80% Covid cases from 5 states, 60% from 5 cities: Govt

Surat woman on mission to provide COVID essentials across 13 states

A Surat-based woman has taken upon herself to provide COVID-19 essentials to underprivileged people. Durriya Tapiya will drive a truck from Surat covering 13 states across India to distribute face masks, sanitisers, dustbins, sanitary pads among other essential items to the needy in 4500 underprivileged villages across 13 states. The ride will be known as 'Suraksha Setu Nationwide Truck Ride' and it will begin from 26th January. Durriya is also spreading awareness on Road Safety and Traffic.

Mexico's president tests positive for Covid-19

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has tested positive for Covid-19, the president tweeted on his official Twitter account. CNN’s Rafael Romo has more.

Varun's fan brings self-made sketches of actor as wedding gift, fails to meet him

As actor Varun Dhawan and his long-time girlfriend Natasha Dalal are getting hitched, a fan of the 'Coolie No. 1' star travelled a long distance from Mumbai's Prabhadevi area to Alibaug, where the couple is getting married, to gift self made sketches of Varun Dhawan. However, with the strict security arrangements at the venue, Shubham failed to meet his icon as officials didn't allow him. Despite not getting the opportunity to meet his star, Shubham, who said he is a fan of Varun for last 8 years, was not let down with this hurdle, and expressed confidence that he will get the chance to see his idol. Shubham brought hand-made sketches of Varun portraying his childhood and also drew his character from latest film 'Coolie No. 1'.

Farmers march reaches Mumbai to join massive rally against farm laws

Thousands of farmers, who left from Nashik and other parts of the country on January 23, have reached Mumbai on January 24. Under the aegis of the All India Kisan Sabha's (AIKS) Maharashtra unit, these farmers are marching to join the statewide Vehicle March to Mumbai. They have camped at Azad Maidan. The massive rally is a part of the call given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protests in Delhi, to intensify and broaden the struggle from January 23 to 26.

Delhi continues winter struggle

A thick blanket of fog continued to engulf isolated areas of the national capital leading to low visibility in several areas in the morning of January 25. Intense cold weather conditions are disrupting the normal lives. Parts of the northern India are reeling under severe cold, making the daily lives uneasy for locals. According to IMD, minimum temperature in Delhi will hover around 8.8 degrees today.

Tamil Nadu health minister gets Covaxin shot, says ‘let’s end Covid together’

Tamil Nadu health minister C Vijayabaskar voluntarily took the vaccine Covaxin at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. Vijayabaskar, who is a doctor and a member of the IMA, had earlier said that he was taking the vaccine to instill confidence in the people about the vaccine. Opposition parties have been raising concerns about the efficacy of Covaxin. ‘I got my covaxin shot! Thanks to the team @gmcrgggh for the seamless experience. Appeal everyone to do it when your turn comes. Let's end #Covid19 together,’ Vijayabaskar tweeted after getting the jab. India launched the world’s biggest vaccination drive on 16th of January, 2021 after two vaccines were given approval by authorities. Watch the full video for all the details.

TN Health Min takes Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot in Chennai

The Health and Family Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr C Vijayabaskar took Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot. He took the shot in Chennai on morning of January 22. Dr C Vijayabaskar requested all to get vaccinated and safeguard themselves from COVID-19 pandemic. Billed as the world's largest vaccination programme, covering the entire length and breadth of the country, the drive aims to first inoculate millions of its healthcare and frontline workers and reach an estimated 3 crore people by the end of its first phase. The mega COVID-19 vaccination drive began in India on January 16 (Saturday).

Ahmedabad-based artist paints portrait of US President Biden, VP Harris, Mahatma Gandhi

Ahmedabad-based artist Aejaz Saiyed gave final touch to an artwork featuring United States of America's new President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Mahatma Gandhi. Through his artwork, Saiyed hopes for the peace and good relations between India and US. Meanwhile, Biden took oath as the 46th President of USA on Jan 20. Harris also took oath as the first female VP of USA.

Vendors in Ahmedabad support renaming of dragon fruit to 'Kamalam'

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on January 19 said that the government has decided to rename the dragon fruit as 'Kamalam' since it resembles to lotus. According to the CM, the word dragon fruit sounded inappropriate and so the Gujarat government has decided the fruit be called Kamalam. "Farmers say it looks like lotus and that is the reason we have renamed it 'Kamalam. So, the Gujarat government has decided to call the fruit Kamalam," said Chief Minister Rupani. Appreciating the government's decision, a shopkeeper in Ahmedabad said, "It's good that the government has decided to rename the fruit as Kamalam. India and China keep fighting. So, it's better to name it as Indian fruit." Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat in July 2019 had praised the farmers of Kutch for the cultivation of dragon fruit so that India can be self-reliant.

Work underway over 1000 kms of metro network in 27 cities: PM Modi

During his address in the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ahmedabad and Surat metro rail projects, PM Modi said that the best example to see the work difference between previous governments and current government is the expansion of metro rail network across country. He further said that there was a time when there was no modern thinking regarding metro network and no metro policy. "Best example to see difference between approaches of previous governments' work and work of current government is the expansion of metro rail network across country. Before 2014, only 225 kms of metro line became operational in 10-12 yrs. In last 6 yrs, over 450 kms of metro network became operational. Work is underway on over 1000 kms of metro network in 27 cities across the nation, as of now. There was a time when there was no modern thinking in nation, regarding metro network. There was no metro policy. As a result, there were different kinds of metro in different cities."