INDIA
Here is how seven-phase polls to five states will pan out
Elections would be held for 403 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 40 in Goa and 60 seats in Manipur. Uttar Pradesh would go to polls on February 10, 14, 20, 23 and March 3 and 7; Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand would vote on February 14, while Manipur will have voting in two phases, February 27 and March 3, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra announced.
India's Omicron tally mounts to 3,071, Maha tops with 876 cases
Of the total, 1,203 people have recovered from the new strain nationwide so far, it added. As per the ministry, till now, the infection has spread to 27 states and UTs. However, Maharashtra and Delhi continue to be the worst-hit states. Maharashtra continues to be top worst hit with 876 cases among the states and UTs that have reported the infection so far.
1987-batch officer Bhawra is new Punjab DGP
Bhawra is the third DGP in just three months of the Congress government led by Charanjit Channi. Chattopadhyaya replaced senior IPS officer Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota. The order issued by the state reads: "On the consideration of the panel received from the Union Public Service Commission, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to appoint Shri Viresh Kumar Bhawra, IPS as Director General of Police, Punjab (Head of Police Force)."
Stakes are high for BJP in 5 state assembly poll
The biggest challenge of the BJP is not only to retain these four states but also make its political presence felt in Punjab which the saffron party is jointly contesting with Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt). The ruling BJP is leaving no stone unturned to retain four states and win Punjab as this election will set the political narrative in the country for the next general elections.
Seven-phase polls in five states from Feb 10-Mar 7, counting on Mar 10
Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on February 10, 14, 20, 23 and March 3 and 7; Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand would vote on February 14; while Manipur will vote in two phases on February 27 and March 3, said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra . The elections would be held following full Covid protocols. Up to January 15, no physical rallies roadshows, padyatras, or vehicle rallies will be allowed keeping in view the pandemic situation.
Over 2 crore teens aged 15-18 inoculated with first Covid-19 vaccine dose
According to the CoWIN portal, as of now, a total of 2,17,42,837 teens have been vaccinated and the numbers are increasing every minute. Congratulating the children on the occasion, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted: "Great Going, my Young Friends. Over 2 crore youngsters between the 15-18 age group have received their first dose of COVID19 vaccine in less than a week of vaccination drive for children", said Mandaviya in a tweet.
Dubai emerges as major partner in J&K's development; Pak propaganda has no takers
In October 2021, the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two governments to develop real estate, industrial parks, super specialty hospital and more. In December last year the J&K Government signed a MoU with University College Birmingham (UCB) Dubai to explore potential progression opportunities through institutional partnership with vocational colleges and universities in Kashmir.
Fresh registration not needed for precautionary Covid-19 vaccine dose: Centre
"Those who have taken two doses of Covid-19 vaccine can directly take an appointment or walk-in to any vaccination centre", said the ministry. The scheduled for the precautionary dose from the ministry is expected on Saturday. The online appointment facility will also start by this evening. The vaccination with on site appointment will start from January 10, it said.
PM greets citizens on 150 crore vaccination 'milestone'
He said that India is "grateful" to all those who have been working to make the vaccination drive a success. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said: "A remarkable day on the vaccination front! Congratulations to our fellow citizens on crossing the 150 crore milestone. Our vaccination drive has ensured that many lives are saved. At the same time, let us also keep following all COVID-19 related protocols."
Jagannath temple to remain closed for devotees from Jan 10
This decision was taken at the Chatisa Nijog meeting held virtually under the chairmanship of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Krishan Kumar this evening. After taking opinions from all stakeholders, it was decided to close down the temple for the devotees as thousands of the people from various states including hotspots are coming to the temple, Puri Collector Samarth Verma said.
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