Podcasts about union health ministry

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 10th of January and here are this week's headlines.After news of respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, at least seven cases of the virus were detected during routine surveillance by ICMR's (Indian Council of Medical Research) network of laboratories. Clarifying the status of the virus, the Union Health Ministry issued a statement that read “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.” It added that there was no history of international travel in the two cases that were picked up during surveillance, meaning that these infections have no connection to the reported surge in respiratory infections in China.The Chhattisgarh police Sunday arrested the alleged main accused Suresh Chandrakar in connection with the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in the state's Bijapur district from Telangana. Last Saturday, the police arrested three people, including Suresh's brothers Ritesh Chandrakar and Dinesh Chandrakar, and construction supervisor Mahendra Ramteke, in connection with the murder case, and the district administration also razed alleged “illegal property” belonging to the key accused. A freelancer, Mukesh worked with media houses such as NDTV and News 18, and hosted a YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, with 1.59 lakh subscribers.Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and American citizen, has stated that since his extradition from the Czech Republic to the US seven months ago, he has not been contacted by anyone from the Indian government. Gupta expressed to The Indian Express that despite his family's multiple requests for assistance, there has been no communication from Indian officials regarding his situation. Gupta, currently being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, was responding to a set of questions from The Indian Express. His replies were shared through an intermediary who has been in regular contact with him.Although Ahmedabad is the primary focus of India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, discussions are underway to expand the event's reach across the country. The government is considering hosting various sports in different cities to foster a nationwide movement. Proposed venues include hockey in Bhubaneswar, rowing in Bhopal, canoeing and kayaking in Pune, and cricket in Mumbai. India has been actively engaging with the International Olympic Committee's Future Hosts Commission since submitting a Letter of Intent last October. This proposal aims to showcase India's diverse sporting capabilities and will be presented to the IOC soon. An official noted that while the final structure of the plan is still being developed, there is a strong desire to involve multiple regions in this significant event, making it a collective national effort.On the global front, a new wildfire has reportedly erupted in the Hollywood Hills scrubland, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced, as five other blazes continued to devastate the county. The powerful Santa Ana winds, typically associated with high wildfire risks, fanned the flames and hindered firefighting operations. Raging wildfires have surrounded Los Angeles, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes as more than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate. Pacific Palisades, home to celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark Hamill, saw widespread destruction, forcing evacuations. Homes and properties worth millions were consumed by the flames, with more than 1,000 structures destroyedThis was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express

Just as the New Year 2025 began, there was panic once again in the media. Reports of a supposedly new respiratory virus that had caused a surge of infections in China began to do the rounds, fuelling speculation about its entry into India. Suddenly HMPV, the human metapneumovirus became a buzzword – headlines were full of it, cases were being detected in India and there was alarm all around. Doctors and the Union Health Ministry have said over and over again that it is not a new virus, and it is not unknown in India. But what is HMPV? And why was such a furore caused over it? Guest: Dr V Ramasubramanian, consultant infectious diseases specialist, Apollo Hospital, Chennai and medical director, Capstone Multispecialty Clinic, Chennai Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Jude Weston

The Union Health Ministry issued a set of draft guidelines on a subject that has mostly remained somewhat taboo in India: passive euthanasia. The guidelines have stated that doctors should take considered decisions on the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill patients, or consider not giving life support measures in such patients – under certain conditions. This is not the first time passive euthanasia has come up in recent times – despite India not having any formal legislation around it, the Supreme Court allowed for it in a decision in 2018, stating that people had a right to die with dignity. The Court also allowed for citizens to make living wills or advanced medical directives. So what is passive euthanasia? Following the Supreme Court decision have living wills been made and are these being implemented in hospitals? What is the role of palliative medicine in end of life care and support? How can doctors and families ensure patients have compassionate and dignified deaths? Guest: Dr M R Rajagopal, chairman Emeritus of Pallium India and Adjunct Professor of Global Oncology, Queen's University, Canada Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Jude Francis Weston

This year, Delhi faced severe heat waves with temperatures that soared past 45 degrees on several days. The most vulnerable people—those who live in informal settlements—suffered the brunt of this extreme weather.  The Union Health Ministry and India Meteorological Department issued public health advisories as heatwave conditions persisted in various parts of the country. The advisories talk about following precautions such as monitoring the health of vulnerable individuals, staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak hours, keeping the house cool and so on.  Suno India's Sneha Richhariya visited Nandlal Juggi in Gopalpur village near Mukherjee Nagar in North Delhi, to understand whether these advisories reflect the lives of the urban poor and more.  See sunoindia.in/privacy-policy for privacy information.

Having a loved one in intensive care at a hospital is an experience many of us have gone through, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. It's a stressful time, what with the strain of a relative being ill, the decisions you may have to take, and the costs you have to tackle. What should ICU care look like in India? The Union Health Ministry recently released a list of guidelines that list out criteria for ICU admissions and discharges, the role of intensivists or critical care specialists in the ICU and the patient as well as the family's right to refuse admission. What do these guidelines say? How do doctors usually deal with consent in ICU settings? What happens if there is a difference of opinion between patients and doctors when it comes to ICU care? Tune in to find out!

For at least a year and a half now, most of us have relegated Covid-19 to the back of our minds. Cases of the virus had drastically reduced, it was not mentioned in headlines any more, and life seemed to have got somewhat back to normal as we learnt to live with Covid. It's difficult however to ignore the news of yet another coronavirus mutation – this latest sub-variant, JN.1, a descendent of the Omicron variant, has been classified by the World Health Organisation as a ‘variant of interest' because it has led to a rapid rise in cases across countries. But the WHO has said that the risk to public health is low, and this has been echoed by the Union Health Ministry in India which has said that JN.1 is not a cause of immediate concern. India has seen a surge in cases over the past few days – as of December 27, a total of 109 cases of JN.1 have been detected in the country. Active Covid-19 cases now stand at over 4,000 and several deaths have been reported over the past few days. With winter having set in across north India, pollution levels on the rise and respiratory infections doing the rounds, do we need to be worried about JN.1? Is this sub-variant more infectious than previous variants? Does it have higher vaccine escape properties? Would a booster shot of the vaccine help? And do we need to mask up again? Tune in to find out.

The World Health OrganiZation has classified the SARS-CoV-2 sub-variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from its parent lineage BA.2.86, due to its rapidly increasing spread. This new variant was recently found in Kerala. In this episode of businessline's News Explained, Anjana PV and Jyothi Datta discuss the emergence of the JN.1 variant, the potential implications of this new variant, its origins, and the ongoing surge in Covid-19 cases.  Jyothi explains that the JN.1 variant is a sub-variant of the SARS-CoV-2, which initially caused the pandemic. The variant is considered a part of a lineage that includes well-known variants like omicron. Currently, health authorities such as the Union Health Ministry of India, WHO, and CDC suggest that there is no significant increase in public health risk from the variant based on available evidence.  The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest rather than as part of a larger family of variants is highlighted in this podcast. This change in classification is attributed to a spike in cases linked to the JN.1 variant. The discussion moves on to the situation in India, where the first case of the JN.1 variant was detected in Kerala.  Jyothi emphasises the need for surveillance and precautionary measures in response to the detection of the variant in India, despite the absence of a call for panic. She also states that current vaccines are seen to protect against severe disease and death, and there is no widespread call for booster shots at the moment. However, she acknowledges that vulnerable populations, such as those with weakened immune systems, may need to consult their doctors regarding booster shots.  The podcast also dives into the possibility of future variants and the importance of continuing basic public health measures. Jyothi emphasises the need for common sense in navigating the upcoming festive season, advocating for handwashing, mask-wearing, and other preventive measures.  Tune in to know more about the JN.1 Variant.  Also read --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/business-line/message

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 20th of December and here are the headlines.Two MPs from Kerala, Thomas Chazhikadan and AM Arif were suspended from the Lok Sabha today, taking the total number of suspensions in both houses to 143. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance MPs in Rajya Sabha stood up and took part in the House proceeding today to express their support to Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar after TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicked him outside the Parliament yesterday.In similar news, the vice-president said he would not tolerate any insult to Parliament and the post of vice-president. He said, quote, "You can insult Jagdeep Dhankar all you want but not the Vice President of India," Unquote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressing great pain over the "abject theatrics" of some MPs in the Parliament complex yesterday. Covid-19 cases are on the rise in India, with the country recording 614 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, prompting the Union Health Minister to direct states to monitor emerging strains. This is the highest number of new cases detected since the 21st of May. As per the latest Union Health Ministry data updated at 8 am today, India now has 2,311 active cases. Three new deaths have been reported from Kerala, taking the overall death toll to date to 5.33 lakh and the Covid case tally to 4.50 crore.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today along with nine Trinamool Congress MPs. After the meeting she, said that the PM assured her that a joint meeting of government officials would be held to look into their demands on releasing central funds for the state for various projects. Banerjee has accused the Centre of blocking funds to various central schemes and had even written to PM Modi on the issue.For the first time since the allegations of an Indian official and an Indian national being involved in an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil came to light, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that if an Indian citizen has done anything good or bad, the government is "ready to look into it". While this is the first time PM Modi has spoken on the issue, he also sought to clear the air that the incident would not have an adverse impact on Indo-US ties, saying he does not think it apt to link a few incidents with diplomatic ties.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

An India-wide study on the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes, results of which were released recently, threw up some startling results: 10.13 crore people in our country of 140 crore could be diabetic, and another 13.6 crore are estimated to be at the pre-diabetic stage. The study was conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Union Health Ministry. Apart from diabetes, the study also revealed that 35.5% of Indians suffer from hypertension, while nearly 40% of the population has abdominal obesity. Uttar Pradesh had the lowest prevalence of diabetes at 4% while Goa had the highest at 26.4%, closely followed by Puducherry and Kerala. What does the rural-urban divide in the diabetes numbers tell us? How can these high numbers in diabetes be tackled by States? How much of a role does our diet play and what can individuals do?

On May 31st, the Union Health Ministry issued a notification making it mandatory for over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms to display anti-tobacco warnings as seen in movies screened in theatres and on TV. The notification amended the rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2004. The OTT industry is quite upset with this move for various reasons, not the least of them being that it was not consulted. Critics have said that this move could disrupt the audience's viewing experience, throttle creativity, and is an act of overkill that infringes on the right to freedom of expression. So, what prompted this move? Does the inclusion of anti-tobacco messages in the middle of OTT content really make a difference? Is it practically feasible for OTT platforms and producers to incorporate anti-tobacco messages before a movie, in the middle of one, and every time a shot of tobacco consumption comes up?

Last month, the Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories in the country to follow guidelines formulated by the Union Health Ministry to monitor “unnecessary” hysterectomies being performed. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus, and sometimes, the surrounding organs and tissues.  The PIL petition that the Supreme Court acted on, was filed in 2013 by Dr Narendra Gupta, a public health activist, who, found during his work in Rajasthan, that many women, primarily those from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Communities, who were still in their twenties and thirties, had undergone hysterectomies after being told that this was the only option they had to deal with the gynaecological problem they had come in with. Reports from multiple parts of India have indicated that is a widespread problem. Economically disadvantaged women sometimes feel coerced into getting their uterus removed so that they continue to work through the month without the problem of menstrual bleeding and pain, lack of hygiene and sanitation contributes to gynaecological problems and money for the surgery often leads to debt. On the other side, are some hospitals that perform a large number of these surgeries. What do the Supreme Court's guidelines now mandate? Is women's health not given enough priority in India? How can the issue of missing wombs be comprehensively dealt with?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Union Health Ministry and the Union Ministry of Ayush have agreed to enhance cooperation in health research in the field of integrated medicine. This move will help Ayush departments at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) evolve into departments of integrated medicine. Will such an integrated system of medicine work? Here we discuss the question.

From February 26, the Union Health Ministry will organise a two-day 'Chintan Shivir'  to explore ways to build trust on Indian drugs, cosmetics and medical devices.Despite being called 'the pharmacy of the world,' time and again, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has received criticism for substandard quality. The most recent such incident was when the deaths of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan were allegedly linked to cough syrups manufactured in India.Why does Indian Pharma still struggle with quality control?Tune in to find out.

First, Indian Express' Udit Misra joins us to talk about the latest trade data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which shows that India's exports and imports -b0th have grown over the last month. Second, Indian Express' Sushant Kulkarni describes the new guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao and how it is a key asset in ‘netwrok-centric warfare'. (10:25)And in the end, Indian Express' Anonna Dutt takes us through the latest data on organ donation in India shared in Parliament by the Union Health Ministry and how these trends don't give the whole picture as donations are depended on multiple factors like awareness, geographical locations etc. (18:10)Hosted by Anwiti Singh Scripted and produced by Utsa Sarmin and Anwiti Singh Mixed and edited by Suresh Pawar

This month, Haryana has been rocked by agitations and healthcare services have been disrupted, as medical students have been protesting against the State government's bond policy. Bond policies for students at government medical colleges, usually involve a mandated period of service at a State-run hospital for students after their graduation, failing which they pay a penalty amount.  In Haryana, the government's original policy said MBBS candidates had to pay an annual bond of Rs. 10 lakh minus the fee, at the start of every academic year, which the government would repay, if the candidate obtained employment with the State. The service period with the State is seven years. Following the protests, the Chief Minister had said the bond need not be paid at the time of admission, instead students would have to sign a bond-cum-loan agreement with the college and a bank. However reports indicate the students are still unhappy with the policy. Many States have this policy for medical students, with the bond amount and the period of service varying from State to State. In general, the understanding is that since students at government medical colleges get an education subsidized by the State, they must provide service in return to the state, generally in rural areas where there may be a shortage of doctors. In August 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the bond policy put in place by several States but said that some seemed to have rigid conditions, and suggested to the Centre that the country have a uniform policy regarding this. Now, there are reports that the Union Health Ministry plans to create guidelines to scrap the bond policy altogether, based on recommendations from the National Medical Commision - and perhaps incorporate mandatory rural through a non-financial mechanism. While providing healthcare rurally is crucial - 75% of our healthcare infrastructure is concentrated in urban areas - students in parts of the country have complained of no State job guarantee once their degree is complete, and in some cases, no payment of salaries.  So does the bond policy for medical students need to be relooked at? How can State governments provide healthcare where it is desperately needed, while ensuring a policy that is fair for students? How do other countries handle their rural healthcare systems? And what else can governments do to provide accessible, quality healthcare in our villages? 

On October 31 this year, the Supreme Court declared that the two-finger test - a test used on survivors of rape or sexual assault, was not only regressive and unscientific but also re-victimised and re-traumatised women. In a first, it also said that that any person who conducts this test in sexual assault cases shall be guilty of misconduct.  Activists and survivors have for years, been calling for an end to be put to this test - which involves checking the laxity of a woman's vaginal muscles with two fingers. This is not the first time the Supreme Court has said it must not be used. In fact, the Union Health Ministry's 2014 guidelines too say the test must not be conducted. Experts say however, that the guidelines do not translate into change on the ground - that there still is not enough sensitisation and training of all the personnel involved in the reporting, examination and investigation of a sexual assault case. The problem in India is huge and multi-faceted -- the country, as per National Crime Records Bureau statistics, registered 31,677 cases of rape in 2021 -- an average of 86 a day. And this too, may be an under-reported number. Challenges for survivors range from the actual reporting of a case to the police station, to getting an FIR lodged, the medical examination and then navigating the court system.  How much has changed since the Nirbhaya case shook the nation in December 2012 and led to the criminal law amendment of 2013? How much do the departments of police and health work together in cases where medical examinations and collection of evidence could be important to an investigation? How much of what is the law on paper translate into the experience of a survivor? And what can be done to make the process better and more sensitive? 

As Ukraine closed its airspace for civilian flights after Russia began it invasion, about 16,000-strong Indian diaspora, mostly students, were left stranded in the war-torn country.   As students made appeals for evacuation from bomb shelters, New Delhi launched a multi-pronged evacuation plan named ‘Operation Ganga' to bring home its citizens. Accordingly, Indian missions in Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have been making arrangements to receive Indian nationals from Ukraine and fly them out of their respective countries under Operation Ganga flights. The cost will be borne by the Centre.   The cost of operating a two-way evacuation flight is reportedly more than Rs 1.10 crore. The amount is likely to go up depending on the duration of the flights.   24x7 Control Centres have been set up under the mission to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals through Ukraine's border crossing points with the four countries.   The government announced that four Union Ministers will travel to Ukraine's neighbouring countries to coordinate the evacuation.   Petroleum minister Hardeep Puri would go to Hungary, aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to Romania and Moldova; law minister Kiran Rijiju to Slovakia and Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh to Poland.   The government also created a dedicated Twitter account named OpGanga Helpline to assist in the evacuation by sharing important advisories and instructions.   The Union Health Ministry has revised the mandatory international travel guidelines for all Indians being evacuated from Ukraine, allowing them to board flights without a negative RT-PCR report or vaccination certificate.   The travel guidelines have been revised on humanitarian grounds.   Till Monday, Tata Group's Air India reportedly evacuated 1,396 Indian nationals in six evacuation flights that were chartered by the government. The airline used Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the services.   The first flight under Operation Ganga brought home 219 Indians from Romania's capital Bucharest to Mumbai on Saturday evening. Other flights carried up to 250 Indians each from Bucharest as well as Hungary's Budapest back to India.   Operation Ganga gained speed after SpiceJet, Air India Express and IndiGo joined the mission operating special flights to Bucharest and Budapest from Monday. Indians who have been able to flee Ukraine and enter its bordering countries have been leaving on the evacuation flights.   IndiGo operated the flights using its Airbus A321 aircraft, whereas SpiceJet deployed Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes. 

Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, ISIS-Khorasan, blasted the Taliban for maintaining its close links with China ,The Union Health Ministry on Friday postponed the NEET PG exam 2022 by six to eight weeks.

In this latest SBS Hindi report from India: Karnataka health authorities trace close contacts of confirmed Omicron cases; Union Health Ministry issues new advisory for returning travellers and more. 

In your daily evening news update, a nationwide survey has found two-thirds of the country's population aged above six to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; The Pegasus snooping row reaches Karnataka; Raj Kundra was arrested and remanded to police custody till July 23 and Union Health Ministry suggests reopening of primary schools first, before opening colleges.

Macroeconomic data, upcoming Q1 earnings and global trends are likely to dictate market direction this week, say analysts. Any disappointment on the earnings front amid expensive valuations, they say, can weaken the overall positive sentiments. The benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty shed 0.8 per cent each last week. Going into trade, investors will continue to track cues from global markets in order to gain direction in movement. Rising vaccination and reducing Covid cases are likely to provide optimism in the market. So far, India has recorded 3.05 crore cases and over 4 lakh fatalities. Meanwhile, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in India has crossed 34.46 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry. Furthermore, large and mid-cap IT companies will remain in focus this week as Q1 FY22 result season commences in India, with Tata Consultancy Services slated to post its results on July 8. Avenue Supermarts, Delta Corp, Shyam Metalics and Energy and PTC Industries are among other companies slated to post their quarterly numbers this week. On the macro front, investors will track the Services and Composite PMI data that is slated to be out today. According to the monthly IHS Markit India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), the services PMI stood at 46.4 in May, signalling contraction. Meanwhile, Nikkei India Composite PMI Output Index fell to 48.1 in May from 55.4 in April, suggesting a slowdown in private sector output growth. Action in the primary market will return after a week's hiatus as two initial public offers (IPOs) will open this week. Clean Science and Technology and GR Infraprojects' IPOs will run between July 7-9 and cumulatively look to raise a little over Rs 2,500 crore.  That said, shares of recently concluded India Pesticides IPO will commence trading on the exchanges today. The issue price has been fixed at Rs 296 per share and according to analysts, the scrip can list at a premium of over 15 per cent. Lastly, oil price movement, rupee's trajectory and FII flows can also influence market mood. And now, let's take a look at the trade setup for today. Asian stocks were steady after US shares extended a rally on speculation the Federal Reserve has scope to continue providing substantial stimulus support. Japan's Topix index fell 0.3%, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index added 0.2%, South Korea's Kospi and China's Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.4% each. Meanwhile, SGX Nifty hinted at a near gap-up start for the benchmark indices today as it was trading 97 points higher at 15,844 around 7.40 am. Now, a look at the stock-specific triggers that are likely to guide the market today. Avenue Supermarts said its standalone revenue from operations rose 31.27 per cent YoY to Rs 5,031.75 crore for the quarter ended June 30. IndoStar Capital Finance has acquired a 25 crore share in its home finance subsidiary for Rs 250 crore, the company said on Friday. HCL Technologies has announced a multi-year agreement with Fiskars Group to help them with digital transformation. HDFC said it earned Rs 263 crore as profit on sale of investments during the first quarter of the current financial year. Vodafone Idea can raise funds through equity sale or promoters can infuse capital which can be used for clearing dues, non-profit entity Telecom Watchdog said in a letter to telecom minister while demanding rejection of the debt-ridden company's request seeking more time to pay dues of Rs 8,292 crore.

India administered 170 million Covid-19 vaccine doses fastest globally, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. China took 119 days while the US took 115 days for reaching the same landmark. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh account for 66.79 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far in the country. But there is shortage of vaccination across the country. Biocon Executive Chairman Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has expressed concern over shortage of Covid-19 vaccines and sought better transparency from the government regarding their availability so that citizens could patiently wait for their turn. India's most socioeconomically backward states may have to spend as much as 30% of their health budgets to procure Covid-19 vaccines for their populations, an IndiaSpend analysis of population and state budget data has found. They would have to shell out as much as 23% if they were to procure only Serum Institute of India's (SII) Covishield, and up to 30% for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Listen to the podcast for more

First, Mallica Joshi, Indian Express’ Chief reporter talks about the plight of children who have been orphaned due to Covid-19, and why authorities have raised concerns over adoptions messages floating around on social media regarding many of them.Next, Kaunain Sheriff, who writes on health for the IE, talks about the reasons why plasma therapy was dropped from the national clinical management protocol for Covid-19, and what scientific trials about it reveal. He also explains the extent to which Remdesivir and Tocilizumab, and when they are supposed to be used (10:56).And in the end, we discuss new guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry on when individuals should delay getting Covid-19 vaccination (23:02).

Just seven weeks after it directed state governments to increase the gap between two doses of Covishield vaccines to 6-8 weeks, on 13 May the Union Health Ministry once again announced a further extension of the gap to 12-16 weeks, citing “real-world evidence” in the United Kingdom on vaccine efficacy.This recommendation was made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covishield only. However, the decision comes at a time when the country is facing a severe shortage of vaccines, specifically Covishield which has been used to inoculate the majority of the population so far, the change in vaccine dosage policy has raised a lot of curiosity, with many many wondering if the decision is based on scientific data or is it to cover up the vaccine shortage in the country.Host and Producer: Himmat Shaligram Guest: Dr Swapneil Parikh, a clinical researcher at Kastruba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, and Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, a vaccines, public policy and health systems expert. Editor: Shelly Walia Music: Big Bang FuzzListen to The Big Story podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/2AYdLIl Saavn: http://bit.ly/2oix78C Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2ntMV7S Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2IyLAUQ Deezer: http://bit.ly/2Vrf5Ng Castbox: http://bit.ly/2VqZ9ur

India administered 170 million Covid-19 vaccine doses fastest globally, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. China took 119 days while the US took 115 days for reaching the same landmark. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh account for 66.79 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far in the country. But there is shortage of vaccination across the country. Biocon Executive Chairman Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has expressed concern over shortage of Covid-19 vaccines and sought better transparency from the government regarding their availability so that citizens could patiently wait for their turn. India's most socioeconomically backward states may have to spend as much as 30% of their health budgets to procure Covid-19 vaccines for their populations, an IndiaSpend analysis of population and state budget data has found. They would have to shell out as much as 23% if they were to procure only Serum Institute of India's (SII) Covishield, and up to 30% for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Listen to the podcast for more

Union Health Ministry revises national policy for admission of COVID patients to COVID facilities; requirement of a positive test for COVID-19 virus is not mandatory for admission to a COVID health facility. Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed 42 transport aircraft for COVID-19 relief tasks, including 12 heavy lift and 30 medium-lift aircraft. For more live news download Etv Bharat Download ETV Bharat on App store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/etv-bharat/id1453416186 Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.etvbharat.android Or watch us live on – www.etvbharat.com ETV Bharat is d Division of Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. , is a comprehensive digital national news platform conceived to deliver seamless news and information services, using video-centric Mobile App and Web Portals. It is first-of-its kind offering in India in terms of diversity and depth, dedicated journalists network, reach of 24 states with services in 13 languages i.e.– Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Assamese, Odia and English. ETV Bharat is the latest initiative of the five-decade old multi-dimensional Ramoji Group. The Group's highly successful media endeavors include : Eenadu - one of the largely circulated language dailies in the country , and ETV Network with Telugu general entertainment, infotainment and news channels. With a strong lineage of the most trusted media house, ETV Bharat would draw on its strengths of decades' long experience and innovation. ETV Bharat will combine the new technologies of mobile and digital media to engage news and information seekers in a new connected world. It will be driven by well-established news gathering setup, technology specialists and other professionals.

The Union Health Ministry requested all the states and Union Territories to prioritise the beneficiaries of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer & BioNTech SE today announced the initiation of a Biologics License Application with US Food & Drug Administration for approval of their mRNA vaccine to prevent COVID19 in individuals of 16 years of age and older. For more live news download Etv Bharat Download ETV Bharat on App store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/etv-bharat/id1453416186 Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.etvbharat.android Or watch us live on – www.etvbharat.com ETV Bharat is d Division of Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. , is a comprehensive digital national news platform conceived to deliver seamless news and information services, using video-centric Mobile App and Web Portals. It is first-of-its kind offering in India in terms of diversity and depth, dedicated journalists network, reach of 24 states with services in 13 languages i.e.– Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Assamese, Odia and English. ETV Bharat is the latest initiative of the five-decade old multi-dimensional Ramoji Group. The Group's highly successful media endeavors include : Eenadu - one of the largely circulated language dailies in the country , and ETV Network with Telugu general entertainment, infotainment and news channels. With a strong lineage of the most trusted media house, ETV Bharat would draw on its strengths of decades' long experience and innovation. ETV Bharat will combine the new technologies of mobile and digital media to engage news and information seekers in a new connected world. It will be driven by well-established news gathering setup, technology specialists and other professionals.

India witnessed the highest daily tally of COVID-19 cases this year. India recorded 43,846 new coronavirus cases in a day, the highest single-day rise so far this year, taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 1,15,99,130. On Sunday, The Union Health Ministry said that Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh account for 83.14 per cent of the new infections. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 27,126. It is followed by Punjab with 2,578 while Kerala reported 2,078 new cases. Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh reported 1,798, 1,565 and 1, 308 infections in a day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in West Bengal on Sunday said that anticipating defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has already started questioning the functioning of EVMs which had brought her to power 10 years ago. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/business-line/message

Union Health Ministry has said that interchangeability of vaccine is not permitted, Farmers will hold their 9th round of negotiations today, MM Naravane lauded the "supreme sacrifice" of the bravehearts in the line of duty & other news in this news bulletin.

Hi and welcome to Quick look, i am your host -Siddharth In his last ''Mann Ki Baat'' radio broadcast of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to substitute foreign-made products they use with items produced in India, and said they should make this resolution for the country in the new year. India made progress in the fight against the coronavirus, as the number of active cases fell down to its lowest since July. According to the Union Health Ministry the country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases. On December 27, The nation's active Covid-19 caseload in the country dipped to 2.78 lakh. India's present active caseload consists of just 2.74 per cent of India's total positive cases. The total recovered cases stand at 97,61,538. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/business-line/message

India remembered the martyrs of the 2001 parliament attack. On this day in 2001, terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked the seat of India's democracy. Five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper and two Parliament Watch and Ward Staff died taking on the terrorists. A gardener and a photojournalist were also killed. PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 parliament terror attack At a ceremony at the Parliament complex, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu, Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers and many Opposition party leaders paid their respects to those who lost their lives in this terrorist attack. India's active COVID-19 caseload has fallen to 3.62 per cent of the total cases, according to the Union Health Ministry. India's active caseload stands at 3,56,546 as on date.30,254 persons were found to be COVID-19 positive in the country over the last 24 hours, 33,136 new recoveries were registered during the same period. Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) will be made available round the clock on all days from December 14, 2020. This comes under a year of Reserve Bank making NEFT 24x7Transactions of a minimum of Rs 2 lakh or more can be done via RTGS with no maximum ceiling --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/business-line/message

The COVID-19 active caseload in India has dipped to 4.03 lakh, the lowest after 138 days, comprising 4.18 per cent of the total coronavirus infections reported so far in the country, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. While 36,011 people in India were found to be infected with COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, 41,970 new recoveries were registered during the same period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate via video conferencing the construction of the Agra metro project at 11:30 AM on December 7. A defiant Donald Trump is showing no signs of surrender and has reiterated yet again his unsubstantiated allegations of widespread voter fraud, claiming at his first post-poll rally in Georgia that he won a “rigged” US presidential election that he lost. Trump alleged that the last month's US election was rigged in favour of his Democratic opponent Joe Biden, who is now the President-elect. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/business-line/message

In your evening news brief, From The Newsroom, Union Health Ministry clarified on vaccinated Haryana Minister testing Covid-19 positive; Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar tells farmer unions protesting against the new agri laws that the government is committed to cordial talks; Congress says it's too early to make an assessment on the likely impact of Rajinikanth's party in poll-bound Tamil Nadu; Assam Bajrang Dal leader issues 'warning' to Hindus against attending Christmas celebrations in churches and Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai says comprehensive law to prevent 'Love Jihad' to be brought by the state will stand the court's scrutiny. Download the Deccan Herald app for iOS devices here: https://apple.co/30eOFD6 For latest news and updates, log on to www.deccanherald.com Check out our e-paper www.deccanheraldepaper.com

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 85 lakh, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 78,68,968 pushing the national recovery rate to 92.49 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 85,07,754 with 45,674 infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,26,121 with 559 new fatalities In other news, On the fourth anniversary of demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it has helped reduce black money, increase tax compliance and formalisation, and given a boost to transparency. On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Modi announced the decision to ban all currency notes of higher denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 from midnight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted veteran BJP leader L K Advani on his 93rd birthday and said he is a living inspiration to BJP workers and the countrymen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/business-line/message

Delhi reported more than 5,000 new cases on 28th October — the biggest spike ever in the city since the pandemic began.After a dip in cases in the months of June-July, Delhi flared up again since September and had been recording over 4,000 cases regularly for the past consecutive days, taking the total caseload to over 3.7 lakhs.The daily positivity rate also shot up to over 8 percent consistently over the last few days.While Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain partly attributed this rise in case positivity rate to contact tracing saying that the state government has changed its strategy and are aggressively testing family members and contacts of positive patients, the Union Health Ministry expressed concerns over the spike in cases in Delhi and a few other states due to the festival season.Why have the cases shot up again? With the air quality rapidly deteriorating in the winter, will the coming months be challenging? Tune in!References: Highest Spike in COVID Cases; What Explains Delhi ‘3rd Wave'? Producer and Host: Shorbori PurkayasthaGuests: Dr Shahid Jameel, VirologistDr Sumit Ray, Critical Care Specialist Editor: Shelly Walia Music: Big Bang FuzzListen to The Big Story podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/2AYdLIl Saavn: http://bit.ly/2oix78C Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2ntMV7S Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2IyLAUQ Deezer: http://bit.ly/2Vrf5Ng

Nearly 1.9% of patients with comorbidities who contract Covid-19 die, revealed the Union Health Ministry, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti was released after being detained 14 months ago, Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for the novel coronavirus & other stories in your morning news bulletin.

In your evening news brief, From The Newsroom, RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh no more; Union Health Ministry issues management protocol for Covid-19 recovered patients and Amit Shah admitted to AIIMS. Download the Deccan Herald app for Android devices here: https://bit.ly/2UgttIO Download the Deccan Herald app for iOS devices here: https://apple.co/30eOFD6 For latest news and updates, log on to www.deccanherald.com Check out our e-paper www.deccanheraldepaper.com To read news on the go, sign up to our Telegram channel t.me/deccanheraldnews

India's coronavirus infection tally zoomed past 29 lakh. A day after it crossed 28 lakh, with a single-day spike of 68,898 infections. While the recoveries have increased to 2,158,946 on Friday. Taking the recovery rate to over 74 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total cases of coronavirus infections mounted to 2,905,823. While the death toll climbed to 54,849 with 983 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India witnessed 60963 Coronavirus Infection Cases in single day India's coronavirus infection tally reached 2,329,639 today. With 60,963 cases being reported in a day. Recoveries hike to 1,583,490 according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total number of deaths from coronavirus infection hike to 46,091 after 834 deaths were reported in last 24 hours. India has recorded the highest number of recoveries in a single day. With 56,110 coronavirus patients having recovered and discharged yesterday. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus tally reached 2,088,611 today, with 61,537 cases being reported in a day. Recoveries rose to 1,378,105 including 48,901 in past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. There are 619,088 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently. While the recovery rate among coronavirus patients has gone up to 67.62 per cent. This is the ninth consecutive day that coronavirus infection cases have increased by more than 50,000. 933 patients succumbed to coronavirus infection in the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 42,518. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus infection tally touched 2,027,075 today, with 62,538 cases being recorded in a day. Recoveries rose to 1,378,105 including 49,769 in past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. There are 607,384 active cases of coronavirus infection in the nation presently. While the recovery rate among coronavirus patients has gone up to 67.62 per cent. This is the ninth consecutive day that coronavirus cases have risen by more than 50,000. 886 patients died due to coronavirus infection in the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 41,585. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus tally reached 1,908,254 today. With 52,779 cases being recorded in a day. Healings hike to 1,282,215 including 51,706 in past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. There are 586,244 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently. While the recovery rate among coronavirus infection patients has gone up to 66.31 per cent. This is the seventh continuous day that coronavirus cases have increased by more than 50,000. 857 patients succumbed to coronavirus infection in the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 39,795. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus infection tally reached 1,855,475 today. With 52,050 cases being reported in a day. Healings hike to 1,230,509, including 44,306 in past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. There are 586,298 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently while the healing rate among infection patients has gone up to 65.76 per cent. This is the sixth continuous day that coronavirus cases have risen by more than 50,000. 803 patients succumbed to coronavirus infection in the past 24 hours, taking altogether death toll to 38,938. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus infection tally reached 1,803,695 today, with 52,972 cases being reported in a day. Recoveries rose to 1,186,203, including 40,574 in past 24 hours. according to the Union Health Ministry data. There are 579,357 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently. While the recovery rate among coronavirus infection patients has gone up to 65.76 per cent. This is the fifth consecutive day that coronavirus cases have increased by more than 50,000. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

Fresh coronavirus cases in India hike 48,916 in the past 24 hours. Dragging the total coronavirus infection tally over 1.3 million marks today. While the total digit of healings crossed 8.49 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll due to the infection hike to 31,358 with 757 fatalities reported in one day. The data updated today showed that the total digit of coronavirus infection cases stands at 1,336,861. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

Fresh coronavirus cases in India hike 49,310 in the past 24 hours. Dragging the total coronavirus infection tally near 1.3 million marks today. While the total digit of healings crossed 8.17 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll due to the infection hike to 30,601 with 740 casualties recorded in one day. The data updated today indicated that the total number of coronavirus infection cases stands at 1,287,945. There are 4,40,135 active cases in the nation, while 8,17,208 people have healed and one person has migrated. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

In the trail of the spike in coronavirus infection cases. A 10-day complete lockdown will be imposed in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal effective on 24 July. The movement of people will be prohibited in Bhopal during the 10-day lockdown till 2 August. People will need e-passes for movement. Meanwhile, some regions of Bhopal are under lockdown from Tuesday midnight to July 24, district officials told. As per the Union Health Ministry, Madhya Pradesh has a tally of 24,095 coronavirus infection cases. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

Fresh coronavirus cases in India hikes to 45,720 in the past 24 hours. Dragging the total coronavirus tally in India over 12 lakh mark today. While the total digit of recoveries crossed 7.82 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll due to the disease hike to 29,861 with 1,129 casualties recorded in one day. The data updated today showed that the total digit of coronavirus cases stands at 1,238,635. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

EU closes a recovery deal, nearly A quarter of Delhi residents may have been infected by the novel coronavirus, the Union Health Ministry, Spot silver jumped as much as 3.3% on Tuesday to $20.5609 an ounce, the highest since August 2016, $90 million to host F1 races and other news updates in your morning shot.

Fresh coronavirus infection cases in India hikes 37,724 in the past 24 hours. Dragging the total coronavirus tally in India near 12 lakh mark today. While the total digit of recoveries crossed 7.53 lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll due to the disease hike to 28,732 with 648 casualties recorded in one day. The data updated today indicated that the total digit of coronavirus infection cases stands at 1,192,915. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India today witnessed a record single-day hike of 40,425 fresh coronavirus infection cases. Dragging its tally to 1,118,043 while the death toll due to the infection hike to 27,497, according to the health ministry data. 681 casualties were recorded in 24 hours. Despite rising fresh coronavirus cases, India's coronavirus infection casualty rate is progressively declining. Presently, at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus infection tally today hit two tragic milestones as the total crossed 10 lakh. While the casualty toll bridged 25,000. The total coronavirus infection cases hikes to 10,03,832. After a record 34,956 fresh infections were noted in the past 24 hours. The casualty toll hike to 25,602, including 687 in the past 24 hours. According to the Union Health Ministry, India has 3,42,473 active coronavirus cases. Which is around a third of the nation's infection score. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India tallied the biggest single-day hike of 20,903 coronavirus infection cases in the past 24 hours. Dragging the tally to 6,25,544 as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry. The death toll from coronavirus infection rose to 18,213, including 379 fatalities in 24 hours. Maharashtra has reported the highest digit of cases, followed by Tamil, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan. As per the Health Ministry, Maharashtra has a total of 1,86,626 cases containing 8,178 fatalities --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

The number of coronavirus infection patients in India increased by 19,459 in past 24 hours. Taking the tally to 5,48,318, according data released by the Union Health Ministry today morning. The data showed 380 persons succumbed to the covid-19 in the last 24 hours as the toll increased to 16,475. The number of active cases stands at 2,10,120, while 3,21,722 people have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 58.67 percent. During the last 24 hours, a total of 12,010 coronavirus infection patients have been cured. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 4,73,105. The death toll rose to 14,894 today, according to the Union Health Ministry. The country reported 418 fatalities and a record single-day spike of 16,922 cases in the last 24 hours. During the last 24 hours, a total of 13,012 coronavirus infection patients have been cured. A total of 2,71,696 patients have been cured so far while there are 1,86,514 active coronavirus cases in the country. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

India's coronavirus disease tally hiked to 12,380 on Thursday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Of these, 10,477 are active coronavirus disease cases while 1,488 individuals cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 414 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. Till Wednesday, the total coronavirus cases included 2,687 from Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry classified 170 hotspot districts in the Red Zone in the country. While 207 non-hotspot districts with clusters and non-infected districts have classified as Green Zone. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

1. Ensure compliance of 2.0 Lockdown norms: MHA to States and UTs - The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday communicated to all States and Union Territories to ensure compliance of the new lockdown measures and direct the authorities concerned for their strict implementation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. In the written communication from Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla to the Chief Secretaries of all the States and the UT administrations, it was clarified that “these guidelines are communicated to all the field agencies and wide publicity is given for the benefit of the public and that stricter measures should be imposed as per the requirement of the local areas”. 2. Release of almost all corona patients by April 20: Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma - Releasing two of the three recovered corona, positive patients, from the District Hospital at Sonapur on Wednesday, the State Health Department has expressed hopes of releasing almost all the Coronavirus positive patients of the State by April 20. This is the first such release of cured corona patients in the State. Addressing the media here on Wednesday, a beaming State Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We've released two corona patients – Jonab Ali and Nuruddin Ali— from the District Hospital at Sonapur. We hope to release three such patients tomorrow from the hospital in Goalpara. We had 31 patients with us. With the release of two, we're le… 3. Coronavirus lockdown: All Assam Students' Union flays Education department - The nationwide corona lockdown has left the future of the students in Assam, especially of colleges and universities, hanging in the air. The college and university students in the State are not sure if their respective academic years will remain intact. All Assam Students' Union president Dipanko Kumar Nath, holds the State Education department largely responsible for such uncertainty. 4. Union Health Ministry tagged 5 Assam districts as Coronavirus hotspots - The Union Health Ministry has identified five districts in Assam as Coronavirus hotspot districts with clusters. Golaghat, Morigaon, Nalbari, Goalpara, Dhubri are the districts in Assam which have been put under hotspot districts with cluster. 5. Businessman, media persons offer Phulam Bihuwan to police personnel - In recognition of the humble and dedicated service of all the police personnel and to honour them on the very first day of Assamese New Year, Nimai Saha, a prominent businessman of the district based at Kharupetia, came forward with a unique idea to greet each and every policeman on duty with a phulam Bihuwan as a token of love and honour in the traditional way. Media person Hemanta Kumar Barua and Shrawan Kumar Jha also extended a helping hand to Nimai Saha and greeted the ‘Men in Khaki' at Kharupetia, Dhula and Mangaldai Police Station area. 6. Relief materials distributed by All Bongaigaon district Karmachari Parishad - The All Bongaigaon district Karmachari Parishad distributed relief materials among 200 families of Bongaigaon on Wednesday. “We did it as per appeal of State Finance and Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma,” said Satyanarayan Ray, president of Bongaigaon district Karmachari Parishad. Several noted persons, including Pankaj Sarma and Sankar Sarkar were present on the occasion. 7. Coronavirus Outbreak: Low-key Rongali Bihu celebration Across Assam - Coronavirus pandemic dampened Bihu celebration throughout the State this year. On April 13, which was Garu Bihu, people washed their cows. On April 14 was Manuh Bihu. This year people could not wear new clothes but they sought the blessings of their elders and ate delicious delicacies.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the total tally of covid19 disease. Cases in India hikes up to 5,734 on Thursday. After an increase of 540 fresh covid19 cases. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

1. Coronavirus: Health Ministry issued fresh guidelines for disinfecting public places - As a preventive measure against new coronavirus pandemic, the Union Health Ministry has issued fresh guidelines for disinfecting public places including offices in areas reporting the pandemic. For ease of implementation, the guideline divided these areas into (1) indoor areas, (2) outdoor areas, (3) public toilets. According to the Ministry, outdoor areas have less risk than indoor areas due to air currents and exposure to sunlight. Indoor areas such as office spaces, including conference rooms should be cleaned every evening after office hours or early in the morning before the rooms are occupied. The guidelines said that prior to cleaning, the worker should wear disposable rubber boots, gloves (heavy duty), and a triple-layer mask. 2. Singer Kanika Kapoor discharged after report of 6th test came out negative for Coronavirus - Singer Kanika Kapoor has been discharged from Lucknow's Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) after report of her 6th test came out negative for coronavirus. A few days ago, she had tested positive for coronavirus for the fifth time. She is now under 14 days' quarantine as a precautionary measure. 3. One killed in retaliatory police firing close to Assam-Nagaland boundary - In a major development amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Khatkhati Police, Karbi-Anglong district in Assam, shot dead an unidentified gunman in an exchange of fire at the Lalmati area of Karagoan along the Assam-Nagaland boundary on Saturday evening. 4. Coronavirus: Samples of 32 people of Sadiya, Tinsukia sent for tests - As many as 31 persons hailed from Santipur of Assam-Arunachal border, Masjid Patty of Chapakhowa, Haripur and Mugolpur under Sadiya subdivision, the other was from Dholla. All the persons were brought to Tinsukia GNB Civil Hospital in special 108 ambulances under heavy security cover and kept in quarantine wards. 5. Coronavirus: Ward no 11 of North Lakhimpur declared as containment zone - District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, Dr Jeevan B has declared the Ward No. 11 under North Lakhimpur town as containment zone in the wake of the detection of one COVID- 19 patient in the district who stayed at the Abdul Letif Baruah Path of the ward concerned. 6. Nine members of Tablighi Jamaat found hiding in Kharupetia - A team of Darrang Police on Sunday morning successfully traced nine members of the Tablighi Jamaat who returned from Mumbai. Despite the appeal by the State Government to all people from Assam who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi to come forward, these nine attendees were secretly taking shelter in the house of a villager in Kharupetia area of the district. Significantly, neither the villagers, members of Tablighi Jamaat nor the local gaon burha felt the need to inform the police of their arrival in the village. 7. NFSA Rice Misappropriation: FIR lodged against One in Hailakandi - An FIR has been lodged against Secretary, Mohanpur GPSS Limited, Aftabuddin Laskar for gross misappropriation of NFSA rice to the tune of Rs 40 lakh. An FIR was loged by Sub Inspector, Food and Civil Supplies and Corporate Affairs, Dibyajit Pathak at Algapur Police Station against Laskar on Saturday. A case no.100/20 under Section 420/409 read with Section 7 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was registered against Laskar. 8. No Dearth of Essential Commodities for NE States, says DoNER Minister - Minster for Development of North-eastern Region, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that there is no dearth of essential commodities for people of the region due to the on-going nationwide lockdown.

The total number of coronavirus disease positive cases in India hikes 1,965 on Wednesday, the Union Health Ministry notified. The number of positive cases observed a bunch. With as many as 131 coronavirus disease cases in the last 12 hours. The Health Ministry, in its latest update, that 50 deaths have been recorded in India so far. With the most severe nine from Maharashtra, followed by Gujarat. Among the 27 states and Union Territories having Coronavirus disease patients. Maharashtra has the highest score of positive cases at 338, followed by Kerala at 241. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. India has been under a 21-day lockdown in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/latestnewssuno/support

The total number of COVID-19 cases in India on March 28 crossed 900 with over 180 fresh cases as well as 2 deaths being reported during the day, the highest single-day increase so far as per Union Health Ministry data. Meanwhile, on Day 4 of the national lockdown images continue to pour in of thousands of migrant labourers who have lost their daily sustenance and are now trying to walk several hundred kilometres back to their villages. Guests: Jacob Koshy, Deputy Science Editor, The Hindu; Suhasini Haidar, National Editor, The Hindu

Suman Haripriya, BJP MLA from Assam suggested ‘gaumutra' (cow urine) and ‘gobar' (cow dung) as possible treatment to fight coronavirus infection. The Assam Assembly which was discussing illegal smuggling of cows to Bangladesh was left quite astonished at her comments.She also gave an example where such treatment was used to cure cancer at an Ayurvedic hospital in Gujarat. Souradeep Sengupta, guest lecturer in physics at the Gurucharan College was granted bail by a Silchar court. He was given bail on a surety amount of Rs 15,000. He is also required to cooperate with the police. Sengupta cannot leave the town without the court's permission. he was arrested for making offensive remarks on Modi & Hindus The Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) is likely to announce the results of High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Assam High Madrassa (AHM) examinations by the first week of May.On Wednesday SEBA secretary, Suranjana Senapati informed that they are expecting to declare the results earlier than usual as 45 per cent work has been completed. The BJP led Tripura government will fulfill its poll promise by providing 14,608 undergraduate students with smartphones.“All the 14,608 students of 38 government-run higher education institutions pursuing graduate courses in medical, para-medical, engineering, science, arts, commerce, law, painting and music and nursing would get the one time financial support to purchase a smartphone,” Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath told media.Under “Mukhya Mantri Yuba Jogajog Yojana” a sum of Rs 5000 (maximum) will provided to students by the government. To avail the scheme though, students will have to apply online and furnish identification details along with educational qualification or anything else required.After proper inspection the sum will be deposited in their bank accounts.The entire scheme is expected to cost Rs. 7.30 crores and is meant to benefit students. Nagaland has launched Interactive Digital Smart Board for Smart Classrooms, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland said on Wednesday. The aim is to make learning more interactive and useful, the CM said.The boards have been put in place at 15 government colleges in Nagaland. Fifteen Italian tourists suspected to have been infected with COVID-19 infection have been quarantined in Delhi. The tourists were part of the group which landed in Delhi and then went to Rajasthan. An Italian tourist who was part of the same group had tested positive for COVID-19. His wife has also been put under isolation.The Union Health Ministry had issued a new travel advisory cautioning Indians against non-essential travel to South Korea, Iran, and Italy. In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will not participate in Holi gatherings this year. The PM tweeted, “Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme.”Amit Shah tweeted, “Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, i have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year.” Expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 Unnao case for raping a minor has been found guilty of killing the minor's father. He has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, announced a Delhi court. In a bid to get ready for the upcoming Bengal elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched another attack on the Centre. She said, Coronavirus scare meant to divert attention from Delhi violence, says Mamata Banerjee. Yesterday, Banerjee said during a public meeting that those who have come from Bangladesh are citizens of India

The Centre might struck a peace accord with Commander-in-Chief of United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) chief Paresh Baruah in April, the Outlook has reported. "One of Barua's childhood friends, Rebati Phukan—who “disappeared” in April 2018—is said to be acting as the intermediary between the banned outfit and the Centre. He was apparently drafted by Indian intelligence agencies to break the ice with Barua,” the Outlook story claims. The talks are in the final stages. State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday addressed a Press Conference where he appealed to (ULFA-I) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah & United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) to enter into a meaningful peace dialogue with both the Government of Assam and Government of India, ending decade-old militant movement in the state. Sharjeel Imam who was on the run after a case of sedition was filed against him for making controversial remarks on Assam and NE India has been arrested in Bihar on Tuesday. Police teams from Bihar and Delhi conducted raids across various locations to get hold of Imam who is on the run. He will now be taken to Delhi for further questioning. The police had earlier detained Imam's brother during a raid at his ancestral home in Bihar. Imam's brother, as well as another person, whose identity has not been revealed, have been detained by police. Some five states including Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have filed an FIR against Imam who was shown making offensive remarks on Assam and the North East in a video. Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remembered peasant martyrs of the 1894 Patharughat uprising who laid down their lives to fight the British. He tweeted a picture of Patharighat Martyrs' Memorial where 140 Assamese peasants were killed by the British Police in 1894 when they had risen in revolt against the British Government's high taxation on farm products. Inspired by the Shaheen Bagh protests in New Delhi, a large group of women have launched a similar style of protests from January 26-27 midnight in south Mumbai early on Monday. Terming it a ‘Mumbai Bagh', they are silently protesting against the CAA-NRC-NPR and by morning the crowds swelled even as Mumbai Police rushed to make tight security arrangements at the site at Morland Road-Thandi Sadak. The protesters are mainly Muslim women from minority-dominated areas of Madanpur, Byculla, Agripada, Jhoola Maidan and surroundings who are staging a sit-in agitation, off the Arabia Hotel, near Mumbai Central station. Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, Government of India has shared a video to dent a claim made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after the latter invited the former asking him to visit Delhi government-run schools. The video shared by Shah shows the abysmal state of schools the BJP team visited. The video shows leaking roof, damaged furniture and horrible conditions of the toilets. February 8 is the date for the Delhi assembly elections. Three people in Delhi have been quarantined after showing coronavirus like flu symptoms such as cold, cough and respiratory problems. According to reports, the three patients had all returned from China. Until Monday, a total of 33,552 passengers arriving in India from China in 155 flights have been screened. As of now, no positive cases have been detected, according to the Union Health Ministry. A girl from Bihar and a doctor in Rajasthan, who also returned from China, were isolated after showing symptoms.

A Historic Bodo Peace Accord was signed between the Centre, the Assam government and Bodo stakeholders (NDFB and its factions) today. The Accord saw the announcement of various measures to ensure the territorial and cultural integrity of the region. Several institutes will be set up to bring growth and development to the region. The agreement fully reaffirms the territorial integrity of Assam, said Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. A committee set up by state government will look at the inclusion of new villages that has a substantial population of tribal people within Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD). The ones with no substantial Bodo tribal population will be excluded, Sarma said. According to the agreement, BTAD will be renamed Bodoland Territorial Region More legislative, executive, administrative, financial powers will be given to the authorities within the region from now on. Bodo with Devnagri script will now become Associate official language for the entire state of Assam A Central university in the name of Upendranth Brahma will be established within Bodoland area. National Sports University; Institute of Livelihood management, Regional medical institute; tribal university, rural development centre, veterinary college, music and fine art college and many more centres will be set up in the region to ensure progress. Non-Bodo organizations like All Koch Rajbongshi Students Union, All Bodo Minority Students Union, All Adivasi Students Union, Kalita Janagosthi Students Union, and many others have called for 12-hour bandh in Assam post-signing of the historic Bodo peace Accord on Monday. Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri and Kokrajhar which fear greater intervention of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) within their region remained on the edge. According to reports effigies were burnt, roads were blocked and shops remained shut. Celebrations broke out in Bodo dominated regions where the accord was welcomed. The United Liberation Front of Assam Independent (ULFA-I) has claimed responsibility for the five blasts that shook Upper Assam on the 71st Republic Day. In a press statement, ULFA(I) clearly stated that the serial blasts in the morning hours ahead of the Republic Day celebrations were executed by their group. The first blast took place at Teokghat Tiniali of Sonari under Charaideo District, the second blast took place near Duliajan Police Station, the third blast took place at Marwari patty near Gurudwara in Dibrugarh, the fourth blast near Circuit House in Graham Bazaar in Dibrugarh and fifth Doomdooma near 8 no bridge in Tinsukia District. More than 29,700 passengers from 137 flights have been screened for coronavirus infection at seven identified airports in the country until Sunday. As of now, no positive cases have been detected, according to the Union Health Ministry. “A girl in Bihar's Chapra (Saran district) who returned from China, is hospitalized after showing the similar symptoms to those of the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus. Now she is on the way to Patna, where she'll be admitted at PMCH,” the superintendent of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) was quoted by ANI. Another case came up when a doctor in Rajasthan, who also returned from China, showed some symptoms of the infection. The suspected patient's blood sample will be sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune, said officials from the state's health department. Apart from that, more than 100 people have been kept under observation in Kerala and Maharashtra for screening purposes to check the spread of this infection, informed the Prime Minister's Office. In China the virus has killed at least 80 individuals and infected nearly 2800 in the country so far.