PM Narendra Modi speaks to Mizoram CM, extends support in dealing with forest fire

India's total COVID-19 caseload has now climbed to 1.73 crore, of which, 28.13 lakh are active cases.

ANI photo

New Delhi: The Karnataka government on Monday announced more restrictions in what it termed as a 'close down' across the state for 14 days from Tuesday night in a bid to control the huge spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. The state cabinet led by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also decided to provide COVID-19 vaccinations free of cost at government hospitals for those between 18-44 years of age.

In other news, the seventh phase of polling on 34 seats in five districts of West Bengal concluded on Monday. 75.06 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 6 pm in the state. Of the 34 constituencies, 9 assembly constituencies were in Murshidabad and West Burdwan, 6 each in South Dinajpur and Malda and 4 in Kolkata. 

In Uttar Pradesh, voting for the third phase of the panchayat elections concluded on Monday. Over 3.52 lakh candidates are in the fray in over 2.14 lakh seats across 20 districts of the state.

Prime Miniter Narendra Modi spoke to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and took stock of the situation arising due to forest fires in parts of the state. PM Modi assured all possible support from the Centre.

This is all for the day. Thank you for staying with Zee News for latest updates from across the country. Do come back on Tuesday (April 27) for more updates. 

26 April 2021

23:01 IST

Delhi records 20,201 cases of coronavirus in 24 hours 

21:52 IST

Breaking: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is having a phone conversation with United States President Joe Biden over COVID-19 crisis in India. 

21:52 IST

Congress MP KC Venugopal writes to UP CM Yogi Adityanath, requests his intervention over the health condition of Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, who was arrested under UAPA & is lodged in Mathura Jail and has been currently undergoing treatment for COVID in a Mathura Hospital

19:15 IST

The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments to consider declaring complete lockdown for two days on May 1 and May 2, when counting of votes polled in the April 6 Assembly elections will be taken up. On these two days, movement of vehicles used in connection with votes counting and emergency services alone shall be allowed. An announcement to this effect might be made in advance, preferably on April 28, so that the people of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory would be put on alert, the judges said, adding, they might also publish certain basic guidelines to be followed on those days by the Covid-19 affected people.

18:35 IST

PM Narendra Modi spoke to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and took stock of the situation arising due to forest fires in parts of the state. The PM assured all possible support from the Centre.

18:34 IST

BJP's success in every phase of WB polls made Mamata frustrated: JP Nadda

BJP chief JP Nadda said that the BJP's success in every phase of polling has made West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee frustrated and she started getting angry with the people of the state. 
Virtually addressing the voters of the Jorasanko constituency in Kolkata, Nadda said, "The seventh phase of elections in Bengal will end today. With the blessings of the people of Bengal, BJP has got success in every phase, BJP has been blessed. All these things have made Mamata ji frustrated. She has started to get angry with the people of Bengal."

18:31 IST

Flagging the 'unfair' differential price mechanism for COVID-19 vaccines to be procured by the Centre and the state governments, Tamil Nadu said this places a higher financial burden on states and urged the Centre to supply the doses. States have a legitimate expectation that the Government of India would supply the COVID-19 vaccine in phase 3, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said.

18:30 IST

A 48-year-old lorry driver was sentenced to 20 years Rigorous Imprisonment by a local court in Hyderabad for sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl in December 2020. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on the man. The First Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Suneetha Kunchala,found the man guilty under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and IPC and sentenced him to 20 years RI.

18:29 IST

13 oxygen plants to be set up in Northeastern region

The Centre has decided to set up 13 oxygen generation plants in five Northeastern states to boost availability of the life-saving gas amid its shortage in several states of the country when COVID-19 cases are surging, an official said. "Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram will get three oxygen plants each while Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will get two units each," the official told PTI.

18:29 IST

The Delhi government has directed all district magistrates to constitute a 'Special Task Force' to take strict action against those involved in hoarding and black-marketing of life-saving drugs which are used for treating coronavirus patients.

18:28 IST

Thieves decamp with over Rs 24 lakh, more than 300 gms of ornaments in Tamil Nadu

Cash worth over Rs 24 lakh and about 320 grams of gold ornaments were looted in three incidents in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore. In the first incident, workers in a shopping outlet at Masakkalipalayam noticed the shutters broken open and found Rs 13.84 lakh stolen from the cash box, police said.

18:25 IST

Will soon launch nasal spray Ryaltris in EU, says Glenmark

Pharma major Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Monday said it is concluding the final, national phase of its marketing approval application process to enable launch of its innovative nasal spray Ryaltris across the European Union.

The company said Ryaltris (olopatadine hydrochloride 665 mcg and mometasone furoate 25 mcg), will shortly be available in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, as well as the UK.

18:25 IST

Free COVID-19 vaccine to all in Delhi

Free COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to all above 18 years of age in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Monday, saying his government has already approved the purchase of 1.34 crore doses. He said the Delhi government will make efforts to speed-up the purchases further and administer jabs to people as soon as possible after the inoculation drive opens up on Saturday for everybody above 18.

14:41 IST

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa tweeted by saying that, "COVID curfew to be implemented in the state from tomorrow at 9 pm for the next 14 days. Essential services allowed b/w 6-10 am. After 10 am shops will close. Only construction, manufacturing & agriculture sectors allowed. Public transport to remain shut."

COVID curfew to be implemented in the state from tomorrow 9 pm for the next 14 days. Essential services allowed b/w 6-10 am. After 10 am shops will close. Only construction, manufacturing & agriculture sectors allowed. Public transport to remain shut: Karnataka CM

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/MSg6S83pDK

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

14:27 IST

A C17 transport aircraft of the IAF has landed in Dubai for the airlift of 7 empty cryogenic oxygen containers. After loading, the aircraft will get airborne for Panagarh and is likely to arrive there at 5:30 pm: Indian Air Force (IAF).

A C17 transport aircraft of the IAF has landed in Dubai for the airlift of 7 empty cryogenic oxygen containers. After loading, the aircraft will get airborne for Panagarh and is likely to arrive there at 5:30 pm: Indian Air Force (IAF) pic.twitter.com/cdHDOv9ZV5

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

14:26 IST

Tamil Nadu Government allows to reopen Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Tuticorin for four months only for the production of Oxygen.

Tamil Nadu Government allows to reopen Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Tuticorin for four months only for the production of Oxygen.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/0o6ctCoXAw

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

14:24 IST

Special police officers are being deployed outside the buildings that were sealed after five or more cases of COVID- 19 were found there: Mumbai Police PRO S Chaitanya

Special police officers are being deployed outside the buildings that were sealed after five or more cases of #COVID19 were found there: Mumbai Police PRO S Chaitanya pic.twitter.com/hI348yctuF

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

14:15 IST

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officers concerned to ensure that no govt or private hospital denies admission to any COVID-19 patients if a bed is available. If a bed is not available in govt hospital, the patient should be sent to a private hospital, If the patient referred by a govt hospital is not able to bear the expenses of the private hospital, UP Govt will bear their treatment cost as per the rates approved under Ayushman Bharat scheme.

CM Yogi Adityanath has asked officers concerned to ensure that no govt or private hospital denies admission to any COVID-19 patients if bed is available. If bed is not available in govt hospital, the patient should be sent to a private hospital: UP Govt (1/2)

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 26, 2021

14:12 IST

PM Narendra Modi talked to the Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga on phone. PM Narendra Modi tweeted "We reviewed the progress in various ongoing bilateral initiatives. We also discussed our cooperation in diverse areas including high technology, skill development and in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic together."

Spoke to PM @sugawitter of Japan on phone. We reviewed the progress in various ongoing bilateral initiatives. We also discussed our cooperation in diverse areas including high technology, skill development and in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic together.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021

13:03 IST

318 Oxygen Concentrators arrive at Delhi airport from the United States

318 Oxygen Concentrators arrive at Delhi airport from United States pic.twitter.com/eAR7R2bHpJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

12:32 IST

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain visit the ITBP-run Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre, Radha Soami Beas, Chhatarpur. The centre begins operation today.

Delhi: CM Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia & Health Minister Satyendar Jain visit the ITBP-run Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre, Radha Soami Beas, Chhatarpur. The centre begins operation today. pic.twitter.com/464NdZXqS9

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

12:26 IST

A Delhi Court on Monday granted bail to actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu in another Republic Day violence case. The Court noted that the accused has already been interrogated in police custody for 14 days and has been in custody for about 70 days when he has been granted regular bail by the ASJ on similar facts in the first case. On Friday, the Court had granted one more day to the Delhi Police to file a reply on Sidhu`s bail plea.

Metropolitan Magistrate adjourned the hearing on Sidhu`s bail plea till Saturday and asked Delhi Police to file a reply on his bail plea. Sidhu was arrested in this case on April 17 just he was granted bail by a Delhi court in a case relating to violence in Red Fort during the farmers` tractor rally on January 26.

As per the statement issued by Sidhu`s lawyer Abhishek Gupta last Saturday, the actor was arrested on February 9 in connection with an FIR registered at the Kotwali Police Station for his alleged involvement in the Red Fort violence amid the farmers` agitation. According to Gupta, Sidhu was granted regular bail vide order dated April 16, 2021, which was communicated to them on Saturday.

However, around 1 pm to 1.30 pm on Saturday, before he could be released from jail, he was arrested in FIR 98/21 also registered by PS Kotwali and in respect of the same incident at Red Fort.

09:43 IST

India reports 3,52,991 new COVID19 cases, 2812 deaths and 2,19,272 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry Total cases: 1,73,13,163; Total recoveries: 1,43,04,382; Death toll: 1,95,123; Active cases: 28,13,658; Total vaccination: 14,19,11,223

India reports 3,52,991 new #COVID19 cases, 2812 deaths and 2,19,272 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry

Total cases: 1,73,13,163
Total recoveries: 1,43,04,382
Death toll: 1,95,123
Active cases: 28,13,658

Total vaccination: 14,19,11,223 pic.twitter.com/32V7eKf1UR

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

09:41 IST

"Heartbroken by the current situation in India. I’m grateful the US govt is mobilizing to help. Microsoft will continue to use its voice, resources & tech to aid relief efforts & support the purchase of critical oxygen concentration devices" said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Heartbroken by the current situation in India. I’m grateful the US govt is mobilizing to help. Microsoft will continue to use its voice, resources & tech to aid relief efforts & support the purchase of critical oxygen concentration devices: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

(File pic) pic.twitter.com/DhcBJN8oB5

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

09:39 IST

"Devastated to see the worsening Covid crisis in India. Google and Googlers are providing Rs 135 Crores in funding to GiveIndia, UNICEF for medical supplies, org supporting high-risk communities, and grants to help spread critical information" said Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

Devastated to see worsening Covid crisis in India. Google & Googlers are providing Rs 135 Crores in funding to GiveIndia, UNICEF for medical supplies, org supporting high-risk communities, and grants to help spread critical information: Google CEO Sundar Pichai

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/3Iy7I7FbAg

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

09:38 IST

17.47 per cent voter turnout recorded till 9:32 AM, for the seventh phase of West Bengal state assembly polls.

17.47% voter turnout recorded till 9:32 AM, for the seventh phase of #WestBengalPolls pic.twitter.com/JGUGHwNhc8

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

09:35 IST

Naxals blew up a railway track between Sonua and Chakradharpur Sunday (April 25) night between 2-3 am. Anti-sabotage check done & restoration work completed jointly by dist police, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, RPF & railway trackmen. Traffic restored on other tracks: SP Chaibasa

Naxals blew up a railway track b/w Sonua & Chakradharpur last night between 2-3 am. Anti-sabotage check done & restoration work completed jointly by dist police, Bomb Detection & Disposal Squad, RPF & railway trackmen. Traffic restored on other tracks: SP Chaibasa#Jharkhand pic.twitter.com/BEH9VQwJLT

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

09:01 IST

Anthony Hopkins wins the Academy Award for the best actor in a leading role for the film 'The Father'. 

#Oscars | Anthony Hopkins wins the Academy Award for the best actor in a leading role for the film 'The Father'.

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/ZFgpVTq8rp

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

08:58 IST

Frances McDormand wins the Academy Award for the best actress in a leading role for the film 'Nomadaland'

#Oscars | Frances McDormand wins the Academy Award for the best actress in a leading role for the film 'Nomadaland'

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/E1CHG4e67Q

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

08:57 IST

Nomadland wins the Academy Award for the Best Picture.

#Oscars | Nomadland wins the Academy Award for the Best Picture. pic.twitter.com/duS21PeY4A

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

08:45 IST

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stated "Appreciated the call yesterday from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing his solidarity with India. As always, deeply value good wishes and international cooperation." 

Appreciated the call yesterday from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing his solidarity with India. As always, deeply value good wishes and international cooperation: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/xewd7rS3ZF

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

08:43 IST

Curfew imposed in Kotdwar and Swargashram areas of Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand from 26th April to 3rd May, in the wake of the rise in COVID19 cases.

Uttarakhand: Curfew imposed in Kotdwar and Swargashram areas of Pauri Garhwal district from 26th April to 3rd May, in the wake of rise in #COVID19 cases.

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

08:41 IST

People queue up to cast their votes for the third phase of UP Panchayat polls. Visuals from Devapur Primary School in Moradabad. 

People queue up to cast their votes for the third phase of UP Panchayat polls. Visuals from Devapur Primary School in Moradabad. pic.twitter.com/LCobJjaemb

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 26, 2021

07:29 IST

The seventh phase of the West Bengal elections takes place today. PM Narendra Modi urged people to exercise their franchise and follow all COVID-19 related protocols.

The seventh phase of the West Bengal elections takes place today. Urging people to exercise their franchise and follow all COVID-19 related protocols: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/qkwhR9tGE7

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

07:24 IST

The seventh phase of West Bengal starts today. People cast their votes. Visuals from Samsi Primary School - designated as booth number 142/142 A - in Ratua constituency of Malda district.

People cast their votes for the seventh phase of #WestBengalElections2021 today. Visuals from Samsi Primary School - designated as booth number 142/142 A - in Ratua constituency of Malda district. pic.twitter.com/IhLUl6j147

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021