Ahead Of Punjab Polls, ECI Transfers Two DCs, 8 SSPs

Ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday transferred two Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers (DEOs) and eight Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in the state.

Giving details, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab Dr S Karuna Raju said that the ECI has appointed Girish Dayalan as DC-cum-DEO Ferozepur, while Vineet Kumar will be the new DC-cum-DEO for Bathinda.
Similarly, the ECI has appointed Harjeet Singh as SSP SAS Nagar, Dhruman H Nimbale as SSP Hoshiarpur, Patil Ketan Baliram as SSP Ludhiana Rural, Deepak Hilori as SSP Amritsar Rural, Gulneet Singh Khurana as SSP Tarn Taran, Amneet Kondal as SSP Bathinda, Sandeep Kumar Malik as SSP Sri Muktsar Sahib and Sartaj Singh Chahal as SSP Fatehgarh Sahib, Raju said. (ANI)

BSF Recovers 3 IEDs From Odisha’s Malkangiri

Border Security Force (BSF) recovered three IEDs from Malkangiri on Tuesday.

The three tiffin IEDs were recovered adjacent to the foot track connecting villages Sadaram and Bhajaguda, thwarting a possible threat to operating troops in Swabhiman Anchal, Malkangiri, said BSF.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

Pooja Hegde Raises Hotness Quotient

Pooja Hegde decided to set social media on fire with her latest stunning beach picture.

Taking to her Instagram handle on Tuesday, the actor posted a picture in which she looked gorgeous in a floral, ivory bikini set.
In the caption, she wrote, “Always bringing my own sunshine.”

The post was immediately flooded with likes and comments.

Designer Manish Malhotra dropped a bunch of fire emoticons. “You are a sunshine,” a fan added.

Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor is awaiting the release of her upcoming film ‘Radhe Shyam’ with co-star Prabhas. The film was scheduled to hit the screens on January 14, 2022, but was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. No new release date has been unveiled yet. (ANI)

Omicron And Future Of Covid Variants

Nearly half a year ago, I wrote an article stating that the Covid-19 virus wasn’t going away anytime soon. And here I am again, discussing a different variant of the virus this time: Omicron. Here too, I shall repeat once again: the virus is here to stay. While the Omicron variant is peaking, it does not necessarily imply that the Delta variant is weakening down or is losing its potential to cause serious harm. In fact, we are now having mixed infections at the community level.

The third wave is raging, at least in the state of Maharashtra, Delhi, and to a great extent in Kolkata, though like the past waves there is no synchronised peaking all over the country. Meanwhile, globally, there are different co-infections emerging like the “Delmicron” (co-infection of Delta and Omicron) or the “Flurona” (Flu with COVID-19). But yes, rarity is an issue with these new combinations as of now.

The Delta variant was severe but its ability to spread was comparatively lower than the Omicron variant. There is an important distinction here. The Omicron variant is merely ‘less severe’ than Delta, but that doesn’t mean in itself that it is ‘mild’ as is being reporting in sections of the media. People cannot be slipshod about it. There have also been reports that say that the Omicron variant will act as a natural vaccine since it is less severe, does not require hospitalisation and its higher-spread potential means herd immunity can be achieved.

These are dangerous, sweeping statements to make. No, Omicron variant isn’t a natural vaccine. There is so much that we don’t know about the nature of the virus and its recurring mutations and the strains that develop from those mutations, yet. There are various permutations and combinations by way of which a particular strain may affect a particular person and we should avoid making blanket statements like these. Such assertions merely encourage people to go about with business as usual and deliberately expose themselves to the contagion; this would amount to playing with fire.

As the medical situation stands in India currently, the Delta virus is still the dominant infection even as Omicron cases are on the rise. There is a difference in disease manifestations and severity! For instance, a person who hasn’t been exposed to the virus at all during the previous two waves will show a different set of symptoms and response, when infected with Omicron, than somebody who is fully vaccinated and has already been infected during one the first two waves.

ALSO READ: Omicron, The Crafty Virus

Throw in co-morbidities, age and immunity factors into the mix and the symptoms get even more complex. Some people develop immunity because of their natural body milieu and vaccine while some remain dependent on vaccine-induced immunity alone.

  • Omicron is not a natural vaccine
  • The virus will continue to mutate
  • ‘One Health’ approach best remedy
  • Human, animal, climate are linked
  • Covid-appropriate behaviour must

A person who has been infected after vaccination is called to have a ‘vaccine breakthrough infection’. The Omicron variant has huge mutations in the spike protein of the virus which often helps it dodge the immunity. It may so happen that the newer variants will slowly drive out the older variants, e.g. the Omicron variant may push out Delta with time. But no one can say for sure whether future variants will be less or more severe, or if at all this will happen.

So, Where Does The Solution Lie?

If we are to beat the virus at all or at least have a semblance of control over it, we need to focus on the concept of ‘One Health’. When we discuss about health putting together people, animals, and environment they make the One Health Triad. One Health is in fact a rational unification of local, national, and global practices for optimal health in the interaction between human, animals, and their environment.

In simple language: One health means the health of humans doesn’t exist in vacuum and is deeply connected to that of animals and our shared environment. Zoonotic diseases (diseases that can easily be passed on from animals to humans) like coronavirus will be on the rise if we do not consider humans, animals and other components of nature as ‘one collective unit’. We need to move in tandem with nature.

As we have seen, the emergence of the newer virus strains is also connected to the socio-economic condition of a country. Both the Delta and Omicron variant have emerged (read detected) from developing nations. Even the original novel coronavirus emerged from Wuhan, whose socio-economic condition is not as good compared to other parts of China. So, it is developing nations that will have to take the lead in working with the concept of ‘One Health’ and implement what is known as ‘Systems Thinking’ in public health.

‘Systems thinking’ approach is a holistic one that analyses the intricacies in complex systems – it can be any system. Through this, in Public Health we can try to understand how different societies or its different strata act to achieve collective health goals, and also how and where the external influencers have an impact.

The ‘third wave’ may become the end of waves in which huge number of people get infected at once and the pressure on healthcare system is staggering, but it is not necessarily the end of the coronavirus. With the passage of time it might turn ‘endemic’, meaning we might learn to live with it. A disease becomes endemic when it stops becoming a major problem, although one cannot say that those infected will have it mild or it will just wash away like the common cold or viral fever. A lot of it then boils down to our individual approach to our health. As of now, the World Health Organisation has warned against declaring the pandemic as an endemic (which Spain already has) because the transmission rates globally are still very high and might spiral anytime, we still need cooperation of global proportions in fighting the virus.

All of us are in this together. The virus still has a vice-like grip on people, especially among the poor, the unprivileged who cannot afford to isolate for long because their livelihood depends on going out. Thus to make everyone’s lives easier, the community as a whole needs to practise Covid-appropriate behaviour: wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, frequent hand-wash, and avoiding public gatherings like political rallies, religious congregations, marriages, social parties etc. as much as we can. Taking our vaccines, taking care of other aspects of our health, especially mental health, and pursuing a holistic approach to our lives is what will usher us into a ‘One Health’ era.

The writer is an Epidemiologist and Health Researcher, posted as Assistant Professor (Community Medicine) in Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur

Lakhimpur Kheri Case: HC Concludes Hearing In Bail Plea Of Ashish Mishra

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday concluded the hearing for the bail plea of Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

Salil Srivastava, the lawyer of Ashish Mishra, said that the Bench of Justice Rajeev Singh heard the matter and reserved the order after hearing.
A vehicle had allegedly crushed down farmers who were protesting against the farm laws on October 3.

Local farmers had blamed Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ and his son Ashish Mishra for the violence that left eight dead, including four farmers, a local journalist, and three others. They were mowed down allegedly by a vehicle that was part of the convoy of the Minister in Lakhimpur Kheri in north-central Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)

Sarma Holds All-Party Meet On Assam-Meghalaya Border Issue

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with representatives of all political parties on the Assam-Meghalaya border issue at State Guest House, Koinadhara on Tuesday.

Assam ministers Ranoj Pegu and Ashok Singhal and Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Debabrata Saikia were among those present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed representatives of all political parties on the progress made so far on the issue.

According to Assam Chief Minister’s Office, to resolve the Assam-Meghalaya border row, 6 of the 12 areas of difference have been identified for resolution in the first phase. The areas of differences taken up for final settlement include Hahim, Gizang, Tarabari, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pillingkata and Ratacherra. A roadmap for amicable settlement has been prepared based on recommendations of three Regional Committees with representatives from both States.

In their long-standing inter-state boundary disputes between Assam and Meghalaya, the Chief Ministers of both States on December 23 last year held a meeting and decided to resolve the issues over six areas, out of 12. (ANI)

Auto Drivers, Sanitation Workers In List Of Guests On R-Day

For the first time, the list of invitees to Republic Day celebrations include autorickshaw drivers, construction workers, sanitation workers and frontline workers.

A senior Ministry of Defence official said that a special effort has been made to give opportunity who never get a chance to see the Republic Day celebration. This year people from all walks of life have been invited to Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of visitors to be substantially curtailed this year. We are looking at a range of 5000 to 8000 people but we have not yet finalised that. Last year, 25,000 visitors had taken part in it, he added.

For the safety of visitors, only double-vaccinated invitees are allowed. And in the enclosures, they request guests to maintain six-feet distance, wear masks and follow other Covid protocols. All guests will be thermally screened and medical support will be available in a closure, he added.

“We will telecast the Republic Day celebrations on the internet, television and other social media platforms for all viewers. We are encouraging people to be a part of the celebration from home,” he added.

Ten large LED screens have been installed on each side of the Rajpath for guests to have a better view of live performances in the event.

“The celebration will begin at 10.30 am which is 30 minutes delay of its scheduled time. The delay has been done to ensure better visibility during flypast performances,” he said.

Before the parade begins, a band of Central Armed Police Forces will perform to build an atmosphere of patriotism.

“Total 75 aircraft will participate in flypast this year to mark 75 years of Independence. For the first time, visitors will get a glimpse of some unseen visuals from the cockpit of fighter planes performing manoeuvres on Republic Day,” he said.

Tableaus of 12 states and Union Territories and nine Ministries will participate in the event.

The requests from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to reconsider the inclusion of their tableaux in the Republic Day parade can not be revisited. They have been informed about the reasons (of their non-inclusion), said Senior Defence Ministry officials

The invitation cards have been specially designed that has been sent to invitees. The cards have medicinal seeds in them.

“We request guests to show the card in a flower pot or the garden after the event. It contains seeds of Ashwagandha, Alovera, and Amla,” he added.

Earlier, colleges or schools used to perform a cultural dance during the event but this year a nationwide competition was held to encourage more artists to participate in the event.

“We held ‘Bande Bharatam’ competition by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture. At the districts level total of 3870 artists participated and after state, zonal and national competition, finally, 600 artists were selected who will perform at Rajpath on Republic Day,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Central Vista project is progressing as per schedule. (ANI)

UP Elections: Apna Dal Eyes 36 Seats

With less than a month remaining for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a second round of meeting with its alliance partner Apna Dal to discuss seat sharing on Tuesday at 4 pm.

The first meeting was held earlier in the day with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the election in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. In this meeting, its alliance partners, the Nishad Party leaders and Apna Dal President Anupriya Patel were present along with state Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.
As per sources in Apna Dal, looking at developments in the meeting first today, the party hopes to get double the number seats this time as compared to previous elections in which they contested on 11 seats. Meanwhile, the party has demanded 36 assembly seats in the forthcoming polls. However, the discussion is still underway.

“Winnability will be the criteria. We will put our candidates in the fray of elections on the seats where there is more possibility of winning. Similarly, BJP will do that same for their candidates. This time, we will fight the polls on twice the number of seats,” sources in Apna Dal said.

According to sources, Apna Dal has demanded to contest on seats in Kanpur, Mauranipur, Jhansi, Nanpara, Bahraich, Sewapuri Rohaniya Pindra in Banaras, Sorao Handia in Allahabad, Shohratgarh in Gorakhpur, Nautanwa, Kushinagar and on some other seats from Lucknow to Mohanlalganj.

“We have demanded to contest on 36 seats. The discussions are still underway. It is not game of number but winnability. This time, Purvanchal is a very important seat. Thus, numbers don’t matter to us. Unnecessary names of the candidate will not be required either by the BJP or us. We are discussing on each seat for 30-45 minutes and all angles are being looked at,” sources said.

The Apna Dal claimed it will win 100 per cent seats this time. Last time Apna Dal had contested on 11 seats in which it won 9 seats — Sorao, Pratappur, Handia, Vishwanathganj, Pratapgarh, Sadar and Jehanabad.

Sources in Apna Dal stated that Apna Dal will contest elections in Uttar Pradesh with more seats than last time.

Several rounds of talks have been held between the BJP and its coalition parties in Uttar Pradesh.

The quota seats of BJP and Apna Dal can be announced in the meeting to be held later this afternoon.

At the same time, sources said they have submitted a list of 36 seats to BJP on behalf of Apna Dal.

It is worth noting that, at present, there is a great churning going on in Delhi regarding seat-sharing in Uttar Pradesh.

BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National General Secretaries (Organisation) BL Santosh and Sunil Bansal and UP BJP election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan are involved in this brainstorming.

At the same time, leaders like state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and state BJP president Swatantradev Singh, Annapurna Devi and Sanjeev Chaurasia are also present in the meeting.

Elections for the 403 Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases starting February 10. The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held on February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7 in seven phases.

The counting of votes will take place on March 10. (ANI)

Over 50 Lakh Healthcare, Frontline Workers, Senior Citizens Received ‘Precaution Dose’: Mandaviya

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said over 50 lakh healthcare and frontline workers and citizens aged 60 years or above have received ‘Precaution Dose’ since January 10.

Taking to Twitter, the Union minister wrote “Another Day, Another Milestone over 50 lakh healthcare and frontline workers and citizens aged 60 years or above have received Precaution Dose, since 10th January.”
“I request all those who are eligible to get their Precaution Dose at the earliest,” he said in a tweet.

In his address to the nation on December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the precautionary doses of vaccine will be started for healthcare, frontline workers and citizens above 60 years with co-morbidities starting January 10, 2022. (ANI)

R-Day Celebrations: 1000 Drones To Display Multiple Formations

To encourage a startup led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, for the first time in the country, a drone show consisting of 1,000 drones will be held during the Beating Retreat event in Republic Day celebrations this year, said an official from the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday.
After China, Russia and UK, India will be the fourth country to perform drone show.

The official also said that this year, the Beating Retreat ceremony will also witness projection mapping to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence.

“Botlab Dynamics, a start-up incubated at IIT Delhi, will organize the show where 1,000 drones will configure themselves in multiple formations during the show,” he added.

He said that all drones are indigenously developed and designed. Indian will become fourth country after China, Russia and United States to organize such a massive drone show.

“Projection mapping on parapet of North and South block walls will be used to create immersive environment during the event. The theme will be 75 years of Independence,” he added.

The Beating Retreat ceremony mainly consists of performances of the bands of the three services on the last day of Republic Day celebrations. The ceremony takes place at Vijay Chowk on January 29 every year.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has fortified areas in and around Rajpath with multi-layer security, facial recognition systems and more than 1,000 CCTVs in view of the republic day celebrations. (ANI)