LIVE! BMC floats global tender for 1 cr vaccine doses

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Wed, 12 May 2021

BMC floats global tender for 1 cr vaccine doses

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23:45 Maha's daily COVID growth rate is half of national average: Tope

Maharashtra's per day COVID-19 growth rate is 0.8 per cent, which is half of the country's average of 1.4 per cent, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday.

He said that out of 36 states, Maharashtra is at the 30th position in terms of the growth of coronavirus infection.

"Maharashtra's COVID-19 growth rate is merely half of the country's daily growth rate. The state's per day growth rate is 0.8 per cent as against the country's rate of 1.4 per

cent. The state is carrying out around two lakh tests on a daily basis while per million testing is around 2.50 lakh. It is a very good sign for us," he said.

Tope, however, cautioned by saying, "The strict measures under the 'Break the Chain' directives introduced by the Maharashtra government have definitely brought down the number of COVID-19 cases, but the curve is not stable yet. There are some 12-15 districts in the state that have shown a decline in COVID-19 cases," he said.

-- PTI

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said if the Union government had started door-to-door vaccination programme for senior citizens a few months back, then lives of many of them, including prominent persons, could have been saved.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni asked the Union government why not pro-actively start this programme when the lives of senior citizens, who are unable to go to vaccination centres to get inoculated, are concerned.

The bench was hearing a public interest litigation filed by two lawyers -- Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari -- seeking door-to-door vaccination facility for senior citizens above the age of 75, specially-abled persons and those who are bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound.

The court reiterated its earlier order of April 22 in which it asked the Union government to relook at its decision to not initiate a door-to-door vaccination programme.

"It has been three weeks and the government (Union) is yet to inform us of its decision. The government should have taken a decision one way or the other," the court said.

-- PTI

In view of the shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation floated a global expression of interest for procurement of one crore doses to expedite the vaccination process, a civic official said.

The interested parties will have to submit their expression of interest before 1 pm on May 18 and they will be opened on the same day at 3 pm, the official said.

Due to the shortage of vaccines, the vaccination drive in the city has been badly hit since the last one month. The civic body was even forced to suspend the drive for a few days and keep many of the nearly 175 centres shut from the last few days due to unavailability of doses.

The official said that the company will have to supply all the vaccines within three weeks from the day work order is issued.

COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, their Indian partners, wholesalers of manufacturers, authorised distributors of manufacturers can participate in the tendering process, the EoI said.

"The applicant should not belong to the countries sharing borders with India," the tender reads.

-- PTI

22:41 Govt bans photography at Central Vista site

Amid criticism over the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, the Central Public Works Department has prohibited photography and video recording at the construction site near India Gate.

Sign boards have come up at the redevelopment site of the Central Vista Avenue, which read: 'No photography', 'No video recording'.

An official in the CPWD, which is executing the project, did not comment on this when contacted.

The government has been facing criticism from the opposition for executing the Central Vista Redevelopment Project amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

The redevelopment of the Central Vista, the nation's power corridor, envisages a new Parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the 3-km Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, new Prime Minister's residence and office, and a new Vice President Enclave.

Last week, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri had attacked the Congress for criticising the government over the project, saying the party's discourse is "bizarre" as its leaders themselves had supported the idea when the UPA was in power.

-- PTI

It is important to hold the government responsible for what is happening in the country in the wake of the second Covid wave, actor Anupam Kher said on Wednesday while asserting that public criticism towards authorities is "valid in lots of cases".

The veteran actor, who is often viewed as being close to the Narendra Modi-led government, added that it was time for the government to understand that there's more to life than image building.

In an interview to NDTV, the former Film and Television Institute of India chairperson also said that while the government has "slipped" somewhere in its management of the health crisis, it was wrong for another political party to use the lapses to its advantage.

Asked if the efforts of the government should have been more in providing relief right now than managing their own image and perception, the National Award-winning actor said it is important for the government to rise to the occasion and do things for the people who elected them.

"I think the criticism is valid in lots of cases... Only an inhuman person will not get affected by the bodies floating (in the rivers)," Kher said in a reference to the scores of bodies found floating in the Ganga and other rivers, leading to suspicion that they might be those of COVID-19 patients.

"But for another political party to use it for their gain, I think that is also not right. I think we should, as people, get angry. It is important to hold the government responsible for what's happening. Somewhere they have slipped. It is time for them to understand that there is much more to life than just image building maybe," he added.

The Shimla-born actor said the people are facing a tough time today after having taken "undue advantage of Mother Nature".

"There are problems, pain, anger, frustration, that's obvious... Lot of people say 'You are always so optimistic', but I say there's no other way out for me. Our lives haven't been smooth sailing. It is just that this situation has happened on a world level," Kher said.

Terming the state of affairs in the country a "war-like" situation, the actor said people have the right to complain, get angry, and feel helpless, but it should not hold back on being compassionate towards fellow citizens.

"How can you console someone who has lost a family member due to shortage of oxygen, medical facilities or beds? You can't. But that does not stop life... I lost a friend to corona. I'm still doing my job."

-- PTI

The supply of oxygen is now more than three times of what it was during the peak of the first COVID-19 wave, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday, noting that production of all drugs, including Remdesivir, has been ramped up significantly in the last few weeks as India battles the nationwide surge in infections.

At a high-level meeting which Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired to review the availability and supply of oxygen and medicines, it was noted that states are being provided medicines in good quantities with the Centre in regular touch with the manufacturers to enhance their production and extend all help needed.

The central government is actively monitoring the supply of drugs being used in the management of COVID as well mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection being reported at some places.

Modi said India has a very vibrant pharma sector and the government's continued close coordination with them will ensure proper availability of all medicines.

The PMO said Modi was also briefed about the operations of oxygen rail and sorties by IAF planes besides the status of procurement of oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders as well as the status of plants being installed across the country to produce the life-saving gas.

Amid reports of ventilators lying unused in some states with local authorities blaming quality issues in a few cases, Modi said states should be asked to operationalise them in a time-bound manner and resolve technical and training matters with the help of manufacturers.

-- PTI

Actor Rajev Paul of "Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii" fame, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus last week, on Wednesday said he was hospitalised after his health showed no signs of improvement.

The 50-year-old actor tested positive for the virus on May 7 and was under home quarantine.

Paul, who features on the popular TV show "Sasural Simar Ka 2", is undergoing treatment at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital here.

"Before things go out of hands...or when things go out of hands...it's better to put them in capable hands. My fever wasn't coming down...so had to get myself admitted to #Kokilaben #AmbaniHospital at Andheri. Here in the hands of very capable doctors and management," he captioned the post.

The former "Bigg Boss" contestant thanked actor-director Satish Kaushik for convincing him to get hospitalised.

"Started with #remdesivir and other #medicines Right decision at right time happens coz you have right people in your life (sic)" he added.

The actor thanked his family and fans for their support, and urged everyone to pray for those who are unwell around the world.

-- PTI

The abrupt transfer of the Army General who heads Delhi's Army Base Hospital has sparked speculation and raised eyebrows about why such a change of guard has been necessary at such a crucial time in the Covid fight.

Major General Vasu Vardhan, Commandant of the Army Base Hospital, who is said to have only a few months to go before retirement, has been moved out and appointed 'Additional Officer' at the Army Research & Referral hospital in Delhi.

The sudden changeover was ordered on May 10 via a postings notification. The notification also announced the outgoing Commandant's immediate replacement -- Major General SK Singh, who was the Deputy Commandant at the Army Medical Corps Centre & College in Lucknow.

Major General Singh takes charge of the Army's Base Hospital as it accelerates its processes to battle the Covid crisis and other requirements of the large ex-servicemen community in Delhi-NCR.

Read full HERE

20:41 Maha: Covid vaccination for 18-44 group halted

Maharashtra has temporarily halted Covid vaccination for those in the age-group of 18-44 years amid a shortage in vaccines. The state government has decided to divert its current stock to those whose second dose is pending at present.

The state government currently has 7 lakh doses of Covishield and 3 lakh doses of Covaxin.

Serum Institute of India has promised to provide the state with 1.5 crore Covishield doses after May 20.

20:15 Vijayan expected to assume power on May 20

The new LDF ministry, headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is expected to assume power on May 20.

An indication in this regard was given by the chief minister at a press conference on Wednesday.

Responding to a query, Vijayan said the plan is to take oath on May 20.

"Things are moving in that direction. The matter has to be discussed in the meeting of the Left Democratic Front," he said.

When asked if the swearing-in date was decided after consulting an astrologer, Vijayan quipped, "are you saying that I am a believer in astrology.You people tend to see in both ways."

The CPI(M)-led-LDF, led by Vijayan, recorded a thumping win over opposition UDF in the keenly fought April 6 assembly polls, bucking an over four-decade-old trend of power alternating between two fronts.

While the LDF won 99 of the total of 140 seats, the Congress-led UDF could win only 41. The BJP, which had won one seat in the previous assembly polls, drew a blank.

-- PTI

19:49 Mumbai sees another 2,116 Covid cases in 1 day

Mumbai recorded at 2,116 new Covid cases, while 66 patients succumbed to the infection, the city civic body said.

For the 11th day in a row, Mumbai's daily COVID-19 case count remained below the 4,000-mark though the number of fatalities has fluctuated between 62 and 90 during the period.

According to the BMC, 33,499 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

As per the BMC, the city's average growth rate of COVID-19 cases for the period May 5 and May 11 was 0.38 per cent, while the case doubling rate was 176 days.

Maharashtra lockdown likely to be extended till May 31, says Maharashtra Health minister Rajesh Tope after cabinet meet.

Officials say that even though Covid-19 cases in many districts, including Mumbai and Pune city are showing a decline, daily cases in the state have plateaued, but are not decreasing.

Twelve major opposition parties have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that the Centre take immediate action to check the spread of Covid in the country which they called an "apocalyptic human tragedy". The eight measures they suggested included free vaccines, a stop to the work on the Central Vista project, repeal of farm laws.

The list of do-s they sent included:

Dear PM: Major Opposition Parties Send Joint Letter With 8 Points

New Delhi: Twelve major opposition parties have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that the Centre take immediate action to check the spread of Covid in the country which they called an "apocalyptic human tragedy". The eight measures they suggested included free vaccines, a stop to the work on the Central Vista project, repeal of farm laws.

"We have repeatedly in the past drawn your attention, independently and jointly, to the various measures that are absolutely imperative for the Central government to undertake and implement. Unfortunately, your government has either ignored or refused all these suggestions. This only compounded the situation to reach such an apocalyptic human tragedy," the letter read.

The list of dos they sent included:

* Central procurement of vaccines from all available sources - global and domestic.

* Immediate free, universal mass vaccination campaign

* Compulsory licensing to expand domestic vaccine production

* Spending the ₹ 35,000 crore budgetary allocation for vaccines

* Stopping the Central Vista construction and using the money for oxygen and vaccines

* Releasing all money held in the "unaccounted private trust fund", PMCares to buy vaccines, oxygen and medical equipment

* ₹ 6000 per month for the unemployed

* Free distribution of foodgrain to the needy

* Repeal of farm laws to protect farmers falling victim to Covid

The letter was signed by representatives of all key political parties except Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party.

18:53 No Covaxin for 18-44 from tomorrow in Delhi

AAP leader Atishi on Wednesday said Delhi received 2.67 lakh more doses of Covishield vaccine on May 11, but it has completely run out of Covaxin.

She said some Covaxin centres for the 18-44 age group have been temporarily shut from Wednesday.

"Around 16,000 Covaxin doses, which were available in the morning, were administered at 44 centres. These centres will also be shut after Wednesday evening," the AAP MLA said.

Atishi hoped that the central government would intervene and make Covaxin doses available for the 18-44 age category.

"Soon it will be time to give the second dose of Covaxin to beneficiaries in this category," she added.

The AAP leader said the national capital received 2.67 lakh more doses of Covishield on Tuesday evening.

There are 4.18 lakh Covishield doses left for people in the 18-44 age group. These can last up to nine days, she added.

"However, there will be no Covaxin doses left for the 18-44 age group after Wednesday evening and all such centres will be temporarily shut," she said.

-- PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her government is ready to provide land and all the required support for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee also called for liberal and proactive import of vaccines.

"Production of vaccines in the country is extremely inadequate... Globally, there are many manufacturers now... it is possible to identify the reputed and authentic manufacturers and speedily import vaccines from them from different parts of the world," she said.

"Liberal, proactive and discerning import of vaccination is the paramount need today," the chief minister added.

Banerjee said world players could also be encouraged to open up franchise operations in India.

"We, in West Bengal, are ready to provide land and support for any manufacturing/franchisee operation for authentic vaccine manufacturing," the TMC boss said in the letter to Modi.

-- PTI

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday commented on a video from Gujarat's Ahmedabad which shows a group of men covering their bodies with cow dung and urine in the hope that it will boost their immunity against the coronavirus disease.

Yadav attached the video shot by news agency Reuters in his tweet, and added a jibe.

"Should we laugh about it or cry," Yadav said in his tweet.

Many doctors have warned against using cow dung to ward off Covid-19 by confirming that its properties do not give any protection against the viral infection, and could cause other infections like black fungus or mucormycosis, which can be fatal.

In the video shared by the Samajwadi Party leader, a small group of people in a cow shelter run by Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Vishwavidya Prathisthanam vouch for cow-dung therapy, believing that it increases immunity against Covid-19.

The shelter houses over 200 cows. For the last one month, around 15 people visit it every Sunday to apply cow dung and cow urine on the body. It is then washed off with cow milk, news agency PTI reported quoting the SGVP official.

Doctors, however, do not vouch for its efficacy.

READ: 'Humbug': Doctors warn against cow dung as Covid cure

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked how long will Indians continue to bear the cruelty of the Centre as the basic problems arising out of the COVID-19 crisis are yet to be resolved.

He also alleged that those who are accountable during the pandemic are hiding somewhere.

"Sad news is coming again and again. The basic problems have not yet been resolved. How long will our fellow citizens bear the cruelty of the central government in this pandemic? Those who are accountable are hiding somewhere," the former Congress chief said in a tweet in Hindi.

In another tweet, he said giving false comfort to the health workers, who have lost their loved ones, is like making fun of them.

"Giving false comfort of positive thinking is making fun of the health workers and their families who have lost their loved ones and are facing oxygen-hospital-drug shortages.

"Putting one's head in the sand is not positivity, but cheating fellow citizens," he said.

Gandhi also lauded the role of nurses on International Nurses Day and expressed his admiration for their altruistic spirit.

"My wishes to those who are nursing away pain and suffering from this world. We salute your contribution and admire your altruistic spirit. Thank you, Nurses," he said in yet another tweet.

-- PTI

17:41 'If Delhi opened tomorrow, it'll be disaster'

The head of the main health agency responding to the coronavirus has said districts reporting a high number of infections should remain locked down for another six to eight weeks to control the spread of the rampaging disease.

Dr Balram Bhargava, head of the Indian Council of Medical Research, said in an interview that lockdown restrictions should remain in place in all districts where the rate of infection is above 10 per cent of those tested.

Currently, three-fourths of India's 718 districts have what is known as a test-positivity rate above 10 per cent, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Dr Bhargava's comments are the first time a senior government official has outlined how long lockdowns, which already encompass large parts of country, need to continue to rein in the crisis in India.

"The high positivity districts should remain (shut). If they come to 5 per cent from 10 per cent(positivity rate) we can open them, but that has to happen. That won't happen in six-eight weeks, clearly," Dr Bhargava said.

Referring to the capital, one of India's hardest hit cities where the positivity rate reached around 35 per cent but has now fallen to about 17 per cent, Dr Bhargava said: "If Delhi is opened tomorrow, it will be a disaster."

17:22 Wednesday's losers and gainers in Sensex pack

The BSE Sensex spiralled lower for the second straight session on Wednesday, weighed by heavy selling in banking and finance stocks, as global equities extended their losses on concerns that soaring commodity prices will trigger earlier-than-expected rate hikes.

The 30-share BSE benchmark slumped 471.01 points or 0.96 per cent to finish at 48,690.80.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty tumbled 154.25 points or 1.04 per cent to 14,696.50.

IndusInd Bank was the top laggard on the Sensex chart, shedding 3.35 per cent, followed by HUL, ONGC, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, M&M, UltraTech Cement and Tech Mahindra.

On the other hand, Titan, Maruti, PowerGrid, SBI, NTPC, Dr Reddy's and L&T managed to close in the green, climbing up to 1.31 per cent.

Supreme Court judge Justice DY Chandrachud has tested positive for Covid-19.

A staff member, too, has tested positive for the virus.

Even though the judge is recovering well, sources suggest that the bench headed by the judge will not assemble for the coming few days.

The matter regarding the Covid-19 crisis is being heard by a bench headed by Justice Chandrachud. The hearing was also scheduled to happen tomorrow.

In absence of the judge, the hearing is likely to be adjourned for another date.

16:33 300 deaths, 13,287 new Covid cases in Delhi

Delhi registered 13, 287 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, with 300 fatalities reported over the past 24 hours. The positivity rate has further dropped to 17.03 per cent.

The national positivity rate stands at 21 per cent.

Under lockdown till May 17, the city-sate crossed the grim milestone of 20,000 Covid deaths yesterday.

The national capital started registering a spike in cases and deaths towards the end of March in the second wave. By mid-April, the city was reporting over 300 deaths daily, which rose to 400 in May.

Earlier today, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia alleged that Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech has refused to supply doses to Delhi "under instructions" from the central government, accusing the centre of controlling the supply of Covid shots and of "vaccine mismanagement".

The Railways has delivered nearly 6,260 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen onboard 100 'Oxygen Express' trains since April 19 when it started its first such service, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The Railways delivered 800 tonnes of LMO to the nation on Tuesday, it said.

"One hundred Oxygen Expresses have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various states. It is the Indian Railways' endeavour to deliver as much LMO as possible in the shortest time possible to the requesting states. So far, nearly 6,260 tonnes of of LMO has been delivered in 396 tankers," the statement said.

Till now, 407 tonnes of oxygen has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 1,680 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 360 tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, 939 tonnes in Haryana, 123 tonnes in Telangana, 40 tonnes in Rajasthan, 120 tonnes in Karnataka, and more than 2,404 tonnes in Delhi, it said.

The first Oxygen Express train to Uttarakhand with 120 tonnes of the life-saving gas from Tatanagar in Jharkhand and the first such train to Pune carrying more than 50 tonnes of oxygen from Angul in Odisha reached their destinations on Tuesday night, the statement said.

More loaded Oxygen Express trains are expected to start their journeys on Wednesday night, it said.

-- PTI

16:05 Sensex tanks 471 pts; Nifty drops below 14,700

Extending its losses to the second session, equity benchmark Sensex slumped 471 points on Wednesday, dragged by selling in index majors ICICI Bank, HUL and Reliance Industries amid mixed cues from global markets.

The 30-share BSE index ended 471.01 points or 0.96 per cent lower at 48,690.80.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty tumbled 154.25 points or 1.04 per cent to 14,696.50.

IndusInd Bank was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding over 3 per cent, followed by HUL, ONGC, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, M&M and Tech Mahindra.

On the other hand, Titan, Maruti, PowerGrid, SBI and NTPC were among the gainers.

"Indian indices extended its losses due to concerns over hike in global interest rates and bond yield due to rising commodity prices and inflationary pressure," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

All major indices closed in the negative terrain including metals while PSU banks and media stocks managed to stay afloat. International commodity prices will have to stabilise to provide sustenance in the equity market, he added.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Shanghai and Hong Kong ended on a positive note, while Tokyo and Seoul were in the red.

Stock exchanges in Europe were trading on a mixed note in mid-session deals.

Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude was trading 0.50 per cent higher at USD 68.88 per barrel. -- PTI

With seven more bodies seen floating in the Ganga, the count of bodies found in this Uttar Pradesh district has reached 52, an official said on Wednesday.

The district administration is immediately performing the last rites of the deceased as there is a possibility that they had contracted COVID-19.

According to Ballia residents, at least 45 bodies were seen floating near the Ujiyar, Kulhadia and Bharauli ghats in the Narahi area on Tuesday evening.

Late on Tuesday night, seven more bodies were found, taking the total count of bodies to 52, an official said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, District Magistrate Aditi Singh had said some bodies in a decomposed condition were seen floating under the Ballia-Buxar bridge.

She said Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Sadar) Rajesh Yadav and Circle Officer Jagveer Singh Chauhan are probing the matter and the last rites of the deceased were performed with due respect.

"The last rites of the deceased were performed on Tuesday itself. We are trying to find out where did the bodies come from. Seeing the flow of the river, it seems that they came from Buxar and other parts of Bihar," Yadav told PTI on Wednesday.

Although Buxar is downstream to Ballia, there is a possibility that the bodies came from Buxar, he said.

"The distance between the Bharauli and Ujiyar ghats in the Narahi police station area of Ballia, and the ghat in Buxar is around one kilometre. The direction of wind over the river is towards Ballia," the SDM said.

A police official said the administration is immediately performing the last rites of the dead as there is a possibility that they were infected with the coronavirus. -- PTI

Eminent Assamese litterateur and journalist Homen Borgohain died in a hospital in Guwahati on Wednesday, following post-Covid complications, doctors said.

He was 89 and is survived by two sons. He has been separated from his wife Nirupama Borgohain, also a noted litterateur and journalist, for several years.

Borgohain was found to be Covid-positive on April 24 and admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, from where he was released on May 7 after testing negative.

He fell from the bed in his sleep Tuesday night and was rushed to a local hospital where he died at 6.58 am, doctors who attended on him said.

A prolific author and columnist, Borgohain received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1978 for his book Pita-Putra (Father and Son), which he returned in 2015 in protest against the rising religious and social intolerance in the country.

At the time of his death, he was the editor-in-chief of Assamese daily Niyomiya Barta.

Representational image

15:33 TN offers incentives for Covid medical workers

The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced incentives for medical professionals working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, for April, May and June, Rs 30,000 will be given to doctors, Rs 20,000 to nurses and Rs 15,000 to other workers. Rs 20,000 will also be given as incentives to PG students and trainee doctors.

Chief Minister MK Stalin also announced Rs 25 lakhs each as compensation for 43 frontline workers and families of government doctors who passed away while carrying out their duties during the pandemic.

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants, India has expressed deep concern at clashes and violence in Jerusalem's Temple Mount as well as over evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods and called on both sides to avoid changing the status-quo on the ground.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted that in the UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday on the escalation in East Jerusalem, he said that India is "deeply concerned at clashes & violence in Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount" and "equally concerned about evictions in Sheikh Jarrah & Silwan neighbourhoods."

He said India calls on both sides to avoid changing the status-quo on the ground. He added that the old city also houses Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya -- The Indian Hospice.

India also condemned rocket fire from Gaza, Tirumurti tweeted.

India also and urged restraint of all parties and to adhere to Security Council resolution 2334, which reaffirms that "the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace."

The resolution also "reiterates its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard."

Tirumurti stressed the need to immediately resume direct peace talks and commitment to a two-state solution.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed grave concern by the serious escalations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, including the latest escalation in Gaza, which add to the heightened tensions and violence in occupied East Jerusalem.

He said he is deeply saddened to learn of the increasingly large numbers of casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and of Israeli fatalities from rockets launched from Gaza.

"The Secretary-General's thoughts are with the families of the victims. Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint and calibrate their use of force. The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli population centres is unacceptable," a statement issued by his spokesperson said.

"This spiralling escalation must cease immediately. The United Nations is working with all relevant parties to de-escalate the situation urgently."

A 30-year-old Indian woman in Israel, Soumya Santosh, has been killed in a rocket attack by Palestinian militants from Gaza, according to officials.

Santosh, who hailed from Kerala's Idukki district, worked as a caregiver attending to an old woman at a house in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon.

Ashkelon, which borders the Gaza Strip, has come under a massive fire from the Palestinian militants.

At least 31 persons were killed in spiralling violence till 9 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday as Gaza-based militants fired hundreds of rockets on Israel since Monday evening.

Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes at Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in the coastal strip.

The Indian woman was said to be living in Israel for the last seven years. She has a nine-year-old son whom she had left with her husband in Kerala. -- PTI

14:56 Active Covid cases in India dip for 2nd day

India's total COVID-19 active cases dipped to 37,04,099 with a net decline of 11,122 cases in a span of 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

This is the second consecutive day that active cases have dipped, the ministry said.

The active caseload now comprises 15.87 per cent of the country's total infections,

Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Haryana, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh cumulatively account for 82.51 per cent of India's total active cases, the ministry said.

India's cumulative recoveries have surged to 1,93,82,642 with 3,55,338 people recuperating in a span of 24 hours.

New recoveries have outshone new daily cases for the second consecutive day, the ministry said.

It also said that Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana reported 71.22 per cent of the 3,48,421 new cases reported in a day.

Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 40,956. It is followed by Karnataka with 39,510 while Kerala reported 37,290 new case

The National Mortality Rate currently stands at 1.09 per cent, the ministry said.

A total of 4,205 deaths were reported in a span of 24 hours.

Ten states account for 73.17 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (793). Karnataka follows with 480 daily deaths.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 17.52 crore, the ministry said.

A total of 17,52,35,991 vaccine doses have been administered through 25,47,534 sessions, according to the provisional report till 7 am. -- PTI

A doctor couple in Mumbai is collecting medicines from those who have recovered from COVID-19 and providing them to the needy patients.

On May 1, Dr Marcus Ranney and his wife Dr Raina started Meds For More -- a citizen initiative to collect unused medicines from COVID-19 recovered patients.

"We started this initiative 10 days ago. We collect medicines from housing societies and provide them to those who can not afford them," Dr Marcus Ranney told ANI.

"The idea came when one of the family members of our staff got infected from Covid and they needed medication. As you know the medicines can be expensive. At that time there were a few people who had recovered from Covid, so we decided to take their medicines and donate them," said Dr Raina.

"After that, we took the help from 7-8 people of neighbouring buildings and set up a team and started this mission with the objective of helping those who can not go out to buy medicines or anyone who can't afford the Covid medicines," she added.

The couple has collected 20 kilograms of unused COVID-19 medicines from recovered patients in just 10 days.

These medicines will be donated to the primary health care centres in rural districts across India for the timely treatment of the underprivileged, who are infected COVID-19.

"We have now 100 buildings that are sending medicines to us. We are a team of eight people and of course, the volunteers in different buildings. Last week, we collected 20 kilograms of medicines, which have been packaged and given to our NGO partners," said Dr Marcus Ranney.

Meds for More collects all kinds of unused medicines such as antibiotics, Fabiflu, pain relief, steroids, inhalers, vitamins, antacids, among others, that are being used to treat COVID-19 patients. Additionally, they are also collecting basic medicinal equipment like pulse oximeters and thermometers.

With growing awareness about the initiative, residents from neighbouring buildings have started volunteering to collect medicines. -- ANI

''the sheer size of the India's population and the spread of the virus makes the catastrophe incomparable with any other country in the world.

'The government -- both at the federal as well as state level -- faltered. They failed to anticipate the second wave and they failed to act on expert advice on time.

'Now, everyone in the seat of power are trying to cover up. The reality is that the deadly attack of the new variant of coronavirus has completely overwhelmed the Modi government,' writes Sheela Bhatt in Gulf News, here.

The Assam government on Wednesday ordered to shut all offices, religious places and weekly markets for 15 days in urban and semi-urban areas of the state, besides banning the movement of people from 2 pm to 5 am in the wake of the rising COVID-19 cases.

Issuing a new set of guidelines for the urban and semi-urban places in the periphery of 5 km of municipal areas, Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua said all standalone shops and commercial establishments shall shut down at 1 pm on all days.

"Complete lockdown is an option, but we are going gradually in a phased manner. We hope these measures will work in the next two-three days," he said at a press conference.

The new restrictions will come into effect from Thursday.

As per the restrictions notified by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, weekly haats, bazaars, educational institutions and all government and private offices have been ordered to shut for the next 15 days.

"Government officers of deputy secretary and above rank and senior executive in private sector along with their key support staff will be allowed to attend office upto 1 pm only for emergency and essential works," the order stated.

However, these restrictions will not be applicable for organisations rendering essential and emergency services, law enforcement services and election works.

"All religious places shall remain closed for 15 days... Funeral/last rites related gatherings shall not be more than 10 persons," the order said.

Likewise, weddings and religious functions will be only private affairs and be allowed with the presence of a maximum of 10 persons and no reception parties will be allowed post or pre wedding.

"In case the test positivity of COVID-19 in any area reaches five per cent or more in the last one week, District Magistrate will notify such areas as containment zone and ensure necessary containment measures for COVID-19," the ASDMA said.

All public transport will be allowed with 30 per cent of seating capacity, while auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis shall operate with one driver and two passengers only.

"Pillion riding will be totally prohibited in two-wheelers except with women and children.

"All vehicles other than government vehicles will be allowed to ply in accordance with an odd-even formula to be decided by the jurisdictional district disaster management authority between 5 am to 2 pm," the order stated. -- PTI

Telugu star Allu Arjun on Wednesday said he has tested negative for novel coronavirus.

The 38-year-old actor posted a note on Twitter for his fans and well-wishers, thanking them for their prayers and blessings.

"Hello everyone! I have tested negative after 15 days of quarantine. I want to thank all my well wishers and fans for their wishes and prayers," Arjun wrote.

The actor, known for hits like Parugu, Race Gurram, Sarrainodu and Duvvada Jagannadham, had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 28.

Arjun urged everyone to stay indoors and hoped that the lockdown will curb the spread of the virus.

"Hoping this lockdown will help us in reducing the cases. Be home and be safe. Thank you for all the love," he said.

The Telugu star also shared an adorable video in which he is seen meeting his son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha for the first time after he ended his isolation.

"Meeting family after testing negative and 15 days of quarantine. Missed the kids soo much," he captioned the video.

Work-wise, Arjun has multi-lingual action thriller Pushpa, set to release on August 13 in theatres.

He is also set to team up with Bharat Ane Nenu fame director Siva Koratala.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday said Bharat Biotech has informed the Delhi government that it cannot provide "additional" Covaxin doses to the national capital.

The stock of Covaxin in Delhi has finished and as a result around 100 vaccination centres set up in 17 schools have been closed, he said.

"The Covaxin manufacturer has in a letter said that it can not provide Delhi government vaccines due to unavailability, under instruction of concerned government official. It means that the central government is controlling supply of the vaccine," Sisodia said.

The deputy chief minister said Centre should stop export of vaccines and share the vaccine formulae of the two manufacturers in the country with other companies for mass scale production.

He also requested the Union government to approve vaccines available in international market for use in India, and direct states to vaccinate everyone within three months. -- PTI

The Government of India has taken exception to use of the words 'Indian variant' with the B.1.617 variant of coronavirus.

'This is to clarify that WHO has not associated the term "Indian Variant' with the B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus in its 32-page document. In fact, the word "Indian' has not been used in its report on the matter,' the government said on Wednesday.

'Several media reports have covered the news of WHO classifying B.1.617 as a variant of global concern. Some of these reports have termed the B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus as an "Indian Variant'. These media reports are without any basis, and unfounded,' the government has stated.

The United Nations has raised India's growth forecast to 7.5 per cent for calendar year 2021, marking a 0.2 per cent increase from its projection in January, but said the country's outlook for the year remains highly fragile.

The surging COVID-19 infections and inadequate vaccination progress in many countries threaten a broad-based recovery of the world economy, said the World Economic Situation and Prospects report.

It also projected India's GDP to grow by 10.1 per cent in 2022. "India has been particularly affected by a brutal second wave which is overwhelming the public health system in large parts of the country."

The UN report said the country has expanded vaccine eligibility and is ramping up supply in every possible manner but access to vaccines is unequal and insufficient to meet the massive demand. "Given the fluid situation, India's growth outlook in 2021 is highly fragile," it said.

The global economy is now projected to expand by 5.4 per cent in 2021 following a sharp contraction of 3.6 per cent in 2020, reflecting an upward revision from the UN forecasts released in January.

Amid rapid vaccinations and continued fiscal and monetary support measures, China and the United States -- the two largest economies -- are on the path to recovery.

In contrast, the growth outlook in several countries in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean remains fragile and uncertain.

For many countries, said the report, economic output is only projected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 or 2023.

"Vaccine inequity between countries and regions is posing a significant risk to an already uneven and fragile global recovery," said UN Chief Economist Elliott Harris.

"Timely and universal access to Covid-19 vaccinations will mean the difference between ending pandemic promptly and placing the world economy on trajectory of a resilient recovery, or losing many more years of growth, development and opportunities."

For South Asia, already one of the hardest hit regions in the world, the crisis will last well into 2021. While a few smaller countries in the region have managed to roll out vaccinations, the largest economies continue to struggle to contain the increasing waves of infections.

"Regional economic growth will return in 2021 at 6.9 per cent against a 5.6 per cent drop in 2020 but the recovery will be very uneven, and the scarring effects will run deep," said the report. -- ANI

Former CBI officer K Ragothaman, who was the chief investigating officer in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, died in Chennai on Wednesday, police sources said.

The veteran, 76, was admitted to a hospital in the city last week for Covid-19 treatment and breathed his last this morning, hospital sources said.

Ragothaman was the CIO in the CBI's Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed the killing of Gandhi on May 21, 1991, at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, during an election rally, by a female LTTE suicide bomber.

He had penned a few books, including one on Gandhi's killing.

You can Ragothaman's interviews to Rediff.com here, here, here, and here.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea of activist Gautam Navlakha, seeking bail in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case of Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra.

A bench of justices UU Lalit and K M Joseph dismissed the appeal of Navlakha against the Bombay high court order denying him bail in the case.

On March 26, the top court had reserved its verdict on a plea of Navlakha seeking bail in the case.

The top court had, on March 3, sought a response from the NIA on the plea of Navlakha seeking default bail in the case, claiming the charge sheet was not filed within the stipulated time period.

The FIR against him was re-registered in January 2020, and Navlakha surrendered before the NIA on April 14 last year.

He had spent 11 days in the NIA's custody till April 25, and since then he is in judicial custody in the Taloja jail in neighbouring Navi Mumbai.

According to police, some activists allegedly made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements at the Elgar Parishad meet in Pune on December 31, 2017, which triggered violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district the next day.

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has dismissed the rumours about his death, insisting that he is safe and healthy.

The 62-year-old actor took to social media on Tuesday after rumours started doing the rounds that he was no more.

Posting a short video on Facebook, Khanna also said that he has not tested positive for coronavirus.

"I am here to inform you all that I am perfectly alright. I am very well. I am here to dismiss the rumours, I have been asked to refute them and that is what I want to do," the actor said.

Khanna, best known for starring in superhero show Shaktimaan and playing Bhishma Pitamaha in television series Mahabharata, expressed anger over the fake news.

"I also wish to condemn those who spread such rumours. This is a problem with social media.

"What should be the treatment for such mentally unstable people? Who will punish their misdeeds? Enough is enough. Now it is too much. There should be a stop on such fake news," the actor added.

In the caption for the video, Khanna said he has not been diagnosed with COVID-19.

"With your blessings, I am completely healthy and safe. I don't have COVID-19 and I was not admitted to any hospital.

"I don't know who created this rumour and I don't know what is the intention of those who spread such rumours. They tamper with people's emotions with such false news," he wrote.

In March, Khanna was among the celebrities who took their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine and had urged other people to follow suit. -- PTI

A sessions court in Goa on Wednesday said it will pronounce the verdict in the Tarun Tejpal case on May 19.

The former Tehelka editor-in-chief is accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague inside the elevator of a luxury hotel in Goa in 2013.

The additional district court was to pronounce the verdict on April 27 but judge Kshama Joshi had adjourned the verdict to May 12.

The court on Wednesday said the latest adjournment was due to lack of staff due to the coronavirus pandemic. The court is working with only 15 per cent staff, it added.

The Goa police registered an FIR against Tejpal in November 2013 following which he was arrested.

He has been out on bail since May 2014.

The Goa crime branch had filed a charge sheet against Tejpal.

He faced trial under IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 376(2)(f) (person in position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)k) (rape by person in position of control).

He had earlier moved the Bombay high court, seeking a stay on the framing of charges against him, but his petition was dismissed. -- PTI

MP Minister Usha Thakur

10:56 Do yagna, ward off Covid 3rd wave: MP minister

Madhya Pradesh Culture Minister Usha Thakur, who has been giving controversial comments especially related to the Covid-19 pandemic, on Tuesday came up with another suggestion by asking people to perform 'yagna chikitsa' (ceremonial fire ritual) for four days to ward off the third wave of Covid-19.

India is currently dealing with a devastating second Covid-19 wave that has swept through the nation, crushing the country's health infrastructure and overburdening frontline medical workers.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a Covid care centre in Indore she said, "For the purification of the environment, perform yagna for four days. This is yagna chikitsa. In earlier times, our ancestors used to perform yagna chikitsa to get rid of pandemics. Let us all purify the environment, the third wave of Covid will not even touch India."

"According to experts, this wave will attack the children first. For this, complete preparations are being made by the Madhya Pradesh government. We will overcome the pandemic successfully," she added.

Earlier, Thakur had performed rituals in front of a statue at Indore airport to eradicate Covid-19.

She was also criticised for not wearing a mask while she visited a Covid care centre in the recent past.

Representational image

10:35 Petrol crosses Rs 100-mark in Bhopal

The price of petrol crossed the Rs 100-mark in Bhopal and stood at Rs 100.08 per litre on Wednesday.

The price of diesel in Bhopal was Rs 90.05 per litre.

The price of petrol and diesel also went up in the national capital and stood at Rs 92.05 and Rs 82.61 per litre, respectively.

The price of petrol and diesel was increased by Rs 25 paise per litre in Delhi.

In Mumbai, the price of petrol and diesel stood at Rs 98.36 and Rs 89.75 per litre respectively.

Rates have been increased across the country and differ from state to state depending on the incidence of value-added tax.

10:19 4,205 Covid deaths in India, highest in 24 hrs

India saw a record 4,205 COVID-19 fatalities in a day taking the death toll to 2,54,197, while 3,48,421 new coronavirus infections were reported, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The total tally of COVID-19 cases in country now stands at 2,33,40,938.

The active cases have reduced to 37,04,099 comprising 15.87 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 83.04 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin was on Tuesday recommended by an expert panel for phase II/III clinical trial on those aged between two to 18 years, official sources said.

The trial will take place in 525 subjects at various sites, including AIIMS, Delhi, AIIMS, Patna and Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur.

The Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization on Tuesday deliberated upon Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech's application seeking permission to conduct phase II/III clinical trials to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Covaxin jabs in children aged 2 to 18 years.

"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for conduct of proposed phase II/III clinical trial of whole virion inactivated coronavirus vaccine in the 2 to 18 years age group subject to the condition that the firm should submit the interim safety data of phase II clinical trial along with DSMB recommendations to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase III part of the study," a source said.

Earlier the proposal was deliberated in the SEC meeting dated February 24 and the firm was asked to submit a revised clinical trial protocol.

Covaxin, indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research, is being used in adults in India's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive. -- PTI

The United States is working closely with India on its continued and emerging needs during the unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a top State Department official has said.

While the assistance from the US government has been worth USD 100 million, the private sector has donated an additional USD 400 million, totalling half a billion dollars to India, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.

"We are continuing to work closely with Indian officials and health experts to identify continued needs and emerging needs in this ongoing crisis," he said.

"I was talking about our catalytic effect in another context earlier Secretary (of State) Tony Blinken, Special Coordinator Gayle Smith participated in calls the other week with the US India Business Council and the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to elicit additional supplies from the private sector, which we'd be terrifically gratified to see," Price said.

Earlier in the day, top American senator Mark Warner spoke with India's ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and assured his full commitment for the assistance to India.

"India right now is at the epicenter of COVID-19. This morning I spoke with the Indian ambassador and pledged to do our part to help the Indian people respond to the surge. I will continue working with the Biden administration on this," Warner said after the call.

Warner is Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

"Thanked him for his strong support for India during this challenging time," Sandhu tweeted.

Congressman Andy Levin said that more needs to be done for India.

"We cannot lose sight of the catastrophe wracking India right now. While the US is starting to work to make vaccines more accessible, we must do more. The Indian people need equipment and other tools now to end this crisis," he said.

Meanwhile, the 4th consignment of more than 78,000 doses of Remdesivir from Gilead Sciences reached India.

"More than 2,61,000 have reached so far, in addition to US Government support of around 1,25,000 doses. More to follow!" the Indian envoy tweeted.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross said that helping India respond to this latest wave is humane and is in the US' national interest as this pandemic will not end anywhere until it ends everywhere. -- PTI

The World Health Organization on Wednesday informed that the B.1.617 variant of COVID-19, first found in India in October last year, had been detected in sequences uploaded "from 44 countries in all six WHO regions".

"As of 11 May, over 4500 sequences have been uploaded to GISAID (platform of data sharing mechanism for influenza) and assigned to B.1.617 from 44 countries in all six WHO regions, and WHO has received reports of detections from five additional countries," WHO said in its weekly epidemiological update on the pandemic.

The WHO report also said that it has received "reports of detections from five additional countries.

The coronavirus variant B.1.617 first identified in India last year has been classified as a "variant of global concern", with some preliminary studies showing that it spreads more easily, a senior WHO official had said on Monday. -- ANI

08:12 Indian woman killed in rocket attack in Israel

A 30-year-old Indian woman in Israel has been killed in a rocket attack by Palestinian militants from Gaza, according to officials.

Soumya Santosh, who hailed from Kerala's Idukki district, worked as a caregiver attending to an old woman at a house in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon.

Ashkelon, which borders the Gaza Strip, has come under a massive fire from the Palestinian militants.

At least 31 people were killed in spiralling violence till 9 pm (local time) on Tuesday as Gaza-based militants fired hundreds of rockets on Israel since Monday evening.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes at Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in the coastal strip.

The Indian woman was said to be living in Israel for the last seven years.

She has a nine-year-old son whom she had left with her husband in Kerala.

Her 80-year-old elderly charge is said to have survived the direct hit on the house and is hospitalised in a serious condition, local media reports said.

The deadly rocket attack directly struck the house of the elderly woman.

Channel 12 reported that the rocket shelter was at least a minute's run away from the woman's home and the pair could not manage to reach it in time. The home lacked a fortified room of its own.

Some media reports said that a technical glitch with an Iron Dome battery (an all-weather air defence system that intercepts and destroys short range rockets) during the massive rocket barrage towards the Israeli coastal city prevented some rockets from being intercepted and may have been responsible for the casualties and deaths.

Ashkelon's Mayor Tomer Glam said that some 25 per cent of the residents do not have access to a protected area when rockets are fired at the city. -- PTI

00:07 Over 5,000 soldiers battle Covid in hospitals

More than 5,000 soldiers from the three services are currently undergoing treatment for the coronavirus disease in military hospitals across the country, almost a five-fold jump in hospital admissions in three weeks after the second wave of infections tightened its grip on the country, according to official figures accessed by Hindustan Times.

The cases under hospitalisation in the military increased from 1,067 on April 18 to 5,134 on May 10, reflecting, to some extent, the wider national trend of a surge in Covid-19 infections.

Veterans suffering from Covid-19 also account for a considerable load at military hospitals. As many as 1,814 ex-servicemen are currently being treated at these hospitals, compared to 356 three weeks ago. At 1,027, the cumulative veteran deaths outnumber the serving fatalities - 44 veterans died on May 9 alone compared to a single serving soldier, a subedar.

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