Variable stars in M37

The CCD photometric observations of open star cluster M37(NGC 2099) were carried out up to a limiting magnitude of V ～ 20 in both B and V filters to search for variable stars using a 2k×4k CCD and the 1.3 m telescope at the Vainu Bapu Observatory, Kavalur.A total of 314 stars were in the first observing run, out of which 60 were identified as variables.Eight out of the identified 60 variables are classified as W UMa binary stars.For model fitting, we used PHOEBE based on the W-D code to estimate the physical parameters of these newly detected W UMa binaries that theoretically best match the observed light curves.

Photometry and spectroscopy ofⅡPeg,IM Peg and UX Ari

Ⅴ band photometry of three RS CVn stars,Ⅱ Peg, IM Peg and UX Ari, is carried out to study the physical properties of these variables. We verified the significant and regular optical photometric variability to be present in all three stars. The strong photometric variability and emission of Hα and Ca Ⅱ H ＆ K using high resolution optical spectroscopy with the Hanle Echelle Spectrograph （HESP）, which operates in conjunction with the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, verify the strong chromospheric activity which is present in RS CVn stars. The photometric studies of Ⅱ Peg, UX Ari and IM Peg were subjected to light curve analysis for spot parameters using a two-starspot model.

Fragility and challenges of health systems in pandemic: lessons from India's second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The unprecedented healthcare demand due to sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has almost collapsed the health care systems especially in the developing world. Given the disastrous outbreak of COVID-19 second wave in India, the health system of country was virtually at the brink of collapse. Therefore, to identify the factors that resulted into breakdown and the challenges, Indian healthcare system faced during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, this paper analysed the health system challenges in India and the way forward in accordance with the six building blocks of world health organization (WHO). Applying integrated review approach, we found that the factors such as poor infrastructure, inadequate financing, lack of transparency and poor healthcare management resulted into the overstretching of healthcare system in India. Although health system in India faced these challenges from the very beginning, but early lessons from first wave should have been capitalized to avert the much deeper crisis in the second wave of the pandemic. To sum-up given the likely future challenges of pandemic, while healthcare should be prioritized with adequate financing, strong capacity-building measures and integration of public and private sectors in India. Likewise fiscal stimulus, risk assessment, data availability and building of human resources chain are other key factors to be strengthened for mitigating the future healthcare crisis in country.