Formed task force in Maha to manage COVID vaccine distribution; in touch with Serum CEO: Thackeray to PM Modi

Karnataka Dy CM condemns Uddhav's 'Karnataka occupied-areas' remark

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwathnarayan condemned Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray 's reported comment regarding incorporating into the state the areas of Karnataka, where Marathi-speaking people are in majority. "These kinds of statements will create a lot of tension among people. He shouldn't make such statements, said CN Ashwathnarayan. He further added, "Congress, which is supporting Shiv Sena, should probably withdraw its support. This kind of party and the Chief Minister should not be supported. They should be shown their place."

COVID-19: Over 20 lakh people vaccinated in India

A total of 20,29,480 beneficiaries have been vaccinated in India for COVID-19 by January 27. Country reported 12,689 new COVID-19 cases and 13,320 discharges in last 24 hours. With new infections, the COVID tally of the country stood at 1,06,89,527, with 1,76,498 active cases. Total of 1,03,59,305 patients have been discharged across the country. With 137 deaths in the last 24 hours, the death toll rose to 1,53,724. A total of 19,36,13,120 samples tested for COVID-19 up to 26th January. Of these, 5,50,426 samples were tested yesterday.

Portugal urged to seek help abroad amid COVID-19

Portugal's government was urged to transfer COVID-19 patients abroad on Tuesday as deaths hit a record high and the oxygen supply system of a large hospital near Lisbon partly failed from overuse. Libby Hogan reports.

Global number of COVID cases surpasses 100 million

Pandemic continues to grow as variants pose new challenges amid concerns over supply and distribution of vaccines.

Labourer died, 2 injured during train track work in Maharashtra

One Contractual labour died and two injured during restoration work of Track Relaying Train Machine on January 27. The machine failed between Ambernath- Badlapur during maintenance. Down traffic between Ambernath to Badlapur suspended. Further details are awaited.

'Stigma for India': Anna Hazare on farmers' tractor rally turns violent

Speaking to media in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar on January 26, social activist Anna Hazare spoke on violence that took place during farmers' tractor rally in Delhi. Hazare said, "The violence that occurred in the national capital during farmers' protest (tractor rally) is a stigma for our country. Constitution never stops you from doing protest but it should not be violent and aggressive." "Causing loss to the nation's property and creating hurdles for the people is not acceptable for India," he added.

Fire has no impact on 'Covishield' vaccine production: Serum Institute of India

Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on January 22 informed that there is no impact of fire on the production of 'Covishield' vaccine. "The extent of the damage is more than 1,000 crores. The supply of COVID-19 will not be affected due to the fire (at Serum Institute of India facility). No actual vaccine was being made at that facility. The fire has no impact on the production of 'Covishield' vaccine and no damage has occurred to the existing stock either," said Adar Poonawalla. A major fire had occurred at Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) on January 21 that claimed 5 lives also.

Republic Day: President Ram Nath Kovind hosts 'At Home' reception

President Ram Nath Kovind on January 26 hosted 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Republic Day. In view of the pandemic, the guests are trimmed amid the need to maintain social distancing norms. The 'At Home' reception was attended by Vice President V Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh among other dignitaries. Chiefs of armed forces were also present at the reception.

Tripura's 10-year-old chess player awarded with Bal Puraskar

Tripura's Arshiya Das, a ten-year-old girl chess genius, was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on January 25. Arshiya attended the PM's video conference along with her parents from the conference hall of the office of District Magistrate west Tripura district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually interacted with 32 winners from across the country via video conference. Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav, District Magistrate of west Tripura district felicitated Arshiya and expressed that it is a great honour for the state of Tripura. Arshiya is the first player from the northeast states to win a gold medal at the Asian School Chess Tournament 2019.