4 years ago
New Delhi:
Maharashtra has logged 25,833 fresh cases of Covid over the last 24 hours - highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. In the same period, 58 deaths have taken place.
Yesterday, the Union health ministry said 60 per cent of the country's active Covid cases and 45.4 per cent of deaths are concentrated in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, India on Thursday recorded 35,871 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day rise in over 100 days, which took the infection tally to 1,14,74,605, according to Union health ministry data.
Registering an increase for the eighth consecutive day, the active caseload reached 2,52,364, which accounts for 2.20 per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate further dropped to 96.41 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.
The death count increased to 1,59,216 with 172 new fatalities, it stated.
The single-day spike of 35,871 cases is the highest in 102 days. As many as 36,011 new infections were recorded on December 6.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,10,63,025, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.39 per cent, according to the data.
Here are the Highlights:
Mar 19, 2021 05:09 (IST)
Amid third COVID-19 wave, France to go into month-long lockdown from Friday
French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday imposed a month-long lockdown in 16 areas of the country, including the greater Paris and Nice areas, in wake of rising COVID-19 cases.
The new measures will go into effect from Friday midnight lasting four weeks but are less restrictive than measures imposed in March and November of last year, reported CNN.
"Our choice, to be less restrictive on possibilities to leave one's home, will need to go hand in hand with real caution," PM Castex said.
"This is clearly about allowing for people to be outside, but not to go to friends'' homes to have a party or meet with many people without social distancing or a face mask. We know that it is in that kind of situation that the virus prospers," he added.
Mar 19, 2021 04:50 (IST)
COVID-19: Night curfew imposed in Amritsar
Amid surging COVID-19 cases, a night curfew has been imposed in Amritsar as a precautionary measure against the virus. The city reported 230 fresh cases of COVID-19 on March 18.
"The Chief Minister has ordered a curfew in the city between 11 pm and 5 am," said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central) Parvesh Chopra.
Ahead of Holi celebrations, shopkeepers in Amritsar said their businesses are adversely affected due to rising cases of COVID-19.
Punjab reported 2,387 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the state health department on Thursday.Meanwhile, Jalandhar District Collector Ghanshyam Thori and Ludhiana District Collector Varinder Sharna on Thursday imposed a night curfew in the respective districts from tonight. The curfew will remain imposed from 9 pm to 5 am until further orders.With the fresh COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the state now stands at 2,05,418.
Mar 19, 2021 04:32 (IST)
Women feeling unsafe under BJP govt in UP: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that women were feeling unsafe under the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.
He said the Hathras incident has moved the entire world but no worthwhile step has been taken by the state government for the safety and security of women.
While talking to reporters in Vrindavan, Mr Yadav said the state government has "failed" to launch any new work in its four-year tenure. The projects launched during the SP regime are being re-inaugurated by the UP government, he alleged.
Mar 19, 2021 03:52 (IST)
Mar 19, 2021 02:59 (IST)
US to share 4 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine with Mexico, Canada
The United States plans to send roughly 4 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine that it is not using to Mexico and Canada in loan deals with the two countries, bowing to pressure to share vaccine with its allies.
Mexico will receive 2.5 million doses of the vaccine and Canada is to receive 1.5 million doses, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
"It is not fully finalized yet but it is our aim," she told a daily briefing.
Mar 19, 2021 02:44 (IST)
Mauritius to receive consignment of Indian-made Covaxin
Mauritius will receive a consignment of Covaxin, India''s indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, on Friday, announced the High Commission of India in Port Louis on Thursday.
Taking to Twitter, the High Commission said that India stands strong with Mauritius in the tough times, describing it as ''a time-tested and enduring partnership''.
"Mauritius arms itself with COVAXIN, India''s indigenously developed vaccine, in its fight against COVID19. India stands strong with Mauritius in these tough times. Consignment to arrive tomorrow. A time-tested and enduring partnership," tweeted India in Mauritius.
The Indian High Commission in Mauritius also said that Covaxin is effective against the UK variant and other heterologous strains.
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Mar 19, 2021 02:29 (IST)
France to resume use of AstraZeneca vaccine on Friday: Prime Minister Jean Castex
France will resume using the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine from Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Jean Castex said, adding that he would be among those to receive the jab.
After suspending use of the shot on Monday, Castex said that France's health regulator would update its advice on Friday following an announcement by the EU's drug regulator that the vaccine was "safe and effective."
"I will get myself vaccinated with this vaccine to show that we can have complete confidence in it," Castex told a press conference on Thursday.
Mar 19, 2021 02:19 (IST)
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Mar 19, 2021 01:41 (IST)
Attention should be paid to social distancing, use of masks in view of festivals ahead: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given instructions to remain vigilant in view of Covid-19 and said that full attention should be paid to social distancing and use of masks in view of the festivals ahead.
He said that the increase in the rate of coronavirus infection in many states is a warning to all. He has also given instructions to maintain an effective system of prevention and treatment of coronavirus in the state to control the infection.
According to a press statement, the Chief Minister was reviewing the unlock process at a high-level meeting convened at Lok Bhawan here today. He said that the coronavirus testing work should be conducted at full capacity. At least 45 pc of the total Covid tests conducted by various methods should be done daily with the RT-PCR method.
Mar 19, 2021 01:30 (IST)
Commercial establishments to close in Sikkim by 10 pm as part of measures against COVID-19
In view of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, the Sikkim Government has taken measures to prevent its spread and issued directions that all commercial establishments will close by 10 pm every day.
A state government release said on Thursday that there shall be no movement of vehicles after 10.30 pm till 6 am except for emergency purposes.
This restriction shall not apply to commercial goods vehicles including LCVs and vehicles on emergency duty.
"All commercial establishments including restaurants, bars, night clubs, discos, pubs, gyms shall close by 10 pm every day. However, this shall not apply to in-house guests staying in the hotels," the release said.
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Mar 19, 2021 01:15 (IST)
Nearly 4.40 lakh vaccinated against COVID-19 so far in J&K
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday said nearly 4.40 lakh people have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Union Territory with no reported case of extreme adverse events.
This was conveyed by officials at a meeting of the Union Territory's steering committee, chaired by Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, to review the progress of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.
"A total of 4,39,910 people have been vaccinated in Jammu and Kashmir with no reported case of extreme adverse events," Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Atal Dulloo said.
He said 77 per cent of the healthcare workers, 78 per cent of the frontline workers and 12.28 per cent of the elderly population and patients with comorbidities have been inoculated.
Dulloo said arrangements have been put in place for on-the-spot registration and administration of the vaccine to the remaining healthcare workers and frontline workers.
Mar 19, 2021 01:05 (IST)
South Delhi Municipal Corporation requests DJB not to seal borewells in parks
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has written to the city''s water board, requesting not seal borewells in parks till the project of laying of pipes gets completed, officials said.
South Delhi Mayor Anamika said the civic agency also requested Delhi Jal Board to allow watering of parks from its existing system.
The SDMC has written a letter to DJB, requesting it to "not seal borewells in parks, as the move will result in drying of parks and permanent damage to the environment", she said.
The mayor said the corporation has urged the DJB to file an application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for extension of time for sealing of borewells till the project of laying of pipes gets completed.
The mayor said the DJB had been sealing the borewells of different parks under the jurisdiction of the SDMC citing an order of the NGT.
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Mar 18, 2021 23:35 (IST)
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday expressed confidence that Navjot Singh Sidhu will be back in his Cabinet, nearly two years after the cricketer-turned-politician quit the government after being divested of a key portfolio.
Mar 18, 2021 23:03 (IST)
Around 50 lakh people returned to India under Vande Bharat Mission
Around 50 lakh people have returned to India under Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) as on March 10, 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Ministry of External Affairs said that it has incurred Rs 33.5 crores (as on December 31, 2020) to assist Indian nationals in distress to bring them to India under the Vande Bharat Mission.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday had said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has been "deeply committed to the welfare and protection of Indians abroad" from the beginning of the crisis created by COVID-19.
Around 50 lakh people have returned to India under Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) as on March 10, 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Ministry of External Affairs said that it has incurred Rs 33.5 crores (as on December 31, 2020) to assist Indian nationals in distress to bring them to India under the Vande Bharat Mission.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday had said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has been "deeply committed to the welfare and protection of Indians abroad" from the beginning of the crisis created by COVID-19.
Mar 18, 2021 22:51 (IST)
COVID-19: 1,488 new cases in Karnataka, 8 deaths
Karnataka has added over 1,488 fresh infections to its coronavirus tally, taking the total
Karnataka has added over 1,488 fresh infections to its coronavirus tally, taking the total
positives to 9.65 lakh while the count rose to 12,415 with 8 related fatalities, the Health department said on Thursday.
This is for the third consecutive day that the state is reporting over 1,000 new cases.
The day also saw 341 patients getting discharged after recovery.
Out of the 1,488 fresh cases reported on Thursday, 925 were from Bengaluru Urban alone.
As of March 18 evening, cumulatively 9,65,102 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 12,415 deaths and 9,41,309 discharges, the Health department said in its bulletin.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 22:33 (IST)
Rajasthan reports 327 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths
Rajasthan reported 327 new COVID-19 cases and three fatalities on Thursday, pushing the state's infection tally to 3,24,101 and the death toll to 2,794.
According to a health department bulletin, 3,023 people are undergoing treatment in the state for the disease.
The number of people discharged after recovering from the disease stands at 3,18,284, it said.
So far, 519 have died in Jaipur, 308 in Jodhpur, 222 in Ajmer, 169 in Kota, 167 in Bikaner, 120 in Bharatpur, 124 in Udaipur, 109 in Pali and 101 in Sikar, the bulletin said.
Of the new cases, 81 were in Jaipur, 34 each in Kota and Rajsamand, 32 in Udaipur and 18 in Ajmer.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 22:30 (IST)
Delhi on Thursday recorded 607 new COVID-19 cases, the highest in about two-and-a-half months, while one more fatality pushed the death count to 10,949, the Health Department said.
Mar 18, 2021 22:19 (IST)
Over 1,200 new coronavirus cases in Gujarat
Gujarat reported 1,276 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, which took its overall tally to
Gujarat reported 1,276 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, which took its overall tally to
2,82,449, the state health department said.
The daily case count in the state has risen from 480 to over 1,200 in just two weeks' time.
Even as the state is witnessing a sudden spike in daily cases, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday said his government is not mulling imposing a total lockdown.
"There is no need to panic. We had faced similar situations in the past too. We are not mulling imposing any lockdown as of now," he told reporters in Gandhinagar.
Two patients died due to the infection in Ahmedabad and one in Surat city during the day, which took the state's death count to 4,433.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 22:10 (IST)
Tamil Nadu records 989 new COVID-19 infections, nine fatalities
Tamil Nadu saw a new high of daily coronavirus cases with 989 people contracting the contagion,
Tamil Nadu saw a new high of daily coronavirus cases with 989 people contracting the contagion,
pushing the caseload to 8.63 lakh while nine more deaths took the count to 12,573, the health department said on Thursday.
The state's daily count of infections stayed above 500 mark since March 5.
Recoveries were lesser with 569 patients being discharged, taking the cumulative to 8,44,568 leaving 6,222 active cases, a health bulletin said.
Chennai accounted for most of the new infections with 394 cases being reported, aggregating 2,40,245 till date.
The metropolis also leads in the number of fatalities with 4,190.
All the nine victims were ailing with pre-existing comorbidity.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 22:04 (IST)
Maharashtra Chief Minister calls for strict implementation of COVID-19 norms, curbs
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday asked divisional commissioners to ensure that restrictions announced to curb the spread of COVID-19 are implemented strictlyin view of the spike in the number of infection cases.
In a virtual meeting, Mr Thackeray said even though the state is witnessing a steep spike in the number of daily cases, the vaccination drive has also gained momentum.
"In view of the highest number of cases on Thursday since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, the district administration should speed up contact tracing and implementation of restrictions and safety protocols," he said.
Mr Thackeray said administering three lakh vaccine doses daily should be the target.
Considering the rising heat, facilities like drinking water and toilets should be provided at the vaccination centres, he said.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 21:55 (IST)
Chhattisgarh records 1,066 new COVID-19 cases, five deaths
Chhattisgarh on Thursday reported 1,066 new coronavirus cases and five fatalities, taking the
The number of active cases in the state stands at 6,025, the official said.
Chhattisgarh on Thursday reported 1,066 new coronavirus cases and five fatalities, taking the
infection count in the state to 3,20,783 and death count to 3,920, a health official said.
This is the highest number of cases recorded in a single day in over two months.
On January 9, the state had recorded 1,014 cases.
The number of recoveries reached 3,10,838 in the state after a total of 26 people were discharged from various hospitals, while 260 others completed their home isolation during the day.
Mar 18, 2021 21:41 (IST)
Mumbai records 2,877 coronavirus cases, highest one-day rise since pandemic started
Mumbai on Thursday recorded its highest one-day spike of 2,877 new coronavirus cases
Mumbai on Thursday recorded its highest one-day spike of 2,877 new coronavirus cases
which took the tally of cases in the city to 3,52,835, civic officials said.
With eight fatalities, the death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital increased to 11,555.
On October 7, Mumbai had reported 2,848 new COVID-19 cases, highest since the first infection in the city came to light on March 11, 2020.
Also, this is the third time when single-day cases have surpassed the 2,800-mark.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 21:26 (IST)
The Supreme Court Thursday said journalists' work can be done without coming in contact with people unlike lawyers and asked the Centre to consider the legal fraternity's request for priority in COVID-19 vaccination saying their livelihood depends on direct interaction with their clients.
Mar 18, 2021 21:22 (IST)
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged the Centre to leave its ego, scrap the three farm legislations and bring in new laws after fresh discussions with farmers.
Mar 18, 2021 20:48 (IST)
Maharashtra aims to vaccinate 3 lakh people per day: Health Minister Rajesh Tope
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that his government is aiming to vaccinate 3 lakh people daily amidst a surge in coronavirus cases in the state.
While speaking to reporters, he informed that although numbers are increasing and the state is facing the second peak of infections.
"We are moving toward another peak in infections of COVID-19 but there is no need to panic. About 95 per cent of all patients are asymptomatic. We want to be aggressive in vaccination. Three lakh doses per day is our target. I will be monitoring this myself," Mr Tope said.
He further assured that there were enough beds available for patients, both in government and private hospitals.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that his government is aiming to vaccinate 3 lakh people daily amidst a surge in coronavirus cases in the state.
While speaking to reporters, he informed that although numbers are increasing and the state is facing the second peak of infections.
"We are moving toward another peak in infections of COVID-19 but there is no need to panic. About 95 per cent of all patients are asymptomatic. We want to be aggressive in vaccination. Three lakh doses per day is our target. I will be monitoring this myself," Mr Tope said.
He further assured that there were enough beds available for patients, both in government and private hospitals.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 20:35 (IST)
Maharashtra has logged 25,833 fresh cases of Covid over the last 24 hours - highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. In the same period, 58 deaths have taken place.
Mar 18, 2021 20:28 (IST)
917 new COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh; 500 patients recover, one dies
Madhya Pradesh on Thursday reported 917 new coronavirus cases, which pushed its overall
Madhya Pradesh on Thursday reported 917 new coronavirus cases, which pushed its overall
tally to 2,71,957, while one death due to the virus took the count to 3,894, an official said.
A total of 500 people were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the recovery count in the state to 2,62,031, he said.
Of the total 52 districts in the state, six districts did not report any fresh case, he said.
The lone death was reported from Gwalior.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 20:18 (IST)
Over 23 crore COVID-19 tests conducted in India, cumulative positivity rate 4.98%
A total of 3,71,43,255 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered through 6,15,267 sessions, according to the provisional report till Thursday at 7 am.
The number of tests conducted in the country for detection of COVID-19 has crossed 23 crore and the cumulative positivity rate was at 4.98 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.
India''s tests per day per million population is more than 140 and the daily positivity rate is 3.37 per cent as of Thursday, it said, adding the country was fast approaching a milestone of immunising 4 crore people.
Mar 18, 2021 19:50 (IST)
No new COVID-19 case in Nagaland
Nagaland did not report any new COVID-19 case for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday,
Nagaland's caseload stands at 12,225, of which seven are active cases, while 11,973 people have recovered from the disease, 91 people have succumbed to the infection and 154
patients have migrated to other states so far, a health bulletin said.
Nagaland did not report any new COVID-19 case for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday,
Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom said.
patients have migrated to other states so far, a health bulletin said.
Mar 18, 2021 19:25 (IST)
140 new Covid cases in Jammu and Kashmir, 1 death
Seven districts did not report any fresh cases, 10 other districts had cases in single digits.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 140 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the tally to 1,28,097, while one more person died due to the pathogen, officials said.
Out of the fresh cases, 25 were from the Jammu division and 115 from the Kashmir division, officials said.
Srinagar district recorded the highest 75 cases, followed by 20 in Jammu district.
The number of active cases was 1,073 in the union territory, while 1,25,046 patients have recovered so far, the officials said.
The death count is 1,978 as one fresh death was reported from Kashmir Valley, they added.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 19:16 (IST)
Over 2.7 lakh people get COVID-19 vaccine jab in Maharashtra, highest in one day
Over 2.7 lakh people received COVID-19 vaccine shots in Maharashtra on Wednesday, the
Over 2.7 lakh people received COVID-19 vaccine shots in Maharashtra on Wednesday, the
highest in one day so far, a health department official said.
The data was compiled on Thursday.
As many as 2,74,037 people received the jab on Wednesday, taking the tally in the state to 36,39,989 since the drive commenced on January 16, he said.
Of those vaccinated on Wednesday, 1,70,837 were senior citizens and 37,437 were in the age group of 40 to 60 years and suffered from co-morbidities.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 19:07 (IST)
30 new coronavirus cases found in Dharavi, highest this year
The slum-dominated Dharavi area of Mumbai recorded 30 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours,
Spread over 2.5 sq km, Dharavi has a population of over 6.5 lakh
The slum-dominated Dharavi area of Mumbai recorded 30 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours,
the highest one-day spike since September, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said on Thursday evening.
The caseload in the area, known as Asia's largest slum, reached 4,328. There are 140 active cases.
On September 11, 2020, Dharavi had reported 33 new cases.
As cases surged since last month, it recorded 21 new infections two days ago.
Mar 18, 2021 18:50 (IST)
Kerala sees 1,899 fresh coronavirus cases, 15 fatalities
Kerala on Thursday registered 1,899 new COVID-19 infections and 15 related deaths, taking the gross to 10.98 lakh and the toll to 4,450. State Health Minister K K Shailaja said the state has
Till now, 1.25 crore samples have been tested.
Kerala on Thursday registered 1,899 new COVID-19 infections and 15 related deaths, taking the gross to 10.98 lakh and the toll to 4,450. State Health Minister K K Shailaja said the state has
tested 54,314 samples in the last 24 hours and the test positivity rate was 3.5 per cent.
Among the districts, Kozhikode reported 213 cases, the highest in the state, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 200 cases and Kollam 188.
"Out of those found infected today, 64 reached the state from outside, while 1,643 contracted the disease through their contacts.
The sources of infection of 173 are yet to be traced.
Nineteen health workers are also among the infected," Minister said in a release.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 18:41 (IST)
The BJP has announced its second list of candidates today for the Bengal elections, naming 148 candidates including Mukul Roy from Krishnanagar. In this list the BJP has fielded a fifth MP -- Jagannath Sarkar. The parliamentarian from Ranaghat will contest at Shantipur.
Mar 18, 2021 18:20 (IST)
Andhra Pradesh reports 218 new COVID-19 cases
The cumulative coronavirus positive cases in Andhra Pradesh increased to 8,92,740 with
The cumulative coronavirus positive cases in Andhra Pradesh increased to 8,92,740 with
the addition of 218 in the 24 hours ending 9 am on Thursday.
The latest bulletin said 117 patients had recovered from the infection, taking the total to 8,83,759.
The overall toll remained at 7,186 as no fresh deaths were reported in a day, it said.
The state now has 1,795 active cases.
Chittoor district reported 63 fresh cases while Guntur added 24, East Godavari 23, Kadapa and Krishna 21 each, Kurnool 18, Visakhapatnam and Anantapuramu 13 each.
(PTI)
Mar 18, 2021 17:48 (IST)
Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls: Khushbu Sundar files nomination from Thousand Lights constituency
Actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar on Thursday filed her nomination as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Thousand Lights assembly constituency for upcoming Tamil Nadu polls.
Ahead of her nomination filing, she conducted a roadshow with BJP workers into which alliance party cadres joined at Valluvar Kottam .
She told ANI, "I am extremely thankful to Kuka Selvam Sir who resigned from the post and said he will not be in the fray giving me the space to contest."
Actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar on Thursday filed her nomination as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Thousand Lights assembly constituency for upcoming Tamil Nadu polls.
Ahead of her nomination filing, she conducted a roadshow with BJP workers into which alliance party cadres joined at Valluvar Kottam .
She told ANI, "I am extremely thankful to Kuka Selvam Sir who resigned from the post and said he will not be in the fray giving me the space to contest."
"I am confident of my victory, as you all can see the support given by NDA and the solidarity shown by alliance partners. I am in safe hands of NDA dependent on my cadre," she added.
(ANI)
Mar 18, 2021 17:09 (IST)
In a setback to the Congress in Kerala, senior party leader K Sudhakaran on Thursday said he would not contest against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Dharmadom constituency in northern Kannur district.
Mar 18, 2021 16:55 (IST)
Tamil Nadu Polls: E Palaniswami carries out campaign rallies in Nagapattinam
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday carried out campaign rallies in Vedaranyam of the Nagapattinam district ahead of the State assembly elections.
Huge crowds were seen thronging the Chief Minister's vehicle.
Over the last few days, Mr Palaniswami has also carried out rallies in Naachiyar Koil in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and several other districts across the state.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday carried out campaign rallies in Vedaranyam of the Nagapattinam district ahead of the State assembly elections.
Huge crowds were seen thronging the Chief Minister's vehicle.
Over the last few days, Mr Palaniswami has also carried out rallies in Naachiyar Koil in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and several other districts across the state.
The Tamil Nadu assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 6 and the counting of votes will be done on May 2.
(ANI)
Mar 18, 2021 16:46 (IST)
Seven passengers deboarded from flights for flouting Covid-19 norms
Alliance Air, IndiGo and Air Asia have de-boarded seven passengers till now for not following COVID norms and social distancing on board, DGCA officials informed on Thursday.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in a statement, had stated last week that passengers will be de-boarded if they don''t wear masks properly inside aircraft or don''t follow COVID norms.
On the Jammu-Delhi flight in which passengers were deboarded for not following COVID-19 norms inside the flight, Harpreet A De Singh, CEO of Alliance Air, said "In Alliance Air, safety is first and always first. We have zero-tolerance for violation of safety and security norms."
He further said that passenger safety is Alliance Air''s topmost priority. "This adherence is for their own, fellow passengers and their families'' safety."
"The airline caters to passengers in all age groups from very young to very old. Alliance Air briefs passengers at every touchpoint, makes regular in-flight announcements. However on constant request, when the passengers did not adhere to the laid down guidelines and could have endangered other fellow passengers, we apprised the concerned authorities," he added.
Alliance Air, IndiGo and Air Asia have de-boarded seven passengers till now for not following COVID norms and social distancing on board, DGCA officials informed on Thursday.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in a statement, had stated last week that passengers will be de-boarded if they don''t wear masks properly inside aircraft or don''t follow COVID norms.
On the Jammu-Delhi flight in which passengers were deboarded for not following COVID-19 norms inside the flight, Harpreet A De Singh, CEO of Alliance Air, said "In Alliance Air, safety is first and always first. We have zero-tolerance for violation of safety and security norms."
He further said that passenger safety is Alliance Air''s topmost priority. "This adherence is for their own, fellow passengers and their families'' safety."
"The airline caters to passengers in all age groups from very young to very old. Alliance Air briefs passengers at every touchpoint, makes regular in-flight announcements. However on constant request, when the passengers did not adhere to the laid down guidelines and could have endangered other fellow passengers, we apprised the concerned authorities," he added.
Mar 18, 2021 16:41 (IST)
Amid rising cases of COVID-19 in Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced a two-hour extension in the night curfew in the state's nine worst-affected districts.
Mar 18, 2021 16:35 (IST)
The government is serious about reducing road accidents as more people died from such mishaps in the last one year than from COVID-19 infection, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.
Mar 18, 2021 15:50 (IST)
All gardens, parks to be shut in Ahmedabad till further notice
In the wake of increasing cases of Covid-19, all gardens and parks in Gujarat''s Ahmedabad including Kankaria Lake and Zoo will be closed from Thursday till further orders.
According to a notice by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, all gardens and parks in Ahmedabad will be closed from today till further orders due to increasing cases of Covid-19.
Buses operating under Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) and Ahmedabad Bus Rapid Transit System have also been suspended from Thursday
In the wake of increasing cases of Covid-19, all gardens and parks in Gujarat''s Ahmedabad including Kankaria Lake and Zoo will be closed from Thursday till further orders.
According to a notice by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, all gardens and parks in Ahmedabad will be closed from today till further orders due to increasing cases of Covid-19.
Buses operating under Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) and Ahmedabad Bus Rapid Transit System have also been suspended from Thursday
Mar 18, 2021 15:33 (IST)
400 UK, Brazil, South Africa Virus Variant Cases In India, 158 In 2 Weeks
Four hundred coronavirus patients in India have so far have been found to be affected with three mutant variants first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, the government said today amid a worrying surge in several parts of the country. Of these, 158 cases were reported in the last two weeks. On March 4, there were 242 such cases across the country, the centre said.
Mar 18, 2021 14:48 (IST)
"Khela Shesh Hobe": PM Responds To Mamata Banerjee's Dare
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, campaigning in Bengal days ahead of a make-or-break election, today used Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "Khela Hobe (game on)" phrase to attack her and said: "Didi, O Didi - you played for 10 years. Khela shesh hobe, vikas aarambh hobe. (Now your game will be over and development will begin)." Read Here
Mar 18, 2021 14:33 (IST)
Russia Registers 9,803 New COVID-19 Cases
Russia registered 9,803 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, up from 8,998 the day before, taking the overall tally to 4,428,239, the coronavirus response center said on Thursday. "Over the past day, 9,803 coronavirus cases were confirmed across 85 Russian regions, including 1,170 cases (11.9 percent) without clinical symptoms," the center said, adding that the cumulative case count has now reached 4,428,239, with the rate of increase at 0.22 percent.
Mar 18, 2021 13:09 (IST)
Gujarat: All gardens and parks in Ahmedabad closed for the public from today till further orders, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Mar 18, 2021 13:07 (IST)
China Offers Its COVID-19 Vaccines To Diplomats, Foreign Journalists
China has opened its mass domestic COVID-19 inoculation drive for the first time to Beijing-based diplomats and foreign journalists by offering a vaccine developed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company. A notice issued to the foreign journalists here on Wednesday said they can get the Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine, developed by Sinopharm's China National Biotec Group. Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine has been granted conditional market approval by China's National Medical Products Administration. The vaccines are offered to people in the age group of 18 to 59 years.
Mar 18, 2021 12:45 (IST)
We work towards DBT - Direct Benefit Transfer, where you all get money directly in your bank accounts. No middlemen, not cuts - you get the full amount due to you. But TMC works on the principle of cut money and depends on TMC - Transfer My Commission. Tell me, do you want DBT or TMC?
Didi, your churi'r khela (cheating game / thievery) won't work anymore. The people of Bengal have risen. The people of Bengal have rejected TMC's ways of working. Didi, tomaar churi aar cholbe na (your cheating ways will no longer work).
Say along with me, "Didi tomaar churi - cholbe naa, cholbe naa".
Didi you may say Khela hobe (game on), but remember one thing the BJP is here to end your game (tomaar khela shesh korbe).
Mar 18, 2021 12:38 (IST)
Creating jobs in Bengal will be one of the top priorities of the BJP in Bengal once we are voted in. Skill development will be another top priority.
Mar 18, 2021 12:37 (IST)
Didi spreads hate about us, Didi abuses us every single day, Didi has such bitter things to say about us, Didi attacks our workers in Bengal... But our values tell us that Didi, like all others, is also a daughter of India, and we respect that fact. We pray for Didi's speedy recovery... may her leg get cured soonest. Despite the pandemic, when governments reached out to help citizens across India, but in Bengal cut-money culture and profit-from-misery continued. People were not even given rations without cut-money. They gave rations to people, but on the condition that some cut-money is deposited first at the party offices. Such is the functioning of the TMC.
Mar 18, 2021 12:31 (IST)
The people of Bengal have been looted and cheated by Didi's government. You all have seen the coal loot, the scams done, the cut money, the working of a syndicate, the tolbaaz... not just that, the TMC also supports Maoist elements. Who suffers? You all suffer. Who loses out? You all lose out. But the people of Bengal have had enough of you Didi... the people of Bengal are determined to throw you out. With the blessings of Maa Durga, Didi will be defeated. Will that happen? Yes or no? -- YES!! (Crowd)
You presence here today shows what you truly want - you want development, you want development. Didi, you have played with the lives of the people of Bengal. Even today you talk of Khela (play)... Didi says Khela hobe (We'll play), but BJP says development hobe (development will happen), Didi says Khela hobe, BJP says Vikas hobe; Didi says khela hobe, BJP says women's empowerment hobe. Didi says Khela hobe, BJP says Drinking water in all homes hobe; Didi says khela hobe, BJP says railway and roads hobe; Didi says khela hobe, BJP says Shiksha (education) hobe. Didi says khela hobe, BJP says 'homes-for-all' hobe. Didi... your days of playing with the lives of people in Bengal are over. You have played with the lives of people for 10 years... But people of Bengal have stood up for themselves and said "No More!"
Mar 18, 2021 12:23 (IST)
The central government has already begun large-scale works to ensure proper water infrastructure and drinking water in every home... also, water for irrigation. You may have already seen the work begin. Freight corridors have been made and are already functional because of projects by the central government. Rail infrastructure has gained the momentum it needs to bring progress for the people of Purulia. Not just rail infrastructure, but the central government has also started on large-scale road infrastructure to ensure last-mile connectivity. The people of Purulia will see the benefits of development and progress from the word go once a BJP government is formed in Bengal within the next 2 months.
Mar 18, 2021 12:15 (IST)
The central government has already begun large-scale works to ensure proper water infrastructure and drinking water in every home... also, water for irrigation. You may have already seen the work begin. Freight corridors have been made and are already functional because of projects by the central government. Rail infrastructure has gained the momentum it needs to bring progress for the people of Purulia. Not just rail infrastructure, but the central government has also started on large-scale road infrastructure to ensure last-mile connectivity. The people of Purulia will see the benefits of development and progress from the word go once a BJP government is formed in Bengal within the next 2 months.
Mar 18, 2021 12:13 (IST)
First, the Left government and then the Trinamool Congress government didn't let industries develop here. The kind of work that should've been done for irrigation, didn't take place. I know the problems faced in rearing livestock due to less water. Trinamool Congress government was busy in its 'khel' by leaving farming on its own: PM Modi
Mar 18, 2021 12:09 (IST)
This land is a witness to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita's exile. This land has Sitakund. It is also said that when goddess Sita was thirsty, Lord Ram got water from the ground by hitting it with an arrow...It is an irony that Purulia faces water crisis today: PM Modi
Mar 18, 2021 12:08 (IST)
I feel privileged to step on this 'Rangamati' of Purulia says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mar 18, 2021 12:02 (IST)
PM Modi arrives at Purulia where he will address a public rally shortly.
Mar 18, 2021 11:54 (IST)
Popular Mumbai Restaurant Shut, Cops Register Case For Breaking COVID-19 Rules
Police have registered a police case or FIR against a popular restaurant in Mumbai for allegedly violating COVID-19 rules, civic officials said today. A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) team raided the restaurant AuberGin Plates and Pours, located in Breach Candy area, late Wednesday night and collected ₹ 19,400 as fine from 245 people there for not wearing masks, they said.
Mar 18, 2021 11:34 (IST)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to hold a review meeting with the Health Minister, Health Secretary and other concerned officials, over rising COVID-19 cases in the national capital: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Mar 18, 2021 11:24 (IST)
Amid increasing cases, people being fined for not wearing masks in the Civil Lines area of Delhi.
Mar 18, 2021 09:58 (IST)
India's Daily Covid Cases Surge To 35,871, Highest Since Early December
With a huge spike of 35,871 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest since early December, India continues to see a surge in Covid caseload. The government yesterday said a total of 70 districts in 16 states have seen an increase of more than 150 per cent active cases between March 1 and 15. Read Here
Mar 18, 2021 09:37 (IST)
Large Gatherings Banned In UP's Gautam Buddh Nagar Till April 30
Restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which bars the assembly of more than four people, have been imposed till April 30 in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 in view of upcoming festivals. The festivals of Holi, Good Friday, Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti, Navratri, Ambedkar Jayanti, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, and Hanuman Jayanti will fall between March 17-April 30.
Mar 18, 2021 09:26 (IST)
India Reports 35,871 New COVID-19 Cases, 172 Deaths In Last 24 Hours
With 35,871 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has climbed to 1,14,74,605, while the number of recoveries has surged to 1,10,63,025, the Union health ministry said on Thursday. The death count due to the viral disease has gone up to 1,59,216 in the country with 172 more fatalities reported in a 24-hour period, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.
Mar 18, 2021 09:23 (IST)
Night Curfew Imposed In Bhopal, Indore Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, the Bhopal district magistrate on Wednesday imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) between 10 pm to 6 am. All the essential services will be permitted in the district. In the wake of rising fresh daily cases of the coronavirus, the Madhya Pradesh government has also imposed a night curfew in Indore from Wednesday night.
Mar 18, 2021 08:58 (IST)
Covid Vaccine Wastage Has To Be "Drastically Reduced", Says Centre
The average of COVID-19 vaccine wastage in India is 6.5 per cent, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh recording 17.6 and 11.6 per cent wastage respectively, the Centre said today as it called for optimal utilisation of the jabs.
Mar 18, 2021 08:21 (IST)
Ten prisoners have tested positive for COVID-19 at Kanpur jail. All of them are asymptomatic and have been shifted to L1 level hospital established at the jail: RK Jaiswal, jail superintendent.
Mar 18, 2021 07:46 (IST)
"Coronavirus Will Prove To Be Seasonal, If It Persists For Many Years": UN
Covid-19 appears likely to develop into a seasonal disease, the United Nations said Thursday, cautioning though against relaxing pandemic-related measures simply based on meteorological factors. More than a year after the novel coronavirus first surfaced in China, a number of mysteries still surround the spread of the disease that has killed nearly 2.7 million people worldwide.
Mar 18, 2021 07:25 (IST)
23,179 New Coronavirus Cases, 84 Deaths In Maharashtra In 24 Hours
Maharashtra reported 23,179 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, its highest this year and nearly 30 per cent higher than the day before, amid a surge in COVID-19 infections in some parts of the country described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an "emerging second peak". Nagpur city reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases during the day with 2,698, followed by 2,612 in Pune and 2,377 in Mumbai. Maharashtra reported 84 deaths in the last 24 hours. There are over 1.52 lakh active cases in the state at present. Read Here
Mar 18, 2021 06:42 (IST)
COVID-19 Vaccine Reaches Antarctica, Chile Immunizes 49 On Continent
The coronavirus vaccine has reached Antarctica after Chile immunized 49 people on the continent, the South American country's air force said on Wednesday.
Chile's immunization program has received many plaudits as authorities have managed to give five million people -- almost a third of the population -- at least one vaccine dose.
And on Sunday, it even started immunizing members of the armed forces and scientific researchers stationed at the Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva air base in Antarctica, with a further 53 people at the base set to receive their first dose in the coming days.
None of those vaccinated, all aged between 25 and 58, "have shown any allergic reaction of any type," Victor Videla, the doctor in charge of the immunization program, told AFP.
Mar 18, 2021 06:28 (IST)
Mar 18, 2021 06:19 (IST)
France virus cases surge as new restrictions loom
France recorded its highest daily number of coronavirus cases in nearly four months on Wednesday, with the hard-hit Paris region bracing for a possible weekend lockdown to stem the rising tide of cases.
In the past 24 hours, 38,501 new infections were registered, up from 29,975 the day before, and the highest number since November, the public health authority said.
The "positivity" rate -- the proportion of positive results compared to the number of tests carried out overall -- remained stable at 7.5 percent, but the number of people in intensive care declined slightly to 4,219, the data showed.
The number of deaths from Covid-19 over the past 24 hours in France as a whole stood at 246, bringing the country's overall total to 91,427.
Mar 18, 2021 06:14 (IST)
70 Districts In 16 States Saw 150% Increase In COVID-19 Cases In Last 15 Days: Centre
Despite the increase of COVID-19 cases across states and union territories in the country, India's coronavirus mortality rate remains below two per cent while the cumulative positivity rate has dropped below five per cent, informed Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Wednesday.
While addressing a press briefing regarding the COVID-19 situation in the country, the Health Secretary informed that a 43 per cent week-on-week increase in new coronavirus cases and almost 37 per cent week-on-week increase in new deaths have been recorded.
"Cases dropped after mid-September. From 97,000 to 9,000. Cases are building up again, which is a matter of concern. 70 districts in 16 states saw a 150 per cent increase in COVID-19 cases in the last 15 days," he added.
