COVID-19 deaths continue to rise as the country recorded 3,645 fatalities in 24 hours; the main hospital in Gujarat's Surat has stopped new admissions of patients amid rising Covid cases and shortage of medical oxygen; two days before vaccinations open to all above 18, there is uncertainty in many states over the availability of vaccines; Mamata Banerjee has an edge in West Bengal but the BJP is not far behind, says NDTV's poll of exit polls on state elections; the final phase of Uttar Pradesh Panchayat polls was held despite a record surge in coronavirus cases; and other top news of the day.