General
India adds over 8K fresh Covid cases, 465 deaths in 24 hrs
India recorded 8,318 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the country’s total caseload since the pandemic began to 3,45,63,749, according to health ministry data updated on Saturday morning.
These new cases are 21 per cent lower than Friday’s spike of 10,549 fresh cases.
In the meantime, 465 new fatalities were also recorded, taking the total Covid deaths in India to 4,67,933.
With 10,967 recoveries, the total recoveries have surged up to 3,39,88,797. The recovery rate is currently at 98.34 per cent, the highest since March 2020, whereas the active cases stand at 1,07,019 after falling by 3,114 cases since Friday.
In the same time frame, 73,58,017 people were administered Covid-19 vaccines that has pushed the overall vaccination count to 1,21,06,58,262.
With the news of a new Covid-19 variant — Omicron, being detected in southern Africa, scientists and health experts in India have said that new waves of infection are anticipated and unless we act quickly and efficiently, the country will possibly see repeat waves.
The variant has also been declared as a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In a communication to all states and Union Territories, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has informed the government that “multiple cases of Covid-19 variant B.1.1529 have been reported in Botswana (3 cases), South Africa (6 cases) and Hong Kong (1 case)”.
“This variant is reported to have a significantly high number of mutations, and thus, has serious public health implications for the country, in view of recently relaxed visa restrictions and opening up of international travel,” Bhushan said.
“lt is therefore imperative that all international travellers travelling from and transiting through these countries, (they are part of the “at risk” Country Category of international travellers coming to lndia) are subjected to rigorous screening and testing”, the communication said.
“The contacts of these international travellers must also be closely tracked and tested as per MoHFW guidelines.”
Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Abu Asim Azmi demands action against culprits in Kalyan prayer controversy

Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and MLA Abu Asim Azmi condemned the hooliganism of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal at Kalyan Ideal Pharmacy College and said that in this country, there is a market of division and hatred in the name of Hindus and Muslims. Offering prayers in the country is not a crime. It is obligatory for Muslims to offer prayers at the prescribed time. Therefore, if someone offers prayers, worships and practices, then why object to it? He said that arrangements for prayer rooms are necessary in institutions where students want to worship. The way in which students were forced to apologize is completely wrong and hooliganism. I demand that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the administrative body take strict action against such sectarians so that no one can enter an educational institution and force students to apologize. He said that Shivaji Maharaj, in front of whose statue students were forced to apologize, was a secular king. There were Muslims in his army. The way in which the miscreants have committed hooliganism is worrying. Action must be taken against it. He said that praying is not a crime in the country. The administration of Ideal Pharmacy College in Kalyan’s Ambernath was responsible for protecting Muslim students, but the administration did not do so. It was negligent in its responsibility.
The students who offered prayers were forced to apologize. Azmi said, “I request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order the provision of rooms for prayers in educational and other institutions and take strict action against this politics of hatred. Only then will brotherhood flourish in Maharashtra and the country.” He said, “Why is there a controversy over prayers everywhere and then hatred is created by giving it a Hindu-Muslim color? Now the water has risen above the head. The government should pay attention to this.”
Maharashtra
Tension at Vashi Naka in Mumbai over the replacement of the Kali Mata idol with Mount Mary; case filed, priest arrested after protests by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists

Mumbai: The idol of Kali Mata in the crematorium of Chembur Vashi village was changed into the shape of Mount Mary, after which tension spread in the area, but the police have claimed to have arrested a priest in this matter, who had done the above act, which had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. The police brought the situation under control and also solved the case. After this incident, an attempt was made to spoil the atmosphere, but later the priest was found to be involved in it, after which peace has now prevailed here. A shocking incident has come to light in Mumbai, in which the idol of Kali Mata installed in the crematorium of Chembur Vashi village was redesigned to resemble Mount Mary. This incident has caused a wave of shock and anger among the residents of the area.
On receiving the information, the RCF police reached the spot, assessed the situation and arrested the priest involved. The police have also registered an FIR in connection with the incident.
During initial interrogation, the accused priest told the police that he had received a “dream instruction” to redesign the idol of Kali Mata to resemble Mount Mary. Following this alleged “dream instruction”, he tried to change the shape of the idol.
Given the seriousness of the matter, police officers are conducting further investigations. The motives behind the change, and whether there was any other reason or conflict behind the change, are also under investigation.
Local people and some Bajrang Dal workers expressed satisfaction with the police action and said that any kind of change without permission at religious places is unacceptable. DCP Sameer Shaikh said that the accused who changed the shape of the idol has been arrested and the investigation is ongoing. The police are also investigating why the accused committed such a questionable and controversial act, who is behind it, and on whose instructions he changed the shape of the idol. Investigations are ongoing on all these points. However, due to the situation, the police have deployed additional arrangements here and the situation is also being monitored. At present, there is peace but tension remains.
Maharashtra
Veteran Bollywood Actor Dharmendra Passes Away at 89

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, passed away today at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89. His departure marks the end of an era in Hindi film history, leaving behind millions of grieving fans and admirers.
Dharmendra had been unwell for the past several days. He faced respiratory complications and other age-related health issues, for which he was hospitalized briefly before being shifted back home. Earlier today, a sense of concern arose as activity increased outside his residence, and soon after, the heartbreaking news of his demise was confirmed.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra made his debut in the early 1960s and went on to become one of the most admired and celebrated actors of Indian cinema. From romance to comedy, drama to action, he mastered every genre and delivered countless memorable performances. His screen presence, charm, and natural acting style earned him a permanent place in the hearts of audiences.
The film industry is in deep mourning. Actors, filmmakers, and fans across the country are paying tribute, remembering him as a powerhouse performer and a humble human being. Many are calling his passing “the end of an era,” acknowledging that his contribution to cinema is both historic and irreplaceable.
Beyond films, Dharmendra was a devoted family man—deeply connected with his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. His simplicity, warmth, and affectionate nature made him beloved not just onscreen but also in his personal life.
His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Yet, his legacy will continue to shine through his timeless films, unforgettable characters, and the memories he gifted to generations of viewers.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that his soul rests in peace.
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