In next 2 days, seven PM rallies in poll-bound states as BJP top guns fire on all cylinders

PM Modi extends greetings to people of Jordan on centennial anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on 100th anniversary of the founding of the state of Jordan. He said India and Jordan will continue to walk side by side to work together for better future of all humanity. "India and Jordan are united in belief that moderation and peaceful co-existence are essential for peace and prosperity. We will continue to walk side by side in our joint efforts for a better future for all humanity," said PM Modi.

'6th edition of Raisina Dialogue taking place at watershed moment in human history': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2021 via video conference on April 13. While addressing the event, PM Modi said that, amid COVID-19 pandemic, the 6th edition of Raisina Dialogue is taking place at a watershed moment in human history. "A global pandemic has been ravaging the world for over a year. The last such global pandemic was a century ago. Although, humanity has faced many infectious diseases since then. The world today is underprepared to handle the COVID pandemic. Our scientists, researchers and industries have answered some questions. Many solutions have emerged and many more are yet to come," PM added.

I'll leave politics, will you do sit-ups: Mamata to PM Modi over his Matua community jibe

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'didi did nothing for Matua community' remark. CM Banerjee challenged PM Modi by saying if she hasn't done anything for 'Matua community' then she will "quite the politics". "Narendra Modi said at a meeting in Krishnanagar that Mamata didi did nothing for Matua community. I'm publicly asking him to accept the challenge, if I haven't done anything for them then I will leave politics, if you are lying then you will do sit-ups holding ears," she said. The fifth phase of Bengal polls are scheduled to be held on April 17.

Watch: Clash breaks out during Dilip Ghosh's roadshow in Bardhaman

Clash broke out between BJP and TMC workers during a roadshow of party state president Dilip Ghosh's in West Bengal's Bardhaman on April 13. Party workers of BJP, TMC pelted stones at each other. TMC Party office was also vandalised. Police rushed to the spot and handled the situation. The fifth and sixth phases of the ongoing Assembly elections in the state will take place on April 17 and April 22. Counting of votes will take place on May 02.

Clubhouse leaks: Is BJP winning Bengal? PM Modi's popularity. A pollster's take on the row

Poll strategist and TMC advisor Prashant Kishor's chat with a few journalists about the electoral battle in West Bengal has sparked a storm. The Bharatiya Janata Party released snippets of the conversation which was conducted on the Clubhouse app. BJP claimed that Kishor admitted that in TMC's internal surveys, the saffron party is winning. The election strategist hit back, asking BJP to release the full conversation, and reiterating that the party won't even cross the 100-mark in polls. So which side is accurately describing the ground situation? Watch CVoter founder and psephologist Yashwant Deshmukh decode dynamics of the Bengal battle.

Watch: Policeman thrashes people at eatery in Tamil Nadu, caught on CCTV

A closed circuit television camera captured a policeman thrashing staff and patrons at an eatery in Tamil Nadu on April 11. The incident reportedly occurred near Gandhipuram bus stand. The cop was seen hitting people with his cane. Reports suggested that the eatery was violating restrictions amid Covid-19 surge. Watch the full video for more.

Watch: Police inspector thrashes bus passenger while eating food during night curfew in TN

A police inspector thrashed passengers while they were eating food after 10 pm at a food stall in Coimbatore Gandhipuram bus stand. The incident got captured in CCTV. In the view of the rising COVID-19 cases, night curfew has been imposed in Tamil Nadu starting from 10 pm to 5 am. The step has been taken to mitigate the spread of contagious disease.

COVID-19: Chennai's Marina beach deserted as new restrictions kick in

Amid sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, Tamil Nadu government has shut all beaches in Chennai, Chengalpet and Kanchipuram districts for public on weekends and all government holidays starting from April 11. The decision is taken to avoid mass gathering at beaches amid surge in COVID-19 cases. The Marina beach in Chennai wore a deserted look during the weekend lockdown. Tamil Nadu reported 6,618 fresh COVID cases in last 24 hours, taking the number of active infections to 41,955.

Ahead of Tamil new year, Golden Shower flower blooms in Coimbatore

The flowers of the Golden Shower trees are blooming across Coimbatore ahead of Tamil New Year. These are the symbol of cultural significance for the people. The flower blooms once in year during the month of April in Tamil Nadu. The entire tree turns golden yellow and shower flowers in April. Puthandu or Tamil New Year's Day is celebrated on Apr 14. People decorate their houses and keep these flowers with gold, diamond and other precious items.

Assam prepares for Rongali Bihu celebrations

Assam is all set to celebrate Rongali Bihu- the festival of mirth and merriment time. The Assam government decided to allow celebrations this year, but with restrictions in public places. As per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government, organisers need to seek permission from local authorities prior to any gatherings. Rongali or Bohag Bihu begins in mid-April and celebrations continue for several weeks, mainly concentrated in cultural functions. The prosperity and abundant endowment of nature in the Assam valley during this time of the year is rightly reflected in the spirit of Rongali Bihu.

Mehbooba Mufti urges JandK youth to leave guns and start dialogue

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on April12 appealed to the youth of Union Territory to leave weapons and start advocating for the welfare of JandK. Underlining the Bodo peace talks in Assam, she also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not initiating similar peace deals in Kashmir. "We ask our nation to give us back what was snatched away from us. If you want people of Jammu and Kashmir, you'll have to reinstate our honour. There's no other way. I say this to my country. Why does BJP get angry when I say it? Will I ask from Pakistan? If PM Narendra Modi appeals to militants of Assam to join the mainstream and leave their weapons, if talks are held with Boro (Bodo), then what is the difficulty in doing the same in Jammu and Kashmir? Why is there no option besides jail? How long will this injustice continue?," said PDP chief. She further said, "Nobody will understand the language of weapons. If you present your views peacefully, the world will listen to you. If you speak language of guns you'll be killed and you'll gain nothing. I appeal to Jammu and Kashmir youth to leave weapons and talk. They'll have to listen one day."

States/UTs have over 1,67,20,000 unutilised doses, issue is better planning not shortage: Health Ministry

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan cleared that there is no shortage of COVID-19 vaccine in the country. He said, "Issue is about better planning and not the shortage of doses". "Till now we've provided 13,10,90,000 doses to states and union territories. On one hand, we have states like Kerala where there is zero wastage (of vaccine) and on the other hand, we have several other states where there still is 8-9% of wastage. As per data till 11 am today, unutilised doses available with states/UTs is over 1,67,20,000. This month - till April end - 2,01,22,960 doses will be provided to states/UTs. This clearly shows that issue is about better planning and not the shortage of doses," he added.