Coronavirus Highlights: India saw a single day rise of 34,703 coronavirus infections, the lowest in 111 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,06,19,932, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 4,03,281 with 553 daily fatalities, the lowest in around 91 days. The active cases have further declined to 4,64,357, the lowest in 101 days, and comprise 1.52 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 97.17 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A net decline of 17,714 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 16,47,424 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 42,14,24,881, while the daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.11 per cent . It has been less than three per cent for 15 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 2.40 per cent, according to the ministry. Cumulative vaccine doses administered so far has reached 35.75 crore under Nationwide Vaccination Drive. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 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. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.
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Madhya Pradesh reports 27 new positive cases, 2 deaths, and 44 recoveries in the last 24 hours.Active cases at 447 and total positive cases at 7,90,042.
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
Assam reports 2,433 new positive cases, 34 deaths, and 1,745 recoveries. Active cases at 22,848 and total positive cases at 5,22,267.
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
Chhattisgarh's COVID-19 count rose to 9,96,359 on Tuesday with the addition of 322 cases, while the death toll increased by five to touch 13,462, an official said. (PTI)
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Haryana reports 73 new positive cases, 94 recoveries, and 10 deaths today.
Active cases: 1,082
Total positive cases: 7,69,030 as per state reports.
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Bangladesh on Tuesday registered its highest-ever single-day COVID-19 cases as the infection rate rose to 31.46 per cent despite a nationwide lockdown. (PTI)
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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed its regional offices to conduct a surprise inspection at schools preparing class 10 and 12 results to ensure the assessment policy issued by it is implemented effectively. With the board exams being cancelled in view of the aggressive second wave of COVID-19, schools have been tasked with tabulation of results using separate alternative assessment policies announced by the CBSE for the two classes.
(With inputs from PTI)
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
TheOdishagovernment Tuesday decided to close all COVID-19 CareCentres(CCCs) given the decrease in the number of daily cases, officials said. However, treatment of the existing patients will continueintheCCCstill their discharge. (PTI)
Coronavirus in India LIVE Updates |
Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday reported 231 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the infection tally to 3,17,481, while two deaths raised the toll to 4,345, officials said. Out of the fresh cases, 83 were from the Jammu division and 148 from the Kashmir division, the officials said. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Rajasthan provided over 8 lakh COVID vaccine doses between July 1-6; 39.51 lakh more to be sent this month: Centre
A day after Rajasthan Chief MinisterAshokGehlotsaid that COVID-19 vaccination has stopped in many districts due to a shortage of doses, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday noted that the state has received over 8.89 lakh free vaccine doses between July 1 and 6 from the Centre.In addition, Rajasthan would receive an additional 39.51 lakh doses during the remaining part of July, the ministry said.On July 1, Rajasthan had over 1.69 lakh 'unutilised' balance doses of vaccines available with it.Under the NationalCOVIDVaccination Program, the state has received over 8.89 lakh doses of vaccines between 1st and 6th July 2021 free of cost from the Government of India, the ministry said in a statement referring to reports of shortage of vaccines in the state.'In addition, Rajasthan would receive an additional 39 lakh 51 thousand doses during the remaining part of July 2021,' the ministry said.'Hence in the entire month of July 2021, Rajasthan will receive more than 50 lakh 90 thousand vaccine doses. This quantity may increase further depending on the production and availability of the vaccine doses,' the ministry said.Gehlothad on Monday urged the Centre to provide the state sufficient quantity of the vaccines.“Vaccination work has stopped in most of the districts today due to lack of vaccines. Rajasthan is not getting vaccines as per its requirement from the central government, due to which the vaccination work has stopped,” he had said.The Union Health Ministry said that the state shave also been requested to indicate to it in case more doses of COVID-19 vaccine are required by them, the statement said. (PTI)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Chandigarh relaxes curbs; restaurants, bars & eateries are allowed to open from 10 am to 10.30 pm
"Restaurants, bars & eateries are allowed to open from 10 am to 10.30 pm. Guests allowed for special gatherings would be increased to 100 (persons) or 50% capacity of the banquet hall etc., whichever is less," says Chandigarh Administration in a fresh order."Order will come into force with effect from July 7th and will be applicable until further orders," the administration adds.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Union Health Ministry:
States/ UTs had been informed adequately in advance about vaccine doses that will be made available to them in July and they have been advised to inform if more doses of vaccine are required.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | All COVID-19 Care Centres to be closed in Odisha as cases decline
TheOdishagovernment Tuesday decided to close all COVID-19 CareCentres(CCCs) given the decrease in the number of daily cases, officials said. However, treatment of the existing patients will continue in theCCCstill their discharge.New patients of the locality will be referred to nearby government facilities, a letter sent to all the district collectors, municipal commissioners, chief district medical officers and public health officers said.At least 83CCCsacross the state are almost empty following a reduction in the number of COVID-19 patients who requirehospitalisation.Mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases are in home isolation.Currently, there are 28,730 active COVID-19 cases in the state. officials said.About 1,000 patients are still inICUsor ventilators, they said.As per the decision, all DedicatedCOVIDHealthCentres(DCHCs), DedicatedCOVIDHospitals (DCHs) run by the government andCOVIDfacilities in Government Medical Colleges will continue to function, the letter said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Myanmar's Suu Kyi vaccinated against Covid-19 in military custody, says lawyer
Ousted Myanmar leaderAungSanSuuKyiand her personal staff have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 since being taken into military custody, her lawyer said Tuesday, as the country battles a spike in cases.SuuKyihas been all but invisible since being detained by the military in February, with a handful of court appearances in a special court inNaypyidawher only link to the outside world.Coronavirus infections are rising sharply in Myanmar, with authorities reporting almost three thousand cases Monday, up from around 100 per day in early June.The impoverished country of 54 million is rushing to secure more vaccines after receiving 1.5 million doses from India and 500,000 from China earlier this year."All persons inAmay'shouse includingAmaywere vaccinated," her lawyer Min MinSoetold reporters Tuesday, using an honorific forSuuKyi,after the latest hearing in her trial for sedition.She did not give details on whenSuuKyi-- who is believed to have received a first dose before her government was deposed -- had received the jab, or what vaccine she was given. (AFP)
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Indonesia imports oxygen as Covid-19 explosion batters hospitals
Indonesia warned Tuesday it was bracing for a punishing surge in Covid-19 cases as its daily toll soared to a record 728 deaths and hospitals crumble under the weight of the country's deadliest wave yet.Emergency oxygen supplies for virus patients were being flown in from neighbouring Singapore, while the government said Southeast Asia's worst-hit nation could see cases soar to more than 50,000 a day.Hospitals in the hard-hit capital Jakarta were topping 90 percent occupancy and more than a dozen facilities in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya shut out new patients because they could no longer handle the huge influx.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Kerala reports 14,373 new COVID-19 cases, 10,751 recoveries and 142 deaths today
Active cases: 1,04,105
Total recoveries: 28,77,557
Death toll: 13,960
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Uttarakhand reports 89 new Covid-19 cases, 101 recoveries and 3 deaths today
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Amarnath board launches online services for devotees
Jammuand Kashmir Lieutenant GovernorManojSinhaon Tuesday launched various online services ofShriAmarnathjiShrine Board to provide a personal experience to the devotees."For millions of devotees who are unable to visit the holy cave ofShriAmarnathJi this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shrine Board has broughtDarshan,Hawan, and Prasad facility under the virtual mode. The devotees can book theirPooja,Hawan, and Prasad online, and priests at the holy cave will offer it in the devotee's name. Prasad will be subsequently delivered at doorsteps of the devotees," a spokesman of the board said.With the launch of new online services ofShriAmarnathjiShrine Board, the devotees of Lord Shiva from across the world can perform online virtual'pooja' and'hawan' at the holy cave, the Lt Governor said.The online'prasad' booking service was also extended to the devotees throughthis initiative, he added."ShriAmarnathjiShrine Board is extending online services including virtualpoojafor devotees in their name, virtualhawan(withdarshan) by name and onlineprasadbooking," saidNitishwarKumar, CEO of the shrine board.The CEO said online services can be booked through the board's website www.shriamarnathjishrine.com by visiting the'Book OnlinePooja/Hawan/Prasad' page and also through the board's mobile application from Tuesday onwards, by paying Rs 1,100 for virtualpooja, Rs 1,100 forprasadbooking (with 5 gm silver coin ofAmarnathji), Rs 2,100 forprasadbooking (with 10 gm silver coin ofAmarnathji), Rs 5,100 for the specialhawanor combination of any of the above.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Centre should provide three crore vaccine doses per month: Maharashtra legislature
Both the houses of the Maharashtra legislature on Tuesday passed unanimous resolutions asking the Centre to provide a minimum of three crore COVID-19 vaccine doses per month to the state so that a third wave of the pandemic can be avoided and economic activities revived. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Health Minister Rajesh Tope, who moved the resolutions in both houses, said the state machinery can vaccinate 10 lakh people per day provided doses were available. "With this number, we can vaccinate three crore people in the next two months. Expediting vaccination drive is necessary for the economic revival as well," he said. As per the resolution, the Union government has so far provided 2,84,39,060 doses and the state has purchased another 25,10,730, while 3,43,82,583 persons have received the jab in the state till now which is the highest in the country. Maharashtra has so far conducted 4.25 crore tests for coronavirus, of which 61 lakh came out positive while the viral infection has killed 1.23 lakh patients so far, Tope said. There are 1.23 lakh active cases, he pointed out. "Maharashtra is at the top in the number of infections, deaths and active cases. There are 21 cases of the'Delta Plus' variant (of coronavirus) and 5,500 cases ofmucormycosis(black fungus). This is a serious situation," he said. The ShivSena'sSunilPrabhusaid the state should also consider vaccinating (on a priority basis) those from poor sections of society including the homeless people who do not haveAadhaarcards or any other identification document. Congress MLA and former chief ministerPrithvirajChavanattacked the Centre over the high prices of doses and "profiteering". "Who is responsible for the profiteering? No other nation has done this where people have to pay Rs 1,200 per dose. Instead of asking states and municipalities to procure vaccines, the central government should purchase vaccines through a single order for the entire nation and sell them or distribute to the states,"Chavansaid.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Biological E enters into pact to buy Dynavax's adjuvant for use in COVID-19 subunit vaccine
Biological E (BE) and US biotech Dynavax on July 6 said they have entered into a commercial supply agreement for using Dynavax’s CpG 1018 Adjuvant for Biological E’s COVID-19 subunit vaccine candidate Corbevax.An adjuvant is a critical component in a vaccine that boosts immune response.The commercial supply agreement extends through 2022.The agreement includes doses for delivery in 2021, which were manufactured under the previously announced funding agreement between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Dynavax.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | PathStore launches RT-PCR testing in India at Rs 299
France-based firm PathStore on Tuesday said it has launched its COVID-19 RT-PCR testing in India at a price of Rs 299 to increase its accessibility across the country.The deployment of the company’s highly affordable RT-PCR test will help in functioning of tourism, industrial and retail sectors, PathStore said in a statement.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Assam announces total lockdown in 7 districts with high COVID positivity rates
The Assam government on Tuesday announced a complete lockdown in seven districts where the positivity rates of COVID-19 cases are high.The government imposed a round-the-clock curfew inGoalpara,Golaghat,Jorhat,Lakhimpur,Sonitpur,BiswanathandMorigaonas the number of coronavirus cases in these districts continued to increase despite imposition of certain restrictions earlier, Health and Family Welfare MinisterKeshabMahantasaid.These districts have been brought under the containment zones, he said at a press conference.Rural and tea garden areas in these districts have been reporting a substantial number of COVID-19 cases, the minister said.According to him, the positivity rates in the seven districts were recorded between 2.68 per cent and 5.64 per cent in the last few days.There will be a total ban on the movement of all public and private transport in these districts, though goods vehicles will be allowed to operate, he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Bangladesh says AstraZeneca shot supplies may resume soon, including from India
Bangladesh could receive 1 million doses ofAstraZenecaCOVID-19 vaccine from the WHO-backedCOVAXfacility this month, and the Serum Institute of India could resume supplies from August, its health minister said on Tuesday.Densely populated Bangladesh is in desperate need of vaccines as a jump in infections has filled up hospitals and depleted supplies of medical oxygen."We may receive 1 million doses fromCOVAXthis month,"ZahidMalequetold reporters, without elaborating if they would be produced by the Serum Institute (SII).He saidSIIcould resume direct supplies ofCovishield, a licensed version of theAstraZenecashot to Bangladesh from next month. Indian producers includingSII, the main supplier toCOVAX, stopped all vaccine exports in the middle of April to meet local demand as infections shot up."We are told that they (SII) will start sending vaccine doses in August,"Malequesaid. "They haven't specified the number of doses but assured us it won't be small."
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Germany relaxes restrictions on travel from India, four other countries from July 7
Germany is easing strict restrictions on travel from five countries including India that were imposed because of the rise of the more contagious delta variant of coronavirus.Germany's national disease control centre, the Robert Koch Institute, announced late on July 5 that the United Kingdom, Portugal, Russia, India, and Nepal were no longer “virus variant areas”, reducing travel restrictions for people arriving in Germany from those countries from July 7.German Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner tweeted about the lifting of travel restrictions.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | May withdraw lockdown relaxations, says health ministry after images of crowded hill stations surface
With states and union territories opening up and allowing movement of people following a drop in COVID-19 cases after a devastating second wave, tourists have rushed to hill stations and beaches in large numbers.Images of tourists crowding selfie points and jostling their way into markets have been shared widely on social media, worrying health experts again.News agencyANIreported that the Union Health Ministry has already written to theHimachalPradesh government over rampant flouting of COVID-19 appropriatebehaviourinShimlaandManali.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates |Health Secretary writes to 73 districts and States that are reporting highest positivity in India: Sources
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Sikkim reports 177 new COVID-19 cases, tally rises to 21,403
Sikkim reported 177 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the tally to 21,403, a health departmentbulletinsaid on Tuesday.The COVID-19 death toll remained at 309 as no fresh fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, it said.East Sikkim district reported 86 new cases followed by 44 each in West Sikkim and South Sikkim and 3 in North Sikkim district, the bulletin said.The Himalayan state now has 1,894 active COVID-19 cases while 18,944 people have recovered from the disease and 256 patients have migrated to other states, it said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR:
The future challenge is not 3rd wave, but how we act on it. Instead of highlighting the wave aspect, we should focus onCOVIDappropriatebehaviour/restrictionsto contain the spread.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Lav Agarwal, Health Ministry:
Active cases less than 5 lakh, reduction in COVID cases by 30%. While in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim..., more cases are being reported with positivity of more than 10%.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry:
Referring to the massive footfall of people in hill stations, Health Ministry stated that gross violations of Covid-19 appropriatebehaviourcan nullify the gains so far.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry:
Peopletravellingto hill stations are not followingCOVID-appropriatebehaviour. We can nullify the ease in restrictions again if protocols not complied with.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR:
Pictures (from hill stations) are frightening. People must comply withCOVID-appropriatebehaviour.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 3,000 affected by Black Fungus, 122 fatalities in Tamil Nadu: Minister
TamilNaduhas reported 3,300 black fungus cases and 122 related deaths so far, state minister for Medical and Family Welfare MaSubramaniansaid on Tuesday and appealed to the people to seek medical advice on time for early treatment.Owing to the increase in the cases across the state, the government has established special wards to treat those infected with black fungus, also known asMucormycosis, at the government medical college hospitals and district headquarters hospitals."About 3,300 persons in TamilNaduhave been affected due to black fungus and 122 have died due to the fungal infection," he said.The drugs required to treat the patients in private hospitals would be provided directly to them, like in the case of supply of the anti-viral drugRemdesivir, he added."We have established special wards with a total bed strength of 7,000 including 500 each in Chennai and Madurai. I appeal to the people to seek medical advice in the initial stage and get treated early,"Subramaniansaid.He was addressing reporters here after attending a slew ofprogrammesincluding dedicating oxygen concentrators to government hospital and acovidvaccination camp for journalists.The minister further said TamilNaduhas adequate stock ofAmphotericin-BandPosaconazoletablets, the drugs used to treat black fungus infection - a notified fungal disease which is affecting the people across the country."Yes, the disease affects the eyes in the initial stages and then the brain leading to deaths," he said when his attention was drawn to the issue of 30 persons losing their vision due toMucormycosis.About 330 persons have been treated and discharged, so far, he said.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Special COVID-19 vaccination drive started for journalists in Chennai
With the help of Chennai Corporation, we have started a special vaccination camp for journalists. BothCovaxinandCovishieldare administered, saidMASubramanian, Health Minister, TamilNadu
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Chinese city near Myanmar imposes virus lockdown
A Chinese city bordering Myanmar is stepping up efforts to fight a third coronavirus outbreak after several locally transmitted cases were reported this week.Ruili, located in the southwestern province of Yunnan, has initiated mass testing and imposed a lockdown to prevent people from entering or leaving the city unless they can prove their travel is necessary, according to the local government.More than 230,000 test samples have been collected since Monday, and theJiegaoborder community was named a medium-risk area on Tuesday, the officialXinhuaNews Agency reported.The large number of exchanges along the border atRuiliand Myanmar’s difficulties in handling the pandemic have made it particularly difficult to control new transmissions. Strict anti-pandemic measures have largely prevented local cases in other parts of China over recent months, leaving the country’s death toll from the pandemic static at 4,636 among almost 92,000 reported cases, according to official statistics.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Job openings for permanent staffers to be adversely affected due to 2nd wave of COVID-19: Survey
Job openings for permanent staffers at fresher level will be adversely affected due to the overall hiring freeze amid the second wave of COVID-19, while temporary or gig workers seem to be better placed, says a survey.According to a survey by staffing and HR services company Genius Consultants, over 57 per cent respondents believe that new job positions for permanent employees will suffer a major impact of the overall hiring freeze.However, just 43 per cent of respondents believe the same for temporary or gig workers, it noted.The survey was conducted online with more than 1,000 company leaders and executives across sectors during May 28 till June 30, 2021."In the beginning of the year, India was witnessing a steady economic recovery and an upward curve in hiring. But the overwhelming situation due to the second wave of COVID-19 had a huge impact on the employment rate and hiring process in the country. Restrictions in mobility also resulted in job losses in many sectors," Genius ConsultantsCMDR PYadavsaid.Temporary or gig workers seem to be better placed than their permanent counterparts simply because of an array of opportunities available especially in the e-commerce sector,Yadavsaid.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 35.75 crore
India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 35.75 crore with over 45 Lakh vaccine doses being administered in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Cumulatively, more than 10.57 crore vaccine doses were administered in the age group of 18-44 years. On Day-171 of the vaccination drive (July 5), out of total 45,82,246 vaccine doses that were given, 27,88,440 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 17,93,806 beneficiaries received the second dose of the vaccine.
The ministry said 20,74,636 vaccine doses were administered as first dose and 1,48,709 vaccine doses given as second dose in the age group 18-44 years on Monday. Cumulatively, 10,28,40,418 persons in the age group of 18-44 years across states and UTs have received their first dose and a total of 29,28,112 have received their second. Eight states -- Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra -- have administered more than 50 lakh first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the age group 18-44 years.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | India's Morepen Laboratories makes first test batch of Russia's Sputnik V shot: RDIF
Indian drug manufacturer Morepen Laboratories has begun production of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), responsible for marketing the shot internationally, said on Tuesday. The first test batch made by the Indian manufacturer in the state of Himachal Pradesh will be shipped to Gamaleya, the Moscow institute which developed the vaccine, for quality controls, RDIF said in a statement.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Pakistan closes main border with Afghanistan to limit spread of Covid-19
Pakistan on Tuesday closed its main border crossing point with Afghanistan where the Covid-19 pandemic and the law and order situation are worsening. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad tweeted that the step was taken on the advice of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the main official body tasked to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
"On the advice of the NCOC, all types of immigration departure and arrival will be closed from today at Torkham Border till the fresh guidelines of NCOC," the tweet said. Torkham linking Peshawar with Jalalabad and Kabul is the gateway for Afghans to Pakistan and thousands of people cross it every day. Officials said it was closed due to worsening pandemic as well as law and order situation in Afghanistan where the Taliban are rapidly growing in influence.
Meanwhile, Pakistan for the first time since June 30 recorded less than 1,000 new cases, showing a positivity rate of 2.16 per cent. The Ministry of National Health Services reported 830 new infections in the last 24 hours, taking the national tally to 964,490. Another 25 patients died in this period, pushing the Covid-19 toll to 22,452. The vaccination has also been going well and the NCOC reporting that 425,640 doses were administered across Pakistan on July 5. It said the total number of doses administered reached 17,815,986.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | England ODI squad in isolation after virus outbreak
An outbreak of the coronavirus in England''s One-Day International squad forced it into isolation on Tuesday. Tests on Monday, a day after the team''s last ODI against Sri Lanka in Bristol, revealed seven infections among three players and four staff. None were named. The squad has gone into isolation dating from Sunday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.
The six-match limited-overs series against Pakistan, starting on Wednesday with the first ODI in Cardiff, was still going ahead. England planned to name a new squad on Tuesday to be captained by Ben Stokes. "We have been mindful that the emergence of the delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio-secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak," ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said. "We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions."
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | TVS Motor expects swift recovery from COVID-19, to capitalise on preference for personal mobility
TVS Motor Company expects a swift recovery in the market ravaged by the second wave of COVID-19, as it believes it is now better prepared to tackle supply chain issues along with the authorities chipping in with appropriate response to deal with the pandemic. The company, which caters to both domestic and export markets, informed its shareholders that it is well poised for growth with consumers preferring personal mobility options amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"Despite the rising second wave of active cases, the company remains confident that adverse impact would be lower and bounce back swifter," TVS Motor Company said in its Annual Report for 2020-21. This outlook of cautious optimism is built upon, on one hand, the company''s own supply-chain preparedness and on the other, a belief that the administrative responses would be far more measured and targeted, while widespread vaccination drive is expected to break the chain, it added.
The new long-term practices of social distancing could see consumer preferences change towards personal mobility leading to new demand in the two-wheeler industry, the company informed its shareholders. "The company is cognisant of this opportunity, and well poised to leverage this opportunity with its superior product offerings across the widest range of personal mobility needs," it noted.
The company sold 21.6 lakh units of two-wheelers in the domestic market in FY21, as compared to 24.1 lakh units in 2019-20. TVS Motor Company said export of two-wheelers were likely to see a growth during the year fueled by consumption growth and stable economic and political situation in all operating geographies.
"Stable crude oil prices will have a positive impact on export market growth in oil dependent economies of Africa and LATAM," it added. The company''s two-wheeler exports last fiscal stood at 7.64 lakh units, up 12 per cent from 2019-20. It, however, listed shortage of semiconductors and containers for exports as major challenges going ahead.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Japan to ship another 1.1 million AstraZeneca doses to Taiwan
Japan is set to send another 1.1 million donated AstraZeneca doses to Taiwan this week to help the self-governing island fight its worst COVID-19 outbreak amid a struggle to get vaccines. Taiwan, which had only a handful of deaths before the latest outbreak, has seen its death toll spike to more than 700. The number of daily new cases has eased, with authorities reporting 29 on Tuesday and 17 more deaths. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday the AstraZeneca vaccine is set for shipment on Thursday — Japan’s second shipment to Taiwan a month after it donated 1.24 million AstraZeneca doses.
Many countries are struggling to get vaccines as manufacturers face delays in scaling up production quickly. Taiwan has blamed China for interfering in its effort to buy vaccines. The self-governing island is developing own vaccines but approval is still pending. Japan, with its home-developed vaccines still uncertain, is inoculating its own citizens with foreign Pfizer and Moderna doses but has no immediate plan to use AstraZeneca’s, which are produced in Japan under a licensing deal.
Under bilateral arrangements, Japan has donated 1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine each to Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Similar shipments are planned for Thailand and the Philippines later this month. Motegi said Japan is also donating 11 million doses to Southeast Asia and Pacific island nations through COVAX, the global initiative to provide vaccines to lower-income countries, after mid-July. That is part of Japan’s pledge last month to donate 30 million doses of vaccine through COVAX and other channels.
Tokyo’s donations to Taiwan also signal its support for the island as China increases its pressure on the territory it claims as its own. Japan has no official diplomatic ties to China under the one-China policy, but it has economic ties and increasing security ties. Motegi on Tuesday stressed Japan’s friendship with Taiwan and renewed his appreciation for Taipei’s support to Japan during the 2011 tsunami disaster.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Over 1.66 crore unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses available with states, private hospitals: Centre
More than 1.66 crore balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states, UTs and private hospitals to be administered, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Over 37.07 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far through all sources and a further 23,80,000 doses are in the pipeline.
Of this, the total consumption including wastage is 35,40,60,197 doses, the ministry said. The Centre is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Drug firms seek free export of Remdesivir as weak demand inflates inventories
Drug makers have urged the government to remove export curbs on Remdsivir to clear bulging inventories as demand for the anti-viral jab given to hospitalised patients of COVID-19, has fallen sharply. Manufacturers had aggressively expanded capacity to meet the sudden surge in demand during the second wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic. "Things are unpredictable during a pandemic like COVID-19. We have expanded capacities responding to the government’s call," said Dharmesh Shah, Chairman of BDR Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures Remdesivir for Cipla.
"The government will have to do a stockpile just to ensure that we are not stranded in case of a third wave. I think the government has done strategic provisioning of the drug, now that there is no demand, it should allow exportation, to allow us clear inventory," Shah added. In April, the government 'prohibited' the export of Remdesivir. Aware of falling domestic demand on June 14 it moved the drug to 'restricted' category, which means the manufacturers can export the drug but have to get certain clearances from relevant authorities. Manufacturers now want to remove these restrictions as well. With adequate supplies all around, some states have cancelled purchase orders worth 4.63 lakh vials in mid June.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Ensure people in mental health homes tested for COVID-19, vaccinated: SC to Centre
The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Centre to ensure that people lodged in mental health establishments are tested for COVID-19 and are completely vaccinated at the earliest. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah took serious note of Maharashtra government''s shifting patients lodged in mental health institutes to homes for beggars and asked it to discontinue the practice immediately saying it is counter-productive and runs against the provisions of Mental Health Act.
The top court also directed all the states and Union Territories to extend all cooperation and participate in the meeting of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to be held on July 12. It asked the states/UTs to remove the discrepancies in figures submitted about the people who have been cured but are still languishing in mental health institutions or who still needs treatments.
The bench said that from now on it will monitor the case and would start listing the matter after three weeks as it is very sensitive matter. The top court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal in which he has said that around 10,000 people, who are fit to be discharged, are forced to live in different mental hospitals across the country and institutes due to social stigma.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Delhi govt announces monetary support for Covid-19 affected families
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the state govt will provide financial support of ₹50,000 compensation to the families who lost someone during the covid-19 pandemic. "Families who lost breadwinners and orphaned children will be provided monthly financial help," Kejriwal said.
Launching 'Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojana', Kejriwal added that the family which lost its breadwinner will be provided ₹2,500/month and ₹2,500 would be provided every month to help children who lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. ₹2,500 will be provided to the orphans till they attain the age of 25 years.
The Delhi chief minister assured all help to the families and smooth transition of the monetary benefits, saying that children who lost their parents because of Covid should not think of themselves as lonely and helpless.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Overwhelmed Indonesian coffin maker issues COVID-19 warning
At a workshop located in a Jakarta cemetery, coffin maker Olaskar Purba and his team are hard at work. They staple together boxes made of plywood and paint them brown. The coffins are then fitted with a lining and covered in plastic before being taken away for use. "Before the (coronavirus) cases spiked, we usually made only up to 10 coffins in one day," said the 62-year-old, looking weary. "But now it has reached 30 orders per day, and it's double the work."
Indonesia is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, fuelled by the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant first identified in India. Authorities on Monday reported 558 new deaths, a second day of record fatalities, and 29,745 new infections, the 10th day of record high cases in the past 15 days. Tougher mobility restrictions have been imposed in Java and on the island of Bali, the worst-affected regions, and the government on Monday introduced new measures in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19 in 20 other provinces effective Tuesday.
Hospital bed occupancy was at 75% nationwide as of July 2, the health ministry said, but some hospitals on the most populous island of Java have reported over 90% capacity, including in the capital Jakarta. "The material we use is also getting harder to find, as the price of plywood has risen as well," said Olaskar, explaining he has been overwhelmed with the endless orders for coffins. "We are quite worried because we realise many people have died," added Olaskar. "To all the people out there, please obey the government's rules, wear your masks and observe social distancing."
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Recipe for even more powerful COVID-19 vaccines found
Scientists have found a recipe for even more effective and powerful vaccines against the coronavirus and its rapidly emerging variants, based on the way human cells activate the immune system in response to COVID-19 infection. Researchers from Boston University and the Broad Institute of Harvard University in the US noted that it is the first real look at exactly what types of “red flags” the human body uses to enlist the help of T cells sent out by the immune system to destroy infected cells.
Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have been focused on activating a different type of immune cell, B cells, which are responsible for creating antibodies. The researchers noted that developing vaccines to activate the other arm of the immune system -- the T cells -- could dramatically increase immunity against coronavirus, and importantly, its variants.
The findings, published in the journal Cell, suggest that current vaccines might lack some important bits of viral material capable of triggering a holistic immune response in the human body. The researchers performed experiments on human cells infected with coronavirus, isolating and identifying those missing pieces of SARS-CoV-2 proteins inside the lab.
Based on the new information, "companies should reevaluate their vaccine designs," said Mohsan Saeed, a virologist at Boston University, and co-corresponding author of the research paper. The team, including computational geneticists Pardis Sabeti and Shira Weingarten-Gabbay, hoped to identify fragments of SARS-CoV-2 that activate the immune system’s T cells. From the start of COVID pandemic, scientists have known the identity of 29 proteins produced by SARS-CoV-2 virus in infected cells -- viral fragments that now make up the spike protein in some coronavirus vaccines, such as the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson preventives.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Israel to ship 700,000 Pfizer doses to South Korea in swap deal
Israel is sending 700,000 coronavirus vaccine doses to South Korea in exchange for a future shipment of the jabs, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday. In a statement, Bennett said Israel will transfer the Pfizer vaccines to South Korea in an effort to inoculate more of the Asian nation's citizens this month. South Korea will return the same number of doses to Israel as soon as September, he added.
“This is a win-win deal," Bennett said in his statement. The agreement will "reduce the holes" in the vaccine's availability. Bennett said the agreement, which he personally negotiated with Pfizer CEO Albert Burla, is the first of its kind between Israel and another country. The Israeli vaccines still need to be tested after their arrival in South Korea, he added.
The deal comes a few weeks after the Palestinian Authority, which has limited autonomy over areas of the occupied West Bank, called off a deal to receive 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccines from Israel. The Palestinians contended that the vaccines were too close to expiring and didn't meet their standards. The South Korean government had no immediate comment.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates | Rural India sinks deeper into debt as COVID-19 wipes out work
Asha Devi doesn't remember how many meals she has skipped as she struggles to feed her family of seven in a remote corner of northern India where the novel coronavirus is compounding old problems of rural debt and poverty. Devi, 35, had to mortgage her land for a 20,000 rupee ($270) loan and six month on, as the money runs out, she has stopped buying milk, halved her use of cooking oil and can afford lentils only about once every 10 days.
With her construction worker husband jobless, she's facing going deeper into debt to get by. "Sometimes I go to sleep hungry. Last week, I think I went to bed hungry at least twice but I can't remember," Devi told Reuters as she wiped away tears with her threadbare sari outside her mud house in her village in Uttar Pradesh state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has promised free foodgrains for the poor but the rations are limited and not enough for the family, Devi said. The coronavirus and a lockdown aimed at stopping it last year saw millions of people thrown out of jobs in cities and towns and forced back to their villages, and ever higher levels of debt. Interviews with 75 households in a cluster of eight villages in India's most populous state showed household incomes have slumped nearly 75% on average. Almost two thirds of the households have taken on debt.
