Rajya Sabha passes GNCTD Bill amid uproar

Credit: Twitter / ANI

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (March 24, 2021) passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The GNCTD bill was passed amid the uproar by the opposition leaders.

Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge had demanded that the  Bill be sent to select committee. AAP MP Sanjay Singh also strongly opposed the Bill.

The COVID-19 situation in West Bengal's 19 districts is reported to be "quite grim" as there is a steady rise in infections, according to an internal survey conducted by the state's health department.

"The infection rate has increased from 1.35 per cent to 1.78 per cent between March 15 and March 21. There are 19 districts on the list marked as red," a source was quoted as saying by PTI. The state reported 404 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, pushing the tally to 5,81,403.

Just days ahead of the first phase of elections on March 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in poll-bound state of Assam. While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed poll rallies in Bankura and Bishnupur.

In other news, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra cited the growing number of coronavirus cases as a problem and announced that Sunday lockdown may be imposed in two or three cities. 

“If cases increase at this pace, then we would soon return to the situation that prevailed earlier. With folded hands, I urge people to follow all guidelines. The government is mulling imposing lockdown on Sundays in 2-3 cities,” he said. Around 300-400 cases are being reported from Indore and Bhopal daily.

Meanwhile, the government on Tuesday decided to open up vaccination against coronavirus for everybody above 45 years of age from April 1. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said all those who are eligible should immediately register and get vaccinated. The beneficiaries will have complete freedom to decide/choose the date of second dose within the extended interval of four to eight weeks according to their convenience.

Thank you for tuning to Zee News for latest news on COVID-19 and poll updates: 

24 March 2021

21:32 IST

Rajya Sabha passes the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. It was earlier passed in Lok Sabha on March 22.

19:58 IST

The security of the national vice president of BJP, Mukul Roy has been upgraded from Y+ to Z category in West Bengal.

19:55 IST

YSRCP staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha amid the discussion on NCT Bill.

19:54 IST

My party has decided not to become a party to the passing of this Bill. It undermines the authority & power of an elected govt of an elected Assembly. Without lowering the dignity of the House, we are peacefully staging a walkout: Prasanna Acharya, BJD MP on GNCTD Amendment Bill 2021

19:40 IST

Delhi High Court granted bail to AAP MLA Somnath Bharti in AIIMS assault case.

19:23 IST

Uttarakhand: Former CM Harish Rawat and four members of his family test positive for COVID-19. (ANI input)

19:22 IST

Lok Sabha passes The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021.

18:45 IST

Opposition parties stormed into the well of Rajya Sabha as it was taken up for passing the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

18:24 IST

With 'One Nation One Ration Card', the poor can buy ration from anywhere in the country. Such a facility has been provided by the double engine govt. While Congress neither has 'neta' nor 'neeti', it's only spreading lies: PM Modi in Sipajhar, Assam

18:14 IST

PM Narendra Modi in Sipajhar, Assam: Ration cards have been digitized. With 'One Nation One Ration Card', the poor can buy ration from anywhere in the country. Such a facility has been provided by the double engine government. While Congress neither has 'neta' nor 'neeti', it's only spreading lies.

Ration cards have been digitized. With 'One Nation One Ration Card', the poor can buy ration from anywhere in country. Such a facility has been provided by the double engine govt. While Congress neither has 'neta' nor 'neeti', it's only spreading lies: PM Modi in Sipajhar, Assam pic.twitter.com/OqMfQTklV7

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2021

17:53 IST

Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge demands that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 be sent to select committee.

17:03 IST

Haryana: In the light of the COVID-19 situation, public celebration of Holi will not be allowed in the state, says Home Minister Anil Vij.

17:02 IST

Haryana: In the light of the COVID-19 situation, public celebration of Holi will not be allowed in the state, says Home Minister Anil Vij.

— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) March 24, 2021

16:20 IST

Nikita Murder Case: Accused Tausif, Rehan found guilty.

15:28 IST

Congress couldn't even increase tea workers' wages to Rs 100.  While NDA in 5 years increased their wages by 2 times. The same Congress is now spreading lies. Soon after we form govt, decisions will be implemented to make tea workers' lives better: PM Modi in Bihpuria

15:28 IST

There are was a time when Kerala was considered as the role model of tourism and development. It was known as the most educated and peace-loving state. LDF and UDF governments have made Kerala a hub of corruption: Amit Shah

15:21 IST

"People support double engine NDA government across Assam," said PM Modi in Bihpuria

11:50 IST

Centre is taking steps to modernise the Petuaghat Fishing Harbour. The sea's coast has immense economic activities associated to tourism. There are also possibilities of cruise tourism. You have assets such as the Digha beach: PM Modi

11:43 IST

Farmers will not forget how cruel Didi has been with them. She has kept them away from PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. This financial support for farmers was stopped by TMC govt. The farmers of Bengal will break all walls on the state's development on May 2: PM Modi 

11:35 IST

"2 May, Didi jacche, ashol poriborton asche", can be heard across Bengal, says PM Narendra Modi 

11:33 IST

The development of Bengal is BJP's commitment. We will work very hard for Bengal's future: PM Modi in Kanthi

11:31 IST

The relief sent by the Centre got stuck in the nephew window. Today, the entire state is asking - Who looted the relief material of Amphan? Who looted the foodgrains sent for the poor?: PM Modi in West Bengal

11:28 IST

PM Modi in West Bengal's Kanthi.

The relief sent by the Central govt got stuck in the nephew window. Today, the entire WB is asking - Who looted the relief material of Amphan? Who looted the foodgrains sent for the poor?

- PM Shri @narendramodi #BanglarUnnotiteBJPChai

— BJP (@BJP4India) March 24, 2021

11:23 IST

This is a very crucial time for first time voters and youth aged around 25 in Bengal. They have the responsibility to build the future of Bengal and thus, 'Ashol Poriborton' is the need of the hour: PM Modi in Kanthi, West Bengal.

10:42 IST

Former Chief Minister slammed CM Uddhav Thackeray, he said the Shiv Sena chief had not even uttered a 'word' on the extortion controversy around state Health Minister Anil Deshmukh.

10:04 IST

A delegation of BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis will meet Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari amid extortion allegations levelled against state’s Home Minister Anil Deshmukh by former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh. Read more here