Latest news with #Lal
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
India's active Covid-19 cases fall under 6,000; three deaths in 24 hours
India's active Covid-19 caseload fell to 5,976 on Thursday, down from 6,483 the previous day, marking the third consecutive day of decline. Three deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of the three fatalities, two were from Delhi and one from Kerala. All the deceased were elderly individuals with chronic health conditions. Active Covid-19 cases have declined across most states, with 507 fewer new infections reported on Wednesday. Delhi recorded the highest number of fresh cases in the past day, adding 12 infections and taking its active case count to 632. Kerala continues to report the highest number of active cases at 1,309, followed by Gujarat with 1,046. Maharashtra remains among the most affected states, with 5,443 active cases. Karnataka saw the largest single-day drop, with 187 fewer cases, while Rajasthan reported a decline of 83 cases in the same period. State Active Cases New Cases (Last 24 Hours) Deaths (Last 24 Hours) Kerala 1,309 -75 1 Maharashtra 443 -46 0 Gujarat 1,046 -59 0 Delhi 632 +12 2 Rajasthan 219 -83 0 Karnataka 466 -187 0 Tamil Nadu 187 -37 0 PGIMER: Covid-19 under control in India Covid-19 is currently under control in India, with no new cases reported over the past week, according to Dr Vivek Lal, Director of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Speaking to ANI, Dr Lal attributed the decline in cases to the robust vaccination drive led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'We are fully prepared for Covid-19, but the situation is clearly improving. I don't think a single patient has tested positive in the last week,' he said. Dr Lal credited India's ongoing vaccination campaign for maintaining immunity and reducing case severity. Scientists monitor new subvariants behind latest surge The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has begun genome sequencing and isolation of four new Omicron subvariants believed to be behind the recent spike in cases. Genome sequencing helps determine the complete genetic makeup of viruses and track mutations that impact transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. Dr Naveen Kumar, director of the Pune-based NIV, said this effort would assess whether existing vaccines remain effective or require updates. 'So far, the new variants do not appear to cause severe disease,' he noted. He added that isolating the strains would aid in evaluating vaccine formulation, but any decision to update vaccines lies with policymakers following expert consultations. Experts recommend targeted boosters, not mass drives Public health experts have advised against a mass booster campaign, recommending targeted doses for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. They said India's hybrid immunity—developed from both past infections and vaccinations—provides sufficient protection for the general population. While the national outlook remains positive, officials cautioned that isolated clusters of infections are still emerging and should be monitored.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
PM Modi, Croatia PM Andrej Plenkovic sign four key MoUs in Zagreb
Addressing a special press briefing on PM Modi's visit to Croatia, MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal said that the key outcomes of the visit was signing of four MoUs on cooperation ANI Europe Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit to Croatia marks a significant milestone in the India-Croatia partnership. The visit, which took place amid global uncertainty, aimed to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, technology, and culture. Addressing a special press briefing on PM Modi's visit to Croatia, MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal said that the key outcomes of the visit was signing of four MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, a program of cooperation in science and technology, a cultural exchange program and an MoU on Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb to promote Indian language and culture. "The two leaders then welcome the signing of four documents. These are MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, a program of cooperation in science and technology, a cultural exchange program and an MoU on Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb," said Lal. PM Modi and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and supply chain resilience, with a focus on concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at an early date. "The leaders in their discussions also look forward to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA, which will boost bilateral trade and supply chain resilience...," said MEA Secretary (West). The visit, which took place amid global uncertainty, aimed to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, technology, and culture. "...The visit takes place against the backdrop of serious global challenges and flux. The leaders discussed regional and global issues, including ongoing conflicts and other major developments. Cooperation in counter terrorism was a prominent topic of discussion," said Lal. The leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation in counter-terrorism, with PM Modi thanking Croatia for its support and solidarity in the wake of the terror attacks in Pahalgam. "Prime Minister Modi thanked Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for Croatia's support and solidarity in the wake of the terror attacks in Pahalgam....," said Lal. The leaders agreed to strengthen the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Building upon the MoU signed two years ago, the leaders agreed to explore increased collaboration in defense. They agreed to formulate a long-term Defense Cooperation Plan, focusing on training, military exchange, and defense industry collaboration. "The leaders agreed to strengthen the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative. The leaders also agreed to explore increased collaboration in defence, building upon the MoU that was signed two years ago," said MEA Secretary (West). Croatia, a Mediterranean country located in the very heart of Europe, has become one of the most promising startup ecosystems in the Balkans. The India-Croatia startup bridge aims to leverage expansion opportunities and provide international market access to Indian startups looking to expand in Croatia as well as Croatian startups looking to expand in India. The India-Croatia Startup Bridge, initiated in 2021, and a collaborative Startup Challenge in 2022 have encouraged entrepreneurial cooperation in fields such as AI, green tech, and robotics. PM Modi's visit to Croatia marks a historic moment as it is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation. His visit reflects India's growing ties with partners in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of the India-EU Strategic Partnership Speaking on the significance of the visit, Lal stated, "...This has been the first ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime visit reflects the growing momentum in the India-Croatia Partnership. It also has importance in the context of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and it shows India's growing ties with partners in Central and Eastern we speak. Prime Minister Modi is also meeting and holding discussions with the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic..." In a joint press statement with Croatia PM Andrej Plenkovic after their delegation-level talks, PM Modi said the two countries have emphasised joint research and collaboration between their academic institutions and India will share its space experience with Croatia. PM Modi reached Croatia earlier in the day in the last leg of his three-nation visit. "We have decided to speed up our bilateral relations three times in our third term. A Defence Cooperation Plan will be made for long-term cooperation in the defence sector, which will focus on training and military exchange as well as defence industry. There are many areas where our economies can complement each other. These areas have been identified," he said. "We have decided to increase cooperation in many areas to increase bilateral trade and create a reliable supply chain. We will promote cooperation in many important areas like pharma, agriculture, information technology, clean technology, digital technology, renewable energy," he added. The Prime Minister said there are also ample opportunities for Croatian companies in the port modernisation, coastal zone development and multi-modal connectivity being carried out under India's Sagarmala Project. "We have emphasised joint research and collaboration between our academic institutions and centres. India will share its space experience with Croatia. Our centuries-old cultural relations are the root of mutual affection and goodwill... Today, we have decided to give more strength to our cultural and people-to-people relations. The duration of the MoU of Hindi Chair in Zagreb University has been extended till 2030. A cultural exchange program has been prepared for the next five years. The mobility agreement will be completed soon to facilitate the movement of people," he said. PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Croatian Prime Minister and the Croatian government for the enthusiasm, warmth and affection with which he has been welcomed. "This is the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, and I have had the good fortune of it. India and Croatia are connected by common values like democracy, rule of law, pluralism and quality. It is a happy coincidence that last year the people of India have given me and the people of Croatia have given the opportunity to Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic to serve for the third consecutive time," he said.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi, Croatian PM hold wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties
Zagreb [Croatia], June 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic held delegation-level talks in Zagreb on Wednesday, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating that the leaders engaged in 'wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of the bilateral partnership.' According to the MEA, the two leaders reviewed key areas of cooperation including trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, space, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. They agreed on the substantial potential to enhance collaboration in infrastructure, ports and shipping, digitalization, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and hospitality. The MEA further noted the increasing popularity of Indian culture, Indology, and Yoga in Croatia, calling it a key factor in bringing the peoples of both nations closer. PM Modi conveyed his greetings to yoga enthusiasts in Croatia ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21. Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to Croatia marks a historic moment, being the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation. The MEA described it as a milestone in the India-Croatia partnership, reflecting growing ties in the context of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. In a press briefing, MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal said one of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of four MoUs--covering cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, science and technology, a cultural exchange program, and the extension of the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb. 'The two leaders then welcomed the signing of four documents... including a cultural exchange program and an MoU on Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb,' said Lal. PM Modi and PM Plenkovic also discussed strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing supply chain resilience. The MEA said both sides looked forward to the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to advance these objectives. Addressing regional and global developments, the leaders exchanged views on current conflicts and security challenges. Counter-terrorism emerged as a key issue, with PM Modi thanking Croatia for its support and solidarity following the terror attacks in Pahalgam. The two leaders also agreed to deepen innovation and entrepreneurship through the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative, first launched in 2021. They committed to building on previous collaboration, especially in AI, green tech, and robotics, and to formulating a long-term Defence Cooperation Plan with a focus on training, military exchange, and defence industry partnerships. Speaking on this cooperation, Lal said, 'The leaders agreed to explore increased collaboration in defence, building upon the MoU that was signed two years ago.' In a joint statement, PM Modi said India would share its space experience with Croatia and promote academic collaborations. He added that Croatian companies would find opportunities in India's port modernization and coastal zone development under the Sagarmala Project. 'Our centuries-old cultural relations are the root of mutual affection and goodwill,' said PM Modi. 'We have decided to give more strength to our cultural and people-to-people relations. The MoU on the Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb has been extended till 2030, and a new five-year cultural exchange program has been prepared.' PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Croatian government for the warm welcome and noted that both India and Croatia are guided by shared values such as democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. 'It is a happy coincidence that the people of both India and Croatia have given us the opportunity to serve a third consecutive term,' he said. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India, Croatia signed four key agreements on agriculture, science and tech, cultural exchange and Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb
Zagreb [Croatia], June 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit to Croatia marks a significant milestone in the India-Croatia partnership. The visit, which took place amid global uncertainty, aimed to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, technology, and culture. Addressing a special press briefing on PM Modi's visit to Croatia, MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal said that the key outcomes of the visit was signing of four MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, a program of cooperation in science and technology, a cultural exchange program and an MoU on Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb to promote Indian language and culture. 'The two leaders then welcome the signing of four documents. These are MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, a program of cooperation in science and technology, a cultural exchange program and an MoU on Hindi Chair at University of Zagreb,' said Lal. PM Modi and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and supply chain resilience, with a focus on concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at an early date. 'The leaders in their discussions also look forward to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA, which will boost bilateral trade and supply chain resilience...,' said MEA Secretary (West). The visit, which took place amid global uncertainty, aimed to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, technology, and culture. '...The visit takes place against the backdrop of serious global challenges and flux. The leaders discussed regional and global issues, including ongoing conflicts and other major developments. Cooperation in counter terrorism was a prominent topic of discussion,' said Lal. The leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation in counter-terrorism, with PM Modi thanking Croatia for its support and solidarity in the wake of the terror attacks in Pahalgam. 'Prime Minister Modi thanked Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for Croatia's support and solidarity in the wake of the terror attacks in Pahalgam....,' said Lal. The leaders agreed to strengthen the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Building upon the MoU signed two years ago, the leaders agreed to explore increased collaboration in defense. They agreed to formulate a long-term Defense Cooperation Plan, focusing on training, military exchange, and defense industry collaboration. 'The leaders agreed to strengthen the India-Croatia Startup Bridge Initiative. The leaders also agreed to explore increased collaboration in defence, building upon the MoU that was signed two years ago,' said MEA Secretary (West). Croatia, a Mediterranean country located in the very heart of Europe, has become one of the most promising startup ecosystems in the Balkans. The India-Croatia startup bridge aims to leverage expansion opportunities and provide international market access to Indian startups looking to expand in Croatia as well as Croatian startups looking to expand in India. The India-Croatia Startup Bridge, initiated in 2021, and a collaborative Startup Challenge in 2022 have encouraged entrepreneurial cooperation in fields such as AI, green tech, and robotics. PM Modi's visit to Croatia marks a historic moment as it is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation. His visit reflects India's growing ties with partners in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of the India-EU Strategic Partnership Speaking on the significance of the visit, Lal stated, '...This has been the first ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime visit reflects the growing momentum in the India-Croatia Partnership. It also has importance in the context of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and it shows India's growing ties with partners in Central and Eastern we speak. Prime Minister Modi is also meeting and holding discussions with the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic...' In a joint press statement with Croatia PM Andrej Plenkovic after their delegation-level talks, PM Modi said the two countries have emphasised joint research and collaboration between their academic institutions and India will share its space experience with Croatia. PM Modi reached Croatia earlier in the day in the last leg of his three-nation visit. 'We have decided to speed up our bilateral relations three times in our third term. A Defence Cooperation Plan will be made for long-term cooperation in the defence sector, which will focus on training and military exchange as well as defence industry. There are many areas where our economies can complement each other. These areas have been identified,' he said. 'We have decided to increase cooperation in many areas to increase bilateral trade and create a reliable supply chain. We will promote cooperation in many important areas like pharma, agriculture, information technology, clean technology, digital technology, renewable energy,' he added. The Prime Minister said there are also ample opportunities for Croatian companies in the port modernisation, coastal zone development and multi-modal connectivity being carried out under India's Sagarmala Project. 'We have emphasised joint research and collaboration between our academic institutions and centres. India will share its space experience with Croatia. Our centuries-old cultural relations are the root of mutual affection and goodwill... Today, we have decided to give more strength to our cultural and people-to-people relations. The duration of the MoU of Hindi Chair in Zagreb University has been extended till 2030. A cultural exchange program has been prepared for the next five years. The mobility agreement will be completed soon to facilitate the movement of people,' he said. PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Croatian Prime Minister and the Croatian government for the enthusiasm, warmth and affection with which he has been welcomed. 'This is the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, and I have had the good fortune of it. India and Croatia are connected by common values like democracy, rule of law, pluralism and quality. It is a happy coincidence that last year the people of India have given me and the people of Croatia have given the opportunity to Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic to serve for the third consecutive time,' he said. (ANI)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
PGIMER to launch smart navigation app to facilitate patients
Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on Tuesday said the institute will launch a smart navigation app, which will integrate real-time indoor mapping, QR code-based patient identification and crowd management features to streamline hospital navigation and reduce wait times. PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal while unveiling an ambitious roadmap to redefine patient experience and hospital functioning said that a smart mobile application has been developed in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Noida. The app, expected to be launched by the end of this year, will integrate real-time indoor mapping, QR code-based patient identification and crowd management features to streamline hospital navigation and reduce wait times. "This app will transform how we serve our patients and manage hospital systems. It is designed to make hospital visits smoother, more efficient and patient-friendly," said Prof Lal flanked by Dean (Academics) Prof R K Ratho, Dean (Research) Prof Sanjay Jain and PGIMER Medical Superintendent Prof Vipin Koushal among others. The PGIMER Director shared significant progress on the institute's digital transformation journey, including the complete digitization of the Hospital Information System, which now handles processes such as indenting and medicine procurement under schemes like Ayushman Bharat entirely online, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency. Prof Lal elaborated on the PGIMER's robust infrastructure pipeline led by the Rs 987 crore Sarangpur Project that will house a new 100-seat Medical College, modern OPDs for 16,000 patients and a 200-bed emergency block. Additional developments include an all-weather swimming pool for the staff and students, a Trolley Way to streamline patient transfers between high-traffic blocks and a Doctors' Cafeteria soon to open on the fourth floor of A Block. Prof Lal emphasized that PGIMER is also addressing rising patient loads, especially in emergency and trauma care, by securing approval to recruit 300 ex-servicemen through outsourcing over the next four to five months to strengthen campus security. Additionally, 82 new faculty members have been recruited strictly as per the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) norms, including EWS reservation, reinforcing the institute's commitment to transparency and meritocracy. Prof Lal touched upon Project Sarathi, the PGIMER's flagship NSS student-led patient navigation initiative. Now scaled across 34 states with over 6,400 active volunteers, the Sarathi based model has been green lit for expansion to 1,467 hospitals nationwide under The PGIMER's focus on affordable healthcare also continues, with nine AMRIT stores accounting for 85 per cent of all medicine sales on campus and a new AMRIT Pharmacy facility set to open near the Emergency Block to ensure uninterrupted access to subsidized medicines under Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY, he said. Prof Lal further said the PGIMER is set to operationalize the OPD of the upcoming Advanced Neurosciences Centre within three months, with equipment procurement under review. The implementation of 12-hour OT schedules has already resulted in a 30 to 40 per cent increase in surgeries, enhancing patient throughput. Meanwhile, the construction of the Sarangpur satellite centre is progressing steadily, with completion expected in about three years.>
