MGWire

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

May 01, 2021 ,  8:20AM Import duty on vital diagnostic kits, reagents used in COVID-19 related diagnosis waived off by centre for 6 months AIR pics The Centre has waived off import duty on vital diagnostic kits and reagents used in COVID-19 related diagnosis for the next six months.  The decision has been taken to supplement testing efforts.  The exemption has been given till the 31st of  October this year. 

May 01, 2021 ,  8:15AM Govt permits import of Oxygen concentrators for personal use @dgftindia Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided relief to the people by permitting import of Oxygen concentrators for personal use through post, courier or e-commerce portals under gifts category. The permission has been given till 31st July this year. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has issued a notification in this regard.

May 01, 2021 ,  8:07AM First batch of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V to arrive in country today @sputnikvaccine The first batch of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine SputnikV is scheduled to arrive in India today. The Russian vaccine's arrival is expected to boost India's efforts in ramping up its capacity to vaccinate more people.

May 01, 2021 ,  8:07AM Prime Minister Modi directs officials to ensure poor get benefits of free food-grains without any issue File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials of the Central Government to work in close co-ordination with the states to ensure that the poor get the benefits of free food-grains without any issues. He chaired a meeting to review the functioning of different empowered groups through the video conference yesterday.   The Empowered Group on Economic and Welfare measures made a presentation to the Prime Minister on  the steps taken such as extension of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. It was discussed that portability enabled due to One Nation One Ration Card initiative has helped to benefit more people.   The Insurance scheme for frontline health workers has been extended for another six months. The Prime Minister said that steps should be taken to expedite the settlement of pending Insurance claims so that the d...

May 01, 2021 ,  8:06AM Third phase of COVID-19 vaccination begins today; All adults to get vaccinated @MoHFW_INDIA The liberalised and accelerated phase three of the COVID-19 vaccination drive has started today. Everyone above the age of 18 years will be administered the COVID-19 vaccine in this phase. The registration process for this phase is on and over 2.66 crore people have registered on the Co-Win portal so far. The appointments for people aged 18 years and above has also opened at multiple locations.   In this phase, the vaccination will continue as before in the Central government's vaccination centers free of cost to the eligible population including Health Care Workers, Front Line Workers and all people above 45 years of age. Meanwhile, Apollo Hospital and Max Hospital have confirmed their participation in the third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.   The two groups said the vaccines will be available at their limited hospitals in the ...

Apr 29, 2021 ,  8:42PM Health Ministry issues revised guidelines for home isolation of mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients @MoHFW_INDIA The Union Health Ministry has issued revised guidelines for home isolation of mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. As per the guidelines, the patients who are clinically assigned to be mild or asymptomatic are recommended for home isolation.   As per the guidelines, for home isolation, the patient should be clinically assigned a mild or asymptomatic case by the treating medical officer and such cases should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation and for quarantining the family contacts. It says, a caregiver should be available to provide care and a communication link between the caregiver and hospital is a prerequisite for the entire duration of home isolation. It also said that elderly patients aged more than 60 years and those with co-morbid conditions shall only be allowed home isolation aft...

Apr 29, 2021 ,  8:41PM PM Narendra Modi reviews preparedness of Army to deal with COVID-19 situation @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the Army’s preparedness and initiatives to deal with Covid-19 situation in the country. Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane discussed various initiatives being taken by the Army to help in Covid management.   General MM Naravane informed the Prime Minister that medical staff of the Army is being made available to various state governments. He added that the Army is setting up temporary hospitals in various parts of the country. Mr. Naravane apprised the Prime Minister that the Army is opening up its hospitals for civilians. He informed that the Army is helping with manpower for imported oxygen tankers and vehicles where specialised skills are required to manage them

Apr 29, 2021 ,  8:24AM Polling also begins for 4th and final phase of Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh http://sec.up.nic.in/ Polling has begun for fourth and final phase of Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh. The polling, which began at 7 this morning, will end 6 PM. More than 2 crore 98 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 17 districts. State Election Commission has issued orders for strict compliance of Covid protocol during the polling. Voters will have to put up mask and maintain social distancing. Instructions have also been issued to make circles at a distance of six-feet at the polling centres.   The counting of votes will be taken up on May 2.

Apr 29, 2021 ,  8:24AM Over 80 lakh people register themselves for 3rd phase of Covid Vaccination beginning 1st of May @drharshvardhan Government has informed that more than 80 lakh people registered themselves for the third phase of COVID vaccination. Health Ministry said, over 80 lakh people registered themselves on the CoWIN portal, in the first three hours from 4 pm to 7 pm. It said, digital platform continues to work without any technical glitch on the first day of registration of the expanded eligible population groups.   The ministry said the media reports that the server of CoWIN platform has crashed are baseless. It said, there were 383 million hits within first three hours and 1.45 crore SMSs were successfully delivered. It is recording 55 thousand hits per second and is completely stable. It said, the CoWIN software is a robust, dependable and agile technology and it offers anytime anywhere registration for COVID19 vaccination. The capaci...

Apr 29, 2021 ,  8:23AM Total vaccination across country touches almost 15 crore mark @PIB_India The total vaccination across the country has come near the 15 Crore mark. Over 14 crore 98 lakh vaccine doses have been administered till now. Over 93 lakh Healthcare Workers have taken the first dose and over 61 lakh have taken the 2nd dose. Over one crore 23 lakh Frontline Workers have taken first dose and nearly 66 lakh have taken the 2nd dose. Over 5 crore people over 45 years old to 60 years old have taken the first Dose and over 31 lakh have taken the second dose. Over 5 crore people above 60 years have taken the first Dose and over 98 lakh have taken the 2nd Dose.   Over 20 lakh vaccine doses were given yesterday. Out of which nearly 12 lakh beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and over 8 lakh beneficiaries received 2nd dose of the vaccine.

Apr 29, 2021 ,  8:13AM Polling underway for 8th and last phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal eci.gov.in Polling is underway for eighth and last phase of assembly elections in West Bengal. The polling, which began at 7 this morning, will conclude at 6:30 PM. Voting is taking place for 35 Assembly seats spread over four districts in this phase. 283 candidates, including 35 women are in the fray. BJP and Trinamool Congress have fielded candidates on all seats. Congress is contesting 19 seats under the banner of Sanyukta Morcha, a coalition between Congress, Left and the Indian Secular Front (ISF). CPI(M) is contesting 10 seats and ISF four.   Election Commission has deployed 641 companies of central forces to ensure free and fair polling. Poll body has decided to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) along with Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at every Polling Station, with a view to enhance the transparency and credibility of the electi...

Apr 28, 2021 ,  8:02AM Railways makes 4,000 Covid Care coaches with almost 64,000 beds ready for use by States @RailMinIndia Railways has made nearly four thousand Covid Care coaches with almost 64 thousand beds ready for use by States. Railway Ministry said, at present 169 coaches have been handed over to various states for Covid care. It has deployed Covid Care Coaches in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi to assist the states in view of rising corona cases in the country.   In Delhi, Railways has catered to the full demand of State Governments’ for 75 Covid Care coaches with a capacity of one thousand 200 beds. The Ministry said, 50 coaches are positioned at Shakurbasti and 25 Coaches at Anand Vihar stations. In Uttar Pradesh, ten coaches each are placed at Faizabad, Bhadohi, Varanasi, Bareli and Nazibabad totalling to a capacity of 800 beds.   The Ministry said, new demand for Covid coaches has come from Nagpur District. In this d...

Apr 28, 2021 ,  8:00AM Registration for Covid vaccination to all above 18 years of age begins today @PiyushGoyal The registration process for COVID vaccination to all above 18 years is starting today. They will be vaccinated in the third phase of COVID Vaccination drive starting from 1st of next month. All those eligible can register on Co-Win portal - cowin.gov.in. In this phase, the vaccination will continue as before in Central Government vaccination centres free of cost to the eligible people including Health Care Workers, Front Line Workers and all above 45 years of age. During this phase, vaccine manufacturers will supply 50 per cent of their monthly released doses to the Central government and they will be free to supply the remaining 50 per cent doses to States as well as in the open market.. No walk-in facility will be available for vaccination in this phase. All above 18 years will need to mandatorily register online on the Co-Win platform. The regi...

Apr 28, 2021 ,  7:50AM PM Modi asks officials to ensure rapid upgradation of health infrastructure in country @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to ensure rapid upgradation of health infrastructure in the country. Mr. Modi chaired a meeting yesterday with top officials to review the Covid-19 related situation in the country. He got an overview on the situation in the country relating to oxygen availability, medicines and health infrastructure.   The Empowered Group working on boosting Oxygen Supply briefed the Prime Minister on the efforts being made to ramp up availability and supply of oxygen in the country. They informed the Prime Minister about increasing allocation of Oxygen to states. It was discussed that the production of liquid medical oxygen in the country has increased from five thousand 700 tonnes per day in August last year to the present eight thousand 922 tonnes, as on 25th of April. The domestic production of liq...

Apr 28, 2021 ,  7:45AM Centre provides more than 15 crore vaccines to States free of cost @MoHFW_INDIA Centre has provided more than 15 crore vaccines so far to States and Union Territories free of cost. Union Health Ministry said, more than one crore doses of Vaccine are still available with the States and UTs to be administered. India had launched the world’s largest Vaccination Drive on 16th January this year. The Ministry said, more than 80 lakh doses will be received in addition by the States and UTs in the next three days.   Health Ministry said, recently some media reports quoting some government officials from Maharashtra have pointed out that the vaccines in the State are finished and adversely impacting the vaccination drive in the state. The Ministry clarified that the total COVID vaccine doses received by Maharashtra as on yesterday are more than one crore 58 lakh. Of this, the total consumption including wastage was more than one crore 49 lakh. ...

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Apr 27, 2021 ,  7:52PM Railway delivers 450 MT of liquid medical oxygen to Maharashtra, UP, Delhi @RailMinIndia Railway has delivered 450 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in six Oxygen express.   It has delivered this liquid medical oxygen through 26 tankers covering more than ten thousand kilometres.   Railway Ministry said, Indian Railways is continuing its journey of delivering liquid medical oxygen to various parts of the country.   Delhi has received its first Oxygen express carrying more than 70 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen today early morning.   The Ministry said, currently, another oxygen express is on the run from Bokaro to Bhopal via Jabalpur.   This train is carrying 90 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen in six tankers, which will replenish oxygen demand in Madhya Pradesh.   Another empty rake from Lucknow has reached Bokaro, which will bring another set ...

Apr 27, 2021 ,  8:11AM China retracts announcement to suspend cargo flights to India after it created controversy; Says it is working out new plan to resume services AIR China's state-run Sichuan Airlines today retracted its announcement to suspend the cargo flights to India taking crucial supplies like oxygen concentrators to India after it created controversy. In a “U-Turn” within hours of the cancellation, it said that it was working out a new plan to resume the services as reported by the state media. A logistics arm under Sichuan Airlines said that it was discussing a new plan to resume cargo services to India, as the country has been going through a COVID-19 resurgence, state media reported late Monday night. The sudden cancellation by Sichuan Airlines against the backdrop of China’s offer for assistance to India in COVID management caused embarrassment for Chinese govt. Yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry did not comment on the cancellation but in the evenin...

Apr 27, 2021 ,  7:42AM US President Joe Biden assures to provide assistance to India to deal with COVID-19 pandemic @POTUS US President Joe Biden assured to provide assistance to India to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. In a tweet yesterday, Mr. Biden said he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pledged America’s full support to provide emergency assistance and resources in the fight against COVID-19. He said, India was there for America, and America will be there for India.

Apr 27, 2021 ,  7:39AM PM Modi talks with US President Joe Biden; Discusses evolving COVID-19 situation in both countries in detail @PMOIndia Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden yesterday. The leaders discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation in both countries in detail. The discussion covered India’s ongoing efforts to contain the second wave of the pandemic through expedited vaccination efforts and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and healthcare equipment. President Biden conveyed solidarity with India and affirmed that the United States is determined to support India’s efforts by quickly deploying resources such as therapeutics, ventilators and identifying sources of raw materials to be made available for the manufacture of Covishield vaccines. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the offer of assistance and support from the US Government. He mentioned India's commitmen...

Apr 26, 2021 ,  8:38PM PM Modi reviews preparations & operations being undertaken by Armed Forces in combating Covid-19 pandemic @DDNewslive Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reviewed the work being done by the Armed Forces in combatting COVID-19 including the efforts to enhance medical capacities and utilising human resources.   The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS General Bipin Rawat called on Mr Modi and they reviewed the preparations and operations being undertaken by the Armed Forces to deal with the pandemic.   The Chief of Defence Staff briefed the Prime Minister that all medical personnel from armed forces who have retired or taken pre-mature retirement in the last two years are being recalled to work in Covid facilities within proximity of their present place of residence.   Other medical officers who retired earlier have also been requested to make their services available for consultation through medical emergency help lines.   ...

Apr 26, 2021 ,  8:03PM Karnataka Govt announces lockdown across State for 14 days starting tomorrow @CMofKarnataka The Karnataka Government announced lockdown across the State for 14 days starting from 9 pm tomorrow.    Only essential services would be open from 6am to 10 am for the next two weeks, Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa announced this today soon after a cabinet meeting.    There would no public transport in the State and metro train would not operate in the Bengaluru city.    The Chief Minister further said that all industries except  manufacturing would remain closed, and the garment industries which hire lakhs of employees in the State would also remain closed.    The Chief Minister said that all agriculture related activities would be allowed in rural areas.    Agricultural markets in cities will function only for a limited period in the morning.    Mr. Yediyurappa said the deci...

Apr 26, 2021 ,  8:03PM Air India brings 318 oxygen concentrators to India on its New York-Delhi flight: HS Puri @HardeepSPuri Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said that Air India has brought 318 oxygen concentrators to India on its New York-Delhi flight today.   He said, all efforts to strengthen India’s fight against the pandemic are on. He said, let there be no doubt, we will turn the tide.   Ambient air contains about 20 per cent oxygen and 78 per cent nitrogen.   An oxygen concentrator is a device that takes in ambient air and filters out the nitrogen from it to concentrate the oxygen molecules in the treated mixture.  

Apr 25, 2021 ,  2:11PM Over 14 crore 9 lakh Covid -19 vaccine doses administered in the country so far Representational Pic India's vaccination drive against COVID-19 crossed another milestone today with administration of over 14 crore 9 lakh doses within 99 days of the World's largest vaccination programme. The Health Ministry has informed that with more than 25 lakh 36 thousand doses of COVID vaccine administered in the last 24 hours, India has become the fastest country to administer over 14 crore doses in a record time.   Our correspondent has informed that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call for maximum and best utilisation of health resources in the country, the number of total Covid Vaccination Centres have increased significantly. The number of Covid Vaccination Centres in the country increased from nearly 45 thousand to nearly 65 thousand registering a growth of over 20 thousand centres in a short span of time.   The Health Minis...

Apr 25, 2021 ,  2:10PM 551 oxygen generation plants to be set up in district government hospitals through PM CARES Tweeted by @AIR The Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, PM CARES Fund has given in-principle approval for allocation of funds for installation of 551 dedicated Pressure Swing Adsorption, PSA Medical Oxygen Generation Plants inside public health facilities in the country. The decision is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction of boosting availability of oxygen to hospitals. The Prime Minister has directed that these plants should be made functional as soon as possible. He said that these plants will serve as a major boost to oxygen availability at the district level. These dedicated plants will be established in identified Government hospitals in district headquarters in various States and Union Territories. The procurement will be done through Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The PM CARES Fu...

Apr 25, 2021 ,  2:06PM Delhi govt extends lockdown till 3rd of May amid spike in Covid cases FILE PIC The Delhi government has decided to extend the lockdown in the wake of rising cases in the national capital. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced that the lockdown has been extended till 5 AM of 3rd May. During the lockdown, people engaged in essential services and facing emergency conditions will be allowed for movement on producing the valid documents. Earlier, a six days lockdown was imposed in the city to contain the spread of Covid-19 cases.   Expressing concern over the rising cases of corona virus in the City, Mr. Kejriwal said, health facilities are witnessing shortage of oxygen. He said, Delhi currently needs 700 tonnes per day and Union Government has increased the quota of oxygen to 480 tonnes per day. He thanked the Central government for providing necessary help in this crisis situation.   He said, Delhi government has star...

Apr 24, 2021 ,  2:12PM Over 13 crore 83 lakh vaccine doses administered till now in country; 3 lakh 46 thousand new COVID-19 cases reported Representational Pic Government today said that over 13 crore 83 lakh 79 thousand vaccine doses have been administered till now in the country. Health Ministry said, the country has reported over 3 lakh 46 thousand new COVID19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, total cases in the country reached 1 crore 66 lakh 10 thousand 481. The Ministry said, over 2 lakh 19 thousand people were discharged in the last 24 hours. Till now 1 crore 38 lakh 67 thousand 997 persons have recovered from Covid-19. The recovery rate stands at 83.49 per cent. It said, 2 thousand 624 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours and death toll in the pandemic reached 1 lakh 89 thousand 544. Active cases in the country now at 25 lakh 52 thousand 940.  

Apr 24, 2021 ,  2:11PM Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana takes oath as 48th CJI @rashtrapatibhvn Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana today took oath as the 48th Chief Justice of India. President Ram Nath Kovind administered him the oath of office at a brief ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeds Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde who demitted office yesterday.   Justice Ramana will have a tenure of nearly 16 months as the Chief Justice and is due to retire on 26th August next year.   Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Judges of Supreme Court and several senior officials were present at the oath-taking ceremony.   Born on 27th August 1957 in Ponnavaram village of Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district, Justice Ramana was enrolled as an advocate in February 1983. He was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in June 2000 and functio...

Apr 24, 2021 ,  2:11PM Centre directs all States, UTs to ensure adequate security to oxygen transporting vehicles File Pic Centre has written to all States and Union Territories to ensure adequate security to oxygen transporting vehicles and to make provisions for exclusive corridors for transportation. Home Minister Amit Shah yesterday reviewed the situation arising out of sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and took various measures to augment the supply of oxygen for medical purposes.   An Expert Group is optimizing and rationalising the allocation of oxygen to various States and Union Territories keeping in view the active cases and to reduce time for movement of medical oxygen. Central Government has prohibited supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those for few essential sectors. This has resulted in significant augmentation of supply of medical oxygen.   The Ministry is also facilitating movement of medical oxygen across the country as per a...

Apr 24, 2021 ,  2:10PM HM Amit Shah inaugurates oxygen manufacturing plant at Kolavada village in Gandhinagar @HMOIndia Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated an oxygen manufacturing plant at Kolavada village in Gandhinagar today.  Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Shah said that oxygen manufacturing in Gujarat is better compared to other States as Gujarat is an industrial state.   He said that Gujarat has supplied its surplus oxygen to many other States and set a good example. He said that the PM CARES fund has approved 100s of plants for oxygen production across India. Out of these, Gujarat will get 11 plants which will be operational soon. AIR correspondent reports that Oxygen plant inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah will provide oxygen to the Covid patients admitted in Kolavada Ayurvedic Hospital. About 66 Covid patients are getting treatment in this hospital, which will get Oxygen supply from this plant. The plant is producing 280 lite...

Apr 24, 2021 ,  8:17AM DRDO sets up dedicated COVID hospital in Ahmedabad; HM Amit Shah says another hospital to be set up at Gandhinagar soon @airnewsalerts Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that another dedicated 1200 bed Covid hospital will be set up at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. He made a visit to the 900 bed dedicated Covid hospital set up by DRDO and Gujarat Government at Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre in Ahmedabad.   AIR correspondent reports that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the 1200 bed dedicated Covid hospital will be set up at Helipad ground in Gandhinagar. This hospital will have 600 ICU beds. It will be set up by DRDO in collaboration with Tata Trust. Mr. Shah said that Ahmedabad will also have Isolation centers for which Karnavati club, Rajpath Club, Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank, Gujarat State Cooperative Bank and Umiya Pariwar have given their consent.   Expenses like primary treatment, medici...

Apr 24, 2021 ,  8:11AM PM Modi stresses on need to maintain good co-ordination between govt & oxygen producers @PMOIndia Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need to maintain good co-ordination between the government and the oxygen producers. He said apart from dealing with the challenges, we also have to provide solutions in a very short time. The Prime Minister was interacting with leading oxygen manufacturers across the country yesterday through video conferencing.   Mr.Modi said keeping in mind the requirements of states pertaining to oxygen, government is working on effective use of Railways and Air Force so that the tankers reach the production centre as soon as possible. Prime Minister remarked that the government, states, industry, transporters and all the hospitals need to come together and work in unison. He said, the better the synergy and coordination, the easier it will be able to deal with this challenge.   Mr. Modi appreciate...

Apr 24, 2021 ,  8:10AM Steel fraternity supplied 1.43 lakh metric tons of medical oxygen to different states: Dharmendra Pradhan @PetroleumMin Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan has said that the steel fraternity stands with the nation in it's collective fight against covid-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   The Minister revealed that the steel plants from across the country have already supplied 1.43 lakh metric tons of medical oxygen to different states with the central public sector enterprises in the steel sector contributing about 39 thousand metric tons of medical oxygen till now. AIR correspondent reports that Union Steel Minister Mr Pradhan said that the Rourkela Steel plant under the Steel Authority of India Limited and the Kalinganagar plant of Tata Steel in Odisha are also pitching in with their efforts to augment supply of medical oxygen to different states.   Both the Rourkela ...

Apr 23, 2021 ,  7:59PM Centre to provide free food grains to poor people for two month File Pic Centre will provide free food grains to the poor people for the upcoming two month under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Under this scheme, five kilogram per person per month food grains will be provided in May and June of this year. Government has decided to provide free food-grains to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act, NFSA. Consumer Affairs Ministry said, the NFSA beneficiaries belonging to both Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Householders categories will get the allocation, over and above their regular monthly NFSA entitlement.   Last year, the government had provided the benefits to the people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that it is important that the poor people of the country have nutritional support when the country is facing the second wave of coronav...

Apr 23, 2021 ,  7:59PM Armed Forces Medical Services to import oxygen generation plants and containers from Germany File Pic Armed Forces Medical Services, AFMS has decided to import oxygen generation plants and containers from Germany, amid shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of Covid-19. In a statement, Defence Ministry said that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany which will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen generating plants are expected to arrive in India within a week. Each plant has a capacity to produce 40 litres of oxygen per minute and two thousand 400 litres an hour. At this rate, it can cater to 20 to 25 patients round the clock. The advantage of these plants is that they are easily portable.   In another important decision, Ministry of Defence is also giving extension to Short Service Commissioned Doctors in AFMS till 31st of December this year to tide ove...

Apr 23, 2021 ,  7:58PM Indian Air Force intensifies its efforts to distribute oxygen across the country Tweeted By AIR Indian Air Force has intensified its efforts to distribute oxygen across the country. The air force is airlifting oxygen containers, essential medicines and other medical equipment in the fight against fresh surge in COVID-19 cases. The Indian Air Force transport aircraft and helicopters have been pressed into service for carrying out these tasks.   C-17 and IL-76 aircraft of Indian Air Force have started airlifting big oxygen tankers from their places of use to the filing stations. This move will help in easing the supply of oxygen amid the growing demands.   Defence Ministry said, in the initial days of COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the Indian Air Force ran several sorties to deliver medicines, medical and other essential supplies required to combat the coronavirus pandemic as well as brought back stranded Indian nationals from abr...

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:10PM Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal lauds Centre for increasing quota of oxygen in wake of rising demand @ArvindKejriwal The Central government has increased Delhi’s quota of oxygen in the wake of rising demand. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has lauded the Centre for the move. He said that the state is very grateful to centre for this.   Earlier, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had requested the Central Government to increase Delhi’s quota of oxygen in accordance with the rise in the number of patients. He said there has been an increase in the number of COVID patients in Delhi who are from various states of the country. He asked the Centre to intervene so that oxygen supply to Delhi does not get stopped by other states.  

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:04PM Indigenous vaccine COVAXIN demonstrates 100 per cent efficacy against severe COVID-19 disease in Phase-3 interim analysis; Shows overall efficacy of 78 per cent @BharatBiotech Bharat Biotech and ICMR today announced interim results from Phase - 3 trials of COVAXIN. It has reported overall interim clinical efficacy of 78 per cent of Covaxin. It said that the efficacy of the vaccine against severe COVID-19 disease was 100 per cent.  In a statement, the company said, the second interim results showed India’s First COVID-19 Vaccine had demonstrated strong primary efficacy against severe COVID-19 disease. It said, due to the recent surge in cases, 127 symptomatic cases were recorded, resulting in a point estimate of vaccine efficacy of 78 per cent against mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 disease.  

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:03PM 22 COVID patients die at Nashik hospital in Maharashtra after oxygen tank leaks @ddsahyadrinews 22 patients died in a COVID hospital in Nashik district of Maharashtra, due to lack of oxygen after an oxygen tank leak. State government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh to the kins of those who have lost their life in this incident.   The incident reported in municipal hospital and oxygen tank was operated by a private company. Nashik’s Guardian Minister Chagan Bhujbal said that 157 COVID patients were admitted in the hospital. Out of which 131 were on oxygen support and 15 were on ventilators. Out of total patients, 63 were critical. He added that leakage in the oxygen tank was reported at around 12.30 pm today. Fire brigade employees and other staff tried to correct the fault. Later the fault was repaired by the technicians of the company who maintains the oxygen tank. Meanwhile, some of these patients were shifted to another hospital...

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:03PM Govt says, 146 districts in country reporting COVID positivity rate of over 15% is a major concern; Health Ministry assures, Centre and State govts working to mitigate COVID situation Screen Grab Union Health Ministry has said that presently there are 146 districts in the country where the COVID positivity rate is more than 15 per cent which is a cause of major concern and the government is focussing in these districts to control the situation.   Addressing the media in New Delhi, Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan said that the Centre and the States are making their best efforts to come out of the pandemic. He said, the death rate due to COVID-19 is declining and the case fatality currently stood at 1.17 per cent.   He said, there are five states where the active cases are more than one lakh. The States are Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala. Mr Bhushan said that the Centre and these State governm...

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:53AM Uttar Pradesh govt to administer COVID vaccine to all above 18 years of age free of cost @UPGovt Uttar Pradesh government has decided to administer COVID vaccine free of cost to all those above 18 years of age from May 1. The decision was taken at cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Cabinet also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for opening up vaccination for all above 18 years of age.   The statement issued after cabinet meeting said that state government will take forward the vaccination programme with its own resources. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the PM's decision will help in better management of COVID and massive vaccination will help in defeating coronavirus.  

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:50AM India administers more than 13 crore doses of Corona vaccines to its citizens @MoHFW_INDIA India has scaled another peak in its effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic with the administration of more than 13 crore doses of vaccines to its citizens. Health and Family Welfare Ministry has informed that around 29 lakh vaccine doses were administered to the beneficiaries yesterday.   On the 95th day of nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive, over 19 lakh 18 thousand beneficiaries received the first dose and over nine lakh 80 thousand beneficiaries received the 2nd dose of the vaccine.   

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:49AM Govt waives off import duty on Remdesivir to provide affordable medical care to Corona patients Representational Pic Central Government has waived the import duty on Remdesivir to provide affordable medical care to the Covid-19 patients. The step will increase the supply of this drug and reduce the cost which will benefit the patients. In a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, import duty was removed from Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, injection and specific substances used in the manufacture of Remdesivir.   The Ministry said, this order will remain in force till 31st October of this year. Besides, the Union Health Secretary and Union Secretary of Pharmaceuticals held a meeting with States and Union Territories to discuss the issue of use of medicines for treatment of Covid patients.   Pharmaceuticals’ Secretary informed that the Remdesivir has been approved as investigational therapy for those patients...

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:46AM Centre extends insurance scheme for health workers under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for one year @drharshvardhan Central government has extended the insurance scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for health workers for a period of one year. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harshvardhan said that Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package has provided a safety net to the dependents of corona warriors who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Apr 21, 2021 ,  8:43AM PM advises state govts to use lockdown as last resort to contain spread of COVID-19 pmindia.gov.in Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that the country has to overcome second wave of COVID-19 through resolve, courage and preparation and urged States to consider lockdowns only as the last resort. Addressing the nation on the COVID-19 situation, Mr Modi said, the focus should be micro-containment zones. He said, we will take care of economic health as well as the health of the countrymen.   The Prime Minister said the demand for oxygen has increased in many parts of the country and Centre and state governments along with the private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need. Mr Modi said the government is using multiple avenues to ensure the transport of oxygen. He said, there will be new oxygen plants in the states and one lakh new cylinders will also be delivered soon. The Prime Minister asked the Sta...

Apr 19, 2021 ,  8:49PM India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 12 crore 38 lakh; over 2 lakh 73 thousand new cases reported today Representational Pic India has administered over 12 crore 38 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses in the country so far. Union Health Ministry said that more than 12 lakh 30 thousand beneficiaries have been inoculated with Covid-19 Vaccine doses in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile a total number of two lakh 73 thousand 810 new cases have been reported in the country in the past 24 hours taking the cumulative positive cases to over one crore 50 lakh. The Health Ministry said one thousand 619 deaths have also been reported during the last 24 hour taking the toll to over one lakh 78 thousand across the country. The country's COVID-19 recovery rate is at 86 per cent with the recovery of more than one lakh 44 thousand patients in the last 24 hours. The Ministry said that more than one crore 29 lakh patients have already recovered from thi...

Apr 19, 2021 ,  8:27PM All above age of 18 years to get COVID-19 vaccine from May 1 Representational Pic Everyone above the age of 18 years will now be administered COVID-19 vaccine from 1st of May. Centre today announced a liberalised and accelerated phase three strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination. A decision in this regard was taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   In this phase, the vaccination will continue as before in government of India vaccination centres free of cost to the eligible population including Health Care Workers, Front Line Workers and all people above 45 years of age.   During this phase vaccine manufacturers will supply 50 percent of their monthly released doses to Central government and they will be free to supply the remaining 50 percent doses to States as well as in the open market.   The manufacturers will transparently make an advance declaration of the price of the Vaccine that will be availabl...

Apr 19, 2021 ,  7:59AM Campaigning for sixth phase of assembly elections ends this evening in West Bengal AIR Campaigning for the sixth phase of assembly elections will end today in West Bengal. The move comes after the Election Commission imposed a 72 hour silent period due rising cases of corona in the state. 43 assembly constituencies spread over four districts will go to polls in this phase on the 22nd of this month. There are 306 candidates including 27 women in the fray. BJP and TMC are contesting all 43 seats. While Congress fielded 12 candidates, CPIM is contesting 23 seats. Home minister Amit Shah, Defence minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union minister Smriti Irani and party leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain are among those who will campaign for BJP in the state today. Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will also campaign today. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Aariz Aftab has announced the final polling percentage re...

Apr 19, 2021 ,  7:57AM DRDO to operationalize its dedicated Corona hospital in New Delhi today @drharshvardhan The dedicated Covid hospital re-established by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will become operational from today. The hospital has been established near Domestic Airport Terminal in New Delhi. It has 500 ICU beds. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that 250 beds will be ready by today and it will be increased to 500 within a few days. In a tweet, he said, all beds are equipped with oxygen facilities and sufficient number of ventilators are available. A medical team drawn from the Armed Forces will look after the facility. The facility will be available free of cost. The person required in this hospital needs to bring an RT-PCR Covid positive report and Aadhar card. There will be a large number of monitoring equipment, ventilators, basic testing facilities, and air-conditioning in this hospital, as per the WHO standards. ...

Apr 19, 2021 ,  7:55AM Home Minister Amit Shah says, fight against COVID-19 is topmost priority for government @AmitShah Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the fight against Covid-19 is the topmost priority for the government. In an interview to a TV channel, Mr Shah said India has tackled the coronavirus pandemic well so far and the country will be in a better position to deal with the ongoing second wave by the start of May. He said, India's recovery rate has been amongst the best population-wise. Mr Shah said, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has been 2.5 to 3 times severe across the world in almost all countries. Talking about the government’s response, the Home Minister said, Centre has banned the export of Remdesivir injections and also decided to increase production capacity by 3 times. Mr Shah said, the government has also taken a decision to fast-track approval of foreign-made vaccines. Discounting the possibility of imposing a national lockdown,...

Apr 19, 2021 ,  7:52AM Centre bans supply of oxygen for industrial usage to meet rising demand for treatment of COVID-19 patients @drharshvardhan Centre has prohibited the supply of Oxygen for industrial purposes by manufacturers and suppliers from 22nd of this month  till further orders. Union Health Ministry said that the matter was deliberated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with all the stakeholders and after due deliberations, it was considered prudent to restrict the industrial usage of oxygen to meet the rising demand for medical oxygen. It said, the surplus oxygen available as a result of this temporary restriction will facilitate its freeing up for use as medical oxygen for treatment of COVID19 patients. The Ministry said, this prohibition, however, shall not apply to the supply of oxygen for  nine industries. These are  Ampoules and Vials,   Pharmaceutical,  Petroleum refineries,  Steel ...