Breaking News Dec 8 Highlights | Omicron variant reported in 57 nations, expect number to continue growing: WHO

"In #SouthAfrica, the number of Omicron cases is increasing quickly. However, Omicron was detected when transmission of Delta was very low, so it had little competition"-@DrTedros

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 8, 2021

Cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife is being planned to be done on Friday in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the national capital in a military plane by Thursday evening.

The bodies will be brought to his house on Friday and people would be allowed to pay last respect from 11 am to 2 pm. After that, his funeral procession will start from Kamraj Marg to Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.

General Rawat has two daughters. His younger sister and brother would also be there for the last rites. (With inputs from Manjeet Negi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Narendra Modi are holding a meeting over farmers protest. Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomer is also present at the meeting. (With inputs from Himanshu Mishra)

The US Embassy has extended its deepest condolences to the family of CDS General Bipin Rawat and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

"As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defense cooperation with the US military. In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on," an official statement said. (With inputs from Indrajit Kundu)

General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other military personnel in the IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonor on Wednesday.

"General Bipin Rawat, India's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far-reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations," Indian Army said in a statement.

It added, "Mrs Madhulika Rawat, also the former President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone." (With inputs from Shiv Aroor)

The mortal remains of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife along with those of the other 11 persons killed in the IAF crash on Wednesday is expected to arrive in Delhi by Thursday evening. (With inputs from Manjeet Negi)

On Tuesday, the central government had sent a detailed draft to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) addressing the farmers' pending issues.

Four bodies have been recovered so far in the chopper crash incident in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, local administration said. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat was onboard the chopper.

Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his staff and some family members were in the Mi-series chopper that crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu. A search-and-rescue operation has been launched from nearby bases, said sources. According to sources, 9 people were onboard the chopper.

A twin-engine Indian Air Force helicopter has crashed in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat was on board the chopper. Three persons have been rescued so far. The three (identities not confirmed yet) are seriously injured and have been sent to Wellington Cantt Hospital. Poor weather is believed to have led to the accident. Rawat was attending a lecture in Ooty. His wife and a Brigadier-rank officer were with him, according to sources.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has promised tax discounts to women in the party's 'women's manifesto'. She also promised 40% reservation in govt jobs and 25% reservation in state police recruitment.

The air version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from Sukhoi 30 MK-I off the Odisha coast.

SDPI workers are staging agitation in Kerala's Peringathoor after a raid on the premises of an activist of the organisation, Shafeek, by the Enforcement Directorate.

A purported terrorist, Tajamul, has been arrested in Srinagar who was allegedly involved in the killing of a policeman. Tajamul is from Pulwama and was an employee in the power development department.

At least 40 high-end cars were destroyed in a massive fire that broke out in a BMW showroom-cum-godown in the Turbhe MIDC area of Navi Mumbai, a fire brigade official said on Wednesday. No casualty was reported.