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A day after the farmer unions gave an ultimatum to the government on the issue of MSP, Congress on Sunday questioned the government over the issue.

Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, “Why MSP law is not being passed? Why Minister in the Lakhimpur Kheri case not being dismissed? Why farmers union not being called for the meeting? Withdrawal of black farm laws turning into mere election stunt. Will 19 Nov 2021 day, when farm laws were withdrawn, will turn into ‘Dhokha Diwas’?”

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across India with the country reporting 2,71,202 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours- just 20 days into the third wave of Coronavirus which started on December 27 last year. Several state governments are trying to brace against the deadly virus by imposing various restrictions like shutting down schools and colleges, night curfews, and weekend lockdown.

Amid the increasing cases, speculations have been floating around whether a nationwide lockdown will be imposed across the country or not. Here's an expert opinion.

Dr. PN Arora, MD, Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad, in a conversation with media explained although due to Omicron, the number of coronavirus patients in the country has increased significantly, but so far it has not been proved to be fatal like the delta variant.

The Covid-19 situation of the country provides a mixed picture with the surge stabilising in metro cities, while the districts continue to see a spike in the number of infections. Delhi, Mumbai daily cases further dipped on Saturday. Kolkata too recorded a slight decrease in the number of daily cases.

Delhi on Saturday reported 20,718 fresh infections though the positivity rate stood at 30.64%. The number of tests being conducted in 24 hours has been decreasing in the past few days. Health minister Satyendar Jain said cases are going to be fewer in the coming days. A report studying the Omicron spread in Delhi said Omicron has been spreading in the community, starting from December.

Maharashtra on Saturday reported 42,462 fresh infections and 23 deaths. Mumbai reported 10.662 fresh infections. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said that as of now no new restrictions will be brought in but a decision will be taken next week depending upon the scenario. He said the cases have been rising because of the irresponsible behaviour of people.

In a bid to promote electric vehicles in the country, the Government on Friday revised its Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV) guidelines and allowed any individual or entity to set up Public Charging Stations (PCS) without a license.

The Public Charging Stations, however, have to meet all the technical, safety as well as performance standards and protocols laid down under the guidelines as well as the norms and specifications laid down by the Ministry of Power, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The University Grants Commission has brought all the higher education institutions under one platform by amending the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) regulation.

From now on, all universities, colleges and autonomous educational institutions can take part in the ABC system irrespective of their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings.

Earlier, only educational institutions having A grade by NAAC or higher were eligible to join the ABC platform.

The Academic Bank of Credits system will help students to switch between institutions and programmes.