Objectives To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcome of hospitalized children with COVID-19 during the initial phase of the pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the dedicated COVID-19 hospital of a tertiary care referral center in North India. Consecutive children aged 14 y or younger who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swab between 1 April 2020 and 15 July 2020 were included. Results Of 31 children with median (IQR) age of 33 (9-96) mo, 9 (29%) were infants. About 74% (n = 23) had history of household contact. Comorbidities were noted in 6 (19%) children. More than half (58%) were asymptomatic. Of 13 symptomatic children, median (IQR) duration of symptoms was 2 (1-5.5) d. Fever (32%) was most common followed by cough (19%), rapid breathing (13%), diarrhea (10%) and vomiting (10%). Severe [n = 4, 13%] and critical [n = 1, 3%] illnesses were noted more commonly in infants with comorbidities. Three (10%) children required PICU admission and invasive ventilation; one died. Median (IQR) length of hospital stay was 15 (11-20) d. Follow up RT-PCR before discharge was performed in 17 children and the median (IQR) duration to RT-PCR negativity was 16 (12-19) d. Conclusions In the early pandemic, most children with COVID-19 had a household contact and presented with asymptomatic or mild illness. Severe and critical illness were observed in young infants and those with comorbidities.

In the era of nanotechnology, nano-fertilizers offer sustainable and profitable remedies to modern agriculture practices while restricting the use of chemical fertilizers. Nano-fertilizers have significantly contributed towards efficient and eco-friendly approaches in crop yield productivity, nutrient penetration and soil fertility. Owing to the remarkable physicochemical properties and integrated nutrient management system, the effectiveness of organic manures, Nano Nitrogen and Nano Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) in respect to the untreated field environment were compared and studied on two important crops viz. cauliflower and tomato. Standard field conditions were optimised and on-farm trials in 40 different farms of sandy loam soil were conducted by IFFCO and KVK in village Khatawali, Rewari district of Haryana, Rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. The results of this study have clearly demonstrated the synergetic potential of organic manure, bio-fertilizer and nano-fertilizers with a rise of 12.2–15.4% yield in cauliflower and 12.6–14.9% yield in tomato. While the net return was increased by 25.8–31.7% in Cauliflower and 21.4–25.0% in Tomato as compared to T1 and T2. Extensive analysis is made on growth parameters such as the height of the plants, number of primary branches, average fruit weight that escalated the productivity of crops besides the forecast of beneficially effected economics i.e. Benefit Cost (B: C) ratio. Average data of post harvested soil indicated the enhanced organic carbon content, NPK and lowered C:N ratio that ensures on soil improvement. Hence, these findings strongly highlight the synergetic efficacy of Nano Nitrogen and Nano DAP on crop quality and net productivity.

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