Take proactive action against spreading of Omicron virus, Centre to states

Health and Family Welfare Ministry has said that Covid variant Omicron is three times more transmissible than the Delta variant. Centre has advised the States and Union Territories to activate the War rooms and keep taking proactive action at the district or local level. In a letter written by Health and Family Welfare Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to States and Union Territories today, Covid variant Delta is still present in different parts of the country. He said, greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict and prompt containment action is required at the local and district level. States have been advised that there should be constant review of emerging data regarding the population affected by COVID-19 and its geographical spread. He said, hospital infrastructure and its utilization, manpower, notifying Containment Zones, enforcement of perimeter of containment zones should also be reviewed. 

-President Ramnath Kovind on Tuesday observed that the most outstanding feature of the New Education Policy is that it aims to promote both inclusion and excellence. Delivering the fifth Convocation address at the Central University of Kerala at Periya in Kasaragod this evening, he noted that the policy through its varied curricula, promotes liberal and professional education. He said the NEP can become instrumental for the country to harness and reap its demographic dividend. Referring to the union government recommending Nilambur and Thrissur towns of Kerala for being listed in the UNESCO's Global Network of Learning, the President said it will ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. He lauded the empowerment of girls through education in different parts of the country and hoped that India will become a knowledge power with rich contribution of her daughters. The President conferred degrees and diplomas to 742 students on the occasion.

-In Maharashtra, Leader of the opposition in Legislative Assembly, Devendra Fadnavis has said that BJP and its alliance partners  boycotted  Tuesday's customary tea party hosted by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on the eve of the Winter Session of the State Legislature.The Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature will begin from Wednesday in Mumbai. Normally, the winter session is held in Nagpur, whereas, the Budget and Monsoon session of the state legislature is held in Mumbai. Addressing a press conference ahead of the week-long session of the state legislature in Mumbai, Fadnavis launched a scathing attack against the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and questioned that when Parliament session can go on for longer durations, then why is the state government curtailing its session time and again.He said the election for the new Speaker of the legislative assembly is expected to be held in the ensuing session. He, however, ruled that this particular election will be held at a time when twelve MLAs of BJP are under suspension for a period of one year. It is to be mentioned that 12 BJP MLAs were suspended on 5th of July this year during the monsoon session of the legislature through a resolution over their unruly behavior in the House.The senior BJP leader said that the ruling dispensation does not trust its own MLAs and fears that they would jump ship, as a reason they have suspended 12 MLAs of the BJP.

-In Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh officially launched IT Enable Mega Convergence of Health-Nutrition-Education at Imphal on Tuesday. Chief Minister also announced that the honorariums of ASHAs and Anganwadi Workers would be increased by rupees one thousand while the honorarium of Anganwadi Helpers would be increased by rupees five hundred. Moreover, they would be covered under CHMT scheme, a cashless treatment scheme of the State government. Shri Biren said that ASHAs, Aganwadi Workers, and Helpers took a selfless sacrifice role during the crucial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Minister also launched the ‘Integrated Education Management System’ and Digital Learning Platform for the education sector and e-ASHA for the health sector. N. Biren Singh also distributed tablets and smartphones to students and ASHA workers.

-In Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Mukhyamantri Vayu Swasthya Seva (air ambulance Service) in Bhubaneswar to provide health services to people of remote and backward areas of the State. In the first phase, the free service will be available for people of four districts Malkangir, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Nuapada.Specialist doctors will be flown to the district headquarters hospital to the patients. Launching the initiative, the Chief Minister Patnaik said the scheme will benefit people from weaker sections of the society and bridge the gap in healthcare services. Chief Minister Patnaik also inaugurated Odisha's longest bridge over the Mahanadi river at Gopinathpur in Cuttack district. The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 111 crore will benefit over 5 lakh people and contribute to the development of tourism, agriculture and commerce in the regio