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Thiruvananthapuram, <keyword id="28504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="Orion">Kerala</keyword> Chief Minister <keyword id="6356705" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pinarayi-Vijayan" source="Orion">Pinarayi Vijayan</keyword> on Friday said the state government aims to complete the first dose of <keyword id="54639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccination" source="Orion">vaccination</keyword> to all above 18 years by September 30. Vijayan said till now, 78.03 per cent of the population above 18 years received the first dose of vaccination, while 30.16 per cent received both doses. The Chief Minister, while addressing the press after a COVID-19 evaluation meeting, said only two per cent of the active cases during September 3-9 in the state required oxygen beds and only one per cent got admitted to ICUs. Vijayan said 93 per cent of people above 45 years received the first dose of vaccine while 50 per cent received the second dose too. "During the period between September 3 to 9, there was an average of 2,42,278 active cases in the state of which only two per cent required oxygen beds and one one per cent got admitted in the ICUs," he said. Vijayan told the media that antigen tests will be conducted only for the purpose of medical treatment in the districts where 80 per cent of the population have been vaccinated with the first dose. "In such districts, RTPCR tests will be used to detect the infection," he said. After analysing the COVID-19 situation, the state government has decided to impose stringent lockdown restrictions in areas where the weekly infection population ratio was above eight per cent. Until today the restrictions were in wards of local self government bodies with WIPR above seven per cent. Kerala today logged 25,010 new COVID-19 cases and 177 deaths, taking the caseload to 43,34,704 and the death toll to 22,303. Health minister Veena George said 1,51,317 samples were tested in the last 24 hours and the test positivity rate was 16.53 per cent. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/ronnie-screwvalas-investment-firm-leads-10-million-round-in-lido-learning/articleshow/86093922.cms">Ronnie Screwvala’s investment firm leads $10 million round in Lido Learning</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indias-merchandise-exports-likely-to-surge-by-33-in-fy22-says-import-bank-of-india/articleshow/86094289.cms">India's merchandise exports likely to surge by 33% in FY22, says Import Bank of India</a>

Kerala to complete vaccination of all above 18 years by September 30: CM

With 16,866 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,39,05,621, while the daily positivity rate crossed 7 per cent again after a gap of 168 days, according to the <keyword id="83655" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-health-ministry" source="Orion">Union Health Ministry</keyword> data updated on Monday. The active cases have declined to 1,50,877, while the death toll has climbed to 5,26,074 with 41 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprises 0.34 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.46 per cent, the <keyword id="46535" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="Orion">health ministry</keyword> said. A decrease of 1,323 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 7.03 per cent. The weekly positivity rate was 4.49 per cent, according to the health ministry. Totally, 87.27 crore tests have been carried out with 2,39,751 tests being conducted in a span of 24 hours. The number of recoveries surged to 4,32,28,670, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.20 per cent. According to the ministry, 202.17 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4, three crore on June 23 last year and four crore on January 25 this year. The 41 new fatalities include 13 from <keyword id="28504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kerala" source="Orion">Kerala</keyword>, six each from Maharashtra and West Bengal, four from Punjab, two each from <keyword id="66" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="Orion">Delhi</keyword> and Sikkim and one each from Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Nagaland, <keyword id="6357961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="odisha" source="Orion">Odisha</keyword>, Tripura and <keyword id="6357713" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="Orion">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/list-of-top-new-upcoming-whatsapp-features-in-second-half-2022/articleshow/93103440.cms">From avatars to hiding online status—list of top new upcoming WhatsApp features</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/sensex-falls-500-points-nifty-50-down-150-on-ril-and-weak-global-cues/articleshow/93103359.cms">Sensex falls 500 points, Nifty 50 down 150 on RIL and weak global cues</a>

India's positivity rate crosses 7% again after an almost 3-month gap

<keyword id="28504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="Orion">Kerala</keyword> Health Minister <keyword id="3296362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="veena-george" source="Orion">Veena George</keyword> said that the state will have new mandatory quarantine stipulations for <keyword id="970859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-travellers" source="Orion">international travellers</keyword> from Monday, on the basis of <keyword id="83655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-health-ministry" source="Orion">Union Health Ministry</keyword> guidelines. Travellers from UK will have to undergo ten-day quarantine at home or destination address, according to the new guidelines. Passengers from South Africa, Brazil, and Europe will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine mandatorily on arrival. The Minister, in a statement, said that all international travellers irrespective of their vaccination status will have to take <keyword id="9043621" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rt-pcr" source="Orion">RT-PCR</keyword> tests on reaching the airports in the state. Travelers from other countries will have to undergo self-monitoring for 14 days if they test negative in RT- PCR test. Samples of passengers from countries like Botswana, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, European nations, of the Middle East, Bangladesh, China, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe will be sent for virus mutation tests. The Centre had ordered 10-day mandatory quarantine for passengers arriving from the UK, after it imposed such quarantine measure for Indian visitors. George also said that three RT- PCR tests are required for an international passenger to the state - One prior to 72 hours of the journey, the second on arrival at an airport in the state, and the third eight days after arriving in the state. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/adar-poonawalla-backed-pharmacy-chain-wellness-forever-files-for-ipo/articleshow/86699746.cms">Adar Poonawalla-backed pharmacy chain Wellness Forever files for IPO</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/top-earners-at-ritesh-agarwal-led-oyo-as-per-its-drhp/slidelist/86682750.cms">OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal took home ₹1.6 crore in FY2021 — here are the top earners in the IPO-bound company</a>

Kerala to have new quarantine rules for international travellers

Chennai, Mar 19 (PTI) More than 1.34 crore eligible people in Tamil Nadu have not received the second dose of vaccination against COVID-19 and they should make use of the Mega Vaccination Camp conducted every week by the health department, state Minister Ma Subramanian said on Saturday. The Minister for Health and Family Welfare inspected the 25th Mega Vaccination Camp currently underway in the city. At the camp, he said 3,61,283 children in the age group of 12-14 years have received the jabs as against the eligible 21.21 lakh. Vaccination to this age category commenced on March 16 across the country. "In Tamil Nadu on a daily basis two lakh vaccination doses are being administered. As many as 1,34,35,505 people are eligible to receive the second dose and are yet to get vaccinated while 51,82,974 people are yet to receive the first dose of vaccination in the state. They should make use of the Mega Vaccination Camp conducted on Saturdays by the health department," he said. Subramanian said currently 76,80,645 doses of vaccines were available with the health department. The minister said 3,100 panchayats out of a total 12,585 panchayats in Tamil Nadu have achieved 100 per cent vaccination status in their region and very soon they would be honoured by certificates signed by Chief Minister M K Stalin. He said of the 5,78,91,000 eligible persons above the age of 18 years, the health department has administered vaccines to 5,32,28,642 while 4,32,24,269 received second dose of vaccinations. On the status of precautionary booster dose, he said 4,09,588 people above the age of 60 years have received the third dose. The minister said monitoring of people in the 13 districts bordering Kerala have been intensified as COVID-19 cases increased to 847 on Friday while in Tamil Nadu it stood at 61 on Friday with zero fatalities. "Lakhs of people travel to Tamil Nadu from Kerala. Due to the increase in cases in Kerala, it has been decided to intensify the measures in the border districts," he said. PTI VIJ VIJ HDA HDA

Over 1.34 crore people yet to take second dose of COVID vaccine: TN health minister

New <keyword id="66" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword>, India took only 6 days to administer one million <keyword id="8904563" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> doses, a count which is higher than that of countries like the US and the UK, the <keyword id="83655" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-health-ministry">Union Health Ministry</keyword> said on Sunday as the <keyword id="6384751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="number">number</keyword> of beneficiaries who have received the anti-coronavirus shots inched close to 16 lakh. The UK took 18 days whereas the US took 10 days to reach the one million mark, the ministry said. As on January 24, till 8 am, nearly 16 lakh (15,82,201) beneficiaries have received <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> vaccination.In a span of 24 hours, close to 2 lakh (1,91,609) people were vaccinated across 3,512 sessions. A total of 27,920 sessions have been conducted so far, the ministry said. India took only 6 days to roll out one million vaccine doses. This count is higher than countries like the US and the UK. The UK took 18 days whereas USA took 10 days to reach the one million mark, the ministry highlighted. In a testament to the successful test-track-treat-technology strategy, India continues on its steady trajectory of reporting a sustained downfall in the daily new cases and consequential decline in the <keyword id="8971025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="active-cases">active cases</keyword>, the ministry underlined. India's active cases today stand at 1,84,408 which comprises of 1.73 per cent of the total cases. With 15,948 recovered cases in a span of 24 hours, a net decline of 1,254 cases has been recorded in the total active caseload during the same period. Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal account for 75 per cent of the total active cases in the country. The total recovered cases have surged to 10,316,786, the ministry said adding 84.30 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs. Kerala has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 5,283 recoveries. Maharashtra follows with 3,694 new recoveries. The ministry said that 80.67% of the 14,849 new COVID-19 cases recorded in a span of 24 hours are concentrated in six states and UTs. Kerala reported the maximum daily new cases numbering 6,960 in a day. Maharashtra has recorded 2,697 new cases while Karnataka registered 902 new cases yesterday. Seven states and UTs account for 79.35% of the 155 case fatalities reported in a span of 24 hours. Maharashtra reported 56 deaths. Kerala and Delhi follow with 23 and 10 new deaths, respectively. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/mrs-bectors-shares-are-down-32-from-the-peak-post-listing-analysts-say-it-is-still-overpriced/articleshow/80430865.cms">Mrs Bectors shares are down 32% from the peak post listing — analysts say it is still 'overpriced'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indias-co-working-sector-wants-recognition-under-real-estate-tax-benefits-as-flexible-workspaces-aim-for-a-significant-revival-in-the-post-covid-era/articleshow/80431768.cms">India’s co-working sector wants recognition under real estate, tax benefits as flexible workspaces aim for a significant revival in the post-COVID era</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-allotment-status-of-indian-railway-finance-corporation-irfc-ipo/articleshow/80406208.cms">Indian Railway Finance Corporation IPO allotment: Here’s how to check share allotment status</a>

One million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in India in just six days, says Health Ministry

India recorded 46,951 infections in the last 24 hours, highest so far in the last four and half months, taking the total tally to 1,16,46,081 on Monday. According to the <keyword id="46535" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Health-ministry">Health Ministry</keyword>, <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword>, <keyword id="6354953" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="punjab">Punjab</keyword>, <keyword id="28504" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, <keyword id="6354780" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>, <keyword id="6354766" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword> and Madhya Pradesh are exhibiting a steep rise in daily cases. With death of 212 more people in the last one day across the country, the toll reached 1,59,967. The active caseload in country has mounted to 3,34,646. A single-day spike of 47,905 new infections were recorded on November 11. The country has been registering an increase in cases for the last 12 day continuously. With the discharge of 21,180 patients in a day, a total of 1,11,51,468 persons have so far been discharged. A total of 8,80,655 tests left hospitals on Sunday. So far, 4.50 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for 'Covishield' and '<keyword id="9485939" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="covaxin">Covaxin</keyword>'. The central government is closely monitoring and actively engaging with states and union territories over the rising cases in the country. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-allotment-status-of-laxmi-organic-ipo/articleshow/81624672.cms">Laxmi Organic IPO allotment live – how to check allotment, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-craftsman-automation-ipo-allotment-status/articleshow/81625011.cms">Craftsman Automation IPO allotment live – how to check allotment, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/barbeque-nation-ipo-to-raise-180-crore-by-selling-54-5-lakh-shares/articleshow/81626158.cms">With an IPO on its plate, Barbeque Nation hopes to clear off some of its debt and double down on not just dining but its new delivery business</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-allotment-status-of-kalyan-jewellers-ipo/articleshow/81626536.cms">Kalyan Jewellers IPO — Here is how to check share allotment status</a>

India records nearly 47,000 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours, highest single day spike in last four months

<ul><li>Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Kerala have so far reported cases of <keyword id="13885432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tomato-flu" source="Orion">tomato flu</keyword> in India.</li><li>It is seen as a clinical variant of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).</li><li>Currently, there are no proper drugs and vaccines available in the market to treat the disease.</li><li>The central government on Tuesday rolled out an advisory on the virus to curb the cases in the country.</li></ul>As India continues to battle Covid-19, another contagious disease called ‘<keyword id="6384473" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="tomato" source="Orion">tomato</keyword> flu or tomato fever’ is creating havoc in the country. It has now spread to four states — Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Kerala. A total of 100 cases, in children below the age of 5 years, have been reported so far in the country, according to media reports. The first case of tomato flu was identified in Kerala’s Kollam district on May 6. Additionally, the Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar reported 26 cases of tomato flu in children between the ages of 1-9 years in Odisha. No other state or union territory, besides the four mentioned above, has reported any case of this disease so far. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is tomato flu?" comment="subhead" text="What is tomato flu?">What is tomato flu?</cmsannotation> Caused by enteroviruses, it is seen to be a clinical variant of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The flu gets its name from the tomato-shaped blisters it causes on the body. The flu causes rashes or blisters, skin irritation and dehydration. Joint swelling, red spots on hands and legs, tiredness, and nausea are also some symptoms of the fever. The blisters resemble those seen in cases of the monkeypox virus in young individuals. According to a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanres/PIIS2213-2600(22)00300-9.pdf">Lancet report</a>, “Children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu as viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact.” Probable <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/tomato-fever-in-india-82-cases-reported-in-kids-below-5-years-know-the-symptoms/photostory/93700945.cms?picid=93700992">reasons</a> behind the spread among children could be touching unclean surfaces, putting things directly into the mouth, sharing toys, clothes, food and other items with an infected child. However, it is to be noted that Covid-19 and tomato flu have some common symptoms but are not related to one another. “ Both are associated with fever, fatigue, and body aches initially, and some patients with Covid-19 also report rashes on the skin, (however) the virus is not related to SARS-CoV-2,” Lancet said in its report. The primary symptoms observed in children with tomato flu are similar to those of chikungunya, which include high fever, rashes and intense pain in the joints. "It looks like it's a form of hand, foot, mouth disease with additional symptoms of joint pains and high-grade fever. Anyway hand, foot and mouth disease itself is a syndrome which can be caused by different enteroviruses. Symptoms vary with type of virus, age group and immunity status of the patient,” <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/tomato-flu-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-contagious-disease-in-india-affecting-children-101661162182258-5.html">said</a> Dr Dhiren Gupta, senior consultant at Sir Gangaram Hospital. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is tomato flu virus deadly?" comment="subhead" text="Is tomato flu virus deadly?">Is tomato flu virus deadly?</cmsannotation> Tomato fever is a self-limiting disease and is considered non-life threatening. Currently, there are no proper drugs and vaccines available in the market to treat the disease. As tomato flu is similar to chikungunya, dengue, and hand, foot, and mouth disease, the treatment is also similar — isolation, rest, plenty of fluids and hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes. “Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and bodyache and other symptomatic treatments are required,” says the Lancet report. Further follow-up and monitoring for serious outcomes is needed to better understand the need for potential treatments. “Hand-washing and basic hygiene measures help prevent it. Only supportive treatment is required. Complications are extremely rare and there is no need to worry,” Dr. Gupta added. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How is the Indian government tackling the disease?" comment="subhead" text="How is the Indian government tackling the disease?">How is the Indian government tackling the disease?</cmsannotation> The central government on Tuesday rolled out an advisory on the virus. “The disease, which seems to be a variant of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but it can occur in adults too,” the government said in the advisory. It said that children must be educated about the signs and symptoms, and side effects of Tomato flu. The government has advised isolation of five to seven days from the onset of any symptoms to prevent the spread of infection to other children or adults. Parents should make sure that their children do not hug or touch other children having fever or rash symptoms. "You should encourage your children to stop thumb or finger sucking habits. Encourage the child to use a handkerchief in case of a runny nose or coughing,” it added. It further advised the use of warm water to clean skin or for bathing the child. It is also important to take a nutrition-rich, balanced diet to boost immunity, and get enough rest and sleep to promote healing. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indian-ports-witnessed-a-4-decline-in-volume-in-july-nomura/articleshow/93749055.cms">Indian ports witnessed a 4% decline in volume in July: Nomura</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ndtv-stock-hits-upper-circuit-on-adani-group-takeover-bid/articleshow/93748596.cms">NDTV stock hits upper circuit on Adani group takeover bid</a>

Tomato flu cases spread to Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Odisha — Know more about this contagious disease

New Delhi, In a major development, India on Saturday recorded 25,152 new coronavirus cases and 347 deaths, taking the total number of infected people since January past the one crore-mark, according to <keyword id="4585792" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-ministry-of-health-and-family-welfare">the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</keyword>'s data. The country crossed the grim milestone almost eleven months after the first case was reported on January 30 in Thrissur district of Kerala. Since then, the country has recorded 10,004,599 coronavirus cases and 14,51,36 deaths. The number of infections had crossed the 1 million-mark on July 17; 2 million on August 7; 3 million on August 23; 4 million on September 5; 5 million on September 16; 6 million on September 28; 7 million on October 11; 8 million on October 29; and 90 lakh on November 20. While it took over five months to touch 1 million, it amassed 6 million with August and October. India has been recording the second-highest numbers of coronavirus cases in the world since August this year, following the US, which had crossed the milestone of one crore infections on November 9. India also fought through a massive wave of infection in September when the pandemic peaked and recorded a highest single-day spike of 97,894 cases on September 16. Number of cases have drastically come down since. Notably the recovery rate is 95.46%, while the death rate is 1.45%. The <keyword id="9281338" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="active-caseload">active caseload</keyword> is also below four lakh for the last 12 days. India is one of the top countries with the highest recovery rate globally. According to <keyword id="3284300" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Health-Ministry">the Health Ministry</keyword>, the chasm between active cases and recovered cases is continuously widening. As many as 95,50,712 people have recovered while 3,08,751 remain currently active. A total of 16,00,90,514 samples have been tested for <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">Covid-19</keyword> till date. Of these, 11,71,868 samples were tested on Friday, <keyword id="1256547" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Indian-Council-of-Medical-Research">the Indian Council of Medical Research</keyword> (ICMR) said. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state with 18,88,767 cases till date. Over 76% of the daily new cases are being reported by 10 states and union territory and in the random order they include -- Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Over 75% of the deaths are being reported from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel as India has eight Covid-19 vaccine candidates, including three indigenous vaccines, under different stages of clinical trials which could be ready for authorization in near future. It includes AstraZeneca and Oxford university developed and Serum Institute of India manufactured Covishield; Covaxin by Bharat Biotech Limited; ZyCoV-D by Zydus Cadila and Russian vaccine candidate Sputnik-V. The list also contains NVX-CoV2373 by SII, HGCO19 by Geneva, and two unlabeled vaccines -- Recombinant Protein Antigen-based vaccine by Biological E Limited and Inactivated rabies vector platform by Bharat Biotech. The central government plans to vaccinate nearly 30 crore people during the first phase of vaccination. It will be offered to one crore healthcare workers along with 2 crore frontline and essential workers and 27 crore elderly, mostly above the age of 50 years with comorbidities such as diabetes, heart or liver ailments. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-mrs-bectors-food-specialities-ipo-allotment-status-online/articleshow/79808672.cms">Mrs Bectors Food Specialities IPO allotment: Here’s how to check share allotment status</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ikea-india-cfo-says-she-still-has-3500-crore-to-be-spent-in-india-the-pandemic-has-changed-targets-but-not-the-investment-plan/articleshow/79790938.cms">INTERVIEW: Ikea CFO says she still has ₹3,500 crore to be spent in India⁠— the pandemic has changed targets but not the investment plan</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-will-produce-300-million-doses-of-the-russian-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-next-year/articleshow/79795341.cms">India will produce 300 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine next year</a>

India's COVID-19 caseload surpasses one crore-mark with 25,152 fresh cases

<keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> on Wednesday recorded 17,921 new coronavirus cases and 133 fatalities, taking the total tally to 1,12,62,707. As per the <keyword id="48413" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry">Ministry</keyword>'s data, there are 1,84,598 active cases at present. Besides, 20,652 patients of <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">Covid-19</keyword> were discharged in a day. A total 1,09,20,046 persons have been discharged so far. The total number of deaths in the country has reached 1,58,063, as per the ministry data. The recovery rate stands at 96.96 against 97.98 per cent recorded on Saturday, last week. The drop in recovery rate and the increase in new and corresponding active cases have been attributed to various factors, including continued spike in infections in <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> and the sudden spurt in <keyword id="6354953" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="punjab">Punjab</keyword>. Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, <keyword id="20154" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, <keyword id="6354766" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword> and <keyword id="6354780" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword> continue to report a surge in the daily new cases. They cumulatively account for 84.04 per cent of the new cases reported are from these states. The Ministry also informed that 7,63,081 samples were tested on Tuesday. The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,34,79,877. Till date, 2,43,67, 906 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the country since the mass drive began on January 16. The third phase of vaccination began on March 1 covering 27 crore of people above 60 and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/checkout-review-of-oppo-fitness-band-related-to-design-performance-price-and-battery-life/articleshow/81423414.cms">Oppo Band Style review – getting the basics right with a twist of flair</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/narendra-modi-joe-biden-yoshihide-suga-and-scott-morrison-are-set-to-meet-for-the-first-ever-quad-leaders-summit-on-march-12/articleshow/81424117.cms">The first-ever leaders summit of the QUAD may be another signal that it's ready for something more formal</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-share-allotment-status-of-mtar-technologies-ipo/articleshow/81424102.cms">MTAR Technologies IPO: Here is how to check share allotment status</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/tcs-cfo-explains-how-the-role-of-a-finance-head-has-been-changed-by-the-pandemic/articleshow/81423884.cms">EXCLUSIVE: TCS CFO explains how the role of a finance head has been changed by the pandemic</a>

India reports 17,921 new  COVID-19 cases and 133 deaths in last 24 hours

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) will provide free oxygen, power and water to a 100-bed make-shift COVID treatment centre, which was opened on Friday at its Kochi Refinery operated school, adjacent to its premises, in Ambalamugal, Kerala. The medical facility will have 100 beds in the first phase, which will be expanded to accommodate 1,500 beds. <div type="ExtQuote" text="Oxygen will be supplied directly through a dedicated pipeline from Kochi Refinery, along with free water and power." auname="The company said in a statement"></div> The oxygen will be supplied through a dedicated stainless steel pipeline. To reach out in far-flung areas, the refinery has already ordered a new bottling compressor for undisrupted oxygen refills. Once commissioned, the facility is expected to fill 600 -700 oxygen cylinders per day. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> BPCL has been at the forefront in supporting the healthcare system, by upgrading its facilities at Mumbai and Bina Refineries for supply of 600 tonnes free gaseous oxygen per month to government hospitals and medical centres, besides supplying 100 tonnes liquid oxygen from Kochi Refinery every month. It is also setting up PSA Oxygen Plants in two government hospitals in Maharashtra, three hospitals in Kerala and five hospitals in Madhya Pradesh. <div type="ExtQuote" text="Setting up the COVID treatment centre at our premises and supply of free oxygen and utilities are part of our commitment to our core purpose, Energising Lives of the nation. Upgrading our oxygen production facility, at a short notice, was a challenge but we could complete the entire activity within five days." auname="Sanjay Khanna, Executive Director (Kochi Refinery), BPCL"></div> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/1st-sputnik-covid-dose-given-in-hyderabad-at-995-rs-/articleshow/82627592.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">The first dose of Sputnik vaccine in Hyderabad cost ₹995</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/covid-related-black-fungus-has-claimed-52-lives-in-maharashtra-so-far-according-to-official-data/articleshow/82625929.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Covid-related black fungus has claimed 52 lives in Maharashtra so far, according to official data</a>

BPCL supplies free oxygen, opens 100-bed make-shift COVID treatment centre at Kochi Refinery premises

<ul><li>The Bill seeks to merge three Ayurveda institutes into one institution -- <keyword id="9947245" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Institute-of-Teaching-and-Research-in-Ayurveda">Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda</keyword>. The Bill declares the institute to be an institution of national importance.</li><li>The <keyword id="48510" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajya-Sabha">Rajya Sabha</keyword> passed the Institute of Teaching and Research in <keyword id="8756726" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayurveda-bill">Ayurveda Bill</keyword>, 2020. </li></ul>The Rajya Sabha passed the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020. The Bill seeks to merge three Ayurveda institutes into one institution -- Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda. The Bill declares the institute to be an institution of national importance. The Bill was moved by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in the absence of Ayush Minister Sripad Naik, who is recovering from Covid-19. Harsh Vardhan said, "The ministry is giving deemed university status to the institutes in various parts of the country and the matter is referred to the UGC and Education Ministry." The Minister said that there are 103 institutes of national importance, but there was none in Ayurveda. He said the Jamnagar institute has been chosen because this is one of the oldest institutes of the country founded by the Government of India in 1956. Many MPs from the TRS, Bodoland People's Front, AIADMK, CPM, BSP and others demanded similar institutes in other states also. The Chairman, M. Venkiah Naidu, said, "The minister should take into consideration the demand of such institutes in every state." Congress leader L. Hanumanthiah raised objections during the discussion. He said, "Why Gujarat is given so much importance and Kerala should also be given prominence, which is a pioneer of the Ayurveda." While Thambidurai AIADMK member supported the Bill, he demanded a National Institute of Siddha in Tamil Nadu. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal raised the issue of mental health and said House the mental counselling is needed in Covid times. RJD MP Manoj Jha demanded a regulator for the Ayurvedic medicines so that no misuse takes place. He cited the claims made by Ramdev that he has made medicine for Covid-19. The Bill seeks three institutes to be merged -- the Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Shree Gulabkunverba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Jamnagar, and, the Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Sciences, all in Jamnagar. The proposed Institute will be situated in the campus of Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar. The Institute will be developed on the patterns of teaching in medical education in Ayurveda and pharmacy, bring together educational facilities for training of personnel in all branches of Ayurveda, and attain self-sufficiency in postgraduate education to meet the need for specialists and medical teachers in Ayurveda, also make an in-depth study and research in the field of Ayurveda. The Bill provides that the Institute will consist of 15 members and the Director of the Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar will be appointed as the first Director of the Institute. The Bill states that there will be a Governing Body of the Institute, which will exercise powers and such functions of the Institute, as specified. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/we-wont-have-enough-covid-19-vaccine-for-everybody-until-2024-warns-worlds-largest-vaccine-producer/articleshow/78111779.cms">We won't have enough COVID-19 vaccine for everybody until 2024, warns world's largest vaccine producer</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/amid-india-china-standoff-tencent-is-back-with-an-investment-in-flipkart/articleshow/78140794.cms">Amid India-China standoff, Tencent is back with an investment in Flipkart</a>

Rajya Sabha passes Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill

<ul><li>The stress among <keyword id="6359766" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-schools" source="Orion">private schools</keyword> is emerging mainly due to poor fee collections, which is not just affecting their cash flows but also impeding their ability to pay loan dues. </li><li>Many of them fear that a third wave of COVID-19 infections, and a subsequent lockdown, if any, may even force them to shut down forever. </li><li>The worst-hit have been pre-primary to middle-level schools, especially those catering to low-income families in rural and semi-urban areas. </li></ul><keyword id="4363300" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-schools-in-india" source="Orion">Private schools in India</keyword> have been struggling to pay their bills and loan dues to banks and other lenders due to poor student turnout amid the pandemic. Many of them fear that a third wave of COVID-19 infections, and a subsequent lockdown, if any, may even force them to shut down forever. The worst-hit have been those that focus on pre-primary to middle-level education, and cater to low-income families in rural and semi-urban areas. Aside from causing a disastrous loss in the form of lack of access to education for children, this could lead to a lot of unpaid loans for banks and other lenders, and loss of livelihood for teachers and support staff. Take Kerala High School, located in Karimnagar in Telangana, for instance. The budget private school that runs classes from Nursery to Xth standard has a strength of 550 students, with most hailing from the neighbouring villages. For the past 18 months, it has been surviving on near-zero cash flows as most of the fees it collected got exhausted in paying salaries to its staff, repaying loan installments, and running online classes. The fee collection, at close to 20% for the last academic year, has been poor mainly because parents either lost their livelihoods during the pandemic or were unwilling to pay school fees due to absence of offline classes. Further, even the attendance for online classes has remained low at just 20-30%, said Rajendra B, chairman and principal at Kerala High School for the past decade, as most students did not have smartphones and internet connections. But if a third Covid wave happens and lockdown curbs are announced again, the 27-year old school may not even survive. “We had to take loans from family and friends to pay our loan installments during the pandemic as debt kept piling up,” said Rajendra. “If a third wave strikes and there is a lockdown again, I may have to sell half of my 1,000 sq. ft school land to repay the dues,” he said. Further, many students studying in private schools have already switched to government schools over the past three years, as per the<a href="https://www.pratham.org/about/"> Annual Status of Education Report 2020</a> that surveyed 16,761 schools across India. The study, conducted by non-government body<a href="https://www.pratham.org/about/"> Pratham</a> in Sep. 2020, said that the reasons for the switch “may include financial distress in households and/or permanent school shutdowns among the private schools.” Pain Points Private schools that operate in pre-primary, primary and middle education categories (classes Nursery to Class VIIth), according to Vivek Iyer, partner and national leader-financial services risk advisory at Grant Thornton Bharat, have been the worst-affected as they have remained shut the longest for close to 17-18 months. The Covid impact, he said, has also been higher on schools catering to children from low-income families and rural areas “Lower the school fees and the category of the school, worse the Covid impact. That way, private schools catering to the most vulnerable segments have been the worst-hit, while their quality of education has also suffered due to poor transition to digital learning models,” he said. Steve Hardgrave, co-founder and chief executive of Varthana, a Bengaluru-based non-bank lender that focuses on loans to affordable private schools that charge fees of up to Rs 3,000 a month, is dreading the expected third wave of the pandemic. “Of the 4,000 schools that we have funded, close to 5% (or 200 schools) have cited issues with continuing their business, but that number is expected to go up to 25% if the third wave strikes. Also, owners that were running schools on leased land and property are finding it difficult to sustain,” he said. “In some cases, schools had to be sold to a third-party to facilitate clearing off their loan dues.” And Hardgrave is not alone. Even as schools have reopened in most parts of the country, classroom attendance remains thin at about 20-30% as parents are afraid to send their children to schools due to lack of vaccination for children below 18 years of age, said V L Ramakrishnan, managing director and chief executive at Shikha Finance, a Tamil Nadu-based lender that focuses primarily on school financing. “Even though schools have reopened, it is an abstract factor, because parents are still reluctant in sending their children, especially those studying between Nursery and class VIIIth, back to schools,” he said. “About 3-5% of school entrepreneurs, or roughly 20 schools, in our portfolio, have expressed that they will not be able to continue their business. If a third wave strikes, that number would go up,” he said. Mounting Debt It is clear that the stress among private schools is emerging mainly due to poor fee collections, which is not just affecting their cash flows but also impeding their ability to pay loan dues. Chirag Jagdish Chandra Pathak, who has been running Mother Care School that offers education for kindergarten to Class XIIth students in Kheda, Gujarat, had taken a ₹6 crore loan in March 2018 to construct a new school building. As the pandemic struck in March last year, the school’s cash flows fell to near-zero in the following five months. Pathak, however, took quick action and gave teachers at his school smartphones and internet connection to impart online education. But a 25% fee cut by the state government and unwillingness of parents to pay school fees as they did not consider online education at par with classroom learning, led Pathak to avail a loan moratorium during the first wave. Later, he also applied for loan restructuring as his school’s cash flow remained deficient by 30-50%. “Despite schools getting reopened again, our loan repayment ability has reduced by at least 30%. The biggest reason for that is uneven cash flow as fee collection has still not stabilized, while our leverage has gone up due to accumulation of interest,” he said. Like Mother Care, <keyword id="9434367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="many-private-schools" source="Orion">many private schools</keyword> in the country are dealing with mounting debt as most either opted for a loan moratorium or restructuring, in anticipation that their cash flows would improve eventually. But fee collections still remain inadequate, while interest on their loans have either gone up or their loan repayment period extended. “Schools are over-leveraged by at least 2-3 times as their revenue took a beating of anywhere between 20% to even 80%, depending on the fee category of the school. Restructuring was granted to schools as their cash flows were expected to improve, but if a third wave strikes, it will be difficult for many to manage their debt as fee collection would drop again,” said Anuj Pandey, chief risk officer at non-banking financial company U GRO Capital. So far, U Gro Capital that has ₹136 crore in assets under management across 75 schools as of June 30, has restructured close to 12% of its loan portfolio in school financing. Varthana Finance, which has ₹1,000 crore in AUM towards school loans, has also restructured about 15% of its portfolio. Shiksha Finance restructured close to 10% of its ₹185 crore loan book dedicated to 2,200 schools. “Restructuring has not been much of a solace. Most schools continue demanding for extended repayment terms and moratorium, as their situation has barely improved,” said Ramakrishnan. Agreed, Hardgrave. “Of the 70% schools that had applied, only 15% could be offered restructuring. Even among the most vulnerable schools, we could only restructure loans for those that showed clear signs of business continuity,’ he said. The lack of restructuring options for schools, Hardgrave said, was mainly because there was no provision made by the government or the Reserve Bank of India for non-banking financial companies (NBFC) catering to schools. “There were no special liquidity provisions announced for NBFCs catering to schools and no benefits offered for higher restructuring of school loans, which also affected our ability to do so,” he said. To be sure, the RBI had announced a one-time restructuring scheme last year to aid borrowers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme was to be invoked by December 31, 2020 and implemented within 180 days for corporate borrowers. This year, the scheme was further extended for retail and small business borrowers to September 30. “The government did not just reduce school fees but actively encouraged parents to not pay up, even when we were doing our best to provide online education. On top of that, there was no loan waiver and our debt kept piling up,” said Pathak. A Systemic Issue Not just schools, but specialized non-bank lenders catering to the school segment have also seen their asset quality deteriorate during the pandemic. While Shiksha Finance saw its gross non-performing assets rise from 8.3% of its gross advances, as of June 30, to nearly 17% by August-end, Varthana’s gross NPA rose from a little over 6% by June-end to its highest-ever at almost 8%, as of Aug. 31. But U GRO, which lends to small and medium sized schools, managed to keep its gross NPAs at less than 1%. This, Pandey said, may be because most schools that it lent to were located in urban centres and catered to the middle-class population strata. And a third wave is likely to make matters worse. “While restructuring has helped with immediate cash flow issues, many schools may get pushed to the brink of shutting down if a third wave leads to a fresh set of lockdowns in the country. Even those with better cash flow management may face issues with running their enterprises,” said Pandey. Iyer, however, sees the outcome a bit differently. More than permanent shutdowns, the pandemic would lead to further consolidation among private schools, he said. “Many large school chains backed by deep-pocketed investors are seeing distressed schools in rural and semi-urban areas as good acquisition opportunities for their own expansion.” Be it closure or distressed sale, it is clear that the fate of already stressed private schools hangs in balance. A third wave may also mean the end of the road for many. But Rajendra remains hopeful. In September, Kerala High School reopened following the state government’s directions. The attendance, however, has been low at about 30%, as school buses— the only mode of transportation for over half of its students, are yet to ply. “Once our buses get repaired, we may even touch 70% attendance in the coming weeks. And, if a third wave does not happen, we expect to return to normal fee collections over the next six months,” he said.

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EXCLUSIVE: Many private schools in India are on the brink of bankruptcy and fear that a third wave of COVID-19 could be their end

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