Covid LIVE: Postpone all offline exams scheduled in May, says Education Min

Coronavirus live updates | Statewise list of fresh Covid-19 cases: Maharashtra reported 56,647 infections, followed by Karnataka (37,733), Uttar Pradesh (30,983). Stay tuned for corona-related news

Coronavirus live updates: India on Monday reported a decline in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases. With 368,147 infections in the last 24 hours, the cumulative caseload stands at 19,925,604, according to MoHFW. As many as 3,417 deaths were also reported on the day.  In the past seven days alone, India has added 2,597,887 cases to its tally. The country now has 3.4 million active cases. 

The Supreme Court Sunday called upon the Centre to revisit its vaccine procurement policy and asked both the Centre and states to provide “a break-up of the current and projected availability of vaccine stocks for the next 6 months; and a timeline for achieving immunisation of those aged between 18-44 years”. It also urged the Centre and states “to consider imposing a lockdown to curb the virus in the second wave in the interest of public welfare”.

Maharashtra reported 56,647 fresh infections, followed by Karnataka (37,733), Uttar Pradesh (30,983), Delhi (20,000) and Kerala (31,959) in the past 24 hours.

The six most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (4,722,401), Kerala (1,638,778), Karnataka (1,601,865), Uttar Pradesh (1,313,487), Tamil Nadu (1,207,112), and Delhi (1,194,552).

World coronavirus update: Coronavirus cases rise unabated across the globe with 153,478,525 infected by the deadly contagion. While 131,475,914 have recovered, 3,216,128 have died so far. The US remains the worst-hit country with 33,180,441, followed by India, Brazil, France and Turkey. However, in the past seven days, India has added the highest number of fresh cases at 2,597,887, followed by the Brazil (417,760) and US (363,150).

8:18 PM

Postpone offline exams in May but online exams may continue, says govt

Due to second wave of Covid-19, Ministry of Education on Monday urged for the postponement of all offline examinations scheduled in the month of May, 2021. In a letter addressed to all the heads of centrally funded institutions, Secretary,  Higher Education Amit Khare has urged the institutions to postpone all offline examinations scheduled in the month of May, 2021. However, the online examinations may continue. The letter also stated that the decision will be reviewed in the first week of June 2021.

7:52 PM

Maharashtra sees sharp dip in daily cases

6:42 PM

Will create a paediatric covid care ward anticipating the next wave, says Aaditya Thackeray

Shiv Sena's Aaditya Thackeray on Monday explained in a series of tweets how the Maharashtra govt is gearing up to tackle the third wave of coronavirus in the state. 

4:52 PM

No advantage in doing CT scan if you have mild symptoms, says AIIMS chief

4:40 PM

Some states are showing early signs of decrease in daily new cases, says govt

4:37 PM

10 states showing increase in cases, says govt

4:21 PM

12 states have over 100,000 active cases, says govt

3:19 PM

NEET-PG exam will not be held before August 31, says PMO

A decision was taken to postpone NEET-PG for at least 4 months and the exam will not be held before August 31, 2021. Students will also be given atleast one month of time after announcement of exam before it is conducted. This will make a large number of qualified doctors available for Covid duties, said government on Monday. The decision was taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the growing need of adequate human resources for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, said PMO. Read more about the decisions taken today here.

2:15 PM

Partial curfew in Andhra for 2 weeks from May 5

Andhra Pradesh government will impose partial curfew in the state for 14 days starting Wednesday. Shops to be open only from 6 am to 12 pm. 

 

Thereafter, only essential services will be allowed.

1:59 PM

Chamarajnagar tragedy: IAS officer to submit probe report in 3 days

IAS officer Shivayogi Kalasada to conduct probe into the death of 24 patients at Chamarajanagar District Hospital, to submit the report within 3 days.

 

This, after Chamrajnagar District Incharge Minister S Suresh Kumar ordered inquiry into the death of 24 patients at the district hospital and said, "Strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for the shortage of oxygen supply to the hospital."

1:24 PM

SBI has allocated Rs 71 crore to undertake various support initiatives to help India combat Covid-19

SBI has allocated Rs 71 crore to undertake various support initiatives to help India combat Covid-19

12:48 PM

Coronavirus LIVE: 24 dead in Karnataka hospital due to oxygen shortage

As many as 24 patients including 23 suffering from Covid-19 died in Karnataka''s Chamarajanagar due to alleged oxygen shortage in the district hospital in the last 24 hours, officials said.

A pall of gloom descended on the Chamarajanagar district hospital as the grieving kin of the deceased gathered after hearing the news.

 

Family members of the dead also staged a demonstration at the hospital and alleged there was a shorten of oxygen and raised slogans.

 

Chamarajanagar district in-charge Minister S Suresh Kumar, who is also the Primary and Secondary Education Minister, said he has ordered a death audit report from the district administration into the incident.

 

He, however, maintained that all the deaths did not occur due to oxygen shortage.

 

"It''s not appropriate to say that all the 24 deaths happened due to oxygen shortage. These deaths had happened from Sunday morning to this morning. The oxygen shortage happened in the wee hours of Monday -- from 12.30 AM to 2.30 AM," Kumar told reporters here.

 

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa too called the deputy commissioner of the district and obtained information about the incident.

12:39 PM

Delhi HC dismisses a PIL seeking direction to restrain news channels from spreading negativity

Delhi High Court dismisses a PIL seeking direction to restrain news channels from spreading negativity, sense of insecurity towards life & to frame guidelines. 

The court says, "Informing public about the numbers of deaths due to Covid-19 is not negative news."

12:30 PM

Monday's IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore rescheduled

Monday's IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore rescheduled after 2 KKR members test positive for Covid-19.

12:29 PM

HC seeks Delhi govt stand on PIL to cap cost of HRCT tests used for detecting Covid-19 infection in lungs

HC seeks Delhi govt stand on PIL to cap cost of HRCT tests used for detecting Covid-19 infection in lungs