In Maharashtra, the doubling rate of Covid-19 cases in Mumbai has slowed down to 52 days. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of University Grants Commission, Bhushan Patwardhan said, awarding degrees to students without final examinations is not acceptable academically.<br />'' <br />''"Stating that he was aware of how serious the COVID situation in Maharashtra is, UGC vice-chairman Mr. Bhushan Pathwardhan said he is holding discussions with the Chancellor and other experts as to what the options are. He, however, clarified that awarding degrees without final examinations is not acceptable academically. <br />''<br />''Adding that students' health and safety is supreme, Mr. Pathwardhan said the commission will try to think about some mutually acceptable and sustainable solution. <br />''<br />''Meanwhile, amid all the gloom, a centenarian, Arjun Govind Naringrekar has won the battle against coronavirus. The staff and doctors at Balasaheb Thackeray Hospital in suburban Goregaon celebrated his birthday earlier this month, a day before his discharge. This glorious win over COVID-19 will hopefully inspire thousands of others, running low on morale.