In the poll-bound states of Assam and West Bengal, all the necessary preparations have been made for the Second Phase polling of Assembly Elections tomorrow. The Election Commission has decided to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) along with Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at every Polling Station, with a view to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election process, as VVPAT allows the voter to verify his/her vote. The arrangements have already been made to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the smooth conduct of elections.
 
In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission has decided to allow maximum 1,000 electors in a Polling Station instead of earlier stipulation of 1,500 electors. Option of Postal Ballot facility has been extended to the electors who are COVID- 19 positive or suspect as certified by competent authority and are in home or institutional quarantine along with those marked as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and above the age of 80 years. It will be ensured that every Polling Station is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, waiting shed, toilet with water facility, adequate arrangements for lighting, ramp of appropriate gradient for the   Persons with Disabilities. The special facilities will include mandatory sanitization of Polling Station, thermal checking of voters at entry point either by polling staff or paramedical staff or an Asha worker. If temperature is above the set norms of Health Ministry, then the elector will be provided with token and asked to come for voting at the last hour of poll. At the last hour of poll, such electors will be facilitated for voting, strictly following COVID-19 related preventive measures.
 
In Assam, 345 candidates including 26 women are in fray for the 39 Assembly Constituencies spread over 13 districts that will go to polls on Thursday during the Second of three-phase elections. Over 73.44 lakh voters including 36.09 lakh women and 135 Third Gender persons will decide the fate of these candidates. Total 10,592 Polling Stations have been set up in the First Phase for this purpose.  There are three main alliances this time including the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance with partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and Mahajot or Grand Alliance led by the Congress. It includes All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF) and the Left parties while yet another conglomerate of Assom Jatiya Party (AJP) and Raijor Dal is also there. BJP has fielded 34 candidates, Congress has 28, AJP -19, AIDUF seven, AGP six and BPF has four while 176 independents and others are also trying their luck.
 
The prominent leaders contesting during the Second Phase include BJP Ministers Piyush Hazarika from Jagiroad, Parimal Sukla Baidya from the Dholai and Bhabesh Kalita from Rangia along with Deputy Speaker of Assembly Aminul Haque Laskar from Sonai. Former Minister Gautam Roy is contesting from Katigorah while former Deputy Speaker Dilip Kumar Paul, who resigned from the BJP after he was denied ticket, is contesting as an Independent from Silchar. Former Minister and Congress leader Sum Ronghang is also in the fray from the Diphu seat. Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary is contesting from Panery and former Asam Sahitya Sabha President Paramananda Rajbongshi is trying his luck from Sipajhar.
 
In West Bengal, 171 candidates including 19 women will be vying for the 30 seats in four districts during the Second Phase. The state is witnessing eight-phase elections. Over 75.95 lakh voters including 37.12 lakh women and 89 Third Gender persons will decide the fate of these candidates. More than 10,620 Polling Stations have been set up in the Second Phase for this purpose. Bharatiya Janata Party and ruling AITC are contesting for all the 30 seats while Congress, Left parties and their alliance partner Indian Secular Front are fighting under the banner of Sanyukt Morcha. CPI (M) has fielded 15 candidates, Congress has nine, BSP seven, CPI two and AIFB and RSP one each while there are 32 independents along with 44 others are also in the fray.
 
The prominent leaders contesting during the Second Phase include AITC President and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her former aide and rival BJP candidate Shubhendu Adhikari along with CPI (M) youth leader Minakshi Mukherjee from Nandigram. AITC Ministers Soumen Mahapatra from Tamluk and Manturam Pakhira from Kakdwip, former Minister Manas Bhuniya, former IPS officers Bharati Ghosh and Humayun Kabir from Debra, Tollywood film stars Sohom Chakraborty from Chandipur, Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya from Kharagpur Sadar and Sayantika Banerjee from Bankura along with former cricketer Ashoke Dinda from Moyna are also in the fray in this phase. 

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will participate in the 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan today. Dr Jaishankar reached Dushanbe yesterday on a three day visit.
 
He called on President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani before the commencement of Heart of Asia Conference. Dr Jaishankar began his Heart of Asia engagements with a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. He also met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on the sidelines of the Conference.
 
After arriving in Dushanbe yesterday, Dr Jaishankar visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site. He lauded the Good work being done by Border Roads Organisation BRO under Indian grant assistance. The 8-lane highway will decongest Dushanbe.
The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process was founded on 2nd November, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. It provides a platform for sincere and result-oriented regional cooperation by placing Afghanistan at its center, in recognition of the fact that a secure and stable Afghanistan is vital to the prosperity of the Heart of Asia region. This platform was established to address the shared challenges and interests of Afghanistan and its neighbors and regional partners. It comprises 15 participating countries, 17 supporting countries, and 12 supporting regional and international organizations. India co-hosted the 6th Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar, Punjab in December 2016.
 
The platform’s constructive role is also consistent with India’s vision of achieving lasting stability and prosperity for Afghanistan, anchored in a regional environment that is united, stable, secure, pluralistic, democratic, and economically prosperous. As the lead country for Trade, Commerce and Investment Confidence Building Measure under Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process, India has made concerted efforts for strengthening regional connectivity for the greater economic integration of Afghanistan with the region. The visit will further enhance India’s outreach to Central Asian countries with a special focus on Afghanistan.

Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a new milestone of providing over 4 Crore rural households with tap water supply. The mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th August, 2019, with the aim to provide tap water supply to every rural home by 2024.

Now, 7.24 Crore, more than 1/3rd of rural households are getting potable water through taps. Goa has become the first State in the country to provide 100 per cent tap water supply followed by Telangana and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The untiring efforts of States and UTs have helped Jal Jeevan Mission provide assured tap water supply to every family living in 56 districts and over 86 thousand villages. 

States and UTs are now competing with each other and focusing on the target to ensure that every household in the country gets safe drinking water, so that no one is left out.

A report on the origins of COVID-19 set to be released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) today finds animal to human transmission the most likely cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to CNN, the report will find that it is most likely that a bat, somewhere in China or in Southeast Asia, getting the virus into animals and then that getting into the market in Wuhan.
 
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news conference in Geneva that all hypotheses into the origins of the novel coronavirus are on the table and warrant complete and further study ahead of a long-awaited report that will be released today. Tedros said the WHO received the full mission report over the weekend on the origins of the SARS-Cov-2 virus from the team that visited Wuhan earlier this year and this report was sent to member states under embargo.
 
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Beijing should be transparent about the COVID-19 outbreak and there is a need for accountability.

More than six crore eleven lakh doses of Covid19 vaccine have been administered in the country till now. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has informed today that over five lakh eighty two thousand doses have been administered to the beneficiaries in the last 24 hours despite yesterday being a holiday due to Holi festival.

Meanwhile, the country’s COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 94.18 per cent. The Health Ministry said, more than thirty seven thousand patients recovered within 24 hours and with this one crore thirteen lakh patients have already recovered from the infection.

However, the active caseload is continuously rising in the country due to sudden spike in the cases reported from various States. At present, there are more than five lakh forty thousand active cases in the country which comprises 4.47 per cent of the total positive cases.

Amid the rising new cases, more than fifty six thousand new cases have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative positive cases to over one crore twenty lakh. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Tamil Nadu have reported a surge in daily new cases. Five States, Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Chattisgarh together account for nearly eighty per cent of the total active cases in the country. Health Ministry said two hundred seventy one deaths were reported in the last 24 hours taking the toll to over one lakh sixty two thousand across the country.

Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three public meetings in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry today.

Mr Modi will address a public meeting at Palakkad in Kerala in the forenoon. He will address a public meeting at Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu in the afternoon. Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a Public meeting in Puducherry.

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah will hold three roadshows at Nandigram, Debra and Panskura Paschim in West Bengal today. Mr Shah will address a public meeting at Diamond Harbour.
BJP President J P Nadda will address three public meetings in Assam today.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be in Assam today. Party General Secretary Priyanka Vadra will address corner meetings in different districts of Kerala.

Campaigning for second phase of Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Assam will end today evening.

In West Bengal, campaigning for the second phase of assembly elections will end today. 171 candidates including 19 female candidates are in the fray for 30 seats spread over 4 districts. 9 seats each in East and West Medinipur, 8 seats in Bankura and 4 seats in South 24 Pargana will go to polls on 1st of April. Candidates in this phase range from seasoned politicians to actors, from former ministers to former cricketer and former IPS officers as well.

Leaders and candidates of all political parties are busy in last minute campaigning today.

BJP star campaigner Home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to hold three road shows including in Nandigram and Debra. Bollywood actor and party leader Mithun Chakraborty is expected to participate in four road shows including the last one at Nandigram in favour of Shubhendu Adhikari.

Trinamool Congress Supremo and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee will continue her road shows in the constituency.

Sanyukta Morcha supported CPIM candidate Minakshi Mukherjee is also expected to continue her door to door campaign.

At the same time, electioneering for the later phases is going on. Leaders of BJP, Trinamool Congress and Sanyukta Morcha will be criss-crossing the districts to woo the voters.

In Assam, campaigning for the second phase of assembly elections will end today. A total of 345 candidates are in the contest in this phase including 26 women. Polling in this phase will be held on 1st of April. Several star campaigners will address election rallies today to woo the voters.

Meanwhile, this election has witnessed participation of several journalists in the race to the state assembly. AIR correspondent reports that after covering election campaigns as a journalist, some of the senior scribes grabbed headlines this time as a candidate.  Senior journalist Adip Phukan who worked in various capacities earlier is trying his political luck at East Guwahati seat for Assam Jatiya Parishad. Against him, Raijor Dal who is in alliance with Assam Jatiya Parishad has given ticket to former news presenter Diwas Phukan.

Another former senior scribe Manjit Mahanta is vying for the prestigious Dispur seat. He is a member of the Anchalik Gana March, a partner of the Mahajoth or grand alliance but submitted his nomination for Congress. A former IIS officer, the state BJP President Ranjeet Kumar Dass , who is contesting from Patacharkuchi seat in this election,  worked as a journalist. The Congress fielded former journalist Kishor Bhattacharya from Kamalpur seat. 

India and the US kicked off a two-day naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal, reflecting the growing congruence in their defence and military partnership. The exercise, which began yesterday, will conclude today.

Indian Navy deployed its warship Shivalik and long-range maritime patrol aircraft P8I in the ‘PASSEX’ exercise while the US Navy was represented by the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group.

A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. In a first, enhancing jointmanship, Indian Air Force fighters have also been included in the exercise affording the IAF an opportunity to practice air interception and air defence with the US Navy.

The exercise came over a week after US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin flew into India as part of his three-nation first overseas tour that signalled the Joe Biden administration’s strong commitment to its relations with its close allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the visit, both sides resolved to further consolidate their robust defence cooperation through deeper military-to-military engagement with Austin describing the partnership as a stronghold of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A defence spokesperson said the exercise is aimed at consolidating the synergy and interoperability achieved during the Malabar exercise that took place in November last. esides the Indian Navy, US, Australian and Japanese navies participated in the Malabar naval exercise.

Holi, the festival of colours, is being celebrated throughout the country today. The festival is celebrated in the month of March which not only brings cheers to the people but also brings new lease of life to plants and animals. Holi marks the onset of Spring season.

Holi begins with Holika Dahan, a day prior to Holi. Like any other Hindu festival, Holi also marks the victory of good over evil. Holi gives the message of equality and fraternity as all the sections of society irrespective of caste, creed, colour, age, and sex celebrate it with great enthusiasm.

President Ram Nath Kovind has greeted the nation on the occasion of Holi. In his message, Mr Kovind said Holi is a festival of social harmony which celebrates joy, delight and hope in the lives of people. He added that it gives the message of social integration and fraternity.

At the same time, it also inspires people to come together in making a New India which is built on the foundation of amity, unity and harmony. The President hoped that this festival further strengthens the spirit of nationalism which is integral to India’s cultural diversity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Holi. He hoped that the festival infuses joy and vigor to everyone’s life.

Election Commission has said that 56 bombs were recovered in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Saturday night. Bomb disposal squad has disposed off all the bombs.

An FIR was registered against one Tarun and unknown persons for involvement in the racket of manufacturing, transportation and illegal use of bombs. Investigation is continuing and all out efforts are being made to nab the involved miscreants.

The commission said, the huge recovery of bombs was possible due to strict vigil.

Maharashtra has recorded above 40,000 new COVID-19 cases. This is the highest single-day surge in the state since the pandemic outbreak last year. The previous highest single-day surge was 36,902 cases, which was recorded on Friday. Besides, 108 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the day, taking the death toll to 54,181.

The case fatality rate in the state is 2 percent. The recovery rate in the state stands at 85.95 percent. The total number of active cases in Maharashtra is 3,25,901.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked senior officials of the State Health Department and the COVID task force to prepare for a lockdown as people continue to violate COVID-19 protocols. He appeal to the citizens of Maharashtra to cooperate to control on covid present situation.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021. The Act provides that the term “government” referred to in any law made by the Legislative Assembly will imply Lieutenant Governor.

Parliament passed it last week. President Kovind also gave his assent to the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reasserted on the Mantra of Dawai bhi, Kadai bhi to fight Corona. Sharing his thoughts in the Mann Ki Baat programme of All India Radio today, he appealed to the people to remain committed to this Mantra. He also appealed to every eligible person to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Mr Modi said, it’s a matter of honour for everyone that today India is running the world’s largest vaccination programme.

The Prime Minister recalled that the Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75 years of Independence began from the day of Dandi Yatra and will continue till 15th August, 2023. He urged citizens to bring to fore the saga of freedom fighters and the historical and cultural importance of a place during Amrit Mahotsav to connect the country.

The Prime Minister said, the Women’s Day in March, came at a time when many women players set new records and won medals. He cited the example of Mithali Raaj who has become the first Indian woman cricketer to score ten thousand runs in international cricket.  

The Prime Minister lauded India’s excellent performance at the ISSF World Cup shooting in New Delhi where it topped the Gold Medals tally. Mr. Modi spoke how P V Sindhu won the Silver Medal in the BWF Swiss Open Super 300 Tournament.

The Prime Minister called for novelty and modernization in all fields of life, otherwise it becomes a burden at times. Mr Modi highlighted that the light houses are unique in terms of tourism and their grand structures have always been centres of attraction for people. He said, to promote tourism, 71 light houses have been identified in India.

The Prime Minister greeted people for Holi, New Year Celebrations of  Ugadi, Tamil Puthandu, Gudi Padwa, Bihu, Navreh, Poila Boishakh, Baisakhi and Vishu, Navratri, Ram Navmi, Easter and Ambedkar Jayanti.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence of Republic of Korea Suh Wook held bilateral talks on defence cooperation in New Delhi today. The leaders acknowledged that the bilateral defence cooperation has broadened significantly in scale and scope across Tri-Service as well as agencies dealing with defence technology and industry. Both the countries have also found common ground on several multilateral fora and engagements. During the meeting, they also exchanged views on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the defence and security engagements as well as best practices followed by the Armed Forces of both nations. 
 
They reaffirmed their support to multilateral initiatives to promote lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond. As brought out by the Raksha Mantri during his interaction with his counterpart, the bilateral relations between both the countries are set to grow further and the meeting between them will give it the necessary impetus to take it to the next level.
 
Both the Ministers also expressed satisfaction over the commitment exhibited by diverse agencies of both countries to sustain structured annual dialogues at various levels of leadership through virtual means when travel and physical engagements became increasingly challenging during the ongoing pandemic. 
 
Earlier, Mr. Rajnath Singh and Mr Suh Wook jointly inaugurated the India-Korea Friendship Park in a ceremony to mark the occasion at Delhi Cantonment. The park is a symbol of close relations between both the countries and acknowledges the contribution of the Indian Army’s Medical Mission during the Korean War.