Breaking news on March 11

Indian Council of Medical Research on Thursday said that it has isolated Coronavirus. Coronavirus was believed to be difficult to isolate.

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The ruling NDA in Bihar on Wednesday announced its candidates for three of the five Rajya Sabha seats in the state, where elections will be held on March 26.

In the wake of coronavirus cases mounting in India, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday advised states and Union Territories to take all steps for sanitisation of public transport vehicles and terminals.

Bharti Airtel network recorded top median download speed, followed by Vodafone Idea, during the August 2019-January 2020 period, according to broadband service analytics firm Tutela.

Facebook India on Wednesday invited applications from non-governmental organisations for its CSR initiative Facebook Pragati, which will award four grants of up to Rs 50 lakh each.

The Army recruited nearly 1.65 lakh personnel between 2016-17 and 2018-19, the government said on Wednesday. In a written response to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister for State for Defence Shripad Naik said the Army recruited 54,815 personnel in 2016-17, 52,839 in 2017-18 and 57,266 in 2018-19.

Sweden reports first coronavirus death

The Mizoram government on Wednesday formally sealed the state's borders with neighbouring countries and states, barring a few entry and exit points, to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, officials said on Wednesday.

The Mumbai police's crime branch on Wednesday arrested gangster Prasad Pujari's mother for her alleged involvement in the extortion of a builder from eastern suburb of Vikhroli here, an official said.

MLA Dilip Kumar Pandey was appointed as Aam Aadmi Party's chief whip in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday.

India-made bulletproof jackets are being exported to 18 countries, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said on Wednesday but declined to name the nations citing "strategic requirements".

A total number of 9 samples found positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, results of 77 samples are awaited, Directorate of Health Services said.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seized over two tonnes of banned single-use plastic and collected over Rs 29 lakh in fines from shopkeepers in the last nine days, a civic official said on Wednesday.

Singapore confirmed 12 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, including eight persons who tested positive after coming from abroad, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the island-nation to 178.

Chartered accountants' apex body ICAI will review financial statements of crisis-hit Yes Bank.

The Financial Reporting Review Board (FRRB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) would take up the review of general-purpose financial statements of Yes Bank for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Amit Shah concludes his Lok Sabha speech on Delhi violence.

"Property of those involved in Delhi violence will be seized," said Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.

"52 people have lost lives in Delhi violence," said Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Referring to her speech in which she alluded to "Aar paar ki ladai (over CAA)" Amit Shah alleged that Congress president Sonia Gandhi hate speech.

"There were more rallies in favour of CAA than against," said Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.

Amit Shah said that Delhi violence was a pre-planned conspiracy. He was speaking in Lok Sabha

Home Minister Amit Shah repeated his charge that Muslims are being misled on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

"We will not spare those guilty of violence in Delhi," said Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.

Amit Shah said that more than 1100 people had been identified with face-identification software. He is speaking in Lok Sabha on Delhi violence.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari lashed out at Opposition for staging a walkout during Home Minister Amit Shah's speech on Delhi violence. He said such a walkout was not in a healthy spirit of democracy.

Congress stages walkout from Lok Sabha during Amit Shah's speech on Delhi violence.

Delhi Violence: "Action has been taken against members of both communities," said Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

"More than 700 FIRs have been registered," says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.

"Some said I was visiting Taj Mahal during Trump visit at the time. No, I didn't go. Next day, there were events including lunch and dinner. But I did not go," said Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

I was in touch with police during Delhi riots: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Delhi riots ended in 36 hours. He congratulated Delhi Police for its work in containing the riots. He is speaking in Lok Sabha.

Delhi Police successfully contained Delhi violence: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

"I condole those who lost lives in Delhi violence," says Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

"There were no riots after 11 pm on February 25," Amit Shah in Lok Sabha on Delhi violence

The PMLA court in Mumbai on Wednesday has extended the ED custody of Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor till March 16.

The Indian economy will likely see significant benefits in the form of lower current account deficit, reduced inflation and higher GDP following a slump in international crude oil prices, Kotak Institutional Equities Research said on Wednesday.

The rupee recovered 56 paise to settle at 73.61 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday amid positive domestic equities and weakening of the American dollar in the overseas market.

The country's largest lender SBI on Wednesday rationalised interest rate on all savings bank (SB) accounts to a flat 3 per cent, a move affecting 44.51 crore account holders.

 The Odisha Assembly on Wednesday issued safety guidelines to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, an official said.

The BJP on Wednesday appointed Lok Sabha member Bandi Sanjay Kumar the president of its Telangana unit.

Iran on Wednesday reported 63 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, taking the total number to 354 across the country. 

The Union Home Ministry has constituted two special committees to specifically deal with issues and approvals related to the CAPFs that render a variety of internal security duties in the country, including border guarding, officials said on Wednesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up an economic offences wing in the Anti-Corruption Bureau to be headquartered in Jammu, officials said.

Shares of Reliance Industries on Wednesday rebounded over 3 per cent after plunging over 12 per cent in the previous session.

Shares of Yes Bank continued to gain for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, rallying over 35 per cent, as investor sentiment turned positive after SBI said it will buy 49 per cent stake in the cash-strapped lender.

Cellestial E-mobility, a city-based startup is planning to raise around USD 6-8 million as the company on Wednesday unveiled its first electric tractor.

Unveiling the prototype, Siddhartha Durairajan, Co-Founder Promoter of Cellestial E- Mobility told reporters that the e-tractor is engineered to be a zero-emission environment-friendly tractor for horticultural or Greenhouse works or moving goods within factories, warehouses and to haul
baggage in airports.

States/UTs asked to step up hygiene and sanitation at all bus terminals and stops: Govt

Meenakshi Lekhi, BJP in Lok Sabha on Delhi Violence: "Log toot jaate hain ghar banane ko aur tum taras nahi khaate ho bastiyan jalane ko. Some people have history of setting things ablaze. I have data which shows who was responsible whenever violence incidents took place in country."

"Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma were blamed for Delhi violence. Anurag and Verma made comments on Jan 20 and Jan 28 respectively, while the violence started on Feb 23. Kapil Mishra was held responsible for acts of Amanatullah Khan, Sharjeel Imam and Tahir Hussain. They talked of 1984 riots, I would like to tell them that they've forgotten that some accused are today on the position of CM. The violence (Delhi Violence) was brought under control within 36 hrs which, if you look at in hindsight, was in the making for months," she added. 

Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor produced before a PMLA court in Mumbai at the end of his three-day custody. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday night.

Sensex ends 62.45 pts higher at 35,697.40; Nifty rises 6.95 pts to 10,458.40

83 individuals, who arrived from Italy on Air India flight on March 11, have been quarantined at Army facility at Manesar. Out of 84 people, 74 are Indian, six are Italian and rest three are from the United States.

The Shipping Ministry issued a statement that only international cruise ships that intimated their call to an Indian port by Jan 1, 2020 allowed to call on such port.

Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha said: "A total of 14864 Bangladesh nationals have been granted citizenship after signing of India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement in 2015."

Delhi govt calls special Assembly session on NRC-NPR issue, coronavirus situation on March 13

EAM S Jaishankar said: "6 Indian health officials are deputed in Iran to set up sampling & testing facilities there. 108 samples were received in India on March 7. People who tested negative were brought back yesterday. Samples of 529 more Indians are being tested in NIV Pune."

A fresh petition has been filed in Delhi High Court, seeking action against several political leaders for allegedly making hate speeches & engaging in criminal activities during Delhi violence. It also seeks attachment of their properties for damage to public properties.

The petition submits that hate speeches were made by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Salman Khurshid & BJP’s Anurag Thakur, Kapil Mishra & others. The petition also seeks selling of their properties to compensate victims of Delhi violence in North East Delhi last month

PM Modi, EAM will make a statement in Lok Sabha on development regarding coronavirus.

Madras High Court sets aside its previous order of asking Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi to stop interfering in the day-to-day activities of state govt & has now asked the state govt and Governor to work in unison.

10 new Coronavirus cases confirmed; 8 from Kerala 1 each from Delhi and Rajasthan. Total COVID-19 +ve cases in India rises to 60. 

Gold prices on Wednesday fell by Rs 73 to Rs 43,667 per 10 gram in futures trade as speculators trimmed their positions in line with a weak trend overseas. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold prices for April delivery fell by Rs 73, or 0.17 per cent, to Rs 43,667 per 10 gram in a business turnover of 3,461 lots. The yellow metal for June delivery declined by Rs 49, or 0.11 per cent, to Rs 44,180 per 10 gram in 273 lots. Analysts said subdued overseas cues influenced sentiments here. Globally, gold was trading 0.08 per cent lower at USD 1,658.90 per ounce in New York

HC asks prison authorities to consider afresh media house plea for permission to interview four Nirbhaya case convict

All-party meeting being chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underway in Parliament, over smooth functioning of the House. 

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 aircraft crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad today during rehearsals for Pakistan day parade

Silver prices on Wednesday rose Rs 118 to Rs 46,240 per kg in futures trade taking positive cues from overseas markets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for May delivery gained Rs 118, or 0.26 per cent, to Rs 46,240 per kg in 2,818 lots. Similarly, the white metal for delivery in July was trading higher by Rs 443, or 0.95 per cent, at Rs 47,000 per kg in 16 lots. Traders said fresh bets by participants in line with a firm trend in global markets mainly led to rise in silver futures. In the international market, silver was quoting 0.38 per cent higher at USD 17.02 an ounce in New York.

ACR Nair, director of Cochin International Airport Limited said: "A passenger flew down from Italy some days ago. Later, he tested positive for Coronavirus. Keeping this in view, we have asked the airport staff who came in his contact to place themselves under home quarantine."

Senior journalist and activist Ajit Bhuyan will be an independent candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Assam; Congress and AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) will support him.

Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary Planning, Jammu & Kashmir: All primary schools, cinema halls and Anganwari centres in the 5 districts, Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur to be closed till March 31

Delhi High Court asks Central Government and Delhi Government to file response on the plea seeking proper preventive measures to control Coronavirus.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm today amid ruckus by opposition MPs over different issues. Lok Sabha also adjourned, till 12:30 pm today after opposition uproar over different issues.

HC seeks Centre's stand on plea for removal of fake news, hate speech being circulated on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter

After crisis in the Madhya Pradesh government, cracks have emerged in Gujarat Congress. India TV's Nirnay Kapoor is reporting that many senior Congress leaders in ahemedabad were unhappy with the current situation. the news comes a day after Gwalior royalty Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party along with 22 MLAs. Also, there are reports that deputy CM in Rajasthan Sachin Pilot was also unhappy with the party's Rajya Sabha seat distribution. 

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh gives Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha, over 'Yes Bank crisis.'

Delhiites woke up to a pleasant Wednesday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 14.8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average.
Humidity was recorded at 84 per cent. The weatherman has forecast generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain, thundershower and strong surface winds at the speed of 30-40 km/hr. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 26 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and the minimum on Thursday is likely to be around 14 degrees Celsius.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reply on discussion over Delhi Violence in Lok Sabha around 5.30 pm today, subject to functioning of the house. 

Rupee rises 33 paise to 73.84 against US dollar in early trade.

Sensex jumps 206.72 pts to 35,841.67 in opening session; Nifty rises 34.65 pts to 10,486.10.

Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi to raise a discussion on the 'recent law and order situation in some parts of Delhi' in Lok Sabha today.

Trinamool Congress gives notice in Rajya Sabha for immediate discussion under Rule 267 on ‘Delhi carnage and the healing process’.

Petrol price on Wednesday has been reduced by Rs 2.69, Diesel by Rs 2.33

US Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday cancelled their respective elections rallies amid rising concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.

Both Democrats presidential nominees announced the cancellation as the number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 700. Medical experts have advised avoiding large gathering.

At a time when uncertainty looms large over the fate of Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has tasked party's central leaders for resolving the crisis and take charge of the situation in Bhopal.

The resignation of senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 MLAs on Tuesday came as a jolt to the party, which is now making all-out efforts to save its government.