Breaking News April 3

The Centre on Saturday directed the states and UTs that no fresh registrations of healthcare and frontline workers will be allowed as some ineligible beneficiaries in this category were getting their names enlisted for vaccination against COVID-19 in violation of rules.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter, said registration of persons aged 45 years and above will continue to be permitted on Co-WIN portal, and asked the states/UTs to ensure universal vaccination of already registered healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs) at the earliest.

Puducherry Assembly polls: A Namassivayam, former minister and BJP candidate from Mannadipet said he has tested positive for COVID-19.

School for classes I to IX were directed to be shut for an indefinite period in Gujarat from Monday amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, officials said.

Amid a surge in fresh COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh's Raipur district, the administration has ordered the closure of weekly markets, gyms, and swimming pools, beginning Sunday, an official said on Saturday.

The administration also ordered that shops and business establishments in urban areas of the district will remain open in staggered timings while cinema halls and multiplexes will have to be shut by 8 pm.

Primary schools around Syria will close down indefinitely next week amid a severe increase of coronavirus cases in the war-torn country, while universities will suspend classes for only two weeks and high schools will remain open, the government announced Saturday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says he has tested negative for COVID-19. 

Didi, you should trust the people of Bengal. People of Bengal have given their verdict. It is decided that you will have to leave Nabanna with your Taka Maar Company (TMC): PM Narendra Modi in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas

Kenya has ordered an immediate suspension on private importations of vaccines citing fears that it may lead to counterfeit inoculations getting into the country.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board General Secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani dies, the organisation says

In Nandigram, we have seen a glimpse of what is going to happen on May 2 (when results of the Assembly elections will be declared, PM Narendra Modi said in Arambag, Hooghly while addressing a poll rally.

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah addressed an election rally in Tirunelveli. Here are the highlights from his address:

• PM Modi thinks about farmers, unemployed youth and fishermen of Tamil Nadu. Stalin thinks about making his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, CM. People of Tamil Nadu have to decide if they want to go with those who think about the state or those who make their son, CM.
• Whenever I talk about Udhayanidhi, Stalin sa'ab gets angry and his BP rises. Later he loses his cool and says things about anyone. Remarks are made against Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley who are no more in this world. 
• Indecent remarks were recently made against the mother of CM Edappadi Palaniswami. DMK should be ashamed of themselves for this.
• PM, BJP and AIADMK understand the views of Dalits. It was the BJP that made the son of a Dalit, the President of the country. Party's state chief is also a Dalit.

A massive fire broke out in the shanties at Nathupur in Haryana's Gurugram. Gas cylinder explosion was also reported during the fire. It was later brought under control with help of around 12 fire tenders, in an 8-hr long operation. No injuries or casualties were reported.

Suspended Mumbai Police officer Sachin Waze being taken to Special NIA court in Mumbai.

An encounter breaks out between security forces and terrorists in a forest area of Peer Ki Gali area in the Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir. Details awaited.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that , with 87,505 testings, we are testing 5 times higher than other states. Delhi’s positivity rate stands at 4.11%. The number of beds in private hospitals have been escalated from 15% to 25%. 2/3 beds in Delhi hospitals are vacant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in Assam's Baksa. Here are some highlights from his address: 

• The 'Mahajhooth' of 'Mahajot' (grand alliance) has been disclosed. On the basis of my political experience, and audience love, I can say that people have decided to form the NDA govt in Assam. They can't bear those who insult Assam's identity and propagate violence.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a roadshow in Bengal's Uluberia.

All religious places in Pune to remain completely closed till April 9 in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. Visuals from Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir where people pray outside as the temple remains closed.

24,69,59,192 samples tested for COVID-19 up to April 2, 2021. Of these, a total of 10,46,605 samples were tested yesterday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Amid increasing COVID-19 cases, people seen celebrating 'Rangpanchami' in the Damoh area of Madhya Pradesh. 

BJP chief JP Nadda addressed the media. Here are the highlights:

• We took the responsibility of making people who were holding weapons, a part of society. 2500-3000 people have surrendered, more than 4000 assault rifles have also been surrendered.
• Assam has made up its mind to support BJP-NDA. In phases 1 and 2, people made a one-sided decision. Their decision for phase 3 also seems clear. I see huge crowd in my rallies, entire Assam has decided to vote for BJP-NDA. We'll form govt here.
• That is her (Mamata Banerjee) strategy, she will know. But we have info that she is looking for it (another constituency). Her people told me this. She will know it but it is certain that she is losing in Nandigram.
• Their (Congress) 5 guarantees (for Assam) speak of CAA. I can't understand who are the people who make these guarantees and how limited is their knowledge. Can a state law overrule a law passed by Parliament? They're misleading people. It's a display of mental bankruptcy.

Palghar District Collector Manik Gursal has ordered closure of schools from April 5 till further notice in view of rising COVID-19 cases

Four persons arrested in connection with an attack on a couple travelling by bus from Mangaluru to Bengaluru by a group of people. The incident took place near Pumpwell, said Shashi Kumar, Mangaluru Police Commissioner