News Analysis India

Tag: covid-19

  • Government says masks no more compulsory during air travel 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday said the use of masks is not compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them amid the declining number of coronavirus cases.

    Till now, the use of masks or face covers while travelling on flights was mandatory.

    In a communication to the scheduled airlines, the ministry said the latest decision has been taken in line with the government’s policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

    In view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers. Any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the inflight announcements: Ministry of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/V4yrH5x77Z
    — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2022
    “The in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers,” the communication said.

    It also said that any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.

    The total number of active coronavirus cases in the country accounted was only 0.02 per cent of the total infections and the recovery rate increased to 98.79 per cent, according to the latest official data.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,28,580 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

    NEW DELHI: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday said the use of masks is not compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them amid the declining number of coronavirus cases.

    Till now, the use of masks or face covers while travelling on flights was mandatory.

    In a communication to the scheduled airlines, the ministry said the latest decision has been taken in line with the government’s policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

    In view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers. Any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the inflight announcements: Ministry of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/V4yrH5x77Z
    — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2022
    “The in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers,” the communication said.

    It also said that any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.

    The total number of active coronavirus cases in the country accounted was only 0.02 per cent of the total infections and the recovery rate increased to 98.79 per cent, according to the latest official data.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,28,580 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

  • Jyotiraditya Scindia tests positive for Covid-19

    By IANS

    BHOPAL: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said he has tested Covid-19 positive and advised people who met him in the last few days to get tested too.

    “I want to inform you that my Covid report has been found positive. I request all of you that all those who have come in contact with me in the last few days, should go to the nearest health centre and get themselves checked,” he said in a tweet.

    His announcement came hours after he created a buzz by suddenly leaving the state BJP headquarters where he was supposed to attend the core committee meeting. However, party leaders said that he had left as he was feeling unwell.

    Scindia was on a two-day visit to Bhopal to attend the monthly core committee meeting of the state BJP unit, as he is one of its members along with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

    Notably, he had met Chouhan on Monday.

    It was the first core committee meeting of the state unit BJP at his new party headquarters, which will be a temporary office for the next two years.

    BHOPAL: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said he has tested Covid-19 positive and advised people who met him in the last few days to get tested too.

    “I want to inform you that my Covid report has been found positive. I request all of you that all those who have come in contact with me in the last few days, should go to the nearest health centre and get themselves checked,” he said in a tweet.

    His announcement came hours after he created a buzz by suddenly leaving the state BJP headquarters where he was supposed to attend the core committee meeting. However, party leaders said that he had left as he was feeling unwell.

    Scindia was on a two-day visit to Bhopal to attend the monthly core committee meeting of the state BJP unit, as he is one of its members along with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

    Notably, he had met Chouhan on Monday.

    It was the first core committee meeting of the state unit BJP at his new party headquarters, which will be a temporary office for the next two years.

  • Pandemic stress drove women, especially with kids, to alcohol

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Women, especially with young kids, affluent families and those suffering from anxiety and depression, reported an increase in alcohol consumption during Covid-19, and the main reason was stress, according to the latest survey carried out by an NGO, which works to protect communities and individuals from drunk driving and underage drinking. 

    The survey conducted among 5,000 women in the age group between 18 years – 68 years in Delhi found that, as compared to men, fewer women drink regularly. Still, almost seven per cent admitted to risky or harmful drinking. 

    Over 62 percent of women agreed to spend more on alcohol during the Covid-19 lockdown, post lockdown and when restrictions started easing up in the country, said the survey conducted by Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).

    The pandemic pushed many women into a complex mental and emotional state starting from loneliness, and caregiver load, with women almost three times more likely than men to be looking after children full-time, managing household chores and professional responsibilities on their own during Covid-19, it added.

    ALSO READ | Mental illness, memory loss… Covid leaves crippling footprint

    “Loss of jobs, incidents of physical and mental abuse also increased during the pandemic, which added to the mental health burden for women during Covid-19,” said the survey, which was conducted around malls, markets, bars and pubs from August to October this year to assess if drinking patterns have altered in the last three years, especially in light of the pandemic and the stresses it put on individuals and households.

    Better retail shops, buy one get one (BOGO) offers, and discounts made alcohol buying more attractive for women, the survey said. 

    According to road safety expert and activist Prince Singhal, founder of CADD, “Recent trends have shown increased alcohol use among women. While many believed the figures would go down, alcohol consumption increased.”

    “Having more drinks also indicated that alcohol was being had either to deal with emotional or mental issues, under the social influence or sometimes because they have developed a higher resistance to alcohol,” he said.

    “It is a known phenomenon that alcohol is consumed excessively during stress. Stressful events correlate with higher levels of alcohol consumption at the population level. The situations in Indian homes during Covid-19 significantly affected collective mental health. For many people, social disconnection, financial strain, increased obligations in the home, and ongoing uncertainty created distress – and with it, a need for new ways of coping,” Singhal added.

    One way people choose to cope with stress is through the use of alcohol. “Data suggest women were drinking at higher levels than usual during the pandemic, more so than men and those reporting heavy episodic drinking before the pandemic tended to increase their use during the period,” he said. 

    Also, the effects of “drinking to forget one’s worries seemed more prominent among women which, research suggests, were disproportionate to the distress men were experiencing.”

    Higher disposable incomes, changes in attitudes over alcohol consumption at home within families and the proliferation of having alcohol for relaxation and dealing with stress have made drinking at home more convenient for women.

    Women are no longer dependent on alcohol while going out and have started spending more time and money on having a noteworthy alcohol experience at home.

    ALSO READ | Pandemic takes huge toll on mental health

    The trend of drinking at home, which started during the pandemic when everything was “done at home”, has gained more ground, and drinking at the end of the day is preferred. Still, drinking during the day or early evening is also not uncommon, the survey added.

    About the survey

    5,000 women surveyed around malls, markets, bars and pubs in Delhi

    Consumption of alcohol increased considerably among women, especially with young kids, working women, from higher-income groups, and those who suffered from depression and anxiety 

    37.6 percent women agreed their alcohol consumption increased 

    62.5% agreed to spend more on alcohol

    In 45.7 percent of cases, women took to drinking because of stress

    34.4 percent said increased alcohol availability drove them to alcohol

    30.1 percent said boredom led them to drinks

    Over 77% of women agreed better retail shops, home delivery, buy one get one (BOGO) offers, and discounts made alcohol buying more attractive

    Fewer women drink regularly as compared to men, but almost seven percent admitted to risky or harmful drinking

    33.2% and 34.1% were more comfortable drinking at house parties and at home respectively 

    32.7 percent preferred going out to bars and pubs

    NEW DELHI: Women, especially with young kids, affluent families and those suffering from anxiety and depression, reported an increase in alcohol consumption during Covid-19, and the main reason was stress, according to the latest survey carried out by an NGO, which works to protect communities and individuals from drunk driving and underage drinking. 

    The survey conducted among 5,000 women in the age group between 18 years – 68 years in Delhi found that, as compared to men, fewer women drink regularly. Still, almost seven per cent admitted to risky or harmful drinking. 

    Over 62 percent of women agreed to spend more on alcohol during the Covid-19 lockdown, post lockdown and when restrictions started easing up in the country, said the survey conducted by Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).

    The pandemic pushed many women into a complex mental and emotional state starting from loneliness, and caregiver load, with women almost three times more likely than men to be looking after children full-time, managing household chores and professional responsibilities on their own during Covid-19, it added.

    ALSO READ | Mental illness, memory loss… Covid leaves crippling footprint

    “Loss of jobs, incidents of physical and mental abuse also increased during the pandemic, which added to the mental health burden for women during Covid-19,” said the survey, which was conducted around malls, markets, bars and pubs from August to October this year to assess if drinking patterns have altered in the last three years, especially in light of the pandemic and the stresses it put on individuals and households.

    Better retail shops, buy one get one (BOGO) offers, and discounts made alcohol buying more attractive for women, the survey said. 

    According to road safety expert and activist Prince Singhal, founder of CADD, “Recent trends have shown increased alcohol use among women. While many believed the figures would go down, alcohol consumption increased.”

    “Having more drinks also indicated that alcohol was being had either to deal with emotional or mental issues, under the social influence or sometimes because they have developed a higher resistance to alcohol,” he said.

    “It is a known phenomenon that alcohol is consumed excessively during stress. Stressful events correlate with higher levels of alcohol consumption at the population level. The situations in Indian homes during Covid-19 significantly affected collective mental health. For many people, social disconnection, financial strain, increased obligations in the home, and ongoing uncertainty created distress – and with it, a need for new ways of coping,” Singhal added.

    One way people choose to cope with stress is through the use of alcohol. “Data suggest women were drinking at higher levels than usual during the pandemic, more so than men and those reporting heavy episodic drinking before the pandemic tended to increase their use during the period,” he said. 

    Also, the effects of “drinking to forget one’s worries seemed more prominent among women which, research suggests, were disproportionate to the distress men were experiencing.”

    Higher disposable incomes, changes in attitudes over alcohol consumption at home within families and the proliferation of having alcohol for relaxation and dealing with stress have made drinking at home more convenient for women.

    Women are no longer dependent on alcohol while going out and have started spending more time and money on having a noteworthy alcohol experience at home.

    ALSO READ | Pandemic takes huge toll on mental health

    The trend of drinking at home, which started during the pandemic when everything was “done at home”, has gained more ground, and drinking at the end of the day is preferred. Still, drinking during the day or early evening is also not uncommon, the survey added.

    About the survey

    5,000 women surveyed around malls, markets, bars and pubs in Delhi

    Consumption of alcohol increased considerably among women, especially with young kids, working women, from higher-income groups, and those who suffered from depression and anxiety 

    37.6 percent women agreed their alcohol consumption increased 

    62.5% agreed to spend more on alcohol

    In 45.7 percent of cases, women took to drinking because of stress

    34.4 percent said increased alcohol availability drove them to alcohol

    30.1 percent said boredom led them to drinks

    Over 77% of women agreed better retail shops, home delivery, buy one get one (BOGO) offers, and discounts made alcohol buying more attractive

    Fewer women drink regularly as compared to men, but almost seven percent admitted to risky or harmful drinking

    33.2% and 34.1% were more comfortable drinking at house parties and at home respectively 

    32.7 percent preferred going out to bars and pubs

  • Selena Gomez tests COVID-19 positive, cancels appearance on talk show

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Singer-actor Selena Gomez has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, following which she has cancelled her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

    The “Only Murders in the Building” star shared the health update on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday.

    “I’m not going to be on Fallon tonight.

    I ended up getting COVID but am resting and feeling OK,” Gomez wrote in a post, which featured a photo of her napping on a couch with her two dogs close by.

    The 30-year-old singer also urged fans and followers to follow the appropriate COVID-19 protocols.

    “A friendly reminder COVID is still out there. Get updated on your boosters.

    I was actually scheduled to get mine this week. Love you all,” she added.

    Gomez is looking forward to the premiere of her documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me,” which is scheduled to be released via Apple TV+ on November 4.

    LOS ANGELES: Singer-actor Selena Gomez has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, following which she has cancelled her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

    The “Only Murders in the Building” star shared the health update on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday.

    “I’m not going to be on Fallon tonight.

    I ended up getting COVID but am resting and feeling OK,” Gomez wrote in a post, which featured a photo of her napping on a couch with her two dogs close by.

    The 30-year-old singer also urged fans and followers to follow the appropriate COVID-19 protocols.

    “A friendly reminder COVID is still out there. Get updated on your boosters.

    I was actually scheduled to get mine this week. Love you all,” she added.

    Gomez is looking forward to the premiere of her documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me,” which is scheduled to be released via Apple TV+ on November 4.

  • Omicron BF.7 threat: Experts urge people to follow Covid protocol

    By IANS

    BENGALURU: In the wake of the detection of BF.7 Omicron sub-variant in different parts of India, experts have called for diligent following of Covid-19 protocols in Karnataka, said Navodaya Gilla, Consultant — Internal medicine, CARE Hospitals Group.

    Also, called the Omicron Spawn, the BF.7 sub-variant is the newest form that has high transmissibility.

    “This is because the new variant quickly bypasses the immunity that a person has developed through a natural infection with an earlier variant or even if the complete course of the vaccines are taken,” he added.

    “There is an expectation that the world might see a fourth wave of the pandemic. The new Omicron variant was first detected in China and India has seen its first case of this variant in Gujarat. Initially in the pandemic, the virus mutated several times and the WHO declared the delta variant as the most severe one,” Gilla said.

    “The symptoms of the new BF.7 sub-variant are similar to the common flu and include cold, cough, fever, body pain, etc. As it is highly transmittable, it spreads to a larger group of people within a short duration,” he added.

    “There was also a new variant, named BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 detected recently in Pune. We are not yet fully aware of its severity as it is a relatively new mutant and we have not seen many cases till now,” Gilla said.

    “We will wait for the government to share any modified guidelines but until then, we need to diligently follow the protocols — maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, frequent handwashing and completing the course of vaccination. Furthermore, elderly people, pregnant women, children, infants and those with chronic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and immunosuppressive disorders should stringently follow the protocols as they are at very high risk,” he added.

    Aditya Chowti, Senior Consultant — Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said that based on certain cases that we have seen in the recent past, there seems to be a newer sub-variant of the Omicron virus.

    “However, we are seeing that the sub-variant does not seem to be causing any deadly conditions. Nevertheless, it is more contagious than before, which means it can spread among the infected people faster. So, it is imperative that we follow certain basic Covid norms,” he says.

    “It is important to be careful in public places since we do see that people have become a little careless as many of the norms and the rules that are put forth during Covid-19 have been lifted. So, it is now important that we at least follow the basic measures,” Chowti says.

    Satyanarayana Mysore, HOD and Consultant — Pulmonology, Lung Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, says, “The BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are sub-lineage of BA.5 and they don’t pose a huge amount of risk at this point in time. We expect the XBB variant isolated largely in Singapore has shown in the lab test, a degree of antibody resistance. The concern is about some parts of the viral genome being linked to the Delta variant.”

    “Currently, a surge of BQ.1 and BA 2.2.3.20 is expected. There is absolutely no panic. There may be reports of drug resistance and antibody resistance but none of them are going to be as bad as Delta. The Covid situation has been tackled adequately well in our country and we are optimistic that this will not give rise to a wave, but maybe a surge! Therefore, appropriate use of masks and Covid-appropriate behaviour will be the key to containing these viral lineages,” he says.

    “RNA viruses, by their nature itself, are known to mutate multiple times and that is the law of nature. Unless and until a concerning clinical behaviour is seen, I do not think that we should not be reacting to mutation,” Satyanarayana added.

    BENGALURU: In the wake of the detection of BF.7 Omicron sub-variant in different parts of India, experts have called for diligent following of Covid-19 protocols in Karnataka, said Navodaya Gilla, Consultant — Internal medicine, CARE Hospitals Group.

    Also, called the Omicron Spawn, the BF.7 sub-variant is the newest form that has high transmissibility.

    “This is because the new variant quickly bypasses the immunity that a person has developed through a natural infection with an earlier variant or even if the complete course of the vaccines are taken,” he added.

    “There is an expectation that the world might see a fourth wave of the pandemic. The new Omicron variant was first detected in China and India has seen its first case of this variant in Gujarat. Initially in the pandemic, the virus mutated several times and the WHO declared the delta variant as the most severe one,” Gilla said.

    “The symptoms of the new BF.7 sub-variant are similar to the common flu and include cold, cough, fever, body pain, etc. As it is highly transmittable, it spreads to a larger group of people within a short duration,” he added.

    “There was also a new variant, named BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 detected recently in Pune. We are not yet fully aware of its severity as it is a relatively new mutant and we have not seen many cases till now,” Gilla said.

    “We will wait for the government to share any modified guidelines but until then, we need to diligently follow the protocols — maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, frequent handwashing and completing the course of vaccination. Furthermore, elderly people, pregnant women, children, infants and those with chronic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and immunosuppressive disorders should stringently follow the protocols as they are at very high risk,” he added.

    Aditya Chowti, Senior Consultant — Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said that based on certain cases that we have seen in the recent past, there seems to be a newer sub-variant of the Omicron virus.

    “However, we are seeing that the sub-variant does not seem to be causing any deadly conditions. Nevertheless, it is more contagious than before, which means it can spread among the infected people faster. So, it is imperative that we follow certain basic Covid norms,” he says.

    “It is important to be careful in public places since we do see that people have become a little careless as many of the norms and the rules that are put forth during Covid-19 have been lifted. So, it is now important that we at least follow the basic measures,” Chowti says.

    Satyanarayana Mysore, HOD and Consultant — Pulmonology, Lung Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, says, “The BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are sub-lineage of BA.5 and they don’t pose a huge amount of risk at this point in time. We expect the XBB variant isolated largely in Singapore has shown in the lab test, a degree of antibody resistance. The concern is about some parts of the viral genome being linked to the Delta variant.”

    “Currently, a surge of BQ.1 and BA 2.2.3.20 is expected. There is absolutely no panic. There may be reports of drug resistance and antibody resistance but none of them are going to be as bad as Delta. The Covid situation has been tackled adequately well in our country and we are optimistic that this will not give rise to a wave, but maybe a surge! Therefore, appropriate use of masks and Covid-appropriate behaviour will be the key to containing these viral lineages,” he says.

    “RNA viruses, by their nature itself, are known to mutate multiple times and that is the law of nature. Unless and until a concerning clinical behaviour is seen, I do not think that we should not be reacting to mutation,” Satyanarayana added.

  • India logs 862 new Covid-19 infections in last 24 hours

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: India reported 862 fresh Covid cases and 1,503 recoveries in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Tuesday.

    India’s active caseload currently stands at 22,549 which accounts for 0.05 per cent of the total cases.

    A total of 1,503 patients recovered in the last 24 hours which increased the total recoveries to 4,40,93,409 on Tuesday.

    The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.35 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was 1.02 per cent.

    India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219.56 Cr (2,19,56,65,598) as per provisional reports till 7am today.

    “COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on March 16, 2022. So far, more than 4.12 Cr (4,12,35,971) adolescents have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for the age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April 2022 onwards,” the official statement read.

    It is pertinent to note that health concerns have risen in the country as World Health Organization Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan on Friday said that there were over 300 sub-variants and XBB being a recombinant virus is a matter of concern as it is immune evasive.

    XBB, a recombinant lineage between two Omicron sublineages BJ.1 and BA.2.75, is a fast-spreading variant, which was seen to have caused a spike across Singapore recently.

    Last week, a high-level meeting of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with the senior health officials regarding the emergence of Omicron’s new sub-variants concluded with the decision to continue masks and COVID-appropriate behaviour across the country.

    NEW DELHI: India reported 862 fresh Covid cases and 1,503 recoveries in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Tuesday.

    India’s active caseload currently stands at 22,549 which accounts for 0.05 per cent of the total cases.

    A total of 1,503 patients recovered in the last 24 hours which increased the total recoveries to 4,40,93,409 on Tuesday.

    The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.35 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was 1.02 per cent.

    India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219.56 Cr (2,19,56,65,598) as per provisional reports till 7am today.

    “COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on March 16, 2022. So far, more than 4.12 Cr (4,12,35,971) adolescents have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for the age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April 2022 onwards,” the official statement read.

    It is pertinent to note that health concerns have risen in the country as World Health Organization Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan on Friday said that there were over 300 sub-variants and XBB being a recombinant virus is a matter of concern as it is immune evasive.

    XBB, a recombinant lineage between two Omicron sublineages BJ.1 and BA.2.75, is a fast-spreading variant, which was seen to have caused a spike across Singapore recently.

    Last week, a high-level meeting of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with the senior health officials regarding the emergence of Omicron’s new sub-variants concluded with the decision to continue masks and COVID-appropriate behaviour across the country.

  • President Murmu inaugurates Dasara festivities in Mysuru

    By PTI

    MYSURU: The famous 10-day-long Dasara celebrations commenced in this palace city on Monday with religious and traditional fervour, with President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurating the festivities.

    Celebrated as ”Nada Habba” (state festival), the festivities will be a grand affair this year depicting Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions, coupled with reminiscence of royal pomp and glory, after muted celebrations for the last two years in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The President inaugurated the festivities during the auspicious “Vrushchika Lagna” by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru royals, amid chanting of vadic hymns, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills here.

    Murmu is the first President to take part in Mysuru Dasara.

    She was accompanied by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje and several Ministers in the state cabinet among others at the inaugural.

    The President also visited the Chamundeshwari temple and offered prayers to the goddess, who is referred to as the “Naada Devate” (state deity), ahead of the inaugural.

    This is also her first visit to any state as the President of India.

    The 10-day event, like every year, is set to showcase Karnataka’s cultural heritage resplendent with folk art forms, and attracts large crowds and tourists, after it was scaled down for the last two years due to COVID-19.

    MYSURU: The famous 10-day-long Dasara celebrations commenced in this palace city on Monday with religious and traditional fervour, with President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurating the festivities.

    Celebrated as ”Nada Habba” (state festival), the festivities will be a grand affair this year depicting Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions, coupled with reminiscence of royal pomp and glory, after muted celebrations for the last two years in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The President inaugurated the festivities during the auspicious “Vrushchika Lagna” by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru royals, amid chanting of vadic hymns, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills here.

    Murmu is the first President to take part in Mysuru Dasara.

    She was accompanied by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje and several Ministers in the state cabinet among others at the inaugural.

    The President also visited the Chamundeshwari temple and offered prayers to the goddess, who is referred to as the “Naada Devate” (state deity), ahead of the inaugural.

    This is also her first visit to any state as the President of India.

    The 10-day event, like every year, is set to showcase Karnataka’s cultural heritage resplendent with folk art forms, and attracts large crowds and tourists, after it was scaled down for the last two years due to COVID-19.

  • Maharashtra government to invite fresh bids for Dharavi redevelopment project 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided to invite fresh bids for the Dharavi Redevelopment project and offer additional benefits for the project, a statement said.

    This decision taken by the cabinet headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the Dharavi Redevelopment project also entails the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for one of the major infrastructure projects in the city.

    This will also include the terms and conditions laid down by the Rail Land Development Authority, it said.

    The statement said the concession has been offered to look at the overall slowdown in the market compounded with COVID-19 pandemic.

    The redevelopment of Dharavi, one of the biggest slums in Asia, throws open over 600 acres of prime land, but the project has met with hurdles over the last two decades.

    MUMBAI: The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided to invite fresh bids for the Dharavi Redevelopment project and offer additional benefits for the project, a statement said.

    This decision taken by the cabinet headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the Dharavi Redevelopment project also entails the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for one of the major infrastructure projects in the city.

    This will also include the terms and conditions laid down by the Rail Land Development Authority, it said.

    The statement said the concession has been offered to look at the overall slowdown in the market compounded with COVID-19 pandemic.

    The redevelopment of Dharavi, one of the biggest slums in Asia, throws open over 600 acres of prime land, but the project has met with hurdles over the last two decades.

  • 5,664 new COVID cases in India, active infections in country rise to 47,922

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: With 5,664 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,45,34,188, while the active cases increased to 47,922, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

    The death toll climbed to 5,28,337 with 35 fatalities which includes 21 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The active cases comprise 0.11 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.71 per cent, the ministry said.

    An increase of 1,074 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

    The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.96 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 1.79 per cent, according to the ministry.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,39,57,929, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

    According to the ministry, 216.56 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

    India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

    It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

    The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

    It crossed the four-crore mark on January 25 this year.

    The 14 new deaths recorded in the last 24 hours include three from Maharashtra and two from Chhattisgarh.

    NEW DELHI: With 5,664 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,45,34,188, while the active cases increased to 47,922, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

    The death toll climbed to 5,28,337 with 35 fatalities which includes 21 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

    The active cases comprise 0.11 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.71 per cent, the ministry said.

    An increase of 1,074 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

    The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.96 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 1.79 per cent, according to the ministry.

    The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,39,57,929, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

    According to the ministry, 216.56 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

    India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

    It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

    The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

    It crossed the four-crore mark on January 25 this year.

    The 14 new deaths recorded in the last 24 hours include three from Maharashtra and two from Chhattisgarh.

  • Differently-abled hardly had access to medical, rehabilitation services, got mental scars during Covid: Study

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Persons with disability (PwD) not only faced difficulties in accessing emergency medical and rehabilitation services but underwent deep psychological traumas, disruption in their daily lives and loss of livelihood, said a first national-level study that evaluated the impact of Covid-19 and resulting lockdown on persons with disabilities (PwD) in India.

    The study, carried out in 14 Indian states, was conducted by South Asia Centre for Disability and Inclusive Development and Research (SACDIR), Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Hyderabad, said that parents with children were significantly impacted due to lockdown in the areas of medical, rehabilitation, education and mental health services.

    “COVID-19 and the associated lockdown restrictions have negatively impacted persons with disabilities during the first wave in India. It is critical to mainstream disability within the agenda for health and development with pragmatic, context-specific strategies and programs in the country,” the study said.

    According to Prof GVS Murthy, director of the institute and the report’s author, there is a lack of data to quantify the impact of the pandemic on PwD, who are more vulnerable and at higher risk from Covid-19.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Murthy said people with disabilities faced many challenges during the pandemic, not only in accessing healthcare, getting rehabilitation services, and social support but in education too.

    The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, said PwDs faced psychological reactions to Covid-19, which ranged from fear, anxiety, panic, hopelessness and depression to fear of infection.

    “This led to a feeling of stigma, discrimination, and isolation, combined with issues in relationships, abandonment, and violence,” the report added.

    The study found that about 60 percent of the PwDs found it challenging to access emergency medical services during the lockdown, and 4.6 percent post lockdown.

    Nearly 50 percent had problems getting health services, while more than 25 percent could not get regular medicines, hospital appointments and surgical procedures.

    Over 70 per cent had no access to Covid-related information, which was worse for visually and deaf people. 

    “Most had no access to Covid information in the absence of communication and messages available in Barielle, sign language or lip reading. They didn’t understand the messages on dos and don’ts of Covid-19 and were thus more vulnerable. Even using hand sanitiser as a safety measure was not clear to them,” he said.

    More than 90 percent of the participants with either physical, speech, hearing, or visual impairment were impacted by the lockdown in receiving rehabilitation services.

    About 76 percent of respondents were apprehensive of the risk of infection during the lockdown, which increased to 92 per cent post lockdown.

    “PWDs felt that the lockdown restrictions had negatively impacted their productivity, social participation, and engagement in everyday activities. Access to medicines and rehabilitation services was tough and detrimental to the therapeutic benefits they gained during the pre-pandemic time,” the study said.

    “None of the pandemic mitigation plans and services was specific or inclusive of PwDs,” it added.

    It further said that almost all respondents needed assistance for daily living and depended on family members as their carers. Many had to borrow money, with government disability pensions affecting a third of the respondents.

    Using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a representative sample of 403 persons with disabilities in 14 states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha and Delhi, during the Covid-19 first wave at two different points – during the lockdown in May and post-lockdown phase in July. 

    The study was conducted with a diverse mix of participants, including policymakers, program planners and implementers

    What the study reveals

    The study found that 60 percent of People with Disability (PwD) found it difficult to access emergency medical services during the lockdown, and 4.6 per cent post lockdown

    Nearly 50 percent couldn’t get access to health services

    Over 90 percent of people with either physical, speech, hearing, or visual impairment were impacted by the lockdown in receiving rehabilitation services

    25 percent couldn’t get regular medicines, hospital appointments and surgical procedures

    Over 70 percent had no access to Covid-related information

    76 percent were apprehensive of the risk of infection during the lockdown, and this increased to 92 per cent post lockdown 

    Parents with children were hugely impacted in getting access to medical, rehabilitation, education and mental health services

    None of the pandemic mitigation plans and services was specific or inclusive of PwDs

    PwDs faced psychological reactions to Covid-19, which ranged from fear, anxiety, panic, hopelessness and depression to fear of infection

    Most were dependent on their caregivers

    Many had to borrow money as government disability pensions were impacted

    NEW DELHI:  Persons with disability (PwD) not only faced difficulties in accessing emergency medical and rehabilitation services but underwent deep psychological traumas, disruption in their daily lives and loss of livelihood, said a first national-level study that evaluated the impact of Covid-19 and resulting lockdown on persons with disabilities (PwD) in India.

    The study, carried out in 14 Indian states, was conducted by South Asia Centre for Disability and Inclusive Development and Research (SACDIR), Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Hyderabad, said that parents with children were significantly impacted due to lockdown in the areas of medical, rehabilitation, education and mental health services.

    “COVID-19 and the associated lockdown restrictions have negatively impacted persons with disabilities during the first wave in India. It is critical to mainstream disability within the agenda for health and development with pragmatic, context-specific strategies and programs in the country,” the study said.

    According to Prof GVS Murthy, director of the institute and the report’s author, there is a lack of data to quantify the impact of the pandemic on PwD, who are more vulnerable and at higher risk from Covid-19.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Murthy said people with disabilities faced many challenges during the pandemic, not only in accessing healthcare, getting rehabilitation services, and social support but in education too.

    The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, said PwDs faced psychological reactions to Covid-19, which ranged from fear, anxiety, panic, hopelessness and depression to fear of infection.

    “This led to a feeling of stigma, discrimination, and isolation, combined with issues in relationships, abandonment, and violence,” the report added.

    The study found that about 60 percent of the PwDs found it challenging to access emergency medical services during the lockdown, and 4.6 percent post lockdown.

    Nearly 50 percent had problems getting health services, while more than 25 percent could not get regular medicines, hospital appointments and surgical procedures.

    Over 70 per cent had no access to Covid-related information, which was worse for visually and deaf people. 

    “Most had no access to Covid information in the absence of communication and messages available in Barielle, sign language or lip reading. They didn’t understand the messages on dos and don’ts of Covid-19 and were thus more vulnerable. Even using hand sanitiser as a safety measure was not clear to them,” he said.

    More than 90 percent of the participants with either physical, speech, hearing, or visual impairment were impacted by the lockdown in receiving rehabilitation services.

    About 76 percent of respondents were apprehensive of the risk of infection during the lockdown, which increased to 92 per cent post lockdown.

    “PWDs felt that the lockdown restrictions had negatively impacted their productivity, social participation, and engagement in everyday activities. Access to medicines and rehabilitation services was tough and detrimental to the therapeutic benefits they gained during the pre-pandemic time,” the study said.

    “None of the pandemic mitigation plans and services was specific or inclusive of PwDs,” it added.

    It further said that almost all respondents needed assistance for daily living and depended on family members as their carers. Many had to borrow money, with government disability pensions affecting a third of the respondents.

    Using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a representative sample of 403 persons with disabilities in 14 states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha and Delhi, during the Covid-19 first wave at two different points – during the lockdown in May and post-lockdown phase in July. 

    The study was conducted with a diverse mix of participants, including policymakers, program planners and implementers

    What the study reveals

    The study found that 60 percent of People with Disability (PwD) found it difficult to access emergency medical services during the lockdown, and 4.6 per cent post lockdown

    Nearly 50 percent couldn’t get access to health services

    Over 90 percent of people with either physical, speech, hearing, or visual impairment were impacted by the lockdown in receiving rehabilitation services

    25 percent couldn’t get regular medicines, hospital appointments and surgical procedures

    Over 70 percent had no access to Covid-related information

    76 percent were apprehensive of the risk of infection during the lockdown, and this increased to 92 per cent post lockdown 

    Parents with children were hugely impacted in getting access to medical, rehabilitation, education and mental health services

    None of the pandemic mitigation plans and services was specific or inclusive of PwDs

    PwDs faced psychological reactions to Covid-19, which ranged from fear, anxiety, panic, hopelessness and depression to fear of infection

    Most were dependent on their caregivers

    Many had to borrow money as government disability pensions were impacted