4 years ago
New Delhi:
India recorded 47,262 fresh coronavirus cases in a day, the highest single-day rise so far this year, taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 1,17,34,058, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday.
The active caseload registered an increased for the 14th day in row and was recorded at 3,68,457, comprising 3.14 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate further dropped to 95.49 per cent, the ministry data updated at 8 am said.
The daily rise in infections was the highest recorded in 132 days, while the country's COVID-19 death count increased to 1,60,441, with 275 new fatalities, the highest in around 83 days.
As many as 47,905 new infections were recorded in a span of 24 hours on November 12 last year, it said.
Meanwhile, Random testing of coronavirus will be held across Delhi's airports, railway and bus stations, the Delhi government declared on Tuesday amid a surge in infections that is seen as the emergent second wave of the virus. A bar was also placed on the public celebration of the coming Holi, Shab-e-Barat and Navratra festivals. The government said safety measures for Covid should be rigorously observed in public places, especially in markets and malls.
The Delhi government said random testing will also be held at crowded boarding points for private buses. The district magistrates and senior police officers of all districts were ordered to strictly follow the instructions.
Here are the Latest News Highlights:
Mar 25, 2021 04:47 (IST)
Brazil's Coronavirus Death Count Surpasses 300,000
Brazil's death count in the coronavirus pandemic surpassed 300,000 Wednesday, as a deadly surge that has pushed hospitals to the brink made it the second country after the United States to pass the bleak milestone.
The country's Covid-19 death count now stands at 300,685, the health ministry said, from 12.2 million infections.
President Jair Bolsonaro announced earlier he was launching a crisis committee to deal with the pandemic, a change of course amid mounting pressure over a situation he has repeatedly minimized.
Mar 25, 2021 03:10 (IST)
Finland, Iceland Approve AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine For Seniors
Finland and Iceland announced Wednesday their senior citizens will again be able to have the AstraZeneca vaccination against Covid-19, after halting the jabs over blood clot fears.
"There is no increased risk of very rare blood clots for people older than 65 after having the vaccination," said Finland's THL health agency.
"Vaccination in this age bracket can thus go ahead," from Monday.
As a precaution while tests continue, the vaccine will remain suspended for those aged under 65, the agency added.
Mar 25, 2021 01:22 (IST)
Sunday Lockdown Extended To Four More Madhya Pradesh Districts
Alarmed over rising coronavirus cases, the Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to impose Sunday lockdown in the districts of Betul, Chhindwara, Ratlam and Khargone, an official said.
Sunday lockdown is already in force in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced this while briefing his ministerial colleagues on the coronavirus situation after the cabinet meeting, said the official.
The lockdown will begin at 10 PM on Saturday and end on 6 AM on Monday.
In the cities where more than 20 cases are being reported daily, and in the districts where the average new cases per week are more than 20, only 50 persons can attend a marriage ceremony and only 20 people can take part in the last rites.
Mar 25, 2021 00:03 (IST)
5 States account for 77.44% of new COVID-19 cases: Health Ministry
Five States of Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat are reporting a surge in the new COVID-19 cases and together they account for 77.44 per cent of the new cases, as per the Union Health Ministry. "47,262 new COVID-19 cases were registered in the last 24 hours in the country," informed the release by the Union Health Ministry.
Six states (above 5 states and Tamil Nadu) cumulatively account for 81.65 per cent of the new cases reported in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases followed by Punjab and Karnataka.
Mar 24, 2021 23:30 (IST)
Mauritius PM thanks India's support in providing COVID-19 vaccines
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed gratitude towards the government of India for providing COVID-19 vaccines to the country.
"I would like to place on record our deepest gratitude to the government of India for the generous donation of 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and also for its acceptance to supply to Mauritius a further 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and 200,000 doses of COVAXIN," the Prime Minister said according to a clip shared by the Indian Embassy in Mauritius.
The Indian embassy tweeted the video and wrote: "Thank you Hon'ble PM @JugnauthKumar for your kind words of appreciation to the Government of India for the supply of Covid-19 vaccines to Mauritius."
Mar 24, 2021 22:50 (IST)
Advertisement
Mar 24, 2021 22:23 (IST)
Mar 24, 2021 21:38 (IST)
Former chief minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat tests positive for COVID-19
Former chief minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat and four other members of his family tested positive for COVID-19 today. Sharing the information on Facebook, the Congress leader said he had finally been overpowered by "Corona pehelwan".
"I and four other members of my family have tested positive for corona together. All those who have come in contact with me till this afternoon must get themselves tested as it a necessary precaution," Mr Rawat said in his post.
Advertisement
Mar 24, 2021 20:49 (IST)
Delhi reported 1,254 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours -- the biggest single-day spike in over three months, while six people died due to the virus, taking the overall death count to 10,973.
Mar 24, 2021 20:30 (IST)
Mumbai reports highest single-day spike with 5,185 Covid cases
Mumbai reported 5,185 new COVID-19 cases today -- its highest single-day spike since the pandemic began in December 2019. Mumbai reported 2,088 recoveries and 6 deaths today.
Mumbai reported 5,185 new COVID-19 cases today -- its highest single-day spike since the pandemic began in December 2019. Mumbai reported 2,088 recoveries and 6 deaths today.
Advertisement
Mar 24, 2021 19:56 (IST)
Mar 24, 2021 19:31 (IST)
Andhra Pradesh records 585 new COVID-19 cases, four deaths
Andhra Pradesh has reported 585 fresh cases of coronavirus, the largest single day spike after December 9, pushing the caseload to 8,95,121. A total of 1.48 crore tests have been conducted so far and the overall infection positivity rate was 6.03 per cent, according to the latest bulletin.
Four people died due to COVID-19 in the 24 hours ending 9 am on Wednesday while 251 recovered, the bulletin said. The number of active cases mounted to 2,946 after 8,84,978 patients recovered from the infection and another 7,197 died in the state.
Advertisement
Mar 24, 2021 18:53 (IST)
Mar 24, 2021 18:24 (IST)
The Covid surge in Maharashtra and Punjab is cause of grave concern, the Union Health Ministry said today, tracing the expanding circle of states that are showing an upward graph as part of the emergent second wave of infection. The numbers are moving up in four other states, the ministry said - Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Mar 24, 2021 18:03 (IST)
Covid surge in Maharashtra, Punjab "cause of grave concern"
The Covid surge in Maharashtra and Punjab is cause of grave concern, the Union Health Ministry said today, tracing the expanding circle of states that are showing an upward graph as part of the emergent second wave of infection. The numbers are moving up in four other states, the ministry said -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The last two states and Union Territories that are a cause of concern due to the sudden surge in COVID-19 are Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh, the ministry said during its regular briefing this evening.
Earlier today, the Centre had admitted that a new "double mutant variant" of the virus has been detected in 18 states. One variant has been found in Maharashtra, another in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
Mar 24, 2021 17:33 (IST)
Kerala Elections: Amit Shah, E Sreedharan Campaigning In Malampuzha
Mar 24, 2021 16:52 (IST)
Haryana has joined the list of states which have banned Holi festival celebrations in the public like gatherings and processions, amid a continuing rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.
Mar 24, 2021 15:41 (IST)
Centre asks states to restrict public observance of festivals, limit or stop gatherings amid rise in Covid cases
Amid a spike in COVID-19 infections in some parts of the country, the Centre has asked states and union territories to consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of the upcoming festivals and limit or do away with mass gatherings for effective control of the pandemic. Additional Secretary in the Health Ministry Arti Ahuja, in a letter to state chief secretaries and union territory administrators, stated that the battle against COVID-19 is at a critical juncture with rising number of cases and deaths being reported from many parts in the recent past.
"...in view of upcoming festivals such as Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Bihu, Easter and Eid-ul-Fitr, etc., it is strongly advised that states may consider imposing local restrictions in public observance of these festivals and limit/do away with mass gatherings in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005," the letter read.
Mar 24, 2021 15:08 (IST)
"Covid Cases Rising, But No Need For Curfew": Bengaluru Civic Body Chief
COVID-19 cases have been rising in Karnataka and the most number of cases has been reported from state capital Bengaluru, a top official of the municipal corporation said. "In Bengaluru, since the beginning of March, cases have been steadily increasing," civic body BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad told NDTV.
Mar 24, 2021 14:17 (IST)
Why Bihar MLAs Were Thrashed At Assembly - A Breakdown Of The Breakdown
Opposition MLAs were dragged, manhandled by policemen in the Bihar assembly and carried out on stretchers after the Speaker was virtually held hostage inside his chambers, in unprecedented chaos yesterday over legislation that gives more power to the state's police force to search people and make arrests. MLAs were even pulled by the hair and kicked, in disturbing images circulating on social media. Read Here
Mar 24, 2021 14:05 (IST)
How AstraZeneca's Errors Eroded US Confidence In Its Covid Shot
The United States was among the biggest backers of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, but a series of blunders by the company eroded American authorities' confidence and have delayed rollout in the world's hardest-hit country. The British-Swedish drugmaker was on the back foot Tuesday, vowing to release more data "within 48 hours" after the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) raised concerns that results reported from its US trial were outdated.
Mar 24, 2021 13:53 (IST)
Coronavirus Variants "Of Concern", New Variant Found In 18 States: Centre
A new "double mutant variant" of the coronavirus has been detected in 18 states in the country in addition to many other strains or variants of concern (VOCs) which have also found abroad, the Health Ministry said today amid fears of a second wave of the crisis in the country. "Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish a direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some States," the ministry said. Read Here
Mar 24, 2021 12:33 (IST)
"Time To act": Devendra Fadnavis to Maharashtra Government Over Recent COVID-19 Spike
Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday slammed the Uddhav Thackeray-led government over the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the state, saying Maharashtra has become the epicentre of the infection. "This government is not bothered about the COVID-19 situation in the state. The way in which cases are increasing here, it has become the epicentre," Fadnavis said while speaking at a press conference. "I don't understand what has this government done to control it? It is time to act and not give lectures," he added.
Mar 24, 2021 11:46 (IST)
States Can Bring In Local Restrictions, Says Centre In New Covid Rules
States can bring in restrictions locally, based on their assessment, but no activity will be restricted outside containment zones, the government said on Tuesday in new guidelines to tackle a spike in Covid cases in parts of the country. All states must strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol and ensure Covid-appropriate behavior to check the spread of the coronavirus, say the Home Ministry's new guidelines, effective for the month of April.
Mar 24, 2021 11:26 (IST)
Telangana Sees 431 COVID-19 Cases, 2 More Deaths
Fresh COVID-19 infections crossed the 400 mark in Telangana for the second day in a row, taking the total figure to 3.04 lakh, a state government bulletin said on Wednesday. A total of 431 people tested positive for the deadly virus. Two more succumbed to the illness raising the toll to 1,676. As many as 3,352 patients were undergoing treatment, it said, providing data as of 8 PM on March 23.
Mar 24, 2021 11:13 (IST)
In wake of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, cinema halls, malls, metro, and religious places have been called 'super spreader' areas: Delhi Government
Mar 24, 2021 10:59 (IST)
No Fresh COVID-19 Case In Andamans
Andaman and Nicobar Islands did not report any new COVID-19 case on Wednesday, a health official said. Three more people have been cured of the disease, he said. The Union territory's caseload stands at 5,039, of which five are active cases, while 4,972 people have recovered
from the infection and 62 patients have succumbed to the disease so far, the official said.
Mar 24, 2021 10:23 (IST)
Thane District Sees 2,538 New COVID-19 Cases, 11 Deaths
With the addition of2,538 fresh coronavirus positive cases, the infection count in Thane district of Maharashtra mounted to 2,93,154 while the toll rose to 6,403 with the death of 11 patients, an official said on Wednesday. These new cases were reported on Tuesday, he said. The recovery rate in the district stood at 91.73 per cent with 2,68,918 patients recovering from COVID-19 disease so far, he said, adding the district is now left with 17,833 active cases.
Mar 24, 2021 09:55 (IST)
Indore: 24-Hour COVID-19 Control Room Monitors Home Isolated Patients
As COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh's Indore have been rising, the health department of the district is helping positive patients under home isolation through a control room. "The district control room of COVID-19 in Indore helps the patients who are in home isolation through audio or video calls. The control room runs 24 hours. This control room also helps us to monitor their health status," the Nodal officer of the control room Dr Anil Dongre told ANI.
Mar 24, 2021 09:30 (IST)
India Records 47,262 New Infections, 275 Deaths In 24 Hours
India's total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 1,17,34,058 with 47,262 new infections, while the recoveries have surged to 1,12,05,160, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death count increased to 1,60,441 with 275 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.
Mar 24, 2021 08:53 (IST)
Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde Tests COVID-19 Positive For Second Time
Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde on Tuesday informed that he has again tested positive for COVID-19. The NCP leader had tested positive for the virus last year in June as well. "Today is the second time I have tested positive for corona. I request everyone who has come in contact with me in the last few days to get tested. There is nothing to worry about. Everyone should wear a mask, follow social distancing and take care of themselves," Dhananjay Munde tweeted in Marathi.
Mar 24, 2021 08:42 (IST)
In Chennai's Covid Vaccination Drive, Get Jabbed At Your Doorstep
Two health workers came knocking at the apartments of nine elderly residents at the sprawling Purvankara Windemere in Chennai to vaccinate them against coronavirus. 95-year-old ex-serviceman Krishna G Rao and his wife Ganga were relieved that health workers came home to vaccinate them. This is a part of the Chennai civic body's drive to vaccinate a larger population. Read Here
Mar 24, 2021 08:11 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched 'Mera Mask Meri Suraksha', a campaign aimed at raising awareness about COVID-19 in Bhopal yesterday.
Mar 24, 2021 07:39 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Government Considering Sunday Lockdown In 2-3 Cities
As COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise, the Madhya Pradesh government is considering imposing a lockdown on Sundays in two to three cities, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Tuesday. Speaking to media persons, Mishra also urged people with ''folded hands'' to follow COVID-19 guidelines prescribed by the government to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mar 24, 2021 07:20 (IST)
Random Covid Tests At Delhi Airport, Railway Station, No Holi In Public
Random testing of coronavirus will be held across Delhi's airports, railway and bus stations, the Delhi government declared on Tuesday amid a surge in infections that is seen as the emergent second wave of the virus. A bar was also placed on the public celebration of the coming Holi, Shab-e-Barat and Navratra festivals. The government said safety measures for Covid should be rigorously observed in public places, especially in markets and malls. Read Here
Mar 24, 2021 06:45 (IST)
Covid Testing Ramped Up At Jammu Railway Station
With the rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, testing has been ramped up at the Jammu Railway Station, with over 25 teams deployed to test every passenger arriving from other states, reported news agency ANI.
According to Dr Rakesh Kumar, in-charge of testing at the Railway Station, passengers are not being allowed to leave the station without undergoing a COVID-19 test.
"Every person that gets off a train is being tested. Until they are tested, they are not allowed to leave the station. When a person tests positive, they are taken to a nearby COVID-19 centre through an ambulance on standby," Mr Kumar told news agency ANI.
With the rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, testing has been ramped up at the Jammu Railway Station, with over 25 teams deployed to test every passenger arriving from other states, reported news agency ANI.
According to Dr Rakesh Kumar, in-charge of testing at the Railway Station, passengers are not being allowed to leave the station without undergoing a COVID-19 test.
"Every person that gets off a train is being tested. Until they are tested, they are not allowed to leave the station. When a person tests positive, they are taken to a nearby COVID-19 centre through an ambulance on standby," Mr Kumar told news agency ANI.
Mar 24, 2021 06:23 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Considering Sunday Lockdowns In Some Cities
As COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise, the Madhya Pradesh government is considering imposing a lockdown on Sundays in two to three cities, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Tuesday, reported news agency ANI.
Speaking to media persons, Mr Mishra also urged people with "folded hands" to follow COVID-19 guidelines prescribed by the government to prevent the spread of the virus.
"Around 300 to 400 COVID-19 cases are being reported in Indore and Bhopal daily. If cases increase at this pace, we will soon return to the situation that prevailed earlier. With folded hands, I urge people to follow all guidelines," he said.
The government is mulling to imposed lockdown on Sundays in 2-3 cities, he added.
As COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise, the Madhya Pradesh government is considering imposing a lockdown on Sundays in two to three cities, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Tuesday, reported news agency ANI.
Speaking to media persons, Mr Mishra also urged people with "folded hands" to follow COVID-19 guidelines prescribed by the government to prevent the spread of the virus.
"Around 300 to 400 COVID-19 cases are being reported in Indore and Bhopal daily. If cases increase at this pace, we will soon return to the situation that prevailed earlier. With folded hands, I urge people to follow all guidelines," he said.
The government is mulling to imposed lockdown on Sundays in 2-3 cities, he added.
Mar 24, 2021 06:15 (IST)
NASA is targeting early April for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to make the first attempt at powered, controlled flight on another planet, the space agency said Tuesday.
