LIVE: Prez Ram Nath Kovind to visit two Caribbean nations from May 15 to 21

For all the latest news and developments from across the globe, stay tuned

Live updates: A powerful explosion apparently caused by a natural gas leak killed at least 22 people, including a child, and injured dozens when it blew away outer walls from a luxury hotel in the heart of Cuba's capital.

No tourists were staying at Havana's 96-room Hotel Saratoga because it was undergoing renovations, Havana Gov. Reinaldo Garca Zapata told the Communist Party newspaper Granma.

Cuban state TV reported the explosion was caused by a truck that had been supplying natural gas to the hotel, but did not provide details on how the gas ignited. A white tanker truck was seen being removed from the site as rescue workers hosed it down with water.

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that the invasion of Ukraine could be replicated in Taiwan by China if leading powers do not respond as one.

Speaking through a translator at a meeting in London, Kishida said that the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns that China might take advantage of the West's military commitments in Eastern Europe to launch a simultaneous move against Taipei, reported Trevor Filseth, writing in The National Interest.

On Friday, Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar alleged that World Health Organization, without any scientific evidence and rational reasoning, has said that number of deaths registered in India due to Covid-19 is not the actual numbers.

He added that every death in this country has been scientifically registered. Every death is registered in the most fragmented way in India, he further added.

11:23 PM

Rising violence against doctors saddening, they deserve better: CJI Ramana

Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Saturday expressed serious concern over rising violence against upright and hardworking doctors and lodging of false cases against them.

 

The CJI said that he would also like to pay his tribute to the unending spirit of doctors, who work tirelessly round the clock for their patients.

11:23 PM

Madhya Pradesh reports 27 new Covid-19 cases, zero death in last 24 hours

The COVID-19 tally in Madhya Pradesh reached 10,41,661 on Saturday after the detection of 27 cases at a positivity rate of 0.3 per cent, while the death toll remained unchanged at 10,735, an official said.

 

So far, 10,30,729 persons have been discharged post recovery, including 40 during the day, leaving the state with 197 active cases, he said.

 

With 7,727 samples examined on Saturday, the number of tests in MP went up to 2,91,33,393, he added.

 

A government release said 11,77,86,415 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the state, including 54,714 during the day.

 

Coronavirus figures in MP are as follows: Total cases 10,41,661, new cases 27, death toll 10,735, recoveries 10,30,729, active cases 197, number of tests so far 2,91,33,393.

11:22 PM

Mumbai sees 172 fresh Covid-19 infections, zero death; active tally at 784

Mumbai on Saturday added 172 COVID-19 cases to its tally, which reached 10,60,606. while the death toll remained unchanged at 19,563, a civic official said.

 

So far, 10,40,259 persons have been discharged post recovery, including 94 during the day, leaving the metropolis with an active caseload of 784, he said.

 

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation data showed the recovery rate was 98 per cent, the caseload doubling time was 7,316 days and the overall growth rate of cases between April 30 and May 6 stood at 0.009 per cent.

9:44 PM

More than 10 rounds of firing reported in the Subhash Nagar area of West Delhi

Delhi | More than 10 rounds of firing reported in the Subhash Nagar area of West Delhi. Police & top officials deployed at the spot. More details awaited: Delhi Police

 

9:15 PM

J&K LG Sinha stresses on rural development, calls it road to prosperity

The road to Jammu and Kashmir's prosperity has to pass through its villages, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday as he emphasised that high priority should be accorded to the rural development.

 

Highlighting the role of rural infrastructure, self-employment, and agrarian society, he said policies should be based on pragmatism in order to harness the tremendous potential of villages.

 

Around 70 per cent of J-K's population is dependent on agriculture and allied activities. Today, the development in rural areas is not just about self-sufficiency in food production but also about increasing yields and income and making the people more empowered. It is also about making the villages self-sufficient because the road to J-K's prosperity has to pass through its villages, the Lt Governor said.

9:15 PM

Maharashtra records 253 fresh Covid-19 cases, one death in last 24 hours

Maharashtra on Saturday reported 253 new COVID-19 cases, highest since the last week of March, and one death, the state health department said. It took the infection tally in the state to 78,79,054 and death toll to 1,47,846. On March 25, 2022, the state had reported 275 new cases. So far, 77,29,931 persons have been discharged post recovery, including 136 since previous evening.

 

The state has an active caseload of 1,277 now. Mumbai led with 172 new cases, while the lone death was reported in Satara district. Maharashtra on Friday had recorded 205 new coronavirus infections including 117 in Mumbai but zero pandemic-related deaths.

8:00 PM

President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a State visit to Jamaica and St. Vincent & Grenadines

President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a State visit to Jamaica and St. Vincent & Grenadines (SVG) from 15 - 21 May 2022. This will be the first ever visit by an Indian Head of State to these countries: MEA

 

7:59 PM

Pramod Madhwaraj joins BJP along with other party leaders in presence of Basavaraj Bommai

7:06 PM

Jahangirpuri violence case

Delhi Police have arrested 3 accused in the matter taking the total to 36, including 3 minors. The latest accused who have been arrested are namely Zaheer Khan alias Jalil, Anabul alias Sheikh & Tabrez: Delhi Police

 

7:03 PM

Triple talaqs have dipped after enactment of law: Minorities Commission

Cases of triple talaq have dipped since the enactment of the law against the instant divorce in the country, a member of the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) said on Saturday.

 

Speaking to reporters here, NCM member Syed Shahezadi said she had held talks with Muslim women over triple talaq and other concerns.

 

I held talks with Muslim women over triple talaq and other issues here. After the enactment of the law, the number of triple talaqs have come down, Shahezadi said.

6:08 PM

AAP Punjab MLA JS Gajjan Majra in Rs 40-cr bank fraud case

CBI has raided the premises linked to AAP Punjab MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra in Rs 40-cr bank fraud case. During the raid, CBI recovered 94 signed blank cheques & several Aadhaar cards. Cash of Rs 16.57 Lakh(approx), around 88 foreign currency notes, some property documents, several bank accounts& other incriminating documents were found& recovered during searches today at premises linked to AAP Punjab MLA JS Gajjan Majra in Rs 40-cr bank fraud case.

 

 

 

5:56 PM

One year of DMK govt: Stalin announces 5 new schemes, focuses on healthcare

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday visited the memorials of DMK founder and former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai and his father Kalaignar Karunanidhi on the first anniversary of his government in the state.

 

He also took a surprise ride in a bus to check the efficiency of free travel for women scheme. The Chief Minister also announced five new schemes on Saturday by making a statement under Rule 110 in the state Legislative Assembly.

 

5:26 PM

Cyclone won't make landfall in Odisha or AP but move parallel to coast: IMD

In a big relief to the people and administration, the IMD on Saturday announced that the cyclonic storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal will not make landfall in either Odisha or Andhra Pradesh but will move parallel to the coast.

 

It will recurve north-northeastwards and move towards northwest Bay of Bengal after nearing the North Andhra-Odisha coast, India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.

 

"The well-marked low pressure area intensified into a depression and is now moving towards the coast in the northwestwards direction. It will continue to move in that direction till May 10 evening, and thereafter recurve in the sea north-northeastwards and move parallel to the coast," Mohapatra said.

4:24 PM

Indian Youth Congress holds a protest outside the residence of Hardeep Singh Puri over the fuel price hike

3:42 PM

DMRC announces interchange hub at RK Ashram Marg metro station

The DMRC on Saturday announced the construction of a new interchange hub at the R K Ashram Marg metro station which will provide a shorter route from central to north Delhi.

 

In a tweet, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the interchange facility will provide a convenient mode of transit and help in decongesting the busy Blue Line.

 

According to the DMRC, the R K Ashram Marg station on the Blue Line will be connected to the metro station of the same name on the Magenta Line.

 

"R.K Ashram Marg Metro station on Blue Line is being converted into an interchange. It will be connecting R.K Ashram Marg Metro station of Magenta Line. Commuters will have access to alternate & shorter routes from Central to North Delhi," the DMRC tweeted.