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Mixing of Covid vaccine doses could be more effective against mutations, AIIMS chief says need more data before taking decision

The AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria suggested that the mixing of two different Covid vaccine doses may improve their efficacy against Covid-19 but need more data before taking any decision. Speaking with NDTV he said early studies indicate that combining two different shots could be an alternative.

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AIIMS Chief Dr Randeep Guleria

Amid fears that mixing doses of two different vaccines could be ineffective against various and more powerful Covid variants, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria on Saturday suggested that the though mixing vaccines may improve their efficacy against Covid-19, there was need for more data before taking a decision.

Speaking to NDTV, Guleria said for battling against more infectious variants like Delta Plus and Delta is possible by mixing two different Covid-19 vaccines doses. He said early studies indicate that combining two different shots could be an alternative.

Last month, the Centre announced that as part of its new immunisation policy, government experts will investigate different combinations of Covid-19 vaccine doses to see whether they improve efficacy.

Guleria said the government is working on mixing of two different Covid vaccine doses and results of trials will be available in a few months. However, the doctors are searching which two vaccines could be combined for effective results. He stressed the importance of being vaccinated despite these fears.

Last month, preliminary results of a British study published in The Lancet where participants were given a first dose of Covishield and a second of Pfizer had reported more short-lived side-effects while the data on efficacy is still pending. Another Spanish study found the combination to be safe and effective.

On the Delta Plus variant, Dr Guleria said the government is closely monitoring the situation but the Delta strain is of more immediate concern for the Central government. There are 48 cases of Delta Plus variants in 11 states, the government said Friday.

Delta Plus is a mutation of the Delta variation discovered in India and is thought to be responsible for the disastrous second wave that hit the country in April-May.

Several specialists have speculated that the Delta Plus version could trigger a third wave in the near future, while the top doctor has stated that a potential third wave is not likely to be as catastrophic as the second.

The Covid second wave hit India hard with lakhs infected and thousands dying every day as the wave have ended up 4,000 deaths per day. Worryingly, the number of deaths in some states has since been revised amid accusations of undercounting; the new data suggests lakhs of deaths were ignored or not reported. The second wave also triggered a massive healthcare crisis – hospitals struggled to deal with the influx of patients and critical resources like oxygen, medicines and ventilators were scarce.

Dr Guleria, like other experts, has warned against rushing to lift Covid restrictions, particularly if there is even a slight surge in cases.

Cricket news

IPL 2024: CSK’s Pathirana returns to Sri Lanka due to hamstring injury

The right-arm pacer played six matches in IPL 2024 picking up 13 wickets at an economy of 7.68 for CSK

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Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana of the Chennai Super Kings suffered a serious setback on Sunday before of their IPL 2024 encounter against Punjab Kings. Pathirana, who suffered hamstring injury, will have to head back home to to Sri Lanka for a proper treatment and recovery.

The right-arm bowler, who took 13 wickets at an economy of 7.68 in six IPL 2024 matches, has been a star performer for CSK during an otherwise uneven season. Whether he will return later in the season is yet unknown to the team.

This incident coincides with worries about Deepak Chahar’s health. Earlier this week, he bowled just two deliveries in the match against Punjab Kings at the Chepauk before he strained his hamstring. The CEO of the Chennai Super Kings, Kasi Viswanathan, believes it is extremely improbable that Chahar will play for the rest of the season. The status of Deepak’s injury is not favorable. He had said on Friday that he won’t say Chahar  is ruled out of the season, but it is doubtful.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s star cricketer Mustafizur Rahman left the Chennai Super Kings camp to play for his country in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. With 14 wickets in just nine matches, the left-arm bowler was the leading wicket-taker for CSK this season.

Chennai has five wins and an equal number of losses in 10 matches in the on-going season, and they are now ranked fifth in the points table. In to compete again against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, the five-time champions hope to strengthen their case for playoff qualifying. In the match at Chepauk, PBKS had beaten the team Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team by seven games.

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India News

Wrestler Bajrang Punia suspended by National Anti Doping Body after failing to give urine sample

Bajrang Punia, who won the country a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, is likely to be barred from participation in the selection trials that are scheduled for later this month. No Indian has yet won an Olympic quota in the 65kg category.

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Wrestler Bajrang Punia was suspended indefinitely by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), which could have an impact on his eligibility to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Sources claim that on March 10, Punia neglected to submit a urine sample for the Sonepat selection trials, which is why NADA issued the order barring him from taking part in any events going forward.

With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia has been immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter, according to an official release from NADA dated April 23.

Punia was in the forefront of accusations of sexual harassment made against former BJP MP and president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, along with a number of other elite wrestlers, such as Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh.

The star wrestler, who earned the country’s bronze medal in the Olympics in Tokyo, will probably not be allowed to take part in the selection trials later this month due to his suspension in light of the allegations. In the 65kg division, no Indian has yet to win an Olympic quota.

India’s Sujeet Kalkal will compete in the World Qualifiers, which begin on May 9 in Istanbul.

The notice of suspension was sent not to the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW), but to the now-defunct ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Punia rejected the directive of the drug control officer, alleging that NADA officials had not yet addressed his concerns. A few months before, Punia had uploaded a video purporting to have expired dope-collecting equipment.

The dope-collecting officer’s report states that he was told that his refusal would result in a warning for violating anti-doping regulations, but he still left.

Punia was asked to provide a written explanation by May 7th for his denial of providing a urine sample and supporting evidence.

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Entertainment

Kareena Kapoor appointed UNICEF India national ambassador, says it’s an emotional day for her

Kareena Kapoor expressed her happiness after she was appointed UNICEF India National Ambassador.

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Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor, has been named the National Ambassador of Unicef India. In 2014, she became the organization’s first Celebrity Advocate. Kareena was driven to tears during her address onstage at her recent appointment ceremony. Adding yet another significant success to Kapoor’s already impressive resume is this new responsibility.

Kareena showed her appreciation and joy at being named the National Ambassador for Unicef India in an Instagram post on May 4. She underlined how committed she is to protecting children’s rights and making sure every child has an equitable future. Kareena thought back on her ten years of working with Unicef India, calling it enlightening and brightening.

Taking to Instagram, Kareena wrote, it is an emotional day for her. Being named the National Ambassador for UNICEF India is an honour for her, she added. The actor mentioned in her note that over the past ten years, working with UNICEF India has been incredibly instructive and enriching. She said she is happy of the work they’ve accomplished and she is reaffirming my commitment to speak out in favor of children’s rights and an equal future for all of them, she added.

The Crew  actor emphasized the value of defending children’s rights upon her appointment, pointing out that they are the next generation. She committed to utilizing her position to speak up for children who are at risk, concentrating on matters such as gender equality, education, and early childhood development. Kareena restated her conviction that every child is entitled to an equal opportunity and a promising future.

Regarding work front, Kareena is now enjoying the success of Crew, in which she starred alongside Tabu and Kriti Sanon.

Under the direction of Rajesh A. Krishnan, Crew centers on the journeys of three employed women against the backdrop of the aviation sector. In addition, Diljit Dosanjh, Kapil Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Saswata Chatterjee, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda feature in the film.

She will be next seen in Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders in the upcoming months. She will be also seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again.

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