Monday, May 11, 2020

Economic activity step-up, easing of curbs on PM-CMs meet agenda


Economic activity step-up, easing of curbs on PM-CMs meet agenda

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  11.05.2020

PM Narendra Modi will have a lengthy, open-ended discussion, which may run into several hours on Monday, with chief ministers on the next steps of a graded exit from the national lockdown.

The talks will take note of the continued rise in Covid-19 cases, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, while considering measures to increase the pace of economic activities. The ongoing return of migrant workers to their home states and problems this is likely to cause in restarting the economy is also likely to be discussed.

Unlike what has been the case in previous interactions with CMs, all of those who participate on Monday will speak. The PM is understood to be keen to receive feedback on easing of curbs post-May 4 and whether the CMs want the lockdown to continue within the more relaxed parameters currently in force.

On Sunday, several state chief secretaries told Union Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba while measures to contain the pandemic were needed, it was necessary for economic activities to be stepped up in a calibrated manner.

The mood in the Union government remains cautious as the national count of Covid-19 cases rises even if the infection rate is not galloping.


‘Modi to focus on worst-affected states like Maha and Gujarat’

It is felt gains of the lockdown, that have come at a huge economic cost, should not be put at risk and this could mean curbs will remain on inter-state movement and public transport. The return of migrants to the hinterland will also need to be monitored for any spread of the disease.

The third, and the most relaxed, phase of the lockdown will end on May 17. The previous decision to extend the lockdown was taken after most CMs favoured such a course of action. Going forward, the regime of red, orange and green zones is likely to continue for some time even if activities and movement within a state become freer and governments get more leeway on framing rules.

Modi’s focus, said sources, will also be on worst affected states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, where Covid-19 positive cases have been rising at an alarming pace.

On Sunday, Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba told state chief secretaries that more than 350 Shramik Special trains had been run by railways so far to carry 3.5 lakh migrant workers home. He emphasised movement of doctors, nurses and paramedics should be totally unhindered and all steps taken to facilitate and protect corona warriors.

The three phases of lockdown are seen to have delivered significant results in keeping Covid-19 infections in control but the high incidence in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai, which are also economic hubs, are worrying the Centre.

At a recent briefing, the health ministry said citizens will have to “learn to live with the virus”. While several restrictions have been lifted based on the rate of infection in various parts of the country, the PM’s interaction with CMs is likely to focus on reviving economic activities only in a graded manner.

Passenger Trains Back On Track Tomorrow


Passenger Trains Back On Track Tomorrow

Bookings Will Open Online At 4pm Today

Dipak.Dash@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: 11.105.2020

In the first cautious step towards restoring mass transport, limited passenger train services will resume from Tuesday, connecting Delhi with 15 major cities, including Mumbai, Howrah, Patna, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Dibrugarh, even before the third phase of the lockdown ends. The resumption of train operations would be gradual, the railway ministry said on Sunday.

Bookings can be done only through IRCTC website and will start from 4 pm on Monday. No one will be able to purchase tickets from counters or buy platform tickets. Only asymptomatic passengers with confirmed and valid tickets will be allowed to enter the station and they will need to wear face masks. They will be allowed to travel after medical screening. People who had earlier booked tickets to travel during this period won’t be allowed to board these trains.

Sources said all trains to be operated initially will have only AC coaches with limited stops between origin and destination stations. “These trains will run like Rajdhanis and hence the fare will be equivalent to what is charged for travel in Rajdhani trains,” said a source. The frequency of services between Delhi and select cities will be almost like that of normal Rajdhani services before lockdown. “It may take a few more days to put everything in place and mobilisation of rakes to have regular service of these trains on the identified routes,” the source said.

Enforcing social distancing to be a challenging task for railways

The move may signal efforts to restore mass transport like buses, metros and airlines in the coming weeks. However, the task will be challenging given the need for social distancing and ensuring hygiene and health parameters on long distance travel involving hundreds of passengers.

In an official statement, the ministry said after starting special passenger train services, railways will start more services on new routes, based on available coaches after reserving 20,000 coaches for Covid-19 care centres and adequate number of coaches for up to 300 daily Shramik Special trains for stranded migrants. There is a possibility of early resumption of other premium trains such as Vande Bharat and Duronto.

Meanwhile, sources said railways was working on options of food and other catering services on the trains and one of the option was to provide packed food. Ministry officials said more details about the number of people to be allowed in a coach and other related information would be made available on Monday.

TOI leads The Hindu by 49,000 in Chennai


TOI leads The Hindu by 49,000 in Chennai

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: 11.10.2020

The Times of India remains the No 1 English daily in Chennai, growing steadily over the last four quarters to touch an average issue readership (AIR) of 2.96 lakh, shows the latest Indian Readership Survey (IRS).

The IRS for the fourth quarter of 2019 shows TOI Chennai increased its lead over the nearest competitor, The Hindu, to 49,000 from 1,000 in the first quarter. While TOI Chennai’s AIR grew by 17,000 between IRS quarter three and quarter four, The Hindu’s AIR dropped by 20,000.

TOI is also the fastest growing English daily in the rest of Tamil Nadu — it grew 165% by the fourth quarter compared to the IRS first quarter figures. In the fourth quarter alone, TOI’s AIR grew by 12,000 in the rest of Tamil Nadu, compared to The Hindu’s growth of 2,000.

The Times of India remains the dominant market leader among English dailies countrywide, with a total readership of more than 1.73 crore, almost equal to the combined readership of the three biggest dailies from outside the Times Group — The Hindu, Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.

The latest IRS data show that while the readership of all English dailies rose by 5.9 lakh over the previous quarter, this was mainly driven by a 3.6 lakh-rise in the readership of the TOI main paper. The share of group publications (The Economic Times and Mirrors besides TOI) among English dailies continued to grow to reach 52.6%.

The all-India dominance is also reflected in the country’s largest cities. In almost every case, the TOI main paper has either consolidated its leadership and widened the gap with its closest rival or, in the few cities where it is not the leader, it has narrowed the gap with the leader.

COVID-19 : Centre Grants Relaxations To NRIs On 'Residential Status' Under Income Tax Act For FY 2019-20

COVID-19 : Centre Grants Relaxations To NRIs On 'Residential Status' Under Income Tax Act For FY 2019-20: Taking note of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Central Government has granted relaxations to the criteria for determining 'residential status' under Section 6 of the Income Tax Act,1961, for the...

[Breaking] Railways To Resume Passenger Train Services In Select Routes From May 12

[Breaking] Railways To Resume Passenger Train Services In Select Routes From May 12: Indian Railways will gradually restart passenger train operations from 12th May, 2020, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys). These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi...

Breaking] Railways To Resume Passenger Train Services In Select Routes From May 12



Breaking] Railways To Resume Passenger Train Services In Select Routes From May 12 


10 May 2020 9:33 PM 

Indian Railways will gradually restart passenger train operations from 12th May, 2020, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys). These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi Station connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Jammu Tawi. 

Thereafter, Indian Railways shall start more special services on new routes, based on the available coaches after reserving 20,000 coaches for COVID-19 care centres and adequate number of coaches being reserved to enable operation of up to 300 trains everyday as "Shramik Special" for stranded migrants. 

Booking for reservation in these trains will start at 4 pm on 11th May and will be available only on the IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/). Ticket booking counters at the railway stations shall remain closed and no counter tickets (including platform tickets) shall be issued. Only passengers with valid confirmed tickets will be allowed to enter the railway stations. It will be mandatory for the passengers to wear face cover and undergo screening at departure and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the train. Further details including train schedule will be issued separately in due course. 

Passenger train services have remained suspended since March 22. 

On May 1, the Centre had allowed the running of special trains for transportation of migrants and stranded persons. 

(Source : PIB) 

Delhi HC To Hear Plea Challenging Reservation For OBCs In PG Courses In Central Educational Institutions, Tomorrow


Delhi HC To Hear Plea Challenging Reservation For OBCs In PG Courses In Central Educational Institutions, Tomorrow 


10 May 2020 6:18 PM 

A petition challenging the provision of 27% reservations to the persons belonging to OBC category in post graduation courses in Central educational institutions, specifically in JNU, is listed for hearing in the Delhi High Court tomorrow. 

The petition has been filed by Advocate Nishant Khatri, through Advocate Dr. Subhash Vijayran, challenging an Office Memorandum dated April 20, 2008, issued by the MHRD whereby the above provision was introduced. 

The plea states that the law with regards to reservation for the OBC category was settled by the Supreme Court in Ashok Kumar Thakur v. Union of India, (2008) 6 SCC 1, whereby it was held that there shall be no reservation for OBCs in post-graduate courses. 

In the said case, the Supreme Court had upheld the validity of reservations in respect of persons belonging to the OBC category for admissions under the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admissions) Act, 2006 but with two express caveats: 

· First, that the persons from creamy layer of OBCs would be excluded from reservations (unanimous decision). 

· Second, that OBCs would not be eligible for reservations in Post-Graduate Courses (decision by 3:2 majority). 

In this backdrop the Petitioner has contended that the impugned OM is "contemptuous" inasmuch as it is in conformity with the first caveat but not with the second one. 

The Petitioner has also contended that the OM is violative of Article 15(5) of the Constitution. He has submitted that the "special provisions" permitted under Article 15(5) are inter alia for Socially and Educationally Backwards Classes (SEBCs). 

"The conjunction used between the words "Socially" & "Educationally" is "AND". This means the classes of citizens have to be both socially as well as educationally backward to be eligible for reservations under SEBC quota. If a class is either socially or educationally backward but not both socially AND educationally backward, it is not eligible for reservations under Article-15(5) under SEBC quota," he has submitted. 

In this context he further pointed out that as per the majority judgment in Ashok Kumar Thakur case, "Once a candidate graduates from a university, the said candidate is educationally forward and is ineligible for special benefits under Article 15(5) of the Constitution for post graduate and any further studies thereafter". 

Accordingly the Petitioner has contended that impugned OM and the e-prospectus issued by JNU, providing 27% reservations to OBCs in its post-graduate courses, is unconstitutional being violative of Article 15 of the Constitution of India as interpreted by the constitution bench of the Supreme Court. 

Locus & CoA 

The Petitioner has submitted that he belongs to the Unreserved Category and intends to pursue his Post Graduation from JNU, which issued an e-prospectus last month as per the impugned OM thus, adversely affecting him. 

He has further submitted that the cause of action in the present case is recurring and continuing year after year till date, with all Central Educational Institutions implementing the contemptuous OM of MHRD. 

Accordingly, quashing of both the OM as well as the e-prospectus has been prayed for. 

Sunday, May 10, 2020

சுறுசுறு... சென்னை; ஜவ்வாக மதுரை!


சுறுசுறு... சென்னை; ஜவ்வாக மதுரை!

Added : மே 09, 2020 23:17

மதுரை : மதுரை காமராஜ் பல்கலையில், 11 மாதங்களாகியும், புதிய பதிவாளர் தேர்வு செய்யப்படவில்லை. புதிய பதிவாளரை தேர்வு செய்ய, சிண்டிகேட் உறுப்பினர்கள் இடம் பெற்ற, தேர்வுக்குழு நியமிக்கப்பட்டது.

முதலில் நடந்த நேர்காணலில், யாரும் தேர்வு செய்யப்படவில்லை.இதையடுத்து, ஜனவரியில் இரண்டாவது அறிவிப்பு வெளியிட சிண்டிகேட் தீர்மானித்தது. ஆனால், இதுவரை வெளியிடப்படவில்லை. இதற்கிடையில், பதிவாளராக கூடுதல் பொறுப்பு வகித்த, சங்கர் நடேசனும் மே, 1ல் ராஜினாமா செய்தார்.ஆனாலும், இதுவரை, புதிய பதிவாளர் குறித்து, தேர்வு குழுவிடம், துணைவேந்தர் கிருஷ்ணன் ஆலோசனை நடத்தவில்லை. ஊரடங்கு காரணமாக, பதிவாளர் தேர்வு தாமதமாகிறது எனக், கூறப்படுகிறது. அதேநேரத்தில், சென்னை பல்கலையில், துணைவேந்தர் துரைச்சாமி பதவிக்காலம் முடிவதற்குள், புதியவரை தேர்வு செய்ய தேடல் குழு மே, 6ல் அறிவிப்பு வெளியிட்டு உள்ளது.

மதுரை காமராஜ் பல்கலை தரத்தை நிர்ணயிக்கும், 'நாக்' கமிட்டி வருகை தரவுள்ள நிலையில், பதிவாளர் பணியிடம் காலியாக இருந்தால் பின்னடைவாக இருக்கும். இதற்கிடையில், பல்கலை இன்ஜினியர் பணியிடம், பல ஆண்டுகளாக காலியாக உள்ளது. அதனால், ஜூனியர் நிலையில் உள்ள, சிவில் இன்ஜினியர் ஆனந்தகுமாருக்கு, 'எஸ்டேட் ஆபீசர்' என, புதிய பதவியாக, பொறுப்பு வழங்கப்பட்டது. முன்பு பேராசிரியர்கள் தான், எஸ்டேட் ஆபீசர்களாக நியமிக்கப்பட்டனர்.மேலும், பணிகளை முடித்த பின்பே அனுமதி பெறப்படுகிறது என, இன்ஜினியரிங் பிரிவில் நீண்ட நாட்களாக குற்றச்சாட்டு உள்ளது.

சர்ச்சைகளில் சிக்கிய ஆனந்தகுமாரை நீக்கி, மூத்த இன்ஜினியரை, பல்கலை இன்ஜினியராக நியமிக்க வேண்டும்.துணைவேந்தரின் தன்னிச்சை முடிவு! காமராஜ் பல்கலை பதிவாளர் பொறுப்பு வகித்த, சங்கர் நடேசன் ராஜினாமா செய்தார். இதை சிண்டிகேட் உறுப்பினர்களிடம் துணைவேந்தர் விவாதிக்காமல், 'ராஜினாமா ஏற்கப்பட்டது; விரைவில், புதிய பொறுப்பு பதிவாளர் தேர்வு செய்யப்படுவார்' என்றார். ஆனால், 'சங்கர் நடேசனின் ராஜினாமாவை ஏற்கவில்லை' என, துணைவேந்தர் தற்போது தெரிவித்துள்ளது, தன்னிச்சை முடிவை காட்டுகிறது.

இதன் வாயிலாக, முன்னாள் துணைவேந்தர் செல்லத்துரை காலத்தில், பல்கலை வளர்ச்சியை பாதித்த முட்டுக்கட்டை செயல்பாடுகள், மீண்டும் அரங்கேறுகிறதா என்ற, கேள்வி எழுந்துள்ளது.

Extension of payment date for LT customers: Tangedco


Extension of payment date for LT customers: Tangedco

Also, in case of LT domestic consumers wherever billing is made under PMC due to COVID-19, the next reading will be taken only on the next due date.

Published: 07th May 2020 06:37 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Extension of time for payment of all Low Tension(LT) and Low Tension Current Transformer(LTCT) consumers whose due dates fall between March 25 and May 17, shall be granted up to May 22, without levy of additional charges, TANGEDCO announced on Thursday. 

An official statement by TANGEDCO said, LT industrial and commercial consumers who have been billed under Previous Month Billing (PMC) can make payment upto May 22 based on PMC or by way of revised bill for actual consumption by furnishing the self assessment reading. Also, in case of LT domestic consumers wherever billing is made under PMC due to COVID-19, the next reading will be taken only on the next due date.

As lockdown eases, AC mechanics in demand


As lockdown eases, AC mechanics in demand

The number of calls to the service centre has nearly doubled. “Normally, we would be allotted a maximum of seven to nine calls a day.


Published: 07th May 2020 06:37 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Manikandan, a 32-year-old AC technician, who works for an app-based home service provider said, “My phone has been ringing every ten minutes since yesterday, and I had been assigned 25 AC repairs and maintenance in a single day.” With the approaching summer, and the government allowing electricians to resume work, there has been a huge surge in service requests.

The number of calls to the service centre has nearly doubled. “Normally, we would be allotted a maximum of seven to nine calls a day. But, since the relaxation, we have been on our toes, and we hardly get a 15 minute lunch break now,” said Manikandan. The techinicians however, are working with the fear of catching the virus. He added, “Before we got back to duty, we were asked to do tests, and also given instructions to mandatorily use masks and gloves.” The customers are also given instruction to stay ina separate room while the technicians are at work.

However, availability of spare parts is what worries them. “Big shops selling spares haven’t opened yet, and hence, the dealers have started selling them at an increased price,” said another AC techinician at Velachery, adding that they sell this in the morning hours, secretly. Another hurdle is shortage of staff at hand, because most of the technicians had gone home before the lockdown kicked in. “In Mylapore, we have only three technicans. If we hire others privately, they charge us more,” said Muthuvel, a manager of an AC service centre. Adding to the misery is that certain gated communities have barred entry of outsiders due to the spread of coronavirus.

25 AC repairs were assigned to me in a single day, and my phone has been ringing every ten minutes, says an app based service provider

Virus keeps thousands sleepless

Virus keeps thousands sleepless

Youngsters, especially fresh graduates and techies, are among the most affected

Published: 08th May 2020 06:57 AM | Last Updated: 08th May 2020 08:13 AM 


Express News Service

The novel coronavirus may be the worst nightmare of infected people, healthcare workers and governments across the world, but it is depriving numerous others of a good sleep also. Anxiety about virus-induced job loss, placement delay and business slump are keeping many awake at the dead of night.Youngsters, especially fresh graduates and techies, are among the most affected.

“Mid April, our team leaders benched a few of us from projects temporarily. Since then, I am not able to sleep well. Sometimes, I stay awake the whole night worrying about sustaining my family,’’ says Ashwin Ravi (31), an IT employee in OMR.Those who just completed their dream courses are also spending sleepless nights.

“I paid Rs 7 lakh fees for the course but placements are yet to take off due to the lockdown. I am sleepless, worried about explaining the scenario to parents,’’ says a young journalism graduate, who did not want to be named.Medical and mental health experts say that sleep deprivation and insomnia are outcome of stress and it could have consequences ranging from short term to long term.

Dr Bhuvaneshwari Rajendran, a neurologist at Kauvery Hospital, says this is a period of uncertainty in the job market and many people are vulnerable.“This creates an undercurrent of stress and triggers change in cortisol and adrenaline levels. Our sleep cycles are severely affected in this period,” says.

Dr Bhuvaneshwari adds that lack of sleep disturbs the day and night cycles in individuals. “Change in blood pressure, heaviness in head, headache and rise in sugar level are some effects of sleep deprivation.’’
The neurologist adds that when people work from home, they tend to work ‘more’ and as a result, they expose themselves to too much artificial light. “This may lead to people having more vivid dreams.’’

Sahithya Raghu, consultant psychologist with Gleneagles Global Health City, points to a case of her client, a businessman with no medical history, having a cardiac arrest. “Since the lockdown, his funds were stuck somewhere. He had not been sleeping the whole night for two months thinking about it. Suddenly, on a fine day he ended up having cardiac arrest.’’

She says that all our glands function only in the night and sleeplessness may internally change the way the body functions. Minimal exercise can help in developing a good psychological health, she adds.

COVID-19: Uber India to offer free rides to healthcare workers, govt officials of Chennai Corporation


COVID-19: Uber India to offer free rides to healthcare workers, govt officials of Chennai Corporation

The free rides worth Rs 25 lakh was part of Uber's global commitment to offer 10 million free rides.

Published: 08th May 2020 07:10 PM 

For representational purposes (File Photo | Reuters)

By PTI

CHENNAI: Ride hailing major Uber India on Friday said it would offer free rides to healthcare workers and government officials of Greater Chennai Corporation engaged in COVID-19 related work under its UberMedic Service.

The free rides worth Rs 25 lakh was part of Uber's global commitment to offer 10 million free rides.

Uber said it was already transporting frontline medical workers in over 35 hospitals across 23 cities under the UberMedic," Greater Chennai Corporation has been working tirelessly to contain the spread of COVID19 across Chennai.

We feel privileged to be supporting them in these challenging times," Uber India and South Asia, operations and head (cities), Director, Prabhjeet Singh said.

To ensure hygiene while transporting, the drivers of UberMedic were trained in safety procedures and also provided with personal protective equipment and disinfectants, it said.

People requiring physio sessions hit


People requiring physio sessions hit

Some city hospitals offering exclusive physiotherapy sessions have also stopped the service, says S Janaki, a senior citizen who requires the sessions.

Published: 09th May 2020 06:01 AM |

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Patients requiring physiotherapy sessions are facing difficulties as the lockdown has deprived them of direct contact with therapists. Even though many physiotherapists are offering online or tele services, patients lament that the services are not effective.

N Madhavan, a retired government official who was advised to undergo physiotherapy after a recent open-heart surgery, says that his therapist declined to continue the service after the lockdown began.

Seaking to Express, Mohith Sesikiran, a physiotherapist who offers therapy to several clients across Chennai, says he has temporarily stopped visiting clients to ensure their safety as well social distance.

Some city hospitals offering exclusive physiotherapy sessions have also stopped the service, says S Janaki, a senior citizen who requires the sessions.

“The Tamil Nadu State Physiotherapy Council (TNSPC) and the National Physiotherapy Council has asked us not to open clinics, and to treat patients only in emergency cases,” says Mohith.

No Removal Of Criminal Charges On Doctors Accused Of Leaking RGUHS PG Medical Exam: Karnataka HC


No Removal Of Criminal Charges On Doctors Accused Of Leaking RGUHS PG Medical Exam: Karnataka HC 

By Garima

Published On 9 May 2020 1:30 PM | Updated On 9 May 2020 1:30 PM 

Bengaluru: In a strict decision, the Karnataka High Court has refused to quash a criminal case registered against two doctors, who were accused of allegedly conspiring and leaking questions papers of PG medical examinations to some students in the year 2011. The accused doctors had moved the court seeking relief after a charge sheet was filed against them. 

The accused are charged under sections 417, 418, 420, 465, 468, 409, 109, 114, 161 of Indian Penal Code and sections 117, 118, 119, 120, 121 and 138 of Karnataka Education Act 1983 and under Section 13(1)(c), 13(1)(d) r/w 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. 

Every year Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) conducts entrance exam for Post Graduation studies in different disciplines of medical and dental sciences, which examination is held at different centres, one such centre in the year 2011 was designated to be that of Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS). It was the case of the prosecution that accused No1, who was serving in the teaching line in VIMS had allegedly conspired with others to adopt malpractices to help certain candidates to get better results. 

On the date of examination, i.e. 30.01.2011 accused No.1 illegally opened the question paper in his custody, took photographs of the question paper using his digital camera, sent the digital camera through accused No.1 to accused No.17, accused No.27 who was allegedly a computer operator took a print out of the question paper from the digital camera by connecting it to the computer present in the residence of accused No.17. 

On that basis, accused Nos.6 to 15 prepared answers to the questions, entered the said answers in the same computer and copy chits in the form of print outs were prepared in respect of the question paper. Accused No.7, in turn, handed the chits back to accused no. 1 who circulated them to selected students who copied the answers from the chits and managed to get high rank in the examination. 

When the matter came into light, an FIR was registered on March 15, 2011, based on the complaint given by one Dr D Premkumar of RGUHS, Bengaluru. However, the after investigation police had filed a B-report. Subsequently, the RGUHS annulled the results of the students, accused Nos.16 to 26. The annulment was challenged before the high court. The court in May 2011, directed a further in-depth investigation to be done by the Central Investigation Department. Accordingly, the CID filed its chargesheet against the accused in the matter. 

The CID conducted a detailed investigation and submitted a charge sheet which was taken cognizance of. The statements of innumerable witnesses were recorded, various material objects and properties were also recovered, all of which had to be examined during the course of the trial. Seeking nullification of the Chargesheet against them, accused 12 and 14 later filed a petition with the HC. During a hearing held recently on their plea, the Counsel appearing for the petitioners stated as regards the veracity of the Hard Disk which was seized containing the answers prepared by Accused Nos.6 to 15 on which basis the copy chits were prepared. According to him, in the absence of the said hard disk no case can be said to be made out as against the Petitioners. It was submitted that Hard Disk and the file which formed the very basis of the prosecution case was not in existence at the time the crime was alleged to have been committed. The counsel contended that the entire story of the prosecution is manufactured; concocted and on that basis he would contend that the petitioners are being harassed, maliciously prosecuted and therefore, the proceedings against the petitioners are to be quashed. 

In response, the advocate appearing on behalf of CID contended that it is not only the Hard Disk which the prosecution is relying upon, but there are various other statements of witnesses and a huge number of pieces of evidence collected by the CID which forms the basis for the prosecution of the accused. The offences which have been committed by the accused are very serious in nature. The accused have indulged themselves in malpractices obtained favourable admission in medical and dental colleges even though they may not have been so qualified. "This being an offence which affects the society as a whole has to be considered and at present merely on the ground that the Hard Disk is stated to be manufactured subsequently ought not to be a ground to quash the charge sheet, she, however, submits that even this ground is not available to the petitioners at the stage of consideration of petition under section 482 of the Cr.P.C., the same is to be established during the course of the trial," the counsel submitted before the court. 

The advocates from both sides relied on several judgments passed by the court over the few years which were related to the matters of the present case. Reaching its conclusion on the case, the bench of Honourable Justice Suraj Govindaraj found force in the submission made by advocate contending on behalf of the respondents, the state and Dr Premkumar that the arguments advanced and submissions made are required to be established during the course of the trial. The judge noted, Whether the mirror image furnished was proper, whether the correct tools were used to create the mirror image? why are the dates of the files different? How is the MFT of the concerned file showing the date of creation to be much earlier than the date of the offence? are not matters which could be decided upon by this court in a summary manner in 482 proceedings. All the submissions made on behalf of the petitioners are required to be established during the course of trial. The matter being technical in nature, the concerned experts would have to be examined and cross-examined. At this stage, it cannot on the basis of the submissions made be said that no offences have been committed by the petitioners. The HC concluded that it is not a fit and proper case to exercise powers under Section 482 of Cr.P.C to quash the above proceedings initiated against the petitioners. The bench then directed the trial court to expeditiously dispose of the matter. .Attached below is the judgment in detail: 

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-128479.pdf

NEET PG Counselling: MP DME Issues Notice On Registration, Internship Completion Certificate, Age Proof



NEET PG Counselling: MP DME Issues Notice On Registration, Internship Completion Certificate, Age Proof 

By Medical Dialogues BureauPublished On 10 May 2020 10:45 AM 

Bhopal: Through a recent notice, the Directorate of Medical Education Madhya Pradesh (DME MP) has informed about Registration, Internship completion certificate and Age Proof with respect to PG medical admissions in the state. Candidates who have been allotted during the counselling procedure are requested to view the details of the notice attached below: 

1-Candidates who do not have permanent registration of Madhya Pradesh Medical Council/MP Dental council or receipt of an application for permanent registration may upload an undertaking that they will submit permanent registration of MPMC within one month from the date of final admission in the institute concerned. 

2-Candidates who do not have the original internship completion certificate may upload an undertaking that they will submit the original internship certificate at the time of physical reporting for confirmation of admission at the allotted institute. 3- Any candidate not having 10th/12th year mark sheet for age proof can upload the birth certificate.

Students write to CM for rent relief


Students write to CM for rent relief

Mohammad Ibrar & Shradha Chettri TNN

New Delhi:10.05.2020

Ever since the coronavirus-induced lockdown has started, Delhi government has repeatedly asked landlords not to demand rent from students. Kejriwal had even recently asked students to complain to the district magistrates against erring owners. But with many students still being forced to pay the rent, they have written a letter to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

In the letter sent on Saturday, a group of students from different organisations urged the government to add “students” along with “migrant workers” in the rent waiver order. In the order issued on March 22, the government had only said that “under Section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, wherever the workers, including the migrants, are living in rented accommodations, the landlords of these properties shall not demand payment of rent for a period of one month”.

“The order doesn’t specifically mention students and landlords are taking advantage of this loophole,” claimed Anmol Singh, founder of United Students’ Forum.

“The capacity of the government order seems to be binding from March 29 to April 29. Since the lockdown has been extended nationwide, there is an urgent need for clarification. Many students are struggling to pay and are being threatened with eviction,” the students wrote in the letter to the CM.

Amol Kadam, a civil service aspirant from Maharashtra, said his father couldn’t withdraw his pension this month. “But when I cited the government order to my landlord at Rajendra Nagar, he told me that students weren’t mentioned in it.”

“My landlord has also given me an ultimatum despite being told that my father’s business has suffered huge losses due to the lockdown,” rued Upasana, another UPSC aspirant from Uttar Pradesh.

“Students are not complaining to authorities as they are scared of losing their accommodation,” claims Maithry of Kerala Students’ Association.

“Women students are more scared of getting evicted,” claimed Amal K Simon, president of the association.

House owners, meanwhile, have their own concerns. “I am dependent on the monthly income from the rent. Will the government compensate if it’s asking me to give relief ?” asked a PG owner in north Delhi’s Hudson Lane.

BS Vohra, president of East Delhi RWA Joint Front, said while landlords had been requested to waive off the rent on humanitarian grounds, the government needed to help those who relied solely on rent.

Reiterating that errant landlords will be punished, a Delhi government official told TOI there was no provision to compensate them.

PG OWNER SAYS

I am dependent on the monthly income from the rent. Will the government compensate if it’s asking me to give relief?

Shah clarifies on rumours, says he is perfectly healthy


Shah clarifies on rumours, says he is perfectly healthy

‘Felt Impelled To Explain Due To Concerns’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:10.05.2020

Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday squelched the speculation that had swirled about his health by saying that he is fine and free of any disease whatsoever. “I want to make it clear that I am absolutely well and am not suffering from any disease,” Shah said in a tweet, poking fun at those behind the rumours about his medical condition.

“For several days, rumours have been spread about my health. Some people even took to Twitter to pray for my death. I did not deem it necessary to issue any clarification at a time because of my preoccupation with my job as home minister at a time when the country is battling a pandemic. Moreover, I also did not wish to be the killjoy for those who were gloating over their imagination (about my health),” said Shah.

He said that he felt impelled to scotch the rumours becauseof theconcernthey sparked among BJP cadre.

Rumours about Shah’s health started doing the rounds soon after the imposition of lockdown and refused to go away despite regular visuals of the home minister attending meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others as well as accounts of his long hours in the office in the North Block. He spoke during the PM’s last interaction with CMs.

In the tweet laced with sarcasm, Shah said those fanning the rumours should desist because, as per Hindu beliefs, malicious lies about someone’s health actually work for the victim’s benefit. “I thank all those who have expressed concern . I don’t have any ill-feeling or prejudice towards the rumour-mongers,” said Shah.


For several days, rumours have been spread about my health. Some people even took to Twitter to pray for my death. I did not deem it necessary to issue clarification at a time because of my preoccupation with my job

AMIT SHAH
Union home minister

Now, hire KSRTC buses to reach southern states


Now, hire KSRTC buses to reach southern states

ChristinMathew.Philip@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:10.05.2020

State transport undertakings in Karnataka have decided to operate non-AC inter-state services to neighbouring south Indian states. This spells relief for thousands seeking government transport to return to their home states. The move came after the state government allowed stranded people to travel through notified entry and exit points of Karnataka.

“Migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons can hire buses provided by KSRTC, NWKRTC, NEKRTC on payment basis for travel from Karnataka to other states with relevant permission from the competent authority,” said a circular from TK Anil Kumar, member secretary, state executive committee, revenue department (disaster management).

The buses can also be hired to transport workers to industries, it added.

KSRTC officials said they are charting out plans to operate inter-state buses from Bengaluru. “We are now contacting stranded individuals who have registered on the Seva Sindhu app over phone. We are also collecting passenger details, including destination, and will deploy buses based on demand. Buses will be operated from different pick-up points across the city,” said an official.

KSRTC is planning to deploy only non-AC buses and run them at half their capacity to ensure social distancing. “All passengers must wear masks and undergo medical check-up, particularly thermal scanning, before boarding the bus,” said an official.

KSRTC is yet finalise the fares to be paid by passengers. Earlier, it received flak after demanding exorbitant fare from migrant workers travelling within the state. It had charged Rs 39 per km for full seats, considering two-way fares, and dividing it among 50% passengers. Following the criticism, it offered free travel for the workers.

Bengaluru falls under the red zone and transport services had been suspended following the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

HOME BECKONS: KSRTC officials are contacting people who have registered on the Seva Sindhu app to get their details

Lockdown till May 31 can stall pandemic, says study

‘Without First Two Closures, India Would Have Had 171 Million Cases’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: 10.05.2020

A possible maximum of three million people will be infected by October if the ongoing third phase of lockdown till May 17 is “implemented with full vigour” but the absence of the two lockdowns may have seen a projected maximum that would be as high as a staggering 171 million cases, a study of the Mumbai-based International Institute for Population Sciences has said.

The study makes its projections while noting that the lockdown has succeeded in significantly reducing the burden of infections in India. The analysis shows that if the ongoing third phase is implemented effectively and the lockdown is extended until May 24 the reproduction rate is likely to become less than one (0.975) and if further extended till May 31, the RO will be 0.945. In this scenario, the Covid-19 pandemic may begin to recede and infected cases shall start to decline and less than 0.01% (0.14 million) of the India’s population is likely to be infected by July 2020.

“These estimates clearly suggest that the two lockdowns have played a key role in reducing the number of (maximum projected) peak infections by about 140 million,” said Professor Abhishek Singh from IIPS. The researchers arrive at this conclusion after analysing data on RO of infection prior to the lockdown and the following two phases of lockdown from March 25-April 14 and April 15 to May 3.

However, if the third phase does not deliver requisite results and the RO of infections remains at what it was in the second phase of lockdown from April 15 to May 3, then the number of people estimated to be infected with Covid-19 could go up to a high 20 million by October.

These are the findings of a study on the future projections of Covid-19 infections in India based on RO of infections till May 3. In the study steered by researchers at the department of public health and mortality studies at IIPS, it is pointed that the strategy of lockdown has contributed in flattening the curve of infection and is also likely to reduce the burden of infection tremendously in India.

Covid-19 infection started in India by the end of January 2020 and spread across all the states by April 2020. As on May 5, 2020, the total number of active cases was 32,138, cured and discharged were 12,726, deaths were 1,568, and one person had migrated.

The infection was spreading at a much faster rate before the lockdown (R0 = 1.862) and if the same situation would have prevailed then an estimated maximum 12.9 % of India’s population would have got infected by the first week of June 2020. The R0 1.862 declined to 1.455 and 1.200 during the first and second lockdown periods respectively. The combined R0 for the two lockdown periods was 1.258. “For a given recovery rate (0.363), as R0 reduces from 1.862 to 1.200, highest estimated prevalence reduces from 12.9% to 1.5%. At the same time, the corresponding duration of pandemic increased from two months to more than 6 months,” it is pointed by the authors of the research paper.

Full report on www.toi.in


‘WE WANT TO GO HOME’: The migrant unrest in Gujarat spread to the industrial belt of Hazira (Surat district) on Saturday after a large number of labourers came out on the road and started pelting police teams with stones. Police lobbed teargas shells and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the guest workers, who were demanding transport arrangements for going back to their native states

Tamil IAS officer helps 480 youths reach TN


Tamil IAS officer helps 480 youths reach TN

Shanmughasundaram.J@timesgroup.com

Chennai:10.05.2020

With the help of a Tamil IAS officer working in Maharashtra, 480 youths stranded in the state’s Sangli district are on their way back home to Tamil Nadu in 16 buses. They started their journey on Saturday. There are several others stranded in Maharashtra.

The youths, who hail from 17 districts in TN, were working as marketing executives. Chief executive officer of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) P Anbalagan, who is from Erode district, helped them.

“The officer reached out to us and asked us to be ready with our medical certificates and assured to arrange transportation to return home,” said M Illayaraj from Pudukkottai, who could not travel with the others as he was from a Covid-19 containment zone in Maharashtra. MIDC arranged funds from industries to arrange the transportation.

“All of these arrangements were made after getting the Tamil Nadu government’s consent. I also contacted the TN nodal officer for Maharashtra Pooja Kulkarani. She agreed to receive the group in Salem,” Anbalagan told TOI. The group would be dropped in Salem. One of the youths travelling in the bus said, “We hope the state arranges transport facilities for us to reach our natives from Salem.”

Meanwhile, 87 workers were brought from Palakkad in Kerala to Nagapattinam in Kerala State Transportation Corporation buses.

Govt rushes to SC against HC ruling on Tasmac closure


Govt rushes to SC against HC ruling on Tasmac closure

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai: 10.05.2020

Within 24 hours of the Madras high court ordering closure of Tasmac liquor outlets for flouting almost every condition laid down by the court for resumption of liquor sale, Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court challenging the orders saying it was a case of ‘judicial overreach.’ Tasmac did ₹295 crore business in two days.

In its appeal, the state argued that high court order was not sustainable under law and hence, ought to be set aside. “The net effect of the high court order is complete and indefinite standstill of the sale of liquor in the state leading to grave losses to the state’s revenue and commercial activity in the state,” the petition said. It recalled an early order of the high court, refusing to ban liquor sale on the ground that it was a policy matter within the state’s domain. The government said the entire batch of petitions was filed by vested private interest to make enormous commercial gains from the unfortunate situation.

On Friday, the Supreme Court refused to direct the states to close liquor shops during lockdown and left it to each state’s discretion to consider non-direct sale, including sale/ home delivery of liquor. “The SC recognised that states have a broad margin of power to determine whether and how to effect sale of liquor in this lockdown period and therefore, the HC order is a clear case of judicial overreach and is not sustainable,” Tamil Nadu said.

As for the high court’s directive to the state to amend the Tamil Nadu Liquor (Licence and Permit) Rules, 1981, to have atechnology-enabled home delivery to promote responsible consumption of alcohol, the state said court cannot compel the state to amend the rules.

The ‘judicial overreach’ will have the effect of stultifying a major commercial activity in the state, it said, adding that except Maharashtra where the Covid-19 figures are 3-4 times that of Tamil Nadu, no other state is selling liquor exclusively online. Tamil Nadu said it made elaborate security arrangements to control the crowd and stopped the sale in 12 shops due to overcrowding.


BIG ON BOOZE: TN sold liquor worth ₹295 crore in 2 days

Labour dept gets 1,600 calls on pay cuts, lay-offs


GOVT YET TO SET UP DEDICATED HELPLINE

Labour dept gets 1,600 calls on pay cuts, lay-offs

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai: 10.05.2020

The state department of labour and employment has received more than 1,600 calls from people complaining about non-payment of salaries, wage cuts and layoffs since the lockdown began. Most of the complainants work in the IT sector and private firms. Some of them have not been paid for the month of March.

Chennai topped the list with 550 complaints in the past 40 days. Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts followed behind closely.

T Kathiravan, who works as an air-conditioner technician in a private firm in the city, said he was not paid salary for the month of March and was paid less than half his pay for April. “There are five technicians working in the company. While two of them received their full salaries for the months, a colleague and I were asked to ‘adjust’,” he said. “We are still sent to customers’ houses to repair their ACs. We have to spend on the commute from our own pockets, there is no reimbursement either,” he said.

A large number of employees working in private firms and unorganised sectors were reaching out to the department to help them get their due wages. The labour department has appointed a state nodal officer to take note of all grievances from people and connect them to the officials concerned.

Unlike Karnataka, Gujarat, and Kerala, there is no common helpline dedicated exclusively to handle labour-related issues in Tamil Nadu. People have to either contact the department or any official who will then guide them to the nodal officer to take the complaint forward. The complainant’s name and contact details are kept confidential.

“Once we receive the complaint we alert our field officers to visit the firm or industry and conduct a detailed inquiry. Once that is done, we direct them to pay them the defaulted wages,” the nodal officer said. The officer added that most employers cite financial crunch as the main reason, “But we give them a few days’ time and post our intervention, the workers get their dues. We also follow up,” he said.

Activists, however, insist that the department must launch a helpline since many workers do not know how to reach out to the department. “And this time is crucial since many are struggling with their jobs and do not know how to get their grievances addressed. The labour department must come out with a more proactive plan,” said R Geetha, advisor to the Unorganised Workers Federation.

To report any disputes, complaints, contact the labour deparment at 044-24335107.

Starting Monday: 6-day mantra to exit lockdown


REBOOT TAMIL NADU

Starting Monday: 6-day mantra to exit lockdown

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:10.05.2020

For almost 50 days of the Covid-imposed lockdown, our factories have remained shut, academic schedules upset, malls and theatres locked and infrastructure work stalled. The virus has stopped us in our tracks. But not forever.

As pressure mounts on industries and the government to get back to business, it is time to not just weigh the pros and cons of exiting the lockdown, but also tactical ways to tread the path ahead.

Doing just that will be policy makers, industry captions and experts from diverse fields at ‘Reboot Tamil Nadu’, a virtual conclave being organised by The Times of India from Monday to Saturday, between 10am and 12.45pm. The six-day conclave will cover the segments of manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education, real estate, retail, small industries, IT/ITES, logistics, hospitality and entertainment.

On the inaugural day, the first session on industries, ‘Driving past the Covid curve’ will see N Srinivasan, vice-chairman & MD of India Cements, in discussion with Satyakam Arya, MD&CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles and Sasikumar Gendham, MD, Salcomp Manufacturing India Private Limited. The second session, ‘From farm gate to front door’ will have TN agricultural secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi sharing thoughts with other panelists R V Bhavani, director, agriculture-nutritionhealth program – MSSRF and Ravichandran Purushothaman, president, Danfoss India. For more, watch this space.

The sessions will be webcast live on The Times of India, Chennai’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChennaiTOI , besides our other digital platforms.

Mild cases can be discharged without test: Health ministry


Mild cases can be discharged without test: Health ministry

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: 10.05.2020

In a move that is likely to reduce India’s need for Covid-19 testing kits, the health ministry has said that mild and moderate cases do not need to be tested prior to the discharge of patients from hospital. So far, patients had to test negative twice prior to discharge. The new directive is part of the revised policy for discharge of Covid-19 patients from hospitals. Even for severe cases, the patient would need to test negative only once, as against twice earlier.

“Mild/very mild/presymptomatic cases admitted to a Covid care facility will undergo regular temperature and pulse oximetry monitoring. The patient can be discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and no fever for 3 days. There will be no need for testing prior to discharge. At the time of discharge, the patient will be advised to follow the home isolation for further 7 days as per guidelines,” the revised discharge policy said.

Till Saturday morning, 15.23 lakh samples were tested for Covid-19. According to the ministry, the capacity has been ramped up to test around 95,000 samples per day across 332 government and 121private labs.


Only 1.5% of beds in Covid hosps used

Less than 1.5% of over 1.3 lakh hospital beds earmarked for Covid-19 patients are currently being utilised and this could see a review of hospital preparedness plans that might free up some beds for non-Covid care. P 7

Last 24 hrs see 3,320 fresh Covid-19 cases

However, positive cases also continue to rise across the country. In thelast24hours,3,320 newconfirmed cases have been added taking the total number of cases to 59,662.

The policy also says that at any point of time, prior to discharge from Covid care centre, if the oxygen saturation dips below 95%, patient has to be moved to Dedicated Covid Health Centre (DCHC) with ICU facility. After discharge from the facility, if the patient again developssymptomsoffever, cough or breathing difficulty, he/she will contact the Covid care centre or state helpline or 1075. His/her health will again be followed up through tele-conference on the 14th day, it says.

Moderate cases have been categorised as those whose symptoms resolve within three days and maintains oxygen saturation above 95% for the next 4 days. “If the fever resolve within 3 days and the patient maintains saturation above 95% for the next 4 days (without oxygen support), such patient will be discharged after 10 days of symptom onsetin caseof absenceof fever without anti-pyretics, resolution of breathlessness, no oxygen requirement. There willbe no needfor testing prior to discharge,” says the policy.

Don’t increase fees, State tells schools


Don’t increase fees, State tells schools

Managements asked to allow parents to pay in instalments

10/05/2020, ALOK DESHPANDE,MUMBAI

The Maharashtra government has directed all schools in the State, across all boards, all mediums, and from pre-primary to Class XII, to not increase the fees for the academic year 2020-21.

According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Education Department recently, all the schools have also been asked to provide an option to parents to pay any pending fees for 2019-2020 or for the upcoming year academic in monthly or tri-monthly instalments. It has directed the school managements to not seek fees in one instalment.

At the same time, the government has also asked schools to evaluate the infrastructure they will be using throughout the year and, “in case certain educational facilities are not going to be used, then the Executive Committee of Parent Teacher Association (EPTA) may pass a resolution seeking reduction in fees”.

All the schools will also have to give parents the option of paying fees online during the period of lockdown, the GR said.

The State government has already issued a notification directing schools to not force parents to pay fees of the previous or next year. The GR, dated March 30, directed schools to collect fees only after lockdown ends.

“The government is responding to the demands of the parents to ensure they don’t face any hardship in this time. The department had received complaints about schools demanding pending fees even in lockdown time and therefore we issued the notification on March 30,” said an official.

Parents, he added, are also worried about the post-corona scenario, both economically and socially. “At such a time, we decided to ensure that they are not burdened with extra expenditure in the form of increased school fees. Every school in the State, irrespective of its board or medium, has to follow the government direction on fees,” he said.

Over 2,000 passengers to land in Mumbai next week


Over 2,000 passengers to land in Mumbai next week

CSMIA gears up to welcome Indians stranded in foreign countries; four flights to land today

10/05/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,MUMBAI

Heading home: Passengers arrive at Mumbai international airport to board a special flight to London.File PhotoMitesh Bhuvad

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is set to receive around 2,350 Indians over the period of one week, starting Sunday.

These Indians will arrive by repatriation flights arranged by the government of India to facilitate the return of 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad.

A Mumbai International Aiport Limited spokesperson said the airport has put together a standard operating procedure to ensure the safety of all passengers.

The repatriation operations will see CSMIA catering to 10 flights and six transit flight in the course of seven days, welcoming Indians returning from the U.S., U.K., Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Philippines, with 4 flights arriving on Sunday.

CSMIA said it will comply with the government guidelines during the repatriation. The airport will ensure the safety and well being of the passengers, right from the time the flight lands and passengers disembark the aircraft till they leave the terminal building.

“Two dedicated aerobridges have been identified for the repatriation flights, along with provision of proper infrastructure to the Airport Health Officer (APHO) for the screening of passengers before entering the immigration area,” the spokesperson said.

Passengers will need to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres through distinctive markings laid out at the airport and are required to wear face masks and gloves during the entire course of their journey.

In addition, the airport has set up 30 immigration counters for undertaking the necessary procedures and ensuring quick clearance of arriving passengers.

“The airport will be undertaking preventive measures by disinfecting the baggage before loading on the conveyor belt and providing sanitised baggage trolleys. Hand sanitisers will be placed on various touchpoints at the airport. Arriving passengers will be escorted by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel until they are handed over to State authorities.

“CSMIA will be operating with just one-third of its staff who will be provided with PPE, face masks, hand gloves and sanitisers,” the spokesperson said.

The airport maintenance staff will continue to follow the comprehensive cleaning procedures to efficiently sanitise and disinfect the terminal building including the vital areas such as elevator buttons, escalators, railings, amongst others.

For the benefit of the passengers, a limited number of forex and SIM card outlets will be made operational at the airport so passengers may download and install Aarogya Setu App on their mobile phones prior to proceeding on quarantine.

Provisions have also been made in the eventuality that any symptomatic passenger is identified at the airport; they would be immediately isolated and moved to the separate area earmarked for the purpose. Additionally, designated airport ambulances have been kept on standby to shift the symptomatic passengers to designated isolation centres.

The State government has made arrangements for asymptomatic passengers from Mumbai to be moved to identified quarantine facilities like hotels, depending on their preference while those from other cities will be transported by the State to their respective district headquarters for institutional quarantine. For this purpose, a help desk has been set up at the airport to guide the arriving passengers.

362 NoRKs arrive from Muscat, Kuwait

362 NoRKs arrive from Muscat, Kuwait

Two Air India Express flights bring them home, another flight from Doha to bring 183

10/05/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,KOCHI

Some of the passengers of the AIE flight IX 0474 from Bahrain on their arrival at the Cochin airport on Friday night.

Two Air India Express (AIE) flights carrying 362 Non-Resident Keralites (NoRKs) from Kuwait and Muscat landed at the Cochin international airport here on Saturday at 9.45 p.m. and 10 p.m. respectively. Another AIE special flight from Doha will be reaching the airport early Sunday morning.

They were being evacuated after they were stranded in these countries following the worldwide lockdown in air traffic to combat COVID-19.

There were 181 passengers, including four children, on the AIE (IX 0442) Muscat-Kochi flight.

They included 23 from Ernakulam, 26 from Thrissur, 20 each from Palakkad and Pathanamthitta, 16 from Kannur, 13 each from Kollam and Kottayam, 12 each from Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha, two each from Idukki and Kasaragod, 15 from Kozhikode, and nine from Malappuram.

The AIE flight from Kuwait (IX 0396) had 181 passengers, including four children.

The flight from Doha (IX 0476 ), scheduled to land at 1.40 a.m. on Sunday, will be carrying 183 passengers. Reports indicated that the 541 Malayalis being evacuated from the Gulf countries will be reaching Kochi without preliminary screening for COVID-19. It will be a major challenge for the State government, which has left nothing to chance by arranging quarantine for expatriates with symptoms in government facilities and home quarantine for those without the symptoms

From Bahrain

A group of 181 evacuees from Bahrain landed in Kochi on Friday night. The passengers comprised 87 men. Officials said 25 of the 94 women passengers were pregnant. The flight also had 28 children below 10 years of age. Of the 28 natives of Ernakulam, who arrived from Bahrain, 15 were sent to corona care centres and 13 in home quarantine. The flight had 41 natives of Thrissur, 19 of Palakkad, 22 of Kottayam, four of Kannur, ten of Alappuzha, and 17 of Kollam.

347 returnees quarantined in Thissur


347 returnees quarantined in Thissur

10/05/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,THRISSUR

The quarantine centres for Keralites returning from abroad and other States have accommodated 347 people in Thrissur district. They were sent to the centres as institutional quarantine has been made mandatory for them. Pregnant women, children, and elderly people have been sent for home quarantine under stringent restrictions.

Of the NRIs who returned from the Gulf in the past two days, 67 persons were sent to institutional quarantine.

There were 38 persons from Thrissur on the Bahrain-Kochi flight that arrived on Thursday night. Of them, 10 persons, including pregnant women, were taken home for quarantine. Others were sent to Garuda Express.

Gulf returnee tests positive; admitted to isolation ward


Gulf returnee tests positive; admitted to isolation ward

10/05/2020, STAFF REPORTER,KOCHI

A 23-year-old man who returned from Abu Dhabi on a repatriation flight, has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The district now has two positive recorded cases of COVID-19.

The patient had been on the flight carrying Non-Resident Keralites from Abu Dhabi that landed at the Cochin International Airport on Thursday. On landing, the Malappuram native had shown symptoms of COVID-19 and was immediately admitted to the isolation ward at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery. His condition was reported to be stable.

As many as 556 persons were placed in home quarantine on Saturday, taking the total number of people in home quarantine to 1,284 in the district. Of them, 47 were identified as high-risk. Twenty people are being monitored in hospitals.

NEWS TODAY 25.12.2024