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New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
India sees 3,000+ active COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths; Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi lead surge
NEW DELHI: India's active COVID-19 cases have surged past 3,000, with Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi driving the spike, according to government data. As of May 31, the country reported 3,395 active cases -- a jump of 2,385 since May 19. As many as 26 deaths were reported on Saturday, up from 11 deaths recorded till May 26, according to Krishna Prasad, a health data analyst. According to the Kerala-based data expert, as many as 26 states and UTs are reporting active cases. Most states have started recording COVID-19 cases, which was not so until May 19, when a clear pattern of rise was reported in the country. Kerala is the worst affected, with 1,336 active cases reported on Saturday. On May 26, the southern state reported 430 active cases. Six deaths were reported, four up from May 26 in the state. Apart from Kerala, which has reported six deaths, Maharashtra has reported seven deaths. The two states are followed by Karnataka (3), Delhi (3), Uttar Pradesh (2), Tamil Nadu (1), Gujarat (1), Rajasthan (1), Madhya Pradesh (1) and Punjab (1). Maharashtra also recorded an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The state, which has reported seven deaths, including one on Saturday, has recorded 467 cases, up from 209 on May 26.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
India detects cases of new NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 COVID strains; experts say no need to panic
NEW DELHI: Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across Southeast Asia, one case of the newly emerging NB.1.8.1 variant and four instances of the LF.7 variant have been detected in India, according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The two Omicron subvariants are contributing to a rise in infections in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and other Southeast Asian countries. One case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May. As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as 'variants under monitoring,' and not 'variants of concern' or 'variants of interest.' 'Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level,' the WHO said. In India, the predominant circulating variant is JN.1, which accounts for 53 percent of tested samples. This is followed by BA.2 at 26 percent, while other Omicron sublineages make up 20 percent. Experts have said there is no reason to panic, adding that the strain is not severe and most patients have reported only mild symptoms. As of 19 May, India had reported 257 active COVID-19 cases. While 93 cases were recorded during the week of 5–12 May, the number rose to 164 in the week of 13–19 May. One death was reported from Kerala during this period. 'In May, India reported 257 cases and one death,' said Krishna Prasad, a health data analyst. States including Kerala (95), Maharashtra (56), Tamil Nadu (66), Karnataka (13), Gujarat (7), and Delhi (5) have seen a slight rise in cases in May, he added. However, authorities said 257 is a very low number considering India's large population. Most cases are mild and do not require hospitalisation. On Saturday, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava held a review meeting on the recent COVID-19 cases reported from several states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Authorities stressed that a robust nationwide system is in place for monitoring respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR's sentinel surveillance network. 'It is observed that most of these cases are mild and under home care,' official sources added.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sivalenka Krishna Prasad: Every project now revolves around combinations
Eminent producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad spoke about his latest film Sarangapani Jathakam at a recent press meet. Sivalenka talked about his experience working with writer-director Mohana Krishna Indraganti, the changes in industry over last three decades, and more. Krishna Prasad, who is producing the film under Sridevi Movies, stated, 'We planned the film to have Jandhyala's brand of comedy, and Indraganti's mark to please everyone and reach everyone. The void of a full-length comedy movie will be filled with this film.' Talking about his film's lead Priyadarshi, the producer noted, 'After hearing this story, we thought that Darshi would be good. After Court, Priyadarshi has further grown in stature. There, he appeared serious, but in this movie, he makes everyone laugh a lot.' The renowned producer also spoke about reuniting with Mohana Krishna Indraganti after delivering hits like Gentleman and Sammohanam . He noted, 'Whether it's a love story like Sammohanam, a film like Gentleman, or a comedy, the audience knows what Indraganti's mark is. Indraganti's comedy timing in this film is on another level. I am going to do another film with him soon.' Krishna Prasad also reflected on the evolving working style of industry, adding, 'Once upon a time, a film would be completed in three months. Back then, we would plan a film with one hero and then another. But now, each person is putting four or five projects in line. Everything revolves around combinations.' The producer also explained the reasons for delaying release for Sarangapani Jathakam . He said, 'We are coming a little late with the intention of finding the right theaters, which we couldn't find on April 18. We are also releasing it grandly overseas in more than 220 theaters.' Talking about his future projects, Krishna Prasad said, 'We are currently discussing some stories. I really liked the two stories told by the directors of Yashoda. I also found the story told by Pawan Sadhineni very interesting. I am very afraid of sequels, so I stay away from them. But if Balakrishna starts the work on the sequel to Aditya 369, I will be a part of it.' Also starring Roopa Koduvayur, Vennela Kishore and Harsha Chemudu in significant roles, Sarangapani Jathakam is set to hit theatres on April 25.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- NDTV
Rare Star Tortoise Found Dead Near Temple In Andhra Pradesh, Probe Launched
Srikakulam: In a shocking incident that has sparked public outrage, rare star tortoises were found dead near the sacred Sri Kurmanatha Temple in Srikakulam district -- a revered shrine where Lord Vishnu is believed to have manifested in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar. The tortoises were reportedly dead right behind the office of the Executive Officer (EO). According to regulations, a post-mortem examination should have been conducted to determine the cause of death. Devotees have expressed deep disappointment over the incident. Gara Sub-Inspector Krishna Prasad stated that an investigation has been initiated, and the facts will be revealed soon. In November, Andhra Pradesh Forest officials arrested three people for illegal wildlife trafficking in Srikakulam. Intercepting their vehicle, the officials seized rare species of animals. According to an official press release, the accused were transporting rare species of animals from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to Bengaluru. The seized animals included a seven-year-old African Sulcata tortoise, two one-year-old tortoises, 17 African ball pythons and a four-month-old serval cat. The suspects, identified as Syaj, Vijay, and Muzayith, were from the state of Karnataka. Cases have been filed against them, and they have been produced before a court, officials said. Animal Husbandry Department officials checked the health of the animals, which were found to be stable after receiving medical care. They will be moved to the Visakhapatnam Zoo. The forest officials said that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found harming or smuggling wildlife. The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), a species native to northwest and southeast India, continues to face mounting threats from the illegal pet trade, according to the Wildlife Trust of India. The species, known for its distinctive star-like shell pattern, is classified as "Vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. It is also listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), indicating that, although not currently threatened with extinction, the species could face such a risk if trade is not closely regulated. Under Indian law, the star tortoise is placed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a category that offers the lowest level of legal protection to wildlife. Despite this, illegal trade continues to flourish, driven largely by demand in the exotic pet market.
