90% health workers get 1st dose in 9 states/UTs

Jharkhand Congress MLA Irfan Ansari performs puja at temple, BJP MP demands his arrest

Jharkhand Congress MLA Irfan Ansari stoked controversy by performing puja at a temple. Ansari performed puja at Deoghar's Baidyanath Dham temple, a sacred abode of Lord Shiva. BJP MP Dr Nishikant Dubey demanded arrest of Ansari after he offered prayers at temple. Dubey claimed that entry of non-Hindus is strictly not allowed at Baidyanath temple. The MP from Godda demanded that Jharkhand's JMM-led govt order arrest of Ansari. He also sought action against the deputy commissioner and SP of Deoghar. Meanwhile, Ansari accused Dubey of playing dirty politics in the name of religion. Ansari, MLA of Jamtara, had entered temple's sanctum sanctorum with his companions and performed puja. Ansari claimed that he has been coming to the temple since childhood to seek blessings.

Jharkhand Health Minister inspects COVID-19 ward at Ranchi hospital

Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta inspected COVID-19 ward at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi on April 13. "There is no shortage of Remdesivir injection in the state. On Tuesday, we received 1,500 injections. We have written to the Central govt for more ventilators. We are increasing the number of ventilators," said Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta.

Monitoring teams set up in Rameswaram to instruct locals about COVID SOPs

Coronavirus cases continue to surge in the country. Amid COVID scare, Tamil Nadu government has intensified surveillance. On the orders of the District Collector, 29 monitoring teams have been set up to monitor Rameswaram. The team instructed locals about COVID SOPs and police kept a tab over the vehicular movement. Thermal screening of bus passengers were also done in the region. Tamil Nadu has 16,79,740 active cases as of now.

COVID-19: Delhi Police Commissioner urges people to follow restrictions

Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava urged Delhiites to follow the restrictions imposed by the Union Territory Government for their own betterment. "We are responsible for the current situation, everybody knows about COVID appropriate behavior, if situation like this arise than people are also responsible for it," said Shrivastava. The Delhi Police Commissioner added that self-isolation is the best possible solution against COVID-19. "I urge everyone to avoid themselves from uneven movements and social gathering," he said. Delhi reported over 16,000 COVID-19 cases on April 15.

COVID scare: Delhiites welcome 'weekend curfew'

After Delhi government announced 'weekend curfew' in national capital amid surge in COVID-19 cases, the delhiites on April 15, welcomed the Union Territory govt's decision. Delhi has reported 16,699 fresh COVID-19 infections on April 15. As per the new guidelines applicable till April 30, or till further order, all shopping malls, gymnasiums, spas, auditoriums, assembly halls, entertainment parks and similar places will be closed.

Amid state polls, new Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra takes charge

Halfway through the West Bengal Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India has got a new chief. On April 13, Sushil Chandra took charge as the 24th CEC, succeeding Sunil Arora. On the latter's last day in office, the EC barred Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from campaigning for 24 hours. Chandra became an Election Commissioner in 2019, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. He will now oversee voting in the remaining 4 phases in Bengal, as well as declaration of results of elections in 4 states and 1 Union Territory. Watch the full video for more.

Maharashtra reports 67,123, Karnataka registers 17,489 COVID cases

Maharashtra reported 67,123 fresh COVID cases, 56,783 discharges, and 419 deaths on April 17. While Maharashtra's capital reported 8,834 new COVID-19 cases, 6,617 discharges and 52 deaths in last 24 hours. On the other side, Karnataka today registered 17,489 new positive cases, 5,565 discharges and 80 deaths. Kerala also reported 13,835 new cases, 3654 recoveries and 27 deaths today. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh reported 11,269 new coronavirus cases, 6,497 recoveries, and 66 deaths in last 24 hours.

HD Kumaraswamy admitted to Bengaluru's Apollo Hospital after testing COVID positive

Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy admitted to Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru on April 17. He had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier today. He appealed to people in his close contact to get themselves tested for the virus.

Reliance sends 30 tons of liquid oxygen to Indore

Amid shortage of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients in Madhya Pradesh, Reliance Industries Ltd sent oxygen from its refineries to the state on April 17. Tanker carrying 30 tonnes liquid Oxygen arrived from Gujarat's Jamnagar. Thanking Reliance for the gesture, MP Minister Tulsi Ram Silawat said, "We thank Reliance for providing us with liquid oxygen in the time of distress."

Watch: Dressed in PPE kits, doctors dance to cheer COVID patients

Dressed in PPE kits, medical staff of a hospital in Gujarat's Vadodara was seen dancing in front of COVID patients. Doctors and nurses were seen encouraging their patients to be happy through their act. The patients lying on the beds were also enjoying the moments.