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Two terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba&nbsp;including Let Commander Saleem Parray and&nbsp;one&nbsp;foreign terrorist were killed in two operations in Srinagar city’s Shalimar area.&nbsp;

The security forces had input about the presence of terrorists in the Harwan or Shalimar area after which a search operation was launched.

The police said ''During the search operation, the search party was fired upon indiscriminately by hiding terrorist, which was effectively retaliated leading to a brief shootout and&nbsp;elimination of a dreaded terrorist Saleem Parray, linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-lg-announces-slew-of-measures-for-safety-of-pilgrims-after-stampede-at-vaishno-devi-441843" hreflang="en">J&amp;K LG announces slew of measures for safety of pilgrims after stampede</a>

After the killing of Let Terrorist in Shalimar, another operation started in the same area. The security&nbsp;forces killed another foreign terrorist in the operation. ''During the said operation, one foreign terrorist identified as Hafiz&nbsp;Hamza of Pakistan linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT was neutralised,&nbsp;'' said Jammu and Kashmir police.&nbsp;

The police said that the killed terrorist Saleem Parray was a categorized terrorist and active since 2016. He was wanted in several terror crime cases.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-dead-eight-injured-in-explosion-at-firecracker-factory-in-indias-sivakasi-441663" hreflang="en">4 dead, eight injured in explosion at firecracker factory in India's Sivakasi</a>

He was involved in several civilian killings including the killing of Bashir Ahmad Dar and his brother Ghulam Hassan Dar at Shahgund Hajin in 2018, and the killing of Hilal Ahmad Parray at Parray Mohalla Hajin on 16/05/2018. Besides, he was also involved in the throat-slitting of many civilians in the Hajin area. '' said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

The Kashmir Police IGP Vijay Kumar said that ''Pakistani terrorist Hafiz @ Hamza was involved in several terror crimes including the recent killing of two policemen at Gulshan Chowk Bandipora on 10/12/21 and after this terror crime, he shifted to Harwan area of Srinagar due to frequent cordon &amp; search operations in Bandipora area. He was also involved in the killing of a CRPF personnel at Hajin Bandipora, killing of a civilian namely Nadif Hanief Khan of Bilal Colony Soura in Buchpora.''&nbsp;

Police say Incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition were recovered from both the encounter sites. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of law regarding both the encounters and further investigation has been initiated.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Two terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba including Let Commander Saleem Parray and one foreign terrorist were killed in two operations in Srinagar city’s Shalimar area.

Two terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba including Let Commander Saleem Parray and one foreign terrorist were killed in two operations in Srinagar city’s Shalimar area. The security forces had input about the presence of terrorists in the Harwan or Shalimar area after which a search operation was launched. The police said ''During the search operation, the search party was fired upon indiscriminately by hiding terrorist, which was effectively retaliated leading to a brief shootout and elimination of a dreaded terrorist Saleem Parray, linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT.'' Also read | J&K LG announces slew of measures for safety of pilgrims after stampede After the killing of Let Terrorist in Shalimar, another operation started in the same area. The security forces killed another foreign terrorist in the operation. ''During the said operation, one foreign terrorist identified as Hafiz Hamza of Pakistan linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT was neutralised, '' said Jammu and Kashmir police. The police said that the killed terrorist Saleem Parray was a categorized terrorist and active since 2016. He was wanted in several terror crime cases.'' Also read | 4 dead, eight injured in explosion at firecracker factory in India's Sivakasi He was involved in several civilian killings including the killing of Bashir Ahmad Dar and his brother Ghulam Hassan Dar at Shahgund Hajin in 2018, and the killing of Hilal Ahmad Parray at Parray Mohalla Hajin on 16/05/2018. Besides, he was also involved in the throat-slitting of many civilians in the Hajin area. '' said Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Kashmir Police IGP Vijay Kumar said that ''Pakistani terrorist Hafiz @ Hamza was involved in several terror crimes including the recent killing of two policemen at Gulshan Chowk Bandipora on 10/12/21 and after this terror crime, he shifted to Harwan area of Srinagar due to frequent cordon & search operations in Bandipora area. He was also involved in the killing of a CRPF personnel at Hajin Bandipora, killing of a civilian namely Nadif Hanief Khan of Bilal Colony Soura in Buchpora.'' Police say Incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition were recovered from both the encounter sites. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of law regarding both the encounters and further investigation has been initiated.

Two terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba killed in two operations

As covid-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccinations for children aged 15-18. Nearly 12 lakhs teenager have been vaccinated, only Covaxin will be given to teens.

India starts Covid vaccine drive for teenagers, over 8 lakh register for shots

Jammu and Kashmir government has started the vaccination drive for the children in the age group of 15 to 18 years. The government plans to inoculate all the&nbsp;0.83 million children in the age group within the next 10 days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha inaugurated the vaccination drive from Jammu while the additional chief secretary of health &amp; medical education department Vivek Bhardwaj kick-started it at Srinagar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-33750-new-covid-cases-in-24-hours-as-omicron-tally-reaches-1700-441908" hreflang="en">India records 33,750 new Covid cases in 24 hours as Omicron tally reaches 1,700</a>

''There are around&nbsp;0.83 million&nbsp;children in this age bracket across the union territory. There will be around 1,645 vaccination centres across Jammu and Kashmir. Our aim remains to vaccinate one lakh children on a daily basis,'' said Vivek Bhardwaj, additional chief secretary, health and medical education department. &nbsp;

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The government also said that they have received 0.28 million&nbsp;fresh stock of vaccines. The vaccination drive would be fast-tracked as the vaccines are available in good numbers. The government also plans to airlift these vaccines to far flung areas, which generally get cut off due to snowfall. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-tourists-ignored-the-omicron-warning-at-baga-beach-in-goa-441911" hreflang="en">Watch: Tourists ignored the Omicron warning at Baga Beach in Goa</a>

''COVID-19 vaccination starts for children aged 15-18 years in J&amp;K. My humble request to the young friends is to get vaccinated. Vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic,'' said LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The government has also organised supplementary exams for the students, who missed the main exams, due to being Covid positive.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir government has started the vaccination drive for the children in the age group of 15 to 18 years. The government plans to inoculate all the 0.83 million children in the age group within the next 10 days.

Jammu and Kashmir government has started the vaccination drive for the children in the age group of 15 to 18 years. The government plans to inoculate all the 0.83 million children in the age group within the next 10 days. Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha inaugurated the vaccination drive from Jammu while the additional chief secretary of health & medical education department Vivek Bhardwaj kick-started it at Srinagar. Also Read: India records 33,750 new Covid cases in 24 hours as Omicron tally reaches 1,700 ''There are around 0.83 million children in this age bracket across the union territory. There will be around 1,645 vaccination centres across Jammu and Kashmir. Our aim remains to vaccinate one lakh children on a daily basis,'' said Vivek Bhardwaj, additional chief secretary, health and medical education department. The government also said that they have received 0.28 million fresh stock of vaccines. The vaccination drive would be fast-tracked as the vaccines are available in good numbers. The government also plans to airlift these vaccines to far flung areas, which generally get cut off due to snowfall. Also Read: Watch: Tourists ignored the Omicron warning at Baga Beach in Goa ''COVID-19 vaccination starts for children aged 15-18 years in J&K. My humble request to the young friends is to get vaccinated. Vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic,'' said LG of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. The government has also organised supplementary exams for the students, who missed the main exams, due to being Covid positive.

COVID-19 vaccination drive for 0.83 million children in J&K begins

Last year, China's national legislature established a new law on the preservation and exploitation of land border areas, declaring China's sovereignty and territorial integrity "sacred and inviolable," which could have implications for Beijing's border conflict with India.

As a result of the new border law, which goes into force on January 1, India is likely to face more obstacles on its northern border.&nbsp;

China is expected to dig in its heels at the current contested sites along the Line of Actual Control, according to sources, and will build more model border villages, which will be used for both military and civilian purposes.

China had already renamed 15 localities in Arunachal Pradesh on its map on December 30, 2021, in a provocative move.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-exchanges-sweets-with-china-and-pakistan-forces-on-new-years-day-441681">Also read | Indian Army exchanges sweets with China and Pakistan forces on New Year's Day</a>

What is China's new border law?

There are 62 articles and seven chapters in the new border law.

China is required by law to install boundary markers on all of its land borders in order to clearly designate the border.

The new border regulations aren't particular to India, by the way.

China has a 22,457-kilometer land border with 14 nations, including India, which is the third longest after Mongolia and Russia.

The law also states that the state must take steps to strengthen border defence, support economic and social development, open up border areas, and improve public&nbsp;services and infrastructure, encourage and support people's lives and work, and promote coordination between border defence and social and economic development.

Is it a concern for India?&nbsp;

India would undoubtedly be affected by the new border restrictions.

As India continues to try to resolve its long-standing battle with the dragon, these rules take effect.

To begin with, this legislation may become a problem because it prevents permanent infrastructure along the border without China's authorisation.

Both India and China have increased their building activity in recent years, with roads, bridges, and military housing units being built at breakneck speed on both sides of the border.

Furthermore, China's new map includes the whole state of Arunachal Pradesh, the Barahoti Plains in Uttarakhand, and regions in Ladakh up to the 1959 Claim Line.&nbsp;

According to the new rules, these places are now deemed Chinese sovereign territory.

In addition, the new law declares that China will have complete authority over its internal rivers, regardless of neighbouring states' interests.&nbsp;

What effect might it have on India-China relations?

There is still a split in opinion. Regardless of the new law, a lot depends on China's behaviour.

According to some observers, the new rules will cause China to dig in its heels in the existing standoff as well as in the bigger boundary dispute.

Others believe the new law is merely a tool for the Chinese government to use if it so desires, as the government's actions have been aggressive even before the law was enacted.

According to a November Brookings study, "Beijing appears to be signalling its determination to resolve the border conflicts on its preferred terms,"

The law establishes an overarching tone of resolution right away. "&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Last year, China's national legislature established a new law on the preservation and exploitation of land border areas, declaring China's sovereignty and territorial integrity "sacred and inviolable," which could have implications for Beijing's border conflict with India.

Last year, China's national legislature established a new law on the preservation and exploitation of land border areas, declaring China's sovereignty and territorial integrity "sacred and inviolable," which could have implications for Beijing's border conflict with India. As a result of the new border law, which goes into force on January 1, India is likely to face more obstacles on its northern border. China is expected to dig in its heels at the current contested sites along the Line of Actual Control, according to sources, and will build more model border villages, which will be used for both military and civilian purposes. China had already renamed 15 localities in Arunachal Pradesh on its map on December 30, 2021, in a provocative move. Also read | Indian Army exchanges sweets with China and Pakistan forces on New Year's Day What is China's new border law? There are 62 articles and seven chapters in the new border law. China is required by law to install boundary markers on all of its land borders in order to clearly designate the border. The new border regulations aren't particular to India, by the way. China has a 22,457-kilometer land border with 14 nations, including India, which is the third longest after Mongolia and Russia. The law also states that the state must take steps to strengthen border defence, support economic and social development, open up border areas, and improve public services and infrastructure, encourage and support people's lives and work, and promote coordination between border defence and social and economic development. Is it a concern for India? India would undoubtedly be affected by the new border restrictions. As India continues to try to resolve its long-standing battle with the dragon, these rules take effect. To begin with, this legislation may become a problem because it prevents permanent infrastructure along the border without China's authorisation. Both India and China have increased their building activity in recent years, with roads, bridges, and military housing units being built at breakneck speed on both sides of the border. Furthermore, China's new map includes the whole state of Arunachal Pradesh, the Barahoti Plains in Uttarakhand, and regions in Ladakh up to the 1959 Claim Line. According to the new rules, these places are now deemed Chinese sovereign territory. In addition, the new law declares that China will have complete authority over its internal rivers, regardless of neighbouring states' interests. What effect might it have on India-China relations? There is still a split in opinion. Regardless of the new law, a lot depends on China's behaviour. According to some observers, the new rules will cause China to dig in its heels in the existing standoff as well as in the bigger boundary dispute. Others believe the new law is merely a tool for the Chinese government to use if it so desires, as the government's actions have been aggressive even before the law was enacted. According to a November Brookings study, "Beijing appears to be signalling its determination to resolve the border conflicts on its preferred terms," The law establishes an overarching tone of resolution right away. " (With inputs from agencies)

What is China's new land border law and its impact on military standoff with India?

COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 15 to 18 years old began in India on Monday morning.

On Saturday, CoWIN registration for the age group had commenced.

So far, 12,57,603 children aged 15 to 18 have registered to be vaccinated through the CoWIN platform.

The national capital, according to Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, has the potential to vaccinate 3,00,000 youngsters aged 15 to 18 years per day.

The Delhi government and municipal corporations have established COVID immunisation centres in government hospitals, dispensaries, polyclinics, and schools. 
 
Watch:

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The clearance from the government came amid a threat of growing cases of Omicron, the highly infectious variant that is sweeping Europe and the US, replacing Delta as the dominant strain.

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Since schools and colleges opened earlier this year, a substantial number of children and teens have contracted the virus. Several outbreaks have been reported from residential schools and college hostels.

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COVID-19 vaccination starts for children aged 15-18 years in Dr RML Hospital, Delhi 
 
"I got my vaccination registration done online yesterday. Apart from the vaccination, we need to be extra careful &amp; alert for our own safety," says a teenager <a href="https://t.co/kYvlGE5CJ7">pic.twitter.com/kYvlGE5CJ7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1477860075964231681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The vaccination campaign, which is being carried out in collaboration with schools, is taking place in hospitals and health centres.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccination for children in the age group of 15-18 years starts in Jammu. Visuals from a private school in the city <a href="https://t.co/SZUv20DIQU">pic.twitter.com/SZUv20DIQU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1477874425223847936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Vaccination centres are also being employed in a huge number of schools and other educational organisations.

Those who were born before 2007 are eligible for the vaccine.

According to the Union Health Ministry, only Covaxin will be given to teenagers, and more doses of the vaccine will be distributed to all states and union territories.

On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that vaccinations for those aged 15 to 18 would begin on January 3.

Beginning January 10, health staff, frontline workers, and vulnerable senior citizens will receive a third dosage of the vaccine.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 15 to 18 years old began in India on Monday morning. On Saturday, CoWIN registration for the age group had commenced. So far, 12,57,603 children aged 15 to 18 have registered to be vaccinated through the CoWIN platform.

COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 15 to 18 years old began in India on Monday morning. On Saturday, CoWIN registration for the age group had commenced. So far, 12,57,603 children aged 15 to 18 have registered to be vaccinated through the CoWIN platform. The national capital, according to Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, has the potential to vaccinate 3,00,000 youngsters aged 15 to 18 years per day. The Delhi government and municipal corporations have established COVID immunisation centres in government hospitals, dispensaries, polyclinics, and schools. Watch: The clearance from the government came amid a threat of growing cases of Omicron, the highly infectious variant that is sweeping Europe and the US, replacing Delta as the dominant strain. Only Covaxin is approved for beneficiaries aged less than 18 years. Beneficiaries aged 18 & above are eligible for all vaccines. Validations have been put in place in the Co-WIN system to ensure that vaccination is carried out as per government policy: Union Health Ministry × Since schools and colleges opened earlier this year, a substantial number of children and teens have contracted the virus. Several outbreaks have been reported from residential schools and college hostels. COVID-19 vaccination starts for children aged 15-18 years in Dr RML Hospital, Delhi "I got my vaccination registration done online yesterday. Apart from the vaccination, we need to be extra careful & alert for our own safety," says a teenager pic.twitter.com/kYvlGE5CJ7 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2022 × The vaccination campaign, which is being carried out in collaboration with schools, is taking place in hospitals and health centres. Jammu & Kashmir | #COVID19 vaccination for children in the age group of 15-18 years starts in Jammu. Visuals from a private school in the city pic.twitter.com/SZUv20DIQU — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2022 × Vaccination centres are also being employed in a huge number of schools and other educational organisations. Those who were born before 2007 are eligible for the vaccine. According to the Union Health Ministry, only Covaxin will be given to teenagers, and more doses of the vaccine will be distributed to all states and union territories. On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that vaccinations for those aged 15 to 18 would begin on January 3. Beginning January 10, health staff, frontline workers, and vulnerable senior citizens will receive a third dosage of the vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccination for 15-18 age group in India starts amid COVID-19 surge

Despite the troubling Covid spike, a video shared widely on Twitter shows massive crowds at a famous Goa tourist site.

Since the end of December, Goa has seen a considerable influx of tourists, with visitors flocking to the coastal state for the Christmas-New Year holiday season.

The massive flood of tourists, according to officials, has pushed up the COVID-19 positive rate, which reached 10% on Sunday.

"This is a royal welcome to the Covid wave," remarked a Twitter user who goes by the handle @Herman Gomes.

The majority of the visitors are tourists.

Hundreds of people were seen going down a road near Baga Beach in North Goa in the footage.&nbsp;

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This was Baga Beach in Goa ,last night. Please take the Covid scenario seriously. This is a Royal welcome to the Covid wave 👋 Mostly tourists. <a href="https://t.co/mcAdgpqFUO">pic.twitter.com/mcAdgpqFUO</a>
— HermanGomes_journo (@Herman_Gomes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Herman_Gomes/status/1477626585658245122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of domestic tourists flocked to Goa to ring in the New Year at beaches, pubs, and nightclubs, despite the government's severe restrictions aimed at containing the latest strain of the coronavirus.

Hotels, restaurants, and casinos have been instructed by state officials to only accept visitors who have a valid vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test result.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Despite the troubling Covid spike, a video shared widely on Twitter shows massive crowds at a famous Goa tourist site. Since the end of December, Goa has seen a considerable influx of tourists, with visitors flocking to the coastal state for the Christmas-New Year holiday season.

Despite the troubling Covid spike, a video shared widely on Twitter shows massive crowds at a famous Goa tourist site. Since the end of December, Goa has seen a considerable influx of tourists, with visitors flocking to the coastal state for the Christmas-New Year holiday season. The massive flood of tourists, according to officials, has pushed up the COVID-19 positive rate, which reached 10% on Sunday. "This is a royal welcome to the Covid wave," remarked a Twitter user who goes by the handle @Herman Gomes. The majority of the visitors are tourists. Hundreds of people were seen going down a road near Baga Beach in North Goa in the footage. This was Baga Beach in Goa ,last night. Please take the Covid scenario seriously. This is a Royal welcome to the Covid wave 👋 Mostly tourists. pic.twitter.com/mcAdgpqFUO — HermanGomes_journo (@Herman_Gomes) January 2, 2022 × Thousands of domestic tourists flocked to Goa to ring in the New Year at beaches, pubs, and nightclubs, despite the government's severe restrictions aimed at containing the latest strain of the coronavirus. Hotels, restaurants, and casinos have been instructed by state officials to only accept visitors who have a valid vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test result. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Tourists ignored the Omicron warning at Baga Beach in Goa

As COVID-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccination for children aged 15 to 18. Over 12 lakh teens have registered in the government's CoWIN portal.

India has opened vaccination for children aged 15 to 18 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases

India records 33,750 fresh cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours. And around 1,700 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in the country till now. &nbsp;

Covid tally of the country has spiked to 3,49,22,882. The active cases have also risen to 1,45,582, as per the Union health ministry's data updated on Monday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccination-for-15-18-age-group-in-india-starts-amid-covid-19-surge-441852" hreflang="en">Vaccination for 15-18 age group in India starts amid COVID-19 surge</a>

Around 639 patients of Omicron have either recovered or migrated. The new variant of coronavirus has come up in 23 states and union territories so far. &nbsp;

The maximum number of Omicron cases have come up in Maharashtra (510), followed by Delhi (351), Kerala (156), Gujarat (136), Tamil Nadu (121) and Rajasthan (120). &nbsp;

With 123 more fatalities, the death toll climbed to 4,81,893, the data updated at 8 am showed. Of the new fatalities, 78 have come from Kerala and nine from Maharashtra. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-covid-omicron-vaccine-travel-updates-440325" hreflang="en">LIVE | Children are excited to take the vaccine, says vaccinator</a>

The number of active cases has also increased to 1,45,582. In the active COVID-19 caseload, a hike of 22,781 cases has been recorded in 24 hours. &nbsp;

The tally of people, who have recovered from the disease, increased to 3,42,95,407. &nbsp;

In the country, a total of 4,81,893 deaths have been reported till now. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India records 33,750 fresh cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours. And around 1,700 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in the country till now. Covid tally of the country has spiked to 3,49,22,882.

India records 33,750 fresh cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours. And around 1,700 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in the country till now. Covid tally of the country has spiked to 3,49,22,882. The active cases have also risen to 1,45,582, as per the Union health ministry's data updated on Monday. Also Read: Vaccination for 15-18 age group in India starts amid COVID-19 surge Around 639 patients of Omicron have either recovered or migrated. The new variant of coronavirus has come up in 23 states and union territories so far. The maximum number of Omicron cases have come up in Maharashtra (510), followed by Delhi (351), Kerala (156), Gujarat (136), Tamil Nadu (121) and Rajasthan (120). With 123 more fatalities, the death toll climbed to 4,81,893, the data updated at 8 am showed. Of the new fatalities, 78 have come from Kerala and nine from Maharashtra. Also Read: LIVE | Children are excited to take the vaccine, says vaccinator The number of active cases has also increased to 1,45,582. In the active COVID-19 caseload, a hike of 22,781 cases has been recorded in 24 hours. The tally of people, who have recovered from the disease, increased to 3,42,95,407. In the country, a total of 4,81,893 deaths have been reported till now. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 33,750 new Covid cases in 24 hours as Omicron tally reaches 1,700

India has recorded 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours and the tally of Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 1,525, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Sunday. &nbsp;

The Covid tally in the country rose to 3,48,89,132, while the active cases have increased to 1,22,801. &nbsp;

Omicron has been detected across 23 states and Union Territories so far. Around 560 have either recovered or migrated, as per the government data updated at 8 am. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-exchanges-sweets-with-china-and-pakistan-forces-on-new-years-day-441681" hreflang="en">Indian Army exchanges sweets with China and Pakistan forces on New Year's Day</a>

In Maharashtra, a total of 460 cases have been recorded. In Delhi, the tally is 351, Gujarat 136, Tamil Nadu 117 and Kerala 109. &nbsp;

With 284 more fatalities, the death toll has touched 4,81,770, the data said. These new deaths include 241 from Kerala and nine from West Bengal. &nbsp;

The daily positivity rate has also reached 2.55 per cent. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-wheat-to-afghanistan-in-coming-weeks-mea-441673" hreflang="en">India to send wheat to Afghanistan in coming weeks: MEA</a>

The active cases have reached 1,22,801, comprising 0.35 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid recovery rate was registered at 98.27 per cent, the ministry said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a span of 24 hours, an increase of 18,020 cases has been registered in the active Covid caseload. &nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, increased to 3,42,84,561. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India has recorded 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours and the tally of Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 1,525, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Sunday.

India has recorded 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours and the tally of Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 1,525, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Sunday. The Covid tally in the country rose to 3,48,89,132, while the active cases have increased to 1,22,801. Omicron has been detected across 23 states and Union Territories so far. Around 560 have either recovered or migrated, as per the government data updated at 8 am. Also Read: Indian Army exchanges sweets with China and Pakistan forces on New Year's Day In Maharashtra, a total of 460 cases have been recorded. In Delhi, the tally is 351, Gujarat 136, Tamil Nadu 117 and Kerala 109. With 284 more fatalities, the death toll has touched 4,81,770, the data said. These new deaths include 241 from Kerala and nine from West Bengal. The daily positivity rate has also reached 2.55 per cent. Also Read | India to send wheat to Afghanistan in coming weeks: MEA The active cases have reached 1,22,801, comprising 0.35 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid recovery rate was registered at 98.27 per cent, the ministry said. In a span of 24 hours, an increase of 18,020 cases has been registered in the active Covid caseload. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, increased to 3,42,84,561. (With inputs from agencies)

India registers 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours, Omicron tally rises to 1,525

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday announced a slew of measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir`s Katra.

In a series of tweets, the Office of J-K LG informed that in a meeting chaired by him with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, it was decided that steps including decongestion of the entire track, appropriate use of technology for effective crowd and queue management, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking shall be installed.

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The LG in a tweet said, "Steps including decongestion of the entire track, appropriate use of technology for effective crowd and queue management, RFID Tracking to be put in place. Members of the Board to monitor the implementation."

Sinha further announced an additional ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh for the Next of Kin (NoK) of the pilgrims who lost their lives in the Vaishno Devi stampede that claimed the lives of 12 pilgrims and left several others injured on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stampede-at-indias-vaishno-devi-shrine-12-dead-20-injured-441529" hreflang="en">Stampede at India’s Vaishno Devi shrine: 12 dead, 20 injured</a>

The Office of J&amp;K LG tweeted, "Chaired a meeting of SMVD Shrine Board. Several decisions have been taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Besides Rs 10 lakh announced as an ex-gratia, an additional amount of Rs 5 lakh is to be given to the NoK of the pilgrims who lost their lives in the unfortunate tragic incident."

It added, "Directions issued for physical and systematic improvements wherever required after critical examination, augmentation of infrastructure, online booking to be made 100 per cent."

Earlier in the day, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Raghav Langer, probing the Mata Vaishno Devi stampede incident has issued a public notice stating that those desiring to submit any evidence or facts may appear before the enquiry committee either online or in-person by January 5.

The stampede took place at around 2:15 am near gate no. 3 at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.Police said that as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by the stampede.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday announced a slew of measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir`s Katra.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday announced a slew of measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir`s Katra. In a series of tweets, the Office of J-K LG informed that in a meeting chaired by him with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, it was decided that steps including decongestion of the entire track, appropriate use of technology for effective crowd and queue management, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking shall be installed. The LG in a tweet said, "Steps including decongestion of the entire track, appropriate use of technology for effective crowd and queue management, RFID Tracking to be put in place. Members of the Board to monitor the implementation." Sinha further announced an additional ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh for the Next of Kin (NoK) of the pilgrims who lost their lives in the Vaishno Devi stampede that claimed the lives of 12 pilgrims and left several others injured on Saturday. Also read | Stampede at India’s Vaishno Devi shrine: 12 dead, 20 injured The Office of J&K LG tweeted, "Chaired a meeting of SMVD Shrine Board. Several decisions have been taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Besides Rs 10 lakh announced as an ex-gratia, an additional amount of Rs 5 lakh is to be given to the NoK of the pilgrims who lost their lives in the unfortunate tragic incident." It added, "Directions issued for physical and systematic improvements wherever required after critical examination, augmentation of infrastructure, online booking to be made 100 per cent." Earlier in the day, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Raghav Langer, probing the Mata Vaishno Devi stampede incident has issued a public notice stating that those desiring to submit any evidence or facts may appear before the enquiry committee either online or in-person by January 5. The stampede took place at around 2:15 am near gate no. 3 at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.Police said that as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by the stampede.

J&K LG announces slew of measures for safety of pilgrims after stampede at Vaishno Devi

Two Chinese smartphone makers operating in India may be fined Rs 10 <a name="_Hlk91924825">billion (US $134&nbsp;million approx.) </a>for violating a tax law relating to non-disclosures of transactions with associated enterprises.

On December 21, the Income Tax department had carried out search and seizure operations across India after receiving a tip-off on select foreign-controlled mobile communication and mobile handset manufacturing companies and their associated persons.

Several premises in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi NCR were covered.

“The search revealed that two major companies have made remittance in the nature of royalty, to and on behalf of its group companies located abroad, which aggregates to over Rs 5,500 crore. The claim of such expenses does not seem to be appropriate in light of the facts and evidence gathered during the search,” the I-T department said in a statement without naming the Chinese mobile manufacturers, but media reports confirmed the names Xiaomi and Oppo.

“It is gathered that both these companies had not complied with the regulatory mandate prescribed under the Income-tax Act, 1961 for disclosure of transactions with associated enterprises. Such lapse makes them liable for penal action under the Income-tax Act, 1961, the quantum of which could be in the range of more than Rs 1,000 crore (US $ <a name="_Hlk91924825">134&nbsp;</a>million approx.),” the CBDT statement added.

The tax sleuths also found that one of the companies utilised the services of another entity located in India but did not comply with the provisions of tax deduction at source introduced since April 1, 2020, and the quantum of liability of TDS on this account could be around Rs 3 billion (US $42 million).

(With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese smartphone makers operating in India may be fined Rs 10 billion (US $134 million approx.) for violating a tax law relating to non-disclosures of transactions with associated enterprises.

Two Chinese smartphone makers operating in India may be fined Rs 10 billion (US $134 million approx.) for violating a tax law relating to non-disclosures of transactions with associated enterprises. On December 21, the Income Tax department had carried out search and seizure operations across India after receiving a tip-off on select foreign-controlled mobile communication and mobile handset manufacturing companies and their associated persons. Several premises in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi NCR were covered. “The search revealed that two major companies have made remittance in the nature of royalty, to and on behalf of its group companies located abroad, which aggregates to over Rs 5,500 crore. The claim of such expenses does not seem to be appropriate in light of the facts and evidence gathered during the search,” the I-T department said in a statement without naming the Chinese mobile manufacturers, but media reports confirmed the names Xiaomi and Oppo. “It is gathered that both these companies had not complied with the regulatory mandate prescribed under the Income-tax Act, 1961 for disclosure of transactions with associated enterprises. Such lapse makes them liable for penal action under the Income-tax Act, 1961, the quantum of which could be in the range of more than Rs 1,000 crore (US $ 134 million approx.),” the CBDT statement added. The tax sleuths also found that one of the companies utilised the services of another entity located in India but did not comply with the provisions of tax deduction at source introduced since April 1, 2020, and the quantum of liability of TDS on this account could be around Rs 3 billion (US $42 million). (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese phone makers break tax laws in India, may face $134 million fine

On the first day of 2022, the Indian military swapped sweets with Pakistani and Chinese forces at the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

The Indian and Chinese military exchanged sweets at ten locations along the Line of Actual Control, ranging from Eastern Ladakh through Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh.

KK Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, DBO, Bottleneck, Konkala, Chushul Moldo, Demchok Hotspring, Nathula, Kongrala, Bum La, and Wacha Damai are among these sites.&nbsp;

The news comes as India and China's soldiers have been locked in a tense standoff for the past two years along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In the year 2020, India lost 20 soldiers in the Galwan incident, while China confirmed the death of four soldiers.

Even as Beijing maintains its hostile posture, relations have deteriorated since then.&nbsp;

Several rounds of military and diplomatic discussions have taken place, with certain places such as Pangong Lake and Gogra seeing disengagement, but the situation remains tense. 
 
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The talks take place on the same day as China's land border law, which deals with border protection and integration, goes into force, posing a security threat to many countries in the region, including India.

New Delhi has denounced the new rule, calling it a "unilateral decision" that might "have implications on our existing bilateral arrangements on border management as well as on the boundary question, which is of concern to us," according to a statement from the ministry of external affairs.

China issued new names for 15 sites in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh last week, further infuriating India.&nbsp;

Sweets were also exchanged with Pakistani troops at the LoC's Chilliana Tithwal Crossing point, Chakoti Uri Crossing point, Poonch Rawlakot Crossing point, and Mendhar Hot Springs Crossing point.&nbsp;

An Indian Army release said, "Over the years, India has continuously endeavoured to sweeten and strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan through goodwill gestures like this one across the spectrum to ensure peace and tranquility in the region."

In February of last year, India and Pakistan agreed to maintain a truce along the Line of Control.

In a rare joint statement issued in February, New Delhi and Islamabad reaffirmed their adherence to the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

On February 24–25, 2021, at 12 am, the agreement on respecting the ceasefire went into force.

On the first day of 2022, the Indian military swapped sweets with Pakistani and Chinese forces at the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

On the first day of 2022, the Indian military swapped sweets with Pakistani and Chinese forces at the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Indian and Chinese military exchanged sweets at ten locations along the Line of Actual Control, ranging from Eastern Ladakh through Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh. KK Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, DBO, Bottleneck, Konkala, Chushul Moldo, Demchok Hotspring, Nathula, Kongrala, Bum La, and Wacha Damai are among these sites. The news comes as India and China's soldiers have been locked in a tense standoff for the past two years along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In the year 2020, India lost 20 soldiers in the Galwan incident, while China confirmed the death of four soldiers. Even as Beijing maintains its hostile posture, relations have deteriorated since then. Several rounds of military and diplomatic discussions have taken place, with certain places such as Pangong Lake and Gogra seeing disengagement, but the situation remains tense. The talks take place on the same day as China's land border law, which deals with border protection and integration, goes into force, posing a security threat to many countries in the region, including India. New Delhi has denounced the new rule, calling it a "unilateral decision" that might "have implications on our existing bilateral arrangements on border management as well as on the boundary question, which is of concern to us," according to a statement from the ministry of external affairs. China issued new names for 15 sites in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh last week, further infuriating India. Sweets were also exchanged with Pakistani troops at the LoC's Chilliana Tithwal Crossing point, Chakoti Uri Crossing point, Poonch Rawlakot Crossing point, and Mendhar Hot Springs Crossing point. An Indian Army release said, "Over the years, India has continuously endeavoured to sweeten and strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan through goodwill gestures like this one across the spectrum to ensure peace and tranquility in the region." In February of last year, India and Pakistan agreed to maintain a truce along the Line of Control. In a rare joint statement issued in February, New Delhi and Islamabad reaffirmed their adherence to the 2003 ceasefire agreement. On February 24–25, 2021, at 12 am, the agreement on respecting the ceasefire went into force.

Indian Army exchanges sweets with China and Pakistan forces on New Year's Day

India detected 163 more Omicron cases in the past 24 hours, taking their tally to 1,431, data from India’s health showed on Saturday.

Maharashtra&nbsp;topped the list with the highest number of 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351, Kerala 118 and Gujarat 115.

So far, 23 states and union territories have recorded 1,431 cases of the new variant of the coronavirus, of which 488 of them have either recovered or migrated.

Meanwhile, India saw 22,775 new infections and 406 deaths in the last 24 hours, with 8,949 recoveries.

With recorded new infections, the daily rise in COVID-19 cases crossed the 16,000-mark in the country after around 65 days, taking the infection tally to 3,48,61,579, while the count of active cases increased to 1,04,781, according to the data updated at 8 am.

<img alt="India's Omicron cases " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d910e481-0528-43da-8995-983dac215fc8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hrr.jpeg" />

The active cases comprised 0.30 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.32 per cent, the health ministry said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-omicron-death-registered-in-indias-maharashtra-state-441335">&nbsp;First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state</a>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestones of two crore cases on May 4, 2021 and three crore on June 23.

Meanwhile, India has begun immunisation of children in the 15-18 age group against Covid.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-state-of-west-bengal-temporarily-suspends-flights-from-uk-amid-rise-in-omicron-cases-441196" hreflang="en">Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases</a>

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the COWIN portal is now accepting registration for vaccination of children in the age group against COVID-19.

Taking to Twitter, he requested people to register eligible children in their families for this.

"On the occasion of New Year, registration is being started on COWIN portal for immunization of children against #COVID19 in the age group of 15 to 18 years from today. I request the family members to register the eligible children for vaccination. #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine," Mandaviya tweeted.

Covid vaccination for children in the 15-18 age group will start from January 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

India detected 163 more Omicron cases in the past 24 hours, taking their tally to 1,431, data from India’s health showed on Saturday. Maharashtra topped the list with the highest number of 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351, Kerala 118 and Gujarat 115.

India detected 163 more Omicron cases in the past 24 hours, taking their tally to 1,431, data from India’s health showed on Saturday. Maharashtra topped the list with the highest number of 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351, Kerala 118 and Gujarat 115. So far, 23 states and union territories have recorded 1,431 cases of the new variant of the coronavirus, of which 488 of them have either recovered or migrated. Meanwhile, India saw 22,775 new infections and 406 deaths in the last 24 hours, with 8,949 recoveries. With recorded new infections, the daily rise in COVID-19 cases crossed the 16,000-mark in the country after around 65 days, taking the infection tally to 3,48,61,579, while the count of active cases increased to 1,04,781, according to the data updated at 8 am. The active cases comprised 0.30 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.32 per cent, the health ministry said. Also read | First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestones of two crore cases on May 4, 2021 and three crore on June 23. Meanwhile, India has begun immunisation of children in the 15-18 age group against Covid. Also Read: Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the COWIN portal is now accepting registration for vaccination of children in the age group against COVID-19. Taking to Twitter, he requested people to register eligible children in their families for this. "On the occasion of New Year, registration is being started on COWIN portal for immunization of children against #COVID19 in the age group of 15 to 18 years from today. I request the family members to register the eligible children for vaccination. #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine," Mandaviya tweeted. Covid vaccination for children in the 15-18 age group will start from January 3. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s daily Covid cases rise by 22,775, Omicron tally stands at 1,431

After vaccines were delivered on the first day of the New Year 2022, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that wheat would be provided to Afghanistan in the "coming weeks."

The MEA, in a statement, said, "In coming weeks, we will be undertaking the supply of wheat and the remaining medical assistance. In this regard, we are in touch with UN agencies and others to finalise the modalities for transportation. "

India has committed to providing the Afghan people with 50,000 MT of wheat, life-saving medications, and COVID vaccines.

Overland Pakistan was one of the options for delivering the supplies.

Despite the fact that Islamabad has publicly announced that it will facilitate supply flow, no transfer has yet taken place, even as New Delhi and Islamabad continue to debate the logistics of the transfer.

Meanwhile, India has been sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Iran's Mahan air as commercial cargo since the Taliban took control in August of last year.

The second batch of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccination (COVAXIN) was shipped from New Delhi to Afghanistan and was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kabul.

In the next few weeks, another batch of 500,000 pills will be delivered.

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The government of India has committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people consisting of food grains, one million doses of the COVID vaccine and essential life-saving drugs."

Last month, India sent 1.6 metric tonnes of medicine to Afghanistan via Kam airway, the first such consignment under the Taliban regime. The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban government have no formal ties, but New Delhi has publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group--one in Doha and another in Moscow. The Taliban has also admitted to having discussions with the Indian government.

When the first supplies came, the Taliban welcomed them. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Taliban foreign ministry, said, "We appreciate the arrival of two&nbsp;tonnes of Indian-assisted medicine to Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul."

The same flight saw many Afghan Hindus and Sikhs coming to India, while 85 Afghan nationals stuck in India were reaching back to their homeland.

After vaccines were delivered on the first day of the New Year 2022, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that wheat would be provided to Afghanistan in the "coming weeks.

After vaccines were delivered on the first day of the New Year 2022, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that wheat would be provided to Afghanistan in the "coming weeks." The MEA, in a statement, said, "In coming weeks, we will be undertaking the supply of wheat and the remaining medical assistance. In this regard, we are in touch with UN agencies and others to finalise the modalities for transportation. " India has committed to providing the Afghan people with 50,000 MT of wheat, life-saving medications, and COVID vaccines. Overland Pakistan was one of the options for delivering the supplies. Despite the fact that Islamabad has publicly announced that it will facilitate supply flow, no transfer has yet taken place, even as New Delhi and Islamabad continue to debate the logistics of the transfer. Meanwhile, India has been sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Iran's Mahan air as commercial cargo since the Taliban took control in August of last year. The second batch of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccination (COVAXIN) was shipped from New Delhi to Afghanistan and was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kabul. In the next few weeks, another batch of 500,000 pills will be delivered. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The government of India has committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people consisting of food grains, one million doses of the COVID vaccine and essential life-saving drugs." Last month, India sent 1.6 metric tonnes of medicine to Afghanistan via Kam airway, the first such consignment under the Taliban regime. The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban government have no formal ties, but New Delhi has publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group--one in Doha and another in Moscow. The Taliban has also admitted to having discussions with the Indian government. When the first supplies came, the Taliban welcomed them. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Taliban foreign ministry, said, "We appreciate the arrival of two tonnes of Indian-assisted medicine to Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul." The same flight saw many Afghan Hindus and Sikhs coming to India, while 85 Afghan nationals stuck in India were reaching back to their homeland.

India to send wheat to Afghanistan in coming weeks: MEA

At least 12 pilgrims have died, and several people have been injured in a stampede that has taken place at the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi in the town of Katra in Jammu Kashmir.

India: At least 12 dead, several injured in a stampede at the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi

In a tragic development, around 12 people lost their lives and 20 others got hurt after a stampede occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials on Saturday. &nbsp;

The incident happened near gate number three, which is located outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-defers-gst-hike-on-textile-products-after-several-states-object-441416" hreflang="en">Indian govt defers GST hike on textile products after several states object</a>

The devotees had come in large numbers to pay their obeisance to mark beginning of the New Year, the officials said. &nbsp;

At the scene, the senior officials and representatives of the shrine board have reached. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I’m immediately rushing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Katra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Katra</a> to take stock of the situation arising out of the tragedy at Mata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaishnoDevi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaishnoDevi</a> Shrine. I look forward to have a detailed discussion with the administration and report it back to Hon’ble PM Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a>.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1477105495886360576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The bodies of 12 people, who have died in the stampede, have been taken to a hospital in the Katra base camp for identification and other formalities. &nbsp;

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Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased &amp; prayers with the injured.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1477096991712628737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Several of the injured people are undergoing treatment at Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, the officials said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-omicron-death-registered-in-indias-maharashtra-state-441335" hreflang="en">First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state</a>

The condition of four of the hurt seems to be "critical". The shrine is still open and devotees are paying obeisance. &nbsp;

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Spoke to Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. Briefed him about the incident. A high level inquiry has been ordered into today's stampede. 
 
The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1477098975199068160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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J&amp;K LG Manoj Sinha, said, “An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those, who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; Rs 2 lakh for the injured.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs.2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1477096999644106752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into the incident. “It will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” added Sinha. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a tragic development, around 12 people lost their lives and 20 others got hurt after a stampede occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials on Saturday.

In a tragic development, around 12 people lost their lives and 20 others got hurt after a stampede occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials on Saturday. The incident happened near gate number three, which is located outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills. Also Read: Indian govt defers GST hike on textile products after several states object The devotees had come in large numbers to pay their obeisance to mark beginning of the New Year, the officials said. At the scene, the senior officials and representatives of the shrine board have reached. I’m immediately rushing to #Katra to take stock of the situation arising out of the tragedy at Mata #VaishnoDevi Shrine. I look forward to have a detailed discussion with the administration and report it back to Hon’ble PM Sh @NarendraModi. — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 1, 2022 × The bodies of 12 people, who have died in the stampede, have been taken to a hospital in the Katra base camp for identification and other formalities. Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022 × Several of the injured people are undergoing treatment at Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, the officials said. Also Read: First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state The condition of four of the hurt seems to be "critical". The shrine is still open and devotees are paying obeisance. Spoke to Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. Briefed him about the incident. A high level inquiry has been ordered into today's stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022 × J&K LG Manoj Sinha, said, “An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those, who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; Rs 2 lakh for the injured.” Ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs.2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022 × A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into the incident. “It will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” added Sinha. (With inputs from agencies)

Stampede at India’s Vaishno Devi shrine: 12 dead, 20 injured

Indian drone firm Garuda Aerospace is working on fulfilling orders from foreign customers for 8,000 drones that serve purposes including agriculture (pesticide spraying), industrial inspection, and mapping.

Besides these drones that will have to be delivered to clients across the UAE, Malaysia, and Panama, the company is working on fulfilling orders with Indian government-run and private entities.

WION&nbsp;spoke to Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, to understand how the company is scaling up capacity to meet the demand.&nbsp;

Garuda’s drones recently completed mapping of over 1000 villages for Survey of India - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swamitva scheme, which aims to provide digital records of land ownership. When queried about the pace at which this was done and the scale of operation, Agnishwar explained that a single drone was able to map five villages (each measuring up to 3 sq km) in a day and that they had deployed a sizable fleet to map 1000 villages in a month. Their work involved not just aerial mapping, but also providing the final output of processed map data.&nbsp;

Their work for clients in India includes services such as pipeline inspection for Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the National Highways Authority of India Surveillance Project (to monitor highway construction) and catering to the mapping and topographical survey needs of energy companies like Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, and Tata projects, among others.&nbsp;

On the steep target of having to deliver 8,000 drones to foreign clients by March 2022, Agnishwar said that the company has ramped up manufacturing capacity by opening two new facilities. "Earlier, we could churn out up to 30 drones per day from our lone Chennai facility, but with the new units in Gurgaon and Hosur, we can produce up to a total of 100-150 drones a day. We had the opportunity to invest and expand this way owing to the new orders and encouraging revenue, " he added.&nbsp;

According to Agnishwar, selling agriculture and mapping drones to foreign countries would mean that Garuda would have to setup an assembly facility and provide support services in the respective countries, as well. "They will give us the land and manpower support. We’ll send a small team, parts, tools, and equipment to supervise and provide training.

While he does admit that delivery of all 8,000 drones by March 2022 is an aggressive target, he hopes to enable delivery of a significant portion of the order within the deadline.&nbsp;

Indian drone firm Garuda Aerospace is working on fulfilling orders from foreign customers for 8,000 drones that serve purposes including agriculture (pesticide spraying), industrial inspection, and mapping.

Indian drone firm Garuda Aerospace is working on fulfilling orders from foreign customers for 8,000 drones that serve purposes including agriculture (pesticide spraying), industrial inspection, and mapping. Besides these drones that will have to be delivered to clients across the UAE, Malaysia, and Panama, the company is working on fulfilling orders with Indian government-run and private entities. WION spoke to Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, to understand how the company is scaling up capacity to meet the demand. Garuda’s drones recently completed mapping of over 1000 villages for Survey of India - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swamitva scheme, which aims to provide digital records of land ownership. When queried about the pace at which this was done and the scale of operation, Agnishwar explained that a single drone was able to map five villages (each measuring up to 3 sq km) in a day and that they had deployed a sizable fleet to map 1000 villages in a month. Their work involved not just aerial mapping, but also providing the final output of processed map data. Their work for clients in India includes services such as pipeline inspection for Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the National Highways Authority of India Surveillance Project (to monitor highway construction) and catering to the mapping and topographical survey needs of energy companies like Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, and Tata projects, among others. On the steep target of having to deliver 8,000 drones to foreign clients by March 2022, Agnishwar said that the company has ramped up manufacturing capacity by opening two new facilities. "Earlier, we could churn out up to 30 drones per day from our lone Chennai facility, but with the new units in Gurgaon and Hosur, we can produce up to a total of 100-150 drones a day. We had the opportunity to invest and expand this way owing to the new orders and encouraging revenue, " he added. According to Agnishwar, selling agriculture and mapping drones to foreign countries would mean that Garuda would have to setup an assembly facility and provide support services in the respective countries, as well. "They will give us the land and manpower support. We’ll send a small team, parts, tools, and equipment to supervise and provide training. While he does admit that delivery of all 8,000 drones by March 2022 is an aggressive target, he hopes to enable delivery of a significant portion of the order within the deadline.

This Indian firm to deliver 8,000 agro, mapping, and inspection drones to UAE, Malaysia, and Panama

Four workers at a firecracker unit near Sivakasi, died in an explosion on Saturday, as work was underway to mix chemicals within the factory premises. The factory is understood to have been performing the customary ritual of starting work on New Year’s Day. Residents in the vicinity had alerted the police, fire and rescue departments after having heard an explosion.&nbsp;

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4 workers lost their lives and upto 8 workers are undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi govt hospital, after a blast occurred at a firecracker unit in the area 
 
Work to mix chemicals is said to have been underway, when the blast ripped through the building 
 
Probe on by officials <a href="https://t.co/wr68tt3XAJ">pic.twitter.com/wr68tt3XAJ</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1477222344431005697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Up to eight others were also injured as a result of this explosion, and are undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi government hospital. As a result, nearly three rooms in the factory were reduced to rubble as a result of the blast impact. Police and district officials are conducting a probe to ascertain the details of the incident.&nbsp;

Videos from the site showed the public gathered around the factory, in large numbers and earthmovers clearing the rubble. Rescue personnel were also seen at work, preparing an ambulance bed to rescue those who were involved in the unfortunate accident.&nbsp;

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Rescue personnell seen preparing an ambulance bed to carey the firecracker factory blast victims to the nearest hospital... <a href="https://t.co/nG2r5jFlQw">pic.twitter.com/nG2r5jFlQw</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1477223475316092931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Similar tragic blasts at firecracker units are common occurrences and repeat multiple times a year, despite stern warnings from the courts that such units must be regulated, inspected by authorities, and made to follow adequate precautions.

Four workers at a firecracker unit near Sivakasi, died in an explosion on Saturday, as work was underway to mix chemicals within the factory premises. The factory is understood to have been performing the customary ritual of starting work on New Year’s Day.

Four workers at a firecracker unit near Sivakasi, died in an explosion on Saturday, as work was underway to mix chemicals within the factory premises. The factory is understood to have been performing the customary ritual of starting work on New Year’s Day. Residents in the vicinity had alerted the police, fire and rescue departments after having heard an explosion. 4 workers lost their lives and upto 8 workers are undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi govt hospital, after a blast occurred at a firecracker unit in the area Work to mix chemicals is said to have been underway, when the blast ripped through the building Probe on by officials pic.twitter.com/wr68tt3XAJ — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) January 1, 2022 × Up to eight others were also injured as a result of this explosion, and are undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi government hospital. As a result, nearly three rooms in the factory were reduced to rubble as a result of the blast impact. Police and district officials are conducting a probe to ascertain the details of the incident. Videos from the site showed the public gathered around the factory, in large numbers and earthmovers clearing the rubble. Rescue personnel were also seen at work, preparing an ambulance bed to rescue those who were involved in the unfortunate accident. Rescue personnell seen preparing an ambulance bed to carey the firecracker factory blast victims to the nearest hospital... pic.twitter.com/nG2r5jFlQw — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) January 1, 2022 × Similar tragic blasts at firecracker units are common occurrences and repeat multiple times a year, despite stern warnings from the courts that such units must be regulated, inspected by authorities, and made to follow adequate precautions.

Four dead, eight injured in explosion at firecracker factory in India's Sivakasi

An emerald lingam claimed to be worth Rs 5 billion has been recovered from a bank locker of a man in the Indian Southern State of Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur on Thursday.&nbsp;

The idol wing of the CID police, led by ADGP K Jayanth Murali, informed the media in Chennai on Friday that they had acted on a tip that antique idols were being housed at a residence in Thanjavur.&nbsp;

The emerald lingam known as the 'Maragatha Lingam' (Shiva Lingam carved out of emerald) is estimated to be worth Rs 5 billion and was taken from the old Sri Thiyagaraja Swamy Temple, maintained by the Dharmapuram Aadheenam in Thirukkuvalai near Nagapattinam in 2016.&nbsp;

The emerald lingam was taken from the bank locker by the police squad.

According to the sources, a scientific investigation will be performed to determine its age, but it is expected to be 1,000 years old.

A case has been filed and is being investigated by the Idol wing police.&nbsp;

The 1,000-year-old emerald lingam taken from the temple was thought to have been imported by King Rajendra Chola from an East Asian kingdom during his reign.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An emerald lingam claimed to be worth Rs 5 billion has been recovered from a bank locker of a man in the Indian Southern State of Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur on Thursday.

An emerald lingam claimed to be worth Rs 5 billion has been recovered from a bank locker of a man in the Indian Southern State of Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur on Thursday. The idol wing of the CID police, led by ADGP K Jayanth Murali, informed the media in Chennai on Friday that they had acted on a tip that antique idols were being housed at a residence in Thanjavur. The emerald lingam known as the 'Maragatha Lingam' (Shiva Lingam carved out of emerald) is estimated to be worth Rs 5 billion and was taken from the old Sri Thiyagaraja Swamy Temple, maintained by the Dharmapuram Aadheenam in Thirukkuvalai near Nagapattinam in 2016. The emerald lingam was taken from the bank locker by the police squad. According to the sources, a scientific investigation will be performed to determine its age, but it is expected to be 1,000 years old. A case has been filed and is being investigated by the Idol wing police. The 1,000-year-old emerald lingam taken from the temple was thought to have been imported by King Rajendra Chola from an East Asian kingdom during his reign. (With inputs from agencies)

Antique ‘emerald Shiva Lingam’ worth Rs 5 billion seized from Indian businessman

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said on Saturday that between January 4 and 7, rainfall or snowfall could be expected in most parts of the western Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, due to an active western disturbance approaching north-west India.&nbsp;

"A western disturbance is impacting Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, region. Under its influence, we are expecting scattered rainfall or snowfall over the region in the next 48 hours. From January 4, an active western disturbance will approach northwest India. Under its influence from January 4-7, there could be rainfall or snowfall at most places over the western Himalayan region like J-K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It will cause light to moderate rain or thundershower over plains of northwest India including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh," Mohapatra said.

He went on to say that as the western disturbance moves east, its intensity would reduce, but rainfall activity will increase into eastern India.

"As the western disturbance approaches north east India, the temperature rises. Therefore, the cold wave conditions that we are experiencing in some places over northwest India, will gradually abate. From January 4, the temperature in the planes of the country will be normal or above normal," the senior IMD official said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said on Saturday that between January 4 and 7, rainfall or snowfall could be expected in most parts of the western Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, due to an active western disturbance approaching north-west India.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said on Saturday that between January 4 and 7, rainfall or snowfall could be expected in most parts of the western Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, due to an active western disturbance approaching north-west India. "A western disturbance is impacting Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, region. Under its influence, we are expecting scattered rainfall or snowfall over the region in the next 48 hours. From January 4, an active western disturbance will approach northwest India. Under its influence from January 4-7, there could be rainfall or snowfall at most places over the western Himalayan region like J-K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It will cause light to moderate rain or thundershower over plains of northwest India including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh," Mohapatra said. He went on to say that as the western disturbance moves east, its intensity would reduce, but rainfall activity will increase into eastern India. "As the western disturbance approaches north east India, the temperature rises. Therefore, the cold wave conditions that we are experiencing in some places over northwest India, will gradually abate. From January 4, the temperature in the planes of the country will be normal or above normal," the senior IMD official said. (With inputs from agencies)

Intense rains and snowfall to lash Ladakh, Himachal and J&K during January 4-7: IMD

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has alleged that the tech company abused its position to prohibit third-party app stores to be listed on the App Store, levying a commission of 30% for in-app purchases and not allowing other payment mechanisms.

The CCI order states that Apple prohibits developers from informing the users that they have the ability to purchase the subscription on the web as well.&nbsp;

“Thus, Apple prohibits app developers to include a button/link in their apps which take/steer the user to a third party payment processing solution other than Apple’s IAP (in-app purchase). This prima facie results in denial of market access for the potential app distributors/app store developers in violation of competition norms,” the order read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-hit-with-eu-antitrust-charge-over-app-store-practices-381696">Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices</a>

The Commission, in its order, has stated that it has taken a prima facie view that Apple has violated provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with the abuse of a dominant position by an enterprise.

It has directed the Director-General to open an investigation into the company, a report for which needs to be submitted within 60 days of the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

“At this stage, it appears that the lack of competitive constraint in the distribution of mobile apps is likely to affect the terms on which Apple provides access to its App Store to the app developers, including the commission rates and terms that thwart certain app developers from using other in-app payment systems,” the CCI said in its order.

Notably, the tech company is facing similar charges in other countries, including EU and UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws.

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has alleged that the tech company abused its position to prohibit third-party app stores to be listed on the App Store, levying a commission of 30% for in-app purchases and not allowing other payment mechanisms. The CCI order states that Apple prohibits developers from informing the users that they have the ability to purchase the subscription on the web as well. “Thus, Apple prohibits app developers to include a button/link in their apps which take/steer the user to a third party payment processing solution other than Apple’s IAP (in-app purchase). This prima facie results in denial of market access for the potential app distributors/app store developers in violation of competition norms,” the order read. Also read | Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices The Commission, in its order, has stated that it has taken a prima facie view that Apple has violated provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with the abuse of a dominant position by an enterprise. It has directed the Director-General to open an investigation into the company, a report for which needs to be submitted within 60 days of the order. Also read | French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion “At this stage, it appears that the lack of competitive constraint in the distribution of mobile apps is likely to affect the terms on which Apple provides access to its App Store to the app developers, including the commission rates and terms that thwart certain app developers from using other in-app payment systems,” the CCI said in its order. Notably, the tech company is facing similar charges in other countries, including EU and UK. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s anti-trust agency orders probe against Apple for unfair business practices

Indian PM Modi expresses grief over stampede at Vaishno Devi shrine that claimed at least 12 lives

Rakesh Ranjan Lal, Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Gokul Nagar sector of Tripura, has expressed concern over new ganja plantations in forest areas along India's border with Bangladesh.

According to a senior BSF official, the volume of new plantations is growing in lockstep with the BSF's efforts to discover, seize, and destroy them.&nbsp;

Lal said at a press conference at sector headquarters, "Ganja plantation is a major concern in the forest zone.We are putting forth our best effort.In the forest areas, our success rate in detecting and seizing Ganja is higher.At the same time, new plantations are being established at a rapid rate.As a result, we must establish a balance and confront the border issue."&nbsp;

On being asked whether the BSF is eager to devise any special technique to fight this problem, he said, "Definitely, we have enough technical backup to fight this out but I have reservations to divulge all these things in front of the press.

"He had also appreciated the role of the Bangladesh border`s guarding force in battling the border crimes and said that the relations between both the forces had been "excellent" so far.&nbsp;

"Both the forces have their own limitations but we work in close coordination to control border crimes", said Lal.

"In the year 2021, smuggled commodities like ganja, illegal syrup, narcotic drugs, animals, and other miscellaneous articles worth over Rs 270 million were confiscated," the BSF DIG stated, presenting details of the recently conducted operations.&nbsp;

"In the series of such operations, he said, acting on specific BSF intelligence input, on December 28, 2021 in the evening hours, BSF troops successfully seized 29,580 Yaba tablets of estimated market value of Rs 1,47,90,000 near Indo-Bangladesh Border Fence, behind Lucherbari school under Anandpur, Sonamura, of Sepahijala district.Besides that, he added, on the intervening night of December 28 and 29 BSF troops also succeeded in seizing various other contraband items having collective market value of Rs. 15,78,138.Apart from that, the BSF troops also detained four Bangladeshi nationals and an Indian tout from Srimantapur border outpost area.

"Further, on specific BSF intelligence input, troops of Srimantapur (BOP) foiled a trans-border infiltration attempt and apprehended four Bangladeshi Nationals along with an Indian tout. During preliminary questioning, they revealed their identity as Abdul Jalil, Helena Begum, Baby Akhtar, Md Jakharia, all residents of Surjya Nagar, under Bangladesh`s Commilla district. An Indian tout Rafikul Islam was also detained during the same operation. An FIR has been lodged and all the apprehended persons were handed over to the local police", he added.

(With inputs from ANI)

Rakesh Ranjan Lal, Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Gokul Nagar sector of Tripura, has expressed concern over new ganja plantations in forest areas along India's border with Bangladesh.

Rakesh Ranjan Lal, Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Gokul Nagar sector of Tripura, has expressed concern over new ganja plantations in forest areas along India's border with Bangladesh. According to a senior BSF official, the volume of new plantations is growing in lockstep with the BSF's efforts to discover, seize, and destroy them. Lal said at a press conference at sector headquarters, "Ganja plantation is a major concern in the forest zone.We are putting forth our best effort.In the forest areas, our success rate in detecting and seizing Ganja is higher.At the same time, new plantations are being established at a rapid rate.As a result, we must establish a balance and confront the border issue." On being asked whether the BSF is eager to devise any special technique to fight this problem, he said, "Definitely, we have enough technical backup to fight this out but I have reservations to divulge all these things in front of the press. "He had also appreciated the role of the Bangladesh border`s guarding force in battling the border crimes and said that the relations between both the forces had been "excellent" so far. "Both the forces have their own limitations but we work in close coordination to control border crimes", said Lal. "In the year 2021, smuggled commodities like ganja, illegal syrup, narcotic drugs, animals, and other miscellaneous articles worth over Rs 270 million were confiscated," the BSF DIG stated, presenting details of the recently conducted operations. "In the series of such operations, he said, acting on specific BSF intelligence input, on December 28, 2021 in the evening hours, BSF troops successfully seized 29,580 Yaba tablets of estimated market value of Rs 1,47,90,000 near Indo-Bangladesh Border Fence, behind Lucherbari school under Anandpur, Sonamura, of Sepahijala district.Besides that, he added, on the intervening night of December 28 and 29 BSF troops also succeeded in seizing various other contraband items having collective market value of Rs. 15,78,138.Apart from that, the BSF troops also detained four Bangladeshi nationals and an Indian tout from Srimantapur border outpost area. "Further, on specific BSF intelligence input, troops of Srimantapur (BOP) foiled a trans-border infiltration attempt and apprehended four Bangladeshi Nationals along with an Indian tout. During preliminary questioning, they revealed their identity as Abdul Jalil, Helena Begum, Baby Akhtar, Md Jakharia, all residents of Surjya Nagar, under Bangladesh`s Commilla district. An Indian tout Rafikul Islam was also detained during the same operation. An FIR has been lodged and all the apprehended persons were handed over to the local police", he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF

The new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, has begun to take its toll on India as first case of death related to it seems to have been detected in the state of Maharashtra. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The victim, who is a 52-year-old man, had died of a heart attack on Tuesday at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital in Pune. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-state-of-west-bengal-temporarily-suspends-flights-from-uk-amid-rise-in-omicron-cases-441196" hreflang="en">Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases</a>

He was infected with Omicron variant, as per the Public Health Department. It was detected in the samples of the man. &nbsp;

According to the health department, the patient has a travel history to Nigeria. He also had diabetes for the last 13 years. &nbsp;

"The death of this patient is due to non-COVID-19 reasons. Coincidently, today's National Institute of Virology (NIV) report has revealed that he was infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19," added the health bulletin presented by the Public Health Department, Maharashtra. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/961-omicron-cases-covid-19-cases-have-risen-since-december-26-says-indias-health-ministry-441168" hreflang="en">'961 Omicron cases': COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry</a>

India has recorded 16,764 fresh cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours. It includes 309 cases of Omicron variant. Around 220 deaths have also been reported. &nbsp;

The country's total tally of Omicron variant of the coronavirus has gone to 1,270, the Union health ministry said on Friday. Around 374 have either recuperated or migrated, the ministry's data said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, has begun to take its toll on India as first case of death related to it seems to have been detected in the state of Maharashtra.

The new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, has begun to take its toll on India as first case of death related to it seems to have been detected in the state of Maharashtra. The victim, who is a 52-year-old man, had died of a heart attack on Tuesday at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital in Pune. Also Read: Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases He was infected with Omicron variant, as per the Public Health Department. It was detected in the samples of the man. According to the health department, the patient has a travel history to Nigeria. He also had diabetes for the last 13 years. "The death of this patient is due to non-COVID-19 reasons. Coincidently, today's National Institute of Virology (NIV) report has revealed that he was infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19," added the health bulletin presented by the Public Health Department, Maharashtra. Also Read: '961 Omicron cases': COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry India has recorded 16,764 fresh cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours. It includes 309 cases of Omicron variant. Around 220 deaths have also been reported. The country's total tally of Omicron variant of the coronavirus has gone to 1,270, the Union health ministry said on Friday. Around 374 have either recuperated or migrated, the ministry's data said. (With inputs from agencies)

First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state

Heavy rains lashed the south Indian city of Chennai on Thursday, paralyzing the area with waterlogging and traffic congestion.

Heavy rains lash South India's Chennai

American tech giant Apple has placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation, over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas.

WION visited one such dormitory where the women staff had been staying. During the visit, it was found that the women were made to stay in crammed spaces and poor conditions.

During the visit, a team of Tamil Nadu Police personnel were seen occupying the rooms who had placed their belongings there. However, the cops refused to divulge the reason for their presence there.

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Thread: (1/n)What I witnessed at an offsite dormitory where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Foxconn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Foxconn</a> women workers stayed, near the Sriperumbudur factory 
 
Each dorm room was barely 150sqft and up to 7 women used to stay in the room, without bed/mattress, under a single fan. No attached bath/wash<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ViMpvUKEm">pic.twitter.com/8ViMpvUKEm</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1476599202436157441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The dormitories building was a short walk away from and fairly unnoticeable from the nearby main road. Painted in pale yellow, the three-storeyed appeared fairly clean, but offered a vastly different picture while entering the rooms. With over 50 rooms, the building was once occupied by over 250 women workers.

All of 150sqft and fitted with a lone ceiling fan, each room is learnt to have been used by up to seven women workers. Despite having a window, owing to a fairly high compound wall blocking it, the ground floor rooms had hardly any natural ventilation.

There were no beds or mattresses in any of the rooms. Neither did they have attached bathrooms or toilets. The toilets, bathrooms and the washing area were at the corner of the building.&nbsp;

At the other corner of the building, there was a space that was used as a cooking area. It was just an open space with large vessels that hardly had any kitchen facilities. Here too, the cleanliness and hygiene standards were questionable. Parts of the cooking area were surrounded by the compound walls whereas another side was covered with a tin sheet.

Just a few steps from the cooking area was a closed toilet that looked extremely unclean even from the outside. Nearby, there was a passage that led to the common washrooms. The rear portions of the building seemed to lack a concrete boundary wall&nbsp;instead, there were only tin sheets erected to purportedly serve the same purpose.&nbsp;

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(6/n) 
Some pics from around the place to give an overall feel of why the women were totally distraught by the facilities provided or the lack thereof... 
 
Hope <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foxconn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#foxconn</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tim_cook</a> ensure accountability and TN Govt supervises the facility and supports the women... <a href="https://t.co/0rHAV5nQPe">pic.twitter.com/0rHAV5nQPe</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1476605277952626703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Foxconn technology group issued a statement saying, “The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. We have been investigating recent issues at our Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu and have found that some offsite dormitory facilities do not meet the required standards.”

Besides apologising for the plight of their employees, the company also said they were taking immediate steps to enhance the facilities and services at remote dormitory accommodations.

In addition to restructuring the local management team, Foxconn said that it would also continue to pay its employees while making necessary improvements before restarting operations.&nbsp;

According to an Apple spokesperson, the tech giant has dispatched independent auditors to undertake additional detailed assessments following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur unit.

It was also said that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees did not meet their requirements.

“Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed on probation and we will ensure our strict standards are met before the facility reopens. We will continue to monitor conditions closely” the statement added.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, nearly 150 women workers of Foxconn staying at an offsite dormitory had fallen ill and were admitted to hospitals, owing to food poisoning. They alleged that the food provided to them at the dining facility in the dormitory was unhygienic.

Turning up in large numbers, the women workers had blocked the arterial Chennai-Bengaluru highway and protested against their Foxconn management, demanding better facilities.&nbsp;

According to Kannan, deputy general secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Tamil Nadu, the details of the recent instance of food poisoning were not shared with the victims’ parents, which then led to protest.

“Not only iPhone but all brands of phones are also being manufactured at the Foxconn Sunguvarchatram plant. Nearly 10,000 employees are engaged in production activity here, but they all have been hired on a contract basis, despite doing a job that is of perennial nature. This is a major concern for workers to come out and protest,” Kannan told WION.

On behalf of CITU, he emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government, Apple and Foxconn management come forward and resolve the issue immediately.

American tech giant Apple has placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation, over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas.

American tech giant Apple has placed its iPhone contract manufacturer Foxconn’s Chennai unit on probation, over cleanliness and hygiene issues at their staff dormitory and dining areas. WION visited one such dormitory where the women staff had been staying. During the visit, it was found that the women were made to stay in crammed spaces and poor conditions. During the visit, a team of Tamil Nadu Police personnel were seen occupying the rooms who had placed their belongings there. However, the cops refused to divulge the reason for their presence there. Thread: (1/n)What I witnessed at an offsite dormitory where #Foxconn women workers stayed, near the Sriperumbudur factory Each dorm room was barely 150sqft and up to 7 women used to stay in the room, without bed/mattress, under a single fan. No attached bath/wash#Chennai pic.twitter.com/8ViMpvUKEm — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 30, 2021 × The dormitories building was a short walk away from and fairly unnoticeable from the nearby main road. Painted in pale yellow, the three-storeyed appeared fairly clean, but offered a vastly different picture while entering the rooms. With over 50 rooms, the building was once occupied by over 250 women workers. All of 150sqft and fitted with a lone ceiling fan, each room is learnt to have been used by up to seven women workers. Despite having a window, owing to a fairly high compound wall blocking it, the ground floor rooms had hardly any natural ventilation. There were no beds or mattresses in any of the rooms. Neither did they have attached bathrooms or toilets. The toilets, bathrooms and the washing area were at the corner of the building. At the other corner of the building, there was a space that was used as a cooking area. It was just an open space with large vessels that hardly had any kitchen facilities. Here too, the cleanliness and hygiene standards were questionable. Parts of the cooking area were surrounded by the compound walls whereas another side was covered with a tin sheet. Just a few steps from the cooking area was a closed toilet that looked extremely unclean even from the outside. Nearby, there was a passage that led to the common washrooms. The rear portions of the building seemed to lack a concrete boundary wall instead, there were only tin sheets erected to purportedly serve the same purpose. (6/n) Some pics from around the place to give an overall feel of why the women were totally distraught by the facilities provided or the lack thereof... Hope #foxconn and @Apple @tim_cook ensure accountability and TN Govt supervises the facility and supports the women... pic.twitter.com/0rHAV5nQPe — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 30, 2021 × Foxconn technology group issued a statement saying, “The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our top priority. We have been investigating recent issues at our Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu and have found that some offsite dormitory facilities do not meet the required standards.” Besides apologising for the plight of their employees, the company also said they were taking immediate steps to enhance the facilities and services at remote dormitory accommodations. In addition to restructuring the local management team, Foxconn said that it would also continue to pay its employees while making necessary improvements before restarting operations. According to an Apple spokesperson, the tech giant has dispatched independent auditors to undertake additional detailed assessments following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur unit. It was also said that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees did not meet their requirements. “Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed on probation and we will ensure our strict standards are met before the facility reopens. We will continue to monitor conditions closely” the statement added. Earlier this month, nearly 150 women workers of Foxconn staying at an offsite dormitory had fallen ill and were admitted to hospitals, owing to food poisoning. They alleged that the food provided to them at the dining facility in the dormitory was unhygienic. Turning up in large numbers, the women workers had blocked the arterial Chennai-Bengaluru highway and protested against their Foxconn management, demanding better facilities. According to Kannan, deputy general secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Tamil Nadu, the details of the recent instance of food poisoning were not shared with the victims’ parents, which then led to protest. “Not only iPhone but all brands of phones are also being manufactured at the Foxconn Sunguvarchatram plant. Nearly 10,000 employees are engaged in production activity here, but they all have been hired on a contract basis, despite doing a job that is of perennial nature. This is a major concern for workers to come out and protest,” Kannan told WION. On behalf of CITU, he emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government, Apple and Foxconn management come forward and resolve the issue immediately.

They help make iPhone, but here's where they stayed: Inside Foxconn Chennai offsite dorm room

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