Month: February 2022

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced that the schools in the state will reopen with 50 per cent capacity for classes till Class 8. He also stated that classes 9 onwards and other educational institutions will function with full capacity.

The Chief Minister stated that the decision to reopen the schools was taken after a review meeting on Sunday, which was presided over by him, to take stock of the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state. The Chief Minister noted that there’s improvement in the Covid-19 situation.

“In view of the improvement in the pandemic situation, all schools up to class 8th will be open with 50 per cent capacity, and all schools and colleges and coaching institutes belonging to classes 9th and above will open with 100 per cent attendance,” tweeted the Bihar Chief Minister. He also stated that all the government offices will also remain open. “Only vaccinated visitors will be allowed to enter the government office,” Kumar added in another tweet.

The Chief Minister also stated that shops, establishments, shopping malls, and religious places will be able to open normally. “All parks and gardens will be open from 6 am to 2 pm. The Cinema halls, clubs, gyms, stadiums, swimming pools, restaurants, and food shops (with visitors) will be able to open with 50 per cent capacity,” added Kumar in another tweet.

The Chief Minister also said that all types of social, political, entertainment, cultural and religious events can be organized with the necessary precautions and prior permission of the district administration. “Marriage ceremonies, funeral programs can be organized with the presence of a maximum of 200 persons,” he tweeted.

The Bihar Chief Minister also asked the people to exercise caution in the ongoing pandemic. “We all Biharis still need to be careful due to covid. Along with the use of masks, it is absolutely necessary to follow social distance,” tweeted Kumar. (ANI)

The people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned Pakistan for observing February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day and on the contrary marked it as “Fraud Day”.

Several protest rallies are held across PoK in areas like Bagh, Mong and Hajira where the people lambasted Islamabad for its double standards on Kashmir.

Young political activists in their address compared the infrastructure of Srinagar to Islamabad. They said that Srinagar has better facilities than even Islamabad, so what kind of solidarity is the Pakistani establishment talking about?

Sajid Amin, a political activist said, “I will not compare development in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Mirpur with Srinagar but Srinagar’s comparison has to be done with Islamabad. The kind of hospitals Srinagar city has, such a facility is not even available in Islamabad. I wish there could be a university in Rawalpindi and Islamabad which can be compared with the university in Srinagar. Our resources have been looted and our rivers have been diverted (by Pakistan) that causes severe environmental hazards”.

Other political activists have accused Islamabad of using Kashmir for political gains and spreading anti-India hatred and propaganda.

Pakistan has designated February 5 as a national holiday in order to “express solidarity” with the Kashmir separatist movement. Since its launch in 1990, anti-India groups and individuals have used Kashmir Day to convince the people in J&K and incite violence.

Since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A in 2019, the efforts of Pakistan have had no effect in Kashmir, indicating a shift in the narrative and Pak-sponsored agendas have failed consistently in the valley.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly improving, with civilians cooperating with the army and other forces to eradicate terrorism and create a peaceful atmosphere. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Uttar Pradesh is now safe for women and they can step out without fear and pursue their ambitions.

Addressing a virtual rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, Agra and Bulandshahr, PM Modi said that the ‘Nari shakti’ of Uttar Pradesh has determined to make Yogi Adityanath the chief minister once again.
“Uttar Pradesh is the heart of India; it is the heartbeat. Uttar Pradesh has always shown the direction to the country. And today again Uttar Pradesh is showing a new path to the country. Only the will get the blessings of the people, who will serve the people of UP by becoming a servant with the spirit of service, will develop the people of UP,” said the Prime Minister.

“Today in UP, sisters and daughters are saying with an open heart- earlier we used to feel afraid to leave the house, now criminals shiver in BJP rule. UP is now safe for girls and women; young women can now step out without fear and pursue their ambitions,” he added.

The Prime Minister further said that the people of Bulandshahr know very well what used to happen to women and daughters on the middle highway.

“In the previous government, the spirits of the criminals were so high that the vehicles were robbed by stopping the vehicles on the highway. The people of Bulandshahr know very well what used to happen to women and daughters on the middle highway. Back then, the illegal occupation of houses and shops was common in Uttar Pradesh. People were forced to leave their homes and migrate. You know very well whose hand was on the heads of the accused in the Agra riots,” said PM Modi.

He further said that the people of the state have said that no matter how much politics some people do on the basis of wealth, muscle power, casteism, communalism, they cannot get the love of the people.

The places of religious interest were forgotten by the previous regime and after BJP’s development works, they are now seeing the gods in their dreams.

“The earlier governments were engaged in creating fear, it was their job to create fear. We are building the future. Now record highways are also being built and people are travelling fearlessly on those highways,” he said.

“Earlier, the government meant one family; for BJP the entire UP is a family,” he added.

PM Modi said that under Yogi, 85,000 houses for the poor were constructed in Mathura, Agra and Bulandshahr region. Over 7.5 lakh gas connections have also been provided, added PM Modi.

He said that in this budget, the government has also made a provision of about 50 thousand crores for the poor who have not got a house, which will be useful for Uttar Pradesh.

In the BJP government, whether Dalit, exploited, underprivileged, poor or women, be it businessmen, everyone has got the benefit of every scheme, PM Modi said.

Uttar Pradesh assembly elections will be held in seven phases from February 10 to March 7. The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held on February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7.

The counting of votes will be done on March 10. (ANI)

The mortal remains of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar left her Mumbai residence on Sunday for the final rites that will take place with full state honours at Shivaji Park in Mumbai at 6:30 pm.

A vehicle carrying her body was seen leaving the residence. It was completely decorated with white flowers and also had a massive photo of hers. The coffin in which her mortal remains were placed was also wrapped in tricolour as the army marched along.

A large police convoy was stationed outside the home for crowd control and even barricading had to be put in place. Hoards of fans and admirers came to pay their homage to the departed soul. “Jab tak suraj chaand rahega, Lata didi ka naam rahega,” they could be heard chanting.

People joined the funeral procession of the singer as it proceeded towards Shivaji Park from her ‘Prabhukunj’ residence.

For her final rites, PM Narendra Modi will also come to pay his respects.

Asha Bhosle, Shraddha Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan were also seen reaching Lata Mangeshkar’s residence. (ANI)

Ahead of Assembly polls, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Uttar Pradesh, saying that it “does not listen to the poor, middle class” and only thinks of benefit of a few of its ‘capitalist friends’.

She also said that the residents of the Doob region of Noida are entitled to their right to have electricity and water.
“Gross injustice is being done to the residents of Doob region of Noida. They have every right to get electricity and water. This government does not listen to the poor, middle class. It only thinks about the benefits for its few capitalist friends. We have to bring about a change together,” said the Congress leader in a tweet in Hindi.

She assured the residents of the Doob region that the Congress party stands in solidarity with them and will make every possible effort to solve their problems.

“I want to say to my brothers and sisters in Doob that Congress stands in solidarity with you and will make every possible effort to solve your problems,” said the Congress leader in another tweet.

Uttar Pradesh assembly elections will be held in seven phases from February 10 to March 7. The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held on February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7. The counting of votes will be done on March 10. (ANI)

An FIR was filed against eight Shiv Sena leaders including the party’s Pune district President Sanjay More for allegedly assaulting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya.

“8 Shivsena Leaders including Pune President Sanjay More to be arrested by Police for Assaulting Me. FIR registered, IPC Section charged 143, 147, 149, 341, 336, 337, 323, 504, 37(1), 135 @BJP4Maharashtra @BJP4India @Dev_Fadnavis @ChDadaPatil,” said Somaiya in a tweet.

The leader had on Saturday alleged that he was beaten by Shiv Sena leaders inside the premises of Pune Municipal Corporation.

“I am attacked by Shivsena Gundas inside the premises of Pune Mahapalika @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra,” said Somaiya in a tweet. (ANI)

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cold day to severe cold day conditions in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh during the next 2 days and over Punjab and Bihar during the next 24 hours.

The weather forecasting department said that dense/very dense fog conditions are likely in isolated/some parts in night/morning hours over Uttar Pradesh during next 3 days and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during next 2 days.
“Cold Day to Severe Cold Day Conditions very likely in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh during next 2 days and over Punjab and Bihar during next 24 hours and abate thereafter,” IMD tweeted.

“Dense/Very Dense Fog Conditions likely in isolated/some parts in night/morning hours over UP \during next 3 days; over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam, Tripura during next 2 days and over Odisha on 08th & 09th February,” it added.

IMD also predicted rainfall with thunderstorms an lightning over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh and isolated rainfall over East Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan on February 9.

“Fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorm & lightning likely over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh and isolated rainfall over East Uttar Pradesh & north Rajasthan on 09th February,” IMD tweeted.

“Isolated to scattered rainfall likely over West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand and north Odisha on 09th & 10th February, 2022,” it said in another tweet. (ANI)

The heritage trains in snow-clad north Indian hill town Shimla is attracting tourists in a large number. All the six-passenger trains are running on the Kalka-Shimla railway line, with tourists rushing in to board the trains to catch the picturesque views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

The officials of the Railways said that trains are an alternative medium of transport for Shimla-bound tourists, with the Train services reporting full capacity today, and bookings exceeding 70 percent to 80 percent for the next few days.
Local residents from nearby areas are also using trains as a medium of transport after the roads got blocked.

“These days Shimla is covered in snow. It has been snowing here for the past two days. Railways are the only alternative of transport for tourists and locals here. We are running all trains on Kalka-Shimla route. People are preferring it as all roads are closed. We have a large number of people coming here for the current booking. We have over 80 percent booking on both ways after the heavy spells of snowfall,” said Joginder Singh, Station Superintendent Shimla Railway Station.

Tourists are looking forward to experiencing the train ride in snow-clad hills, and also they don’t have any other options to go back home, added Singh.

“It was an enjoyable journey here in snow but at the same time, this snow has created problems. It was heavy snowfall and was tough for us to walk. All roads are closed and there’re no other options than the trains. In current bookings also there is a waiting list. We come here by bus route. Now roads are closed so we are going back by train,” said Pranjal Dube, a tourist from Delhi.

Tourists are thrilled and amazed with the beautiful snow-covered peaks, expressing enthusiasm for train rides.

“We enjoyed the snow here, but all roads are closed. We have also come to find a seat on the train,” said Avantika, another tourist from Delhi.

As per data available with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) till today morning due to heavy snowfall in the past two days, 758 roads, including three National Highways and one state highway have been closed. Also, the SDMA said that electricity and water supply in some parts of the state has been affected.

The cold conditions are intensifying in the state. During the past 24 hours, the lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded in Keylong, an administrative centre in Lahaul-Spiti district was recorded at -13.2 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded -3.8 degrees Celsius, while Manali Recorded -1.8, Dalhousie 0.8 degrees Celsius, Kufri recorded -1.2 degrees Celsius and Shimla recorded 1.2 degrees Celsius. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that he will be paying his last respects to the singing icon Lata Mangeshkar in Mumbai.

“Will be leaving for Mumbai in some time to pay my last respects to Lata Didi,” PM Modi tweeted.
Mortal remains of singing icon Lata Mangeshkar has been brought to ‘Prabhukunj’, her Peddar Road residence here on Sunday afternoon.

Last rites with full State honours of Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away earlier today due to multiple organ failure, will be performed on Sunday at 6:30 pm at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Earlier, the Central Government announced the two-day national mourning to be observed in memory of Lata Mangeshkar.

During the state mourning, the National Flag is flown at half-mast throughout India, and there will be no official entertainment. It has also been decided that the state funereal will be accorded to the departed soul.

The legendary singer passed away on Sunday morning at an age of 92.

Dr Pratit Samdani, who was treating the singer at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, informed that Lata Mangeshkar died due to multiple organ failures.

“It is with profound grief that we announce the sad demise of Lata Mangeshkar at 8:12 am. She has died because of multi-organ failure after more than 28 days of hospitalisation post COVID19,” Dr Samdani informed.

The Bharat Ratna awardee was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia and coronavirus in January. Mangeshkar was an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer and was popularly known as “Nightingale of India” for her melodious voice.

Born on September 28, 1929, she began her career in 1942 at an age of 13. In a career spanning over seven decades, the melody queen recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films. She recorded her songs in over 36 regional Indian and foreign languages.

She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2001. She was only the second vocalist, after MS Subbulakshmi, to receive Bharat Ratna.

She was also the recipient of three National Film Awards among many other honours. ‘Aye Mere Vatan Ke Logon’, ‘Babul Pyare’, Lag Ja Gale Se Phir’ among others are some of her iconic songs. Mangeshkar is survived by four younger siblings- Asha Bhosle, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar. (ANI)

Two-day national mourning to be observed in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, government sources informed on Sunday.

The national flag to fly at half-mast for two days, as a mark of respect, and will be given a State funeral, they added.
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 years. The megastar had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital on January 8 after she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Though having recovered from COVID, the singer was put on ventilator support after her condition worsened on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the demise of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar and said that she leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled.

In a series of tweets, PM Modi said that the singer has always wanted to see a strong and developed India.

“I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people,” PM Modi tweeted.

“Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India,” he said in another tweet.

The Prime Minister said that his interactions with Lata Mangeshkar will remain unforgettable.

“I consider it my honour that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. My interactions with her will remain unforgettable. I grieve with my fellow Indians on the passing away of Lata Didi. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

Dr Pratit Samdani, who was treating Lata Mangeshkar at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, said today, “It is with profound grief that we announce the sad demise of Lata Mangeshkar at 8:12 am. She has died because of multi-organ failure after more than 28 days of hospitalisation post-COVID-19.”

Mangeshkar was an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer and was popularly known as “Nightingale of India” for her melodious voice.

Born on September 28, 1929, she began her career in the year 1942 at the age of 13. In a career spanning over seven decades, the melody queen recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films. She had sung songs in over thirty-six regional Indian languages and foreign languages.

In 2001, in recognition of her contributions to the nation, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour and is only the second vocalist, after MS Subbulakshmi, to receive this honour.

She’s also the recipient of three National Film Awards among many other honours she received during the span of her career. ‘Aye Mere Vatan Ke Logon’, ‘Babul Pyare’, Lag Ja Gale Se Phir’ among others are some of her iconic songs.

Mangeshkar is survived by four younger siblings- Asha Bhosle, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar. (ANI)