The daily rise in infections on Sunday was the highest recorded in 112 days (File)
India added 43,846 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours till Sunday morning, setting another grim record of highest daily cases in nearly four months. This comes amid a worrying surge in Covid cases that has prompted states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to consider shutting down schools again, restrictions on public gatherings and other virus-fighting measures, including lockdown in their worst-hit districts.
The daily rise in infections on Sunday was the highest recorded in 112 days, as the number of fatalities rose to 1,59,755, with 197 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am Sunday showed.
Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat are the five states that have recorded the highest single-day surge since Saturday, government data showed.
Here are the Latest News Live Updates:
UP Schools Up To Class 8 To Remain Shut Till March 31
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, all schools up to class 8 in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed from March 24 till March 31, reported news agency ANI.
All other educational institutions where exams are not underway will remain close from March 25 to March 31, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Chief Minister with officials to combat COVID-19.
Several state governments have announced the closure of schools and colleges following a spike in COVID-19 daily cases in the country.
Telangana Youth Congress Protest At State Assembly Seeking Unemployment Allowance
Telangana Youth Congress staged a protest at the state Assembly on Monday demanding the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government to allocate unemployment allowance, reported news agency ANI.
Several Youth Congress leaders including Telangana Youth Congress chief K Shiva Sena Reddy were allegedly arrested during the protest.
Many Injured As Temporary Gallery Collapses During Kabaddi Championship In Telangana
Several people suffered injuries when a temporary gallery erected for spectators during a national junior Kabaddi championship collapsed in Telangana's Suryapet on Monday, reported news agency ANI.
The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The incident took place shortly after the 47th national Kabaddi championship was launched on Monday.
200 Asiatic Lions Killed In Rail Accidents In 2019 In Gujarat's Gir Forest
Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Shaktisinh Gohil on Monday raised the issue of killing of Asiatic Lions in rail accidents in Gujarat's Gir Forest, reported news agency ANI.
Speaking during the Zero Hour of the Upper House, the Congress leader claimed that 200 Asiatic Lions were killed in accidents on railway tracks in 2019.
"Asiatic Lions are our heritage. If the identity of Gir Forest is found in the whole world, it is due to Asiatic Lions. They are rarest of rare and found inside Gir according to Moonlight Survey in 2020. Their total population is 674 including the number of lions in the zoos and forests. But it could have been more. In 2018, 193 Asiatic lions were killed in accidents on railway tracks. However, in 2019, this number went up to 200," Shaktisinh Gohil said.
PM Modi Lauds BJP's Win In Goa Civic Polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the BJP's victory in municipal elections in Goa and said that the results show people's appreciation towards the party's development agenda, reported news agency ANI.
"Thank you Goa for the continuous support to BJP. The results of the Municipal Elections 2021 show the people's appreciation towards our Party's development agenda. I laud all hardworking BJP Karyakartas who went among people and worked hard during the campaign," PM Modi tweeted.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the BJP won a majority in five out of six municipal councils which went to polls on March 20. He added that the BJP also won a majority in the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP).
Kolkata Gets Its First CNG PumpsKolkata joined the league of cities with clean automotive fuel on Monday with the commercial launch of two CNG pumps, officials said, reported news agency PTI.
While Indian Oil Corp set up a pump in New Town, the other was launched by BPCL in Garia, they said.
The CNG is being supplied by the Bengal Gas Company, a joint venture between GAIL and the West Bengal government.
The Bengal Gas Company has installed the dispensers, while the oil marketing companies have provided space and other infrastructure, officials said.
Another five-six CNG pumps are expected to be unveiled very soon, they said.
Thane Civic Body Medical Staff Threaten To Stop Work Over Attack On DoctorStaff of Thane Municipal Corporation medical centres on Monday threatened to stop work if action is not taken against a man who assaulted a doctor at a COVID care centre, reported news agency PTI.
In a letter to the Mayor, a functionary of the Thane Mahanagarpalika Vaidyakiya Adhikari Association said a doctor was attacked and strict action must be taken in the matter.
Security Tightened At Residences Of Anil Deshmukh, Devendra Fadnavis In NagpurAmid the ongoing political tussle in the state, the police on Monday increased the security at the residences of Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh as well as former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur, reported news agency PTI.
It was a precautionary step, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone II Vinita S.
Platoons of Riot Control Police (RCP) were deployed at Anil Deshmukh's residence at GPO Square and Devendra Fadnavis' residence near Trikoni Park.
The police also put up barricades in front of Anil Deshmukh's house for proper monitoring of vehicles.
Odisha Reports 146 New Cases Of CoronavirusOdisha's COVID-19 caseload went up to 3,38,963 on Monday after 146 people, including 24 students of a leading management institute, tested positive for the disease, an official said, reported news agency PTI.
The state which reported daily new COVID-19 cases below 100 for the last 45 days till March 19, suddenly witnessed a spike in cases and it is in a rising trend for the past four days, he said.
While 98 fresh cases were detected on Sunday, the figure increased to 146 on Monday after 24 students including seven women of the B-school tested positive for the infection.
Mizoram's Duty To Provide Food, Shelter To Fleeing Myanmarese: Chief MinisterDays after writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking asylum for the fleeing Myanmar nationals, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday said it was the duty of his government to provide food and shelter to the Myanmarese, who fled their country to take refuge in the state on humanitarian grounds, an official statement said, reported news agency PTI.
Mr Zoramthanga, however, said that the state government has "no say" in the International Affairs and can't deal with the refugees on its own and the matter rests with the Centre.
"It is our responsibility as human beings to provide food and shelter on humanitarian grounds to our human fellows (Myanmar nationals), who have taken refuge in our state in the wake of political turmoil following the military coup in their country," the chief minister said.
Researchers Identify Drug That Can Be Repurposed To Treat COVID-19
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal and the University of Nebraska Medical Centre (UNMC) in the US have identified a drug that can be repurposed to treat COVID-19.
According to the team, ''Rapamycin'' is currently being used for treating cancer patients and those who have undergone organ transplantation. Its analogues are commonly available in India and abroad.
The research was published in a peer-reviewed paper recently in the reputed International Elsevier journal, Chemico Biological Interactions. The researchers showed that the biochemical working of this drug molecule points to its promise in the treatment of COVID-19.
Over 800 COVID-19 cases in Delhi for 3rd day in row; 7 fatalities push count to 10,963The national capital reported over 800 coronavirus cases for the third day on the trot on Monday, while seven people succumbed to viral disease, the highest since February 4, the Health Department said.
The number of active cases rose to 3,934 from 3,618 a day ago, while the case positivity remained over 1 per cent for the third consecutive day, according to a bulletin.
The 888 new infections, the highest in nearly three months, pushed the tally of COVID-19 cases reported in the city till now to 6,48,872, while 6.33 lakh patients have recovered from the disease.
Delhi had registered 823 cases on Sunday, 813 on Saturday, 716 on Friday, 607 on Thursday, 536 on Wednesday and 425 on Tuesday, according to official data.
The number of fatalities in the national capital linked to COVID-19 has risen to 10,963 with seven people dying from the pathogen in a day. The was the highest since February 4 when a similar number of fatalities were recorded.
Bus service for women street vendors flagged off in NagalandIn a bid to give impetus to women street vendors, Nagaland minister Neiba Kronu on Monday flagged off a bus service for them to ferry organic local produce from Pfutsero in Phek district to urban markets in Kohima and Dimapur.
The Women Street Vendors Bus is an initiative of Entrepreneurs Associates (EA). The EA, set up in 2000, is an organisation of First Generation Entrepreneurs (FGE).
Speaking on the occasion, EAs chief executive officer Neichute Doulo said, street vendors from rural areas required proper transportation facilities for reaching their produces to Kohima and Dimapur.
Women street vendors, the major providers of organic vegetables in the state, used to depend on Nagaland State Transport (NST) services but many a times they had to throw away the vegetables because it used to perish on the way with breakdown of NST buses.
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BJP wins Panaji Municipal Corporation, secures 25 wards
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led panel won 25 out of 30 seats in the municipal elections in Panaji on Monday.
It has also won many wards in other councils for which counting is underway.
The panel was led by newly-inducted Atanasio Monserrate, who joined the BJP in 2019.
"I am just a worker of the BJP party, the party selected me to run this campaign," said Monserrate after the win.
Uday Madkaikar, former Mayor of the Municipal Corporation said the party was assured of winning all the 30 wards but yet, 25 is not a small figure.
Bhutan PM thanks PM Modi for additional 4,00,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccineBhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on Monday expressed gratitude to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for making the nationwide rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the Himalayan country possible, as it received additional 400,000 doses of Covishield from India.
Indian Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj handed over the vaccine consignment to Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji at Paro airport, according to a press release issued by the Indian Embassy in Bhutan.
Tshering, in a tweet, prayed that these gestures from India during the pandemic turn into boundless blessings for the people of India.
"Pleased to receive additional 400,000 doses of Covishield, making possible the nationwide rollout of our vaccination programme. People of Bhutan and I remain grateful@narendramodi," he said in a tweet.
BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi takes first shot of COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS DelhiSenior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Murli Manohar Joshi administered his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.
The veteran BJP leader took a shot of the vaccine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi today.
Meanwhile, the total vaccination coverage in India has crossed the 4.5-crore mark.
More than 4.50 crore (4,50,65,998) vaccine doses have been administered through 7,33,597 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today.
"Vague" Corruption Claims To Divert Ambani Security Probe: Sharad PawarFormer Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh's allegations against home minister Anil Desmukh are just meant to remove attention from the investigation into the Mukesh Ambani security scare case, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said today.
Mr Singh's corruption allegations against the home minister have landed the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government into a huge controversy since last week. Mr Pawar had questioned the officer's motives yesterday, pointing out that he had made the allegations only after being moved out from the top post over the lapses in the investigation into the Ambani bomb scare case.
"The important issue is the Ambani bomb scare case. After the arrests made by the Anti-Terror Squad, it is now clear who killed Hiren. During the investigation it will be revealed why did these two kill Mansukh Hiren... on whose behalf," Mr Pawar told reporters.
Covishield Second Dose Gap To Be Increased Up To 8 Weeks, Says CentreThe gap between two doses of the Covishield vaccine should be increased from 28 days to six-to-eight weeks for better results, the government has written to states and Union Territories.
The instruction has gone out in the middle of round two of nationwide vaccinations, in which people above 60 and those over 45 with other illnesses are being inoculated.
The revised interval applies only to Serum Institute of India's Covishield - the vaccine developed by Oxford AstraZeneca -- and not to Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, the centre said in its letter today.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid uproar by treasury benches over Maharashtra issueRajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Monday amid uproar over corruption allegations in Maharashtra during the Question Hour.
As soon as the Question Hour began, treasury bench members started raising the issue of alleged extortion in Maharashtra and involvement of police in it, to which the Deputy Chairman said nothing will go on record and asked members to allow the proceedings.
As the treasury bench members continued rasing the issue, Deputy Chairman Harivansh stood up and requested members to ask their supplementary questions to ministers.
Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi answered supplementaries regarding minority institutions and said 27 lakh children in West Bengal from Sikh, Buddhist, etc. communities were devoid of scholarships as the state government was not ready to take benefit of the Centre''s scholarship scheme.
DMK candidate booked for making remarks against Government officials
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from Karur, Senthil Balaji has been booked under section 6 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) for making remarks against Government officials, informed Karur police on Monday.
Senthil Balaji had reportedly said in a poll campaign, "Tell me if any official stops you from mining sand in a bullock cart, he won't be there again."
Over 6 Crore Covid Vaccine Doses Sent To 76 Nations: Health Minister
More than 6 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been sent to 76 nations, while 4.5 crore doses have been administered to beneficiaries in the country till now, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.
He also called for making the vaccination drive a "Jan Aandolan" (mass movement).
"Until this morning, nearly 4.5 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been given to the people in this country. More than six crore doses have been sent to 76 nations," Mr Vardhan said during a media interaction at the Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH).
"Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party (BJP) president JP Nadda have called for making the vaccination drive a ''jan andolan'' (mass movement)," he said.
In a major boost to entrepreneurship in life sciences, Mr Vardhan, the Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated IMTECH Bio-Innovation Centre which is an extension of the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)-CCMB, Hyderabad.
The aim of the IMTECH Bio-Innovation Centre is to become a hub for life sciences, biotechnology start-ups and MSMEs from all over the country in a short span of time.
Param Bir Singh Takes Charge As Chief Of Maharastra Home GuardFormer Mumbai Police commissioner Param Bir Singh on Monday took charge as the Director General (DG) of Maharashtra Home Guard, a police official said.
Mr Singh reached the Home Guard office in south Mumbai around noon but avoided speaking to media persons.
Under flak for "mishandling" of the bomb scare outside Mukesh Ambani's residence, the Maharashtra government on March 17 transferred Mr Singh from the post and appointed senior IPS officer Hemant Nagrale, who was holding additional charge of Maharashtra DGP, as the new commissioner of Mumbai Police.
Sharad Pawar Rules Out Minister's Resignation, Says No Sena Pressure
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was ailing and in hospital at the time he had allegedly met police officer Sachin Vaze and discussed an extortion racket, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sahrad Pawar said today, ruling out the possibility off his resignation. Addressing the media amid a political storm over former Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh's corruption allegations against the home minister, Mr Pawar said, "Anil Deshmukh was in hospital during that period. So it such situation question does not arise about the resignation". The Shiv Sena this morning questioned the need for Mr Deshmukh's resignation if the key parties are open to the idea of probing the issue, moving from its initial conclusion that the minister should go. Mr Pawar said there was no pressure from the Sena regarding the resignation of Mr Deshmukh, who is from the NCP.
AstraZeneca Vaccine Found 79% Effective In US Trials
The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca was 79% effective in preventing symptomatic illness a large trial in the United States, Chile and Peru, the company said on Monday, paving the way for it to apply for US approval.
The vaccine was 100% effective against severe or critical disease and hospitalisation and was safe, the drugmaker said on Monday, releasing results of the late-stage human trial study of more than 32,000 volunteers across all age groups.
The data will give credence to the British shot after results from earlier, separate late-stage studies raised questions about the robustness of the data.
It will also help allay safety concerns that have disrupted its use in the European Union after a small number of reports of rare blood clots in people who have received the shot.
After briefly halting its use, many European countries have resumed using the shot in their inoculation programmes after a regional regulator said it was safe, while several country leaders are also taking the vaccine to boost confidence.
"Vague" Corruption Claims To Divert Ambani Security Probe: Sharad Pawar
Former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh's allegations against home minister Anil Desmukh are just meant to remove attention from the investigation into the Mukesh Ambani security scare case, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said today. Mr Singh's corruption allegations against the home minister have landed the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government into a huge controversy since last week. Mr Pawar had questioned the officer's motive yesterday, pointing out that he had made the allegations only after being moved out over the lapses in the investigation into the Ambani bomb scare case.
"The important issue is the Ambani bomb scare case. After the arrests made by the Anti-Terror Squad, it is now clear who killed Hiren. During the investigation it will be revealed why did these two kill Mansukh Hiren... on whose behalf," Mr Pawar told reporters.
"The Mumbai ATS is probing is in the right direction. Now to divert that, vague allegations have been levelled by Param Bir Singh," Mr Pawar said.
Pakistan's First Lady Tests Positive For COVID-19
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan' wife Bushra Bibi also tested positive for COVID-19 a few hours after the PM himself got infected with the virus on Saturday.
Taking to Twitter this evening, Imran Khan thanked everyone for their good wishes and prayers for him and his wife. "I want to thank everyone in Pakistan & abroad for their good wishes and prayers for the quick recovery of the first lady and I from Covid 19," he wrote.
Imran Khan got infected just two days after he received his first vaccination against the disease. The 68-year-old former top cricketer received a shot of the Chinese-produced Sinopharm vaccine on Thursday, as the country battles a third wave of the virus.
The Pakistan Prime Minister and First Lady Bushra Bibi are feeling "comfortable with mild symptoms," his top communication aide said today.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill, in a tweet in Urdu, said that the prime minister and the first lady are thankful to their well-wishers for their good wishes.
"Border Is Closed": Biden Pushes Back Amid Mounting Migrant Crisis"The border is closed": With those words, a top Biden administration official on Sunday pushed back against fast-mounting criticism that it has bungled immigration policy, spurring an influx of migrants in the biggest crisis to emerge under the new president.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the administration's message to would-be border-crossers was simple: "Now is not the time to come. Do not come. The journey is dangerous.
"We are building safe, orderly and humane ways to address the needs of vulnerable children," he said on ABC's "This Week."
Mumbai Hookah Parlour Raided, Six Arrested For Flouting Covid Norms: Cops
The police conducted a raid at a hookah parlour at Ghatkopar and arrested six persons for allegedly violating the coronavirus norms, an official said on Sunday.
The raid was conducted late on Saturday night, he said.
"Based on a tip-off, action was taken against the hookah parlour. Many people there were found not wearing mask despite the instructions. The manager of the joint and its customers were arrested during the operation," the official of Tilak Nagar police station said.
India records 46,951 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours
India added 46,951 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours till Monday morning, setting another grim record of highest daily cases in nearly four months. This comes amid a worrying surge in Covid cases that has prompted states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to consider shutting down schools again, restrictions on public gatherings and other virus-fighting measures, including lockdown in their worst-hit districts.
Mumbai Reports 3,775 Covid Cases In Highest Single-Day Spike
Mumbai reported 3,775 new coronavirus cases on Sunday - the highest single-day spike since the pandemic began in December 2019, and the second consecutive day with over 3,000 new cases. The city also reported 10 deaths linked to the COVID-19 virus.
According to data from the government, the overall growth in new Covid cases in the city (for the week ending Saturday) has risen to 0.63 per cent and the case fatality rate to 2.15 per cent.
Across Maharashtra - the worst-affected state, and one of five accounting for 83 per cent of all active cases in the country - 30,535 new cases and 99 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.
Maharashtra has reported an alarming increase in Covid infections over the past weeks; it has reported over 25,000 new cases in each of the past three days, and there are nearly two lakh active cases in the state as of Sunday night.
Earlier today the centre said the state accounts for over 60 per cent of daily new cases.
Maharashtra Sees Biggest Single-Day Jump With 30,535 Fresh Covid Cases
Maharashtra on Sunday reported 30,535 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest rise in a single day, the state health department said.
With this, the state's overall tally of the infections mounted to 24,79,682 while 99 fatalities pushed the count to 53,399, it said.
The fresh spike in the cases came just three days after Maharashtra recorded its highest rise in a single day at 25,833. The previous highest spike was 24,896 in September 2020.
A statement from the Health department said 11,314 patients were discharged during the day, taking the overall count of recoveries in Maharashtra to 22,14,867.
Mumbai reported 3,779 fresh COVID-19 cases in the day while ten patients died to the viral infection, taking the overall tally to 3,62,675 while the toll mounted to 11,586, it said.
LG Tamilisai Soundararajan Launches "Mask-Up Puducherry" Campaign In Union Territory
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan on Sunday launched the "Mask-up Puducherry" campaign to ensure that all the people wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, reported news agency ANI.
Under this movement, a van will travel across the Union Territory to spread awareness among the people regarding the COVID-19 protocols.
Ms Soundararajan distributed face masks and hand sanitizers to people in the Muthialpet area. She urged everyone not to lower their guard against the virus.
Mumbai Civic Body Collects Over Rs 40 Crore From Mask Violators From April 2020 To March 2021
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday informed that it has collected Rs 40 crores from April 2020 to March 21, 2021 from 20 lakh offenders who violated the mandatory face mask rule to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reported news agency ANI.
Maharashtra reported 30,535 fresh COVID-19 cases, 11,314 recoveries, and 99 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the State Health Department.With these new cases, the cumulative count has surged to 24,79,682 including 2,10,120 active cases and 22,14,867 recoveries. The COVID-19 death count in the state stood at 53,399. The fatality rate in the state now stands at 2.15 per cent.
Mumbai reported 3,775 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the capital city to 3,62,654.