No evidence so far to link surge in Covid cases to new variants: ICMR

Scotland’s Leadership Has 'Failed', Salmond Tells Inquiry

Alex Salmond has said there is a failure of leadership in Scotland as he attacked First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. In his opening statement to a Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government's unlawful investigation of sexual harassment claims made against him, Scotland's former first minister accused his successor Ms Sturgeon of using a Covid press conference to "effectively question the result of a jury". Mr Salmond is testifying on the botched government investigation which was found to be "tainted by apparent bias" by the court. He was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault in a criminal trial, and he successfully challenged the lawfulness of the government investigation. The current Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted there was no conspiracy against Mr Salmond, and she is due to appear before the committee to give evidence next week. Report by Avagninag. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Petroleum Minister: Fuel price will decrease by the end of winter | Oneindia News

The Election Commission announces poll dates for five states/UT. The Ministry of Home Affairs extends COVID-19 guidelines till March 31. Prime Minister Modi says the centre will continue with its reform process during his virtual address on aspects relating to financial services in this year’s budget. GDP grows 0.4% after two quarterly declines. But the experts say that the recent resurgence in Covid19 cases raises concern. The Petroleum Minister says the fuel price will decrease by the end of winter. All this and more news at 9 pm. #FuelPriceHike #StateElections #Covid19

COVID: India reports 16,577 new cases

On February 26, total COVID-19 tally of India reached to 1,10,63,491. The country reported 16,577 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours and active cases stand at 1,55,986 . With new 12,179 discharges, total number reached to 1,07,50,680. 120 deaths were reported in last 24 hours, taking cumulative toll to 1,56,825. 1,34,72,643 beneficiaries have been vaccinated for COVID-19 across India. According to ICMR, total number of samples tested up to Feb 25 is 21,46,61,465 including 8,31,807 samples tested yesterday.

COVID: Spike of 16,000 cases in India

On February 25, the total COVID-19 tally of India reached to 1,10,46,914. The country reported 16,738 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours and active cases stands at 1,51,708. With new 11,799 discharges, total number reached to 1,07,38,501. 138 deaths were reported in last 24 hours, taking cumulative toll to 1,56,705. 1,26,71,163 beneficiaries have been vaccinated for COVID-19 across India. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 21,38,29,658 samples tested up to 24th February.

COVID-19: 51 persons hospitalised in total, out of which 23 deaths reported, informs Health Ministry

Health Ministry Joint Secretary Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari informed that the five highest vaccinating states today are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Bhandari said that total 51 persons have been hospitalised till date out of which 27 have been discharged, one person is under treatment and 23 people died so far.