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.Happy New Year 2022: Why January 1 Is Celebrated As New Year's Day & What Were The Other Dates EarlierWhile 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.Happy New Year 2022: WhatsApp & Facebook Posts, Status, Messages, Wishes, Greetings, SMS For Loved OnesBut as it is said, New Year 2022 comes with lots of hope and zeal to work towards a bright upcoming future. READ | New Year's Eve At Home — Here Are Some Ways To Celebrate New Year Eve With Family

01/01/2022 00:03:03

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.

31/12/2021 23:49:07

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.

31/12/2021 23:45:29

Thailand Welcomes New Year With Fireworks Display

Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand.

31/12/2021 23:10:14

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.

31/12/2021 22:56:10

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.

31/12/2021 22:50:17

Over 2 Million Orders, Still To Go: Zomato Tweets Ahead Of New Year

Online food delivery platform Zomato has said it has received over 2 million orders on New Year's eve. "2,000,000+ orders. 3 hours still to go. Grateful to be a part of your New Year celebration. Love you, India!" Zomato tweeted on Friday.

31/12/2021 22:21:52

Thousands Of Tourists Vacated From Ridge in Shimla Amid Omicron Scare

Shimla authorities evacuated tourists and local people gathered at the Ridge maidan on Friday evening amid fears of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Shimla Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi said thousands of people had gathered on the Ridge maidan on the eve of the new year. About the presence of a bomb disposal squad on the Ridge, Negi said the squad along with fire tenders were deployed as a precautionary measure, PTI reported.

31/12/2021 21:46:46

Laser Show At Bandra-Worli Sea Link In Mumbai | WATCH

A light and laser show at Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on eve of New Year thrilled residents on Friday evening. Earlier in the day, Mumbai Police banned people from going to any public places from 5 pm to 5 am till January 15. These include beaches, open grounds, gardens, sea faces, promenades, parks, or any other such public venues.

31/12/2021 21:11:06

President Ram Nath Kovind Extends New Year Greetings To People

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday extended his greetings to all fellow citizens for New Year 2022 and urged the people to resolve to usher in progress in society and country. "On the joyous occasion of the New Year 2022, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all our fellow countrymen, living in India and abroad," he said.

"May the new dawn of the New Year reinvigorate the spirit of peace, prosperity and fraternity in our lives. Let us resolve to bring in the new year with endeavour to usher in progress in our society and country," he said.

31/12/2021 20:37:19

London's Big Ben Tested Ahead Of NY Celebrations

London's iconic Big Ben was tested ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations.

31/12/2021 20:34:46

BSF Jawans Celebrate In J&K Ahead Of New Year

BSF jawans celebrate on the eve of NewYear in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. They were seen singing and dancing with fellow jawans to the song 'Bolo Ta Ra Ra' by Daler Mehndi.

31/12/2021 19:58:30

'Stay indoors': Arvind Kejriwal's Message Ahead Of New Year

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal greeted people on the New Year Eve on Friday, urging them to stay indoors and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

"Covid-19 cases are on the rise again in Delhi. Your government is taking all necessary steps to curb the spread. I am personally looking after the preparations and am very concerned about every resident," Kejriwal said in his New Year message.

"Please do not go out of the house unnecessarily, wear a mask, and get your vaccine doses on time," Kejriwal said and wished hope and happiness for the people of the country in 2022.

31/12/2021 18:40:35

Australia Rings In New Year With Fireworks At Sydney Harbour

Australia rings in new year 2022 with spectacular fireworks at Sydney Harbour. The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has caused many firework displays to be cancelled in Australia, including one in Melbourne that would have involved more than 350 drones, The Guardian reported.

31/12/2021 18:03:02

Sun Sets For The Last Time In Puri, Mumbai | Watch

As the sun sets for the last time in the year 2021, here are some visuals from Puri in Odisha and Marine Drive in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

31/12/2021 17:54:57

Last Sunset Of The Year From Delhi's Yamuna Bank

Here is a video of the last sunset of the year 2021 from Delhi's Yamuna Bank. If you want to have a New Year's party today and plan to hang out or party with family and friends, you must remember these Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Delhi government. Night curfew is in force from 10 pm to 5 am; metro trains will run at 50 per cent capacity; malls will be open from 10 am to 8 pm.

31/12/2021 17:45:29

Anand Mahindra Shares His Favourite Photo Of The Year

As India gears up to welcome 2022, industrialist Anand Mahindra shared his favourite photo of the year.

31/12/2021 16:33:17

Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: New Zealand's Auckland Welcomes 2022 With Fireworks

New Zealand's Auckland becomes the first city to welcome New Year 2022. Fireworks lit up the night sky in Auckland.

31/12/2021 14:13:56

Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: Saina Nehwal Wishes Everyone On New Year

Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal has greeted the world and her fans on New Year.  

31/12/2021 14:06:29

Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: India To Welcome 2022 Cautiously

Happy New Year 2022 LIVE: India is witnessing a rise in omicron cases above marginal basis. As lessons from the second wave have not fainted, many states have introduced strict guidelines or prohibitory orders regarding gathering on New Year's Eve.

Mumbai Police has imposed sec 144 in the city disallowing any gathering of five or more people. No celebrations of any kind can be done in mass gatherings in indoor or outdoor venues.

Mumbai police ask people not to visit beaches, open grounds, sea faces, promenades, gardens, parks and similar public places between 5 pm to 5 am daily till January 15.

Night curfew guidelines have been issued in at least 10 states.