Some will get Covid even after vaccination, and that’s normal

Some will get Covid even after vaccination, and that’s normal

No vaccine guarantees 100% immunity from the novel coronavirus, so a small percentage of people who have received a vaccination will still get sick, but experts say that their symptoms are likely to be mild

Abhilash.Gaur@timesgroup.com

01.04.2021 

On March 18, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took his first dose of a coronavirus vaccine made by the Chinese company Sinopharm. On the 20th, he tested positive for Covid. Vaccine-sceptics felt vindicated, China-bashers shouted ‘hurray’. Both were wrong. A vaccine is like a trainer. It needs several weeks to train your immune system to fight a germ. Khan’s first dose got hardly two days to work. In fact, Khan most probably had the virus for several days before he took his shot.

So, Imran Khan’s positive test does not mean his vaccine failed, but are there other cases where a coronavirus vaccine has ‘failed’ to do its job? Is it possible for you to get Covid after vaccination?

Yes, a small percentage of properly vaccinated people are expected to get sick with the coronavirus. Now that many millions have been vaccinated around the world, such cases are becoming common. Why does this happen, and is it fair to describe it as a failure of the vaccine?

Breakthrough Cases

An infection that occurs after vaccination is called a ‘breakthrough case’. But there’s a condition: it should occur at least 14 days after you are “fully vaccinated”. In India, it would mean two weeks after your second dose of Covishield or Covaxin.

Amesh A. Adalja at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security tells Prevention magazine that this time-frame is necessary because “your body should have enough time to develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus).”

In a Forbes column, scientist William A. Haseltine mentions Israeli research that found vaccinated and unvaccinated people were equally likely to get infected in the first 12 days after the first vaccine dose. Even after 17 days, 60-80% of vaccinated people could get infected.

The Atlantic’s science journalist Katherine J. Wu says breakthrough cases will now “continue to grow in number, everywhere… They are an entirely expected part of any vaccination process.” You might hear of them in your circle. But the important thing is to not get alarmed and start doubting vaccines.

No Vaccine Is Perfect

Actually, there was a vaccine that provided 100% immunity against the virus it was aimed at, says Bloomberg’s pharma industry analyst Sam Fazeli. It was so good that it totally wiped out the smallpox virus. But such ‘sterilising immunity’ – stopping not only sickness but also infection – is rare.

For the coronavirus, scientists last year set the bar low at 50% efficacy. Luckily, all of the approved vaccines turned out to be far better with efficacy rates as high as 95%. Yet, even the best vaccine can’t guarantee you won’t fall ill.

Again, Wu reminds you this is not a failure of vaccines because “the goal of vaccination isn’t eradication, but a détente in which humans and viruses coexist, with the risk of disease at a tolerable low.”

With vaccines, we are mainly trying to prevent severe disease and death, not the infection itself, and all of the approved vaccines seem to be excellent at that. For example, the singledose Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed only 72% efficacy in US trials, but nobody who took it needed hospitalisation or died.

As Fazeli says, “You will never know how bad your symptoms would have been if you had not been vaccinated.”

Reducing Risk

So, the main reason for breakthrough cases is that vaccines are not perfect. Haseltine says, “we need to draw a distinction between infection and disease” while talking about coronavirus vaccines. As none of the present vaccines claims to protect you from infection, breakthrough cases aren’t surprising. But what makes some vaccinated people more susceptible to the virus than others? Wu says there could be many factors, from your immune system’s response to the virus variant you are exposed to. As the existing vaccines are based on last year’s coronavirus variant, they might be less effective against the newer variants.

Haseltine says a study from China found that “sera from those infected by the original Wuhan strain last year have little to no ability to protect against either the UK (B.1.1.7) or the South African (B.1.351) strains.” Also, your immune system could buckle under the force of a big virus dose, for example inside a room where many Covid patients are present. “Large doses of the virus can overwhelm the sturdiest of immune defences, if given the chance,” Wu says.

That’s why continuing to wear a mask even after you have been vaccinated can reduce the risk of breakthrough cases. Especially now, when coronavirus infections are sharply rising across India.

Taken 1 dose of vax? For Kumbh, -ve report still a must, says HC

Taken 1 dose of vax? For Kumbh, -ve report still a must, says HC

Prashant.Jha@timesgroup.com

Nainital:01.04.2021 

A day after the Uttarakhand government issued an advisory asking those coming from 12 identified states where Covid cases were rising to carry a Covid-19-negative RT-PCR test report, the Uttarakhand HC on Wednesday said that people who have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will also need Covid-19-negative certification before visiting the Kumbh Mela.

The court further directed the state government to increase testing in Haridwar to 50,000 per day after it was informed that despite its claims of conducting 55,000 tests per day in the holy city, the state was conducting only about 5,000 tests per day (including RT-PCR and antigen).

The court also directed the state government to encourage people to take vaccines at designated centres at the Kumbh site. The HC added that facilities to keep people under observation after they are administered the vaccine should also be created. The directions came from the bench of Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma while it was hearing a bunch of PILs concerning the state’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

HC: Rape case can’t be quashed even after ‘pact’

HC: Rape case can’t be quashed even after ‘pact’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:01.04.2021

Delhi High Court has refused to quash criminal proceedings against three men booked under POCSO Act for sexually harassing a minor girl.

Though the minor, now an adult, and her family reached a compromise with the accused men, who are distantly related to her, the court made it clear “there can be no letup in prosecuting a heinous crime.”

“It is well-settled that the power under section 482 CrPC is to be distinguished from the one that lies with the court to compound the offences compoundable under CrPC Section 320. No doubt, under Section 482, the high court has the power to quash even in those offences that are not compoundable, where the parties have settled the matter between themselves, but the power must be exercised fairly and with caution. Rape is a heinous crime punishable under Section 376 IPC,” justice Subramonium Prasad noted, declining any relief to the accused.

The court was hearing a plea by Dinesh and others, which said that a compromise had been entered into between the girl, her mother and the petitioners. The plea urged the court to intervene and quash the FIR. Instead, the court noted that any move to quash an offence under POCSO Act would go against the intention of the legislature, which had brought out special enactment to protect the interest of children.

“The FIR cannot be quashed on the ground that the victim, after attaining majority, has decided to compromise the matter with the accused,” it noted, and cited the Supreme Court, which has categorically said that heinous crime like rape could not be quashed by the high court by exercising power under Section 482 CrPC even if the parties had reached a compromise.

According to police, the survivor’s mother had lodged an FIR in 2018 for offences punishable under IPC sections 354, 354D, 506, 509, 34 IPC and Section 10 of POCSO Act. She informed police that Dinesh had come to stay with the family while he was looking for a job and had tried to molest the girl. When she raised the alarm, he apologised. Later, in 2017 when the family went to Punjab to attend a wedding, Dinesh and his two nephews harassed her. They even tried to drag her into a room and threatened her to cooperate else her nude photographs would be made public, the complaint said.

When she again informed her parents about the harassment, her mother rebuked the accused and decided to approach police. A case was then registered at the Shakarpur police station.

DELHI HIGH COURT SAYS

Any move to quash an offence under POCSO Act will go against the intention of the legislature, which had brought out special enactment to protect the interest of children...The FIR cannot be quashed on the ground that the girl, after attaining majority, has decided to compromise the matter with the accused

Kerala HC issues 10 directives to EC in order to prevent bogus voting

BATTLEGROUND KERALA

Kerala HC issues 10 directives to EC in order to prevent bogus voting

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kochi:01.04.2021

The Kerala high court on Wednesday directed the Election Commission of India to take all possible steps to prevent double voting or impersonated voting during the assembly election. Disposing a petition filed by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala seeking steps to prevent fake or double voting, a division bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly issued 10 directives.

It asked the election commission to finalize the list of demographically similar entries (DSE) and absent-shifted-dead voters (ASD) in the voters list and furnish copies to political parties and presiding officers forthwith. The commission should issue a public notice cautioning voters that any attempt to cast multiple votes will be dealt with strictly, it directed.

The photographs of all identified ASD voters should be taken in the polling booths and their signature and thumb impression taken. A declaration should also be collected from such voters, the court said.

It also asked the commission to ensure that ASD voters are allowed to leave the polling booths only after the indelible ink on their finger dries. The court recorded the submission of the election commission’s counsel that photographs of ASD voters will be collected, digitized and kept. All safeguards provided in the Representation of People's Act for free and fair election should be scrupulously followed to avoid multiple or bogus voting, the judgment said.

Ragging: Fresher withdraws plaint against seniors

Ragging: Fresher withdraws plaint against seniors

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mysuru:01.04.2021

In a new twist to the ragging case at Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, a compromise has been worked out between the student and the seven seniors who were accused of the offence.

The complainant and his father informed police and CIMS authorities that they will no longer pursue the issue. They also withdrew the complaint.

On Sunday, the first-year student had complained of ragging by the seven seniors during a welcome party in the college hostel.

On Wednesday evening, SP Divya Sara Thomas and senior officials of district police visited the campus and interacted with the college’s anti-ragging committee. At the meeting, the SP advised college authorities to take security measures, including surprise visits to hostels at night, installing CCTV cameras in corridors, interacting with juniors and seniors.

“We asked the anti-ragging committee to be more pro-active,” the SP told TOI.

MU goof-up: Students to take exams with ID cards

MU goof-up: Students to take exams with ID cards

Kevin.Mendonsa@timesgroup.com

Mangaluru:01.04.2021

Perhaps for the first time in the history of Mangalore University (MU), students appearing for first and third semester exams will enter the hall without hall tickets. Due to a technical goof-up, students will have to show their college ID cards.

The development follows the varsity’s adoption of ‘MULinx’, a new in-house software to conduct the examination. However, this led to confusion, and is widely being criticised by students and faculty members, as several colleges failed to receive the list o candidates who can appear for the examination.

Chaos prevailed at several colleges under the university on Wednesday, after students who waited for long hours for hall tickets had to return without one.

At 3 pm, an official circular from the university was released, stating that candidates can appear for exams by producing identity cards issued by the college.

Generally, hall tickets are issued to candidates at least 4-5 days before examination. Not issuing admission tickets till the last minute added to stress and preexam jitters among students. “The university should have been more responsible and quick considering the Covid-19 crisis. However, they and the college administration are at the receiving end. We are not sure how far it is practical to conduct examination without a hall ticket. Besides, the introduction of the new software has led to several changes in the exam process,” said a professor.

College heads who spoke to TOI said they are yet to receive instructions on classroom markings and other details of the exam. “All this must be done at least a day in advance, but we are still awaiting the candidates’ list. That is more important than hall ticket,” said a principal.

‘Hall tickets to be issued in 2 days’

MU registrar (evaluation) PL Dharma, while admitting that it is the varsity’s mistake said: “We have taken measures so that students do not bear the brunt. Hall tickets will be issued in a day or two.”

Referring to the candidates’ list, he said colleges have been asked to allow registration or roll numbers that have been uploaded on the official website. In a message sent to colleges and students,he said the exam will be held as per the timetable. If a candidate has tested positive and is in a position to write the exam, the college will have to make arrangements, he added.

Colleges enhance safety norms as campuses turn containment zones

Colleges enhance safety norms as campuses turn containment zones

SruthySusan.Ullas@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:01.04.2021

With several educational institutions turning hotspots for Covid-19 infections, authorities in many colleges in the city are increasing vigilance and introducing stringent safety measures to avoid infections on campus.

For instance, RV College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bengaluru, where two faculty members had recently contracted the infection, has told fourth and sixth semester students to continue with online classes for the next three weeks.

“Even though we had started off with one student per hostel room, many were sharing rooms. Now, we have gone back to one student per room,” said principal KN Subramanya. RVCE has around 1,200 students on campus now.

BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) has also rolled back to a blended form with batches alternating on various days. “We have formed a task force of faculty members who have been tasked with conducting random checks to ensure Covid protocols like social distancing and wearing masks are followed. The BMS hospital is also open for testing students and faculty,” said BV Ravi Shankar, principal, BMSCE. A student from the college said security guards conduct checks to ensure everyone wears a mask. NMKRV College for Women had planned to start on-campus classes from March 15 but when all students and faculty members — numbering some 2,000 — were subjected to Covid-19 tests and two students tested positive, the plan was abandoned.

“We then decided to take it slowly,” said Snehalatha G, principal. “While our science students come to the campus since they have lab classes to attend, a large majority of other students are taking classes online.”

Colleges where exams are underway too are taking precautions. “We have created a special email id and a faculty in charge,” said Meera HN, principal, Sheshadripuram main college. “The other day, special arrangements were made for one of our students, who was a primary contact, to write the exam. He walked in later than other students and left after others left.”

Visvesvaraya Technological University has asked all the toppers to furnish RT-PCR test results to attend the convocation ceremony scheduled on April 3. If their drivers too are not tested, they will not be allowed to step out of the vehicle. A maximum of 100 students will be seated in an auditorium which has a capacity to seat 800, university officials said.

TOI had reported that of the 29 containment zones in BBMP limits in the past two weeks, 10 were educational institutions. As on Tuesday evening, a total 89 students were infected. The higher education department had, however, made it clear that classes and exams will continue offline, but under stricter vigil. Students are wary as many say norms are not being followed strictly and are demanding online classes again. .

UNSAFE FEELING: Although safety measures are being ramped up, students are wary and demanding a return to online mode

17 MORE INFECTED AT MIT

Udupi/Mangaluru:

Manipal Institute of Technology continued to report fresh Covid-19 infections although not as many as previously. The campus was declared a containment zone. Of a total 56 cases reported from Udupi district on Wednesday, MIT accounted for 17. This takes the total number of infections on the campus to 1,042. Many inmates in several hostels are infected. Of the total cases reported from the district, 39 were from Udupi taluk. The district also reported the death of a 90-year-old woman. Health minister K Sudhakar, who was in Mangaluru, told officials to ensure people followed Covidappropriate behaviour. TNN

Govt slashes rates on small savings by up to 110 basis pts

Govt slashes rates on small savings by up to 110 basis pts

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:01.04.2021

The government has slashed interest rates on small savings schemes, such as post office deposits and public provident fund, by up to 110 basis points, dealing a fresh blow to savers seeking safety.

The new rates, effective Thursday and applicable for the first quarter, coincide with the government’s move to tax interest income on annual employee contributions of over Rs 2.5 lakh in PF, while giving government employees exemption up to Rs 5 lakh contribution.

The rate of interest on public provident fund is now at 6.4%, its lowest since 1974, according to National Savings Institute data.

Govt defers rollout of 4 labour codes

The Centre has deferred the rollout of the four labour codes, originally due on April 1, as several states have still not finalised relevant rules, giving more time to firms to realign their salary structures in line with the new rules. TNN

Revised rates will provide relief for banks

The latest rate action on small savings will go beyond active workers to include senior citizens as well as the girl child, who are major beneficiaries of the schemes. Senior citizens are already amongst the worst hit by falling rates as bank fixed deposit rates have crashed, leaving them with lower interest income.

Senior Citizens Saving Schemes and National Savings Scheme will see a 90-basis point reduction, while the popular PPF and Kisan Vikas Patras will see a 70-basis point fall. The sharpest cut of 110 basis points (100 basis points equal a percentage point) was reserved for oneyear fixed deposits, while three-year deposits will see a mere 40 basis points cut.

For senior citizens with five-year deposits, the new rates are in line with the rate on three to five years deposits offered by State Bank of India, which is also at 5.8%. But the bank is paying higher than post office deposits in maturity buckets of one, two or three years. In case of other deposits, SBI is currently offering higher rates across maturities.

The move will provide relief to banks, which compete with these schemes when it comes to raising deposits.

Full report: www.toi.in

PFC and REC reduce lending rates

New Delhi:

Two of the largest lenders to the power sector, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), have cut lending rates for FY22 by 2 percentage points, a move that will help utilities reduce their interest burden. Reduced lending rates have the potential to lower tariffs for consumers by reducing borrowing costs of utilities, which in turn bring down their interest payouts. TNN

Heat wave likely across parts of TN for four days: IMD

Heat wave likely across parts of TN for four days: IMD

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.04.2021

Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over isolated pockets of Tamil Nadu for the next four days, the India Meteorological Department has said.

While private forecasters said Meenambakkam station could breach the 40-degree mark again in the first week of April, weather bloggers said temperatures in the city could drop to normal by April 3 and in other districts by April 5.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said temperatures are likely to shoot up by three to five degrees above normal till April 4. The rise in temperature would be more pronounced in north Tamil Nadu districts including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengelpet, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore as well as interior districts like Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Karur, Trichy , Perumbalur, Ariyalur and Mayiladuthurai. Madurai, Sivagangai and Pudukottai, IMD said.

“Heatwave conditions are likely to occur in isolated pockets. Farmers, poll candidates, voters and traffic policemen are advised not to work outdoors or organise rallies between 12 noon and 4pm,” IMD said. The change in the wind direction and the delay in the onset of sea breeze in the city is due to the presence of a low pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal which is expected to intensify further and move towards Myanmar.

Chennai and its suburbs are likely to record a maximum and minimum temperatures of 39 degree C and 28 degree C for the next 48 hours, with sky conditions likely to be clear.

“This week is going to be very hot and humid for Chennai and mercury is likely to stay above 40 deg C for the next four-five days,” said Skymet Weather.

TN to operate over 3,000 spl buses for whole of poll week

TN to operate over 3,000 spl buses for whole of poll week

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.04.2021

The Tamil Nadu transport department seems to have learned its lesson the hard way.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, state-run transport corporations did not operate enough additional buses ahead of the voting day. As a result, thousands of passengers climbed on top of buses and hung on to the rear grilles to reach their native places to vote. This attracted sharp criticism and put the ruling AIADMK in an awkward situation eight to 12 hours before the votes were cast.

To avoid such embarrassment this time, the transport department announced in advance that it will be running 3,090 special buses from Chennai in addition to 2,300 regular services during poll week. Election special buses will depart only from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu between Thursday and Saturday.

For the next two days, these buses will pick up or drop passengers at major transit points in the city — Madhavaram, K K Nagar, Poonamallee and Tambaram.

Buses to Andhra Pradesh will leave from Madhavaram. Poonamallee bus stand will be the origin for buses bound for Hosur, Arcot, Arani, Cheyyar, Vellore and Kancheepuram. Buses to Cuddalore and Chidambaram will depart from K K Nagar. Tambaram will be the pick-up point for passengers heading to Thanjavur, Kumbakonam Tiruvannamalai and Neyveli.

Other buses to Nagapattinam, Madurai, Trichy, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and Salem will leave from CMBT.

A total of 2,264 special buses would be operated from Coimbatore, Salem, Tirupur and Bengaluru to make sure that there is no congestion, said an official release on Wednesday. Similarly, the department will run 2,115 special buses to Chennai to facilitate the return journey. In other parts of the state, 1,738 moffusil buses will be operated.

HC slams politicos, says ‘freebie culture’ has made TN people lazy

HC slams politicos, says ‘freebie culture’ has made TN people lazy

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.04.2021

Slamming political parties for encouraging ‘freebie culture’ in the state, the Madras high court on Wednesday said it has caused the people of Tamil Nadu to become lazy. Locals refuse to work resulting in migrant workers taking over jobs, the court said.

“One would not be surprised to see migrant workers would be owners of properties in due course and the sons of the soil will... (be) working under them,” a division bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice B Pugalendhi.

The HC made the observation while hearing a PIL moved by M Chandramohan in 2020 seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to convert Vasudevanallur assembly constituency into a general constituency.

The bench raised a series of questions to be answered by the ECI while noting that serious steps must be taken by Parliament to amend the Representation of People Act to enable action against the political parties engaging in corrupt practices.

The ECI is to answer question on steps taken by the Centre to bring in legislation on political manifestos, particularly the freebies promised in manifestos. The court also sought information on ECI vetting manifestos and actions taken against erring political parties.

The court has also asked the ECI why political parties should not be made liable to pay at least 10% of the money required for implementation of election promises made by them and why the commission does not de-recognise parties that fail to implement their election promises based on which the voters are lured to vote the party to power. The court directed the ECI to answer the queries by April 26.

The bench raised a series of questions to be answered by the ECI while noting that serious steps must be taken to enable action against parties engaging in corrupt practices

‘Man employed on compassionate grounds to give 25% of pay to mom’

HC TO THE RESCUE

‘Man employed on compassionate grounds to give 25% of pay to mom’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.04.2021

The Madras high court came to the rescue of a woman, who was attacked, verbally abused and subsequently abandoned by her son. The court ordered payment of 25% of his monthly salary to his mother for failing to take care of her as promised.

T Desinguraja, a government school clerk, had obtained the job on compassionate grounds after his father’s death. His brothers and sisters did not object to him taking up the job since he promised to take care of the family, particularly their mother Valliyammal.

After joining duty on May 17, 2013, Desinguraja left her in the lurch, attacked her and also abused her using filthy language, Valliyammal said. Aggrieved by the continuous torture in the hands of her son, Valliyammal moved the present petitions.

Justice S Vaidyanathan passed the interim order while admitting the two petitions that sought departmental and disciplinary proceedings against Designuraja and his suspension from service pending inquiry.

“Admittedly, Desinguraja got the appointment on compassionate ground on the demise of his father, bypassing his elder sister, who was fully qualified and eligible to get appointment at that time, on the belief that he would provide all comfort/amenities to their mother,” the court said.

Though the petitioner sought for the interim prayer of suspension from service, this court cannot give such an interim direction, it added.

However, the judge observed that the petitioner is entitled to 25% of the gross monthly income of Desinguraja as an interim measure and directed the school education authorities to ensure that the said portion is deducted from his salary and paid directly to the petitioner till further orders. The court then adjourned the hearing to June14.

வேலை கிடைத்த பின் தாயை தவிக்க விட்டார்

வேலை கிடைத்த பின் தாயை தவிக்க விட்டார்

Added : ஏப் 01, 2021 02:08

சென்னை:கருணை அடிப்படையில் வேலை பெற்ற பின், தாயாரை நிர்கதியாக விட்ட மகனின் சம்பளத்தில் இருந்து, 25 சதவீதம் பிடித்தம் செய்யும்படி, கல்வித்துறைக்கு, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

விழுப்புரம் மாவட்டம், தேவனுார் கிராமத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் திருமலை; தலைமை ஆசிரியராக பணியாற்றினார். 1998ல், பணியில் இருக்கும்போது இறந்தார். திருமலை - வள்ளியம்மாள் தம்பதிக்கு, இரண்டு மகன்; இரண்டு மகள்கள் உள்ளனர்.குடும்பத்தை கவனித்து கொள்வதாக, மகன் தேசிங்குராஜா உறுதி அளித்ததை தொடர்ந்து, கருணை வேலையை மற்றவர்கள் விட்டு கொடுத்தனர்.

தேவனுாரில் உள்ள அரசு மேல்நிலை பள்ளியில், 2013ல் எழுத்தர் வேலை தேசிங்குராஜாவுக்கு கிடைத்தது.வேலை கிடைத்த பின், நிர்கதியாக விட்டு விட்டதாகவும், தாக்கியதாகவும், மோசமாக திட்டியதாகவும், மகன் தேசிங்குராஜாவுக்கு எதிராக, வள்ளியம்மாள் புகார் அளித்தார். இதையடுத்து, வழக்குப் பதிவு செய்யப்பட்டது.மகனின் தொடர் துன்புறுத்தலால், உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் வள்ளியம்மாள் வழக்கு தொடுத்தார்.

தேசிங்கு ராஜாவுக்கு எதிராக துறை நடவடிக்கை, ஒழுங்கு நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கவும், விசாரணை முடியும் வரை, 'சஸ்பெண்ட்' செய்யவும், மனுவில் கோரியிருந்தார்.

மனுவை விசாரித்த, நீதிபதி எஸ்.வைத்தியநாதன் பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு:கருணை வேலைக்கு, தேசிங்குராஜாவின் சகோதரிக்கு முழுமையான தகுதி இருந்தும், குடும்பத்தை கவனித்துக் கொள்வார் எனக் கருதி, விட்டு கொடுத்துள்ளார். பணியில் இருந்து சஸ்பெண்ட் செய்ய, உத்தரவிட முடியாது. முழுமையான விசாரணை முடிந்த பின், அதிகாரிகள் தான் முடிவெடுக்க வேண்டும்.ஏற்கனவே, உயர் நீதிமன்றம் ஒரு வழக்கில் பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவின்படி, இந்த வழக்கிலும் இடைக்கால உத்தரவு பிறப்பிக்கப்படுகிறது.

தேசிங்குராஜாவின் சம்பளத்தில், 25 சதவீதம் பிடித்தம் செய்து, மனுதாரருக்கு மாதம் தோறும் செலுத்தப்படுவதை, அதிகாரிகள் உறுதி செய்ய வேண்டும்.மனுவுக்கு, கல்வித்துறை பதில் அளிக்க வேண்டும். விசாரணை, ஜூன், 14க்கு தள்ளி வைக்கப்படுகிறது.இவ்வாறு, நீதிபதி உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

முதுமையில் தனிமை கொடுமை... தோள் கொடுக்க தேவை தோழமை! தள்ளாத வயதில் தக்க துணை தேடுவதில் தவறில்லை

முதுமையில் தனிமை கொடுமை... தோள் கொடுக்க தேவை தோழமை! தள்ளாத வயதில் தக்க துணை தேடுவதில் தவறில்லை

Added : ஏப் 01, 2021 02:12

கொடிது, கொடிது வறுமை கொடிது. அதிலும், கொடிது முதுமையில் தனிமை. முதுமையை வெல்ல ஒரு துணை அவசியம். முதியவர்கள் தோழமைக்காக, இரண்டாவது முறை திருமணம் செய்யலாம் என்ற கருத்து பரவலாக வலியுறுத்தப்படுகிறது.

'நமது நாட்டில் மூத்த குடிமக்கள் மத்தியில், மனச்சோர்வுக்கு தனிமைதான் முக்கிய காரணம்' என, 'கிராமப்புற நடைமுறையில் நரம்பியல்' என்ற தலைப்பில் நடந்தப்பட்ட ஓர் ஆய்வில் தெரியவந்துள்ளது. நாட்டில், 22 சதவீத முதியவர்கள் அல்லது ஐந்து பேருக்கு ஒருவர் மனச்சோர்வுடன் காணப்படுகின்றனர். மனிதனின் ஆயுட்காலம் அதிகரித்து வரும் நிலையில் உடல் நலத்தில் கவனம் செலுத்த வேண்டியது மிகுந்த அவசியம்.

மத்திய புள்ளிவிபரங்கள் மற்றும் திட்ட அமலாக்க அமைப்பின் தகவல் படி, '2050 ஆண்டு வாக்கில், முதியவர் மக்கள் தொகையில் கால் பகுதியாக இருப்பர். மற்றவர்களைச் சார்ந்து வாழ வேண்டியிருக்கும். பலரும் 80 வயது கடந்தவர்களாக இருப்பர்' என தெரிவிக்கப் பட்டு உள்ளது.தனிமையில் வேதனைவாழ்க்கை துணையின் மறைவைத் தொடர்ந்து, வயதானவர்கள் இடையே மறுமணம் செய்வது குறித்து பரிந்துரைக்கப்படுகிறது.

ஆனால், சமுதாயத்தை எதிர்கொள்ளத் தயங்கி, 60 வயதுக்கு மேற்பட்ட முதியவர் பலர் மறுமணத்துக்கு முன்வருவதில்லை.'ஹெல்பேஜ் இந்தியா' கருத்துப்படி, 'ஒவ்வொரு, 1,000 முதியவர்களில், கிராமப்புறங்களில் நான்கு பேரும், நகர்ப்புறங்களில் 55 பேரும் காது கேளாமை, பார்வை குறைபாடு அல்லது எழுந்து நடக்க முடியாதவர்களாக இருப்பர்' என தெரிய வந்துள்ளது. வயதான காலத்தில் தனிமை, பதற்றம் மற்றும் மனச்சோர்வு உருவாகும். வாழ்க்கைத் துணை ஒருவர் இறக்கும்போது, இது தீவிரமடைகிறது.

அதனால், வயதான காலத்தில் ஏற்படும் தனிமையின் வேதனையை கையாள ஜப்பானில் உள்ளதைப் போலவே, ஒரு அமைச்சரும், அமைச்சகமும் தேவைப்படுமோ என்ற கேள்வி எழுகிறது.

'ஹெல்ப்லைன் அவசியம்'

'கோவை கேர்' ஓய்வு இல்லங்களின் நிர்வாக இயக்குனர் கர்னல் ஸ்ரீதரன் கூறியதாவது: இந்தியாவில், 13 கோடி முதியவர்களுக்கு உடல் நலத்தைப் பாதுகாக்க அதிக பட்ஜெட் ஒதுக்கப் பட வேண்டும். தனிமை, முதுமை மற்றும் 'அல்சைமர்' போன்ற பிரச்னைகள் உள்ள, 13 லட்சம் முதியவர்கள் உள்ளனர். இவர்கள் சிகிச்சைக்கு போதிய படுக்கை வசதிகள் இல்லை. பொதுவாக, ஒருவருக்கு மனைவி இறந்த பின், பல பிரச்னைகள் ஏற்படுகின்றன. தனியாக வசிக்க வேண்டிய கட்டாயத்துக்கு ஆளாகிறார்.

தோழமை மற்றும் பேச்சுத் துணையின்றி பல முதியவர்கள் தற்கொலை செய்துக்கொள்ளவும் துணிகின்றனர். இதைக் கையாள வயதானவர்களுக்கான ஒரு ஹெல்ப்லைன் அவசியம். தோழமை என்பது எதிர் பாலினத்தவராகத்தான் இருக்கவேண்டிய அவசியமில்லை. ஒரு செவிலியர் தான் கவனித்துக் கொள்பவருக்கு ஒரு நல்ல தோழராக இருக்கலாம். பொழுது போக்குகளை வளர்ப்பது, இசையைக் கேட்பது, ஆன்மிகத்தில் ஈடுபடுவது மற்றும் மந்திரம் சொல்லுதல் போன்றவை முதுமையில் மிகவும் நல்லது.

பல வயதான தம்பதியினர் பூனைகள் மற்றும் நாய்கள் போன்ற செல்லப்பிராணிகளை தோழமைக்காக வளர்ப்பதைக் காணலாம்.இவ்வாறு, அவர் கூறினார்.

ஒளிரும் நம்பிக்கை

'எல்டர் கேர்' நிறுவனத்தின் டாக்டர் ராகுல் பத்மநாபன் கூறியதாவது:ஒரு நபருக்கு வயதாகும் போது மன அழுத்தம், தோல்வி, அன்புக்குரியவர்களின் மரணம் அல்லது தனிமை ஆகியவற்றைக் கையாள்வதற்கான திறமைகள் குறைகின்றன. அவர்களின் புலன்களும் சமயத்தில் பழுதானால், வாழ்க்கையின் மீதான நம்பிக்கையையே இழக்கின்றனர். ஏற்கனவே இருக்கும் நோயின் விளைவு, தனிமை காரணமாக மோசமடைகிறது.

கிராமப்புறங்களில் இருப்பவர்களுக்கு, அக்கம் பக்கத்தில் இருந்தே அதிக சமூக ஆதரவு இருக்கும். நகர்ப்புறங்களில் இருப்பவர்களுக்கு ஆதரவு குறைவாகவே உள்ளது. வயதான காலத்தில் தோழமைக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுப்பது அவசியம். மேலும், முதியவர்களின் குழந்தைகளும் முற்போக்கானவர்களாக, முட்டுக்கட்டை போடாதவர்களாக இருக்க வேண்டும்.

திருமண இணையதளங்கள் இன்று மூத்த குடிமக்களின் சுயவிபரங்களை சேர்க்கத் துவங்கியுள்ளன. இவை இரண்டாவதுதிருமணங்களை ஊக்குவிக்க உதவுகிறது. 60 வயது மற்றும் அதற்கு மேற்பட்டவர்கள், அதிகளவில் பதிவு செய்ய முன்வருகின்றனர். இது வரவேற்கத்தக்கது.இவ்வாறு, அவர் கூறினார்.

-நமது நிருபர்-

45 வயதுக்கு மேலானோருக்கு இன்று முதல் தடுப்பூசி!

45 வயதுக்கு மேலானோருக்கு இன்று முதல் தடுப்பூசி!

Added : ஏப் 01, 2021 00:03

சென்னை:தமிழகத்தில், 45 வயதுக்கு மேற்பட்ட அனைவருக்கும் தடுப்பூசி போடுவதற்காக, 5,117 மையங்கள் தயார் நிலையில் உள்ளன.கொரோனா தொற்று பரவலை தடுக்க, ஜன., 16 முதல், தடுப்பூசி போடப்பட்டு வருகிறது.

முன்கள பணியாளர்களை தொடர்ந்து, 45 வயதுக்கு மேற்பட்ட, நாள்பட்ட நோயாளிகளுக்கும், 60 வயதிற்கு மேற்பட்ட முதியோருக்கும் தடுப்பூசி போடப்பட்டு வருகிறது. இதுவரை, 30 லட்சத்துக்கும் மேற்பட்டோருக்கு தடுப்பூசி போடப்பட்டு உள்ளது. இன்று முதல், 45 வயதிற்கு மேற்பட்ட அனைவரும் தடுப்பூசி போட்டுக் கொள்ளலாம் என, மத்திய அரசு அறிவித்துள்ளது.

இதையடுத்து, புதிதாக துவங்கப்பட்ட 'மினி கிளினிக்'குகளுடன், 5,117 தடுப்பூசி மையங்கள் தயார் நிலையில் உள்ளன. தொற்று அதிகரித்து வருவதால், களப்பணியாளர்கள் நியமிக்கப்பட்டு, தடுப்பூசி குறித்து, பொதுமக்களிடம் விழிப்புணர்வு ஏற்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. இதனால், தடுப்பூசி போட்டுக்கொள்வோரின் எண்ணிக்கை அதிகரிக்கும் என, சுகாதாரத்துறை அதிகாரிகள் நம்பிக்கை தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

Gang barges into L&T office, kills accountant, injures another worker

Gang barges into L&T office, kills accountant, injures another worker

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Tenkasi  01.04.2021

: An armed gang barged into a site office of Larsen & Toubro at Subbiyapuram village near Alangulam in Tenkasi district and hacked to death an accountant of the company and injured another employee on Wednesday evening.

Police are on the lookout for the assailants. They identified the main attacker as Murugan, who owned a two-acre plot near the site where L&T recently commissioned a 100MW solar plant for Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India Limited. L&T has condemned the murder and sought protection for its staff.

Police said Murugan had gone to the site office twice earlier in the day and asked for accountant Thiyagarajan, 51, of Korattur in Chennai. In the evening, Murugan and some relatives again turned up at the site office. When they learned Thiyagarajan was present inside, Murugan and three others barged in and hacked him to death and injured his colleague Krishnan, 40, of Chettikulam village near Alwarkurichi.

Thiyagarajan’s body was sent to the Tenkasi government hospital for autopsy while Krishnan was rushed to the Tirunelveli government medical college hospital for intensive care.

A senior police officer said a few middlemen had bought land in the area foraslow as ₹70,000to ₹80,000 per acre and then sold it to the company at more than thrice the price (₹2.5 lakh per acre). The two acres land owned by Murugan and his family was their only asset and they were not ready to sell it for the price offered by the middlemen. The officer said the middlemen purchased the land surrounding Murugan’s land, leaving him with no way to enter it.

The Tenkasi district Superintendent of Police (SP) G Suguna Singh visited the spot and conducted preliminary investigations. The Alangulam police registered a case and are on the lookout for the accused.

In a statement L&T condemned the murder and sought protection for its staff. “A precious innocent life has been lost and to be under attack from lawless elements during these uncertain times is absolutely shocking and unacceptable,” said whole time director and senior executive vice president (utilities) of the company T Madhavadas.

“We face huge difficulties when executing projects – the challenges of unforgiving terrains, harsh climatic conditions, the danger of uncontrolled lawless elements, the difficult of being miles away from home and loved ones – all to build infrastructure for the country… These are particularly difficult circumstances due to the strict COVID-19 safety protocols and at such a juncture, it is sad and shocking that we are under attack. We go out of our way to ensure the safety of our own people at our sites, but we seek the protection of the authorities and the police to keep our people safe. Such an incident should never have been allowed to happen,” he said.

Police said a few middlemen had bought land for as low as ₹70,000 per acre and sold it to the company at more than thrice the price. They wanted Murugan’s two acres, but he had refused

Overjoyed after stealing ₹7L, thief suffers heart attack; spends loot on treatment

Overjoyed after stealing ₹7L, thief suffers heart attack; spends loot on treatment

Harveer Singh TNN

Bijnor:01.04.2021

This thief was overjoyed when he and his accomplice laid their hands on a large amount of money when they had least expected it, so much so that he suffered a heart attack. His joy turned into tragedy, and soon he had to cough up a large chunk of the stolen money on his treatment. The matter came to light when one of the two thieves was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the theft committed last month in Bijnor’s Kotwali Dehat area told police during interrogation.

Bijnor superintendent of police Dharm Veer Singh said two thieves broke into a public service centre owned by one Nawab Haider on the intervening night of February 16 and 17. Following a complaint lodged by Haider that over ₹7 lakh was stolen from the centre, police had registered a case against unidentified accused and launched a probe.

On Wednesday, police claimed to have cracked the case with the arrest of two accused — Naushad and Ajaj, both in their early 30s — from Alipur under Nagina police station area.

The SP said the accused were arrested from a restaurant on Wednesday with the help of a surveillance system.

“The accused are habitual offenders and have several cases registered against them in different police stations. They confessed to have committed a robbery at the public service centre and fled with ₹7 lakh cash and other valuables kept in an almirah. The accused told police that they had expected just a couple of thousand rupees at the centre, but were overjoyed after seeing such a huge amount. They divided the money evenly. But soon, Ajaj suffered a heart attack and was admitted to a private hospital. He had to cough up a large chunk of the stolen money on his treatment. Naushad, however, spent the money in betting in Delhi,” said the SP.

Docs worried as Covid wards in major B’luru hospitals are almost full

Docs worried as Covid wards in major B’luru hospitals are almost full

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:01.04.2021

With Covid-19 cases steadily increasing in Bengaluru, a majority of the hospitals treating the infections said most of their beds are occupied and doctors fear demand for ICU beds could throw up infrastructure and human resources challenges in the coming days.

Covid wards in major hospitals in the city are nearly full, despite 80% of the cases in the second wave are asymptomatic and require only home isolation. In a 1,000-bed hospital, 10% of the beds are for intensive care. In Covid care for severe patients, at least 40-50% beds should be in ICUs, doctors said.

At a recent meeting with prominent hospitals and medical colleges, the state health and family welfare department asked hospitals to reserve10% of their total beds for Covid cases. Currently, government hospitals are largely used for severe Covid patients. Unlike last year, private hospital beds for Covid will used in a staggered manner. “In the next one week, all hospitals must have 10% of beds for Covid patients. As the situation demands, the percentage of private beds will be increased,” said a BBMP officer.

At Trauma and Emergency Care Centre in Victoria Hospital campus attached to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, 150 of the 162 Covid beds are occupied, said Dr Smitha Segu, nodal officer.

Full report on www.toi.in

PRESSING PROBLEMS: In a 1,000-bed hospital, 10% of the beds are for intensive care. In Covid care for severe patients, at least 40-50% beds should be in ICUs, doctors said

Karnataka minister writes to guv, says CM ‘interfering’ in ministry

Karnataka minister writes to guv, says CM ‘interfering’ in ministry

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:01.04.2021

Alleging chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s “authoritarian interference” in his ministry, Karnataka rural development and panchayat raj minister KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday sought the intervention of the governor and party leadership for revocation of orders and restoration of “peace” in administration.

In a written complaint to governor Vajubhai Vala and BJP national general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh, Eshwarappa accused Yediyurappa of direct interference in his ministry in violation of the Karnataka (Transaction of Business) Rules on division of power in the cabinet. A copy has been forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda.

The complaint brings to the fore resentment against Yediyurappa in the cabinet and growing discord against his style of functioning. Eshwarappa and Yediyurappa, both from Shivamogga in Karnataka, have had a lovehate relationship.

Eshwarappa, however, said: “It is an internal matter and I will not discuss it in public. I am not unhappy with the CM and there is no question of resentment (against him). There is no need to attach political significance to a meeting I had with the governor to discuss issues related to my department. There is no bar on meeting party leaders or Union ministers to discuss department matters.”

Full report onwww.toi.in

Girl moves SC for delay in medical admission under Central Pool

Girl moves SC for delay in medical admission under Central Pool

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:01.04.2021

A medical aspirant from Ladakh, whose name was recommended by the UT administration for admission from the Central Pool in the capital’s Lady Hardinge Medical College, has moved the Supreme Court against the college for delaying her admission even though classes for first year MBBS course had started. The court issued notice to the college seeking its response.

Agreeing to address the grievances of the student who claimed that the college failed to clear her admission despite her completing all the formalities more than a month back, a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah issued notice to the college and posted the hearing for April 5.

The petitioner, Farzana Batool, approached the apex court through her advocate Neeraj Shekhar after classes for the course started but her admission was not cleared.

The director general of health services of Ladakh had forwarded her name on February 19 and she rushed to Delhi a day after and completed the admission formalities by submitting the relevant documents as well as fees in the college on February 22.

She alleged that even after completing all the formalities, her admission has not yet been confirmed, whereas classes for the first year MBBS course have started.

“Therefore, she was constrained to write an email on March 7 to the authorities requesting them to intervene and thereby confirm the admission process. But till date, the admission of the petitioner has not been confirmed,” said the petition.

Can’t equate MBA’s earnings with that of labourer’s: HC

IN ABSENCE OF INCOME PROOF

Can’t equate MBA’s earnings with that of labourer’s: HC

Ajay.Sura@timesgroup.com

Chandigarh: 01.04.2021

The income of a person with an MBA cannot be equated with the earnings of a labourer in case of non-availability of income proof, the Punjab and Haryana high court has held.

The court also clarified that the cost index and status of the two sides fighting a case are to be considered while determining maintenance allowance to estranged wife in matrimonial disputes.

“The contention that income of the petitioner should be considered as a labourer and thereafter interim maintenance should be fixed, is noted to be rejected. The pleadings that the petitioner is a fashion designer and with an MBA qualification have not been denied. It would not be appropriate to equate the petitioner (an MBA) with a labourer. While fixing interim maintenance, the cost index and status of the parties is to be considered,” held Justice Avneesh Jhingan of the high court, who passed these orders while dismissing a plea filed by a Sonipat resident.

The petitioner had approached the HC following an order of February 12, 2020, passed by a family court in Rohtak fixing interim maintenance of ₹7,000 per month to be paid to his wife under Section 125 CrPC.

In her plea seeking maintenance, the petitioner’s wife had pleaded that after their marriage she was subjected to cruelty and forced to live separately. She has no source of income.

EVIDENCE ISSUE

The petitioner denied the plea regarding his qualification and income of Rs.40,000 per month on the grounds that there is no proof that he is earning Rs 40,000 per month.

Indiscipline no grounds to expel student: HC

Indiscipline no grounds to expel student: HC

Schools Must Manage Kids From Diverse Backgrounds

K.Kaushik@timesgroup.com

Madurai:01.04.2021

The Madras high court on Wednesday observed that the indisciplined behaviour of a teenaged student should not justify expulsion from school. The court said that schools are expected to handle and manage different segments of students and strive to mould them into good citizens.

The court made the observations while directing a school management at Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district to take in a student who was denied admission in Class XI due to indisciplined behaviour. The court was hearing a petition from the student’s mother V Lakshmi.

Justice V Parthiban observed that it is needless to mention that there are two facets to education -- one is to draw out the best ability of the student and the other is the character edification and the inculcation of values of life, its meaning and existence. The combination of these two facets ought to be the aim of every school management to sub-serve the interest of society at large.

In an institution having several hundreds of students hailing from various socio-economic, cultural backgrounds on its strength, it is too much to expect homogeneous conduct and regimented behaviour from all students. “This court is conscious of the fact that in today’s context, schools are run as enterprises with a paramount aim of achieving excellence in terms of their academic balance sheet with a view to be a leader in the field of education. In the bargain, all round growth of the students is relegated to the back burner, if not, it is altogether shunted out of the academic activities,” said the judge.

The judge observed that it was easy for an institution to send a student away on grounds of indiscipline. But such steps amount to shirking its ultimate responsibility and reflect on its inability to address so-called errant behaviour of the student concerned, which is viable for any school for that matter.

Quoting Abraham Lincoln ‘mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice’, the judge directed the school management to admit the student by accepting the undertaking affidavit filed by the petitioner ensuring her son’s good behaviour for the next two years. The judge directed the school to comply with the direction within one week as the present academic year has already commenced.

In an institution having several hundreds of students, it is too much to expect homogeneous conduct from all students

Teacher held for uploading picture of postal ballot

Teacher held for uploading picture of postal ballot

Three persons including a woman teacher, her husband and a Tenkasi resident were arrested for sharing a picture of her postal ballot on social media here on Tuesday.

Published: 31st March 2021 04:37 AM 

By Express News Service

TENKASI: Three persons including a woman teacher, her husband and a Tenkasi resident were arrested for sharing a picture of her postal ballot on social media here on Tuesday.

“The suspected teacher from Vellakal cast her vote on the postal ballot which was delivered by polling staff. Her husband, a retired army man, took a photo of that ballot and posted it on social media. The third suspect, a resident of Tenkasi, forwarded the same to his friends. All three have been arrested.

A Surandai-based woman teacher was mistakenly suspended on Monday based on the recommendation of the District Educational Officer, Kokila, for allegedly posting a picture of her postal ballot. However, the inquiry conducted by the police inspector Balamurugan revealed that the polling staff wrongly delivered the postal ballot of the Surandai-based teacher to the teacher whose postal ballot picture was shared on social media,” said police.

Referring to the serial number of the postal ballot which was posted on social media, the School Education Department had suspended the Surandai-based teacher. Representatives of Tamil Nadu Primary School Teachers Federation and the teacher petitioned the District Election Officer (DEO) against her suspension.

Madurai doctor’s death not linked to Covid vaccination: Health Dept

Madurai doctor’s death not linked to Covid vaccination: Health Dept

Harini who took the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine Covishield on February 5, reportedly developed fever and body pain on March 5, four weeks after taking the vaccine.

Published: 18th March 2021 05:02 AM 

By Express News Service

MADURAI: Denying social media messages that claimed link between Covid-19 vaccine and the death of 26-year-old Hari Harini, a postgraduate student at Madurai Medical College, last week, the district health department has clarified that she took the first dose of Covishield over a month ago and died last week due to anaphylactic shock that was most likely caused by a painkiller injection administered by her doctor-husband.

Hari Harini who was a postgraduate student at the department of Anaesthesiology in Madurai Medical College was married to Dr Ashok Vignesh, a postgraduate student in the department of general surgery at the Madurai Medical College. The couple who got married in November last was residing at Mela Anuppanadi.

Harini who took the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine Covishield on February 5, reportedly developed fever and body pain on March 5, four weeks after taking the vaccine. “In a bid to treat her at their residence, her husband reportedly administered the painkiller injection Diclofenac. A few hours later, she started vomiting and fell unconscious,” police sources said.

Avaniapuram police registered a case and an RDO probe was also initiated. District Immunisation Officer Dr KV Arjun Kumar said that Harini was shifted to a private hospital on March 5 around 7.30 am and was put on mechanical ventilation. “She died six days later, on March 11 afternoon,” he said. For the past couple of days, messages linking Harini’s death with Covid vaccination are doing the rounds in social media. The message also urges the public not to take any other injection or medicine after taking the jab of Covid vaccine.

“The autopsy was performed on March 12 and the provisional diagnosis state that she suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to inadequate oxygen supply) due to anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction). The anaphylactic shock could have occurred due to the painkiller injection,” Arjun Kumar said. He also ruled out that the death was due to vaccination. He further said that the painkiller injection Diclofenac is not being used in healthcare facilities for many years now and that injectable painkillers are usually avoided.

Are you illiterate, HC asks SV Shekher for sharing derogatory post against women journos

Are you illiterate, HC asks SV Shekher for sharing derogatory post against women journos

The issue pertains to a derogatory post shared by Shekher in April 2018 in the wake of the controversy over Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit patting a woman journalist on the cheek

Published: 30th March 2021 08:51 PM 

By Harish Murali

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday wondered whether actor and BJP leader S Ve Shekher was illiterate to forward derogatory posts against women journos without reading them. The court made the observations while issuing an interim stay to the framing of charges against Shekher in the case pending before a trial court.

The issue pertains to a derogatory post shared by Shekher in April 2018 in the wake of the controversy over Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit patting a woman journalist on the cheek without her consent when she was asking him a question at a press conference venue. The trial in the case is pending in the Special Court for MP/MLAs.

According to Shekher, apart from the present criminal proceeding, there were three other private complaints filed against him for the same offence. “All the three private complaints have been stayed by the high court in separate proceedings. Only in the present proceeding the prosecution has filed a final report before the jurisdictional court,” he added.

According to the additional public prosecutor, Kritika submitted that even forwarding the post amounted to endorsing the opinion of the message. She opposed the petitioner’s plea to quash the criminal proceeding.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice N Sathish Kumar asked whether the accused was illiterate to forward such posts without reading them. The court observed this in response to Shekher's statement that he had unintentionally forwarded the post of his friend on social media without reading the content.

“Forwarding is also an offence. Tendering an apology may help you during the trial. But can the prosecution be quashed because you have tendered an apology?” queried Justice Sathish Kumar.

The counsel for the petitioner Venkatesh Mahadevan, however, argued that the post was removed within two hours and a public apology was also tendered by the petitioner.

The court directed the prosecutor to file a detailed report on the plea. The court granted an interim stay on framing of charges and also dispensed with the personal appearance of the accused before the trial court during the hearings. The case was adjourned to April 16 for the next hearing.

Resume Covid vaccine-at-doorstep service, urge senior citizens

Resume Covid vaccine-at-doorstep service, urge senior citizens

After private hospitals in the city stopped the ‘vaccine-at-doorstep’ facility, senior citizens have requested hospitals to resume the service since it may attract more people to vaccination.

Published: 31st March 2021 06:33 AM 

By KV Navya

Express News Service

CHENNAI: After private hospitals in the city stopped the ‘vaccine-at-doorstep’ facility, senior citizens have requested hospitals to resume the service since it may attract more people to vaccination.

About a week ago, a private hospital in Kelambakkam began the ‘vaccination at home’ service for those aged 45 and above. After it received a good response, a handful of other hospitals too started the service. However, they had to stop after the government instructed them against it.

“Each patient must be monitored for at least 30 minutes after administering the vaccine. There could be blood pressure or cardiac issues. That is why every hospital has resuscitation tools and emergency medicines in the vaccination room. Spending 30 minutes with every patient in their homes may not be a viable option,” said an official from the public health department.

However, senior citizens say the government itself can introduce the service with necessary precautions. “The State can make use of ambulances and turn them into mobile vaccination centres. The vehicles can be equipped with emergency medicines and tools. This also reduces the risk of a senior citizen contracting the virus while venturing out,” said a 64-year-old retired doctor at Guindy, on condition of anonymity.

They also said that, already, vials are going waste due to people not coming forward to get vaccinated.

“The government can hold camps in areas with high senior citizen concentration. One vaccine vial can be administered to 10 persons and if camps are held, no vial will go waste,” said 71-year-old P Ranganathan, residing at Besant Nagar.

High Courts Weekly Roundup [March 22 – March 28]

High Courts Weekly Roundup [March 22 – March 28]: Allahabad High Court 1. 'Applicant In Jail Can't Be Left At The Mercy Of State': Allahabad High Court Expresses Displeasure At Non-Filing Of Reports In Time [Anmol Rastogi v. State of UP]