Coronavirus news highlights: Kumbh Mela may be cut short due to rising Covid-19 cases

India on Wednesday reported a record single-day rise of 1,84,372 new coronavirus infections pushing the total tally of cases to 1,38,73,825, while the active cases surpassed the 13-lakh mark. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav tested positive for the virus today. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced a statewide curfew in the state for 15 days from April 14. Stay tuned for updates.

2,551 people without face masks penalised: Noida Police

As many as 2,551 people were penalised across Noida and Greater Noida on Wednesday for not wearing face masks in public places, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police said.

Challans were also issued to owners of 1,631 vehicles for flouting traffic rules and Covid-19 protocols, the police said, adding six vehicles were impounded.

Haryana records biggest single-day jump of 5,398 new Covid-19 cases; 18 deaths take toll to 3,316

Haryana reported its highest single-day spike of 5,398 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the state's infection tally to 3,29,942, while 18 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 3,316.

Delhi records massive jump of 17,282 Covid-19 cases, highest since pandemic began; over 100 die

Delhi recorded 17,282 fresh cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, the highest single-day surge in the national capital since the onset of the pandemic, while over 100 fatalities were reported, according to data shared by the health department.

Crematoriums in Bhopal struggle as Covid-19 deaths mount

The apparent spike in deaths caused due to Covid-19 has resulted in crematoriums and burial grounds in Bhopal struggling to dispose of bodies as these facilities have started facing several issues, including that of space crunch.

The number of bodies being brought to the crematoriums or burial grounds has been witnessing a surge over the last few days, say the operators of these establishments.

Mumbai reports nearly 10,000 new Covid-19 cases; 54 deaths

Mumbai reported 9,925 fresh Covid cases and 54 deaths on Wednesday.

Kumbh Mela may be cut short due to rising Covid-19 cases

Have urged Railways to help transport medical oxygen to MP: CM

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said he has urged the Railways to facilitate the transportation of medical oxygen to the state for its speedy delivery amid the Covid-19 surge.

Neighbouring states unable to supply oxygen to Maharashtra: Tope

Maharashtra has approached neighbouring states for medical oxygen supply amid the Covid-19 surge, but they have expressed their inability due to its high demand there, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday.

Talking to reporters here, Tope said Maharashtra will have to reduce the wastage of medical oxygen as it is in high demand now.

Medical-grade oxygen is used for the treatment of critical Covid-19 patients and in other cases of respiratory diseases.

FIR registered after Covid vaccines go missing in Rajasthan

320 doses of COVAXIN missing from cold storage of Hari Bux Kanwatia Govt hospital, Jaipur. FIR registered. Nodal Officer of the vaccination centre here says, "There's systematic record of doses coming at centre. So it's suspected that vaccines went missing from store."

ANI

Mamata Banerjee blames BJP 'outsiders' for Covid surge in Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that the BJP has contributed to the recent rise inCovid-19 cases in the state by bringing "outsiders in large numbers" for campaigning during the ongoing assembly elections.

Goa CM rules out lockdown in the state amid rising cases

Goa CM Pramod Sawant on Wednesday askedpeople of the state and tourists to strictly follow Covid-19 protocols amid rising cases. He ruled out lockdown restrictions in the state citing the economic fallout.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath tests positive for Covid-19, isolates self

Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot tests positive for Covid-19, says he is in home isolation

PM Modi to hold meet with Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, other officials over CBSE board exams' issue today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is setto hold a meeting with Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, Secretary & other important officials at 12 noon to discuss the issue of CBSE Board exams, saidsources.

Read more

All you need to know about Maharashtra's lockdown-like restriction

With a rapid rise inCovid-19 cases,strict lockdown-type measures have been implemented in the worst-pandemic-affected state of Maharashtra which comes into effect from 8 pm on April 14 till 7 am on May 1. Besides, the night curfew, as earlier, will continue.

Read more

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh writes to Centre seeking postponement of board exams for Classes 10 and 12, in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. Credit: PTI Photo

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to chair a meeting of all district collectors today to review the Covid-19 situation in the state.

India sees biggest Covid-19 case spike with 1.84 lakh cases; daily deaths cross 1K for first time in 2021

Registering a steady increase for the 35th day in a row, the active cases increased to13,65,704,comprising 9.84per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has dropped to 88.92 per cent.

Read more

Covid-19 vaccines in India: Where do they stand?

The Drugs Control General of India has permitted emergency use of Covid vaccine Sputnik V with certain conditions, clearing the way for a third vaccine in addition to Covishield and Covaxin. Besides, the government on Tuesday also fast-tracked emergency approval for other jabs. Here is what the vaccines are all about:

Read more

India's Covid-19 recovery rate improves to 88.92% as on April 14, 2021

Covid-19 vaccines in India: Where do they stand?

Sputnik V from Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute is the latest vaccine approved for emergency use in India.

Read more

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss India's Covid-19 situation with Governors and LGs via video conferencing today

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Credit: Twitter/@DDNewslive

National Capital Delhi reported highest single-day spike of 13,468 new Covid-19 cases in last 24 hours. There are over 43,000 active cases in capital while total recoveries now stand at 6,95,210.

Crowd at Sadar Bazar, amid spike in coronavirus cases, in NewDelhi, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Govt fast-tracks approval for foreign-produced COVID-19 vaccines cleared in other countries; Russia's Sputnik V gets go-ahead

Credit: Reuters File Photo

Key takeaways from Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's address

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray addressed the state about the unprecedented Covid-19 surge in Maharashtra. Here are key takeaways from the CM's speech:

Read more

Yogi Adityanath in isolation after staff members test Covid-19 positive

"Some officers I was in contact with have tested positive for Covid-19. I am self-isolating and working virtually," the CM tweeted.

Read more

India's double challenge: When the pharmacy of the world needs prescriptions itself

On April 11, India recorded almost 1,70,000 Covid-19 cases, a record for the country since the start of the pandemic. The day before, India crossed a different kind of milestone: Vaccinating 10 crore people. It is this seesaw of despair and hope that India rides today, battling the outbreak with a healthcare system operating on the brink even as its pharmaceutical industry tries to fill the world’s prescription for vaccine doses.

Read more

Pune: Covid-19 surge, lockdown fear keep migrants on the edge

Pune railway station has been witnessing passenger rush for outstation trains for the past few days, amid talk of lockdown being imposed in Maharashtra, and industrial bodies on Tuesday said at least 10 per cent of the migrant workforce of the district's Chakan belt may have left for home.

Incidentally, on Tuesday evening, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced a 15-day curfew, excluding essential services from its ambit, to tackle the surge in cases.

India's double challenge: When the pharmacy of the world needs prescriptions itself

On April 11, India recorded almost 1,70,000 Covid-19 cases, a record for the country since the start of the pandemic. The day before, India crossed a different kind of milestone: Vaccinating 10 crore people. It is this seesaw of despair and hope that India rides today, battling the outbreak with a healthcare system operating on the brink even as its pharmaceutical industry tries to fill the world’s prescription for vaccine doses.

Read more