Morning Digest | China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%; evacuees from ‘sinking’ Joshimath await pre-fabricated houses, and more

Here’s a select list of stories to read before you start your day

Evacuees from ‘sinking’ Joshimath await pre-fabricated houses

Over three weeks after NTPC Limited was ordered to construct 2000 temporary, pre-fabricated houses to rehabilitate the evacuated residents of Joshimath – the Himalayan pilgrim town which has been sinking – the power corporation has yet to take any action, a senior government official told The Hindu.

74th Republic Day parade | Strong and steady down Kartavya Path

As India woke up to celebrate its 74th Republic Day, thousands turned up on the newly-renovated and renamed Kartavya Path in New Delhi on a cold and cloudy winter morning to witness the Republic Day parade on Thursday. The parade that always has something for each one did not disappoint this year’s gathering, a mix of men and women, senior citizens and children, students and working professionals, and vendors and daily wagers.

Centre sets up multi-agency group to check drug smuggling via sea routes

The Central government has set up a committee comprising senior representatives of multiple probe agencies to review the checking mechanisms at all ports and plug the loopholes to prevent smuggling of drugs into the country primarily via maritime routes. It is learnt that officials of the agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Navy and Indian Coast Guard have been roped in. Some agencies have already submitted their observations and recommendations.

China says Covid deaths down by nearly 80%