Maharashtra has reported the highest number of daily Covid cases in any state since the beginning of the pandemic, recording close to 32,000 cases. Mumbai recorded a record 5,185 cases. The government said a new "double mutant variant" of the coronavirus has been detected in 18 states in the country. But it doesn't believe the new variant is pushing the surge. According to reports, India has put a temporary hold on all major exports of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine made by Serum Institute of India. In other news, a controversial bill proposing to give more powers to the centre in Delhi was passed in the Rajya Sabha amid uproar and walkout by the opposition. Delhi Chief Minster Kejriwal said it's a "sad day for democracy".
