Reportage
Amid tight security and a tense atmosphere, UP block panchayat chief polls to be held tomorrow
Yesterday, July 8, violent attacks and rioting were reported from various districts of Uttar Pradesh as candidates stepped out to file their nominations for the block panchayat polls. Six police officials have been suspended and FIRs filed, but tension looms large.
Mohit Shukla
Severely malnourished under-5 children consumed by hunger in the pandemic
Almost 43% of under the age of six kids in the country, suffering from severe acute malnutrition, are in Uttar Pradesh. COVID pandemic, loss of livelihoods, overburdened healthcare system and disrupted anganwadi services have made matters worse in the state. A Gaon Connection report.
Mohit Shukla
Kappa variant of COVID-19 virus detected in Uttar Pradesh: UP Govt
Genome sequencing of 109 samples in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, found 107 samples with Delta Plus variant and two of Kappa variant. Details here.
Gaon Connection
Covaxin expected to receive WHO’s emergency use approval by August-end
Announcing that the Covaxin’s Phase-3 trial data ‘looks good’, WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan indicated the vaccine may receive an emergency use approval by the WHO by mid to late August. Details here.
Gaon Connection
Explained: Now the Epsilon variant of COVID19 raises concerns in the US — why is it more resistant to vaccines?
After Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Lambda, now the Epsilon variant of COVID19 virus is in focus of the researchers in the United States. First found in the American state of California, here’s how the Epsilon variant is different from others. Are vaccines less effective? Read on to know more.
Gaon Connection
A new portable device for delivery of temperature-sensitive vaccines in far-flung rural areas
Developed by a startup, Emvolio — a portable battery powered device — is ensuring safe delivery of vaccines in far-off areas. The innovation is claimed to solve the current challenge of last-mile vaccine delivery. As of now, iceboxes, which have no mechanism for temperature control and regulation, are being used.
Gaon Connection
‘Eight major coal ash breach accidents in past two years, penalties levied but not paid by coal-based power plants’
Highlighting the current state of fly ash related accidents at coal based power plants in India in the last two years, a new study shows how despite levying penalties and fines, several power plants did not deposit the full compensation money. Breach accidents also continued.
Gaon Connection
Human-wildlife conflict related killing single biggest threat to wildlife: Report
A joint report by WWF and UNEP warns that human-wildlife conflict is the main threat to the long-term survival of some of the world’s most emblematic species. More details here.
Gaon Connection
Matsya Setu, an app exclusively for the fish farmers in India
The Matsya Setu app promises information, awareness and training to fish farmers. Some of India’s best aquaculture experts will share advice, best practices and impart training to fish farmers through this app launched recently by ICAR-CIFA.
Divendra Singh
Living on the edge: 50,000 residents of Khori village in Faridabad without power, water supply; municipal corporation all set for demolition drive
Khori village, located in the Aravalli hills on the Delhi-Haryana border is home to more than 50,000 people. The Supreme Court has stated that the settlement is illegal and has ordered its demolition. What is the issue about? Details here.