Polling parties gather at EVM distribution centre ahead of first phase of WB Elections

More than 5.69 Crore COVID19 vaccine doses administered. 14.53 lakh vaccine doses given till 7 pm today: Ministry of Health.

Due to surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, the Maharashtra government on Friday (March 26) announced to impose night curfew which will be effective from March 28 (Sunday). 

Night curfew to be imposed in Maharashtra from the night of 28th March. A separate order in this regard will be issued by the Disaster management and rehabilitation department soon: Maharashtra's Chief Minister Office.

Maharashtra: Nagpur District reported 4095 new COVID-19 cases, 1943 recoveries and 35 Death, in the last 24 hours, as per Civil Surgeon.
 
Total cases: 2,11,162
Total recoveries: 1,69,407
Active cases: 36,936
Death toll: 4,819

Polling parties gather at EVM distribution centre in Medinipur, ahead of voting for the first phase of West Bengal Elections 2021 on Saturday (March 26)

National Human Rights Commission issues notices to Chief Secretary, and Director-General of Police, Rajasthan over 'complaints of exponential increase in the incidents of crime against women in the State'.

Railway says impact limited to Punjab, Haryana, almost zero countrywide: News agency PTI reported

No lockdown implemented in the state. People need not panic: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao

Nikita Tomar murder case convicts sentenced to life imprisonment by a Faridabad court on Friday (March 26).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits RR hospital to enquire about the health of President Ram Nath Kovind.

CPI (M) leader and former Kerala Minister S Sharma approached the Kerala High Court, challenging Election Commission's decision to put elections to three Rajya Sabha seats in the state on hold.

President Ram Nath Kovind visited Army Hospital (R&R) following chest discomfort this morning. He is undergoing routine check-up and is under observation. His condition is stable, sais Army Hospital doctors. PM Narendra Modi spoke to the President's son. He inquired about the President's health and prayed for his well-being.

Rahul Gandhi who comes to Assam as a tourist, says Badruddin Ajmal is an identity of Assam. But Sankardev, Madhavdev & Lachit Borphukan are Assam's identities. Congress can try as much as it wants, we won't let Badruddin Ajmal become identity of Assam: Union Home Minister & BJP leader Amit Shah

If Badruddin Ajmal govt is formed here, will it be able to stop infiltrators? Only BJP govt can stop the infiltrators. PM Modi speaks of developing Assam with the help of double engine govt & Congress brings Kalapahad to facilitate double infiltration: HM & BJP leader Amit Shah

Can Rahul Gandhi & modern Kalapahad Badruddin Ajmal keep Assam safe? Last week was anniversary of Battle of Saraighat, fought under commander Lachit Borphukan's leadership. He protected motherland from Mughals for many yrs: HM & BJP leader Amit Shah in Kamrup#AssamAssemblyPolls pic.twitter.com/j2ZRr4i25p

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Supreme Court orders transfer of gangster-turned-politican Mukhtar Ansari to jail in Uttar Pradesh from Punjab within two weeks, to face trials there.

Supreme Court orders transfer of gangster-turned-politican Mukhtar Ansari to jail in Uttar Pradesh from Punjab within two weeks, to face trials there.

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/UJP6o2MOLo

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

The Bharat Bandh today, called by farmer unions, has minimal impact in Delhi. The police officials reveal that no report of disturbance in metro and road transport services reported and major markets remaine open. The situation is peaceful and remains under control.

Jammu and Kashmir: A landslide occured on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Samroli area of Udhampur today; movement of vehicles stopped temporarily

Jammu and Kashmir: A landslide occured on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Samroli area of Udhampur today; movement of vehicles stopped temporarily pic.twitter.com/UW5KXV9fgp

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended his support to Bharat Bandh called Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Friday. Taking to Twitter, the Congress leader hit out at the Central government saying that country's history shows that 'satyagraha' ends atrocities, injustice and arrogance.

Action will be taken against those who are found responsible. Compensation will be given to families of the deceased. Most of the patients who have died were on the ventilator. I offer my condolences and apologies to their families: Maharashtra CM, on Mumbai hospital fire incident

Kerala HC has sought the view of the Election Commission on a petition filed by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala seeking a directive to the Commission to delete or freeze 4,34,042 bogus and multiple entries of names in the electoral rolls for assembly elections in Kerala. (ANI)

In Andhra Pradesh all the political parties, except BJP and JSP, are observing Bharat Bandh called by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha against the centre's three new farm laws. Additionally, the ruling YSR Congress Party announced its support to the strike. The state government also added that the RTC buses will not operate today till 1 PM.

Now the entry and exit gates of the Tikri border, Bahadurgarh city and Brigadier Hoshiar Singh metro stations have been opened. The mopvement in these three stations were closed briefly as a precautionary measure in view of Bharat Bandh.

The farmers, protesting against the Centre's three new farm laws, blocked Chandigarh-Ambala highway during the ‘Bharat Bandh' called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).

Punjab: Protestors blocked Chandigarh-Ambala highway during the 12 hour long ‘Bharat Bandh' called by Samyukt Kisan Morcha in SAS Nagar pic.twitter.com/68t3fBkON0

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Punjab: Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh committee members block Amritsar-Delhi railway track in Amritsar, during the 12 hour long ‘Bharat Bandh' called by Samyukt Kisan Morcha.

Punjab: Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh committee members block Amritsar-Delhi railway track in Amritsar, during the 12 hour long ‘Bharat Bandh' called by Samyukt Kisan Morcha pic.twitter.com/is8yrF5ZTR

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

10 people have died in the fire incident. This is a serious incident. Negligence of hospital management has come to light. We will register a case: Mumbai Police Commissioner on fire at Sunrise Hospital, Bhandup West, Mumbai. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korea's Minister of National Defence, Suh Wook hold talks in Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korea's Minister of National Defence, Suh Wook hold talks in Delhi pic.twitter.com/HFrXO9oPoB

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Supreme Court reserves its judgement on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law that grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs. A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court also reserves the judgement on the issue of whether SC's 1992 verdict of capping reservation at 50 per cent needs re-examination.

The BJP manifesto speaks about 'nyay' as it has been made after taking suggestions from the public. We did not make the manifesto sitting in an AC room. People see Modi Ji delivering his promises: Finance Minister and BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman, in Puducherry.

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan campaigns for Tamil Nadu Elections 2021, in MMDA Colony, Arumbakkam in Chennai. He is campaigning for the party's candidate from Anna Nagar Assembly constituency, V Ponraj who tested positive for COVID-19.

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan campaigns for #TamilNaduElections2021, in MMDA Colony, Arumbakkam in Chennai. He is campaigning for the party's candidate from Anna Nagar Assembly constituency, V Ponraj who tested positive for #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/IUC64KCAbI

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits National Martyrs' Memorial, Savar in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits National Martyrs' Memorial, Savar in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/MkbyJ58UmV

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

India records more than 59,000 COVID-19 cases, highest single-day spike since October

India reports 59,118 new COVID19 cases, 32,987 recoveries, and 257 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry

Total cases: 1,18,46,652
Total recoveries: 1,12,64,637
Active cases: 4,21,066
Death toll: 1,60,949

Total vaccination: 5,55,04,440 pic.twitter.com/GEzQNlbjLb

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

There was no impact of the Bharat Bandh as early office goers were on their routine at the metro stations and bus stands, traffic was also smooth at the Delhi Noida Direct Flyway (DND) in the early hours of Friday in the national capital. The Metro saw the crowd as usual like any other day during the office time. (IANS)

Maharashtra: Weekly COVID review meeting, under the chairmanship of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, begins in Pune. Pune reported 6432 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.

Maharashtra: Weekly COVID review meeting, under the chairmanship of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, begins in Pune.

Pune reported 6432 new #COVID19 cases yesterday. pic.twitter.com/AQhDqsV8m5

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Nikita Tomar murder case 2020: Convicts Tausif and Rehan brought to Faridabad Court. Arguments on the quantum of their sentence to take place today.

2020 Nikita Tomar murder case: Convicts Tausif and Rehan brought to Faridabad Court. Arguments on the quantum of their sentence to take place today. pic.twitter.com/z4GF11kTNr

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Giriraj Singh release Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto for upcoming Puducherry elections.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Giriraj Singh release Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto for upcoming Puducherry elections pic.twitter.com/qQ6a7d5acz

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

The Odisha government has declared the closure of all educational institutions across the state today to honour the nationwide Bharat Bandh call given by farmers unions protesting against the Centre's farm laws. 

Protesters are sitting at 31 locations across Punjab and Haryana spanning Delhi, Ambala & Firozepur division affecting rail movement. Train services affected at 32 locations, 4 Shatabdi trains cancelled: Indian Railways

The Chambers of Trade and Industry said that the shops and factories will remain open. The organisation said that there will be no effect on trade during the 'Bharat Bandh' called by farmers protesting against the Centre's three new farm laws. "We discussed it with business owners and traders. Most of them said they support the demands of the farmers and the Centre should find a solution to the issue. However, most traders want to keep their business establishments open on Friday as they have been accruing losses due to coronavirus." said Subhash Khandelwal, CTI convenor Brijesh Goyal and chairman.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body of the Sikhs, has decided to close its offices on Friday in support to the Bharat Bandh called by the farmers union. "The SGPC is involved in the struggle of the farmers and would be a part of the Bharat Bandh on March 26," said SGPC president Jagir Kaur.

#WATCH A group of protesters sing and dance at Ghazipur border (Delhi-UP) during 12-hour 'Bharat Bandh' called by Samyukt Kisan Morcha against Centre's Farm Laws pic.twitter.com/gkPWwKnTiP

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Punjab: Protestors block railway track in Amritsar as a mark of protest against the three agricultural laws during 'Bharat Bandh' called by Samyukt Kisan Morcha. 

(Credits: ANI)

Samyukt Kisan Morcha has called for a 12 hour long ‘Bharat Bandh’ today, protestors block the road at Singhu Border pic.twitter.com/CIxfHmGZuF

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Rail traffic across Punjab and Haryana was badly hit as farmers, farm labourers, commission agents, trade unions and activists of political parties squatted on railway lines and national highways. However, there was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the states. Emergency medical services were exempted from the blockade. The activists of several farmer associations were seen asking traders at several places in the Congress-ruled Punjab to keep their shops and business establishments closed to mark the pan-India protest.

Hundreds of farmers blocked the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh Ghazipur border here as part of their 12-hour Bharat Bandh on the completion of four months of protest over the three contentious farm laws.
 

The Bihar School of Examination Board (BSEB) on Thursday (March 25) announced that they will be declaring the results for class 12th board examinations or BSEB Inter Result 2021 at 3 PM today. The class 12th results will be announced by Minister for education & parliamentary affairs, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary in a press meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first visit to a foreign country since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first visit to a foreign country since the COVID19 outbreak

He will attend an event at the National Martyr's Memorial and the National Day program today. pic.twitter.com/SRLgFGleBL

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Ambala: Protesters block GT Road and railway track near Shahpur, in view of 12-hour 'Bharat Bandh' call by Samyukt Kisan Morcha against Centre's Farm Laws

Ambala: Protesters block GT Road and railway track near Shahpur, in view of 12-hour 'Bharat Bandh' call by Samyukt Kisan Morcha against Centre's Farm Laws#Haryana pic.twitter.com/1D6k4qjPlN

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Jammu and Kashmir: Tourists visited Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, yesterday

Jammu and Kashmir: Tourists visited Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, yesterday pic.twitter.com/GbXknmkkue

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2021

Maharashtra: Two casualties have been reported in fire incident in Mumbai's hospital. Rescue operation for 76 patients admitted to COVID care hospital is underway. Level 3 or level 4 fire broke out on first floor of a mall at 12.30 AM. Around 23 fire tenders present at the spot: DCP Prashant Kadam

Maharashtra: Fire breaks out at a hospital in Mumbai's Bhandup; rescue operation underway. "Cause of fire is yet to be ascertained. I've seen a hospital at mall for the first time. Action to be taken. 70 patients including COVID infected shifted to another hospital," says Mumbai Mayor.

President Ram Nath Kovind wrote a note to the people and President of Bangladesh on their 50th Independence Day.

"Our multifaceted cooperation in diverse sectors has been strengthened with strong political commitment of both governments," wrote President Ram Nath Kovind to the people & President of Bangladesh on their 50th Independence Day pic.twitter.com/1fxqsJDiiv

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

Traffic movement is closed on Ghazipur (Delhi-UP) border NH-24 (both carriageway), said Delhi Traffic Police. The step came after Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions, called for a Bharat Bandh today, from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Mumbai: Firefighting operation underway at the mall where a fire broke out last night; latest visuals from the spot

Mumbai: Firefighting operation underway at the mall where a fire broke out last night; latest visuals from the spot pic.twitter.com/OTBMtJq5EK

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

PM Narendra Modi will visit Bangladesh today and tomorrow. During his visit, he will be inaugurating Bapu Bangabandhu Digital Video Exhibition in Dhaka. He will also meet Bangladesh Foreign Minister and attend National Day Programme.

Earlier, PM Modi took it to his Twitter handle to announce: "As I leave for Bangladesh tomorrow, I look forward to remembering the life and ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, as well as our diplomatic ties."

Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 25, 2021