Considering the pandemic situation in the country, vaccines are on top of India's wish list. There are more than 3,000 pharma companies in India. Together they run 10,500 manufacturing facilities. It's an industry valued at more than 30 billion dollars.

However, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are the only two companies out of 3,000 that are producing vaccines. The rest don't have licenses. The lack of license is because of the patents.

Vaccines are patented. Their recipes are locked away. Pharma giants are unwilling to publicly share knowledge. So a handful of companies are doing all the heavy lifting and are producing all the vaccines with their limited capacity.

How likely is a patent waiver?

In October, India and South Africa proposed this at the World Trade Organisation. It split the world along expected lines.

Most of the developing world supports the proposal. But the West is not budging. Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain and the US are opposing it.

They want to keep vaccine formulas locked away.

But what exactly is their motivation? After all, these countries are heading towards a vaccine surplus. They have enough for themselves, so it makes no sense for them to block a patent waiver.

However, when lobbying by pharma companies is taken into account, it makes sense. If the West gives in vaccine formulas could become a global common. Every pharma company could be producing vaccines.

And there is precedent for this. In 2001, the WTO waived patents on drugs for LDCs or least developed countries. In 2015, this waiver was extended for another 17 years. So patents are important but not absolute.

But can india wait around for the WTO?

This pandemic has taught us that global solidarity exists only in theory.

Is compulsory licensing an option?

This is basically an override of patents. Regulators can authorise companies to produce a patented product without the patent owner's permission.

All vaccines are patented by their makers. It is the government's job to protect these patents. But sometimes during emergencies, governments themselves can override these patents.

In India, compulsory licensing is permitted under the patents act of 1970. Specifically, Section 92 of the act empowers the Central government to issue compulsory licenses. But there are three conditions.

One, there must be a national emergency.

Two, the requirement must be extremely urgent.

Three, it must be for public non-commercial use.

A deadly virus killing 3,000 Indians a day, does qualify for all three. So theoretically India can do this. India can override patents on Pfizer and AstraZeneca and other vaccines.

All of Indian companies can be producing Wuhan virus vaccines. This practice is approved by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Countries are free to issue compulsory licenses during emergencies. They are also free to decide what constitutes an emergency.&nbsp;

There is only one caveat.

The patent owner must be suitably compensated. So there is no scope of a backlash from Geneva. Even the Supreme Court of India is asking the centre to consider this option.

If the government does opt for compulsory licensing, a good start would be Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. It is a homegrown jab. So making it available to other producers would set a great example for the world.

But is overriding patents a sure-shot solution?

It is certainly the first step. Patent waiving is not the same as patent sharing. Indian companies will still have to reverse-engineer the vaccines, not to mention run clinical trials all over again.

So in the long run, patent waivers are the way to go.

But to beat the immediate bottleneck, there is an even better solution. Voluntary licenses.

AstraZeneca's vaccine is patented. But India's Serum Institute has been producing it by the millions. This is because Astrazeneca has issued a voluntary license for their jab.

They have shared their formula with Serum Institute. Sputnik-V has done the same with Dr Reddy's

Voluntary licenses save time and money.

To step up vaccine production, two things need to happen.

One, Indian pharma companies must reach out for licenses. They can't sit out this vaccination drive.

And two, foreign jab makers need to loosen the reins.

Either make their formulas public or issue more voluntary licenses.

These are decisions that usually involves a lot of haggling. But India needs to make these decisions right now.

Considering the pandemic situation in the country, vaccines are on top of India's wish list. There are more than 3,000 pharma companies in India. Together they run 10,500 manufacturing facilities.

Considering the pandemic situation in the country, vaccines are on top of India's wish list. There are more than 3,000 pharma companies in India. Together they run 10,500 manufacturing facilities. It's an industry valued at more than 30 billion dollars. However, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are the only two companies out of 3,000 that are producing vaccines. The rest don't have licenses. The lack of license is because of the patents. Vaccines are patented. Their recipes are locked away. Pharma giants are unwilling to publicly share knowledge. So a handful of companies are doing all the heavy lifting and are producing all the vaccines with their limited capacity. How likely is a patent waiver? In October, India and South Africa proposed this at the World Trade Organisation. It split the world along expected lines. Most of the developing world supports the proposal. But the West is not budging. Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain and the US are opposing it. They want to keep vaccine formulas locked away. But what exactly is their motivation? After all, these countries are heading towards a vaccine surplus. They have enough for themselves, so it makes no sense for them to block a patent waiver. However, when lobbying by pharma companies is taken into account, it makes sense. If the West gives in vaccine formulas could become a global common. Every pharma company could be producing vaccines. And there is precedent for this. In 2001, the WTO waived patents on drugs for LDCs or least developed countries. In 2015, this waiver was extended for another 17 years. So patents are important but not absolute. But can india wait around for the WTO? This pandemic has taught us that global solidarity exists only in theory. Is compulsory licensing an option? This is basically an override of patents. Regulators can authorise companies to produce a patented product without the patent owner's permission. All vaccines are patented by their makers. It is the government's job to protect these patents. But sometimes during emergencies, governments themselves can override these patents. In India, compulsory licensing is permitted under the patents act of 1970. Specifically, Section 92 of the act empowers the Central government to issue compulsory licenses. But there are three conditions. One, there must be a national emergency. Two, the requirement must be extremely urgent. Three, it must be for public non-commercial use. A deadly virus killing 3,000 Indians a day, does qualify for all three. So theoretically India can do this. India can override patents on Pfizer and AstraZeneca and other vaccines. All of Indian companies can be producing Wuhan virus vaccines. This practice is approved by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Countries are free to issue compulsory licenses during emergencies. They are also free to decide what constitutes an emergency. There is only one caveat. The patent owner must be suitably compensated. So there is no scope of a backlash from Geneva. Even the Supreme Court of India is asking the centre to consider this option. If the government does opt for compulsory licensing, a good start would be Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. It is a homegrown jab. So making it available to other producers would set a great example for the world. But is overriding patents a sure-shot solution? It is certainly the first step. Patent waiving is not the same as patent sharing. Indian companies will still have to reverse-engineer the vaccines, not to mention run clinical trials all over again. So in the long run, patent waivers are the way to go. But to beat the immediate bottleneck, there is an even better solution. Voluntary licenses. AstraZeneca's vaccine is patented. But India's Serum Institute has been producing it by the millions. This is because Astrazeneca has issued a voluntary license for their jab. They have shared their formula with Serum Institute. Sputnik-V has done the same with Dr Reddy's Voluntary licenses save time and money. To step up vaccine production, two things need to happen. One, Indian pharma companies must reach out for licenses. They can't sit out this vaccination drive. And two, foreign jab makers need to loosen the reins. Either make their formulas public or issue more voluntary licenses. These are decisions that usually involves a lot of haggling. But India needs to make these decisions right now.

India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision.&nbsp;

Refusal to allow Australian citizens to come back to own country has put Australians in India in a situation. Those stranded also include high-profile cricketers.

From Monday, any traveller into Australia who has been in India in the past 14 days could face fines and jail time, adding to a temporary ban announced earlier this week, which will remain in place until at least May 15.

"The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India, instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments," Human Rights Watch Australia Director Elaine Pearson said.

Austalia's Health Minister defended the decision saying the government has not taken the decision lightly and that it intends to protect "the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems"

Australian Chief Medical Officer Prof Paul Kelly has warned that Australian citizens stranded in India may face serious illness or even death in "worst-case scenario", reported Guardian.

Guardian further quoted CEO of a law firm who said that he was "actively looking into" this government decision and a court case was "very likely".

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision.

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision. Refusal to allow Australian citizens to come back to own country has put Australians in India in a situation. Those stranded also include high-profile cricketers. From Monday, any traveller into Australia who has been in India in the past 14 days could face fines and jail time, adding to a temporary ban announced earlier this week, which will remain in place until at least May 15. "The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India, instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments," Human Rights Watch Australia Director Elaine Pearson said. Austalia's Health Minister defended the decision saying the government has not taken the decision lightly and that it intends to protect "the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems" Australian Chief Medical Officer Prof Paul Kelly has warned that Australian citizens stranded in India may face serious illness or even death in "worst-case scenario", reported Guardian. Guardian further quoted CEO of a law firm who said that he was "actively looking into" this government decision and a court case was "very likely".

Australia: Decision to ban travel from India may be challenged legally

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary.

On Saturday, police said a man surnamed Zhou had been detained in Taichung city's harbour after locals spotted him near a dyke and said he was behaving suspiciously.

Police said the man told them he had travelled from Fujian on China's southeastern coast in a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor and 90 liters of fuel.

The man said he wanted to move to Taiwan to seek "freedom and democracy", police said.

Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said "shortcomings" in how the Taiwan Strait is policed were being investigated because of the man's journey.

"We will get in touch with the coastguard, we will notify each other when there is a situation, to find out the reasons and make improvements," Chiu told reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's most heavily policed waterways.

Authoritarian China views self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

Navy and coastguard vessels from both sides keep a close eye on the 180 kilometre (110 miles) strait. 
While there have been historical defections between the two sides -- and some Chinese nationals have flown to Taiwan to ask for sanctuary -- journeys across the length of the strait are rare, especially given Taipei controls a few islands that are just a few miles off China's coastline and much closer.

Weather in the strait is also notoriously unpredictable and seeking sanctuary in Taiwan is a risky tactic.&nbsp; 
The island does not recognise the concept of asylum, partly because it fears infiltration by Chinese agents and also because it wants to discourage any influx during times of crises.

Illegal immigrants from China have been returned, but Taipei does sometimes turn a blind eye to dissidents.&nbsp; 
Over the years some Chinese refugees have been quietly granted permission to stay, while Taiwan has also welcomed Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown in the restless financial hub.

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary.

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary. On Saturday, police said a man surnamed Zhou had been detained in Taichung city's harbour after locals spotted him near a dyke and said he was behaving suspiciously. Police said the man told them he had travelled from Fujian on China's southeastern coast in a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor and 90 liters of fuel. The man said he wanted to move to Taiwan to seek "freedom and democracy", police said. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said "shortcomings" in how the Taiwan Strait is policed were being investigated because of the man's journey. "We will get in touch with the coastguard, we will notify each other when there is a situation, to find out the reasons and make improvements," Chiu told reporters on Monday. The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's most heavily policed waterways. Authoritarian China views self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. Navy and coastguard vessels from both sides keep a close eye on the 180 kilometre (110 miles) strait. While there have been historical defections between the two sides -- and some Chinese nationals have flown to Taiwan to ask for sanctuary -- journeys across the length of the strait are rare, especially given Taipei controls a few islands that are just a few miles off China's coastline and much closer. Weather in the strait is also notoriously unpredictable and seeking sanctuary in Taiwan is a risky tactic. The island does not recognise the concept of asylum, partly because it fears infiltration by Chinese agents and also because it wants to discourage any influx during times of crises. Illegal immigrants from China have been returned, but Taipei does sometimes turn a blind eye to dissidents. Over the years some Chinese refugees have been quietly granted permission to stay, while Taiwan has also welcomed Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown in the restless financial hub.

Taiwan investigating China dinghy defector claim

Sixteen Niger soldiers have been killed and another is missing after an ambush against a patrol in the Tahoua region near the Mali border, local officials said Sunday.

During the attack by "bandits" on Saturday the toll was "16 dead, six injured and one missing," Tahoua department secretary general Ibrahim Miko said on public television.

He attended the funeral of Lieutenant Maman Namewa, commander of the patrol which was attacked.

The vast desert area of Tahoua in the west of the country sits close to the borders of both Mali and Burkina Faso and has been plagued by jihadist violence since 2012.&nbsp;

In March an attack by suspected jihadists on three villages near Niger's border with Mali left a total of 141 people dead, according to the official toll.

They were the worst attacks committed by suspected jihadists in Niger in recent years.

The world's poorest nation according to the UN's development rankings for 189 countries, Niger is also struggling with Islamist insurgencies that have spilled over from Mali and Nigeria.&nbsp;

The attacks in western Niger are often attributed to groups affiliated to the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups.

Such attacks against civilians have multiplied this year, with over 300 people killed in villages and encampments in western Niger.

Sixteen Niger soldiers have been killed and another is missing after an ambush against a patrol in the Tahoua region near the Mali border, local officials said Sunday.

Sixteen Niger soldiers have been killed and another is missing after an ambush against a patrol in the Tahoua region near the Mali border, local officials said Sunday. During the attack by "bandits" on Saturday the toll was "16 dead, six injured and one missing," Tahoua department secretary general Ibrahim Miko said on public television. He attended the funeral of Lieutenant Maman Namewa, commander of the patrol which was attacked. The vast desert area of Tahoua in the west of the country sits close to the borders of both Mali and Burkina Faso and has been plagued by jihadist violence since 2012. In March an attack by suspected jihadists on three villages near Niger's border with Mali left a total of 141 people dead, according to the official toll. They were the worst attacks committed by suspected jihadists in Niger in recent years. The world's poorest nation according to the UN's development rankings for 189 countries, Niger is also struggling with Islamist insurgencies that have spilled over from Mali and Nigeria. The attacks in western Niger are often attributed to groups affiliated to the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups. Such attacks against civilians have multiplied this year, with over 300 people killed in villages and encampments in western Niger.

16 soldiers killed, one missing in Niger ambush: official

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 2 told a media outlet in New Zealand that country's high commission in India should have used "other means and channels" to fulfill their need for Oxygen cylinders. The high commission created a bit of stir earlier on May 2 as it tweeted to Indian Youth Congress's Relief Campaign requesting Oxygen cylinders. President of Indian Youth Congress was tagged as well.

The high commission later quickly deleted the tweet and apologised to Indian government.

In a video posted on YouTube by '1 News', Jacinda Ardern can be heard addressing the issue that caused political ripples in India. In her reply to the journalist's question, Ardern said the high commission was "very well supported by the Indian government"

Referring to the tweet posted by New Zealand High Commission, Jacinda Ardern acknowledged that there was a message sent out. Explaining the reason behind the tweet, she said that a "local staff member" of the high commission was unwell. She said that Oxygen cylinders were required for that person.

But she stressed that the high commission should have gone through proper channels to procure cylinders and should have followed proper protocols.

The incident with New Zealand High Commission also coincided with another spat over the Philippines Embassy on Sunday. This led to a Twitter war between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR">https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1388700951012417537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ramesh had accused government of not helping foreign embassies, a charge denied by Jaishankar.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 2 told a media outlet in New Zealand that country's high commission in India should have used "other means and channels" to fulfill their need for Oxygen cylinders.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 2 told a media outlet in New Zealand that country's high commission in India should have used "other means and channels" to fulfill their need for Oxygen cylinders. The high commission created a bit of stir earlier on May 2 as it tweeted to Indian Youth Congress's Relief Campaign requesting Oxygen cylinders. President of Indian Youth Congress was tagged as well. The high commission later quickly deleted the tweet and apologised to Indian government. In a video posted on YouTube by '1 News', Jacinda Ardern can be heard addressing the issue that caused political ripples in India. In her reply to the journalist's question, Ardern said the high commission was "very well supported by the Indian government" Referring to the tweet posted by New Zealand High Commission, Jacinda Ardern acknowledged that there was a message sent out. Explaining the reason behind the tweet, she said that a "local staff member" of the high commission was unwell. She said that Oxygen cylinders were required for that person. But she stressed that the high commission should have gone through proper channels to procure cylinders and should have followed proper protocols. The incident with New Zealand High Commission also coincided with another spat over the Philippines Embassy on Sunday. This led to a Twitter war between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. @Jairam_Ramesh https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 2, 2021 × Ramesh had accused government of not helping foreign embassies, a charge denied by Jaishankar.

New Zealand High Commission should've used 'protocols' for Oxygen cylinders, says Ardern

Syria's constitution court on Monday cleared two candidates who will stand against President Bashar al-Assad in upcoming presidential elections in the war-torn country. One of the candidates is a former minister while the other is a member of Damascus tolerated opposition in the country.

Constitution court's president declared the candidature in a press conference broadcast.

The Assad-appointed body approved only three out of 51 applications to stand in the May 26 ballot, among them the 55-year-old president himself, widely expected to win a fouth mandate.

Abdallah Salloum Abdallah, a state minister from 2016 to 2020, had been approved to run for president.

The third candidate was named as Mahmoud Marei, a member of the so-called "tolerated opposition" long described by exiled opposition leaders as an extension of the regime.

All 48 other applications were ruled out for "failing to meet constitutional and legal requirements", the court president said without elaborating.

They have until May 7 to appeal.

Applicants needed to win support from 35 Members of Parliament each of whom was allowed to back just one candidate.

Exiled opposition members are de facto ruled out by an electoral law that stipulates candidates must have lived in Syria continuously for at least the past decade.

The election will be the second since the start of a decade-long conflict that has killed over 388,000 people and forced more than half of Syria's pre-war population from their homes.

Damascus has invited lawmakers from allied countries such Russia, Iran, China, Venezuela and Cuba to observe the electoral process.

In New York, Western members of the UN Security Council, led by the United States, France and Britain, on Wednesday rejected the outcome of the May 26 poll in advance, a position denounced by Russia as "unacceptable".

(With inputs from agencies)

Syria's constitution court on Monday cleared two candidates who will stand against President Bashar al-Assad in upcoming presidential elections in the war-torn country.

Syria's constitution court on Monday cleared two candidates who will stand against President Bashar al-Assad in upcoming presidential elections in the war-torn country. One of the candidates is a former minister while the other is a member of Damascus tolerated opposition in the country. Constitution court's president declared the candidature in a press conference broadcast. The Assad-appointed body approved only three out of 51 applications to stand in the May 26 ballot, among them the 55-year-old president himself, widely expected to win a fouth mandate. Abdallah Salloum Abdallah, a state minister from 2016 to 2020, had been approved to run for president. The third candidate was named as Mahmoud Marei, a member of the so-called "tolerated opposition" long described by exiled opposition leaders as an extension of the regime. All 48 other applications were ruled out for "failing to meet constitutional and legal requirements", the court president said without elaborating. They have until May 7 to appeal. Applicants needed to win support from 35 Members of Parliament each of whom was allowed to back just one candidate. Exiled opposition members are de facto ruled out by an electoral law that stipulates candidates must have lived in Syria continuously for at least the past decade. The election will be the second since the start of a decade-long conflict that has killed over 388,000 people and forced more than half of Syria's pre-war population from their homes. Damascus has invited lawmakers from allied countries such Russia, Iran, China, Venezuela and Cuba to observe the electoral process. In New York, Western members of the UN Security Council, led by the United States, France and Britain, on Wednesday rejected the outcome of the May 26 poll in advance, a position denounced by Russia as "unacceptable". (With inputs from agencies)

Syria: Bashar al-Assad will face two 'rivals' in presidential elections

Iran denied media reports suggesting that a prisoner swap deal had been reached with the US parallely with nuclear deal talks.

On Sunday, media outlets including Iranian state television had quoted "informed" source to say that Tehran and Washingtion would swap prisoners.

"Under pressure from the (US) Congress and the need for immediate results" in the nuclear file, "the Americans agreed to pay $7 million and release four Iranians... in exchange for four American spies," the source reportedly said.

"The reports from informed sources are not confirmed, as it was said in the past," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference.

But he added that "there are always plans and ideas to be pursued", without elaborating.

A senior White House official had also denied the report on Sunday.

"There is no agreement to release these four Americans," White House chief of staff Ron Klain said on CBS's "Face the Nation".

"We're working very hard to get them released. So far there is no agreement to bring these four Americans home," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-zarif-apologises-on-same-day-khamanei-calls-leaked-remarks-a-big-mistake-382336">Iran: Zarif apologises on same day Khamanei calls leaked remarks 'a big mistake'</a>

Iranian state broadcaster also said that British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe would be freed. She has been imprisoned in Iran from 2016.

However, British officials played down the report of her release.

The reports came as Iran takes part in talks with world powers over reviving the 2015 deal over its nuclear programme.

On Saturday, negotiators meeting in the Austrian capital Vienna expressed "cautious and growing optimism" for a solution.

The agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been on life support since then-US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran denied media reports suggesting that a prisoner swap deal had been reached with the US parallely with nuclear deal talks. On Sunday, media outlets including Iranian state television had quoted "informed" source to say that Tehran and Washingtion would swap prisoners.

Iran denied media reports suggesting that a prisoner swap deal had been reached with the US parallely with nuclear deal talks. On Sunday, media outlets including Iranian state television had quoted "informed" source to say that Tehran and Washingtion would swap prisoners. "Under pressure from the (US) Congress and the need for immediate results" in the nuclear file, "the Americans agreed to pay $7 million and release four Iranians... in exchange for four American spies," the source reportedly said. "The reports from informed sources are not confirmed, as it was said in the past," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference. But he added that "there are always plans and ideas to be pursued", without elaborating. A senior White House official had also denied the report on Sunday. "There is no agreement to release these four Americans," White House chief of staff Ron Klain said on CBS's "Face the Nation". "We're working very hard to get them released. So far there is no agreement to bring these four Americans home," he said. Also Read | Iran: Zarif apologises on same day Khamanei calls leaked remarks 'a big mistake' Iranian state broadcaster also said that British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe would be freed. She has been imprisoned in Iran from 2016. However, British officials played down the report of her release. The reports came as Iran takes part in talks with world powers over reviving the 2015 deal over its nuclear programme. On Saturday, negotiators meeting in the Austrian capital Vienna expressed "cautious and growing optimism" for a solution. The agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been on life support since then-US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran denies reports of prisoner swap with US

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power.&nbsp;

The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed. In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of&nbsp;seats. However, Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state. One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat. The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account.

Assam

In 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats. In Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another.

Puducherry

In 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account.

Tamil Nadu

The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others. Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK`s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and are leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more.

Kerala

In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats. Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.In the UDF`s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu went for single-phase election on April 6.

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.

The ruling Trinamool Congress scored an emphatic victory in West Bengal in the face of stiff challenge posed by BJP with the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the party to its third successive victory in assembly polls.While the BJP-led NDA retained Assam, the ruling LDF created history by retaining Kerala. DMK is poised to oust AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry, where Congress chief minister V Naryanasamy had resigned earlier this year, NR Congress-led NDA came to power. The counting was held amid COVID-19 protocols. With a surge in cases in the country, no victory processions were allowed. In West Bengal, TMC has already won 198 seats and is leading on another 16 out of the total 292 seats for which elections were held. The party is poised to improve its 2016 tally of seats. However, Mamata Banerjee was defeated in Nandigram by her former ministerial colleague and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. BJP, which had only three MLAs in the outgoing assembly, has won 48 seats and is leading on eight more. The party has major inroads in the state. One Independent candidate has also won in West Bengal while Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party is leading on one seat. The Samyukta alliance comprising Congress, Left parties and ISF failed to open its account. Assam In 126-member Assam assembly, BJP has won 47 seats and is leading on 12. Its alliance partner AGP has won nine seats and UPPL six seats. In Mahajot alliance, Congress won 21 seats and is leading on eight, AIUDF won ten seats and is leading on six, CPI-M won one seat and BPF won three seats and is leading on one. Independents won one seat and are leading on another. Puducherry In 30-member Puducherry assembly, NR Congress won 10 seats and BJP six. DMK has won five seats and is leading on one, Congress won two seats and independents six seats. AIADMK failed to open its account. Tamil Nadu The DMK-led alliance scored an emphatic win in Tamil Nadu. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, DMK has already won 62 seats and is leading on 71 in the 234-member assembly.AIADMK also won 26 seats and is leading on 43 while its ally BJP won on one seat and is leading on three seats. Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has won one seat and is leading on three others. Congress, which is an ally of DMK has won 3 seats and is leading on 13 more. DMK`s other allies CPI and CPI (M) have won one seat each and are leading on one seat each and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has won two and is leading on two more. Kerala In Kerala, all results have been declared with CPI-M winning 62 seats. Among the other constituents of LDF, CPI has won 17 seats, Kerala Congress (M) has won five seats, NCP and Janata Dal (Secular) both won two seats each and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress also won one seat.LDF allies Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD), Indian National League (INL), and Kerala Congress (B) also won one seat each.In the UDF`s pavilion, Congress has won 21 seats, IUML won 15, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.West Bengal saw eight-phase polling, Assam went for three-phased election while Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu went for single-phase election on April 6.

Trinamool scores hat-trick in Bengal, BJP retains Assam, LDF keeps Kerala

Calling the moment US soldiers killed Osama bin Laden "a moment I will never forget", US President Joe Biden on Sunday reaffirmed USA's decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan. Sunday was the 10th anniversary of Osama bin Laden's killing. Biden has already said that the US will end its war in Afghanistan by September 11. In his statement on Sunday, Biden praised former US President Barack Obama for his 2011 decision to approve secret operation targetting Laden and praised special forces that eliminated him.

"We followed bin Laden to the gates of hell -- and we got him," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.&nbsp;

"We kept the promise to all those who lost loved ones on 9/11: that we would never forget those we had lost, and that the United States will never waver in our commitment to prevent another attack on our homeland."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/roaring-tanker-fire-kills-7-injures-14-in-afghanistan-capital-382083">Roaring tanker fire kills 7, injures 14 in Afghanistan capital</a>

Watching the operation remotely from a crowded White House Situation Room, Biden said, was "a moment I will never forget -- the intelligence professionals who had painstakingly tracked him down; the clarity and conviction of President Obama in making the call; the courage and skill of our team on the ground."

Now, as the US begins pulling the last of its troops from Afghanistan, Biden said: "Al Qaeda is greatly degraded there. But the United States will remain vigilant about the threat from terrorist groups that have metastasized around the world.&nbsp;

"We will continue to monitor and disrupt any threat to us that emerges from Afghanistan. And we will work to counter terrorist threats to our homeland and our interests in cooperation with allies and partners around the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

Calling the moment US soldiers killed Osama bin Laden "a moment I will never forget", US President Joe Biden on Sunday reaffirmed USA's decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan.

Calling the moment US soldiers killed Osama bin Laden "a moment I will never forget", US President Joe Biden on Sunday reaffirmed USA's decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan. Sunday was the 10th anniversary of Osama bin Laden's killing. Biden has already said that the US will end its war in Afghanistan by September 11. In his statement on Sunday, Biden praised former US President Barack Obama for his 2011 decision to approve secret operation targetting Laden and praised special forces that eliminated him. "We followed bin Laden to the gates of hell -- and we got him," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "We kept the promise to all those who lost loved ones on 9/11: that we would never forget those we had lost, and that the United States will never waver in our commitment to prevent another attack on our homeland." Also Read | Roaring tanker fire kills 7, injures 14 in Afghanistan capital Watching the operation remotely from a crowded White House Situation Room, Biden said, was "a moment I will never forget -- the intelligence professionals who had painstakingly tracked him down; the clarity and conviction of President Obama in making the call; the courage and skill of our team on the ground." Now, as the US begins pulling the last of its troops from Afghanistan, Biden said: "Al Qaeda is greatly degraded there. But the United States will remain vigilant about the threat from terrorist groups that have metastasized around the world. "We will continue to monitor and disrupt any threat to us that emerges from Afghanistan. And we will work to counter terrorist threats to our homeland and our interests in cooperation with allies and partners around the world." (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden marks 10 years since Osama bin Laden's killing

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point".

However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out."

A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected.

This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23.

The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said. Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point". However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out." A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected. This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23. The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India made a startling claim in an interview to a UK newspaper. In the interview, Poonawalla said that he received 'threats' from powerful people for delivery of vaccines. Serum Institute of India is largest vaccine-maker in the world and is manufacturing Covishield, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. SII is based in Pune.

Poonawalla is currently in the UK. He also hinted at starting a new vaccine production unit in the UK.

"Had an excellent meeting with all our partners &amp; stakeholders in the U.K. Meanwhile, pleased to state that COVISHIELD’s production is in full swing in Pune. I look forward to reviewing operations upon my return in a few days," he tweeted on Saturday.

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Had an excellent meeting with all our partners &amp; stakeholders in the U.K. Meanwhile, pleased to state that COVISHIELD’s production is in full swing in Pune. I look forward to reviewing operations upon my return in a few days.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1388559173219016704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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SII was centre of controversy in India a few days ago over the issue of pricing.

There is a massive vaccine shortage in India and while the government has made everyone above the age of 18 eligible for vaccination, several Indian states have had to delay commencement of vaccination drive or suspend it temporarily. 
&nbsp;

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India made a startling claim in an interview to a UK newspaper. In the interview, Poonawalla said that he received 'threats' from powerful people for delivery of vaccines.

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India made a startling claim in an interview to a UK newspaper. In the interview, Poonawalla said that he received 'threats' from powerful people for delivery of vaccines. Serum Institute of India is largest vaccine-maker in the world and is manufacturing Covishield, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. SII is based in Pune. Poonawalla is currently in the UK. He also hinted at starting a new vaccine production unit in the UK. "Had an excellent meeting with all our partners & stakeholders in the U.K. Meanwhile, pleased to state that COVISHIELD’s production is in full swing in Pune. I look forward to reviewing operations upon my return in a few days," he tweeted on Saturday. Had an excellent meeting with all our partners & stakeholders in the U.K. Meanwhile, pleased to state that COVISHIELD’s production is in full swing in Pune. I look forward to reviewing operations upon my return in a few days. — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) May 1, 2021 × SII was centre of controversy in India a few days ago over the issue of pricing. There is a massive vaccine shortage in India and while the government has made everyone above the age of 18 eligible for vaccination, several Indian states have had to delay commencement of vaccination drive or suspend it temporarily.

'I received threats', says Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif apologised for his leaked audio remarks on Sunday. His remarks on Iran's late influential military commander General Qassem Soleimani had created controversy in the country where political leaders mind their words. Zarif said in an Instagram post on Sunday he hoped Soleimani's family would forgive him. His apology has come on same day Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei slammed his remarks in a televised address.

"I hope that the great people of Iran and all the lovers of General (Soleimani) and especially the great family of Soleimani, will forgive me," he said.

&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamanei called Zarif's&nbsp;remarks to be 'a big mistake'

In his leaked audio remarks, Mohammad Javad Zarif was heard suggesting that Iranian military was too powerful in the conduct of the country's diplomacy.

Khamanei did not appreciate this.

"The country's policies are made of different economic, military, social, scientific and cultural plans, including foreign relations and diplomacy," Khamenei said in televised remarks.&nbsp;

Saying "that one part denies the other or contradicts... is a big mistake that must not be perpetrated by officials of the Islamic republic," he added, in reference to leaked audio comments made by Zarif.

General Soleimani was extremely influential military commander who had successfully set up network of Iran's proxy forces in West Asia, thereby boosting the country's influence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif apologised for his leaked audio remarks on Sunday. His remarks on Iran's late influential military commander General Qassem Soleimani had created controversy in the country where political leaders mind their words.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif apologised for his leaked audio remarks on Sunday. His remarks on Iran's late influential military commander General Qassem Soleimani had created controversy in the country where political leaders mind their words. Zarif said in an Instagram post on Sunday he hoped Soleimani's family would forgive him. His apology has come on same day Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei slammed his remarks in a televised address. "I hope that the great people of Iran and all the lovers of General (Soleimani) and especially the great family of Soleimani, will forgive me," he said. Ayatollah Ali Khamanei called Zarif's remarks to be 'a big mistake' In his leaked audio remarks, Mohammad Javad Zarif was heard suggesting that Iranian military was too powerful in the conduct of the country's diplomacy. Khamanei did not appreciate this. "The country's policies are made of different economic, military, social, scientific and cultural plans, including foreign relations and diplomacy," Khamenei said in televised remarks. Saying "that one part denies the other or contradicts... is a big mistake that must not be perpetrated by officials of the Islamic republic," he added, in reference to leaked audio comments made by Zarif. General Soleimani was extremely influential military commander who had successfully set up network of Iran's proxy forces in West Asia, thereby boosting the country's influence. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Zarif apologises on same day Khamanei calls leaked remarks 'a big mistake'

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