NEW DELHI, Jan 5: India has recorded 188 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases have declined to 2,554, according to Union health ministry data updated on Thursday. The total tally of Covid cases has been recorded at 4,46,79,319 and the death toll stands at 5,30,710, with three deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The daily positivity has been recorded at 0.10 per cent while the weekly positivity has been pegged at 0.12 per cent, the ministry said.
The active cases comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national recovery rate has increased to 98.80 per cent, according to the health ministry’s website.
There has been a decrease of 16 cases in the active Covid caseload in a span of 24 hours, it stated, and added that the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,41,46,055 while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.19 per cent.
According to the ministry’s website, 220.12 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far.
It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19, 2020.
India crossed the two-crore mark on May 4, three crore cases on June 23, 2021, and four crore cases on January 25 this year. (Agencies)
Active Covid cases in country decline to 2,554
Temperatures dip further in Kashmir, Srinagar records season’s coldest night at -6.4°C
Srinagar, Jan 5: Severe cold conditions continued unabated in Kashmir Valley with Srinagar, Qazigund and Kupwara experiencing season’s coldest night on Thursday.
Quoting a meteorological department official, GNS reported that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 6.4°C against last night’s minus 5.2°C. Today’s minimum temperature was 4.3°C below normal and surpassed the previous lowest temperature that was recorded on December 25 when mercury plummeted to minus 5.8°C in the summer capital, he said.
Qazigund recorded a low of minus 6.2°C against minus 5.2°C on the previous night. The temperature was 3.3°C below normal and lowest so far this season in the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 9.2°C against minus 9.4°C on the previous night. The coldest night recorded this season in the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district was on January 2 when mercury plunged to minus 9.6°C, he said. Today’s minimum temperature was 2.6°C below normal for the place, he said.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 4.4°C against minus 3.8°C on the previous night, he said. It was 0.9°C below normal for the place, he said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 7.5°C against minus 8.4°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 0.5°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district which recorded its coldest night on January 2 when minimum temperature plummeted to minus 10.0°C, the official said.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 6.0°C against minus 4.1°C on the previous night in the north Kashmir area, he said. The official said that the temperature was 3.5°C below normal.
Jammu recorded a low of 3.0°C against 4.5°C on the previous night. It was 4.3°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal recorded a low of 5.2°C (above normal by 5.0°C), Batote 3.0°C (above normal by 1.0°C), Katra 4.6°C (1.7°C below normal) and Bhadarwah minus 0.4°C (0.1°C below normal).
In Ladakh, Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 15.2°C and minus 19.2°C respectively, the official said.Regarding the forecast, the MeT official said mainly clear weather was expected till January 6. “Expect further fall in minimum temperature across J&K,” he said, adding, “On January 7, weather is expected to be cloudy and from January 8-10, weather is expected to be cloudy with possibility of snowfall and rain (in plains of Jammu) at many places of J&K (70% chance).” Moderate rain and snowfall has been predicted during January 11-13 also.
US issues nearly 1,25,000 student visas to Indians in 2022: Price
United States embassy and consulates in India have broken their record as nearly, 1,25,000 student visas were issued in the fiscal year 2022, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a press conference.
While responding to a query over the slowdown in clearing visas backlog for Indian tourists, Price admitted that there was a delay but also said, “Our embassy and consulates in India broke their all-time record for the number of student visas issued in the single fiscal year 2022. We have issued nearly 1,25,000 student visas.”
“We of course recognize that some applicants may still face extended visa wait times and we are making every effort to reduce visa interview appointment wait times as quickly as possible,” he added.
United States embassy and consulates in India have broken their record as nearly, 1,25,000 student visas were issued in the fiscal year 2022, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a press conference.
While responding to a query over the slowdown in clearing visas backlog for Indian tourists, Price admitted that there was a delay but also said, “Our embassy and consulates in India broke their all-time record for the number of student visas issued in the single fiscal year 2022. We have issued nearly 1,25,000 student visas.”
“We of course recognize that some applicants may still face extended visa wait times and we are making every effort to reduce visa interview appointment wait times as quickly as possible,” he added.
Delhi Airport issues fog alert for passengers, 12 trains delayed in North India
The Delhi Airport on Thursday issued a fog alert for all passengers. According to the authorities, low visibility procedures are in progress at the Delhi Airport.
All flight operations are currently normal and the passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information, the authorities added.
Many trains are also running late owing to the dense fog and visibility level today.
12 trains are running late and two trains were rescheduled in the Northern Railway region due to fog.
IMD said in a statement, dense to very dense fog and cold day conditions are likely to continue over North-West India during the next three-four days.
It said, “Cold wave conditions are likely to continue over northwest India during the next three days and the intensity will decrease thereafter.”
People in the wee hours were seen huddled around the bonfire.
“My shop gets opened 5 A.M. For survival I have to overcome the cold,” an e-rickshaw mechanic who was seen around the fire told ANI.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the minimum and maximum temperatures in January 2023 are most likely to remain below normal over many parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular, east and northwest India.
BCCI To Take Care Of Rishabh Pant’s Further Treatment, Player Could Be Flown To UK: DDCA Official
NEW DELHI: Star India cricketer Rishabh Pant’s further treatment will be taken care of by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and board secretary Jay Shah himself will keep a close eye on it, a Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) official on Wednesday.
“Pant’s further treatment will be taken care by BCCI now. Jay Shah himself will keep a close eye on his treatment. If needed, the board will send him to the United Kingdom,” the DDCA official told ANI. Pant, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dehradun following a car accident on December 30 will be shifted to Mumbai today for further treatment, DDCA director Shyam Sharma said.
“I have been in touch with his mother. We will shift him to Mumbai for further assistance for his ligament tear,” Sharma told ANI.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police Ashok Kumar on Tuesday said police are noting details of all the passersby who helped cricketer Rishabh Pant during the accident, including Haryana Roadways bus driver Sushil Kumar and conductor Paramjeet Nain, in order to honour them.
“Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has already made an announcement regarding this,” the DGP said. Dhami on Sunday announced that his government will on Republic Day honour the driver and operator of Haryana Roadways, who saved the life of star cricketer Rishabh Pant.
He added, “The driver and operator risked their lives to save the life of Rishabh Pant. The Cricketer’s car rolled a couple of times in front of their eyes (after hitting a divider and going up in flames on the Delhi-Dehradun highway). The Haryana Roadways’ staff proved their mettle as they tackled the emergency situation.”
CM Dhami also announced that the state government will provide all help for the 25-year-old’s treatment, who was seriously injured in a road accident near Roorkee on December 30 while on his way to surprise his mother.
Pant was alone in the car and reportedly fell asleep at the wheel when the accident happened. The cricketer escaped the near-fatal accident on December 30, with burn injuries among others that will require plastic surgeries and he could be airlifted to Delhi if required. He met with the accident while returning from Delhi to Roorkee as his car collided with the divider on the Narsan border of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal.
According to a statement by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) in coordination with the Max Hospital Dehradun where he has been admitted, the cricketer suffered two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee, ankle, toe and back.
DDCA director Shyam Sharma on Saturday flagged concerns over visitors flocking to the hospital to catch a glimpse of the cricketer, Rishabh Pant, who is under treatment.
“Those who are going to meet Pant should avoid, as there are chances of infection. There should be no VIP movement to meet Pant, and people visiting him should avoid it as there are chances of infection for Pant,” Sharma told over the phone.
The BCCI had said: “Pant has two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee and has also hurt his right wrist, ankle, and toe and has suffered abrasion injuries on his back.”
Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K honoured Balraj Bakshi
UDHAMPUR, January 4:
Balraj Bakshi eminent Urdu writer from Udhampur was today honored by
Udhampur Unit of Dogra Sadar Sabha Jammu and Kashmir at Adresh Colony,
Udhampur for his exceptional contribution in the field of literature.
As per the directions of Th Gulchain Singh Charak (FormerMinister) President
Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K. Krishan Kumar Bharadwaj President Dogra Sadar Sabha
Udhampur Unit alongwith other prominent personalities of Udampur called upon
Sh Balraj Bakshi and honoured him by presenting an Award of Excellence.
On the occasion Padma Shri awardee, Prof. Shiv Nirmohi while presiding over the
meeting, highlighted the contribution of Balraj Bakshi as columnist, writer, poet
and journalist in popularising and promotion of literary activities in his home town
Udhampur and across the UT.
He said that Balraj Bakshi is not only popular in India but also in abroad and
people read and appreciate his works as they deal with different aspects of life.
Well known archaeologist and writer, Anil Paba, writer, poet and academecian,
Ashok Sharma, Souhail Khokher and Ashok Bakshi were also present on the
occasion.
Bandh in Poonch over Rajouri killings enters second day; Protests in Kathua, Jammu
Jammu, Jan 4 (PTI) The bandh against the twin terror attacks in Rajouri that killed six people and injured 11 others entered its second day in the border town of Poonch on Wednesday while protests were held across the Jammu region.
Security was beefed up in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in view of the bandh, officials said.
Shops and business establishments remained closed in the district as hundreds of people, braving cold weather, came out to hold protests.
Raising anti-Pakistan slogans, the protestors burnt tyres and demanded enhancement of security in and around minority places in districts of the Jammu region.
In Kathua, protestors assembled on the highway at Kalibari and blocked it, thereby disrupting the movement of the traffic for an hour.
Led by local BJP leaders, the protestors demanded action against Pakistan for fomenting trouble in Jammu and Kashmir and burnt an effigy of the neighbouring nation.
“We held protests against the killing of the minority community by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and called for a surgical strike against the country to dismantle terror infrastructure there,” a BJP leader said.
Kashmiri Pandit employees who have been demanding relocation away from the Valley following the selective killings, took out a candle march in Jammu to protests against the twin attacks in Rajouri.
“We took out a candle march to protest against the killings. Hindus are not safe in J-K. Government should ensure the safety of the people,” a protestor said.
Yuva Rajput Sabha held a candle march here to express heartfelt sympathies to the families whose kin were killed in the Rajouri terror attacks.
Hitting out at the BJP, a leader of the Sabha said that they were always out to call for a Jammu bandh during every killing in the past but today they are silent.
“It has exposed the LG administration’s claim of stamping out terrorism in J&K and but the situation is akin to 1990 when Kashmiri Pandits were forced out of the valley due to killings” he said.
Democratic Azad party, Jammu university students, Trikutanagar Business association, VHP and Bajrang Dal also held protests in Jammu.
Protests were also held in several places in Udhampur, Akhnoor, Katra, Reasi, Samba, Kishtwar and Doda districts.
Lawyers in Jammu and Rajouri also observed a shutdown to protest against the killings.
An accident took place at village Dandessar sector Nowshera on jammu Poonch
Highway Mother and 4 months son died on spot two reffered to Hospital. collision occurred between an alto car reg. No JK 02BN 7552 and bus No JK02AX 1677. In this regard detail of died and injured persons is as under:-
1) Saima kouser w/o Mohd Anees age 26 yrs died.
2) Danish s/o Mohd Anees age 4 months died.
3) Mohd Anees s/o Mohd Bashir age 30 yrs seriously injuried reffered to Ads Nowshera .
4) Moheez Ahmed s/o Mohd Anees age 04 yrs seriously injured reffered to Ads Nowshera .
Both these injured persons are reffered by air to Army hospital Jammu or udham pur. All these persons are the residents of Ghambir Muglan Manja kote distt Rajouri.
NDPI demands to bringing petrol, diesel and LPG under GST
Taking a swipe at the BJP-led center over the hike in the price of commercial cooking gas, The National Democratic Party Indian (NDPI) president Rajesh Gupta today said that this is the government’s “New Year gift” to the people and that “this is just the beginning”. “The first gift of the New Year, commercial cooking gas cylinder is now ₹ 25 dearer. This is just the beginning.” Gupta said, “The prices of essential commodities are increasing with every passing day as the Government is failed to control it. Price hike of Commodities of daily use is very unfortunate for people belonging to lower and middle class. Gupta flayed BJP government for imposing taxes, heavy electricity bills etc.
The NDPI leader maintained the uncontrolled hike in the prices of the essential commodities has added a heavy burden to the common people. He demanded bringing petrol, diesel and LPG under GST. Country never seen this type of situation ever before. Inflation is one of the major problems of the common man with the prices of commodities of the daily use soaring high. Inflation had made the common man very difficult and the worst thing is when the food items get dearer, one is compelled to stretch oneself beyond one’s capacity to the necessities to one’s family.
The NDPI Chief said, “Commercial consumers would now have to pay ₹ 25 more for a 19-kg cooking gas cylinder. The rate for domestic consumers remains unchanged. A hike in the rate of commercial cooking gas cylinders would hit restaurants and the businesses may pass it on to consumers, making dining out or ordering in more expensive. The government has on several occasions pointed to the international rates of crude oil when questioned about the fuel price hike. The Opposition is now questioning why the rates have not been slashed now that the international rates have dropped.
Health Ministry proposes amendments in NMC Act; new board to conduct NExT exam
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has proposed merging the existing National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBES) as an autonomous board under the National Medical Commission, which will also be in charge of conducting the NExT exam.
The ministry has also proposed amendments to the existing NMC Act as part of which all cases by medical colleges in matters related to the National Medical Commission (NMC) should be jurisdiction of the high court of Delhi instead of the current practice of filing pleas in high courts in different states.
“It has been decided to make amendments in the NMC Act 2019 to incorporate provisions for setting up a fifth autonomous board, namely Board of Examinations in the Medical Sciences under the NMC,” a public notice on the draft National Medical Commission (Amendment) Bill 2022 issued on December 29 said.
Since NBES is also giving degrees under the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) and NMC under the Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Master’s in Surgery (MS), it was felt that keeping them under one regulatory control will lead to better and standardised medical education in PG courses, an official said.
Besides, the draft bill also proposees incorporating provision in the parent Act that jurisdiction in the cases filed by medical colleges/institutions in matter related to NMC shall be Delhi High Court only.
It also proposes providing provision for parents, their relatives/complainants to prefer an appeal in the Ethics and Medical Registration Board/National Medical Commission against the decision of the State Medical Council in complaints related to medical negligence or professional misconduct.
So far patients/their relatives or complainants, in such cases, have been asked to approach the court if they were dissatisfied with the verdict of the state medical commission.
The NMC (Amendment) Bill, 2022 has been put out in public domain to solicit comments/suggestions within 30 days from the date of issue of this notice. (Agencies)