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Mon, 03 May 2021
Delhi records 448 Covid deaths in 24 hours
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23:56 Delhi records 448 Covid deaths in 24 hours
Delhi recorded 18,043 new coronavirus disease cases on Monday and 448 deaths which pushed the total number of cases in the city to 1,212,989 and the death toll to 17,414.
The positivity rate- the rate at which people getting tested for Covid-19 receive positive results -- stood at 29.56 per cent, according to the state health bulletin.
A total of 61,045 tests were conducted on Monday and the number of active cases in the city currently stands at 89,592.
As many as 20,293 patients recovered from the virus during the period and the number of containment zones in the city rose to 44,052 from 42,098 the previous day, the bulletin showed.
23:23 No decision yet on Assam CM
The BJP-led alliance has won the Assam assembly election but uncertainty hangs on who will be the next chief minister - Sarbananda Sonowal or Himanta Biswa
Sarma even a day later as its elected MLAs huddled in two groups on Monday.
A constant flow of different sets of elected representatives was seen at the official residences of the two leaders since Monday morning after the election result was declared on Sunday night .
While some BJP leaders openly batted for Sarma, who is the convenor of BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance, most of them pushed the ball to the court of the party's central parliamentary board.
"The decision will be taken by the BJP parliamentary board. The party is sending an observer. He will talk to all stakeholders and a decision will be taken based on his report," Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass told reporters.
Though the party is tight-lipped, sources in it said Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is likely to reach Guwahati on Tuesday to hammer out a consensus regarding the chief minister.
-- PTI
23:07 India may see 1.02mn Covid deaths by August 1: US-based body
A leading US-based global health research body has projected 1.02 million cumulative deaths from Covid-19 in India by August 1, with 630,000 additional fatalities from April 26, unless drastic measures were taken. The previous projection by this institute for the same end date was 960,000.
The deadly disease crossed another grim milestone last week, becoming the No 1 killer in the country, going up by 78 per cent.
A top official of the Biden administration, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, told ABC news on Sunday the pandemic is raging out of control in India. Even as the United States has rushed assistance worth $100 million, it has also announced restrictions on travel from India starting on Tuesday. It bars everyone but US citizens, green card holders, students joining colleges and universities and, certain academics and professionals.
Without drastic measures to bolster the health system to deal with this onslaught, decreased social mixing, and increased effective face mask use, the situation currently looks quite grim for India, said an updated country-specific policy briefing from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a widely regarded independent research wing of the University of Washington based in Seattle.
22:37 BJP to hold dharna on Wed against violence by TMC
The Bharatiya Janata Party announced on Monday it will hold a nationwide dharna on Wednesday against widespread violence unleashed by the Trinamool Congress in the wake of TMCs victory in the recently held West Bengal assembly elections.
The BJP has announced a nationwide dharna on 5th May against the widespread violence unleashed by TMC workers post the election results in West Bengal. This protest will be held following all Covid protocols across all organisational mandals of the BJP, the party posted on its official Twitter handle.
It further said that its national president JP Nadda will be in West on a two-day visit on May 4 and 5, in view of the widespread post results retributive violence unleashed on BJP workers and supporters by criminal elements in the TMC cadre. He will be visiting families of the affected karyakartas, the BJP further tweeted.
On May 5, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will take oath for a third term as the chief minister of the eastern state.
22:07 IMA calls for lockdown to break chain of Covid
The Indian Medical Association has demanded an immediate national lockdown to break the chain of Covid-19 infections after 13,534 new infections and 97 deaths during the last 24 hours took Bihars cumulative Covid-19 tally to 4.97 lakh cases and 2,739 deaths.
We will appeal to the government to impose an immediate 15-day national lockdown to break the Covid-19 chain, said Dr Sahajanand Prasad Singh, president (elect) of the national IMA.
Dr Singh has been advocating for a national lockdown for around a fortnight. He said the IMA would continue to urge the government to impose a nationwide lockdown as it would lessen the burden on the healthcare facilities which are already stressed.
He said the United Kingdom and China did well to contain the spread of the virus by imposing lockdowns. The United States of America, on the other hand, had to pay a heavy price for not imposing a lockdown, added Dr Kumar.
21:34 Swearing-in date to be fixed after meet: Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said a date on the swearing-in of the new LDF cabinet and proposed new faces would be decided after a meeting of the Left front.
The LDF meeting has to be first held only after which these matters would be decided,Vijayan told reporters here.
A decision on when the crucial LDF meeting is to be held has also not yet been taken, he said.
Asked if there will be newcomers, the Left leader said there will be new faces.
"What is the doubt? But discussions have to be held with various allies, only after which a clear picture would emerge," Vijayan said.
The new government's priority will be Covid related activities and to bring down the soaring cases.
"We all need to put up a strong fight against Covid. Efforts are on to get more vaccines.We have got some, however, that is not enough," he said, adding, there will be no slackness on this score.
What the new government was planning to do had been made clear in the election manifesto. The stress will also be on coming out with various projects to reduce unemployment among the youth, Vijayan said.
-- PTI
21:09 Maha: In a first in 30 days, daily cases fall below 50,000
Daily COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra dropped below 50,000 to 48,621 on Monday for the first time in the last 30 days, taking the tally to 47,71,022.
With 567 more patients succumbing to the viral infection, the overall toll mounted to 70,851, the state health department said.
On April 3, Maharashtra had reported 49,447 infections. On April 1 and 2, 43,183 and 47,827 cases were added, respectively.
The state had reported an average of 60,000 cases in most of April.
Of the 567 fatalities, 283 had occurred in the last 48 hours.
Given the alarming surge in the cases, the state government had imposed lockdown-like curbs in the state on April 5 coupled with prohibitory orders and restrictions on the movement of people. The curbs were later extended till May 15.
-- PTI
20:51 Mumbai sees 2,662 Covid cases in 1 day
Mumbai reported 2,662 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.
It pushed the city's caseload to 6,58,866.
With 78 fatalities, the death toll in the city due to the pandemic reached 13,408.
As many as 5,746 people were discharged from hospitals.
20:17 11 cr vaccine doses in next few months: Poonawalla
Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has clarified his comments in an interview to The Times, London, and tweeted, 'Among multiple reports it is important that correct information be shared with the public', along with a copy of his statement. This is what he says:
'I would like to clarify certain things since my comments may have been misinterpreted.
'First of all, vaccine manufacturing is a specialized process, it is therefore not possible to ramp up production overnight. We also need to understand that the population of India is huge and to produce enough doses for all adults is not an easy task. Even the most advanced countries and companies are struggling in relatively smaller populations.
'Secondly, we have been working with the Government of India since April last year. We have got all kinds of support, be it scientific, regulatory and financial.
'As of today, we received total orders of over 26 crore doses, of which we supplied more than 15 crore doses. We have also got 100% advance of Rs 1732.50 crore by GoI for another tranche of 11 crore doses in the next few months. Another 11 crore doses would be supplied in the second channel for states & private hospitals in the next few months.
'Lastly, we understand that everyone wants the vaccine to be available in the quickest possible time. That is our endeavour too and we are making every effort to achieve that. We shall work even harder and strengthen India's fight against Covid-19.'
19:52 MHA asks WB to submit report on poll violence
The Centre on Monday sought a report from the West Bengal government on post-poll violence targeting opposition workers in the state.
Political workers, including from BJP, were allegedly targeted by opponents since the announcement of results for the 292-member West Bengal assembly where the ruling Trinamool Congress emerged victorious.
"MHA has asked West Bengal Government for a report on the post-election violence targeting opposition political workers in the state," a spokesperson tweeted.
The BJP has alleged that one of its party offices in Hooghly district was set on fire, and some of its leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, were heckled by TMC activists in other parts of the state.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged her supporters to maintain peace and asked them not to fall prey to provocations.
-- PTI
19:41 TN CM Palaniswami resigns, Guv accepts it; dissolves Assembly
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami tendered his resignation and that of his cabinet and Governor Banwarilal Purohit accepted it, the Raj Bhavan said on Monday.
"The Governor of Tamil Nadu accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Thiru Edappadi K Palaniswami and his Council of Ministers, with effect from the afternoon of 3.5.2021," a Raj Bhavan release said.
However, Purohit requested him and the present Council of Ministers to continue until alternative arrangements are made, the release added.
Also, the "governor has dissolved the 15th (2016-21) Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly."
DMK captured the reins of power in Tamil Nadu from the AIADMK by winning 133 of the total 234 constituencies in the assembly polls.
The AIADMK won 66 seats.
-- PTI
19:14 Gainers and losers in the Sensex pack
After plunging over 750 points in early trade, the 30-share BSE index made a U-turn to finish 63.84 points or 0.13 per cent lower at 48,718.52.
In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty closed 3.05 points or 0.02 per cent higher at 14,634.15.
Titan was the top laggard in the Sensex pack, shedding 4.58 per cent, followed by IndusInd Bank, Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, ITC, SBI, ONGC and ICICI Bank.
On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, HUL, Maruti, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, NTPC and Nestle India were among the gainers, climbing up to 3.98 per cent.
19:11 Avoid CT scans in mild Covid cases: AIIMS chief
AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria on Monday warned of the misuse of CT scans and biomarkers by patients having mild Covid-19 symptoms and said that the overuse of CT scans increases exposure to radiation that in turn escalates the risk of cancer.
"No point in conducting CT scans for mild cases; one may find patches in CT scan even if he/she is asymptomatic but may get cured easily 1 #CTScan = 300-400 Chest X-rays! With frequent CTs, risk of cancer in later life increases, for youngsters," Guleria warned, saying that the data by the international atomic energy commission for radiation protection and medicine have shown an increased risk of cancer in later life due to frequent CT scans, especially if done at a young age.
Guleria addressed the misuse of diagnosis, which he said is not required in case of mild symptoms. "A lot of people are getting CT scans done and deems it important to get CT scans done if their Covid tests turn out to be positive," he said. He cited a study that has shown patches in the CT scan of around 30-40 per cent of asymptomatic Covid-19 patients, which got cleared without any treatment. He used the study to make it clear that in case of mild infection, under home isolation with no problem or decline in saturation there is no use of a CT scan as some patches will appear.
India on Monday reported more than 3,68,000 fresh Covid-19 infections and 3417 fatalities in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry data.
19:07 India has given around 157 mn vaccines till now
India had administered almost 157 million coronavirus vaccine doses by Sunday. On Day 2 of phase 3 of the nationwide vaccination drive, which includes the 18-44 year age group as well, over 86,000 beneficiaries in this age group were vaccinated.
The Centre has also rubbished media reports that suggest that it has not order fresh stocks of vaccines since March this year.
In all, 156,816,031 vaccine doses have been given in the country by Sunday, 7am. This includes 9,428,490 healthcare workers who have had their first dose and 6,265,397 who have got their second dose as well. As many as 12,757,529 frontline workers have had their first dose while 6,922,093 have got their second dose too.
In the 45-59-year age group 53,280,976 people have got their first dose and another 4,008,078 have had their second dose as well. In the 60+ category, 52,618,135 people have been administered their first dose while 11,449,310 have had their second dose as well.
Meanwhile, the newly added category of 18-44 year age group saw 86,023 people vaccinated by Sunday morning.
18:29 Some states showing very early signs of plateauing in daily new COVID-19 cases: Govt
As the second wave of coronavirus continues to engulf several parts of the country, the Centre on Monday said some states are showing very early signs of plateauing in daily new COVID-19 cases, while some remain a cause of concern.
Addressing a news briefing, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said 13 states, including Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Punjab, are showing early signs of plateauing, while states like Bihar, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal are showing an increasing trend in daily cases.
Amid a shortage of medical oxygen in the country, he said the government is exploring the feasibility of converting existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen.
"There are some early signs of plateauing or decrease in new COVID-19 cases in some states," Agarwal said.
-- PTI
18:10 HC to Maha govt: Build electric crematoriums
The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the Maharashtra government and municipal authorities in Aurangabad to make an appeal to industrialists and local corporates to donate and help construct electric and LPG crematoriums in the district.
When told about high cost involved in constructing LPG /electric crematoriums, the Aurangabad bench of the HC cited the example of Israel, saying the West Asian country bought the COVID-19 vaccine at more than the market cost to inoculate its citizens and save on losses from a nationwide lockdown.
The HC said the authorities must make an appeal to key industrial sectors in Aurangabad to make donations as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spendings to help build crematoriums. The direction, from a bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Bhalchandra Debadwar, came after the court was informed that at present Aurangabad district did not have a single electric or LPG crematorium.
The central Maharashtra district in the Marathwada region is also an industrial hub. The bench was hearing a suo moto (on its own) PIL initiated on the basis of several news reports, to address issues such as compulsory wearing of face masks, proper funeral rites of COVID-19 patients, shortage of medical oxygen supply and black-marketing of Remdesivir, among other things.
Public prosecutor DR Kale told the HC that electric or LPG crematoriums were expensive to construct and maintain as they needed regular power supply and a certain temperature needed to be maintained at all times. Kale said people were using wood for funeral pyres. This prompted the court to say that the current situation would result in indiscriminate tree felling and destruction of the environment.
"Take a leaf out of Israel's book. It paid 30 dollars instead of 15 for each vaccine dose to ensure it got enough stock. It vaccinated over 90 per cent of its population and managed to save manifold by avoiding a nationwide lockdown," the HC said. "And here we are told that electric crematoriums are expensive. They are the most cost effective in the long run," the judges said. The HC noted that LPG crematoriums were comparatively more cost effective. --PTI
PM at a rally in Bengal last month
17:39 Govt sets deadline for PM's new house amid pandemic
A new Prime Minister's residence is to be built by December 2022 as part of the Central Vista project which has received an environmental all-clear in the middle of a raging pandemic where most activities have been restricted.
The Central Vista project, which has been designated an "essential service" so that work is unstopped during the virus lockdown, has moved to the next step after the government's green clearance.
Despite strong objections by opposition parties and activists, the government is determined to move forward on the makeover plan under a strict time line.
Among the first buildings to be constructed by December next year is the Prime Minister's residence. The headquarters of the Special Protection Group for the PM's security and an executive enclave for bureaucrats will also be constructed by the same deadline.
The PM's official address currently is 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (previously Race Course Road). -- NDTV
17:35 Cummins pledges $50K to UNICEF for India, not PMCARES
Kolkata Knight Riders' Australian pacer Pat Cummins on Monday said he has allocated his USD 50,000 donation to UNICEF Australia's India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal, a week after pledging the amount to PM CARES Fund.
With India battling a devastating health crisis, the 27-year-old pacer had last Monday announced to make the donation for procurement of oxygen supplies for the hospitals which are struggling in the face of rise in COVID cases.
However, Cummins seems to have changed his mind following Cricket Australia's financial assistance to UNICEF Australia. "Terrific Work @ CricketAus FYI I ended up allocating my donation to UNICEF Australia's India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal. If you're able to, please join many others in supporting this here https://india.unicef.org.au/t/australian-cricket," he wrote on his twitter handle.
Cricket Australia on Monday pledged 50,000 Australian dollars to support India's fight against the devastating second wave and said it will also raise more funds in partnership with its players' association and UNICEF.
17:26 Mamata Banerjee to be sworn in on May 5
Mamata Banerjee's swearing-in ceremony to take place on May 5. The West Bengal CM designate addressed a presser a while ago and urged her supporters to maintain peace amid reports of violence from some areas, asking them not to fall prey to provocations.
"The central forces committed many atrocities on TMC supporters during the elections," she alleged.
"Even after the results were announced, BJP attacked our supporters in certain areas but we ask our men not to get provoked and instead report to the police," she said.
Banerjee alleged that some of the police officers worked in a partisan manner against the TMC during the elections.
Hitting out at the Election Commission, she claimed that the BJP would not have crossed the 50-mark in its tally if the poll panel would not have helped it. The chief minister again demanded that every citizen of the country should be given free vaccines by the Centre.
"They are sending vaccine and oxygen to two-three states. Why so? Every state should get its due. I have heard that in Gujarat, vaccine is being given from the BJP party office. Does they (BJP) have any expertise in giving vaccines?" she claimed.
Replying to a question, Banerjee said her priority is fighting the pandemic and would think about her role in the national elections of 2024 once the COVID-19 crisis is over.
"I am just a street fighter. I can boost the morale of the people, so that we can fight a strong fight against the BJP. One cannot do everything alone and it should be a collective effort. If collectively we can take a decision, together we can fight the battle of 2024. But, first let us fight this COVID crisis and then we will decide on this. Now is not the time," she said.
The oxygen cylinder refilling centre at Lucknow where queues begin at 4 am
17:19 Tell us how oxygen has been supplied: Swamy to govt
A tweet from none other than Subramanian Swamy: "Govt should stop saying how much O2 is available but tell us how much has been supplied and to which hospital. As far back as October 2020, the Standing Committee of Parliament for Health had warned of the acute shortage in O2 cylinders in output & supply. Govt did not bother."
17:02 Tripura DM in viral video quits
The district magistrate of West Tripura who had forcibly stopped a wedding ceremony here while enforcing Covid-19 protocol was released from his post following his request, officials said on Monday.
Sailesh Kumar Yadav had written to Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar on Sunday requesting that he be relinquished from the charge of district magistrate of West Tripura as a departmental inquiry was on against him. A video of the incident had gone viral in the social media.
"The Government of Tripura has constituted a high level Enquiry Committee to enquire into incidents which happened on the night of 26th April 2021 during marriage ceremonies being held in violation of Corona Night Curfew at Manikya Court & Golap Bagan, Agartala. In the interest of an impartial enquiry I request for relinquishment of my charge as DM & Collector West Tripura District", Yadavs letter accessed by PTI read.
State Law minister Ratan Lal Nath, who is the cabinet spokesperson, told reporters that the chief secretary had accepted the letter and released Yadav immediately.
The director of industries and commerce, Ravel Hamendra Kumar took over as the district magistrate of West Tripura. Yadav was seen in a video footage tearing the document of the permission taken from him for holding the ceremony.
He was also seen forcing the invitees and others present at the venue to leave and ordering policemen who were with him to drive them out of the venue. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had ordered setting up of the enquiry committee comprising two senior IAS officers. It will submit a report to the chief secretary soon, the officials said.
Yadav told reporters here that whatever he had done was to maintain law and order. "It is my duty to enforce law and order and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I stand by whatever I did that night," he said.
Many leaders of the ruling BJP, including MLA of the area Asish Saha and another lawmaker of the party Sushanta Chowdhury had written to the chief secretary demanding the removal of the DM. BJP MP from West Tripura district and the senior most party leader, Pratima Bhowmik had said the incident was most "undesirable" and should not have happened.
16:55 WB guv summons cops over arson, violence
DGP West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner were summoned by West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankar in the wake of the rising post poll incidents of arson and looting. He also said violence and killings in the state were of an alarming scenario. "Called upon them to take all steps to restore law and order," Dhankar said.
Immediately after the results came in yesterday evening, the BJP's office in Arambagh was set on fire. The BJP blamed the TMC for the incident.
16:34 In Yogi's Lucknow, a 4 am queue for oxygen
The desperation for oxygen in Yogi Adityanath's UP continues. People queue up outside an oxygen plant to refill oxygen cylinders in Lucknow. "l've been waiting since 4 am and the oxygen tanker is yet to come. For the last two days there's no oxygen in the plant," says a resident of the city.
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a portal for manufacturing units to apply for setting up oxygen production unit or undertake modification in existing unit to start producing the gas.
Adityanath last month, asked officials to take action under the National Security Act and the Gangsters Act against anti-social elements who spread rumours and propaganda on social media and try to spoil the atmosphere.
16:17 UK sends 4th tranche of aid
"Fourth consignment of medical supplies containing 60 ventilators arrives from the UK. Thank our strategic partner & friend for the support, "tweets, Ministry of External Affairs.
16:10 Bengals daughter
"She had the most formidable and dubiously loaded war chest thrown at her, volley upon volley, dare upon bellowing dare; she took the blows with grit and with pugnacity and exhausted them. In the process of such mostly one-legged gallantry, she has scored a stellar breach in a raging myth of our politics -- that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah form an invincibility we'd better reconcile to, that there is an inevitability to the hegemony of their 'chakravarti' project, that where they venture they will establish their suzerainty. "
Sankarshan Thakur dissects the Bengal polls and its minister-in-chief. Read it here.
15:47 Mamata on Nandigram loss: Server down for 4 hrs
West Bengal Chief Minister elect on the Nandigram loss:
"I received an SMS from someone wherein Returning Officer of Nandigram has written to someone that if he allows recounting then his life would be under threat. For four hours the server was down. The Governor also congratulated me. Suddenly everything changed."
Banerjee declared all journalists as COVID warriors.
In the aftermath of the arson at the BJP office in Arambagh yesterday, she also appealed to everyone to maintain peace and not indulge in any violence. "We know BJP and Central Forces have tortured us a lot but we have to maintain peace. At present, we have to fight COVID19."
15:37 NEET-PG exams postponed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorises keys decisions to boost availability of medical personnel to fight COVID-19. NEET-PG Exam to be postponed for at least 4 months: Prime Minister's Office.
Final Year MBBS students can be utilized for teleconsultation and monitoring of mild Covid cases under the supervision of Faculty. BSc/GNM Qualified Nurses to be utilized in full-time Covid nursing duties under the supervision of Senior Doctors and Nurses.
Medical personnel completing 100 days of Covid duties will be given Prime Minister's Distinguished Covid National Service Samman.
15:29 Rs 1,700 cr paid to SII for 11 cr vax doses: Govt
The Health Ministry on Monday said that 100 per cent advance of Rs 1732.50 crore was released to the Serum Institute of India on April 28 for 11 crore doses of Covishield vaccine during May, June and July.
The amount, which after TDS was Rs 1699.50 crore, was received by the SII on April 28 itself, it said. As on date, against the last order of 10 crore doses for supplies of Covishield vaccine, 8.744 crore doses have been delivered till May 3, the ministry said, adding, media reports alleging that the Centre has not placed any fresh order for COVID-19 vaccines are "incorrect and not based on facts".
Additionally, 100 per cent advance of Rs 787.50 crore (after TDS Rs 772.50 crore) was released on April 28 to Bharat Biotech India Ltd (BBIL) for five crore Covaxin doses during May, June and July. The amount was received by them on April 28.
As on date against the last order of two crore doses for supplies of Covaxin vaccine, 0.8813 crore doses have been delivered till May 3, the ministry said.
"Hence, to say that fresh orders have not been placed by Government of India is not correct," it said. As of May 2, the Centre has provided more 16.54 crore vaccine doses to states and union territories free of cost. More than 78 lakh doses are still available with them to be administered, the ministry said.
"More than 56 lakh doses, in addition, will be received by states and UTs in the next three days," it stated.
Under the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, Government of India would continue to procure its share of 50 per cent of the monthly Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccines and would continue to make it available to the state governments totally free of cost as was being done earlier, the ministry stated. PTI
15:13 Govt's move to continue with Central Vista project grotesque: Yechury
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has termed the government's plans to continue with the Central Vista project despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as "grotesque.
Quoting reports that the Centre has granted the necessary environment clearances for the remaining buildings of the project, Yechury questioned its timing.
"This is grotesque. No money for Oxygen and Vaccines as our brothers and sisters die waiting for a hospital bed to be cremated in parking lots BUT Modi will squander public money to feed his megalomaniac vanity. Stop this Crime," he said in a tweet.
The Opposition parties have been critical of the government over the construction of the Central Vista project, with a brand new parliament building as its centrepiece during the coronavirus pandemic.
The work on the project has continued despite the second week of lockdown in the Capital that has brought most construction sites to a grinding halt. The construction work for the project has been brought under the ambit of "essential services", a move that been flayed by the opposition. PTI
15:06 Two Oxygen Express trains head to Delhi
An 'Oxygen Express' for Delhi, carrying 30.86 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen, from Angul in Odisha is expected to arrive on Monday evening, while another is on its way from West Bengal's Durgapur, the railway ministry said.
The train from Durgapur is carrying 120 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) and is likely to reach Delhi on Tuesday, it said.
The railways so far has delivered around 1125 tonnes of LMO in 76 tankers to various states.
Twenty 'Oxygen Express' trains have already completed their journey and seven more such trains loaded with around 422 tonnes of LMO in 27 tankers are on way to their destinations, the ministry said.
"It is the Indian Railways endeavour to deliver as much LMO as possible in the shortest time possible to the requesting states," it said.
"Oxygen Express to Delhi carrying 120 tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen is on its way from Durgapur and is expected to reach Delhi on May 4, 2021," the ministry said.
Telangana will receive its second 'Oxygen Express' from Angul carrying 60.23 tonnes of LMO. Haryana will receive its fourth and fifth such train carrying nearly 72 tonnes from Angul and Rourkela.
Another Oxygen Express with 85 tonnes is on its way from Hapa (Gujarat) to Gurgaon, the ministry said. More 'Oxygen Express' trains to Madhya Pradesh (its fourth train), Uttar Pradesh (its tenth train), Telangana, Haryana and Delhi carrying 422.08 tonnes of LMO are on their way. Out of the 1,125 tonnes of LMO, Maharashtra got 174 tonnes, Uttar Pradesh 430.51 tonnes, Madhya Pradesh 156.96 tonnes, Delhi 190 tonnes, Haryana 109.71 tonnes and Telangana 63.6 tonnes. PTI
14:33 HC asks Centre to respond to Delhi's Covid pleas
The Delhi High Court Monday directed the Centre to take instructions on the communication by AAP government to the Union Defence Minister requesting help of the Army to set up hospitals here with oxygenated and ICU beds to treat COVID-19 patients as well as supply cryogenic tanker for oxygen.
A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli was informed by the Delhi government counsel that the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister has written a letter to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday with its request for Army's help and it will take a day or two to fructify.
Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the Delhi government, has urged the Centre that it would be grateful if armed forces could run medical facilities for COVID-19 patients with 10,000 beds and also requested the armed forces to provide cryogenic tankers for oxygen supply to the national capital.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, sought time to get instructions and to inform the court. The bench said, We direct the Centre to report instructions on the communication by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister to the Defence Minister.
Following a suggestion by senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, the court had earlier asked the Delhi government to examine the issue for taking services of armed forces in the given situation as they can set up field hospitals which will help a large number of COVID-19 patients in the national capital and take appropriate steps.
The bench had directed the state government to seek the help of the armed forces in getting oxygen and setting up facilities. A PIL was also mentioned on behalf of petitioner Manisha Gupta, through senior advocates Abhinav Vasisht and Sacchin Puri and lawyer Praveen K Sharma, seeking to hand over management of oxygen supplies to the armed forces for ensuring uninterrupted supply to the hospitals and the COVID-19 facility during the pandemic.
The counsel said when national prestige was involved during the Common Wealth Games in Delhi and a bridge had fallen, the state government had called for Army. Now so many lives are involved, so why the Army can't be called now, he added. PTI
14:18 Gloved heroes
TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweets: "Well done Modiji. You wanted to win a state. You succeeded in bringing our nation to its knees."
As the Centre absolves itself of responsibility, it is doctors like this in Pune, who continue to be caregivers despite personal loss. This doctor (pictured) works even as his father succumbed to COVID and his mother and brother are admitted to hospital.
"The situation is very difficult. We can't rest and see the agony of patients," says Dr Mukund, Director, Sanjeevan Hospital, Pune.
Mamata Banerjee with Governor Jagdeep Dhankar
14:12 Mamata to meet guv at 7 pm to stake claim
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will meet West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar at 7 pm on Monday and stake claim to form the government, after her party's stupendous win in the assembly elections, Raj Bhavan sources said.
The ruling TMC has won 212 of the 292 seats where polling was held in eight phases in March and April, and is leading in one where counting is still in progress.
The BJP emerged as the main opposition party with 77 seats under its belt. It is for the second time in succession that Banerjee powered her party to two thirds majority in the state assembly. "Tomorrow at 7 PM Hon'ble CM will be calling on me at Raj Bhavan," Governor Dhankhar had tweeted Sunday night. PTI
13:46 Mamata to hold meet with TMC leaders today
TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee to hold a meeting with party leaders at party headquarters in Kolkata later today The party has won 212 Assembly seats and is leading in a constituency, according to the Election Commission.
Banerjee on Sunday won a landslide victory in Bengal but lost in a cliffhanger in Nandigram to the BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, her former protege.
"I accept the verdict in Nandigram - it is not a big deal. Don't worry," said the Chief Minister, declaring, however, that she would approach the court over "mischief".
13:41 Yes Bank shares tumble over 13% after Q4 earnings
Shares of Yes Bank on Monday declined over 13 per cent after the company reported a loss of Rs 3,790 crore on a consolidated basis for the March quarter. The stock tumbled 13.40 per cent to Rs 12.60 on BSE. On NSE, it declined 11.68 per cent to Rs 12.85.
13:40 Centre to distribute 60 L vax doses in 3 days
An additional 60 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses will be received by the states/union territories in the next three days, the central government informed on Monday.
In a media release, the health ministry said the government of India has so far provided nearly 16.54 crore vaccine doses (16,54,93,410) to states/union territories free of cost.
Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,79,21,537 doses (as per data available at 8 am on Monday).
"More than 75 lakh COVID vaccine doses (75,71,873) are still available with the states/union territories to be administered. Furthermore, more than 59 lakh (59,70,670) vaccine doses will be received in addition by the states/union territories within the next three days," the release stated.
The Centre on April 19 had announced a ''liberalised'' policy, making all above 18 years of age eligible to get vaccinated from May 1. It has also allowed state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers. Per the revised rules, the centre will receive 50 per cent of the vaccines supplied; states and private hospitals will get the remaining doses.
The country had started the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 with two vaccines -- Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India) and Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited).
The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the coronavirus began on March 1. The third phase began on April 1 for all above 45 years of age. -- ANI
13:09 Name those who threatened you, Cong urges Adar
A day after Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) reportedly said that he received 'threats' from powerful people for the delivery of vaccines, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole urged Poonawalla to make the names of those leaders public, adding that his party takes full responsiblity for his security.
Speaking to reporters here today, Patole said, "Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India CEO) said that he was threatened by some senior leaders. Congress takes full responsibility for his security. But he should make it public as to who are these leaders."
"He said in an interview that I have been threatened on the phone. He should disclose the name of the person from whom he received the threat call," said the Congress leader.
"A person who is not in India is being provided with Y category security by the Central Government, which raises suspicion. This time is not of engaging in politics. Therefore, I urge him to reveal the names of those who are threatening him," added Patole.
His remarks came after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had on April 28 informed that CEO of Serum Institute of India Adar Poonawalla will be provided with Y category security across the country by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Yesterday, in an interview to a London newspaper, Adar Poonawalla had complained of receiving threats from politicians and "powerful men" demanding quick delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine that his firm has been producing.
Poonawalla also complained of being "vilified and blamed", and hinted at starting a new vaccine production unit in the United Kingdom.
He had said he had received calls from "some of the most powerful men in India", including "Chief Ministers, heads of business conglomerates and others."
Poonawalla has been in London with his family for the last few days.
Stating in an interview that he was staying in the UK for an extended time, he had said, "Because I don't want to go back to that situation. Everything falls on my shoulders but I can't do it alone. I don't want to be in a situation where you are just trying to do your job, and just because you can't supply the needs of X, Y or Z you really don't want to guess what they are going to do."
13:05 India's Covid crisis makes headlines again
The Washington Post page 1 on Sunday. It is because of coverage like this, both internationally and by the Indian media on our Covid crisis, that 40 countries have rushed to help. The Indian government to date refuses to acknowledge it slipped up.
13:00 Vax shortage in Pune
COVID-19 vaccination centers for people above 45 years of age continue to remain closed due to shortage of vaccines in Pune. "For last three days, I come here daily. But they don't have vaccines. Today, I have been told to come after 8 days," says a local.
12:49 Shatrughan Sinha calls Mamata 'spirited, brave'
Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha on the election results: "Congratulations @MamataOfficial on your victory against the behemoths. A spirited n brave lady pitted against the might of PM n Shah! Commendable and a lesson for all us Indians to stand up for our principals. (Hugging face Thumbs up emojis) Triumph of Principles over communal politics. Prashant Kishor.
scripted the magic.. true to his words Congratulations @YashwantSinha & @derekobrienmp for TMCs stellar performance.
Congratulations #Stalin on ushering in a new dawn in TN politics. You have big boots of your illustrious father to fill. Good luck and best wishes once again."
12:40 Pinarayi resigns as CM
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan submits his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan in Thiruvananthapuram. CPI (Marxist)'s executive will meet to take a decision regarding government formation today.
Families of Covid patients wait for a oxygen cylinder
12:26 Pfizer donates $7mn worth Covid drugs to India
Global pharma major Pfizer is sending its medicines worth USD 70 million (over Rs 510 crore), from its distribution centres in the US, Europe and Asia, that have been identified as part of India's COVID-19 treatment protocol, the company's Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla said on Monday.
"We are deeply concerned by the critical COVID-19 situation in India, and our hearts go out to you, your loved ones and all the people of India," he said in a mail sent to Pfizer India employees that he has shared on his linked.in post.
"We are committed to being a partner in India's fight against this disease and are quickly working to mobilize the largest humanitarian relief effort in our company's history," Bourla said.
"Right now, Pfizer colleagues at distribution centres in the US, Europe and Asia are hard at work rushing shipments of Pfizer medicines that the Government of India has identified as part of its COVID-19 treatment protocol," he added.
"We are donating these medicines to help make sure that every COVID-19 patient in every public hospital across the country can have access to the Pfizer medicines they need free of charge," Bourla said.
These medicines, valued at more than USD 70 million, will be made available immediately, and "we will work closely with the government and our NGO partners to get them to where they are needed most," he added. PTI
12:12 Cheers!
One of the many memes doing the rounds on social media since Mamata Banerjee's spectacular win yesterday.
12:03 Delhi needs help in transporting oxygen: Dy CM
Update on the situation in Delhi from Deputy CM Manish Sisodia: "Yesterday, Delhi received 440 MT of oxygen which is lower than the allocated quota of 590 MT. We need 976 MT oxygen daily as we are increasing the number of beds.
"We need urgent help to transport oxygen. We have sought help from different sources including the Army, Central government & its different wings, and private sector.
"Vaccination has started at 76 schools of Delhi Govt today. With this, vaccination has begun at 301 centres for 18-45 age group. Our target is to make 10 centres at a school. We'll continue to expand number of centers as we receive more vaccines.
"We received 4.5 lakh vaccine doses on May 1. We're in touch with vaccine manufacturers. We have given appointments to 45,150 people for vaccination today. People are very eager for taking the vaccines. We hope for 100 percent turnout."
Relatives of the victims outside the hospital
11:36 24 patients die of oxygen shortage in K'taka
And so it goes on and on. The crippling oxygen shortage in India and the Centre's continued insistence that all was well. In Karnataka, 24 patients, including Covid-19 patients, died at Chamarajanagar District Hospital due to oxygen shortage among others reasons in the last 24 hours. "We are waiting for the death audit report," says the District Incharge Minister Suresh Kumar.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has spoken to Chamarajanagar district collector over the incident and called an emergency Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
11:26 'I am angry. My father and I have COVID, my mother has cancer'
"I am angry. I'm recovering from COVID 19, mercifully able to manage my symptoms at home. Halfway through my illness came the news that my father had tested positive. Since then, every waking minute has been spent organising tests, talking to doctors, video calls to ensure he is OK, isolating my mother who has lymphoma and praying she doesn't get it."
Senior journalist Nidhi Razdan's personal account of the Covid-19 crisis. Read it here
11:21 Pakistan opens fire along IB in J-K's Samba
Pakistani Rangers violated the ceasefire by opening fire along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Monday, a senior BSF officer said.
A BSF spokesman said this is first-ever ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the IB after the two countries signed a fresh agreement to maintain calm along the border on February 25 this year .
"Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing along IB at 0615hours in Ramgarh sector", Inspector General of BSF, Jammu frontier, N S Jamwal, told PTI here. There was no casualty in the firing. The BSF spokesman said Pakistani troops opened unprovoked firing on a patrolling party ahead of the fencing. India and Pakistan had agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors in the February agreement.
The two countries had earlier signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it was hardly followed in letter and spirit with more violations than observance of the pact.
11:18 Media can't be stopped from reporting: SC to EC
The media cannot be stopped from reporting any court hearing, the Supreme Court said today as the Election Commission complained about being "castigated without any evidence" on political rallies during the campaign for state elections.
"The media is powerful and communicating what happens in court. Not only our judgements, but raising of questions, answers and dialogues is a concern for citizens. Media not reporting observations is far-fetched," the Supreme Court told the Election Commission.
The Election Commission last week approached the Supreme Court against what it called "blatantly disparaging remarks" by the Madras High Court over holding polls amid the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
11:16 Arrogance, money power, divisive agenda lost polls in West Bengal: Sibal
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday hailed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC's electoral triumph in the West Bengal Assembly polls, while saying it was arrogance, money power and "using Jai Shri Ram for politics" that lost in the state.
Banerjee fended off a spirited challenge by the BJP in West Bengal with a landslide victory for her party on Sunday, bagging a third consecutive term. "In West Bengal, Who lost: Arrogance, Might, Money power, Using Jai Shri Ram for politics, Divisive agenda & The Election Commission," Sibal tweeted. "She stood up to them & WON," he said, hailing Banerjee. As per the latest trends on the Election Commission website, the TMC has won 210 seats and was leading in three, while the BJP won 77 seats in the elections held for 292 seats. PTI
11:00 Lockdown to continue in Goa's tourist hotspots
Tourist hotspots like Calangute and Candolim in North Goa will continue to be under lockdown, even as the government has lifted the lockdown in other parts of the state, Ports Minister Michael Lobo said on Monday. Goa, a popular tourism destination, reported an extremely high COVID-19 test positivity rate of over 50 per cent last Thursday, following which the state government imposed the lockdown from April 29.
The lockdown was lifted at 6 am on Monday.
However, Lobo told PTI that the lockdown will continue in the tourism belt of North Goa district to break the chain of the viral infection. "We are going to continue a strict lockdown in the villages of Calangute, Candolim and Arpora-Nagoa," Lobo said.
The panchayats of these three areas, which are very popular among tourists, have passed orders to continue the lockdown to curb the spread of the infection, said the MLA from Calangute. Local administration will ensure proper availability of the essential commodities for people living in these areas, Lobo said.
Currently, there are 1,611 active COVID-19 cases in these areas, as per the state health directorate. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said the lockdown imposed in Goa on April 29 will be lifted at 6 am on Monday.
10:52 Another day, another stellar headline
Bengal opened its eyes to this headline from the Telegraph.
No matter which party you support, divisive, communal, politics, need to be routed.
And that is what Bengal did yesterday.
The Telegraph has been relentless in doing the job of a good media house -- questioning the government at the Centre and the State.
Salut.
10:47 How Yogi hides Covid deaths
After denying any oxygen shortage, the Yogi Adityanath government is focusing on hiding the spiralling Covid deaths by covering up crematories and banning pictures of the burning pyres that are now circulating worldwide.
High plastic and cloth banners have been put up all along the pavement railings on the only open side of Rajghat, the lone cremation ground in the chief minister's hometown of Gorakhpur, blocking view of the pyres and the long queues of bodies.
Citing religious sanctity, the banners criminalise the shooting of photos or videos of the crematory. Read the report here.
10:42 Kerala Cong (B) chief passes away
Kerala Congress (B) chairman and former state minister R Balakrishna Pillai passes away in Kottarakkara at the age of 87.
10:21 FREE Covid vax for 18+ begins in Delhi
The third and largest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people in 18-45 age group began here Monday morning. Around 90 lakh people are eligible for the jabs under this category in Delhi. Five vaccination booths each have been set up at 77 schools for the exercise, an official said.
The government set up the vaccination centres at schools to accommodate the large number of beneficiaries, he added.
Till now, vaccines were being given to those aged above 45 at around 500 centres in the national capital.
Pre-registration is mandatory for vaccination in the 18-45 age group, and there will be no walk-ins under this category for now, the official said.
Three big private hospital chains Apollo, Fortis and Max have already started vaccinating people in the 18-45 age group at limited centres from Saturday.
The Delhi government has placed orders for 1.34 crore vaccine doses, which will be delivered over the next three months. Of these, 67 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine are being procured from the Pune-based Serum Institute of India.
Officials had earlier said the first tranche of three lakh doses would reach Delhi in the first week of May. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Thursday said a plan has been formulated to vaccinate all adults against the coronavirus within the next three months. He had said that everybody aged above 18 would be administered COVID-19 vaccines free of cost in Delhi. PTI
10:13 FM to meet US Secy of State in London
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in London today.
09:50 India reports 3,68,147 new COVID-19 cases
India reports 3,68,147 new COVID-19 cases, 3,00,732 discharges, and 3,417 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union health ministry data.
Total cases: 1,99,25,604
Total recoveries: 1,62,93,003
Death toll: 2,18,959
Active cases: 34,13,642
Total vaccination: 15,71,98,207
09:31 Kerala Congress (B) chairman R Balakrishna Pillai passes away
Kerala Congress (B) chairman and former minister R Balakrishna Pillai passed away at a private hospital in his hometown Kottarakkara on Monday morning due to age-related ailments, his family said.
He was 86.
Born in a wealthy family in Kottarakkara, Pillai entered politics during his student days. He was a member of the Students Federation before joining the Congress.
He was a member of the AICC from 1958 to 1964.
Having been elected to the Assembly in 1960 from the Pathanapuram seat at the age of 25, Pillai quit the Congress in 1964 and formed the Kerala Congress (B) along with senior leader K M George.
Pillai was the founder general secretary of the Kerala Congress (B).
He won the election from his home constituency Kottarakara in 1965, but was defeated in the next two polls in 1967 and 1970.
Pillai was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1971 from the Mavelikara constituency.
He was a minister for several years in various ministries headed by C Achutha Menon, K Karunakaran, E K Nayanar, and A K Antony.
Pillai's over six-decade-long political career saw many ups and downs.
He had to resign from the ministry for his speech in the 1980s in which he had called for an agitation on the lines of the militancy in Punjab against the central government for ignoring Kerala's development needs.
He was the first minister in Kerala who was sentenced to jail for corruption.
The Supreme Court had in February 2011 sentenced Pillai and two others to one-year imprisonment for allegedly abusing their positions in the award of a contract for the Idamalayar hydroelectric power project during his tenure as power minister from 1982-1985 in the K Karunakaran ministry.
From 2017 onwards, he had been serving as the chairman of the Kerala State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities, with cabinet rank. -- PTI
08:42 Use of Jai Shri Ram for politics lost in Bengal: Sibal
Following Trinamool Congress' thumping win in assembly elections in West Bengal, Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday said "arrogance, might, money power and using Jai Shri Ram for politics" lost the polls in the state.
Sibal also hailed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is all set to continue her third term in West Bengal.
"In West Bengal, who lost - arrogance, might, money power, using Jai Shri Ram for politics, a divisive agenda and the Election Commission. She (Mamata Benerjee) stood up to them and won," the Congress leader said in a tweet.
08:34 Modi to hold virtual summit with Boris Johnson on May 4
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit with his United Kingdom counterpart Boris Johnson on May 4, 2021.
According to the release of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Summit will be an important opportunity to elevate multi-faceted strategic ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Both leaders will also discuss COVID-19 cooperation and the global efforts to fight the pandemic. A comprehensive Roadmap 2030 will be launched during the Summit, which will pave the way for further expanding and
deepening India-UK cooperation over the next decade across five key areas, namely people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate action and healthcare, read the release.
India and the UK enjoy a Strategic Partnership since 2004. It has been marked by regular high-level exchanges and growing convergences in diverse areas.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also be visiting London from May 3-6, 2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK. -- ANI
08:08 For 1st time in 15 years, UP village head not from Vikay Dubey's family
For the first time in 15 years, the village head in Bikru, where after eight police personnel were killed in an ambush last year, is not going to be from the family of slain gangster Vikas Dubey.
The winner was Madhu, who defeated her opponent, Bindu Kumar, by 54 votes, an official said.
Madhu bagged 381 votes, while Kumar got 327 votes.
There were 10 people who contested for the post, which was reserved for Scheduled Caste.
After winning the election, Madhu told mediapersons that she decided to contest the election to fight against injustice.
For 15 years, the people of Dubey's house won the election of village pradhan unopposed, said an official.
Counting of votes began on Sunday for lakhs of panchayat seats in Uttar Pradesh, a process expected to take two days across 829 centres. -- PTI
07:21 WB voted for cruel lady: Babul Supriyo on TMC win
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Babul Supriyo who lost from Tollyganj against Trinamool's Aroop Biswas posted posted a rant against Mamata Banerjee saying that he will not congratulate her as Bengal people did a 'historic mistake' by not giving Bharatiya Janata Party a chance.
The post was later deleted.
In a short Facebook post Supriyo lashed out at party chief Mamata Banerjee, whom he labelled a "cruel lady".
"Neither will I congratulate Mamata Banerjee... nor do I wish to say I 'respect' the people's verdict... sincerely think people of Bengal made a historic mistake by not giving BJP a chance... by electing this corrupt, incapable, dishonest government and a cruel lady back to power," he ranted.
"Yes, as a law-abiding citizen, I shall 'obey' the decision taken by the people in a democratic country... That's it !! Nothing more - Nothing less !!" Supriyo declared.
03:23 Kamal Hassan congratulates Stalin for victory
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Sunday congratulated Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M K Stalin for the victory in Tamil Nadu assembly polls.
'Heartfelt congratulations to the big success MK Stalin. You are taking charge as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in this time of crisis. My congratulations to perform well and taking Tamil Nadu on the path of development,' Haasan tweeted.
Kamal Hassan, the actor-turned-politician who was contesting from the Coimbatore (South) constituency, lost the seat in a close fight with the Bharatiya Janata Party's Vanathi Srinivasan.
The BJP candidate won with a margin of 1,540 votes.
The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu in the state assembly polls. -- ANI
02:25 BJP says TMC men torch office, Suvendu heckled
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday alleged that one of its party offices in Hooghly district was set on fire, and some of its leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, were heckled by TMC activists in other parts of the state, after the poll results showed that the Mamata Banerjee camp was set to retain power in Bengal.
A senior police officer in Hooghly said he is looking into the matter, and the guilty would be punished.
A local BJP leader claimed that TMC activists, shortly after the defeat of their party candidate Sujata Mondal, set fire to the saffron camp's Arambagh office.
Sources in the Mamata Banerjee-led party, however, denied the allegation.
"The TMC, in a bid to avenge the defeat of its candidate, indulged in acts of arson and torched our party office," the local BJP leader said.
In Purba Medinipur district, TMC men reportedly demonstrated next to the vehicle of BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, who managed to clinch the prized Nandigram seat by defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a neck-and neck fight.
Some of the demonstrators banged on the windshield of Adhikari's car and also hurled stones near a counting centre in Haldia, members of the saffron party claimed.
"He is a traitor. He took to unfair means to change the results," a TMC activist was heard saying.
Supporters of the two parties came to blows following heated arguments over election results in Barasat area of North 24 Parganas, police sources said.
The BJP also claimed that one of its members were severely beaten up by TMC activists in Kolkata's Beleghata area, a charged denied by the Mamata Banerjee camp. -- PTI
IMAGE: West Bengal BJP office wears a deserted look after party's defeat to TMC in state assembly polls, in Kolkata, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo
01:43 Swearing-in ceremony will be simple: Stalin
Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the swearing in ceremony of the new government led by his party would be simple, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M K Stalin said in Chennai on Sunday.
Stalin, who spoke to reporters after paying floral tributes in the mausoleum of his father and late party patriarch 'Kalaignar' M Karunanidhi at the Marina beach said the date of the swearing-in ceremony would be made known soon.
The date and timing of the ceremeony, likely in Raj Bhavan would be simple and it shall be announced Monday night or on Tuesday, he told reporters.
The DMK's work would make people who voted for the combine led by it happy and also shall make others who did not favour it to ponder as to why 'we did not vote for the DMK and its allies', he said.
Stalin vowed to take immediate efforts to implement his party's electoral promises in a phased manner and also the DMK's 10-year vision document.
On when he would assume office as Chief Minister, Stalin said there were several constituencies where the candidates who emerged victorious have not received their certificates of election and this process was expected to be completed tonight or on Monday.
On Tuesday, a meeting of elected MLAs would be held and the Legislature Party Leader would be formally elected and following consultations with government officials, the date and time of assuming office would be decided and it shall be made known, Stalin said.
The DMK president earlier received his certificate of election from Kolathur constituency from poll officials and proceed to the 'samadhi' of Karunanidhi in Chennai.
People have given a massive win for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance in the Assembly polls, Stalin said and thanked all those who worked towards it.
People have realised that the state has 'gone deep down' in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime and to correct it have voted for DMK and its allies, he said adding his party would work to fulfill the people's aspirations on assumption of power. -- PTI
IMAGE: DMK president M K Stalins son and partys youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin visits his grandfather and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu late M Karunanidhi's memorial after he receives the victory certificate, in Chennai, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo
01:06 Make hospitalisation policy in 2 weeks: SC to govt
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to formulate within two weeks a national policy on admissions to hospitals in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19 and said no patient shall be denied hospitalisation or essential drugs in any state for lack of local residential proof.
A three-member apex court bench, comprising Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice Ravindra Bhat also directed the Centre and state governments to notify that any clampdown on information on social media or harassment caused to individuals seeking help on any platform will attract coercive action.
'The central government and state governments shall notify all chief secretaries, directors general of police, commissioners of police that any clampdown on information on social media or harassment caused to individuals seeking/delivering help on any platform will attract a coercive exercise of jurisdiction by this court.
'The registrar (judicial) is also directed to place a copy of this order before all district magistrates in the country,' it said in the order uploaded on the SC website late on Sunday night.
The bench, headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said till the formulation of a national policy by the Centre on admissions to hospitals, 'no patient shall be denied hospitalisation or essential drugs in any state/UT for lack of local residential proof of that state/UT or even in the absence of identity proof'.
The top court also directed the Centre to ensure that the deficit in the supply of oxygen to the national capital is rectified before May 3 midnight.
'The central government shall, in collaboration with the states, prepare a buffer stock of oxygen for emergency purposes and decentralize the location of the emergency stocks.
'The emergency stocks shall be created within the next four days and are to be replenished on a day to day basis, in addition to the existing allocation of oxygen supply to the states,' the bench said.
It further said that emergency stocks shall be created within the next four days and is to be replenished on a day-to-day basis, in addition to the existing allocation of oxygen supply to the states.
The top court also directed the Centre to revisit its initiatives and protocols, including the availability of oxygen, availability and pricing of vaccines, and availability of essential drugs at affordable prices.
It asked senior advocates Jaideep Gupta and Meenakshi Arora, appointed as amicus curiae, to collate and compile these suggestions submitted by various parties.
The matter is listed for the next hearing on May 10.
The directions were passed in a suo motu case for ensuring essential supplies and services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bench has taken up issues such as the projected demand for oxygen in the country at present and in the near future, how the government intends to allocate it to 'critically affected' states and its monitoring mechanism to ensure supply.
The Supreme Court had earlier made clear that any attempt to clampdown on the free flow of information on social media, including a call for help from people, would be treated as contempt of the court.
"There should be free flow of information; we should hear voices of citizens. This is a national crisis. There should not be any presumption that the grievances raised on the Internet are always false. Let a strong message be sent to all the DGPs that there should not be any kind of clampdown," the bench had said while reserving its order on April 30. -- PTI
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