OF all the decisions taken by the Modi government the most mindless has been the so-called “liberalisation” of vaccine distribution. Originally, the central government was the sole buyer from the two producing firms at a fixed price of Rs150 per dose, and then, while itself distributing them free to the people,also usedother channels for distribution, including private hospitals (who however charged Rs250 per dose because they had to pay the central government for the vaccines).

Leaders of thirteen opposition parties issued a statement on May 2, 2021, on the acute demand for oxygen and universal vaccination in the country.IN times of the uncontrollable surge of the pandemic across our country:We call upon the central government to focus all attention in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oxygen supplies to all hospitals and health centres across the country.We call upon the central government to immediately launch a free mass vaccination programme across the country.The budgetary allocation of Rs 35,000 crore for the vaccination programme

BELOW we present how the international media is viewing the second wave of the pandemic in India.The second wave of Covid-19 has engulfed length and breadth of the nation leaving people and hospitals desperately sending SOS signals for beds, ventilators, Remdesivir and oxygen.The international media from north to south condemned the Modi government for ineptly handling the pandemic situation in India.The Guardian: The Indian prime minister’s overconfidence lies behind the country’s disastrous Covid-19 responseThe opinion piece by The Guardian came down heavily on the prime

WHEN the country is grappling with the worst health crisis it has faced in a century, the Covid-vaccine producers have decided to seize the opportunity to go on a profiteering spree, taking advantage of the Modi government’s  incompetence or complicity (call it what you will).Two issues have to be distinguished at the outset: one, what should be the price for the Covid vaccine that consumers should be paying; and there can be little doubt that this price should be zero, as even Dr Arvind Subramaniam, a former chief economic adviser under the Modi regime has pointed out.

TRIPURA Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council election was held on April 6, and counting of the election was held on April 10th.  Out of 28 seats, the newly emerged TIPRA (Tripura Indigenous Progressive Regional alliance) led by the grandson of the last king of the state, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman bagged 18 seats securing an absolute majority, ruling BJP won 9 and one independent supported by BJP won one seat.