A guide to reopening your home for guests

A guide to reopening your home for guests

Communication, flexibility and open spaces help make sure that things go smoothly

15.11.2021

When Covid-19 put an abrupt halt to social gatherings, many homes were reconfigured to encompass study areas and home offices. And while restrictions are easing, guests, like hosts, are grappling with a somewhat changed social terrain.

Hugs or handshakes? Dining tables or balconies? Because the pandemic isn’t over and comfort levels vary, etiquette and home experts agree that communication, flexibility and compassion are key to making sure things go smoothly. Here are a few tips:

Always ask first

“While some people have jumped right back to hugs and handshakes, others aren’t quite there yet, so it’s very important to ask people about things first, and respect differing comfort levels,” says Lizzie Post, co-president of the US-based The Emily Post Institute. “Ask ‘Is a hug OK?’ If it’s not, express that friendliness and enthusiasm with words,” she says.

Touch base with guests before the gathering. Let them know how many people will be there and where you’ll be gathering. People are returning to social gatherings at different paces, and that allows guests to prepare accordingly.

Amy Panos, home editor for Better Homes and Gardens, adds: “Don’t hesitate to get specific, like ‘Everyone who’s invited is vaccinated so no need for masks’, or, ‘We have kids, so let’s mask up when possible’.”

Less is more

Where guest lists are concerned, experts agree that it’s a good idea to start small. Consider a smaller guest list in the first few forays to test the waters, then tweak your approach as you go along.

Take the party outdoors

Instead of piling onto the couch or squeezing around a dining table, as people did before the pandemic, these days, people tend to be more comfortable if they’re able to spread out.

“If you have the space, this may be the time to invest in stackable stools or chairs to keep handy so people can spread out comfortably. And keep the windows open if you can,” Panos says.

As Martha Stewart Living style director Tanya Graff says, “We have become pros at doing everything outside. If you can entertain as much as possible outside, I would continue to do that.”

Tidy up

While it’s not necessary to dismantle pandemic-configured home offices, you'll want to tidy things up, especially in areas where you will be entertaining.

“Any time you will be inviting people over, make sure you have a nice, clean, available space. If your living room is also an office, office things should be cleared away. Get the space ready for guests,” says Post.

Embrace individual portions

Skip the dip and any dishes where guests may need to share. “Make sure everything has serving utensils and no one has to use their hands with things,” Graff says.

Setups that allow guests to serve themselves are also popular now.

— AP

S Railway lifts all restrictions, but wait on for unreserved coaches

S Railway lifts all restrictions, but wait on for unreserved coaches

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:15.11.2021

Southern Railway has lifted all restrictions on travel by suburban trains and has regularised express/mail services from Sunday to the pre-Covid-19 level but people may have to wait longer for unreserved class to be opened up.

Southern Railway is running only limited number of unreserved trains in various sections and also unreserved passengers are permitted only in specified mail/express trains keeping in mind that Covid-19 is not fully eradicated, said a statement. Passengers who prefer to travel by available unreserved coaches or trains will have to book tickets from the counters and not by UTS app because railways want to limit the number of people in a coach to prevent crowding. "Steps are being taken to introduce UTS app booking in the non-suburban sector in a phased manner," said the statement.

T Sadagopan, a consumer activist, said that it was good that train services were brought back to the pre-Covid level but they should resume senior citizen concession, reduce platform ticket charges and unreserved class trains soon. "The railway is going to introduce regular fare for festive specials and others but they should also refund money for those who have already booked tickets on these trains," he added.

As regular express/mail services will be operated on pre-covid schedule and fares, Southern Railway has already updated fares on its data centre in Chennai. "All trains originating from Southern Railway that require fare revision from festival specials to regular services have been updated at Chennai data centre and passengers are booking on old fares now," said an official. As far as train number changes are concerned, CRIS will be carrying out number changes of about 500 trains per day over the next week to complete more than 3000. As travel restrictions have been lifted in suburban trains, passengers will be allowed to travel without any time restrictions on the Chennai Central-Arakkonam, Chennai Central–Gummidipundi/Sullurupeta, Chennai Beach–Chengalpet and Chennai Beach–Velachery sections.

Unreserved single, return journey tickets and season tickets would be issued to all. These tickets can also be booked through UTS mobile app.

PATIENT WAIT: Southern Railway is running only limited number of unreserved trains in various sections

Tomatoes, onions continue to be dearer at most markets

Tomatoes, onions continue to be dearer at most markets

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:15.11.2021

Tomatoes and onions continue to be costly in the city's neighbourhood markets.

On Sunday, while tomatoes were available for ₹80— ₹90 per kg, onions were selling for ₹60 in most markets. Drumsticks were being sold for ₹15, ₹20 and ₹28 in various retail markets such as Nandanam, Adyar and Virugambakkam, respectively.

According to official sources with the Koyambedu Wholesale Market, the volume of tomatoes that the city is receiving has slashed by 50%. On an average, the city's wholesale market records an arrival of 80 trucks of tomatoes, each with a capacity of 15 tonnes. This is now down by 40 trucks. At Koyambedu, tomato was selling for ₹70 per kg on Sunday.

Thyagarajan, president of Koyambedu Wholesale Tomato Traders Association, said that tomatoes were expensive across all southern states as the crops had got damaged due to rain. “The cost of tomatoes will continue to be on the higher side because the market is yet to receive adequate quantity of stock. It may take about one month for prices to stabilise,” he said. Onion was also costly because of a supply issue, he added.

Light rain for city as low pressure intensifies over sea

Light rain for city as low pressure intensifies over sea

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:15.11.2021

Light to moderate rain has been forecast for the city as a low pressure that has formed over south Andaman sea is intensifying.

A forecast for the city for the next 48 hours said the sky condition will be partly cloudy. Light/moderate rain is likely to occur in some areas. There may also be heavy rain at isolated places in Kancheepuram and Chengalpet districts.

A report by the met department said that the low pressure area over central Andaman sea with associated cyclonic circulation is still intensifying. It is likely to move and become wellmarked over north Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday. The low pressure is likely to move and concentrate into depression and reach near south Andhra coast by Thursday.

Experts say that if it becomes a cyclone, it may hit Andhra coast and will weaken into a low pressure to bring heavy rain to north Tamil Nadu by Friday or Saturday.

Though the city may get only light rain, the met department has forecast heavy rainfall in isolated places in Chengalpet and Kancheepuram districts on Monday.

The maximum and minimum temperature is likely to be around 31 ˚C and 25 ˚C respectively for the next two days. The city and suburbs did not experience rain on Saturday.

Other parts of the state will continue to get heavy rain. Heavy rain is forecast at isolated places in Erode, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Coimbatore, Salem, Dharmapuri, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Mayiladuthurai.

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கோவில் இடத்திற்கு வாடகை பாக்கி டாக்டரை வெளியேற்ற உத்தரவு

கோவில் இடத்திற்கு வாடகை பாக்கி டாக்டரை வெளியேற்ற உத்தரவு

Added : நவ 13, 2021 21:59

சென்னை:ஏழு ஆண்டுகளாக ஒரு ரூபாய் கூட செலுத்தாமல் வாடகை பாக்கி வைத்தவரை, கோவில் இடத்தில் இருந்து உடனடியாக வெளியேற்ற சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டு உள்ளது.

விழுப்புரத்தில் ஆஞ்சநேயசுவாமி கோவில் உள்ளது. இதற்கு சொந்தமான இடத்தில், டாக்டர் தியாகராஜன் என்பவர் கிளினிக் நடத்துகிறார்.

அமல்படுத்தவில்லை

வாடகை செலுத்த தவறியதால், குத்தகையை ரத்து செய்து வெளியேற்ற, 2013ல் நிர்வாக அதிகாரி நடவடிக்கை எடுத்தார். வெளியேற்ற உத்தரவு பிறப்பித்தாலும், அதை அமல்படுத்த வில்லை.இதற்கிடையில், வாடகை பாக்கி மற்றும் உயர்த்தப்பட்ட வாடகை என 3.56 லட்சம் ரூபாயை, கோவில் நிர்வாகத்திடம் டாக்டர் தியாகராஜன் செலுத்தினார்.

மனு தாக்கல்

அதேநேரத்தில், குத்தகை இடத்தில் இருந்து வெளியேற்றுவதற்கான நடவடிக்கையை, 2021 செப்டம்பரில் கோவில் நிர்வாகம் எடுத்தது. அதற்காக போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பும் கோரியது. இதை எதிர்த்து, உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் டாக்டர் தியாகராஜன் மனு தாக்கல் செய்தார்.

மனுவில், 'தன்னிச்சையாக வாடகையை உயர்த்தி, 2019 டிசம்பரில் நோட்டீஸ் பிறப்பிக்கப் பட்டது. தற்போது இடத்தில் இருந்து வெளியேற்ற, போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பு கேட்டுள்ளனர். 'எங்களுக்கு சந்தர்ப்பம் வழங்காமல், வலுக்கட்டாயமாக வெளியேற்ற நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப் பட்டு உள்ளது' என்று கூறியிருந்தார்.

வழக்கை விசாரித்த, நீதிபதி ஆர்.சுரேஷ்குமார் பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு:கடந்த 2014 நவம்பரில் இருந்து ஏழு ஆண்டுகளாக, ஒரு ரூபாய் கூட வாடகை பாக்கி செலுத்தாமல், டாக்டர் தியாகராஜன் அனுபவித்து வந்துஉள்ளார். ஒரு மாதம் வாடகை பாக்கி என்றாலும், சொத்தின் உரிமையாளர் சட்டப்படி நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கலாம். பல ஆண்டுகளாக வாடகை செலுத்தாமல் இருந்தால், குத்தகையை ரத்து செய்ய கோவில் நிர்வாகத்துக்கு உரிமை உள்ளது.

அதிகாரம்

ஆக்கிரமிப்பாளர்களாக கருதி, வலுக்கட்டாயமாக வெளியேற்ற கோவில் அதிகாரிகளுக்கு, சட்டத்தில் அதிகாரம் வழங்கப்பட்டு உள்ளது.எனவே, ஆக்கிரமிப்பாளரை சட்டப்படி அகற்றிக் கொள்ளலாம். அதில், குறுக்கிட தேவையில்லை. மனு, தள்ளுபடி செய்யப்படுகிறது. இதுவரை மனுதாரர் வெளியேற்றப்படவில்லை என்றால், உடனடியாக நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். வாடகை பாக்கியையும், சட்டப்படி வசூலித்து கொள்ளலாம்.இவ்வாறு நீதிபதி உத்தரவிட்டார்.

வழக்கமான ரயில்களாக மாறும் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள்

வழக்கமான ரயில்களாக மாறும் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள்

Added : நவ 14, 2021 02:20

மதுரை:கொரோனா தொற்று எதிரொலியாக சிறப்பு ரயில்களாக இயக்கப்பட்டவை தற்போது எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் ரயில்களாக வழக்கமான கட்டணத்துடன் இயக்கப்படவுள்ளன.

ரயில்களுக்கு ஐந்து இலக்க எண்கள் வழங்கப்படுவது வழக்கம். அதன்படி சிறப்பு ரயில் எண்களின் முதல் இலக்கம் பூஜ்ஜியத்தில் துவங்கும். பல ரயில்களுக்கு முதல் இலக்கம் மட்டும் மாறும். அந்த ரயில்களுக்கு முதல் இலக்கமான பூஜ்ஜியத்திற்கு பதில் ஒன்று அல்லது இரண்டு எண் மட்டும் மாற்றப்படுகிறது.

சில ரயில்களுக்கு ஐந்து இலக்கங்களும் மாற்றப்படுகின்றன. சென்னை மதுரை வாரம் இருமுறை சேவை வழங்கும் எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் ரயில்கள் எண் 22623/22624 எனவும், கன்னியாகுமரி - டில்லி நிஜாமுதீன் திருக்குறள் எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எண் 12642/12641 எனவும், மதுரை - டில்லி நிஜாமுதீன் சம்பர்க்கிராந்தி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 12652/12651 எனவும், சென்னை நாகர்கோவில் வாராந்திர எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 12667/12668 எனவும்,

சென்னை சென்ட்ரல் மதுரை வாரம் மும்முறை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 20601/20602 எனவும், திருநெல்வேலி பிலாஸ்பூர் ரயில்கள் 22619/22620 எனவும், திருநெல்வேலி- மும்பை தாதர் வாராந்திர எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 22630/22629 எனவும், மதுரை பிகானீர் வாராந்திர எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 22631/22632 எனவும், சென்னை ராமேஸ்வரம் சேது எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 22662/22661 எனவும் மாற்றப்படுகிறது.

டாக்டர் சுதா சேஷய்யனுக்கு பிரிட்டனின் கவுரவ பட்டம்

டாக்டர் சுதா சேஷய்யனுக்கு பிரிட்டனின் கவுரவ பட்டம்

Added : நவ 13, 2021 20:05

சென்னை:தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டர் எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., மருத்துவ பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் சுதா சேஷய்யனுக்கு, பிரிட்டனின், 'ராயல் காலேஜ் ஆப் சர்ஜன்ஸ் ஆப் எடின்பரோ' சார்பில் கவுரவ பட்டம் வழங்கப்பட்டது.

உலகிலேயே அறுவை சிகிச்சை மருத்துவ கல்லுாரிகளில் தொன்மையானதாகவும், முதன்மையானதாகவும், ராயல் காலேஜ் ஆப் சர்ஜன்ஸ் கருதப்படுகிறது. 500 ஆண்டுகள் பழமையான அக்கல்லுாரி, 'பெலோஷிப் ஆப் ராயல் காலேஜ் ஆப் சர்ஜன்ஸ்' என்ற எப்.ஆர்.சி.எஸ்., பட்டத்தை, தகுதியானவர்களுக்கு வழங்குகிறது.

இதில், மருத்துவ துறையில் ஆற்றிவரும் பணிகள், ஆராய்ச்சி நடவடிக்கைகள், புதிய பங்களிப்புகள் மற்றும் அனுபவம் ஆகியவற்றின் அடிப்படையில், 'பெலோஷில் அட் ஹொமினேம்' என்ற கவுரவ பட்டத்தை, ராயல் கல்லுாரியே விருப்பப்பட்டு தகுதியானவர்களுக்கு அளிக்கும்.அந்த வகையில், இம்முறை கவுரவ பட்டத்துக்கு, தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டர் எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., மருத்துவ பல்கலை துணைவேந்தர் டாக்டர் சுதா சேஷய்யனின் பெயர் முன்மொழியப்பட்டது.

இதை ராயல் கல்லுாரியின் எப்.ஆர்.சி.எஸ்., தேர்வு குழுவின் கவுன்சில் உறுப்பினர்கள் ஒருமனதாக ஏற்றனர்.இதற்கு முன், தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டர் எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., மருத்துவ பல்கலை துணைவேந்தராக இருந்த கேப்டன் ராஜாவுக்கு இந்த கவுவரம் கிடைத்தது. அதன்பின், தற்போது சுதா சேஷய்யனுக்கு அப்பட்டம் கிடைத்துள்ளது.

இந்த கவுரவ பட்டம், பிரிட்டனில் அவருக்கு அளிக்கப்பட்டது. பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் சிறப்பு விருந்திராக பங்கேற்று, சுதாசேஷய்யன் தலைமை உரையாற்றினார். இந்தியாவில் இருந்து எந்த பெண்ணுக்கும் கிடைக்காத, இந்த கவுரவம் சுதா சேஷய்யனுக்கு கிடைத்துள்ளது.

US visa wait to get longer due to Covid protocols

DELAY IN TRAVEL PLANS

US visa wait to get longer due to Covid protocols

Subhro.Niyogi@timesgroup.com

Kolkata:14.11.2021

The joy of the US removing travel restrictions to the country from India on November 8 has been short lived for many from Kolkata who intend to fly to the US to meet friends and family members there. A senior diplomat has warned that applying for visa will take significantly longer due to Covid protocols, leading to delays in travel.

Businessman Karan Sarda whose sister stays in Washington state has been waiting to travel to meet her to mourn their mother’s death in May. Sarda and his wife’s B-1/B-2 visa that is given for tourism and business purposes expired a year-and-a-half ago and they were unable to renew it due to the pandemic. After learning that travel restrictions had been lifted, they wanted to apply for drop box renewal — a process by which visas are automatically renewed for usually 10 years for visitors who have been to the US before — but haven’t yet got a slot to submit the application.

“When my travel agent attempted to take a slot, the earliest date available was on June 16, 2022!” he said.

Hina Vasa, her husband Hitesh and their two daughters had applied for B1/ B2 visa renewal eight months ago when their earlier visas expired in April 2020. They are unaware of the fate of the applications. “We have to travel in the last week of May to be able to attend our son’s convocation ceremony in Irvine, California,” said Hina.

Travel agent Joydeep Mukherjee said he had 19 passports for visa renewal but was unable to apply till slots are opened by the US.

Donald L Heflin, the minister counselor for consular affairs that is in charge of issuing visas, has clarified that January to May appointments would gradually open up from either by this month end or in December but warned that numbers would be much lower than in the past.

While those with valid visas can travel immediately, those who require visas will have to wait. In December and January, the focus will be on F-1 (student) and H & L (employment) visa, followed by B-1/B-2 drop box cases. But wait times will be long.

Explaining the reason for the delay, Heflin said the there were distancing regulations in several states and local governments that needed to be followed.

“At the visa offices and consulates, the buildings were not designed with such social distancing norms in mind. Ditto for submission of drop box applications. Appointments have to be taken and that will take time because fewer appointments will be issued to ensure distancing norms are maintained and everyone is safe. For the foreseeable future, we will do significantly less number of visas and drop box cases,” he said.

Honesty pays for Cuttack rickshaw-puller

Honesty pays for Cuttack rickshaw-puller

14.11.2021

Bhubaneswar:

A woman transferred her property to a rickshaw-puller who has been transporting her wherever she goes without fail for the past 25 years. Minati Patnaik, 63, has transferred her assets — a three-storey house in Sutahat locality of Cuttack and jewellery, together worth around Rs 1 crore — to Budha Samal, a rickshaw-puller, reports Ashok Pradhan.

State Univ will turn Azamgarh into Aryamgarh: Yogi hints at renaming

State Univ will turn Azamgarh into Aryamgarh: Yogi hints at renaming

Rajeev.Dikshit@timesgroup.com

Azamgarh:14.11.2021

Hinting that Azamgarh could be renamed as Aryamgarh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that “setting up of a state university will truly turn Azamgarh into Aryamgarh”.

Addressing a public meeting following the university’s foundation laid here by Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday, Yogi said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of development and Union home minister Amit Shah’s work has changed the image of Azamgarh. There is no doubt that this university will soon turn Azamgarh into Aryamgarh. This university will become operational by the next academic session and students from 400 colleges of Azamgarh and Mau will get degrees from here.”

Mentioning that Azamgarh had remained the area of concern for him, Yogi recalled there was a time in Azamgarh when people were killed on demanding reciting Vande Matram. But, can anybody now show the courage of killing anybody in full public view here?

“In 2007, one Ajit Rai, an ABVP student leader was killed in front of the principal office of Shibli National College for demanding recital of Vande Mataram on occasions like Republic Day. Time of over a month was taken to register even an FIR in this case,” said Yogi, mentioning how he too was attacked during his visit to Azamgarh.

“No one could commit crimes like this here now,” said Yogi highlighting the achievements of his government on the law and order front.

“Those, who used to harass girls and women, are well aware that they will be treated like Duryodhan and Duhshashan of Mahabharata for their act,” the Chief Minister said.

No takers for 25% engg seats after final phase

No takers for 25% engg seats after final phase

Many Seats Have Been Left Vacant In New Tech Streams Too

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad:14.11.2021

Despite the introduction of new tech engineering courses, close to 25% seats in Telangana have been left vacant after the final phase of seat allotment.

This year, over 1.21 lakh candidates have qualified in Eamcet. As per figures shared by Eamcet convenor Navin Mittal, of the 79,790 engineering available seats across Telangana, 19,797 seats have been left vacant. Last year, 17,101 seats were left vacant, which is lower than this year’s figures. This, even as the number of available seats were much the same -- 78,270.

Many of these are left vacant in not only core engineering courses such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, but also in new tech streams such as cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and data sciences, among others.

“Many students who could not get a seat in colleges of their choice have joined private universities wherein job guarantee schemes are being promoted. Students are giving a miss to local colleges and preferring private universities and autonomous colleges resulting in large vacant seats in Telangana,” said KVK Rao, general secretary of All India Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions.

Close to 90% seats in computer science and IT-related courses, 67% seats in civil, mechanical and allied courses and 60% in other engineering courses have been filled. There were fewer takers for courses into cybersecurity, IoT, AI, and others.

IRCTC to get ‘sattvik cert’ for some trains

IRCTC to get ‘sattvik cert’ for some trains

New Delhi:14.11.2021

The IRCTC will promote “vegetarian-friendly travel” by getting some trains “sattvik certified”, especially those running on routes connecting religious sites, according to a statement by Sattvik Council of India which is involved with the certification. No one from the IRCTC, the catering and tourism arm of the Indian Railways, was available for comment.

According to a press release issued by the Sattvik Council of India, it has tied up with IRCTC to introduce services that fits the requirements of vegetarians. PTI

Fight diabetes the positive way

Fight diabetes the positive way

Incidence of diabetes is increasing alarmingly. But the good thing is that Type 2 diabetes cases are easily preventable. Read on to know more

14.11.2021

Resp.Edit@timesgroup.com

Often known as the diabetes capital of the world, India has been witnessing an alarming rise in the incidence of diabetes. Rapid urbanisation, demographic transition and lifestyle modifications are said to be the major causes for the increased incidence of diabetes. By 2030, the number of diabetic people in India is expected to cross the 100 million mark, according to a report by International Diabetes Federation.

The Type 2 diabetes comprises around 90 per cent of diabetes cases in the world and can be attributed to lifestyle disorders like being overweight or having a sedentary lifestyle. These two conditions further raise a person's insulin needs. Gestational diabetes, too, can further lead to Type 2 diabetes. People with family members with Type 2 diabetes and people who have metabolic syndrome (a cluster of problems that include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low good 'HDL' cholesterol and a high bad 'LDL' cholesterol and high blood pressure) are at a higher risk, too.

But the silver lining to this growing concern is that a large proportion of Type 2 diabetes cases are easily preventable. With simple lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring, it is easy to delay the onset or prevent Type 2 diabetes. The first and foremost thing to take care in this regard is to maintain a normal BMI and engaging in regular physical exercises. Eating a moderate and healthy diet can further reduce the risk of diabetes.

Find the silver lining

Viewing diabetes as a burden is surely not going to ease the journey. It is one sickness that needs lifestyle management more than prescribed medicines. The sooner you accept the entire diabetes package that includes numerous tests and all, the better you will be able to cope with the disorder. Living with diabetes brings frustration on account of thousands of blood tests, multiple appointments with doctors, eating restricted diet and what not. Nonetheless, how we think about our diabetes plays a much larger role than the actual events that are the reason for frustration. Here's a low-down on some of the aspects that can bring in positivity.

Change your outlook It is not essential to look at diabetes as the end of the world. Being diagnosed with this disorder certainly doesn't mean that you cannot live your life anymore. It is in your hands to view it as a detriment, a blessing in disguise or just be neutral about it.

Make it a part of your life Just as you face the traffic on roads and can do nothing about it, look at diabetes as something you need to learn to live with. It is understood that doing the same task again and again can raise the level of frustration; but if you come to accept it, just like brushing teeth or taking a bath, it will lessen the frustration and increase your ability to manage diabetes.

Motivational factor Instead of playing the victim card, make diabetes your reason to live a healthy lifestyle. Go for morning walks, make friends, go for swimming together, join a health club and be as social as you can. View it as a blessing in disguise and look for the positives.

CBSE decides to go ahead with mock test for Boards on Monday

CBSE decides to go ahead with mock test for Boards on Monday

New Delhi:14.11.2021

In a notification issued on Saturday, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said that the mock test of downloading question papers for the upcoming board examinations would be held as scheduled on Monday.

The board examinations are scheduled to begin on November 16.

CBSE said that schools where exams were scheduled to be held between November 16 and November 20 would be allowed to participate in the mock test. Schools will also be permitted to download the OMR sheets for classes X and XII examinations, which are slated for November. For the OMR of exams to be held in December, a separate communication will be sent.

Following the notification, principals of several schools said that it appears that offline examinations will continue for the students of Delhi, even as the state government gave directions to close schools for a week due to the deteriorating air quality.

Awadhesh Kumar Jha, principal of SV Co-Ed Vidyalaya, Sector-8, Rohini, said, “As far as pollution is concerned, we are helpless. Other than that, all other precautions regarding social distancing and other guidelines.”

Sources in the CBSE said, “From November 16, CBSE will be starting with examinations for the skill courses. Very few schools have these papers, so the closure will not affect a large number of students.” TNN

Airlines can resume food on flights of less than 2-hr duration

Airlines can resume food on flights of less than 2-hr duration

14.11.2021

Serving food on flights with a duration of less than two hours can be resumed, the Union health ministry is learned to have informed the civil aviation ministry after the latter sought inputs from it for amending the existing regulations.

The health ministry has also said that the crew members on a flight need not wear coveralls but should continue to wear gloves, masks and face shields, according to sources.

Under the existing guidelines, airlines are not allowed to serve meals in flights that have a duration of less than two hours. The ban came into effect from April 15.

When the scheduled domestic flight services were resumed on May 25 last year after the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the ministry had allowed the airlines to serve in-flight meals under certain conditions.

“The civil aviation ministry is reviewing the on-board meal services in domestic flights in view of a decline in the number of daily COVID-19 cases and has sought inputs from the health ministry for amending the existing guidelines.

“The health ministry has now informed that serving food on flights of less than two hours can be resumed and that the crew members need not wear coveralls but should continue to wear gloves, masks and face shields,” a source said.

With 11,850 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has shot up to 3,44,26,036, while the number of active cases of the infection has declined to 1,36,308, the lowest in 274 days, according to the health ministry's data updated at 8 am on Saturday. PTI

Two arrested, minor detained for MBBS student’s murder

Two arrested, minor detained for MBBS student’s murder

Yavatmal:14.11.2021 

Yavatmal Police on Saturday arrested two youths and detained a juvenile for the murder of Ashok Pal, a final-year MBBS student of Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, earlier this week. A cash reward of Rs 1 lakh cash has been declared for officers involved in arresting the trio.

“The three accused were on a motorbike which hit Pal who was returning to his hostel from the college library on the campus November 10 night. This led to an argument which ended up in the accused stabbing Pal to death,” Yavatmal SP Dilip Patil-Bhujbal said.

Cops claimed that the trio has confessed to the crime during questioning. TNN

Krishna loses mother hours before ceremony

Krishna loses mother hours before ceremony

Neeraj, Others Receive Top Sports Awards

Sabi.Hussain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:14.11.2021

In a cruel turn of events, Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist badminton player Krishna Nagar lost his mother in an unfortunate incident, hours before he was to receive his Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here on Saturday. Krishna, who had won the gold in the men’s singles SH6 final in Tokyo, was in Delhi to receive the award along with 11 other Khel Ratna recipients when the tragic news reached him.

Initially, Krishna wasn’t told about his mother’s passing away over phone by his physiotherapist father Sunil Nagar. It was only when the 22-year-old reached his home in Jaipur that the devastating news was shared with him. She was 49. Narrating the sequence of events, Krishna told TOI from Jaipur: “It was November 10 (Wednesday) and I was about to leave for the awards ceremony. It was 12-12:30pm and I had told my mother to cook food for me. My father had also come home around that time from his work and three of us were having a fun time. I didn’t notice when she headed to the roof. I had taken a shower and was drying my towel when I heard a loud thump. Upon checking, I realised that my mother had fallen to the first floor of our house from the terrace.” “We immediately rushed her to the hospital and the doctors admitted her to the ICU ward. The doctors assured me that she was showing signs of improvement and I left for Delhi on Thursday. But she died in the hospital last night. She never regained consciousness after the fall,” Krishna said, in a choked voice.

Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and Tokyo Paralympics stars were among an unprecedented 12 sportspersons who were presented with the country’s highest sporting honour, Khel Ratna, in a glittering national sports awards ceremony here. The President also bestowed 35 sportspersons with the Arjuna as the country celebrated its best-ever show at the Olympics and Paralympics.

SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS DOING DUTIES WITH FIRST-YEAR SEATS NOT FILLED

SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS DOING DUTIES WITH FIRST-YEAR SEATS NOT FILLED

NEET SS delay: Senior residents bear juniors’ load

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad: 14.11.2021 

Senior resident doctors pursuing super specialty courses at medical colleges in Gujarat are forced to handle duties assigned to first-year resident doctors for six more months due to delays in the admission process.

“Students who joined the first year of super-specialty courses last year and are now in their second year, have to continue the medical duties of their juniors as the firstyear resident doctors are yet to enroll for their courses,” said an MD doctor who has completed his PG medical studies this year and is waiting for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Super Specialty (NEET SS) 2021 exams to be held. The first-year students have to carry ward duties as part of their studies.

There are about 100 seats for super-specialty courses in the state. The exam was earlier to be held on November 11 but it has been postponed to January 10, 2022.

The MD doctor quoted earlier said he was offered a job at a corporate hospital in Ahmedabad but he could not join due to repeated delays in NEET SS exam.

“The term for first-year students starts in September-October, but this time it is not likely to start before March next year. So, the second-year students will have handle duties of junior doctors for another six months,” he said.

Another aspirant who wants to join the three-year super specialty course said his studies for a PG medical programme ended in July and he is waiting for the NEET SS exams.

“For the last ten years there has been some issue or the other during exams,” said the PG qualified doctor.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences had originally planned to conduct the NEET SS 2021 in a new pattern. Forty-one PGqualified doctors moved the Supreme Court of India, stating that the last-minute changes will have an adverse effect on the candidates.

The Supreme Court came down heavily stating that it cannot make last-minute changes to such an important exam.

Death of schoolgirl: Police book principal

Death of schoolgirl: Police book principal

Coimbatore: 14.11.2021

The RS Puram all-women police on Saturday booked the principal of a private matriculation school under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act for her failure to report a sexual harassment complaint that a Class XII girl student, who committed suicide at her house by hanging on Thursday, raised against her teacher. Police are on the lookout for principal.

The principal, Meera Jackson, was booked under Section 21 (punishment for failure to report or record a case) of the Pocso Act, after parents, students and members of various associations staged protests at the victim’s house and the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, stating they would receive the girl’s body only after arrest of the principal. The protesters said the principal had failed to take action against the teacher based on the girl’s complaint and demanded the school management to issue a compensation of ₹50 lakh to the victim’s family. The school transferred Meera to another school a few months ago.

Police arrested the teacher, K Mithun Chakravarthy, on Friday night. TNN

‘Extended dose-gap of Covishield showed better immune response’

‘Extended dose-gap of Covishield showed better immune response’

Puts To Rest Any Immediate Need For Booster Shots: Study

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:14.11.2021

The extended gap of at least 12 weeks between the two doses of Covishield has resulted in better immune response among majority of vaccinated Indians, subsiding any immediate requirement for booster shots, an official assessment of real-life data from sero prevalence studies has shown. Citing the findings, experts have also ruled out any possibility of reducing the gap between two shots of Covishield.

The findings will soon be submitted to the health ministry for further consideration for policy making, an official source said. “We have been reviewing the data on a regular basis and now since large scale data of vaccinated people is available, we have studied that too. Any decision will be driven by these scientific facts,” the source said.

According to the source, there is “no question of reducing the gap because the data shows that the immune response has improved with a gap of three months between two doses of Covishield”.

Of the total more than 112 crore doses of Covid vaccine administered in the country so far, 88% are Covishield, a vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZencea. The vaccine is manufactured locally by the Serum Institute of India.

India is currently administering the second dose of Covishield at 12-16 weeks gap.

While more than 79% of the eligible adult population has received at least the first dose of a Covid vaccine, around 39% are fully vaccinated with two doses. While there are around 12 crore people overdue for a second dose, a major reason for the slow progress of second-dose coverage is also the long gap between two jabs of Covishield, which constitutes the majority of vaccination.

As the majority of eligible population is now covered with the first dose of the vaccines and there is also adequate stock, some states, as well as public health experts, have written to the Centre asking it to reduce the gap so that people have increased protection with two doses of Covishield.

Full report on www.toi.in

Doctor ADVERTORIAL

 

MMC told to settle ₹23 lakh dues to mess contractor

MMC told to settle ₹23 lakh dues to mess contractor

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:14.11.2021

A city civil court has directed the Madras Medical College dean to settle dues worth ₹23 lakh to a contractor who was running the mess at the MMC post graduates hostel.

The contractor, K Srinivasan of Arumbakkam, in his petition stated that he entered into an agreement with the institution in June 2008 to run the mess. His contract was renewed every year and he ran the mess until 2016.

Subsequently, a fresh tender was issued and the petitioner had moved the Madras high court against it. The act of the authorities spoiled the goodwill and reputation the petitioner had earned among the students, the petition stated and citing various heads, sought dues of ₹41 lakh.

In response, the authorities submitted that the petitioner and his son had attacked students for complaining about non-availability of food during dining hours and had indulged in unauthorized sale of food to outsiders. After perusing all submissions and documents, additional sessions judge, S T Lakshmi Ramesh held that the contractor be paid ₹23 lakh dues alone and not the claims towards vessels, groceries and other compensation.

Bhopal’s Habibganj station to be renamed after Rani Kamalapati

Bhopal’s Habibganj station to be renamed after Rani Kamalapati

Dipak.Dash@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:13.11.2021

The revamped Habibganj railway station in Bhopal is likely to be renamed as Rani Kamalapati station. The Madhya Pradesh government has recommended this name to the Centre. Rani Kamlapati was the widow Gond ruler of Nizam Shah, chief of Ginnorgarh. This gains significance considering that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this redeveloped station on Monday, the day his government launches the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, a week-long celebration of contribution of tribal leaders. Gond comprises the largest tribal group of India with more than 1.2 crore population. Linguistically, Gond belongs to the Gondi–Manda subgroup of the South Central branch of the Dravidian language family.

This will be the second such redeveloped station after Modi was re-elected in 2019. The earlier one was in Gandhinagar. The world-class railway station with airport-like facilities has been revamped in public-private partnership (PPP) mode at a cost of Rs 450 crore. The modern station will have several features such as segregation of passengers based on arrivals and departures, enough sitting arrangement at platforms, lounges, concourse as well as dormitories and retiring rooms.

PM Modi will inaugurate this redeveloped station on Monday, the day his govt launches the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, a week-long celebration of contribution of tribal leaders in the country

Now, Bennett University’s engineering bachelors can opt for master’s from Florida

Now, Bennett University’s engineering bachelors can opt for master’s from Florida

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:13.11.2021

Bennett University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with University of Florida, which will offer its engineering students a shorter way to get a master’s degree from the American university after completing their engineering bachelors at Bennett. The universities also look forward to develop joint study programmes.

Under the MoU, the faculty from the US university will teach special courses to Bennett students. The faculties can also explore joint research funding by applying for various international grants.

“Bennett University is fast moving to have its international tie-ups across all continents to give multiple options to its students for international experience. It ranges from summer immersion programmes, semester abroad programmes to vertical mobility,” said Deepak Garg, dean of international relations and corporate outreach.

“Through our tie-ups, we also endeavour to promote collaborative research, faculty exchange, joint academic publications and beyond. In the fast-changing world, international collaborations have become key to success as they offer access to latest innovations and knowledge,” he added.

Sanjay Ranka, distinguished professor at the department of computer information science and engineering at University of Florida, discussed his research about 21st century smart city transportation solutions with students and the Bennett faculty.

These solutions are being field-tested at intersections in City of Gainesville and Seminole County.

Bennett University has recently renewed its relations with University of Nebraska, Omaha that encompasses different facets of collaboration, including cultural exchange, seminars and joint research.

Previously, the university has also collaborated with Georgia Tech, Cornell and Babson for enhanced teaching-learning experience of its students.

Healthcare professionals in Mysuru protest salary cut, unpaid allowance

Healthcare professionals in Mysuru protest salary cut, unpaid allowance

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mysuru:13.11.2021

A day after members of the Resident Doctors Association of Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute launched an indefinite protest demanding full salary and payment of arrears of Covid allowances, they took out a rally on Friday to the deputy commissioner’s office pressing for the immediate release of funds.

Abstaining from all work except emergency services, resident and junior doctors began their rally from KR Hospital and reached the DC’s office after passing through Irwin Road, JLB Road, and Vinobha Road. They later submitted a memorandum to the government through the DC.

Protesting doctors said they risked their lives while toiling during the pandemic. The government had promised to pay Rs 10,000 as Covid allowance to resident and junior doctors, PG students and interns, and junior nurses but these healthcare professionals haven’t received the allowance for the past three months.

“About Rs 15,000 has been deducted from the stipend of senior resident doctors. Junior nurses have not received salary for several months now, nor have they received the Covid allowance,” protesting doctors said. “The government is keeping mum and has not given a valid reason for the delay.”

Protestors say they have been hearing different explanations. While local officials say grants have not been given, senior officials in Bengaluru claim grants have been released.

GIVE US OUR DUE: Except essential services, doctors abstained from work and took out a march in Mysuru on Friday

No takers in pvt hosps, state goes from negative figures to wasting 0.3% doses

No takers in pvt hosps, state goes from negative figures to wasting 0.3% doses

WOES MOUNT Docs Say Of 10 Shots Of Covishield In A Vial, They Administer Only Five Or Six; Wastage Within Permissible Limits

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:13.11.2021

Private hospitals say they are struggling to exhaust the massive stock of Covid-19 vaccine doses they have in their possession and, as a result, a number of shots, especially Covishield, are being wasted. Private hospitals in Bengaluru have nearly two lakh doses of Covishield in stock, and hospital managements say there are few takers for these paid doses.

A private medical college in Bengaluru said they administer only about four or five doses of Covishield from a vial of 10 doses. The remaining doses go to waste since they must be used within a stipulated number of hours of opening a vial.

“We had 1,000 vials of which we have so far administered 645 doses,” said the hospital while admitting that vaccine wastage is a major cause of concern. “We have had to waste 62 doses of Covishield.” This, despite hospitals quietly providing booster doses for staff and their relatives.

College authorities say they are at their wits’ end and don’t know what to do. “Typically, two or three people come in the morning seeking Covishield. If we do not administer the doses, we don’t know if they will return. These vaccines will expire in February and must be exhausted. Once we open a vial, not more than five or six doses are administered. The rest go to waste,” college authorities said.

They also admitted booster doses are being provided for their staff based on requests.

“If we stop administering booster doses for those most vulnerable, wastage will only go up,” the hospital said.

For every dose lost, the hospital incurs a loss of Rs 630. One dose of Covishield in a private hospital costs Rs 780, including Rs 150 that goes towards administrative charges.

Stock redistributed

Another private hospital which faced a similar situation in early October, has now redistributed all its doses to sister concerns. Hospitals have been urging the government to buy their stock of vaccines which will go to waste if they are not utilised.

However, Dr Arundhathi Chandrashekar, mission director, National Health Mission, Karnataka, said the government’s hands are tied. “There is no provision for the government to buy these doses. Private hospitals have to judiciously use them,” she said.

Karnataka, one of the first states to record negative Covid-19 vaccine wastage, is now seeing 0.3% wastage. “While it is no longer negative wastage, the 0.3% wastage is still within permissible limits,” said Dr Arundhathi.

Dr KV Trilok Chandra, special commissioner, health, BBMP, said hospitals have a list of all those who are due for the second dose and suggested they contact these individuals and persuade them to take the shot to prevent wastage.

However, hospitals TOI spoke with said there is no demand for paid vaccination.

“In many cases, those who took the first dose in our hospital, have availed the second dose elsewhere, perhaps in government facilities,” said a hospital. “When we call them, these individuals say they are fully vaccinated.”

No walk-ins

Dr Sharan Patil, chairman, Sparsh Hospital, said they have a stock of 50,000 doses of Covishield. “We try to ensure doses are not wasted as the vaccines are administered only based on prior appointments. We do not allow walkins. However, despite our efforts, a small quality of doses are wasted sometimes. This is nothing but a national waste,” he said.

At Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Jayanagar, which has a huge quantity of vaccines, no vial is opened post lunch unless there are 10 vaccine seekers, said Dr Yateesh Govindaiah, unit head. He said if there are an insufficient number of people, the hospital takes contact details of those who walk in and ask them to come back the next day. Follow up calls are also made the next day.

Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) had earlier broached the matter with brass of the state’s health and family welfare department. “We can only issue an advisory to hospitals to make sure that they don’t waste doses,” said Dr HM Prasanna, president, PHANA.

ALL-ROUND WASTE: While private hospitals charge Rs 780 per shot, they incur a loss of Rs 630 for every dose of Covishield lost

Hospitals have been urging the government to buy their stock of vaccines. However, Dr Arundhathi Chandrashekar, mission director, National Health Mission, Karnataka, said the state’s hands are tied. “There is no provision for the government to buy these doses. Hospitals must judiciously use them,” she said.

Covid spared kids, but it made them eat more snacks, irritable

Covid spared kids, but it made them eat more snacks, irritable

95% Parents Said Pandemic Impacted Their Kids: Study

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai:13.11.2021

While children have largely been spared severe Covid infection, the pandemic-induced lockdown changed their life in multiple ways, resulting in more screen time, lesser physical activity and higher irritability, found a survey in Mumbai.

Conducted ahead of Children’s Day to gauge the emotional and nutritional impact of the pandemic on children, doctors from the three Fortis Hospital at Mahim, Mulund and Vashi interviewed 7,670 parents. They found that half of the parents were worried about their children’s reduced attention span and more than a third about their child’s weight gain and unhealthy snacking habits. Only parents of children in the five to 18 age group were interviewed.

Overall, 95% of the parents interviewed said the pandemic impacted their child’s “physical, emotional and social growth”. A research paper in medical journal JAMA Network, on October 1, underlined a correlation between children’s mental health and their physical activity and screen time. The study surveyed 1,000 school-aged children in the US.

PEEK-A-BOO: Doctors from three Mumbai Hospital had interviewed 7,670 parents

Over 60% of the parents felt their children had become ‘clingy’

It found that children who were engaged in more physical activity and less screen time had better mental health outcomes. The Fortis Hospital survey found the balance between screen time, physical activity and mental health couldn’t be maintained by many. The ‘work from home’ culture resulted in parents being in close physical contact with children, but unable to pay attention to them.

“Parents worked from home, but they were not accessible to their children. We came across cases where the children were locked away in a different room so parents could work. This must have impacted young children’s emotional makeup,” said Dr Sameer Sadawarte.

Six out of 10 children had become agitated and irritated during the lockdown periods. Over 60% of the parents felt their children had become “clingy” and demanded that parents spend time with them.

During the first wave in 2020, the lockdown was so stringent that children were not allowed to go to the playground or even the housing society’s garden to play.

Pediatrician Jesal Sheth said, “Children show more resilience as compared to adults, but the fact that their growth process was disrupted for a long period by physical inactivity is a matter of concern. As life limps back to normalcy, we must try to involve our children in physical activitiesand help them socialize.”