Photo: Nai Dunia
Kumbh Mela 2021 Begins In Haridwar Braving Pandemic
Marking the beginning of the world's largest religious congregation, Kumbh Mela, devotees on January 14 took a holy dip in the Ganges river in Haridwar. "The pandemic is a bit of a worry, but we are taking all precautions," said organizer Siddharth Chakrapani, adding that over a million devotees are expected on the first day itself. Recognized by the UNESCO, Kumbh Mela had witnessed around 55 million people in its last edition in Allahabad (… read-more
Tags: Uttarakhand, haridwar, Kumbh 2021, Coronavirus
Courtesy: The New Indian Express
Photo: BBC
Wuhan Houses 3 Times More COVID-infected People Than Recorded: Study
A medical study conducted in China has revealed that the real COVID figures of Wuhan could be three times more than that recorded in May 2020. Around 63,107 blood samples were collected by the researchers, out of which 1.68% already had anti-bodies for the coronavirus. However, only one-third of the infected patients needed medical attention and hospitalization, indicating that around 2/3 of the infected people in Wuhan were asymptomatic.… read-more
Tags: Covid-19, Wuhan, China, Coronavirus
Courtesy: The Print
Photo: New Statesman
COVID-19: UK PM Boris Johnson Calls Off Republic Day Visit
UK PM Boris Johnson will not attend India's Republic Day celebrations as he cancelled his visit to India on January 5. PM Johnson called off his visit citing to monitor the COVID-19 response in the UK. He also expressed his regret to PM Narendra Modi for not attending the ceremony. Reportedly, the UK had imposed its third COVID-19 lockdown on January 5, owing to the rapid outbreak of the new COVID-19 strain.
Tags: Boris Johnson, Republic Day 2021, Coronavirus, Covid Strain
Courtesy: The Indian Express
Photo: iBelieve
COVID-19 Blues: 77% Indian Adults Lose Income Due To Pandemic
The pandemic has resulted in 77% of Indian adults losing their income, revealed a recent report by Lotto247.com. The survey also indicated that the income of over 80% adults in their 40s was affected. While 73% of adults in their 50s also received less incomes, the ones above 70 years were least affected. Moreover, the report highlighted that impact was more on men as compared to women. Also, those unmarried were less affected than divorced… read-more
Tags: Income, job, salary, Coronavirus, Job Crisis
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
Photo: India Today
Bharat Biotech CMD Slams People Doubting Over 'Covaxin' Efficacy
Slamming reports criticizing Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, Chairman of the company Dr Krishna Ella stated the vaccine is nowhere inferior to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. In the press conference addressed by Dr Ella on January 4, he expressed his anger over people for "gossiping" and backlashing Indian companies. Speaking on transparency, he said that more than 70 articles had been published and Bharat Biotech conducted trials in over 12 countries… read-more
Tags: Bharat biotech, Covaxin, Coronavirus, Pfizer, Covid-19
Courtesy: Livemint
Photo: Anandabazar
COVID-19: India Clears Emergency Use Of 'Covaxin' And 'Covishield'
Ending the wait for COVID-19 vaccine, VG Somani, the Drug Controller General of India, on January 3 granted emergency-use approval to 'Covaxin' and 'Covishield'. Assuring people about the efficacy, Somani said, “We'll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern.” Moreover, the DCGI approved the vaccines for their "restricted use" based on the data submitted by Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India. PM Narendra… read-more
Tags: Coronavirus, Covaxin, COVISHIELD, Coronavirus Vaccines, DCGI, PM Narendra Modi
Courtesy: NDTV
Photo: The Indian Express
Madhya Pradesh Shuts All COVID-care Centres Except One In Bhopal
Directorate of Health Services, Madhya Pradesh has ordered to close all COVID-19 care centres in the state from January 1, except one in Bhopal. The decision came amid continuous decline in the COVID-19 cases in the state. Reportedly, majority of the centres are operating on "minimum bed occupancy". However, the order added that the districts can re-open the COVID-care centres after taking special permission, if there is a rise in the number… read-more
Tags: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Covid-Care Center, Coronavirus
Courtesy: The Times of India
Photo: The Financial Express
Indigenously Developed 'Covaxin' Gets Nod From Expert Panel
An expert panel of the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended the restricted emergency-use of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine - 'Covaxin'. It got the panel’s nod a day after Oxford’s 'Covishield' secured approval. Developed by Bharat Biotech, 'Covaxin' now awaits the final approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Bharat Biotech had earlier stated that ‘Covaxin’ would be effective… read-more
Tags: Coronavirus, Covaxin, Corona Virus Vaccine, Serum Institute of India, COVISHIELD
Courtesy: Times Now
Photo: The Verge
Facebook's Political Advertising Policy Handler Rob Leathern Resigns
Facebook's chief of advertising integrity Rob Leathern has officially resigned from the company on December 30. Leathern was responsible for managing the company's ad products around controversial subjects like political advertising policies and coronavirus misinformation. He said that he was leaving Facebook to work on consumer privacy beyond ads and social media. While his future endeavours are undisclosed, Leather was earlier in news when… read-more
Tags: Facebook, Rob Leathern, Advertising chief, Coronavirus, Social Media, Consumer Privacy
Courtesy: Gadgets 360
Photo: DNA India
Delhi Government Imposes Night Curfew Before New Year's Eve
In wake of the new coronavirus strain spreading in India, the Delhi government has imposed a night curfew in the city on December 31 and January 1. With this, no public gatherings or new year celebrations will be allowed between 11 PM and 6 AM for the dates given. However, the government order does not bar celebrations at private places, subject to the adherence to other rules and regulations.
Tags: Coronavirus, Night Curfew, Delhi Government , Delhi
Courtesy: The Quint