78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Government of India has so far provided 16,54,93,410 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,76,32,631 doses.&nbsp;

Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination started on Saturday. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since April 28. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on CoWIN portal or through the Aarogya Setu app. &nbsp;

"More than 78,60,779 COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.&nbsp;

"Furthermore, more than 56,20,670 vaccine doses will be received in addition by them within the next three days," the ministry said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The Government of India has so far provided 16,54,93,410 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,76,32,631 doses. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination started on Saturday. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since April 28. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on CoWIN portal or through the Aarogya Setu app. "More than 78,60,779 COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 56,20,670 vaccine doses will be received in addition by them within the next three days," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses still available with states: Centre 

Elated over the initial trends&nbsp;of Assam poll results, which showed that the BJP has an edge over its rivals, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will retain power in the state.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP-led NDA is surging ahead of the Grand Alliance spearheaded by the Congress in Assam, leading in 77 of the 119 seats, trends available on the Election Commission website at 12.15 pm showed.&nbsp;

"People have blessed us. We can say for sure that the BJP will form government in Assam. We are coming back to power with our partners AGP and UPPL," Sonowal told reporters.&nbsp;

Asked if the ruling coalition will be able to bag 100 seats, as claimed by the saffron camp ahead of the polls, he said, "The trends are completely in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of the BJP. The party will achieve its target. However, we will have to wait for the final results."&nbsp;

Sonowal is maintaining a comfortable lead in&nbsp;Majuli&nbsp;constituency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Elated over the initial trends of Assam poll results, which showed that the BJP has an edge over its rivals, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will retain power in the state.

Elated over the initial trends of Assam poll results, which showed that the BJP has an edge over its rivals, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will retain power in the state. The ruling BJP-led NDA is surging ahead of the Grand Alliance spearheaded by the Congress in Assam, leading in 77 of the 119 seats, trends available on the Election Commission website at 12.15 pm showed. "People have blessed us. We can say for sure that the BJP will form government in Assam. We are coming back to power with our partners AGP and UPPL," Sonowal told reporters. Asked if the ruling coalition will be able to bag 100 seats, as claimed by the saffron camp ahead of the polls, he said, "The trends are completely in favour of the BJP. The party will achieve its target. However, we will have to wait for the final results." Sonowal is maintaining a comfortable lead in Majuli constituency. (With inputs from agencies)

People blessed us, BJP to retain power in Assam: Sonowal 

India will start the vaccination drive for those in the 18-44 age bracket from Saturday as the country continues to battle the second wave of COVID-19.

However, some states have flagged the shortage of vaccines and expressed their inability to start vaccination of people above 18 years from Saturday.

The Centre on April 19 had announced a 'liberalised'&nbsp;policy, making all above 18 years of age eligible to get vaccinated from May 1.

It has also allowed state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths ">COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths&nbsp;</a>

As per the revised rules, the centre will receive 50 per cent of the vaccines supplied; states and private hospitals will get the remaining doses.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 2.45 crore beneficiaries registered themselves on Co-WIN portal till 9.30 pm on Friday for the Phase III of the vaccination drive.

However, due to the delay in procurement of vaccines leading to a shortage, several states have said they won't be able to kick off the drive on Saturday.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday also appealed to residents of the national capital not to queue up at vaccination centres as vaccines have not yet been received.

"I request you to not queue up at the centres tomorrow (Saturday). As soon as the vaccines come, we will make proper announcements.

Only then people with appointments can start coming to the centres," the Chief Minister had said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Vaccine shortage: Jabs for those aged above 18 unlikely from May 1 in Tamil Nadu">Vaccine shortage: Jabs for those aged above 18 unlikely from May 1 in Tamil Nadu</a>

West Bengal Government on Friday said the vaccination drive for those between 18 to 44 years of age will begin as and when the State receives the vaccine doses.

It added that vaccination of those above 45 years will continue. The Tamil Nadu government also deferred its roll out of the massive vaccination drive for the 18-44 years age group on May 1 as originally planned.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said that there appears a huge gap between demand and supply of vaccines in the country and it would not be possible to provide vaccination for those aged between 18 and 44 years beginning May 1, and hence, they will have to wait at least till August or September.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asked people in the 18 to 45 age group not to visit vaccination centres on Saturday as the government is yet to receive a new lot of vaccines. He said that the government will inform well in advance as to when the vaccination drive will commence for this age group and the procedure for registration thereon.

The vaccination drive against COVID-19 for people aged 18 to 45 will be not be beginning from May 1 in Madhya Pradesh as vaccines are not available, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan informed on Thursday. The Chief Minister said the state government had spoken to both the country's COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers - Serum Institue of India and Bharat Biotech, and were informed that they would not be able to provide doses of the vaccine.

Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Friday urged the people of the state aged between 18-44 years to 'refrain from going to hospitals' on Saturday, saying that the state has not received the required COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Chhattisgarh Health Minister TS Singh Deo said that the state will start the vaccination from the poorest people, who have Antyodaya ration card or BPL card due to shortage of vaccine.

Maharashtra Health minister Rajesh Tope on Friday also said that the state government will start a nominal vaccination drive on May 1 as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray believes that vaccination for those between 18 and 44 must start vaccination from May 1.

India had started the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 with two vaccines -- Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India) and Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited).

The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the coronavirus began on March 1.

The third phase began on April 1 for all above 45 years of age. In the next phase beginning May 1, all above the age of 18 would be eligible to receive the shot.

India will start the vaccination drive for those in the 18-44 age bracket from Saturday as the country continues to battle the second wave of COVID-19. However, some states have flagged the shortage of vaccines and expressed their inability to start vaccination of people above 18 years from Saturday.

India will start the vaccination drive for those in the 18-44 age bracket from Saturday as the country continues to battle the second wave of COVID-19. However, some states have flagged the shortage of vaccines and expressed their inability to start vaccination of people above 18 years from Saturday. The Centre on April 19 had announced a 'liberalised' policy, making all above 18 years of age eligible to get vaccinated from May 1. It has also allowed state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers. Also read: COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths As per the revised rules, the centre will receive 50 per cent of the vaccines supplied; states and private hospitals will get the remaining doses. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 2.45 crore beneficiaries registered themselves on Co-WIN portal till 9.30 pm on Friday for the Phase III of the vaccination drive. However, due to the delay in procurement of vaccines leading to a shortage, several states have said they won't be able to kick off the drive on Saturday. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday also appealed to residents of the national capital not to queue up at vaccination centres as vaccines have not yet been received. "I request you to not queue up at the centres tomorrow (Saturday). As soon as the vaccines come, we will make proper announcements. Only then people with appointments can start coming to the centres," the Chief Minister had said. Also read: Vaccine shortage: Jabs for those aged above 18 unlikely from May 1 in Tamil Nadu West Bengal Government on Friday said the vaccination drive for those between 18 to 44 years of age will begin as and when the State receives the vaccine doses. It added that vaccination of those above 45 years will continue. The Tamil Nadu government also deferred its roll out of the massive vaccination drive for the 18-44 years age group on May 1 as originally planned. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said that there appears a huge gap between demand and supply of vaccines in the country and it would not be possible to provide vaccination for those aged between 18 and 44 years beginning May 1, and hence, they will have to wait at least till August or September. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asked people in the 18 to 45 age group not to visit vaccination centres on Saturday as the government is yet to receive a new lot of vaccines. He said that the government will inform well in advance as to when the vaccination drive will commence for this age group and the procedure for registration thereon. The vaccination drive against COVID-19 for people aged 18 to 45 will be not be beginning from May 1 in Madhya Pradesh as vaccines are not available, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan informed on Thursday. The Chief Minister said the state government had spoken to both the country's COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers - Serum Institue of India and Bharat Biotech, and were informed that they would not be able to provide doses of the vaccine. Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Friday urged the people of the state aged between 18-44 years to 'refrain from going to hospitals' on Saturday, saying that the state has not received the required COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Serum Institute of India (SII). Chhattisgarh Health Minister TS Singh Deo said that the state will start the vaccination from the poorest people, who have Antyodaya ration card or BPL card due to shortage of vaccine. Maharashtra Health minister Rajesh Tope on Friday also said that the state government will start a nominal vaccination drive on May 1 as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray believes that vaccination for those between 18 and 44 must start vaccination from May 1. India had started the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 with two vaccines -- Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India) and Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited). The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the coronavirus began on March 1. The third phase began on April 1 for all above 45 years of age. In the next phase beginning May 1, all above the age of 18 would be eligible to receive the shot.

COVID-19: India to begin vaccination drive for 18+ from today amid vaccine shortage

Boeing on Friday announced a USD10,000,000 emergency assistance package to support India's COVID-19 response.

The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time.

Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths&nbsp;

Boeing is a global citizen, and in India, we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," said Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of Boeing.

Boeing said it will partner with local and international relief organisations to deploy the USD10,000,000 to the areas of greatest need in consultation with medical, government and public health experts.

In a statement, the company said that its employees also have an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organisations supporting COVID-19 relief in India.

As part of the Boeing Gift Match programme, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people.

"Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution.

We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis," it said.

Previously, Mastercard had also announced an assistance of USD10,000,000 towards COVID-19 response efforts in India.

Boeing on Friday announced a USD10,000,000 emergency assistance package to support India's COVID-19 response. The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement.

Boeing on Friday announced a USD10,000,000 emergency assistance package to support India's COVID-19 response. The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement. The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time. Also read: COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths Boeing is a global citizen, and in India, we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," said Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of Boeing. Boeing said it will partner with local and international relief organisations to deploy the USD10,000,000 to the areas of greatest need in consultation with medical, government and public health experts. In a statement, the company said that its employees also have an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organisations supporting COVID-19 relief in India. As part of the Boeing Gift Match programme, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people. "Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution. We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis," it said. Previously, Mastercard had also announced an assistance of USD10,000,000 towards COVID-19 response efforts in India.

Boeing announces USD10,000,000 aid for India's fight against COVID-19

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet.

The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September&nbsp;13. The rule took effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11.

The agency said that children up to two and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins">Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins</a>

Violations can carry fines of up to USD1,500 for repeat offenders.

Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect.

The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties some topping $30,000 against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews.

TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100,000,000&nbsp;Americans, roughly half the nation's adults, have been fully immunised against COVID-19.

Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules.

Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet. The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September 13.

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet. The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September 13. The rule took effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11. The agency said that children up to two and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule. Also read: Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins Violations can carry fines of up to USD1,500 for repeat offenders. Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect. The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties some topping $30,000 against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews. TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100,000,000 Americans, roughly half the nation's adults, have been fully immunised against COVID-19. Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules. Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

US extends face-mask requirement on planes until September

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-highest-ever-401993-new-cases-3523-deaths-381832">COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths</a>&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a4d9935d-3bbf-4226-bbd3-aa7def760577" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brief%201.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bans-arrivals-from-india-says-offenders-face-jail-fines-381823">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/66-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-coast-of-japan-no-tsunami-warning-issued-381820">6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Japan, no tsunami warning issued</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-state-department-oks-potential-sale-of-p-8-surveillance-planes-to-india-pentagon-381828">'US State Department OKs potential sale of P-8 surveillance planes to India'</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-calls-on-countries-to-share-spare-vaccines-381826">Brazil calls on countries to share spare vaccines</a>&nbsp;

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COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines 6.6-magnitude earthqua

COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines 6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Japan, no tsunami warning issued 'US State Department OKs potential sale of P-8 surveillance planes to India' Brazil calls on countries to share spare vaccines

Morning news brief: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new COVID-19 cases, and more

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.&nbsp;

The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the death toll increased to 2,11,853 with 3,523 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

India crossed the grim milestone of 15,000,000 on April 19.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the death toll increased to 2,11,853 with 3,523 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated. India crossed the grim milestone of 15,000,000 on April 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths 

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2,420,000, the Pentagon said on Friday.&nbsp;

India's potential purchase of P-8 aircraft would help expand its maritime surveillance capabilities.&nbsp;

The package would include tactical radio, missile warning sensors, GPS systems, support equipment, spares and technical support, the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday. &nbsp;

Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.&nbsp;

The Pentagon said Boeing was the prime contractor for the weapons. &nbsp;

India's first purchase of P-8I aircraft was in 2009.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2,420,000, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2,420,000, the Pentagon said on Friday. India's potential purchase of P-8 aircraft would help expand its maritime surveillance capabilities. The package would include tactical radio, missile warning sensors, GPS systems, support equipment, spares and technical support, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday. Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. The Pentagon said Boeing was the prime contractor for the weapons. India's first purchase of P-8I aircraft was in 2009. (With inputs from agencies)

US State Department OKs potential sale of P-8 surveillance planes to India: Pentagon 

Countries should share spare vaccine doses with Brazil to help the global fight against COVID-19 and meet the battered country's goal of inoculating all citizens by year-end, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said on Friday.&nbsp;

Speaking to a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing, Queiroga said Brazil had administered 41,000,000&nbsp;vaccine doses but needed more supplies to meet a daily target of 2,400,000.&nbsp;

"We need to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and in line with this, we would like to call on those countries with extra doses to share them with Brazil as soon as possible so we can also broaden our vaccination campaign and contain the pandemic at this critical time, and avoid the proliferation of new variants," Queiroga said.&nbsp;

Brazil on Thursday became the second country to pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States. Experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several months due to a slow vaccination rate and loosening social restrictions. Brazil registered 3,001 new COVID-19 deaths on that day.&nbsp;

Experts have blamed the death toll on the failure of government, from President Jair Bolsonaro down to many state governors and mayors, to launch a robust response to the pandemic. &nbsp;

"We hope by the end of this year, we will have vaccinated the entire population," Queiroga said.&nbsp;

The Russian developer of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine said on Thursday, it would sue the Brazilian health regulator Anvisa for defamation, prompting a stern rebuttal from the agency.&nbsp;

Anvisa's board on Monday denied requests by Brazilian states to approve Sputnik V for import. The agency's manager for medicines and biological products, Gustavo Mendes, said there was evidence an adenovirus used in the vaccine could reproduce, which he called a 'serious' defect.&nbsp;

Queiroga said Anvisa could withstand external as well as internal pressure. Bolsonaro had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese officials about their respective COVID-19 vaccines, he said, adding: "They are nations that we are friendly with, and as soon as they (vaccines) are approved, we can include them in our immunisation programme".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Countries should share spare vaccine doses with Brazil to help the global fight against COVID-19 and meet the battered country's goal of inoculating all citizens by year-end, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said on Friday.

Countries should share spare vaccine doses with Brazil to help the global fight against COVID-19 and meet the battered country's goal of inoculating all citizens by year-end, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said on Friday. Speaking to a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing, Queiroga said Brazil had administered 41,000,000 vaccine doses but needed more supplies to meet a daily target of 2,400,000. "We need to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and in line with this, we would like to call on those countries with extra doses to share them with Brazil as soon as possible so we can also broaden our vaccination campaign and contain the pandemic at this critical time, and avoid the proliferation of new variants," Queiroga said. Brazil on Thursday became the second country to pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States. Experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several months due to a slow vaccination rate and loosening social restrictions. Brazil registered 3,001 new COVID-19 deaths on that day. Experts have blamed the death toll on the failure of government, from President Jair Bolsonaro down to many state governors and mayors, to launch a robust response to the pandemic. "We hope by the end of this year, we will have vaccinated the entire population," Queiroga said. The Russian developer of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine said on Thursday, it would sue the Brazilian health regulator Anvisa for defamation, prompting a stern rebuttal from the agency. Anvisa's board on Monday denied requests by Brazilian states to approve Sputnik V for import. The agency's manager for medicines and biological products, Gustavo Mendes, said there was evidence an adenovirus used in the vaccine could reproduce, which he called a 'serious' defect. Queiroga said Anvisa could withstand external as well as internal pressure. Bolsonaro had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese officials about their respective COVID-19 vaccines, he said, adding: "They are nations that we are friendly with, and as soon as they (vaccines) are approved, we can include them in our immunisation programme". (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil calls on countries to share spare vaccines 

Australian residents and citizens, who have been in India within 14 days of the date they plan to return home, will be banned from entering Australia as of Monday and those who disobey will face fines and jail, government officials said. &nbsp;

The emergency determination, made late on Friday, is part of strict measures to stop travellers to Australia from the world's second most populous nation as it contends with a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.&nbsp;

The restrictions come into effect from May 3 and breaching the ban risks civil penalties and up to five years imprisonment, Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Our hearts go out to the people of India – and our Indian-Australian community. The friends and family of those in Australia are in extreme risk. Tragically, many are contracting COVID-19 and many, sadly, are dying every day," Hunt said.&nbsp;

The Australian government will reconsider the restrictions on May 15, he said.&nbsp;

India's coronavirus death toll passed 200,000 this week, and cases are nearing 19 million - nearly 8 million since February as virulent new strains have combined with 'super-spreader' events.&nbsp;

Australia, which has no community transmissions, on Tuesday introduced a temporary suspension of direct flights from India to prevent more virulent COVID-19 variants entering the country.&nbsp;

However, some Australians, including cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, returned via Doha.&nbsp;

"The Government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level," Hunt said.&nbsp;

Australia has all but stamped out the coronavirus from its shores after closing its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents in March 2020 to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.&nbsp;

Travellers now have to undergo a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense, a system that has largely helped Australia to keep its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, with just over 29,800 cases and 910 deaths.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Australian residents and citizens, who have been in India within 14 days of the date they plan to return home, will be banned from entering Australia as of Monday and those who disobey will face fines and jail, government officials said.

Australian residents and citizens, who have been in India within 14 days of the date they plan to return home, will be banned from entering Australia as of Monday and those who disobey will face fines and jail, government officials said. The emergency determination, made late on Friday, is part of strict measures to stop travellers to Australia from the world's second most populous nation as it contends with a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The restrictions come into effect from May 3 and breaching the ban risks civil penalties and up to five years imprisonment, Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the people of India – and our Indian-Australian community. The friends and family of those in Australia are in extreme risk. Tragically, many are contracting COVID-19 and many, sadly, are dying every day," Hunt said. The Australian government will reconsider the restrictions on May 15, he said. India's coronavirus death toll passed 200,000 this week, and cases are nearing 19 million - nearly 8 million since February as virulent new strains have combined with 'super-spreader' events. Australia, which has no community transmissions, on Tuesday introduced a temporary suspension of direct flights from India to prevent more virulent COVID-19 variants entering the country. However, some Australians, including cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, returned via Doha. "The Government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level," Hunt said. Australia has all but stamped out the coronavirus from its shores after closing its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents in March 2020 to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Travellers now have to undergo a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense, a system that has largely helped Australia to keep its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, with just over 29,800 cases and 910 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines 

Northern Japan was jolted by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, the country's weather agency said on Saturday, warning about the possibility of landslides in the hilly northeast. No tsunami alert was issued.&nbsp;

The earthquake struck close to the coast of Miyagi Prefecture north of Tokyo and not far from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where the owner, Tokyo Electric Power was making checks.&nbsp;

Nearer to the epicentre, another operator was also making checks on the status of Onagawa nuclear plant, NHK reported.&nbsp;

NHK broadcast images of severe shaking in the city of Sendai.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Northern Japan was jolted by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, the country's weather agency said on Saturday, warning about the possibility of landslides in the hilly northeast.

Northern Japan was jolted by an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, the country's weather agency said on Saturday, warning about the possibility of landslides in the hilly northeast. No tsunami alert was issued. The earthquake struck close to the coast of Miyagi Prefecture north of Tokyo and not far from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where the owner, Tokyo Electric Power was making checks. Nearer to the epicentre, another operator was also making checks on the status of Onagawa nuclear plant, NHK reported. NHK broadcast images of severe shaking in the city of Sendai. (With inputs from agencies)

6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Japan, no tsunami warning issued 

May 1 in history: Great Britain issues first adhesive postage stamp and more

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