Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's Australian home targeted by burglars;  3 cars stolen

Indian student sentenced to 30 years in UK for online grooming of over 70 children

Vaaste singer Dhvani Bhanushali announces engagement to esports entrepreneur Yash Bhanushali; see pics

Why did the FAA suddenly ground flights across the US? Officials reveal what went wrong

Shape-shifting UFO sighting in Oregon leaves mother-daughter sick: 'Fell like a dead bird'

Who will replace Jensen Huang at Nvidia? 3 Indian-origin tech leaders emerge as possible contenders

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of fuelling ‘racist’ campaign against Arab Israelis

'Don’t f–k around!' Travis Barker opens up on quitting smoking after precancer diagnosis

Crystal-clear Ganga water in Haridwar? Viral video creates buzz online | WATCH

CM Suvendhu Adhikari turns Bengal's Chhath ghats into launchpad for UP campaign

How does a GPU actually work? The technology behind modern graphics and AI

Move over Ram and Ravan, Kunal Kapoor's Lord Indra in Ramayana is stealing hearts in Thailand

Macron’s awkward embrace with Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir goes viral – What happened?

CPU vs GPU vs NPU: Which processor does your computer actually need?

Why do powerful graphics cards need so much electricity?

'Miracle on the Mississippi': Cruise boat capsizes after colliding with tanker in New Orleans, all 180 passengers aboard safe

Trump, Putin and Xi to hold historic trilateral meeting at APEC Summit in China

Mohamed Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time top scorer with brace against Malawi

Video captures horrifying moment Brooklyn apartment building collapses, killing eight people

Why are modern GPUs so expensive? 7 things that drive graphics card prices

Avril Lavigne welcomes first child, keeps baby's name and partner's identity private

After Venezuela and Iran, Trump sets sights on another military intervention before leaving office

A$AP Rocky's New York event disrupted by on-camera brawl, NYPD steps in

Aliens near US military base? Woman captures bizarre jellyfish-like UFO in Alaska | WATCH

Who is this girl wearing a man's torso? Meet Sofía Monroy, the 27-year-old Mexican-Swedish singer

Colombia 'false positives' scandal: 5 retired army men sentenced over killing of 35 civilians

'Don't hike rates': US Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Fed against rate increase amid Iran war

24 hours and counting: Microsoft says 'sorry' for global outage

Nvidia scandal exposes cracks in Trump admin as Bessent blames Lutnick over Megaspeed blacklist delay

'Forbidden' light proposed 40 years ago detected for first time in the universe

Why do graphics cards have thousands of small processing cores?

From chipmakers to cloud giants: How is Nvidia's stock crash shaking the AI industry?

India on Thursday reported over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours including 325 deaths.

The health ministry said the daily positivity rate is currently at 6.43 per cent with 2,85,401 active cases in the country with the total number of cases reaching&nbsp;90,928.

The total death toll due to the virus has risen to 4,82,876. The country had reported 58,097 on Wednesday.

Health officials said the number of Omicron variant cases have risen&nbsp;to 2,630.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-night-curfew-in-tamil-nadu-from-january-6-full-lockdown-on-sundays-442461">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Night curfew in Tamil Nadu from January 6; full lockdown on Sundays&nbsp;</a>

India's western state of Maharashtra has 797 Omicron cases, the country's capital Delhi currently has 465 cases followed by Rajasthan(236), Kerala(234), Karnataka(226), Gujarat(204) and Telangana(94). The Omicron variant has now spread to 26 states including Union Territories.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Omicron: Why India is preparing for a big surge

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-why-india-is-preparing-for-a-big-surge-442515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's eastern state of West Bengal recorded 14,022 COVID-19 cases along with 17 deaths in 24 hours with the total death toll reaching 19,827. The state has over 33,042 active COVID-19 cases, state health officials said.&nbsp;

Prominent people in West Bengal including actor Parambrata Chatterjee, ruling party member from TMC &nbsp;MP Deepak Adhikari (Dev), including BCCI president and former cricketer&nbsp;Sourav Ganguly's daughter Sana have tested positive for the infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-indias-national-capital-delhi-imposes-weekend-curfew-amid-rising-covid-cases-442129">Also Read:&nbsp;India's national capital Delhi imposes weekend curfew</a>

Maharashtra which has been hit hard due to the virus since the pandemic began in March 2020 recorded 26,538 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The number of COVID-19 cases in the state has risen by 44 per cent from the day earlier, authorities said.

Mumbai had reported 15,166 new coronavirus cases including three deaths on Wednesday as reports claimed nearly 160 resident doctors in Mumbai hospitals run by the state government and local civic corporations have tested positive for coronavirus.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India on Thursday reported over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours including 325 deaths. The health ministry said the daily positivity rate is currently at 6.43 per cent with 2,85,401 active cases in the country with the total number of cases reaching 90,928.

India on Thursday reported over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours including 325 deaths. The health ministry said the daily positivity rate is currently at 6.43 per cent with 2,85,401 active cases in the country with the total number of cases reaching 90,928. The total death toll due to the virus has risen to 4,82,876. The country had reported 58,097 on Wednesday. Health officials said the number of Omicron variant cases have risen to 2,630. Also Read: COVID-19: Night curfew in Tamil Nadu from January 6; full lockdown on Sundays India's western state of Maharashtra has 797 Omicron cases, the country's capital Delhi currently has 465 cases followed by Rajasthan(236), Kerala(234), Karnataka(226), Gujarat(204) and Telangana(94). The Omicron variant has now spread to 26 states including Union Territories. Watch | Gravitas: Omicron: Why India is preparing for a big surge India's eastern state of West Bengal recorded 14,022 COVID-19 cases along with 17 deaths in 24 hours with the total death toll reaching 19,827. The state has over 33,042 active COVID-19 cases, state health officials said. Prominent people in West Bengal including actor Parambrata Chatterjee, ruling party member from TMC MP Deepak Adhikari (Dev), including BCCI president and former cricketer Sourav Ganguly's daughter Sana have tested positive for the infection. Also Read: India's national capital Delhi imposes weekend curfew Maharashtra which has been hit hard due to the virus since the pandemic began in March 2020 recorded 26,538 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The number of COVID-19 cases in the state has risen by 44 per cent from the day earlier, authorities said. Mumbai had reported 15,166 new coronavirus cases including three deaths on Wednesday as reports claimed nearly 160 resident doctors in Mumbai hospitals run by the state government and local civic corporations have tested positive for coronavirus. (With inputs from Agencies)

India reports over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, 325 deaths

Even as Covid cases due to Omicron variant have surged, global as well as India's own domestic diplomatic engagements have been impacted. Several events have been postponed and cancelled. The biennial investor mega-summit, Vibrant Gujarat was postponed due to increasing number of Covid cases.

The summit initially due to take place from January 10th to 12th was also expected to be a major diplomatic event involving participation from 5 heads of government--Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Nepal's new Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth and Slovenia's PM Janez Jansa.&nbsp;

The summit was to see a special session of PM Narendra Modi with governors and heads of Far Eastern Federal Districts of the Russian Federation. Country sessions for Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, UK, Japan, Sweden, Norway, South Korea were also planned.

Earlier, PM Modi's visit to United Arab Emirates initially slated for January 6th was postponed due to increase in number of cases caused by Omicron variant in Dubai. He was to visit India pavillion at Dubai Expo during the one-day visit. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's planned visit to Dubai on January 2nd was also called off due to Covid crisis.&nbsp;

Globally, Japan PM Fumio Kishida has had to cancel his US and Australia visit in new year due to Covid crisis. Both Japanese, Australian PM later held a virtual summit. During the opening statement at the virtual summit, Australian PM said, "I’m sorry we could not be doing this in person, as I’m sure you are also, here in Australia, but I very much respect and understand the need for us both to be also very focused on the challenges that we are facing domestically to deal with the Omicron variant of Covid."

Covid was first reported from China's Wuhan in 2019 and it has been more than 2 years since the crisis has ravaged the world. In last 2 years, many global engagements have gone in virtual or hybrid mode. The first Quad summit between India, US, Australia and Japan took place virtually. 2020 saw the G20 Summit happening virtually for the very first time. The BRICS Summit has been taking place virtually for last 2 years, SCO summit was held in hybrid mode in 2021.

Even as Covid cases due to Omicron variant have surged, global as well as India's own domestic diplomatic engagements have been impacted. Several events have been postponed and cancelled.

Even as Covid cases due to Omicron variant have surged, global as well as India's own domestic diplomatic engagements have been impacted. Several events have been postponed and cancelled. The biennial investor mega-summit, Vibrant Gujarat was postponed due to increasing number of Covid cases. The summit initially due to take place from January 10th to 12th was also expected to be a major diplomatic event involving participation from 5 heads of government--Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Nepal's new Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth and Slovenia's PM Janez Jansa. The summit was to see a special session of PM Narendra Modi with governors and heads of Far Eastern Federal Districts of the Russian Federation. Country sessions for Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, UK, Japan, Sweden, Norway, South Korea were also planned. Earlier, PM Modi's visit to United Arab Emirates initially slated for January 6th was postponed due to increase in number of cases caused by Omicron variant in Dubai. He was to visit India pavillion at Dubai Expo during the one-day visit. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's planned visit to Dubai on January 2nd was also called off due to Covid crisis. Globally, Japan PM Fumio Kishida has had to cancel his US and Australia visit in new year due to Covid crisis. Both Japanese, Australian PM later held a virtual summit. During the opening statement at the virtual summit, Australian PM said, "I’m sorry we could not be doing this in person, as I’m sure you are also, here in Australia, but I very much respect and understand the need for us both to be also very focused on the challenges that we are facing domestically to deal with the Omicron variant of Covid." Covid was first reported from China's Wuhan in 2019 and it has been more than 2 years since the crisis has ravaged the world. In last 2 years, many global engagements have gone in virtual or hybrid mode. The first Quad summit between India, US, Australia and Japan took place virtually. 2020 saw the G20 Summit happening virtually for the very first time. The BRICS Summit has been taking place virtually for last 2 years, SCO summit was held in hybrid mode in 2021.

Omicron crisis: Indian as well as global diplomatic engagements impacted

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested two terrorists of TRF and two terror associates of the same outfit. The terrorists were arrested in Srinagar's Barzulla area after a barricade was laid by the police along with the CRPF.&nbsp;

"The arrested terrorists have been identified as Suhail Qadir Khanday S/O Ghulam Qadir Khanday R/O Tral Pulwama (Active Terrorist) and Suhail Mushtaq Waza S/O Mushtaq Ahmed Waza R/O Nikloora Pulwama (active terrorist)," said Jammu and Kashmir Police.

They also recovered two pistols, along with two magazines and 30 rounds, from the spot.&nbsp;

Following the arrest of the two terrorists, J&amp;K Police received information about two other terror suspects. Both terrorist suspects were captured in Srinagar later that day.

They further identified two associates, namely Basit Bilal Makaya S/O Bilal&nbsp;Ahmed Makaya R/O Qamar Abad Qamarwari and Naikoo Imad Nasar S/O Farooq Ahmed Bhat R/O Kiloora Shopian, who were operating with them as OGWs. Both associates have been arrested. In this connection, a case under FIR No. 08/2021 of Saddar PS under sections 7/25 of the arms act and sections 18.23 of the UAP Act has been registered in PS Saddar, "said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

The police said that during the questioning, the arrested terrorists disclosed that they were operating in Srinagar City at the direction of one person, namely Asif Maqbool Dar, R/O MIG Colony Bemina, currently in Dhamam, Saudi Arabia, and Sajjad Gul, R/O HMT Parimpora, currently in Pakistan. Both the Saudi Arabian and Pakistani handlers were providing weapons and money through a network of OGWs that had been identified.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested two terrorists of TRF and two terror associates of the same outfit. The terrorists were arrested in Srinagar's Barzulla area after a barricade was laid by the police along with the CRPF.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested two terrorists of TRF and two terror associates of the same outfit. The terrorists were arrested in Srinagar's Barzulla area after a barricade was laid by the police along with the CRPF. "The arrested terrorists have been identified as Suhail Qadir Khanday S/O Ghulam Qadir Khanday R/O Tral Pulwama (Active Terrorist) and Suhail Mushtaq Waza S/O Mushtaq Ahmed Waza R/O Nikloora Pulwama (active terrorist)," said Jammu and Kashmir Police. They also recovered two pistols, along with two magazines and 30 rounds, from the spot. Following the arrest of the two terrorists, J&K Police received information about two other terror suspects. Both terrorist suspects were captured in Srinagar later that day. They further identified two associates, namely Basit Bilal Makaya S/O Bilal Ahmed Makaya R/O Qamar Abad Qamarwari and Naikoo Imad Nasar S/O Farooq Ahmed Bhat R/O Kiloora Shopian, who were operating with them as OGWs. Both associates have been arrested. In this connection, a case under FIR No. 08/2021 of Saddar PS under sections 7/25 of the arms act and sections 18.23 of the UAP Act has been registered in PS Saddar, "said Jammu and Kashmir Police. The police said that during the questioning, the arrested terrorists disclosed that they were operating in Srinagar City at the direction of one person, namely Asif Maqbool Dar, R/O MIG Colony Bemina, currently in Dhamam, Saudi Arabia, and Sajjad Gul, R/O HMT Parimpora, currently in Pakistan. Both the Saudi Arabian and Pakistani handlers were providing weapons and money through a network of OGWs that had been identified.

J&K: Four terrorists of TRF arrested from Srinagar City

In a major development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to reduce the special security group (SSG) protection for the former chief ministers of the Union territory. The leaders include&nbsp;Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

The government took this decision in a security review coordination committee meeting that oversees the threat of VIP people in the Union Territory.

"Reduce the posted strength of SSG to the bare minimum, preferably&nbsp;headed by a DySP for maintaining continuity," said the order copy.

It also mentioned that the SSG personnel should be posted to other security wings to make the best use of their&nbsp;knowledge&nbsp;and training. The order stated that all SSG resources (including vehicles, access control, gadgets, etc.) should be transferred to the security wing, with the exception of any resources required by the SSF.

The government has asked for necessary&nbsp;action within one week of the order's passing.&nbsp;

The move comes just over 19 months after the Centre issued the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order, 2020, amending the Special Security Group Act of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir government by removing a clause that provided former chief ministers and their families with SSG security on March 31, 2020.&nbsp;

In a major development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to reduce the special security group (SSG) protection for the former chief ministers of the Union territory.

In a major development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to reduce the special security group (SSG) protection for the former chief ministers of the Union territory. The leaders include Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Ghulam Nabi Azad. The government took this decision in a security review coordination committee meeting that oversees the threat of VIP people in the Union Territory. "Reduce the posted strength of SSG to the bare minimum, preferably headed by a DySP for maintaining continuity," said the order copy. It also mentioned that the SSG personnel should be posted to other security wings to make the best use of their knowledge and training. The order stated that all SSG resources (including vehicles, access control, gadgets, etc.) should be transferred to the security wing, with the exception of any resources required by the SSF. The government has asked for necessary action within one week of the order's passing. The move comes just over 19 months after the Centre issued the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order, 2020, amending the Special Security Group Act of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir government by removing a clause that provided former chief ministers and their families with SSG security on March 31, 2020.

Former J&K chief ministers to lose elite SSG security cover

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday slammed China, even as Bejing continued to indulge in provocative behaviour with New Delhi. Calling Chinese govt issuing new names for 15 locations in Arunachal Pradesh as a "ridiculous exercise to support untenable territorial claims", MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "instead of engaging in such antics China will work constructively with us to resolve the outstanding friction points in areas along the Western Sector of the LAC in India-China border areas."

China has been involved in a military buildup at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since 2020. That year also saw the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers, while China claimed to have lost only 4 soldiers, a figure which is doubted given the country's non-transparent record.&nbsp;

MEA spokesperson reminded Bejing that, "Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always remain an inalienable part of India" and calling Tuting as “DouDeng” or River Siyom as “XiYueMu” or even Kibithu as “Daba” &nbsp;won't "alter the fact". &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-international-groupings-and-initiatives-to-address-chinas-challenge-in-indo-pacific-4425">International groupings and initiatives to address China's challenge in Indo-Pacific</a>

China sees the Indian state as the so-called "South Tibet", and has been in the past indulging in such moves. China had also sought to assign names to places in Arunachal Pradesh in April 2017.

This time, Beijing's provocations started on January 1, 2022, with release of videos of Chinese soldiers unfurling flags in areas purported to be Galwan. Later, security establishment sources released pictures of Indian soldiers in Galwan dismissing the claims.&nbsp;

Last year saw disengagement at areas like Pangong lake, Gogra in eastern Ladakh but tensions remain high as China continues to undertake rapid infrastructural development works on its side of LAC.

Reacting to development of bridge being made at the Pangong lake, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "this bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now" and "India has never accepted such illegal occupation."

India has improved development of border infrastructure significantly. Around 100 bridges, roads, tunnels constructed by Border Road Organisation (BRO) have been inaugurated in 2021. BRO constructed road over Umling La Pass, in Eastern Ladakh, at 19,024 ft above sea level. It is the highest motorable road in the world and was inaugurated virtually by Indian defence minister on December 28, 2021.

Asked about the letter written by Political Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to Indian MP for attending Tibet event, spokesperson said, "substance, tone and tenor of the letter are inappropriate" and "Chinese side should note that India is a vibrant democracy and Hon’ble MPs, as representatives of the people, undertake activities as per their views and beliefs."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hotter-than-the-real-sun-chinas-artificial-sun-sets-massive-record-for-plasma-fusion-442592">Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion</a>

Advising the Chinese to "refrain from hyping normal activities by Hon’ble MPs", spokesperson said that it could "complicate further the situation in our bilateral relations."&nbsp;

The Indian MPs who participated in the meet were--Jairam Ramesh, Manish Tiwari, Sujeet Kumar, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Ramdas Athawale and Maneka Gandhi.&nbsp;

The letter by Political Counsellor at Chinese Embassy to India Zhou Yongsheng called on Indian MPs to not engage with "out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organization". The letter is seen as a wolf warrior diplomacy by China, part of global trend by its diplomats who have been doing this in past and across the world.&nbsp;

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday slammed China, even as Bejing continued to indulge in provocative behaviour with New Delhi. Calling Chinese govt issuing new names for 15 locations in Arunachal Pradesh as a "ridiculous exercise to support untenable territorial claims", MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "instead of engaging in such antics China will work constructively with us to resolve the outstanding friction points in areas along the Western Sector of the LAC in India-China border areas.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday slammed China, even as Bejing continued to indulge in provocative behaviour with New Delhi. Calling Chinese govt issuing new names for 15 locations in Arunachal Pradesh as a "ridiculous exercise to support untenable territorial claims", MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "instead of engaging in such antics China will work constructively with us to resolve the outstanding friction points in areas along the Western Sector of the LAC in India-China border areas." China has been involved in a military buildup at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since 2020. That year also saw the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers, while China claimed to have lost only 4 soldiers, a figure which is doubted given the country's non-transparent record. MEA spokesperson reminded Bejing that, "Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always remain an inalienable part of India" and calling Tuting as “DouDeng” or River Siyom as “XiYueMu” or even Kibithu as “Daba” won't "alter the fact". Also Read | International groupings and initiatives to address China's challenge in Indo-Pacific China sees the Indian state as the so-called "South Tibet", and has been in the past indulging in such moves. China had also sought to assign names to places in Arunachal Pradesh in April 2017. This time, Beijing's provocations started on January 1, 2022, with release of videos of Chinese soldiers unfurling flags in areas purported to be Galwan. Later, security establishment sources released pictures of Indian soldiers in Galwan dismissing the claims. Last year saw disengagement at areas like Pangong lake, Gogra in eastern Ladakh but tensions remain high as China continues to undertake rapid infrastructural development works on its side of LAC. Reacting to development of bridge being made at the Pangong lake, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "this bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now" and "India has never accepted such illegal occupation." India has improved development of border infrastructure significantly. Around 100 bridges, roads, tunnels constructed by Border Road Organisation (BRO) have been inaugurated in 2021. BRO constructed road over Umling La Pass, in Eastern Ladakh, at 19,024 ft above sea level. It is the highest motorable road in the world and was inaugurated virtually by Indian defence minister on December 28, 2021. Asked about the letter written by Political Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to Indian MP for attending Tibet event, spokesperson said, "substance, tone and tenor of the letter are inappropriate" and "Chinese side should note that India is a vibrant democracy and Hon’ble MPs, as representatives of the people, undertake activities as per their views and beliefs." Also Read | Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion Advising the Chinese to "refrain from hyping normal activities by Hon’ble MPs", spokesperson said that it could "complicate further the situation in our bilateral relations." The Indian MPs who participated in the meet were--Jairam Ramesh, Manish Tiwari, Sujeet Kumar, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Ramdas Athawale and Maneka Gandhi. The letter by Political Counsellor at Chinese Embassy to India Zhou Yongsheng called on Indian MPs to not engage with "out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organization". The letter is seen as a wolf warrior diplomacy by China, part of global trend by its diplomats who have been doing this in past and across the world.

China gets an earful from India as Beijing attempts to provoke New Delhi

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday in the new year conversation discussed a range of issues including the Aceh and Andaman Nicobar island connectivity. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, among several agreements, both sides decided to cooperate in connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar island and Aceh province of Indonesia.&nbsp;

Sabang port in Aceh is around 90 nautical miles from the Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar. During the 2018 visit, it was also decided to set up a joint task force to undertake projects for port-related infrastructure in and around Sabang by both the neighbouring countries. Important to note, Sabang sits at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, which is considered to be a key global choke point.&nbsp;

Being one of the most important shipping lanes, any stoppage of traffic here can impact countries like China, whose major chunk of energy and trade passes via the strait.

During the conversation, both sides also discussed the Covid crisis, the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Indonesia, as an ASEAN member has been concerned about the developments in Myanmar, just like New Delhi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/this-indian-airport-featured-in-top-10-global-list-for-on-time-performance-442679">Also read |&nbsp;This Indian airport featured in top 10 global list for on-time performance</a>

Myanmar saw a coup in February of last year with several political leaders being detained. There were also reports of large-scale violence happening in the country.&nbsp;

In Afghanistan, like India, Indonesia has been a key stakeholder. In fact, the Indonesian foreign minister was the only women foreign minister during last month's Organization of Islamic cooperation foreign ministers meeting in Islamabad on Afghanistan.

Discussions were also made on the Covid crisis. Indonesia had reached out to India during the second wave of the crisis last year. After this, &nbsp;India had sent support to the country when it was hit by the pandemic. Indian Navy had delivered Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) containers to the country as part of mission Sagar.&nbsp;

Both countries are part of the G20 Troika as well. Indonesia will hold the G20 summit this year and hand over the baton to India who will be chairing the grouping next year.

India will be hosting the G20 summit for the first time in 2023 with the construction of the venue centres taking place at a rapid pace in the national capital New Delhi.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday in the new year conversation discussed a range of issues including the Aceh and Andaman Nicobar island connectivity.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday in the new year conversation discussed a range of issues including the Aceh and Andaman Nicobar island connectivity. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, among several agreements, both sides decided to cooperate in connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar island and Aceh province of Indonesia. Sabang port in Aceh is around 90 nautical miles from the Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar. During the 2018 visit, it was also decided to set up a joint task force to undertake projects for port-related infrastructure in and around Sabang by both the neighbouring countries. Important to note, Sabang sits at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, which is considered to be a key global choke point. Being one of the most important shipping lanes, any stoppage of traffic here can impact countries like China, whose major chunk of energy and trade passes via the strait. During the conversation, both sides also discussed the Covid crisis, the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan. Indonesia, as an ASEAN member has been concerned about the developments in Myanmar, just like New Delhi. Also read | This Indian airport featured in top 10 global list for on-time performance Myanmar saw a coup in February of last year with several political leaders being detained. There were also reports of large-scale violence happening in the country. In Afghanistan, like India, Indonesia has been a key stakeholder. In fact, the Indonesian foreign minister was the only women foreign minister during last month's Organization of Islamic cooperation foreign ministers meeting in Islamabad on Afghanistan. Discussions were also made on the Covid crisis. Indonesia had reached out to India during the second wave of the crisis last year. After this, India had sent support to the country when it was hit by the pandemic. Indian Navy had delivered Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) containers to the country as part of mission Sagar. Both countries are part of the G20 Troika as well. Indonesia will hold the G20 summit this year and hand over the baton to India who will be chairing the grouping next year. India will be hosting the G20 summit for the first time in 2023 with the construction of the venue centres taking place at a rapid pace in the national capital New Delhi.

India, Indonesia FMs discuss Aceh-Andaman-Nicobar connectivity, Myanmar and Afghanistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade was stranded on a flyover, 30 kilometres from Hussainiwala in Punjab, after a group of protesting farmers blocked his route, sparking a political brawl between the BJP and the Congress on Wednesday.

Apart from the political conflict, it has spawned a debate about the security challenges that the Prime Minister may encounter if politics continues to jeopardise national security.&nbsp;

Here are the current details on this enflamed topic that we are aware of:

Members of BKU-Krantikari responsible for stalling PM Modi's cavalcade in Ferozepur

The farmer’s union, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) has admitted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy was delayed by its workers.&nbsp;

"At about 2 PM, we learned that the Prime Minister would be coming by road from Bathinda. There was a big helipad near the rally site. And the police said he was coming by road. So we thought that the police were lying and that the Prime Minister would be coming by air. That is why we did not clear the road. We said you are lying," Surjit Singh Phool, chief of Bharatiya Kisan Union-Krantikari said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | SSP Ferozepur asked us to vacate the road saying that the prime minister was going to the rally venue by road. We thought he was bluffing: BKU (Krantikari) chief Surjit Singh Phool <a href="https://t.co/DvEoO94sTK">pic.twitter.com/DvEoO94sTK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1479017500394221568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

CCS investigates PM security breach in Punjab

According to people familiar with the situation, the issue was discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the security breach and voiced his serious concern.&nbsp;

Indian President Kovind calls PM Modi’s security incident a ‘serious lapse’

President Ram Nath Kovind voiced concern about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach during his visit to Punjab the day before, when the two met and discussed the matter.

The president's secretariat claimed in a tweet that Kovind met Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and received a first-hand report of the breach from him.

The tweet stated, "The president shared his concerns about the significant lapse."&nbsp;

MHA seeks detailed report on PM Modi's security lapse

The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a detailed report on PM Modi's security breach in Punjab that took place on Wednesday.

"Such a dereliction of security procedure in the Prime Minister’s visit is totally unacceptable and accountability will be fixed, " Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

Amarinder Singh: Complete failure of law and order in Punjab

Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday called the security breach a "complete failure of law and order in the state.

"Complete failure of law and order in Punjab, chief minister and home minister, in particular. When you can't provide smooth passage to the PM of the country and that too, just 10 km from the Pakistan border, you have no right to stay in office and should quit, " he was quoted as saying by ANI.

PM Modi was not accompanied by the Punjab Chief Minister, DGP, or Secretary of State

According to official sources, the Punjab chief minister, chief secretary, and DGP did not receive or accompany PM Modi during his visit on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade was stranded on a flyover, 30 kilometres from Hussainiwala in Punjab, after a group of protesting farmers blocked his route, sparking a political brawl between the BJP and the Congress on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade was stranded on a flyover, 30 kilometres from Hussainiwala in Punjab, after a group of protesting farmers blocked his route, sparking a political brawl between the BJP and the Congress on Wednesday. Apart from the political conflict, it has spawned a debate about the security challenges that the Prime Minister may encounter if politics continues to jeopardise national security. Here are the current details on this enflamed topic that we are aware of: Members of BKU-Krantikari responsible for stalling PM Modi's cavalcade in Ferozepur The farmer’s union, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) has admitted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy was delayed by its workers. "At about 2 PM, we learned that the Prime Minister would be coming by road from Bathinda. There was a big helipad near the rally site. And the police said he was coming by road. So we thought that the police were lying and that the Prime Minister would be coming by air. That is why we did not clear the road. We said you are lying," Surjit Singh Phool, chief of Bharatiya Kisan Union-Krantikari said. #WATCH | SSP Ferozepur asked us to vacate the road saying that the prime minister was going to the rally venue by road. We thought he was bluffing: BKU (Krantikari) chief Surjit Singh Phool pic.twitter.com/DvEoO94sTK — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2022 × CCS investigates PM security breach in Punjab According to people familiar with the situation, the issue was discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the security breach and voiced his serious concern. Indian President Kovind calls PM Modi’s security incident a ‘serious lapse’ President Ram Nath Kovind voiced concern about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach during his visit to Punjab the day before, when the two met and discussed the matter. The president's secretariat claimed in a tweet that Kovind met Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and received a first-hand report of the breach from him. The tweet stated, "The president shared his concerns about the significant lapse." MHA seeks detailed report on PM Modi's security lapse The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a detailed report on PM Modi's security breach in Punjab that took place on Wednesday. "Such a dereliction of security procedure in the Prime Minister’s visit is totally unacceptable and accountability will be fixed, " Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted. Amarinder Singh: Complete failure of law and order in Punjab Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday called the security breach a "complete failure of law and order in the state. "Complete failure of law and order in Punjab, chief minister and home minister, in particular. When you can't provide smooth passage to the PM of the country and that too, just 10 km from the Pakistan border, you have no right to stay in office and should quit, " he was quoted as saying by ANI. PM Modi was not accompanied by the Punjab Chief Minister, DGP, or Secretary of State According to official sources, the Punjab chief minister, chief secretary, and DGP did not receive or accompany PM Modi during his visit on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi security breach: What we know so far about it

More than 100 passengers, travelling from Italy to India have been tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on arrival on Thursday (January 6), India-based news agency ANI reported citing the government officials.

VK Seth, who is the airport director said that as many as 125 passengers tested positive, who were flying in a chartered flight from Milan and landed in Amritsar, a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab.&nbsp;

As per the officials, there were a total of 179 passengers on the charter flight YU-661 that landed at the Amritsar airport at around 1.30pm local time on Wednesday.&nbsp;

It is important to note that Italy is one of the "at risk" countries according to the Indian Health Ministry. The news agency stated that all eligible passengers - 160 in this case - were tested for Covid and 125 of them were found to be positive.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-president-ram-nath-kovind-expresses-concern-over-pm-narendra-modis-security-breach-442642">Indian President Ram Nath Kovind expresses concern over PM Narendra Modi's security breach</a>

Officials were quoted as saying that out of total 179 passengers, 19 were children or infants so they were exempt from on-arrival RT-PCR testing.&nbsp;

Officials mentioned that the charter flight between Milan in Italy and Amritsar in Punjab was operated by Portuguese company EuroAtlantic Airways.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Correction | 125 passengers of an international chartered flight from Italy have tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival at Amritsar airport. Total passengers on the flight were 179: VK Seth, Amritsar Airport Director <a href="https://t.co/AOVtkYmQiy">pic.twitter.com/AOVtkYmQiy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1479028595909541891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

COVID-19 in India

India on Thursday reported over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours including 325 deaths. The health ministry said the daily positivity rate is currently at 6.43 per cent with 2,85,401 active cases in the country with the total number of cases reaching 90,928.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-records-90928-new-covid-19-cases-in-last-24-hours-442601/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

More than 100 passengers, travelling from Italy to India have been tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on arrival on Thursday (January 6), India-based news agency ANI reported citing the government officials.

More than 100 passengers, travelling from Italy to India have been tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on arrival on Thursday (January 6), India-based news agency ANI reported citing the government officials. VK Seth, who is the airport director said that as many as 125 passengers tested positive, who were flying in a chartered flight from Milan and landed in Amritsar, a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab. As per the officials, there were a total of 179 passengers on the charter flight YU-661 that landed at the Amritsar airport at around 1.30pm local time on Wednesday. It is important to note that Italy is one of the "at risk" countries according to the Indian Health Ministry. The news agency stated that all eligible passengers - 160 in this case - were tested for Covid and 125 of them were found to be positive. ALSO READ | Indian President Ram Nath Kovind expresses concern over PM Narendra Modi's security breach Officials were quoted as saying that out of total 179 passengers, 19 were children or infants so they were exempt from on-arrival RT-PCR testing. Officials mentioned that the charter flight between Milan in Italy and Amritsar in Punjab was operated by Portuguese company EuroAtlantic Airways. Correction | 125 passengers of an international chartered flight from Italy have tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival at Amritsar airport. Total passengers on the flight were 179: VK Seth, Amritsar Airport Director pic.twitter.com/AOVtkYmQiy — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2022 × COVID-19 in India India on Thursday reported over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours including 325 deaths. The health ministry said the daily positivity rate is currently at 6.43 per cent with 2,85,401 active cases in the country with the total number of cases reaching 90,928. ×

India: 125 passengers on charter flight from Italy to Amritsar test positive for COVID-19

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday (January 6) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his concerns over the massive security breach.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, PM Modi was on his way to address a rally in the northern state of India, Punjab. His convoy was exposed in the open and was left stranded in a serious security breach in Ferozepur when some protestors blocked his convoy when it reached a flyover.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister was supposed to lay the foundation stone of development projects, however, his convoy was blocked. He was stuck on the flyover for 15-20 minutes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-cm-expresses-regret-denies-security-lapse-after-pm-modi-cuts-short-visit-442459">Punjab CM expresses regret, denies security lapse after PM Modi cuts short visit</a>

The incident has erupted a huge debate in India and to take the first-hand account of the situation, the President met PM Modi in person.&nbsp;

The Rashtrapati Bhavan handle after the meeting tweeted, "President Ram Nath Kovind met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today and received from him a first-hand account of the security breach in his convoy in Punjab yesterday."&nbsp;

The tweet added,&nbsp;"The President expressed his concerns about the serious lapse."

PM Modi reacted after the meeting, he tweeted, "Called on Rashtrapati Ji. Thankful to him for his concern. Grateful for his good wishes, which are always a source of strength."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Ram Nath Kovind met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today and received from him a first-hand account of the security breach in his convoy in Punjab yesterday. The President expressed his concerns about the serious lapse. <a href="https://t.co/lzvAuriuGb">pic.twitter.com/lzvAuriuGb</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1479003014740336641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Called on Rashtrapati Ji. Thankful to him for his concern. Grateful for his good wishes, which are always a source of strength. <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> <a href="https://t.co/g6Unl8WCJJ">pic.twitter.com/g6Unl8WCJJ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1479016012750024706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday (January 6) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his concerns over the massive security breach. On Wednesday, PM Modi was on his way to address a rally in the northern state of India, Punjab.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday (January 6) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his concerns over the massive security breach. On Wednesday, PM Modi was on his way to address a rally in the northern state of India, Punjab. His convoy was exposed in the open and was left stranded in a serious security breach in Ferozepur when some protestors blocked his convoy when it reached a flyover. The Indian Prime Minister was supposed to lay the foundation stone of development projects, however, his convoy was blocked. He was stuck on the flyover for 15-20 minutes. ALSO READ | Punjab CM expresses regret, denies security lapse after PM Modi cuts short visit The incident has erupted a huge debate in India and to take the first-hand account of the situation, the President met PM Modi in person. The Rashtrapati Bhavan handle after the meeting tweeted, "President Ram Nath Kovind met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today and received from him a first-hand account of the security breach in his convoy in Punjab yesterday." The tweet added, "The President expressed his concerns about the serious lapse." PM Modi reacted after the meeting, he tweeted, "Called on Rashtrapati Ji. Thankful to him for his concern. Grateful for his good wishes, which are always a source of strength." President Ram Nath Kovind met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today and received from him a first-hand account of the security breach in his convoy in Punjab yesterday. The President expressed his concerns about the serious lapse. pic.twitter.com/lzvAuriuGb — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 6, 2022 × Called on Rashtrapati Ji. Thankful to him for his concern. Grateful for his good wishes, which are always a source of strength. @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/g6Unl8WCJJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 6, 2022 ×

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind expresses concern over PM Narendra Modi's security breach

Delhi is expected to record 14,000 COVID-19&nbsp;cases on Thursday, the capital's health minister Satyendar Jain said.

Speaking to reporters, the minister also said the city is in a comfortable position in terms of hospital bed occupancy and there is no need for a lockdown right now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-90000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-325-deaths-442558">Also Read:&nbsp;India reports over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, 325 deaths</a>

Jain said the number of cases in Delhi is high due as a large number of people are being tested for COVID-19 in the city.

"We have been conducting a large number of tests. If we don't do that, the new cases can reduce to 500-1,000. A lot of people (states) don't conduct tests and say they don't have cases. We have been transparent," he said.

"We are conducting the maximum number of tests in the country," the health minister claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-night-curfew-in-tamil-nadu-from-january-6-full-lockdown-on-sundays-442461">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Night curfew in Tamil Nadu from January 6; full lockdown on Sundays</a>

A few healthcare workers in Delhi have tested positive, but the number is not alarming, the minister said in response to a question.

When asked whether the AAP government was considering a lockdown in the city, Jain said Delhi has already taken stringent actions, including imposing a night curfew and weekend curfew, which are sufficient for time being. There is no need for a lockdown right now, he said.

Delhi is expected to record 14,000 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the capital's health minister Satyendar Jain said. Speaking to reporters, the minister also said the city is in a comfortable position in terms of hospital bed occupancy and there is no need for a lockdown right now.

Delhi is expected to record 14,000 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the capital's health minister Satyendar Jain said. Speaking to reporters, the minister also said the city is in a comfortable position in terms of hospital bed occupancy and there is no need for a lockdown right now. Also Read: India reports over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, 325 deaths Jain said the number of cases in Delhi is high due as a large number of people are being tested for COVID-19 in the city. "We have been conducting a large number of tests. If we don't do that, the new cases can reduce to 500-1,000. A lot of people (states) don't conduct tests and say they don't have cases. We have been transparent," he said. "We are conducting the maximum number of tests in the country," the health minister claimed. Also Read: Night curfew in Tamil Nadu from January 6; full lockdown on Sundays A few healthcare workers in Delhi have tested positive, but the number is not alarming, the minister said in response to a question. When asked whether the AAP government was considering a lockdown in the city, Jain said Delhi has already taken stringent actions, including imposing a night curfew and weekend curfew, which are sufficient for time being. There is no need for a lockdown right now, he said.

No need for lockdown right now, says Delhi health minister amid COVID-19 surge

After a relatively stable trend in the COVID-19 cases, India is recording a rise in the number of infections dominated by the omicron variant. A total of 90,928 COVID-19 cases were reported in India in the last 24 hours this is a 56 per cent increase in cases in just one day.

India records 90,928 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

The Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to impose weekend curfew and extend the night curfew for two weeks in the state in view of the alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The government also decided to shut schools and pre-university colleges except for 10th and 12th standard students for two weeks. 
It announced the weekend curfew and also the decision to extend the night curfew for two weeks in the state.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in which senior ministers including Revenue Minister Ashoka, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar and Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, medical experts and senior officials participated.

The meeting was held in view of the sudden jump in number of COVID cases in the state. Karnataka logged 2,479 cases on Tuesday and four fatalities. Since January 1, the city has been logging over 1,000 cases daily.

"We have decided that barring 10th and 12th classes, schools will be shut for rest of the classes in Bengaluru. These COVID rules will come into effect from Wednesday night," Ashoka told reporters.

He said there will be a weekend curfew for two weeks from 10 PM on Friday to 5 AM on Monday. All essential services will continue, he added.

Further, the government decided to extend the night curfew, which ends on January 7, for two weeks.

The Minister also said that there should not be a congregation of more than 200 people in marriages in open places and 100 in marriage halls. There should also be 50 per cent occupancy in pubs, bars, cinema halls and malls and those working in and visiting these places should have taken both doses of the COVID vaccine.

Also, the government decided to make a negative RT-PCR test report mandatory for those coming to the state from Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa, the minister said.

Government offices will have to follow the Government of India guidelines, he explained.

Ashoka told reporters that no rallies or political events with large congregation will be allowed in the city.

His statement came as the Congress plans to organise a march from Mekedatu in Ramanagara district to Bengaluru on January 9 to urge the government to start work on the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river to supply drinking water in Bengaluru and neighbouring districts.

Speaking to reporters, Sudhakar said those coming from high-risk nations will be sent for institutional quarantine if they test positive for COVID.

The travellers can choose hotels of their choice to stay in quarantine which can be a budget or a star hotel.

"We cannot send the foreigners home who test positive," Sudhakar said.

Sudhakar said there were discussions about the availability of medicines, hospitals, ICU beds and other necessary arrangements.

He also said that the government decided to treat Bengaluru as a 'state' while dealing with COVID-19 cases.

"We are treating Bengaluru as a state because it has become an epicentre of COVID just like any other metropolitan city. Almost 80 to 90 per cent cases are coming from Bengaluru only in Karnataka," the Health minister explained.

Further, Sudhakar said that teams led by IAS officers have been assigned different roles in COVID management to handle the pandemic at a micro level.

The Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to impose weekend curfew and extend the night curfew for two weeks in the state in view of the alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to impose weekend curfew and extend the night curfew for two weeks in the state in view of the alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. The government also decided to shut schools and pre-university colleges except for 10th and 12th standard students for two weeks. It announced the weekend curfew and also the decision to extend the night curfew for two weeks in the state. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in which senior ministers including Revenue Minister Ashoka, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar and Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, medical experts and senior officials participated. The meeting was held in view of the sudden jump in number of COVID cases in the state. Karnataka logged 2,479 cases on Tuesday and four fatalities. Since January 1, the city has been logging over 1,000 cases daily. "We have decided that barring 10th and 12th classes, schools will be shut for rest of the classes in Bengaluru. These COVID rules will come into effect from Wednesday night," Ashoka told reporters. He said there will be a weekend curfew for two weeks from 10 PM on Friday to 5 AM on Monday. All essential services will continue, he added. Further, the government decided to extend the night curfew, which ends on January 7, for two weeks. The Minister also said that there should not be a congregation of more than 200 people in marriages in open places and 100 in marriage halls. There should also be 50 per cent occupancy in pubs, bars, cinema halls and malls and those working in and visiting these places should have taken both doses of the COVID vaccine. Also, the government decided to make a negative RT-PCR test report mandatory for those coming to the state from Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa, the minister said. Government offices will have to follow the Government of India guidelines, he explained. Ashoka told reporters that no rallies or political events with large congregation will be allowed in the city. His statement came as the Congress plans to organise a march from Mekedatu in Ramanagara district to Bengaluru on January 9 to urge the government to start work on the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river to supply drinking water in Bengaluru and neighbouring districts. Speaking to reporters, Sudhakar said those coming from high-risk nations will be sent for institutional quarantine if they test positive for COVID. The travellers can choose hotels of their choice to stay in quarantine which can be a budget or a star hotel. "We cannot send the foreigners home who test positive," Sudhakar said. Sudhakar said there were discussions about the availability of medicines, hospitals, ICU beds and other necessary arrangements. He also said that the government decided to treat Bengaluru as a 'state' while dealing with COVID-19 cases. "We are treating Bengaluru as a state because it has become an epicentre of COVID just like any other metropolitan city. Almost 80 to 90 per cent cases are coming from Bengaluru only in Karnataka," the Health minister explained. Further, Sudhakar said that teams led by IAS officers have been assigned different roles in COVID management to handle the pandemic at a micro level.

India's southern Karnataka state imposes weekend curfew

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday expressed regret after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to cut short his visit to the state, but asserted that there was no security lapse

Modi, who landed in Bathinda and had to take the road route to Hussainiwala in Ferozepur because of inclement weather, was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to a blockade by some protesters, an incident the Union Home Ministry described as a "major lapse" in his security.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-lapse-in-indian-pm-narendra-modis-security-convoy-stuck-on-a-flyover-for-20-minutes-442397" hreflang="en">Major lapse in Indian PM's security, convoy stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes</a>

The CM said the entire incident will be probed and denied any security lapse or situation of any attack.

There was a sudden change in the PM's travel plan from Bathinda to Ferozepur and everything was handled by central agencies, he told reporters.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes in Punjab's Bathinda, a major security lapse, says government <a href="https://t.co/3hCNm764Ak">pic.twitter.com/3hCNm764Ak</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1478669231008862208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It is wrong to say that there was a security lapse," the CM said, stressing that the Punjab Police had limited role.

"The prime minister was to visit for the inauguration (of development projects) and address a political rally. We regret that he had to return due to the blockade en route," Channi told reporters.

"After all, he is the prime minister of the country. We respect him. There is a democratic system and federal system," said Channi.

"We regret that he had to go back and we are pained. We respect our prime minister," the CM said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pms-security-lapse-bjp-slams-congress-over-modi-ji-hows-the-josh-tweet-442447" hreflang="en">PM's security lapse: BJP slams Congress over 'Modi ji, How's the Josh?' tweet</a>

The Punjab CM said some agitators who had gathered on the road previous night were removed.

But if someone suddenly came during the day, it does not mean this posed any danger, asserted Channi, saying farmers had also been protesting for over a year at Delhi's borders but they did not harm anyone, apparently referring to the stir against the central farm laws, which were withdrawn last year.

At the same time, he said, "There were 70,000 chairs which had been put up at the Ferozepur public rally venue of the BJP, but only 700 turned up (for the BJP event), what can I do in this??

Replying to another question, Channi said he did not say that there wasn't enough gathering in the rally and that could be the reason (for his return).

When asked that the Centre has sought a report into the security lapse, Channi replied, "The entire incident will be probed."

When asked if the Punjab DGP had given clearance for the route for the PM to travel, Channi said though using road route is a joint decision but police role had been made limited and everything was being handled by the SPG, IB and other central agencies.

Seating arrangement for dignitaries at the function in Ferozepur was even decided by them, he said.

"If agitators suddenly turn up, what will you say, you will have to say give alternative route or wait for some time before they are cleared. But the prime minister decided to return," said Channi.

When a reporter asked who were the officials at the Bathinda airport who were reportedly told by the prime minister that they should thank Channi as his life was saved in the situation, the CM replied, "If he (PM) has said something in anger or with political thought, I don't want to make any comment."

"However, I want to say one thing that I would have spilled my own blood before any harm to him, this is the spirit of Punjabis," said Channi, adding that a Punjabi will prefer to die rather than attack the guest visiting the state.

When specifically asked that if the PM is to travel by road or other route, the responsibility of securing that lies with the state agencies, Channi said the main control was of the SPG and the IB.

The Home Ministry was directly involved, he said, adding that the Punjab government did not have much role.

He said this issue should not be unnecessarily politicised. "Farmers have been sitting peacefully at Delhi's borders. How can I fire bullets at them and use lathis against them to remove them," he said.

In a statement, the Union Home Ministry had earlier in the day said after a "major security lapse" in the prime minister's travel in Punjab, his convoy decided to return.

The ministry also asked the Punjab government to fix responsibility for the lapse and take strict action, the statement said. 
Modi on Wednesday returned without dedicating development projects and addressing a rally in the poll-bound Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday expressed regret after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to cut short his visit to the state, but asserted that there was no security lapse Modi, who landed in Bathinda and had to take the road route to Hussainiwala in Ferozepur because of inclement weather, was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to a blockade by some protesters, an incident the Union Home Ministry described as a "major lapse" in his security.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday expressed regret after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to cut short his visit to the state, but asserted that there was no security lapse Modi, who landed in Bathinda and had to take the road route to Hussainiwala in Ferozepur because of inclement weather, was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to a blockade by some protesters, an incident the Union Home Ministry described as a "major lapse" in his security. Also read | Major lapse in Indian PM's security, convoy stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes The CM said the entire incident will be probed and denied any security lapse or situation of any attack. There was a sudden change in the PM's travel plan from Bathinda to Ferozepur and everything was handled by central agencies, he told reporters. Indian PM @narendramodi stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes in Punjab's Bathinda, a major security lapse, says government pic.twitter.com/3hCNm764Ak — WION (@WIONews) January 5, 2022 × "It is wrong to say that there was a security lapse," the CM said, stressing that the Punjab Police had limited role. "The prime minister was to visit for the inauguration (of development projects) and address a political rally. We regret that he had to return due to the blockade en route," Channi told reporters. "After all, he is the prime minister of the country. We respect him. There is a democratic system and federal system," said Channi. "We regret that he had to go back and we are pained. We respect our prime minister," the CM said. Also read | PM's security lapse: BJP slams Congress over 'Modi ji, How's the Josh?' tweet The Punjab CM said some agitators who had gathered on the road previous night were removed. But if someone suddenly came during the day, it does not mean this posed any danger, asserted Channi, saying farmers had also been protesting for over a year at Delhi's borders but they did not harm anyone, apparently referring to the stir against the central farm laws, which were withdrawn last year. At the same time, he said, "There were 70,000 chairs which had been put up at the Ferozepur public rally venue of the BJP, but only 700 turned up (for the BJP event), what can I do in this?? Replying to another question, Channi said he did not say that there wasn't enough gathering in the rally and that could be the reason (for his return). When asked that the Centre has sought a report into the security lapse, Channi replied, "The entire incident will be probed." When asked if the Punjab DGP had given clearance for the route for the PM to travel, Channi said though using road route is a joint decision but police role had been made limited and everything was being handled by the SPG, IB and other central agencies. Seating arrangement for dignitaries at the function in Ferozepur was even decided by them, he said. "If agitators suddenly turn up, what will you say, you will have to say give alternative route or wait for some time before they are cleared. But the prime minister decided to return," said Channi. When a reporter asked who were the officials at the Bathinda airport who were reportedly told by the prime minister that they should thank Channi as his life was saved in the situation, the CM replied, "If he (PM) has said something in anger or with political thought, I don't want to make any comment." "However, I want to say one thing that I would have spilled my own blood before any harm to him, this is the spirit of Punjabis," said Channi, adding that a Punjabi will prefer to die rather than attack the guest visiting the state. When specifically asked that if the PM is to travel by road or other route, the responsibility of securing that lies with the state agencies, Channi said the main control was of the SPG and the IB. The Home Ministry was directly involved, he said, adding that the Punjab government did not have much role. He said this issue should not be unnecessarily politicised. "Farmers have been sitting peacefully at Delhi's borders. How can I fire bullets at them and use lathis against them to remove them," he said. In a statement, the Union Home Ministry had earlier in the day said after a "major security lapse" in the prime minister's travel in Punjab, his convoy decided to return. The ministry also asked the Punjab government to fix responsibility for the lapse and take strict action, the statement said. Modi on Wednesday returned without dedicating development projects and addressing a rally in the poll-bound Punjab.

Punjab CM expresses regret, denies security lapse after PM Modi cuts short visit

India reported over 58,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours including 534 fatalities.

According to India's health ministry, the daily positivity rate is at 4.18 per cent with 2,14,004 active cases. The total coronavirus cases reported was 58,097 along with 15,389 recoveries on Wednesday.

The total death toll due to the virus in the country has risen to 4,82,551 since the pandemic began last year. India had reported 37,379 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday with&nbsp;1,892 Omicron cases across 23 states and Union Territories.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-37000-new-cases-124-deaths-as-omicron-tally-reaches-to-1892-442124">Also Read:&nbsp;124 deaths as Omicron tally reaches to 1,892 in India</a>

India's&nbsp;health ministry said there were 2,135 cases of Omicron variant detected across states and Union Territories with&nbsp;Maharashtra recording 653 cases followed by Delhi (464 cases)&nbsp;Kerala(185 cases), Rajasthan (174 cases),&nbsp;Gujarat(154 cases)&nbsp;and Tamil Nadu with 121 Omicron cases.

India's western state of Maharashtra which has recorded the most number of fresh cases declared that rapid RT-PCR test would be required for all the international passengers landing at Mumbai international airport.

On Tuesday, Mumbai had reported 10,860 coronavirus cases which was the highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since April 7 last year as Nagpur district recorded 196 new coronavirus cases.

India Jharkhand state also witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases with 2,681 fresh cases on Tuesday as authorities said the cases had doubled from the previous day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-month-old-tests-positive-for-covid-19-in-india-442108">Also Read:&nbsp;11-month-old tests positive for COVID-19 in India</a>

In Arunachal Pradesh, there were 23 new positive cases.&nbsp;As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Mumbai and India's capital Delhi, the West Bengal government said it will allow flights from New Delhi and Mumbai thrice a week.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India reported over 58,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours including 534 fatalities. According to India's health ministry, the daily positivity rate is at 4.

India reported over 58,000 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours including 534 fatalities. According to India's health ministry, the daily positivity rate is at 4.18 per cent with 2,14,004 active cases. The total coronavirus cases reported was 58,097 along with 15,389 recoveries on Wednesday. The total death toll due to the virus in the country has risen to 4,82,551 since the pandemic began last year. India had reported 37,379 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday with 1,892 Omicron cases across 23 states and Union Territories. Also Read: 124 deaths as Omicron tally reaches to 1,892 in India India's health ministry said there were 2,135 cases of Omicron variant detected across states and Union Territories with Maharashtra recording 653 cases followed by Delhi (464 cases) Kerala(185 cases), Rajasthan (174 cases), Gujarat(154 cases) and Tamil Nadu with 121 Omicron cases. India's western state of Maharashtra which has recorded the most number of fresh cases declared that rapid RT-PCR test would be required for all the international passengers landing at Mumbai international airport. On Tuesday, Mumbai had reported 10,860 coronavirus cases which was the highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since April 7 last year as Nagpur district recorded 196 new coronavirus cases. India Jharkhand state also witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases with 2,681 fresh cases on Tuesday as authorities said the cases had doubled from the previous day. Also Read: 11-month-old tests positive for COVID-19 in India In Arunachal Pradesh, there were 23 new positive cases. As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Mumbai and India's capital Delhi, the West Bengal government said it will allow flights from New Delhi and Mumbai thrice a week. (With inputs from Agencies)

India reports over 58,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; over 2,000 Omicron cases

In a major crossing of a milestone, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said that India has achieved its non-fossil fuel-based energy target, something that was to be completed by 2030

“At COP-21, as part of its NDCs, India had committed to achieving 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. The country has achieved this target in November 2021 itself,” MNRE said in a statement released last month

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with total non-fossil based installed energy capacity was 157.32 gigawatts (GW). This is 40.1 per cent of the total installed energy capacity of 392.01 GW

In the last 7.5 years, India has shown a tremendous rate of growth and has added maximum capacity for renewable energy among large economies.

As per REN21 Renewables 2020 Global Status Report, there was a total investment of USD 64.4 billion in India's renewable energy programmes and projects. USD 11.2 billion were invested in the year 2019 alone.

Government data shows that India's non-conventional energy sector received USD 7.27 billion through foreign direct investment from the year 2014-15 up to June 2021. Out of this, FDI of USD 797.21 million trickled in during 2020-21. 
&nbsp;

In a major crossing of a milestone, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said that India has achieved its non-fossil fuel-based energy target, something that was to be completed by 2030 “At COP-21, as part of its NDCs, India had committed to achieving 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030.

In a major crossing of a milestone, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said that India has achieved its non-fossil fuel-based energy target, something that was to be completed by 2030 “At COP-21, as part of its NDCs, India had committed to achieving 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. The country has achieved this target in November 2021 itself,” MNRE said in a statement released last month The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with total non-fossil based installed energy capacity was 157.32 gigawatts (GW). This is 40.1 per cent of the total installed energy capacity of 392.01 GW In the last 7.5 years, India has shown a tremendous rate of growth and has added maximum capacity for renewable energy among large economies. As per REN21 Renewables 2020 Global Status Report, there was a total investment of USD 64.4 billion in India's renewable energy programmes and projects. USD 11.2 billion were invested in the year 2019 alone. Government data shows that India's non-conventional energy sector received USD 7.27 billion through foreign direct investment from the year 2014-15 up to June 2021. Out of this, FDI of USD 797.21 million trickled in during 2020-21.

India reaches non-fossil fuel milestone much ahead of 2030 deadline

At least three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday.

Reports said the terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) with one of them being a Pakistan national.

Police said they had recovered a large number of arms and ammunition including 2 M-4 carbines and rifles.&nbsp;

The security forces cordoned off the area in Chandgam village as the encounter broke in the area.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed by security forces in J&amp;K's Kulgam district. Police said the terrorists were involved in several terror cases in the area.

On Monday there were two separate encounters between terrorists and police personnel including the CRPF in the Harwan area on the outskirts of Srinagar as two terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

At least three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday. Reports said the terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) with one of them being a Pakistan national.

At least three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday. Reports said the terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) with one of them being a Pakistan national. Police said they had recovered a large number of arms and ammunition including 2 M-4 carbines and rifles. The security forces cordoned off the area in Chandgam village as the encounter broke in the area. On Tuesday, two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed by security forces in J&K's Kulgam district. Police said the terrorists were involved in several terror cases in the area. On Monday there were two separate encounters between terrorists and police personnel including the CRPF in the Harwan area on the outskirts of Srinagar as two terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed. (With inputs from Agencies)

J&K: Security forces kill three JeM terrorists including Pak national in Pulwama

After a relatively stable trend in the Covid 19 cases, India is recording a rise in the number of infections dominated by the omicron variant. A total of 58 000 Covid 19 cases were reported in India in the last 24 hours this is a 55 percent increase in cases in just one day.

India records 2,135 Omicron cases in last 24 hours

Kashmir now has been witnessing a surge in terror activities, in the latest operation police officials have neutralized three terrorists in Pulwama district. All three men were part of the terror outfit JeM out of which one was a Pakistani citizen. The officers have retrieved arms and ammunition from the site.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three Jaish terrorists killed in Pulwama

India today reported its highest daily tally of Covid-19 cases since September 2021 with over 37,000 people testing positive in the last 24 hours. The country has also recorded over 1,800 Omicron cases and the country has also reported 124 deaths in the past 24 hours.

India reports over 37,000 people testing positive in the last 24 hours amid Omicron threat

By Alicia Powell (Reuters) - The life of comedic actress Betty White is being celebrated in a new biographical comic book.     White, who would have turned 100 on Jan. 17, capped a career of more than 80 years by becoming America`s geriatric sweetheart. She died on Friday in her sleep at her home, according to her agent.     From her early days in television to her iconic role on "The Golden Girls" and her social media fame, the 30-page comic by TidalWave Productions traces her Hollywood journey. The book will be available both digitally and in print and can be found on multiple platforms such as Amazon.com. TidalWave Productions has previously released biographies on celebrities including Carrie Fisher, Lucille Ball, David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor.     White won best-supporting actress Emmys for her role on the "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1975 and 1976.     She won another Emmy in 1986 for "The Golden Girls," a sitcom about four older women living together in Miami that featured an age demographic rarely highlighted on American television. White also was nominated for an Emmy six other times for her portrayal of the widowed Rose Nylund, a sweet, naive and ditzy Midwesterner, on the show, which ran from 1985 to 1992 and was one of the top-rated series of its time.     White, who had no children, worked for animal causes. She once turned down a role in the movie "As Good as It Gets" because of a scene in which a dog was thrown in a garbage chute. (Reporting by Alicia Powell in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

By Alicia Powell (Reuters) - The life of comedic actress Betty White is being celebrated in a new biographical comic book. White, who would have turned 100 on Jan.

By Alicia Powell (Reuters) - The life of comedic actress Betty White is being celebrated in a new biographical comic book. White, who would have turned 100 on Jan. 17, capped a career of more than 80 years by becoming America`s geriatric sweetheart. She died on Friday in her sleep at her home, according to her agent. From her early days in television to her iconic role on "The Golden Girls" and her social media fame, the 30-page comic by TidalWave Productions traces her Hollywood journey. The book will be available both digitally and in print and can be found on multiple platforms such as Amazon.com. TidalWave Productions has previously released biographies on celebrities including Carrie Fisher, Lucille Ball, David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor. White won best-supporting actress Emmys for her role on the "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1975 and 1976. She won another Emmy in 1986 for "The Golden Girls," a sitcom about four older women living together in Miami that featured an age demographic rarely highlighted on American television. White also was nominated for an Emmy six other times for her portrayal of the widowed Rose Nylund, a sweet, naive and ditzy Midwesterner, on the show, which ran from 1985 to 1992 and was one of the top-rated series of its time. White, who had no children, worked for animal causes. She once turned down a role in the movie "As Good as It Gets" because of a scene in which a dog was thrown in a garbage chute. (Reporting by Alicia Powell in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Actress Betty White has a last laugh in biographic comic book

By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed a lawsuit by a man who said the grunge rock group Nirvana sexually exploited him by putting a photo of him as a naked, four-month-old baby on the cover of its classic 1991 album "Nevermind." U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin on Monday dismissed the lawsuit after the plaintiff Spencer Elden missed a deadline to respond to the defendants` motion to dismiss the case. Olguin gave Elden until Jan. 13 to file an amended complaint to address alleged problems the defendants identified in his case. A lawyer for Elden did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. In his lawsuit filed last August, Elden, by then aged 30, claimed he had suffered "lifelong damages" from the album cover, which depicted him swimming naked toward a dollar bill pierced with a fish hook. Elden sought at least $150,000 in damages from each of several defendants, including Universal Music Group, Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, and Courtney Love, the widow of Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain who died in 1994. "Nevermind" is one of the best-selling albums ever, with sales topping 30 million worldwide. It features Nirvana`s signature song "Smells Like Teen Spirit." In seeking a dismissal of Elden`s case, the defendants said his claim that the photo amounted to child pornography was "on its face, not serious" under the circumstances. They cited a 1994 court ruling which said no one could seriously believe a painting by French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir of a nude woman, or an innocuous family photo of a naked child in a bathtub, violated child pornography laws. The defendants also said Elden could not claim to be a victim after spending three decades "profiting from his celebrity as the self-anointed `Nirvana Baby.`" Elden has posed as an adult to recreate the photo, including with "Nevermind" tattooed on his chest. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Karishma Singh)

By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed a lawsuit by a man who said the grunge rock group Nirvana sexually exploited him by putting a photo of him as a naked, four-month-old baby on the cover of its classic 1991 album "Nevermind.

By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed a lawsuit by a man who said the grunge rock group Nirvana sexually exploited him by putting a photo of him as a naked, four-month-old baby on the cover of its classic 1991 album "Nevermind." U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin on Monday dismissed the lawsuit after the plaintiff Spencer Elden missed a deadline to respond to the defendants` motion to dismiss the case. Olguin gave Elden until Jan. 13 to file an amended complaint to address alleged problems the defendants identified in his case. A lawyer for Elden did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. In his lawsuit filed last August, Elden, by then aged 30, claimed he had suffered "lifelong damages" from the album cover, which depicted him swimming naked toward a dollar bill pierced with a fish hook. Elden sought at least $150,000 in damages from each of several defendants, including Universal Music Group, Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, and Courtney Love, the widow of Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain who died in 1994. "Nevermind" is one of the best-selling albums ever, with sales topping 30 million worldwide. It features Nirvana`s signature song "Smells Like Teen Spirit." In seeking a dismissal of Elden`s case, the defendants said his claim that the photo amounted to child pornography was "on its face, not serious" under the circumstances. They cited a 1994 court ruling which said no one could seriously believe a painting by French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir of a nude woman, or an innocuous family photo of a naked child in a bathtub, violated child pornography laws. The defendants also said Elden could not claim to be a victim after spending three decades "profiting from his celebrity as the self-anointed `Nirvana Baby.`" Elden has posed as an adult to recreate the photo, including with "Nevermind" tattooed on his chest. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Karishma Singh)

''Nevermind'': Judge dismisses lawsuit by man who was naked baby on Nirvana album

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a scathing response to National President of the Indian Youth Congress, Srinivas BV's inflammatory Tweet over a serious security breach of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy in the northern state of Punjab.

"When PM Modi had his security breached, Congress leaders erupted with joy, asking him how his Josh was.PM Modi, magnanimous as ever, on his way back, communicated, 'Zinda laut raha hoon!'" Smriti Irani, Union Minister, stated. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-lapse-in-indian-pm-narendra-modis-security-convoy-stuck-on-a-flyover-for-20-minutes-442397">Also read | Major lapse in Indian PM Narendra Modi's security, convoy stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes</a>

She also said that "We know the Congress hates PM Modi, but today, they tried to harm the Prime Minister of India.Such is the breakdown of law &amp; order in Punjab that the DGP of police claims he's incapable of providing security support to the PMO and security details.,".

Indian Youth Congress Srinivas BV today tweeted, "Modi ji, how's the Josh?" After a "major security lapse" during PM Modi's visit to Punjab.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Modi ji, 
How's the Josh?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a>
— Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/srinivasiyc/status/1478654449102950400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The home ministry has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government, which, on the other hand, says the Prime Minister returned for a different reason. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extremely-worrisome-bjp-chief-nadda-lashes-at-congress-over-breach-in-security-of-pm-modi-442409">Also read | 'Extremely worrisome': BJP chief Nadda lashes at Congress over breach in security of PM Modi</a>

Voicing concerns about Punjab's current security condition, Smriti Irani said that "Who in the Punjab Govt gave information about the PM's route to individuals who planted themselves atop the flyover?" Video evidence, now publicly available, brings such questions to the fore. "

The prime minister was expected to fly to Ferozepur today after arriving in Bathinda earlier in the day.

According to the MHA, he chose to travel by road because of the bad weather.

A group of protesters obstructed Modi's convoy around 30 kilometres from the National Martyrs' Memorial in Hussainiwala, Ferozepur. The prime minister was "stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a scathing response to National President of the Indian Youth Congress, Srinivas BV's inflammatory Tweet over a serious security breach of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy in the northern state of Punjab.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a scathing response to National President of the Indian Youth Congress, Srinivas BV's inflammatory Tweet over a serious security breach of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy in the northern state of Punjab. "When PM Modi had his security breached, Congress leaders erupted with joy, asking him how his Josh was.PM Modi, magnanimous as ever, on his way back, communicated, 'Zinda laut raha hoon!'" Smriti Irani, Union Minister, stated. Also read | Major lapse in Indian PM Narendra Modi's security, convoy stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes She also said that "We know the Congress hates PM Modi, but today, they tried to harm the Prime Minister of India.Such is the breakdown of law & order in Punjab that the DGP of police claims he's incapable of providing security support to the PMO and security details.,". Indian Youth Congress Srinivas BV today tweeted, "Modi ji, how's the Josh?" After a "major security lapse" during PM Modi's visit to Punjab. Modi ji, How's the Josh?#Punjab — Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) January 5, 2022 × The home ministry has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government, which, on the other hand, says the Prime Minister returned for a different reason. Also read | 'Extremely worrisome': BJP chief Nadda lashes at Congress over breach in security of PM Modi Voicing concerns about Punjab's current security condition, Smriti Irani said that "Who in the Punjab Govt gave information about the PM's route to individuals who planted themselves atop the flyover?" Video evidence, now publicly available, brings such questions to the fore. " The prime minister was expected to fly to Ferozepur today after arriving in Bathinda earlier in the day. According to the MHA, he chose to travel by road because of the bad weather. A group of protesters obstructed Modi's convoy around 30 kilometres from the National Martyrs' Memorial in Hussainiwala, Ferozepur. The prime minister was "stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes". (With inputs from agencies)

PM's security lapse: BJP slams Congress over 'Modi ji, How's the Josh?' tweet

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

India reports over 90,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, 325 deaths

Omicron crisis: Indian as well as global diplomatic engagements impacted

J&K: Four terrorists of TRF arrested from Srinagar City

Former J&K chief ministers to lose elite SSG security cover

China gets an earful from India as Beijing attempts to provoke New Delhi

India, Indonesia FMs discuss Aceh-Andaman-Nicobar connectivity, Myanmar and Afghanistan

PM Narendra Modi security breach: What we know so far about it

India: 125 passengers on charter flight from Italy to Amritsar test positive for COVID-19

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind expresses concern over PM Narendra Modi's security breach

No need for lockdown right now, says Delhi health minister amid COVID-19 surge

India records 90,928 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

India's southern Karnataka state imposes weekend curfew

Punjab CM expresses regret, denies security lapse after PM Modi cuts short visit

India reports over 58,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; over 2,000 Omicron cases

India reaches non-fossil fuel milestone much ahead of 2030 deadline

J&K: Security forces kill three JeM terrorists including Pak national in Pulwama

India records 2,135 Omicron cases in last 24 hours

Jammu and Kashmir: Three Jaish terrorists killed in Pulwama

India reports over 37,000 people testing positive in the last 24 hours amid Omicron threat

Actress Betty White has a last laugh in biographic comic book

''Nevermind'': Judge dismisses lawsuit by man who was naked baby on Nirvana album

''Nevermind'': Judge dismisses lawsuit by man who was naked baby on Nirvana album

''Nevermind'': Judge dismisses lawsuit by man who was naked baby on Nirvana album

Actress Betty White has a last laugh in biographic comic book