HT Leadership Summit 2021 Day 1 ends, global leaders to take the stage tomorrow

Dr Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunobiology at Yale University and investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute joined Sanchita Sharma, health communications specialist, in a conversation. The former talked about the general pandemic situation across the world, the alert over the Omicron coronavirus variant, the importance of vaccinating a population to achieve herd immunity and the necessity of booster shots in the face of waning immunity. 

The worst is yet to come if we don't get more people vaccinated. However, with some countries getting a significant number of their population vaccinated gives me hope that the worst is behind us: Dr Akiko Iwasaki

Lots of lessons to be learnt from the pandemic. Mask wearing was not encouraged in the initial stage. Implementation of these measures was less than desirable in early days. Then there are hesitancies around different vaccines. Mandatory vaccinations very important to contain the virus: Dr Iwasaki

Having indoor gatherings in winters without proper ventilation is a cause of concern in dealing with Covid-19, said immunologist Dr Akiko Iwasaki

Shouldn't forget the Delta variant, which is still extremely transmissible. I really hope the Omicron variant, after this, doesn't lead to a fourth wave of the pandemic: Dr Iwasaki

The percentage needed to achieve herd immunity changing due to new and highly transmissible variants. The needle keeps going up and up, we need to immunise more and more people. Herd immunity percentage for omicron not known yet: Dr Iwasaki

Long Covid is a serious problem, happening in 10-30% of survivors. There is still not a universal definition of long Covid. Males are at higher risk in case of long and serious Covid: Immunobiolist Iwasaki

When should you go for a booster shot?

Looking at new variants, I think there is a need to look at the possibility of administering booster shots earlier than the six-month gap after the second dose: Dr Akiko Iwasaki

At the 19th HTLS session, Akiko Iwasaki said that nasal vaccines are a key part of the vaccine development process to fighting emerging mutant variations like the omicron.

Don't know how virulent the omicron variant is, or how fast it spreads but it does have more mutations: Immunobiolist Akiko Iwasaki

Dr Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunobiology at Yale University and investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute has joined Sanchita Sharma, health communications specialist, in a conversation.

Central Vista architect Bimal Patel signed off after a lively and interactive series of discussions with Hindustan Times editor-in-chief R Sukumar, in which they discussed the former's approach to architecture, challenges faced for the Central Vista project, and other relevant topics. Next up, Dr Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunobiology at Yale University and investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, will join Sanchita Sharma, health communications specialist, in a conversation.

While one architectural project can be modernist, the other can be something else. I approach every project separately: Central Vista architect Bimal Patel on his approach to architecture 

By the end of 2022, before the next winter session, the country will have a new Parliament building: Architect Bimal Patel

I can understand the concerns around moving the museum and handling the artifacts. But it's the right time for our Republic to abandon the symbols of the Raj and turn them over to the people. It is an extremely timely move, in line with the spirit of our Republic. It is a progressive move: Central Vista architect Bimal Patel

Apprehensions that people have are well-founded. So much of change that we see around us is problematic, takes away old memories. But besides being emotive, people should look at the facts, and what is being proposed. Since our approach is respectful of history, there shouldn't be any problem: Architect Bimal Patel on HTLS

People using Parliament want the difficulties being faced in using the House to be addressed. The current structure was meant to be used as Council House. Central Vista is the most important public space, but there is a whole laundry list of problems: Architect Bimal Patel

The Republic Day parade will take place on the new Central Vista: Architect Bimal Patel on HTLS

Bimal Patel, who is the chief architect of the Central Vista project, has joined in with R Sukumar, editor-in-chief of Hindustan Times, for a chat.

Usain Bolt has signed off and we'll be graced with our next speaker of the evening. 

Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt? The eight-time Olympic champion says “I've to think about it,” before mentioning his name. 

“It hasn’t been anything massive for me. Always tried to ignore the small matters but I have been in situations where people have approached me for the colour of my skin but have always tried to move past it. Need to speak on it and try our best to let everyone aware as to what we feel. Hopefully we can come together and be a better world.” 

“We have tried everything in sports to eliminate doping. But you need to put in more strict regulations to stop people from cheating. I tried to live a respectful live. I understood what it meant to show the world so that younger kids can look up to me. A lot of people want to take short routes. I urge them to be the best version of themselves.” 

“I do watch a few races, but when the pandemic ends, I will definitely go to all these meets. I’ve never had the opportunity to go to the stadium and watch.”