Month: December 2024

Severe cold has gripped Himachal Pradesh, with Dharamshala recording a minimum temperature of zero to one degree Celsius.

Intermittent rainfall and dense fog have enveloped the Dhauladhar mountains, which have received fresh snowfall. Tourists in the region are eagerly awaiting snowfall in the town.

In areas like Naddi, Dharamkot, Bhagsunag, and McLeodganj, the minimum temperature has dropped to zero to one degree Celsius, while the daytime temperature hovers around four to five degrees Celsius.

Shrey, a tourist, told ANI, “It’s very cold here, and we are hoping to see snowfall. It’s chilling as our hands and feet are frozen. We are wearing multiple layers of clothes and still need to trek to Dharamkot. The rain has made the paths slippery, and since our hotel room doesn’t have a heater, it’s even more challenging. However, finding some fire around here is a relief for us.”

Another tourist, Siddharth, shared his experience, saying, “It’s extremely cold here. As tourists, we come to explore, but the cold often keeps us indoors. Still, we are waiting for snow, which will enhance the experience. We came prepared with proper winter clothing, but those unaware of these conditions might face difficulties.”

Shimla and the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh have also been reeling under heavy rainfall and snowfall over the past 24 hours, causing landslides and significant disruptions to daily life. Continuous rain has melted snow in Shimla and its surrounding areas, further dropping temperatures and intensifying the bone-chilling cold.

The harsh weather conditions are impacting not only residents but also daily wage workers who rely on their earnings for survival.

In Shimla, relentless rain and plunging temperatures have made it exceedingly difficult for locals and labourers to continue their routines, particularly those who brave the severe weather to ensure essential services are provided. (ANI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologised to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev for the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 in which 38 passengers were killed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, Euro News reported.

According to Kremlin sources, Putin has reportedly called Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, to apologise, after the fatal plane crash on Wednesday, adding that he also expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims.”

During a phone call with President Aliyev, it was noted that the plane had repeatedly attempted to land at the airport in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, as per Euro News.

Further, Putin claimed that at the time, Grozny, as well as the cities of Mozdok and Vladikavkaz “were attacked by Ukrainian combat unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks.”

Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 38 after an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed near Kazakhstan’s Aktau city on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported.

The plane, which had 62 passengers and five crew members on board, crashed after being forced to make an emergency landing about three kilometres from Aktau. “The situation is not very good, 38 dead,” Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said as quoted by Russia’s Interfax news agency, Al Jazeera reported.

The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku to Grozny, a Russian city in the North Caucasus.

Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office earlier said that 32 out of the 67 people on board survived the crash.

“We cannot disclose any investigation results at this time. All possible scenarios are being examined, and the necessary expert analyses are underway,” it said in a statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Azerbaijan Airlines announced it would suspend all flights from Baku to Russia’s Chechnya region until the investigation is concluded, Al Jazeera reported, quoting Russian state news agency TASS.

Russia’s aviation watchdog said in a statement that preliminary information suggested the pilots decided to make an emergency landing after a bird strike. Aktau is located on the opposite shore of the Caspian Sea from Azerbaijan and Russia.

Preliminary reports show that the plane requested to land at an alternative airport before the accident due to heavy fog in Grozny. Passengers included citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)

Delhi recorded 41.2 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours until 8:30 am on Saturday, marking the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD noted that the capital’s highest-ever single-day December rainfall was recorded on December 3, 1923, at 75.7 mm.

The recent rainfall also made December 2024 the fifth-highest December in terms of monthly rainfall since records began in 1901, the IMD added.

Meanwhile, the continuous rainfall improved Delhi’s air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 179 at 7 am today.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. On Friday, Delhi’s air quality improved from the ‘severe’ category to the ‘poor’ range, and by Saturday, it further improved to the ‘moderate’ category.

Additionally, Delhi recorded a temperature of 13.8 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am, according to the IMD. The minimum temperature is expected to dip to 12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may reach 20.98 degrees Celsius.

The relative humidity stood at 74 per cent, accompanied by windy conditions with gusts reaching up to 74 kilometers per hour. The sky remained overcast with rain, creating a pleasant day.

Sunrise occurred at 7:12 am, and sunset is expected at 5:32 pm. Many people were seen gathering around bonfires to keep warm as temperatures dipped in the national capital. (ANI)

Israel’s detainees from its raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital have been released, but the fate of the hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safia, remains unknown, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, as reported by Al Jazeera on Saturday.

The detainees reported being beaten, spat on, stripped, and left in the cold for hours while being held and interrogated, Al Jazeera stated in its reporT.

A fire, ignited by Israel’s direct attacks, caused “significant destruction” to most of Kamal Adwan’s wards, with local authorities describing the raid as “barbaric,” according to our correspondent.

The UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) condemned Israel’s “systematic dismantling” of Gaza’s health system, calling it a “death sentence for tens of thousands of Palestinians.”

The UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) urged for the “immediate flow” of humanitarian aid, as babies freeze to death in Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, two rockets were fired at West Jerusalem from northern Gaza, according to a military statement. “Interception attempts were made, and details are under investigation,” Al Jazeera reported.

Israel had been attacking Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza for days, which eventually led to the army’s raid and clearing of the facility.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told local media that Israel would maintain a military presence in Gaza for the foreseeable future, as reported by Al Jazeera.

“My working assumption is that, in the foreseeable future, only we can ensure our security,” he said. “Although I opposed the disengagement [from Gush Katif, the illegal Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip in 2005], the goals set by the cabinet do not include such plans,” he added.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that they carried out operations at Kamal Adwan Hospital after suspecting terrorist infrastructure and operatives engaged in terrorist activities.

Since October 7, last year, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 45,484 Palestinians and wounded 108,090. In the same period, at least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during Hamas-led attacks, with more than 200 people taken captive. (ANI)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised Nitish Kumar Reddy for his brilliant unbeaten 105 against Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne on Saturday. Tendulkar lauded Reddy’s composure and temperament, which have been on display since his debut.

In his tweet, Tendulkar wrote, “A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well. Well played!”

A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well.
Well… pic.twitter.com/XA2asQVphR

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 28, 2024

Reddy’s innings was instrumental in keeping India in contention, as he formed a vital 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar. Their efforts helped India avoid the follow-on and close the gap with Australia’s first innings total of 474.

Sundar, who scored a resilient 50 off 162 balls, provided solid support to Reddy throughout their partnership. This eighth-wicket stand has been pivotal for India, showcasing the depth and determination of their batting lineup.

Tendulkar’s praise highlights the significance of Reddy’s knock and Sundar’s contribution, acknowledging the young talents’ impact on the game. With two days left in the Test, India has given themselves a strong chance to push for a favourable result.

By the end of Day 3, India had rallied to 358/9, but still trails Australia’s first-innings total by 116 runs with Reddy standing unbeaten with Mohammed Siraj. Reddy’s unbeaten knock of 105 runs from 176 balls included 10 fours and one six, maintaining a strike rate of 59.66.

Reddy reached his century in 171 balls, becoming the third youngest Indian to score a maiden Test century in Australia, following Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. Tendulkar achieved his first century at 18 years and 256 days in 1992, while Pant reached his at 21 years and 92 days in Sydney in 2019. Reddy, at 21 years and 216 days, joins this elite group.

Australian bowlers Pat Cummins and Scott Boland each took three wickets, with Nathan Lyon claiming two.

Due to bad light and rain, early stumps were called, with India set to resume their innings on Sunday with Reddy and Mohammed Siraj (2*) at the crease. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Ganderbal district on Saturday to assess the preparedness in providing healthcare and other essential services during the ongoing winter season. The visit comes in the wake of heavy snowfall that has affected daily life across the Kashmir Valley.

In a post on X, CM Omar Abdullah said, “Out of fortyone 33KV feeders dysfunctional in Kashmir due to heavy snowfall, thirty seven have been restored and charged. Similarly, out of 739 dysfunctional 11KV feeders, 639 have been restored and recharged, bringing major relief to the valley. The majority of the rest are expected to be restored by the evening. Kudos to the PDD team for their relentless efforts in this snowfall in such a short time.”

SSP Ganderbal Ragav S reviewed the snow clearance operations in Subdivision Kangan.

Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir as most areas of the valley received snowfall. Flight operations were also cancelled in Srinagar Airport on Saturday.

In a post on X, Srinagar Airport stated, “Due to bad weather conditions, all flights at Srinagar Airport have been cancelled. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates. We regret the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”

Srinagar received heavy snowfall on Saturday and the summer capital of JK was covered in a blanket of snow. Doda too was covered in a blanket of snow as the area received fresh snowfall on Friday night. Tourists were seen enjoying the weather.

Doda DC Harvinder Singh said, “Snowfall started last night, the atmosphere here is very pleasant. The roads were closed at night due to snowfall but they were cleared in the morning. All roads have been opened. BRO has been engaged to clear the roads. There is a good influx of tourists. Tourists and hoteliers are requested not to engage in rash driving. The roads will be cleared from time to time. People are advised to remain alert.”

Snow clearance is currently underway after heavy snowfall in Doda.

Anantnag and Budgam are also covered in a blanket of snow as the areas received heavy snowfall on Friday night.

The picturesque city of Srinagar, known for its serene landscapes and scenic beauty welcomed the winter season with its first snowfall of the year on Friday.

As delicate snowflakes began to blanket the valley, the summer capital turned into a shimmering winter paradise. The snow-covered roofs, the white dusting on the iconic houseboats of Dal Lake, and the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains create a mesmerizing view that draws visitors from around the world. (ANI)

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday attacked the central government for performing the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat and said that the former Finance Minister deserves the “highest respect and a memorial.”

“The great son of India and the first Prime Minister of the Sikh community, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has been totally insulted by the present government by performing his last rites today at the Nigambodh Ghat,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

He further said that he was the Prime Minister of India for a decade, during his tenure the country became an “economic superpower” and his policies still support the poor and backward classes of the country.

“Till date, respecting the dignity of all former Prime Ministers, their last rites were performed at authorized burial sites so that every person could have the last darshan and pay homage without any inconvenience. Dr. Manmohan Singh deserves our highest respect and a memorial. The government should have shown respect to this great son of the country and his proud community,” he added.

Congress had demanded a funeral in a place where a memorial to Singh could be built. However, the Centre said land for a memorial would be earmarked in the next few days. But it would not be the place where the funeral took place. The Congress called it a “deliberate insult to the first Sikh Prime Minister of India.”

“Earlier this morning, the Congress President had written to the Prime Minister, suggesting that the cremation of the former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, take place at a location where a memorial could be built to honour his legacy. The people of our country are simply unable to understand why the Government of India could not find a location for his cremation and memorial that is befitting of his global stature, the record of outstanding achievements, and exemplary service to the nation for decades. This is nothing but a deliberate insult to the first Sikh Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh,” Jairam Ramesh posted on X on Friday.

After the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the family of the late Manmohan Singh that the Government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meanwhile, cremation and other formalities can happen because a trust has to be formed and space has to be allocated to it.

Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with full military honours at the Nigam Bodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)

Delhi Police on Saturday detained members of Students’ Federation of India (SFI) who were protesting outside Bihar Bhawan against the lathi-charge on BPSC aspirants in Patna.

The protesters were raising slogans and carrying posters.

Protesting students in Patna are demanding cancellation of Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13.

Reports said police resorted to “lathi charge” on Wednesday against the protesting aspirants marching towards the BPSC office in Patna.

The protestors are demanding a re-examination of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Patna Sadar, Gaurav Kumar, said earlier that a board comprising five representatives would submit a memorandum to the BPSC secretary on behalf of the protesters.

Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore gave an “ultimatum” to the Bihar government on Thursday, demanding that the issue of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants be resolved within three days or he will lead the protests. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan and his wife Natasha Dalal were spotted at the Mumbai airport, preparing for a special family getaway as they kicked off their daughter Lara’s first-ever New Year vacation.

The family of three looked picture-perfect as they departed, with Lara bundled in her mother’s arms, as she embarked on her first holiday celebration.

The Dhawan family was seen making their way through the airport on December 28, 2024, as the paparazzi snapped their departure.

Varun, known for his impeccable style, was casually dressed in a black t-shirt, grey pants, and a black jacket, pairing the look with red and black shoes.

Adding a holiday vibe to his outfit, he wore a beanie and sunglasses, carrying a backpack that completed his laid-back airport look.

Natasha wore a dark brown co-ord set and was seen lovingly holding their daughter Lara, who looked adorable in a white outfit.

Earlier this week, Varun Dhawan had treated fans to an adorable glimpse of his family during Christmas.

The actor shared a cosy moment with Natasha and Lara, sitting by their Christmas tree, with Varun’s pet dog Joey by his side.

Natasha held Lara, who was dressed in a red dress and a cute Santa headband, while Varun shared the joyful moment with a caption that read, “Me with my babies. Merry Christmas.”

On the professional front, Varun Dhawan continues to captivate audiences with his versatile roles.

His latest action film, ‘Baby John’, was released on Christmas Day, and he is also set to star in the upcoming film ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ alongside Janhvi Kapoor.

Varun will also be seen in the action-packed war drama ‘Border 2’, alongside Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty.

The film has already begun shooting and is expected to hit the screens in 2026. (ANI)