New Delhi: India recorded 62,714 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours in its sharpest one-day spike in nearly five months, the health ministry data showed today. The fresh infections have taken the total Covid tally in the country to 1.19 crore as India registers a steady increase in cases for the 18th day in a row.
The last recorded biggest spike was registered on October 16 when 63,371 cases were reported. On Saturday, the country had recorded the biggest spike so far as India battles a sudden spike in cases. With 312 deaths, the highest spike in nearly three months, the total number of fatalities due to the deadly disease stands at 1,61,552.
Six states - Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh - continue to report a high surge in daily COVID-19 cases and account for 79.57 per cent of the new infections reported in a span of 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.
Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab cumulatively account for 73 per cent of the total active cases in the country.
The total vaccination coverage in the country has crossed 6 crore, the ministry said.
Here are the Latest News Highlights:
Mar 28, 2021 15:17 (IST)
Over six crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in India
India has registered a significant achievement in its fight against COVID-19 by crossing six crore vaccination on Sunday.
According to the Health Ministry statement, at least 6,02,69,782 vaccine doses have been administered through 9,85,018 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today.
These include 81,52,808 Health Care Workers (1st dose), 51,75,597 HCWs (2nd dose), 88,90,046 Front Line Workers (1st dose) and 36,52,749 FLWs (2nd Dose), 66,73,662 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities (1st Dose) and 2,77,24,920 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years.
Mar 28, 2021 15:02 (IST)
PM Modi applauds Coimbatore bus conductor who gives free saplings to travellers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the efforts of the Coimbatore-based bus conductor who gives free saplings to the bus travellers along with the ticket.
Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, PM Modi said: "In this way, Yoganathan has got planted of innumerable trees. He has been spending a big chunk of his salary on this work. Now after listening to this story, who as a citizen will not appreciate the work of Marimuthu Yoganathan? I heartily congratulate his efforts, for his inspirational work."
PM Modi asked citizens to save sparrows as well as other birds and animals especially in times of summer season.
"World Sparrow Day was celebrated just a few days ago. Sparrow that is Goraiya, at places is also known aschakali, or it is also called chimni, orghanchirika. Earlier, Goraiyawould be found chirping on the boundaries of the walls of our houses or the neighbouing trees. But now people recollect Goraiya by telling you that last they had seen Goraiyawas many years ago! Today we are required to make efforts to save it," PM Modi added.
Mar 28, 2021 14:56 (IST)
PM Modi urges citizens to get vaccinated for COVID-19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday has appealed to citizens of the nation to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme ''Mann Ki Baat'', PM Modi said, "It's a matter of honour for everyone that today India is running the world's largest vaccination programme and several people above 100 years of age have taken the jab and the enthusiasm is visible in the elderly of the household regarding the vaccine.
The Prime Minister added, "It''s an appeal to all to take the vaccine. Do remember the mantra to fight corona- dawaayi bhi kadaayi bhi."
Mar 28, 2021 14:41 (IST)
India, US navies participates in Passage Exercise in Eastern Indian Ocean Region
Indian Navy warship INS Shivalik with integral helicopter and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I on Sunday participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with US Navy's USS Theodore Rosevelt Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region.
"In a first, enhancing Jointmanship, Indian Air Force fighters were also included in the Exercise affording IAF an opportunity to practice Air Interception / Air Defence with US Navy close to Indian Coast," Indian Navy said.
Mar 28, 2021 14:33 (IST)
Tamil Nadu polls: Case filed against AIADMK Melur candidate for MCC violation
A case has been registered against the MLA from Melur and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate, Periyapulla Selvam, for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.
"A case has been registered against Periyapulla Selvam, Melur MLA, and AIADMK candidate, as he campaigned inside a mosque which is a violation of model code of conduct," Melur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) told ANI.
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.
Mar 28, 2021 13:57 (IST)
PM Modi extends wishes people for festive season
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended wished citizens for the upcoming festive season.
In his monthly radio address Mann ki Baat, PM Modi said, "Any new beginning is always very special. A new beginning means new possibilities - New Efforts. And, new efforts mean new energy and new vigour. That is the reason it has been a tradition to observe any new beginning as a celebration in different states and regions and in our culture full of diversity. And this time is the beginning of new beginnings and the arrival of new Festivals. Holi too is a tradition to celebrate Basant, spring as a festival."
The Prime Minister said that when we are celebrating Holi with colours, at the same time, even spring spreads new colours all around us.
Mar 28, 2021 13:56 (IST)
Delhi Lt Governor extends greetings for Shab-e-Barat, urges people to celebrate festival at home
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Sunday wished people on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat and urged them to celebrate the festival at home in wake of increasing COVID-19 cases in the national capital.
"Heartiest congratulations to everyone on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat. I request you to celebrate this festival at home in view of the coronavirus pandemic and keep yourself and others safe by following all the guidelines and COVID-19 rules," the Lt Governor tweeted today.
