The high Covid-19 mortality rate in Gujarat could be due to the dominance of the L-type strain of coronavirus, found to have been more prevalent in Wuhan in China, where the outbreak started, experts said.

The dominance of the more virulent L-type coronavirus strain as compared to the S-type one could be behind the high mortality rate in the state, which has reported 133 deaths so far. However, no research has been conducted to confirm this, they said.

A scientist at the state-run Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) said that the novel coronavirus used for genome sequencing recently conducted by it was found to contain the L-type strain.

"Analysis done by scientists abroad has shown that the L-type strain has been dominant where more mortality is reported among coronavirus patients. This strain was found to be more prevalent in Wuhan," director of GBRC, C G Joshi, said.

"The coronavirus sample we collected from a patient for genome sequence contained the L-type strain. This strain has a much higher virulence as compared to the S-strain," he said.

"Variation in coronavirus is in terms of number and percentage of mutations. As per the analysis, the L-type strain is dominant where more mortality is reported. Scientists have earlier found that this strain has caused more deaths," he said.

The GBRC recently succeeded in decoding the entire genome sequence of the novel coronavirus and identified its three new mutations.

Joshi added that the patient from whom the virus sample was collected for sequencing has fully recovered.

So far, no study has been conducted here to establish which strain of coronavirus is predominant in patients here.

Atul Patel, a specialist in infectious diseases, attributed the presence of the L-type strain more than the S- type one in Gujarat is behind high mortality rate.

Patel has said that a little higher presence of the L-type strain, or the original Wuhan strain, could be behind higher death rate in the state.

The state government has also attributed the high mortality among coronavirus patients in the state to comorbidities and high-risk factors.

Heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are among common diseases that have been found among Covid-19 patients who passed away in Gujarat.

The risk factors include patients in the age group of above over 60 years and under five years of age and pregnant women, and they account for 90 per cent of patients who passed away, Principal Secretary (Health), Jayanti Ravi had recently said.

The high Covid-19 mortality rate in Gujarat could be due to the dominance of the L-type strain of coronavirus, found to have been more prevalent in Wuhan in China, where the outbreak started, experts said.

The high Covid-19 mortality rate in Gujarat could be due to the dominance of the L-type strain of coronavirus, found to have been more prevalent in Wuhan in China, where the outbreak started, experts said. The dominance of the more virulent L-type coronavirus strain as compared to the S-type one could be behind the high mortality rate in the state, which has reported 133 deaths so far. However, no research has been conducted to confirm this, they said. A scientist at the state-run Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) said that the novel coronavirus used for genome sequencing recently conducted by it was found to contain the L-type strain. "Analysis done by scientists abroad has shown that the L-type strain has been dominant where more mortality is reported among coronavirus patients. This strain was found to be more prevalent in Wuhan," director of GBRC, C G Joshi, said. "The coronavirus sample we collected from a patient for genome sequence contained the L-type strain. This strain has a much higher virulence as compared to the S-strain," he said. "Variation in coronavirus is in terms of number and percentage of mutations. As per the analysis, the L-type strain is dominant where more mortality is reported. Scientists have earlier found that this strain has caused more deaths," he said. The GBRC recently succeeded in decoding the entire genome sequence of the novel coronavirus and identified its three new mutations. Joshi added that the patient from whom the virus sample was collected for sequencing has fully recovered. So far, no study has been conducted here to establish which strain of coronavirus is predominant in patients here. Atul Patel, a specialist in infectious diseases, attributed the presence of the L-type strain more than the S- type one in Gujarat is behind high mortality rate. Patel has said that a little higher presence of the L-type strain, or the original Wuhan strain, could be behind higher death rate in the state. The state government has also attributed the high mortality among coronavirus patients in the state to comorbidities and high-risk factors. Heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are among common diseases that have been found among Covid-19 patients who passed away in Gujarat. The risk factors include patients in the age group of above over 60 years and under five years of age and pregnant women, and they account for 90 per cent of patients who passed away, Principal Secretary (Health), Jayanti Ravi had recently said.

Wuhan's L-strain may be behind Gujarat's high death rate: Experts

To contain biomedical waste, a Gujarat-based company has developed reusable Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits amid the coronavirus outbreak.

"Wearing these suits, doctors will be 100 per cent safe as it operates with positive air pressure. The air quality in the suits is also measured online. This PPE suit has its own decontamination process. As this is not disposable, so no biomedical waste will be generated," said Managing Director of Sure Safety (India) Ltd, N Dand while speaking to ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">Also read:&nbsp;With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest COVID-19 cases in 24-hour period</a>

"We provide COVID-19 safety equipment to Government for India, Government of Gujarat and Indian Defence," he added.

This comes after reports came from several states that health workers at the hospitals do not have PPE while treating the COVID-19 patients.

To contain biomedical waste, a Gujarat-based company has developed reusable Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Wearing these suits, doctors will be 100 per cent safe as it operates with positive air pressure.

To contain biomedical waste, a Gujarat-based company has developed reusable Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Wearing these suits, doctors will be 100 per cent safe as it operates with positive air pressure. The air quality in the suits is also measured online. This PPE suit has its own decontamination process. As this is not disposable, so no biomedical waste will be generated," said Managing Director of Sure Safety (India) Ltd, N Dand while speaking to ANI. Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest COVID-19 cases in 24-hour period "We provide COVID-19 safety equipment to Government for India, Government of Gujarat and Indian Defence," he added. This comes after reports came from several states that health workers at the hospitals do not have PPE while treating the COVID-19 patients.

Gujarat-based company develops reusable PPE kits

At a time when donations across the world are rising to fight the coronavirus crisis, kids in the Indian state of Gujarat have decided that they don't want to stay behind in this humanitarian gesture.&nbsp;

A few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) and appealed to masses to donate money to deal with any emergency situation, like COVID-19, and provide relief to the affected people.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-light-diyas-candles-on-sunday-at-9-pm-for-9-mins-to-dispel-darkness-brought-by-coronavirus-290268">PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins to 'dispel darkness brought by coronavirus'</a>

Four-year-old Paris Vyas received the support of many when she told the media that she is donating whatever amount she has saved in her piggy bank to fight the outbreak and provide respite to the poor.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-old-people-constitute-the-majority-of-covid-19-fatalities-290318">Do old people constitute the majority of COVID-19 fatalities?</a>

"I am donating whatever I have saved in my piggy bank. I saw in the TV that many famous people are giving money to fight coronavirus," the girl said.

"If they can do it, I can also give my money. I am giving away all my savings. Everyone should donate money to help the government in fighting coronavirus."

It turned out that the girl from Ankleshwar town in Bharuch district has collected coins and currency notes worth Rs 11,200, which she has donated to the PM-CARES fund.&nbsp;

In another heart-warming gesture, three boys walked into a police station in Ahmedabad with their combined savings of Rs 5,500 which they intend to be used for migrant workers and poor, who have been hard-hit by the lockdown.&nbsp;

The three brothers, aged from four years to 10 years, came up to the police station with their piggy banks with their mother.

"Heartfelt thank you to Zaid, Moin and Amen, who donated Rs 5,500 from their piggy banks after their mother showed them the relief work being done by us," Ahmedabad police said on Twitter on Wednesday.

"We are extremely pleased by the kind gesture of these kids."

In the video, shared by the police on its Twitter handle, one of the boys asked a sub-inspector to donate is money to the poor.&nbsp;

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A heartfelt Thank You ️❤️ to Zaid, Moin, and Amen who donated Rs. 5,500 from their Piggy Bank after their mother showed them relief work being done by us. We are extremely pleased by the kind gesture of the kids. Watch here - <a href="https://t.co/7xugQPXyzQ">https://t.co/7xugQPXyzQ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaWarriors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaWarriors</a>
— Ahmedabad Police (@AhmedabadPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhmedabadPolice/status/1245384084689321985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"What you (police) are doing for the poor people is commendable. Though they have nothing to eat, they feel shy in asking for help directly," the mother of the three kids said in the video.&nbsp;

"We are living in difficult times. Thus, my kids told me to donate their savings to help the poor."&nbsp;

Two days ago, PM Modi's mother Hiraba, who resides in Gandhinagar, donated Rs 25,000 for the fund and her gesture inspired 13-year-old Rudra Patel to urge his family members to not celebrate his birthday and instead donate Rs 1 lakh in the PM-CARES fund.&nbsp;

"I have decided not to celebrate my birthday this time. Upon my request, my parents have decided to donate Rs 1 lakh into the PM-CARES Fund," Rudra said in a news channel, proudly holding the donation cheque.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

At a time when donations across the world are rising to fight the coronavirus crisis, kids in the Indian state of Gujarat have decided that they don't want to stay behind in this humanitarian gesture.

At a time when donations across the world are rising to fight the coronavirus crisis, kids in the Indian state of Gujarat have decided that they don't want to stay behind in this humanitarian gesture. A few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) and appealed to masses to donate money to deal with any emergency situation, like COVID-19, and provide relief to the affected people. Also read | PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins to 'dispel darkness brought by coronavirus' Four-year-old Paris Vyas received the support of many when she told the media that she is donating whatever amount she has saved in her piggy bank to fight the outbreak and provide respite to the poor. Also read | Do old people constitute the majority of COVID-19 fatalities? "I am donating whatever I have saved in my piggy bank. I saw in the TV that many famous people are giving money to fight coronavirus," the girl said. "If they can do it, I can also give my money. I am giving away all my savings. Everyone should donate money to help the government in fighting coronavirus." It turned out that the girl from Ankleshwar town in Bharuch district has collected coins and currency notes worth Rs 11,200, which she has donated to the PM-CARES fund. In another heart-warming gesture, three boys walked into a police station in Ahmedabad with their combined savings of Rs 5,500 which they intend to be used for migrant workers and poor, who have been hard-hit by the lockdown. The three brothers, aged from four years to 10 years, came up to the police station with their piggy banks with their mother. "Heartfelt thank you to Zaid, Moin and Amen, who donated Rs 5,500 from their piggy banks after their mother showed them the relief work being done by us," Ahmedabad police said on Twitter on Wednesday. "We are extremely pleased by the kind gesture of these kids." In the video, shared by the police on its Twitter handle, one of the boys asked a sub-inspector to donate is money to the poor. A heartfelt Thank You ️❤️ to Zaid, Moin, and Amen who donated Rs. 5,500 from their Piggy Bank after their mother showed them relief work being done by us. We are extremely pleased by the kind gesture of the kids. Watch here - https://t.co/7xugQPXyzQ#CoronaWarriors — Ahmedabad Police (@AhmedabadPolice) April 1, 2020 × "What you (police) are doing for the poor people is commendable. Though they have nothing to eat, they feel shy in asking for help directly," the mother of the three kids said in the video. "We are living in difficult times. Thus, my kids told me to donate their savings to help the poor." Two days ago, PM Modi's mother Hiraba, who resides in Gandhinagar, donated Rs 25,000 for the fund and her gesture inspired 13-year-old Rudra Patel to urge his family members to not celebrate his birthday and instead donate Rs 1 lakh in the PM-CARES fund. "I have decided not to celebrate my birthday this time. Upon my request, my parents have decided to donate Rs 1 lakh into the PM-CARES Fund," Rudra said in a news channel, proudly holding the donation cheque. (With inputs from PTI)

Kids in Gujarat join coronavirus-relief fight with donations from piggy bank

In the wake of coronavirus scare, all educational institutions across Gujarat will remain closed from March 16 to 29, said Anil Mukim, state Chief Secretary on Sunday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-23-new-cases-reported-infected-toll-jumps-to-107-286502">Coronavirus in India: 23 new cases reported; infected toll jumps to 107</a>

"All educational institutions - schools, colleges, tuition classes, Anganwadi across the state will remain closed from March 16 to 29 and while no teaching work will be done here but the teaching and non-teaching staff can come," Mukim said in a press conference here.

He also said, "A fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on anyone who will be caught spitting in public places."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-now-the-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-286257">Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases across India reached 107 (including foreign nationals), according to the Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on Sunday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Europe has become the new 'epicentre' of the global coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 15 lakh people with over 4000 deaths.

In the wake of coronavirus scare, all educational institutions across Gujarat will remain closed from March 16 to 29, said Anil Mukim, state Chief Secretary on Sunday.

In the wake of coronavirus scare, all educational institutions across Gujarat will remain closed from March 16 to 29, said Anil Mukim, state Chief Secretary on Sunday. Also read: Coronavirus in India: 23 new cases reported; infected toll jumps to 107 "All educational institutions - schools, colleges, tuition classes, Anganwadi across the state will remain closed from March 16 to 29 and while no teaching work will be done here but the teaching and non-teaching staff can come," Mukim said in a press conference here. He also said, "A fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on anyone who will be caught spitting in public places." Also read: Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases across India reached 107 (including foreign nationals), according to the Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on Sunday. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Europe has become the new 'epicentre' of the global coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 15 lakh people with over 4000 deaths.

Educational institutions across state to remain closed from March 16 to 29: Gujarat Chief Secy

The rising cases of coronavirus have hit the diamond industry of Surat in Gujarat. Surat diamond industry which is one of the largest diamond industry in the world has now been brought to half of its earlier capacity. Exports are the hardest hit. Watch report:

India's diamond industry faces the brunt of coronavirus

US President Donald Trump kicked off his India visit today. The two-day trip was expected to be action-packed and such was the case as Trump along with the First Lady Melania Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Taj Mahal in Agra, before reaching Delhi&nbsp;late in the evening. Both Trump and PM Narendra Modi hailed each other's leadership and celebrated India-US ties. So, let's take a look at how international media reported on Trump's India visit.

New York Times

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'America Loves India,' Trump Declares at Rally With Modi

The America-based&nbsp;publication called the Ahmedabad event as a "campaign-style rally in a 110,000-seat cricket stadium that illustrated the populist bond between the two men and impressed a president who revels in spectacle". The daily said that Trump "betrayed unfamiliarity" with the country and criticised his accent as he tried to speak the local language.

Al Jazeera

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</blockquote>

'America loves India': Trump and Modi hail India-US ties

The Qatar-based publication said that Trump addressed a massive rally that is "big on photo opportunities but likely short on substance".

The Guardian

<img alt="The Guardian" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27d4bf1d-9acc-45b6-82ce-41d64a3ba327" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nP71Hoiw.jpg" />

'Namaste Trump': India&nbsp;welcomes US president at Modi rally

The London-based news website said that massive event in Ahmedabad was the platform for Trump and Modi to showcase their "enthusiastically friendly relationship". "The effusive bond between the two leaders was on full display," The Guardian said,&nbsp;as both leaders greatly praised each other.

The Guardian also said that though the rally fell short of Trump's claim of a crowd of 7 million, it is the largest gathering that Trump has ever addressed.&nbsp;

CNN

<img alt="CNN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0207443-ee27-404a-ae53-5ebc314bc012" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/QpbZVE1r.jpg" />

Trump lands in India and feels the love

The US-based media house said that though a trade&nbsp; deal looks unlikely, Trump was "more than happy to bask in the type of adulation that doesn't typically follow him when he travels abroad". "At regular intervals throughout New Delhi and Ahmedabad, larger-than-life images of the two men are plastered on signs and posts", CNN added.&nbsp;

BBC

<img alt="BBC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01c40cb8-5d20-4dce-b59e-c631ef9fb165" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/StQRrDnM.jpg" />

Taj Mahal: US President Donald Trump visits India's 'monument of love'

UK's BBC said that Trump "received an exuberant welcome" in the city of Agra. BBC also noted Trump struggled to pronounce Indian words that include name of Ahmedabad and Swami Vivekananda. Trump also called&nbsp; ancient texts Vedas as 'Vestas', BBC added. &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump kicked off his India visit today. The two-day trip was expected to be action-packed and such was the case as Trump along with the First Lady Melania Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Taj Mahal in Agra, before reaching Delhi late in the evening.

US President Donald Trump kicked off his India visit today. The two-day trip was expected to be action-packed and such was the case as Trump along with the First Lady Melania Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Taj Mahal in Agra, before reaching Delhi late in the evening. Both Trump and PM Narendra Modi hailed each other's leadership and celebrated India-US ties. So, let's take a look at how international media reported on Trump's India visit. New York Times 'America Loves India,' Trump Declares at Rally With Modi The America-based publication called the Ahmedabad event as a "campaign-style rally in a 110,000-seat cricket stadium that illustrated the populist bond between the two men and impressed a president who revels in spectacle". The daily said that Trump "betrayed unfamiliarity" with the country and criticised his accent as he tried to speak the local language. Al Jazeera 'America loves India': Trump and Modi hail India-US ties The Qatar-based publication said that Trump addressed a massive rally that is "big on photo opportunities but likely short on substance". The Guardian 'Namaste Trump': India welcomes US president at Modi rally The London-based news website said that massive event in Ahmedabad was the platform for Trump and Modi to showcase their "enthusiastically friendly relationship". "The effusive bond between the two leaders was on full display," The Guardian said, as both leaders greatly praised each other. The Guardian also said that though the rally fell short of Trump's claim of a crowd of 7 million, it is the largest gathering that Trump has ever addressed. CNN Trump lands in India and feels the love The US-based media house said that though a trade deal looks unlikely, Trump was "more than happy to bask in the type of adulation that doesn't typically follow him when he travels abroad". "At regular intervals throughout New Delhi and Ahmedabad, larger-than-life images of the two men are plastered on signs and posts", CNN added. BBC Taj Mahal: US President Donald Trump visits India's 'monument of love' UK's BBC said that Trump "received an exuberant welcome" in the city of Agra. BBC also noted Trump struggled to pronounce Indian words that include name of Ahmedabad and Swami Vivekananda. Trump also called ancient texts Vedas as 'Vestas', BBC added.

'Trump feels love': How international media reported on US President's India visit

Security has been tightened outside the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit. The stadium will be hosting the 'Namaste Trump' event which is scheduled later in the day today. WION gets you latest from the Motera Stadium.

WION Ground report from Motera Stadium, Trump India visit

US President Donald Trump is all set to arrive in India. He will be on a two-day India visit and this is for the first time a stand-alone visit of a US President. The focus will be on the optics and the outcome.

Trump to have packed schedule in India, Action-packed 36-hour

Soon after US President Donald Trump lands in Ahmedabad there will be a grand roadshow from Ahmedabad International airport to the Sabarmati Ashram. Trump will become the first President of America to visit the Ashram. Security around the Ashram is being briefed up. Narendra Modi and Donald Trump will later visit the Sardar Vallabhai Stadium commonly known as the Motera stadium. The two leaders will host the 'Namaste Trump' event. Watch report

Preparations for 'Namaste Trump' in the final stage

The national capital will be on high alert once President Trump reaches New Delhi for the official part of his two-day visit. American and Indian flags have been placed along the iconic road and on February 25 Trump will arrive in New Delhi and will receive a Presidential grand welcome. Anti-drone team of the national security guards, snipers and elite commandos have been roped in to secure the area. Watch report:

New Delhi gears up to welcome Trump, Security heightened

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are all set to visit India on 24-25 February by Air Force One. Air Force One comes equipped with classified defence system and multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications.

WION Dispatch: 7 US Airforce Aircraft will escort Trump

In Ahmedabad, President Trump will address the 'Namaste Trump' event jointly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the newly built Motera cricket stadium

WION Dispatch: All you need to know about Trump's India visit

Ahmedabad: The city’s municipal corporation has built a four-foot-high wall to hide a stretch of slums on the American leader’s route. Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to inaugurate and share the stage at Ahmedabad’s Motera cricket stadium at a public reception being touted as “Namaste Trump” on Feb. 24.

Trump's India Visit: Hiding slums from Trump's sight?

In 2014, months before the general elections in May, the Congress elected Narendra Rawat as its candidate for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat through what was described as the organisational primaries. Workers from the various Congress frontal units including the Sewa Dal, the NSUI, the Mahila Congress, as well as, MPS, AICC members and a potpourri of other notables all took part in this polling process. There were multiple aspirants, but Rawat made the cut. No surprise considering he was the party’s Vadodara city unit chief.&nbsp;

However, when the BJP announced that their Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi would be contesting from Vadodara, the Congress chose to junk the sanctity of the primaries and replaced flyweight Rawat with a lightweight and the then General Secretary of the party, Madhusudan Mistry. Mistry got over two and a lakh votes, but that one move to para drop him demolished the sanctity of the primaries in the state.&nbsp;

If this was farcical, then what happened hundreds of miles away in Assam at the heart of the then Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s primaries experiment - was worse. The state’s established leadership balked at the idea of going through the rigours of first seeking the ticket before contesting the polls. But the then chief minister Tarun Gogoi chose to back Rahul to the hilt considering that his own son, Gaurav, who was entering politics had to make the cut. &nbsp;

The state became an internecine battleground amongst squabbling factions. All this in January-February 2014, months before the national polls. Even while the primaries pot was boiling, out of the blue, the party para dropped the Raja of Amethi, Sanjay Singh, to be their Raya Sabha candidate from a state that had already sent an 'outsider' Manmohan Singh to the Rajya Sabha. They wanted to mollycoddle someone who could have been a spoiler in Amethi. In one fell stroke, the sanctity of choosing candidates through primaries evaporated. All because things had to be made easy for Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the parliamentary polls.&nbsp;

Contrast this with what is happening in two other countries - the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s most powerful - both in the midst of a withering campaign on who will lead two of its main political parties, both out of power and desperate to get back into the spotlight. The most Congress like situation.&nbsp;

In the UK, the Labour Party is still grappling to find a replacement for Jermy Corbyn who decided to step down post the general election loss to Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. After multiple ballots, three candidates - Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Keir Starer - have made it to the final round. Voting by party members will now open on February 21 and close on April 2 with the results being declared on April 4. It’s been a bruising, no hold barred fight for the leadership, but it renews the institution and enthuses the grassroots.&nbsp;

Across the Atlantic, in the US, the primaries that will throw up a democratic contender to take on US President Donald Trump in the Presidential elections in November is even more debilitating. There are seven candidates still in the fray with the oldest, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, having joined the fray just recently. 21 candidates dropped out of the race before the first primaries - the ubiquitous American system to choose a contender - was even flagged off. &nbsp;

But the candidates who have the stomach and the stamina have to go through the grind of flagging their agenda, fending off the opposition and measuring up to what can only be described as the equivalent of a PET scan to assess their character, their background, their position and policy on a spectrum of issues and subjects. It can be debilitating and soul-crushing, but obviously many have the stomach to face up to it and are going through the rigours of the primaries.&nbsp;

And, mind you this jamboree will move state after state till it reaches a grand finale sometime in June-July when the democrats will have a leader and a candidate. The consequence of the elections, though, both in the UK and the US, is that the party rank and file get right behind the leader who has the unquestioned mandate to decide which way the party shall move. And you know your leaders like the back of your palm - his or her positions, ideological predilections and world view. Most important, it gives the rank and file an opportunity to choose who their leader will be.&nbsp;

So why is it that the world’s largest democracy that celebrates elections as a festival of democracy is so averse to institutional and organisational democracy. Organisational elections that are compeller as mandated by the Election Commission are comical and farcical by turns. Leaders are nominated and there is 'guidance' from what has now euphemistically come to be called as the 'high Command'. The wonder of wonders, the BJP that at one time slammed the Congress party for what it termed its 'high command culture' now has its own high command that directs the affairs of the party from the top to the bottom. Since its ascendancy to power in 2014, not one single chief minister or party president has been elected well, they have elected 'unopposed' with guidance being the leitmotif of the process.&nbsp;

The recent Ghar Wapsi ( homecoming) of Babulal Marandi in Jharkhand is a classic case of the High Command culture going wrong. The unquestioned leader of the BJP in that state, Marandi has pushed aside in 2005 in favour of Arjun Munda. Disillusioned Marandi left the party and set up his own outfit. Now a decade and a half later, Marandi has come home to the BJP after the party realised that its tallest leader in the state had been wronged thanks to misguided guidance from the top and they lost the last elections in the state for want of a leader who can arouse the grassroots.&nbsp;

It is understandable that parties weaned in the dynastic principle abhor any organisational election where the dynast will have to get into the ring and muddy his or her hands. Nonetheless, Rahul Gandhi has been the only one who has made some attempt - now sadly in cold storage -&nbsp;at a democratic evolution of leaders at the grassroots. It was an ill-structured, ill-planned and poorly executed exercise that stuttered to a standstill. He can claim credit, though, for having tried, where others have done nothing. &nbsp;

It is another matter though that he himself is elected 'unopposed' as it happened when he became Congress President. But that has been the state of almost every party in the country including the party with a difference—BJP. When the present Home Minister Amit Shah became the BJP President in 2014, he was nominated and now last month J P Nadda was elected unopposed as Shah’s successor. He was nominated by the party’s supreme decision-making body -&nbsp;the Parliamentary Board that provides 'guidance' in the running of the organisation.&nbsp;

It is this guidance that has seen parties big and small atrophy across the sub-continent. It is a lesson clearly most of them continue not to learn. The BJP has chosen to follow in their undistinguished footsteps.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

In 2014, months before the general elections in May, the Congress elected Narendra Rawat as its candidate for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat through what was described as the organisational primaries.

In 2014, months before the general elections in May, the Congress elected Narendra Rawat as its candidate for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat through what was described as the organisational primaries. Workers from the various Congress frontal units including the Sewa Dal, the NSUI, the Mahila Congress, as well as, MPS, AICC members and a potpourri of other notables all took part in this polling process. There were multiple aspirants, but Rawat made the cut. No surprise considering he was the party’s Vadodara city unit chief. However, when the BJP announced that their Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi would be contesting from Vadodara, the Congress chose to junk the sanctity of the primaries and replaced flyweight Rawat with a lightweight and the then General Secretary of the party, Madhusudan Mistry. Mistry got over two and a lakh votes, but that one move to para drop him demolished the sanctity of the primaries in the state. If this was farcical, then what happened hundreds of miles away in Assam at the heart of the then Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s primaries experiment - was worse. The state’s established leadership balked at the idea of going through the rigours of first seeking the ticket before contesting the polls. But the then chief minister Tarun Gogoi chose to back Rahul to the hilt considering that his own son, Gaurav, who was entering politics had to make the cut. The state became an internecine battleground amongst squabbling factions. All this in January-February 2014, months before the national polls. Even while the primaries pot was boiling, out of the blue, the party para dropped the Raja of Amethi, Sanjay Singh, to be their Raya Sabha candidate from a state that had already sent an 'outsider' Manmohan Singh to the Rajya Sabha. They wanted to mollycoddle someone who could have been a spoiler in Amethi. In one fell stroke, the sanctity of choosing candidates through primaries evaporated. All because things had to be made easy for Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the parliamentary polls. Contrast this with what is happening in two other countries - the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s most powerful - both in the midst of a withering campaign on who will lead two of its main political parties, both out of power and desperate to get back into the spotlight. The most Congress like situation. In the UK, the Labour Party is still grappling to find a replacement for Jermy Corbyn who decided to step down post the general election loss to Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. After multiple ballots, three candidates - Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Keir Starer - have made it to the final round. Voting by party members will now open on February 21 and close on April 2 with the results being declared on April 4. It’s been a bruising, no hold barred fight for the leadership, but it renews the institution and enthuses the grassroots. Across the Atlantic, in the US, the primaries that will throw up a democratic contender to take on US President Donald Trump in the Presidential elections in November is even more debilitating. There are seven candidates still in the fray with the oldest, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, having joined the fray just recently. 21 candidates dropped out of the race before the first primaries - the ubiquitous American system to choose a contender - was even flagged off. But the candidates who have the stomach and the stamina have to go through the grind of flagging their agenda, fending off the opposition and measuring up to what can only be described as the equivalent of a PET scan to assess their character, their background, their position and policy on a spectrum of issues and subjects. It can be debilitating and soul-crushing, but obviously many have the stomach to face up to it and are going through the rigours of the primaries. And, mind you this jamboree will move state after state till it reaches a grand finale sometime in June-July when the democrats will have a leader and a candidate. The consequence of the elections, though, both in the UK and the US, is that the party rank and file get right behind the leader who has the unquestioned mandate to decide which way the party shall move. And you know your leaders like the back of your palm - his or her positions, ideological predilections and world view. Most important, it gives the rank and file an opportunity to choose who their leader will be. So why is it that the world’s largest democracy that celebrates elections as a festival of democracy is so averse to institutional and organisational democracy. Organisational elections that are compeller as mandated by the Election Commission are comical and farcical by turns. Leaders are nominated and there is 'guidance' from what has now euphemistically come to be called as the 'high Command'. The wonder of wonders, the BJP that at one time slammed the Congress party for what it termed its 'high command culture' now has its own high command that directs the affairs of the party from the top to the bottom. Since its ascendancy to power in 2014, not one single chief minister or party president has been elected well, they have elected 'unopposed' with guidance being the leitmotif of the process. The recent Ghar Wapsi ( homecoming) of Babulal Marandi in Jharkhand is a classic case of the High Command culture going wrong. The unquestioned leader of the BJP in that state, Marandi has pushed aside in 2005 in favour of Arjun Munda. Disillusioned Marandi left the party and set up his own outfit. Now a decade and a half later, Marandi has come home to the BJP after the party realised that its tallest leader in the state had been wronged thanks to misguided guidance from the top and they lost the last elections in the state for want of a leader who can arouse the grassroots. It is understandable that parties weaned in the dynastic principle abhor any organisational election where the dynast will have to get into the ring and muddy his or her hands. Nonetheless, Rahul Gandhi has been the only one who has made some attempt - now sadly in cold storage - at a democratic evolution of leaders at the grassroots. It was an ill-structured, ill-planned and poorly executed exercise that stuttered to a standstill. He can claim credit, though, for having tried, where others have done nothing. It is another matter though that he himself is elected 'unopposed' as it happened when he became Congress President. But that has been the state of almost every party in the country including the party with a difference—BJP. When the present Home Minister Amit Shah became the BJP President in 2014, he was nominated and now last month J P Nadda was elected unopposed as Shah’s successor. He was nominated by the party’s supreme decision-making body - the Parliamentary Board that provides 'guidance' in the running of the organisation. It is this guidance that has seen parties big and small atrophy across the sub-continent. It is a lesson clearly most of them continue not to learn. The BJP has chosen to follow in their undistinguished footsteps. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Organisational elections have become comical

US President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad. Authorities in Ahmedabad expect to spend around 120 crore for Trump's 3 hour visit.

Trump India Visit:3 hours visit in Ahmedabad cost 120 crore

Indian landscapes through a satellite's lens

A Karachi-bound vessel was intercepted by Indian authorities at the Kandla port on February 3.

To this day, the ship continues to be docked at the port.

And the reason is a suspicious cargo that was wrongly declared in the manifest.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/refined-palm-oil-cargoes-stuck-at-indian-ports-after-import-curbs-sources-275428" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/refined-palm-oil-cargoes-stuck-at-indian-ports-after-import-curbs-sources-275428&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ9Jjh_tfnAhVgzDgGHX3zDX8QFjAAegQIARAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw12OJ2y-uG4w-aDcdje4LtL" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/refined-palm-oil-cargoes-stuck-at-indian-ports-after-import-curbs-sources-275428" target="_blank">Refined palm oil cargoes stuck at Indian ports</a>

This cargo, in fact has military purposes, and is even used in the launch process of a ballistic missile.

The ship also bears a Hong Kong flag.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karachi-bound-ship-detained-in-gujarats-kandla-port-carrying-ballistic-missile-cargo-281077/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And started its voyage from the port of Jiangyin in Eastern China on January 17.

The vessel was bound for Port Qasim in Karachi. But made a brief stop at the Kandla Port on February 3.

And when the authorities conducted a detailed inspection, they discovered what is called an ''autoclave'', which is essentially a pressure chamber.

And it has multiple purposes - both civilian and military.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india/news-update-breaking-as-defence-ties-grow-Maldives-requests-another-vessel-from-India" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india/news-update-breaking-as-defence-ties-grow-Maldives-requests-another-vessel-from-India&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiisrX1_tfnAhXVxjgGHbHnCvQQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ksKqvror1wCq7dtsJDMru" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india/news-update-breaking-as-defence-ties-grow-Maldives-requests-another-vessel-from-India" target="_blank">As defence ties grow, Maldives requests another vessel from India</a>

According to marine-traffic.com, the vessel is named Da Cui Yun and was manufactured in 2011 at the port of Hong Kong.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been looped in to inspect the entire vessel.

A team of the DRDO will conduct a search operation today to examine the autoclave.

And determine whether the cargo is in fact intended for military purposes.

If the findings are upheld, the authorities can seize the cargo.

A Karachi-bound vessel was intercepted by Indian authorities at the Kandla port on February 3. To this day, the ship continues to be docked at the port. And the reason is a suspicious cargo that was wrongly declared in the manifest.

A Karachi-bound vessel was intercepted by Indian authorities at the Kandla port on February 3. To this day, the ship continues to be docked at the port. And the reason is a suspicious cargo that was wrongly declared in the manifest. Also read: Refined palm oil cargoes stuck at Indian ports This cargo, in fact has military purposes, and is even used in the launch process of a ballistic missile. The ship also bears a Hong Kong flag. And started its voyage from the port of Jiangyin in Eastern China on January 17. The vessel was bound for Port Qasim in Karachi. But made a brief stop at the Kandla Port on February 3. And when the authorities conducted a detailed inspection, they discovered what is called an ''autoclave'', which is essentially a pressure chamber. And it has multiple purposes - both civilian and military. Also read: As defence ties grow, Maldives requests another vessel from India According to marine-traffic.com, the vessel is named Da Cui Yun and was manufactured in 2011 at the port of Hong Kong. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been looped in to inspect the entire vessel. A team of the DRDO will conduct a search operation today to examine the autoclave. And determine whether the cargo is in fact intended for military purposes. If the findings are upheld, the authorities can seize the cargo.

Suspicious Karachi-bound ship carrying explosives held in Gujarat

As many as 1,100 Hindu and Muslim couples got married in a mass wedding ceremony in India's western Gujarat state on Saturday (February 08).

1,100 couples tie nuptial knot at mass wedding ceremony in India

US President Donald Trump is expected to be in India in the last week of February and travel destination is possibly Gujarat. The state government has begun preparations for his celebratory welcome. President Trump is also expected to visit the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at a height of 182 metres, located on a river, located opposite the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada. India - US del is also expected during the visit.

US President Donald Trump to visit India, India -US deal on cards

A group of 2,126 people came together in a display of culture, art, and valour of Hindu warrior group of Rajput by performing sword dance on Tuesday (January 28) in India's western Gujarat state to create a Guinness World Record.

Over 2,100 Indians wield swords in dance of valour to set Guinness World Record

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat in a joint operation with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coast-gaurds-and-merchant-vessels-together-recued-264-distressed-fisherman-266325">Indian Coast Guard</a> (ICG) here on Monday nabbed five Pakistani nationals and seized 35 kg heroin from their possession. 
 
"ATS Gujarat had got credible information that an illegal consignment of narcotic drugs, Heroin, is going to be smuggled in Gujarat through Coast. BP Rojiya, ACP ATS passed this information to Senior Officers of ATS. The information further revealed that the consignment is being sent in Pakistani fishing boat from Pakistan," read an official statement. 
 
On receiving the information a joint operation was initiated between the Indian Coast Guard and ATS. 
 
A continuous search operation was undertaken near the location during which a suspicious Pakistani boat was identified in Indian waters. In the search operation, 35 packets of contraband heroin were revealed from Pakistani boat JamJam. 
 
The approximate weight of confiscated contraband is 35 Kg valuing Rs 175 crores in the international market. The interrogation of the apprehended accused persons is in progress jointly by all agencies. 
 
The accused have been identified as Anees Isa Bhatti (30), Ismail Mohammed Kachchi (50), Ashhraf Usman Kutchhi (42), Kareem Abdulla Kutchhi (37) and Abubakar Ashraf Sumra (55).

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat in a joint operation with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) here on Monday nabbed five Pakistani nationals and seized 35 kg heroin from their possession.

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat in a joint operation with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) here on Monday nabbed five Pakistani nationals and seized 35 kg heroin from their possession. "ATS Gujarat had got credible information that an illegal consignment of narcotic drugs, Heroin, is going to be smuggled in Gujarat through Coast. BP Rojiya, ACP ATS passed this information to Senior Officers of ATS. The information further revealed that the consignment is being sent in Pakistani fishing boat from Pakistan," read an official statement. On receiving the information a joint operation was initiated between the Indian Coast Guard and ATS. A continuous search operation was undertaken near the location during which a suspicious Pakistani boat was identified in Indian waters. In the search operation, 35 packets of contraband heroin were revealed from Pakistani boat JamJam. The approximate weight of confiscated contraband is 35 Kg valuing Rs 175 crores in the international market. The interrogation of the apprehended accused persons is in progress jointly by all agencies. The accused have been identified as Anees Isa Bhatti (30), Ismail Mohammed Kachchi (50), Ashhraf Usman Kutchhi (42), Kareem Abdulla Kutchhi (37) and Abubakar Ashraf Sumra (55).

Five Pakistani nationals with 35 kg heroin in their possession, nabbed in Gujarat

As many as 269 infants died at a government hospital in Rajkot in the last three months of 2019 with the highest number of deaths being recorded in December. 
 
While 87 and 71 children died at Rajkot Civil Hospital in October and November respectively, the infant deaths in December stood at 111, according to Manish Mehta, the hospital's head. 
 
The official attributed the deaths to the shortage of facilities for properly treating children at the hospital. 
 
"We do not have ample facilities to treat the number of patients we receive. Keeping this in mind, the government has started the construction of a new hospital with 500 beds," said Mehta. 
 
In Vadodara, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani denied answering reporters' question on the deaths of infants in the government hospital.

As many as 269 infants died at a government hospital in Rajkot in the last three months of 2019 with the highest number of deaths being recorded in December. While 87 and 71 children died at Rajkot Civil Hospital in October and November respectively, the infant deaths in December stood at 111, according to Manish Mehta, the hospital's head.

As many as 269 infants died at a government hospital in Rajkot in the last three months of 2019 with the highest number of deaths being recorded in December. While 87 and 71 children died at Rajkot Civil Hospital in October and November respectively, the infant deaths in December stood at 111, according to Manish Mehta, the hospital's head. The official attributed the deaths to the shortage of facilities for properly treating children at the hospital. "We do not have ample facilities to treat the number of patients we receive. Keeping this in mind, the government has started the construction of a new hospital with 500 beds," said Mehta. In Vadodara, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani denied answering reporters' question on the deaths of infants in the government hospital.

269 infants died at Rajkot government hospital in last 3 months of 2019

Four people were killed and one sustained severe injuries after the car they were travelling in plunged into a canal on Jamnagar-Dhrol highway in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-faces-deadly-locust-attack-panic-grips-across-western-india-270447">Gujarat</a>.

The deceased were identified as Haresh Arjanbhai Karathiya, Rasik Bhimabhai Kadwala, Naran Karshan Chauhan and Tipu Karana.

"Injured Dhirubhai Bhimabhai Bhadavara has been shifted to a hospital for treatment. The people were travelling in an EECO car when it met with the accident," said Police Sub Inspector, C M Kanteliya.

Further details are awaited.

Four people were killed and one sustained severe injuries after the car they were travelling in plunged into a canal on Jamnagar-Dhrol highway in Gujarat. The deceased were identified as Haresh Arjanbhai Karathiya, Rasik Bhimabhai Kadwala, Naran Karshan Chauhan and Tipu Karana.

Four people were killed and one sustained severe injuries after the car they were travelling in plunged into a canal on Jamnagar-Dhrol highway in Gujarat. The deceased were identified as Haresh Arjanbhai Karathiya, Rasik Bhimabhai Kadwala, Naran Karshan Chauhan and Tipu Karana. "Injured Dhirubhai Bhimabhai Bhadavara has been shifted to a hospital for treatment. The people were travelling in an EECO car when it met with the accident," said Police Sub Inspector, C M Kanteliya. Further details are awaited.

Four dead, one injured in road accident in Gujarat

Panic has gripped farmers across western India as swarms of locust destroyed crops. The insects have already ravaged farmlands.&nbsp;

Experts say that the unseasonable appearance of locusts may be due to the change in wind pattern after the prolonged monsoon.

Locusts generally come in July. Meanwhile, farmers have said that the government did not take timely action.

They said that the government did not spray insecticides until the situation went out of control.

Locust swarm displays a 'swarm behaviour' which essentially means a collective motion of a large number of animals of similar size.&nbsp;

Just one swarm can cover up to 20% of the land surface of the earth, affecting the livelihood of 10% of the world’s population.

They can consume up to 200 tonnes of vegetation a day.The locusts in a swarm tend to move in the same direction while avoiding collision with each other.

What is a locust?

Belongs to the grasshopper family. Plague of locusts is a natural disaster, a locust swarm can fly up to 90 miles per day.

Rainfall can increase locusts by 20-fold in 3 months. Adult locust can eat equivalent to their weight every day. There can be 80 million locusts in a swarm. Locusts can also turn cannibal.

How do locusts wreak havoc?

1. Locust displays 'swarm' behaviour 
2.Swarm behaviour' means the collective motion of same sized animals&nbsp; 
3. One swarm can contain up to 80 million locusts. 
4. One swarm can cover 20% of land cover. 
5. &nbsp;Can affect the livelihood of 10% world population. 
6. A swarm can consume up to 200 tonnes of vegetations per day.&nbsp; 
7. Each locust can eat up to their own body weight. 
8. &nbsp;Locusts tend to remain close to their neighbours.

Panic has gripped farmers across western India as swarms of locust destroyed crops. The insects have already ravaged farmlands. Experts say that the unseasonable appearance of locusts may be due to the change in wind pattern after the prolonged monsoon.

Panic has gripped farmers across western India as swarms of locust destroyed crops. The insects have already ravaged farmlands. Experts say that the unseasonable appearance of locusts may be due to the change in wind pattern after the prolonged monsoon. Locusts generally come in July. Meanwhile, farmers have said that the government did not take timely action. They said that the government did not spray insecticides until the situation went out of control. Locust swarm displays a 'swarm behaviour' which essentially means a collective motion of a large number of animals of similar size. Just one swarm can cover up to 20% of the land surface of the earth, affecting the livelihood of 10% of the world’s population. They can consume up to 200 tonnes of vegetation a day.The locusts in a swarm tend to move in the same direction while avoiding collision with each other. What is a locust? Belongs to the grasshopper family. Plague of locusts is a natural disaster, a locust swarm can fly up to 90 miles per day. Rainfall can increase locusts by 20-fold in 3 months. Adult locust can eat equivalent to their weight every day. There can be 80 million locusts in a swarm. Locusts can also turn cannibal. How do locusts wreak havoc? 1. Locust displays 'swarm' behaviour 2.Swarm behaviour' means the collective motion of same sized animals 3. One swarm can contain up to 80 million locusts. 4. One swarm can cover 20% of land cover. 5. Can affect the livelihood of 10% world population. 6. A swarm can consume up to 200 tonnes of vegetations per day. 7. Each locust can eat up to their own body weight. 8. Locusts tend to remain close to their neighbours.

Gujarat faces deadly locust attack: Panic grips western India

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