The Indian coast guard has seized 77 kg of heroin from a Pakistani fishing boat off the coast of Gujarat. The seized drugs were worth approximately $ 4 billion.

India: Pakistani fishing boat carrying drug apprehended off Gujarat coast

India has issued revised guidelines for international travellers in view of Omicron variant COVID-19. The new guidelines will come into effect from December 1.

India issues travel advisory for international passengers over Omicron variant

India has issued fresh guidelines for international travellers as the Omicron variant triggers alarm across the world. It has issued a list of 'at-risk' nations, keeping in mind the evolving situation, countries in the categories are nations in Europe including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh and more.

India issues advisory for international passengers amid fears of 'Omicron'

Despite taking several measures to keep a check on the spread of Omicron, the total number of cases has reached to 101, with western state of Maharashtra accounting for 1/3 of the cases.

India: Omicron cases detected in 11 states, tally rises to 101

As Omicron cases rise, India's ICMR comes up with a new made in India testing kit that can detect the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 in 2 hours.

India's ICMR launches a new indigenous kit capable of detecting the Omicron variant in 2 hours

Omicron has pushed back the resumption of scheduled international flights. They will now remain suspended till January 31, 2022, as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines.

India: No commercial flights till January 31, order released by DGCA | Omicron Variant

The third edition of the Central Asia dialogue is underway in India. On second day of the dialogue, India's EAM S Jaishankar hosted the crucial meet between foreign ministers of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and others.

Third edition of India-Central Asia dialogue underway

The third edition of the Central Asia dialogue begins in India. The key focus of the dialogue will be on the Afghanistan crisis.

India: Third edition of Central Asia dialogue to focus on trade, regional connectivity & Afghanistan

A severe cold wave alert was issued for 5 North Indian states, with New Delhi recording this season's lowest temperature. Cold wave due to snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir.

Severe cold wave alert issued in India with freezing temperatures in North Indian belt

India: Third edition of a 3-day long Central Asia dialogue underway in New Delhi

The third edition of Central Asia dialogue underway in India

The government of Maldives has released a statement on Sunday (December 19) over false "misguided and unsubstantiated" information regarding the bilateral ties with India. The government of Maldives said that it is "profoundly concerned" by the attempts to propagate hatred towards India.&nbsp;

Mentioning India as one of the closest bilateral partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives called out the involved "political personalities" and other individuals who spread hatred and made false allegations, jeopardising the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-an-example-and-role-model-for-religious-harmony-says-dalai-lama-438177">India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama</a>

"While the Government of Maldives champions the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, the Government strongly believes these fundamental rights should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner," a part of the statement read.&nbsp;

The statement released by the ministry also highlighted a crucial point that spreading hatred and making false allegations regarding bilateral ties with neighbouring countries can tarnish relations with allies. It also affects the safety and security of their citizens in Maldives and Maldivians, who are living abroad.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-maldives-hits-out-at-malicious-india-out-campaign-says-propaganda-by-corrupt-people-432448">Exclusive: Maldives hits out at malicious ‘India out’ campaign, says propaganda by 'corrupt people'</a>

Maldives government reaffirmed that the country's long-standing ties with all its international partners are based on principles of mutual respect and understanding.&nbsp;

While concluding the statement, the government of Maldives urged all parties, especially the political leadership, to act responsibly. They also asked to refrain from spreading false information that has the potential to undermine the country's cordial relations with its neighbours, and the international community.

The government of Maldives has released a statement on Sunday (December 19) over false "misguided and unsubstantiated" information regarding the bilateral ties with India.

The government of Maldives has released a statement on Sunday (December 19) over false "misguided and unsubstantiated" information regarding the bilateral ties with India. The government of Maldives said that it is "profoundly concerned" by the attempts to propagate hatred towards India. Mentioning India as one of the closest bilateral partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives called out the involved "political personalities" and other individuals who spread hatred and made false allegations, jeopardising the bilateral ties. ALSO READ | India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama "While the Government of Maldives champions the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, the Government strongly believes these fundamental rights should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner," a part of the statement read. The statement released by the ministry also highlighted a crucial point that spreading hatred and making false allegations regarding bilateral ties with neighbouring countries can tarnish relations with allies. It also affects the safety and security of their citizens in Maldives and Maldivians, who are living abroad. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Maldives hits out at malicious ‘India out’ campaign, says propaganda by 'corrupt people' Maldives government reaffirmed that the country's long-standing ties with all its international partners are based on principles of mutual respect and understanding. While concluding the statement, the government of Maldives urged all parties, especially the political leadership, to act responsibly. They also asked to refrain from spreading false information that has the potential to undermine the country's cordial relations with its neighbours, and the international community.

Government of Maldives clarifies over false information regarding ties with India

A man has been beaten to death after an alleged sacrilege attempt at one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines in India. The incident took place at Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday evening. It was captured on camera as the evening prayers were being broadcast on television.

The video shows a man jumping over the railing of the sanctum sanctorum inside the Golden Temple during the daily evening prayer.

As per witnesses, he then tried to grab the sword kept in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs.&nbsp;He was stopped by those who were present.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I strongly condemn this attempt of sacrilege inside of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar today evening. 
The person has been caught, but it is alarming how such an incident can take place inside the premises of Darbar Sahib.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/darbarsahib?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#darbarsahib</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goldentemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goldentemple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#amritsar</a> <a href="https://t.co/BoD4lo5d6S">pic.twitter.com/BoD4lo5d6S</a>
— Avtar Singh Hit (@avtarsinghhit) <a href="https://twitter.com/avtarsinghhit/status/1472205926341828608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Parminder Singh Bhandal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Amritsar, was quoted by news agency PTI as saying, "This evening during prayers, a man jumped the fence and entered the enclosed area. The congregation was offering prayers and bowing down. The man, about 20 to 25 years of age who had a yellow cloth tied on his head jumped the fence... the people inside held him and escorted him out to the corridor where there was a violent altercation and he died."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-northern-india-in-grip-of-cold-wave-more-snowfall-predicted-437990">Also read |&nbsp;In pics: Northern India in grip of cold wave, more snowfall predicted</a>

The incident has sparked tensions over an extremely sensitive issue just before elections in Punjab.

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CM <a href="https://twitter.com/CHARANJITCHANNI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CharanjitChanni</a> strongly condemned the most unfortunate and heinous act to attempt sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Harimandir Sahib during the path of Sri Rehras Sahib. 
(1/3)
— CMO Punjab (@CMOPb) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOPb/status/1472247250025783302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi condemned the incident as he directed the state police authorities to thoroughly investigate the entire matter

(With inputs from agencies)

A man has been beaten to death after an alleged sacrilege attempt at one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines in India. The incident took place at Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday evening.

A man has been beaten to death after an alleged sacrilege attempt at one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines in India. The incident took place at Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday evening. It was captured on camera as the evening prayers were being broadcast on television. The video shows a man jumping over the railing of the sanctum sanctorum inside the Golden Temple during the daily evening prayer. As per witnesses, he then tried to grab the sword kept in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs. He was stopped by those who were present. I strongly condemn this attempt of sacrilege inside of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar today evening. The person has been caught, but it is alarming how such an incident can take place inside the premises of Darbar Sahib.#darbarsahib #goldentemple #amritsar pic.twitter.com/BoD4lo5d6S — Avtar Singh Hit (@avtarsinghhit) December 18, 2021 × Parminder Singh Bhandal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Amritsar, was quoted by news agency PTI as saying, "This evening during prayers, a man jumped the fence and entered the enclosed area. The congregation was offering prayers and bowing down. The man, about 20 to 25 years of age who had a yellow cloth tied on his head jumped the fence... the people inside held him and escorted him out to the corridor where there was a violent altercation and he died." Also read | In pics: Northern India in grip of cold wave, more snowfall predicted The incident has sparked tensions over an extremely sensitive issue just before elections in Punjab. CM @CharanjitChanni strongly condemned the most unfortunate and heinous act to attempt sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Harimandir Sahib during the path of Sri Rehras Sahib. (1/3) — CMO Punjab (@CMOPb) December 18, 2021 × Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi condemned the incident as he directed the state police authorities to thoroughly investigate the entire matter (With inputs from agencies)

Man beaten to death after alleged 'sacrilege' attempt at Golden Temple in India

Central Asia Dialogue: India-Central Asian Nations issue joint statement

Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been hit by a severe cold wave. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir recorded the coldest night of the season with a temperature of minus 6 degrees.&nbsp;

Also, Drass in Leh recorded the minimum temperature at minus 19.7 degrees.&nbsp;

It is for the second time in the last decade that temperature has dipped to minus 6 degrees in Srinagar before the start of Chillai-e-Kalan, a 40-day long coldest part of the season starting which begins on December 21.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/studying-uks-omicron-trend-experts-warn-india-could-see-14-million-daily-covid-cases-437838">Also read |&nbsp;Studying UK's Omicron trend, experts warn India could see 14 million daily Covid cases</a>

The temperatures in tourist resorts like Gulmarg was recorded at 8.5 degrees while Pahalgam was at minus 8.3 degrees.&nbsp; 
Leh recorded the minimum temperature at minus 15 degrees while Kargil was at minus 13.1 degrees.&nbsp;

The temperatures will further continue to dip in the coming few days, said the MeT department in Srinagar. The department has also predicted moderate to heavy snowfall from 23-25 December.&nbsp;

Kashmir is again expected to see white Christmas this year.&nbsp;

Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been hit by a severe cold wave. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir recorded the coldest night of the season with a temperature of minus 6 degrees.

Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been hit by a severe cold wave. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir recorded the coldest night of the season with a temperature of minus 6 degrees. Also, Drass in Leh recorded the minimum temperature at minus 19.7 degrees. It is for the second time in the last decade that temperature has dipped to minus 6 degrees in Srinagar before the start of Chillai-e-Kalan, a 40-day long coldest part of the season starting which begins on December 21. Also read | Studying UK's Omicron trend, experts warn India could see 14 million daily Covid cases The temperatures in tourist resorts like Gulmarg was recorded at 8.5 degrees while Pahalgam was at minus 8.3 degrees. Leh recorded the minimum temperature at minus 15 degrees while Kargil was at minus 13.1 degrees. The temperatures will further continue to dip in the coming few days, said the MeT department in Srinagar. The department has also predicted moderate to heavy snowfall from 23-25 December. Kashmir is again expected to see white Christmas this year.

Indian city Srinagar freezes at minus 6 degrees; hit by a severe cold wave

India is currently hosting the third edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi to discuss further strengthening ties with member states with a focus on trade, connectivity and development cooperation. The three-day event will go on till Monday (December 20).

India: Third edition of India-Central Asia Dialogue is underway in Delhi

India's competition regulatory body CCI slapped a $27 Million fine on Amazon for making false and incorrect statements while seeking investment. CCI also suspended Amazon's deal with Future group.

India's CCI slaps $27 Million fine on Amazon

French defence minister Florence Parly is visiting India with an eye on boosting defence ties. Has the AUKUS snub pushed Paris closer to New Delhi? Is France more reliable than the United States for India? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: France offering nuclear submarines to India?

During her 2-day visit to India, France Defence Minister Florence Parly said that Paris is committed to New Delhi's Make in India Initiative.

France committed to PM Modi's Make in India initiative says France Defence Minister Florence Parly

India will host the third edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi to discuss further strengthening ties with member states with a focus on trade, connectivity and development cooperation. The three-day event will go on till Monday (December 20).

India to host Central Asia Dialogue today; focus on trade, connectivity, Afghan crisis

Eric Garcetti, who currently serves as the Mayor of Los Angeles, is the new US ambassador-designate to India. But before even beginning his new stint, he has remarked that he will actively raise the human rights issue.

US ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti: Will actively raise Human Rights issue

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet.

In response to a WION question, Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, said, "The recent Russian Indian summit in New Delhi on December 6 was very successful. Multiple issues were raised. Receiving inputs from Moscow, coming from the Presidential inner circle, namely from his assistant on foreign policy Yuri Ushakov, the sides are currently discussing idea of holding the trilateral, Russia, India and China. This could be expected in nearest future. I do share this news with pride." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-conferred-with-highest-civilian-honour-of-bhutan-heres-what-you-should-know-437675" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know</a>

Asked if it will happen virtually or in person, he said, "It’s too pre mature to say, but anyways, what is important, what matters is it takes place first. Naturally our preference and sincere expectation would be that the three leaders could meet physically." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian President Putin was in India on December 6 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later, he had a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. India-China ties have been in tatters since Galwan incident last year. It saw Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control with India, leading to death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later confirmed that it lost four of its soldiers, a figure that is doubted given the track record of Chinese government on giving out data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/under-presumption-of-kittens-indian-farmer-rescues-leopard-cubs-437696" hreflang="en">Under presumption of ‘kittens’, Indian farmer rescues leopard cubs</a>

India and Russia share close ties with defence being the main pillar of partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov recently said that India may be the first buyer of the S500 air defence system. The Russian envoy when asked about the development, said, "Our latest military technology is always open to you. As far as specific targets are concerned, you better raise with military. Our armaments, achievements or technology is always open to you." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The comments of the Russian Deputy PM come as India is getting delivery of S400 systems. The contract for the system was signed during President Putin's India visit in 2018 and deliveries started this month. But there are worries over US CAATSA sanctions on India. Washington is mum as of now if New Delhi will be sanctioned over S400 deal or not.

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future.

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet. In response to a WION question, Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, said, "The recent Russian Indian summit in New Delhi on December 6 was very successful. Multiple issues were raised. Receiving inputs from Moscow, coming from the Presidential inner circle, namely from his assistant on foreign policy Yuri Ushakov, the sides are currently discussing idea of holding the trilateral, Russia, India and China. This could be expected in nearest future. I do share this news with pride." Also Read: Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know Asked if it will happen virtually or in person, he said, "It’s too pre mature to say, but anyways, what is important, what matters is it takes place first. Naturally our preference and sincere expectation would be that the three leaders could meet physically." Russian President Putin was in India on December 6 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later, he had a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. India-China ties have been in tatters since Galwan incident last year. It saw Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control with India, leading to death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later confirmed that it lost four of its soldiers, a figure that is doubted given the track record of Chinese government on giving out data. Also Read: Under presumption of ‘kittens’, Indian farmer rescues leopard cubs India and Russia share close ties with defence being the main pillar of partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov recently said that India may be the first buyer of the S500 air defence system. The Russian envoy when asked about the development, said, "Our latest military technology is always open to you. As far as specific targets are concerned, you better raise with military. Our armaments, achievements or technology is always open to you." The comments of the Russian Deputy PM come as India is getting delivery of S400 systems. The contract for the system was signed during President Putin's India visit in 2018 and deliveries started this month. But there are worries over US CAATSA sanctions on India. Washington is mum as of now if New Delhi will be sanctioned over S400 deal or not.

Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit : Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev

Joe Biden's pick for U.S. envoy to India Eric Garcetti says he 'will actively raise human rights issue'. Garcetti's own record as Mayor of Los Angeles is abysmal. He's not a seasoned diplomat either. Palki Sharma asks: Is the selection based on merit or his closeness to President Biden?

Gravitas: US ambassador-designate to India will 'actively raise human rights issue'

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