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

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

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

Nuclear blast in space won't hit Earth directly. But what comes next will spell doom

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

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

Why do graphics cards have thousands of small processing cores?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why do powerful graphics cards need so much electricity?

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

Amid increasing concerns over a new coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India due to the new variant Omicron, which is believed to be highly transmissible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Thursday (December 23) with experts to check the nation's preparedness.&nbsp;

He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases. He took a note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, PSA plants, ICU/oxygen supported beds, human resources, IT interventions and status of vaccination.&nbsp;

"Reviewed the COVID-19 situation across India, particularly in the wake of Omicron. Our focus is on further ramping up health infra, testing, tracing and ensuring full vaccination coverage," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-astrazeneca-says-its-third-jab-significantly-boosts-omicron-antibodies-439290">COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies</a>

Here are the top ten highlight points of the meeting:&nbsp;

1) PM Modi said that in view of a new variant of Omicron, we should be 'satark' (vigilant) and 'saavdhan' (cautious).&nbsp;

2) He said that there should be a strategy for the proactive, focussed, collaborative, cooperative fight against Covid.&nbsp;

3) PM Modi called for the effective use of IT tools for telemedicine and teleconsultations.&nbsp;

4) He emphasised that it is important for states to ensure oxygen supply equipment are installed, fully functional.

5) PM Modi highlighted the point that the fight against the Covid pandemic is not over and there should be continued adherence to safety guidelines.&nbsp;

6) Talking about the vaccination, PM Modi urged the States to ensure that the eligible population is fully vaccinated against Covid.&nbsp;

7) PM Modi asked for a heightened and close monitoring of emerging clusters and hotspots through active, prompt and effective surveillance.&nbsp;

8) He has further directed to send a good number of positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner.

9) Modi has asked the officials to speed up the testing to ensure quick identification of cases sp that they can be treated timely. He said that the focus should also be on effective contact tracing.&nbsp;

10) Another important point to note is that he has directed the officials that the central government should send teams to states with low vaccination, rising cases and insufficient health infrastructure to assist them to improve the situation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> review meeting <a href="https://t.co/4lUUVuB7UK">pic.twitter.com/4lUUVuB7UK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1474013965088747528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

During the meeting, officials briefed PM about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant Omicron.&nbsp;

Regarding India, a detailed report of the Omicron cases, including their travel history, vaccination status and recovered status was presented to the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-suggests-omicron-milder-than-delta-variant-439361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Amid increasing concerns over a new coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India due to the new variant Omicron, which is believed to be highly transmissible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Thursday (December 23) with experts to check the nation's preparedness.

Amid increasing concerns over a new coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India due to the new variant Omicron, which is believed to be highly transmissible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Thursday (December 23) with experts to check the nation's preparedness. He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases. He took a note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, PSA plants, ICU/oxygen supported beds, human resources, IT interventions and status of vaccination. "Reviewed the COVID-19 situation across India, particularly in the wake of Omicron. Our focus is on further ramping up health infra, testing, tracing and ensuring full vaccination coverage," PM Modi tweeted. ALSO READ | COVID-19: AstraZeneca says its third jab 'significantly' boosts Omicron antibodies Here are the top ten highlight points of the meeting: 1) PM Modi said that in view of a new variant of Omicron, we should be 'satark' (vigilant) and 'saavdhan' (cautious). 2) He said that there should be a strategy for the proactive, focussed, collaborative, cooperative fight against Covid. 3) PM Modi called for the effective use of IT tools for telemedicine and teleconsultations. 4) He emphasised that it is important for states to ensure oxygen supply equipment are installed, fully functional. 5) PM Modi highlighted the point that the fight against the Covid pandemic is not over and there should be continued adherence to safety guidelines. 6) Talking about the vaccination, PM Modi urged the States to ensure that the eligible population is fully vaccinated against Covid. 7) PM Modi asked for a heightened and close monitoring of emerging clusters and hotspots through active, prompt and effective surveillance. 8) He has further directed to send a good number of positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner. 9) Modi has asked the officials to speed up the testing to ensure quick identification of cases sp that they can be treated timely. He said that the focus should also be on effective contact tracing. 10) Another important point to note is that he has directed the officials that the central government should send teams to states with low vaccination, rising cases and insufficient health infrastructure to assist them to improve the situation. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs #COVID19 review meeting pic.twitter.com/4lUUVuB7UK — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2021 × During the meeting, officials briefed PM about the emerging scenario globally driven by the new variant Omicron. Regarding India, a detailed report of the Omicron cases, including their travel history, vaccination status and recovered status was presented to the Prime Minister. WATCH | Study suggests Omicron milder than Delta variant ×

From oxygen supply to Omicron threat: 10 key highlights of PM Narendra Modi's Covid review meeting

Indian PM Narendra Modi chairs a COVID-19 review meeting over rising Omicron cases. PM also urged caution and asked states to ramp up Health facilities.

Indian PM Narendra Modi chairs COVID review meeting over rising Omicron cases in the country

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Accomplishing more new feats! 
 
Congratulations India 🇮🇳 
 
Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine</a> <a href="https://t.co/cts7lR8SzA">pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA</a>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1473880563215790080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted.

In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today.

The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926.

Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a>

“Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said.

India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020

The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-alert-uk-records-over-100000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-439145">Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>&nbsp;

India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said.

Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15).

The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target. Accomplishing more new feats! Congratulations India 🇮🇳 Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 23, 2021 × “Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted. In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today. The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Also read | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies “Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020 The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent. Also read | Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said. Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15). The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976. (With inputs from agencies)

60% of eligible population in India fully vaccinated against Covid

A blast rocked the Ludhiana court complex in poll-bound Punjab on Thursday afternoon, killing two people and injuring four more.

According to police, the explosion occurred at about 12:22 pm in a washroom on the second floor of the District and Sessions court building in Ludhiana.&nbsp;

The explosion shattered glass in surrounding rooms and ripped through a piece of the structure, causing damage to the bathroom walls and ripping through a section of the building.

An FIR has been filed against unknown person. The charges slapped are under sections 124 A (Sedition), 120 B (conspiracy), 302 (Murder), 307 (Attempt to murder) and that for explosive act.

When the explosion occurred, the district court was crowded and operational.&nbsp;

According to Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, the incident was carried out to disrupt peace and order in the city before the assembly elections. 
 
After a bomb was heard in the area, a crowd gathered outside the court.

The area has been blocked off by police, and fire trucks have arrived.

An investigation has been initiated into the matter, according to a police officer, while the rescue mission is underway.

Meanwhile, a high alert has been issued across Punjab, with police being told to beef up security in public locations.

According to sources, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has urged officials to beef up security at court buildings in Punjab.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A blast rocked the Ludhiana court complex in poll-bound Punjab on Thursday afternoon, killing two people and injuring four more. According to police, the explosion occurred at about 12:22 pm in a washroom on the second floor of the District and Sessions court building in Ludhiana.

A blast rocked the Ludhiana court complex in poll-bound Punjab on Thursday afternoon, killing two people and injuring four more. According to police, the explosion occurred at about 12:22 pm in a washroom on the second floor of the District and Sessions court building in Ludhiana. The explosion shattered glass in surrounding rooms and ripped through a piece of the structure, causing damage to the bathroom walls and ripping through a section of the building. An FIR has been filed against unknown person. The charges slapped are under sections 124 A (Sedition), 120 B (conspiracy), 302 (Murder), 307 (Attempt to murder) and that for explosive act. When the explosion occurred, the district court was crowded and operational. According to Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, the incident was carried out to disrupt peace and order in the city before the assembly elections. After a bomb was heard in the area, a crowd gathered outside the court. The area has been blocked off by police, and fire trucks have arrived. An investigation has been initiated into the matter, according to a police officer, while the rescue mission is underway. Meanwhile, a high alert has been issued across Punjab, with police being told to beef up security in public locations. According to sources, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has urged officials to beef up security at court buildings in Punjab. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab on high alert as two killed, three injured in Ludhiana court blast

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who is on a two-day visit to Myanmar, held meetings with the military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, and members of Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), on Thursday and conveyed India’s interest in seeing “Myanmar’s return to democracy at the earliest.”

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing had launched the coup in February and ousted the country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi to become the prime minister.

In a statement, India’s ministry of external affairs said, “During his meetings with all concerned, foreign secretary emphasised India’s interest in seeing Myanmar’s return to democracy at the earliest, release of detainees and prisoners, resolution of issues through dialogue, and complete cessation of all violence.”

The statement added that India expressed its support to the five-point consensus of the ASEAN on Myanmar and “hoped that progress would be made in a pragmatic and constructive manner”.

India had requested for a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi but it not materialised. During the visit, the foreign secretary&nbsp;had meetings with envoys of the US, Australia, Norway, Czech Republic, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan-based out of the country.

During the meeting, India also raised “matters related to India’s security” in view of the recent Churachandpur incident and called on Myanmar’s military leadership to put an end to any form of violence and maintain peace and stability in the border areas.

“Both sides reiterated their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other,” the statement said.

Last month, insurgents had attacked a convoy of Assam rifles killing its Commanding Officer Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and his five-year-old son, along with four personnel in northeastern Manipur state, which borders Myanmar.

The People’s Liberation Army and the Manipur Naga People’s Front claimed responsibility for the incident.

Notably, the release pointed out that “any developments” in Myanmar “have a direct impact on India’s bordering regions. Peace and stability in Myanmar remain of utmost importance to India, specifically to its North Eastern Region.”

Recently, Myanmar had handed over five insurgents to India, the second time in two years that such a development has taken place.&nbsp;

On the connectivity front, projects like Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway were also discussed with New Delhi retreating its “commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives”.

India has been developing projects like the Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for Rohingya refugees, which the MEA statement has categorically called “people of Myanmar”.

As part of the development programme, India has handed over pre-fabricated houses to displaced returnees.

During the visit, Shringla also handed over 1 million doses of “Made in India” vaccines to the Myanmar Red Cross Society and a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat.

Notably, Myanmar was the first country to get Indian made vaccines when New Delhi started its vaccine export program in January this year. The first consignment of vaccines was sent to the country on January 22 this year. So far, India has sent 4.7 million doses of vaccines to the ASEAN country.

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who is on a two-day visit to Myanmar, held meetings with the military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, and members of Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), on Thursday and conveyed India’s interest in seeing “Myanmar’s return to democracy at the earliest.

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who is on a two-day visit to Myanmar, held meetings with the military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, and members of Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), on Thursday and conveyed India’s interest in seeing “Myanmar’s return to democracy at the earliest.” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing had launched the coup in February and ousted the country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi to become the prime minister. In a statement, India’s ministry of external affairs said, “During his meetings with all concerned, foreign secretary emphasised India’s interest in seeing Myanmar’s return to democracy at the earliest, release of detainees and prisoners, resolution of issues through dialogue, and complete cessation of all violence.” The statement added that India expressed its support to the five-point consensus of the ASEAN on Myanmar and “hoped that progress would be made in a pragmatic and constructive manner”. India had requested for a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi but it not materialised. During the visit, the foreign secretary had meetings with envoys of the US, Australia, Norway, Czech Republic, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan-based out of the country. During the meeting, India also raised “matters related to India’s security” in view of the recent Churachandpur incident and called on Myanmar’s military leadership to put an end to any form of violence and maintain peace and stability in the border areas. “Both sides reiterated their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other,” the statement said. Last month, insurgents had attacked a convoy of Assam rifles killing its Commanding Officer Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and his five-year-old son, along with four personnel in northeastern Manipur state, which borders Myanmar. The People’s Liberation Army and the Manipur Naga People’s Front claimed responsibility for the incident. Notably, the release pointed out that “any developments” in Myanmar “have a direct impact on India’s bordering regions. Peace and stability in Myanmar remain of utmost importance to India, specifically to its North Eastern Region.” Recently, Myanmar had handed over five insurgents to India, the second time in two years that such a development has taken place. On the connectivity front, projects like Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway were also discussed with New Delhi retreating its “commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives”. India has been developing projects like the Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for Rohingya refugees, which the MEA statement has categorically called “people of Myanmar”. As part of the development programme, India has handed over pre-fabricated houses to displaced returnees. During the visit, Shringla also handed over 1 million doses of “Made in India” vaccines to the Myanmar Red Cross Society and a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat. Notably, Myanmar was the first country to get Indian made vaccines when New Delhi started its vaccine export program in January this year. The first consignment of vaccines was sent to the country on January 22 this year. So far, India has sent 4.7 million doses of vaccines to the ASEAN country.

Indian foreign secretary meets military junta chief, NLD members; emphasises ‘Myanmar’s return to democracy’

The Omicron variant is gaining pace across India as well. The total number of confirmed omicron cases in India today stands at 269.

Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold review meeting over rising Omicron cases in the country

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 23) said that to rejuvenate the mother earth and to secure the future of the coming generations, we must once again turn to natural farming.&nbsp;

PM Modi was speaking during a political rally in one of the most popular cities in India's northern state Uttar Pradesh - Varanasi, from where he appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming and also called for strengthening the dairy sector.

"This method will make farming 'atmanirbhar' [self-dependent]. Those working in startups should also explore possibilities for this," said PM Modi, who was in Varanasi to inaugurate a dairy&nbsp;named Banas Dairy Kashi Sankul at Karkhiyaon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/online-payment-rules-are-set-to-change-on-january-1-all-you-need-to-know-439307">Online payment rules are set to change on January 1: All you need to know</a>

"We need to strengthen the dairy sector. The Banas Kashi Sankul will benefit dairy farmers from several adjoining districts. The dairy plant will also have a bio-gas plant that will take care of its power needs. The dairy farmers will now be able to sell cow dung for the bio-gas plant at a good price," he added.

The Indian Prime Minister also said that milk committees and collection centres would be set up and certification of purity would also be done.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Prime Minister launched a portal and a logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).&nbsp;

The unified logo, featuring both the BIS logo and the NDDB quality mark, will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and reassure the public about dairy product quality.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-beats-uk-creates-third-highest-number-of-unicorns-in-2021-439265">India beats UK, creates third-highest number of unicorns in 2021</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
समय के साथ प्राकृतिक खेती का दायरा सिमटता गया, उस पर केमिकल वाली खेती हावी होती गई। 
 
धरती मां के कायाकल्प के लिए, हमारी मिट्टी की सुरक्षा के लिए, आने वाली पीढ़ियों के भविष्य को सुरक्षित रखने के लिए, हमें एक बार फिर प्राकृतिक खेती की तरफ मुड़ना ही होगा। 
 
यही आज समय की मांग है: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1473945594301349889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
मैं जब काशी के, उत्तर प्रदेश के विकास में डबल इंजन की डबल शक्ति और डबल विकास की बात करता हूं, तो कुछ लोगों को बहुत कष्ट होता है। 
 
ये वो लोग हैं जिन्होंने उत्तर प्रदेश की राजनीति को सिर्फ जाति, पंथ, मत-मज़हब के चश्मे से ही देखा: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1473947821095063553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 23) said that to rejuvenate the mother earth and to secure the future of the coming generations, we must once again turn to natural farming.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (December 23) said that to rejuvenate the mother earth and to secure the future of the coming generations, we must once again turn to natural farming. PM Modi was speaking during a political rally in one of the most popular cities in India's northern state Uttar Pradesh - Varanasi, from where he appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming and also called for strengthening the dairy sector. "This method will make farming 'atmanirbhar' [self-dependent]. Those working in startups should also explore possibilities for this," said PM Modi, who was in Varanasi to inaugurate a dairy named Banas Dairy Kashi Sankul at Karkhiyaon. ALSO READ | Online payment rules are set to change on January 1: All you need to know "We need to strengthen the dairy sector. The Banas Kashi Sankul will benefit dairy farmers from several adjoining districts. The dairy plant will also have a bio-gas plant that will take care of its power needs. The dairy farmers will now be able to sell cow dung for the bio-gas plant at a good price," he added. The Indian Prime Minister also said that milk committees and collection centres would be set up and certification of purity would also be done. Earlier, the Prime Minister launched a portal and a logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The unified logo, featuring both the BIS logo and the NDDB quality mark, will simplify the certification process for the dairy sector and reassure the public about dairy product quality. ALSO READ | India beats UK, creates third-highest number of unicorns in 2021 समय के साथ प्राकृतिक खेती का दायरा सिमटता गया, उस पर केमिकल वाली खेती हावी होती गई। धरती मां के कायाकल्प के लिए, हमारी मिट्टी की सुरक्षा के लिए, आने वाली पीढ़ियों के भविष्य को सुरक्षित रखने के लिए, हमें एक बार फिर प्राकृतिक खेती की तरफ मुड़ना ही होगा। यही आज समय की मांग है: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 23, 2021 × मैं जब काशी के, उत्तर प्रदेश के विकास में डबल इंजन की डबल शक्ति और डबल विकास की बात करता हूं, तो कुछ लोगों को बहुत कष्ट होता है। ये वो लोग हैं जिन्होंने उत्तर प्रदेश की राजनीति को सिर्फ जाति, पंथ, मत-मज़हब के चश्मे से ही देखा: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 23, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming

We have all seen Christmas decorations hanging on the Christmas trees, also on walls and ceilings, but do we know where these Christmas balls and bells are made? Kashmir's famed Paper Mache artisans start months before the festival to make these decorative pieces. Millions of paper mache decorative pieces are sold to customers across the world just before Christmas.&nbsp;

Kashmir's award-winning paper mache artist Maqbool Jan has made thousands of these handmade products, especially for the Christmas festival. His products are sold across the world. He has been continuously supplying these products to western countries for decades.&nbsp;

"Christmas is a very big festival and we get a lot of work during the period. We make Christmas balls, bells, and other decorative pieces. We wait for this festival for months and start preparing three months from the festival. If someone wants special designs, then we take orders six months before the festival. There are orders in lakhs for these balls and bells," said Maqbool Jan.

<img alt="Kashmir art" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fe0c310b-be84-4516-b419-725079aa3f44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%281%29_0.jpeg" />

The artists in the Kashmir Valley have introduced new designs in these decorative pieces. They are trying hard to grow the customer base across the world. The orders are sent to Europe, US, Dubai and many other countries. The artists say demand for these items has increased much more in the last few years.&nbsp;

"We keep on adding new designs to these to make customers happy. We make millions of these Christmas items. We are so happy to make these things. We send these items across the world. Not only to the West but to the Middle East too. It's also about people gifting these items to each other. And I think the demand has increased manifolds in the last few years. We also have a local Christian population and they also buy stuff during the festival," said Maqbool Jan

Christmas art from Kashmir is being sold across the world. It is helping the artists take the craft to many countries and also boost their business.

We have all seen Christmas decorations hanging on the Christmas trees, also on walls and ceilings, but do we know where these Christmas balls and bells are made?

We have all seen Christmas decorations hanging on the Christmas trees, also on walls and ceilings, but do we know where these Christmas balls and bells are made? Kashmir's famed Paper Mache artisans start months before the festival to make these decorative pieces. Millions of paper mache decorative pieces are sold to customers across the world just before Christmas. Kashmir's award-winning paper mache artist Maqbool Jan has made thousands of these handmade products, especially for the Christmas festival. His products are sold across the world. He has been continuously supplying these products to western countries for decades. "Christmas is a very big festival and we get a lot of work during the period. We make Christmas balls, bells, and other decorative pieces. We wait for this festival for months and start preparing three months from the festival. If someone wants special designs, then we take orders six months before the festival. There are orders in lakhs for these balls and bells," said Maqbool Jan. The artists in the Kashmir Valley have introduced new designs in these decorative pieces. They are trying hard to grow the customer base across the world. The orders are sent to Europe, US, Dubai and many other countries. The artists say demand for these items has increased much more in the last few years. "We keep on adding new designs to these to make customers happy. We make millions of these Christmas items. We are so happy to make these things. We send these items across the world. Not only to the West but to the Middle East too. It's also about people gifting these items to each other. And I think the demand has increased manifolds in the last few years. We also have a local Christian population and they also buy stuff during the festival," said Maqbool Jan Christmas art from Kashmir is being sold across the world. It is helping the artists take the craft to many countries and also boost their business.

Kashmir's Christmas art wows customers, millions of products sold worldwide

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, but he has announced that he will skip today's rally in western Uttar Pradesh and will avoid public appearances for three days.

Yadav announced his COVID-negative test on Twitter in Hindi earlier today, stating that he made the decision as a preventative measure after members of his family were sick.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
परिवार के लोगों के कोरोना पॉज़िटिव होने की वजह से हम तीन दिनों के लिए एहतियात बरतते हुए सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रमों में शामिल नहीं हो पाएँगे। 
 
आज की इगलास की ‘सपा-रालोद’ की संयुक्त रैली की अपार सफलता के लिए शुभकामनाएँ व सभी कार्यकर्ताओं से पूरे उत्साह और ऊर्जा से सक्रिय रहने की अपील। <a href="https://t.co/v7mkNJtlEC">pic.twitter.com/v7mkNJtlEC</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1473911479116124160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This comes just hours after his wife, Dimple Yadav, and their daughter were found to be infected with the illness in the middle of the high-stakes Uttar Pradesh election campaign.

Dimple Yadav, a former Member of Parliament, said on Twitter that she has tested positive for COVID-19, but that she is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
मैंने कोविड टेस्ट कराया जिसकी रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव है। 
 
मैं पूरी तरह से वैक्सिनेटेड हूं और कोई भी लक्षण अभी दिखाई नहीं दे रहे है। 
 
अपनी और दूसरों की सुरक्षा की दृष्टि से मैंने खुद को अलग कर लिया है। 
 
हाल फिलहाल मुझसे मिलने वाले सभी लोगों से अनुरोध है कि वे अपना टेस्ट जल्द कराएं।
— Dimple Yadav (@dimpleyadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/dimpleyadav/status/1473605868088291329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, but he has announced that he will skip today's rally in western Uttar Pradesh and will avoid public appearances for three days.

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, but he has announced that he will skip today's rally in western Uttar Pradesh and will avoid public appearances for three days. Yadav announced his COVID-negative test on Twitter in Hindi earlier today, stating that he made the decision as a preventative measure after members of his family were sick. परिवार के लोगों के कोरोना पॉज़िटिव होने की वजह से हम तीन दिनों के लिए एहतियात बरतते हुए सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रमों में शामिल नहीं हो पाएँगे। आज की इगलास की ‘सपा-रालोद’ की संयुक्त रैली की अपार सफलता के लिए शुभकामनाएँ व सभी कार्यकर्ताओं से पूरे उत्साह और ऊर्जा से सक्रिय रहने की अपील। pic.twitter.com/v7mkNJtlEC — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 23, 2021 × This comes just hours after his wife, Dimple Yadav, and their daughter were found to be infected with the illness in the middle of the high-stakes Uttar Pradesh election campaign. Dimple Yadav, a former Member of Parliament, said on Twitter that she has tested positive for COVID-19, but that she is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. मैंने कोविड टेस्ट कराया जिसकी रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव है। मैं पूरी तरह से वैक्सिनेटेड हूं और कोई भी लक्षण अभी दिखाई नहीं दे रहे है। अपनी और दूसरों की सुरक्षा की दृष्टि से मैंने खुद को अलग कर लिया है। हाल फिलहाल मुझसे मिलने वाले सभी लोगों से अनुरोध है कि वे अपना टेस्ट जल्द कराएं। — Dimple Yadav (@dimpleyadav) December 22, 2021 ×

India Assembly Elections 2022: Akhilesh Yadav skips rally after his wife and daughter test positive for COVID

Invoking for the first time the recently notified intermediary guidelines and digital media ethics code under the Information and Technology (IT) Act, 20 YouTube channels and two websites were banned by the Indian government for allegedly running ‘anti-India’ propaganda from Pakistan, according to reports.

According to Economic Times (ET) newspaper, which cited sources, Information and Broadcasting (I&amp;B) secretary Apurva Chandra wrote to YouTube and the Department of Telecom, directing them to immediately block the content which impinges the sovereignty and integrity of India.

According to the reports, the contents&nbsp;were “blasphemous” in nature and were being funded by Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Watch | Gravitas:&nbsp;India dismantles Pak's fake news network

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-dismantles-paks-fake-news-network-438844/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It was first flagged by the Indian security agencies, following which the I&amp;B ministry conducted an inquiry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-issues-one-last-notice-to-twitter-to-comply-with-it-rules-389639">Indian govt issues 'one last notice' to Twitter to comply with IT rules</a>

Among the sites that were taken down include ‘Naya Pakistan’, which had over two million subscribers on YouTube. It was reportedly running “false news” on issues such as Kashmir, farmers’ protests against the farm laws and Ayodhya.

Another portal that was banned is ‘Naya Pakistan Group’, which ran over 15 channels on YouTube and had a following of more than a million subscribers.

According to the reports, the channel ran contents like ‘PM Modi concedes defeat in Kashmir; Article 370 restored’, ‘Taliban Army leaves Kabul for India’, ‘Taiyyap Erdogan sends 35,000 mercenaries for Kashmir’, and the ‘Turk Army enters Ayodhya Ram Mandir to Take revenge’— all of which were seen by the ministry as a “concerted effort to sow unrest in India”.&nbsp;

Under section 16 of the IT Rules, the I&amp;B ministry can block content that is considered “necessary or expedient and justifiable to block”.

Officials said the decision to ban and block these channels and websites will be presented before the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) within 48 hours, following which it will be ratified by a committee under the IT Rules, 2021, ET reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Invoking for the first time the recently notified intermediary guidelines and digital media ethics code under the Information and Technology (IT) Act, 20 YouTube channels and two websites were banned by the Indian government for allegedly running ‘anti-India’ propaganda from Pakistan, according to reports.

Invoking for the first time the recently notified intermediary guidelines and digital media ethics code under the Information and Technology (IT) Act, 20 YouTube channels and two websites were banned by the Indian government for allegedly running ‘anti-India’ propaganda from Pakistan, according to reports. According to Economic Times (ET) newspaper, which cited sources, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) secretary Apurva Chandra wrote to YouTube and the Department of Telecom, directing them to immediately block the content which impinges the sovereignty and integrity of India. According to the reports, the contents were “blasphemous” in nature and were being funded by Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Watch | Gravitas: India dismantles Pak's fake news network It was first flagged by the Indian security agencies, following which the I&B ministry conducted an inquiry. Also read | Indian govt issues 'one last notice' to Twitter to comply with IT rules Among the sites that were taken down include ‘Naya Pakistan’, which had over two million subscribers on YouTube. It was reportedly running “false news” on issues such as Kashmir, farmers’ protests against the farm laws and Ayodhya. Another portal that was banned is ‘Naya Pakistan Group’, which ran over 15 channels on YouTube and had a following of more than a million subscribers. According to the reports, the channel ran contents like ‘PM Modi concedes defeat in Kashmir; Article 370 restored’, ‘Taliban Army leaves Kabul for India’, ‘Taiyyap Erdogan sends 35,000 mercenaries for Kashmir’, and the ‘Turk Army enters Ayodhya Ram Mandir to Take revenge’— all of which were seen by the ministry as a “concerted effort to sow unrest in India”. Under section 16 of the IT Rules, the I&B ministry can block content that is considered “necessary or expedient and justifiable to block”. Officials said the decision to ban and block these channels and websites will be presented before the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) within 48 hours, following which it will be ratified by a committee under the IT Rules, 2021, ET reported. (With inputs from agencies)

20 YouTube channels, two websites taken down under IT Act for ‘anti-India’ propaganda: Report

The past two years have seen a drastic change in the work culture after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic started spreading across the world at the beginning of 2020, forcing countries to implement partial or complete lockdown.&nbsp;

Business and offices were shifted online and work from home became the new normal. Globally, many sectors are still practising the work from home culture or have introduced a hybrid system, where employees are coming to offices on one or two days of the week as the Covid variants continue to wreak havoc.&nbsp;

India also imposed lockdowns, allowing only individuals associated with the essential services to continue working as usual but with the following necessary measures, like using face maks, social distancing, sanitising, etc. to curb the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-women-protection-to-investment-from-cinema-to-trade-uaes-legal-reform-reflects-its-future-aspirations-438588">From women protection to investment, from cinema to trade: UAE's legal reform reflects its future aspirations</a>

But is India planning to implement reforms in labour codes, intending to bring about changes on a larger scale? And if it happened, how will it impact individual employees?&nbsp;

Will it change the in-hand salary of employees, working hours, and the number of weekdays? Here's a report:

A report by news agency PTI has stated that four labour codes on wages, social security, industrial relations and occupation safety, health and working conditions are likely to be implemented by the next fiscal year.&nbsp;

Watch: Gravitas |&nbsp;A four-day working week in India?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-four-day-working-week-in-india-438847/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/frivolous-plea-to-remove-pm-modis-photo-from-covid-vaccine-certificates-dismissed-by-kerala-high-court-438765">'Frivolous' plea to remove PM Modi's photo from Covid vaccine certificates dismissed by Kerala High Court</a>

"The four labour codes are likely to be implemented in the next financial year of 2022-23 as a large number of states have finalised draft rules on these," an official was quoted by PTI as saying.&nbsp;

"The Centre has completed the process of finalising the draft rules on these codes in February 2021. But since labour is a concurrent subject, the Centre wants the states to implement these as well in one go," he added.&nbsp;

How will it impact individuals?

The report mentioned that the central government has notified four labour codes likely related to wages, social security, occupational safety, health and working conditions.&nbsp;

Hindustan Times has published a report, citing experts as it speculated that the reformed codes might give employees in India a privilege of a four-day workweek instead of five days from next year.

However, there's a catch, if it happens, the employees might have to work for 12 hours on those four days. For the unversed, the labour ministry has indicated that the 48-hour weekly work requirement will be in place.&nbsp;

There's also a possibility that there will be a reduction in in-hand salary and if it happens, the employees' Provident Fund (PF) will be impacted.&nbsp;

When the codes are likely to be implemented?

India's Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav in a reply to the Rajya Sabha earlier this week had said that the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code is the only code on which the least number of 13 states have pre-published the draft rules.&nbsp;

However, the Centre as well as states are required to notify rules under the four codes to enforce these laws in respective jurisdictions.&nbsp;

Under the Codes, the power to make rules have been entrusted to the Central Government, State Government and appropriate Government and there is a requirement of publication of Rules in their official Gazette for a period of 30 or 45 days for public consultation.&nbsp;

The past two years have seen a drastic change in the work culture after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic started spreading across the world at the beginning of 2020, forcing countries to implement partial or complete lockdown.

The past two years have seen a drastic change in the work culture after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic started spreading across the world at the beginning of 2020, forcing countries to implement partial or complete lockdown. Business and offices were shifted online and work from home became the new normal. Globally, many sectors are still practising the work from home culture or have introduced a hybrid system, where employees are coming to offices on one or two days of the week as the Covid variants continue to wreak havoc. India also imposed lockdowns, allowing only individuals associated with the essential services to continue working as usual but with the following necessary measures, like using face maks, social distancing, sanitising, etc. to curb the spread of the deadly virus. IN PICS | From women protection to investment, from cinema to trade: UAE's legal reform reflects its future aspirations But is India planning to implement reforms in labour codes, intending to bring about changes on a larger scale? And if it happened, how will it impact individual employees? Will it change the in-hand salary of employees, working hours, and the number of weekdays? Here's a report: A report by news agency PTI has stated that four labour codes on wages, social security, industrial relations and occupation safety, health and working conditions are likely to be implemented by the next fiscal year. Watch: Gravitas | A four-day working week in India? ALSO READ | 'Frivolous' plea to remove PM Modi's photo from Covid vaccine certificates dismissed by Kerala High Court "The four labour codes are likely to be implemented in the next financial year of 2022-23 as a large number of states have finalised draft rules on these," an official was quoted by PTI as saying. "The Centre has completed the process of finalising the draft rules on these codes in February 2021. But since labour is a concurrent subject, the Centre wants the states to implement these as well in one go," he added. How will it impact individuals? The report mentioned that the central government has notified four labour codes likely related to wages, social security, occupational safety, health and working conditions. Hindustan Times has published a report, citing experts as it speculated that the reformed codes might give employees in India a privilege of a four-day workweek instead of five days from next year. However, there's a catch, if it happens, the employees might have to work for 12 hours on those four days. For the unversed, the labour ministry has indicated that the 48-hour weekly work requirement will be in place. There's also a possibility that there will be a reduction in in-hand salary and if it happens, the employees' Provident Fund (PF) will be impacted. When the codes are likely to be implemented? India's Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav in a reply to the Rajya Sabha earlier this week had said that the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code is the only code on which the least number of 13 states have pre-published the draft rules. However, the Centre as well as states are required to notify rules under the four codes to enforce these laws in respective jurisdictions. Under the Codes, the power to make rules have been entrusted to the Central Government, State Government and appropriate Government and there is a requirement of publication of Rules in their official Gazette for a period of 30 or 45 days for public consultation.

4 days work, 3 days off? India labour code may transform office culture, if passed

India's Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told Parliament that 7,306 applicants from Pakistan had applied for Indian citizenship till December this year.

The minister informed India's Upper House of Parliament that people from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, USA, Nepal, Bangladesh including those who were stateless had also applied for Indian citizenship. The list also&nbsp;included ten&nbsp;people from China. There were in all&nbsp;10,635 applicants for Indian citizenship till December 14, the minister said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-than-800-pakistani-nationals-got-indian-citizenship-in-2019-328899">Also Read:&nbsp;More than 800 Pakistani nationals got Indian citizenship in 2019</a>

The minister said 3,117 people from minority communities in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship in the past four years.

Rai while responding to a question from a Parliament member said that as many as 8,244 people belonging to Sikh, Jain, Hindu and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh had applied for Indian citizenship in the last three years.

The minister informed that all foreign nationals are governed by the provisions contained in the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Citizenship Act, 1955.

"The number of citizenship applications received from Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Christian minorities groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan during the year 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is 8,244," the minister told Indian lawmakers.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India's Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told Parliament that 7,306 applicants from Pakistan had applied for Indian citizenship till December this year.

India's Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told Parliament that 7,306 applicants from Pakistan had applied for Indian citizenship till December this year. The minister informed India's Upper House of Parliament that people from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, USA, Nepal, Bangladesh including those who were stateless had also applied for Indian citizenship. The list also included ten people from China. There were in all 10,635 applicants for Indian citizenship till December 14, the minister said. Also Read: More than 800 Pakistani nationals got Indian citizenship in 2019 The minister said 3,117 people from minority communities in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship in the past four years. Rai while responding to a question from a Parliament member said that as many as 8,244 people belonging to Sikh, Jain, Hindu and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh had applied for Indian citizenship in the last three years. The minister informed that all foreign nationals are governed by the provisions contained in the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Citizenship Act, 1955. "The number of citizenship applications received from Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Christian minorities groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan during the year 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is 8,244," the minister told Indian lawmakers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Over 7,000 applicants from Pakistan applied for Indian citizenship, minister informs Parliament

India's Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday passed a significant electoral bill to link&nbsp;Aadhaar&nbsp;with voter ID cards.

The Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit ID. It is given to the residents of India based on their biometric data. As per the new bill, Aadhaar will now be linked to voter identity cards.

It will however be optional and voluntary. If a person does not want to link the two it won't be mandatory.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, in case a person wants to link the two -&nbsp;Aadhaar&nbsp;and voter ID- when can it be registered?&nbsp;

It can be linked through SMS with a phone call at the national voter service portal or by visiting the nearest booth level office in the&nbsp;area.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas - India passes bill to link Aadhaar with Voter IDs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-passes-bill-to-link-aadhaar-with-voter-ids-438841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The move helps to solve the problem of fake votes and duplication and to end multiple enrolments by the same person from different places.

It is also aimed at cleaning electoral rolls by removing names that appear multiple times. The government says it is part of a larger reform. The election laws amendment bill seeks to make some significant changes in the electoral law.

The changes include a person being able to register as a voter after turning 18.&nbsp;Until now, a person could do it only once before 1st January each year, so if an individual turned 18 after 1st January, the person had to wait an entire year to register as a voter.&nbsp;

Under the new law, voter registration will be more flexible and voter lists will be revised four times a year -&nbsp;on 1st January, April, July and October and electoral rolls in India will be revised after each time.

Elections will be also become gender-neutral for service voters. The service voters are those in the armed forces. They enjoy some special privileges like voting through proxy. They are allowed to do due to the nature of their job. Until now, only the wife of service personnel could enrol herself as a service voter.

The provision applied only to the wives. However, a woman officer's husband does not qualify as a service voter. He is not entitled to this special facility. The new law intends to change it. &nbsp;The bill proposes to replace the word "wife" with "spouse" and that makes this provision gender-neutral.

These are important changes. The government says it makes elections smoother and more transparent but critics do not agree especially over the linkage of&nbsp;Aadhaar&nbsp;with voter ID cards.

It's proving to be controversial. They say this move is outside the legislative competence of the Parliament and that it violates the fundamental right to privacy and will be used for voter profiling and targeted campaigning.&nbsp;

It may also lead to mass disenfranchisement, critics claim. They have cited an incident from 2018 when a large number of voters went missing from electoral rolls. It happened during the Assembly elections in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

On voting day, approximately 27 lakh voters were missing from the rolls in Telangana and around 20 lakh voters were missing from the rolls in Andhra Pradesh. It was apparently due to a software error. A mistake while linking&nbsp;Aadhaar&nbsp;with voter IDs. It is what the chief electoral officer of Telangana suggested as he blamed it on faulty software including other factors for example migration of voters due to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the lack of door-to-door verification of registered voters.

In the end, the administration could not decide what caused the error and there's no guarantee that this won't happen again. The fact is in India there are&nbsp;a substantial number of duplicate voters and there are a lot of people who register at multiple places.

A lot of voters also keep changing cities and then fail to register themselves again. In a country where a lot of young people are migrating internally for jobs and education, several votes are lost which leads to a bigger disenfranchisement and now by linking the voter ID with the Aadhaar, the election database can be decluttered.

It's a win-win for both the voter and the Election Commission, however, precedents must be taken into account while executing it in order to improve the bill and make changes where necessary to ensure smooth execution.

However, opposing reforms for the sake of opposing, politicising bills without understanding them properly will only stall India from solving its many problems.

India's Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday passed a significant electoral bill to link Aadhaar with voter ID cards. The Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit ID. It is given to the residents of India based on their biometric data.

India's Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday passed a significant electoral bill to link Aadhaar with voter ID cards. The Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit ID. It is given to the residents of India based on their biometric data. As per the new bill, Aadhaar will now be linked to voter identity cards. It will however be optional and voluntary. If a person does not want to link the two it won't be mandatory. However, in case a person wants to link the two - Aadhaar and voter ID- when can it be registered? It can be linked through SMS with a phone call at the national voter service portal or by visiting the nearest booth level office in the area. Watch | Gravitas - India passes bill to link Aadhaar with Voter IDs The move helps to solve the problem of fake votes and duplication and to end multiple enrolments by the same person from different places. It is also aimed at cleaning electoral rolls by removing names that appear multiple times. The government says it is part of a larger reform. The election laws amendment bill seeks to make some significant changes in the electoral law. The changes include a person being able to register as a voter after turning 18. Until now, a person could do it only once before 1st January each year, so if an individual turned 18 after 1st January, the person had to wait an entire year to register as a voter. Under the new law, voter registration will be more flexible and voter lists will be revised four times a year - on 1st January, April, July and October and electoral rolls in India will be revised after each time. Elections will be also become gender-neutral for service voters. The service voters are those in the armed forces. They enjoy some special privileges like voting through proxy. They are allowed to do due to the nature of their job. Until now, only the wife of service personnel could enrol herself as a service voter. The provision applied only to the wives. However, a woman officer's husband does not qualify as a service voter. He is not entitled to this special facility. The new law intends to change it. The bill proposes to replace the word "wife" with "spouse" and that makes this provision gender-neutral. These are important changes. The government says it makes elections smoother and more transparent but critics do not agree especially over the linkage of Aadhaar with voter ID cards. It's proving to be controversial. They say this move is outside the legislative competence of the Parliament and that it violates the fundamental right to privacy and will be used for voter profiling and targeted campaigning. It may also lead to mass disenfranchisement, critics claim. They have cited an incident from 2018 when a large number of voters went missing from electoral rolls. It happened during the Assembly elections in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. On voting day, approximately 27 lakh voters were missing from the rolls in Telangana and around 20 lakh voters were missing from the rolls in Andhra Pradesh. It was apparently due to a software error. A mistake while linking Aadhaar with voter IDs. It is what the chief electoral officer of Telangana suggested as he blamed it on faulty software including other factors for example migration of voters due to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the lack of door-to-door verification of registered voters. In the end, the administration could not decide what caused the error and there's no guarantee that this won't happen again. The fact is in India there are a substantial number of duplicate voters and there are a lot of people who register at multiple places. A lot of voters also keep changing cities and then fail to register themselves again. In a country where a lot of young people are migrating internally for jobs and education, several votes are lost which leads to a bigger disenfranchisement and now by linking the voter ID with the Aadhaar, the election database can be decluttered. It's a win-win for both the voter and the Election Commission, however, precedents must be taken into account while executing it in order to improve the bill and make changes where necessary to ensure smooth execution. However, opposing reforms for the sake of opposing, politicising bills without understanding them properly will only stall India from solving its many problems.

India's new electoral reform bill: Linking Aadhaar to voter IDs

On the first day of his all-important Myanmar visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla handed over 1 million doses of made in India Covid vaccines. The vaccines were handed over to the representatives of Myanmar Red Cross society. A tweet by the Indian mission in Myanmar said that vaccines were handed to "support the people of Myanmar, including those along the India-Myanmar border, in their fight against COVID-19."

Myanmar was among the first country to get India-made vaccines when New Delhi started its vaccine export program in January this year. The first consignment of vaccines was sent to the country on 22nd January this year. So far, India has sent 47 lakh doses of vaccines to the ASEAN country.

The visit of India's top diplomat is the first ever visit by any Indian official to the country since the coup this year. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release had said that foreign secretary will hold discussion with "State Administration Council, political parties and members of civil society."&nbsp;

The State Administration Council is made up of military junta and is chaired by Min Aung Hlaing who led the coup on 1st of February this year. He had taken over the role of Myanmar's prime minister since August 2021

The ministry release pointed that, "Issues relating to humanitarian support to Myanmar, security and India-Myanmar border concerns, and the political situation in Myanmar will be discussed".&nbsp;

The visit comes even as increased number of insurgent attacks are seen in India's northeast. &nbsp;The visit also gives India a view from the ground when it comes the country and the turmoil it has been facing.

Earlier this month, India had said it is "disturbed at the recent verdicts" announced against Aung Sang Suu Kyi and others in Myanmar and called for uphold of "rule of law and the democratic process".&nbsp;

India backs the ASEAN process on the situation in the country. 
&nbsp;

On the first day of his all-important Myanmar visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla handed over 1 million doses of made in India Covid vaccines. The vaccines were handed over to the representatives of Myanmar Red Cross society.

On the first day of his all-important Myanmar visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla handed over 1 million doses of made in India Covid vaccines. The vaccines were handed over to the representatives of Myanmar Red Cross society. A tweet by the Indian mission in Myanmar said that vaccines were handed to "support the people of Myanmar, including those along the India-Myanmar border, in their fight against COVID-19." Myanmar was among the first country to get India-made vaccines when New Delhi started its vaccine export program in January this year. The first consignment of vaccines was sent to the country on 22nd January this year. So far, India has sent 47 lakh doses of vaccines to the ASEAN country. The visit of India's top diplomat is the first ever visit by any Indian official to the country since the coup this year. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release had said that foreign secretary will hold discussion with "State Administration Council, political parties and members of civil society." The State Administration Council is made up of military junta and is chaired by Min Aung Hlaing who led the coup on 1st of February this year. He had taken over the role of Myanmar's prime minister since August 2021 The ministry release pointed that, "Issues relating to humanitarian support to Myanmar, security and India-Myanmar border concerns, and the political situation in Myanmar will be discussed". The visit comes even as increased number of insurgent attacks are seen in India's northeast. The visit also gives India a view from the ground when it comes the country and the turmoil it has been facing. Earlier this month, India had said it is "disturbed at the recent verdicts" announced against Aung Sang Suu Kyi and others in Myanmar and called for uphold of "rule of law and the democratic process". India backs the ASEAN process on the situation in the country.

In Myanmar, Indian foreign secretary hands over 1 million India-made Covid vaccines

India's head of State Ram Nath Kovind visited the under-construction Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, at Kochi, in southern India on Wednesday. Paying his maiden visit to the carrier, the Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces also witnessed a Naval operations demonstration at the Ernakulam channel, in the city.&nbsp;

Accompanied by&nbsp;Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, the president witnessed a Naval operations demonstration that displayed the combat capabilities of&nbsp;ships and aircraft.

The display included simulated beaching reconnaissance and assault, high-speed runs by fast interceptor crafts, shore bombardment, aerobatics, sonar dunk operations, boarding operations, and cargo sling operations by Naval helicopters.&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2021-the-most-noteworthy-events-in-india-437937" hreflang="en">Yearender 2021:&nbsp;The most noteworthy events in India</a>

After a briefing on-board the carrier, regarding the progress of trials towards commissioning of the ship, the president undertook a brief tour of the mighty warship. IAC Vikrant is being built at a cost of nearly Rs.20,000 crore at&nbsp;the state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited.&nbsp;

Indigenous content in the construction of IAC is close to 76 per cent, this includes the ship's steel hull, which is heavy enough to erect as many as three Eiffel towers. The ship also features&nbsp;equipment manufactured by Indian industries.

The indigenous construction of the carrier has generated employment opportunities and bolstered plough-back effect on the domestic economy. Close to 2000 shipyards and 13000 non-yard personnel have been employed per annum, towards the construction of the IAC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deploys-first-s-400-air-defence-system-in-punjab-sector-to-take-care-of-aerial-threats-from-china-pak-438678" hreflang="en">India deploys first S-400 air defence system in Punjab sector, to take care of aerial threats from China, Pak</a>

Until its commissioning in August 2022, the carrier will be known as IAC-1 or IAC Vikrant. It is only after the commisioning event, that the carrier will be known as INS Vikrant. The carrier will have to undergo multiple phases of sea trials, including that of the landing and take-off of Mig29k fighter aircraft and integration of weapon systems and sensors.&nbsp;

The Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces&nbsp;appreciated the efforts of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard towards the development of indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding, as a shining example of the nation’s quest for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’(self-reliant India).

The highlights of the day were manning of the yard and arms of the Sail Training Ship ‘Tarangini’ along with steam past by Naval ships which maneuvered in a column formation shouting 'Three Jai' in the honour of The President. The event concluded with a band performance by the Naval band and fly past by aircraft.

India's head of State Ram Nath Kovind visited the under-construction Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, at Kochi, in southern India on Wednesday. Paying his maiden visit to the carrier, the Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces also witnessed a Naval operations demonstration at the Ernakulam channel, in the city.

India's head of State Ram Nath Kovind visited the under-construction Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, at Kochi, in southern India on Wednesday. Paying his maiden visit to the carrier, the Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces also witnessed a Naval operations demonstration at the Ernakulam channel, in the city. Accompanied by Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, the president witnessed a Naval operations demonstration that displayed the combat capabilities of ships and aircraft. The display included simulated beaching reconnaissance and assault, high-speed runs by fast interceptor crafts, shore bombardment, aerobatics, sonar dunk operations, boarding operations, and cargo sling operations by Naval helicopters. Also see | Yearender 2021: The most noteworthy events in India After a briefing on-board the carrier, regarding the progress of trials towards commissioning of the ship, the president undertook a brief tour of the mighty warship. IAC Vikrant is being built at a cost of nearly Rs.20,000 crore at the state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited. Indigenous content in the construction of IAC is close to 76 per cent, this includes the ship's steel hull, which is heavy enough to erect as many as three Eiffel towers. The ship also features equipment manufactured by Indian industries. The indigenous construction of the carrier has generated employment opportunities and bolstered plough-back effect on the domestic economy. Close to 2000 shipyards and 13000 non-yard personnel have been employed per annum, towards the construction of the IAC. Also read | India deploys first S-400 air defence system in Punjab sector, to take care of aerial threats from China, Pak Until its commissioning in August 2022, the carrier will be known as IAC-1 or IAC Vikrant. It is only after the commisioning event, that the carrier will be known as INS Vikrant. The carrier will have to undergo multiple phases of sea trials, including that of the landing and take-off of Mig29k fighter aircraft and integration of weapon systems and sensors. The Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces appreciated the efforts of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard towards the development of indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding, as a shining example of the nation’s quest for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’(self-reliant India). The highlights of the day were manning of the yard and arms of the Sail Training Ship ‘Tarangini’ along with steam past by Naval ships which maneuvered in a column formation shouting 'Three Jai' in the honour of The President. The event concluded with a band performance by the Naval band and fly past by aircraft.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind visits aircraft carrier Vikrant

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year.

The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks.

"All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order.

It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble.

The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place. It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year. The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks. "All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order. It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases. With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble. The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: Indian capital New Delhi bans Christmas and New Year gatherings

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections).

The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth.

Despite the fact that the dates have yet to be set, 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.&nbsp;

Detail of terms of the Houses of upcoming election States

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>HOUSE/STATE</td>
			<td>FROM</td>
			<td>TO</td>
			<td>SEAT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GOA</td>
			<td>16.03.2017</td>
			<td>15.03.2022</td>
			<td>40</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MANIPUR</td>
			<td>20.03.2017</td>
			<td>19.03.2022</td>
			<td>60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UTTARAKHAND</td>
			<td>24.03.2017</td>
			<td>23.03.2022</td>
			<td>70</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PUNJAB</td>
			<td>28.03.2017</td>
			<td>27.03.2022</td>
			<td>117</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UTTAR PRADESH</td>
			<td>15.05.2017</td>
			<td>14.05.2022</td>
			<td>403</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
The present partywise status of all five state assemblies in (based on 2017 results): 
 
UTTAR PRADESH: Total seats 403 |&nbsp;202 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>312</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SP</td>
			<td>47</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BSP</td>
			<td>19</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AD</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
PUNJAB: Total 117 seats | 59 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Result</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>77</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AAP</td>
			<td>20</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAD</td>
			<td>15</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
UTTARAKHAND: Total 70 seats | 36 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>57</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IND</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
GOA: Total 40 seats | 21 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>17</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>13</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IND</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GFP</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
Manipur: Total 60 seats | 31 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>28</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>21</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TMC</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>10</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

These assembly elections will be crucial not only for national parties like the BJP and the Congress, but also for regional parties.&nbsp;

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections). The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth.

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections). The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth. Despite the fact that the dates have yet to be set, 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. Detail of terms of the Houses of upcoming election States HOUSE/STATE FROM TO SEAT GOA 16.03.2017 15.03.2022 40 MANIPUR 20.03.2017 19.03.2022 60 UTTARAKHAND 24.03.2017 23.03.2022 70 PUNJAB 28.03.2017 27.03.2022 117 UTTAR PRADESH 15.05.2017 14.05.2022 403 The present partywise status of all five state assemblies in (based on 2017 results): UTTAR PRADESH: Total seats 403 | 202 seats needed for a majority Party Results BJP 312 SP 47 BSP 19 AD 9 INC 7 Others 9 PUNJAB: Total 117 seats | 59 seats needed for a majority Party Result INC 77 AAP 20 SAD 15 BJP 3 Others 2 UTTARAKHAND: Total 70 seats | 36 seats needed for a majority Party Results BJP 57 INC 11 IND 2 GOA: Total 40 seats | 21 seats needed for a majority Party Results INC 17 BJP 13 IND 3 GFP 3 Others 4 Manipur: Total 60 seats | 31 seats needed for a majority Party Results INC 28 BJP 21 TMC 1 Others 10 These assembly elections will be crucial not only for national parties like the BJP and the Congress, but also for regional parties.

Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls

India successfully test-fired the surface-to-surface ballistic missile "Pralay" off the Odisha coast on Wednesday.

The missile was tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). India's defence research organisation said the mission met all "objectives".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indigenously developed new surface-to-surface conventional ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ successfully flight tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewTechnologies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewTechnologies</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmritMahotsav</a><a href="https://t.co/kGgX3RMJ4k">https://t.co/kGgX3RMJ4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/cz1qm6OBdy">pic.twitter.com/cz1qm6OBdy</a>
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India/status/1473566302887317505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The missile is powered with solid propellant rocket motor and many new technologies," DRDO said. The rocket has a range of 150-500 kilometres and can be launched from a mobile launcher.

The indigenously developed missile has a guidance system including state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DRDO_India</a> and associated teams for the maiden development flight trial. My compliments to them for the fast track development and successful launch of modern Surface-to-Surface Quasi Ballistic missile. It is a significant milestone achieved today. <a href="https://t.co/woixwxdxjb">pic.twitter.com/woixwxdxjb</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1473561160385372160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

DRDO said the missile hit the designated target with a high degree of accuracy during the test launch. The agency said the sensors tracked the impact point across the eastern coast including the missile trajectory.

Reports say the missile is based on the Prithvi defence vehicle from the Indian ballistic missile programme.

The successful launch was applauded by the defence minister Rajnath Singh calling it a "significant milestone".

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

India successfully test-fired the surface-to-surface ballistic missile "Pralay" off the Odisha coast on Wednesday. The missile was tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

India successfully test-fired the surface-to-surface ballistic missile "Pralay" off the Odisha coast on Wednesday. The missile was tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). India's defence research organisation said the mission met all "objectives". Indigenously developed new surface-to-surface conventional ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ successfully flight tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island today. #NewTechnologies#AmritMahotsavhttps://t.co/kGgX3RMJ4k pic.twitter.com/cz1qm6OBdy — DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 22, 2021 × "The missile is powered with solid propellant rocket motor and many new technologies," DRDO said. The rocket has a range of 150-500 kilometres and can be launched from a mobile launcher. The indigenously developed missile has a guidance system including state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics. Congratulations to @DRDO_India and associated teams for the maiden development flight trial. My compliments to them for the fast track development and successful launch of modern Surface-to-Surface Quasi Ballistic missile. It is a significant milestone achieved today. pic.twitter.com/woixwxdxjb — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 22, 2021 × DRDO said the missile hit the designated target with a high degree of accuracy during the test launch. The agency said the sensors tracked the impact point across the eastern coast including the missile trajectory. Reports say the missile is based on the Prithvi defence vehicle from the Indian ballistic missile programme. The successful launch was applauded by the defence minister Rajnath Singh calling it a "significant milestone". (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: India successfully test-fires surface-to-surface ballistic missile Pralay

Looks like Elsa's castle! Lakes, rivers, waterfalls freeze as Kashmir Valley records sub-zero temperatures

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday.

The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated.

Delhi topped the list of Omicron cases with 57 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 54, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14).

Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 4,78,325 with 318 fresh fatalities, the data by the government stated.

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 55 days now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-fourth-booster-dose-for-over-60s-and-medics-as-omicron-rages-438890">Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages</a>

The active cases comprise 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.

<img alt="State-wise list of Omicron cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fb744a8-852b-4bc9-be06-3cdcf4d8ca05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oj.jpeg" />

A decline of 907 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.51 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 79 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.58 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 38 days, according to the ministry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-3-times-more-transmissible-than-delta-centre-askes-states-to-take-prompt-action-438911">‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre askes states to take prompt action</a>

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,01,966, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 138.96 crore.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday. The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated.

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday. The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated. Delhi topped the list of Omicron cases with 57 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 54, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14). Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 4,78,325 with 318 fresh fatalities, the data by the government stated. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 55 days now. Also read | Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages The active cases comprise 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said. A decline of 907 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.51 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 79 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.58 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 38 days, according to the ministry. Also read | ‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre askes states to take prompt action The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,01,966, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 138.96 crore. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India logs over 6,300 new coronavirus infections as Omicron tally reaches 213

India's Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea on Tuesday (December 21) seeking removal of the country's PM Narendra Modi's photo from the coronavirus (COVID-19) immunisation certificates.&nbsp;

The petition was dismissed with a fine of $1320 (INR 100,000). The Court stated that it was "frivolous" and had "ulterior motives" and also called it "publicity oriented" and indicated that the petitioner probably also had a "political agenda".&nbsp;

Justice PV&nbsp;Kunhikrishnan said: "This is a frivolous petition filed with ulterior motives and I have a strong doubt that there is political agenda also to petitioner. According to me, this is a publicity oriented litigation. Therefore, this is a fit case that is to be dismissed with a heavy cost."

Kerala High Court also highlighted the point that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines are playing an important role in curbing the spread of the virus and boosting people's immunity against it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-gradually-spreads-in-india-200-cases-detected-so-far-says-govt-438646">Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt</a>

The Court said that if the Prime Minister is sending a message with his photograph that with the help of jabs and strict control, India will defeat the virus, "what is wrong with it?"

"The citizens need not be ashamed to carry a vaccination certificate with the photograph of the Prime Minister with a morale boosting message, especially in this pandemic situation," the high court said as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-russian-president-putin-speak-on-phone-about-developing-bilateral-ties-438517">Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin speak on phone about developing bilateral ties</a>

The court has also directed the petitioner, Peter Myaliparampil, to deposit the cost in favour of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) within six weeks.

If not done within the given time frame, the cost within the stipulated period, KeLSA shall recover the amount from his assets by initiating revenue recovery proceedings against him.

India's Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea on Tuesday (December 21) seeking removal of the country's PM Narendra Modi's photo from the coronavirus (COVID-19) immunisation certificates.

India's Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea on Tuesday (December 21) seeking removal of the country's PM Narendra Modi's photo from the coronavirus (COVID-19) immunisation certificates. The petition was dismissed with a fine of $1320 (INR 100,000). The Court stated that it was "frivolous" and had "ulterior motives" and also called it "publicity oriented" and indicated that the petitioner probably also had a "political agenda". Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said: "This is a frivolous petition filed with ulterior motives and I have a strong doubt that there is political agenda also to petitioner. According to me, this is a publicity oriented litigation. Therefore, this is a fit case that is to be dismissed with a heavy cost." Kerala High Court also highlighted the point that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines are playing an important role in curbing the spread of the virus and boosting people's immunity against it. ALSO READ | Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt The Court said that if the Prime Minister is sending a message with his photograph that with the help of jabs and strict control, India will defeat the virus, "what is wrong with it?" "The citizens need not be ashamed to carry a vaccination certificate with the photograph of the Prime Minister with a morale boosting message, especially in this pandemic situation," the high court said as quoted by news agency PTI. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin speak on phone about developing bilateral ties The court has also directed the petitioner, Peter Myaliparampil, to deposit the cost in favour of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) within six weeks. If not done within the given time frame, the cost within the stipulated period, KeLSA shall recover the amount from his assets by initiating revenue recovery proceedings against him.

Indian court dismisses plea to remove PM Modi’s photo from vaccine certificates, imposes $1320 fine

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively.

"Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan&nbsp;said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday.

“The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.”

“This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-gradually-spreads-in-india-200-cases-detected-so-far-says-govt-438646">Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt</a>

He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district.&nbsp;

Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection.&nbsp;

“In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates. The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively. "Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday. “The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added. Also read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.” “This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated. Also read | Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district. Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection. “In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre asks states to take prompt action

Prime Minister Modi will transfer around Rs 10 billion in the bank accounts of Self Help Groups (SHGs), benefitting around 16,00,000 women members of the SHGs.

LIVE PM Modi in Prayagraj: PM transfers Rs 10 billion to various self-help groups' bank accounts

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 20) held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;the two leaders discussed enhancing India-Russia cooperation.&nbsp;

It was a follow-up of&nbsp;bilateral discussions between India and Russia&nbsp;after Putin's visit&nbsp;on December 6, when PM Modi hosted him in the Indian capital Delhi for the 21st annual India-Russia Summit.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister informed about the telephonic call on his official Twitter account as he wrote, "Spoke with my friend, President Putin, to follow up on our discussions during his recent visit to India."

"We agreed on the way forward for enhancing India-Russia cooperation, including in supply of fertilizers. We also discussed recent international developments," PM Modi added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-takeaways-of-modi-putin-summit-anti-terror-fight-covid-19-s-400-deal-434710">Key takeaways of Modi-Putin summit: Anti-terror fight, COVID-19, S-400 deal</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke with my friend, President Putin, to follow up on our discussions during his recent visit to India. We agreed on the way forward for enhancing India-Russia cooperation, including in supply of fertilizers. We also discussed recent international developments. <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia_E</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1472937274127962114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also, the office of the Russian President informed that both the leaders exchanged views on the situation in the "Asia-Pacific" region, adding that they also discussed practical aspects of implementing the agreements finalised during Putin's visit to India.

"Vladimir Putin warmly thanked Narendra Modi for the hospitality extended to the Russian delegation during the high-level visit to New Delhi on December 6," Kremlin said in a statement.&nbsp;

"A mutual disposition was expressed for the further all-round development of relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," the statement added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gift-from-gujarat-pm-narendra-modi-gives-exquisite-agate-bowls-to-russian-president-vladimir-putin-434688">Gift from Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi gives exquisite Agate Bowls to Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

A Russian official as quoted by PTI said, "They discussed practical aspects of implementing the agreements reached at the talks and expressed mutual intent for the further multifaceted development of relations of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India."

Both the leaders also congratulated each other for the upcoming New Year holidays and also agreed to intensify bilateral contacts in various areas.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 20) held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two leaders discussed enhancing India-Russia cooperation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 20) held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two leaders discussed enhancing India-Russia cooperation. It was a follow-up of bilateral discussions between India and Russia after Putin's visit on December 6, when PM Modi hosted him in the Indian capital Delhi for the 21st annual India-Russia Summit. The Indian prime minister informed about the telephonic call on his official Twitter account as he wrote, "Spoke with my friend, President Putin, to follow up on our discussions during his recent visit to India." "We agreed on the way forward for enhancing India-Russia cooperation, including in supply of fertilizers. We also discussed recent international developments," PM Modi added. ALSO READ | Key takeaways of Modi-Putin summit: Anti-terror fight, COVID-19, S-400 deal Spoke with my friend, President Putin, to follow up on our discussions during his recent visit to India. We agreed on the way forward for enhancing India-Russia cooperation, including in supply of fertilizers. We also discussed recent international developments. @KremlinRussia_E — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2021 × Also, the office of the Russian President informed that both the leaders exchanged views on the situation in the "Asia-Pacific" region, adding that they also discussed practical aspects of implementing the agreements finalised during Putin's visit to India. "Vladimir Putin warmly thanked Narendra Modi for the hospitality extended to the Russian delegation during the high-level visit to New Delhi on December 6," Kremlin said in a statement. "A mutual disposition was expressed for the further all-round development of relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," the statement added. ALSO READ | Gift from Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi gives exquisite Agate Bowls to Russian President Vladimir Putin A Russian official as quoted by PTI said, "They discussed practical aspects of implementing the agreements reached at the talks and expressed mutual intent for the further multifaceted development of relations of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India." Both the leaders also congratulated each other for the upcoming New Year holidays and also agreed to intensify bilateral contacts in various areas.

Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin speak on phone about developing bilateral ties

India's Union Health Ministry said today that 200 cases of the novel Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far.

According to the most recent statement, 77 of the 200 patients have recovered from the viral infection.

Maharashtra and Delhi, with 54 instances apiece, have the most infections from the extremely contagious strain, followed by Telangana (20), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15), and Gujarat (14).

So far, 12 states in the country have reported cases of the Omicron strain, which was discovered in South Africa in November and was classified as a variety of concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, India has registered 5,326 cases of COVID infections over the past 24 hours, the lowest daily case count in 581 days, according to the ministry's data released on Tuesday. 
 
<img alt="Covid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92da4ec4-a8b4-490b-b680-2ffa3707a07d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/omicron111.png" />

Covid instances have already been detected in 35 million people across the country.

Watch | Gravitas: Omicron spooks Indian markets, investors lose over USD130 billion in a day

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-spooks-indian-markets-investors-lose-over-usd130-billion-in-a-day-438558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the bulletin, the country today has 79,097 active cases, the lowest number in 574 days.

With 453 deaths in the last 24 hours, the pandemic's total death toll has risen to 478,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Health Ministry said today that 200 cases of the novel Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. According to the most recent statement, 77 of the 200 patients have recovered from the viral infection.

India's Union Health Ministry said today that 200 cases of the novel Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. According to the most recent statement, 77 of the 200 patients have recovered from the viral infection. Maharashtra and Delhi, with 54 instances apiece, have the most infections from the extremely contagious strain, followed by Telangana (20), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15), and Gujarat (14). So far, 12 states in the country have reported cases of the Omicron strain, which was discovered in South Africa in November and was classified as a variety of concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO). Meanwhile, India has registered 5,326 cases of COVID infections over the past 24 hours, the lowest daily case count in 581 days, according to the ministry's data released on Tuesday. Covid instances have already been detected in 35 million people across the country. Watch | Gravitas: Omicron spooks Indian markets, investors lose over USD130 billion in a day According to the bulletin, the country today has 79,097 active cases, the lowest number in 574 days. With 453 deaths in the last 24 hours, the pandemic's total death toll has risen to 478,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt

UK MP Preet Kaur Gill has posted&nbsp;a new tweet on the alleged sacrilege incident at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Punjab,&nbsp;even as the Indian mission in London&nbsp; expressed concern over her previous tweet on the incident.

In her initial tweet, she characterised the incident as "Hindu terrorist prevented from an act of violence at Sikh Holy Shrine of Harmandir Sahib, against Sikh". Her tweet got furious responses and has since been deleted.

The Indian high commission said in a statement, "it is constrained to unequivocally repudiate the public comment by a Member of the British Parliament regarding a crime that occurred in India even before the Indian law enforcement authority could investigate or comment or declare their finding."

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Law and Order had been constituted to investigate the incident.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-beaten-to-death-after-alleged-sacrilege-attempt-at-golden-temple-in-india-438144">Man beaten to death after alleged 'sacrilege' attempt at Golden Temple in India</a>

The Indian mission said that it is "concerned at the effect that such commentary by a foreign MP may have on inter-communal harmony and peace in the British Indian community." Remember British Indians constitute the largest ethnic group in the UK and have played a key role in British society.&nbsp;

The MP later deleted the previous tweet and condemned both the sacrilege and lynching of the man who was responsible for it. She said in a tweet, "Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. @SGPCAmritsar @PMOIndia"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. <a href="https://twitter.com/SGPCAmritsar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGPCAmritsar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>
— Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1472893409610407948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

UK MP Preet Kaur Gill has posted a new tweet on the alleged sacrilege incident at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Punjab, even as the Indian mission in London expressed concern over her previous tweet on the incident.

UK MP Preet Kaur Gill has posted a new tweet on the alleged sacrilege incident at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Punjab, even as the Indian mission in London expressed concern over her previous tweet on the incident. In her initial tweet, she characterised the incident as "Hindu terrorist prevented from an act of violence at Sikh Holy Shrine of Harmandir Sahib, against Sikh". Her tweet got furious responses and has since been deleted. The Indian high commission said in a statement, "it is constrained to unequivocally repudiate the public comment by a Member of the British Parliament regarding a crime that occurred in India even before the Indian law enforcement authority could investigate or comment or declare their finding." A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Law and Order had been constituted to investigate the incident. ALSO READ | Man beaten to death after alleged 'sacrilege' attempt at Golden Temple in India The Indian mission said that it is "concerned at the effect that such commentary by a foreign MP may have on inter-communal harmony and peace in the British Indian community." Remember British Indians constitute the largest ethnic group in the UK and have played a key role in British society. The MP later deleted the previous tweet and condemned both the sacrilege and lynching of the man who was responsible for it. She said in a tweet, "Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. @SGPCAmritsar @PMOIndia" Beadbi incidents are unacceptable but the lynching of another person is also unacceptable and no one should take matters into their own hands. We need a full enquiry into these matters. @SGPCAmritsar @PMOIndia — Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) December 20, 2021 ×

Punjab sacrilege incident: UK MP puts new tweet after Indian mission expresses concern

india-news

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

india news