A recent report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) states that the countrywide lockdown imposed on 25th March, 2020, which was extended for nearly two months in phases, affected the food and nutritional status of vulnerable sections of the Indian population. It says that a programme like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme covers four-fifth of primary-school-aged children in the country that helps in improving not only nutrition but also...

-The Indian Express The Uttarakhand Police said eight people were unaccounted for, with bad weather affecting rescue operations. Dehradun, New Delhi: The glacier burst near Niti Valley in Chamoli district on Friday evening resulted in an avalanche that killed 10 people, with the Army managing to rescue close to 400. The Uttarakhand Police said eight people were unaccounted for, with bad weather affecting rescue operations. In a statement issued Saturday, the Army said...

-The Indian Express The rescue work was going on till late on Friday night “to locate the remainder persons still stuck under snow or stranded at work sites since late evening”. After a glacier near Niti Valley in Uttarakhand broke off Friday, rescue operations by the Army managed to rescue nearly 300 people who were working at a Border Roads Organisation camp in the area till late in the evening. The rescue...

-The Hindu The ECI woke up late to the ill-effects the long campaign in Bengal had on public health The Election Commission of India’s decision to restrict campaigning for the remaining two phases of the West Bengal Assembly election is an instance of wisdom dawning late. Nevertheless, it will help limit the public health damage to what was already caused by an unreasonably extended election cycle in the State during the pandemic....

-The Indian Express The Election Commission order, however, continues to permit gatherings of up to 500 people in West Bengal. The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday banned roadshows, vehicle rallies, and public meetings of more than 500 people in West Bengal, noting that political parties and candidates were “still not adhering to the prescribed safety norms” during campaigning. Permissions already given for such events stood withdrawn, the Commission said. The directive came hours after...