Noting that Covid-19 cases are increasing in many countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to be cautious and take more precautions against the virus by following protocols like wearing masks and washing hands.

In the 96^th Edition of his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, Prime Minister Modi said: “At this time, many people are also in the mood for holidays. Enjoy these festivals a lot, but be a little cautious too. Corona is increasing in many countries of the world. So, we have to take more care of precautions like mask and hand washing. If we are careful, then we will also be safe and there will be no hindrance in our enjoyment.”

In the broadcast, Modi said the year 2022 has indeed been very inspiring and wonderful in many ways. “This year India completed 75 years of independence and this very year, Amrit Kaal commenced. This year the country gained a new momentum, all the countrymen performed one better than the other. The various successes of 2022, today, have created a special place for India all over the world,” said Modi.

Hailing the various achievements of the country during the year 2022, he said among the many successes during the year was India attaining the status of the world’s fifth largest economy.

The Prime Minister said the record of India surpassing the incredible figure of 220 crore vaccines was also among the various achievements of the country during the year 2022.

India crossed the magical exports figure of 400 billion dollars in 2022, said Modi. He also mentioned about the other achievements of the country during the year 2022.

“2022 meaning welcoming India’s first indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant, 2022 meaning India’s glory in Space, Drone and Defence Sector, 2022 meaning India’s might in every field. Even in the field of sports, be it the Commonwealth Games, or the victory of our women’s hockey team, our youth have shown tremendous potential,” he said.

In the broadcast, Modi also extended his greetings on the occasion of Christmas.

“Today the festival of Christmas is also being celebrated with great fervour all over the world. It is a day to remember the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. I wish you all a Merry Christmas,” he said.

In the broadcast, Modi remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary and said that he was a “great statesman” who gave the country exceptional leadership.

Modi also spoke about the challenge of ‘Kala-azar’ in his address.

The parasite of this disease is spread through the sting of the sand fly. When someone has Kala-azar, one has fever for months, there is anaemia, the body becomes weak and the weight also decreases. This disease can happen to anyone from children to elders. But with everyone’s efforts, this disease, named Kala-azar, is now getting eradicated rapidly, said Prime Minister Modi.

“Until recently, the scourge of Kala-azar had spread in more than 50 districts across four states. But now this disease is confined to only four districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. I am sure, the strength and awareness of the people of Bihar-Jharkhand will help the government’s efforts to eliminate ‘Kala-azar’ from these four districts as well,” he said.