Fireworks In The Sky, Silence On The Roads: India Rings In 2022 Amid Omicron Scare
Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: Follow this page for all the LIVE updates from around the world and India on New Year's Eve, New Year 2022 celebrations.
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Happy New Year 2022 LIVE Updates: With prohibitory orders in place in several states due to a rise in Covid-19 cases spurred by the Omicron variant, India ushered in the new year with muted celebrations as most streets wore a deserted look. There were no crowds at the iconic Gateway of India, a favourite spot of many Mumbaikars to bring in a new year, and Delhi's Connaught Place.
More than 1,200 Omicron cases have been detected across 23 states and UTs so far, according to the Union health ministry data.
Auckland became the first city to welcome the new year as fireworks lit up the night sky in the New Zealand city. Spectacular fireworks were also on display at Sydney Harbour in Australia. Follow this page for all the LIVE updates from around the world and India on New Year's Eve, New Year 2022 celebrations.
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While in one perspective it can only be about a change in date or changing months but for some, it signifies hope to start a new chapter.
Even though the year 2021 started with hope, with several vaccines being rolled out to around 60 percent of the world's population, the emergence of the Omicron variant dampened the spirits ahead of New Year. The number of daily new Covid-19 cases went past one million for the first time, AFP reported.
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But as it is said, New Year 2022 comes with lots of hope and zeal to work towards a bright upcoming future.
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Muted Celebrations As India Ushers In New Year Amid Omicron Scare
With prohibitory orders in place in several states due to a rise in Covid-19 cases spurred by the Omicron variant, India ushered in the new year with muted celebrations as most streets wore a deserted look. There were no crowds at the iconic Gateway of India, a favourite spot of many Mumbaikars to bring in a new year, and Delhi's Connaught Place. More than 1,200 Omicron cases have been detected across 23 states and UTs so far, according to the Union health ministry data.
Putin Hails Strength Of Russians Amid Covid, Wishes Happier New Year
In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin wished citizens a happy near year ahead and hailed their solidarity and strength in the face of tough challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, reported ABC News. Putin said the nation faced "colossal challenges but has learned to live in those harsh conditions and solve difficult tasks thanks to our solidarity".
"We have continued to battle the dangerous pandemic that has engulfed all continents and isn't retreating yet. The treacherous disease has claimed tens of thousands of lives. I would like to express words of sincere support to all those who lost their dear ones," Putin said.
Thailand Welcomes New Year With Fireworks Display
Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand.
Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during the New Year celebrations, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bangkok, Thailand, January 1, 2022. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun pic.twitter.com/LNXjxV5NsO
— soe zeya tun (@soezeya) December 31, 2021
Parliament Building Lit Up On New Year's Eve
The Parliament building, North Block, South Block were illuminated on the eve of New Year 2022. Have a look at some of the images.
Delhi: North Block, South Block, and Parliament building illuminated on the eve of #NewYear2022 pic.twitter.com/6qBZpkj0pD
— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2021
South Africa Lifts Curfew Ahead Of New Year
South Africa -- the first country to report Omicron back in November -- lifted a curfew late on Thursday to allow festivities to go ahead. Health officials said that a dip in infections in the past week indicated the peak of the current wave had passed without a significant increase in deaths, AFP reported.
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