Month: March 2021

Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases across the country, the Maharashtra government has tightened Covid-19 restrictions in the state till April 15.

In an official notification, the government announced the same.
Public places like beaches and gardens will remain to remain shut from 8 pm to 7 am effective from midnight of March 27. Violation of the same will attract a penalty of Rs 1000 per head.

“Any person found to be without masks shall be fined an amount of Rs 500. Any person found to be spitting in public places will be fined an amount of Rs 1000”, informed Maharashtra Government.

“Six states–Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh continue to report a surge in the COVID daily new cases. 79.57 per cent of the new cases are reported from these 6 states,” informed the Union Health Ministry.

A total of 62,258 new cases were registered in the last 24 hours.

Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan chaired high-level review meeting today with Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries (Health and Family Welfare) of 12 States and Municipal Commissioners and District Collectors of 46 districts that are the most affected by rising cases and rising mortality because of Covid -19. These states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Punjab and Bihar.

Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was also present during the review meeting.

Through a detailed presentation, the States were informed that the country has seen the sharpest rise in weekly COVID cases and fatalities since May 2020 (7.7 per cent and 5.1 per cent respectively). The focus was on 46 districts that have contributed 71 per cent of the cases and 69 per cent of the deaths this month. Of total 36 districts in Maharashtra, 25 are most affected that account for 59.8 per cent of the cases reported in the country during the past week. (ANI)

Amid a rise in covid-19 cases, the Delhi Traffic Police on Saturday informed that there will be no public gathering in the national capital during upcoming festivals such Holi, Shab-e-Barat, and Navaratri.

“For Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, no gathering allowed at public places. We appeal to the public to follow COVID-19 directives, not drink and drive, and follow traffic rules. There should not be any traffic violations including no riding without a helmet on Holi,” said Meenu Chaudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police (CP), Delhi Traffic.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported 1,558 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 6,55,834 in the national capital, as per the health bulletin on Saturday evening.

According to the state health bulletin, as many as 974 people recovered in the national capital from the disease in the said period. With this, the total number of recoveries in Delhi goes to 6,38,212 so far.

However, the active number of COVID-19 cases stands at 6,625. 10 deaths were reported due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative death toll to 10,997. (ANI)

Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Saturday informed that a night curfew in Mumbai is likely from 10 pm or 11 pm on March 28.

Speaking to reporters, Pednekar said, “Amid a surge in Covid cases, night curfew in Mumbai may start from 10 pm or 11 pm on March 28. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will seal the residential societies with five or more cases. We are seeing a higher positivity rate in high-rises than in slums and ‘chawls’.”

“Hotels and pubs to remain closed during the night curfew. Only essential services will be allowed,” said Mumbai Mayor.

“Six states–Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh continue to report a surge in the COVID daily new cases. 79.57 per cent of the new cases are reported from these 6 states,” informed the press release by the Union Health Ministry today.

62,258 new cases were registered in the last 24 hours.

Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 36,902. It is followed by Punjab with 3,122 while Chhattisgarh reported 2,665 new cases. Also, Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab cumulatively account for 73 per cent of the total active cases in the country.

Yesterday, BMC ina notice declared a night curfew across the state, including Mumbai, from March 28, 2021. However, the timings of the curfew were not informed.

“In order to limit the spread of #COVID19 cases in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister has declared a night curfew across the state, including Mumbai, from March 28, 2021. In addition, malls too have been instructed to stay shut between 8pm-7am,” tweeted BMC. (ANI)

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday stated that the privatisation of Air India is likely to be completed by the end of May-June.

“At a meeting on Monday, it was decided that the government will close the financial bids within 64 days,” Puri told ANI, adding that there were multiple bidders and some have been shortlisted. Other Public sector undertakings (PSUs) like Pawan Hans disinvestment is also under process, the minister added.

“The airline still is in debt of Rupees 60 thousand crores and it is liable to be sold,” Puri further said.

The minister also said that the second wave of COVID-19 has delayed airlines being allowed to operate 100 per cent that was planned to happen from the start of the summer schedule this month-end. But for now, there are no questions to curtail the domestic operations, he added.

He further said that flights are the safest mode to travel, adding that the authorities have taken cognisance for defaulters who are not following COVID-19 protocol on board.

Talking on the expansion of the terminal building of the Gorakhpur Airport, Puri said the civil aviation ministry is making profits from the tier 2-3 airports in the country and Gorakhpur is one of them.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will lay the foundation stone for the expansion of the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Airport terminal building on Sunday. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan has been in the work mode, shooting for her next ‘Atrangi Re’ alongside Akshay Kumar and Dhanush. After all the hard work, finally, the actor has concluded the shoot for the film and wrote a heartfelt post to thank the team.

“That’s a film wrap. Ek saal baad (after one year)”, Sara wrote.

The ‘Kedarnath’ actor penned a note of thanks to the director of the film and wrote, “Thank you so much @aanandlrai sir for giving me this role, this film and this opportunity. But more than that thank you for your unconditional love, unwavering support, the best India darshan, delicious khana, early morning sunrise drives to location, sufi ginger water evenings, and the most memorable year with the best team”

She also acknowledged her co-star Dhanush for always being helpful and motivating on the set. Continuing with the note, Sara also thanked the ‘Raanjhanaa, star for introducing her to the South Indian food.

She wrote, “Thank you for introducing me to your amazing music and mouth-watering varieties of South Indian food (even though we could’ve avoided that indulgence during shoots)”

While concluding her note of thanks, the 25-year-old actor also hailed Akshay Kumar for bringing “love, laughter, energy and positivity on the set”.

Earlier, in the day, the ‘Good Newwz’ star also announced the wrap-up for the film and shared his first look as a magician in the movie.

The filming of the movie started in December last year. A while back, pictures from the sets of the film in Agra created a splash on the internet. They offered a glimpse into the world of ‘Atrangi Re’ with Akshay in the avatar of a king and Sara in an all-pink ethnic ensemble.

Directed by Aanand L Rai, the movie is presented by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, Colour Yellow Productions and Cape of Good Films. ‘Atrangi Re’ is written by Himanshu Sharma and the musical maestro AR Rahman has composed the album for the film with songs penned by Irshad Kamil. (ANI)

President Ram Nath Kovind, who has been shifted to AIIMS Delhi from Army’s Research and Referral Hospital, has been advised by doctors to undergo a bypass procedure which is expected to be performed on the morning of March 30.

A President’s Secretariat release said that President Kovind’s health is stable and he is under the care of the experts at the AIIMS. The President was shifted to AIIMS on Saturday afternoon.

“Post investigations, doctors have advised him to undergo a planned bypass procedure which is expected to be performed on the morning of March 30, Tuesday,” the release said.

The President on Friday visited the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital after he complained of chest discomfort. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president K Surendran on Saturday said a law will be brought to counter the alleged “love jihad” in Kerala if his party is voted to power in the Assembly election.

Asked if BJP will bring legislation to tackle alleged love-jihad in the state, he said, “We will initiate legislation if voted to power. The whole Christian community already passed their concern to PM Modi. Why are they sending people to Syria if it is genuine love marriage? Many cases are reported but the government is not taking any legal action which is why we will bring legislation on the issue.”

“Though we had only one seat in the last election, we garnered 16 per cent votes. We will win more seats in this election. We are trying to form the government in Kerala if we get 40 seats,” he added.

He criticised Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led the Kerala government for ordering a judicial probe against the Enforcement Directorate following its ongoing probe into several cases, including the gold smuggling case.

A judicial commission cannot intervene in the investigation of central agencies, he said.

Calling the exercise a futile effort, Surendran said, “Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to PM Modi inviting the Central agencies to Kerala. They are now investigating and more cases are coming day by day. He tried to block them by filing cases in court and now he declared a judicial commission,” Surendran said.

Calling the judicial probe, “undemocratic and anti-constitutional”, the BJP leader said that “people will understand that the Chief Minister is trying to sabotage the investigation.”

Asked if the dollar and gold smuggling is a major poll plank this year, he said, “164 statements of Swapna Suresh, prime accused in gold smuggling case said that the Chief Minister helped in many ways for the gold and dollar smuggling. The speaker is involved, four ministers are involved and the Chief Minister’s private secretary is in jail.”

“The CM himself is the kin pin in this case as the Chief Minister’s Office is involved,” he further said

On the Sabarimala agitation and Congress’ promise to stand with devotees, Surendran said, “Lakhs of our women and youth workers were arrested and jailed. More than 270 cases have been charged against me.”

“Congress was sitting ‘mum’ in the gallery. Rahul Gandhi welcomed the SC judgement. BJP was the only party with the devotees and CPI(M) has again said that they are not going to withdraw the affidavit (that supported women entry into Sabarimala).”

He alleged, “Jamaat-e-Islami is with UDF and Popular Front of India (PFI) is with LDF,” and asked, “How can the Christian community believe both these fronts?”

He said that the people of Kerala are fed up with LDF and UDF “because of their scams” adding that “Metroman E Sreedharan and IPS officer Jacob Thomas joined us. It shows that we are the only party that can give a corruption-free government.”

Slamming the LDF government for its alleged back door appointment rather than through PSC, he said, “More than 60 lakh youth are unemployed in Kerala.”

The election for the 140-member Kerala assembly in 14 districts will be held in a single phase on April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2. (ANI)

Former Indian cricketer and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar has tested positive for COVID-19.

Taking to social media, the Little Master informed that all other members at his home have returned a negative COVID result.
“I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure Covid is kept at bay. However, I’ve tested positive today following mild symptoms,” Tendulkar said in a statement on Twitter.

“All others at home have tested negative. I’ve quarantined myself at home and am following all the necessary protocols as advised by my doctors. I want to thank all the healthcare professionals who are supporting me and many others across the country. Take care all of you,” he added.

Over the course of the last week, Maharashtra has been witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases, and reported more than 35952 new infections in the last 24 hours, as per the health ministry update on Saturday morning.

Tendulkar, who recently led India Legends to a win in Road Safety World Series, was a member of India’s World Cup 2011 winning team. He was the first man to score the coveted double century in ODI cricket, when he hit an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in February 2010.

In ODI cricket rankings, he was on top for a total of 112 matches or 354 days. He is also the youngest to top the ODI batting rankings – at 8346 days old in February 1996.

In ODI cricket, he peaked at 887 points in November 1998. He made it as high as number two in the ODI all-rounders table in March 1996.

Earlier this month, Indian football skipper Sunil Chhetri had informed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. However, he was “fine” and was in recovering mode. (ANI)

As West Bengal and Assam goes for polling for the first phase of assembly elections on Saturday, here’s a look at several key candidates from both states.

The election for West Bengal’s 30 Assembly constituencies during the first phase covers all constituencies from the districts of Purulia and Jhargram and some constituencies from Bankura, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur.
In, West Bengal’s Purulia, sitting MLA of Congress Sudip Mukherjee who joined the BJP recently is contesting. In the last assembly election, Mukherjee had defeated Jyoti Prasad Singh Deo of TMC. In 2021 polls, Congress has fielded Partha Pratim Banerjee and TMC has fielded Sujoy Banerjee.

Shantiram Mahato, Minister for Self Help Group and Self-employment and P.U.P department is contesting from Balarampur constituency from Purulia district, while Uttam Kumar Bandyopadhyay is contesting from Congress.

Congress’ Nepal Chandra Mahato is contesting from Baghmundi constituency in Purulia. Ashutosh Mahato is fielded from All Jharkhand Students Union AJSU party, an ally of the BJP while Sushanta Mahato is contesting from TMC.

In the Medinipur constituency in Paschim Medinipur district, TMC has fielded actor June Maliah after the death of the sitting MLA Mrigendra Nath Maiti in December 2020. BJP has fielded Samit Kumar Das. From CPIM, Tarun Kumar Ghosh is contesting.

The party has fielded Partha Pratim Das against Santanu Pramanik of BJP and Himangshu Das of CPI(M) in Khejuri, which is a seat reserved for scheduled castes in East Medinipur district.

TMC veteran and incumbent MLA Akhil Giri are contesting from the Ramnagar constituency in Purba Medinipur. The BJP has fielded Swadesh Ranjan Nayak. Sabyasachi Jana is contesting from CPI (M).

In the Kharagpur constituency, the contest is between Dinen Roy (TMC), Tapan Bhuiya (BJP) and Sk.Saddam Ali (CPIM).

Bankura houses around 42 per cent of SC and ST voters, which are the main targets of the three parties. The rural population of Bankura stands at 92.67 per cent. TMC has fielded actor Sayantika Banerjee against BJP’s Niladri Sekhar Dana, while Radha Rani Benerjee will be contesting from Congress. The Bankura seat went to Congress candidate Shampa Daripa in 2016, who later joined Trinamool.

Chandana Bauri, a daily wager is contesting on the BJP ticket from Satlora (SC) constituency in the Bankura district. Sontosh Kumar Mondal is contesting from TMC. Nandadulal Bauri is from CPI (M).

In Jhargram constituency, TMC’s Birbaha Hansda will face off against BJP’s Sukhmoy Satpati. Jhargram carries a great deal of significance for the parties. Once known as a den for Maoists, the district is dominated by SC/ST communities – Santhals and Kurmis. The Kurmis have electoral importance in about 30 out of the 42 constituencies in the region, so both parties are fighting hard to gain the support of the community.

Although BJP had secured a strong position in Purulia and Jhargram in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, many believe that the ruling TMC has somehow managed to garner back some support through new programmes such as ‘Duare Sarkar’.

The first phase of polling will decide the electoral fate of 191 candidates including 21 women.

TMC had won 27 out of these 30 seats in the 2016 elections and BJP was not a major player in the last polls. However, the party has gained in strength in the past five years and has emerged as the main challenger to the ruling party which has won two successive assembly polls.

The BJP won 18 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections against 22 won by the TMC.

Congress had won two seats going to the polls in the first phase and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) had won one seat.

In Assam, the stage is set for the polling in 47 constituencies in 12 districts on March 27 in the state where the BJP government is seeking to regain power in the 126-member legislature. Prominent leaders including Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Atul Bora, Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora and several ministers are in the fray.

Sonowal is seeking re-election from Majuli, a seat he wrested from Congress’ Rajib Lochan Pegu in the 2016 Assembly elections. Pegu, who had won the seat for three straight terms since 2001, has again been fielded by Congress.

Assam Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami is in the poll battle from Jorhat, ministers Ranjit Dutta from Behali, Naba Kumar Doley from Jonai and Sanjoy Kishan from Tinsukia.

The fate of ministers from NDA ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)- Atul Bora from Bokakhat and Keshab Mahanta from Kaliabor- will also be sealed during the first phase of polling on March 27.

Ripun Bora is trying his luck from Gohpur seat, where his wife Monika Bora lost in the 2016 polls. The 60-year-old leader will face sitting BJP MLA Utpal Bora.

Among other high-profile candidates in the first phase include Congress Legislature Party leader Debabrata Saikia who is contesting from Nazira, AICC Secretary Bhupen Borah from Bihpuria and former ministers Bharat Narah from Naoboicha, Pranatee Phukan from Naharkatiya and Rakibul Hussain from Samaguri.

Congress has fielded Jyoti Baruah in party stronghold Titabar, a seat held by former chief minister Tarun Gogoi till his death on November 23, 2020. BJP candidate Hemanta Kalita will contest against Baruah.

Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of newly-floated regional political party Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) will contest from two seats– Duliajan and Naharkatia which will go to polls in the first phase.

The fate of jailed anti-CAA activist and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi from Sibsagar will be decided in the first phase. Gogoi, a peasant leader, is in jail since December 2019 in connection with a National Investigation Agency (NIA) case for his role in the anti-CAA protests in Assam. He was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

As Raijor Dal had reportedly failed to register with the election commission as a political party, all the Raijor Dal candidates will contest the polls as independent candidates.

Assam Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal are contesting the polls in an alliance.

The state, in its three-phased polls, is witnessing a direct fight between the BJP-Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Congress-AIUDF alliance. The BJP is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance, Central public welfare schemes and on the image of Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal.

While Congress is heading into the battle against the ruling party bringing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to the fore.

A total of 264 candidates are in the fray from 47 seats– 42 seats from 11 districts of Upper Assam and northern Assam region and five seats from central Assam’s Nagaon district going to polls in the first phase. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended an invitation to 50 entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to visit India to join the country’s start-up and innovation ecosystem and meet India’s venture capitalists.

“On completion of 50 years of relationship between India and Bangladesh, I would like to invite 50 entrepreneurs of Bangladesh to visit India and join our start-up and innovation ecosystem and meet our venture capitalists. We will also be able to learn something from them and they will also get an opportunity to learn something from us,” the Prime Minister said during an event celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh’s liberation.
Modi who is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring country also announced the Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh.

The Swarna Jayanti Fellowship is a research fellowship awarded annually by the Department of Science and Technology of India. It is given for the notable and outstanding research by young scientists, applied or fundamental, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and physics

Modi during his address also called it a “happy coincidence” that the 50 years of independence of Bangladesh and 75 years of independence of India have come together.

“For both of us, the journey of the next 25 years in the 21st century is very important. Our heritage and development is shared,” he stated.

“I would like to remind brothers and sisters in Bangladesh with pride, being involved in the struggle for independence of Bangladesh was one of first movements of my life. I must have been 20 to 22 years old when I and my colleagues did Satyagraha for Bangladesh’s freedom,” the Prime Minister said.

He added, “The images of atrocities that the Pakistan Army inflicted on the people here used to distract us. For many days those pictures didn’t let us sleep.”

PM Modi said that India and Bangladesh have similar opportunities in the fields of trade and commerce, but at the same time, both countries are facing threats of terrorism.

He said that the ideas and powers behind such types of inhumane acts are still active. India and Bangladesh must remain vigilant and united to counter such forces, he said.

“Today, the governments of both India and Bangladesh are realizing this sensitivity and making meaningful efforts in this direction. We have shown that mutual trust and cooperation can lead to every solution. Our Land Boundary Agreement is also a witness to this,” the Prime Minister said.

Both the nations, the Prime Minister said, have the power of democracy and vision for the future adding that it is necessary for the region that India and Bangladesh progress together. “That is why Indian and Bangladeshi governments are making meaningful efforts in this direction,” he said.

The Prime Minister also paid homage to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army “who stood with brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in ‘Muktijuddho’. “

During his address at Bangladesh’s National Day programme, PM Modi said: “Today I also salute the brave soldiers of Indian Army who stood with brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in ‘Muktijuddho’. I am happy that many Indian soldiers who participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War are present at this event today.

Prime Minister Modi also said, ” India is very happy that Made in India [Covid-19] vaccines are being used by our brothers and sisters of Bangladesh.”

“During Covid too, both countries have worked in tandem. We helped in developing the SAARC Covid fund and in the training of human resource. India is delighted that ‘Made In India’ vaccines are used by our brothers and sisters of Bangladesh,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived in Bangladesh on a two-day visit to the nation, his first tour to a foreign country since the Covid-19 outbreak last year. He was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. (ANI)