Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Covid-19 vaccine for children and booster doses, which PM Modi termed as precaution doses, for frontline workers and senior citizens, amid the Omicron scare. Children between the age group of 15 to 18 years will be getting the Covid vaccine from January 3, 2022. Senior citizens with comorbidities will receive booster doses from January 10, 2022, he announced.

Indian PM Modi addresses nation, announces key developments in India's COVID vaccination drive

Pictures: Amid Omicron fear, Indian streets were seen packed with crowd on Christmas

Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation with the 84th edition of Mann ki Baat. It is also the last edition of this year.

Watch Indian PM Narendra Modi's last 'Mann Ki Baat' this year

After tormenting numerous countries around the world, Omicron seems to be making its presence felt in India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Till now, 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus have been registered in India. These cases have come in 17 states and union territories so far. Around 130 of these patients have already recovered, as per union health ministry data, which was updated on Sunday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-spreads-rapidly-france-records-over-100000-cases-in-24-hours-439995" hreflang="en">As Omicron spreads rapidly, France records over 100,000 cases in 24 hours</a>

This comes as several countries have been witnessing a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases after the emergence of the new variant. Many countries have already taken numerous measures to contain the spread of this variant. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The highest number of Omicron cases have come in Maharashtra, which are 108. Delhi has registered 79 cases, Gujarat 43, Telangana 41, Kerala 38, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31. &nbsp;

Around 6,987 new Covid cases have come in a day. The total caseload of India has risen to 3,47,86,802, as per the data updated at 8 am. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-zero-covid-policy-will-not-work-says-scientist-who-warned-of-omicron-440021">China's zero-Covid policy will not work, says scientist who warned of Omicron</a>

With 162 new deaths, the toll has climbed to 4,79,682. For the last 59 days, the daily hike in coronavirus cases has stayed below 15,000. &nbsp;

The active Covid cases count has reached 76,766, the ministry said. In a short span of 24 hours, a reduction of 266 cases has been recorded in the active caseload. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After tormenting numerous countries around the world, Omicron seems to be making its presence felt in India. Till now, 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus have been registered in India.

After tormenting numerous countries around the world, Omicron seems to be making its presence felt in India. Till now, 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus have been registered in India. These cases have come in 17 states and union territories so far. Around 130 of these patients have already recovered, as per union health ministry data, which was updated on Sunday. Also Read: As Omicron spreads rapidly, France records over 100,000 cases in 24 hours This comes as several countries have been witnessing a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases after the emergence of the new variant. Many countries have already taken numerous measures to contain the spread of this variant. The highest number of Omicron cases have come in Maharashtra, which are 108. Delhi has registered 79 cases, Gujarat 43, Telangana 41, Kerala 38, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31. Around 6,987 new Covid cases have come in a day. The total caseload of India has risen to 3,47,86,802, as per the data updated at 8 am. Also Read: China's zero-Covid policy will not work, says scientist who warned of Omicron With 162 new deaths, the toll has climbed to 4,79,682. For the last 59 days, the daily hike in coronavirus cases has stayed below 15,000. The active Covid cases count has reached 76,766, the ministry said. In a short span of 24 hours, a reduction of 266 cases has been recorded in the active caseload. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant of coronavirus: 422 cases registered in India till now

Indian Prime Minister Modi announces Covid-19 vaccine for children, booster doses

The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested the local unit of Taiwanese hardware manufacturing firm Foxconn, to provide better basic amenities for its workers. Among the facilities enlisted as part of the suggestions were - better hostels, spacious living areas, adequate bathrooms and toilets, potable water, living spaces with proper ventilation and overall improved infrastructure in hostels/dormitories.&nbsp;

This comes nearly a week after hundreds of Foxconn workers protested and blocked the crucial Chennai-Bengaluru highway, as over 150 women workers had fallen sick after consuming the food provided in the hostels.&nbsp;

According to the protestors, there were long-standing issues between the management and the contractual workers, which the management allegedly refused to address or resolve. Among the issues highlighted were the basic living facilities, better working conditions, hygienic food and water etc.

According to the government, they are keen on bringing investments and job opportunities to the state, but are also keen on voicing out for the welfare of workers (especially women). In line with this, top government officials, including IAS and IPS officers had met with representatives of Foxconn on Thursday and offered suggestions.&nbsp;

Among the points highlighted to the company were, District Collector's certificate of approval for the living spaces provided to workers, provision of hygienic meals that are cooked within the premises of the hostel, ensuring timely approval of emergency leave for contractual workers and also utilising services of manpower agencies for seeking replacement/backup workforce to make up for those absent.&nbsp;

According to the government, the company had agreed to implement the suggestions and has also expressed its intention to expand its operations and offer more job opportunities.&nbsp;

Nearly 14,000 men and women are employed in the Foxconn unit that manufactures electronic components, iPhones for Apple and handsets for other leading smartphone brands.

Many of the women workers are staying in the nearby dormitories. It was after consuming their meals from one such dormitory that over 150 workers were affected by food poisoning and had to be taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.&nbsp;

According to workers, the management did not offer any response when queried about the health condition of women workers who were admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

There were also rumours of a few women workers having died, owing to food poisoning. This is said to have been a major trigger for the protest. However, the government authorities formally dismissed the claims of workers having died and assured action against rumour mongers.

The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested the local unit of Taiwanese hardware manufacturing firm Foxconn, to provide better basic amenities for its workers.

The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested the local unit of Taiwanese hardware manufacturing firm Foxconn, to provide better basic amenities for its workers. Among the facilities enlisted as part of the suggestions were - better hostels, spacious living areas, adequate bathrooms and toilets, potable water, living spaces with proper ventilation and overall improved infrastructure in hostels/dormitories. This comes nearly a week after hundreds of Foxconn workers protested and blocked the crucial Chennai-Bengaluru highway, as over 150 women workers had fallen sick after consuming the food provided in the hostels. According to the protestors, there were long-standing issues between the management and the contractual workers, which the management allegedly refused to address or resolve. Among the issues highlighted were the basic living facilities, better working conditions, hygienic food and water etc. According to the government, they are keen on bringing investments and job opportunities to the state, but are also keen on voicing out for the welfare of workers (especially women). In line with this, top government officials, including IAS and IPS officers had met with representatives of Foxconn on Thursday and offered suggestions. Among the points highlighted to the company were, District Collector's certificate of approval for the living spaces provided to workers, provision of hygienic meals that are cooked within the premises of the hostel, ensuring timely approval of emergency leave for contractual workers and also utilising services of manpower agencies for seeking replacement/backup workforce to make up for those absent. According to the government, the company had agreed to implement the suggestions and has also expressed its intention to expand its operations and offer more job opportunities. Nearly 14,000 men and women are employed in the Foxconn unit that manufactures electronic components, iPhones for Apple and handsets for other leading smartphone brands. Many of the women workers are staying in the nearby dormitories. It was after consuming their meals from one such dormitory that over 150 workers were affected by food poisoning and had to be taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. According to workers, the management did not offer any response when queried about the health condition of women workers who were admitted to the hospital. There were also rumours of a few women workers having died, owing to food poisoning. This is said to have been a major trigger for the protest. However, the government authorities formally dismissed the claims of workers having died and assured action against rumour mongers.

India: Provide better facilities for workers, Tamil Nadu govt tells iPhone assembly unit Foxconn

Belarusian Envoy talked about his country's bilateral ties with India. He also spoke on the country handled migrant crisis.

Belarus Envoy talks on his country's bilateral ties with India

After eleven months, India has made its first outreach to the military junta in Myanmar. India's foreign secretary made a two-day visit to Naypyidaw. Is India legitimising the military regime or is it just keeping channels of communications open? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: What is India's Myanmar strategy?

Indian Foreign Secy Harsh Vardhan Shringla is on a two-day visit to Myanmar. He met the Chairman of Myanmar State Administrative Council and the member of the national league for democracy.

Indian Foreign Secy Harsh Vardhan Shringla visits Myanmar

Indian Foreign Secy Harsh Vardhan Shringla meets Chairman of Myanmar State Administrative Council

In a goodwill gesture, the Indian government rebuilds 50,000 houses devastated by Earthquakes in the Gorkha & Nuwakot districts of Nepal six years ago.

India rebuilds 50,000 houses devastated by Earthquakes in Gorkha & Nuwakot districts of Nepal

India has been ranked as the top 3rd country hosting unicorns. It has displaced the UK from the spot by adding 33 unicorns in 2021. What's driving India's Unicorn boom during the pandemic? Palki Sharma gets you a detailed report.

Gravitas: India becomes 3rd top country hosting unicorns

Chants for a 'Muslim genocide' were raised at a religious gathering in Haridwar. Indian political parties have distanced themselves from this bigotry. Are politicians encouraging such fringe elements with their silence? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Monks in India call for 'Muslim genocide'

Harsh Vardhan Shringla visits Myanmar, conducts talks with Chairman of State Administrative Council

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

Despite the Omicron scare, Indian politicians are campaigning in full swing. From packed political rallies to roadshows, it's like the virus curbs do not apply to them. Palki Sharma tells you why everything except election rallies have changed in this pandemic.

Gravitas: Politicians shrug off Omicron scare

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

TS Tirumurti, the permanent representative of India to the United Nations during a UNSC meeting on Palestine, advocated for the resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine to resolve issues.

India at UNSC meeting says it supports a dialogue between Israel & Palestine for peaceful resolution

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla is on a two-day visit to Myanmar. This is the first high-level outreach from India since the Myanmar military coup.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla visits Myanmar

India's proposed labour code will offer workers the option of working four days a week. Will Indians get a three-day weekend? What are the big changes proposed by the new labour code? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: A four-day working week in India?

India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned 20 Pakistani YouTube channels and two websites that were amassing millions of views by peddling fake news about India. Their stories were both outrageous and laughable. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: India dismantles Pakistan's fake news network

India has passed an Electoral Reforms Bill to link the Aadhar Card with VoterID. Is this mandatory for all Indians? When and where can you register? Why was this reform needed? Why is the opposition against it? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: India passes bill to link Aadhaar with Voter IDs

India at UNSC meeting says it supports direct negotiations between Israel & Palestine

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

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