Here are the live updates on 'Bhoomi Pujan' ceremony at Ayodhya:5 July 2020

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: "India Is Emotional, Decades-Long Wait Has Come To An End," Says PM

Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan: PM Modi in Ayodhya for Ram Temple foundation stone laying ceremony.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Ayodhya -- 29 years after his last visit to the temple town -- where he participated in a "Bhoomi Pujan" or a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the building of a grand Ram temple there. After the ceremony which saw PM laying a silver brick for a grand Ram temple, he addressed a gathering of spiritual leaders who had come to attend the grand event.

"India is emotional as decades of wait has ended. Crores won't believe that they have seen this day in our lifetime. For years, our Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) lived beneath a tent, now he will reside in a grand temple built by Ram bhakts. Today, Ram Janambhoomi has been liberated," said PM Modi, who began his address chanting "Siyavar Ram Chandra ki Jai!" and "Jai Siya Ram" as he addressed some 170 people at the "Bhoomi Pujan" ceremony.

PM Modi began his visit to Ayodhya by offering prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya - a shrine to Lord Hanuman. He then went to Ramjanmabhoomi or the birthplace of Lord Ram to pray at the shrine to "Ram Lalla", the infant Lord Ram, before proceeding to the site of the main "Bhoomi Pujan" ceremony for a Ram Temple.

The guest list for the grand event has been severely trimmed in view of coronavirus. Besides PM Modi, 50 VIPs including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat attended the ceremony.

Here are the live updates on 'Bhoomi Pujan' ceremony at Ayodhya:

Aug 05, 2020 21:15:53 (IST)

PM says ''Jai Siya Ram'' resonating not only in Ayodhya but throughout world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began and concluded his speech on Wednesday at the Ram temple site in Ayodhya with chants of "Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai" and "Jai Siya Ram", invoking both Lord Ram and goddess Sita, and said these slogans are resonating not only in this city but throughout the world.

"First, you all remember Lord Ram and Mother Sita and then I will proceed. Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai, Jai Siya Ram Jai Siya," PM Modi said while beginning his speech.

He said the call of "Jai Siya Ram" is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today.

Aug 05, 2020 20:36:52 (IST)

Today is new beginning of new India: Mohan Bhagwat in Ayodhya

Soon after the ''bhoomi pujan'' ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said that today is the beginning of a new India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhagwat said, "Our country believes in ''Vasudev Kutubhkam'' i.e. World is One Family. We believe in taking everyone along. Today is a new beginning of a new India."

"So many people had sacrificed, they couldn't be here physically. There are some who couldn't come here, Advani ji must be at his home watching this. There are some who should have come but could not be invited because of the situation (COVID-19)," he added.

There is a wave of joy in the whole country today and it is a pleasure to have centuries of fulfilment, Mr Bhagwat said.

Aug 05, 2020 19:57:35 (IST)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan: Indian-Americans Celebrate Ram Temple Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

Indian-Americans across the US celebrated the foundation stone laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in the holy city of Ayodhya by lighting diyas and taking around a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple around the US Capitol Hill."

Aug 05, 2020 19:33:58 (IST)

Ram temple construction a work of public welfare, like building nation: Mahant Nritya Gopal Das

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das said Wednesday that the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is a work of public welfare and it is like building the nation and the world.

"The feeling, wish and desire of the Hindu people is that a divine temple is constructed at the earliest and we are able to see it with our eyes," he said after the bhoomi pujan for the temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gopal Das said the construction of the temple is like building the nation and building the world. It is a work of public welfare, he said.

"It is a matter of happiness. I was often asked when will the temple be built," he said, adding he now says, "Ek oar Modi aur ek oar Yogi, ab nahi to kab banega (On one side Modi and on the other Yogi, if not now then when?)."

Aug 05, 2020 19:05:02 (IST)

A beautiful temple will come up: Karnataka minister

Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday hailed the laying of foundation stone (bhoomi pujan) for a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and said "Kashi Vishwanath" and "Krishna Janmasthan temples have to be liberated".

"It is a good day that the foundation stone for Ram Temple has been laid. A beautiful temple will come up, but there are Kashi Vishwanath and Krishna Janmasthan temples which have to be liberated," Mr Eshwarappa said.

The minister said that there is a "sign of slavery" at Krishna temple in Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

Aug 05, 2020 18:42:08 (IST)

PM Modi's wisdom, foresight paved way for peaceful resolution of Ram temple issue: Yogi Adityanath

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foresight and wisdom paved the way for a peaceful resolution of the Ram temple issue and fulfilled the dream of Indians after 500 years of "long and hard" struggle, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday.

"There was a long and hard struggle for 500 years. But the power of Indian democratic values, judiciary and executive, under the leadership of PM Modi, has shown the world how solutions to problems can be found peacefully through democratic and constitutional means," Yogi Adityanath said.

Aug 05, 2020 18:15:47 (IST)

PM Modi's mother Heeraben watched the live telecast of 'Bhoomi Poojan' of #RamTemple today, at her residence in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Aug 05, 2020 18:02:37 (IST)

9 bricks laid down at Ayodhya''s Ram Janmabhoomi temple construction site

Nine bricks were laid down as part of the ''bhoomi pujan'' at the site for Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

Earlier during the ''bhoomi pujan'', performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a priest had explained the significance of the nine bricks which were to be laid down to mark the beginning of the construction process.

"Nine bricks are kept here... these were sent by devotees of Lord Ram from around the world in 1989. There are 2,75,000 such bricks, out of which 100 bricks with ''Jai Shri Ram'' engraving have been taken," the priest said.

Aug 05, 2020 17:30:31 (IST)

Event marks the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifice of followers of Maryada Purushottam Lord Rama: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Aug 05, 2020 17:14:10 (IST)

Important day for us: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

It's a very important day for us. People were waiting from many years for a RamTemple on Ram Janmabhoomi. Today that dream has come true. We are proud of PM Modi who has fulfilled this dream. This temple will strengthen peace & humanity in country.

Aug 05, 2020 16:47:01 (IST)

Struggle of years ended with Ram temple ''bhoomi pujan'': Vijay Rupani

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday said the struggle of several years materialised with the ''bhoomi pujan'' of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, and this day will be written in golden letters in history books.

The beginning of construction of a grand temple of Lord Ram on Wednesday proves that the BJP always fulfills its commitments, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday performed the bhoomi pujan'' of a Supreme Court-mandated Ram temple in Ayodhya, bringing to fruition the BJP''s mandir'' movement that defined its politics for three decades and took it to the heights of power.

Aug 05, 2020 16:17:24 (IST)

Punjab Chief Minister congratulates people on foundation laying of Ram temple

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh congratulated the people of the country on the foundation laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, saying it fulfills the "long cherished desire" of every Indian.

"My heartiest congratulations to the people of India on the historic foundation laying of #RamMandir in #Ayodhya, which fulfills the long cherished desire of every Indian. Lord Ram's universal message of Dharma remains the guiding light not just for India but for the world," the chief minister said in a tweet.

Aug 05, 2020 15:47:18 (IST)

Nitin Gadkari performs puja with family in Nagpur

Aug 05, 2020 15:06:10 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 14:42:55 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 14:09 (IST)

Lord Ram is the basis of Mahatma Gandhi's pursuit for truth and the path for 'Ram Rajya': PM

• The message of Lord Ram is that let noone be sad or deprived, let no one remain poor, let every form of life be well preserved and be well taken care of.
• Lord Ram's message to everyone is that let there never be a person in need who is not helped.... always help a sharanarthi.
• Lord Ram is the basis of Mahatma Gandhi's pursuit for truth and the path for 'Ram Rajya'
• Lord Ram has shown us the way for love for all... to break away from clashes and work together as one... whenever Lord Ram's teaching have been applied, there has always been progress.
• Today, we must all come together, work together, and work for everyone's benefit. We need 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas' to ensure 'Sabka Vikas'.
  

Aug 05, 2020 14:06:29 (IST)

• Lord Ram resides in the cultures of India's neibhbours
• Indonesia, which is the world's most populous Muslim nation, has 4 disticnt Ramayans, and is a country where Lord Ram is still worshipped with divinity.
• You can find the versions of Ramayan in Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines, Mayanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and even Iran and China.

Aug 05, 2020 13:58 (IST)

Lord Ram is everywhere and belongs to everyone: PM Modi

• The focal point of everything Shri Ram represents is the 'pursuit of truth'.
• Lord Ram is present in every characteristic that is synonymous with 'Bharat' (India)
• Lord Ram is everywhere, and belongs to everyone.
• You go to any state, any corner of India, you will find versions of the Ramayan. Lord Ram is present everywhere and in different avatars.

Aug 05, 2020 13:53:38 (IST)

"Just like all communities and sections across India came together for the fight for Independence before 1947, just like that, today we see that everyone has come together to celebrate this day in togetherness and harmony."

Aug 05, 2020 13:51:56 (IST)

The entire landscape of the area, region and nation will change from here on: PM

• Today we have done the bhoomi pujan for a grand Ram mandir.
• Before visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi, I visited the Hanuman Garhi temple too. After all all of Lord Ram's work is done by Hanumanji.
• There will be a grand and modern Ram temple which will be built here, and I focus on the word modern, because ths temple will be the beginning of great new things to come.
• The entire landscape of the area, region and nation will change from here on.
• For the work of Lord Ram, the kind of harmony shown today by all the countrymen is similar to that which we saw on the day of the historic judgement in the Supreme Court. It is setting an example of how India has a harmonious temprament.

Aug 05, 2020 13:48:28 (IST)

"Lord Ram is within us... in our soul"

• During the days of slavery in India, there wasn't a corner of India which did not sacrifice for the purpose of freedom, till we finally got it in 1947. Similarly, for justice to Lord Ram, hundreds of thousands of people sacrificed and contributed to ensure that we see this day today.
• It is because of their perseverance and belief that this day is possible today. I bow my head on behalf of 130 crore Indians to thank their contribution.
• Lord Ram is within us... in our soul... he flows through us.... he resides in our hearts.

Aug 05, 2020 13:41:36 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 13:36 (IST)

PM Modi begins address with "Jai Siya Ram" chant

• Before I speak, let us all say together... "Siya var Ram Chandra ki... Jai!".... "Jai Siya Ram"
• Today, this chant is not only reverbarating in Ayodhya, but across the world.
• It is my honour that the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust invited me to perform the ceremony today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
• Today, the entire country is in harmony of Ram.
• Crores of Indians never thought they'd see this day.... Today Ram Janmabhoomi is 'mukt" (free).

Aug 05, 2020 13:33 (IST)

PM Modi addresses invitees at Ram Temple ceremony

Aug 05, 2020 13:28:48 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 13:28:18 (IST)

"Thank the PM Modi for performing "Bhoomi Pujan": Yogi Adityanath

• People struggled for 500 years for Ram temple in Ayodhya
• The power of India's democratic values and its judiciary has shown the world how matters can be resolved peacefully, democratically and constitutionally.
• I thank the PM Modi for performing "Bhoomi Pujan"

Aug 05, 2020 13:25:02 (IST)

Moment of great satisfaction: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

• This is moment of great satisfaction
• So many people have sacrificed, they couldn't be invited because of the (COVID-19) situation... they are here in spirit
• LK Advani is watching this ceremony at home

Aug 05, 2020 13:14:51 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 13:11:22 (IST)

President Ram Nath Kovind congratulates all on the inauguration of the Ram Temple construction. "Temple complex, I believe, will become a symbol of modern India based on the ideals of Ramrajya," President Kovind tweeted from official handle.

Aug 05, 2020 13:04:22 (IST)

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses gathering. Some 175 people have been invited for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram Temple.

Aug 05, 2020 12:51:04 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 12:41 (IST)

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu tweeted pictures of him and his wife reading Ramayana at his office residence today.

Aug 05, 2020 12:36:15 (IST)

In keeping with the safety rules, the guest list has been kept limited. Giant CCTV screens have been put up across Ayodhya so the devotees can watch the programme, the Temple Trust said.

Aug 05, 2020 12:31:24 (IST)

PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the rituals to mark the symbolic start of the Ram Temple.

Aug 05, 2020 12:22:43 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 12:17:49 (IST)

The Ram Temple will be built at the spot that many believe is the birthplace of Lord Ram. The historic event showcases the triumph of one of India's longest campaigns, one that found resonance with millions in the country and abroad. Ayodhya is a riot of colours for the event that also meets a decades-long promise core to the ruling BJP's ideology.

Aug 05, 2020 12:13:17 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 12:12:38 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 12:10:53 (IST)

On big Ayodhya day, Nirmala Sitharaman tweets Pic of her rangoli with "Shri Ram Jayam"

The spot of worship or the pooja area at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's house today has a traditional kolam or rangoli on Lord Ram, on a day when the groundbreaking ceremony for a Ram temple in Ayodhya will be held.

"In many homes, a rangoli/kolam is made afresh each day with rice powder. This, today, in the little temple at my place," Ms Sitharaman, 60, tweeted with hashtags #Ayodhya and #AyodhyaBhoomipoojan.

The minister also shared a photo of her rangoli with "Shri Ram Jayam" written in Sanskrit.

Aug 05, 2020 12:05 (IST)

PM last visited Ayodhya in 1992; he had taken vow to return only when a Ram temple was built

PM Modi returns to Ayodhya today after 29 years. In 1992, he had taken a vow that he would return to the holy city in Uttar Pradesh only when a Ram temple was built.

The last time PM Modi visited Ayodhya when he was convenor of the Tiranga Yatra, campaign led by Murli Manohar Joshi to scrap Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Aug 05, 2020 12:00:35 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 11:58:41 (IST)

PM Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple ahead of 'Bhoomi Pujan' of Ram Temple

Aug 05, 2020 11:52:21 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 11:47:20 (IST)

People distributing sweets in Bengaluru ahead of the "Bhoomi Pujan" event.

Aug 05, 2020 11:43 (IST)

PM Modi reaches Hanuman Garhi temple

Aug 05, 2020 11:42:47 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 11:30:16 (IST)

PM Modi arrives in Ayodhya for the Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony. He is returning to the temple town after 29 years 

Aug 05, 2020 11:21:35 (IST)

A man waves flag with image of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

Aug 05, 2020 11:11:20 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 11:03:35 (IST)

"India's biggest fortune that we're witnessing Ram Mandir event...To establish 'ram rajya' in this nation, Patanjali Yogpeeth will make a grand 'gurukul' in Ayodhya. People from all over the world will be able to study Ved, Ayurved here," Yoga Teacher Ramdev was quoted as saying by news agency ANI

Aug 05, 2020 11:00:44 (IST)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Pics: Ramdev, Other Invitees Arrive As Ayodhya Preps For Ram Temple Event

PM Modi will return to Ayodhya after 29 years today for the groundbreaking ceremony for a Ram temple at the site that was disputed for decades until the Supreme Court handed over ownership to Hindus last year."

Aug 05, 2020 10:51 (IST)

Yoga guru Ramdev greets UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the ram janmabhoomi.

Aug 05, 2020 10:30:59 (IST)

Ram mandir bhoomi pujan updates: Invitees reach ram janmabhoomi venue

Invitees at the ram janmabhoomi venue. Some 175 people for the elaborate "Bhoomi Pujan".

The invitations are only for residents of Ayodhya. The first invite went to Iqbal Ansari, one of the Muslim litigants in the Ayodhya case, according to news agency ANI. "It is Lord Ram's wish," he was quoted as saying.

Aug 05, 2020 10:25:01 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 10:24 (IST)

Ram Janambhoomi Ayodhya Puja: Uma Bharti says she wil attend "Bhoomi Pujan"

Veteran BJP leader Uma Bharti totay tweeted to  say that she will attend the "Bhoomi Pujan". The BJP leader had earlier said she will avoid the groundbreaking event as a precaution against the coronavirus.

Aug 05, 2020 10:18:47 (IST)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaches Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi Temple.

Aug 05, 2020 10:07:05 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 10:00:20 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 09:53:05 (IST)

Ram mandir ceremony: Madhya Pradesh woman, 88, continues her 28-year-old fast for Ram Temple

Urmila Chaturvedi, a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur, has not eaten a meal since December 6, 1992, when right-wing activists razed the 16th century Babri mosque. She has kept her vow since then that she would not eat regular meals and will only live of fruits until a temple is constructed at the site, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.

After 28 years, her dream is on the cusp of being turned into reality as the holy city will witness the temple's ground-breaking event on Wednesday. The 88-year-old, however, will not be able to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic and is disappointed. She says she will only break her fast in Ayodhya. (Read full story here)

Aug 05, 2020 09:46:44 (IST)

Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: PM Modi likely to spend around three hours in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Ayodhya by special flight this morning. He is likely to spend around three hours in the temple town.

PM will reach Lucknow, and from there he will fly by chopper to Ayodhya, around 125 km away. The chopper will land at a helipad set up in a college in the Uttar Pradesh holy town on the banks of the river Saryu.

PM Modi's first visit will be to the Hanumangarhi temple, where he is expected to pray for 10 minutes.

Aug 05, 2020 09:37:54 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 09:37 (IST)

PM Modi is the first prime minister to visit ram janmabhoomi: UP Government

PM Modi will return to Ayodhya after 29 years today for the Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony. The Uttar Pradesh government said that PM Modi is the first prime minister to visit ram janmabhoomi. He is the first PM to start proceedings of a temple that projects the cultural heritage of a country, it said.

Aug 05, 2020 09:22:01 (IST)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir News: Silver Bricks, Hanuman Garhi Temple Decked Up Ahead Of PM Modi's Bhoomi Pujan
Ayodhya Ram Mandir news: The famous Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya is decked up for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the bhoomi pujan of Ram Temple on Wednesday. As soon as PM Modi reaches Ayodhya, he will first go to this temple as it is believed that before visiting Lord Ram one should pay respect to Lord Hanuman."

Aug 05, 2020 09:05:11 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 09:04:45 (IST)

PM in Ayodhya today - A look at the preparations at grand Ram Temple ceremony venue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend around three hours in Ayodhya.

PM Modi and four other persons will be on the stage for the mega event organised in the middle of the country's fight against the coronavirus.

According to Ram Temple trust officials, PM Modi will proceed to Ram Janmabhoomi or the site of the temple, which thousands of devotees believe was the spot where Lord Ram was born. He will offer prayers to "Ram Lalla" or the idol of infant Ram before going to the stage where the groundbreaking ceremony will take place.

The PM will lay a 40-kg silver brick to symbolize the start of construction of the Ram Temple that is core to the ruling BJP's ideology and poll promises. A campaign for the temple marked the rise of the party to the national spotlight in the 1990s.

Aug 05, 2020 08:45:44 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 08:44 (IST)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: Hanuman Garhi temple will be PM Modi's first stop in Ayodhya

Seventy-six steps lead to Hanuman Garhi, which is one of the most popular Hanuman temples in north India. The shrine houses Hanuman's mother, Anjani, with a young Hanuman on her lap.

As soon as PM Modi reaches Ayodhya, he will first go to this temple as it is believed that before visiting Lord Ram one should pay respect to Lord Hanuman.

According to legend it is believed that no work is complete without the blessings of Lord Hanuman.

Aug 05, 2020 08:37:59 (IST)

The diety of Lord Ram inside the ram janmabhoomi. PM Modi will pray here too before taking part in the ram temple bhoomi poojan.

Aug 05, 2020 08:31:04 (IST)

A policeman tries to get a devotee, who has reached Ayodhya from Rae Bareli with a huge flex saying 'Jai Shri Ram', to move from entry gate of the Hanuman Gadhi temple.

Aug 05, 2020 08:29:46 (IST)

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shares the sketch from the original document of the Constitution of India showing Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan. 

Aug 05, 2020 08:15:11 (IST)

New airport, swanky station - Ayodhya has blueprint ready for big upgrade

The Uttar Pradesh government has set a budget of more than Rs 500 crore for a number of development and beautification projects in Ayodhya, which the government plans to promote Ayodhya as a big religious tourism destination. 

The government is expecting huge footfall by 2024, when the long-awaited Ram temple is expected to be completed.

The advance planning includes not only a new airport and railway station, but also an upgrade of the nearby highway and local tourist spots. (read full story here)

Aug 05, 2020 08:07:12 (IST)

Ram Mandir 'Bhoomi Pujan' live updates: What Ram Mandir will look like, all details here

The design of the planned Ram Temple in Ayodhya was released on Tuesday by the trust overseeing its construction.

A series of images showed a grand three-storey stone structure on a raised platform with multiple turrets, pillars and domes. The temple will be 161 feet tall and almost double the size of what was originally planned, according to its architect.

The interiors show a high dome with intricate carvings. (Read full story here)

Aug 05, 2020 08:00:47 (IST)

Ram mandir ceremony: Sanitisation being done at Hanuman Garhi temple, ahead of PM Modi's visit

Sanitisation being done at c temple, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit today. As soon as PM Modi reaches Ayodhya, he will first go to this temple as it is believed that before visiting Lord Ram one should pay respect to Lord Hanuman.

The priests of the temple are diheartened as they will not be able to meet PM Modi due to the protocols in place for coronavirus. "At the temple, all of us had made a lot of preparations to present a 'gada' (mace), mukut (crown), silver brick, stole and a turban to the Prime Minister. But, this will not be possible now due to COVID-19 rules. Our plan to give him the gifts is now cancelled," Mahant Raju Das of Hanuman Garhi temple told news agency PTI.

Aug 05, 2020 07:45:47 (IST)

Aug 05, 2020 07:45 (IST)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: Section 144 imposed in Karnataka's Kalaburagi ahead of Bhumi Pujan in Ayodhya

Section 144 has been imposed in Karantaka's Kalaburagi in the wake of "bhoomi pujan" at Ayodhya.

"Section 144 imposed in Kalaburagi City in the wake of bhoomi pujan in Ayodhya. Order will be in force from August 4, 3 pm to August 6 till 6 am," Police Commissioner, Kalaburagi City said.

Aug 05, 2020 07:42 (IST)

The temple town has been lit up in resplendent purple and green. Huge CCTV screens dot the town, in which locals can follow the ceremony that will begin at noon.

Aug 05, 2020 07:41:54 (IST)

For all yesterday's updates on preparations on Ayodhya ceremony, click here

There are no more posts to show

Daily Corona virus 2 August 2020

Coronavirus Live Updates: Over 54,000 Coronavirus Cases In India In 24 Hours, Tally At 17.5 Lakh

COVID-19 India Updates: India has tested a total of 1,98,21,831 samples so far (File)

Coronavirus Live Updates: India reported 54,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 17,50,723. With this, India crossed a grim milestone of 17 lakh coronavirus in 185 days. The country also witnessed 853 COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said.

The total fatalities due to the virus now stand at 37,364. The country's Covid tally had crossed the 16 lakh-mark on Friday, just three days after crossing the 15 lakh infections. More than 11.45 lakh patients have recovered; the recovery rate stood at 65.43 per cent on Saturday.

India has tested a total of 1,98,21,831 samples so far. The positivity rate - percentage of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus - stood at 11.81 per cent.

Meanwhile, India cannot count on herd immunity to stop the coronavirus pandemic given its demography and scale, the Health Ministry said on Thursday, adding that the country will have to rely on a vaccine to fully beat COVID-19. Israel and India are conducting trials on a large sample of patients for four different kinds of technologies that have the potential to detect COVID-19 in about 30 seconds, including a breath analyser and a voice test, according to the Israeli government.

Here are the Live Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases:

Coronavirus Live Updates: India reported 54,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 17,50,723. With this, India crossed a grim milestone of 17 lakh coronavirus in 185 days. The country also witnessed 853 COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said.

Aug 02, 2020 22:32:16 (IST)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister wishes speedy recovery to Amit Shah

Aug 02, 2020 22:06:02 (IST)

International passengers with negative COVID-19 test report can skip institutional quarantine: Government

The Union health ministry on Sunday issued a set of revised guidelines for international arrivals wherein passengers flying to India from August 8 can skip institutional quarantine if they submit COVID-19 negative test reports.

According to the guidelines, this test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey.

"The travellers can also seek exemption from institutional quarantine by submitting a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival. This test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The test report should be uploaded on the portal www.newdelhiairport.in for consideration," the guidelines stated.

Aug 02, 2020 21:30:28 (IST)

P. Chidambaram wishes speedy recovery to Amit Shah

Aug 02, 2020 21:08:43 (IST)

COVID-19: Gyms to open in Noida from August 5

A day after the authorities in Gautam Buddh Nagar announced that gyms would remain closed in the district, it issued a clarification on Sunday that these would be allowed to open from August 5.

"Gyms allowed to open in the district from August 5. It was inadvertently mentioned as one of the places to remain closed in the earlier order, "Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate tweeted on Sunday.

Earlier, the Noida Police had said that all cinema hall, gyms, swimming pools, amusement parks would remain closed till August 31.

Aug 02, 2020 20:52:07 (IST)

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wished a speedy recovery to Amit Shah

Aug 02, 2020 20:40:53 (IST)

COVID-19 tally in Bengal breaches 75000-mark with 2,739 new cases, record 49 deaths reported

The deaths due to COVID-19 in West Bengal rose to 1,678 on Sunday with record one-day jump of 49 fatalities, the health department said. The state also reported the highest single-day spike of 2,739 fresh cases, which pushed the tally to 75,516, the department said.

Of the 49 fatalities, 20 were registered in Kolkata.

At least 2,213 patients have recovered from the disease since Saturday, improving the discharge rate in the state to 69.83 per cent, the department said in its bulletin. As many as 21,072 samples have been examined for the disease in the last 24 hours, it said.

The number of active coronavirus cases in the state currently stands at 21,108.

Aug 02, 2020 20:09:57 (IST)

Maharashtra adds 9,509 COVID-19 cases in day, 260 die; 9,926 recover

The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra spiked by 9,509 cases to 4,41,228 on Sunday, the state Health department said. With 260 deaths, the total toll went up to 15,576, it said.

A total of of 9,926 patients were discharged in the day, taking the count of the recovered cases in the state to 2,76,809, the department said.

Maharashtra now has 1,48,537 active cases.

Aug 02, 2020 19:29:10 (IST)

Coronavirus: Uttar Pradesh BJP Chief Swatantra Dev Singh Says He Tested Positive For COVID-19

The chief of Uttar Pradesh's BJP unit, Swatantra Dev Singh, has tested positive for COVID-19 and has quarantined himself at his home as per doctors' advice."

Aug 02, 2020 19:12:40 (IST)

Centre asks states, UTs to allow hospitalised COVID-19 patients use smartphones to interact with family

The Centre has written to all states and Union Territories stating that smartphones and tablet devices should be allowed for hospitalised COVID-19 patients so that they can interact with family and friends through video conferencing, which would provide them psychological support.

Though mobile phones are allowed in hospital wards, the missive was issued following some representation from the family of patients alleging otherwise, news agency PTI reported.

Aug 02, 2020 18:49:53 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal wishes Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19

"Praying for speedy recovery and good health of Hon'ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said.

Aug 02, 2020 18:45 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Babul Supriyo in self isolation after Amit Shah tests COVID-19 positive

Union Minister Babul Supriyo tweeted: "I had met Hon'ble Home Minister Shri ji day before in the evening. I am advised by Doctors to confine myself, away from my family members, for the next few days with a test to be done soon. Shall abide with all precautionary measures as per Rules and Protocol."

Aug 02, 2020 18:38:11 (IST)

Coronavirus news: "Very much concerned about his health," says Rajasthan Chief Minister as Amit Shah tests COVID-19 positive

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted: "I have come to know Home Minister Amit Shah ji has tested positive for Covid-19. Very much concerned about his health. My best wishes to him for a speedy recovery".

Aug 02, 2020 18:34:32 (IST)

Coronavirus news: A team of doctors likely to visit Medanta hospital to see Amit Shah

A team of doctors, led by AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, is likely to visit Medanta in Gurugram to see Home Minister Amit Shah for COVID-19 treatment, ANI reported quoting unnamed sources.

Aug 02, 2020 18:31:54 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Rahul Gandhi wishes Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19
"Wishing Mr Amit Shah a speedy recovery," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Aug 02, 2020 18:25:20 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wished a speedy recovery to Amit Shah

Aug 02, 2020 18:20:19 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wishes Union Home Minister Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19

Aug 02, 2020 18:18 (IST)

BJP Uttar Pradesh Chief Swatantra Dev Singh tests positive for COVID-19

Aug 02, 2020 18:15:13 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Mamata Banerjee wishes Amit Shah a speedy recovery from COVID-19

Aug 02, 2020 18:09:30 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Philippines to update COVID-19 strategy as healthcare workers seek 'timeout'

The Philippines' health department vowed on Sunday to update its game plan against COVID-19 within a week and sought to beef up the healthcare workforce in the capital Manila, where medical frontliners are calling for reviving strict lockdowns.

The Southeast Asian country on Saturday reported 4,963 additional coronavirus infections, the largest single-day jump on record, bringing its total confirmed cases to 98,232, while its death toll had climbed to 2,039.

It has the second-highest number of coronavirus infections and COVID-19 deaths in the region, behind Indonesia, Reuters reported.

Aug 02, 2020 18:00:47 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Hyderabad International Airport gets "mass fever screening system"

The Central Government has given mass fever screening system to the Hyderabad International Airport in an attempt to enhance the efficacy of the screening process.

"The new thermal scanner is capable of scanning, detecting and tracking febrile persons with elevated skin temperature. The system automatically adjusts and adapts to the surrounding ambient temperature without any human intervention," read an official press note by the airport.

With its Intuitive User Interface and Dual-Displays (Day Camera + Infra-Red), the scanner provides easy identification of passengers with elevated temperature while simplifying operations and minimising handling, ANI reported.

Aug 02, 2020 17:41:53 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Tested Positive For Coronavirus, Hospitalised, Tweets Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah has tweeted that he has tested positive for coronavirus, which has infected more than 17 lakh people in the country.

"On getting the initial symptoms of coronavirus, I got the test done and the report came back positive. My health is fine, but I am being admitted to the hospital on the advice of doctors. I request that all of you who have come in contact with me in the last few days, please isolate yourself and get your inquiry done," the minister's tweet in Hindi roughly said.

Aug 02, 2020 17:17:33 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Two-day-old baby dies of COVID-19 in Tripura

A two-day-old baby has died due to COVID-19 in Tripura, becoming the state's youngest coronavirus fatality, a Health Department official said on Sunday.

The baby was born on Thursday at the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and her swab sample was collected as her mother was a coronavirus patient.

"The two-day-old girl tested positive for coronavirus and died due to the disease at the hospital on Saturday," the official said.

A 62-year-old man has also died of the disease on Saturday while undergoing treatment at the hospital, he said.

The patient was admitted to the AGMC on July 31 after he suffered a heart attack, PTI reported.

Aug 02, 2020 17:00:43 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Australia's Victoria declares disaster, sets curfew to curb COVID-19

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria declared a state of disaster on Sunday and imposed a nightly curfew for the capital Melbourne as part of its harshest movement restrictions to date to contain a resurgent COVID-19.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city already under a reimposed six-week stay-home order, has struggled to rein in the disease, with record numbers of infections of the new coronavirus reported last week.

On Sunday, Victoria reported 671 infections, one of its highest, and seven COVID-19 deaths. High numbers of community transmissions and cases of unknown origins have forced the new restrictions, which will be in place for six weeks, Reuters reported.

Aug 02, 2020 16:38:41 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Tokyo confirms 292 new coronavirus cases on Sunday
Tokyo confirmed 292 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, after cases rose by more than 400 in the past two days, public broadcaster NHK said. Governor Koike Yuriko said on Friday Tokyo could declare a state of emergency if the coronavirus situation in the Japanese capital deteriorates further, as debate deepened over how to respond to record increases in new infections, reuters reported.

Aug 02, 2020 16:16:39 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Indonesia reports 1,519 new coronavirus infections, 43 deaths

Indonesia reported 1,519 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, bringing the total to 111,455, data from the country's COVID-19 task force showed.

The data also showed 43 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the count to 5,236, Reuters reported.

Aug 02, 2020 15:56:53 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Russia's coronavirus cases surpass 850,000

Russia reported 5,427 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, bringing its nationwide tally to 850,870, the fourth largest caseload in the world.

Russia's coronavirus taskforce said 70 people had died over the last 24 hours, pushing the official death count in the country of around 145 million people to 14,128, Reuters reported.

Aug 02, 2020 15:38:42 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Philippines' confirmed coronavirus cases exceed 100,000

The Philippines on Sunday reported 5,032 additional coronavirus infections, its largest single-day increase on record, taking the country's confirmed cases to 103,185.

In a bulletin, the Department of Health also said the Southeast Asian country's coronavirus death count had jumped by 20 to 2,059, Reuters reported.

Aug 02, 2020 15:21:53 (IST)

Assam allows inter-district travel on 2 days of week; night curfew, weekend shutdown to continue
The Assam government has issued a new set of guidelines, allowing inter-district movement on

two days of the week, and hundred per cent office attendance from Monday to Friday.

Night curfew from 6 pm to 6 am on all days and total lockdown on weekends, however, will continue to remain in force for now, an order issued on Sunday by Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said.

Inter-district movement of people is allowed on Monday and Tuesday and no separate permission or approval will be required for travel within the state on these two days, the order, which will come into force on Sunday, 7 pm and continue till August 14, said.

Aug 02, 2020 15:09 (IST)

JUST IN: Delhi records 961 fresh coronavirus cases, tally now 1,37,677; death count mounts to 4,004: Authorities.

Aug 02, 2020 15:06:13 (IST)

Himachal's Covid-19 tally rises to 2,643
The total count of COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 2,643, as per the State Health Department on Sunday.

The total active cases in the state stood at 1,109 while 1,505 people have recovered from the disease.

Solan has reported the highest number of confirmed cases at 663 to date.

The state has recorded a total of 12 COVID-19 related deaths till now.

Aug 02, 2020 14:41:40 (IST)

Latin America, Caribbean coronavirus death count exceeds 200,000: report

More than 200,000 people have died from coronavirus in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Brazil and Mexico accounting for nearly three-quarters of those deaths, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources at 8.30 GMT.

The number of fatalities stood at 200,212 in Latin America and the Caribbean, out of a total 4,919,054 reported cases, making it the second hardest hit region in the world after Europe, which has recorded 210,425 deaths and 3,189,322 infections.

Aug 02, 2020 14:33:44 (IST)

COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 65.44%, case fatality rate drops further to 2.13%
Recoveries among COVID-19 patients in India crossed the 11 lakh-mark on Sunday with over 51,000 patients recuperating in a 24-hour span, the highest recorded so far, pushing the recovery rate to 65.44 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Sunday.

There are 5,67,730 active cases of the coronavirus infection, which is the "actual caseload" of COVID-19 for the country presently and account for 32.43 per cent of the total cases, it said.

All active cases are under medical supervision either in hospitals or in home isolation.

With 51,225 patients cured and discharged in a day, India''s total recoveries have surged to 11,45,629 and exceeded active cases of COVID-19 by 5,77,899 as on date, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 per cent.

Aug 02, 2020 13:38:50 (IST)

COVID-19 count in Maharashtra Police force stands at 9,566
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Maharashtra Police force stands at 9,566, informed the police on Sunday.

Out of the total cases, 7,534 have recovered and 1,929 are active. The death toll stands at 103.

Aug 02, 2020 13:23:27 (IST)

Puducherry's COVID-19 tally surges to 3,806 with 200 new cases
Puducherry has reported 200 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of people infected with the virus to 3,806, according to the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services on Sunday.

The total count includes 1,445 active cases, 2,309 recoveries and 52 deaths.

Aug 02, 2020 12:58:17 (IST)

1,434 new COVID-19 cases in Odisha in 24-hours
Odisha reported 1,434 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the data released by the State Information and Public Relations Department on Sunday.

With the new surge in COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the state now stands at 34,913. The number of recovered cases is 21,273 and active cases are 13,404, said the information department.

Aug 02, 2020 12:19:25 (IST)

Uttarakhand's COVID-19 recovery rate falls by 23%
The COVID-19 recovery rate of Uttarakhand has reduced by 23 per cent in a month due to the detection of fresh positive cases in the state, said an official.

The recovery rate now stands at 58 per cent, as compared to 81 per cent a month ago.

"Recovery rate in the state is now 58 per cent, as compared to 81 per cent a month ago. This is due to the detection of fresh positive cases in the state. The COVID-19 situation and recovery rate in the state will improve in the coming days," said State Chief Secretary Om Prakash.

Aug 02, 2020 12:07:09 (IST)

Telangana reports 1,891 new COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths
As many as 1,891 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths were reported in Telangana, taking the

tally to 66,677 and the count to 540, the state government said on Sunday.

Out of the fresh cases, 517 were reported from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Ranga Reddy district 181, Medcha l46, Warangal Urban 138, Nizamabad 131 Sangareddy district 111, followed by others, a bulletin said, providing data as of 8 PM on Saturday.

It said 1,088 people were discharged, taking the cumulative recoveries to 47,590 so far, while 18,547 were under treatment.

Aug 02, 2020 11:38:40 (IST)

83 fresh COVID-19 cases in Arunachal; count rises to 1,673
Eighty-three more people, including 14 security personnel and seven healthcare workers,

tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, taking the state's tally to 1,673, an official said.

Of the new cases, 38 were reported from the Capital Complex region, 10 from East Siang district, eight from Tirap, seven from West Kameng, four each from Lower Siang and Upper Siang, three each from Tawang and Lower Subansiri, two each from Namsai and Shi-Yomi and one each from Changlang and Londing, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said.

Aug 02, 2020 10:57:35 (IST)

Over 54,000 Covid Cases In India In 24 Hours, Total Cases Cross 17 Lakh
India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 17-lakh mark on Sunday, just two days after it went past 16 lakh, with 54,735 cases being reported in a day, while the recoveries crossed the 11-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The country now has 17,50,723 infections of the deadly virus which has affected more than 17.5 million people globally. With 853 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, the number of deaths count has climbed to 37,364, the government said. More than 11.45 lakh patients have recovered; the recovery rate stood at 65.43 per cent this morning.India has tested a total of 1,98,21,831 samples so far. The positivity rate - percentage of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus - stood at 11.81 per cent.

Aug 02, 2020 09:54:22 (IST)

Over 54,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 17.5 lakh total cases so far
Over 54,000 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, 17.5 lakh total cases so far

Aug 02, 2020 09:17:29 (IST)

US Counts 61,262 COVID-19 Cases In 24 hours: Report
The United States counted 61,262 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Aug 02, 2020 07:50:49 (IST)

Number of COVID-19 containment zones down to 496 in Delhi

The number of COVID-19 containment zones has come down to 496 in Delhi after an extensive review by the AAP government, providing relief to thousands of people living in such restricted areas.

A review meeting was held by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday on the status of the containment zones in the national capital.

"The number of containment zones in Delhi scaled down from 715 on July 27 to 496 on July 31.

"This move will bring significant relief to residents of some red zones in the city that have been contained for months," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

Mr Kejriwal directed the health department and district officials to analyse the situation at regular intervals, it said.

The number of containment zones was 715 in Delhi by the end of July, affecting nearly 3.5 lakh people.

Aug 02, 2020 06:58:30 (IST)

Odisha Allows Private Labs To Conduct COVID-19 Tests

In a bid to augment the testing facilities, Odisha government on Saturday allowed private hospitals, nursing homes and laboratories to conduct COVID-19 tests through Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR methods, a notification issued by the health and family welfare department said.

The department issued a separate set of guidelines for conducting sample tests both under Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR.

The private health establishments have to abide by the ICMR norms.

The sample test results should first be informed to the state authorities before being released to the person whose test was conducted, the notification said.

For Rapid Antigen tests, the private bodies can charge a maximum of Rs 450 while the price for RT-PCR tests is fixed at Rs 2,200 per test. The nursing homes, hospitals and laboratories should be mandatorily registered under the Odisha Clinical Establishment (control & regulation) Act, 1990.

Aug 02, 2020 06:22:48 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh Reports Total 2,634 COVID-19 Positive Cases

As many as 25 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, taking state's COVID-19 tally to 2,634, said State Health Department.

The total number of COVID-19 cases include 1,103 active cases, the State Health Department informed.

Shimla has reported 168 COVID-19 positive cases so far while Solan has reported 663 cases.

India reported 57,117 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday taking the country's coronavirus case count to 16,95,988.

Aug 02, 2020 06:00:27 (IST)

Manipur's COVID-19 Caseload Rises To 2,756, Death Count At 6

Manipur's COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,756 on Saturday as 55 more people tested positive for the infection, while one more fatality pushed the death count due to the coronavirus to six in the state, officials said.

A 77-year-old COVID-19 patient, who was also suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes and hypertension, died at a hospital in Imphal East district, they said, adding he hailed from Chakpikarong area in Chandel district.

Twelve women are among the 55 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the officials said.

The fresh infections have pushed the number of active cases in the state to 1,051, they said.

Ten more people have been cured of COVID-19, taking the total number of recoveries to 1,699, the officials added.

Aug 02, 2020 05:37:13 (IST)

Aug 02, 2020 05:36:50 (IST)

West Bengal's Daily Rise In COVID-19 Cases Cross 2,500-Mark, Record 48 New Deaths

West Bengal reported its highest single-day COVID-19 fatality of 48 on Saturday, even as the daily rise in cases crossed the 2,500-mark for the first time, as per a bulletin issued by the state Health Department.

The state detected 2,589 fresh cases, taking the tally to 72,777, it said.

The count rose to 1,629 with the new deaths, it added.

Of the fresh fatalities, the city accounted for the highest 19 deaths followed by 13 in North 24 Parganas, six in Howrah, two each in South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur and Uttar Dinajpur, and one each in Hooghly, Nadia, Murshidabad and Jalpaiguri districts.

Out of the 48 dead, 45 died due to comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental, news agency PTI reported.

There are no more posts to show