Breaking News, January 4

Six people -- two each in Kozhikode and Alappuzha and one each in Kottayam & Kannur -- have tested positive for new mutated strain of coronavirus, said Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja.

Haryana government has started the process to distribute free tablets to all students from Classes 8 to 12 studying in government schools of the state before the start of the next academic session. As many as 8.20 lakh tablets preloaded with learning material and textbooks would be distributed to enhance the learning of students and help them to study online in and outside the classroom as well as at home. 

We will pass anti-farmer bill resolution in Assembly, said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. I'm in favour of farmers and want the withdrawal of these three bills for the sake of the country and farmers. Before the bills came in, they had godowns made. Their political intention is clear and that's why they are not taking it back, she added.

Manipur reported 51 new COVID-19 cases, 47 recoveries, and 3 death today, says State Health Department.

• Total cases so far: 28,332
• Total recoveries: 26,862
• Active cases: 1,109
• Total Deaths: 361
• Recovery rate is 94.81 %

No movement of humans shall be allowed within one km radius of Pong Dam or alert zone declared by Kangra district administration, says Kangra district magistrate in an official order. 

West Bengal reported 597 new COVID-19 cases, 1,347 discharges, and 25 deaths today, as per the State Health Department.

• Total cases: 5,55,572
• Total recoveries: 5,36,084
• Active cases: 9,671
• Death toll: 9,817

We wanted farmer unions to discuss three laws clause-wise. We could not reach any solution as farmer union remained adamant on the repeal of the laws, said Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. He added, looking at today's discussion, I hope that we will have a meaningful discussion during our next meeting and we will come to a conclusion. 

Tamil Nadu reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, 985 discharges, and 10 deaths in the last 24 hours, said State Health Department.

• Total cases: 8,21,550
• Total discharges: 8,01,414
• Death toll: 12,166
• Active cases: 7,970

India today launched its 40th scientific expedition to Antarctica. This Indian expedition marks 4 decades of the country’s scientific endeavour to the southern white continent. The 40th expedition journey will be flagged off from Goa on January 5, with 43 members onboard.

Covaxin has shown less than 10 % adverse reactions, while others have 60-70% adverse reactions. AstraZeneca was giving 4g paracetamol to volunteers to suppress such reactions. We haven’t given paracetamol to any volunteer. I can assure our vaccine is 200% safe, said Bharat Biotech MD. 

A total of 8,830 healthcare workers including private healthcare providers have been registered in Chandigarh for the administration of vaccination in the first phase. 

West Bengal CM writes a letter to the Center to declare 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as a national holiday. 'Desh Nayak Diwas' will be observed in the state on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Banerjee said. I personally feel we haven't done anything important for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose after independence. I've written a letter to Center to declare 23rd January, birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as a national holiday. It is my demand. 

Varsha Raut wife of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut reaches the Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai. She was summoned by ED to appear before it in connection with the PMC Bank scam case.