Haryana: पुर्तगाल की जगह पहुंचा दिया बेलारुस, गृह मंत्री ने एसआईटी को सौंपी जांच

सोनीपत निवासी महिला ने ससुराल पक्ष पर मारपीट करने के आरोप लगाए। पुलिस कमिश्नर सोनीपत को कार्रवाई के निर्देश गृह मंत्री ने दिए। अनिल विज ने उनके आवास पर शिकायतें सुनीं।

from Latest And Breaking Hindi News Headlines, News In Hindi | अमर उजाला हिंदी न्यूज़ | - Amar Ujala https://ift.tt/twq5bD2

Happy New Year 2024: Wishes, Messages, And WhatsApp Status

New Year 2024 Wishes: It is time to say goodbye to the year that has taught us new things. Whether you've planned resolutions or are embracing the year with a free spirit, it is important to share warm wishes with loved ones.

Here is a list of heartfelt messages to make your friends and relatives feel special this New Year:

• To new beginnings, exciting adventures, and creating beautiful memories in the unfolding chapters of 2024.
• Wishing you a new year full of fresh opportunities, new friendships, and the courage to chase your dreams.
• As 2023 concludes, embrace the lessons it brought, and may 2024 be a blank canvas for new achievements and joys.
• Here's to leaving behind the old, embracing the new, and stepping into 2024 with open hearts and open minds.
• May the dawn of January 1 bring with it a renewed sense of purpose, boundless joy, and endless possibilities.
• As the clock strikes midnight, may you leave behind any regrets and welcome the promise of a fulfilling 2024.
• May the transition from 2023 to 2024 be smooth, bringing with it peace, good health, and a sense of fulfilment.
• As the calendar turns, may you find the strength to overcome challenges and the resilience to face new ones in 2024.
• Wishing you a New Year filled with moments of love, togetherness, and the company of those who matter most.
• Cheers to bidding farewell to 2023 with gratitude and embracing the promise of a brighter, more hopeful 2024.
   

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Rohtak: अश्लील वीडियो वायरल करने की धमकी देकर ढाई लाख रुपये ठगे

जनस्वास्थ्य विभाग के सेवानिवृत्त कर्मचारी से बात करते लड़की ने वीडियो बनाया है। 

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2 Corporators Thrashed, Clothes Torn During Meerut Municipal Meet

At least two members of the opposition were allegedly thrashed - and one of them had part of their clothing torn off - by BJP members after an argument at a meeting of the Meerut Municipal Corporation on Saturday. The assault allegedly began after one of the BJP men, a Member of the Legislative Council, was pushed by a member of the opposition parties. 

This is the second such clash in less than a week and while the previous incident in Shamli saw punches and kicks flying within the confines of a room, the one on Saturday had the politicians coming out on the road and continuing the assault, ignoring police personnel who were trying to intervene. 

The opposition has alleged that two of their corporators, both of whom are Dalit, were assaulted by members of the BJP, including the MLC and an Uttar Pradesh minister. The two corporators were from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav has claimed that the arrogance of power was behind BJP members beating up their colleagues in the opposition and that the ruling party is getting violent because it can sense a loss in the upcoming elections. A police complaint has also been filed against members of the BJP, including UP Minister of State for Energy Somendra Tomar and MLC Dharmendra Bhardwaj.

Mr Tomar and Mr Bhardwaj have rubbished the allegations and claimed that the opposition members used indecent language against a woman corporator, leading to the altercation. 

Flare-Up

A board meeting of the corporation was being held to discuss the budget and other issues in the presence of most of the corporators and Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia. Mr Tomar and Mr Bhardwaj also attended the meeting. 

Sources said BJP corporator Rekha Singh, while discussing the collection of house tax, made some comments about a particular community and some Muslim and Dalit corporators from the opposition objected to them. This led to a shouting match and Mr Bhardwaj stepped in to intervene, when he was allegedly pushed by a member of an opposition party. 

The BJP, however, has claimed that the cause of the altercation was the use of indecent language against women corporators by some opposition members. 

After Mr Bhardwaj was pushed, corporators from the BJP and their supporters got angry and attacked their opposition colleagues, resorting to punching and kicking them. Two opposition corporators who bore the brunt of the attack were Kuldeep alias Kirti Ghopla of the SP, and BSP corporator Ashish Kumar.

The police intervened and tried to control the situation but the thrashing continued. When some policemen finally extracted the two opposition members and took them out on the road, some BJP corporators and supporters followed and continued to assault them outside. Videos also show MLC Bhardwaj slapping corporator Kirti Ghopla.

Mr Ghopla's vest was shredded by the end of the assault, after which the police managed to take him and Mr Kumar to the Delhi Gate police station nearby.

The opposition corporators have filed a complaint in the police station alleging that they were assaulted and disrespectful speech regarding their caste was used. The MLC and Minister Tomar are named in the complaint. SP MLA Atul Pradhan also reached the police station later.

'Will Get Their Answer'

In a post in Hindi, Akhilesh Yadav said the BJP will pay electorally for the objectionable treatment meted out to Dalits.

"During the Municipal Corporation Board meeting in Meerut, a minister of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and an MLC carried out a dangerous attack on Dalit corporators from the opposition in the presence of the police. The BJP is going to get its answer in the upcoming elections for the humiliating treatment that Dalits are being subjected to because of its arrogance of being in power. The BJP has turned violent out of frustration over its impending defeat," Mr Yadav said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

मेरठ में नगर निगम बोर्ड की बैठक के दौरान उप्र की भाजपा सरकार के मंत्री और एमएलसी ने पुलिस की मौजूदगी में विपक्ष के दलित पार्षदों पर घातक प्रहार किये। भाजपाई सत्ता के अहंकार में डूबकर दलितों से जो अपमानजनक व्यवहार कर रहे हैं उसका जवाब उनको आगामी चुनाव में मिलनेवाला है। भाजपा आगामी… pic.twitter.com/YLngQiW79I

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 30, 2023

Denying the allegations, Minister Tomar said, "The opposition seems to have forgotten that this is (Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath's government. The mayor is trying to take everyone along. What happened today is saddening and strict action will be taken as per the rules."

When he was asked why security arrangements were not made despite such incidents occurring in the past, Mr Tomar said, "An example will be set... action will be taken as per the rules."

MLC Bhardwaj said, "I was invited by the mayor. When I entered the meeting room, I saw opposition corporators in an altercation with people from my party. Indecent language was used against two women corporators and when I stepped in to stop that, they tried to push me. This led to an altercation."

"Opposition corporators from the SP, AIMIM and other opposition parties were egging them on. Under the Yogi and Narendra Modi governments, an insult to women will not be tolerated," he said.

Mayor Ahluwalia also alleged that women corporators were disrespected and said that appropriate action will be taken.

Shamli Clash

Earlier this week, a meeting of the municipal council in Shamli had devolved into a WWE-style clash, with members punching and kicking each other and using tables to defend themselves. One member had even attempted to jump on and another after climbing onto a chair. 

Municipal Chairman Arvind Sangal and MLA Prasann Chaudhary were present at the meeting.

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Rohtak: झाडू-पोछा करने आई, घर साफ कर ले गई नौकरानी, दंपती को बेहोश कर 65 लाख के जेवर, 10 लाख रुपये ले उड़ी

हरियाणा के रोहतक के सेक्टर-14 में वारदात हुई है। दंपती को दूध में बेसुध होने की दवा पिलाने के बाद वारदात को अंजाम दिया गया। बेटा-बहू गोवा घूमने गए थे। 

from Latest And Breaking Hindi News Headlines, News In Hindi | अमर उजाला हिंदी न्यूज़ | - Amar Ujala https://ift.tt/0J4l7mQ

Google Settles $5 Billion Lawsuit Alleging 'Incognito' Mode Tracks Users

Google has agreed to settle a consumer privacy lawsuit seeking at least $5 billion in damages over allegations it tracked the data of users who thought they were browsing the internet privately.

The object of the lawsuit was the "incognito" mode on Google's Chrome browser that the plaintiffs said gave users a false sense that what they were surfing online was not being tracked by the Silicon Valley tech firm.

But internal Google emails brought forward in the lawsuit demonstrated that users using incognito mode were being followed by the search and advertising behemoth for measuring web traffic and selling ads.

In a court filing, the judge confirmed that lawyers for Google reached a preliminary agreement to settle the class action lawsuit -- originally filed in 2020 -- which claimed that "millions of individuals" had likely been affected.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs were seeking at least $5,000 for each user it said had been tracked by the firm's Google Analytics or Ad Manager services even when in private browsing mode and not logged into their Google account.

This would have amounted to at least $5 billion, though the settlement amount will likely not reach that figure, and no amount was given for the preliminary settlement between the parties.

Google and lawyers for the consumers did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

The settlement came just weeks after Google was refused a request that the case be decided by a judge. A jury trial was set to begin next year.

The lawsuit, filed in a California court, claimed Google's practices had infringed on users' privacy by "intentionally" deceiving them with the incognito option.

The original complaint alleged that Google and its employees had been given the "power to learn intimate details about individuals' lives, interests, and internet usage."

"Google has made itself an unaccountable trove of information so detailed and expansive that George Orwell could never have dreamed it," it added.

A formal settlement is expected for court approval by February 24, 2024.

Class action lawsuits have become the main venue to challenge big tech companies on data privacy matters in the United States, which lacks a comprehensive law on the handling of personal data.

In August, Google paid $23 million to settle a long-running case over giving third-parties access to user search data.

In 2022, Facebook parent company Meta settled a similar case, agreeing to pay $725 million over the handling of user data.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Punjab: कपूरथला में NRI के घर के बाहर फायरिंग, लॉरेंस का भाई बता मांगी गई थी पांच करोड़ की रंगदारी

कपूरथला जिले के गांव कोकलपुर निवासी एनआरआई के घर के बाहर फायरिंग का मामला सामने आया है।

from Latest And Breaking Hindi News Headlines, News In Hindi | अमर उजाला हिंदी न्यूज़ | - Amar Ujala https://ift.tt/VF4ONMA

"Received India's Extradition Request, But...": Pak On Hafiz Saeed

Pakistan has received India's request for extradition of 26/11 attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Friday. But she said that no bilateral extradition treaty exists between India and Pakistan.

In a statement, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, "Pakistan has received a request from the Indian authorities, seeking extradition of Hafiz Saeed in a so-called money laundering case."

"It is pertinent to note that no bilateral extradition treaty exists between Pakistan and India," she added.

Earlier in the day, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has conveyed a request to the Pakistan government regarding the extradition of Hafiz Saeed to India for facing trial in a particular case.

Addressing the weekly briefing, Mr Bagchi said, "The person in question (Hafiz Saeed) is wanted in numerous cases in India. He is also a UN-proscribed terrorist. In this regard, we have conveyed a request along with relevant supporting documents, to the government of Pakistan to extradite him to India to face trial in a particular case.

"We have been flagging the issue of activities that he's been wanted for. This is a recent request," he added.

Notably, Saeed, who is a UN-proscribed terrorist is the founder of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He was the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and is wanted in India in numerous cases.

Muhammad Hafiz Saeed, who has been in jail since July 17, 2019, for other charges, was sentenced in April 2022 by a special anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Pakistan, to a jail term of 33 years for "financing terrorism."

Despite being designated a terrorist by the UN and EU in the 2000s, Saeed was neither charged nor extradited over nearly two decades. Saeed was designated as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council in December 2008.

Meanwhile, in a development that has brought criticism, the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political entity of Hafiz Saeed has fielded candidates for each and every national and provincial assembly constituency across Pakistan for the upcoming general elections slated to be held on February 8, 2024.

Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed is also going to contest the polls from National Assembly's constituency NA-127, Lahore, Dawn reported. PMML's central president Khalid Masood Sindhu is contesting elections from NA-130, against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Inside Kareena Kapoor's Holiday Diaries With Friend Natasha Poonawalla

Kareena Kapoor is living her best life in Switzerland and her Instagram stories stand as proof. On Thursday, the Udta Punjab actress treated her social media fans and followers to some picturesque shots from her holiday in the snow-capped Alps. In one picture, we can see Kareena staring out her window. She captioned the image as, "Chasing the light, 4 days to 2024." In the second image, she gave us a glimpse of the surrounding. Below the picture, she wrote, "find your light." The third picture featured Kareena Kapoor posing with her friend Natasha Poonawalla." She captioned the picture as "this is how we keep warm in the snow."

Take a look at the stories below:

A few days back, Kareena Kapoor shared an in-flight picture of baby Jeh sharing out the window.  She captioned the photo, “Baby in the Alps.”

This is the picture we are talking about:

The Heroine star has been a regular visitor to Gstaad in the Swiss Alps for her annual retreats with her husband, Saif Ali Khan, ever since their marriage in 2012. Earlier, she treated fans to stunning images of Saif and their elder son, Taimur, from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, creating memories during their London festivities.

Recently Kareena Kapoor sent a special video message for Karan Johar's new guests, her husband Saif Ali Khan and mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore. In the video, Kareena Kapoor was seen recalling the time she first saw Saif in Ladakh. She said, "My favourite memory will always be the first time I met Saif. Because he was sitting on top of a makeup vanity van in Ladakh without his t-shirt and I was like who is that guy who is sitting on top of a vanity van? And they were like it's Saif and I looked closer and I was like my God, that's Saif. That was the moment I lost my mind and that was it."

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan got married in 2012 and are parents to sons Taimur and Jeh.

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महिला ने किशोरी पर ढाया जुल्म: गर्म चाकू चेहरे पर दागा; नहीं देती थी खाना, डस्टबिन के कचरे से पड़ा भूख मिटाना

लुधियाना के पॉश इलाके गुरदेव नगर निवासी व पावरकॉम से रिटायर्ड महिला अधिकारी के घर में काम करती 14 साल की बच्ची को प्रताड़ित करने का मामला सामने आया है।

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Mamata Banerjee May Skip Temple Inauguration, What Her Party Said...

In a rare instance of agreement with the Left parties, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also likely to skip the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22. While there is no official confirmation yet, Trinamool Congress leaders have indicated that Ms Banerjee does not want to help the BJP further its political narrative on the issue ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. 

Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said that the party's stand on the issue is clear - it is against what it terms the BJP's attempt to "misuse Lord Ram's name". 

"Mamata Banerjee will soon make her stand clear herself. The Trinamool Congress' stand is that we respect all religions and Lord Ram. We offer prayers to him, but the BJP is misusing Lord Ram's name, and we oppose that," he said.

The spokesperson claimed, "The BJP is trying to divert attention from the main economic issues of the common people. We oppose the political event of misusing Lord Ram's name." 

Trinamool sources said that, around the time of the temple inauguration, the West Bengal chief minister will be busy with the Gangasagar Mela, which takes place during Makar Sankranti (in mid-January). The mela is said to be the second largest gathering of pilgrims, after the Kumbh Mela.

The sources said that, sometime early next year, the chief minister will also inaugurate the replica of the Puri Jagannath temple in Bengal's Digha. Party insiders say this will be Ms Banerjee's 'mandir moment'. 

'Personal Choice'

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury had turned down an invitation to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the party had said that religion should not be used for political gain. 

"Our policy is to respect religious beliefs and the right of each individual to pursue their belief. Religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. Comrade Sitaram Yechury will not attend the ceremony despite receiving an invitation to do so," a post from the party's handle on X said.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also said her party would not attend the inauguration and termed it the "politicisation of a religious programme".

The BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi hit back, saying, "Invitations were sent to all (but) only those called by Lord Ram will come".

Former Congress leader Kapil Sibal also said he had "Lord Ram in my heart" and, thus, didn't feel the need to attend the ceremony. Sources have said the CPI is also likely to skip the event. 

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How Doors To Ayodhya Ram Temple Go Via Hyderabad

The doors to Ram temple in Ayodhya --- that will be consecrated in January -- open via Hyderabad. A city-based firm is crafting the door to the sanctum sanctorum as well as 17 doors in the main temple and those in structures around.

The inauguration of the temple will take place on January 22 and most of the construction on the first floor of the temple is done. The work has now progressed to the level of decorations, which will take up the rest of the remaining period.

Sarath Babu, director Of Anuradha Timbers International, told NDTV in an exclusive interview that the door to the sanctum sanctorum --- which will house the idol of 5-year-old Lord Ram -- will be a formidable one. The 8-feet tall doors will be 12-feet wide and six inches thick.

"So far 18 doors of the main temple are competed and 100 frames around the temple. Until yesterday, we completed 118 doors," he said, predicting that the number is likely to go up.

The doors -- being built by craftsmen from Tamil Nadu -- will be designed in Nagara style, displaying traditional Indian motifs of lotus, peacocks and other birds.

Nagara is the north Indian style of temple architecture that is said to have started in the Gupta period in the Third Century CE and continued till the advent of Muslims.

The wood used for the doors is Balarshah teak from Maharashtra, which will be covered with gold leaf.

Asked about the selection process, Mr Babu said the temple committee had "invited" the biggest names in the business. They were asked to build a model of the temple, after which his firm was called in and given the job of doing the doors.

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"Permanent Husband": Case Against RSS Leader For Triple Talaq Remarks

A case has been filed against an RSS leader in Karnataka for his alleged remark that while Muslim men are unhappy with the BJP government at the Centre for passing a bill declaring triple talaq illegal, Muslim women are happy because they now have a "permanent husband". 

In a speech during an event in Karnataka's Srirangapatna on Sunday, RSS Leader Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka had said, "Until recently, the practice of divorce through triple talaq was legal, but it has been done away with since the Modi government came to power. Muslim men must be very unhappy about this."

"But the Muslim women must be very happy with this move as they used to have a new husband every day because they used to say talaq, talaq, talaq and leave. They couldn't say they have a life-long husband. It's the Modi government that has given you a permanent husband," Mr Kalladka said.

The event, called the Sankeerna Yatra, was organised by a right-wing outfit, the Hindu Jagrana Vedike.

After the statement went viral on social media, a social worker, Nazia Nazeer, filed a complaint at the Srirangapatna police station. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Mr Kalladka under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings and insulting the modesty of a woman.

The practice of divorce through triple talaq had been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2017 and the Parliament passed a law declaring it illegal in 2019. 

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12 Of The Best New Restaurants In Chennai You Must Visit In 2023

Was 2023 the most vibrant year for Chennai's booming F&B scene? It certainly presented a diverse array of dining experiences. Local flavours took centre stage, and so did national brands like Mustard and Farzi Café expanding their footprint to include Chennai. Comfort food held its own - everyone loves a good pizza - while seasoned Chennai brands like Cake Walk successfully reinvented themselves. The evolved café scene in Chennai welcomed a couple of intriguing additions, and Asian cuisine continued to be a popular choice among the city's well-heeled. Although it's impossible to capture all of Chennai's stellar restaurant debuts in 2023 in one list, we certainly made an attempt: 
Also Read: 7 Of Chennai's Best Whisky Bars You Must Visit

Photo Credit: Bask By Coffee

Here Are 12 Of The Best New Restaurants You Must Visit In Chennai: 

1. Lazy Leopard

We've witnessed the pizza scene in Chennai come of age in the 2020s. Lazy Leopard, named after the spots on the corner of a pizza, has made its mark among Chennai's finest pizzerias since its debut this year. Positioned as a Neapolitan Pizzeria and Trattoria, Lazy Leopard maintains authenticity with its wood-fired oven. 

• Where: Peters Road, Royapettah

2. Kaylir Canteen

Offering traditional vegetarian cuisine from Tamil Nadu, it's the setting that is truly unconventional. This casual dining restaurant serves delicious South Indian-style 'full meals' in a self-service setup with vibrant interiors. Additionally, there's a pet-friendly section, and the restaurant has recently introduced a 'tiffin' menu for those comforting evening nibbles.

• Where: CIT Colony, Mylapore  

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3. Farzi Café

After teasing the city for a while, Farzi Café finally kept its date with Chennai. Located in the heart of the city, Farzi doesn't deviate from its pan-Indian template. It's not just the bold interiors; the menu is filled with all the customary twists we've come to expect from Farzi. The starters hit all the right notes, featuring bestsellers like the Dal Chawal Arancini and the Aslam Chicken in the mix. 

• Where: Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam  

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4. Cake Walk Café

Part of Chennai's dessert landscape since the 1990s, Cake Walk is truly one of Chennai's original pastry destinations, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for many Chennaiites. Cake Walk Café launched earlier this year, aims to tap into that nostalgia in a contemporary setting with an extensive menu that includes their popular cake mash-ups and delicious pastas.  

• Where: Kothari Road   

5. Bistrograph

Made a splash in the city as one of the country's first photography-themed cafes. The baristas are well-trained and have quite a few tricks up their sleeves - you can even get your picture snapped and printed onto your cappuccino foam. It's not just about coffee; the menu is quite eclectic, featuring bestsellers like smoked chicken soup and a burrata salad. 

• Where: 10th Cross Street, Sastri Nagar 

6. Mustard

Mustard has remained one of our favourite restaurants in Goa over the past few years. It takes its name from the use of mustard, a condiment used in its purest form in both French and Bengali cuisine. The menu brings together iconic Bengali dishes and fine French cuisine in a an atmospheric setting backed by a bar menu packed with innovative cocktails.  

• Where: Sterling Road 

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7. Chettinad Stories

How far will you travel for authentic Chettinad flavours? If you're in Chennai, all you have to do is head to Chettinad Stories, located at Hotel Aadithya. The menu includes true-blue Chettinad delicacies and dishes with a delicious twist. Even if the interiors don't transport you to Chettinad (in Southern Tamil Nadu), the authentic flavours certainly will. 

• Where: Hotel Aadithya, Arcot Road, Vadapalani  

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Also Read: Where To Get Find Best Ambur Biryani In Chennai - 5 Options To Try

8. Sangamithirai

If there's one reason why diners return to Sangamithirai, it's nostalgia. Executive Chef Prem Kumar and his enthusiastic team bring some of Tamil Nadu's finest cuisine to your table. From Kari dosai to Karuppu Kavunni halwa, this is a fantastic culinary journey across Tamil Nadu. If you grew up in Tamil Nadu, it might evoke childhood memories and remind you of your grandmother's recipes. 

• Where: Feathers - A Radha Hotel , Manapakkam  

9. Ambur Canteen

You had to be invited to a wedding or travel to Ambur to sample authentic Ambur biryani. Ambur Canteen has changed all that. We appreciate the casual vibe and the slice-of-life images from Ambur and the Arcot region that adorn the walls, but it's the biryani that steals the show. Their key unique selling proposition (USP) is the culinary production team, all hailing from Ambur, and their rice-to-meat ratio that elevates the biryani.  

• Where: Habibullah Road 

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10. ETC (Elba Trading Company)

Pasta might be ubiquitous in Chennai, but there are not too many spots where you can sample an authentic Italian pasta crafted with fine ingredients. That's why ETC, which debuted in the last quarter of 2023, has our attention. From spaghetti to ravioli, all their pastas are terrific and made with ingredients shipped from Italy. It's also one of the only spots in the city that offers fine, fresh black truffles. 

• Where: St Mary's Road, Alwarpet

11. Sky, The Residency Towers

The name is a giveaway. This is Chennai's best new rooftop restaurant with a choice of indoor and alfresco options - four dining spaces in all. It's the two alfresco sections with views of the city and the coastline that win our vote. This all-day dining space is perfect for sundowners and a hearty Asian meal with a local twist.  

• Where: Sir Theagaraya Road 

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12. Bask By Coffee

It's one of the most 'Instagrammed' F&B hotspots of 2023. Set in a sprawling bungalow in a swish neighbourhood, Bask quickly became one of Chennai's preferred social spaces. Large community-style dining tables, a brilliant blend of outdoor and indoor seating options, and an exhaustive menu that captures the city's evolving palates, all come together in this high-energy cafe.

• Where: Kasturi Rangan Road  

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Iran Says Israeli Strike Kills Senior General In Syria

A senior general with Iran's Revolutionary Guards was killed Monday by an Israeli strike in Syria, the military force said, with Tehran vowing to make Israel "pay for this crime".

Iranian state media also reported the death of Razi Moussavi, describing him as "one of the most experienced advisors" of Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has repeatedly said it will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence in Syria.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed condolences for Moussavi's death, saying Israel "will certainly pay for this crime".

The general "was killed during an attack by the Zionist regime a few hours ago in Zeinabiyah district in the suburbs of Damascus," official news agency IRNA reported, using a different name for Sayyida Zeinab south of the Syrian capital.

Moussavi was "active in the field of providing logistical support to the axis of resistance in Syria," IRNA said, referring to groups backed by Tehran and arrayed against Israel.

The IRGC in a statement said Moussavi was killed in a "missile attack" and also vowed to avenge his death.

The statement noted that Moussavi was a companion of General Qassem Soleimani, Iran's revered Quds commander who was killed in Baghdad in a US drone strike in 2020.

Next week Iran will mark the fourth anniversary of Soleimani's assassination, and Moussavi was the most senior Quds Force general killed since.

'Three missiles' 

Iran's state TV said Moussavi was targeted by "three missiles" and aired footage showing smoke rising from the area of the strike.

A Britain-based monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported Israeli strikes on positions used by Iranian groups and by Lebanon's powerful Tehran-aligned Hezbollah in the Sayyida Zeinab area.

Residents reported hearing loud explosions and seeing columns of smoke rising from farms in the area.

Since Syria's civil war began in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its northern neighbour, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

On December 2, the IRGC accused Israel of killing two of its members in Syria, where the force said they had been on an advisory mission, without providing further details.

Israel, which rarely comments on reported strikes in Syria, has intensified attacks there particularly against Hezbollah since the start of its war against Hamas -- also backed by Iran -- triggered by the Palestinian group's October 7 attacks.

The Islamic republic, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the deadly attacks on southern Israel as a "success" but denied any direct involvement.

Iran does not recognise Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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सेना में भर्ती परीक्षा मामला: नकल करवाने वाला मास्टरमाइंड खुद सेना में कुक, जींद में बैठकर रचा था पूरा खेल

पांच दिन के रिमांड के दौरान संलिप्त दूसरे आरोपियों को पकड़ने के लिए पुलिस दबिश दे रही है। मामले में पुलिस ने रविवार को सुशील व अजीत सिंह को काबू किया था, दोनों भाई हैं।

from Latest And Breaking Hindi News Headlines, News In Hindi | अमर उजाला हिंदी न्यूज़ | - Amar Ujala https://ift.tt/HJgNkyD

Harsh Goenka Shares Intriguing Video On How Phones Impact Relationships

Industrialist Harsh Goenka often shares motivational and interesting posts to keep his social media fans entertained. On Friday, the tech-savvy businessman shared a thought-provoking video about an issue that is significantly relevant to our lives. The video talks about smartphone addiction and how it impacts our relationships. While phones keep us connected and help maintain relationships, in some ways, they drive a wedge between us, too. 

Mr Goenka shared the video of inspirational speaker Simon Sinek wherein he explains how even holding a phone in our hands while talking to someone else gives them the impression that they are not the top priority. ''Imagine I'm here talking to you, holding my phone. It's not buzzing, not beeping, and no one's calling me, I'm just holding it. Do you feel as if you're the most important thing to me right now? No, you don't. That's the association'' Mr Sinek said in the video. 

''Step away from the screen, embrace the world, and rediscover the joy of living in the moment…..'' the caption of the video shared by Mr Goenka read.

Watch the video here:

Step away from the screen, embrace the world, and rediscover the joy of living in the moment….. pic.twitter.com/Rqqt8gQVmp

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) December 22, 2023

In the video, Mr. Sinek advised against placing the phone on the table during meetings or family dinners and instead putting it in airplane mode to remove the temptation of incoming notifications. 

''And this is how we should be interacting with people, giving them our full attention. Because the idea is not that we hear the words they say, but that they feel heard. If you wake up in the morning and check your phone before you say good morning to the person sitting next to you, you probably have a problem. If you have to take your room to room, no matter where you go, you have a problem. And just like any recreational drug, the more you practice leaving it away.''

He also recommended leaving unnecessary phones at home while going out for a family dinner or client meeting, or keeping them away out of sight, in the car, or in a bag. He concluded the video by saying, ''Like any addiction, it just takes a little work.''

Several internet users appreciated the crucial reminder, while others talked about the difficulty of following the advice in an era where everything is dependent on phones. 

One user wrote, ''Living in the moment is a great art.'' Another commented, ''Some calls may be an emergency call, so it can't be possible as a thumb rule. Based on the Situation this can be implemented. Better put it on vibration/silent mode, you can accept/reject that call.''

A third said, ''Nowadays it is very difficult to go out without a phone as we are so much addicted to UPI payments.'' A fourth added, ''Phone addiction is not just another drug, it's worse because of the fact that the power of numbers is behind phone addiction.''

Yet another said, ''The saddest part is we are all seeing this on our phones.''

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Panipat: कबूतरबाज को लखनऊ एयरपोर्ट से किया गिरफ्तार, दुबई भागने की फिराक में था

आरोपी ने अमेरिका भेजने के नाम पर युवक से 40 लाख रुपये ठगे थे। वह दुबई भागने की फिराक में था, पानीपत पुलिस ने अक्तूबर में लुकआउट नोटिस जारी किया था।

from Latest And Breaking Hindi News Headlines, News In Hindi | अमर उजाला हिंदी न्यूज़ | - Amar Ujala https://ift.tt/89MOZRd

Rare Pics Of Black Tigers Found In Odisha Leaves Internet Amazed

Parveen Kaswan, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer who frequently shares fascinating facts about wildlife, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share pictures of 'pseudo-melanistic' tigers found in Simlipal, Odisha. On Friday, he posted the captivating images of this extraordinary tiger, along with details on its rarity and origins. Notably, the melanistic tigers - a rare gene pool on which the black stripes are far more prominent than the Royal Bengal Tiger's - are found only in Odisha. They are often referred to as 'black tigers' due to their dense and dark stripe patterns. 

"The black tigers of #India. Do you know there are pseudo- melanistic tigers found in Simlipal. They are such due to genetic mutation & highly rare. Such beautiful creature," Mr Kaswan wrote on X. 

Take a look at the pictures below: 

The black tigers of #India. Do you know there are pseudo- melanistic tigers found in Simlipal. They are such due to genetic mutation & highly rare. Such beautiful creature. pic.twitter.com/X1TEw8r1cD

— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) December 22, 2023

In the following tweet, the IFS officer also provided a brief history of 'pseudo-melanistic' tigers in Similipal. He noted that the first confirmed record dates back to 1993 when a young boy of Pdagad village shot down a 'black' tigress with arrows in self-defence. He also said that it wasn't until 2007 that these tigers were officially discovered within the reserve, marking the beginning of a series of documented sightings.

"The first confirmed record of the now famous pseudo-melanistic tigers of Similipal came in 1993. On 21st July 1993 Salku, a young boy of Podagad village shot down a 'black' tigress with arrows in self-defense. The rare tigers were first officially discovered in STR in 2007. With time more were documented. They are due to rare genetic mutation and found in small population," Mr Kaswan wrote. 

Also Read | Flipkart Reacts After X User Reveals Her Unpleasant Experience With Delivery Agent

The IFS Officer shared the post just a day back and since then it has accumulated more than 147,000 views and over 4,000 likes. It even garnered numerous reactions from X users. While some called the images amazing, others called them gorgeous.

"Nature is amazing. Amazing creatures," wrote one user. "Wow. All their stripes ran together like ink. Very interesting & beautiful," commented another. 

"What a sight! Hope we will be able to conserve this amazing wildlife forever," added a third. "You are so lucky to be with such lovely creations of nature and God," expressed another. 

Meanwhile, Mr Kaswan's post comes after the Union Minister of State for Environment, Ashiwini Kumar Choubey, told the Rajya Sabha that there are a total of 10 "black tigers" in India, all exclusively found in Odisha's Similipal. As per the 2022 cycle of the pan-India tiger estimation exercise, the Similipal Tiger Reserve has 16 tigers, out of which 10 exhibit melanism, he said.

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Wayfair CEO Calls For Longer Work Hours: "Winning Requires Hard Work"

Niraj Shah, Indian-American Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of online furniture firm Wayfair, curated a special message for his employees after the company yielded profitable results. According to CNN, in his note to employees, Mr Shah not only encouraged employees to work hard and be ambitious but also asked them to do more work and blend "work with life". He told them to not shy away from working long hours and added that there was no historical evidence which showed laziness led to success. 

"Winning requires hard work. I believe that most of us, being ambitious individuals, find fulfilment in the joy of seeing our efforts materialize into tangible results," the CEO said in a note to employees earlier this month, as per CNN. "Working long hours, being responsive, blending work and life, is not anything to shy away from. There is not a lot of history of laziness being rewarded with success," he added. 

According to Fortune, Mr Shah also added that the idea staff should not work was "laughably false". "Hard work is essential for success, and a key part of getting things done," the CEO said, adding, "Everyone deserves to have a great personal life - everyone manages that in their own way - ambitious people find ways to blend and balance the two". 

In his letter, Mr Shah also encouraged Wayfair employees to think of the company money they spend as their own and negotiate prices. "Would you spend money on that, would you spend that much money for that thing, does that price seem reasonable, and lastly - have you negotiated the price?" he wrote. 

The Indian-American CEO told employees in his email that the company is back to being profitable. "Together we can win much faster than we are winning now if we all row in this direction together. Let's be aggressive, pragmatic, frugal, agile, customer-oriented, and smart," he said. 

Also Read | Ex CEO Of Tech Mahindra Shares Valuable Insights As He Announces Retirement From Corporate Life

Meanwhile, on the internet, users called Mr Shah's note "toxic". "He's basically saying if you don't work late then you're lazy. Long hours don't prove anything about productivity. It just means you worked long hours!" wrote one Reddit user. "I love when these CEOs talk about 'winning' as if the employees get absolutely anything out of the company's profitability," said another. 

"If you're actually being compensated for your time, sure. If you're making an average salary but dealing with corporate BS, move on," expressed a third. "I'll sacrifice the life in work-life balance when the paycheck reflects that it is worth it. I doubt it is for anyone he is giving this lecture to (that he probably thinks is SO inspirational).," added another. 

Notably, Mr Shah is not the first CEO to glamourise overworking. Earlier, Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy said that India's work culture needs to change and youngsters should be prepared to work for 70 hours a week if the country has to compete effectively on the global stage. He stated that India's work productivity is one of the lowest in the world and asked the youth the contribute towards building the culture so that India can compete effectively on the global stage. He also drew parallels with Japan and Germany, two countries that implemented extended working hours after the Second World War. 

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People Know Nation Is "On Cusp Of Take-Off": PM Modi On 2024 Polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the BJP's hopes for a third term in the 2024 general election, saying the people of India trust the party that brought them this far.

In an interview with Financial times, PM Modi said, "They realise that our nation is on the cusp of a take-off... They want this flight to be expedited, and they know the best party to ensure this is the one which brought them this far."

In the wide-ranging interview, the Prime Minister also spoke of India's foreign policy that in a world that is "interconnected as well as interdependent", job creation, comparisons with China and the government's focus on Make in India.

His government, he said, has shown steady improvement in job creation and focussing on efforts that would make India the next big destination for investment.

"We aspire to create conditions where everyone sees value in being in India to invest and expand their operations here," the Prime Minister told FT.

"We envision a system where anyone from around the world feels at home in India, where our processes and standards are familiar and welcoming," he added.

This path is expected to be smoothed by the country's upward trajectory in terms of relations with world powers -- including the improved relation with the US and the increasing suspicion towards Beijing. .  

"Our foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs is our national interest," PM Modi said. "This stance allows us to engage with various nations in a manner that respects mutual interests and acknowledges the complexities of contemporary geopolitics."

Regarding comparisons with China, where many feel India's growth spurt should be bigger than the current rate and concerns about corruption, administrative hurdles, and skills gap among the young, PM Modi said India cannot be compared to China.
 
"You have done a comparison with China, but it might be more apt to compare India with other democracies," he said.

"It is important to recognise that India wouldn't have achieved the status of the world's fastest-growing economy if the issues you've highlighted were as pervasive as suggested," he said. "Often, these concerns stem from perceptions, and altering perceptions sometimes takes time," he added.

Asked about Opposition allegations against his government that includes "targetting" of his detractors, PM Modi said there is a "whole ecosystem that is using the freedom available in our country to hurl these allegations" through media.

They have the right to do so, but "others have an equal right to respond with facts," he added.

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KSA Visa: New Saudi Arabia Platform To Benefit Hajj Pilgrims From India

Saudi Arabia has launched a unified national platform for visa applications, called KSA Visa. According to Arab News, the system connects more than 30 ministries, authorities and private-sector organizations to streamline the process of applying for visas for Hajj, Umrah, tourism, business-related visits, and employment. This comes weeks after Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah's visit to India. The move is expected to benefit Hajj pilgrims from India. A local outlet claimed that 20 lakh Indian pilgrims are expected to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year.

KSA Visa makes use of the latest technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), to help users identify available visas. The centralised system of the smart search engine will provide detailed guidance on visa requirements and application procedures.

The new platform was launched at the digital government forum in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The Saudi move is part of the emirate's ambitious goal to increase the number of tourists and raising the target to 150 million visits annually by 2030.

Saudi Gazette said that the country has issued more than 18.6 million visas during the year 2023, and it reduced the duration for issuing digital visas to 60 seconds.

Saudi Arabia is also working on a system specifically designed to provide pilgrims from India with enhanced flexibility throughout their journey, particularly women who go on solo Umrah trips.

Under the new steps, visa for Umrah has been extended to 90 days, and the country has also introduced a four-day transit visa to accommodate the growing influx of Indian pilgrims, according to the Saudi minister.

"By promoting gender equality and cultivating a safer, more embracing environment, these changes collectively aim to ensure a more fulfilling and secure pilgrimage experience for all travellers," he told news agency PTI.

Mr Al-Rabiah said he expects a rise in the number of Indian Umrah pilgrims in the near future in view of the impactful initiatives introduced to enhance experiences of the pilgrims.

"These initiatives are designed to create a seamless and inviting environment for all individuals embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Two Holy Mosques and exploring the rich historical and cultural heritage of Islamic sites and diverse tourist attractions within the Kingdom," he said.

The minister also said that Saudi Arabia has an estimated quota of 1,75,025 for Indian pilgrims for the Hajj season in 2024.

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"30% Of Those With Flu-Like Illnesses Covid Positive In Kochi": Top Expert

Over a year-and-a-half after India witnessed the Omicron wave, two eminent health experts have sounded a warning over the increasing Covid-19 cases in India in the wake of the JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron being detected in the country.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Wednesday, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, said 30% of all patients with influenza-like illnesses who were tested have turned out to be Covid positive in the Kochi region in a span of about 24 hours. He also said that Covid cases have spread into the community and that his neighbour has also tested positive.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist - who also spoke exclusively to NDTV - has cautioned against dismissing Covid as a common cold, not just because of the people who fall severely ill, but because of the disease's long-term effects, including increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and mental health problems.

Both experts, however, emphasised that the variant, while more transmissible, may not cause a high number of hospitalisations, partly because of India's high vaccination rate. Dr Swaminathan also pointed out that India's health systems have come a long way from how they were during the first wave in 2020 and the deadlier Delta wave in 2021, and the country is well prepared to handle an uptick in cases.

Dr Swaminathan also listed out the precautions that people can take and stressed on the need for the elderly and those with poor immunity to start masking up.

Entered The Community?

According to official data, India has seen 21 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant so far - 19 in Goa and one each in Maharashtra and Kerala.

On the spread of Covid, Dr Jayadevan, who posted a chart on X illustrating the rise in cases since November, said, "Over the past month or so, the number of Covid cases has been creeping up. But, as you know, testing in our country is quite low, close to zero in many places for many reasons... But if you look at the statistics as I posted on the graph from September, October, November and December, there is a sharp uptick sometime in November."

"Before November, it is only around 1% of influenza-like illnesses showing positive for Covid, which is practically zero. But, from November onwards, we have had about 9%. And, in December, after the meeting that concluded last night, it was 30%. And this data is from multiple hospitals in the (Kochi) region. So this shows that Covid is taking a greater share of what we call influenza-like illness, which basically means things like respiratory problems, breathing trouble, cough, fever and body ache," the doctor added.

Dr Jayadevan said that while JN.1 is considered the fastest-rising variant, it does not necessarily mean more cases but that it is "dominating the Covid landscape". He also pointed out that while cases are increasing, people are being able to treat the symptoms at home.

To a question on whether there is a community-wide spread of the JN.1 variant, the Covid Task Force co-chair said: "It is very much in the community. My neighbour has tested positive just this evening. So it is everywhere... But it is not causing a huge surge in hospitalisation. So that's different."

'Waves of Infection'

When Dr Soumya Swaminathan was asked about 30% of pneumonia cases in Kochi hospitals turning out to be Covid positive and the likelihood of this being replicated in other parts of India, she said, "We've been through this many times before, as you know, over the last four years. This is what we expected and this is what the WHO had talked about. Even when WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus announced the end of the global public health emergency in May this year, he did say it is still a global health threat."

"And that's what we are seeing now. We're seeing a new variant, the JN.1, which is a sub-variant of Omicron. So hopefully it behaves like Omicron, which was relatively mild. But what happens is that every new variant gets some properties of being more transmissible. It is able to evade or avoid the antibody responses that we already have in our system. And therefore it is able to create these waves of infection where it infects people who've already been infected before," Dr Swaminathan added.

The former WHO chief scientist pointed out that the global health body has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest.

"Now, coming to India, as you mentioned, we've just started increasing the testing. So over the next few days, I think we will see more data coming from many states. Right now, it looks like a few states like Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, perhaps Tamil Nadu, they are reporting an uptick of cases and high positivity," she said.

Symptoms, Time To Mask Up?

Dr Jayadevan said vaccines may have helped keep Covid at bay since the last wave, but a concern arises when a variant is markedly different.

"For example, JN.1 is not like a one-step ahead variant. This is a multi-step ahead variant. We call it the saltation event in genetics, which basically means a pile of mutations suddenly occurring at one go," he said.

On masking up, the doctor advised, "I would say if you are trapped in a situation where it's ventilated, closed, crowded, you feel the air is still and there are people around you, it's safer to wear a mask. If you are travelling in a vehicle with multiple people who you don't know, wear a mask or at least roll your windows down."

He also recommended wearing a mask in closed spaces with many people, especially for those who are elderly and immunosuppressed.

Dr Swaminathan said the symptoms of the new variant are fever, cough, loss of smell and loss of taste. She also pointed to persistent high fever, breathing difficulties, fatigue, inability to eat and a tendency to vomit as the warning signs.

She recommended masking up in a crowded place if people are vulnerable to infections and also stressed that people who are sick should wear a mask to protect others. For the vulnerable population, she recommended using pulse oximeters.

Not A Common Cold

For people comparing the newer variants of Covid with the common cold, Dr Swaminathan had a warning: "It's very different from the common cold, not just because of people getting severely ill with acute Covid pneumonia, but also because of the long-term effects of Covid.

"And I think we have enough data now from around the world to know that people who have suffered from Covid and, particularly those who have repeat infections, are more likely to get, for example, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia, depression, mental health problems, prolonged fatigue and muscle pain... inability to go back to their usual state of functioning," she said.

Dr Swaminathan added, "This is the big difference between a common cold and Covid. So I would say let's not take it lightly. If you can avoid the infection, much better to avoid it than to get it and risk the after-effects of long Covid."

Spread Pattern

Dr Jayadevan said India is unlikely to witness a uniform spread. Pointing to the current cases of the new variant, he said, "Typically, Covid spreads in high travel zones, which are travel hubs, Kerala is a travel hub, so is Maharashtra, Mumbai area, Goa is a travel hub. We got 18 sequences of the JN.1 from Goa. So I would imagine it will spread in these zones first and then slowly trickle into the other areas as people travel more and more."

Dr Swaminathan pointed out that by the time variants are detected, they are usually already spreading in the community.

"And so it's likely that it's everywhere; and the more we test, the more we're going to find. In fact, wastewater surveillance being done in many countries suggests that this is going to become the dominant variant globally within the next week or so. So I think it is to be expected. I think what is important is for us to keep a close eye on what the clinical manifestations are. At the moment, it doesn't appear that it's causing any more severe illness than the previous Omicron variant," she said.

Emphasising the need to stay prepared, she said, "However, I think what happens is if you get a thousand cases, there will be a percentage of people, even if it's 1%, who get very ill, who are in in the hospital. If you get 1,00,000 cases, that many more people are going to get very ill and in the hospital, particularly those over the age of 65 and those who have other comorbidities.

"So it's a good idea to be prepared, to take precautions so that we can at least protect those who are at highest risk of getting sick and prevent them from getting pneumonia and getting into the hospital," she added.

Vaccines Working

Dr Jayadevan said India is a well-vaccinated country and uses different vaccines than in the West, so data from those countries may not directly apply.

On the need for boosters, Dr Swaminathan said, "From what we are seeing around the world, I think vaccines are still working. It is very remarkable that they are still providing a high degree of protection, especially against severe disease... But again, for those who are very old, for those who have poor immunity, there is a possibility that their immunity would have waned, that boosters might be needed at some point."

India Prepared?

Dr Swaminathan said doctors know how to treat Covid now and things are very different from how they were in 2020.

"I think the preparation of the hospitals is important. I think mock drills have happened in many states to test the responses as well as to test the adequacy and functioning of the oxygen, the ventilators, all those things that we had prepared. So, in a way, it's a good test for our system to do this once in a while, to be absolutely ready and prepared and not have any nasty surprises when we actually need to use all of those things that we have invested in," she said.

"So I believe that we are very well prepared, but that every state must exercise these precautions as well as mock drills and make sure that, even in remote parts of the country, we are able to provide oxygen to people who need it," she added.

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