Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

COVID-19 cases in India soar to 606; Modi likens lockdown to ‘Mahabharata war’

THE number of novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 606 on Wednesday (25) with 10 deaths being recorded across the country, a health ministry official said.

The number of active cases is 553.


Indian prime minister Narendra Modi warned of tough action against those misbehaving with people on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus like doctors and airline crew, and sought the cooperation of citizens with the administration to deal with the crisis.

Modi chose a video interaction with residents of Varanasi, the constituency he represents in Parliament, to respond to several queries related to the pandemic and his government's response to it, and asserted that focusing on a few incidents of shortcomings will not help at this hour.

"The difficulties being faced are only for 21 days. But if the coronavirus crisis is not over and its spread is not stopped, then we cannot imagine the harm it will cause," Modi said.

"The war of Mahabharata was won in 18 days and our effort is to win this war against the coronavirus in 21 days," he added.

Indian health minister Harsh Vardhan chaired a Group of Ministers meeting to assess the situation in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

While assuring that the government is making efforts to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) and N-95 masks are available in adequate numbers to help the medical fraternity in their job, health ministry officials said 29 private laboratories with over 16,000 sample collection centres have been registered so far for testing of COVID-19.

"PPEs and masks have some imported components. There are disruptions with respect to import of certain items. The government is trying to address the issue," the official said.

According to officials, the ministry of home affairs is monitoring the lockdown through a control room.

The health ministry in its updated figures on Wednesday morning, stated the second death reported in Delhi was COVID-19 negative, thus bringing down the death toll to nine in India.

When quizzed about this, the official said, "Second reconfirmatory test of Delhi patient who died on Tuesday, came negative and so we reduced the death toll."

Tamil Nadu in southern India reported its first death du to coronavirus on Wednesday.

More For You

Obesity drug
Boxes of Wegovy are seen at a pharmacy in London. (Photo: Reuters)

GPhC tightens rules for online obesity drug prescriptions

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which oversees UK pharmacies, has introduced stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing obesity drugs. The regulator said the changes aim to prevent individuals from receiving medicines that could pose health risks.

The new guidance, updated for the first time in three years, follows concerns about how some online pharmacies dispense weight-loss drugs.

Keep ReadingShow less
12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Building habits gradually can lead to sustainable, long-term change

12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Anjali Mehta

WHETHER it’s eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or any number of goals, millions of people around the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

Yet, by February, most of these well-intentioned plans are abandoned. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – remember that it’s never too late to turn things around or set new goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

THE pressure to get fitter often discourages people from starting or causes them to give up soon after beginning. However, there are simple steps that can help navigate this challenging path toward better health through exercise.

With that in mind, Eastern Eye asked London-based fitness expert and personal trainer Bijan Azarmi to share his top tips for starting a physical health journey and staying motivated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Helpful hints for sticking with new year health goals

Build strength and confidence with consistent effort and support

Helpful hints for sticking with new year health goals

Jayeeta Dutta and Nesreen G

MANY adults aim to achieve a fitter version of themselves by the end of each year, yet studies show that almost two-thirds abandon their resolutions within the first month.

Sticking to a fitness routine can be challenging, especially for beginners, as distractions, easy alternatives, and daily life often get in the way.

Keep ReadingShow less
Into the icy depths: Exploring Iceland’s Langjökull Ice Tunnel

Langjökull is Iceland’s second-largest glacier

Into the icy depths: Exploring Iceland’s Langjökull Ice Tunnel

Vibhuti Pathak

Nestled within Iceland’s majestic Langjökull Glacier, the man-made ice tunnel offers a breathtaking journey into the heart of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creations. Opened in 2015, this unique attraction combines adventure, education, and engineering marvels, allowing visitors to explore the glacier’s blue-hued depths and witness its ancient icy layers. Whether you’re captivated by stunning natural beauty or curious about glacial history, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into Iceland’s frozen wonders.

History of Langjökull and the Ice Tunnel

Keep ReadingShow less