Covaxin found effective against coronavirus strains found in India, UK
On Sunday, Bharat Biotech informed that its indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN has produced neutralizing titers (concentration) against all key emerging variants tested, including the B.1.617 and B.1.1.7 variants which were first identified in India and the United Kingdom. Although there was a considerable reduction in the neutralization (by a factor of 1.95) against the B1.1617 variant compared to the D614G variant (the original variant), the vaccine is still successful in fighting the virus.
Source- NDTV
Eight more Covid patients die at Goa Medical College
The disaster in oxygen supplies has claimed eight more lives on Saturday at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), wherein the total death toll now stands at 83. However, the doctors stated that most patients died due to Covid pneumonia instead of oxygen shortage.
Source- News 18
Colombia tax reform protests continue as president withdraws bill; Finance Minister quits
Columbia is witnessing major protests related to tax reforms wherein 17 lives were claimed in a clash between the protesters and the police. Proposed by President Ivan Duque and his administration, these reforms were pulled back after the protesters continued condemning the government’s “mishandling” of the pandemic and its resultant job losses along with the financial pressure that these reforms put on low and middle-income groups.
This response has also led to the resignation of Colombia’s finance minister Alberto Carrasquilla due to widespread riots and distress.
Source- Republic TV
Karnataka home minister converts his Shiggaon residence into Covid care center
The house of Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai has been turned into a Covid Care Centre (CCC) in Shiggaon town of Haveri district. To overcome bed shortage in hospitals at his home constituency, Bommai handed over his house, which could treat 50 Covid-19 patients with an oxygen facility.
It is the first time that a minister's residence has been converted to Covid Care Centre.
Source- Mint
Punjab wheat procurement sets a new record
With a smooth switchover to direct benefit transfer (DBT) of the MSP, Punjab has recorded its highest ever wheat procurement during this year’s rabi season despite the ongoing farmers' stir against the Centre’s new farm laws.
It was the first time in Punjab that farmers were paid directly and not via ‘arhtiyas’ or middlemen. Union Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said, “No change is very smooth, but this change has been smoother beyond our expectation. Both the Punjab Government and the Centre worked together to ensure that.”
Source- Hindustan Times
All flights to and from Goa canceled as cyclone Tauktae intensifies
The official Twitter handle of Airports Authority of India and Goa International Airport tweeted- "Considering prevalent weather conditions in, around, en route Goa due to very severe cyclonic storm "Tauktae,” all airlines have canceled their flight operations to and from Goa for today.”
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Cyclone Tauktae will hit the coastal areas of Goa by late afternoon and is very likely to keep moving in the north northwest direction.
Stay safe, Goans!
Source- ANI News
Delhi Covid-19 lockdown extended till May 24
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of Covid-19 lockdown in the national capital till May 24. "We are extending the lockdown for one more week. Instead of tomorrow, lockdown is extended till next Monday, 5 am in Delhi," Kejriwal said while speaking to reporters. Restrictions will remain as it is this week which means that metro services will remain suspended.
Source- NDTV
Like what you read? Share this article with your friends and follow us on:
Instagram| Medium| Facebook