THE HEADLINES:

• Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visits the accident site at New Domahani Railway Station in West Bengal; Nine people killed, 40 injured in the accident.

• Budget session of Parliament to commence on January 31; First half to run from January 31st to February 11th and second half from March 14th to April 8th. 

• Over 155 crore 39 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered under the nationwide vaccination drive.

• Over two lakh 64 thousand new Covid cases reported in last 24 hours; Recovery rate stands at 95.20 per cent.

• Notification issued for the first phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

• Country’s overall exports, Merchandise and Services combined in December 2021 estimated to be 57.87 Billion US dollars, exhibiting a positive growth of 25.05 per cent over the same period last year.

• Makar Sankranti, Bihu and Pongal being celebrated today; Ministry of AYUSH hosts first-ever global Surya Namaskar event on the occasion.

• South Africa need 111 runs on Day 4 to win the third decisive test against India in Cape Town.

<><><>

As the number of COVID-19 cases is rising fast in several parts of the country, we appeal to our listeners to be vigilant and to get fully vaccinated and help others including children between 15 and 18 years get vaccinated.

As the new Omicron variant of corona virus is causing concern, Please continue to follow these three simple steps to stay safe:-

• Wear a face mask.

• Maintain Do Gaz Ki Doori for social distancing.

• Focus on hand and face hygiene.

  For any COVID-related information and guidance contact National helpline numbers -- 011-23978046 and 1075. And now the news in detail:

<><><>

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today visited New Domahani Railway Station in West Bengal where the Guwahati Bikaner Express Train derailed yesterday evening. He was accompanied by other officials and Local Administration. Trains from Alipurduar and New Jalpaiguri have reached the spot to join the ongoing rescue operations. The Railway Minister  visited the hospitals where the injured passengers are admitted. Moumita Godara, District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri informed that nine bodies have been  recovered so far and 40 others are injured. Meanwhile a high level Railway Safety Inquiry has been ordered into the accident.  Indian Railway has issued two helpline numbers 03612731622 and 03612731623. for the affected people.

<><><>

The budget session of Parliament will commence on January the 31st. The first half of the budget session will run from January 31st to February 11th. It will reassemble on March 14th  to sit until April 8th, subject to government exigencies. The government will present the Budget for fiscal 2022-23 on February 1st. The Winter session of Parliament concluded on December 22, a day ahead of schedule.

<><><>

The government has said that a total of five thousand 753 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 have been reported so far in the country. This is an increase of 4.83 per cent since yesterday. The Union Health Ministry today said that over 155 crore 39 lakh doses of COVID vaccines have been administered in the country under the nationwide vaccination drive. The Ministry said, more than 73 lakh eight thousand Covid vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours to the beneficiaries. More than one lakh nine thousand Covid patients have recovered during the last 24 hours and the national recovery rate stands at 95.20 per cent. More than three crore 48 lakh patients have recovered from COVID-19 in the country so far.

The country reported over two lakh 64 thousand new Covid cases in last 24 hours. Currently, India's active caseload is over 12 lakh 72 thousand. The Ministry said, more than 69 crore 90 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far.

<><><>

The Union Government has said that more than 157 crore 50 lakh COVID vaccine doses have been provided to States and Union Territories so far. The Health Ministry today said that more than 15 crore 17 lakh unutilized vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered.

<><><>

Madhya Pradesh reported 4031 new covid positive cases yesterday which took the caseload in the state to 8,14,473. The positivity rate in the state increased to 5.1 percent. The active cases in the State stand at 17,652. The death toll increased to 10,543 after three patients succumbed to the infection.  While 782 patients recovered from infection. Indore and Bhopal have the highest positivity rate. Indore reported 1104 while Bhopal reported 863 new cases.

<><><>

Punjab Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh Sh Banwari Lal Purohit has ordered strict enforcement of COVID guideline and restrictions in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Addressing the officers Shri Purohit said that intensive containment and active surveillance should continue, unabated. He said that it has been brought to his notice that COVID protocols are being violated in certain markets and mandis. He also highlighted the need to ensure effective usage of masks. Expressing satisfaction over the rate of vaccination, the Administrator, UT said that vaccination is the critical pillar of our COVID response. He said, cent percent vaccination of all eligible should be ensured at the earliest.

<><><>

The Union Health Ministry cautioned the Covid-19 patients not to fall prey to non authentic and non evidence based treatment protocols as it will harm the patients. In an exclusive interview to AIR News, Joint Secretary in Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal said, non-evidence based treatment protocols circulating on various social media platforms creates panic among patients. Talking about the salient features of the revised guidelines for home isolation of mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, Mr. Agarwal said, patients must undergo blood test, X-rays, MRI and CT Scan only after a Doctor's prescription. He stressed that steroids should not be given to mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 cases. He said, treatment of Covid-19 for every patient is different and uses of steroids must be avoided as evidence suggests that use of steroids without prescription lead to secondary infection like mucormycosis. The Full interview with Joint Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Ministry, Lav Agarwal can be listened to in the Spotlight programme today at 9:15 PM onwards on FM Gold Channel and additional frequencies. This programme will also be available on our website NEWS ON AIR DOT GOV DOT IN and on our YouTube Channel NEWS ON AIR OFFICIAL.

<><><>

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that counselling for  National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Under Graduate, NEET -UG  by Medical Counselling Committee will start from 19th January,2022. In a tweet, he said that all these students are the future of the country. He also hoped  that all of them will give a new direction to their career with the mantra of  service is duty. Dr Mandaviya also  extended his  best wishes to all the students.

<><><>

The Country’s overall exports, Merchandise and Services combined in December 2021 are estimated to be  57.87 Billion US dollars, exhibiting a positive growth of 25.05 per cent over the same period last year. Overall imports in December 2021 are estimated to be 72.35 Billion US dollar, exhibiting a positive growth of 33.86 per cent over the same period last year. India’s overall exports, Merchandise and Services combined  in April-December 2021 are estimated to be 479  Billion US Dollar exhibiting a positive growth of 36.31 per cent over the same period last year.

<><><>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to Japan’s foreign minister Hayashi  Yoshimasa. They discussed the Covid situation, travel facilitation, bilateral projects, Quad, Myanmar and North Korea. In a tweet, Dr. S Jaishankar said that he Looks forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of India and Japan’s diplomatic relations in a befitting manner.

<><><>

The BJP today criticized the Congress over alleged rape of a Divyang girl in Rajasthan's Alwar. The girl is reportedly speech and hearing impaired. Briefing media in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson, Sambit Patra questioned Congress General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over the incident saying it exposes her hypocrisy as she talks about women empowerment in Uttar Pradesh but on the other hand she is mum on this incident in Congress ruled Rajasthan. He wondered why Priyanka Gandhi has not met the victim so far. Mr Patra said the BJP leaders had gone to meet Priyanka Gandhi over the issue but they were not allowed as she was busy in celebrating her birthday.

<><><>

In Kerala, the Additional Sessions Court in Kottayam today acquitted former Bishop of the Jalandhar diocese, Franco Mulakkal, accused of raping  a nun  in  2014. The nun had alleged that she was raped at the Kuravilangad Convent in Kottayam district in May 2014, and the Bishop continued to  sexually exploit her  till 2016. She lodged a complaint in  June, 2018 after which the Bishop was arrested in September the same  year.

<><><>

Four people died and 10 others were seriously injured in an accident when a lorry carrying a fish load overturned near Tadepalligudem in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh in the morning hours today. The injured have been shifted to Tadepalligudem Area Hospital for the treatment.

<><><>

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh  has greeted all veterans and their families on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day today. In a tweet, he said that we are proud of our veterans who have selflessly served the country with courage, dignity and duty. The minister said that the government is committed towards the welfare of India’s Ex-servicemen.

<><><>

The process of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh has begun today with the issuance of notification for the First Phase. The state will go to polls in seven phases from 10th of February to 7th of March. During the First Phase, the nominations can be filed till 21st and the scrutiny will be undertaken on 24th of January. The last date for withdrawal of candidature will be 27th of January and the picture of the electoral contests will become clear at that stage. In this phase, 58 Assembly Constituencies including nine reserved for the Scheduled Castes will go to polls on 10th of February. The total strength of the house is 403 out of which 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and two seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes. Presently, there are nine vacancies in the house. The Congress released its first list of 125 candidates yesterday. The Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance have also announced the names of 29 candidates. The BJP’s Central Election Committee has also finalised the names of its candidates in a meeting held in New Delhi during the last three days and will release the list soon. The Bahujan Samaj Party has announced that it will not forge any alliance in the state and that it will contest the polls on its own. Party president Mayawati and senior leader and MP Satish Chandra Mishra will not contest the elections. Shiv Sena can field 50 to 100 candidates in the state. Senior party leader and MP Sanjay Raut has said the party will not join any alliance in the state. In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and rising cases of Omicron variant across the country, the Election Commission has laid focus on COVID-safe elections with maximum participation. It is going to ensure the safety of vote and voters as both are equally and critically important in  democracy. All election officials and employees will be considered as Front Line Workers and all eligible officers will be vaccinated with precautionary dose.

<><><>

In poll-bound Punjab, the process of Assembly Elections is going to begin with the issuance of notification on the 21st of this month. The state will go to polls in Single-Phase on 14th of February. The counting of votes will be taken up along with other four states on 10th of March. The total strength of the house is 117 out of which 34 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes. Presently, there are four vacancies in the house. In the Single-Phase elections held in 2017, Indian National Congress secured a comfortable majority winning 77 seats, Aam Aadmi Party bagged 20 and Shiromani Akali Dal 12 seats while Bharatiya Janata Party got three and Lok Insaaf Party two seats.

  <><><>

The Election Commission has enhanced usage of Information Technology Application, to usher in greater citizen participation and transparency. Among these applications, the cVIGIL Application can be used for filing Model Code of Conduct Violation cases by the citizens. It provides time-stamped evidentiary proof of the Model Code of Conduct or Expenditure Violation by empowering every citizen to click a photo or video using his or her smartphone. This app prioritizes the speedy and effective action by authorities and promises status report within 100 minutes. Suvidha Portal provides various facilities to candidates and political parties for filing online nominations along with filling for different permissions. To facilitate filling of nominations, Election Commission has introduced an online portal for filling Nomination & Affidavit. The candidate can visit https://suvidha.eci.gov.in/ to create her/his account, fill nomination form, deposit the security amount, check availability of time slot and appropriately plan the visit to the Returning Officer. A comprehensive National Grievance Service Portal (NGSP) has been developed by the Election Commission. It functions as single window system and people can directly lodge Information, Feedback, suggestion and Complaints into this portal.

<><><>

Makar Sankranti, Bihu and Pongal are being celebrated in various parts of the country today. On this auspicious day  the Ministry of AYUSH hosted the first-ever global Surya Namaskar demonstration programme  as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. More than one crore people participated in the Global Surya Namaskar programme. The Surya Namaskar is a set of eight Asanas performed in 12 steps with coordination of the body and mind. All leading Yoga Institutes both from India and abroad participated in this worldwide program. In Assam, the Magh or Bhogali bihu is being celebrated across the state with traditional fervor and gaiety. People from all sections of life have participated in the joyous celebration of the post harvest festival. In Tamil Nadu, the beginning of the month Thai, marking the onset of Spring Harvest season is celebrated as Pongal. The season is celebrated for three days. Today the people offer their harvest to the Sun in the morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people on Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, Bhogi and Pongal. In a tweet, Mr Modi hoped that the festival associated with the worship of nature will bring health and happiness in everyone's life. He said, across India we are marking different festivals which signify India’s vibrant cultural diversity. Amidst cloudy weather and administrative monitoring the holy dip of Makar Sankranti begins at Gangasagar in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal this morning. After taking the dip, the devotees are offering pujas in Kapil muni temple.

<><><>

Best wishes to all consumers for Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Hallmark ensures purity of Gold. Always purchase Hallmarked Gold Jewellery. For any consumer related complaints, please contact National Consumer Helpline's Toll free no 14404. Issued in Public Interest by Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. Jago Grahak Jago.

<><><>

In Tennis, Defending Champion of Australian Open Novak Djokovic has had his Australian visa cancelled for a 2nd time. Australia's  Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said that he has decided to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds.

<><><>

In Cricket, South Africa were 120 for 2 against India on Day four of the third and final test in Cape Town today when reports last came in. While Chasing the target of 212 runs set by India, South Africa were 101 for two in their second innings at stumps on Day three of the decisive third Test against India at the Newlands in Cape Town.

<><><>

Delhi today is enveloped in dense fog since morning, while the minimum temperature has dipped to 5.8 degrees Celsius. Dense fog was observed at Palam from 4.30 am onwards, with visibility at 50 to 100 metres, according to the India Meteorological Department. At Safdarjung, dense fog with a visibility of around 100 metres was observed from 7 am onwards.

<><><>

Weather forecast for today.

In Mumbai, the minimum temperature was 18 degree Celsius while the maximum will be around 29 degrees. The city is expected to have partly cloudy sky.

Chennai will have a generally cloudy sky with light rain. The temperature will vary between 24 and 31 degree Celsius.

Kolkata will have a generally cloudy sky with light rain. The city observed minimum temperature of 17 degree Celsius and a maximum of around 25 degrees.

<><><>