,928 were from Bengaluru Urban district alone.
As of March 31 evening, cumulatively 9,97,004 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which include 12,567 deaths and 9,56,170 discharges, the Health department said in its bulletin.
Silence period in Nandigram; Mamata Banerjee campaigns in other parts of Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari meets party workers
It was a day of ''silence period'' in Nandigram and other 29 seats going to the polls in the second phase of West Bengal elections and for most candidates, it was time to catch up with some rest and take care of logistics for the polling day.
For Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, it was another day of campaigning. The lead campaigner of Trinamool Congress held election rallies in Hooghly and Howrah districts to boost the party''s prospects in eight-phased assembly polls.
Nandigram is a prestigious battle as Mamata Banerjee has taken on her former ministerial colleague Suvendu Adhikari, who joined the BJP in December last year.
While Banerjee campaigned in other parts of the state, Suvendu Adhikari met with his party workers and discussed logistics for polling day on April 1.
Consignment of Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Yemen
A flight carrying a consignment of Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines landed in Yemen on Wednesday under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed.
"Arrival in Aden. Made in India vaccines land in Yemen. #VaccineMaitri," Mr Jaishankar wrote in a tweet.
Under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative, India has provided COVID-19 vaccines to over 70 countries.
Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are among many countries that were aided by India during the pandemic.
BJP will come to power in Bengal by winning over 200 seats: Prahlad Singh Patel
Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Wednesday asserted that the BJP will come to power in West Bengal by bagging over 200 assembly seats. The Union tourism minister canvassed in Mal constituency in Jalpaiguri district in support of BJP candidate Mahesh Bagey.
He first conducted a door-to-door campaign in Odlabari area and then undertook a march in Malbazar town.
Besides Bagey, BJP''s Jalpaiguri MP Jayanta Roy, Nagrakata MLA Sukra Munda and the party's district chief Bapi Goswami accompanied Patel. "The BJP had done good results in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Our party will come to power in the state by winning over 200 seats in the assembly polls," Mr Patel told reporters.
Mamata Banerjee has lost ground in Bengal, speaking of "gotra" is sign of desperation: Prakash Javadekar
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has realised that she has lost ground in West Bengal and is speaking about her ''gotra'' in desperation, but this "drama" will not help her party win the assembly election.
"You are disclosing your gotra and are opposing ''Jai Shri Ram'' and also disallowed Ma Durga's immersion during Durga Puja. People understand everything as to who is genuine and who is not," he told reporters.
Mr Javadekar claimed that the people of the state have already made up their mind to bring the BJP to power and the Lok Sabha election result indicated the people''s will to reject Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress.
Yemen receives first coronavirus vaccines: UN
War-torn Yemen received the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines on Wednesday, the UN children's agency said, a week after the country's coronavirus committee warned of a public health "emergency".
The AstraZeneca doses arrived in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen's de facto capital, where the internationally recognised government is based after being routed from Sanaa in the north by Huthi rebels in 2014.
"Yemen received 360,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses shipped via the Covax facility," UNICEF said in a statement, referring to the World Health Organization-backed global scheme to provide jabs to countries in need. "This first batch is part of 1.9 million doses that Yemen will initially receive throughout 2021," it added.
Andhra Governor, his wife take second dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan and his wife Suprava Harichandan on Wednesday took the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine here at Raj Bhavan.
The Andhra Governor said he did not feel any pain or adverse effects like fever after taking the vaccine and said it is safe and absolutely necessary to take the vaccine for the health of individuals, family members and society to fight the menace of COVID-19.
He also advised people to follow COVID-appropriate behavior like maintain social distance and wear a mask.
He also lauded the Andhra government's efforts in taking all steps by testing, tracking, treatment and vaccination programmes as per the centre's guidelines and closely monitoring the situation in the state.
Assam polls: 310 CAPF coys, 90 Assam police companies deployed for second phase
As many as 310 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) coys and 90 companies of Assam state police have been deployed for the second phase of the Assam Assembly polls on April 1, Assam Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nitin Khade informed.
One constable and one home guard will also be deployed at each polling station. Besides this, sector and zonal police officers are continually monitoring the security situation.
In view of the worsening COVID-19 situation, the Election Commission (EC) had issued guidelines lowering the maximum number of voters per polling booth from 1,600 to 1,000.
Rajnath condemns A Raja's remark against Palaniswami's mother, says DMK leader insulted Tamil Nadu
Condemning DMK leader A Raja's objectionable comment on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami's mother, Defence Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that his statement has insulted the mothers and sisters of the entire nation as well as the state.
He also alleged that the DMK leader used foul language, adding that the people of Tamil Nadu will give a befitting reply to the DMK in the state assembly elections.
Addressing a public meeting in poll-boun Tamil Nadu''s Ooty, Rajnath Singh said, "I read in newspapers that a senior DMK leader said shameful things about CM Edappadi K Palaniswami. I condemn this in the strongest terms. The DMK leader has not only used foul language against the CM but has insulted the entire Tamil Nadu."
Assam elections: Fate of 345 candidates to be decided in phase II
The polling for the second phase of the three-phased assembly elections in Assam will take place on Thursday.
A total of 39 constituencies out of the remaining 79 are going to polls in the second phase. In the first phase, 47 seats went to polls in the 126-member assembly.
The BJP had lined up star campaigners in the poll-bound constituencies with party''s national president JP Nadda addressing three rallies, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi campaigning in Badarpur and Sonai while Smriti Irani touring three regions-Borbhag, Gauripur, and Dhubri. The Congress had also brought in Rahul Gandhi to give a last-minute push to its candidates. However, Gandhi was not able to reach the state due to bad weather on Tuesday -- the day campaigning came to an end for the second phase.
The second phase of elections will decide the fate of 345 candidates.
Ukraine reports record virus deaths, hospitalisations
Ukraine reported on Wednesday a record number of new coronavirus deaths and daily hospitalisations as authorities struggled to accelerate a vaccine rollout.
"The situation with coronavirus disease remains quite tense," Health Minister Maksym Stepanov told a daily briefing.
On Wednesday, the ex-Soviet state reported 11,226 new coronavirus cases and 407 deaths, a new daily high.
The number of people hospitalised was also set a daily record, at 5,558, a major burden for Ukraine's ageing healthcare system.
The country of 40 million launched a nationwide vaccination campaign in late February, later than most European countries, following delays that sparked criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky's policies.
JUST IN| RBI has extended deadline on additional authentication on card payments for recurring transactions till September 30.
8 States Account For 85 Per cent Of New COVID-19 Cases In India
Eight states accounted for 84.73 per cent of the 53,480 COVID-19 cases registered in the country in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry informed on Wednesday morning. Maharashtra continued to report the highest number of daily cases with 27,918, followed by Chhattisgarh and Karnataka with 3,108 and 2,975 respectively. Six states accounted for 82.20 per cent of the new 354 deaths. With 139, Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties, followed by Punjab with 64 deaths.
We're increasing testing, tracking and tracing in the State. We are also going to increase the number of vaccination centres. Today, there is no shortage of beds, medicines, doctors. If the number of cases keeps rising,then, we'll have to take a decision: Maharashtra Health Minister
The number of covid-19 tests has been increased from 25,000 to 70,000 tests per day. All necessary steps are being taken. We are in alert mode. We don't have so many cases that we consider imposing lockdown: Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey.
Random Covid Testing At Delhi Airport From Today, Rail, Bus Stations Next
Passengers at Delhi Airport - arriving from states witnessing a Covid surge - will be tested randomly and "those found positive shall be mandatorily quarantined," the government has said. The move will be followed next at railway and bus stations.
Read Here I have come here to promise you that Govt of India will implement every single promise made in Bodo agreement before 2022 for a peaceful Assam: Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah in Chirang.
Defence Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh campaigns in Udagamandalam-Ooty, ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly elections on April 6.
Nearly 3,000 Caught Without Masks On North Goa Beaches In 2021
The Pernem and Calangute police in North Goa district have so far this year caught 2,957 people without wearing masks on beaches and collected Rs 5.86 lakh as fine from them, officials said on Wednesday. The Goa police have intensified their drive to penalise visitors violating the COVID-19 protocols and not wearing face covers on beaches, they said. The coastal state has been witnessing huge crowds on its beaches, specially during extended weekends. On Tuesday, Goa reported 127 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, raising its tally to 57,839, as per the state health department.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda said today he and his wife had tested positive for COVID-19 and were self-isolating.
In view of increasing covid cases in the national capital, random covid-19 testing of arriving passengers to start from today at the airport.
People not following covid-19 safety norms at Gazipur Fruit and Vegetable Market in Delhi.
From today, we're going to increase testing to over 80,000 tests daily. Yesterday, govt issued an order for increasing 220 beds in ICU wards in private hospitals for covid-19 patients. There is just 25% occupancy in private and government hospitals in Delhi: State Health Minister Satyendra Jain.
₹ 5 To Enter Market For An Hour - This City's Plan To Avoid Lockdown
In a bid to decongest market areas amid rising Covid-19 cases, the Nashik administration is charging people to enter a market for an hour. "We are using a different approach to contain COVID-19 spread in Nashik. We are issuing a ticket of ₹ 5 per person to enter a market area for an hour. It's an attempt to save the city from entering lockdown," said Deepak Pandey, Commissioner of Police, Nashik City on Tuesday.
India Records 53,480 New Infections, 354 Deaths In 24 HoursIndia's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 1,21,49,335 with 53,480 new infections, while the recoveries have surged to 1,14,34,301, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death count increased to 1,62,468 with 354 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
After Canada, Germany Halts AstraZeneca Vaccine For Under-60s Over Clot Risks
Germany will deploy AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for general use only for over-60 year olds, the government said Tuesday, imposing restrictions for younger people taking the jab after several severe clotting cases. Under-60s can still decide to take the vaccine but only following "consultation with the doctor carrying out the vaccination ... and with an individual risk analysis," said ministers of Germany's 16 states as well as the federal health minister in a policy statement.
US, 13 Allies Concerned Over WHO-Backed COVID-19 Origins Report
The United States led a chorus of concern from a group of nations on Tuesday over a WHO-backed report into the origins of the coronavirus in China, with accusations swirling that Beijing failed to give proper access to the investigators. The US released a statement with 13 of its allies -- Britain, Japan and Australia among them -- saying the inquiry had lacked the data and samples it needed.
WHO Chief Toughens Tone On China With Lab Probe Call
The WHO's chief, long accused of complacency towards Beijing, hardened his tone Tuesday, urging further investigation into a theory Covid-19 sprang from a laboratory leak. The director-general of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also rebuked China for sitting on key data.
Punjab Is Not Conducting Adequate Number Of COVID-19 Tests: Centre
Punjab has been neither conducting adequate number of tests nor been able to promptly isolate COVID-19 positive people, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Giving an overview of the COVID-19 situation in states and Union Territories that are witnessing a surge in cases, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in Punjab, where the average daily new cases in the second week of February was 332 it has now risen to 2,742.
Covid Situation Going "From Bad To Worse," Says Government
The Covid situation in India has been becoming "bad to worse over the last few weeks," the Centre said on Tuesday. "Trends show the virus is still very active just when we think we can control it, it sparks back," said VK Paul, chairman of the National Expert Committee on Vaccine Administration.
Read Here Ecuador records 2,201 new daily COVID-19 cases
Ecuador recorded 2,201 new COVID-19 infections and 34 more deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the number of cases to 327,325 and deaths to 11,912, the Public Health Ministry reported on Tuesday.
The province of Pichincha, where the nation's capital Quito is located, is the hardest hit by the pandemic, reporting 834 infections, including 799 in Quito, in the last day, ANI reported.
Three new cases take Nagaland's COVID-19 tally to 12,233
The COVID-19 caseload in Nagaland rose to 12,233 as three more persons have tested
positive for the disease, a health department official said on Tuesday. All
newcases were reported from Kohima, PTI reported. The northeastern state now has eight active
cases-five in Dimapur and
three in Kohima, Health and Family Welfare Department's Director Dr Denis Hangsing said.
Bengal reports 2 more COVID-19 deaths, 626 fresh cases
West Bengal's COVID-19 death count went up to 10,327 on Tuesday after two more persons died due to the disease, the health department said in a bulletin.