After three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasized that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat, reported news agency ANI. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka's Bengaluru, and another case was reported in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. These cases were detected as part of ongoing surveillance efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country. Nadda reassured the public that health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any health challenges. In a video statement, the Health Minister said that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation, reported ANI. "Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001... HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months," Nadda said, reported ANI. He also mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) keeping track of developments and ensuring the country's preparedness to handle any emerging health challenges. "The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken cognizance of the situation and will share its report with us shortly. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed, and no surge in any common respiratory viral pathogens has been observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation," Nadda said, reported ANI. "The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," he added. In Karnataka, Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasised that the HMPV cases are mild and similar to influenza-like illnesses, reported ANI. Speaking to the media, he said the HMPV cases detected in Bengaluru are not connected to the HMPV cases in China, adding that there is no serious situation emerging from the virus. Karnataka government officials said that the HMPV cases in Bengaluru are mild, with no further testing required at this stage. "There is nothing to worry about. People need not panic; these are mild cases. Among both the children (who were detected with HMPV), one has been discharged, and the other is also doing well. It is a mild form of the common cold. The government is closely monitoring this. Our state medical education and health department have issued advisories. No testing is required as of now," State Minister for Medical Education, Dr Sharan Prakash said, reported ANI. BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said that this new virus is causing some concern among the people. "The Government of India has given a lot of clarifications regarding it. The state government should take precautions, such as providing masks, gloves and sanitation for health workers," he said, reported ANI. In Gujarat, a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan tested positive for HMPV in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reassured the public, saying there is "no need to panic" and that the state government is following precautionary measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported ANI. "This (HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan's Dungarpur to Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad. We are following the dos and don'ts that were used during COVID, and SOPs will be issued by the state government," Minister Patel said in a statement. The two-month-old child has been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Later, doctors at the hospital said that the child, who had been admitted on December 24 with cold, cough, flu-like symptoms, along with mild breathing difficulty, was treated, including in the ICU. "As of now, the child is absolutely alright and ready for discharge... The child was found HMPV positive in our report. This is not a COVID-like virus," said Dr Nirav Patel, a doctor at the hospital, reported ANI. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that no HMPV cases have been reported in Mumbai, urging citizens to take necessary precautions. HMPV is a respiratory virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses. However, there has been no unusual surge in cases in India. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 03:17 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Assembly elections 2025 will be held on February 5 and the votes counted on February 8, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Tuesday. The last date to file nominations is January 17 and the scrutiny of nominations will be done by January 18. Candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations till January 20. "It is a single-phase election. We have deliberately kept polling on a Wednesday so more people come out to vote¿ like we did in Maharashtra," Kumar said at a press conference. While announcing the schedule of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar rejected claims by opposition parties about the voting machines being compromised. Courts have ruled on 42 occasions that EVMs are not hackable and allegations of tampering are totally baseless, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said. Announcing the schedule of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, the CEC advised the public against "jhooth ke gubbare" (spreading lies). "EVMs are commissioned only seven to eight days before polling day and candidates are kept informed through their agents at every step. Courts have ruled on 42 occasions that EVMs are not hackable... allegations of tampering with the machines are totally baseless," Kumar said addressing a press conference. The CEC reiterated that it is impossible to change voter turnout data and a misconceived narrative is being spread about an increase in voting after 5 pm. "Disclosure is our main pillar, detailed guidelines and datasets are available on our website," he said. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that India will soon create a new record of one billion-plus voters. Kumar said 2024 was the year of elections globally when two-third of the world's population in democracies voted in different polls. "We also had elections in eight states and UTs. There was a good atmosphere, new records were set in the Lok Sabha elections in terms of voting percentage, people's participation, women's participation...," the chief election commissioner (CEC) said. "Electoral rolls were released yesterday. We are crossing 99 crore voters... We are going to be a nation of one billion voters very soon, which will be another record in voting," Kumar said. "After the declaration of SSR (special summary revision) by Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, which will be declaring SSR results today, we will be crossing 99 crore voters for the first time," the CEC said, adding, "Number of women voters is also going to be around 48 crore."
07 January,2025 03:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid growing concern about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed the present situation of respiratory illnesses in the country and the status of public health measures for its management, reported news agency ANI. During the meeting, she reassured that there is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. Health Secretary Srivastava also advised the state governments to strengthen awareness among the masses regarding preventive measures. States have also been advised to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance, reported ANI. Five cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India, of which two were found in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad and two suspected cases in Nagpur. "Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a meeting with States/UTs in a virtual mode yesterday to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases following media reports of surge in HMPV cases in China, and the public health measures for their management," as per a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare release, reported ANI. The meeting was attended by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Dr (Prof) Atul Goel, DGHS; Health Secretaries and officials of States, experts from NCDC, IDSP, ICMR, NIV and State Surveillance Units of IDSP. "During the meeting, it was reiterated that the data from IDSP does not indicate any unusual rise in ILI/SARI cases anywhere in the country. This is also corroborated by the ICMR sentinel surveillance data," the release read, reported ANI. Union Health Secretary emphasised that there is no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. She advised states to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance. She reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months. She also stated that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases. "Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own. It was informed that adequate diagnostic facilities are available with the ICMR-VRDL laboratories," the release read, reported ANI. The states were advised to enhance IEC and awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 02:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBJP MP Manoj Tiwari hit out at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged role in the Delhi excise policy case, reported news agency ANI. The Election Commission is set to announce the dates for the Delhi assembly polls on Tuesday. "I was also waiting for this, the entire people of Delhi were waiting for this 'chunaav aaye aur daaru waale ko bhagaya jaaye'," Tiwari told ANI. "Yesterday, somewhere in Delhi, I saw people singing, Jhoot bolnai mai na hichakta maan ka kaala hai, yeh jadoo wala hi daroo wala hai (He does not shy in speaking lie, has a blot in his heart, the man holding the broom is, in reality, a liquor man)," he said taking swipe at Arvind Kejriwal. The BJP MP also took a jibe at the AAP alleging that party leaders were threatening election officials in Delhi. "AAP threatens every constitutional institution. Their nature of 'urban naxals' always remains there... But officials are not worried about their (AAP) threats anymore... Their top leader is a criminal and his threats will not work," said Tiwari. This comes after additional District Magistrate, Nishant Bodh, cited the frequent presence of political party representatives at the election office and the possibility of breach of peace and pressure on election officials, ANI stated. As public representatives it was their right to meet the DEO, said AAP MP Sanjay Singh in response to these charges. "He (DEO) is not a VIP. He has an answerability towards us... Their job is to look after the election process... Will we not meet him? Is he such a VIP that we cannot meet him?... If we talk about protocol, then a DM's protocol is much lower than a Member of Parliament yet we went to his office. He should feel respected. Is he not ashamed to make such statements? How are we threatening him? Is asking for information regarding voters and ghost objectors considered threatening?... The officers should be a little humbled..." the BJP MP said. Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that "large scale" fraud in voter addition and deletions in the New Delhi Assembly seat is taking place. Large scale fraud taking place in voter additions and deletions in New Delhi assembly. Delhi CM Atishi ji writes this letter to Hon’ble CEC presenting evidence and seeking time to meet pic.twitter.com/R9GU4KtU3Q — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 6, 2025 In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal cited a letter from Chief Minister Atishi sent to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer. "Large scale fraud taking place in voter additions and deletions in the New Delhi assembly. Delhi CM Atishi ji writes this letter to CEC presenting evidence and seeking time to meet," he said. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eight seats. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 02:08 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced that the 'Lokshahi Day' (Democracy Day) will be held on February 3, 2025. In a statement on Tuesday, the TMC said that to ensure active citizen participation, individuals are requested to submit their applications by January 20, at the Municipal Corporation Building, Nagari Suvidha Kendra. Submissions should be made in two copies, accompanied by Form-1 (B), which is available at the Urban Suvidha Kendra. According to the circular issued by the General Administration Department of the Maharashtra government on September 26, 2012, from December 2012, all representations for Lokshahi Din must be submitted 15 days in advance. This new process ensures that representations are reviewed and addressed promptly, said the civic body. During the Lokshahi Day event at the Municipal Headquarters, complaints submitted during the previous Lokshahi Day will be reviewed, as well as those complaints that have not been addressed for one month will be attended. When submitting their complaints at the Municipal Headquarters, citizens are required to mention the token number received during the previous circle Lokshahi Day. The TMC further said that each application should contain only one complaint. Applications with multiple complaints will not be considered. "Additionally, complaints related to establishment matters, ongoing court cases, issues pending with the Lokayukta, Right to Information cases, or those submitted on political party letterheads or organisational platforms will not be accepted. Complaints that have already received a final response or are non-personal in nature will also be rejected," the civic body said. The civic body urged citizens to adhere to these guidelines to ensure their concerns are appropriately addressed during Lokshahi Din. Thane civic body issues notices to builders, imposes fines for debris irregularities The Thane Municipal Corporation has issued show cause notices to 39 builders for allegedly failing to comply with air pollution control norms, an official said. These builders will be asked to stop work at their sites if they fail to give satisfactory answers to the show cause notices, the official added. "The TMC had directed 297 builders to follow dust pollution control guidelines. Of these 31 complied fully, while a cumulative fine of Rs 4 lakh was imposed on 151 builders for minor lapses. We have issued show cause notices to 39 builders asking them why work should not be stopped at their sites for violations," he said. The official said the implementation of various measures put in place by the TMC's environment department to control air pollution was reviewed in a meeting chaired by additional municipal commissioner Sandeep Malvi. The meeting was attended by personnel from the TMC's engineering department as well as representatives of metro rail, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and police, the official added.
07 January,2025 01:36 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court has taken a dim view of an incident where safari vehicles carrying tourists obstructed the movement of a tigress and her cubs in Maharashtra's Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Sanctuary on New Year's eve, reported news agency PTI. Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi of the HC's Nagpur bench issued notice to the state's principal chief conservator of forests on Monday to seek a detailed affidavit on action taken and preventive measures. The bench will hear the plea on Wednesday. In the viral videos of the December 31, 2024 incident, safari vehicles are seen crowding around the tigress, identified as F-2, and her five cubs from both sides of a road in the buffer zone of the sanctuary to help tourists capture their photos and videos, PTI stated. The HC took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the videos and news reports on the incident. Four drivers and guides involved in the incident were suspended for three months by the state forest department on Monday. The nature guides have been fined Rs 1,000 each and a fine of Rs 25,000 has also been imposed on the gypsy SUV drivers. According to PTI, cases have been registered against them under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In an official statement, Pench Tiger Reserve (Nagpur) deputy director Prabhu Nath Shukla, said the tourists violated the sanctuary's rule by blocking the path of the tigress F2 and her five cubs with multiple safari vehicles at Gothangaon in Kuhi wildlife range. Tourists involved in this incident have been permanently banned from future visits to the sanctuary and a committee, headed by the deputy director, Bor Tiger Reserve, has been constituted to recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future, PTI stated. Shukla also stated that field officers and staff have been instructed to increase regular patrolling along safari routes to prevent such incidents. Additionally, to raise awareness and sensitivity toward ecotourism, special meetings and workshops are being organised for nature guides and gypsy drivers. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 12:55 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThick fog blanketed Delhi early Tuesday, reducing visibility and delaying 25 trains. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius, reported news agency PTI. "Minimum visibility of 150 metres in dense fog with northwesterly winds at 11-13 kmph was reported over Palam between 5 and 5.30 am, gradually improving to 700 metres in shallow fog with westerly winds at 13 kmph by 8.30 am," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. At Safdarjung, the minimum visibility was 500 metres, it said. Due to the foggy weather, a total of 25 trains were delayed till 6 am, an official said, reported PTI. The minimum temperature in Delhi increased marginally to 10.5 degrees Celsius, 3.6 notches above normal, from 9.6 degrees Celsius on Monday, according to the IMD. The humidity level was 92 per cent at 8.30 am. The weather office has forecast very dense fog during the day with the maximum temperature expected to settle around 19 degrees Celsius. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'very poor' category with a reading of 303 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The National Capital continued to experience "very poor" air quality on Tuesday morning, with an air quality index (AQI) of 337 at around 9:30 am. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data recorded at 9:30 am, the AQI in Alipur was at 325, Ashok Vihar at 337, the AQI was recorded at 322, and at Bawana, it was 324 at RK Puram--all falling into the 'very poor' category. The temperature recorded by the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday was 11.6 degrees Celsius in Delhi at 5:30 am. As per the Met Department, the minimum forecasted temperature is 8 degrees Celsius for the day while the maximum temperature is anticipated to reach around 19 degrees Celsius along with "dense fog" blanketing the city. Amid the gripping cold wave conditions in Delhi, several people tuned themselves to the night shelters to save themselves from the chilling and biting winds. People sit by a bonfire to keep themselves warm as mercury dipped in the national capital. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has also set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several area. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 12:54 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP candidate from Karol Bagh assembly constituency, Dushyant Gautam described the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a 'looteri' govt of Delhi ahead of the Election Commission's announcement of the dates for the Delhi assembly polls later on Tuesday, reported news agency ANI. The poll schedule for the Delhi assembly polls will be announced on Tuesday afternoon, as per the Election Commission of India. "We were waiting for this day. The Election Commission has continued to conduct the elections transparently. I hope that we will contest the elections with enthusiasm. All the people of Delhi are ready to get rid of the current 'looteri' govt of Delhi," the BJP candidate said. "There is a need for change (in Government). Every person of Delhi is ready to remove this Aapda sarkar," he added. Regarding the query, he said, "AAP is staring at the defeat. Therefore, they are making excuses. Such people are engaged in mud-slinging." Earlier on Tuesday, BJP's candidate from Ambedkar Nagar constituency Khushiram Chunar expressed confidence that BJP would form the next government in Delhi while the party candidate from Janakpuri seat Ashish Sood said that the elections will determine the future of Delhi as the Election Commission will announce the poll dates later on Tuesday, ANI stated. Alluding that the people will vote in favour of the BJP, Chunar told ANI, "We are thinking about winning. We are winning from Ambedkar Nagar and will do the pending developmental works... This election will be in favour of the BJP." "There is a wave of BJP, a storm is coming and BJP is going to form the next government in Delhi," he said. "This time, the party announced its tickets at the right time. Every party candidate will get ample time to put across their views among the public," ANI stated. Ashish Sood targeted the AAP and told ANI, "I thank the central leadership of the BJP that they chose me to deal with the 'AAPda' of Janakpuri. This election is being fought by the people of Delhi against dirty water, sewers... The elections will decide the direction of Delhi's future... The dates of the removal of Delhi's 'AAPda' will be announced today." In the 2020 assembly elections, AAP won 62 out of the total 70 seats and BJP managed to secure the rest of the eight seats. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 12:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi woke up to slightly different minimum temperatures on Tuesday morning, with Safdarjung and Palam showing moderate deviations from the usual winter norms. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius at 08:30 Indian Standard Time (IST), marking an increase of 0.9 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours and a departure of +3.6 degrees Celsius from normal, reported ANI. Thereafter, Palam registered a minimum temperature of 9.0 degrees Celsius, which saw a 24-hour drop of 0.5 degrees Celsius but remained 2.5 degrees Celsius above the normal range. The National Capital continued to experience "very poor" air quality on Tuesday morning, with an air quality index (AQI) of 337 at around 9:30 am. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data recorded at 9:30 am, the AQI in Alipur was at 325, Ashok Vihar at 337, the AQI was recorded at 322, and at Bawana, it was 324 at RK Puram--all falling into the 'very poor' category. Earlier today, Delhi was shrouded in a thick layer of fog as the cold wave gripped the city, accompanied by plummeting temperatures and biting winds. The temperature recorded by the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday was 11.6 degrees Celsius in Delhi at 5:30 am. As per the Met Department, the minimum forecasted temperature is 8 degrees Celsius for the day while the maximum temperature is anticipated to reach around 19 degrees Celsius along with "dense fog" blanketing the city. Amid the gripping cold wave conditions in Delhi, several people tuned themselves to the night shelters to save themselves from the chilling and biting winds. People sit by a bonfire to keep themselves warm as mercury dipped in the national capital. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has also set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several areas. Thick fog delays 25 trains in Delhi Thick fog blanketed Delhi early Tuesday, reducing visibility and delaying 25 trains. Due to the foggy weather, a total of 25 trains were delayed till 6 am, an official said. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 11:55 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAfter three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday urged the people of the state to follow the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and central government and said that there is "no need to panic," reported news agency ANI. "Due to the patient identified in Bengaluru, many people in Maharashtra are also worried but from the health department, we are appealing to all the people of Maharashtra, don't relate yourself with the patient in Bengaluru. Please keep yourself safe by following the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and the central government's health department...there is no need for people to panic," Abitkar told reporters. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Monday said that no Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case has been reported in Mumbai and urged the citizens to take precautions. "Various news has been published in the media regarding the ongoing outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in China. The Directorate of Health Services, Pune issued a guideline in this regard on January 3, 2025. Information about what to do and what not to do has been given through the guidelines. The information is being given through the Public Health Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that no such patient infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been found in Mumbai city and suburbs. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration is also appealing to citizens to follow the guidelines," the BMC stated, reported ANI. "It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in winter and early summer, like RSV and flu. The virus was first detected in the Netherlands in the year 2001. There is no cause for concern regarding the report of Human Metapneumovirus virus detected in China. Necessary precautions are being taken in this regard and there is no need to create an atmosphere of unnecessary panic," the BMC stated, reported ANI. However, as part of the alert, the health department has appealed to citizens to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when they cough or sneeze. "Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser. Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneeze. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in all places to reduce transmission," it added, reported ANI. The health department urged the people to not shake hands and not reuse tissue paper and handkerchiefs. "Close contact with sick people. Touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Spitting in public places. Taking medicine (self-medication) without consulting a doctor," it stated, reported ANI. Earlier today, Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured the people that there is no need to worry as the health systems and surveillance networks of the country are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. "Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world for many years. HMPV spreads through the air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months," he said, reported ANI. The Ministry of Health, in a release, has stated that these cases were detected as part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country. HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India. It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India. The ICMR emphasised that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country. One of the affected individuals is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment. The second case involves an 8-month-old male infant who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, following his admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, also with a history of bronchopneumonia. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2025 11:41 AM IST | Kolhapur | mid-day online correspondentThe Election Commission will on Tuesday announce the schedule for polls to the Delhi Assembly elections. The Commission has convened a press conference at 2 pm on Tuesday to announce the election schedule. The Commission has invited media personnel from across the country to attend the event, which will provide the much-awaited details regarding the election dates and other logistical aspects of the Delhi assembly elections. The term of the 70-member Assembly ends on February 23, and elections have to held before that to constitute a new House. Delhi has traditionally seen Delhi Assembly elections in a single phase. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eight seats. Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that a "Large-Scale" fraud in voter addition and deletions in the New Delhi Assembly seat is taking place. In a post on X, Kejriwal cited a letter from Chief Minister Atishi sent to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer. "Large-scale fraud taking place in voter additions and deletions in the New Delhi assembly. Delhi CM Atishi ji writes this letter to CEC presenting evidence and seeking time to meet," he said. CM Atishi, in her letter to the Delhi CEO, said, "I am writing to urgently draw your attention towards a significant surge in voter addition and deletion applications in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency over the past few days. "She mentioned that from October 29, 2024, to January 2, 2025, a total of 13,276 Form-6 were received. "From October 29 to January 2, 6,166 Form-7 were received," CM Atishi said. "Total no of votes, as per draft electoral rolls published after summary revision on 29 October 2024, is 1,06,873. Number of votes sought to be deleted is 6,166, which is 5.77 per cent of total votes," she added. The Delhi CM, in her letter, said that as per various rules, if the number of deletions sought is more than 2 percent of total votes, then the Election Registration Officer (ERO) will personally verify each deletion request. In its counter response, BJP Delhi president Virendraa Sachdeva accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh of threatening the election officer and called for action against them. This came after the New Delhi District Election Officer wrote a letter to Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer on the issue of AAP leaders' allegations related to voter deletion in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency area. Sachdeva further alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha are involved in the conspiracy to murder democracy. (With inputs from Agencies)
07 January,2025 11:18 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
