Lockdown till June 7, nod for mobile grocers

Lockdown till June 7, nod for mobile grocers

Chennai:  29.05.2021 

The state government on Friday announced the extension of the complete lockdown for another week till 6am on June 7.

Chief minister M K Stalin said the sale of fruits and vegetables through mobile outlets would continue in all districts. Permission has been granted to grocers to sell commodities on vehicles and pushcarts with the approval of local bodies between 7am and 6pm. The supply of groceries bought online and ordered over phone can also be done during the same time. TNN

13-item grocery kit to be given to all rice card holders

Stalin said, “As the total lockdown draws to a close on May 31, I have ordered an extension for a week — after a district-wise review on the severity of Covid-19 — to prevent the spread of the virus and to save precious lives.” “I have also ordered the cooperation and consumer protection department to supply a kit of13 grocery items to all rice card holders from the month of June in all PDS outlets,” he said.

He appealed to people to stay indoors when the state is under complete lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Stalin said that Covid-19 related guidelines, including wearing mask, following individual distancing and washing hands with soap and water or sanitisers should be adhered to.

A two-week lockdown was clamped on May 10 in Tamil Nadu with some relaxations and subsequently, it was extended by one more week, till May 31 and the relaxations were withdrawn.

The additional restrictions between May 24 and May 31 included closure of vegetable shops and grocery outlets, which were earlier allowed to function between 6am and 10am. All such curbs would continue to be implemented till June 7.

A two-week lockdown was clamped on May 10 in Tamil Nadu with some relaxations

BJP leaders tear into Mamata for giving PM’s cyclone meet a miss

BJP leaders tear into Mamata for giving PM’s cyclone meet a miss

New Delhi:29.05.2021

TOI: Chennai Edition 

BJP leaders, including several Union ministers, hit out at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday for skipping a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Cyclone Yaas, with BJP president J P Nadda accusing her of “murdering constitutional ethos and the culture of cooperative federalism”.

Senior BJP leaders launched sharp attack on her, with Union home minister Amit Shah accusing her of putting “arrogance above public welfare”, while defence minister Rajnath Singh described her conduct as shocking and painful.

“This kind of behaviour with the prime minister, who arrived in the state with a sense of helping people of Bengal in the time of disaster, is painful. This is an unfortunate example of keeping political differences above public service and constitutional duties, which harms the basic spirit of India’s federal system,” Singh said.

Shah tweeted, “Mamata Didi’s conduct today is an unfortunate low. Cyclone Yaas has affected several common citizens and the need of the hour is to assist those affected. Sadly, Didi has put arrogance above public welfare and today’s petty behaviour reflects that.”

Nadda said Modi holds the principle of cooperative federalism “very sacred” and has been actively working with all chief ministers irrespective of their party affiliation to give relief to people but unsurprisingly, he added, Banerjee’s tactics and petty politics have once again come to haunt the people of Bengal. PTI

Govt slams ‘arrogant’ Didi for skipping PM meeting

Govt slams ‘arrogant’ Didi for skipping PM meeting

‘Justifies Adhikari’s Presence At Meeting As LoP’

Akhilesh.Singh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: 29.05.2021 

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to skip the Cyclone Yaas review meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appeared to have left the Centre ‘bewildered’ even as sources justified the presence of Suvendu Adhikari at the meeting in his capacity as leader of the opposition (LoP).

Sources in government said the CM’s conduct was “callous, arrogant and supremely unmindful” of the welfare of the people of the state.

“Today, PM landed at Kalaikunda airbase after conducting an aerial survey in Odisha and West Bengal. When the PM arrived to attend the review meeting, there was no one from the West Bengal government,” said a source, adding that usually the tensions of state poll campaign are left behind after government formation.

The source said the chief minister and chief secretary of West Bengal were present on the same premises and yet they did not come to receive the PM.

Modi, governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union ministers waited for half-an-hour for West Bengal representatives to turn up. “Suddenly Mamata Banerjee stormed in and handed over a bunch of papers on the cyclone impact to the PM and said that she is leaving as she has other visits lined up,” a source said.

A government source said if this was not shocking enough, Banerjee even did not allow officers of the West Bengal government to make a presentation.

“The entire presentation was loaded on the screen. However, her pettiness prevented officers from presenting it to the PM,” the source said.

Referring to Banerjee’s objection to the presence of Adhikari in the review meeting, sources said since Cyclone Yaas is a natural calamity, it was imperative that the “collective energies of all the elected representatives of people are pooled together”.

“Accordingly LoP of both Odisha and West Bengal were invited in the respective meetings with PM. However, since LoP in Odisha is recovering from Covid-19, he was unable to attend the meeting,” a source said. “Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, was also contacted to be part of the meeting. He has thanked the PM for the invitation but since he is in Delhi, he was unable to attend,” the source said.

UNDER FIRE: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the media on Friday

Man abandons father with black fungus symptoms

Man abandons father with black fungus symptoms

Sushil.Rao@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:29.05.2021 

Times of India: Chennai Edition

This pandemic is not just killing humans, but emotions too. This was amply demonstrated when a 68-yearold man with black fungus symptoms was abandoned by his son in Vikarabad district of Telangana. Police had to step in and counsel Ramulu, who finally relented and assured to take care of his father Chandraiah.

Chandraiah tested positive for Covid-19 on May 3 and recovered. However, as he developed a problem in his left eye, he went to the government hospital at Parigi. The hospital staff confirmed he had black fungus symptoms and told him that he would be referred to a hospital in Vikarabad.

When Chandraiah expressed his helplessness, the hospital staff called up his son and informed him about the situation. Ramulu reportedly said he could not take chances as he has two sons and would not like to put them at risk by being with his father. “I have had enough of my father and taking care of him. I cannot do it anymore,” Ramulu told bluntly.

The hospital staff tried to persuade Ramulu but in vain. Police called up Ramulu, counselled him, saying he cannot abandon his father at a critical time when he has health complications. Ramulu relented.

Full report on www.toi.in

India for further studies to trace origin of Covid

India for further studies to trace origin of Covid

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:29.05.2021 

In a significant statement that comes even as the border face-off with Chine remains unresolved, India called for further studies to determine the origin of the coronavirus causing Covid-19, days after US President Joe Biden gave his intelligence officials 90 days to probe the ‘lab-leak’ theory, much to the annoyance of Beijing.

China has angrily rebutted suggestions that the Covid pathogen escaped from a Wuhan lab but the theory has refused to die down with recent reports claiming that staff at the critical facility had fallen ill in November, 2019. There have been other reports that surfaced first in the Australian media that the Chinese military considered options of “weaponising” virus of the Covid family.

The Indian move will not go down well with China which has been suggesting that the border tensions be seen as only a part of the overall relationship. The decision is another indication that India is not willing to consider normalising of ties as long as the border tensions in Ladakh remain unresolved. The stagnation in the deinduction at friction points is read as China looking for some “gains” or a “face-saver” after the mutual withdrawals at Pangong Tso.

In a response to questions, MEA spokesperson said on Friday, “The WHOconvened global study on the origin of Covid-19 is an important first step. It stressed the need for next phase studies as also for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions. The follow-up of the WHO report and further studies deserve the understanding and cooperation of all.” Though he did not name China, the indication to India’s northern neighbour was obvious.

Full report on www.toi.in

The decision is another indication that India is not willing to consider normalising of ties as long as the border tensions in Ladakh remain unresolved

‘India will be fully vaccinated by Dec’

‘India will be fully vaccinated by Dec’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:29.05.2021 

Times Chennai Edition 

Information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said India would be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of the year.

He was responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s barbs at PM Narendra Modi for doing little to control the spread of the virus or charting out a clear vaccination strategy.

Javadekar said the health ministry had laid out a clear roadmap which said 216 crore doses would be available by December and that 108 crore people would be vaccinated.

He also countered Rahul’s claim that the Covid-19 vaccination drive, at the current rate, would take three years to complete. He said Rahul’s said claim was an insult to India and its people.

India ranked second in the world on the scale of vaccination by administering over 20 crore doses, and it was set to see a big jump from August, he added.

Majority of PM Cares ventilators in K’taka are lying unused

Bengaluru:

Even as hospitals in Karnataka grapple with severe shortage of ventilators and oxygen following a huge spike in Covid cases,1,800 ventilators received from the Centre are lying unused, reports BV Shivashankar.

Of the1,800 ventilators, the majority have been lying idle in hospitals for want of skilled staff, including technicians, doctors, anaestheticians and nurses, to operate them. Some are dysfunctional due to technical defects.

2.8 crore doses of Covaxin supplied so far, says Centre

2.8 crore doses of Covaxin supplied so far, says Centre

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad/New Delhi:

TOI: Chennai Edition 29.05.2021

Bharat Biotech has supplied almost 2.8 crore doses of Covaxin to the Centre as of May 28 morning, a PIB release said on Friday. Of these, about 2.2 crore doses, including wastage, have been consumed by states and UTs, leaving them with about 55.8 lakh doses, it said. In addition, private hospitals have received about 13.7 lakh doses of Covaxin.

Including the 21.5 lakh doses that are to be supplied in May, the total number of doses supplied and in the pipeline till date adds up to about 3.1 crore, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech, which did not divulge any production details, said in a statement that the timeline for manufacturing, testing and release for a batch of Covaxin is approximately 120 days, depending on the technology framework and regulatory guidelines to be met.

The PIB release said, “Vaccine being a biological product of medical importance takes time for harvesting and quality testing. This cannot be done overnight to ensure a safe product…An increase in gross production does not translate to immediate supply.”

Full report on www.toi.in

TAKING THE JAB: A woman gets vaccinated at a drive-in facility in Ahmedabad on Friday

COVID- "Education Cannot Be More Important Than Lives Of Children" : Class Xth Student Moves Bombay High Court Praying To Not Change State's Decision To Cancel Exams

COVID- "Education Cannot Be More Important Than Lives Of Children" : Class Xth Student Moves Bombay High Court Praying To Not Change State's Decision To Cancel Exams: A class Xth student from Pune has moved the Bombay High Court urging the Court to not change the

Can't Subject A Citizen Not Wearing Mask/Following Lockdown Norms To Corporal Punishment: MP High Court Orders Action Against Policemen

Can't Subject A Citizen Not Wearing Mask/Following Lockdown Norms To Corporal Punishment: MP High Court Orders Action Against Policemen: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday (May 27) reiterate

15 pc salary hike to house surgeons and PG medicos in Telangana

15 pc salary hike to house surgeons and PG medicos in Telangana

Accordingly, stipend of House Surgeons from medical and dental streams has been enhanced from Rs. 19,589 to Rs. 22,527.

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By TelanganaToday | Published: 18th May 2021 2:04 pm

Updated: 18th May 2021 2:05 pm

Hyderabad: The State government on Tuesday enhanced the stipend of house surgeons, PG degree and diploma MBBS students and super speciality MBBS students who are discharging their duties in teaching hospitals, by 15 per cent.

The enhancement of the stipend is expected to boost the morale of junior doctors who have been directly involved in the treatment of Covid patients since last year.

Accordingly, stipend of House Surgeons from medical and dental streams has been enhanced from Rs. 19,589 to Rs. 22,527.

For first year PG Degree MBBS students, the stipend has been revised from Rs. 44, 075 to Rs. 50, 686 while for second year, it has been enhanced from Rs. 46, 524 to Rs. 53, 503.

The monthly stipend for final year PG Degree MBBS students has been increased from Rs. 48, 973 to Rs. 56, 319.

The stipend for medicos pursuing first year PG diploma has been enhanced from Rs. 44, 075 to Rs. 50, 686 while for second-year PG diploma MBBS students, the stipend has been enhanced from Rs. 46, 524 to Rs. 53, 503.

The stipend for MBBS doctors pursuing first year super-speciality courses has been increased from Rs. 48, 973 to Rs. 50, 686, for second year super-speciality courses from Rs. 51, 422 to Rs. 59, 135 and for third year super-specialty course from Rs. 53, 869 to Rs. 61, 949.

For dental students pursuing first year Masters in Dental Surgery (MDS), the stipend has been enhanced from Rs. 44, 075 to Rs. 50, 686, for second year students from Rs. 46, 524 to Rs. 53, 503 and for third year MDS course the stipend has been enhanced from Rs. 48, 973 to Rs. 56, 319.

Tamil Nadu medicos want government to increase stipend

Tamil Nadu medicos want government to increase stipend

TNN | May 18, 2021, 09.06 AM IST

CHENNAI: Post graduate and super speciality doctors, who treat Covid-19 patients at government hospitals, have requested chief minister MK Stalin to increase their stipend.These doctors (non-service) claim that they are paid only Rs 37,000 to Rs 47,000 as stipend per month, lowest in the country.

For instance, a M.D/M.S (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery) postgraduate in Gujarat earns ₹84,000 to ₹87,500 and those in super speciality wards are paid up to Rs 1,12,000 -- almost double of what a TN PG medico earns. Recently, many states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have increased the stipend amount for PG doctors, acknowledging their service during the pandemic. But Tamil Nadu has not revised the stipend amount for over three years.

Keerthi Varman, president of Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association said, “We are working for almost 100 hours every week but we are paid a pittance.

Even final year MBBS (undergraduate) students, who were roped in by Greater Chennai Corporation for Covid-19 duty, are earning more (Rs 40,000 per  month) compared to a PG doctor in Chennai Medical College hospitals".

Another PG student from Stanley Medical College Hospital, who tested positive for Covid last week, said they hardly get four to five hours of sleep every day and work in life-threatening conditions. Staff nurses, who work on six-seven hour shifts, get the same pay as PGs.

"We are not asking for extra. All we are requesting is something we deserve," he said, requesting anonymity.

A senior state health department official rejected the PG doctors' allegation and said that they were paid ₹75,000 to ₹90,000 per month as remuneration for Covid work at par with top central medical institutions.

The government has recently given a one-time incentive of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 too, he said.

"Alongside this, they are provided one-week quarantine at star hotels after every 6-7 days of service in Covid wards. The government takes care of their accommodation and food expenses," he said.

Though PGs accept that they are provided quarantine facilities, they denied the health authority's claim about stipend amount. According to their bank statement, they received Rs 37,000- Rs 47,000 as stipend in April.

How COVID-19 pandemic stress has altered menstrual patterns

How COVID-19 pandemic stress has altered menstrual patterns

Ever since the lockdown last year, *Swaraj Gandhi, 27, has had abnormal menstrual bleeding, ranging from excessive to scant flow.

Published: 28th May 2021 07:37 AM 

By Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Express News Service

Ever since the lockdown last year, Swaraj Gandhi* (27), has had abnormal menstrual bleeding, ranging from excessive to scant flow. Her menstrual cycle has also become erratic, coupled with immense stomach ache - a new phenomenon for her.

"Initially, I didn't bother much, but by September, I was thoroughly troubled and spoke to my gynaecologist. That was when I got to know that it is my anxiety and stress that is causing all of this. I am on medication now," she says.

The COVIDd-19 pandemic has caused a huge damage to the menstrual health of women many women are complaining of irregular periods. "A lot of women are taking online consultations for period irregularities delayed and frequent cycles with abnormal bleeding patterns. There has been a rise of 15-20 per cent in such cases in the last few months," says Dr Tanveer Aujla, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida.

"Many of my patients have complained of irregular periods. While talking to them, I realised that these women are feeling very stressed as the pandemic has spoiled their daily routine," says Dr Shobha Gupta, Medical Director, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, Pitampura.

"High stress means high cortisol that can wreak havoc on the hypothalamus/pituitary/ovary interaction to result in irregular periods," says Mayur Vihar based gynaecologist, Dr Anjali Sood. "While there is no concrete evidence linking stress with infertility, 40 per cent of women who are under high stress complain of infertility," says Dr Gupta.

Hot flashes and painful breasts are extra add ons during the pandemic, says Dr Gupta while citing an example of a patient: "This woman is a bank employee. Tests showed that she was suffering from high levels of prolactin (which was messing up her menstrual cycle), released because of high stress which she was under over the fear of catching COVID-19 infection."

The non-availability of sanitary napkins is also a big worry. "Many women do not have access to proper menstrual products, especially those from the lower economic strata. The situation worsened during the pandemic because with heightened financial stress, the priorities have shifted towards purchasing food over proper menstrual hygiene materials. Even the priority of the government and other health agencies has shifted towards saving lives. All this has made women highly vulnerable to diseases," says Dr Ranjana Becon, Gynaecologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad.

Hormonal imbalance & PCOS

The fact that no one really knows when the pandemic will end has deepened the panic. Coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle, it can exacerbate pre-existing hormonal imbalances in women. "Stress can even cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). If you had been borderline PCOS all along, the pandemic stress might push you over to the other side," says Dr Anubha Singh, Gynaecologist and IVF from Shantah Fertility Centre, Vasant Vihar.

Consuming an unhealthy diet also interferes with hormonal balance, say doctors. "Women are bingeing on unhealthy fried fast foods to combat stress. Such food disturbs the estrogen-progesterone secretion. Stress can also increase the imbalance of insulin in the body which causes the secretion of the leptin hormone," says Dr Shweta Goswami, Sr Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF, Jaypee Hospital and Zeeva Fertility Noida.

If hormonal imbalances persist for long it could cause hair fall, stomach bloating, a lack of concentration and may lead to impaired fertility.

(*Name changed to protect identity)

"Centre & State Busy Blaming Each Other, My Concern Is My Health": Man Seeking Covid Vaccine Submits Before Delhi High Court

"Centre & State Busy Blaming Each Other, My Concern Is My Health": Man Seeking Covid Vaccine Submits Before Delhi High Court: The Delhi High Court bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh today issued notice

Doctors call off strike in Telangana

Doctors call off strike in Telangana

28/05/2021

Special Correspondent HYDERABAD

Resident senior and junior doctors who abstained from elective duties at government hospitals across Telangana on Wednesday and emergencies on Thursday called off their agitation in the night.

The strike was withdrawn after the government issued an order enhancing the stipend of senior residents by 15%, up from ₹70,000 to ₹85,500 per month with effect from January 1 last.

However, the resident doctors had been demanding the hike from January 2020.

Coimbatore Medical College asks patients to buy vials from outside

 Coimbatore Medical College asks patients to buy vials from outside

Siva (name changed), a resident of Town Hall, said, “My 63-year-old uncle tested positive and was admitted to the hospital a week ago. Two days ago, he was diagnosed with Mucormycosis.

Published: 28th May 2021 03:44 AM  

Black Fungus

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: Patients receiving treatment for black fungus infection at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital have allegedly been told to purchase Amphotericin by themselves outside the hospital, as there was a shortage of the drug at the hospital.

Siva (name changed), a resident of Town Hall, said, “My 63-year-old uncle tested positive and was admitted to the hospital a week ago. Two days ago, he was diagnosed with Mucormycosis. The management said there was no stock of Amphotericin and told us buy it from outside. Only today, I managed to buy three vials in the black market at Rs 1,950 each against actual cost of Rs 240. Relatives of other patients are also pleading with me to share the contact of the supplier.”

CMCH Dean A Nirmala said, “We do not have a single vial in stock and are asking patients to arrange it by themselves.” Meanwhile, a private hospital staffer said that his hospital has been charging up to Rs 12,000 for one vial of Amphotericin.

Only three manufacturers are producing this drug in India, pointed out G Vinoj Ramanujam, State secretary of Tamil Nadu Medical and Sales Representatives Association. “Since there is a protocol to buy the drug from manufacturers, private hospitals are forcing relatives of patients to buy it from outside,” he added. Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan told Express, “So far, the Centre has provided 600 ampoules of Amphotericin to the State. We have sought enhancement of this allocation.”

Lease out Chengalpet vaccine complex to get it working, TN govt urges Centre

Lease out Chengalpet vaccine complex to get it working, TN govt urges Centre

CM Writes To PM; Centre Receptive, Says Minister

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

28.05.2021

Tamil Nadu on Thursday urged the Centre to offer the Integrated Vaccine Complex (IVC) at Chengalpet, established by HLL Biotech, on lease to the state. Chief minister M K Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought his intervention and said the state would seek out a private partner to produce vaccines against Covid-19.

Industries minister Thangam Thennarasu, who flew to New Delhi and handed over the chief minister’s letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), later called on Union minister for industries, railways and commerce Piyush Goyal to discuss the proposal in detail. A meeting with Union minister for health and family welfare Harsh Vardhan could not happen as the latter was preoccupied with World Health Organisation (WHO) interactions. The minister later said the Centre was receptive to the state government’s proposal.

In his letter, Stalin drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the fact that the high capacity vaccine manufacturing facility, in which the Centre invested ₹700 crore, was lying unused for a long time for want of further funds. “The recent attempt to find a private partner to run the IVC has also not borne fruit as there were no bidders,” Stalin said.

“I am very keen that this modern facility must be made functional immediately, in the interest of our state and our nation. This would substantially enhance the nation’s vaccine production capacity and cater to the vaccine requirements of the country as a whole and Tamil Nadu in particular,” he said.

The state suggested that the Centre hand over the assets of the IVC on lease, without any past liabilities and with full operational freedom. It said it would identify a suitable private partner and would make all efforts to commence vaccine production at the earliest. “A suitable financial arrangement for the Union government to recover a part of its investment can be subsequently worked out, after the commencement of operations,” Stalin said.

Later, Thangam Thennarasu told TOI that the Centre said it would look at all possible options and get back. “Tamil Nadu has moved the proposal at a strategic point, given the present scenario. Our chief minister is very keen to revive the facility at the earliest, as he feels such a large modern facility should not be lying idle,” he said. “They have not given up yet on the facility and said they will continue to look at ways to revive it, including the suggestion from us.”

The IVC has around ₹300 crore in liabilities and that has prevented any revival attempts from succeeding. “The private players are not willing to join hands with the present tender conditions. Hence, we are requesting it on nominal lease, without the liabilities. We can simplify the conditions, talk to them and identify an operator,” a senior state government official said.

BEATING THE PURPOSE:

People in the 18-44 years age category formed long, crowded queues at UPHCs in Madurai to get vaccinated on Thursday

I am very keen that this modern facility must be made functional immediately, in the interest of our state and our nation. This would substantially enhance the nation’s vaccine production capacity and cater to the vaccine requirements of the country as a whole and Tamil Nadu in particular

M K STLAIN TN chief minister in his letter to PM

6cr Covaxin shots ready. 2cr given so far. Where’s the rest?

6cr Covaxin shots ready. 2cr given so far. Where’s the rest?

TIMES INSIGHT GROUP

28.05.2021

Times of India Chennai Edition 

The mismatch between reported production numbers of Covid vaccines in India and the level of daily vaccination seems particularly acute in the case of Covaxin. Official data shows 2.1 crore doses of Bharat Biotech’s vaccine had been administered across the country till Thursday morning. Putting together statements from the company and the Centre indicate at least 6 crore doses should have been available for use. So where’s the missing two-thirds?

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech refused to comment despite repeated attempts.

Now consider the production numbers. Krishna Ella, the company’s CMD, went on record on April 20 to say that 15 million doses had been produced in March and April would end with the month’s output at 20 million doses. He also said the production in May would be 30 million or 3 crore, but let’s assume the planned scaling up didn’t happen. That would still mean 35 million doses in March and April and the best part of another 20 million in May.

Bulk of India’s vax exports is Covishield

The Centre too has, in at least two separate affidavits, one in the Supreme Court and another in the Kerala HC as recently as May 24, stated Covaxin production is at 2 crore doses a month. All of this taken together suggests an output of close to 5.5 crore doses close to the end of May.

Further, Ella said on January 5 before the vaccination drive had even begun that the company had stockpiled 20 million doses of the vaccine. That takes the total to 7.5 crore. Add production in January and February, which was at a much lower level than in March-April, and you get to somewhere around 8 crore doses.

Of course, some of this may have been exported when the country was indulging in vaccine diplomacy. But all of India’s vaccine exports put together are about 6.6 crore doses. The bulk of this has been Covishield. Even if we assume that 2 crore were Covaxin, a most unlikely scenario, there should have been 6 crore doses available for use in India by this time. So, what explains only 2.1 crore being used?

Several states have complained of shortages of Covaxin in particular. In Delhi, for instance, the government had to shut down centres administering Covaxin earlier this week even for those waiting for a second shot. The data also shows that the extent to which different states have utilised Covaxin varies significantly.

WhatsApp moves HC against new IT rules, terms them unconstitutional

WhatsApp moves HC against new IT rules, terms them unconstitutional

‘Violate Right To Privacy, Freedom Of Expression’

Abhinav Garg and Pankaj Doval

New Delhi:27.05.2021

TOI: Bhopal Edition 

In an unprecedented move, US chat messenger WhatsApp took the Centre to court over its new rules to trace the origins of “unlawful” messages and breaking its famed end-to-end encryption, arguing that the mandate violates citizens’ fundamental right to privacy and freedom of speech and expression, and thus should be dismissed as “unconstitutional, ultra vires the IT Act, and illegal”.

Filing a petition in the Delhi high court on the first day of the implementation of the new IT guidelines and rules which mandate top social media companies (such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Google and Twitter) to identify the source of an unlawful message within 72 hours, the top instant messenger said the guidelines are a violation of its rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, and also the rights of its more than 400 million users in the country.

‘Act of defiance’, bid to stall new law, fumes govt

The Centre on Wednesday said WhatsApp’s move was an “act of defiance”, and accused it of engaging in an “unfortunate attempt” to prevent the implementation of new laws governing social media companies. Emphasising that the right to privacy is not absolute and comes with “reasonable restrictions”, the government also pointed that WhatsApp had gone to court citing privacy concerns, but its new norms had sought to share user data with its parent Facebook for marketing and advertising purposes, reports Pankaj Doval.

The government also claimed that India is not the only country to enforce such laws, and it has been implemented internationally too. P 7

Google, FB may comply, Twitter stand unclear

The government on Wednesday asked large social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp to immediately report their status of compliance with the new mandate. The IT ministry sought details and contact information of chief compliance officer, resident grievance officer and nodal contact person who have been appointed by digital platforms under the new rules.

While the stand of microblogging app Twitter is still not clear, Facebook and Google have indicated to the government that they will be designating the required officers. Twitter has also not had any substantial discussion with authorities. P7

Journos could be at risk of retaliation, says WhatsApp

Petitioner (WhatsApp) respectfully submits that this requirement forces the petitioner to break end-to-end encryption on its messaging service, as well as the privacy principles underlying it, and infringes upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using WhatsApp to communicate privately and securely,” it said. It said that end-toend encryption ensures that every communication sent on WhatsApp, both messages and calls, can only be decrypted by the recipient. No one else, including the company, can read or listen to encrypted communications or determine their contents.

Mandating the identification of the first originator of information undermines the privacy and security provided by end-to-end encryption. “For example, journalists could be at risk of retaliation for investigating issues that may be unpopular; civil or political activists could be at risk of retaliation for discussing certain rights and criticising or advocating for politicians or policies; and clients and attorneys could become reluctant to share confidential information for fear that the privacy and security of their communications are no longer ensured.”

It argued that since there is no way to predict which message will be the subject of a tracing order, companies will need to build the ability to identify the first originator of every communication sent in India on their platforms for all time, infringing upon the privacy of even lawful users. “Enabling the identification of the first originator of information in India breaks endto-end encryption and the privacy principles underlying it… (it) violates the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, as it chills even lawful speech. Citizens will not speak freely for fear that their private communications will be traced and used against them, which is antithetical to the very purpose of endto-end encryption.”

WhatsApp said Rule 4(2) of the new norms for IT intermediaries, which mandates tracing the origins of messages flagged as unlawful, infringes upon the right to privacy without satisfying the three-part test set forth by SC — legality, necessity and proportionality.

LEGAL TUSSLE

NEET aspirants turn Covid warriors at state-run hospital

NEET aspirants turn Covid warriors at state-run hospital

Deepthi.Sanjiv@timesgroup.com

Mangaluru: 27.05.2021 

TOI: Bangalore Edition 

With the exam entrance postponed, a group of fresh MBBS graduates from Kundapur in Udpui district, who have been preparing for the PG-NEET for almost a year, have joined the frontlines of the battle against Covid-19 by opting to work at the government hospital in Kundapur.

This handful of doctors is now trying to strike the right balance between study and working in the Covid ward.

Among them is Dr Rachana Shetty, a NEET aspirant, who graduated from Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) Hospital, Navi Mumbai, but was forced to return to her hometown following the death of her father Suresh Shetty, a hotelier in February this year.

“My mother, Jyothi, was keen that I return to Kundapur,” Dr Rachana said. “Even though my family was going through emotional trauma, I decided to apply at the local hospital as soon as I learnt there was a vacancy. The Covid caseload was beginning to rise and I wanted to help. Not all NEET aspirants are willing to work at this point as they feel their preparations for the exam will take a back seat,” she said.

Dr Rajat Shetty and his elder brother Dr Ashit Shetty were also disappointed when NEET was postponed. Both had worked at the taluk hospital last year and decided to return to the hospital when the second wave of infections hit, and cases began to rise.

“There is no doubt that the second wave is more severe, but it has been a great learning experience,” Dr Rajat said. “Preparing for exams and practising at the same time can be very stressful. There is also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the exam. Since the pattern is expected to change next year, we were keen on taking it this year.”

Dr Namitha, another aspirant who is working in a hospital, said, “At the end of most days we are dog-tired, but we are happy that we are working for society during a crisis,” she said.

Dr Niveditha believed the decision to work has been a great learning experience. “The support staff, seniors and nurses work tirelessly round the clock. Dr Vijayashankar, anaesthetist, and Dr Nagesh, nodal officer, have been guiding us despite their heavy workload.”

Dr Nagesh said the taluk hospital had had nearly 700 admissions during the second wave and about 40 Covid-19 patients admitted to the maternity ward had delivered babies.

Jab vs job dilemma for NRIs awaiting 2nd dose

Jab vs job dilemma for NRIs awaiting 2nd dose

Kevin.Mendonsa@timesgroup.com

Mangaluru:27.05.2021

TOI Bangalore Edition 

Many NRIs who came home for vacations and took the first dose of vaccine against Covid-19 are now in a tight spot due to the non-availability of the second dose. This is more so with those who took Covishield as the government has extended the gap between two doses of the vaccine to 12-16 weeks, up from the previous maximum limit of eight weeks.

A 32-year-old working in the hospitality industry had taken his first dose of Covaxin in the third week of March and his second dose was originally due in May. Since he was asked to report back to the US in the second week of May, he wanted to get the second dose before leaving the country. But that was not to be.

After facing hurdles in Mangaluru, he tried to get the vaccine in Chennai where he was due for a check-up and some small procedures, but failed. Ultimately, to avoid hassles, he said, he declared that he was not vaccinated and on landing in the US and took the first dose of Pfizer vaccine at the airport there.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, the work destination of many locals, allows only those vaccinated to return.

‘Govt must make vaccine arrangements for NRIs’

Mushtaq Ahmed, who has been working there for 28 years and is curently on a break in Mangaluru, said vaccination certificates carrying the Aadhaar number in place of the passport number is not being accepted as a valid document due to rule revisions in many countries. So, many NRIs who got the first dose furnishing their Aadhaar number will have to update their certificates with the passport number to ensure international acceptance. “I was running to PHCs in the city to get the first dose of Covishield but the problem was that my vax certificate was not attached to my passport. Finally, I found a private hospital that attaches certificates to passports. I will take a second dose of AstraZeneca in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Former mayor K Ashraf urged the government to make separate arrangements for NRIs and those who have to travel abroad. Kerala has already included students and employees who need to go abroad as priority groups for vaccination. District nodal officer for vaccines in Dakshina Kannada Dr BV Rajesh said there is no provision yet from the government to arrange for vaccination of NRIs travelling abroad separately on priority basis.

End capitation fee in medical colleges: NMC

End capitation fee in medical colleges: NMC

27.05.2021

TOI Bangalore Edition 

Mumbai:

Almost two years after the National Medical Commission Act was passed, the commission has released draft guidelines on fixing fees in private and deemed medical colleges. Once these norms are passed, fees for 50% MBBS and PG seats in these colleges will be regulated, reports Yogita Rao.

The commission has listed over 25 guidelines, ranging from not charging huge sums as security deposits to not including all hospital expenses while computing the cost for providing medical education. It has disallowed capitation fees in any form and said colleges must adhere to ‘not-for-profit’ model.

Parents: Rules will bring relief to many meritorious students

Parents say once implemented, the rules will bring relief to thousands of meritorious students who cannot pursue medical education in private and deemed colleges due to the steep fees. In Maharashtra, private colleges charge up to Rs 16 lakh per annum and deemed colleges charge up to Rs 25 lakh per annum as fees.

“It is already two years, and we hope these draft regulations are implemented before the next academic session begins,” said a health ministry official.

The guidelines state that only operating cost should be primarily considered to determine fees. “The fees can be fixed for a block of three years or on a year-to-year basis and should remain the same for the entire duration of study, subject to inflation adjustment,” the draft said. Fees in newly established colleges should be decided on an ad-hoc basis, based on the fee structure of a recently established college in the state. “Since the expenditure in the Covid-19 pandemic year will not depict the true picture — as hostel and mess expenses dropped, and expenses in hospitals and doctors’ allowances and salaries went up — the state fee regulatory body can consider the average financial result of the previous three years,” said the statement.

Dip In Cases Eases Drug, Oxygen & Bed Shortage

CITY BREATHES EASY, COIMBATORE STRUGGLES

Dip In Cases Eases Drug, Oxygen & Bed Shortage

Komal Gautham & Ram Sundaram TNN

27.05.2021 

TOI: Chennai Edition 

As Covid-19 cases drop in Chennai, bed and drug availability has improved compared to two weeks ago. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), however, says the situation is only better, but not yet comfortable.

Dr P Ganeshkumar, epidemiologist, National institute of Epidemiology, said, “The percentage change in incidence and the test positivity rate is going in the negative now. This shows that there may be a limited spread of infection. We have also seen that the age-specific death rate is also reducing.

Since May 10, the state government has added more than 3,500 oxygen-supported and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in Chennai. As of Tuesday evening, around 10% of the total 9,851 such beds in the city were vacant. The vacancy was 3% in the first week of May.

"The demand for oxygen beds has come down, but ICU beds are still not available easily because of the prolonged treatment of critically ill patients," said T N Ravishankar, head of a private hospital in Chennai.

As far as oxygen demand is concerned, waiting time at the Gummidipoondi refilling station has reduced from 15 hours to four or five hours now, he said.

E Therani Rajan, dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), said, "The waiting time for a bed has come down but we still have 1,678 patients in ICU and with fresh cases being reported every day, there is not much reprieve. Only when the fresh cases go below 2,000, will the availability of beds stop being an issue."

As far as drug availability was concerned, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) authorities said they have adequate stock of tocilizumab for critically ill patients at government hospitals and around 120 vials are sold to private hospitals every day at ₹33,956 per vial.

"Remdesivir is now sold only online and we are expecting 5,000 vials of Amphotericin B from Mylan labs in Hosur to treat mucormycosis (black fungus) patients," said a TNMSC official.

GCC commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi said, “We still haven't won the war. We need to vaccinate more people. Our focus is now to vaccinate newspaper vendors, autorickshaw drivers, EB staff, workers in the e-commerce sector, workers from industries, street vendors, construction workers and employees of essential industries."

Apart from that, we are still in touch with all the apartment complexes, residential welfare associations and disabled people to vaccinate them as soon as possible, he said.

Daily fresh cases in zones such as Valasaravakkam, Adyar, Kodambakkam and Anna Nagar have seen a huge dip in the past two weeks. And all this is happening when the testing numbers are the same, which is a good sign.

Alby John, GCC deputy commissioner, health, said they are focusing on early surveillance and to do so they have asked private hospitals and clinics to report all fever and other symptomatic cases to the civic body. “We will continue to add beds and ramp up the measures,” said Alby.

Govt restricts staff at the Secretariat

Govt restricts staff at the Secretariat

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:27.05.2021

TOI Chennai Edition 

Chief secretary V Irai Anbu has directed the secretaries of the essential service departments to avail only necessary staff in Secretariat.

The chief secretary said the government staff with co-morbidities, pregnant women and lactating mothers should be exempted from duty. “Appropriate measures must be followed to prevent the transmission of Covid-19,” the top bureaucrat said in an order.

The state government has allowed only the essential departments in Secretariat and in districts to function during the week-long total lockdown period ending May 31.

In a statement, Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association S Peter Anthonysamy thanked the chief secretary for accepting the request of the association.

NMC wants 50% PG, MBBS seats’ fee fixed

NMC wants 50% PG, MBBS seats’ fee fixed

Wants To End Capitation Fee In Med Colleges

Yogita.Rao@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:27.05.2021

Almost two years after the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act was passed, the commission has released draft guidelines on fixing fees in private and deemed medical colleges across the country. Once these norms are passed, fees for 50% MBBS and postgraduate medical seats in these colleges will be regulated.

The commission has listed more than 25 guidelines, ranging from not charging exorbitant sums as security deposits to not including all hospital expenses while computing the cost for providing medical education. It has disallowed capitation fees in any form and said colleges must adhere to the ‘not-forprofit’ model.

Parents say once implemented, the rules will bring relief to thousands of meritorious students who cannot pursue medical education in private and deemed colleges due to the steep fees.

DRAFT GUIDELINES ON NMC FEE

Fees in new colleges should be decided on ad-hoc basis

In Maharashtra, private colleges charge up to ₹16 lakh per annum and deemed colleges charge up to ₹25 lakh per annum as fees.

A health ministry official said: “It is already two years now, and we hope these draft regulations are implemented before the next academic session begins. It will bring relief to meritorious students who are unable to pursue these courses from private institutions.”

The guidelines state that only operating cost should be primarily considered to determine fees. “The fees can be fixed for a block of three years or on a year-toyear basis and should remain the same for the entire duration of study, subject to inflation adjustment,” the draft said. Fees in newly established colleges should be decided on an ad-hoc basis, based on the fee structure of a recently established college in the state. “Since the expenditure in the Covid-19 pandemic year will not depict the true picture — as hostel and mess expenses dropped, and expenses in hospitals and doctors’ allowances and salaries went up — the state fee regulatory body can consider the average financial result of the previous three years,” said the statement.

The expert group has recommended linking the development fee of 6-15% of the operating cost to the performance of the college in a rating system, which is in the pipeline. The amount of security deposits should not be considered for calculating fees and interest on the deposits may be deducted from the operating costs, it said.

Full report on www.toi.in

'மீட்டர் ரீடிங்' நீடிக்கும் குழப்பம்; தெளிவுபடுத்துமா மின் வாரியம்?

'மீட்டர் ரீடிங்' நீடிக்கும் குழப்பம்; தெளிவுபடுத்துமா மின் வாரியம்?

Updated : மே 26, 2021 07:15 | Added : மே 26, 2021 07:14

சென்னை : ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில் வீடுகளில் மின் பயன்பாட்டை கணக்கெடுப்பது தொடர்பாக நிலவும் குழப்பத்தை மின் வாரியம் எளிய முறையில் தெளிவுபடுத்துமா என்ற எதிர்பார்ப்பு நுகர்வோரிடம் எழுந்துள்ளது.

தமிழக மின் வாரிய ஊழியர்கள் இரு மாதங்களுக்கு ஒரு முறை வீடுகளில் மின் பயன்பாட்டை கணக்கெடுக்கின்றனர். குறித்த காலத்தில் கணக்கெடுக்காமல் தாமதமாக எடுத்தால் மின் பயன்பாடு அதிகரித்து அதற்கு ஏற்ப கூடுதல் கட்டணம் வரும். தொற்று பரவலை கட்டுப்படுத்த முழு ஊரடங்கு அமல்படுத்தப்பட்டதால் ஊழியர்கள் மின் பயன்பாடு கணக்கெடுக்க செல்லவில்லை.

இதனால் 'மே 10ம் தேதி முதல் 24ம் தேதி வரையிலான காலத்தில் தாழ்வழுத்த நுகர்வோர் 2019 மே மாத கட்டணத்தை செலுத்தலாம். புதிய நுகர்வோர் மே மாதத்திற்கு முந்தைய கணக்கீட்டின்படி மார்ச்சில் செலுத்திய கட்டணத்தை செலுத்தலாம்' என மின் வாரியம் மே 11ம் தேதி தெரிவித்தது. இந்த இரண்டு முறையிலும் கணக்கெடுத்தால் அதிக கட்டணம் வருவதாக புகார்கள் எழுந்தன.

இதையடுத்து ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில் நுகர்வோரே தங்களே மீட்டரில் பதிவாகியுள்ள மின் பயன்பாட்டை கணக்கெடுத்து எஸ்.எம்.எஸ். -'வாட்ஸ் ஆப்' மற்றும் மின்னஞ்சலில் பிரிவு அலுவலக உதவி பொறியாளருக்கு அனுப்ப அனுமதிக்கலாம். அதன் வழியே செலுத்த வேண்டிய கட்டண விபரம் அனுப்பப்படும்.பொறியாளர்களின் அலைபேசி எண்கள் www.tangedco.gov.in என்ற இணையதளத்தில் உள்ளதாக மின் வாரியம் 20ம் தேதி மாவட்ட மேற்பார்வை பொறியாளர்களுக்கு சுற்றறிக்கை அனுப்பியது.

இந்த விபரம் பொதுமக்களுக்கு அதிகாரப்பூர்வமாக தெரிவிக்கப்படவில்லை. ஆனால் சுற்றறிக்கை விபரம் ஊடகங்கள் வாயிலாக வெளியாயின. தற்போது பல நுகர்வோருக்கு 2019 மே கட்டணத்தை செலுத்தக்கோரி எஸ்.எம்.எஸ். அனுப்பப்பட்டு வருகிறது. அந்த கட்டணம் அதிகம் இருப்பதாக நுகர்வோர்கள் கருதுகின்றனர். மீட்டர் 'டிஸ்பிளேயில்' பார்க்கும் போது வரிசையாக எண்கள் மாறுபடும். அதில் தேதி நேரத்திற்கு பின் சில எண்களுடன் கே.டபிள்யூ.எச். என்று வரும். அந்த எண் தான் மின் பயன்பாடு அளவு. அதை கணக்கெடுக்க பலருக்கு தெரியவில்லை.

அனைவராலும் இணையதளத்தை பார்த்து தங்கள் பகுதி பொறியாளர்களின் அலைபேசி எண்ணை தெரிந்து கொள்ள முடியவில்லை. அலைபேசி கண்டுபிடித்து எஸ்.எம்.எஸ். வாட்ஸ் ஆப் அனுப்பினால் பதில் கிடைப்பதில்லை. இதனால் எந்த மின் கட்டணத்தை செலுத்துவது மின் பயன்பாட்டை கணக்கெடுத்து யாருக்கு அனுப்புவது என 'மீட்டர் ரீடிங்' தொடர்பாக நுகர்வோரிடம் பல குழப்பங்கள் நிலவுகின்றன.

For ₹18,000, man flies solo to UAE on 360-seat plane

For ₹18,000, man flies solo to UAE on 360-seat plane

Manju.V@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:26.05.2021 

Implausible though it may seem, but under certain unusual circumstances, a piddly sum of Rs 18,000 can transmogrify in value to fetch you a 360-seater Boeing 777 aircraft for an exclusive two-and-a-half-hour flight. Ask Bhavesh Javeri, the 40-year old who flew as the lone passenger onboard Emirates flight from Mumbai to Dubai on May 19.

“I stepped into the aircraft and the airhostesses all clapped to welcome me aboard,” said Javeri, CEO of Stargems Group, speaking to TOI from his Dubai office about his “money can’t buy experience”. Javeri, a frequent flyer, has boarded over 240 flights between Mumbai and Dubai in the past two decades, but this is the first time that he recorded a clip while boarding a flight.

“I have flown so much, but this is the best flight ever,” he told the air hostesses as he walked in. The commander waved at him from the cockpit. An air hostess quipped: “I thought you would be scared to travel alone”.

The commander then came over from the cockpit to join in the conversation. “Should I give you a tour of the entire plane,” he joked. The novelty didn’t wear off after he buckled into seat 18A (18 is my lucky number, I asked for that seat, he said). It kept on coming through the flight in the form of the familiar inflight public address, delivered with a personal touch. “Mr Javeri, please fasten your seat belt”... “Mr Javeri, we are preparing to land”. “After we landed, I walked out leisurely and picked up my bag, the only one lying next to a conveyor belt,” said Javeri, a Dubai resident for the past 20 years.

Emirates did not respond to a query sent by TOI.

Before Delhi upstaged it, Mumbai-Dubai was the busiest international routes out of India. So why did the airline have a 180-odd tonne Boeing 777, world’s largest twin-engine jet, burn about 17 tonnes of fuel worth Rs 8 lakh to fly a lone economy-class passenger on this two-and-a- half- hour long much popular route?

Under the current travel restrictions put in place by UAE, only UAE nationals, holders of Golden visa and members of diplomatic mission can fly from India to UAE. Javeri, a Golden visa holder, bought an economy class ticket, a week in advance as it had suspended regular flights.

I stepped into the aircraft and all the airhostesses clapped to welcome me aboard. The commander then came over from the cockpit and joked: ‘Should I give you a tour of the entire plane?’ I have flown so much but this is the best flight ever

BHAVESH JAVERI

Lone passenger on EK501