While UP may still have a lot of catching up to do with the rest of the country on social indicators such as health and nutrition, Moushumi Das Gupta writes that the state may be matching the rest with respect to road infrastructure, with at least four expressways under construction across Uttar Pradesh.
Modi government’s vaccine woes
Amid a severe second Covid-19 wave, the Modi government has invited a number of foreign pharmaceutical giants to launch their vaccines in India. But, writes Himani Chandna, this could take time, with Pfizer likely to ask for signing of an indemnity bond and Moderna said to have its “hands full”.
Asthma inhalers could reduce severe Covid effects: Lancet study
Medical inhalers or inhaled glucocorticoids commonly used by asthma patients can possibly reduce risk of severe disease and hospitalisation in Covid-19 patients, a new study published in The Lancet journal has revealed. The findings, reports Mohana Basu, can explain why patients with chronic respiratory disease are less likely to end up in hospitals when infected with Covid-19.
Why Indians think only Muslims spread Covid
Zainab Sikander compares the muted response to the Kumbh Mela, being held in the middle of a severe second Covid-19 wave, to the outrage that was aimed at the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin last year, and argues that Indians think that only Muslims spread Covid.
The lessons Rahul Gandhi can learn from Congress’ Assam campaign
D.K. Singh writes that the Congress party’s poll strategy in Assam may or may not pay electoral dividends but it’s a template Rahul Gandhi may like to explore.
Why there’s a need to hold up a mirror to Modi govt on Covid management
In this week’s ‘National Interest’, Shekhar Gupta writes that between a premature victory mood on Covid-19 that allowed the Kumbh and elections, and lack of urgency on vaccines, the Modi government has walked into its biggest crisis. The way out, he adds, needs realism, humility and one ‘Ram baan’ weapon.