 "Bipin Rawat")
CDS Rawat, his wife, 11 others killed as IAF chopper crashes in Tamil Nadu
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other people on board an Indian Air Force helicopter died in a crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force said.
"Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today," it said.
"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident," the IAF tweeted. Read more.
Omicron reported in 57 countries, hospitalisations set to rise, says WHO
The Omicron variant has been reported in 57 nations and the number of patients needing hospitalisation is likely to rise as it spreads, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.
The WHO, in its weekly epidemiological report, said more data was needed to assess the severity of disease caused by the Omicron variant and whether its mutations might reduce protection from vaccine-derived immunity. Read more
Scholz elected by Germany's Parliament to take charge as Chancellor
Olaf Scholz was approved by Germany’s parliament to become chancellor, clearing the way for the Social Democrat to take charge amid a worsening pandemic crisis and a raft of geopolitical challenges including the standoff over Ukraine.
The vote in the Bundestag wasn’t in doubt because of his three-party coalition’s majority, and he’ll be sworn in later on Wednesday, ending Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure and becoming the country’s ninth chancellor since World War II. Read more
Telco bosses seek faster 5G rollout, bank support and end of litigation
Promoters of India’s top mobile service providers on Wednesday called for faster rollout of 5G, support from banks and an end to vexatious litigation.
The remarks came at the inaugural session of the Indian Mobile Congress which is being held in the backdrop of telecom sector reforms and amid industry preparations of 5G service next year. Read more
