US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin meets NSA Ajit Doval

Picture credit: ANI

New Delhi:  Amid rising coronavirus case in Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrate, Lucknow, has issued COVID-19 guidelines for the state capital. The state has completed four years of the Yogi Adityanath government.

Rajasthan government on Friday (March 19) extended the duration of section 144 in the state, amid rising COVID-19 cases. To curb the surge of infections, the authorities announced that section 144 will remain in place in the state till April 21, 2021.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds press conference to mark four years of his government in the state. "In 2017, when we formed govt, there were many villages without roads, schools or any development works. In some tribal villages, people didn't even have voting rights. We ensured that they were not deprived of any of the basic amenities & rights," said CM Yogi Adityanath in the event.

India recorded a massive surge of nearly 40,000 COVID-19 infections on Friday (March 19) in the last 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike since November 29 as per the government data. Now, India's total caseload stands at 1,15,14,331. The country also reported 154 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number fatalities to 1,59,370. 

In the view of rising COVID-19 infections in the city, the Punjab government on Thursday (March 18) imposed night curfews in many cities, including Amritsar as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus. Maharashtra’s COVID-19 cases accounts for 63.21 percent of the daily new cases, followed by Kerala and Punjab.

In other developments, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee will be addressing a rally in Nandigram. The West Bengal CM is scheduled to rally in the poll-bound state for two consecutive days (March 19-20). Today’s TMC rally headed by Mamata Banerjee is going to be her second rally in the Nandigram constituency and it comes nine days after the last one in which TMC leader injured her leg in an untoward incident.

Additionally, US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin III arrived in New Delhi today on a three-day visit to India. Austin is set to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit.

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19 March 2021

22:29 IST

They discussed areas of mutual interest, strategic partnership and cooperation on various aspects of security and defence: ANI reported, on meet of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III and NSA Ajit Doval.

21:18 IST

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III meets NSA Ajit Doval.

20:37 IST

Secretary Austin reiterated the US Government’s continued commitment towards strengthening bilateral defence relations between the two countries. He expressed US’ strong desire to further enhance strategic partnership for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

20:26 IST

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III, who is on an official visit to India, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today.

20:25 IST

India crosses milestone of 4 crore COVID-19 vaccinations: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

20:02 IST

Swapan Dasgupta files his nomination as BJP candidate from Tarakeshwar Assembly, West Bengal seat at SDO office in Chandannagar. He tendered his resignation as a Rajya Sabha MP earlier this week.

18:58 IST

The lawyers who are recommended for elevation as Judges of the Bombay High Court by the apex court are - Aruna S Pai, Shailesh P Brahme, Kamal R Khata, Sharmila U Deshmukh, Amira Abdul Razaq, Sandeep V Marne, Sandeep H Parikh, Somasekhar Sundaresan and Mahendra M Nerlikar.

18:57 IST

Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde clears the names of four district judges and nine advocates for appointment as Judges of the Bombay High Court.

18:27 IST

Maharashtra: Nagpur District reported 3235 new COVID-19 cases, 1245 recoveries and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Civil Surgeon Nagpur.

Total cases: 1,85,787
Total recoveries: 1,55,655
Death toll: 4563

Active cases: 25,569

18:14 IST

"Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have the vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there's no infection. But if rules aren't followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," said Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.

17:42 IST

US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin III arrives in India on a three-day visit. He will meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit.

17:25 IST

DMK president MK Stalin attends public rally in Tiruppur

DMK president MK Stalin holds a public rally in Tiruppur. #TamilNaduElections2021 pic.twitter.com/eNoVqdFGTw

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2021

13:37 IST

Amid rising coronavirus case in Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrate, Lucknow, has issued COVID-19 guidelines for the state capital. The DM asked people to wear mask, maintain social distancing, otherwise, strict action will be taken against them. 

12:50 IST

You think democracy is declining. Youth is unemployed, farmers are protesting, CAA is there. We can't ask the people of Assam to forget their culture, language if they come to Delhi. One force,born in Nagpur, trying to control the whole country: Rahul Gandhi in Dibrugarh, Assam pic.twitter.com/W1Txo035Bv

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2021

12:50 IST

"Democracy means-voice of Assam should control Assam. If we don't include students then there can be no democracy.Youth should actively participate in politics&fight for Assam when you feel State is being robbed. You'll have to fight with love not with stones, lathis," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Assam.

12:49 IST

Kerala HC directs CBI on Friday (March 19) to take over the investigation into the alleged rape and murder of two minor girls at Walayar in Palakkad district in 2017.

12:48 IST

Assam: BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma holds roadshow from Sonaram Field to DC Kamrup office to file nomination for Jalukbari assembly constituency.

Assam: BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma holds roadshow from Sonaram Field to DC Kamrup office to file nomination for Jalukbari assembly constituency pic.twitter.com/Tibo64KdJb

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2021

12:48 IST

No relief to former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti in money laundering case. ED summons Mufti on March 22.

12:04 IST

Rajasthan government on Friday (March 19) extended the duration of section 144 in the state, amid rising COVID-19 cases. To curb the surge of infections, the authorities announced that section 144 will remain in place in the state till April 21, 2021.

11:49 IST

Mamata Banerjee isn't liking that elections in West Bengal are being held in a democratic way. Using some 'ghuspatis' and Pakistanis', the candidates are being stopped, but police are taking no action: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram

11:48 IST

'Poribortan'(change) is Mamata Banerjee's slogan; why are you copying Mamata Banerjee?... After winning Bengal, we will jump to Delhi & shake BJP: West Bengal CM & TMC leader Mamata Banerjee in Kharagpur

'Poribortan'(change) is Mamata Banerjee's slogan; why are you copying Mamata Banerjee?... After winning Bengal, we will jump to Delhi & shake BJP: West Bengal CM & TMC leader Mamata Banerjee in Kharagpur pic.twitter.com/BlaUmCLGP9

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2021

11:47 IST

In the last 4 years, UP has emerged as the growth engine of the country. We aim to make the state India's biggest economy in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). In 2017, when we formed govt, there were many villages without roads, schools or any development works. In some tribal villages, people didn't even have voting rights. We ensured that they were not deprived of any of the basic amenities & rights: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on state government's completion of four years

11:30 IST

YSRCP has made Sheik Basha, who used to sell vegetables, the chairperson of Rayachoty Municipality, Kadapa District in Andhra Pradesh. "Despite being a degree holder, had to sell vegetables. In 2014, YSRCP gave me opportunity to contest on a councillor's ticket. I thank the CM," says Basha.

11:19 IST

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath releases 'development booklet' comprising government's achievements on the completion of 4 years in Lucknow today.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath releases 'development booklet' comprising government's achievements on the completion of 4 years, in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/5gPfXWzkp4

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2021

11:17 IST

Karnataka government to step up COVID-19 vaccination to avoid second wave, says Health Minister. “War rooms will start operating to help the government monitor the situation using real-time data. We have also decided to recruit resident doctors and paramedical staff on a temporary basis,” he said. He also stated that over 200 ambulances have been deployed for any emergency situation in Bengaluru.

11:16 IST

In the view of rising COVID-19 cases, Bihar Government cancels leaves of all doctors and healthcare workers, paramedical staff till 5th April. 

11:15 IST

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, night curfew imposed in Punjab's Ludhiana from 9 pm to 5 am till further orders. "Positivity rate has spiked by 5-6% with 240-250 daily cases. Deaths per week have increased from 7 to 25-30 while hospitalization has spiked by 10%," said Deputy Commissioner on Friday.

11:14 IST

MoS Home Nityanand Rai attends the 82nd anniversary parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gurugram. 

Gurugram: MoS Home Nityanand Rai attends the 82nd anniversary parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) pic.twitter.com/L8a3Zr1M26

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2021

11:14 IST

In Mansukh Hiren death case, ATS has recorded statements of 25 people, says a Maharashtra ATS officer. (ANI)

11:13 IST

Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam actor Krishna Kumar, who is contesting from Trivandrum Central constituency, campaigns door to door. "We need a lot of changes in Trivandrum, like bus stops with toilet & baby feeding facilities, also need to solve drainage & garbage issues," said Krishna Kumar.

11:13 IST

India reports 39,726 new COVID19 cases, 20,654 recoveries and 154 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry

Total cases: 1,15,14,331
Total recoveries: 1,10,83,679
Active cases: 2,71,282
Death toll: 1,59,370

Total vaccination: 3,93,39,817 pic.twitter.com/tiVP1V9UZs

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2021