Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that the government has started random RT-PCR sampling among the passengers arriving at International airports in the country amid the recent surge of Coronavirus infection in various countries including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States.

“We have also started the random RT-PCR sampling among passengers arriving at International airports in the country. We are committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps,” Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in his statement in the Lok Sabha while advising the States to make sure that people wear masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing even during the festive and the New Year season. He also encouraged the states to increase awareness towards precautionary doses against Coronavirus.

“We are keeping an eye on the global Covid situation and are taking steps accordingly. The States are advised to increase genome-sequencing to timely identify the new variant of Covid-19,” Mandaviya added.
He further said that the health department has been proactive in managing the Covid pandemic. The Centre has also provided financial assistance to States in the fight against the pandemic, he added.

“So far, 220 crore covid vaccine shots have been given,” the Health Minister mentioned.

Mandaviya then claimed that the number of Covid cases is depleting in India despite its surge across the world.
“From the last few days, Covid cases have been rising in the world but in India, the cases are depleting. We are seeing rising Covid cases and deaths due to it in China,” he said.

Notably, Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the COVID-19 situation in India and the preparedness of the public health system for surveillance, containment, and management of COVID-19. He urged people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated against the virus.
Emphasizing that COVID-19 is not over yet, he asked the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen surveillance.

Mandaviya has already directed the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure the timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country.

Prerna Bhat, celebrity guest from Mumbai while expressing happiness over her presence
said that she would like to come back often. She said the love she received from people in
Kashmir is overwhelming.

It is pertinent to mention that Vomedh has emerged as the most active cultural organisation
in JK UT and has done many large-scale programs in Kashmir this year which includes a
state level weeklong theatre festival and an international film festival.
The event was executed by RIFK (Roots in Fateh kadal) entertainment. Rohit Bhat,
President Vomedh presented the vote of thanks by expressing gratitude to co presenter
JKTDC and other sponsors viz Noor Kesar, Kesar land, Jannat Events, Atlas Events,
Abhinavgupt Edtech, Geniun Advertising, RIFK Events

Collaboration with JKTDC blends in the Harissa festival to create delightful winter experience
for tourists and locals
21 Dec; Pahalgam, Kashmir
Vomedh ended the year on a high note in terms of its activities in cultural sphere by
organizing an extravagant cultural program in collaboration with JKTDC at the Club in
Pahalgam here today. Themed to usher in the fabled Chille Kalan (The onset of harsh
winter), Vomedh created a wonderful experience by blending in Harissa Festival organised
by JKTDC into the cultural program.
The program presented the performances of local singers, rock band and dance groups. The
highlight of the program was the presence of TV and Bollywood actress Prerna Bhat who
happens to be the daughter of the soil too. The program witnessed huge participation from
locals and tourists alike.
“Vomedh has had a very engaging year with regards to cultural activities. Our focus is
promotion of language and culture. We will always encourage local youth rather than inviting
performers from outside of J&K. We have immense local talent. They just need right
platforms to showcase it and Vomedh is trying to provide the same”, said Rakesh Roshan
Bhat, mentor of Vomedh in his statement.
Tariq Ahmad Kakroo, GM JKTDC, delivered the welcome address. “Looking at the response
we have received for Harissa festival and the way it was blended into the cultural fest by
Vomedh, we are encouraged to do more such programs in future. Kashmir has unique
experiences to offer to tourists in every season and we will keep innovating on the same
front”, added Kakroo
The welcome address was followed by felicitation of the guests. Mr. Mushtaq ( Former
director IMPA ) was the chief guest and Mr. Muzafer Ganai the guest of honour.
The picturesque venue The Club belonging 5o JKTDC wore a festive look. Pamposh Baand
group performed the folk band outside the venue which added to the festive aura.
Yemberzal cultural group performed the rouf and other dances. The performance by peacock
rock band , Shabir Ahamad, M.A. and Raza enthralled the audience. Audiences grooved to
their energetic performances. The program was hosted by Rashid Nizami
Chief Guest Mr. Mushtaq in his address lauded the efforts of Vomedh. He also appreciated
the support provided by JKTDC. He said there is need for more such organized and
collaborative efforts.

NEW DELHI: Led by the Congress, the entire Opposition boycotted the Rajya Sabha proceeding for the day on Thursday after a discussion on the China border issue was disallowed in the House.

They also raised an objection to certain remarks made on Bihar by the Leader of the House Piyush Goyal earlier during the session.

In the morning session (Zero Hour), the Opposition stood in protest and entered the Well of the House, demanding a discussion on the issue of border conflict with China and Goyal’s remark which they alleged was an “insult” to Bihar.

While Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar repeatedly appealed to the protesting members to take their seats, the unrelenting MPs continued to raise slogans.

“We have been demanding a discussion on the border conflict with China from day one but the government is adamant. The entire opposition has decided to boycott the proceedings of the House for the entire day today,” Congress leader K C Venugopal told PTI.

The Leader of the House has also insulted Bihar and its millions of people by his remarks.

Other opposition members also joined the Congress in boycotting the proceedings to press their demand for a discussion on China and an apology from the Leader of House for his remarks on Bihar.

Goyal made the remark on Tuesday when RJD MP Manoj Jha was speaking during a discussion on the Appropriation Bill seeking Parliament’s nod for additional spending.

As he said the government should devote equal attention to the poor and corporate houses, Goyal responded saying “inka bas chale to desh ko Bihar bana dein (if they have their way, they will turn the country into Bihar).”

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the second time on Thursday amid the opposition’s persistent demand for a discussion on the China-India border issue.

As soon as the House reassembled at 12 noon after the first adjournment, opposition members again raised the demand for a discussion on the issue and shouted slogans.

Amid noisy scenes, the standing committee reports and other documents were laid on the table of the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said since the winter session would conclude on Friday, important legislative business should be allowed to take place.

He also said that in the past, when the UPA was in power, no discussion on such sensitive issue was allowed in the House and the opposition had agreed to that.

Rajendra Agrawal, who was chairing the proceedings, urged the members to allow the House to function smoothly as Thursday was practically the last day to take up legislative business.

With the opposition refusing to relent, he adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.