Breaking News, December 31

Every arrangement is in place. Only 3-4 classes will be held in a day. Teachers have already undergone RT-PCR test and teachers above 55 years are advised to wear face shield: Karnataka Primary & Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar on reopening of school.

At hybrid lanes of fee plazas on national highways, fee payment can be made through FASTag as well as in cash mode till February 15. In FASTag lanes of fee plazas, payment of fees will continue to be through FASTag only: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Jammu and Kashmir: Unknown terrorist lobbed grenade at CPRF naka in Bijbehara, Anantnag at 6:20 pm today; one CRPF man sustained splinter injury, says CRPF

We have decided to conduct Class 10th & Class 12th CBSE board exams from May 4. The exams will conclude by June 10, 2021. Results will be out by July 15. Schools will be allowed to conduct Practical/Project/Internal Assessment of Class 10th & Class 12th from March 1, 2021 to last date of conduct of theory examination of these classes. Date sheet of both Class 10th & 12th will be issued soon: Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal

Magnitude 3.1 earthquake hit Chandel area in Manipur at 5:21 pm today, says National Centre for Seismology.

Pakistan violated ceasefire by firing with small arms & shelling with mortars along LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir at about 3:15 pm today.

Ram Singh, an employee of Halwara Air Force, has been booked and arrested for allegedly working for Pakistan intelligence agency ISI, in Sudhar area of Ludhiana, Punjab. Two of his associates are on the run: Ludhiana Rural SSP Charanjit Singh Sohal

Colonel Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar (Retd), the officer who helped Indian Army secure the Siachen glacier passed away at Army Research and Referral (R&R) hospital in Delhi today. Kumar, 87, was suffering from several age-related ailments.

Schools will reopen on January 4 in Puducherry and Karaikal regions for the conduct of regular classes for students of standards I to XII to be conducted in forenoon sessions from 10 am to 1 pm on all 6 days. 

Delhi High Court stays the Centre's notice issued to renowned Kathak artist Pandit Birju Maharaj, to vacate government accommodation allotted to him by December 31. 

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of AIIMS Rajkot via video conferencing on Thursday. Here are the highlights from his address:

• The number of new cases of COVID-19 infection in the country are decreasing now. We are preparing to run the world's largest vaccination program in the next year. 
• India has emerged as the nerve center of global health. In the year 2021, we have to strengthen India's role in healthcare. 
• The number of new cases of COVID-19 infection in the country are decreasing now. We are preparing to run the world's largest vaccination program in the next year. 
• 'Swasthya hi sampada hai', the year 2020 has taught us this well. It has been a year full of challenges.
• Earlier, I said, 'Dawai nahi toh dheelai nahi'. Now, I am saying 'Dawai bhi aur kadaai (caution) bhi'. Our mantra for the year 2021 is 'Dawai bhi aur kadaai bhi'.
• I appeal to the people of the country that fight against COVID-19 is the one against an unknown enemy. Be careful about such rumours and as responsible citizens refrain from forwarding messages on social media without checking.
• In our country, rumours spread quickly. Different people for their personal gains or due to irresponsible behaviour spread various rumours. Maybe rumours will be spread when vaccination begins, some have already begun.

A total of 415 new COVID-19 cases, 316 discharges, and 3 deaths were reported in Telangana yesterday, says State Health Department.

• Total positive cases: 2,86,354
• Total recoveries: 2,78,839
• Active cases: 5,974
• Death toll: 1,541

A total of 25 cases of mutant United Kingdom virus detected in India after genome sequencing. Four new cases found by NIV, Pune, and one new case sequenced in IGIB, Delhi. All 25 persons are in physical isolation at health facilities. 

At least three civilians were wounded in an explosion that took place in the Chehel Sutoon area in Kabul's PD7 today. An explosion targeting a vehicle took place in the Chehel Sutoon area in Kabul's PD7, Afghanistan.

A large number of crows have died due to avian flu in the area around Radi in Jhalawar, Rajasthan. A Rapid Response Team has been constituted for sampling and probe. Samples to be collected from poultry farms and poultry shops in the area closed temporarily. 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved resolution against Centre's farm laws in the special Session of State Assembly.

Delhi Police Special Cell arrested gangster Sukh Bikriwal at the Delhi airport following his deportation from Dubai. 

India reports 21,821 new COVID-19 cases, 26,139 recoveries, and 299 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry

• Total cases: 1,02,66,674
• Active cases: 2,57,656     
• Total recoveries: 98,60,280     
• Death toll: 1,48,738

Night curfew to remain in place from 11 pm today to 6 am tomorrow. Section 144 to remain imposed prohibiting the gathering of 5 or more persons. No parties allowed in restaurants, pubs, bars, beaches, rooftops, and boats. Police will keep watch using drones. Mumbai Police Spokesperson S Chaitanya said people should not think that they can escape if they drink and drive just because breathalyzers are not being used in view of COVID. We can always collect blood samples and examine their alcohol content. Action will be taken against offenders.

Three people killed after seven vehicles including lorries and cars collided in the Kuthiran area of Thrissur, Kerala.