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Wed, 19 May 2021
'3rd wave possible if vaccination not ramped up'

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23:48   Vijayan's 21-member cabinet to have 3 women, handful of first-timers
The second Pinarayi Vijayan government, which comes to power bucking the four-decade-old trend of alternate front rule in Kerala, will have a 21-member-strong cabinet with a handful of first-time legislators and three women members, the highest in recent time.
     
Barring the Chief Minister, K Krishnankutty of Janat Dal-Secular and A K Saseendran of Nationalist Congress Party, the Water Resources and Transport Ministers respectively in the previous Left democratic Front government, are the only old faces in the new ministry.
     
Both CPI-M and CPI, the major partners in the ruling coalition, opted not to retain any of their ministers from the previous government.
     
The JD-S and the NCP, which have one nominee each in the cabinet, have decided to give another chance to their outgoing representatives.
     
Though the portfolios are yet to be announced by the ruling front, Vijayan on Tuesday handed over the letter electing him as the Parliamentary party leader to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and staked claim for forming the new government.
     
The new government would sworn in a function to be held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday in adherence with strict COVID protocol.
     
In his second stint as Chief Minister, Vijayan is basking in the glory of leading the Left front to an astonishing consecutive victory, sending shock waves among the traditional rivals Congress-led United Democratic Front and Bharatiya Janata Partye- led National Democratic Alliance.
     
P A Mohammed Riyas, the Democratic Youth Federation of India national president and the son-in-law of Vijayan and R Bindhu, wife of Marxist Party's acting state secretary A Vijayaraghavan, (both CPI-M) and G R
Anil, Chinchu Rani and P Prasad ( all CPI) and Ahammed Devarkovil (INL) were among the first-time MLAs who got the cabinet berth.
     
Forty five-year-old Riyas, who came to mainstream politics through SFI and DYFI, the Marxist party's student and youth outfits, had unsuccessfully contested from Kozhikode constituency in 2009 Lok Sabha polls.
     
It is for the first time in the history of the Kerala assembly that a father-in-law and son-in-law will come together to be part of the House and the cabinet.      

Bindhu, a college professor by profession, had served as the first woman Mayor of Thrissur.
     
Besides Bindhu, Aranmula MLA Veena George and J Chinchu Rani, who won from Chadayamangalam constituency, would be the other women to be part of the the new Left government.
     
Three women ministers is the highest in recent times in the state assembly, which had two and one respectively in the previous LDF and UDF governments.
     
A former athlete, Chinchurani is also the first ever woman minister from the CPI in the state, party sources said.
     
This is for the second consecutive time that journalist-turned politician Veena George is elected to the state assembly.
     
A rank-holder during her studies, this former news anchor is speculated to get some major portfolios in her first stint as minister. -- PTI
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23:07   3rd wave possible if vaccination not ramped up: Scientist
If the vaccination drive against coronavirus is not ramped up and COVID-19 appropriate-behaviour is not maintained, there is a possibility of a third wave of the pandemic in 6-8 months, said M Vidyasagar, a scientist involved in the Sutra Model which uses mathematics to project the trajectory of COVID-19. 
 
He, however, stressed the Sutra model has not predicted any third wave and it is working on it.
The IIT-Hyderabad professor cited a paper by Italian researchers on infected people with decreasing antibodies, which give some sort of immunity, in six months.
"If the antibodies are lost, then there is a chance of immunity going down. In this case, vaccination has to be ramped up and COVID-19 appropriate-behaviour must be practiced. If not then there is a possibility of a third wave in 6-8 months," Vidyasagar said.
"We are also adding the aspects of immunity and vaccination in our model for our future forecasts," he added.            
According to a study by the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with COVID-19 for at least eight months after they were infected.
A recent sero-survey by the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology suggested that the neutralising antibodies declined significantly after five-six months, making people prone to reinfections. 
The coronavirus cases in the country peaked in September 2020 and there was a nationwide decline of new cases starting in October. 
"Using more stringent measures (more than 30 per cent inhibition of surrogate receptor-spike protein binding), the loss of neutralisation may be even higher. 
"We speculate that this may be related to recurrence of outbreaks in March 2021, after the peak in September 2020," the IGIB paper said on the second wave that started raging from late March and has claimed thousands of lives since then. -- PTI
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23:01   High-level panel to enquire into barges stranding in Arabian Sea
The oil ministry on Wednesday constituted a high-level committee to enquire into the sequence of events leading to the stranding of three vessels of a contractor of ONGC in cyclone 'Tauktae'.
   
Three barges of Afcons, a contractor working on ONGC fields off the west coast with more than 600 people on board, were stranded in offshore areas during the severe cyclone.
 
"The stranding, drifting and subsequent events have led to loss of several lives," a ministry statement said without giving details.
 
A committee comprising Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping; SCL Das, Director General of Hydrocarbons, and Nazli Jafri Shayin, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence has been constituted to enquire into the incidents.
 
The panel may co-opt any other member, and take assistance of any person it deems necessary.
 
"The committee shall submit its report within one month," it said.
 
It has been asked to "inquire into the sequence of events leading to the stranding and drifting of these vessels, and subsequent events.?"
 
"Whether the warnings issued by Meteorological Department and other statutory authorities were adequately considered and acted upon" will also be looked into by the panel, the statement said.
 
The panel will also enquire if "the Standard Operating Procedures for securing the vessels and dealing with disaster management were adequately followed," it said adding ?lapses and gaps in the systems leading to the stranding and drifting of the vessels will also looked into. -- PTI
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22:29   Don't test our patience: Farmers' body to govt
With spells of rain in the national capital adding to the woes of farmers camping on the borders of Delhi, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Wednesday warned the central government to "not test their patience, initiate the dialogue and accept the demands".
   
Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at three Delhi border points -- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur -- for almost six months, demanding repeal of three farm laws and a legal guarantee for the minimum support Price and other two issues.
 
"... More than 470 farmers have been martyred in the farmers movement. Many agitators have had to leave their jobs, education and other work. The government's attitude meanwhile shows how inhuman and careless it is towards its own citizens, the 'anna daatas'. If the government cares about its farmers and wants their welfare, then it should initiate dialogue with the farmers and accept their demands," the SKM said in a statement, warning the government to "not test the patience of farmers".
 
So far, there have been 11 rounds of talks between the protesting unions and the government, but the deadlock has continued as both sides have stuck to their stand.
 
In January, the government had offered to suspend the farm laws for 12-18 months, which was rejected by the farmer unions.
 
The Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the laws till further orders and set up a committee to resolve the impasse.
 
When this government, which "pretends" to do the welfare of farmers, takes "full credit" for increasing production or export in any crop or state, it should also take responsibility for every "human loss and other loss" taking place on the borders of Delhi, the SKM, an umbrella body of agitating farmer unions, said.
 
The spells of rainfall in Delhi on Wednesday under the impact of cyclone Tauktae, according to the protesting farmers' union, has caused a great deal of "disruption and losses" at the different agitating venues. -- PTI
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21:48   India can inoculate all adults by year end: Vardhan
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Wednesday said India will have procured 267 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of this year, and will be in a position to inoculate at least all of its adult population, according to an official statement.  
 
The minister said that 51 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses will be made available by July and 216 crore more between August and December. 

He urged states to ensure that the healthcare and frontline workers are fully vaccinated, as they form the vulnerable categories.
Interacting with the health ministers and principal secretaries/ additional chief secretaries of West Bengal and eight northeast states, Vardhan said, "Between August to December 2021, India will have procured 216 crore vaccine doses while, by July this year, 51 crore doses will be procured."
He said that by the end of the year, the country will be in a position to vaccinate at least all of its adult population, according to the health ministry statement.
 
West Bengal and the eight states of the North-eastern region are depicting a higher growth rate in the number of daily cases, high mortality and increasing positivity rate, the statement said.
 
Pointing out the new emerging trend in the country, Vardhan highlighted that now smaller states are showing an upward trend in terms of number of infections and there is a need to be cautious about this.  
Speaking of the government's efforts towards fighting coronavirus, Vardhan said that from having just one COVID testing laboratory at the start of the pandemic, there are over 2000 across the country now. 
"We have increased our capacity to test 25 lakh people daily. Yesterday, India achieved a historical first by testing the highest number of over 20 lakh people in a single day. This is a global record too," he was quoted as saying in the statement.
He stressed on the continued need to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour along with renewed and stringent focus on containment measures.
Underscoring the critical importance of vaccination drive, the minister highlighted that India has achieved another landmark by crossing 18 crore doses recently. 
He also pointed out that more than one crore doses are still in stock with the state governments. -- PTI
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21:04   Mumbai records 1,350 new Covid cases, 57 deaths
Mumbai reported 1,350 new coronavirus positive cases and 57 deaths on Wednesday, taking its overall infection tally to 6,92,239 and fatality count to 14,409, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.
The city's daily COVID-19 case count surged by nearly 400 and the death toll by 13 as compared to Tuesday, when it recorded 953 cases and 44 fatalities.
Mumbai currently has 29,643 active COVID-19 cases following the discharge of 4,565 patients from hospitals. The recovery count of the metropolis is now 6,46,163.
The city's recovery rate has improved to 93 per cent, it said.

As 22,788 coronavirus tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, the overall test count of Mumbai grew to 59,56,953.

As per the BMC update, the city's average growth rate of COVID-19 cases for the period between April May 12 and May 18 is 0.25 per cent, while the case doubling rate is 269 days.
There are 78 containment zones in parts of Mumbai, where 284 buildings have been sealed to break the chain of the virus, the civic body said. -- PTI 
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20:57   812 trees uprooted across Mumbai due to cyclone Tauktae
As many as 812 trees were uprooted across Mumbai due to the impact of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Tauktae that brushed past the city coast, the civic body said on Wednesday.
According to a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation release, of the total trees uprooted by the strong winds triggered by the cyclonic storm, 70 per cent were of foreign origin.
These included tree species like sonmohar (peltoforum), gulmohar, thespesia, rain-tree and royal palm among others, it said.
The release said of the 812 trees which fell, 504 were on private premises and the remaining 308 on public places. Also, 1,454 tree branches fell due to the storm.
Among these, 307 trees fell in Western suburbs, 256 in eastern suburbs and 249 in the island city, the civic body said.
The cyclonic storm, which made a landfall on the Gujarat coast on Monday night, triggered strong wind, heavy rainfall and high tidal waves, and Mumbai reeled under its impact for three days (from May 16 to 18).
Under the influence of Tauktae, some places in western suburbs received more than 300 mm rain, while the maximum wind speed of 114 mm was recorded in south Mumbai.
The civic body said its garden department worked round-the-clock to clear all the uprooted trees and fallen branches, which were affecting movement of vehicles. -- PTI
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20:39   Govt hikes subsidy on DAP fertiliser by 140%
In a major pro-farmer decision, the Centre on Wednesday hiked the subsidy on DAP fertiliser by 140 per cent, costing the exchequer an additional Rs 14,775 crore, in a bid to ensure the soil nutrient is available to farmers at old rates despite a sharp rise in global prices.        
   
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a PMO statement.        
 
After urea, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) is the most widely used used fertiliser in the country.         
 
"A historic decision was taken to increase the subsidy for DAP fertiliser from Rs 500 per bag to Rs 1200 per bag, which is an increase of 140 per cent. ....With today's decision, farmers will continue to get a DAP bag for Rs 1200," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.        
 
Despite the rise in international market prices of DAP, it has been decided to continue selling it at the older price of Rs 1,200 per bag, it said.
 
"The central government has decided to bear all the burden of price hike. The amount of subsidy per bag has never been increased so much at once," it added.        
 
Last year, the actual price of DAP was Rs 1,700 per bag, on which the central government was giving a subsidy of Rs 500. The companies were therefore selling the fertiliser to farmers for Rs 1,200 per bag, it added. -- PTI 
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19:54   Former NSG chief who led 26/11counter-terror op dies of COVID-19
Former National Security Guard director general J K Dutt, who headed the commando force during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, died on Wednesday due to complications arising out of COVID-19, officials said here.
 
He was 72.
Family sources told PTI that the retired IPS officer was admitted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on April 14 after his oxygen saturation started declining.
"He passed away today at 3:30 pm after suffering a massive cardiac arrest," one of them said.
Dutt is survived by his wife, a son, who works in Noida, and a daughter, who is based in the United States.  -- PTI
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19:48   Asia Cup 2021 called off due to COVID-19
The 2021 Asia Cup, which was shifted from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, was on Wednesday called off due to rising COVID-19 cases in the island nation.
   
The Asia Cup, which was last held in 2018, was scheduled to be held in June but Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva announced that it will be difficult for them to conduct the tournament.
 
"Due to the prevailing situation, it will not be possible to play the tournament in June this year," De Silva told reporters.
 
The tournament was supposed to be hosted by Pakistan but since India were unlikely to travel there due to political tension between the two nations, it was shifted to Sri Lanka.
 
With all the teams planning for their FTPs for the next two years, the continental showpiece might only find a slot after the 2023 ICC 50-over World Cup. 

The Asian Cricket Council headed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah is yet to make a formal announcement.
 
Due to multiplying cases of COVID-19, Sri Lankan government has put a 10-day ban on international air travel.
 
Sri Lanka are touring Bangladesh for a limited overs series while they will host a second string India team for a six-match white ball series in July. -- PTI 
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19:30   Laggards and gainers in the BSE Sensex pack
Giving up the 50,000 mark, the 30-share BSE index on Wednesday ended 290.69 points or 0.58 per cent lower at 49,902.64. 

On similar lines, the broader NSE Nifty fell 77.95 points or 0.52 per cent to close at 15,030.15. 

Bajaj Finserv was the top laggard in the Sensex pack, shedding 1.68 per cent, followed by HDFC, M&M, Bharti Airtel, UltraTech Cement, Kotak Bank and HDFC Bank. 

On the other hand, Sun Pharma, Nestle India, Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Auto and Axis Bank were among the gainers, spurting up to 1.82 per cent.
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19:28   Rajasthan declares 'black fungus' as an epidemic
As Rajasthan is seeing a surge in the number of cases black fungus (Mucormycosis), the state government on Wednesday declared the disease to be considered as an epidemic in the state.

The state government declared this under "The Rajasthan Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020".

According to sources, so far more than 130 cases of the fungal infection caused by the steroid administered in the treatment of COVID-19 infection have been reported in Delhi.

On May 18, the Haryana government also formed regulations called, "The Haryana Epidemic Diseases (Mucormycosis) Regulations, 2021".

Till now, cases of black fungus have been reported in various parts of the country including Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar.

As per the Union Health Ministry, Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection.

People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma.

According to the ministry, the disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. -- ANI
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18:49   How celebrities, politicians are getting COVID-19 drugs, asks Bombay HC
The Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government and the Centre to file affidavits explaining how celebrities and politicians were procuring anti-COVID-19 drugs, medical oxygen and other
relief materials for coronavirus patients.
 
A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni had asked for such details last week as well from the the Maharashtra government and the Centre, who faced flak during hearing for non-compliance of previous orders.
However, on Wednesday the state government submitted a report merely saying it had served show cause notices (on procuring COVID-19 relief materials) to Mumbai Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique and the Sood Charity Foundation (an NGO of actor Sonu Sood), but was yet to receive their replies.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh told the HC the Union government had not filed any report since procurement and distribution of Remdesivir (a key COVID-19 drug) and medical oxygen, among other items, were the prerogative of a state and the Centre merely allocated such resources to states based on the latter's demands.
The bench took an exception to the responses of the state government and the Centre (represented by Singh).
The HC said it had expected better replies and compliance of its previous orders from both the respondents.
"These persons (celebrities) have no licence (to procure COVID-19 drugs, medical oxygen), who will take the guarantee? There should have been a report.
"You (the state government)) have only issued show cause notices, we said place a report on this. We are not happy with this," the HC said.
The bench said its primary concern was that the needy must not miss out on getting relief since all were not in a position to make appeals on social media.
"Who will guarantee that drugs being given by these personalities are of proper quality?" the HC said.
"The allocation is by UOI (Union of India), collection is by State, then where is the window for collection or procurement by these personalities? That is our anxiety," the bench observed.
The HC directed the state and the Centre to file their detailed reply affidavits by next week.
It also directed the Maharashtra government to submit details on the requirements for medical oxygen (needed to treat serious COVID-19 patients) and Remdesivir, among other items, across the state, the supplies it was receiving from the Centre and other entities.
The HC was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations on the management of issues connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also praised the model devised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to tackle the infection spread, procure, produce and store oxygen, and anti-COVID-19 drugs. -- PTI
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18:26   Cong should have aligned with TMC in Wb poll: Moily
Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Wednesday said his party should have struck an alliance with Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress in the recent West Bengal elections, even as he expressed anguish over "ad-hocism" in the grand old outfit.
     
The former Union minister also sought action against West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for the poll debacle in the state, describing him as a "weak leader with no grass-root touch".
     
In an interview to PTI, Moily cited wrong selection of alliance for the "wipe-out" of the party in the state, where it had aligned with the Left and the Indian Secular Front.      

Referring to Banerjee as "our lady" -- she was with the Congress before floating TMC, he said his party could have had "better liaison" with her despite the fact that "she may have taken our MLAs (earlier)".
     
"When she is fighting against the BJP, our right partner would have been Mamata", Moily, a former Karnataka Chief Minister, said.
     
Attacking Choudhury, Moily said he has no "grass-root touch" and is "credited as a leader only for using abusive words against Mamata Banerjee.
     
"That was not appreciated by people and our cadre. Even our own voters shifted away to Mamata in our strongholds where traditionally Congress used to get elected", he said.      "And the man (Choudhury) is not punished. He continues to be PCC president, and leader of Congress in Lok Sabha.
     
Who will care for the party if you don't take action and make them accountable?", Moily asked.
     
He was also unsparing in criticism of his party over election strategy, made a strong pitch for developing regional leadership and indicated that failure to project Chief Ministerial candidates in Assembly elections in Assam
and Kerala cost the Congress dearly.
     
Making no secret of his displeasure, Moily said the Congress tends to make the same mistakes in selection of candidates in elections.
     
"We select our leaders in various states depending on their ability to raising cash (resources) and capable of mobilising their respective caste. I don't think the Congress can win elections like this," he said.
     
Moily was of the view that people no longer vote for a party looking at its central leadership; they want to know their Chief Ministerial candidate.
     
In Kerala elections for example, the Congress was confused about selection of Chief Ministerial face and people backed Pinarayi Vijayan again, according to him.
     
Also in Assam, the Congress did not project any Chief Ministerial face.
     
In Tamil Nadu, the Congress jumps for one alliance to another (with DMK) but makes no effort to strengthen the party organisation after elections, he said.
     
The Congress "threw away" too many seats to its alliance partner DMK in Puducherry, where that party had "not much presence".
     
On assembly election setbacks in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, Moily said somebody should be made accountable at the AICC and State levels.
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18:11   NCP appoints P C Chacko as president of Kerala unit
P C Chacko, who joined the Nationalist Congress Party after quitting the Congress, on Wednesday said he has been appointed as the president of the Kerala unit of the Sharad Pawar-headed party.     

Talking to PTI, Chacko said he was appointed as the party's state president by NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
    
A communication in this regard has been received from the party, he said.
   
Chacko replaced senior party leader T P Peethambaran Master who had been holding post temporarily since the death of NCP atate president Thomas Chandy in December 2019.   

Chacko had resigned from the Congress on March 10,alleging group interest in deciding party candidates for the Kerala Assembly elections held on April 6.
  
He was a former working committee member of the Congress.
  
After quitting the Congress, he joined the NCP, which is a partner in the Communist Party of India Marxist-led Left Democratic front in Kerala.
  
He campaigned for the LDF candidates in the assembly polls. -- PTI
PM in a review meet with the Gujarat CM
PM in a review meet with the Gujarat CM
17:32   PM announces Rs 1000-cr aid to Tauktae-hit Guj
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for immediate relief in cyclone-hit Gujarat. The PM on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected by cyclone Tauktae in Gujarat and adjoining Union Territory of Diu and held a meeting with top officials here later to review the situation. 

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, state Chief Secretary Anil Mukim and Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Pankaj Kumar were among those who attended the meeting held at GUJSAIL Complex at Ahmedabad Airport, officials said. 

 The prime minister landed at Bhavnagar from Delhi around noon and boarded a helicopter for a survey of cyclone- affected areas in Gir-Somnath, Bhavnagar and Amreli districts of Gujarat along with Diu. He was accompanied by chief minister Rupani. 

 "Undertook an aerial survey over parts of Gujarat and Diu to assess the situation in the wake of Cyclone Tauktae. "Central Government is working closely with all the states affected by the cyclone," Modi tweeted afterwards. The cyclone made landfall between Diu and Una town of Gir-Somnath district in Gujarat on Monday night.
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17:26   Want to put an end to variant episode: Singapore envoy
Simon Wong, Singapore High Commissioner to India: "We were happy to see EAM Dr Jaishankar had put 3 points that:
-- Singapore & India are solid partners in the fight against Covid, 
-- Delhi CM doesn't speak for India, 
-- and the comments made were irresponsible. 

Exchanges between both countries' foreign ministers, I would say that we would wish to put an end to this episode because authorities representing Government of India had spoken and we are heartened by those assurances."
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17:18   India has its own Covid variant: HC tells AAP govt
The Delhi High Court Wednesday cautioned the Delhi Government from stretching any further the issue that a third wave of COVID-19 could be coming from Singapore or some other country, saying India already has its own variants of the virus and does not need any other nation for it.

" Let's be clear, there is no wave from Singapore and we don't need any other country, we have our own variants," said a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh which interjected when Delhi government's counsel was making submissions that the next wave could be coming from Singapore or some other country. 

 After the remarks by the bench, senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the Delhi government, replied from wherever the second variant is from India only. 

 Stressing on the need for vaccination, he also said Until and unless everyone is safe, none is safe. The court was hearing the plea over the condition of subordinate judiciary's judicial officers who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 owing to the nature of duties. 

 On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had called for cancelling all air services with Singapore with immediate effect, saying a strain of coronavirus found in that country could reach Delhi in the form of a third wave. He had said the new form of coronavirus in Singapore is said to be very dangerous for children.

 However, the statement drew criticism even as the Singapore government conveyed to the Indian High Commissioner its strong objection. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Delhi chief minister does not speak for India. 

 Earlier in the day, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian High Commissioner conveyed to the Singapore government that the Delhi chief minister has no competence to comment on COVID variants. PTI SKV concerns over the condition of subordinate judiciary's judicial officers who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 owing to the nature of duties.
Thailand sends India 2 cryogenic oxygen containers
Thailand sends India 2 cryogenic oxygen containers
17:12   Assam govt announces free power for all new oxygen plants
The Assam government on Wednesday said it will provide free power to all the new oxygen plants that are coming up in the state. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a number of decisions were taken in view of the rising COVID-19 cases and availability of medical oxygen. 

 "If any new oxygen plant is set up, the state government will provide 100 per cent free power supply. For reviving closed oxygen plants, 100 per cent free power will be provided," a communique from the Chief Minister's Office said. Likewise, free power will be provided to the new unit if an existing plant goes for an expansion, it added. 

 "All existing oxygen plants will be given 20 per cent free power," the note from the CMO mentioned. All these decisions regarding oxygen plants will come into effect from January 1, 2021, but financial implications will be from April 1 this year, it added. The cabinet also decided that the Chief Executive Members of the Bodoland Territorial Region and autonomous councils of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao will be accorded the status of a cabinet minister.
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16:52   Another one bites the dust
Walking by south Mumbai's British era buildings, that line both sides of DN road, is always a treat to heritage lovers. Unfortunately, some are in a state of disrepair and the gusty 114 kmph winds on Monday, thanks to Cyclone Tauktae, saw a portion  of this decrepit building (alongside) collapse. Consequently, DN Road has been closed to traffic. Pic: Sahil Salvi.
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16:42   3 months' gap between vax doses if Covid+ve: Govt
New Recommendations of National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC): 

-- As per new recommendations, COVID19 vaccination to be deferred by 3 months after recovery from illness.

-- If infected after first dose, second dose to be deferred by 3 months after clinical recovery from COVID19. 

-- Persons with any other serious illness requiring hospitalization or ICU care to also wait for 4-8 weeks before getting the vaccine.

-- An individual can donate blood after 14 days of either receiving vaccine or testing RT-PCR negative if suffering from COVID. 

-- Vaccination recommended for lactating women. No need for screening of vaccine recipients by Rapid Antigen Test prior to vaccination.
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16:38   Case against doctor for not wearing mask
A doctor has been booked under the Epidemic Act based on a complaint that he refused to wear a mask at a supermarket here, police said on Wednesday.

 The doctor, identified as B Srinivas Kakkilaya, did not wear a mask on Tuesday while shopping and allegedly refused to do so when asked by the supermarket staff, police sources said. The video of the heated argument between the staff and the doctor later went viral in the social media. The doctor allegedly justified his act. 

 Based on a complaint from Ryan Rosario, a partner of the supermart at Kadri here, a case was registered against the doctor under sections 4, 5 and 9 of Karnataka State Epidemic (prevention) Act 2020, the police said. PTI
A person gets vaccinated in Praygaraj
A person gets vaccinated in Praygaraj
16:27   India's Covid toll may rise for another week
India on Wednesday reported the highest number of Covid-19 deaths, with the official figure spiking to 4,529, although the number of fresh positive cases has dropped in the last few days. Health experts that ANI spoke with stated that the trend may continue to rise for another week at least before the numbers start settling down in proportion to the number of daily cases.

Experts highlighted that the severity of the infection that is directly affecting the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a very short span, especially the oxygen parameters, is responsible for deaths in the second wave.

While in the first wave of Covid-19 that forced the country to rethink its health infrastructure, its functioning was still limited to the urban population majorly.

However, since the second wave hit, variants of Covid-19 spread in rural India have upscaled the death toll massively. The reason, as per health experts, is the severity of the infection followed by inadequate health infrastructure.

Although cases pan-India are showing a downward trend with 2,67,334 positive cases as per the official data of the Union Health Ministry, the number of deaths remains a concern.

While speaking on the death toll, Dr V K Monga, public health expert said, "It is true that the total number of cases of Covid-19 and positivity rate have declined in the last 10 days or so but the number of deaths are still very high. It is because a large number of patients are still admitted in ICU in various hospitals and because of medical interventions (many may be on rigorous life support) they may survive for many days. However, because of the complications of Covid-19 and prolonged stay in hospitals, they may lose the battle, thus resulting in increased figures of death."

Dr Monga also specifically stressed that the trend may continue for another week or so before settling down in proportion to the number of daily cases.

Dr Suresh Kumar, Director of Delhi Government's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital said, "This is a matter of concern because we have seen this for the first time. In Delhi, the death toll is coming down but if we see in other states death tolls are escalating. There are overall 4,000 deaths in India, which is a matter of concern and in this wave that we are seeing more severe cases."

"If we compare with last year, the oxygen level of patients is dropping to 60 per cent to 70 per cent on an average. We have also seen patients dying while on their way to the hospital. We have seen severe patients who were brought to the hospital when his/her oxygen level is dipping down and are in need of ICU beds immediately and all these are directly responsible for the higher death toll," Dr Kumar added.
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16:04   In Delhi, monkey cutouts keep people safe
In Delhi, which regularly faces problems with troops of monkeys, this:  Cutouts of langurs have been placed at different locations around Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre in Chhatarpur to curb the monkey menace. ITBP Asst Commandant Santosh Sinha says, "The issue has been resolved to a great extent after the putting up the cutouts. We shift the cutouts every 2-3 days."
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15:51   Accepting failure not in politicians' veins: HC
Politicians and bureaucrats find it very difficult to accept their failure and inability as it is not in their veins, the Delhi High Court Wednesday said while expressing concerns over the condition of subordinate judiciary's judicial officers who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 owing to the nature of duties. 

 The high court said three judicial officers have already died after contracting the virus in the national capital and it was of the prima facie view that they should be treated akin to frontline workers like armed forces and police forces personnel and asked the government to consider it. 

"In Supreme Court and High Court, we hold constitutional positions. Our protocols are different but that is not the case of subordinate judiciary. The judicial officers' exposure is different and you should take steps for good reasons. You examine it and then decide," a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh said. 

 The bench was not impressed with the submissions of the Delhi Government that high court had earlier passed an order by which the Delhi district judges were to coordinate with district magistrates to address the medical concerns of judicial officers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and nodal officers were appointed in each district. 

 The bench said, "Let us not get into this. That has not delivered. They are here because it didn't bring about any satisfactory results. It is very difficult for bureaucracy and political leaders to accept their failure or inability. They will never accept their failure. This is not in their veins."

 It said the system has to be put in place now and can't wait for the crisis to arise and have to be prepared for the worst as nobody knows how the situation would be in future. The bench observed that judicial officers are working and exposing them to the risk, the way armed forces and police forces are doing. 

"We have lost three judicial officers already. Look at the number of judicial officers and their families being infected, it's staggering. Because of the nature of their job, they have to expose themselves so we need to protect them. You don't expect a judge to discharge his duty when his son, daughter, wife or any other family member is seriously ill. Take steps on your own, you (government) don't need to wait for orders on this," it said. 

The court noted the submissions of senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Delhi government, that the state shall consider whether judicial officers rendering services to keep the wheels of justice moving and are exposed to the risk of COVID-19 on account of nature of duties, can be declared as frontline workers. 

 The counsel also said that Delhi Judicial Services Association, which has filed an application raising certain issues including that facilities on ground are an eyewash, may submit the representation to the Delhi Chief Secretary who shall consider it and also convene a virtual meeting with the members of the association. Taking the statement of Mehra on record, the court said, Let the Delhi government address these issues and a status report be filed. List it on May 27.
47 crew members from barge Gal Constructor were rescued yesterday
47 crew members from barge Gal Constructor were rescued yesterday
15:51   22 out of 75 missing from barge confirmed dead
As many as 22 out of the 75 people missing from the barge that sank in the Arabian Sea after getting caught in a severe cyclonic storm are confirmed dead, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. 

"Bodies of 22 persons have been fished out and they are being brought to shore," a source said. Fifty-three persons remain missing, he said. 

 The barge 'Papaa-305' had 261 persons on board when it got caught in the storm earlier this week. Of these, 186 persons were rescued.

 This barge as well as two other barges that were hit by the cyclone were deployed by Afcons for a contract it had got from state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships and choppers, as well as vessels from ONGC, are searching for survivors, the sources said. 

 The cyclone sank P-305, which had living quarters for employees working offshore, while two other construction barges lost anchors and drifted away. About 600 employees were on the three barges belonging to Afcons.

 Besides the barges, one drilling rig of ONGC 'Sagar Bhushan' with 101 people on board (37 ONGC employees and 64 contractual workers), too drifted away from its location. 

 Sources said all the 137 persons onboard barge 'Gal Constructor', which ran aground about 48 nautical miles north of Mumbai's Colaba Point, have been rescued. Also, 201 persons onboard barge 'Support Station-3' as well as ONGC's drillship 'Sagar Bhushan' too have been brought to safety.
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15:34   Fish sales fall over bodies floating in Ganga
Ever since the dead bodies of suspected Covid patients have been found in the Ganga River, the sale of river fish has dipped in the city.

"So far we have lost Rs 50,000. For the last 15 days, the sales have been reduced. No one is buying fishes because of fear. We demand from the government to increase the time for selling fish and also provide us some benefit so that we can run our family," said Anil Shani, a fisherman. 

He further said when no one takes the fish, they put it back in the river.

While speaking to ANI, a customer, Maqbool Ahmad from Sabzibagh said we are only buying small fishes because we think that they will not harm us.

"Before buying any fish we ask the fisherman where did they bring these fishes from. Ganga water is not clean these days and dead bodies are floating in the river that's why we are not eating fishes bought from Ganga," said Ahmad.

He further urged the administration to clean the Ganga as soon as possible.

Another customer Vivek also said that he will first ask the fish seller from where did he source this fish because the situation of the Ganga river is very bad.
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15:13   Buddhadeb Bhattacharya stable
The health condition of former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, who tested positive for COVID-19, is "stable", health department sources said on Wednesday. His wife Mira Bhattacharya, who also contracted the virus and is undergoing treatment at a city hospital, is also doing fine, they said. 

The 77-year-old former CM, who is in home isolation and also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), needs to go to hospital for other clinical examinations, the sources said. 

 "But, he is not willing to go. Last night, his oxygen saturation slipped below 90; it improved after he was administered external support. We have urged him to go to hospital and get the tests done," one of the sources said. Both Bhattacharya and his wife tested positive on Tuesday evening. PTI 
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15:11   HC asks JJ Hospital to form expert panel to examine Stan Swamy
The Bombay High Court directed the Taloja prison authorities on Wednesday to take jesuit priest Stan Swamy, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, to the JJ Hospital in Mumbai for a medical examination. 

 Swamy, 84, must be examined at the state-run medical facility at 10.30 am on Thursday, it said. 

 A vacation bench of Justices S J Kathawalla and S P Tavade directed the hospital's dean to form a committee of expert doctors, including a neuro-physician, an ENT specialist, an orthopaedic, a general physician, and other doctor required, to examine Swamy. 

 The bench also directed the state government to submit a report of the medical examination before the HC by May 21. 

 The court asked authorities of the Taloja prison in neighbouring Navi Mumbai, where Swamy is lodged, to arrange for him to be produced before the HC via video-conferencing at 4 pm on May 21, if the prison has such facilities. 

 Swamy had approached the HC earlier this year through senior counsel Mihir Desai, challenging a special court's decision in March wherein the latter rejected his bail sought on medical grounds and on merits. 

 During the last hearing in the HC on May 4, a bench led by Justice Shinde directed the state authorities to file a report on Swamy's current health condition by May 15. 

 Advocate Desai had then told the bench that Swamy was arrested in October 2020 and since his arrest, he has remained in the Taloja prison hospital. Swamy is in the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease, Desai had said. He has lost the ability to hear, and given the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the court must at least grant Swamy temporary bail, the advocate had said.
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14:59   Tauktae death toll climbs to 45 in Gujarat
As many as 45 people have been killed due to cyclone Tauktae across 12 districts of Gujarat, officials said Wednesday.

Fifteen deaths were reported from Amreli district in Saurashtra region, the worst affected in the cyclone that crossed the state coast as an extremely severe cyclonic storm on Monday night and completed landfall around 1.30 am Tuesday, officials said.

Eight people each were killed in Bhavnagar and Gir Somnath coastal districts, an official of the State Emergency Operation Centre said.

Five were killed in Ahmedabad, two in Kheda, and one each in Anand, Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Rajkot, Navsari and Panchmahal districts, the official said.

While 24 deaths were due to wall collapses during the cyclone, six died after trees fell on them, five each because of house collapse and electrocution, four due to roof collapse and one died due to a tower collapse, the official said.   -- PTI

IMAGE: An uprooted tree lying on the road after heavy rainfall and strong wind due to Cyclone Tauktae, in Gujarat on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo
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14:04   Kerala govt explains why KK Shailaja was droppped
Amidst the heightened social media campaign to induct K K Shailaja into the new cabinet, the CPI(M) on Wednesday said the dropping of the popular health minister was a "political and organisational" decision of the party and there would not be any re-look into it. 

 CPI(M) state acting secretary A Vijayaraghavan said the leadership had already explained the decision taken by the party in this regard. Asked about the trending campaigns on the social media platforms to bring back 'Shailaja Teacher', as she is fondly being called, Vijayaraghavan said it did not came to his notice. As far as the Communist party is concerned, politics and organisation were equally important and the present decision was in accordance with it, he said. 

 "The party has to take into account its political and organisational interests. As a ruling party, it has to give due consideration to protect the interest of the state also. So, the party arrives at such decisions after serious contemplation," he told reporters.

 As far as the CPI(M) is considered, it has the responsibility to guide the new government in a better way, the Left leader said adding that the exemplary performance of the new government is its top priority. Pinarayi Vijayan was on Tuesday elected its Parliamentary Party Leader for a second term as Chief Minister but the omission of Shailaja from the new cabinet has sparked a debate. 

 Hailed as "rockstar health minister" by the global media for her able leadership, effective crisis management and mature intervention in arresting the first wave of Covid-19 in the state, Shailaja's non-inclusion raised many eyebrows cutting across party lines. 

 Meanwhile, the social media platforms are still abuzz with comments and campaigns to call back the health minister, who was regarded as the face of the state's fight against the COVID-19. People including politicians, writers and celebrities have expressed shock and despair on the Left government's decision to deny her a cabinet berth.
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13:44   Narada case: Mamata, Bengal law minister made parties in CBI petition
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Law Minister Moloy Ghatak have been made parties in a petition by the CBI before the Calcutta High Court seeking transfer of the Narada sting tape case from the state. 

 A division bench presided by Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal fixed the matter for hearing at 2 pm on Wednesday. 

 The bench will also hear petitions by ministers Subrata Mukherjee and Firhad Hakim, TMC MLA Madan Mitra and former Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee for recall of its order staying the bail granted by a CBI court in connection with their arrest in the case, on Monday. 

 Besides Banerjee and Ghatak, the probe agency has also made Trinamool Congress MP and lawyer Kalyan Banerjee a party in its petition before the high court. Representing the CBI, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta had on Monday evening told the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Arijit Banerjee that an extraordinary situation had evolved, with the chief minister of the state sitting on a dharna outside the office of the investigating agency. 

The CBI also claimed that the law minister of West Bengal was present in court, where the accused were to be presented, along with a mob.
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13:38   Why is PM not surveying cyclone-hit Maha: NCP
The NCP on Wednesday asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not visiting areas of Maharashtra hit by cyclonic storm Tauktae, even as he was conducting an aerial survey of some of the cyclone-affected parts of neighbouring Gujarat and Diu. "Is this not "clear cut discrimination"? Maharashtra minister and NCP's national spokesperson Nawab Malik wondered. 

 Before making a landfall in Gujarat late Monday night, the cyclone had claimed seven lives and caused damages in parts of Maharashtra, particularly in its coastal areas.

 Prime Minister Modi reached Bhavnagar in Gujarat on Wednesday to review the situation in the state in the aftermath of the cyclone and proceeded for an aerial survey of Una, Diu, Jafarabad and Mahuva, an official said. After the survey, the PM is scheduled to hold a review meeting at Ahmedabad.
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13:32   Deaths due to Covid increasing, vaccines reducing: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of diverting attention and said while deaths due to COVID-19 are increasing the vaccines are reducing. He also shared graphs showing a decline in COVID-19 vaccinations and the rise in number of daily deaths due to coronavirus. 

 "Vaccines are decreasing and Covid deaths are increasing. The Central government policy - Divert attention, spread untruth, make noise by hiding facts," he charged in a tweet in Hindi. 

 India saw a record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 2,83,248, while 2.67 lakh fresh cases were recorded, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. With a total of 2,67,334 fresh infections, India's total tally of cases climbed to 2,54,96,330. PTI
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13:23   Gadkari: Didn't know govt had begun vax production
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on his statement on vaccination: "I was unaware that his (health) ministry has started these efforts before I had given suggestion yesterday. I am glad and congratulate he (Dr Harsh Vardhan) and his team for this timely intervention in the right direction. I feel it is important to put this on record."

He added, "He also informed me that, GoI is already facilitating vaccine manufacturing by 12 different plants/companies and rapid ramp up of production is expected in near future as a result of these efforts."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that more pharma companies should be allowed to manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine in the country during the pandemic to scale up production. "If vaccine demand is more than supply it creates problem. Instead of 1, let 10 more companies be given license for vaccine manufacture... Let them supply in the country and later if there's surplus, they may export. It can be done in 15-20 days."
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13:13   Karnataka hopes to vaccinate state by year end
The Karnataka government has set a goal to vaccinate all those eligible in the state by November end, against coronavirus. "Our major objective is to vaccinate all by October end or November end. All our efforts are in the direction of vaccinating every citizen by the end of the year," Health Minister K Sudhakar said on Wednesday. 

He was speaking to reporters to announce the receipt of 2 lakh doses of Covishield from the Pune based Serum Institute of India. 

Sudhakar said the accomplishment of vaccination drive by the year end will include first and second doses to all. Besides, the emphasis is on Covaxin produced by Bharat Biotech, which is setting up its manufacturing unit in Malur in Kolar which will have a manufacturing capacity of four to five crore vaccines by August end. 

He also said the Sputnik vaccine production may take place in Karnataka. "The production of two vaccines in the state has instilled hope in us of achieving the goal of vaccinating all before any other state in the country." 

On the order for Covishield doses, Sudhakar said, "We have placed an order for two crore Covishield vaccines to the Pune based Serum Institute of India. Today, we have received two lakh doses." 

According to Sudhakar, the doses will be administered to those who are above 45 years and are due for second dose. The minister said the state has received 1.11 crore doses from the central government. The state has received 10.94 lakh doses as part of direct procurement from manufacturers comprising 9,50,000 Covishield and 1,44,000 Covaxin. 

"In all, we have got 1,22,20,510 vaccines which is combination of both Covishield and Covaxin. We have vaccinated 1,13,61,234 people so far in the state," the minister noted.
Commodore Manoj Jha who led the recue ops
Commodore Manoj Jha who led the recue ops
13:04   LIVE! 14 bodies recovered from Tauktae-hit barge
14 bodies have been recovered from the Arabian Sea after Barge P305 sank off Mumbai coast; 184 people rescued so far. Search and rescue operations are underway. 

Commodore Manoj Jha, who led the rescue ops off the Mumbai coast says, "Operations can be challenging but our work is to ensure that we prepare for every contingency. We've been able to save another 300 lives at sea. Two other vessels were in distress, they were about to abandon ship and we assured them support. The rescue operations continue. Our ships and aircraft are at work. Not only Navy but also Coast Guard, ONGC ships are working."
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12:37   States to get 10 crore+ vax doses by June end
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visits Safdarjung Hospital to review COVID-19 preparedness. He says, "With the help of DRDO a new PSA plant has been installed in record time here. Another plant of 2 MT capacity will be installed here within 1 month."

"We're building a 46-bed makeshift hospital including 32 ICU beds and 14 oxygen beds with the help of CISR. Yesterday, we conducted the highest Covid tests in the world as we tested more than 20 lakh samples in India. Soon we'll take the numbers to 25 lakh per day."

The Union Health Ministry has written to states/UTs on allocation of COVID vaccine doses during May and the first fortnight of June from the Govt of India channel, and availability of vaccine doses that can be procured directly by States and private hospitals during the same period. 

According to the advance visibility provided by the Govt of India to states/UTs, a total of 5,86,29,000 doses will be provided free of cost by Govt of India to States from 1st May 2021 to 15th June 2021

In addition, as per information received from vaccine manufacturers, a total of 4,87,55,000 doses will also be available till end of June 2021 for direct procurement by States/UTs.
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12:27   Covid care centre set up in Tejashwi Yadav's home
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav converts his government residence in Patna to COVID Care Centre. The facility is free of cost. He has also written to the government to include this centre for services.
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12:12   1,300 O2 beds, 530 ICU beds added in 12 AIIMS
Starting from the second week of April, over 1,300 oxygen beds and about 530 ICU beds for COVID treatment have been added in 12 new AIIMS and the current availability of oxygen and ICU beds is about 1,900 and 900 respectively, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. There are currently 1,925 non-ICU oxygen beds and about 908 ICU beds, including ventilators at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, AIIMS, Bhopal, AIIMS, Jodhpur, AIIMS, Patna, AIIMS, Raipur, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS, Mangalagiri, AIIMS, Nagpur, AIIMS, Raebareli, AIIMS, Bathinda, AIIMS, Bibinagar and AIIMS, Gorakhpur. So far, setting up of 22 new AIIMS has been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), a central sector scheme, announced in August 2003. 

 Out of these, six AIIMS at Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and Rishikesh are already fully functional.

 In another seven AIIMS, OPD facility and MBBS classes have started, while in five more institutes only MBBS classes have started, the ministry said in its statement. "These regional AIIMS, set up or being set up under PMSSY, have played a very significant role in management of COVID since the beginning of the pandemic early last year. 

Their contribution becomes significant when seen in light of the fact that they serve areas where the health infrastructure is weak. "True to their mandate, they have also admirably responded to the challenge of the second wave by expanding bed capacities for treatment for moderate and severe COVID patients," the ministry said.
BJP MLA Gautam Lal Meena
BJP MLA Gautam Lal Meena
12:07   BJP loses two leaders to Covid
BJP MLA Gautam Lal Meena died of COVID-19 at a hospital in Udaipur on Wednesday. The 56-year-old Meena was MLA from Dhariawad constituency in Rajasthan's Pratapgarh district. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP state president Satish Poonia and other leaders condoled Meena's death. Meena is the fourth MLA in Rajasthan to succumb to coronavirus. 

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday condoled the death of Minister of State for Revenue and Flood Control Vijay Kashyap. The Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath passed a resolution condoling the death of Kashyap, a government spokesman said. The 56-year-old Kashyap succumbed to COVID-19 at a Gurgaon hospital on Tuesday night. He was an MLA from Muzaffarnagar's Charthawal Assembly seat.
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11:53   Was floating in sea for 11 hrs: Rescued barge crew
Crew rescued by Indian Navy from Barge P305 off the coast of Mumbai, walks out of INS Kochi after arriving in Mumbai.  A member, Amit Kumar Kushwaha says, "The barge was sinking, so I had to jump into the sea. I was in the sea for 11 hours. After that, Navy rescued us." 

The Navy on Wednesday said its personnel, battling extreme weather, have so far rescued 184 of the 273 people onboard barge P305, adding all personnel on board two other barges and an oil rig are safe after Cyclone Tauktae fury rendered these vessels adrift. "As of Wednesday morning, 184 personnel of barge P305 have been rescued and INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are returning to Mumbai harbour with the rescuees.
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11:43   Manipur govt calls for muting ambulance sirens amid Covid anxiety
The Manipur government has called for muting sirens of ambulances in the state in a bid to reduce anxiety and panic amid the COVID-19 gloom, officials said. The state's medical directorate, in a memorandum, urged chief medical officers, medical superintendents, staff of private hospitals and ambulance operators to "silence sirens as they are panicking people and causing social anxiety". 

 "Only if roads are blocked, sirens should be activated," it added. 

 The state government had earlier imposed curfew in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Ukhrul, Thoubal, Kakching and Churachandpur on May 8, which has been extended till May 28.
A drive-in vaccine facility in Nagpur
A drive-in vaccine facility in Nagpur
11:21   More pharma companies should be allowed to produce Covid vaccines: Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that more pharma companies should be allowed to manufacture the Covid-19 vaccine in the country during the pandemic to scale up production.

While addressing a meeting via video conferencing Gadkari said, "If the demand of vaccine is more than the supply, it creates the problem. So, instead of one company, let 10 more companies be given the license to manufacture the vaccine." 

"There are 2-3 laboratories in every state. They should be given the formula to produce the COVID-19 vaccines. They can give royalty," Gadkari said.

"Let them supply in the country and later if there is surplus, they may export. It can be done in 15-20 days," he added.

Currently, only two firms - Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India - are manufacturing COVID vaccines in the country and only three vaccines have so far been approved to be sold in India --- COVAXIN, COVESHIELD and Sputnik V.

Many states have complained about the shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

Reacting to Gadkari's comment on the shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines, national spokesperson of Congress Jaiveer Shergill said that the whole nation is demanding vaccines, BJP is supplying fake tool kits."Mr Gadkari says to solve Vaccine demand-supply issue more manufacturing licenses should be given. The problem is-Nation is demanding vaccines, BJP is supplying fake tool kits. Good to know at least one BJP minister is waking up to reality - how many more have to die to wake up the system," Shergill tweeted.
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11:16   Delhi CM doesn't speak for India: EAM to Singapore
EAM Dr S Jaishankar issues a clarification: "Singapore and India have been solid partners in the fight against COVID-19. However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify -- Delhi CM does not speak for India.

"India appreciates Singapore's role as a logistics hub and oxygen supplier. Their gesture of deploying military aircraft to help us speaks of our exceptional relationship."

Arindam Bagchi, MEA spox adds: "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." 
File pic
File pic
10:51   Ex-WB CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya tests Covid +ve
Former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has tested positive for COVID-19 and doctors have advised him to be in home isolation, health department sources confirmed. The wife of 77-year-old Bhattacharya, Mira Bhattacharya, also tested positive for the infection, following which she was admitted to a city hospital late Tuesday evening, they said.

 "Swab samples of Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, his wife and their attendant were collected this morning and they tested positive for the disease," a source said on Tuesday. 

 A medical board has been formed for Mrs Bhattacharya at the hospital, he added. "Doctors are seeing the former chief minister at home and they are constantly keeping a tab on his health condition," the source said. PTI
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10:49   89 crew still missing from one barge: Navy
The Navy on Wednesday said its personnel, battling extreme weather, have so far rescued 184 of the 273 people onboard barge P305, adding all personnel on board two other barges and an oil rig are safe after Cyclone Tauktae fury rendered these vessels adrift. 

"As of Wednesday morning, 184 personnel of barge P305 have been rescued and INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are returning to Mumbai harbour with the rescuees. 

 "INS Teg, INS Betwa, INS Beas, P8I aircraft and Seaking helicopters are continuing with the search and rescue operations," a Navy spokesperson said.

 All the 137 personnel on barge GAL Constructor were rescued on Tuesday by the Navy and Coast Guard. The 196 personnel on barge SS-3 and 101 personnel on board oil rig Sagar Bhushan are safe, the official said.

 Offshore vessels hired by ONGC and SCI towing then to safety. INS Talwar is also in the area to assist in the SAR ops, he added. 

 The accommodation barge P305 which was servicing ONGC offshore operations sank on Monday evening, the official said, adding 184 of the 273 personnel on board have been rescued so far. 

 Three barges and an oil rig with 707 personnel on board went adrift on Monday. These included barge P305 with 273 persons, cargo barge GAL Constructor with 137 personnel on board, accommodation barge SS-3 with 196 personnel on board and the Sagar Bhushan oil rig with 101 personnel on board, the official said. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar said the ongoing SAR is among the most challenging search and rescue operations in the last four decades. 

 Navy ships were deployed on Monday after receipt of a request for assistance for barge 'P305' adrift off Heera oil fields in Bombay high area with 273 personnel on board. The oil fields are around 70 km southwest of Mumbai. PTI
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10:47   Cyclone Tauktae weakens into depression
NDRF personnel carry out road clearance and restoration work in Diu in the aftermath of Cyclone Tauktae.

Cyclone Tauktae weakened into a "depression" and lay centred over south Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat region on Wednesday morning, the India Meteorological Department said. 

 After causing widespread rain in Gujarat, the cyclone is expected to bring showers in many other states also, including Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, due to its interaction with the western disturbance, the IMD said. The cyclonic "depression" was located around 60 km west-southwest of Udaipur in Rajasthan, and 110 km of Deesa in Gujarat, the IMD said in its morning bulletin.
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10:44   The problem of getting vaccinated in rural India
In India's cities, citizens await the arrival of vaccines, queuing up, trying their luck on the Cowin app, and return disappointed. 
In India's villages, the fear of vaccination prevents people from getting innoculated.
The Ayush worker in this picture alongside says residents of Dhanora tehsil villages, Gadchiroli, are hesitant to take the Covid vaccines due to lack of awareness.  "Only 40 people in the 45+ age group took the vaccine. Others think they'll die after inoculation. The elderly think, vaccination for 18+ will make them infertile," says the Ayush worker.

"We share our experience with them that we're healthy after taking the vaccine to encourage them. But they say frontline workers get different vaccines. We're trying to create awareness with help of other departments in the village," he says.
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10:11   India reports highest ever (4,529) Covid deaths
India reports 2,67,334 new COVID19 cases, 3,89,851 discharges and 4,529 deaths (highest in a single day) in last 24 hrs, as per health ministry.

Total cases: 2,54,96,330
Total discharges: 2,19,86,363
Death toll: 2,83,248
Active cases: 32,26,719
Total vaccination: 18,58,09,302

IMAGE: A man walks past a graffiti depicting coronavirus during the ongoing COVID-induced lockdown, in New Delhi. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
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09:18   Panic grips Bihar village as 36 die in 27 days
An atmosphere of fear and panic has gripped Muzzafarpur's Sakra block due to the death of 36 people in 27 days.

While villagers expressed apprehension that the deaths could be due to COVID-19, the local administration has denied the claims.

The matter is being reported from Saramastapur Panchayat of Sakra block in the Muzzafarpur district, where most people have died only after symptoms like cough and fever.

The streets of the village wear a deserted look as the people are afraid to step out from their houses.

Speaking to ANI a local villager on Tuesday said that a total of 36 people have died so far and in the coming days this number will increase because many are ill.

He also claimed most people have died only after symptoms like cough, fever.

Pramod Kumar Gupta, Sarpanch of Muzzafarpur's Sakra Block, said that some elderly people have died while the rest have died from cold, cough, fever.

He said they have informed the district administration about the sudden increase in the death rate and asked to investigate the matter to know the reasons why it is happening.

"36 deaths in 27 days due to cough and cold. I had informed the Block Medical officer for testing but there were no kits. I then requested DM for kits & to find out the cause of deaths. Kits have been made available & testing being done," said Sarpanch, Sakra Block, Muzzafarpur.

Meanwhile, Sanjeev Kumar, Sakra PHC in-charge denied the claim and said that 'not everyone has died due to coronavirus. Many people have died of other diseases'.

A few days ago, thousands of antigen kits, sanitisers and other items kept for black marketing were raided and seized by the police from a village in Sakra. -- ANI
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08:33   US vaccines work against Indian strain: Dr Fauci
COVID-19 vaccines that are available in the United States are effective against the deadly variant that was first detected in India, top US health officials said on Tuesday.

The B.1.617 virus variant, first identified in India last year, has been classified as a 'variant of concern' at the global level by the World Health Organisation.

"The modest neutralisation resistance to the 617 antibodies suggests that the current vaccines that we are all using that we've been speaking about would be at least partially and probably quite protective," Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the chief medical advisor to the President told reporters during a news conference in Washington, DC.

Making a presentation of his data and latest research on this issue, Dr Fauci said that both the variants B617 and B1618, that have been identified in India, have been neutralised with only a 2.5 fold diminution in titer.

"That's well within the cushion effect of the capability to protect against infection and certainly against serious disease".

"So, in summary, this is just another example of the scientific data accruing, literally over the last few days, indicating another very strong reason why we should be getting vaccinated," Dr Fauci said.

Andy Slavitt, White House COVID-19 Senior Advisor said the vaccines that are available in the US are effective against the Indian variant.

"And it is all the more reason why it's important for all of us, who have the opportunity to get vaccinated, to do so because we've seen the devastation that these variants can cause in other countries. And we should not feel that this can't happen here," Slavitt said in response to a question.   -- PTI
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00:13   Black fungus killed 16 in Maha distinct in 40 days
Sixteen patients suffering from Mucormycosis, a rare but serious infection, have lost their lives during treatment in Maharashtra's Aurangabad city between April 1 and May 10, a senior municipal official said on Tuesday.
During this period, more than 200 Mucormycosis patients, hailing from various places, were admitted for treatment in health facilities in Aurangabad, the official said.
Among them, 16 patients died of which only four were from Aurangabad city, Municipal Health Officer Dr Neeta Padalkar told PTI.
As per data provided by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), between April 1 and May 10, a total of 201 patients were admitted for treatment of Mucormycosis, also called black fungus, in six medical facilities in the city.
Out of these, 145 patients underwent surgical procedure, while others were treated with various medical interventions, another official said.
Out of the total infected patients registered with the civic administration, 76 were diabetic, the official said.
Talking to reporters, Dr Padalkar said, "Mucormycosis is a fungal infection. This fungus is present in the air and when immunity declines and blood sugar increases, this infection may attack a person."
"Patients detected with this infection are mostly diabetic, who were on oxygen and given steroids during treatment."
She said the fungus, now being found in recovering or recovered COVID-19 patients, goes inside the body through nose and reaches lungs, eyes and the sinuses.
"Over 200 patients were detected with this infection (in Aurangabad) and many of them recovered. Unfortunately, 16 of them have lost their lives," Padalkar said.
The AMC has set up a group of ophthalmologists, ENT and other specialists for treating this infection, which requires a multidisciplinary approach, she said.
Mucormycosis has a range of symptoms which depend on where in the body the fungus is growing. -- PTI 
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00:05   Pak PM appoints Moeed Yusuf as NSA
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has appointed his Special Assistant on National Security Moeed Yusuf as the country's National Security Adviser.
Yusuf's elevation comes in the backdrop of the reported backchannel communication with India early this year, resulting in the restoration of the 2003 ceasefire agreement on the Line of Control in February.
A notification dated May 17 was issued by the Cabinet Division to appoint Yusuf as the NSA.
"The Prime Minister has been pleased to approve that Dr Moeed W Yusuf, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security and Strategic Policy Planning, shall function as National Security Adviser 

with the status of Federal Minister, with immediate effect," the notification read.
Last month, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry was asked by several journalists about reported backchannel talks with India.
Instead of outright rejection, he said: "States have their ways and means to communicate which remain available even during wars. Therefore, whether any talks are taking place between India and Pakistan is not 

important."
In New Delhi, asked about the media reports that backchannel talks between India and Pakistan were going on for more than a year, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi did not give a direct 

reply.
"If you talk about channels of communication on this issue, let me just recall that our respective high commissions exist and are functioning. So that is a very effective channel of communication," Bagchi said last 

month.
India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of 

terror and hostility.
Yusuf was appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning and was given the status of Minister of State on December 24, 2019.
He is an academic with experience of working at various think tanks in the US. 

He served as the associate vice president at the Asia Center at the United States Institute of Peace and a research fellow at the Frederick S Padree Centre at Boston University.
He is also the author of Brokering Peace in Nuclear Environments: US Crisis Management in South Asia. 

Earlier, he did Ph.D in Political Science from Boston University. -- PTI

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