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We can manage Covid better now: BSY

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BENGALURU: In a minor cabinet rejig on Monday, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa allocated the health portfolio, held by B Sreeramulu, to Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar. “Having both departments under one minister will further streamline the government’s efforts to fight Covid-19,” Sudhakar told TNIE in an interview on Tuesday. Excerpts:

Medical education and health are two different departments. How will you handle both?


Health and medical education departments are integral to each other. Earlier, it was under one ministry and many expert committees have suggested that these departments should be under one minister for better coordination. District health officers would report to the health department and heads of medical colleges to the medical education department. This caused a lack of coordination, and now having both departments under one minister will further streamline the government’s efforts to fight Covid-19.

In March-April, there were four ministers dealing with Covid management. Now, you are alone.
After we started unlocking, cases started increasing in July, and the government had to work on a war-footing to deal with it. At that time, the CM had allocated work between ministers — one was setting up of Covid Care Centres, another handling private hospitals etc to ensure a quick turnaround. Now most of the efforts are streamlined.

The Congress has said this reshuffle amid the pandemic shows the government has failed.
The numbers speak. Karnataka on Sunday, recorded its lowest mortality rate and also its highest recovery rate since the pandemic broke out. The state recorded a mortality rate of 1.40 per cent, which fell from 2.08 per cent on July 20, and a recovery rate of 81.66 per cent, way higher than 35.29 per cent recorded on the same day in July. Opposition parties should stop doing politics over the pandemic, and should cooperate with the government.

There are many complaints of Covid-19 patients scouting for Remdesivir in the private market because some unscrupulous doctors were giving them 1-2 shots and selling the other four shots in the open market for up to Rs 10,000 per injection…

Government will take strict action if any such irregularities are found. Ramdev Sivir is free of cost to patients admitted under the government quota, and whose oxygen saturation level falls under 85. The doctors decide on dosage and have to raise a requisition for the injection through the Arogya Mitra desk at any Covid hospital. A maximum of 6 vials of Ramdev Sivir can be given, and costs around Rs 32,400 but is now made free for patients. Every hospital has an Arogya Mitra desk which is the help desk managed by SAST (Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust).

Will continue struggle for restoration of Article 370, resolution of Kashmir issue: Mehbooba Mufti

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The Centre had ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into union territories on August 5 last year.

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti

SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who was released from detention after 14 months, has vowed to continue her struggle for the restoration of Article 370 and the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

She said the Centre’s decision of August 5 was a “daylight robbery”.

“We all have to pledge that we will take back what was snatched illegally, undemocratically and unconstitutionally on August 5 last year. We will also have to work for the resolution of Kashmir issue for which thousands of people have laid down their lives,” Mehbooba said in an 83-second audio message on Twitter late on Tuesday night.

The PDP leader said it will not be an easy task as there will be difficulties in “this path but our steadfastness and determination will be our aides in this struggle”.

The Centre had ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into union territories on August 5 last year.

Mehbooba also demanded the release of Kashmiri people languishing in various jails.

“As I have been released, all other persons (from Kashmir) who are detained in various jails across the country should also be released,” she said.

Mehbooba was released on Tuesday night after the Union Territory administration revoked the Public Safety Act charges against her, more than a year after she was detained following the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The development came barely two days before the Supreme Court was to hear the matter related to her detention.

Mehbooba, 60, who was initially put under preventive custody on August 5 last year and later booked under the stringent PSA on February 6, was shifted to her official residence on April 7 after it was declared a subsidiary jail by the authorities.

47% of Covid deaths among those under 60: Health ministry

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As there have been 1,09,856 deaths due to Covid-19 in the country so far, it means that 51,632 people below 60 years lost their lives due to the disease so far.

NEW DELHI: The Union Health Ministry data on Tuesday reconfirmed a disturbing trend — that of an unusual number of people under 60 succumbing to Covid-19 in India.

The government data says while 53% of those who died due to the infectious disease are above 60, a whopping 47% are under 60.

As there have been 1,09,856 deaths due to Covid-19 in the country so far, it means that 51,632 people below 60 years lost their lives to the disease so far.

In absolute numbers, this also suggests that 58,223 of those who died were above 60.

According to the data shared by the government in a press briefing on the Covid-19 outbreak, 70% of all who have died are male while 1% are under 17. Another 1% who died were in the age bracket 18-25 while 10% were 26-44-year olds.

Also re-emphasising how the disease is particularly fatal for those with comorbidities, the figures show that only 0.2 % of those under 45, who did not have any pre-existing illnesses, died, while this percentage, at 8.8%, was significantly higher for those with comorbid conditions.

Across all age groups, 17.9 % of those with pre-existing ailments died while it was 1.2% for those without any disease history.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan also highlighted that there was a decline in cumulative, weekly, and daily Covid-19 positivity rates. They now stand at 8.07%, 6.24%, and 5.16% respectively, a presentation by him showed.

The official also said that the average daily Covid-19 positivity rate has declined from 8.50% between September 9 and September 15 to 6.2% between 7 and 13 October.

As of now, 14 states and Union Territories have higher tests per million and lower positivity rates than the India average.

Bhushan also said that there are 8,38,729 active cases in the country as on date and the number has been below the 9 lakh-mark for the fifth consecutive day. 

While stressing that there seems to be a stabilisation in the Covid-19 curve, Dr. V K Paul, member (health) Niti Aayog, meanwhile, warned that it’s likely that the upcoming winter season could aggravate the pandemic and make it even worse than the last peak.

“We have to be more careful in our hygiene practices as it is a respiratory virus and most respiratory viruses escalate during winter,” he said adding that behavioural changes and masks are necessary.

Bihar polls 2020: LJD chief Sharad Yadav’s daughter Suhasini Raj Rao set to join Congress

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In the NDA alliance, the Lok Janshakti Party(LJP) will not contest seats where BJP will be contesting.

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Bihar Assembly polls, Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav’s daughter Subhashini Raj Rao will join Congress in the national capital on Wednesday.

She will also contest in the forthcoming Bihar polls.

Congress, CPI, CPM are part of the “Mahagathbandhan” (grand alliance) under the leadership of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP has quit Mahagathbandhan and forged an alliance with BSP. Hindustan Avam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has joined NDA. The huge setback has been given by Mukesh Sahni from Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) who announced his disassociation from Mahagathbandhan in a live Press Conference in Patna.

In the NDA alliance, the Lok Janshakti Party(LJP) will not contest seats where BJP will be contesting. However, it will fight against Janata Dal (United). Both JDU and LJP are in a pre-poll alliance with the BJP.

Bihar with 243 Assembly seats will go to polls in three phases: October 28, November 3 and November 7. The results will be declared on November 10.

11 dead , including two-month-old child, as Hyderabad continues to get heavy showers for second straight day

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To drain out rainwater, two flood gates of Himayat Sagar reservoir were lifted to release 1,300 cusecs of water downstream, into River Musi.

At least 11 people have died in Hyderabad following incessant rains that lashed the city, leading to waterlogging on roads and inundation of some low-lying areas.

Eight persons, including a child, were crushed to death while three persons were injured after a boulder fell on their house at the Bandlaguda area while three people lost their lives after wall of a house collapsed in Gaganpahad area of Shamshabad in Hyderabad last night, following heavy rainfall in the city, 

DCP south zone Gajarao Bhupal said that eight people were killed and three persons sustained severe injuries in the Bandlaguda boulder crash incident.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who visited the site tweeted that nine people were killed in Mohammedia Hills, Bandlaguda where a private boundary wall fell.

“The rains this year have been unprecedented & I appeal to all of you to stay indoors. If you are facing any difficulties, you can reach out to me on phone. All my corporators and MLAs are on field & will be there for whatever is required.

To drain out rainwater, two floodgates of Himayatsagar reservoir were lifted to release 1,300 cusecs of water downstream, into River Musi.

Based on inflows, more gates would be lifted subsequently at midnight. Last time the floodgates were lifted was in 2010. Himayat Sagar has a total of 17 floodgates.

Earlier, the doppler radar images from the Indian Metrological Department (IMD) had suggested the likelihood of very heavy rain in Hyderabad which has been inundated for two days now. 

The Met Office had also issued an overnight ‘red’ weather warning across Telangana for Tuesday night and has extended its orange alert till Wednesday.

Rainwater entered several houses in Hassan Nagar, Tallabkatta, Osmannagar, and Teegalkunta areas. Colonies in Meerpet and Balapur, Asifnagar and Tolichowki areas were also inundated in knee-deep water.

IPL 2020 Updates Comeback for CSK after 20 run-victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad

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A loss would have almost killed off MS Dhoni and co’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.

CHENNAI: Stop the press. Maybe Chennai Super Kings’ demise was exaggerated a touch. There is still some life left in the old dog yet. On Tuesday, they played a near-perfect T20 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai for their third win this year. A loss would have almost killed off their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.

The 20-run win was based on a few things they did for the first time this IPL. After their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, skipper MS Dhoni spoke about the importance of being more expressive with the bat. “Our main worry remains the batting department. In the coming games, we will try to be more expressive.”

There was more than a grain of truth in that statement. They had been unsure, there was next to no intent and some of the batsmen had used the middle overs to further the art of the perfect forward defence.
There was none of that against David Warner & Co., at least in the opening exchanges.

Right from the get go, Chennai showed intent. After winning the toss, MS Dhoni opted to bat — a first this season — and the sight of Sam Curran walking out was a further indication that the penny had dropped.
The way the southpaw attacked the powerplay suggested that. His 31 off 21 allowed the ones who followed to play the game at their own pace.

Shane Watson scored 42 off 38 and Ambati Rayudu made 41 off 34. After the finishers — Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja — helped the team to 75 runs in the last seven overs, the target of 168 on a slowish, wearing wicket was always going to be tricky.

And that’s what transpired as the bowlers mixed and matched their pace. They were also aided by a lethargic Hyderabad batting unit, whose work was reminiscent of some of Chennai’s previous batting displays.

Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings: 167 for 6 in 20 overs. (Shane Watson 42, Ambati Rayudu 41; Sandeep Sharma 2/19, T Natarajan 2/41). Sunrisers Hyderabad: 147 for 8 in 20 overs. (K Williamson 57, J Bairstow 23; K Sharma 2/37, D Bravo 2/25).

Covid-19 Updates India reports spike of 63,509 new cases, 730 deaths

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Total case tally stands at 72,39,390 including 8,26,876 active cases, 63,01,928 cured/discharged/migrated cases & 1,10,586 deaths, according to the Health Ministry.

India has reported a spike of 63,509 new COVID-19 cases and 730 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Total case tally stands at 72,39,390 including 8,26,876 active cases, 63,01,928 cured/discharged/migrated cases & 1,10,586 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Wednesday morning update.

Meanwhile, three cases of suspected coronavirus reinfection — two in Mumbai and one in Ahmedabad — have been “described” in India, the country’s apex medical research body said on Tuesday.

“Reinfection was a problem which was first described via a case from Hong Kong. Subsequently a few cases were described in India — two in Mumbai and one in Ahmedabad,” ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava said at a press conference

With AB de Villiers, bowlers help RCB beat KKR by 82 runs in IPL 2020

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Kolkata lost wickets at regular intervals and never looked in the zone during the chase. Bangalore bowlers did not give any freebies.

SHARJAH: Sharjah has been a batting paradise this IPL, but things are changing. Sixes have reduced in numbers from the first game, which witnessed 33. Ten sixes were hit in the contest between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. Pitches have become slower. Both teams saw that the ball did not come on to the bat, and strokeplay was difficult.

But, AB de Villiers has this uncanny habit of playing those scintillating knocks and taking everyone by surprise. It makes him one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket. After a decent start by Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal, finding the ropes was difficult during the middle overs for Virat Kohli, but the South African, who walked into bat in the 13th over, counterattacked, scoring a 33-ball 73 and steering his team to 194/2. It proved to be the difference between two teams with Bangalore winning the contest by 82 runs. Bangalore thus climbed to third on the points table.

Kolkata lost wickets at regular intervals and never looked in the zone during the chase. Bangalore bowlers did not give any freebies. Their struggle with the bat made De Villiers’ innings look even more special. It was from the 16th over, when the 36-year-old unleashed mayhem, finishing the innings with five fours and six sixes. Andre Russell, Pat Cummins and Kamlesh Nagarkoti were at the receiving end.

By the look of his innings, it seemed as if De Villiers was batting on a highway while the rest were on a different surface.

Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore: 194 for 2 in 20 overs (AB de Villiers 73 not out, Aaron Finch 47; Prasidh Krishna 1/42).

Kolkata Knight Riders: 112 for 9 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 34; Chris Morris 2/17, Washington Sundar 2/20).

Karnataka teachers too want Dasara break

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Around 12,000 school teachers on Covid duty want mid-term holidays like peers

BENGALURU: A day after the government announced midterm holidays for state board schools and suspension of the Vidyagama project due to the spread of Covid-19, other teachers and lecturers have also begun demanding relief from their duties. About 12,000 primary and high school teachers are still undertaking Covid-19 duties, as per department sources. These teachers are now seeking holidays, just as their peers who were given a three-week break from work since Monday.

“Teachers in Bengaluru North and South have been deployed for Covid-19 duties since the past four months. Yet, they have not received any clarity on these holidays,” said Chandrashekar Nugli, secretary, Karnataka State Primary School Teachers’ Association. He has written to Minister of Primary and Secondary Education S Suresh Kumar urging him to extend the midterm holidays to these teachers as well.
Teachers have been allocated duties such as contact tracing and uploading information, surveying houses and hospitals on necessary infrastructure for the care of positive patients, and are also part of the ward and booth level committees.

H K Manjunath, president, Karnataka High School Teachers Association, said, “In case the government finds it difficult to give these teachers too holidays due to their Covid-19 duties, it should at least provide a proportionate number of earned leave to them,” he said.A P Ranganatha, president of School Teachers and Administration Forum, sought holidays for pre-university teachers too until October 30. He also sought a holiday for teachers on October 28, to ensure their participation in the Teachers constituency elections.

Lecturers from government colleges have put forth demand for work-from-home during the Dasara vacation. More than 250 lecturers and administrators in the state have tested positive and 10 have died, said T M Manjunath, president of Karnataka Government College Teachers Association.He said since the evaluation of final semester exam papers is in its final stages and with Covid-19 cases expected to increase, the government should give short-term vacation for pre-degree, BEd, Law and university lecturers and thereafter, provision to work from home.

Holidays for teachers on offline training
The Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) on Monday announced mid-term holidays from October 12 to 30 for teachers who are undergoing offline training. Online training, however, will continue, the DSERT director said.

Protest hits fuel supply to J&K, Ladakh

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A few rakes are stuck in Karnal, Haryana, and others near Jalandhar in Punjab due to the agitation.

CHANDIGARH: The farmers’ protest in Punjab has led to the fuel supply shortage in J&K and Ladakh. The union territories bordering Pakistan and China are reportedly getting 70% supply via road as the goods trains have been cancelled due to the agitation.

Rahul Gupta, general secretary of J&K Petroleum Dealers Association told this paper over phone that prior to the agitation, petrol and diesel reached Jammu by rakes from refineries at Panipat in Haryana and Bathinda in Punjab. The supplies were then taken onward through tankers to the 675 petrol filling stations.
“As much as 1,200 kilolitre of petrol and 1,500 kilolitre of diesel are being consumed daily across J&K. But we are getting around 70% of the supply. As of now, around 200 trucks arrive at Jammu depots with fuel from various oil companies, but we need at least 300 trucks daily,” said Gupta. These oil tankers in Jammu take a lot of time in clearing the paperwork. “It is a time consuming process,’’ says Gupta.

A few rakes are stuck in Karnal, Haryana, and others near Jalandhar in Punjab due to the agitation. In Ladakh the fuel stocks have to be stored due to the winter season, he said, adding around 3,000 trucks are coming daily to Kashmir from Delhi to take apple consignments.Gupta says the supply situation can turn critical as fuel is supplied to the Army and other security forces. Kerosene is also used in a large quantity in J&K in the winters.ADVERTISING

Top court issues notice to Centre on two petitions
The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on two petitions challenging the three farm laws recently passed by Parliament. A bench headed by CJI S A Bobde asked the Attorney General K K Venugopal, who was present for the virtual hearing along with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file a response on the petition. The petitions were filed by Chhattisgarh Kisan Congress’ Rakesh Vaishnav and DMK MP Tiruchi Siva. However, the bench refused to entertain the plea of advocate M L Sharma to quash the legislations, and asked him to withdraw his petition.

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