Latest News Highlights: The last biggest spike was registered in October with 63,371 cases
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:
India Gifts 1 Lakh Covid Vaccine Doses To Nepal ArmyAs a mark of friendship and strong ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, India on Sunday sent one lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the Nepal Army.
The nine packages of Covishield vaccines, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) arrived in Kathmandu, via an Air India flight late in the evening.
59 Andhra University Students Test Positive For CoronavirusAmid a surge in coronavirus cases across the country, 59 students of Andhra University College of Engineering tested positive for the virus.
Earlier today, District collector Vinay Chand reviewed the situation of Covid cases with Andhra Medical College (AMC) principal Sudhakar and District medical and health officer Dr P Suryanarayana in Andhra University.
Mr Suryanarayana told ANI, "On Friday, 59 Andhra University Engineering College students who live in hostels tested positive. After a student tested positive, the health officials collected samples of 850 students, of which 59 tested positive.
Delhi Limits Number Of Guests At Weddings Amid Covid SurgeThe Delhi government has put restrictions on the gathering of people at weddings and funerals amid a big spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in a fresh order on Saturday said that not more than 200 guests will be allowed at weddings and other events being organised at open-air venues and of 100 people for closed spaces in the city. Maximum 50 persons will be allowed to attend funerals, it said.
Till now a maximum of 200 people could have gathered in a wedding ceremony held in a closed space and there was no limit on gatherings in an open space.
Everyone must strictly follow Covid protocols like wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing, the order said.
The order will be in force till April 30.
Chhattisgarh sees 2,153 COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths, 672 recoveriesChhattisgarh's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,40,093 on Sunday as 2,153 people tested positive for the infection, while 15 deaths took the toll to 4,076, a health official said.
The number of recoveries reached 3,16,778 after 27 people were discharged from hospital and 645 completed home isolation, leaving the state with 19,239 active cases, he said.
"Raipur district reported 371 new cases, taking its total count to 63,211, including 876 deaths. Durg district saw 785 new cases, Rajnandgaon 225 and Bilaspur 110. Of the fatalities recorded during the day, 10 took place on Sunday, four on Saturday and one earlier," he said. With 24,686 samples being examined on Sunday,
Kerala sees rise in COVID-19 cases with 2216 infectionsKerala recorded 2,216 fresh coronavirus cases, including 23 health workers on Sunday, pushing the total infection count to 11.17 lakh.
As many as 1,853 people have been cured of the infections, taking the total recoveries to 10,88,522 as the active cases touched 24,582, Health Minister K K Shailaja said in a press release.
The virus caseload has mounted to 11,17,993.
In the last 24 hours ending 2 pm, 47,229 samples were sent for testing and the test positivity rate shot up to 4.69 per cent.
So far, 1.30 crore samples have been sent for testing.
The count has gone up to 4579 with 12 more recent deaths being confirmed due to Covid, the release said.
Odisha reports 290 new COVID-19 cases, tally at 3,40,194Odisha's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,40,194 on Sunday as 290 more people, including 10 students of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here, tested positive for the disease, an official said.
Of the new cases, 171 were reported from quarantine centres and 119 detected during contact tracing.
The coastal state recorded over 200 fresh cases for four consecutive days, starting from March 25.
It had reported 210 new cases on Saturday, while 234 more people were diagnosed with the disease on Friday and 214 on Thursday.
Khurda district, of which state capital Bhubaneswar is a part, reported the highest number of new cases at 71, followed by Nuapada (94) and Jharsuguda (21).
Union Minister Rattan Lal Kataria tests positive for coronavirusUnion Minister Rattan Lal Kataria on Sunday said that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
"My COVID report has come positive. I am alright. I am in Medanta Hospital (Gurugram) under the observation of doctors," the minister of state for jal shakti and Social justice and empowerment said in a tweet.
TMC replaces candidate for Matigara-Naxalbari Assembly constituencyTrinamool Congress on Sunday announced that it replaced its candidate for Matigara-Naxalbari Assembly constituency for the ongoing election in West Bengal.
The ruling TMC announced the name of Rajen Sundas as its candidate for the constituency in Darjeeling district.
"All India Trinamool Congress would like to inform replacement of the candidate for Darjeeling District''s Matigara-Naxalbari Assembly Constituency (No. 25) following the name of Rajen Sundas," read an official statement today.
Meanwhile, Assembly elections to the 294-member state Assembly is underway in the state.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
'Made in India' vaccines reach Denmark for UN Peacekeeping personnel
A flight carrying a consignment of Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines landed in Denmark for UN Peacekeeping personnel on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed.
"Ensuring safer Peacekeeping. Made in India vaccines land in Denmark for @UNPeacekeeping personnel," S Jaishankar tweeted.
In the last few days, India has supplied COVID-19 vaccines, being manufactured in the country, to neighbouring countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
Large consignments of Covishield vaccine doses were flown in special Indian aircraft to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Myanmar on Friday.
Amit Shah wishes people of Tamil Nadu on Panguni Uthiram
Union Minister Amit Shah on Sunday extended his greeting to the poll-bound Tamil Nadu on the occasion of Panguni Uthiram.
I extend my warm wishes to our sisters and brothers of Tamil Nadu on the auspicious occasion of ''Panguni Uthiram''. May lord Murgan bless everyone with peace, happiness, and prosperity," he tweeted.
Amit Shah inaugurates multi-speciality hospital in AhmedabadUnion Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a private multi-speciality hospital here on
Sunday.
After the inauguration, Mr Shah took a round of the Devasya Superspeciality Kidney and Multispeciality Hospital, located in Bopal area of Ahmedabad, and interacted with its
staff and doctors.
BJP MLA Bhupendra Patel, who represents Ghatlodia seat in Ahmedabad, and some other party members were also present on the occasion.
Kerala polls: Kummanam Rajasekharan blames CPIM for inciting violence against BJP workers
Ahead of Kerala Assembly polls, BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan has alleged minister and CPI(M) MLA Kadakampally Surendran was inciting violence against BJP workers in the state.
"CPIM-led LDF government in the state is inciting violence against the BJP workers only because they think that they will fail in the upcoming election. They (LDF) has meddled with the voters'' list in the state and are allowing so many corrupt practices. So, on all these issues, the public here in Kerala has decided to corner them," Mr Rajasekharan told ANI.
"The CPIM-led LDF is inciting violence against BJP workers in Kazhakkoottam constituency where BJP leader Shobha Surendran is contesting against Kadakampally Surendran (in the Kazhakkoottam constituency). BJP has filed a complaint with the police and election commission against it," he said.
Mr Rajasekharan, who is contesting from Nemom seat, requested the Election Commission to take strong action in this contest.
One new COVID-19 case in Andamans; tally at 5,044The COVID-19 caseload in Andaman and Nicobar Islands rose to 5,044 as one more person
has tested positive for the disease in the Union Territory, a health department official said on Sunday.
The fresh case was detected during contact tracing, he said.
The death count remained at 62 as no new fatality due to the infection was reported in the last 24 hours.
One person was cured of the disease during the period, taking the total number of recoveries in the archipelago to 4,975, the official said.
The Union Territory now has seven active cases.
No shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses in Odisha says Dharmendra Pradhan
Days after the Odisha government raised concern over shortage of Covid-19 vaccine doses in the state, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured on Saturday that there was no dearth of jabs in the state.
"I spoke to my senior cabinet colleague Dr Harsh Vardhan regarding panic being created by the Odisha government regarding availability of COVID-19 vaccines in Odisha. He assured me that there is no dearth of availability of doses of the vaccines," Mr Pradhan said.
The Odisha government on Friday had requested the Central government to supply COVID-19 vaccines for at least 15 days in advance to the state in order to continue the uninterrupted inoculation drive.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla wishes people on Holi
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Holi on Sunday.
He hoped that the festival inspires people to eliminate social evils and usher in new hopes and joy in their lives.
In a tweet, Mr Birla said, "Greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Holika Dahan symbolising the victory of good over evil. May this festival inspire us to eliminate social evils & usher in new hopes and joy in our lives."
Mr Birla was admitted to AIIMS COVID Centre after testing positive for coronavirus on March 21. His condition is stable, confirmed an official statement the same day.
Telangana adds 535 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths take count to 1,688The upward trend in COVID-19 daily cases continued in Telangana with 535 fresh infections being reported taking the total overall tally to 3,06,339, the state government said on Sunday.
Three more people succumbed to the virus pushing the death count to 1,688, it said in a bulletin, providing data as of 8 PM on March 27.
As many as 4,495 patients were undergoing treatment, it added.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporationcontinued to report the highest number of cases with 154 followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (49) and Ranga Reddy districts (39).
A total of 57,942 samples were tested on March 27.
BJP will end rampant political violence in Kerala: Rajnath Singh
Ahead of Assembly elections in Kerala, Defence Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Left Democratic Front and United Democratic Front and said that BJP will bring an end to rampant political violence in Kerala.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Singh said, "Kerala believes that it needs a new political alternative and BJP can provide it. LDF should come out with an ''Action Taken Report'' on their promises rather than giving false hopes."
"BJP will bring an end to rampant political violence in Kerala. LDF and UDF have lost their credibility among the common masses as there is much difference in their words and deeds," the Minister further added.
62,714 Fresh Coronavirus Cases In India, Biggest 1-Day Jump Since OctoberIndia 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.
Punjab Congress chief condemns attack on BJP MLA Arun Narang
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Sunil Jakhar has strongly condemned the attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Arun Narang in Malout saying such unlawful behaviour has no place in a democracy. He said that farmer protests will be weakened with incidents like these.
Mr Narang was surrounded and restrained on Saturday by agitators in the Malout area of Punjab's Muktsar district. An FIR has been registered at Malout Police Station.
In a statement, Mr Jakhar while terming the attack as highly unfortunate, said that everyone should be allowed to present his views and every citizen should respect each other's right to speak.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister appeals to people to celebrate Holi at their homes
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat has appealed to the people of the state to celebrate Holi at their home while adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.
In a tweet today, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand said, "Heartfelt greetings to all the people on the festival of Holi. Celebrate this festival while ensuring peace and harmony. During this time, please adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines as stated by the Government of India."
Snake Venom Worth Over Rs 1 Crore Seized In Odisha, 6 ArrestedOfficials of the Bhubaneswar forest department on Saturday busted a snake venom smuggling racket and arrested six people including a woman.
According to District Forest Officer (DFO) Ashok Mishra, one litre of snake venom has been seized from the accused.
"We have seized one litre of snake venom and five vials of five millilitres each, procured from Bargarh. Three persons, including a woman from Balasore, had made a deal for Rs 10 lakhs. It is worth over Rs 1 crore on the international market," he said.
Mr Mishra further informed that it takes about 200 cobras to collect one litre of venom.
"Six persons who were involved in the case have been arrested under section Section 9, 39, 44, 49 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and they will be forwarded to the court tomorrow," he added.
Hope For Blocked Suez Canal Hinges On Rising Tide That Can Free ShipThe global economic troubles triggered by a giant container ship stuck in the Suez Canal worsened Saturday with the blockage of more ships carrying billions of dollars of goods. But hopes also grew that favorable tidal conditions could help free the Ever Given as a U.S. Navy team was expected to arrive this weekend to assist in the operation.
Hundreds Protest Against Denmark's Controversial Virus Law, "Corona Passports"Hundreds gathered in central Copenhagen on Saturday to protest against a controversial virus law and Denmark's plan to create so called "corona passports".
Marching through the streets, the crowd of mostly younger people, lit fireworks during a march which an AFP correspondent at the scene described as mostly peaceful.
Police told the Ekstrabladet newspaper that some 600 people had gathered and one person was arrested for throwing firecrackers towards police officers.
Organised by Danish anti-restriction group "Men in Black," the main issue for the protesters was a new provision to the penal code that calls for a doubled sentence for a crime that "has a background in or is connected to the Covid-19 epidemic".
The first severe application of that law happened in mid-March, when a Danish court convicted a 30-year-old woman for statements and actions that contributed to a "gross disturbance of public order as well as the use of violence against police," at a January protest -- organised by the same group.
India Gifts 1.2 Million Free Doses Of Covid Vaccine To BangladeshIndia gave 1.2 million free doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to Bangladesh on Saturday. Dhaka also asked New Delhi to maintain a regular supply of shots to battle the pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the offering at the end of a two-day tour of Bangladesh to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary. The visit also marked PM Modi's first foreign travel since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Bangladesh signed a deal in November with the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker, for 30 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
"Lockdown Not A Solution, Learn To Live With Covid": Delhi Health MinisterA second Covid lockdown in Delhi is "not a solution", Health Minister Satyendar Jain said today, after the national capital on Friday night reported over 1,500 new cases for a second straight day.
He referred to medical experts who've suggested the coronavirus - or a variant of the virus - will continue to circulate for years to come, and said "we'll have to learn to live with it", echoing comments made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in May last year.
"There is no possibility of a lockdown. Earlier there was a logic behind it. No one knew how the virus (would) spread. We were told if you close all activities for 21 days it will stop. So lockdown continued... but, despite this, the virus did not go away. I think lockdown is not a solution," he said.