Instruct politicians not to hold protests amid Covid pandemic, Uddhav Thackeray requests PM Modi

Delhi, Maharashtra confirm bird flu cases; 9 states hit so far l All updates

Delhi and Maharashtra have become the latest states to confirm cases of bird flu taking the total number to nine states. Testing of eight samples sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory has confirmed bird flu in Delhi. A drive to cull ducks has begun at the Sanjay Lake in Delhi, where 10 ducks were found dead recently. Authorities in the capital have already closed the Hauz Khas Park, Dwarka Sector 9 Park, Hastsal Park and Sanjay Lake as a precautionary measure. The poultry market in Ghazipur had also been shut down temporarily. Meanwhile, Maharashtra has also confirmed bird flu after 800 chickens found dead at Murumba village in Parbhani district. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will chair a meeting this evening to review the situation. Other states that have confirmed bird flu cases are Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Watch the full video for all the updates.

CM Thackeray visits Bhandara district hospital

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray arrived at Bhandara District General Hospital, where fire broke out on January 09. At least 10 children died in a fire incident. The government has ordered high-level investigation into the incident. The government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the children.

Bhandara accident: State orders high-level probe as 10 infants die at hospital

In a horrific tragedy, ten newborn babies died after a fire broke out at the neo-natal care ward of the district general hospital at Bhandara in eastern Maharashtra in the early hours of Saturday. The staff managed to rescue seven of the 17 babies in the ward. While the cause was suspected to be a short circuit or a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit and the state government ordered a probe by fire experts, a BJP leader alleged that there were complaints about power fluctuations in the ward but no action was taken. Health Minister Rajesh Tope said a six-member committee headed by a director, Health, Sadhana Tayade will conduct an inquiry and submit a report in three days. Those responsible shall not be spared, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said. A fire audit of all the hospitals in the state has been ordered, he informed. Calling the incident "heart-wrenching and mind-numbing", Thackeray announced an aid of Rs 5 lakh for family members of deceased babies.

Avlon: This is where Trump failed in historic proportions

CNN’s John Avlon reviews President Trump’s response to Covid-19 as the pandemic continues to spread across the US.

Iman warns Muslim community against Covid vaccine conspiracies

Iman Qari Muhammad Asim encourages Muslim communities to take the Covid-19vaccine and to ignore various conspiracies which he suggests will lead tofurther targeting from the far-right.

‘BSP will give Covid vaccine for free in UP if it comes to power’: Mayawati

BSP chief Mayawati, while welcoming the COVID-19 inoculation drive beginning Saturday, requested the Centre to provide the vaccine for free to the common man. She said if that does not happen, then the respective state governments should ensure that people get the vaccine for free. She said if her party comes to power in Uttar Pradesh, then it will ensure that everyone gets tot coronavirus vaccine for free. According to the government, the shots will be offered first to an estimated one crore healthcare workers, and around two crore frontline workers, and then to persons above 50 years of age, followed by persons younger than 50 years of age with associated comorbidities. Watch the full video for more details.

India holds massive ‘Kumbh Mela’ festival amid COVID worries

India’s severe outbreak fails to deter Hindu pilgrims from descending on the banks of Ganges river in Haridwar for the seven-week festival.

PM Modi doesn't respect farmers, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met party MPs, who are protesting against the three farm laws at Jantar Mantar on January 15. While speaking to mediapersons, Rahul said, "The three (farm) laws have been brought to finish the farmers. If we don't stop this now, it will continue to happen in other sectors too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not respect the farmers. The farmers will neither deter nor fear."

Moving car catches fire on Eastern Expressway in Thane

A moving car caught fire on Eastern Expressway. The tragedy occurred in Anand Nagar area of Maharashtra's Thane. Fire has been doused off. No casualties have been reported.