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The Chinese embassy has shot off an angry letter to some Indian members of parliament&nbsp;(MPs)&nbsp;who attended a meet organised by the Tibetan govt in exile.&nbsp;

The Indian MPs who participated in the meet were - Jairam Ramesh, Manish Tiwari, Sujeet Kumar, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Ramdas Athawale, Maneka Gandhi.&nbsp;

The letter by Political Counsellor, Chinese Embassy to India Zhou Yongsheng calls on Indian MPs to not engage with "out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organization".&nbsp;

It further points, "Indian government has recognized that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of the territory of the People's Republic of China" and Beijing "firmly opposes any anti-China separatist activities conducted by 'Tibetan independence' forces in any capacity".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-renames-arunachal-pradeshs-15-places-in-mandarin-gets-sharp-reaction-from-india-441345">China 'renames' Arunachal Pradesh’s 15 places in Mandarin, gets sharp reaction from India</a>

The letter is seen as a wolf warrior diplomacy by China, part of a global trend by its diplomats who have been doing this in past and across the world. The letter in a derogatory tone chided, "You are a senior politician who know the China-India relations well. It is hoped that you could understand the sensitivity of the issue and refrain from providing support to the 'Tibetan independence'&nbsp;forces".

Not all MPs got the letter. When asked, MP Manish Tiwari who was present at the event said “neither have I received any letter nor will I demean or diminish myself by responding to such imbecile missives. Had Wang Yi written perhaps I would have considered responding".

Meanwhile, the Tibetan govt in exile has reacted strongly to the development. In a series of tweet-statement, Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration said, "Tibet issue is certainly not an internal issue of China. Whatever happens in Tibet is a serious matter of concerns for all the people around the world." He added, "China must stop growling here &amp; there all the time."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-ganja-cultivation-on-forest-land-near-indo-bangladesh-border-cause-of-concern-bsf-441292" hreflang="en">Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF</a>

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Tibet issue is certainly not an internal issue of China. Whatever happens in Tibet is a serious matter of concerns for all the people around the world.
— Tenzin Lekshay (@CTASpokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTASpokesperson/status/1476822536784543746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It's not the first time the Chinese embassy has sent such a letter, in the past it wrote a letter to MP Sujeet Kumar for participating in a meet organised by the Taiwan government.&nbsp;

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar has received a letter from the China Embassy in New Delhi asking him to avoid such participation with Taiwan's so-called Formosa Club.&nbsp;

Taiwan's The Formosa Club main objecting is to enhance friendship with the Indo-Pacific countries and to ensure peace stability in the Indo-Pacific region and it was organised by Taiwan MoFA.

The Chinese embassy has a number of times written letters to WION as well after its reports on Taiwan. Many of these letters have threatened WION and asked it to abide by one-China policy.

The Chinese embassy has shot off an angry letter to some Indian members of parliament (MPs) who attended a meet organised by the Tibetan govt in exile. The Indian MPs who participated in the meet were - Jairam Ramesh, Manish Tiwari, Sujeet Kumar, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Ramdas Athawale, Maneka Gandhi.

The Chinese embassy has shot off an angry letter to some Indian members of parliament (MPs) who attended a meet organised by the Tibetan govt in exile. The Indian MPs who participated in the meet were - Jairam Ramesh, Manish Tiwari, Sujeet Kumar, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Ramdas Athawale, Maneka Gandhi. The letter by Political Counsellor, Chinese Embassy to India Zhou Yongsheng calls on Indian MPs to not engage with "out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organization". It further points, "Indian government has recognized that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of the territory of the People's Republic of China" and Beijing "firmly opposes any anti-China separatist activities conducted by 'Tibetan independence' forces in any capacity". ALSO READ | China 'renames' Arunachal Pradesh’s 15 places in Mandarin, gets sharp reaction from India The letter is seen as a wolf warrior diplomacy by China, part of a global trend by its diplomats who have been doing this in past and across the world. The letter in a derogatory tone chided, "You are a senior politician who know the China-India relations well. It is hoped that you could understand the sensitivity of the issue and refrain from providing support to the 'Tibetan independence' forces". Not all MPs got the letter. When asked, MP Manish Tiwari who was present at the event said “neither have I received any letter nor will I demean or diminish myself by responding to such imbecile missives. Had Wang Yi written perhaps I would have considered responding". Meanwhile, the Tibetan govt in exile has reacted strongly to the development. In a series of tweet-statement, Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration said, "Tibet issue is certainly not an internal issue of China. Whatever happens in Tibet is a serious matter of concerns for all the people around the world." He added, "China must stop growling here & there all the time." ALSO READ: Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF Tibet issue is certainly not an internal issue of China. Whatever happens in Tibet is a serious matter of concerns for all the people around the world. — Tenzin Lekshay (@CTASpokesperson) December 31, 2021 × It's not the first time the Chinese embassy has sent such a letter, in the past it wrote a letter to MP Sujeet Kumar for participating in a meet organised by the Taiwan government. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar has received a letter from the China Embassy in New Delhi asking him to avoid such participation with Taiwan's so-called Formosa Club. Taiwan's The Formosa Club main objecting is to enhance friendship with the Indo-Pacific countries and to ensure peace stability in the Indo-Pacific region and it was organised by Taiwan MoFA. The Chinese embassy has a number of times written letters to WION as well after its reports on Taiwan. Many of these letters have threatened WION and asked it to abide by one-China policy.

Chinese embassy threatens Indian MPs for attending Tibet event

The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council has deferred raising the proposed tax rate on textiles from 5 per cent to 12 per cent after several states reportedly raised objections.

During the 46th GST council meeting convened in New Delhi on Friday under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it was decided to review the matter in the next meeting in February 2022.

“The GST Council meeting has decided to retain the status quo on GST rate on textile to 5% and not raise it to 12 per cent. The issue of GST rate on textile will be sent to the tax rate rationalization committee which will submit its report by February,” Sitharaman told reporters after the meeting.

Many states said they are not in favour of a hike in GST rate on textiles to 12 per cent, from five per cent currently, with effect from January 1, 2022.

The matter was raised by states like Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, according to reports.

Apart from that, the industry bodies had also opposed a rise in the tax rate, citing higher compliance costs especially for the unorganised sector and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) besides making the poor man's clothing expensive.

Earlier in the year, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), on the recommendations of the GST Council, had announced that the GST rate on garments, textiles, and footwear would be raised from five per cent to 12 per cent with effect from January 1, 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council has deferred raising the proposed tax rate on textiles from 5 per cent to 12 per cent after several states reportedly raised objections.

The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council has deferred raising the proposed tax rate on textiles from 5 per cent to 12 per cent after several states reportedly raised objections. During the 46th GST council meeting convened in New Delhi on Friday under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it was decided to review the matter in the next meeting in February 2022. “The GST Council meeting has decided to retain the status quo on GST rate on textile to 5% and not raise it to 12 per cent. The issue of GST rate on textile will be sent to the tax rate rationalization committee which will submit its report by February,” Sitharaman told reporters after the meeting. Many states said they are not in favour of a hike in GST rate on textiles to 12 per cent, from five per cent currently, with effect from January 1, 2022. The matter was raised by states like Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, according to reports. Apart from that, the industry bodies had also opposed a rise in the tax rate, citing higher compliance costs especially for the unorganised sector and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) besides making the poor man's clothing expensive. Earlier in the year, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), on the recommendations of the GST Council, had announced that the GST rate on garments, textiles, and footwear would be raised from five per cent to 12 per cent with effect from January 1, 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt defers GST hike on textile products after several states object

For the first time in 64 days, India reported over 16,000 new infections in a day, and a total of 1271 omicron cases have been reported in 23 states, with the highest omicron cases detected in the state of Maharashtra with 450 cases, followed by the national capital at 320.

India reports over 16,000 new cases in a day after 64 days, with Omicron tally rising to 1271

Tech giant Apple has been forced to place its Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after protests by women workers of the plant.

Apple places Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after row over poor facilities to staff

China’s coercive actions to claim some parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh seems to be ongoing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In yet another attempt to lay its claim, China has ‘renamed’ around 15 places, which include eight townships, two rivers, four mountains and a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, in Mandarin. &nbsp;

China seems to have been using these tactics elsewhere too to show the territories it renames belongs to it. &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>

In a stern reply to the development, Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that assigning 'invented names' to places by China does not change the reality that the state is an integral part of India. &nbsp;

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, said, “We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. China had also sought to assign such names in April 2017.’’ &nbsp;

"Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact," Bagchi added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-ganja-cultivation-on-forest-land-near-indo-bangladesh-border-cause-of-concern-bsf-441292" hreflang="en">Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF</a>

China had earlier sinicised the names of six places in the state in 2017. It was seen as a retaliation to Dalai Lama’s visit to the state at that time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Beijing has been laying claim to over 90,000 sq km of territory in Arunachal Pradesh of India for a long time. New Delhi has always rejected it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

China’s coercive actions to claim some parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh seems to be ongoing. In yet another attempt to lay its claim, China has ‘renamed’ around 15 places, which include eight townships, two rivers, four mountains and a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, in Mandarin.

China’s coercive actions to claim some parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh seems to be ongoing. In yet another attempt to lay its claim, China has ‘renamed’ around 15 places, which include eight townships, two rivers, four mountains and a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, in Mandarin. China seems to have been using these tactics elsewhere too to show the territories it renames belongs to it. Also Read: First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state In a stern reply to the development, Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that assigning 'invented names' to places by China does not change the reality that the state is an integral part of India. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, said, “We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. China had also sought to assign such names in April 2017.’’ "Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact," Bagchi added. Also Read: Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF China had earlier sinicised the names of six places in the state in 2017. It was seen as a retaliation to Dalai Lama’s visit to the state at that time. Beijing has been laying claim to over 90,000 sq km of territory in Arunachal Pradesh of India for a long time. New Delhi has always rejected it. (With inputs from agencies)

China 'renames' Arunachal Pradesh’s 15 places in Mandarin, gets sharp reaction from India

In the previous 24 hours, India has reported 13,154 new COVID-19 cases; the Omicron case count has risen to 961, with 263 instances in Delhi and 252 in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Karnataka's State Health Minister, Dr K Sudhakar, announced on Wednesday that the state had detected five new instances of the Omicron variant.

One instance had travelled from the United States, another from the United States via Qatar, one from Dubai, one from Ghana via Doha, and one from Mumbai.

There are four male patients and one female patient among the five.&nbsp; 
 
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A 22-year-old woman from Davanagere, who had travelled from the United States, a 24-year-old man from Bengaluru, who had travelled from the United States via Qatar, a 53-year-old man from Tamil Nadu who arrived at KIAL via Dubai, and a 61-year-old man from Bengaluru, who had travelled from Ghana via Doha, were among those who tested positive for Omicron, according to the Health Minister.&nbsp;

Despite fears that the Omicron and Delta forms of COVID-19 are causing a "tsunami" of infections, the President of the World Health Organization (WHO) remains optimistic that the worst of the epidemic will be gone by 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the previous 24 hours, India has reported 13,154 new COVID-19 cases; the Omicron case count has risen to 961, with 263 instances in Delhi and 252 in Maharashtra.

In the previous 24 hours, India has reported 13,154 new COVID-19 cases; the Omicron case count has risen to 961, with 263 instances in Delhi and 252 in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Karnataka's State Health Minister, Dr K Sudhakar, announced on Wednesday that the state had detected five new instances of the Omicron variant. One instance had travelled from the United States, another from the United States via Qatar, one from Dubai, one from Ghana via Doha, and one from Mumbai. There are four male patients and one female patient among the five. A 22-year-old woman from Davanagere, who had travelled from the United States, a 24-year-old man from Bengaluru, who had travelled from the United States via Qatar, a 53-year-old man from Tamil Nadu who arrived at KIAL via Dubai, and a 61-year-old man from Bengaluru, who had travelled from Ghana via Doha, were among those who tested positive for Omicron, according to the Health Minister. Despite fears that the Omicron and Delta forms of COVID-19 are causing a "tsunami" of infections, the President of the World Health Organization (WHO) remains optimistic that the worst of the epidemic will be gone by 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 13,154 new cases in last 24 hours; Omicron tally rises to 961

Six terrorists were killed in two separate engagements with security forces in Anantnag and districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including two Pakistani nationals, authorities said.

The terrorists are linked to the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

According to the report, four of the terrorists killed have been identified so far.Two are Pakistani terrorists and two are local terrorists. The identities of the other two terrorists are yet unknown.&nbsp;

"6 #terrorists of proscribed #terror outfit JeM killed in two separate #encounters. 4 among the killed terrorists have been identified so far as (2) #Pakistani &amp; (2) local terrorists. Identification of other 02 terrorists is being ascertained. A big #success for us," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted quoting IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

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6 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorists</a> of proscribed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terror</a> outfit JeM killed in two separate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/encounters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#encounters</a>. 4 among the killed terrorists have been identified so far as (2) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> &amp; (2) local terrorists. Identification of other 02 terrorists is being ascertained. A big <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/success?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#success</a> for us: IGP Kashmir
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1476334916824489989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Soon after the Anantnag incident, security forces launched another operation in Kulgam's Mirhama, killing three militants in a brief confrontation.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Encounter</a> has started at Nowgam Shahabad, Dooru area of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Anantnag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Anantnag</a>. In the initial firing, 01 police personnel got injured &amp; was shifted to hospital. Police &amp; SFs are on the job. Further details shall follow. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1476192701322199044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Following a tip about the presence of terrorists in the Mirhama region of Kulgam district, security personnel conducted a cordon and search operation.

The forces were fired upon by the concealed terrorists while conducting searches in the area, they claimed.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Six terrorists were killed in two separate engagements with security forces in Anantnag and districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including two Pakistani nationals, authorities said.

Six terrorists were killed in two separate engagements with security forces in Anantnag and districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including two Pakistani nationals, authorities said. The terrorists are linked to the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to the report, four of the terrorists killed have been identified so far.Two are Pakistani terrorists and two are local terrorists. The identities of the other two terrorists are yet unknown. "6 #terrorists of proscribed #terror outfit JeM killed in two separate #encounters. 4 among the killed terrorists have been identified so far as (2) #Pakistani & (2) local terrorists. Identification of other 02 terrorists is being ascertained. A big #success for us," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted quoting IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar. 6 #terrorists of proscribed #terror outfit JeM killed in two separate #encounters. 4 among the killed terrorists have been identified so far as (2) #Pakistani & (2) local terrorists. Identification of other 02 terrorists is being ascertained. A big #success for us: IGP Kashmir — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 29, 2021 × Soon after the Anantnag incident, security forces launched another operation in Kulgam's Mirhama, killing three militants in a brief confrontation. #Encounter has started at Nowgam Shahabad, Dooru area of #Anantnag. In the initial firing, 01 police personnel got injured & was shifted to hospital. Police & SFs are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 29, 2021 × Following a tip about the presence of terrorists in the Mirhama region of Kulgam district, security personnel conducted a cordon and search operation. The forces were fired upon by the concealed terrorists while conducting searches in the area, they claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

Six terrorists, including two Pakistanis, killed in two separate encounters in J&K: Police

Amid rise in Omicron cases in the country, India's eastern state of West Bengal on Thursday announced that it is temporarily suspending all direct flights from the UK to Kolkata from January 3, 2022.

The state government said the flights emanating from "at-risk" countries as notified by the central government will not be allowed into the state.

The West Bengal government further stated that passengers arriving from "non at-risk" countries would have to undergo coronavirus test on arrival at the airport.&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">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry</a>

The airlines will randomly select ten per cent passengers in the flight for RT-PCR test and the rest of the 90 per cent passengers will&nbsp;have to undergo the Rapid Antigen Test(RAT) on arrival, the state government declared. The state authorities have asked airport personnel to reduce waiting time for passengers by ramping up testing sites.

Watch:&nbsp;India logs 13,154 new COVID-19 cases within 24 hours amid Omicron spread

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The Indian government had said today that the Omicron variant has a doubling time of 2-3 days compared to Delta with eight districts reporting over 10 per cent COVID-19 positivity weekly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cambridge-experts-warn-of-an-explosive-growth-of-omicron-cases-in-india-441103">Also Read:&nbsp;Cambridge experts warn of an 'explosive' growth of Omicron cases in India</a>

The government has identified Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat as regions of "concern" due to rising&nbsp;COVID-19 cases.

India's&nbsp;health ministry reported the country had recorded over 10,000 daily coronavirus cases after 33 days.

"India's R naught value which indicates spread of coronavirus is 1.22, so cases are increasing, not shrinking," the health ministry said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rise in Omicron cases in the country, India's eastern state of West Bengal on Thursday announced that it is temporarily suspending all direct flights from the UK to Kolkata from January 3, 2022.

Amid rise in Omicron cases in the country, India's eastern state of West Bengal on Thursday announced that it is temporarily suspending all direct flights from the UK to Kolkata from January 3, 2022. The state government said the flights emanating from "at-risk" countries as notified by the central government will not be allowed into the state. The West Bengal government further stated that passengers arriving from "non at-risk" countries would have to undergo coronavirus test on arrival at the airport. Also Read: COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry The airlines will randomly select ten per cent passengers in the flight for RT-PCR test and the rest of the 90 per cent passengers will have to undergo the Rapid Antigen Test(RAT) on arrival, the state government declared. The state authorities have asked airport personnel to reduce waiting time for passengers by ramping up testing sites. Watch: India logs 13,154 new COVID-19 cases within 24 hours amid Omicron spread The Indian government had said today that the Omicron variant has a doubling time of 2-3 days compared to Delta with eight districts reporting over 10 per cent COVID-19 positivity weekly. Also Read: Cambridge experts warn of an 'explosive' growth of Omicron cases in India The government has identified Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat as regions of "concern" due to rising COVID-19 cases. India's health ministry reported the country had recorded over 10,000 daily coronavirus cases after 33 days. "India's R naught value which indicates spread of coronavirus is 1.22, so cases are increasing, not shrinking," the health ministry said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases

Apple places Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after protests by women workers of the plant

Amid rise in coronavirus cases in the country, India's health ministry said since December 26 &nbsp;there has&nbsp;been a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. 
&nbsp; 
"Overall, 22 states have shown more positivity cases spread," health ministry spokesman Luv Aggarwal&nbsp;said, adding, "Kerala and Maharashtra have over 10,000 active cases."

The ministry informed that there were 13,154 COVID-19 cases in the country in the last 24 hours. On Thursday, India&nbsp;had reported 9,100 coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-highest-covid-19-cases-since-may-goa-announces-restrictions-440991">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi reports highest COVID-19 cases since May; Goa announces restrictions</a>

"Clearly we are seeing an increase in cases, Delhi has multiplied on a daily basis including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana Jharkhand, West Bengal are all showing a surging trend," the health ministry said.

"COVID-19 cases are enlarging not shrinking. Deaths are stable which is reassuring as of now," the ministry added.

"We believe what we are witnessing could be a part of the global rise in cases related to Omicron," the health ministry spokesman noted.

The health ministry said it is in touch with various states and is working towards curbing the virus cases. The ministry informed that India's western state of Maharashtra has witnessed a surge of 3.5 per cent COVID-19 cases in just a month.

In West Bengal the virus positivity case has increased from 1.61 per cent to 3.1 per cent, the ministry said. Kerala has also witnessed an increase in positivity cases from 0.58 per cent to 0.78 per cent.

In India's capital the positivity cases have risen from 0.11 per cent to 1 per cent this month with Karnataka registering an increase from 0.3 per cent to 0.5 per cent. Gujarat has also witnessed an increase from &nbsp;0.19 per cent to 0.54 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cambridge-experts-warn-of-an-explosive-growth-of-omicron-cases-in-india-441103">Also Read:&nbsp;Cambridge experts warn of an 'explosive' growth of Omicron cases in India</a>

The ministry said there were some areas of concern while noting that India reported more than 8,000 COVID-19 cases per day last week. The number of positivity cases stands at 0.92 per cent in the country, the ministry said.

"From Dec 26 onwards, the country has been reporting 10,000 daily cases," it said.

"The weekly positivity rate of more than 10 per cent is being noted in eight districts including six districts in Mizoram, one in Arunachal Pradesh and in Kolkata. The weekly case positivity rate is between 5-10 per cent in 14 districts," the ministry informed.

There are 961 Omicron cases in India so far. The ministry urged states to impose restrictions and declare areas as containment zones and take steps to increase hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.

The spokesman said that the government is working towards 100 per cent vaccination.

"Legal provisions can be used in states to control any failure over following COVID-19 protocols," the ministry said while informing that 63 per cent people have been fully vaccinated.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rise in coronavirus cases in the country, India's health ministry said since December 26 there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. "Overall, 22 states have shown more positivity cases spread," health ministry spokesman Luv Aggarwal said, adding, "Kerala and Maharashtra have over 10,000 active cases.

Amid rise in coronavirus cases in the country, India's health ministry said since December 26 there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. "Overall, 22 states have shown more positivity cases spread," health ministry spokesman Luv Aggarwal said, adding, "Kerala and Maharashtra have over 10,000 active cases." The ministry informed that there were 13,154 COVID-19 cases in the country in the last 24 hours. On Thursday, India had reported 9,100 coronavirus cases. Also Read: Delhi reports highest COVID-19 cases since May; Goa announces restrictions "Clearly we are seeing an increase in cases, Delhi has multiplied on a daily basis including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana Jharkhand, West Bengal are all showing a surging trend," the health ministry said. "COVID-19 cases are enlarging not shrinking. Deaths are stable which is reassuring as of now," the ministry added. "We believe what we are witnessing could be a part of the global rise in cases related to Omicron," the health ministry spokesman noted. The health ministry said it is in touch with various states and is working towards curbing the virus cases. The ministry informed that India's western state of Maharashtra has witnessed a surge of 3.5 per cent COVID-19 cases in just a month. In West Bengal the virus positivity case has increased from 1.61 per cent to 3.1 per cent, the ministry said. Kerala has also witnessed an increase in positivity cases from 0.58 per cent to 0.78 per cent. In India's capital the positivity cases have risen from 0.11 per cent to 1 per cent this month with Karnataka registering an increase from 0.3 per cent to 0.5 per cent. Gujarat has also witnessed an increase from 0.19 per cent to 0.54 per cent. Also Read: Cambridge experts warn of an 'explosive' growth of Omicron cases in India The ministry said there were some areas of concern while noting that India reported more than 8,000 COVID-19 cases per day last week. The number of positivity cases stands at 0.92 per cent in the country, the ministry said. "From Dec 26 onwards, the country has been reporting 10,000 daily cases," it said. "The weekly positivity rate of more than 10 per cent is being noted in eight districts including six districts in Mizoram, one in Arunachal Pradesh and in Kolkata. The weekly case positivity rate is between 5-10 per cent in 14 districts," the ministry informed. There are 961 Omicron cases in India so far. The ministry urged states to impose restrictions and declare areas as containment zones and take steps to increase hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. The spokesman said that the government is working towards 100 per cent vaccination. "Legal provisions can be used in states to control any failure over following COVID-19 protocols," the ministry said while informing that 63 per cent people have been fully vaccinated. (With inputs from Agencies)

'961 Omicron cases': COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry

As the unsolved India-China border dispute brews tensions, new media reports allege that China is sending machine gun-wielding robots to the frontier to exacerbate the situation.

According to Indian media reports, dozens of autonomous vehicles capable of transporting both weapons and supplies are being dispatched to Tibet, with the bulk being deployed in border regions where Chinese troops are engaged in a standoff with Indian troops.

The Sharp Claw, which can be handled wirelessly and is armed with a light machinegun, and the Mule-200, which is meant as an unmanned delivery truck but can also be equipped with weaponry, are two examples of vehicles.&nbsp;

China is now supplying troops with MUL-200 unmanned vehicles, while also giving guns to its military. 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-sends-machine-gun-carrying-robots-near-lac-to-fuel-conflict-441124/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Around 120-200 mules have also been dispatched to Tibet, the majority of which will be stationed near the border.

China has also provided 70 VP-22 armoured military vehicles to supplement the unmanned vehicles.

Seventy-seven of these are in border areas. A total of 150 Lynx all-terrain vehicles have been dispatched to the border. The Lynx is employed by a wide range of armies and is frequently utilised to carry troops.

It is also used to deploy a variety of armament systems, such as howitzers, heavy machine guns, mortars, and missile launchers.&nbsp;

The region, which is exceedingly arid, remote, and mainly inhospitable, has little practical use beyond a few commerce routes that crisscross its deserts, but it carries symbolic significance for both parties eager to demonstrate supremacy.

Tensions rose in 2020 as Chinese and Indian troops engaged in hand-to-hand combat, with many dead in clashes fought with melee weapons such as nail-studded clubs.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the unsolved India-China border dispute brews tensions, new media reports allege that China is sending machine gun-wielding robots to the frontier to exacerbate the situation.

As the unsolved India-China border dispute brews tensions, new media reports allege that China is sending machine gun-wielding robots to the frontier to exacerbate the situation. According to Indian media reports, dozens of autonomous vehicles capable of transporting both weapons and supplies are being dispatched to Tibet, with the bulk being deployed in border regions where Chinese troops are engaged in a standoff with Indian troops. The Sharp Claw, which can be handled wirelessly and is armed with a light machinegun, and the Mule-200, which is meant as an unmanned delivery truck but can also be equipped with weaponry, are two examples of vehicles. China is now supplying troops with MUL-200 unmanned vehicles, while also giving guns to its military. Watch: Around 120-200 mules have also been dispatched to Tibet, the majority of which will be stationed near the border. China has also provided 70 VP-22 armoured military vehicles to supplement the unmanned vehicles. Seventy-seven of these are in border areas. A total of 150 Lynx all-terrain vehicles have been dispatched to the border. The Lynx is employed by a wide range of armies and is frequently utilised to carry troops. It is also used to deploy a variety of armament systems, such as howitzers, heavy machine guns, mortars, and missile launchers. The region, which is exceedingly arid, remote, and mainly inhospitable, has little practical use beyond a few commerce routes that crisscross its deserts, but it carries symbolic significance for both parties eager to demonstrate supremacy. Tensions rose in 2020 as Chinese and Indian troops engaged in hand-to-hand combat, with many dead in clashes fought with melee weapons such as nail-studded clubs. (With inputs from agencies)

China replaces 'soldiers with robots' in Tibet as soldiers ‘fleeing’ in harsh winters

For the first time in the last 30 years, the number of active terrorists has come down to less than 200, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir claimed on Thursday.

They also said that out of those active terrorists, 86 are local, while the rest are foreigners.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Police informed that 128 local boys joined terror ranks this year in the Valley, of which 86 are still active. The rest of them have either been killed or arrested by the forces.

“'It’s for the first time that the number of terrorists has gone down below 200 in the Union Territory. Out of the 128 local youth who joined terror outfits, 73 were neutralised in different encounters while 16 were arrested. The rest are still active,”' said Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

While addressing a joint press conference, the top police official also said that 11 terrorists have been killed in the Kashmir Valley in the last 5 days, in which 6 of them were gunned down yesterday (December 29) during two anti-terrorist operations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-terrorists-including-two-pakistanis-killed-in-two-separate-encounters-in-jk-police-441058">Six terrorists, including two Pakistanis, killed in two separate encounters in J&amp;K: Police</a>

Calling Wednesday’s operation a “success”, Kumar said the security forces recovered one M-4 carbine, eight magazines, two AK 47 rifles and other ammunition from the encounter sites.

“The six killed terrorists belonged to proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Among them four have been identified—two are from Pakistan and others were locals. The identification of the remaining two terrorists is being ascertained. It is a big success for us,” said Kumar.&nbsp;

In yesterday’s gun battle, an Indian Army soldier was killed, whereas two soldiers and one from Jammu and Kashmir Police were injured.&nbsp;

The state police chief said that the intelligence apparatus has been strengthened and the number of ceasefire violations has come down as well.

“The local militant recruitment has drastically come down as this year. Compared to 180 last year, only 128 to 130 locals have joined militancy,” said General-officer-Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lieutenant General D P Pandey.

For the first time in the last 30 years, the number of active terrorists has come down to less than 200, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir claimed on Thursday.

For the first time in the last 30 years, the number of active terrorists has come down to less than 200, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir claimed on Thursday. They also said that out of those active terrorists, 86 are local, while the rest are foreigners. The Jammu and Kashmir Police informed that 128 local boys joined terror ranks this year in the Valley, of which 86 are still active. The rest of them have either been killed or arrested by the forces. “'It’s for the first time that the number of terrorists has gone down below 200 in the Union Territory. Out of the 128 local youth who joined terror outfits, 73 were neutralised in different encounters while 16 were arrested. The rest are still active,”' said Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar. While addressing a joint press conference, the top police official also said that 11 terrorists have been killed in the Kashmir Valley in the last 5 days, in which 6 of them were gunned down yesterday (December 29) during two anti-terrorist operations. Also read | Six terrorists, including two Pakistanis, killed in two separate encounters in J&K: Police Calling Wednesday’s operation a “success”, Kumar said the security forces recovered one M-4 carbine, eight magazines, two AK 47 rifles and other ammunition from the encounter sites. “The six killed terrorists belonged to proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Among them four have been identified—two are from Pakistan and others were locals. The identification of the remaining two terrorists is being ascertained. It is a big success for us,” said Kumar. In yesterday’s gun battle, an Indian Army soldier was killed, whereas two soldiers and one from Jammu and Kashmir Police were injured. The state police chief said that the intelligence apparatus has been strengthened and the number of ceasefire violations has come down as well. “The local militant recruitment has drastically come down as this year. Compared to 180 last year, only 128 to 130 locals have joined militancy,” said General-officer-Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lieutenant General D P Pandey.

For the first time in 30 years, active terrorists less than 200 in Jammu and Kashmir: Security agencies

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger.

"Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

He explained, "The UP Assembly's term ends on May 14th. We met with members of political parties, all district magistrates and district police superintendents, as well as other senior personnel. We also met with officials from the GST, ED, and IT departments.We want to ensure that elections are free of corruption.These organisations have issued specific directives to ensure that this happens."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

He also stated that the final voter list would be made public on January 5, 2022.

The Election Commission will come to the doorsteps of those over the age of 80, people with impairments, and COVID-19 impacted people who are unable to vote in a polling booth.

Additionally, VVPATs will be installed in every voting booth.

To guarantee openness in the election process, he said that live webcasting facilities would be accessible in about 1 lakh voting booths.&nbsp;

A reporter present at the meeting asked the ECE for its thoughts on the big poll rallies being organised before the elections amid the rising COVID-19 Delta and Omicron cases.&nbsp;

Chandra said, "Big rallies are under our attention. Following the implementation of the MCC, detailed guidelines on how to structure large rallies will be issued.

"We have discussed this issue with the health secretary here. When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue after looking at the situation then, " he added.

Meanwhile, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles.&nbsp;

The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly).

In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures.

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger. "Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger. "Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra. He explained, "The UP Assembly's term ends on May 14th. We met with members of political parties, all district magistrates and district police superintendents, as well as other senior personnel. We also met with officials from the GST, ED, and IT departments.We want to ensure that elections are free of corruption.These organisations have issued specific directives to ensure that this happens." Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls He also stated that the final voter list would be made public on January 5, 2022. The Election Commission will come to the doorsteps of those over the age of 80, people with impairments, and COVID-19 impacted people who are unable to vote in a polling booth. Additionally, VVPATs will be installed in every voting booth. To guarantee openness in the election process, he said that live webcasting facilities would be accessible in about 1 lakh voting booths. A reporter present at the meeting asked the ECE for its thoughts on the big poll rallies being organised before the elections amid the rising COVID-19 Delta and Omicron cases. Chandra said, "Big rallies are under our attention. Following the implementation of the MCC, detailed guidelines on how to structure large rallies will be issued. "We have discussed this issue with the health secretary here. When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue after looking at the situation then, " he added. Meanwhile, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles. The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly). In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May. (With inputs from agencies)

No shifting of India Assembly election 2022? Poll body says parties want vote held on time

Researchers at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom have warned of a "explosive" increase in Omicron cases in India in the coming days, saying it's "impossible to forecast how high daily instances" could go.

India recorded around four lakh new cases per day during the height of the second wave.&nbsp;

According to a team of researchers who developed the India COVID tracker, infection rates are rising rapidly across India.

Six states were singled out as "major concerns" by the tracker. According to a report dated Dec. 24, the adjusted growth rate of new cases has surpassed 5%.

According to the tracker, which accounts for "weekday effects," this had spread to 11 Indian states by December 26 "along with other variations." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-13154-new-cases-in-last-24-hours-omicron-tally-rises-to-961-441077">Also read | COVID-19: India reports 13,154 new cases in last 24 hours; Omicron tally rises to 961</a>

Covid cases increased by 13,154 in India.Thursday saw the largest number of new daily cases in three weeks, bringing the total number of confirmed illnesses to 34.8 million.

To date, 480,592 people have died as a result of the disaster. Even though just 961 cases of the highly modified omicron have been detected so far, the country is already preparing to prevent another big outbreak.

It permitted booster doses last week and expanded the vaccination programme to cover teens aged 15 to 18.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Indian capital of New Delhi banned cinemas, schools, and gyms, as well as restricted public gatherings, a day after the city reported the highest number of new cases in more than four months.

Pubs, restaurants, and offices will be 50 percent full between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The Cambridge India tracker correctly predicted the peak of this devastating second wave in May, as well as a slow burn in India's COVID infection curve until vaccination coverage was high enough in August.

In October, India reached a milestone of delivering 1 billion vaccination doses, and new cases fell in lockstep.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom have warned of a "explosive" increase in Omicron cases in India in the coming days, saying it's "impossible to forecast how high daily instances" could go.

Researchers at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom have warned of a "explosive" increase in Omicron cases in India in the coming days, saying it's "impossible to forecast how high daily instances" could go. India recorded around four lakh new cases per day during the height of the second wave. According to a team of researchers who developed the India COVID tracker, infection rates are rising rapidly across India. Six states were singled out as "major concerns" by the tracker. According to a report dated Dec. 24, the adjusted growth rate of new cases has surpassed 5%. According to the tracker, which accounts for "weekday effects," this had spread to 11 Indian states by December 26 "along with other variations." Also read | COVID-19: India reports 13,154 new cases in last 24 hours; Omicron tally rises to 961 Covid cases increased by 13,154 in India.Thursday saw the largest number of new daily cases in three weeks, bringing the total number of confirmed illnesses to 34.8 million. To date, 480,592 people have died as a result of the disaster. Even though just 961 cases of the highly modified omicron have been detected so far, the country is already preparing to prevent another big outbreak. It permitted booster doses last week and expanded the vaccination programme to cover teens aged 15 to 18. On Tuesday, the Indian capital of New Delhi banned cinemas, schools, and gyms, as well as restricted public gatherings, a day after the city reported the highest number of new cases in more than four months. Pubs, restaurants, and offices will be 50 percent full between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The Cambridge India tracker correctly predicted the peak of this devastating second wave in May, as well as a slow burn in India's COVID infection curve until vaccination coverage was high enough in August. In October, India reached a milestone of delivering 1 billion vaccination doses, and new cases fell in lockstep. (With inputs from agencies)

Cambridge experts warn of an 'explosive' growth of Omicron cases in India

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports.

The signing of the deal will reflect a positive sign, amidst strained relationship between the two countries.

The timing&nbsp;of the deal comes amid tensions between Sri Lanka and China over a contaminated consignment of organic fertiliser.

<img alt="An aerial view of oil tank farm in north-eastern Trincomalee province " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f492eb9c-d7b8-4790-8e7b-86a86027edde" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gt3.jpeg" />

Sri Lankan energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Indian newspaper The Hindu that New Delhi and Colombo are close to finalising the terms of the project after negotiating for 16 months.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas |&nbsp;India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil farms in Trincomalee Harbour

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-and-sri-lanka-to-jointly-develop-oil-farms-in-trincomalee-harbour-441039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We don’t have a Cabinet meeting this week because of the holidays. We will get the decision ratified in the next one,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying.

The Trincomalee oil tank farm, located in 'China Bay', was built during the Second World War by the British to serve as a refuelling station.

The nearly century-old oil tanks need an urgent overhaul, which might cost of millions of dollars, if they are to be fit for use again.
<img alt="Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla " data-caption="Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla&amp;nbsp;standing near one of the storage tanks run by India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74bc4d82-2559-449f-85ff-40900c35b29a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gt2.jpeg" />
According to local media reports, the Trincomalee oil farm&nbsp;has 99 storage tanks with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres each and spread across the Upper Tank Farm and the Lower Tank Farm, where LIOC— a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation— currently runs 15 tanks.

The new agreement being negotiated pertains to the remaining tanks.

The deal is part of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, whereby it was decided that the work of refurbishing the tank would be undertaken jointly by the two countries.

But the deal never came to fruition because of the civil war in Sri Lanka, where the government was fighting against local Tamil insurgents.

(With inputs from agencies)

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports.

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports. The signing of the deal will reflect a positive sign, amidst strained relationship between the two countries. The timing of the deal comes amid tensions between Sri Lanka and China over a contaminated consignment of organic fertiliser. Sri Lankan energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Indian newspaper The Hindu that New Delhi and Colombo are close to finalising the terms of the project after negotiating for 16 months. Watch: Gravitas | India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil farms in Trincomalee Harbour “We don’t have a Cabinet meeting this week because of the holidays. We will get the decision ratified in the next one,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying. The Trincomalee oil tank farm, located in 'China Bay', was built during the Second World War by the British to serve as a refuelling station. The nearly century-old oil tanks need an urgent overhaul, which might cost of millions of dollars, if they are to be fit for use again. According to local media reports, the Trincomalee oil farm has 99 storage tanks with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres each and spread across the Upper Tank Farm and the Lower Tank Farm, where LIOC— a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation— currently runs 15 tanks. The new agreement being negotiated pertains to the remaining tanks. The deal is part of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, whereby it was decided that the work of refurbishing the tank would be undertaken jointly by the two countries. But the deal never came to fruition because of the civil war in Sri Lanka, where the government was fighting against local Tamil insurgents. (With inputs from agencies)

India to enter Sri Lanka's ‘China Bay’ with Trincomalee oil farm deal

Apple and its iPhone assembler Foxconn found that some remote dormitories and dining rooms used for employees at a Foxconn plant in southern India do not meet required standards, spokespeople for the two companies said on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, protests erupted after more than 250 women who work at the Foxconn plant that makes iPhones in Sriperumbudur town, near the southern city of Chennai, and live in one of the dormitories had to be treated for food poisoning.

Production at the Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant`s plant was halted on Dec 18, Reuters has reported.

Foxconn said on Wednesday it was restructuring its local management team to ensure it can achieve and maintain the standards needed, and was taking immediate steps to improve facilities. All employees would continue to be paid while it makes necessary improvements to restart operations.

An Apple spokesperson said it had dispatched independent auditors to assess conditions at the dormitories "following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn Sriperumbudur."

"We found that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees do not meet our requirements and we are working with the supplier to ensure a comprehensive set of corrective actions are rapidly implemented."

Foxconn`s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed "on probation" and Apple will ensure its strict standards are met before the facility reopens, the spokesperson for the U.S. company said, adding that it holds suppliers accountable to the highest standards in the industry and regularly conducts assessments to ensure compliance

Apple and its iPhone assembler Foxconn found that some remote dormitories and dining rooms used for employees at a Foxconn plant in southern India do not meet required standards, spokespeople for the two companies said on Wednesday.

Apple and its iPhone assembler Foxconn found that some remote dormitories and dining rooms used for employees at a Foxconn plant in southern India do not meet required standards, spokespeople for the two companies said on Wednesday. Earlier this month, protests erupted after more than 250 women who work at the Foxconn plant that makes iPhones in Sriperumbudur town, near the southern city of Chennai, and live in one of the dormitories had to be treated for food poisoning. Production at the Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant`s plant was halted on Dec 18, Reuters has reported. Foxconn said on Wednesday it was restructuring its local management team to ensure it can achieve and maintain the standards needed, and was taking immediate steps to improve facilities. All employees would continue to be paid while it makes necessary improvements to restart operations. An Apple spokesperson said it had dispatched independent auditors to assess conditions at the dormitories "following recent concerns about food safety and accommodation conditions at Foxconn Sriperumbudur." "We found that some of the remote dormitory accommodations and dining rooms being used for employees do not meet our requirements and we are working with the supplier to ensure a comprehensive set of corrective actions are rapidly implemented." Foxconn`s Sriperumbudur facility has been placed "on probation" and Apple will ensure its strict standards are met before the facility reopens, the spokesperson for the U.S. company said, adding that it holds suppliers accountable to the highest standards in the industry and regularly conducts assessments to ensure compliance

Foxconn, Apple say worker dorms for India iPhone plant don't meet required standards

A terrorist was killed and a policeman injured in two separate encounters between security forces and ultras in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.

While one encounter broke out in Anantnag district, another gunfight took place in Kulgam district&nbsp;both in south Kashmir.

A police official said the first encounter happened when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Nowgam Shahabad of Dooru in the south Kashmir district acting on a specific input about the presence of militants.

He said as the forces were conducting the searches, the hiding militants fired upon them.

The forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter, the official said.

In the initial firing, a police personnel was injured and has been shifted to a hospital, the official added.

The exchange of firing was going on and further details were awaited, he said.

Meanwhile, another encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Mirhama area of the neighbouring Kulgam district, the official said.

He said one militant, his identity yet to be ascertained, was killed in the gunfight.

The operation is underway, he said.

A terrorist was killed and a policeman injured in two separate encounters between security forces and ultras in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said. While one encounter broke out in Anantnag district, another gunfight took place in Kulgam district both in south Kashmir.

A terrorist was killed and a policeman injured in two separate encounters between security forces and ultras in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said. While one encounter broke out in Anantnag district, another gunfight took place in Kulgam district both in south Kashmir. A police official said the first encounter happened when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Nowgam Shahabad of Dooru in the south Kashmir district acting on a specific input about the presence of militants. He said as the forces were conducting the searches, the hiding militants fired upon them. The forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter, the official said. In the initial firing, a police personnel was injured and has been shifted to a hospital, the official added. The exchange of firing was going on and further details were awaited, he said. Meanwhile, another encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Mirhama area of the neighbouring Kulgam district, the official said. He said one militant, his identity yet to be ascertained, was killed in the gunfight. The operation is underway, he said.

Terrorist killed, cop injured in separate encounters in south Kashmir

Amid rise in coronavirus cases, the Goa state government on Wednesday imposed new restrictions to combat the virus.

Cinema halls and entertainment outlets in Goa were ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Fully vaccinated people and only those with negative COVID-19 certificates will be allowed entry into the state, the local government announced.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-chennai-beaches-not-to-have-new-year-parties-celebrations-curbed-440887">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron in India: Chennai beaches not to have New Year parties, celebrations curbed</a>

India's capital on Wednesday&nbsp;recorded 923 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with active cases at 2,191. The Delhi government had earlier announced a Yellow alert in the capital due to rising COVID-19 cases while ordering the metro train services to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

According to Delhi's health department, the new virus cases were the highest since May 30 and almost double the number of cases recorded from the previous day. The virus positivity rate stood at 1.29 per cent from 0.89 per cent reported on Tuesday. The capital had recorded 496 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.

At least 1,068 patients are in home isolation, the capital's health department informed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-indian-capital-imposes-yellow-level-restrictions-amid-rise-in-coronavirus-cases-440786">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian capital imposes 'Yellow Level' restrictions</a>

Karnataka reported 566 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths with the total number of active cases at 7,771. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's capital Mumbai reported 2,510 COVID-19 cases which is the highest daily cases since May 8.

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in India's financial capital since last week. The local authorities have also sealed buildings&nbsp;and declared one containment zone&nbsp;in Mumbai.

Punjab on Wednesday reported the first Omicron case after a man who had recently returned from Spain was detected with the new variant. Jammu and Kashmir also recorded a rise in cases with 104 coronavirus cases.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rise in coronavirus cases, the Goa state government on Wednesday imposed new restrictions to combat the virus. Cinema halls and entertainment outlets in Goa were ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

Amid rise in coronavirus cases, the Goa state government on Wednesday imposed new restrictions to combat the virus. Cinema halls and entertainment outlets in Goa were ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Fully vaccinated people and only those with negative COVID-19 certificates will be allowed entry into the state, the local government announced. Also Read: Omicron in India: Chennai beaches not to have New Year parties, celebrations curbed India's capital on Wednesday recorded 923 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with active cases at 2,191. The Delhi government had earlier announced a Yellow alert in the capital due to rising COVID-19 cases while ordering the metro train services to operate at 50 per cent capacity. According to Delhi's health department, the new virus cases were the highest since May 30 and almost double the number of cases recorded from the previous day. The virus positivity rate stood at 1.29 per cent from 0.89 per cent reported on Tuesday. The capital had recorded 496 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. At least 1,068 patients are in home isolation, the capital's health department informed. Also Read: Indian capital imposes 'Yellow Level' restrictions Karnataka reported 566 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths with the total number of active cases at 7,771. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's capital Mumbai reported 2,510 COVID-19 cases which is the highest daily cases since May 8. COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in India's financial capital since last week. The local authorities have also sealed buildings and declared one containment zone in Mumbai. Punjab on Wednesday reported the first Omicron case after a man who had recently returned from Spain was detected with the new variant. Jammu and Kashmir also recorded a rise in cases with 104 coronavirus cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

Delhi reports highest COVID-19 cases since May; Goa announces restrictions

The women of rural areas of Kashmir are no more dependent on their male folks, as the Indian army helps set up many women's self-help groups in various districts of the Kashmir region. These earnings are making these women independent and also supporting their families.

In a small village called Gund in the Kangan area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, these twenty women got together with the help of the Indian army and started a self-help group called Sonamarg foods. They make pickles and jams and their products are sold across the country. The apple jam is made from locally grown apples while pickles are made from fresh garden vegetables from the Ganderbal area.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/like-a-dream-indias-kashmir-valley-wrapped-in-blanket-of-snow-pics-are-mesmerising-439747" hreflang="en">Like a dream! India's Kashmir Valley wrapped in blanket of snow, pics are mesmerising</a>

“We started this group three&nbsp;months ago, we make jams and pickles here. We make Jams from Local apples, and pickles from fresh veggies. There are around 15-20 girls here. This is a great opportunity for girls to become independent and earn a livelihood. The Indian army has supported us in this. The army enquired about this area and said if you girls want to do something, they will support you. Not everyone is meant for jobs but some should start their own business. The Indian army funded this whole project and even the marketing is being done by them. We don’t need to be dependent on our male folks, we should be independent” said Nighat Tabasum, member of&nbsp;a self-help&nbsp;group. "

The women have prepared a fresh consignment of 500 bottles of pickles and hundreds of bottles of jams ready to be dispatched to different parts of the country. The Indian army is helping with the marketing of these products and soon they will be selling them online as well. The packaging and branding also was done with the help of the Indian army.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/check-out-christmas-art-made-by-kashmiri-artisans-439444" hreflang="en">Check out Christmas art made by Kashmiri artisans</a>

''We have made 500 bottles of pickles and many bottles of Jams. The packaging is complete and we are ready to dispatch them. We have been making them for around 3 months. The Indian army helped us with getting this group together, making these products, and also now they are helping with selling these products. We used to sit idle at home and now with the help of the army, we are able to make a living. We want other girls from the community to join us. '' said Jabeena Banu, Coordinator, Self Help Group.

The girls were initially trained by the Indian army in how to make pickles and jams from locally grown produce. After the training, they started making these products, and now there are many women wanting to join such groups.

"We were taught how to make pickles and Jams and then started making it ourselves. We told every girl in the village about it and asked them to join. We are earning our livelihood by it. We are thankful to the army who came here and taught us and made us a part of this self-help group. '' said Afreena, a member.

These initiatives by the Indian army are not only empowering the women in the far-flung areas of the Kashmir Valley but also inspiring hundreds of others to start a business of their own.

The women of rural areas of Kashmir are no more dependent on their male folks, as the Indian army helps set up many women's self-help groups in various districts of the Kashmir region.

The women of rural areas of Kashmir are no more dependent on their male folks, as the Indian army helps set up many women's self-help groups in various districts of the Kashmir region. These earnings are making these women independent and also supporting their families. In a small village called Gund in the Kangan area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, these twenty women got together with the help of the Indian army and started a self-help group called Sonamarg foods. They make pickles and jams and their products are sold across the country. The apple jam is made from locally grown apples while pickles are made from fresh garden vegetables from the Ganderbal area. Also see | Like a dream! India's Kashmir Valley wrapped in blanket of snow, pics are mesmerising “We started this group three months ago, we make jams and pickles here. We make Jams from Local apples, and pickles from fresh veggies. There are around 15-20 girls here. This is a great opportunity for girls to become independent and earn a livelihood. The Indian army has supported us in this. The army enquired about this area and said if you girls want to do something, they will support you. Not everyone is meant for jobs but some should start their own business. The Indian army funded this whole project and even the marketing is being done by them. We don’t need to be dependent on our male folks, we should be independent” said Nighat Tabasum, member of a self-help group. " The women have prepared a fresh consignment of 500 bottles of pickles and hundreds of bottles of jams ready to be dispatched to different parts of the country. The Indian army is helping with the marketing of these products and soon they will be selling them online as well. The packaging and branding also was done with the help of the Indian army. Also see | Check out Christmas art made by Kashmiri artisans ''We have made 500 bottles of pickles and many bottles of Jams. The packaging is complete and we are ready to dispatch them. We have been making them for around 3 months. The Indian army helped us with getting this group together, making these products, and also now they are helping with selling these products. We used to sit idle at home and now with the help of the army, we are able to make a living. We want other girls from the community to join us. '' said Jabeena Banu, Coordinator, Self Help Group. The girls were initially trained by the Indian army in how to make pickles and jams from locally grown produce. After the training, they started making these products, and now there are many women wanting to join such groups. "We were taught how to make pickles and Jams and then started making it ourselves. We told every girl in the village about it and asked them to join. We are earning our livelihood by it. We are thankful to the army who came here and taught us and made us a part of this self-help group. '' said Afreena, a member. These initiatives by the Indian army are not only empowering the women in the far-flung areas of the Kashmir Valley but also inspiring hundreds of others to start a business of their own.

Kashmiri women set up self-help groups to earn their livelihood and become independent

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chennai city and is ramping up health infrastructure to deal with the surge.

According to Health Minister M. Subramanian, 194 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Chennai on Tuesday, whereas the number is expected to go well past 250 on Wednesday. This comes at a time when the Omicron variant is showing increasing prevalence across Indian cities.&nbsp;

As per the government health bulletin issued on Tuesday, 43 cases of Omicron have been recorded in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 patients are undergoing treatment and the rest have been discharged from hospitals.

Referring to the possible emergence of more Omicron cases, the Minister added that 129 samples where S-Gene drop (an indication of an Omicron case) was observed were sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune. However, the final confirmation of Omicron in these samples has yet to be officially ascertained.&nbsp;

Regarding the condition of those undergoing treatment for the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Minister said that most of them were fully vaccinated, asymptomatic and did not require ICU or oxygen beds. He also emphasised the importance of completing a double vaccination in order to prevent severe disease.&nbsp;

According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, daily RT-PCR testing in the city was increased from 23,000 to 25,000, and measures were being taken to get more beds ready in large COVID Care Centers.

In addition to the 500 beds that are available in three centres on the outskirts of the city, an 800-bed facility with an oxygen supply is also being readied at the city’s largest exhibition venue, the Chennai Trade Center.

The city’s civic body also urged those who suspect COVID-19 to not take their own vehicles and travel to hospitals. Instead, they advised the public to call 1913, if they needed support.

According to the civic body, on calling 1913, they were offering vehicles to take COVID-19 suspects to government-run screening centers, from where they could be guided to further treatment.

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chennai city and is ramping up health infrastructure to deal with the surge. According to Health Minister M.

The Tamil Nadu government has acknowledged the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chennai city and is ramping up health infrastructure to deal with the surge. According to Health Minister M. Subramanian, 194 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Chennai on Tuesday, whereas the number is expected to go well past 250 on Wednesday. This comes at a time when the Omicron variant is showing increasing prevalence across Indian cities. As per the government health bulletin issued on Tuesday, 43 cases of Omicron have been recorded in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 patients are undergoing treatment and the rest have been discharged from hospitals. Referring to the possible emergence of more Omicron cases, the Minister added that 129 samples where S-Gene drop (an indication of an Omicron case) was observed were sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune. However, the final confirmation of Omicron in these samples has yet to be officially ascertained. Regarding the condition of those undergoing treatment for the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Minister said that most of them were fully vaccinated, asymptomatic and did not require ICU or oxygen beds. He also emphasised the importance of completing a double vaccination in order to prevent severe disease. According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, daily RT-PCR testing in the city was increased from 23,000 to 25,000, and measures were being taken to get more beds ready in large COVID Care Centers. In addition to the 500 beds that are available in three centres on the outskirts of the city, an 800-bed facility with an oxygen supply is also being readied at the city’s largest exhibition venue, the Chennai Trade Center. The city’s civic body also urged those who suspect COVID-19 to not take their own vehicles and travel to hospitals. Instead, they advised the public to call 1913, if they needed support. According to the civic body, on calling 1913, they were offering vehicles to take COVID-19 suspects to government-run screening centers, from where they could be guided to further treatment.

India's Chennai ramping up mass quarantine centres amid surge in COVID-19, says minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) that was to take place next week has been postponed.

The visit has been postponed amid global concerns on increasing COVID-19&nbsp;Omicron cases. It is not the first time PM's visit has been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;PM Modi's visit to Portugal, France and UK was postponed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 crisis. Last year his visit to Brussels was postponed as coronavirus numbers increased.

India has seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases&nbsp;with Delhi and Maharashtra reporting the maximum number of cases.

A yellow alert came&nbsp;into effect in India's national capital on Tuesday&nbsp;which mean all non-essential activities have been closed and a curfew imposed from 10 pm to 5 am.&nbsp;

UAE has also seen an increase in coronavirus cases with over COVID-19 1800 cases being reported recently even as mega Dubai Expo faces closure as cases have spiked.

PM Modi&nbsp;during his one-day visit on January 6&nbsp;was expected to visit Dubai Expo and sign the India-UAE free trade agreement. At the Dubai Expo, he was to visit the "India Pavillion" which showcases India's culture, Yoga, Ayurveda to Space programme.&nbsp;

India and UAE have a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership"&nbsp;and have seen increased engagement at every level. &nbsp;

PM Modi had visited the West Asian country in 2015, 2018 and 2019. UAE has conferred the highest civilian award 'the Order of Zayed’ to PM Modi.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (MBZ) Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016. MBZ visited India again in January&nbsp;2017 as the chief guest at India’s Republic day celebrations.

The Indian diaspora forms a deep connection as the UAE hosts one of the largest populations of Indians. The Indian expatriate community of approx. 3.3 million is the largest ethnic community in UAE constituting roughly about 30 per cent of the country’s population.

Among the Indian states, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Indians from the northern states also form a significant portion of the UAE Indian population.

India's prime minister will also not be going to Kuwait&nbsp;as was being reported earlier. The last high-level visit from India to the country was by external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in June.

During the visit, India's EAM had called on the prime minister of Kuwait and had held a meeting with the foreign minister of Kuwait. The last prime ministerial visit from India to Kuwait was by PM Indira Gandhi in 1981 and work is on the visit of PM Modi to the country soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) that was to take place next week has been postponed. The visit has been postponed amid global concerns on increasing COVID-19 Omicron cases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) that was to take place next week has been postponed. The visit has been postponed amid global concerns on increasing COVID-19 Omicron cases. It is not the first time PM's visit has been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. PM Modi's visit to Portugal, France and UK was postponed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 crisis. Last year his visit to Brussels was postponed as coronavirus numbers increased. India has seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases with Delhi and Maharashtra reporting the maximum number of cases. A yellow alert came into effect in India's national capital on Tuesday which mean all non-essential activities have been closed and a curfew imposed from 10 pm to 5 am. UAE has also seen an increase in coronavirus cases with over COVID-19 1800 cases being reported recently even as mega Dubai Expo faces closure as cases have spiked. PM Modi during his one-day visit on January 6 was expected to visit Dubai Expo and sign the India-UAE free trade agreement. At the Dubai Expo, he was to visit the "India Pavillion" which showcases India's culture, Yoga, Ayurveda to Space programme. India and UAE have a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" and have seen increased engagement at every level. PM Modi had visited the West Asian country in 2015, 2018 and 2019. UAE has conferred the highest civilian award 'the Order of Zayed’ to PM Modi. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (MBZ) Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016. MBZ visited India again in January 2017 as the chief guest at India’s Republic day celebrations. The Indian diaspora forms a deep connection as the UAE hosts one of the largest populations of Indians. The Indian expatriate community of approx. 3.3 million is the largest ethnic community in UAE constituting roughly about 30 per cent of the country’s population. Among the Indian states, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Indians from the northern states also form a significant portion of the UAE Indian population. India's prime minister will also not be going to Kuwait as was being reported earlier. The last high-level visit from India to the country was by external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in June. During the visit, India's EAM had called on the prime minister of Kuwait and had held a meeting with the foreign minister of Kuwait. The last prime ministerial visit from India to Kuwait was by PM Indira Gandhi in 1981 and work is on the visit of PM Modi to the country soon.

PM Modi's UAE visit postponed amid Omicron crisis

Indian&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (December 28) virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories of the country. He also commended BRO for achieving the feat despite the challenges of sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes.&nbsp;

These bridges and roads are constructed with an aim to ensure the swift movement of troops at borders with China and Pakistan. It will also boost tourism in the region, ensuring socio-economic development.&nbsp;

The official press release by the government stated that out of 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, five each in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, out of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal.&nbsp;

The highlight of the inauguration was India's first indigenous Class 70 140-feet Double-Lane Modular Bridge, built at the height of 11,000 feet at Flag Hill Dokala, Sikkim and the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh, which holds the Guinness World Record of world's highest motorable road.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-india-has-emerged-to-be-the-second-biggest-startup-hub-in-the-world-440644">PM Narendra Modi: India has emerged to be the second biggest startup hub in the world</a>

"Roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs and ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation," Singh said during the virtual inauguration from the nation's capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

"It is an important milestone on the path to achieve 'Make in India' as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a symbol of the Government's resolve to provide faster connectivity to border areas. It will also pave the way for the construction of more bridges in such areas," he added.&nbsp;

The defence minister also announced&nbsp;setting up&nbsp;of 'BRO Cafes' at 75 places, as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'&nbsp;celebrations.&nbsp;

The official release stated that these cafes will showcase the local traditions and facilities such as food, parking, sitting area, souvenir shops, medical inspection rooms and photo galleries.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Dedicated to the nation 27 infra projects built by BRO in four States &amp; two UTs via VC facility. 
 
The BRO has achieved the feat of completing record 102 infra projects in a single working season. I congratulate Team BRO for this wonderful achievement. <a href="https://t.co/PeQ2KPTMck">https://t.co/PeQ2KPTMck</a> <a href="https://t.co/kNesFMdUq4">pic.twitter.com/kNesFMdUq4</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1475758287584780289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The infra projects inaugurated today will bolster security, ensure socio-economic development of far-flung areas &amp; contribute in developing a New India. 
 
The BRO is now ready to set up 'BRO Cafes’ at 75 places in border areas, as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzadiKaAmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav</a> celebrations.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1475758625519902724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The newly constructed bridges will help Indian troops

It is understood that the Flag Hill-Dokla road will reduce the travel time for Indian troops to reach the Dokla area near the Doklam plateau where a stand-off took place between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017.&nbsp;

The road connecting Chisumale to Demchock provides an alternate route from Leh to the strategically important Demchock.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (December 28) virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories of the country.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (December 28) virtually inaugurated 24 bridges and three roads constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories of the country. He also commended BRO for achieving the feat despite the challenges of sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes. These bridges and roads are constructed with an aim to ensure the swift movement of troops at borders with China and Pakistan. It will also boost tourism in the region, ensuring socio-economic development. The official press release by the government stated that out of 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu & Kashmir, five each in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, and one each in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, out of the three roads, two are in Ladakh and one is in West Bengal. The highlight of the inauguration was India's first indigenous Class 70 140-feet Double-Lane Modular Bridge, built at the height of 11,000 feet at Flag Hill Dokala, Sikkim and the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh, which holds the Guinness World Record of world's highest motorable road. ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi: India has emerged to be the second biggest startup hub in the world "Roads in border areas cater to the strategic needs and ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation," Singh said during the virtual inauguration from the nation's capital, New Delhi. "It is an important milestone on the path to achieve 'Make in India' as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a symbol of the Government's resolve to provide faster connectivity to border areas. It will also pave the way for the construction of more bridges in such areas," he added. The defence minister also announced setting up of 'BRO Cafes' at 75 places, as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations. The official release stated that these cafes will showcase the local traditions and facilities such as food, parking, sitting area, souvenir shops, medical inspection rooms and photo galleries. Dedicated to the nation 27 infra projects built by BRO in four States & two UTs via VC facility. The BRO has achieved the feat of completing record 102 infra projects in a single working season. I congratulate Team BRO for this wonderful achievement. https://t.co/PeQ2KPTMck pic.twitter.com/kNesFMdUq4 — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 28, 2021 × The infra projects inaugurated today will bolster security, ensure socio-economic development of far-flung areas & contribute in developing a New India. The BRO is now ready to set up 'BRO Cafes’ at 75 places in border areas, as part of #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav celebrations. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 28, 2021 × The newly constructed bridges will help Indian troops It is understood that the Flag Hill-Dokla road will reduce the travel time for Indian troops to reach the Dokla area near the Doklam plateau where a stand-off took place between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017. The road connecting Chisumale to Demchock provides an alternate route from Leh to the strategically important Demchock. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian defence minister inaugurates strategically important bridges near China and Pakistan borders

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin,&nbsp;Russian minister for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and governors of Russian Far East will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will take place in Gandhinagar next month.

Four&nbsp;governors of Far East Provinces of Russia will participate in the summit that will take place from January 10&nbsp;to 12.

The biennial investors' summit which is the tenth edition will see a roundtable on the first day itself with governors and heads of far eastern federal districts of the Russian Federation taking part. The roundtable is expected to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;A readout on the event from the official website of the summit says the roundtable will "further boost the bilateral cooperation and enhancing collaboration in trade, commerce, and investments."

The focus on Russian Far East, an area rich in mineral resources at the summit comes even has there has been greater engagement from India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Vladivostok in 2019 which is the&nbsp;region's second-largest&nbsp;city and had spoken at the 5th Eastern Economic Summit.&nbsp;

During the visit, PM Modi had announced $1 billion line of credit to the Russian Far East to develop the region. That same year saw trade minister Piyush Goyal&nbsp;leading a high-power delegation of chief ministers of Haryana, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh and Goa and about 140 Indian companies to Vladivostok to increase business engagement.

The presence of the ministry for the development of the Russian Far East and Arctic is another stand-out. Minvostokrazvitiya as it is known&nbsp;is a Russian executive body that coordinates&nbsp;in the Far Eastern federal district&nbsp;the implementation of state programmes and federal targeted programmes.

Around five heads of state will be participating at the summit.&nbsp;Italy is the partner country for the mega investor meet. The summit will will witness&nbsp;special country session for Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, UK,&nbsp;Japan, Sweden, Norway, South Korea.

The sessions are also on the business environment in Latvia and doing business in Africa.&nbsp;Since the meet takes place amid the COVID-19 crisis, the number of COVID-19 protocols have been put in place. These include&nbsp;entry to venues&nbsp;only on basis of fully vaccinated certificate.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russian minister for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and governors of Russian Far East will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will take place in Gandhinagar next month.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russian minister for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov and governors of Russian Far East will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that will take place in Gandhinagar next month. Four governors of Far East Provinces of Russia will participate in the summit that will take place from January 10 to 12. The biennial investors' summit which is the tenth edition will see a roundtable on the first day itself with governors and heads of far eastern federal districts of the Russian Federation taking part. The roundtable is expected to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A readout on the event from the official website of the summit says the roundtable will "further boost the bilateral cooperation and enhancing collaboration in trade, commerce, and investments." The focus on Russian Far East, an area rich in mineral resources at the summit comes even has there has been greater engagement from India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Vladivostok in 2019 which is the region's second-largest city and had spoken at the 5th Eastern Economic Summit. During the visit, PM Modi had announced $1 billion line of credit to the Russian Far East to develop the region. That same year saw trade minister Piyush Goyal leading a high-power delegation of chief ministers of Haryana, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh and Goa and about 140 Indian companies to Vladivostok to increase business engagement. The presence of the ministry for the development of the Russian Far East and Arctic is another stand-out. Minvostokrazvitiya as it is known is a Russian executive body that coordinates in the Far Eastern federal district the implementation of state programmes and federal targeted programmes. Around five heads of state will be participating at the summit. Italy is the partner country for the mega investor meet. The summit will will witness special country session for Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, UK, Japan, Sweden, Norway, South Korea. The sessions are also on the business environment in Latvia and doing business in Africa. Since the meet takes place amid the COVID-19 crisis, the number of COVID-19 protocols have been put in place. These include entry to venues only on basis of fully vaccinated certificate.

Russian PM, minister for Far East & Arctic to attend Vibrant Gujarat Summit

The police department in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has informed the public that they will not be permitted to gather and celebrate New Year’s Eve on the state’s beaches.

Even restaurants and hotels (with accommodation) will be permitted to function only until 11 p.m. on December 31st.

This comes at a time when there are 43 recorded cases of Omicron in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 are active cases.

However, the health minister said that there are 129 cases that indicate S-Gene drop (which are indicative of Omicron).&nbsp;

With regards to the metropolis of Chennai, city police have imposed curbs on resorts, farm houses, clubs and similar venues from conducting commercial celebratory events.

Group celebrations in apartment complexes and villas have also been restricted, with only individual celebrations being permitted.&nbsp;

While hotels (with accommodation facilities) and restaurants have been permitted to serve guests till 11 pm, no permission has been granted for hotels, clubs, and farm houses to conduct dance events, DJ nights, or similar musical events.&nbsp;

Chennai Police have also said that the roads leading to popular beaches such as Marina, Elliots.

Neelangarai, and East Coast Road will be closed from 9pm onwards, on New Year’s Eve. It was also added that vehicles cannot be parked along the roads that lead to beaches and people must not indulge in public celebrations.&nbsp;

The police department in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has informed the public that they will not be permitted to gather and celebrate New Year’s Eve on the state’s beaches.

The police department in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has informed the public that they will not be permitted to gather and celebrate New Year’s Eve on the state’s beaches. Even restaurants and hotels (with accommodation) will be permitted to function only until 11 p.m. on December 31st. This comes at a time when there are 43 recorded cases of Omicron in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 are active cases. However, the health minister said that there are 129 cases that indicate S-Gene drop (which are indicative of Omicron). With regards to the metropolis of Chennai, city police have imposed curbs on resorts, farm houses, clubs and similar venues from conducting commercial celebratory events. Group celebrations in apartment complexes and villas have also been restricted, with only individual celebrations being permitted. While hotels (with accommodation facilities) and restaurants have been permitted to serve guests till 11 pm, no permission has been granted for hotels, clubs, and farm houses to conduct dance events, DJ nights, or similar musical events. Chennai Police have also said that the roads leading to popular beaches such as Marina, Elliots. Neelangarai, and East Coast Road will be closed from 9pm onwards, on New Year’s Eve. It was also added that vehicles cannot be parked along the roads that lead to beaches and people must not indulge in public celebrations.

Omicron in India: Chennai beaches not to have New Year parties, celebrations curbed

Dharamshala-based Tibet Watch has said that Chinese officials in Drago County in Tibet's Kham area dismantled a 99-foot Buddha statue and smashed 45 massive prayer wheels placed near Drago monastery.

According to a report released on Friday, the demolition was carried out by county chief Wang Dongsheng, a high-ranking official who was also implicated in the massive destruction of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy.&nbsp;

Tibetan activists in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala held a candlelight vigil on Tuesday in solidarity with residents in Tibet's Kham Drago, calling on China to halt its "repressive tactics" in Tibet.&nbsp;

An activist from the Tibetan communities who took part in the vigil told ANI that Beijing ordered a widespread crackdown on citizens of Kham Drago, a province in Central Tibet, demolishing schools, Buddhist statues, and monasteries, in an attempt to "Sinicise" entire China-occupied countries.

According to the source, the destruction began on December 12 with "military soldiers strongly posted in the crossroads of its neighbourhood to prevent any type of protest."

According to the rights organisation, the statue was formally created with the full agreement of the local authorities for Buddhists' belief that it would prevent starvation, war, and possible disasters of fire, water, earth, and air.

At the time of dismantling, local Chinese authorities declared the construction documents fraudulent and stated that the statue's height was not permitted in the area.

According to one protestor, China is attempting to eradicate Tibetan Buddhism's cultural features. It's a way of homogenising and criticising Tibet as a whole.

East Turkistan and Southern Mongolia are also under its control.This is also an attempt to Sino-ize an exhausted China and Chinese-controlled territory.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dharamshala-based Tibet Watch has said that Chinese officials in Drago County in Tibet's Kham area dismantled a 99-foot Buddha statue and smashed 45 massive prayer wheels placed near Drago monastery.

Dharamshala-based Tibet Watch has said that Chinese officials in Drago County in Tibet's Kham area dismantled a 99-foot Buddha statue and smashed 45 massive prayer wheels placed near Drago monastery. According to a report released on Friday, the demolition was carried out by county chief Wang Dongsheng, a high-ranking official who was also implicated in the massive destruction of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. Tibetan activists in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala held a candlelight vigil on Tuesday in solidarity with residents in Tibet's Kham Drago, calling on China to halt its "repressive tactics" in Tibet. An activist from the Tibetan communities who took part in the vigil told ANI that Beijing ordered a widespread crackdown on citizens of Kham Drago, a province in Central Tibet, demolishing schools, Buddhist statues, and monasteries, in an attempt to "Sinicise" entire China-occupied countries. According to the source, the destruction began on December 12 with "military soldiers strongly posted in the crossroads of its neighbourhood to prevent any type of protest." According to the rights organisation, the statue was formally created with the full agreement of the local authorities for Buddhists' belief that it would prevent starvation, war, and possible disasters of fire, water, earth, and air. At the time of dismantling, local Chinese authorities declared the construction documents fraudulent and stated that the statue's height was not permitted in the area. According to one protestor, China is attempting to eradicate Tibetan Buddhism's cultural features. It's a way of homogenising and criticising Tibet as a whole. East Turkistan and Southern Mongolia are also under its control.This is also an attempt to Sino-ize an exhausted China and Chinese-controlled territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Exiled Tibetans in India protest the demolition of Buddha statue in Tibet

As per the data released on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, India has documented 781 cases of the Omicron form of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs, with 241 people recovering or migrating.

Delhi had the most cases (238), followed by Maharashtra (167), Gujarat (73), Kerala (65), and Telangana (62).

India's total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 3,48,08,886, while the number of active cases jumped to 77,002.&nbsp;

According to the report, the death toll has risen to 4,80,592 with 302 new fatalities.

For the past 62 days, the daily increase in new coronavirus infections has been below 15,000 per day.

Active cases account for 0.22 per cent of all infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the ministry, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

In the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload has grown by 1,546 cases.&nbsp;

On August 7, 2020, India's COVID-19 tally surpassed 2 million, followed by 3 million on August 23, 4 million on September 5, and 5 million on September 16.

It exceeded the 6 million level on September 28, the 7 million mark on October 11, the 8 million mark on October 29, the 9 million mark on November 20, and the 10 million mark on December 19.

On May 4, India passed the 20 million mark, and on June 23, it passed the 30 million mark.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the data released on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, India has documented 781 cases of the Omicron form of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs, with 241 people recovering or migrating.

As per the data released on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, India has documented 781 cases of the Omicron form of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs, with 241 people recovering or migrating. Delhi had the most cases (238), followed by Maharashtra (167), Gujarat (73), Kerala (65), and Telangana (62). India's total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 3,48,08,886, while the number of active cases jumped to 77,002. According to the report, the death toll has risen to 4,80,592 with 302 new fatalities. For the past 62 days, the daily increase in new coronavirus infections has been below 15,000 per day. Active cases account for 0.22 per cent of all infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the ministry, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020. In the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload has grown by 1,546 cases. On August 7, 2020, India's COVID-19 tally surpassed 2 million, followed by 3 million on August 23, 4 million on September 5, and 5 million on September 16. It exceeded the 6 million level on September 28, the 7 million mark on October 11, the 8 million mark on October 29, the 9 million mark on November 20, and the 10 million mark on December 19. On May 4, India passed the 20 million mark, and on June 23, it passed the 30 million mark. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Omicron tally rises to 781, Delhi reports maximum cases

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