COVID-19
India slams rich nations for vaccine patent hurdle
India has hit out at developed countries that are seeking to block its joint initiative with South Africa for patent waiver on Covid-19 vaccines. It has urged World Trade Organisation (WTO) members to decide on the issue quickly given the massive impact of the pandemic.
Covid-19 cases rise for 16th day in a row
Total of 98 fatalities reported in India on Tuesday. Maharashtra again accounted for more than half of India’s death toll with 54 fatalities, followed by Kerala (16), Punjab (10) and Karnataka (7). Punjab logged 730 fresh cases on Tuesday.
India's present overall case positivity rate suggests Covid-19 close to being under control
India's present overall Covid-19 case positivity rate of 5.11 per cent suggests the pandemic is close to being under control, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday. Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said though certain states are seeing a surge in the number of Covid-19 active cases, "the fact remains that recovered cases are still more than 97% and active cases under 2%".
'We're leaving it open': Progressives weigh withholding vote on Covid relief over minimum wage
House progressives are strongly pushing to pass a $15 minimum wage now as they believe this moment is their best shot, and some are already signaling they are willing to withhold their votes if the final version of the Covid relief package does not include the provision.
Over 1.54 crore vaccine doses administered so far, over 6 lakh on Tuesday: Govt
The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses given in the country has crossed 1.54 crore which include 6,09,845 shots administered on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry said in its provisional data. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) being inoculated against the virus. Vaccination of the frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2.
Commence physical hearing immediately, SCBA writes to CJI
Within days of the Supreme Court bar association (SCBA) getting its new office bearers, president Vikas Singh wrote to CJI S A Bobde seeking immediate resumption of physical hearing of cases, saying even the government has permitted congregation of 200 guests at marriage parties as Covid infection rate has fallen drastically.