English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

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.

Published

on

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.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com