&nbsp;A tornado tore through the southern US&nbsp;city of Tupelo on Sunday, blowing the roofs off homes and tearing down trees and power lines, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

"Emergency crews are currently assessing the degree of damage," the mayor's office said in a statement on Facebook, urging people to stay in their homes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Residents in Mississippi in US without water for weeks">Residents in Mississippi in US without water for weeks</a>

Social media images and videos showed the roofs of many homes and buildings blown away, electricity lines down and streets in the Mississippi city swamped with debris.

"This is a life-threatening situation," the national weather service wrote on Twitter. "Please take shelter in the Tupelo area."

A tornado tore through the southern US city of Tupelo on Sunday, blowing the roofs off homes and tearing down trees and power lines, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

A tornado tore through the southern US city of Tupelo on Sunday, blowing the roofs off homes and tearing down trees and power lines, but there were no immediate reports of injuries. "Emergency crews are currently assessing the degree of damage," the mayor's office said in a statement on Facebook, urging people to stay in their homes. Also read: Residents in Mississippi in US without water for weeks Social media images and videos showed the roofs of many homes and buildings blown away, electricity lines down and streets in the Mississippi city swamped with debris. "This is a life-threatening situation," the national weather service wrote on Twitter. "Please take shelter in the Tupelo area."

Tornado rips through Mississippi, damages buildings, power lines

Drug major Natco Pharma on Monday said, it has received emergency use approval for Baricitinib tablets, for the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India.&nbsp;

CDSCO is responsible for approval of drugs, conduct of clinical trials, laying down the standards for drugs, control over the quality of imported drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of state drug control organisations.&nbsp;

"Natco Pharma Ltd has received emergency use approval for Baricitinib tablets, 1mg, 2mg and 4mg strengths from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India," the company said in a regulatory filing.&nbsp;

Baricitinib in combination with Remdesivir, is used for treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, the company said. &nbsp;

Natco said it will request a compulsory license based on emergency use and in light of the grave and serious public health emergency across India due to the pandemic. &nbsp;

The company is ready to launch the product this week, so as to make the product available to suffering patients across India, it added.&nbsp;

Shares of Natco Pharma were trading 3.35 per cent higher at Rs 926.70 apiece on BSE.&nbsp;

Drug major Natco Pharma on Monday said, it has received emergency use approval for Baricitinib tablets, for the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India.

Drug major Natco Pharma on Monday said, it has received emergency use approval for Baricitinib tablets, for the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India. CDSCO is responsible for approval of drugs, conduct of clinical trials, laying down the standards for drugs, control over the quality of imported drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of state drug control organisations. "Natco Pharma Ltd has received emergency use approval for Baricitinib tablets, 1mg, 2mg and 4mg strengths from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India," the company said in a regulatory filing. Baricitinib in combination with Remdesivir, is used for treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, the company said. Natco said it will request a compulsory license based on emergency use and in light of the grave and serious public health emergency across India due to the pandemic. The company is ready to launch the product this week, so as to make the product available to suffering patients across India, it added. Shares of Natco Pharma were trading 3.35 per cent higher at Rs 926.70 apiece on BSE.

Natco gets CDSCO nod for emergency use of Baricitinib tablets for COVID-19 treatment 

Pictures: With smelling abilities hit by COVID-19, wine testers fear the loss of livelihood

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-says-china-acting-more-aggressively-abroad-report-382399">US Secretary of State says China acting 'more aggressively abroad': Report</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-ardern-says-differences-with-china-becoming-harder-to-reconcile-382404">New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile</a>&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-denies-reports-iran-poised-to-free-four-americans-382402">US denies reports Iran poised to free four Americans</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423">Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests</a>&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

US Secretary of State says China acting 'more aggressively abroad': Report New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile US deni

US Secretary of State says China acting 'more aggressively abroad': Report New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile US denies reports Iran poised to free four Americans Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests

Morning news brief: Blinken says China acting 'more aggressively abroad' and more

May 3 in history: Subhash Chandra Bose forms All India Forward Bloc and more

Cuba's government put an end on Sunday to a week-long hunger strike staged by a leading dissident - the head of a group that has protested state censorship of artistic works - and was reported by authorities to be in stable condition.

A note published by the Havana Department of Public Health said Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara was 'referred' to a local hospital early on Sunday for "self-imposed food deprivation" and arrived by ambulance "and walking without difficulty."

He had spent seven days without food or fluids.

The San Isidro Movement led by Otero Alcantara, a performance artist, is a dissident group that includes a few dozen artists, writers and activists.

The health department said the hospital had found no sign of malnutrition or other chemical imbalances but said Otero Alcantara had been admitted, was in stable condition and was being attended to by physicians.

Members of the San Isidro movement said state security had forced Otero Alcantara from his home and that he was in custody, presumably at the hospital. They questioned the report and demanded more information.

"How is it possible he has no signs of malnutrition or dehydration after being on a hunger and thirst strike for more than 7 days" the group asked in a Twitter post.

Otero Alcantara's home had been surrounded by police for days with no one allowed in or out during his hunger strike.

The US&nbsp;State Department in a Twitter post on Saturday had expressed concern over Otero Alcantara's health and urged "the Cuban government to take immediate steps to protect his life and health."

People can survive more than a month without food, but rarely more than 10 days without food or fluids.

Members of the San Isidro Movement in November had staged a hunger strike against censorship and harassment of independent creators and activists by the Communist government. Police ended the hunger strike, prompting a rare protest by around 300 people in front of the Culture Ministry in Havana.

Authorities since then have vilified members of the group as outside agitators working with the United States. Its members repeatedly have been temporarily detained and often told they cannot leave their homes, with communications cut.

Otero Alcantara was arrested a few weeks ago as he protested a Communist Party congress by sitting in a garrote. Authorities seized or destroyed some of his art.

In his hunger strike, Otero Alcantara was demanding a return of his art, compensation, freedom of expression and an end to police harassment.

The dissident group has been appealing for support since his hunger strike began, gaining little traction in Cuba but notice some abroad including from human rights organisations and the US&nbsp;government.

Cuba's government put an end on Sunday to a week-long hunger strike staged by a leading dissident - the head of a group that has protested state censorship of artistic works - and was reported by authorities to be in stable condition.

Cuba's government put an end on Sunday to a week-long hunger strike staged by a leading dissident - the head of a group that has protested state censorship of artistic works - and was reported by authorities to be in stable condition. A note published by the Havana Department of Public Health said Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara was 'referred' to a local hospital early on Sunday for "self-imposed food deprivation" and arrived by ambulance "and walking without difficulty." He had spent seven days without food or fluids. The San Isidro Movement led by Otero Alcantara, a performance artist, is a dissident group that includes a few dozen artists, writers and activists. The health department said the hospital had found no sign of malnutrition or other chemical imbalances but said Otero Alcantara had been admitted, was in stable condition and was being attended to by physicians. Members of the San Isidro movement said state security had forced Otero Alcantara from his home and that he was in custody, presumably at the hospital. They questioned the report and demanded more information. "How is it possible he has no signs of malnutrition or dehydration after being on a hunger and thirst strike for more than 7 days" the group asked in a Twitter post. Otero Alcantara's home had been surrounded by police for days with no one allowed in or out during his hunger strike. The US State Department in a Twitter post on Saturday had expressed concern over Otero Alcantara's health and urged "the Cuban government to take immediate steps to protect his life and health." People can survive more than a month without food, but rarely more than 10 days without food or fluids. Members of the San Isidro Movement in November had staged a hunger strike against censorship and harassment of independent creators and activists by the Communist government. Police ended the hunger strike, prompting a rare protest by around 300 people in front of the Culture Ministry in Havana. Authorities since then have vilified members of the group as outside agitators working with the United States. Its members repeatedly have been temporarily detained and often told they cannot leave their homes, with communications cut. Otero Alcantara was arrested a few weeks ago as he protested a Communist Party congress by sitting in a garrote. Authorities seized or destroyed some of his art. In his hunger strike, Otero Alcantara was demanding a return of his art, compensation, freedom of expression and an end to police harassment. The dissident group has been appealing for support since his hunger strike began, gaining little traction in Cuba but notice some abroad including from human rights organisations and the US government.

Cuban government ends leading dissident artist's hunger strike

The vote by El Salvador's new congress to remove the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general on the newly elected legislative body's very first day drew concern and condemnation from multinational groups and the United States.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Sunday about the previous day's vote, saying that an independent judiciary is essential to democratic governance, the State Department said.&nbsp;

Bukele's New Ideas party won 56 out of the 84 seats in the Legislative Assembly in February elections that pushed aside the country's traditional parties, already weakened by corruption scandals.&nbsp;

The dominant electoral performance raised concerns that Bukele would seek to change the court, which along with the previous congress, had been the only obstacles that the very popular leader faced. The vote on Saturday to remove the five magistrates was 64 lawmakers in favour, 19 opposed and one abstention.&nbsp;

Now, with effective control of the congress and the high court, few if any checks remain on Bukele's power.&nbsp;

He swept into office in 2019 as a break from the country's corrupt and troubled traditional parties, though his political career had started in the leftist Farabundo Mart National Liberation Front.&nbsp;

And even before the assembly was in his sway, Bukele sought to bully and intimidate El Salvador's other democratic institutions. In February 2020, he sent heavily armed soldiers to surround the congress when it delayed voting on a security loan he had sought.&nbsp;

Bukele clashed repeatedly with the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court during the pandemic. When it ruled his obligatory stay-at-home order unconstitutional in last June, Bukele said, “The court has just ordered us to murder dozens of thousands of Salvadorans within five days."&nbsp;

Blinken also expressed concern about the removal of Attorney General Raul Melara, saying he was fighting corruption and has been an effective partner of efforts to combat crime in both the United States and El Salvador, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. &nbsp;

Melara had been selected by the previous congress and was an outspoken Bukele critic.&nbsp;

Blinken said the US is committed to supporting democratic institutions in El Salvador.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The vote by El Salvador's new congress to remove the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general on the newly elected legislative body's very first day drew concern and condemnation from multinational groups and the United States.

The vote by El Salvador's new congress to remove the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the attorney general on the newly elected legislative body's very first day drew concern and condemnation from multinational groups and the United States. US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Sunday about the previous day's vote, saying that an independent judiciary is essential to democratic governance, the State Department said. Bukele's New Ideas party won 56 out of the 84 seats in the Legislative Assembly in February elections that pushed aside the country's traditional parties, already weakened by corruption scandals. The dominant electoral performance raised concerns that Bukele would seek to change the court, which along with the previous congress, had been the only obstacles that the very popular leader faced. The vote on Saturday to remove the five magistrates was 64 lawmakers in favour, 19 opposed and one abstention. Now, with effective control of the congress and the high court, few if any checks remain on Bukele's power. He swept into office in 2019 as a break from the country's corrupt and troubled traditional parties, though his political career had started in the leftist Farabundo Mart National Liberation Front. And even before the assembly was in his sway, Bukele sought to bully and intimidate El Salvador's other democratic institutions. In February 2020, he sent heavily armed soldiers to surround the congress when it delayed voting on a security loan he had sought. Bukele clashed repeatedly with the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court during the pandemic. When it ruled his obligatory stay-at-home order unconstitutional in last June, Bukele said, “The court has just ordered us to murder dozens of thousands of Salvadorans within five days." Blinken also expressed concern about the removal of Attorney General Raul Melara, saying he was fighting corruption and has been an effective partner of efforts to combat crime in both the United States and El Salvador, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Melara had been selected by the previous congress and was an outspoken Bukele critic. Blinken said the US is committed to supporting democratic institutions in El Salvador. (With inputs from agencies)

US expresses concern over El Salvador vote to remove judges 

On Monday, Apple faces one of its most serious legal threats in recent years: A trial that threatens to upend its iron control over its app store, which brings in billions of dollars each year while feeding more than 1,600,000,000&nbsp;iPhones, iPads, and other devices.&nbsp;

The federal court case is being brought by Epic Games, maker of the popular video game Fortnite. &nbsp;

Epic wants to topple the so-called 'walled garden' of the app store, which Apple started building 13 years ago as part of a strategy masterminded by co-founder Steve Jobs.&nbsp;

Epic charges that Apple has transformed a once-tiny digital storefront into an illegal monopoly that squeezes mobile apps for a significant slice of their earnings. Apple takes a commission of 15 per cent to 30 per cent on purchases made within apps, including everything from digital items in games to subscriptions. Apple denies Epic's claims.&nbsp;

Apple's highly successful formula has helped turn the iPhone maker into one of the world's most profitable companies, one with a market value that now tops USD 2,200,000,000,000.

Privately held Epic is puny by comparison, with an estimated market value of USD 30,000,000,000. Its aspirations to get bigger hinge in part on its plan to offer an alternative app store on the iPhone. &nbsp;

The North Carolina company also wants to break free of Apple's commissions. Epic says it forked over hundreds of millions of dollars to Apple before it expelled Fortnite from its app store last August, after Epic added a payment system that bypassed Apple.&nbsp;

Epic then sued Apple, prompting a courtroom drama that could shed new light on Apple's management of its app store. Both Apple CEO Tim Cook and Epic CEO Tim Sweeney will testify in an Oakland, California federal courtroom that will be set up to allow for social distancing and will require masks at all times.&nbsp;

Neither side wanted a jury trial, leaving the decision to US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who already seems to know her ruling will probably be appealed, given the stakes in the case.&nbsp;

Much of the evidence will revolve around arcane but crucial arguments about market definitions.&nbsp;

Epic contends the iPhone has become so ingrained in society that the device and its ecosystem have turned into a monopoly Apple can exploit to unfairly enrich itself and thwart competition.&nbsp;

Apple claims it faces significant competition from various alternatives to video games on iPhones. For instance, it points out that about 2,000,000,000 other smartphones don't run iPhone software or work with its app store, primarily those relying on Google's Android system. Epic has filed a separate case against Google, accusing it of illegally gouging apps through its own app store for Android devices.&nbsp;

Apple will also depict Epic as a desperate company hungry for sources of revenue beyond the aging Fortnite. It claims Epic merely wants to freeload off an iPhone ecosystem in which Apple has invested more than USD 100,000,000,000 over the past 15 years.&nbsp;

Estimates of Apple's app store revenue range from USD 15,000,000,000 to USD 18,000,000,000&nbsp;annually. Apple disputes those estimates, although it hasn't publicly disclosed its own figures. Instead, it has emphasised that it doesn't collect a cent from 85 per cent of the apps in its store.&nbsp;

The commissions it pockets, Apple says, are a reasonable way for the company to recoup its investment while financing an app review process it calls essential to preserving the security of apps and their users.&nbsp;

About 40 per cent of the roughly 100,000 apps submitted for review each week are rejected for some sort of problem, according to Kyle Andeer, Apple's chief compliance officer.&nbsp;

Epic will try to prove that Apple uses the security issue to disguise its true motivation, maintaining a monopoly that wrings more profits from app makers, who can't afford not to be available on the iPhone.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

On Monday, Apple faces one of its most serious legal threats in recent years: A trial that threatens to upend its iron control over its app store, which brings in billions of dollars each year while feeding more than 1,600,000,000 iPhones, iPads, and other devices.

On Monday, Apple faces one of its most serious legal threats in recent years: A trial that threatens to upend its iron control over its app store, which brings in billions of dollars each year while feeding more than 1,600,000,000 iPhones, iPads, and other devices. The federal court case is being brought by Epic Games, maker of the popular video game Fortnite. Epic wants to topple the so-called 'walled garden' of the app store, which Apple started building 13 years ago as part of a strategy masterminded by co-founder Steve Jobs. Epic charges that Apple has transformed a once-tiny digital storefront into an illegal monopoly that squeezes mobile apps for a significant slice of their earnings. Apple takes a commission of 15 per cent to 30 per cent on purchases made within apps, including everything from digital items in games to subscriptions. Apple denies Epic's claims. Apple's highly successful formula has helped turn the iPhone maker into one of the world's most profitable companies, one with a market value that now tops USD 2,200,000,000,000. Privately held Epic is puny by comparison, with an estimated market value of USD 30,000,000,000. Its aspirations to get bigger hinge in part on its plan to offer an alternative app store on the iPhone. The North Carolina company also wants to break free of Apple's commissions. Epic says it forked over hundreds of millions of dollars to Apple before it expelled Fortnite from its app store last August, after Epic added a payment system that bypassed Apple. Epic then sued Apple, prompting a courtroom drama that could shed new light on Apple's management of its app store. Both Apple CEO Tim Cook and Epic CEO Tim Sweeney will testify in an Oakland, California federal courtroom that will be set up to allow for social distancing and will require masks at all times. Neither side wanted a jury trial, leaving the decision to US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who already seems to know her ruling will probably be appealed, given the stakes in the case. Much of the evidence will revolve around arcane but crucial arguments about market definitions. Epic contends the iPhone has become so ingrained in society that the device and its ecosystem have turned into a monopoly Apple can exploit to unfairly enrich itself and thwart competition. Apple claims it faces significant competition from various alternatives to video games on iPhones. For instance, it points out that about 2,000,000,000 other smartphones don't run iPhone software or work with its app store, primarily those relying on Google's Android system. Epic has filed a separate case against Google, accusing it of illegally gouging apps through its own app store for Android devices. Apple will also depict Epic as a desperate company hungry for sources of revenue beyond the aging Fortnite. It claims Epic merely wants to freeload off an iPhone ecosystem in which Apple has invested more than USD 100,000,000,000 over the past 15 years. Estimates of Apple's app store revenue range from USD 15,000,000,000 to USD 18,000,000,000 annually. Apple disputes those estimates, although it hasn't publicly disclosed its own figures. Instead, it has emphasised that it doesn't collect a cent from 85 per cent of the apps in its store. The commissions it pockets, Apple says, are a reasonable way for the company to recoup its investment while financing an app review process it calls essential to preserving the security of apps and their users. About 40 per cent of the roughly 100,000 apps submitted for review each week are rejected for some sort of problem, according to Kyle Andeer, Apple's chief compliance officer. Epic will try to prove that Apple uses the security issue to disguise its true motivation, maintaining a monopoly that wrings more profits from app makers, who can't afford not to be available on the iPhone. (With input from agencies)

Apple's app store goes on trial in threat to 'walled garden' 

The Italian minister of culture announced the winning bid to restore the&nbsp;Colosseum's arena on Sunday, a project that will allow visitors to view the archeological wonder from ground level as soon as 2023.&nbsp;

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Il <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colosseo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colosseo</a> tornerà ad avere la sua arena. Dopo anni di studi è stato proclamato il progetto vincitore. Sarà reversibile, consentirà di visitare i sotterranei e di vedere la maestosità del Colosseo dal centro, come è stato per secoli sino a fine ‘800 <a href="https://t.co/DG6UOKRcB4">https://t.co/DG6UOKRcB4</a> <a href="https://t.co/dI9XtY9dxV">pic.twitter.com/dI9XtY9dxV</a>
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&nbsp;

The 2,000-year-old structure is currently floorless, the ruins of the underground levels' walls and tunnels exposed to the open air save for a small platform.

A Milan engineering firm beat 10 competitors who answered a 2020 call for submissions with its vision involving rotating wooden slats that would allow natural ventilation and lighting of the lower levels.&nbsp;

"It's another step forward towards rebuilding the arena, an ambitious project that will aid the conservation of the archeological structures while getting back to the original image of the&nbsp;Colosseum&nbsp;and its quality as a complex scenographic machine," said culture minister Dario Franceschini.

With the new floor, visitors to the&nbsp;Colosseum&nbsp;will be able to admire the treasured monument from the centre of the arena -- a view once reserved for gladiators and slaves as they prepared to meet their doom. &nbsp;

Franceschini plans to host the Rome G20 culture summit at the&nbsp;Colosseum&nbsp;in July and it may serve as a venue for other major cultural events.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Return of traffic cops to landmark piazza brings unlikely joy in Rome">Return of traffic cops to landmark piazza brings unlikely joy in Rome</a>

The&nbsp;Colosseum's executive archaeologist Alfonsina Russo said construction of the arena -- which will be the subject of a Europe-wide call for bids of about 15 million euros -- should begin by the end of the year or early 2022.

She said the new 3,000 square metre (32,300 square foot) floor should be ready for visitors in 2023.

Before the pandemic, around 25,000 people toured the world-famous monument daily, and some 18.5 million euros have been set aside for the project.

The plan presented on Sunday consists of an entirely removable structure made of accoya, a modified, durable wood.

The slats will be rigged with a rotation system meant to permit light and air to circulate to underground passages below the area.

The rain water that currently pools there will be collected and used to supply the toilets of Rome's most visited monument.

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

The Italian minister of culture announced the winning bid to restore the Colosseum's arena on Sunday, a project that will allow visitors to view the archeological wonder from ground level as soon as 2023.

The Italian minister of culture announced the winning bid to restore the Colosseum's arena on Sunday, a project that will allow visitors to view the archeological wonder from ground level as soon as 2023. Il #Colosseo tornerà ad avere la sua arena. Dopo anni di studi è stato proclamato il progetto vincitore. Sarà reversibile, consentirà di visitare i sotterranei e di vedere la maestosità del Colosseo dal centro, come è stato per secoli sino a fine ‘800 https://t.co/DG6UOKRcB4 pic.twitter.com/dI9XtY9dxV — Dario Franceschini (@dariofrance) May 2, 2021 × The 2,000-year-old structure is currently floorless, the ruins of the underground levels' walls and tunnels exposed to the open air save for a small platform. A Milan engineering firm beat 10 competitors who answered a 2020 call for submissions with its vision involving rotating wooden slats that would allow natural ventilation and lighting of the lower levels. "It's another step forward towards rebuilding the arena, an ambitious project that will aid the conservation of the archeological structures while getting back to the original image of the Colosseum and its quality as a complex scenographic machine," said culture minister Dario Franceschini. With the new floor, visitors to the Colosseum will be able to admire the treasured monument from the centre of the arena -- a view once reserved for gladiators and slaves as they prepared to meet their doom. Franceschini plans to host the Rome G20 culture summit at the Colosseum in July and it may serve as a venue for other major cultural events. Also read: Return of traffic cops to landmark piazza brings unlikely joy in Rome The Colosseum's executive archaeologist Alfonsina Russo said construction of the arena -- which will be the subject of a Europe-wide call for bids of about 15 million euros -- should begin by the end of the year or early 2022. She said the new 3,000 square metre (32,300 square foot) floor should be ready for visitors in 2023. Before the pandemic, around 25,000 people toured the world-famous monument daily, and some 18.5 million euros have been set aside for the project. The plan presented on Sunday consists of an entirely removable structure made of accoya, a modified, durable wood. The slats will be rigged with a rotation system meant to permit light and air to circulate to underground passages below the area. The rain water that currently pools there will be collected and used to supply the toilets of Rome's most visited monument. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy unveils winning project to restore 2,000-year-old Colosseum's floor

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.&nbsp;

The death toll increased to 2,18,959 with 3,417 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. &nbsp;

While the country recorded 4,01,993 new cases on May 1, it had registered 3,92,488 fresh cases on May 2. &nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 34,13,642 comprising 17.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 81.77 per cent. &nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,62,93,003, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated. &nbsp;

According to the ICMR, 29,16,47,037 samples have been tested up to May 2 with 15,04,698 samples being tested on Sunday. &nbsp;

The 3,417 new fatalities include 669 from Maharashtra, 407 from Delhi, 288 from Uttar Pradesh, 217 from Karnataka, 199 from Chhattisgarh, 159 from Rajasthan, 157 from Punjab, 153 each from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, 145 from Haryana and 115 from Jharkhand.&nbsp;

A total of 2,18,959 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,284 from Maharashtra, 16,966 from Delhi, 16,011 from Karnataka, 14,346 from Tamil Nadu, 13,162 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,539 from West Bengal, 9,317 from Punjab and 9,009 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll increased to 2,18,959 with 3,417 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. While the country recorded 4,01,993 new cases on May 1, it had registered 3,92,488 fresh cases on May 2. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 34,13,642 comprising 17.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 81.77 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,62,93,003, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated. According to the ICMR, 29,16,47,037 samples have been tested up to May 2 with 15,04,698 samples being tested on Sunday. The 3,417 new fatalities include 669 from Maharashtra, 407 from Delhi, 288 from Uttar Pradesh, 217 from Karnataka, 199 from Chhattisgarh, 159 from Rajasthan, 157 from Punjab, 153 each from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, 145 from Haryana and 115 from Jharkhand. A total of 2,18,959 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,284 from Maharashtra, 16,966 from Delhi, 16,011 from Karnataka, 14,346 from Tamil Nadu, 13,162 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,539 from West Bengal, 9,317 from Punjab and 9,009 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records 3,68,147 new cases and 3,417 fatalities in single day  

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said that the Covid-19 situation in India is dire and the 'worst is yet to come'. Google CEO told CNN that it has been 'heartening' to see the kind of attention people at the highest levels in the United States have been giving to the health crisis unfolding in India and other countries.&nbsp;

“The situation there is dire and it has been heartbreaking to see. And I think the worst is yet to come,” said Pichai.&nbsp;

“What's been heartening, at least being here, is definitely seeing the attention here. I realise that at the highest levels, from President Biden, secretary Blinken, there has been focus on engaging to see how we can help India and the other countries being affected,” Pichai added.&nbsp;

Recently, the first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India. &nbsp;

A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system.&nbsp;

The aircraft is carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi’s international airport.&nbsp;

“The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti,” the US Embassy tweeted.&nbsp;

India is currently recording a world record infection rate of more than 380,000 cases and 3,500 deaths a day and a huge international aid operation has been launched with dozens of countries promising help.&nbsp;

The delivery, which flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed talks this week between US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

“The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said that the Covid-19 situation in India is dire and the 'worst is yet to come'. Google CEO told CNN that it has been 'heartening' to see the kind of attention people at the highest levels in the United States have been giving to the health crisis unfolding in India and other countries.

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said that the Covid-19 situation in India is dire and the 'worst is yet to come'. Google CEO told CNN that it has been 'heartening' to see the kind of attention people at the highest levels in the United States have been giving to the health crisis unfolding in India and other countries. “The situation there is dire and it has been heartbreaking to see. And I think the worst is yet to come,” said Pichai. “What's been heartening, at least being here, is definitely seeing the attention here. I realise that at the highest levels, from President Biden, secretary Blinken, there has been focus on engaging to see how we can help India and the other countries being affected,” Pichai added. Recently, the first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India. A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system. The aircraft is carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi’s international airport. “The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti,” the US Embassy tweeted. India is currently recording a world record infection rate of more than 380,000 cases and 3,500 deaths a day and a huge international aid operation has been launched with dozens of countries promising help. The delivery, which flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed talks this week between US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Worst is yet to come’, says Google CEO Sundar Pichai on India’s Covid crisis

Foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;rich countries gather in London on Monday for their&nbsp;first&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;since&nbsp;the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The week is billed by&nbsp;Britain, which holds the group's rotating presidency, as a chance to reassert the West's influence and address issues such as the coronavirus recovery, climate change and how to deal with China and Russia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says">G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says</a>

The&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;will lay groundwork for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's&nbsp;first&nbsp;scheduled trip abroad&nbsp;since&nbsp;taking office: a&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;next month meant to revive cooperation with traditional allies after years of friction under Donald Trump.

In addition to the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States,&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;has also invited&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;from Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea this week.&nbsp;Meetings will kick off with dinner on Monday evening.

Before that, Raab and Blinken will meet to discuss shared goals.&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;is keen to capitalise on Biden's willingness to re-engage with global efforts to fight climate change, and to restore a nuclear deal with Iran repudiated by Trump.

Raab said on Sunday the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;would look at a proposal to build a rapid response mechanism to counter Russian disinformation, and, in a reference to China, spoke of the need to stand up for open markets and democracy.

"On all of these areas we want to be absolutely firm, and standing shoulder to shoulder not just with Americans, as important as they are, but also with our wider allies - that's why the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;is so important," Raab said.

Raab and Blinken are also expected to discuss ongoing trade talks with the United States as&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;seeks a so-far elusive deal, touted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the biggest opportunities opened by quitting the European Union.

Foreign ministers of the G7 rich countries gather in London on Monday for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Foreign ministers of the G7 rich countries gather in London on Monday for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The week is billed by Britain, which holds the group's rotating presidency, as a chance to reassert the West's influence and address issues such as the coronavirus recovery, climate change and how to deal with China and Russia. Also read: G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says The ministers will lay groundwork for US President Joe Biden's first scheduled trip abroad since taking office: a G7 summit in Britain next month meant to revive cooperation with traditional allies after years of friction under Donald Trump. In addition to the G7 members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, Britain has also invited ministers from Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea this week. Meetings will kick off with dinner on Monday evening. Before that, Raab and Blinken will meet to discuss shared goals. Britain is keen to capitalise on Biden's willingness to re-engage with global efforts to fight climate change, and to restore a nuclear deal with Iran repudiated by Trump. Raab said on Sunday the G7 would look at a proposal to build a rapid response mechanism to counter Russian disinformation, and, in a reference to China, spoke of the need to stand up for open markets and democracy. "On all of these areas we want to be absolutely firm, and standing shoulder to shoulder not just with Americans, as important as they are, but also with our wider allies - that's why the G7 is so important," Raab said. Raab and Blinken are also expected to discuss ongoing trade talks with the United States as Britain seeks a so-far elusive deal, touted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the biggest opportunities opened by quitting the European Union.

Britain hosts first G7 foreign ministers meeting since start of pandemic

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