Coronavirus News Updates: Given people's mandate twice, concerned about their suffering: Modi govt tells SC

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Telangana CM rules out lockdown, says it cripples public

Telangana has no plans to impose a lockdown in the state as it will cripple public life as well as the economy, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao said on Thursday.  He further said the past experience reveals that lockdown is not effective in controlling COVID-19.

According to Rao, Telangana is the most happening state, about 25 to 30 lakh migrant labourers are earning their livelihood in the state and their lives were ruined during the first spell of lockdown in 2020.

“If these people (workers) are dislocated once again it will be a huge loss to the state as Telangana needs a huge number of workers during the harvesting season. What will happen to farmers (if they dont get labourers)? By imposing lockdown, the government itself would be creating havoc,” an official release quoted Rao as saying.

However, the state government will take preventive measures such as setting up micro level containment zones wherever the number of cases are high, it noted

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People gave their mandate to us twice, concerned about their suffering: Modi govt to SC

The Narendra Modi government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that the people of the country have given their mandate to it twice and it understands people suffering due to COVID-19 and making every possible effort to augment the supply of Oxygen at the highest political level.

It rebutted the Delhi government’s accusation that oxygen allocation is being done arbitrarily and favoured the creation of an effective mechanism to deal with the allocation and distribution of Oxygen to the states. The apex court was told that the Delhi government has made it a “Centre versus Delhi fight”.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and M R Shah was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the government has to look at the demands of all the States instead of only focussing on Delhi.

-PTI

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Maharashtra reports 62,194 new COVID-19 cases, 853 deaths

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 62,194 new COVID-19 cases, taking its cumulative tally to 49,42,736, while 853 more deaths pushed the toll to 73,515, an official from the state health department said. Compared to Wednesday, Maharashtras COVID-19 caseload increased by 4,554 in the last 24 hours, but the fatality count dropped by 67.

Out of the 853 deaths, 331 occurred in the last 48 hours, 247 in the past one week and the remaining 275 in period before last week, but were added to the toll now as part of data reconciliation exercise, the official said. Fresh recoveries were slightly more than the new infections.

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Mumbai reports 3,056 new COVID-19 cases, 69 deaths in last 24 hrs

Mumbai reported 3,056 new coronavirus cases and 69 deaths on Thursday, pushing its caseload to 6,68,355 and death toll to 13,616, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The daily rise in cases in the country’s financial capital remained below 4,000 for the sixth day in a row.

On Wednesday, Mumbai had reported 3,879 COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths. With 3,838 patients being discharged from hospitals on Thursday, the number of recovered patients increased to 6,02,383 and the rate of recovery stood at 90 percent. The number of active cases came down to 50,606.

-PTI

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West Bengal reports highest one-day deaths of 117 COVID patients

West Bengal’s COVID-19 fatalities rose to 11,964 on Thursday after 117 deaths, the highest so far in a single day, were reported, the health department said in a bulletin. The caseload also mounted to 9,35,066 after the state registered a record one-day spike of 18,431 fresh infections.

In the last 24 hours, 17,412 recoveries were reported while the number of active cases increased to 1,22,774, the bulletin said. Since Wednesday, 60,105 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in West Bengal.

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Goa sees highest-ever daily tally of 3,869 cases; 58 deaths

Goa on Thursday reported its highest daily tally so far with 3,869 COVID-19 cases that took the count of infections to 1,08,267, an official from the health department said. Apart from this, the toll mounted to 1,501, after 58 patients died of the infection during the day, the official told PTI.

As many as 2,023 patients were discharged from hospitals, raising the number of recoveries to 77,014, leaving the state with 29,752 active cases, he said.

With 7,518 swab samples tested during the day, the total number of tests conducted in the state has gone up to 6,90,359, the official added.

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Multilateral response is critical to overcome pandemic in India and globally: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that a multilateral response is critical to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic in India and globally as it hailed recent announcements by several countries to provide immediate support to India.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

-PTI

“Our sympathy and condolences to the Indian people on the human tragedy that is taking place there as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to engage closely with the Indian authorities. We stand ready to strengthen that engagement and to scale up our technical collaboration,” Gerry Rice, Director, Communications Department of the IMF, told reporters at a news conference here.

The human tragedy, indeed, is a stark reminder that the pandemic continues to be a grave threat globally, he said.

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PM talks to four CMs, two LGs on COVID-19 situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Telangana about the COVID-19 situation in their respective states, government sources told PTI. He also spoke to lieutenant governors of Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry, the sources added.

While details of these interactions could not be ascertained, Modi had also held a review meeting earlier in the day on the pandemic situation in various states and districts.

Modi reviewed the progress of vaccination and the roadmap for scaling up production of vaccines in the next few months, the PMO had said.

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Patent waiver in WTO to enable ramping up manufacturing, timely availability of affordable vaccines: Govt

 India on Thursday said temporary waiver of certain provisions of intellectual property rights under a WTO agreement would be an important step to enable scaling up of manufacturing and timely availability of affordable COVID-19 vaccines and essential medical products. In view of the COVID-19 crisis, India and South Africa had on October 2 last year proposed in WTO a relaxation in norms of the TRIPS agreement to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries.  India welcomed the US government’s support for this initiative. 

“We are hopeful that with a consensus based approach, the waiver can be approved quickly at the WTO. The waiver is an important step for enabling rapid scaling up of manufacture and timely availability of affordable Covid-19 vaccines and essential medical products,” the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.  The proposal has received support of more than 120 countries.

Odisha govt to provide vaccines to pvt hospitals to inoculate people in 18-44 age group

 The Odisha government  Thursday said it will provide private hospitals with COVID-19 vaccine to inoculate people in the 18-44 year age group and they will charge Rs 100 per beneficiary. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Health and Family Welfare, PK Mohapatra said the state government has decided to rope in the private hospitals, which were conducting vaccination till 30 April , for inoculation of the 18-44 age group people, so that more number of people will be covered. The state government will provide private hospitals with the vaccine and they will charge Rs 100 per beneficiary, he said.

PTI

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Around 2,511 tonne liquid medical oxygen delivered so far, says Railways

The Railways has delivered 161 tankers with around 2,511 tonne of liquid medical oxygen to various states across the country so far, the national transporter said Thursday.   As many as 40 Oxygen Express trains have already completed their journey so far, it said, adding 22 tankers are on the move with more than 400 tonnes of LMO for Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.

Till date, 174 tonnes of LMO has been off-loaded in Maharashtra, 689 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 190 tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, 259 tonnes in Haryana, 123 tonnes in Telangana and 1,053 tonnes in Delhi. 

PTI

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Manohar Lal Khattar directs officials to increase COVID-19 testing, contact-tracing

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday directed deputy commissioners to increase COVID-19 testing and contact-tracing efforts, especially in rural areas, to check the spread of the virus.   Addressing a review meeting, Khattar said special screening camps should be set up in villages so that anyone having COVID-19 symptoms can be treated early and the possibility of the infection spreading further prevented.

“Improved testing capacity together with aggressive contact-tracing is the key to reduce the positivity rate,” he said. The chief minister said more emphasis should be laid on conducting rapid antigen tests and organising health check-up and awareness camps.

PTI

Centre has cut Maharashtra oxygen allocation by 50 MT, alleges Rajesh Tope

The Centre has reduced the supply of liquid medical oxygen to Maharashtra from Karnataka by 50 metric tonnes (MT), a move which will have severe impact on

treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state, health minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday. He said the issue of reduction in liquid medical oxygen supply to Maharashtra, which has the maximum number of active cases in the country, should be raised with the Union health ministry.

PTI

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Railways cancels several trains due to low occupancy, surge in COVID

The Northern Railways on Thursday cancelled a slew of Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto Express’, stating low patronisation and rising coronavirus cases as the reason behind the decision.    The to-and-fro services of eight Shatabdi Express, two Rajdhani Express, two Duronto Express and one Vande Bharat Express are among around 28 trains that have been cancelled “till further advice” by the Northern Railways. Among these are Shatabdis originating from Delhi to places like Kalka, Habibganj, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Rajdhani trains from Delhi to Chennai, Bilaspur, Duronto trains to Jammu Tawi and Pune. Poor patronisation of once popular trains also indicates that a lesser number of people are travelling amidst the surge in coronavirus cases, officials said. 

“The Northern Railways has decided to cancel the following special trains due to poor patronisation and a surge in COVID-19,” a NR spokesperson said.

The Central Railways has cancelled 23 passenger trains. These include Nagpur-Kolhapur special up to June 29, the CSMT-Kolhapur special up to July 1, the CSMT-Pune special up to June 30. 

PTI

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Ensure equitable distribution of oxygen, medicines, Madras HC urges Centre, state govt

The Madras High Court on Thursday urged the State and the Central governments to ensure equitable distribution of medical oxygen, Covid-19 vaccines and other life saving materials, by ramping up the production capacity. The position should not be altered to the detriment of a State, particularly Tamil Nadu, since it has production capacity of about 400 MT of oxygen cylinders per day, which with some additional supply may suffice for its needs.

The Union and the empowered committee should take immediate steps in such regard to ensure adequate supply of oxygen to Tamil Nadu to meet the needs. This must be ensured by tomorrow, so that the emergency that the officials speak of  of the reserve supply running out by Saturday does not happen, the first bench of Sanjeeb Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said.

PTI

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Delhi caps max prices for pvt ambulances

 Amid a raging COVID-19 pandemic, the Delhi government on Thursday fixed charges levied by private ambulance services in the range of Rs 1,500- Rs 4,000, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warning strict action against violators. 

It has come to our notice that private ambulance services in Delhi are charging illegitimately.

To avoid this practise, Delhi govt has capped maximum prices that private ambulance services can charge.

Strict actions will be taken against those who violate the order. pic.twitter.com/71fJChBGdo

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 6, 2021

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Mumbai to get at least seven more drive-in vaccination centres

 Mumbai municipal commissioner  Iqbal Singh Chahal on Thursday directed officials to set up a drive-in vaccination centre in each of seven administrative

regions of the city within 24 hours, a civic official said. The first drive-in centre where people can get a shot of coronavirus vaccine without getting out of their vehicles started in the city on Tuesday in Dadar area.

Chahal directed deputy municipal commissioners to set up at least one such centre in their respective regions within 24 hours, the official said. Those above 60 years can get vaccinated at drive-in centres only by appointment, and they shall not drive themselves but will be accompanied by an attendant or a

driver, the municipal commissioner said in an order.

PTI

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Russia approves a single-dose version of Sputnik V vaccine

Health officials in Russia approved a single-dose version of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, the developers of the shot said Thursday, reports AFP. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which helped finance the vaccine, said in a statement that Sputnik Light “demonstrated 79.4 percent efficacy” compared to 91.6 percent for the two-shot Sputnik V.

The results, it said, were drawn from “data taken from 28 days after the injection was administered as part of Russia’s mass vaccination program between 5 December 2020 and 15 April 2021”. The Russian vaccine has been approved for use in over 60 countries.

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Madhya Pradesh announces complete lockdown till 15 May

Madhya Pradesh government has declared a complete lockdown in the state till 15 May. Announcing the shutdown, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the state can’t remain open with an 18 percent case positivity rate.

“To break the chain of transmission of the coronavirus in the state, we have to completely shut everything till 15 May, strict ‘Janata Curfew’,” he was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.

He further asked people to defer wedding plans since such gatherings can prove to be super-spreaders. All districts must review measures to reduce gatherings and no weddings should be allowed in the month of May, Chouhan said.

An existing corona curfew is already in place in several districts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore and other prominent cities, till 3 May, reports India Today

Weddings are super spreader events. I urge all public representatives to motivate people that weddings do not take place in May: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan

— ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2021

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Imperative for pvt hospitals in Maharashtra to have oxygen plants: Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court on Thursday said it was “imperative” for all private hospitals in Maharashtra to have their own oxygen plants to deal with the increasing cases of COVID-19. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni said as the third wave is likely, private hospitals must have their own oxygen plants to meet their own demands.

“Now that the third wave is likely, why must private hospitals not be made to have their own oxygen plants? At least to meet their own demands for active consumption? Afterall, they charge all patients,” the bench said. The court referred to a newspaper report from Thursday morning, according to which, a private hospital in Sangli had set up its own oxygen supply to tackle the increasing cases of COVID-19.

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Delhi got 730 MT oxygen on 5 May, led to ‘significant reduction’ in SOS calls: Raghav Chadha

Delhi got 730 tonnes of oxygen on May 5, the highest so far, which led to a significant reduction in SOS calls from hospitals, AAP MLA Raghav Chadha said on Thursday, reports PTI. He, however, said of the 730 tonnes of oxygen, around 250 tonnes “did not come from our regular sources”.

“It came from an ad-hoc arrangement. I appeal to the central government to turn this into a permanent one,” Chadha, who is also the Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman, said presenting the daily oxygen bulletin. The supply of 730 MT of oxygen led to a considerable reduction in SOS calls from hospitals, he acknowledged.

“We received just 16 SOS calls on Wednesday against 40 to 50 calls we had been receiving earlier,” Chadha said.

The AAP MLA, who has been leading efforts to battle oxygen shortage in Delhi hospitals, said, “We need 976 tonnes of oxygen every day. I appeal to the central government with folded hands to provide 730 tonnes daily.”

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Moral fabric dismembered to a great extent: Delhi HC on hoarding, black marketing

The Delhi High Court Thursday said the moral fabric of people has been “dismembered” to a great extent as instead of coming together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, they are engaging in hoarding and black marketing of oxygen cylinders, medicines and concentrators, reports PTI.

“We are still not understanding the gravity of the situation and that is why we are not coming together. Which is why we are seeing instances of hoarding and black marketing.bOur moral fabric has been dismembered to a great extent,” a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said.

The observation came in response to a suggestion by a senior lawyer that medical professionals who have retired as well as medical and nursing students can be tapped to provide assistance in the prevailing situation when there is shortage of personnel also not just medicines, equipment and beds.

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Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect

Sri Lanka on Thursday announced that all arrivals from India will be banned with immediate effect due to the record rise in COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring country, reports PTI

Several countries like the UK, the UAE, Australia and Singapore have already banned travellers from India as well as other South Asian countries.

The Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday said that travellers from India will not be allowed to disembark in Sri Lanka. The decision has been taken as the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in India.

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Delhi HC suggests govt to rope in LPG cylinder distributors for oxygen cylinder distribution 

Delhi High Court suggested roping in LPG cylinder distributors for the distribution of oxygen cylinders to the Delhi government, reports Indian Express. The Delhi government told the court that they are working on the website for online booking for the refilling of oxygen cylinders.

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Congress demands arrest of Tejasvi Surya, Sathish Reddy for bed scam

The opposition Congress on Thursday stepped up the attack on the ruling BJP in Karnataka and demanded the arrest of party MP Tejasvi Surya and a party MLA, alleging they were behind the scam involving blocking of hospital beds meant for COVID patients in the city.

Surya, the Bengaluru South BJP MP and Yuva Morcha president, Bommanahalli BJP MLA M Sathish Reddy and Basavanagudi MLA Ravi Subramanya on Tuesday made claims about the bed blocking scam in Bengaluru and doubted the involvement of a few Muslims, who were deployed at the COVID War Room of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

As the expose went live on Tuesday and Surya read out their names, Subramanya screamed at the BBMP officials, “Have you appointed these people for Madrassa or the Corporation (BBMP)?” To this, Reddy was seen saying there was an intention behind hiring them and these people were behind it.

The Congress mounted the attack citing reports in a section of the media alleging Reddy’s involvement.  “It’s like pot calling the kettle black. The truth has come out now that the BJP leaders are behind the bed blocking scam,” the Congress tweeted.

“Arrest Satish Reddy who has been operating the bed booking scam with the help of his supporters, and the young MP (Tejasvi Surya) who accompanied him, and carry out a detailed investigation,” the party added.

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Medical infrastructure in shambles, don’t be like ostrich with head in sand: HC to Delhi govt

The Delhi High Court on Thursday said the existing medical infrastructure in the national capital was “exposed” and in “shambles” when put to the test during the pandemic and directed the Delhi government to provide facility for medical treatment as required by all residents of the national capital who are suffering from COVID-19.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli further said that the government was behaving like an ostrich with its head in the sand if it was disputing that the medical infrastructure was not in shambles.

“Now you are behaving like the ostrich with its head in the sand. When you defend this situation, then you are not rising above the politics. We always call a spade a spade,” the bench said to senior advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, when he argued that the court may not say the medical infrastructure was in shambles.

He said the government has several initiatives, like augmenting beds by 15,000 and ICU beds by 1,200, which are in the pipeline and the oxygen is also coming in.

Mehra: The lack of oxygen

Court: It is not just the lack of oxygen

Mehra: 15000 more beds are in the pipeline

Court: Pipeline is pipeline. Now you are behaving like that ostrich. Earlier we had told off Mr. Sharma, today it'll be you.

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 6, 2021

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UGC asks universities to postpone offline exams in May

As per several reports , the University Grants Commission has written to vice-chancellors of all universities asking them to postpone offline exams scheduled in May, due to the second COVID-19 wave.

UGC writes to vice-chancellors of all universities asking them to postpone offline exams scheduled in May ⁦taking note of #COVIDSecondWave #UGC #exams2021 pic.twitter.com/oLFaBFxRWI

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 6, 2021

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‘Very infectious’ new COVID strain spreading fast among youngsters: AP govt

The very infectious strains of coronavirus, B.1.617 and B.1, are currently found in the COVID-19 positives in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and spreading fast in younger age groups, apart from adults. The N440K is neither a ‘variant of interest’ nor is virulent now, the state Health Department has said quoting a study by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, PTI reports.

“The major strains identified from the samples of south India (AP, Karnataka, Telangana), from the positives of the April month data, are B.1.617 and B.1, which are very infectious and also spreading in the younger age groups apart from the adults. It is pertinent to note that COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update of April 25, issued by WHO, mentions lineage B.1.617 as VOI (Variant of Interest) from India and doesn’t mention about variant N440K,” AP Covid Command and Control Centre Chairman K S Jawahar Reddy said in a statement.

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Kerala HC directs govt to introduce uniform tariff for COVID treatment

The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the state government to take steps to introduce a uniform tariff rate for COVID-19 treatment at private hospitals across the state. Expressing concern over the high treatment charges in private hospitals, a division bench of the high court, comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and Kauser Edappagath, emphasised the need for rationalising the COVID-19 treatment tariff in such facilities in the state.

In his remarks, Justice Devan Ramachandran said, “When the public is putting all their life savings (for treatment), the private hospitals can also sacrifice.”

The court expressed hope that this situation will continue only for a few months. It directed the state government to take a decision on the matter by Monday.

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Delhi needs 700 MT oxygen supply daily, says Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Centre on Thursday for supplying Delhi with 730 metric tonnes of oxygen and requested hospitals to increase COVID beds that they had to cut down due to shortage of oxygen in the past few days. “If 700 MT of daily oxygen supply is ensured by the Centre, Delhi government can set up around 9,000-9,500 more oxygen beds”, he said. Kejriwal said Delhi received 730 MT of oxygen on Wednesday and the city would require daily supply of 700 MT till the second coronavirus wave lasts. He urged hospitals that were forced to cut down number of oxygen beds due to shortage of the gas in recent days, to increase it now to the previous level.

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Arvind Kejriwal thanks PM Modi for supplying oxygen

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supplying 700 metric tonnes of oxygen, reports ANI. “Delhi requires 700 metric tonnes of oxygen every day,” Kejriwal said in a letter, as per NDTV . “We have been requesting the central government to help arrange the same. For the first time yesterday [Wednesday], Delhi received 730 MT of oxygen.”

“Due to the oxygen crisis, hospitals had to reduce their bed capacity…I request all hospitals to now reinstate their bed capacity. I hope we will receive 700 tons of oxygen every day,” he added.

However, the AAP government’s statement during a hearing in Supreme Court earlier today, is opposite of Kejriwal’s remarks. The Delhi government said that the Centre continued to be in contempt for not supplying 700 metric tonnes of oxygen to the city. “ People of Delhi are dying and the centre cannot dilute Supreme Court’s orders,” Delhi Government’s lawyer Rahul Mehra said.

For the first time, Centre supplied 730 tons oxygen to Delhi y'day. Delhi requires 700 tons. We're thankful to Centre, Delhi HC & SC. With their efforts, we received 730 tons of oxygen. I request everyone with folded hands to not bring down the supply, we'll be thankful: Delhi CM pic.twitter.com/T81bbumxzj

— ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2021

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Nationwide lockdown only option left to check COVID-19, says Gehlot

 Endorsing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s call for a nationwide lockdown, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said it can help in breaking the chain of COVID-19 if planned properly.

There is already a shortage of oxygen, medicines and other equipment, and the country might soon face a shortage of medical staff as well, he warned.

“I fully endorse the call given by @RahulGandhi ji that national lockdown is the only option left. For more than one year our doctors, medical staff have been performing under excessive workload for the nation. We have lost many of them,” the chief minister said.

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COVID-19 swab sticks packed in unhygienic conditions in slum, supplier booked

A case has been registered against a supplier of swab sticks used for collecting nasal and throat samples for COVID-19 testing, after a video allegedly showed that the items were being packed in unhygienic conditions at a slum in neighboring Thane district, police said on Thursday, reports PTI.

Earlier this week, a video surfaced on social media, which showed that swab sticks were being packed at a slum in Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar in Ulhasnagar, an official said.

Following this, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local civic body and police visited the slum and recovered packets of swab sticks from a few households on Wednesday, he said.

A case has been registered against the supplier, who had hired labour from the households, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Epidemic Diseases Act, he said, adding that so arrests have been made so far.

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Centre can’t shirk responsibility of universal COVID vaccination, says ex-RBI governor 

The Centre needs to take the responsibility of vaccinating all the people in the country as part of the measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic and it cannot shirk its responsibility, former Governor of RBI C Rangarajan said on Thursday, reports PTI.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a virtual conference organised by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education here, he said it involves a lot of expenditure, the Centre has to take up universal vaccination while states need to spend on other medical infrastructure such as improving hospitals, recruiting more medical staff.

“Vaccination is important. It has to be universal. Therefore it is the responsibility of the government and I would say the central government to take on itself the expenditure which areto be incurred in terms of vaccinating the people,” theformer Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Councilsaid.

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Centre moves SC challenging Karnataka HC order to Increase daily oxygen quota 

The Central Government has approached the Supreme Court challenging an order passed by the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday directing the Centre to increase the daily liquid medical oxygen allocation for Karnataka as 1200 MT, reports LiveLaw.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the Special Leave Petition filed against the High Court order before a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud today, while the bench was hearing a case related to oxygen.

The Central Government has approached the Supreme Court challenging an order passed by the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday directing the Centre to increase the daily liquid medical oxygen allocation for Karnataka as 1200 MT.

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Delhi sees over 1,349% jump in containment zones in past 1 month

The national capital has witnessed a staggering 1,349 per cent jump in the number of its Covid-19 containment zones in the past one month, with South Delhi accounting for the maximum 21,172 such zones out of the total 47,704, according to official figures, reports PTI.

Northeast Delhi has 600 containment zones closely followed by East Delhi (504) which has the lowest number of such zones.

Delhi had 3,291 containment zones on April 6. The number shot up to a staggering 47,704 — an increase of over 1,349 per cent — by Tuesday.

According to data from the city government’s revenue department, south Delhi has the maximum number of 21,172 containment zones — nearly 45 per cent of the total — followed by central Delhi (7,114), New Delhi (4,946) and southwest Delhi (3,238).

Out of the 11 districts in the national capital, seven have less than 3,000 containment zones. These are North Delhi (2,801), West Delhi (2,525), Southeast Delhi (2,027), Northwest Delhi (1,487), Shahdara (1,290), Northeast Delhi (600) and East Delhi (504).

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Allocate 700 MT of oxygen to Delhi till new formula is ready, says Amicus curiae

Amicus curiae Jaideep Gupta told the Supreme Court Thursday that the daily allocation of oxygen for Delhi should remain as 700 metric tonnes till a new formula for computing oxygen allocations is prepared.

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Use seized oxygen concentrators for COVID-infected cops, judicial officers: Delhi court to police

A Delhi court on Wednesday had directed the city police to release 12 seized oxygen concentrators and put them to immediate use to treat police and judicial officers exposed to coronavirus “due to the nature of their work”. 

Metropolitan Magistrate Anuj Bahal issued the directions on an application filed by the Delhi Police for releasing the oxygen concentrators kept at Dwarka Police Station’s ‘‘malkhana’’ after being seized from two people – Vinay Agarwal and Akash Vashist – who are accused of black marketing them.

The court was apprised that several police personnel were suffering from COVID-19 and therefore, these oxygen concentrators can be used for saving their lives.

The judge allowed the application and stated, “No useful purpose would be solved to retain the oxygen concentrators in the police malkhana and the same should be circulated back for the use of needy patients.”

.#Delhi: 12 #OxygenConcentrators were seized in a recent police raid; instead of releasing all of them for the public per se to address #OxygenShortage, the court ordered that 2 be put in use by the police; and the rest of the 10 should go to judges & judicial officers... pic.twitter.com/zvHvXxEnwl

— Jatin Anand (@JatinPaul) May 6, 2021

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Delhi govt calls for oxygen audit 

Calling for an audit of the oxygen allocation and distribution, the Delhi government’s lawyer Rahul Mehra said there is a “systemic failure, but not against political leadership or officers.”

“Centre given mandate twice by the people of this country. We are very much concerned,” he said.

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Maharashtra, MP received more oxygen than demanded, but not Delhi: AAP in SC

Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, raised the issue in Supreme Court Thursday that why states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh received more oxygen supply than demanded, while Delhi received much less than required.

Madhya Pradesh demanded 445 MT and 553 MT was given without reason. Maharashtra asked for 1500 MT and 1660 MT was given, said Mehra.

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People of Delhi are dying, Centre must fulfill assurance of 700 MT of oxygen: State govt in SC

Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, in Supreme Court said that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s apprehension – other states will suffer if 700 MT oxygen is given to Delhi – may be out of place since it was earlier stated by the Centre that there was no dearth of oxygen supply and a reserve of 160000 MT was available.

“Centre cannot say that other states will suffer when other states have not said anything. It must be put on affidavit. Then states will reply and a holistic view can be taken,” Mehra said in Court.

People of Delhi are dying. Centre should not be allowed to dilute the solemn assurance of 700 MT, he said.

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Prepare for third COVID-19 wave, Delhi needs buffer oxygen stock: SC to Centre

The Supreme Court, hearing the case on supply of oxygen to Delhi on Thursday, asked the Centre to revamp its formula for distribution of oxygen across the country. It asked that the Centre to adopt a pan-India approach so that they can prepare for the third wave of COVID-19.

“What we need to do is that look at this in a pan-India state. Yes, we need to look at the oxygen audit, and we need to reassess the basis for oxygen allocation. You are in Stage 2 of pandemic. Stage 3 might even have very different parameters,” Live Law quoted Justice DY Chandrachud as saying.

“But, if we prepare today, we will be able to handle Stage 3. It’s not just about allocating oxygen to a state, but equally logistics of a proper oxygen audit takes place and a proper modalities for distribution. That’s why I said other states can be looked at,” he said.

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Karnataka HC directs govt to submit requisition of vaccines to Centre

The Karnataka High Court Thursday directed the state government to immediately submit intent of requisition of vaccines to Centre for supply of required quantity of does of vaccine, reported Bar and Bench.

“State has to specify the number of beneficiaries who are likely to lose the advantage of first dose if second dose not given. Centre has to respond in three days,” observed the court.

Direct State govt to immediately submit intent of requisition of vaccines to Centre for supply of reqd quantity of does of vaccine.

All details shall be provided by State in requisition : Bench #COVID19

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 6, 2021

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Supplied 730 MT oxygen to Delhi on 5 May, Centre to SC

The Centre Thursday told the Supreme Court that it has complied with its order and instead of 700 MT oxygen, it ensured a supply of 730 MT to Delhi for treating COVID-19 patients.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, that a survey was conducted in 56 major hospitals of the National Capital on 4 May and it revealed that they had significant stock of liquid medical oxygen (LMO).

The apex court, while staying contempt proceedings initiated by Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of direction to supply 700 MT of oxygen to Delhi, had sought an answer from the Centre on Thursday morning.

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3,000 oxygen concentrators received as foreign aid dispatched: Centre

The Union health ministry on Thursday said no oxygen concentrator, received as aid from abroad, is lying with the customs authorities at any port of import as these consignments are being cleared swiftly.

In all, 3,000 oxygen concentrators have been received as global aid to support the Central government’s efforts and that of the states and Union Territories in their collective fight against the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it said in a statement.

China has sent 1,000 oxygen concentrators, Ireland 700, the UK669 in four consignments, Mauritius 200, Uzbekistan 151, Taiwan 150, Romania 80, Thailand 30, and Russia 20, the ministry said.

Some news reports have claimed that oxygen concentrators are lying at Customs warehouses awaiting clearance.

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Sri Lanka imposes travel ban on India with ‘immediate effect’ in view of COVID-19

Sri Lanka on Thursday announced that all arrivals from India will be banned with immediate effect due to the record rise in Covid-19 cases in the neighbouring country.

The decision has been taken in accordance with the instructions received from the the health ministry, officials said, effectively suspending a bilateral travel bubble arrangement between the two countries.

Although authorities had earlier announced that the travel bubble would be suspended due to the COVID-19 surge in India, the Ministry of Tourism subsequently said the “bubble” was in place, with strict health protocols and quarantine requirements.

The Sri Lankan tourism authorities were to continue receiving Indian tourists under a travel bubble for which special facilities were set up. This was despite the current difficult situation in India.

Several countries like the UK, the UAE, Australia and Singapore have already banned travellers from India as well as other South Asian countries.

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Kerala announces statewide lockdown from 8 to 16 May 

The Kerala government Thursday announced a statewide lockdown from 8 May to 16 May. The directive was issued by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in view of the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state during second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

Official sources said that the nine-day lockdown will come into effect from 6 am on 8 May. At present, lockdown is enforced from 9 pm to 5 am, with semi-lockdown-like curbs during weekends.

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SC directs Centre to continue supplying 700 MT oxygen to Delhi till Monday 

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to continue with its supply of 700 MT of medical oxygen to Delhi till Monday. “Right now we are all in the dark, and all we hear is whatever is happening on the ground. You have to respond to us like you did last evening. You have to continue with 700 till Monday,” said the top court.

“We want you to augment supplies. Have a holding operation, but it can’t be that it reduces the amount to less than 700. 700 toh aapko dena hee padega,” said Justice DY Chandrachud.

Justice Chandrachud: Right now we are all in the dark, and all we hear is whatever is happening on the ground. You have to respond to us like you did last evening. You have to continue with 700 till Monday. #OxygenShortage #SupremeCourt

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 6, 2021

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SC asks for deployment of more healthcare professionals to tackle COVID-19 

How do we tap into dealing with the possibility of a third wave? There is complete fatigue among the healthcare professionals. They have been at it since March 2020. We have to create spaces for existing body of health professionals, observed the Supreme Court on Thursday.

They are at the end of their tethers. Calling them Corona Warriors, but they’re humans at the end of the day. Don’t take this in an adversarial stance. When we make these suggestions, the idea is not to tell you that you didn’t think of this, said the court.

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‘How are you going to deal with third COVID-19 surge?’ SC asks Centre

Justice Chandrachud: We need to deal with it; I’m not saying it’s the Centre’s fault. I am saying that we need to deal with the third surge in a scientifically planned manner. #OxygenShortage #SupremeCourt

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 6, 2021

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Centre’s formula for oxygen allocation to Delhi requires complete revamp: SC

The Supreme Court Thursday expressed concerns over Delhi hospitals flagging lack of oxygen supply. “These SOS create panic in the mind of the people,” said the top court.

“Your formula for Delhi requires complete revamp. What your formula shows for Delhi, it might actually be a gross underestimation of what Delhi requires. We agree that an audit is required. But, this needs to be looked into. We realise that other States also need it,” observed the court.

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Madras HC’s remarks against HC ‘harsh, inappropriate’: SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the Madras high court’s observations against the Election Commission were harsh and inappropriate and that judicial restraint was necessary.

“There is need for judges of superior courts to exercise restraint and not make off the cuff remarks in court proceedings,” the SC said.

“Judicial language is important for constitutional ethos. Power of judicial review is so high that it forms a basic structure,” the top court observed. The Election Commission had been conducting free and fair polls," it added.

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SC rejects EC plea seeking to restrain media from reporting oral observations

Constitutional authorities can do better than to complain and ask for fetters on the media, the Supreme Court said Thursday on the Election Commission’s petition complaining about media reports on the Madras High Court telling the poll body it should be booked for murder for not stopping political rallies amid COVID-19. “It would be retrograde for the Supreme Court to gag media,” the apex court observed.

“We find no substance in prayer of EC to restrain media from reporting court proceedings. It is essential to hold judiciary accountable,” said the court.

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Can’s stop media’s freedom of speech: SC

The Supreme Court Thursday rejected the plea by the Election Commission seeking to restrain media from reporting court proceedings. “No substance in the petition. Court reporting is covered by freedom of speech and expression,” said the court.

Justice Chandrachud: This is a celebration of our constitutional ethos which bolsters the judiciary. Other courts, such as US Supreme Court and even Gujarat HC, allows public viewing of proceedings. We cannot gag the reporting of proceedings.

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 6, 2021

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Madras HC’s remarks were harsh, but did not direct culpability: SC 

The Supreme Court Thursday observed that the remarks made by Madras High Court were “harsh” towards the Election Commission, but didn’t seek to attribute culpability and sought to implore the poll body to act. At the same time, the apex court said high courts should be mindful of the language used during proceedings.

“The method of the Madras High Court was harsh, inappropriate, but it did not direct culpability. But it should have ensured compliance of orders. The language both by the Bench and in judgement should be sensitive to constitutional values,” said the court.

“These oral remarks are not a part of the judicial record and therefore the issue of expunging them does not arise. Therefore, we find no merit in the prayers of the EC,” the court observed.

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SC to deliver judgment on EC plea against Madras HC’s ‘murder charges’ remark today

The Supreme Court bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud will deliver its judgment on an appeal filed by the Election Commission against the observations made by Madras HC that the poll body was “singularly responsible” for second wave of COVID-19 in India and should be tried for “murder charges”.

The apex court had, however, maintained that it cannot dilute the hallmark of the judicial process. “We will strike a balance to maintain the independence of our high courts while taking your concerns into account,” the Bench had said.

Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah will assemble at 11 am to pronounce the judgment.

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India’s active caseload over 35.66 lakh 

The active COVID-19 cases in India have increased to 35,66,398, comprising 16.92 percent of the total infections. The nation registered 4,12,262 fresh coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, the highest so far, taking the overall count over 2.10 crore on Thursday.

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RECAP: SC stays Delhi HC’s contempt notice to Centre

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order asking the Central government to show cause why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against it for failing to comply with the court’s direction to allocate 700 MT oxygen to the National Capital.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah, however, directed the Centre to place before it by Thursday morning a comprehensive plan indicating the manner in which the direction for the allocation of 700 MT of medical oxygen to Delhi would be complied with.

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Centre to place its plan on oxygen allocation for Delhi in SC today

Centre on Thursday will place its plan in the Supreme Court regarding required oxygen supply of 700 MT per day to Delhi. A special bench bench led by Justice Chandrachud has sought details about the supply chain and logistical preparations needed. The matter is listed for hearing at 10.30 am

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India’s COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 81.9%

At least 3,29,113 more patients were cured of the novel coronavirus, pushing the total number of recoveries over 1.72 crore as of Thursday, said the Union health ministry. With this, the national COVID-19 recovery rate rose to 81.9 percent.

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Canada sends shipment of Remdesivir and ventilators to India

In addition to the $10M in support Canada has already pledged, the country Wednesday sent shipment of Remdesivir and ventilators to India to help avert the COVID-19 surge in the nation that has pushed its hospital system to the brink of collapse.

Military airlifts will deliver 25,000 vials of the antiviral drug remdesivir and up to 350 ventilators, Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau and other ministers announced in a news release on Wednesday.

To support those on the front lines in India, we’re sending over surplus medical supplies - the @CanadianForces airplane departed from Trenton this morning. We’ll continue to take strong action to fight this virus, both here at home and around the world. https://t.co/AtAzSntpe7

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 6, 2021

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At least 3,980 more COVID-19 patients die in a day

With the death of 3,980 more COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours, the toll in the country climbed to 23,01,68 on Thursday, according to the Union health ministry. This takes the national fatality rate to 1.09 percent.

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India registers record-high 4.12 lakh COVID-19 cases

India registered 4,12,262 fresh coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, the highest so far, taking the overall count over 2.10 crore on Thursday, said the Union health ministry.

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Ajit Singh, ex-Union minister and RLD chief, passes away after contracting COVID-19

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and former Union minister Ajit Singh died on Thursday after being infected with COVID-19. He was 82.

A prominent leader in western Uttar Pradesh, was admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram after his condition deteriorated due to a lung infection on Tuesday. Singh had tested positive for the novel coronavirus on 20 April.