Ignorance of law, lack of case info extend convicts’ jail stay

Ignorance of law, lack of case info extend convicts’ jail stay

Shanmughasundaram.j@timesgroup.com

Chennai:18.04.2021

After spending 12 years behind the bars without much legal aid, 49 year-old life convict Ram (name changed) took up the case on his own and approached the Supreme Court. Now, he was out on bail and trying to win back his freedom.

As on April 15, there were 15,796 prisoners in Tamil Nadu. Of these, 4,311 and 8,683 were convicted and remanded prisoners. “Persons like me are rare. Many prisoners are illiterate and lack knowledge about their legal rights and the available facilities in the existing judicial and prison system,” said Ram, a native of Chennai, who was incarcerated from 2005 to 2018 Puzhal-I central prison in connection with a murder case.

Several hundreds of prisoners are still in the dark about their case status as they lack awareness about their legal rights or assistance from the system. “Unaware that they have to undergo their sentence concurrently, many prisoners remain in prison for more number of years,” said a probation officer.

They can do away with this by approaching court to get direction as per provision of 428 of CrPC (period of detention undergone by the accused to be set off against the sentence). But the ignorance on the part of the prisoners and lack of support from prison welfare officers leave several inmates in jails beyond stipulated imprisonment periods.

The department has trained educated convicts as paralegal volunteers to help their fellow convicts, who themselves were illiterates. However, it is not of much use. “It is difficult to get the case kattu (case brief) from advocates, making it difficult for many prisoners to use the free legal service extended by the legal service authorities,” said an ex-convict, who preferred anonymity. He was one among the 1,600-odd prisoners who had benefited from Tamil Nadu government’s premature release scheme a few years ago.

The daughter of a life convict said her father was imprisoned long beyond the stipulated period after being convicted in a murder case. Though he was eligible to be released under premature release scheme, charges under Arms Act denied him the freedom. He continues to languish in Vellore Central Prison for Men.

Activists seek facilities such as Kiosks where case details and the current status of the cases could be accessed. All prisons mus have the facility to help the inmates to have up to date details of their cases.

Job, Higher Edu Limitations Mean Courses See Few Takers

Job, Higher Edu Limitations Mean Courses See Few Takers

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:18.04.2021

A survey carried out by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) among undergraduate engineering students on regional language preference shows that a majority of students are interested in Tamil as course language.

According to AICTE, 83,195 undergraduate students took part in the online survey titled as “Undergraduate Engineering Education in Mother Tongue.” Among them, 12,487 students said they would choose to study engineering in their mother tongue Tamil if given to the option. Hindi (7,818), Telugu (3,991) and Marathi (3,226) came next. As many as 1,953 students have answered, not sure. The survey included participants with 22 mother tongues.

The ministry of education has given emphasis to provide engineering and medical studies in regional languages. The survey was to get the views of stakeholders (students) on the matter.

The state introduced Tamil BE Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering in 2010.

While the survey findings portray Tamil medium as the popular pick among the group, experts find it very surprising as the two Tamilmedium courses have hardly any takers.

“If true, there should have been a big craze to opt for Tamil-medium courses. Even at College of Engineering, Guindy, seats in the Tamil medium courses are the last ones to be filled. The gap in cut-off for Tamil medium and other students is also huge. It is an indicator that students do not prefer Tamil-medium courses,” said career consultant Jayaprakash Gandhi.

“Those who picked Tamil medium are struggling in campus recruitment. They are also not able to go for higher education as the GATE is conducted only in English,” he added.

As many as 17 colleges — College of Engineering (CEG) and 16 constituent colleges of Anna University — have around 1,500 Tamil-medium seats across the two streams.

“The Tamil-medium courses are a failure as the state government could not provide the students books and journals in Tamil. Due to lack of jobs and higher education opportunities, the colleges filled less than 30% seats these past few years. Seats in CEG are filled every year, but that has nothing to do with Tamil medium,” a professor from Anna University said.

A dean of constituent college said some colleges could not fill even a single Tamil medium course seat.

“Tamil BE courses are not successful as text books, resources are not available in Tamil,” said B Chidambararajan, principal of SRM Valliammai College in Chennai.

While the AICTE allowed colleges to start a course in regional language from 2021-22, few TN institutions applied.

Man who hung a thought at THE END OF LAUGHTER

Man who hung a thought at THE END OF LAUGHTER

Comedy That Makes The Audience Think Was Actor Vivekh’s Forte. Be It Spreading Awareness On Environment Or Covid Vaccination, He Was At The Forefront Of Activities And Making A Difference

D Govardan & Neeraja Ramesh TNN

18.04.2021

When it came to his comedy sketches in films, Vivekh worked with a two-track mind — first, he baited his audience with his slapstick slice of life vignettes, and then when he had them right where he wanted, delivered a punchline that silenced them into introspection. And for that he will always be remembered – the comedian with a message in his medium.

The actor died at a hospital in Chennai on Saturday following a cardiac arrest. He was 59, and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

“Vivekh was a jovial person with no ego,” recalls N Mohan, manager to late director K Balachander who launched Vivekh’s career in 1987 with ‘Manadhil Urudhi Vendum’.

The director’s next ‘Puthu Puthu Arthangal’ (1989) made Vivekh popular and there was no looking back.

Vivekh acted in more than 200 movies, sharing screen space with generations of heroes from Rajinikanth to Dhanush. Over the years his fan following grew so much that his face began appearing on posters. Apart from comedies, he also began playing the protagonist and other character roles. In ‘Vellai Pookal’ (2019), for instance, he played the lead role of a retired police officer who goes to Seattle to reunite with his estranged son, while in ‘Dharala Prabhu’ (2020), he endeared himself to the audience as fertility expert Dr Kannadasan.

Mohan says Vivekh’s sense of humour permeated his real life. Whenever Vivekh came to meet Balachander, he recalls, he used to bring a rose. After a few visits, the director chided him for it. So, the next time he brought him an apple. “When Balachander sir chided him again, he started offering him a pen,” says Mohan.

Before his tryst with celluloid, Vivekh had donned many roles — from a harmonium player at a temple in Madurai to a telephone operator with Madurai Telephones to junior assistant in the state Secretariat in the 1980s. That was when he became a member of the Madras Humour Club, where his acting skills were noticed by film producer Kalakendra Govindharaj, who introduced him to Balachander.

“My first shot before the camera was with Vivekh for a scene in ‘Parthale Paravasam’ (2001),” says actor-director Samuthirakani, who was assisting Balachander then. “Sir said to me, if you want to learn to be an actor, act in this scene with Vivekh.”

Comedian Vadivelu, who has also acted with Vivekh, called his style acting “unique and simple”. “His dialogue delivery reached the masses as it always carried a social message,” he says.

Over the years, his comedy began to take a social turn. On screen, he began using his roles to voice concerns about a range of raging issues such as population growth, idol worship, denial of rights for better education for the less privileged and female infanticide. A voracious reader, Vivekh would sometimes scour newspapers and magazines in between shots to incorporate current civic and social issues into his dialogues.

Yoga partner and friend Vairamuthu says he was amazed by Vivekh’s knowledge on various subjects and that the two of them shared a strong bond over books and Tamil language. The industry gave Vivekh the moniker ‘Chinna Kalaivanar’, after yesteryear comedian N S Krishnan, who voiced similar concerns in the 1940s and 1950s was known as ‘Kalaivanar’.

“He helped scores of people throughout his life. He practised what he preached on screen,” says Samuthirakani. In 2010, the actor turned to activism and launched the ‘Green Kalam’ initiative, planting more than 30 lakh saplings. In 2018, he was part of TN government’s noplastic drive urging people to go green. The following year, when Chennai was reeling under a water crisis, he campaigned for rainwater harvesting. Two days before his cardiac arrest, Vivekh urged people to stay safe and get vaccinated.

“Death has no comic sense, that is the reason it took him away from us,” says Vairamuthu. “Now the trees he planted will shed tears for him.”

As hospitalizations go up so does Covid waste

As hospitalizations go up so does Covid waste

U..Tejonmayam@timesgroup.com

Chennai:18.04.2021

Biomedical waste treatment facilities in the city could soon be handling double the quantity handled in the pre-Covid period.

Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital dean Dr P Vasanthamani said from an average 250kg a month in pre-Covid times, the hospital disposed 3,500kg to 4,000kg waste every month between July and October 2020. Of the 450 Covid beds, 320 are now occupied. “From 905kg in February 2021, it rose to 1,617kg last month. But we streamlined the collection and disposal during last year’s peak. We have built a shed to segregate and keep Covid waste separate,” she said. Initially, between May and July 2020, the hospital generated nearly 26,000kg waste as leftover food and packaging material from the bedside were also treated as biomedical waste. “Then, food waste was disposed as general waste after guidelines were revised.”

Around 112 private hospitals in Chennai, of the 387 in the state, are treating Covid patients. More than 55 city hospitals have less than five beds vacant or are full.

In August 2020, Tamil Nadu PollutionControlBoardofficials say10 of the 12 common biomedical waste treatment facilities (CBMWTFs) incinerated an average 27 tonnes a day of Covid waste. Last month, the quantity dropped to five tonnes a day, but the daily average from April 1 to 12 was seven tonnes. The 12 CBMWTFs have the capacity to handle 55.167 tonnes a day An official from Tamil Nadu Waste Management Ltd, one of the two companies handling Covid waste from hospitals in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, said biomedical waste collected from around 1,000 hospitals rose from 3,000kg a day to 5,000kg a day during the first wave in 2020 and the firm struggled as drivers and pickers refused to work. “We are expecting the load to go up in the coming days. But unlike last year, we have manpower, all safety gear and sanitized vehicles,” he said.

Harish Manian, CEO of MGM Healthcare, said they brought down the weight of the Covid waste by allowing staff in low risk zones like visitor screening areas to wear lightweight safety gear compared to high risk zones like ICUs. From an average 200kg of just Covid waste a day, the total waste now is around 300kg.

TNPCB chairman A V Venkatachalam said the waste increased manifold last year. “But we diligently reviewed the situationandfoundinstalled capacity of our CBMWTFs is phenomenally high. That’s why we did not face any hardship in the management of biomedical waste.”

22 of Tamil Nadu’s 39 Covid deaths reported in city

22 of Tamil Nadu’s 39 Covid deaths reported in city

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.04.2021

Tamil Nadu scaled a new peak in terms of active cases with 65,635 people under treatment for the viral infection as on Saturday. The state added 9,344 new infections while 5,263 people were discharged.

Of the 39 deaths reported on Saturday, 22 were from Chennai, which also recorded 2,884 fresh infections.

Chennai has 23,625 active cases and has so far reported 4,386 deaths. At least 23 districts reported fresh cases in three digits. Of these, 11 had more than 200 new cases. After Chennai, the highest number of fresh cases and deaths were from Chengalpet (807 cases and three deaths). Active cases in the district have spiked to 6,263. Together with Tiruvallur (389) and Kancheepuram  (248), there were 4,328 new cases in the Chennai region.

The region accounted for more than 50% of Tamil Nadu’s active cases. Testing in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram districts has also increased over the last one week. Chennai corporation commissioner G Prakash said the city, which is testing 20,000 people a day at present, plans to scale up testing to 25,000. “We are doing this across the state. Health workers have been asked to track down at least 30 close contacts of people who test positive. When we test more people, we will be able to identify cases and isolate them early,” said health secretary J Radhakrishnan.

As the state inches close to 1 lakh tests a day, the health department is pushing districts to increase the number to 1.25 lakh a day, the health secretary said. Meanwhile, public health officials say isolating people early and initiating treatment will help keep fatality rate below 1.5%.

In the west, the highest number of new cases were reported from Coimbatore (652), while in the central region, it was Trichy (323) and in the south, Tuticorin (261). The western districts together reported 1,820 cases and three deaths, while the 10 southern districts added 1,880 cases and four deaths. The central region reported 817 cases and four deaths.

HC suspends jail term, Lalu to walk free

HC suspends jail term, Lalu to walk free

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ranchi/Patna:  18.04.2021

RJD president Lalu Prasad is set to walk out of jail after the Jharkhand high court suspended the remaining duration of his prison sentence in the Dumka treasury fodder scam case, RC 38A/96, on Saturday. Lalu, at present undergoing treatment at AIIMS in New Delhi under custody, is likely to be released next week. Lalu’s counsel Kapil Sibal on Saturday told the court that the RJD chief had completed more than half of his term in the Dumka treasury case and was entitled to be released.

Concerned about dad Lalu’s health: Tejashwi

Lalu’s family and party supporters were elated. While Lalu’s wife, former CM Rabri Devi, and their eldest daughter, Rajya Sabha member Misa Bharti, arrived at AIIMS Delhi, his sons and other daughters expressed happiness on social media.

Lalu’s younger son, leader of the opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, thanked the high court. “But we are more concerned about his health now,” he said. Tejashwi said a decision on Lalu’s coming to Patna would depend on the advice of doctors attending to him at AIIMS Delhi. “He is suffering from different ailments, including of the kidney and heart. We don’t want to take any chances,” he said.

Lalu’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, tweeted, “The messiah of the poor and downtrodden is now back. Tell those who have been doing injustice to them that our leader is coming back.”

One of Lalu’s daughters, Rohini Acharya, said she had got his “Eidi (Eid blessings)”, for which she has been observing Ramzan. Rohini also said she was observing “Chaitra Navaratra” rituals for his father’s release.

RJD workers and supporters celebrated the news by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets. Though the party appealed to its supporters not to celebrate the occasion in a big way, and to follow Covid-19 guidelines, a few supporters went to Rabri Devi’s 10, Circular Road residence in Patna to celebrate.

Earlier, RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwari said, “The whole of Bihar welcomes his (Lalu’s) bail. It has been a long wait for him, his family members and party workers.”

Former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM(S), part of the ruling NDA in the state, also welcomed news of Lalu’s bail. HAM(S) spokesperson Danish Rizwan said, “Our leader Jitan Ram Manjhi always expressed his concern about Lalu-ji’s ill health. We hope now Lalu-ji will be able to take care of himself in a better way. We are pleased with his bail.”

CELEBRATIONS GALORE: RJD supporters outside party office in Patna on Saturday

Velachery repoll: Just 186 of 548 votes cast

Velachery repoll: Just 186 of 548 votes cast

34 Less Than What Was Recorded On April 6

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.04.2021

Repolling at booth 92 in Velachery constituency concluded in a smooth manner on Saturday. Only 186 of the total 548 votes were polled, accounting for a 34% turnout.

The votes cast were 34 less than the 220 recorded on election day (April 6).

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had ordered repolling at the booth after Greater Chennai Corporation staff were caught carrying two EVMs and a VVPAT machine on a twowheeler after polling hours on April 6. The authorities claimed they were unused machines. A day later, the civic body suspended three staff members including an assistant engineer in connection with the incident. However, since the method adopted for transportation was against standard protocol, a repoll was ordered.

By noon on Saturday, around 90 votes were polled at the all-male booth at Seetharaman Nagar in Velachery. The area was fortified with heavy police presence and voters were not allowed to take their vehicles near the polling booth.

“The number of polling officials and police personnel on duty for the repoll easily outnumbered the number of voters who turned up,” said a corporation official.

Earlier in the day, corporation commissioner, G Prakash, who is also the district election officer, inspected the arrangements at the polling booth.

The last vote was polled around 5 pm and until the end of polling hours, no voter turned up. After the conclusion of polling, the EVM machines were loaded onto a van in the presence of booth agents and then sent to the strong room. The entire process was videographed.

On April 6, when the state went to polls, commotion prevailed at Velachery after polling hours because of the incident and workers of the Congress and DMK thronged the Velachery police station seeking action against the corporation staff, who were initially assumed to be AIADMK workers.

A food delivery agent who noticed the machines being transported on two bikes confronted the riders, after one of the machines fell down on Taramani Main Road in Velachery and the issue soon escalated. Some party cadres also treated the staff to mob justice before police intervened.

UNDER STRICT WATCH: Repolling underway at DAV Public School, Velachery on Saturday

Rly commuters found without masks to pay ₹500 penalty

Rly commuters found without masks to pay ₹500 penalty

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.04.2021

For the next six months, Southern Railway will impose a fine of up to ₹500 on passengers who are mask-less in stations and trains.

The decision to impose fines came after the railways received many complaints. Southern Railway has also carried out awareness programmes at railway stations to encourage passengers to wear masks.

The board has authorised all Zonal Railway to impose fine up to ₹500 under Indian Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at Railway premises) Rules, 2012, on those not wearing face mask. Officials authorised to collect these fines include the station master or manager, an officer above the rank of ticket collector of the commercial department or an officer of an equivalent rank of the operating department, RPF officials and any other official who may be subsequently authorised by the Railway administration.

Salem meat & fish shops to remain shut on Sundays

Salem meat & fish shops to remain shut on Sundays

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

18.04.2021

Salem municipal corporation commissioner N Ravichandran ordered closure of meat and fish shops on Sundays with immediate effect and until further orders. “We took the decision as part of the Covid-19 transmission and protective measures,” Ravichandran said.

The commissioner said there were more than 500 meat and fish shops functioning within city limits. These shops are open every day and attract large crowds. “People failed to maintain social distance while buying the meat or fish,” Ravichandran said, adding that many were found not wearing face masks too. “We have directed shopowners to ensure that customers maintain a distance of at least two metres from others and asked them not to service people not maintaining social distance or not wearing masks,” he said.

E-pass must, but who’s checking?

E-pass must, but who’s checking?

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.04.2021

Officials quickly put in restrictions to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19, but on the ground level, rules are not properly enforced.

Though passengers arriving from other states are asked to quarantine, there is no mechanism to ensure that they stay indoors. No followup calls are made.

While government staff carry out temperature checks at the airport and at the major railway stations, they don’t check for e-passes. “No one asked for the e-pass. I did not get any calls from local authorities about quarantine. There is no point in making people go through the exercise of applying for an e-pass if it is not going to be checked,” said Lakshmi Subramanian, who arrived from Mumbai on Friday. An airline official said there is no instruction to check the e-pass of arriving passengers.

M K Ajit Kumar, who arrived from Calicut, said there was no temperature nor e-pass check at the railway station.

A railway official said e- pass check is done by the state government. “We check the temperature of all passengers who enter the stations. The government has posted staff to check the temperature of passengers at exit gates,” he added. However, the temperature check at exit gates is erratic.

Though the number of air travellers has fallen, the airport still handles more than 12,000 arrivals daily, while Chennai Central and Egmore see around 40,000 people a day.

MISCOMMUNICATION? All arrivals are asked to quarantine for up to 14 days, but there is no mechanism to ensure they do

Vivekh, 59, popular actor and green ambassador, dies in city

Vivekh, 59, popular actor and green ambassador, dies in city

Cardiac Arrest Not Related To Vaccine: Docs

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.04.2021

Celebrated Tamil actor Vivekh known for his sharp wit and social work passed away at SIMS Hospital in the city early on Saturday. The 59-year-old actor was admited to the hospital on Friday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.

Scores of fans bid him a tearful farewell as his body was cremated with state police’s 24-gun salute. The Tamil Nadu government said the ‘police honour’ was in recognition of his contribution to the film world and his social service. The actor is survived by his wife and two daughters. Vivekh’s teenage son had died years ago.

The Padma Shri awardee has acted in more than 200 movies along with most of the leading Kollywood stars, including Rajinikanth. He has won state awards as best comedian for movies such as “Run,”, “Anniyan” and “Sivaji”. The actor has been a life-long campaigner for planting trees through ‘green Kalam movement’ and has been the state’s ambassador for popularizing public health messages, including prevention of dengue.PM and scores of other dignitaries condoled his demise.

On Friday, he was taken to the emergency room in an unconscious state around 11am by his wife and daughter after he complained of discomfort. He underwent an angioplasty and stenting procedure and was put on ECMO support in the intensive care unit. “He passed away at 4.35am on Saturday,” said hospital vice-president Dr Raju Sivasamy. The actor had taken Covaxin at Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital on Thursday.

FINAL JOURNEY: Hundreds of fans took part in the funeral procession of actor Vivekh in Chennai on Saturday

Panel will probe possible link of actor’s death with vaccine

He told reporters that he had come to a government hospital with his team in order to encourage people to take the vaccine. The same day, for the first time the number of doses administered by the state crossed the two-lakh mark.

A committee for Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) comprising doctors and scientists will hold detailed investigation into the cause of death and its possible links with the vaccine.

The hospital said preliminary reports show the attack was not related to the vaccination, but acute coronary syndrome with a cardiogenic shock. This was the first time that the actor had come to hospital with an attack like this, Dr Sivasamy said. Vivek had a “mild elevated blood pressure.”

Hundreds of fans, actors, directors and political leaders visited his house to pay their respects. His comedy tracks were running in loop across television channels and were shared widely on social media along with condolences.

IN THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE: Fans of actor Vivekh queued up in front of his house to pay their respect. Some carried saplings as he was known to be nature lover and eco warrior

›END OF LAUGHTER, P 4

After 11 fresh cases, JNU advises students to leave campus

After 11 fresh cases, JNU advises students to leave campus

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi  17.04.2021 

 Jawaharlal Nehru University has again issued an advisory to its students asking them to leave for their native places in order to avoid the campus turning into a super spreader. This comes after the university got 11 positive cases on Friday.

JNU registrar Anirban Chakraborti issued the notice, stating that JNU has had 322 cases in campus, with 64 patients at present. Five people have also passed away due to Covid.

In the advisory, the registrar stated that “the predicament of students and research scholars to pursue and complete the academic assignments is understandable. However, the library, hostel mess and eateries in the campus may become super spreaders. Health should be the top priority for all of us, particularly in the face of highly infectious virus with evolving mutants. There is no place better than home for getting a safe environment and, if required, for care for the unfortunate potential victims of the pandemic.”

On Thursday, JNU had announced a vaccination drive in the campus for four days for faculty and other staff members.

Following Delhi government guidelines, the varsity had on April 6 imposed a night curfew where all dhabas and canteens were asked to shut by 9pm.

For Next Two Days, Home Is Your World

For Next Two Days, Home Is Your World

Weekend Curfew Kicks In

Sidhartha.Roy@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:17.04.2021

The weekend curfew aimed at breaking the Covid-19 infection chain means that unless you have a valid emergency or you fall in an exempted category, you can’t step out of your house till 5am on Monday.

The weekend curfew came into effect at 10pm on Friday after the city recorded its highest ever daily tally of new Covid at 19,486 and a toll of 141. Only those who are exempted from the restrictions, such as Central and Delhi government personnel, police, fire and emergency services personnel, healthcare personnel, and those engaged in electricity, water, sanitation services, etc, will be allowed on the streets on production of valid identification cards.

Fifty people will be allowed to move for weddings and 20 for funerals. Travellers going to or coming from airports, railway stations and inter-state bus terminals will be permitted to move on producing valid tickets. Pregnant women and patients will also be allowed to travel for accessing health services. Those who are engaged in other essential services such as food and grocery shops, chemists, petrol pumps, cold storage, etc. but don’t have government identity cards can apply for epasses at www.delhi.gov.in.

Delhi government clarified on Friday that those who already held a night curfew epass needn’t re-apply for a new pass, the old one being automatically considered valid during the weekend curfew. Epasses are also being issued to those going for vaccination during the weekend or attending wedding ceremonies.

Candidates sitting for any examination during the weekend can show their admit cards to be allowed to travel. Examination staff will similarly be permitted on the streets if they produce valid ID cards.

While public transport will be available for people with valid IDs or epasses, personal vehicles can expect to be stopped at pickets at regular intervals and IDs and documents scrutinised. Those found violating the curfew order will have cases registered against them and possibly face arrest too.

Shops dealing in non-essential goods will remain shut. Movement of domestic workers is prohibited too. Home delivery only of essential items will be permitted.

Apart from Delhi Police, the district authorities will oversee the strict compliance of the curfew order. A team of the New Delhi district carried a unique drive at Connaught Place on Friday with two volunteers dressing up as Yamaraj and Chitragupta and both urging people to follow Covidappropriate behaviour and stay home over the weekend.

50  PEOPLE CAN ATTEND WEDDINGS, 20 LIMIT FOR FUNERALS

Demand to postpone exams gets louder

Demand to postpone exams gets louder

SruthySusan.Ullas@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:17.04.2021 

With chief minister BS Yediyurappa testing positive, college students took to social media with even more vigour seeking postponement of exams.

“When our state CM is not safe, how can a common student be safe. Plz think about us,” tweeted Varun, who sought postponement of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) exams. Nikhil R Nair, another student, posted: “Hope you recover soon sir. Please at least now understand how serious the matter is and postpone the exams sir. We are also human and can get the infection.”

Neha said: “Listen u were vaccinated still you got Corona now think about students who are having exams and we are not vaccinated.”

While Bangalore University postponed UG, PG and engineering exams, VTU, the umbrella body for engineering courses, has insisted that exams will go ahead as scheduled — from April 19. Bengaluru City University too postponed exams scheduled for April 17.

Karisidappa, VC, VTU, said: “Students were told about exams a month ago. All SOPs will be strictly adhered to and all arrangements have been made. The exams will be held on schedule.”

Meanwhile, some teachers of Kendriya Vidyalayas are seeking a complete shift to online mode. However, KV officials said they are merely following state government orders and are giving students the option of online and on-campus classes.

PRESSURE ON SMALL FRY: Police stepped up vigilance in Bengaluru, fining motorists for not wearing masks on Friday

Seniors rushing for 2nd dose, don’t want to wait six weeks

Seniors rushing for 2nd dose, don’t want to wait six weeks

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:17.04.2021 

In a bid to beat infection with cases surging, many seniors are rushing to take the second dose of the vaccine after just four weeks of the first dose, although the central government, on March 22, had advised all states to increase the interval between doses to 6-8 weeks.

A total 29,03,117 senior citizens in Karnataka have received the first dose since March 1. Of them, 1,22,983 or 4.2% have already taken the second dose. In the 45-60 years category, nearly 47,000 have taken the second dose.

Hospitals say they are seeing a trend of senior citizens wanting to take the second dose at the earliest to gain immunity. The vaccine is more effective if the interval between doses is eight weeks, but shortage of doses is a concern. Doctors say many senior citizens are only looking to prevent a severe infection and not the infection itself.

“Should we contract the virus and suffer, or should we get the second dose and be as safe as possible?” asked a 74-year-old man from Koramangala, who got the second dose on Thursday. A 55-yearold man on dialysis said: “We read about vaccine shortage every day. Why take the risk?”

Dr Ashwin Kulkarni, associate professor, MS Ramaiah medical college hospital, said: “What is needed is awareness on vaccination efficacy and the reason why the government increased the spacing. The guidelines keep changing. Most understand when we explain why.” He admitted some seniors got the second dose after just four weeks as they had travel plans.

Manufacturers of Covishield say, efficiency of the vaccine is 53.2 % if the second dose is taken after four weeks. This increases to 60.5% if the interval is 9-11 weeks. If the space between doses is 12 weeks or more, efficacy increases to 78.7%.

For Covaxin, however, the spacing between doses remains at four weeks. However, very few people have been given Covaxin.

On the rush to get fully inoculated, Dr Srivatsa Lokeshwaran, consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster CMI hospital, said: “Fear is a major factor here. No vaccine is 100% efficacious. In my view, given the current surge, if someone wants the second dose after four weeks, s/he should be given it. The need is to vaccinate as many people possible and quickly as possible.”

He said if 70 people out of 100 get vaccinated, it is still good enough in the current scenario. “The remaining 30% will get indirect immunity as the transmission chain breaks because people are vaccinated,” said Dr Lokeswaran.

WANT IT NOW: Shortage of doses is spooking people who want to ward off a severe infection

KSE admits vax shortage in Shivamogga

District minister KS Eshwarappa, who on Friday held a review meeting with health department officials in Shivamogga, admitted the vaccination drive in the district is faltering due to shortage of doses. Eshwarappa said, so far, 1.7 lakh people got the first dose and 18,000 people were fully inoculated with both doses. He said the district would need another seven lakh doses to inoculate all above 45 years. “If people cannot get the jab on the due date, they will be allowed to get it on another day,” Eshwarappa said. “Health department staff will keep beneficiaries informed.” TNN

Break the chain of viral fake news, TOI shows you how

TIMES Verified

Break the chain of viral fake news, TOI shows you how

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

17.04.2021 

Recently, before Maharashtra went under partial lockdown, a picture of a cop sporting a coronavirusshaped helmet went viral. In the photograph, three men on a bike are seen ducking from the men in khakhi and the headline suggested that the state was about to go into complete lockdown from April 9 to 19.

In the heat of the second wave of the pandemic, misinformation around Covid-19 has been spreading almost as fast as the deadly virus. If you too have contracted anxiety or vaccine hesitancy from consuming the constant avalanche of unverified news that has been tearing through family social media groups, worry not. TOI is here to help break the chain of fake news.

Starting today, Times Verified—an initiative by the Times of India—will debunk falsehoods circulating on social media. All you have to do is save the WhatsApp number 9819432222 on your phone as “Times Verified” and share unverified or suspicious messages that ambush your social media messengers with us here. As soon as we receive your message, our newly-formed expert panel comprising reporters, editors and representatives from the BMC and the government will get cracking. The panel will contact the relevant authorities and sources to check the credibility of the news story and get back to you with a clear picture as soon as possible.

So, whether it is a dubious article about a man who has found a cure for Covid-19 or about a senior citizen who has developed severe complications after the second dose, make sure to send it to us for verification first before allowing it to shape your decisions and discussions. And let our experts fight the contagion of panic caused by falsehoods—both innocent and wilful—by vaccinating you with the truth.

No Cambridge exams, schools to give scores

No Cambridge exams, schools to give scores

Vinamrata.Borwankar@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:17.04.2021 

The Cambridge International late on Friday announced it had cancelled exams for schools in India and had decided to move to school-assessed grades for classes X to XII.

In a communication to its affiliated schools, the board said, “In view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, we have decided to switch Cambridge International schools in India, from exams to school-assessed grades, so that students can receive certification and progress with their education.” The board has shared with its schools guidelines for collecting evidence to support school-assessed grades and how to work out the final grade for each student.

As multiple education boards either cancelled or postponed board exams over the past few days, students and parents from Cambridge Internationalaffiliated schools were a worried lot as the board had earlier stated that it would take a decision by Monday, April 19.

“It was very stressful considering that the exam was only a couple of days away. We are relieved with the board making an announcement,” said a parent.

Parents were worried if the exam was conducted, it would risk the health of the stakeholders. “Was Covid-19 going to disappear over the weekend,” said a parent from a south Mumbai international school.

Students who wish to withdraw from the exam series can do so through the portal until April 17 and then by writing to the board in the next seven days. The board has organised webinars over the next week to share information on the school-assessed grades process, including using evidence to allocate grades, using the rationale document and avoiding bias when setting these grades. The board, though, has said it would not be able to offer the same option for primary and lower secondary checkpoints and students could withdraw from March series.

Cremations begin along Saraswati riverbank

Cremations begin along Saraswati riverbank

Bharat.Yagnik@timesgroup.com

Ahmedabad:17.04.2021 

The mounting death toll of Covid-19 patients has left pyres and cremation furnaces incessantly burning across crematoriums in Gujarat. The situation is no different at the Saraswati Muktidham at Siddhpur, known as one of the biggest crematoriums in the state. With barely two furnaces out of 14 rendered operational at the Saraswati Muktidham in Siddhpur, cremations have now begun along the Saraswati river in Siddhpur.

This is perhaps for the first time that so many simultaneous cremations are taking place along the river bank. J D Patel, trustee, Saraswati Muktidham Trust, said, “We have a total of 14 furnaces at the crematorium, of which five are under maintenance. Due to cremations taking place constantly, seven furnaces got burnt and are inoperative for the time being, leaving only two running.”

“Against some 20 cremations taking place in a day on normal days, due to the rise in death toll of Covidpatients, at least 50 cremations are taking place at the crematorium on a daily basis. It is impossible to do so with two furnaces and therefore, we’ve limited it for deceased Covid patients,” said Patel.

Cremation of the dead due to factors other than Covid is presently taking place along the Saraswati riverbank in the conventional way on a wood pyre.

Bodies of the deceased are being brought from Mehsana, Patan and Banaskantha districts to Siddhpur for cremation. “Two days ago i.e. on Wednesday, some 68 cremations took place at the crematorium. Of these, 29 were of Covid-patients,” said Patel.

At present, people at the crematorium have to wait for at least six hours for their turn to perform the cremation.

Of 14 furnaces at Siddhpur crematorium, five are under maintenance and seven are non-functional for the time being. Only two are operational

Covid-19 patient dies ‘twice’ in MP hospital

Covid-19 patient dies ‘twice’ in MP hospital

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bhopal:17.04.2021 

A Covid patient in MP’s Vidisha was declared dead twice in a day, the first time because of an error by the staff, leaving his family on the tenterhooks.

The first time the hospital authorities issued the death certificate, family members rushed to the crematorium to arrange for wood only to be told that he was still on ventilator. He finally died around 6pm on Thursday.

The 58-year-old patient, a native of Sultania village in Vidisha, was admitted to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College on April 12 with a ‘neck ailment’. His family says he wasn’t a Covid patient at the time of admission.

He was first declared dead on Thursday afternoon and the death certificate was issued. Soon, his family members told that he was still alive. A few hours later, the family was again told that he had died.

Do not close graft complaints, DMK tells DVAC

Do not close graft complaints, DMK tells DVAC

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

Chennai: 17.04.2021 

With just about a fortnight left for counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu assembly election, the opposition DMK has urged the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to keep its hands off corruption complaints already submitted to the agency by the party. “Corruption has been on the rise in Tamil Nadu for the last five years and the DMK has assured the people of the state that those who have indulged in corruption, including the chief minister and his council of ministers, would be brought to book,” DMK organization secretary R S Bharathi said in his petition to the DVAC director on Thursday.

Bharathi said he had been given to understand that the DVAC is taking efforts to close all the complaints relating to corruption received against the chief minister and his council of ministers. He urged the DVAC to “keep their hands off” from these complaints until the new elected government takes charge in Tamil Nadu and not to “heed to any pressure from the ruling AIADMK”.

The corruption complaints have been lodged with the DVAC by the DMK, over the past couple of years, against chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, several of his cabinet ministers and a few MLAs of the ruling party. Subsequently, DMK president M K Stalin had bundled some of these complaints and submitted two memorandums to the Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit seeking action, following DVAC’s inaction on the complaints.

“We have submitted several corruption complaints against the chief minister, ministers P Thangamani, S P Velumani and C Vijayabaskar among others. On April 5, we lodged a complaint against deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam too on the illegal allocation of prime land near Koyambedu,” Bharathi told TOI. “We have now received information that attempts are being made to close the corruption complaint files. The police officials and the home secretary are part of the home department, which is part of the chief minister’s portfolio. We have already lodged corruption complaints against the chief minister himself. The AIADMK government is the only entity that can direct officials even now,” Bharathi said.

Not New Delhi or Mumbai, the worst-hit city is Maha’s Nashik

Not New Delhi or Mumbai, the worst-hit city is Maha’s Nashik

Atul Thakur & Rema Nagarajan

17.04.2021 

The four cities with the highest number of fresh cases per million population over the past month are all in Maharashtra. Nashik at the top is followed by Nagpur, Pune and Mumbai, in that order.

Sandwiched between these cities and Delhi (at No. 9) are Lucknow, Bengaluru, Bhopal and Indore, with Patna rounding off the top 10. In absolute numbers, Mumbai has added 3.7 between March 16 and April 15, much higher than any other city, while Delhi seems like it is the next worst hit. Absolute numbers, however, can give a misleading picture as cities with much bigger populations would tend to have more cases. Calculating the number of cases per million makes it possible to compare cities with vastly different population sizes.

Almost all cities breached their earlier highest daily cases

Thus, Mumbai and Delhi with populations of more than 20 million each have had single-day highs over the past month of more than 19,400 and 14,300, respectively.

But again, when we look at these numbers in proportion to their population, Lucknow’s high of just under 4,500 on April 15 is more alarming.

TOI looked at the number of Covid infections over the last one month in the country’s 30 most populous urban agglomerations – contiguous urban areas like Greater Mumbai or Greater Kolkata – according to the UN’s World Urbanisation Prospects data.

For two of these, Hyderabad and Vijaywada, data wasn’t available. Almost all the cities have breached their previous highest daily cases during the course of this month and are continuing to witness a rise.

This is a serious worry for the health infrastructure in these cities, as there is no telling how far the cases would increase before they reach the peak. Mercifully, Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik are now seeing decreasing number of cases over the last few days indicating that these cities could be over their peak.

Students in dark as Anna University withholds exam results

Students in dark as Anna University withholds exam results

The exam results for second, third and final year engineering students were announced earlier this week.

Published: 16th April 2021 05:47 AM 

By Sushmitha Ramakrishnan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Anna University has withheld the results of reportedly more than half the students, particularly those from colleges in Tier-II areas, who took up the November/December 2020 semester examinations, for reasons including “double-checking” that the candidates have not indulged in “malpractice”. This has led to confusion and complaints of being seen in bad light among the students.

The exam results for second, third and final year engineering students were announced earlier this week.

“If the students have not indulged in any malpractice, and yet their results are withheld, it will be released in the upcoming week,” said a senior official from the university. The official added that results of students have been withheld due to various reasons, including non-payment of exam fees, indulgence in malpractice, suspicion of indulging in malpractice and incompletely processed results.

Many students are confused over why their results have been withheld. A majority of students in engineering colleges, especially those in Tier-II cities, are yet to receive their results. “The results of more than 70 per cent of my classmates have been withheld. They have also failed many students whose results have been published. We are very anxious,” said a final year engineering student from Villupuram.

Another student from Cuddalore, pointing to similar circumstances in his college, said, “Students are very anxious about the results. Students who did not copy (in exams) have also not received their results. However, we are seen in bad light because our results are withheld.” The November/December 2020 semester examinations, which were delayed due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, were held online in February.

The exams were proctored not only by invigilators but also by Artificial Intelligence. Around four lakh students had appeared for the online examinations this year. Those who wish to check their results can visit aucoe.annauniv.edu.

Second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days: Expert's advisory

Second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days: Expert's advisory

Aimed at creating awareness among police personnel, the advisory by Dr. Neeraj Kaushik said the new mutated virus has potential to skip immunity and even vaccine.

Published: 16th April 2021 11:07 PM |

Patients are seen inside a Covid-19 care centre and isolation ward facility near a hospital in New Delhi, April 13, 2021. (Photo | Parveen Negi)By PTI

NEW DELHI: The second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days and such waves will keep coming till 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated and herd immunity is achieved, according to an advisory prepared by an expert for Southeast Delhi Police.

Aimed at creating awareness among police personnel, the advisory by Dr. Neeraj Kaushik said the new mutated virus has potential to skip immunity and even vaccine.

"This is the reason for re-infection and cases among vaccinated people." This mutated virus is so infectious that if one member is affected, the whole family gets infected.

It is preying on children too, Dr Kaushik said in the document. He said that routine RT-PCR tests may not detect the mutated virus. However, loss of smell is a very strong indicator that a person is corona positive.

"The second wave of coronavirus can last up to 100 days. Such waves will keep coming until we attain 70 percent vaccination and herd community. So, do not lower your guard, especially mask," the advisory read.

It said surface transmission of virus is no more a threat now as per the recent trends. Hence, not much emphasis on surface disinfection is needed.

The doctor told police personnel that the chance of getting infected becomes very high "when you come in contact with the positive person for more than 15 minutes".

People with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease etc. must take extra precaution, he said. Dr Kaushik advised police personnel to avoid over exercise and junk food.

"Go for nutritious foods including juice, coconut water. Dalia in meals," he said. He also suggested the personnel change their "careless mindset and attitude and learn to wear masks professionally".

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) RP Meena said Kaushik has been working with the district police since the pandemic began.

He has conducted several various campaigns and prescribed medicines for our staff, Meena said, adding suggestions by him will help us understand and deal with the second wave.

Breaking News: NEET PG 2021 Postponed

Breaking News: NEET PG 2021 Postponed: New Delhi: In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the prestigious PG medical entrance exam, NEET PG 2021 has been postponed by the Government of India. The exam was earlier scheduled to be held on...

Failing to register with Karnataka Medical Council, 3500 MBBS students deprived of practice

Failing to register with Karnataka Medical Council, 3500 MBBS students deprived of practice: Bengaluru: Deprived of their rights to practice as doctors in absence of registration from the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC), around 3500 MBBS students are in the lurch as the medical colleges...

NEET PG Exam 2021 postponed due to Covid-19

NEET PG Exam 2021 postponed due to Covid-19

TOI-Online | Apr 15, 2021, 07.13 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Postgraduate exam has been postponed amid surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

The exam was scheduled to be held on April 18. However, a new date will be decided now. This decision has been taken keeping wellbeing of our young medical students in mind, he said.

"In light of the surge in Covid-19 cases, GoI has decided to postpone NEET PG 2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to be held on Apr 18. Next date to be decided later. Decision has been taken keeping wellbeing of our young medical students in mind," Harsh Vardhan tweeted on Thursday.

In light of the surge in #COVID19 cases,GoI has decided to postpone #NEETPG2021 exam which was earlier scheduled to… https://t.co/sHJk18HUde— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) 1618492985000

The National Board of Examinations had issued the admit cards for NEET PG 2021 on Tuesday on its official portal.

Issuing a notice on Thursday, Amit Biswas, undersecretary to the Government of India, said, “Looking at the present situation of the pandemic and taking into account the safety and well being of the students, it is decided that the NEET-PG 2021 exam scheduled to be held on 18th April 2021 be postponed.”

The notice further reads “The next date of examination would be announced after reviewing the situation later. A notice will be issued well in advance before the conduct of examination.”