Bengal Election: Section 144 imposed in Nandigram ahead of polling

 A day before polling, the Election Commission on Wednesday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the Nandigram Assembly constituency

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in West Bengal’s Nandigram assembly constituency. The constituency, which witnessed a high-octane political campaign, is set to vote on Thursday.

As per the EC orders, the assembly of five or more persons is prohibited within 200 meters of polling premises. The only exemption is for people on election duty and voters entitled to vote in the said polling stations, the sub-divisional magistrate of Haldia in East Midnapore said.

“Nandigram is a sensitive constituency with high-profile candidates like Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari. We want to ensure that the law and order situation is not compromised and people can vote freely without fear,” news agency quoted an official as saying.

BJP's demand for Section 144

The EC order comes hours after a BJP delegation submitted a petition to the chief electoral officer in Kolkata requesting his immediate intervention to "stop infiltration of illegitimate voters of other nationalities and constituencies in Nandigram via Ferry ghat".

The delegation, led by union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urged the EC to properly implement "Section 144 in Nandigram, remove of officers colluding as agents of TMC, and seal of the ferry route.

The delegation also asked the EC to impose a ban on CM Mamata Banerjee’s "inflammatory speeches, which are promoting social discord".

In its letter, the delegation also alleged collusion between state machinery and TMC and demanded immediate removal of OC Nandigram and 14 other unscrupulous anti-social elements for conducting free and fair elections in Nandigram.

Mamata Banerjee claims BJP goons harassing Nandigram voters

Earlier on Tuesday, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had claimed that the BJP 'goons' had entered Nandigram and were harassing voters.

Speaking to India Today TV after wrapping up her last poll rally in Nandigram, Mamata Banerjee claimed that voters in Balarampur village were being harassed by the BJP goons.

She said that she will request the election commission to ensure the voters’ safety.

“Just see what is happening here. Villagers are being hounded out of Balarampur village by BJP goons. The EC [Election Commission] must ensure their safety. The EC must provide them with security,” she said.

The TMC chief claimed that the harassment was being carried out despite a very heavy presence of central forces to keep law and order in check during polls.

EC steps up security in Nandigram

Due to the sensitivity of the polls in Nandigram, the EC has deployed 22 companies of central forces to guard 355 polling booths in the constituency.

The central forces along with the state police have already started naka checkings at crucial junctions in the area.

“Vehicles are being thoroughly checked before they are allowed to enter Nandigram. No outside vehicles are being allowed in,” the official quoted in the PTI report said.

The EC has also decided to deploy a 22-personnel quick response team (QRT) in the area on the election day, the official said.

The EC has also constituted a team of officials who will supervise the proceedings in Nandigram on the poll day, he said.

The local authorities were also asked by the EC to execute all the pending arrest warrants by Wednesday night and take people, accused in various cases, into custody, he said.

Nandigram wore a deserted look during the day with only a few shops open. Vehicles such as e-rickshaws and autos were mostly unavailable with people choosing to stay indoors.

“We want peaceful polling and no disturbance here on April 1. People should get a peaceful environment so that they can cast their votes without any fear,” a resident of Sonachura said.

All eyes are on battleground Nandigram that is going to the polls on Thursday with the chief minister engaged in a fierce contest with her protégé-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP

Mamata Banerjee writes letter to 15 Opposition leaders, calls on them to unite against BJP

 West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has written letters to 15 non-BJP leaders highlighting "assaults" by the BJP and the Modi government on democracy as well as constitutional federalism in India.

est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday wrote letters to top Opposition leaders, calling on them to unite against the BJP and defend democracy in India.

"I am writing this letter...to convey my serious concerns over a series of assaults by the BJP and its government at the Centre on democracy and constitutional federalism in India," Mamata Banerjee wrote in the three-page letter.

The Trinamool Congress chief sent the appeal to 15 non-BJP leaders including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, DMK chief MK Stalin, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav as well as NC chief Farooq Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.

In her letter, Mamata Banerjee raised the recent passing of the controversial National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill by both Houses of Parliament, calling it "an extremely grave development". "The NCT Bill is a direct attack on the federal structure of the Indian Republic, as enshrined in the Constitution. It also makes a mockery of the letter and spirit of democracy since it disempowers the people of the national capital," she wrote.

"You will agree that what the BJP has done in Delhi is not an exception but is increasingly becoming a rule," Mamata Banerjee said.

She elaborated on the Centre's 'interference' in the functioning of non-BJP state governments by using Governorsagencies like the CBI and ED and probe .

Mamata Banerjee also wrote about the lack of funds given to state governments as well as the shrinking space for them to voice the needs of their people.

Claiming that the BJP wants to establish a one-party 'authoritarian rule, Mamata Banerjee said, "Overall, the Centre-State relations, and also relations between the ruling party at the Centre and Opposition parties, have never been as bad in the history of independent India as they are now, and the blame for this rests squarely with the Prime Minister's authoritarian conduct."

Ahead of the second phase of polls in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's letter, which was released by the TMC, seeks to drum up support from opposition leaders by stating how non-BJP states have suffered due to the BJP-led Centre's actions.

Calling on the Opposition to unite against the BJP, Mamata Banerjee said "I strongly believe that the time has come for a united and effective struggle against the BJP's attacks on democracy and the Constitution...We can win this battle only with the unity of hearts and minds, and by presenting a credible alternative to the people of India."

She said that talks on forming an anti-BJP alliance should be held after the assembly elections. Results for all five assembly elections will be declared on May 2.

Where is Advani: Udhayanidhi Stalin questions PM Modi on charges of sidelining others in DMK

 DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has hit back at PM Narendra Modi's charges and said being the son of the Kalaignar, he will never bow before the PM like EPS or other BJP veterans such as LK Advani.

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has hit back at PM Narendra Modi's charges and said being the son of the Kalaignar, he will never bow before the PM like Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami or other BJP veterans such as LK Advani.

DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin posed a series of questions to PM Modi as he campaigned at the Avinasi constituency.

On Tuesday, PM Modi called Udhayanidhi Stalin a 'crown prince' and alleged that he had sidelined several senior leaders of DMK to become a candidate in the 2021 Tamil Nadu election with his father's support.

Replying to this, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that even PM Modi had sidelined several party leaders to himself become the Prime Minister.

Udhayanidhi alleged that Narendra Modi, who was the Gujarat chief minister, became the Prime Minister after sidelining several other top national leaders.

"In BJP, there was a leader called Advani. He conducted a Rath Yatra across the country. He was supposed to become the next PM, now does anyone know where he is? Yashwant Sinha, he quit the party as he was unable to bear Modi's torture. Then Venkaiah Naidu. He was supposed to be the next PM and got sidelined too," alleged Udhayanidhi.

The DMK scion further claimed that “unlike CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, he won't bow before the PM” as he is the grandson of Kalaignar Karunanidhi.

During his rally in Dharapuram on Tuesday, PM Modi alleged that it was part of the Congress-DMK culture to insult women and when DMK's Dindigul Leoni and 'young crown prince' (Udhayanidhi Stalin) made 'horrible' remarks against women, nothing was done by that party to stop them.

Remember Pollachi abuse case: Stalin attacks PM Modi over ‘culture of insulting women’ remark

 DMK leader MK Stalin invoked the Pollachi sexual abuse case while hitting back at PM Narendra Modi who said that insulting women is a part of DMK and Congress’s culture.

DMK leader MK Stalin invoked the Pollachi sexual abuse case while hitting back at PM Narendra Modi who said that insulting women is a part of DMK and Congress’s culture.

While referring to A Raja’s remarks on CM Palaniswami, PM Modi said at a rally in Dharapuram on Tuesday, “I want to tell Congress and DMK, please control your party leaders.”

PM Modi’s remarks came after DMK leader Dindigul Leoni's made a controversial remark on women's hips and DMK MP A Raja compared CM Palaniswami's political career to that of a premature baby born in an illegitimate manner.

Replying to PM Modi, MK Stalin who was campaigning at Tenkasi, questioned about the Pollachi sexual abuse and harassment case involving a woman IPS officer.

"PM Modi has raised an allegation that there won't be any safety for women if DMK and Congress come to power. I wish to ask you a humble question. Pollachi is just 70 km away from Dharapuram, where you spoke. Don't you know what happened there? If you don't, you are unfit to be a PM," alleged Stalin.

"Who harassed a woman SP? It was not a rowdy or a goonda, it was the Special DGP, a man who was in-charge of law and order. That officer was close to the CM. Weren't all this information given to you? And you are raising allegations against DMK, Congress," questioned Stalin.

PM Modi said on Tuesday that it was Congress and DMK’s culture to insult women and when DMK's Dindigul Leoni and 'young crown prince' (Udhayanidhi Stalin) made 'horrible' remarks against women, nothing was done by that party to stop them.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar admitted to hospital after pain in abdomen area

 National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who was supposed to be admitted tomorrow, has been admitted to Breach Candy hospital on Tuesday after he experienced pain in the abdomen area.

March 30, 2021 by Kamlesh Damodar Sutar

National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who was supposed to be admitted tomorrow, has been admitted to Breach Candy hospital on Tuesday after he experienced pain in the abdomen area.

Nawab Mali, cabinet minister, Maharashtra, in a Tweet wrote: “Attention please, our party president Sharad Pawar saheb was supposed to be admitted in hospital for endoscopy and surgery procedure tomorrow, but since he is experiencing some pain again in the abdomen, he is admitted in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai today.”

Sharad Pawar was taken to the Breach Candy hospital after he complained of uneasiness due to pain in his abdomen. At the hospital, the doctors detected a problem in his gall bladder.

In a statement on Monday, NCP leader Nawab Malik said: “Sharad Pawar was feeling a little uneasy due to a pain in his abdomen last evening and was therefore taken to Breach Candy Hospital for a check-up. Upon diagnosis, it came to light that he has a problem in his gallbladder.”

"He [Sharad Pawar] is on blood-thinning medication, which is now being stopped due to this issue,” added Nawab Malik.

ALSO READ: President Ramnath Kovind's bypass surgery successful: Rajnath Singh

Amit Shah on meeting Sharad Pawar: 'Not everything can be made public'

RBI’s upcoming digital currency to be like cash: Report

 RBI's upcoming digital currency is likely to be like cash and will use private blockchain technology. Here is all you need to know:

March 30, 2021 by India Today Web Desk

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) upcoming digital currency is likely to use a private blockchain platform, which will reduce the transaction settlement processes, reported livemint.com. The report also added that the digital currency will be like cash, allowing the central bank to regulate it better.

"RBI-issued digital currency will be exactly like cash and it does not need intermediate settlements and multiple hops," a source was quoted as saying in the report.

Earlier in February, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said that the central bank had reservations regarding decentralised cryptocurrencies and is currently working to introduce its own digital currency.

Read | Not shutting all options on cryptocurrency, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at India Today Conclave

The central bank governor had said that the indigenous digital currency will be different from other cryptocurrencies but will be technologically at par with them. He said that the central bank does not want to be left behind in the technological revolution and added that the benefits of blockchain technology need to be utilised.

It may be noted that RBI’s private blockchain platform will be like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on which government and private companies can build their own apps.

However, only initial discussions regarding this plan have been held and a final decision is awaited. This is because the central bank wants to have complete control over the digital currency, unlike cryptocurrencies that are hard to regulate or monitor.

The report comes at a time when the government is planning to come out with a new cryptocurrency bill, aimed at either banning or regulating decentralised virtual currencies.

While the government had earlier indicated that it wants to completely ban cryptocurrencies/virtual currencies in India, a recent amendment signals that it could introduce measures for better regulation. As part of the amendment, the government has asked companies to disclose cryptocurrency investments and dealings.

Will hurt migrants, small businesses: CM Uddhav’s Maharashtra lockdown plans face stiff opposition

 CM Uddhav Thackeray’s warning of bringing back a complete lockdown in Maharashtra amid the fresh spike in coronavirus cases has run into opposition among his allies as well as the BJP and others.

CM Uddhav Thackeray’s warning of bringing back a complete lockdown in Maharashtra amid the fresh spike in coronavirus cases has run into opposition among his allies as well as the BJP and others.

NCP, BJP and even industrialist Anand Mahindra has opposed the plan.

In a meeting with the Covid task force on Sunday, CM Uddhav Thackeray asked the administration to start preparations for another lockdown. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reportedly opposed the move of full lockdown at the meeting.

Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik also opposed a possible lockdown. “We can't afford another lockdown in Maharashtra. We've asked the CM to consider other options. Due to rising cases, he has directed the administration to prepare for another lockdown, but that doesn't mean that it is inevitable. If people follow the rules, it can be avoided,” said Malik.

BJP also said that it will oppose another lockdown in Maharashtra. BJP state president Chandrakant Patil said on Monday that a stringent lockdown would be calamitous for the lakhs of people in Maharashtra’s unorganised sector.

“Lockdown is not an option at this stage. The BJP is going to oppose such a move with all its might. And not only us, but ordinary traders and labourers will be vehemently opposed to it. You can take whatever steps you may wish to check the spread of the contagion, but those living a hand-to-mouth will fight this measure tooth and nail,” said Patil.

The opposition didn’t stop at the political level. Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra tweeted on Monday that more focus should be given on strengthening the medical infrastructure and curbing mortality instead of imposing another lockdown.

He warned that another lockdown would affect poor migrant workers and small businesses the most.

Mahindra, tagging the Maharashtra CM's Office, tweeted, "The problem, @OfficeofUTji, is that the people a lockdown hurts most are the poor, migrant workers and small businesses. The original lockdowns were essentially to buy time to build up hospital/health infrastructure. Let's focus on resurrecting that and on avoiding mortality."

Maharashtra on Monday added 31,643 fresh infections, but the relatively lower tally was attributed to reduced testing because of the Holi holiday. The state has recorded close to 6 lakh cases this month and registered over 2,100 deaths.

Top 10 things to know before the market opens

 The BSE Sensex climbed 568.38 points, or 1.17 percent, to close at 49,008.50 on March 26 while the Nifty50 rose 182.40 points, or 1.27 percent, to 14,507.30. According to pivot charts, the key support levels for the Nifty are placed at 14,423.37, followed by 14,339.43. If the index moves up, the key resistance levels to watch out for are 14,582.07 and 14,656.83.

Stay tuned to Moneycontrol to find out what happens in the currency and equity markets today. We have collated a list of important headlines across news platforms that could impact Indian as well as international markets:

US Markets

The S&P 500 ended just slightly in the red on Monday, with bank shares falling amid warnings of potential losses from a hedge fund’s default on margin calls, while optimism over the economy limited the day’s declines.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 98.49 points, or 0.3%, to 33,171.37, the S&P 500 lost 3.45 points, or 0.09%, to 3,971.09 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 79.08 points, or 0.6%, to 13,059.65.

FII and DII data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 50.13 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net bought shares worth Rs 1,703.14 crore in the Indian equity market on March 26, as per provisional data available on the NSE

India's forex reserves rise to $582 billion

The country’s foreign exchange (forex) kitty rose $233 million to $582.271 billion in the week to March 19, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday. The overall reserves had risen $1.74 billion to $582.04 billion in the previous reporting week.

The increase in the overall reserves during the reporting week was largely on account of swelling of the foreign currency assets, which rose from $157 million to $541.18 billion.

TMC, BJP ruined Bengal, no industry in 10 years, harmony poisoned, says ex-CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya

 Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya came down heavily on the ruling TMC and the BJP on Monday, accusing them of ruining the state and its secular credentials.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya came down heavily on the ruling TMC and the BJP on Monday, accusing them of ruining the state and its secular credentials.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, 76, said it is only the Left-Congress-ISF alliance that can bring the state out of darkness.

Noting that "the silence of a crematorium" prevails in Singur and Nandigram, he alleged that under the present dispensation, the state has gone backwards in agriculture, while no industry was established during its 10-year-tenure.

Anti-land acquisition movements led by the Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee at Singur and Nandigram in 2007-08 had jolted the mighty Left Front government and laid the foundation of the TMC rule in West Bengal.

"The conspirators of the devious play of that period are now divided in two groups engaged in mudslinging against each other," Buddhadeb Bhattacharya said.

Young people of Bengal have lost employment opportunities and the meritorious and skilled left for other states owing to the situation, the CPI(M) veteran said in a statement.

"Corruption, extortion and syndicate-raj have made the lives of the state's people unbearable," he said, adding, security and respect of women are endangered due to antisocial activities.

"Religious harmony, which used to be West Bengal's pride, has been poisoned," the ailing former CM claimed.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharya said the TMC's autocratic rule on one hand and the BJP's politics of divide and religious polarisation on the other have brought the state to ruins.

Italian mobster caught in Caribbean after posting cooking videos on YouTube A mafia fugitive hiding in the Dominican Republic was caught after he posted cooking videos on YouTube.

 A mafia fugitive hiding in the Dominican Republic has been tracked down thanks to his tattoos visible in cooking videos he posted on YouTube, Italian police said on Monday.

Marc Feren Claude Biart, 53, was arrested on March 24 in the town of Boca Chica, close to the capital Santo Domingo, where he had arrived more than five years ago from Costa Rica, a police statement said.

In 2014, an Italian magistrate ordered Biart’s arrest for alleged drug trafficking for the ‘Ndrangheta mafia organization based in Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot.

Biart fled to Central America and then to the Dominican Republic, where, according to the Italian police, he was careful not to attract attention and kept his distance from the numerous Italians living in Boca Chica.

“He was a foreigner for the Italian community,” the police statement said.

However, Biart made a fatal mistake. He and his wife posted on YouTube several videos of Biart cooking Italian dishes. Although they were careful not to show his face, police recognised him from the tattoos.

The ‘Ndrangheta is considered by prosecutors to be the most powerful mafia group in the country and has long eclipsed the more famous Cosa Nostra, based in Sicily.

According to the police, Biart, who arrived on Monday morning in Milan Malpensa airport, had trafficked drugs for the ‘Ndrangheta’s Cacciola clan, based in the small town of Rosarno.

Never seen anything like this: Stuck ship thrusts sleepy Suez Canal village into limelight

 The sleepy farming village of Amer overlooks the Suez Canal, one of the world's most important waterways. Last week, the village was suddenly thrust into the limelight after a massive container ship, the Ever Given, got stuck nearby.

The sleepy farming village of Amer overlooks the Suez Canal, one of the world's most important waterways. Last week, the village was suddenly thrust into the limelight after a massive container ship, the Ever Given, got stuck nearby.

The contrast between tranquil village life and the busy artery of global shipping is stark.

Farmers in Amer eke out a living tending to small fields and livestock, while before them pass behemoths of world trade — vessels carrying millions of dollars' worth of cargo.

But the canal is also a source of intense pride for residents of the area, including the nearby town of Suez. They call it "our canal" and the older ones still remember then-President Gamal Abdel Nasser's decision in 1956 to nationalize the canal despite fierce pressure from Western powers.

"I was five or six years old, celebrations were everywhere," said Abdel-Wahab, 71, who works as a waiter in Suez. "It was like you freed your son who was taken against your will."

The village, along with other areas along the western bank of the canal, was abandoned during the 1967 Mideast war and its residents were only allowed to return in the 1970s.

It was a windy morning when the Ever Given — one of the world's largest container ships — got wedged sideways in a single-lane stretch of the canal last Tuesday.

Amer resident Fatima was feeding poultry on the roof of her three-story home when she saw the massive ship sitting motionless in the canal. At first, she didn't think it was unusual.

"Sometimes, one vessel stops for a reason or another," the elderly woman said Sunday. Dressed in a dark blue jalabiya, or traditional loose-fitting garment, she was sitting at the gate of her house with a neighbor. The women were chatting and drinking tea.

Like other villagers, they did not want to give their full names for fear of getting in trouble with the authorities who have restricted media access to the area.

Almost a week after the accident, tug boats and dredgers, taking advantage of high tides, partially floated the Ever Given on Monday, but it remains unclear how long it would take to set it free.

The pointed bow of the Panama-flagged, Japanese-owned vessel remains stuck on sandy clay along the canal bank. Experts said that despite the partial success, the worst option — having to remove containers from the vessel to lighten the load — is not yet off the table.

The giant ship carries some 20,000 containers. Taking them off would likely add even more days to the canal's closure, further disrupting a global shipping network. A prolonged closure would cause delays in the global shipment chain. The canal handles some 10% of the world trade flow. Last year, some 19,000 vessels passed through it, according to official figures.

The closure could affect oil and gas shipments to Europe from the Middle East. Already, Syria has begun rationing the distribution of fuel in the war-torn country because of delayed shipments.

Over the past week, the salvage efforts have been the main topic of conversation in Amer, home to several thousand people who grow clover and cabbage and tend to water buffaloes, cows, goats and sheep.

"We have not seen anything like that before," Abdel-Wahab, the waiter, said of the Ever Given's misfortune.

Journalists have been visiting the village, in part to get a better view of the vessel.

"For sure, you're coming for the ship," whispered a farmer to a reporter. His donkey cart was sitting in the middle of a narrow road just a few dozen meters (yards) from the vessel.

"It's there, standing like the mountain," said another man when asked how to get closer to the ship.

Villager Mohammed Said, 72, who works in Suez as a garbage collector, said the grounding of the Ever Given is unique in the canal's history, and that he hopes the vessel can be dislodged quickly.

"It's a tragedy impacting not only Egypt, but the whole world," he said.

Watch: Relieved Hardik Pandya thanks Shikhar Dhawan for Ben Stokes catch after dropping sitter in 3rd ODI

India vs England, 3rd ODI: Hardik Pandya, who had dropped an easy catch when Ben Stokes was batting on 15, was relieved after the England all-rounder was dismissed by T Natarajan in the 11th over of England's 330-run chase in Pune on Friday.

March 28, 2021 by India Today Web Desk

HIGHLIGHTS

Hardik Pandya dropped a sitter, handed Ben Stokes a reprieve on 15

Stokes was caught at deep mid-wicket by Shikhar Dhawan for 35

Hardik had hit a quickfire 64 that helped India post 329 in the ODI series decider

Hardik Pandya was a relieved man when he saw Ben Stokes getting dismissed for 35 in England's chase of 330 in the 3rd ODI against India in Pune on Sunday. An animated Pandya bowed to Shikhar Dhawan and thanked the almighty after the India opener took the catch to send Stokes back to the hut.

Hardik's animated reaction came after he dropped Ben Stokes on 15 in the 5th over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. An easy opportunity went down as Hardik dropped a sitter after Stokes tried to clear the 30-yard circle with a chip over mid-off. Hardik positioned himself well after the ball lopped up in the air but Stokes was handed a reprieve.

India vs England, 3rd ODI: Live Updates

It was a big moment in the match as Ben Stokes has been in fine hitting form. The reactions from captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma and the Indian dug-out told the story as Stokes was handed an extra life.

However, Stokes was not able to make the most of the opportunity. The all-rounder, who has been batting at No. 3 in ODIs, fell for 35 in the 11th over hitting a full-toss from T Natarajan straight into the hands of Shikhar Dhawan, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket.

Watch: Hardik Pandya reacts to Shikhar Dhawan's Ben Stokes catch

Earlier in the day, India posted 329 on the board in 48.2 overs. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave India a perfect start with a 103-run opening stand but England spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali put the brakes on the scoring rate by removing the openers and captain Virat Kohli.

KL Rahul failed to trouble the scorers but Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant came up with a counter-attacking 99-run stand. Shardul Thakur hit a quickfire 30 but India lost wickets at regular intervals, losing their last 6 for just 74 runs.

TMC-BJP khela begins, 80% vote in Bengal Phase 1; 77% in Assam

 

Apart from some sporadic incidents, the polls in 30 constituencies were conducted peacefully. At least 10 people have been arrested in different incidents,” said Aariz Aftab, Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.

THE FIRST PHASE of polling in 30 Assembly constituencies spread across five districts in West Bengal on Saturday was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, complaints of rigging, and snags in Electronic Voting Machines. The state recorded almost 80 per cent (79.79 per cent) voting.

Assam, meanwhile, registered 76.89 per cent polling in the first phase covering 47 of the state’s total 126 Assembly constituencies. The first phase will decide the fate of several political heavyweights including incumbent Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, state Congress chief Ripun Bora and jailed activist Akhil Gogoi

In West Bengal, four out of five eligible voters cast their ballot in each of the five districts: Purba Medinipur (82.51%), Jhargram (80.55%), Paschim Medinipur (80.12%), Bankura (79.9%) and Purulia (77.13%).

As many as 191 candidates, including 21 women, are contesting in the first phase. Of the electorate size of 73.8 lakh, female voters number 36.27 lakh and male 37.52. Both the BJP and the Trinamool are contesting 29 seats each out of the total 30

Apart from some sporadic incidents, the polls in 30 constituencies were conducted peacefully. At least 10 people have been arrested in different incidents,” said Aariz Aftab, Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.

In Assam, a total of 264 candidates, including 23 women, are in the fray in this phase, which has a total of 81.09 lakh eligible voters. A total of 11,537 polling booths were set up for the first phase. While the Congress, part of the ‘mahajat’ has fielded its candidates in 43 out of 47 seats, the BJP is contesting in 39.

Paresh Rawal tests Covid positive. Anupam Kher, Ranvir Shorey wish him speedy recovery Paresh Rawal has tested positive for Covid-19. The actor shared the news on social media

 

Paresh Rawal has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The actor took to social media to inform his fans and followers about the same and asked everyone who came in contact with him in the last 10 days to get tested.

WHAT DID PARESH RAWAL TWEET?

Paresh Rawal took to Twitter to abut contracting Covid-19. He wrote, "Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19. All those that have come in contact with me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested (sic)."

Have a look at Paresh Rawal's tweet:

HOW DID ANUPAM KHER, RANVIR SHOREY REACT?

Many of his friends and fans wished him a speedy recovery. Anupam Kher tweeted, "Get well soon my friend @SirPareshRawal . Love and prayers always (sic)." Meanwhile, Ranvir Shorey wrote, "Wish you a speedy recovery, Sir (sic)," with a bouquet emoji. Asit Kumarr Modi, the producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, commented, "Dear Paresh bhai , Please take care and prayers Folded hands for your fastest recovery and wish you a best health (sic)."

Have a look:

PARESH RAWAL TAKES THE FIRST DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINE

On March 9, Paresh Rawal took the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. He shared a photo on Twitter and wrote, "V for vaccines. ! Thanks to All the Doctors and Nurses and the front line Health care workers and The Scientists. Thanks @narendramodi (sic)."

aresh rawal made his debut with the 1985 film Arjun. He palyed a supporting role in the film. He, however, gained recognition after the release of 1986 blockbuster Naam. In the beginning of his career, Paresh Rawal mostly got recognition for villainous roles. He then established himself in the comedy genre with films like Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Hungama (2003) and more.

Sachin Tendulkar tests positive for Covid-19, goes into home quarantine India great Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday tested positive for Covid-19 and has gone in-home quarantine for the time being

 HIGHLIGHTS

Sachin Tendulkar announced on Twitter that he has tested COVID positive

I am following all protocols as advised by my doctors: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar recently India Legends in Road Safety World Series 2021

Sachin Tendulkar has tested positive for Covid-19 and has entered home quarantine. The cricket legend, in a message on social media, said the rest of his family had tested negative.

Sachin Tendulkar recently led India Legends at the Road Safety World Series. India Legends beat Sri Lanka Legends in the final of the tournament. Sachin Tendulkar, the only cricketer with 100 international hundreds and 200 Tests, said he took all necessary precautions to ensure he kept Covid-19 at bay but he developed mild symptoms

Tendulkar took to his official Twitter handle on Saturday morning (March 27) to share the news.

"I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure Covid is kept at bay. However, I've tested positive today following mild symptoms. All others at home have tested negative.

I've quarantined myself at home and am following all protocols as advised by my doctors. I want to thank all the healthcare professionals who are supporting me and many others across the country

Take care all of you."

India vs England: It was an onslaught from England batsmen but we tried to execute our plans- Prasidh Krishna Led by Jonny Bairstow’s 11th ODI century and Ben Stokes’s 52-ball 99, England batsmen chased down the Indian target of 337 runs in just 43.3 overs.

 HIGHLIGHTS

Jonny Bairstow, who scored 94 in the first ODI, continued his good run to get 124 runs off 112 balls

Ben Stokes missed out on scoring the third fastest ODI century by an Englishman when he was out for 99

England won the second ODI by 6 wickets to level the three-match series 1-1

After England batsmen were brutal on the Indian bowlers in the second ODI on Friday, India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna said that it was a challenging wicket where the margin of error for the bowlers was very little.

England chased down the Indian target of 337 runs in just 43.3 overs as Jonny Bairstow (124 off 112) and Ben Stokes (99 off 52) attacked the Indian spinners in particular.

Kuldeep Yadav gave away 84 runs in his 10 overs while Krunal Pandya was hit for 72 runs in just 6 overs. That’s 156 runs in 16 overs that the Indian spinners conceded without taking a wicket.

"It was a very good wicket to bat on, no doubt. We scored 330-plus and they chased it down in the 44th over. It says it all.

"It was a flat wicket, challenging wicket for bowlers where the margin of error was very, very less... It was an onslaught, we got hit quite bad," Prasidh, who returned with figures of 2/58, said during the post-match press conference.

The Indian bowlers had no response to the onslaught that Bairstow and Stokes brought on them. The two batsmen hit a total of 17 sixes and as many as 87 runs were scored in the five overs between the 31st and 36th over.

Prasidh said that India did have a plan for the two players when they were attacking the bowlers, but the two batsmen were just too good on the day.

"We did have a plan, we did talk about the way they were going about it. We tried our best when we bowled. There were a couple of chances that may have gone our way but we must give them credit for the way they played," Prasidh said.

India will bounce back, says Prasidh

Prasidh, who played his 2nd ODI on Friday, exuded confidence that his team will bounce back just like they did in the first ODI.

"That's the game of white-ball cricket today. With four (fielders) outside for the 11 to 40 overs, that's bound to happen. I know we are going to bounce back stronger. It was a same situation last game, we did come back and had a great result for us," the pacer added.

West Bengal, Assam Election 2021: 30 Seats In Bengal, 47 In Assam Vote In Phase 1 Of Polls Today - 10 Points

 

Bengal, Assam Election 2021 Phase 1 Voting: Polling booths across both states opened at 7 am and closes at 6 pm; timings have been extended by an hour due to the Covid pandemic.

Highlights

• Voting in 30 seats in Bengal and 47 seats in Assam from 7 am to 6 pm
• Sarbananda Sonowal, Ripun Borah, Assembly Speaker are key Assam candidate
• Jhargram, Medinipur, Patashpur and Ramnagar among key Bengal seats

Bengal and Assam started voting today on the first day of staggered polls in both states. Voting is taking place in 30 seats in Bengal and 47 in Assam. In Bengal, the ruling Trinamool and the opposition BJP - who have waged a high-stakes, sometimes shrill and often vicious campaign over the past few weeks - will both be eager to make a strong start. The Congress-Left alliance - widely expected to finish a distant third - is also in the mix. In Assam the BJP faces a challenge from the Congress-led 'mahajot', or 'grand alliance' to retain power. In the 2016 Bengal election the Trinamool won 26 of these 30 seats. In Assam, the BJP produced a similar performance to win 35 of 47 seats. Polling booths across both states opened at 7 am and close at 6 pm; polling has been extended by an hour due to the Covid pandemic. In Assam, a voter turnout of 7.5 per cent was recorded till 9 am. Bengal saw a turnout pf 5 per cent in the same duration.

Here are the top 2 points in this big story:

Over 73 lakh voters from five districts - all of Purulia and Jhargram, and parts of Bankura, West Medinipur and East Medinipur - will vote in the around 10,200 booths of the first phase of the Bengal election. In Assam, around 81 lakh people will vote across Upper Assam and parts of Central Assam, with over 11,000 booths and nearly 2,000 auxiliary booths being set up.

2.  Of the 30 seats in Bengal, the BJP is contesting 29; one has been given to the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU). The Trinamool will also contest 29 and support an independent candidate for the other seat. The Congress, perhaps chastened by recent catastrophically poor election performances, will contest only five seats. Its alliance partner - the Left parties - will contest the majority, of which the CPM will fight 18 and the CPI 4.

Night Curfew In Maharashtra From Sunday, Malls To Shut At 8 PM

 

Maharashtra has been reporting the highest number of daily cases since the beginning of the pandemic this week.Mumbai: 

Maharashtra will impose a night curfew from Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's office said, as the state struggles with its biggest surge in coronavirus infections since the beginning of the pandemic. Shopping malls will be closed from 8 pm to 7 am, the order said.

Mr Thackeray warned of stricter restrictions if the people did not follow COVID-19 safety rules. He said that district chiefs will decide when to order lockdowns but said that there will not be any sudden state-wide lockdown and the public will be given advance notice.

"I do not wish to impose lockdown. But there seems a possibility of healthcare facilities falling short given the rise in number of coronavirus patients," Mr Thackeray was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office.

I Ask For Forgiveness": Uddhav Thackeray On Mumbai Hospital Fire Deaths

The hospital, the Chief Minister said, had been set up to deal with the wave of Covid infections that have swept the city, and its permit was due to expire March 31

Mumbai: 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has sought forgiveness from the families of those who died after a fire broke out shortly after midnight at a coronavirus hospital in Mumbai, and said that they will get compensation of Rs 5 lakh each. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Bangladesh on a two-day visit, said he was "pained by the loss of lives" and would pray for the injured.

Ten bodies have been recovered so far, officials have said, and around 70 patients, who were being treated for the virus - have been moved to safety from the Dreams Mall Sunrise Hospital - which was located on the fourth floor of a shopping mall in Mumbai's Bhandup neighbourhood.

The firefighters did a great job in rescuing people. However... some who were on ventilators could not be rescued. I seek forgiveness from their families," Mr Thackeray told reporters Friday after visiting the scene of the disaster.

"Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Mumbai. I pray that the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Mr Thackeray said preliminary reports suggested the fire originated at a shop in the mall and not in the hospital itself: "I want to assure you that whoever is at fault... they will be punished."

"We have been fighting against the coronavirus for the past year. When the pandemic hit the state, there were very few beds and ventilators, but we continued our fight and set up temporary hospitals. This hospital was temporarily allowed to treat coronavirus patients," he explained.

 Five days after going past the 3-lakh mark, active Covid-19 cases in India crossed 4 lakh on Thursday, making it the fastest 1-lakh increase in the active case count since the beginning of the pandemic in the country.

Meanwhile, India recorded 59,117 fresh cases on Thursday, the highest single-day count in the country in 159 days, with Maharashtra hitting another all-time high of 35,952 new infections in a single day. The day's death toll in India was 255, above 250 for the second time in the last three days.

Active cases in the country have increased by over 52,000 in the past two days alone, including a single-day highest-ever rise of over 26,400 on Wednesday. The fastest increase of 1 lakh cases before this was the rise from 9 lakh active cases to 10 lakh in six days during the peak of the pandemic in mid-September last year.

Daily deaths had remained higher than 400 during the 28-day period while touching a high of 608. By contrast, the death toll hit a high of 276 on Tuesday. However, fatalities have been on the rise since the surge in cases began. India’s case count of 59,078 was the highest daily number in more than five months since October 17 and a sharp rise from Wednesday's tally of 53,395.

Top
NewsAuto
NewsTimes
Food

• INDIA

Active Covid cases cross 4 lakh, fastest 1L rise ever

Amit Bhattacharya | TNN | Mar 26, 2021, 03:18 IST

TNN

Passengers, wearing face masks, arrive to board a train at New Delhi Railway Station (PTI)

Five days after going past the 3-lakh mark, active Covid-19 cases in India crossed 4 lakh on Thursday, making it the fastest 1-lakh increase in the active case count since the beginning of the pandemic in the country.

Meanwhile, India recorded 59,117 fresh cases on Thursday, the highest single-day count in the country in 159 days, with Maharashtra hitting another all-time high of 35,952 new infections in a single day. The day's death toll in India was 255, above 250 for the second time in the last three days.

Active cases in the country have increased by over 52,000 in the past two days alone, including a single-day highest-ever rise of over 26,400 on Wednesday. The fastest increase of 1 lakh cases before this was the rise from 9 lakh active cases to 10 lakh in six days during the peak of the pandemic in mid-September last year.

India is in the midst of its sharpest-ever growth in cases of the coronavirus. In the last 15 days, the seven-day rolling average of daily cases has risen 2.6-fold, from 18,379 on March 10 to 47,439 on March 25. The corresponding increase during the first wave of the pandemic took nearly double the time — 28 days for the average to rise from 18,280 on June 29 last year to 46,760 on July 27, as per TOI’s Covid-19 database. The good news is that during the corresponding period last year, India was recording far more deaths than at present.

Daily deaths had remained higher than 400 during the 28-day period while touching a high of 608. By contrast, the death toll hit a high of 276 on Tuesday. However, fatalities have been on the rise since the surge in cases began. India’s case count of 59,078 was the highest daily number in more than five months since October 17 and a sharp rise from Wednesday's tally of 53,395.

The surge was mainly on account of Maharashtra, where daily cases grew from 31,855 on the previous day to 35,952. Mumbai too continued to breach previous records of highest daily detections, reporting 5,505 new cases on Thursday, the highest so far. The state also recorded 111 deaths. Cases were rising sharply in other states as well.

Apart from Maharashtra, at least 17 states posted their highest daily case on Thursday since January or earlier. That included Gujarat, which logged 1,961 new infections, its highest count ever. This was the fourth time in as many days that Gujarat had reported a new high in cases. Punjab recorded 2,700 cases, the highest since September 18.

As many as 14 states/UTs reported their highest single-day surge this year. Karnataka added 2,523 fresh cases, the highest since November 11, while Chhattisgarh’s tally soared to 2,419, the most since October 23. Other states that witnessed a big spike on Thursday included Madhya Pradesh (1,885 cases, highest since October 14), Tamil Nadu (1,779, highest since November 15), Delhi (1,515, highest since December 16), Haryana (1,053, highest since December 11).