276 Indians infected with virus abroad
- With 255 Indians testing positive for the novel Coronavirus in Iran and another 21 in other countries, the total
number of Indian nationals afflicted with the pandemic rose to 413. - The cases within the country touched 162, including 25 foreigners, on Wednesday.
- Globally, the number of cases crossed 2,00,000.
Section 144 in Rajasthan
- The Rajasthan government on Wednesday imposed prohibitory orders (Section 144) across the State, restricting assembly of people at public places till March 31, to contain the spread of COVID-19. The decision was taken after three new COVID-19 positive cases were detected in Jhunjhunu district.
PM to address nation today
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to tackle COVID-19. “Ways to strengthen India’s preparedness were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities,” noted a release issued by the government. Mr. Modi is scheduled to address the nation on Thursday at 8 p.m
With two weeks to Census start, uncertainty clouds NPR
- At least 13 States, and Delhi, covering almost 60% of the total population of India, are opposed to the National
Population Register (NPR) being updated in the format being prepared by the Centre, even as the nationwide exercise is scheduled to kick off on April 1.
New Bill halves terms of presidents of local bodies
- The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2020, tabled in the Assembly by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa said no confidence motion could not be moved against the presidents and vice presidents of all three tiers of local bodies before 15 months from the date of election.
- The Bill is aimed at amending the 1993 Act. At present, no confidence motion can be moved within 30
months from the date of election.