Equity indices ratcheted higher for the fifth session on the trot on Tuesday as positive results from early trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate buoyed markets globally.

A sharp recovery in the rupee and healthy earnings from some corporates added to the bullish mood here, traders said.

The 30-share BSE Sensex, which opened on a firm foot, stayed in the positive territory throughout the session and closed at 37,930.33, up 511.34 points, or 1.37 per cent.&nbsp;Similarly, the NSE Nifty rose 140.05 points, or 1.27 per cent, to end at 11,162.25.

It is the highest closing for both the benchmarks since March 5.

PowerGrid was the top gainer among the Sensex constituents, spurting 6.14 per cent, followed by Maruti, ICICI Bank, HDFC, Kotak Bank, Axis Bank, and Reliance Industries.&nbsp;On the other hand, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and Sun Pharma were among the laggards, dropping up to 4.31 per cent.

Global equities rallied after Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine candidate showed positive trial results, while EU leaders finalised a 750-billion euro stimulus plan.

"EU leaders have finally reached an agreement on a massive stimulus plan to combat the pandemic impact. News about successful progression of COVID-19 vaccine trials also boosted the global markets while positive quarterly earnings results, especially from the leaders, provided an additional support to the Indian markets.

"Although the market uptrend remains intact, investors are advised to be cautious since it seems to be in overvalued territory. Result-heavy day today, and stock specific commentary will be looked at," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

BSE energy, oil and gas, bankex, realty, power, finance and auto indices jumped up to 2.94 per cent, while telecom, FMCG, healthcare and teck finished lower.

Broader BSE mid-cap index slipped 0.22 per cent, while the small-cap gauge rose 0.24 per cent.

HDFC Life Insurance logged 6 per cent rise in standalone net profit at Rs 451 crore for the first quarter of the current financial year. 
Announcing its results post market hours, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever reported a 5.7 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,897 crore for the June quarter.

The coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and induces a strong immune response within the body, scientists announced on Monday after the first phase of "promising" human trials against the deadly disease.

In India, AIIMS-Delhi also began recruiting volunteers for conducting human clinical trials of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine candidate Covaxin. 
Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul ended on a positive note. 
&nbsp;

Equity indices ratcheted higher for the fifth session on the trot on Tuesday as positive results from early trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate buoyed markets globally.

Equity indices ratcheted higher for the fifth session on the trot on Tuesday as positive results from early trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate buoyed markets globally. A sharp recovery in the rupee and healthy earnings from some corporates added to the bullish mood here, traders said. The 30-share BSE Sensex, which opened on a firm foot, stayed in the positive territory throughout the session and closed at 37,930.33, up 511.34 points, or 1.37 per cent. Similarly, the NSE Nifty rose 140.05 points, or 1.27 per cent, to end at 11,162.25. It is the highest closing for both the benchmarks since March 5. PowerGrid was the top gainer among the Sensex constituents, spurting 6.14 per cent, followed by Maruti, ICICI Bank, HDFC, Kotak Bank, Axis Bank, and Reliance Industries. On the other hand, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and Sun Pharma were among the laggards, dropping up to 4.31 per cent. Global equities rallied after Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine candidate showed positive trial results, while EU leaders finalised a 750-billion euro stimulus plan. "EU leaders have finally reached an agreement on a massive stimulus plan to combat the pandemic impact. News about successful progression of COVID-19 vaccine trials also boosted the global markets while positive quarterly earnings results, especially from the leaders, provided an additional support to the Indian markets. "Although the market uptrend remains intact, investors are advised to be cautious since it seems to be in overvalued territory. Result-heavy day today, and stock specific commentary will be looked at," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. BSE energy, oil and gas, bankex, realty, power, finance and auto indices jumped up to 2.94 per cent, while telecom, FMCG, healthcare and teck finished lower. Broader BSE mid-cap index slipped 0.22 per cent, while the small-cap gauge rose 0.24 per cent. HDFC Life Insurance logged 6 per cent rise in standalone net profit at Rs 451 crore for the first quarter of the current financial year. Announcing its results post market hours, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever reported a 5.7 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,897 crore for the June quarter. The coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and induces a strong immune response within the body, scientists announced on Monday after the first phase of "promising" human trials against the deadly disease. In India, AIIMS-Delhi also began recruiting volunteers for conducting human clinical trials of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine candidate Covaxin. Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul ended on a positive note.

Sensex soars to over four-month high on vaccine hopes

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed 121 people from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Metropolitan Magistrate Rajat Goyal allowed 98 Indonesians to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 10,000 each, said advocate Ashima Mandla appearing for them.

The court directed them to deposit the fine to PM CARES Fund.

Metropolitan Magistrate Rohit Gullia allowed 23 foreign nationals from Kyrgyzstan to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 5,000 each.

Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar and Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to their plea bargain.

However, two foreign nationals each from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court.

Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment. The Criminal Procedure of Code allows for plea bargaining in cases where the maximum&nbsp;punishment is 7-year imprisonment; offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and the offence is not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years.

The foreigners were chargesheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed 121 people from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed 121 people from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 lockdown. Metropolitan Magistrate Rajat Goyal allowed 98 Indonesians to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 10,000 each, said advocate Ashima Mandla appearing for them. The court directed them to deposit the fine to PM CARES Fund. Metropolitan Magistrate Rohit Gullia allowed 23 foreign nationals from Kyrgyzstan to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 5,000 each. Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar and Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to their plea bargain. However, two foreign nationals each from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court. Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment. The Criminal Procedure of Code allows for plea bargaining in cases where the maximum punishment is 7-year imprisonment; offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and the offence is not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years. The foreigners were chargesheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.

Tablighi Jamaat case: Court sets 121 foreigners free after fine payment

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-navies-conduct-joint-drill-in-indian-ocean-in-a-strong-message-to-china-314729">Also Read:&nbsp;US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China</a>

Esper speaking on the India-US naval exercise at Andaman and Nicobar islands which took place on Monday, said that the current exercise demonstrates "our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-india-china-standoff-the-latest-on-the-disengagement-process-314139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India and US navies conducted a naval exercise on Monday called the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Indian Ocean. Units of US Navy Nimitz Carrier Strike Group took part in the exercise amid growing tensions between India and China after the clash at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers had died in action.&nbsp;

Four US navy and Indian ships took part in the drill with the Indian fleet consisting of Rajput-class destroyer, Shivalik class frigates and Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette.&nbsp;

"We are monitoring very closely what's happening on the Line of Control(LAC)," Esper said, adding,"we are pleased both sides are trying to de-escalate the situation."

"The smaller the country, your arms gets twisted," Esper said referring to China. "Our carriers have been in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific since World War-II. We will back sovereignty of our friends and partners," Esper asserted.

Esper said there was "great multilateral cooperation" in recent months while adding that he views bilateral and even multilateral FONOPs(Freedom of Navigation Operations) taking place in the South China Sea as a show of force against China.

"China's action on coronavirus is a whole other discussion about China's bad behaviour," he added.

"I was in Hong Kong in 1997 for the handover, I don't believe anyone in Taiwan believes that China has any intention of living up to its One Country, Two Systems promise, so it is a problem," he said on the recent Hong Kong crisis after China imposed the national security law, while adding that the United States would continue to conduct arms sales to Taiwan and FONOPs in the Taiwan Strait.

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century. Also Read: US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China Esper speaking on the India-US naval exercise at Andaman and Nicobar islands which took place on Monday, said that the current exercise demonstrates "our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century. Also Read: US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China Esper speaking on the India-US naval exercise at Andaman and Nicobar islands which took place on Monday, said that the current exercise demonstrates "our shared commitment to stronger naval cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific." Watch: India and US navies conducted a naval exercise on Monday called the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Indian Ocean. Units of US Navy Nimitz Carrier Strike Group took part in the exercise amid growing tensions between India and China after the clash at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers had died in action. Four US navy and Indian ships took part in the drill with the Indian fleet consisting of Rajput-class destroyer, Shivalik class frigates and Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette. "We are monitoring very closely what's happening on the Line of Control(LAC)," Esper said, adding,"we are pleased both sides are trying to de-escalate the situation." "The smaller the country, your arms gets twisted," Esper said referring to China. "Our carriers have been in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific since World War-II. We will back sovereignty of our friends and partners," Esper asserted. Esper said there was "great multilateral cooperation" in recent months while adding that he views bilateral and even multilateral FONOPs(Freedom of Navigation Operations) taking place in the South China Sea as a show of force against China. "China's action on coronavirus is a whole other discussion about China's bad behaviour," he added. "I was in Hong Kong in 1997 for the handover, I don't believe anyone in Taiwan believes that China has any intention of living up to its One Country, Two Systems promise, so it is a problem," he said on the recent Hong Kong crisis after China imposed the national security law, while adding that the United States would continue to conduct arms sales to Taiwan and FONOPs in the Taiwan Strait.

India-China standoff: Relationship with India important, monitoring LAC very closely: US defense secretary Mark Esper

China's education ministry on Tuesday unveiled stringent draft rules for foreign teacher with strong "patriotic" fervour.

According to the draft, the foreign teachers cannot take part in "words and deeds" which is harmful to the country's sovereignty. The foreign teachers have also been banned from "illegally engaging in religious education or preaching".

Earlier foreign teachers in China were required to hold TESOL and&nbsp;TEFLs degrees and authorities had asked online educational platforms to ensure teachers personal credentials were&nbsp;displayed.

The new rules also require foreign teachers to undergo at least 20 hours of training on the Chinese constitution and ethics. The guidelines have also forbidden sex abuse and drug intake categorising them as criminal offence.

According to a survey by China's state media, there are 400,000 foreign teachers working in China. The teachers are also required to possess a bachelor's degree or higher and at least two years of teaching experience.

Teachers have had lucrative careers in China with several English teachers working in the country, however, reports said that several teachers have been working illegally with authorities now ready to bring in new guidelines to disallow them.

China's move comes amid the national security law in Hong Kong with several teachers fearful as they have been reportedly warned that on how they should teach.

In Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have reportedly asked teachers to ensure "patriotic" education.&nbsp;

China's education ministry on Tuesday unveiled stringent draft rules for foreign teacher with strong "patriotic" fervour. According to the draft, the foreign teachers cannot take part in "words and deeds" which is harmful to the country's sovereignty.

China's education ministry on Tuesday unveiled stringent draft rules for foreign teacher with strong "patriotic" fervour. According to the draft, the foreign teachers cannot take part in "words and deeds" which is harmful to the country's sovereignty. The foreign teachers have also been banned from "illegally engaging in religious education or preaching". Earlier foreign teachers in China were required to hold TESOL and TEFLs degrees and authorities had asked online educational platforms to ensure teachers personal credentials were displayed. The new rules also require foreign teachers to undergo at least 20 hours of training on the Chinese constitution and ethics. The guidelines have also forbidden sex abuse and drug intake categorising them as criminal offence. According to a survey by China's state media, there are 400,000 foreign teachers working in China. The teachers are also required to possess a bachelor's degree or higher and at least two years of teaching experience. Teachers have had lucrative careers in China with several English teachers working in the country, however, reports said that several teachers have been working illegally with authorities now ready to bring in new guidelines to disallow them. China's move comes amid the national security law in Hong Kong with several teachers fearful as they have been reportedly warned that on how they should teach. In Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have reportedly asked teachers to ensure "patriotic" education.

Now, China's new draft guidelines for foreign teachers takes 'patriotic' tilt

How China blew up dam to ease flood risk

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that the "world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are especially at risk" due to the coronavirus epidemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial - Safe &amp; produced immune response</a>

"Indigenous peoples often have a high burden of poverty, unemployment, malnutrition and both communicable and non-communicable diseases, making them more vulnerable to coronavirus and its severe outcomes," the WHO chief said, adding,"WHO is deeply concerned about the impact of the virus on indigenous peoples in the Americas, which remains the current epicentre of the pandemic."

Tedros informed that at least 70,000 cases have been reported among indigenous peoples in the Americas with over 2,000 deaths including the&nbsp;Peruvian Amazon.

Tedros said that the "so-called lockdown measures" can help to reduce transmission but cannot completely stop it. "Contact tracing is essential for finding and isolating cases" is key to fighting the virus, the WHO chief said.

"Mobile applications can support contact tracing, but nothing replaces boots on the ground – trained workers going door-to-door to find cases and contacts," Tedros added.

Meanwhile, WHO's emergencies chief Michael Ryan said that he was "very concerned" about "an acceleration of disease in Africa" pointing towards the state of the virus in South Africa

"While South Africa is experiencing a very, very severe event, I think it is really a marker of what the continent could face if urgent action is not taken to provide further support," Ryan said.

"South Africa may, unfortunately, be a precursor, it may be a warning for what will happen in the rest of Africa," he added.

Ryan pointed out that South Africa was experiencing more cases in the poor and rural areas after it first struck the wealthier areas of the country. The WHO official also pointed out that the virus had grown in Madagascar, Zambia, Kenya and Namibia.

"I think what we are starting to see is a continued acceleration of transmission in a number of countries," Ryan said, adding,"this isn't just a wake-up call for South Africa... We need to take what is happening in Africa very, very seriously."

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that the "world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are especially at risk" due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that the "world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are especially at risk" due to the coronavirus epidemic. Also Read: Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial - Safe & produced immune response "Indigenous peoples often have a high burden of poverty, unemployment, malnutrition and both communicable and non-communicable diseases, making them more vulnerable to coronavirus and its severe outcomes," the WHO chief said, adding,"WHO is deeply concerned about the impact of the virus on indigenous peoples in the Americas, which remains the current epicentre of the pandemic." Tedros informed that at least 70,000 cases have been reported among indigenous peoples in the Americas with over 2,000 deaths including the Peruvian Amazon. Tedros said that the "so-called lockdown measures" can help to reduce transmission but cannot completely stop it. "Contact tracing is essential for finding and isolating cases" is key to fighting the virus, the WHO chief said. "Mobile applications can support contact tracing, but nothing replaces boots on the ground – trained workers going door-to-door to find cases and contacts," Tedros added. Meanwhile, WHO's emergencies chief Michael Ryan said that he was "very concerned" about "an acceleration of disease in Africa" pointing towards the state of the virus in South Africa "While South Africa is experiencing a very, very severe event, I think it is really a marker of what the continent could face if urgent action is not taken to provide further support," Ryan said. "South Africa may, unfortunately, be a precursor, it may be a warning for what will happen in the rest of Africa," he added. Ryan pointed out that South Africa was experiencing more cases in the poor and rural areas after it first struck the wealthier areas of the country. The WHO official also pointed out that the virus had grown in Madagascar, Zambia, Kenya and Namibia. "I think what we are starting to see is a continued acceleration of transmission in a number of countries," Ryan said, adding,"this isn't just a wake-up call for South Africa... We need to take what is happening in Africa very, very seriously."

'Very, very severe event': WHO alarmed over coronavirus attack in Africa

President Trump attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic asserting that it's a “worldwide problem” caused by China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe &amp; produced immune response, data reveals</a>

"China didn't stop the virus - they could have stopped it but let it go to Europe and the US. It's a worldwide problem now caused by China."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-oxford-covid-19-vaccine-early-trail-shows-positive-results-314738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US president asserted that he had "very positive" development on vaccines and on the therapeutic front.

Trump said he will resume his televised coronavirus briefings, saying: "I think it's a great way to get information out to the public, we're doing very well in so many different ways." The US president&nbsp;is likely to start is press briefing from Tuesday.

On Sunday, the United States reported 63,872 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University live coronavirus tracker. The US also recorded 514 deaths taking the total death toll in the country to 140,474.

The United States has reported over 60,000 new cases every day for six days last week with the cases touching over 77,000 on Friday. &nbsp;Los Angeles and California reported 4,592 new cases of coronavirus in a single day as the US continued to battle the virus.

Amid the pandemic, David Yutaka Ige, governor of Hawaii had declared that visitors will also have to submit COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing for the state and present proof of negative result upon arrival in Hawaii. New York has already extended list of 22 US states whose citizens will have self-quarantine themselves after arrival.

In a similar move, Chicago has added a list of visitors from 17 US states to self-isolate for two weeks.

President Trump attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic asserting that it's a “worldwide problem” caused by China. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals "China didn't stop the virus - they could have stopped it but let it go to Europe and the US.

President Trump attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic asserting that it's a “worldwide problem” caused by China. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals "China didn't stop the virus - they could have stopped it but let it go to Europe and the US. It's a worldwide problem now caused by China." Watch: The US president asserted that he had "very positive" development on vaccines and on the therapeutic front. Trump said he will resume his televised coronavirus briefings, saying: "I think it's a great way to get information out to the public, we're doing very well in so many different ways." The US president is likely to start is press briefing from Tuesday. On Sunday, the United States reported 63,872 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University live coronavirus tracker. The US also recorded 514 deaths taking the total death toll in the country to 140,474. The United States has reported over 60,000 new cases every day for six days last week with the cases touching over 77,000 on Friday. Los Angeles and California reported 4,592 new cases of coronavirus in a single day as the US continued to battle the virus. Amid the pandemic, David Yutaka Ige, governor of Hawaii had declared that visitors will also have to submit COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing for the state and present proof of negative result upon arrival in Hawaii. New York has already extended list of 22 US states whose citizens will have self-quarantine themselves after arrival. In a similar move, Chicago has added a list of visitors from 17 US states to self-isolate for two weeks.

They could have stopped the virus but didn't: Trump lashes out at China again

According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe,well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-university-set-to-present-initial-trial-data-as-uk-secures-90-million-doses-of-potential-cornavirus-vaccines-314690">Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines</a>

AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed today.

Watch:

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Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding,"we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection."

The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses

The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas.

Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity.

The UK government had announced earlier that it would purchase 100 million doses of the vaccine developed by Oxford and AstraZeneca.

According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe,well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus".

According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe,well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed today. Watch: Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding,"we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection." The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas. Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity. The UK government had announced earlier that it would purchase 100 million doses of the vaccine developed by Oxford and AstraZeneca.

Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals

South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India

As the UK government announced today that it had accessed 90 million doses of potential coronavirus vaccines in deals with biotech firms BioNTech, Pfizer and Valneva, the Oxford University is set to present initial trial data for the COVID-19 vaccine today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cinemas-in-china-begin-to-reopen-after-six-month-closure-314642">Also Read:&nbsp;Cinemas in China begin to reopen after six-month closure amid pandemic</a>

Oxford is developing the vaccine with AstraZeneca. They have been carrying out human trials in the UK and Brazil which have become the epicentre of the virus with over 2 million cases. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is in the third phase of human trial.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germanys-biontech-curevac-joins-coronavirus-vaccine-race-314191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UK government had announced earlier that it would purchase 100 million doses of the vaccine developed by Oxford University in partnership with AstraZeneca.

"The hunt to find a vaccine is a truly global endeavour and we are doing everything we can to ensure the British public get access to a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible," UK business secretary Alok Sharma said.

However, British PM Boris Johnson cautioned that he wasn't "100 per cent confident that we will get a vaccine this year or indeed next year is, alas, just an exaggeration," although he added that he was "hopeful".

"It may be that the vaccine is going to come riding over the hill like the cavalry, but we just can't count on it right now," the British PM said. Britain has been hard hit due to the virus with over 45,000 fatalities.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock asserted that the vaccine was the country's biggest hope in beating the virus and "returning to life as normal."

The race for the vaccine around the world is truly on with the US under "Operation Warp Speed" aiming to deliver millions of doses of safe and effective vaccines for coronavirus next year.

The US had said earlier that it would provide Regeneron with $450 million to scale up manufacture of its coronavirus antibody treatment even as it announced it was providing $1.6 billion in funding for the development and manufacture of a vaccine by biotech firm Novavax.

 
&nbsp;

As the UK government announced today that it had accessed 90 million doses of potential coronavirus vaccines in deals with biotech firms BioNTech, Pfizer and Valneva, the Oxford University is set to present initial trial data for the COVID-19 vaccine today.

As the UK government announced today that it had accessed 90 million doses of potential coronavirus vaccines in deals with biotech firms BioNTech, Pfizer and Valneva, the Oxford University is set to present initial trial data for the COVID-19 vaccine today. Also Read: Cinemas in China begin to reopen after six-month closure amid pandemic Oxford is developing the vaccine with AstraZeneca. They have been carrying out human trials in the UK and Brazil which have become the epicentre of the virus with over 2 million cases. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is in the third phase of human trial. Watch: The UK government had announced earlier that it would purchase 100 million doses of the vaccine developed by Oxford University in partnership with AstraZeneca. "The hunt to find a vaccine is a truly global endeavour and we are doing everything we can to ensure the British public get access to a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible," UK business secretary Alok Sharma said. However, British PM Boris Johnson cautioned that he wasn't "100 per cent confident that we will get a vaccine this year or indeed next year is, alas, just an exaggeration," although he added that he was "hopeful". "It may be that the vaccine is going to come riding over the hill like the cavalry, but we just can't count on it right now," the British PM said. Britain has been hard hit due to the virus with over 45,000 fatalities. Health Secretary Matt Hancock asserted that the vaccine was the country's biggest hope in beating the virus and "returning to life as normal." The race for the vaccine around the world is truly on with the US under "Operation Warp Speed" aiming to deliver millions of doses of safe and effective vaccines for coronavirus next year. The US had said earlier that it would provide Regeneron with $450 million to scale up manufacture of its coronavirus antibody treatment even as it announced it was providing $1.6 billion in funding for the development and manufacture of a vaccine by biotech firm Novavax.

Oxford University set to present initial trial data as UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines

A person with over $26 million&nbsp;in a Swiss bank account will now have to pay taxes despite her declared income of $2,261, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) said in a crucial ruling.&nbsp;

Dismissing an appeal filed by assessee Renu T Tharani, ITAT Mumbai said on Thursday that over $26 million&nbsp;lying in her foreign account can be taxed by the Income Tax Department.&nbsp;

"The assessee is not a public personality like Mother Terresa that some unknown person, with complete anonymity, will settle a trust to give her $ 4 million," the tribunal recorded.&nbsp;

"Cayman Islands is not known for philanthropists operating from there, if Cayman Islands is known for anything relevant, it is known for an atmosphere conducive to hiding unaccounted wealth and money laundering, and that does not advance the case of the assessee," the Tribunal observed.&nbsp;

"This is a jurisdiction which has double the number of companies than residents, most of which remain only on paper and it will be naive to believe that these companies are located here, in a country with around 65,000 residents, for bonafide core activities, rather than the benefits of anonymity, secrecy and liberal tax laws," the tribunal noted in its order.&nbsp;

"The assessee is closely involved with the transaction and it is inconceivable that the assessee will have no direct knowledge of the owners of the underlying company and settlers of the trust which has her, as she herself puts it as the beneficiary of such a huge amount. This inference is all the more justified when we take into account the fact that the assessee has been non-cooperative and has declined to sign the consent waiver," it further said.&nbsp;

"One of the arguments raised by the assessee, as set out in a chart showing arguments of the assessee - below paragraph 20 earlier in this order, that the assessee could not have performed the impossible act of signing consent waiver because she was not owner of the account is too naïve and frivolous to be even taken seriously. If the assessee was indeed not the owner of the account, there was all the more reason to sign the consent waiver form because it would have established that fact when the HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) Geneva was to decline the information on the basis of that consent waiver," it added.&nbsp;

It further said that "there is nothing to controvert this fact stated in the base note and since the assessee has declined consent waiver in this case, the assessee cannot decline correctness of the details obtained from the HSBC Private Bank."

According to relevant facts noted in the order, the assessee had filed her income tax return, on July 29, 2006, disclosing an income of $2,261&nbsp;for the relevant previous year, but subsequently the investigation wing of the income tax department received information that the assessee is having a bank account with HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA Geneva.&nbsp;

The department, in 2014, decided to reopen the assessment.

In a notice issued under section 148 of the income tax act in October 2014, the department said that she maintained a bank account with HSBC Bank in Geneva, Switzerland where she maintained a peak balance of $3,97,38,122&nbsp;during the financial year relevant to the Assessment Year 2006-2007 &amp; a peak balance of $23,55,851.60 during the financial year relevant to Assessment year 2007-2008.

In response to the notice issued by the I-T Department, she had denied having an account with HSBC in Geneva in her name. &nbsp;

She later received a base note from the Deputy Director of Income Tax (International Taxation) with the details of the account claiming that it is in the name of GWU INVESTMENTS LTD "wherein it is said that I am the beneficial owner or the beneficiary."&nbsp;

Tharani claimed she did not receive any amount from the company, either as a beneficiary or as a beneficial owner.

The tribunal noted that the assessee is a beneficial owner of GWU Investments Ltd, Cayman Islands. "There is nothing to controvert this fact stated in the base note, and since the assessee has declined consent waiver in this case, the assessee cannot decline correctness of the details obtained from the HSBC Private Bank," it said.

"There is a series of coincidences, right from the HSBC account being closed after the information contained in the base note coming out and to the underlying company being removed from the name of Register of Companies in Cayman Island, right from assessee living in complete denial about any knowledge about a HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA account in her name to her lack of information about the company which is holding $ 4 million for her, and, despite assessee being purportedly so clean in her affairs, her thwarting any efforts of the income tax department to get at the truth by declining to sign the consent waiver form," it further said.&nbsp;

"It is wholly un-understandable as to how can assessee, on one hand, seek to treat a cleverly worded private letter from HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA as gospel truth, and, on the other hand, effectively stall, by declining consent waiver and by stating half truths- even if her statements have an element of truth, the Assessing Officer obtaining direct information from the same organization. There is no meeting ground in this approach. In any case, for the reasons set out above and as evident from the base note, the assessee is beneficial owner of GWU Investments Ltd, Cayman Islands," the order concluded.&nbsp;

A person with over $26 million in a Swiss bank account will now have to pay taxes despite her declared income of $2,261, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) said in a crucial ruling.

A person with over $26 million in a Swiss bank account will now have to pay taxes despite her declared income of $2,261, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) said in a crucial ruling. Dismissing an appeal filed by assessee Renu T Tharani, ITAT Mumbai said on Thursday that over $26 million lying in her foreign account can be taxed by the Income Tax Department. "The assessee is not a public personality like Mother Terresa that some unknown person, with complete anonymity, will settle a trust to give her $ 4 million," the tribunal recorded. "Cayman Islands is not known for philanthropists operating from there, if Cayman Islands is known for anything relevant, it is known for an atmosphere conducive to hiding unaccounted wealth and money laundering, and that does not advance the case of the assessee," the Tribunal observed. "This is a jurisdiction which has double the number of companies than residents, most of which remain only on paper and it will be naive to believe that these companies are located here, in a country with around 65,000 residents, for bonafide core activities, rather than the benefits of anonymity, secrecy and liberal tax laws," the tribunal noted in its order. "The assessee is closely involved with the transaction and it is inconceivable that the assessee will have no direct knowledge of the owners of the underlying company and settlers of the trust which has her, as she herself puts it as the beneficiary of such a huge amount. This inference is all the more justified when we take into account the fact that the assessee has been non-cooperative and has declined to sign the consent waiver," it further said. "One of the arguments raised by the assessee, as set out in a chart showing arguments of the assessee - below paragraph 20 earlier in this order, that the assessee could not have performed the impossible act of signing consent waiver because she was not owner of the account is too naïve and frivolous to be even taken seriously. If the assessee was indeed not the owner of the account, there was all the more reason to sign the consent waiver form because it would have established that fact when the HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) Geneva was to decline the information on the basis of that consent waiver," it added. It further said that "there is nothing to controvert this fact stated in the base note and since the assessee has declined consent waiver in this case, the assessee cannot decline correctness of the details obtained from the HSBC Private Bank." According to relevant facts noted in the order, the assessee had filed her income tax return, on July 29, 2006, disclosing an income of $2,261 for the relevant previous year, but subsequently the investigation wing of the income tax department received information that the assessee is having a bank account with HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA Geneva. The department, in 2014, decided to reopen the assessment. In a notice issued under section 148 of the income tax act in October 2014, the department said that she maintained a bank account with HSBC Bank in Geneva, Switzerland where she maintained a peak balance of $3,97,38,122 during the financial year relevant to the Assessment Year 2006-2007 & a peak balance of $23,55,851.60 during the financial year relevant to Assessment year 2007-2008. In response to the notice issued by the I-T Department, she had denied having an account with HSBC in Geneva in her name. She later received a base note from the Deputy Director of Income Tax (International Taxation) with the details of the account claiming that it is in the name of GWU INVESTMENTS LTD "wherein it is said that I am the beneficial owner or the beneficiary." Tharani claimed she did not receive any amount from the company, either as a beneficiary or as a beneficial owner. The tribunal noted that the assessee is a beneficial owner of GWU Investments Ltd, Cayman Islands. "There is nothing to controvert this fact stated in the base note, and since the assessee has declined consent waiver in this case, the assessee cannot decline correctness of the details obtained from the HSBC Private Bank," it said. "There is a series of coincidences, right from the HSBC account being closed after the information contained in the base note coming out and to the underlying company being removed from the name of Register of Companies in Cayman Island, right from assessee living in complete denial about any knowledge about a HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA account in her name to her lack of information about the company which is holding $ 4 million for her, and, despite assessee being purportedly so clean in her affairs, her thwarting any efforts of the income tax department to get at the truth by declining to sign the consent waiver form," it further said. "It is wholly un-understandable as to how can assessee, on one hand, seek to treat a cleverly worded private letter from HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA as gospel truth, and, on the other hand, effectively stall, by declining consent waiver and by stating half truths- even if her statements have an element of truth, the Assessing Officer obtaining direct information from the same organization. There is no meeting ground in this approach. In any case, for the reasons set out above and as evident from the base note, the assessee is beneficial owner of GWU Investments Ltd, Cayman Islands," the order concluded.

Mumbai tribunal orders 80-year-old woman to pay tax on $26 million stashed in Swiss bank

The desperation for a vaccine is driving countries to try everything and the United States is leading the world in "vaccine nationalism". 
In March, the Trump administration met with representatives from Curevac - a German biotech company which is developing a vaccine.&nbsp;

Reports say the US government wanted exclusive rights for the vaccine.&nbsp;Germany heard about it and promptly issued a statement. The German government said that “Germany is not for sale.” On June 15, Germany invested nearly $340 million in Curevac for a 23 per cent stake in the company.

However, it didn’t stop America’s hunt for a vaccine. The US government has invested $500 million in Moderna’s vaccine project. Moderna is an American company but, America wanted its hands on more vaccines.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/graivtas-vaccine-for-wuhan-virus-the-race-to-get-it-first-314137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In April, French company Sanofi announced that the US had the right to place the largest pre-order for its vaccine because America is partially funding Sanofi’s research but after pressure from the French government the company shifted its stand.

A vaccine is the ultimate weapon to defeat the Wuhan virus whoever has it will call the shots. Any country that gets to the vaccine first can reserve it for its population, control its production and decide how much of it can be exported, to whom and for how much.

A vaccine brings tremendous power into the hands of one country. It this has happened earlier. The world has seen the result of vaccine nationalism. It happened in 2009 during the early stages of the H1N1 pandemic. Wealthy countries entered into pre-purchase agreements with several companies. Rich countries locked the H1NI1 vaccine for themselves and only the developed world had first access.

The United States alone negotiated and bought the right to buy six lakh doses and only when the pandemic was about to end when the demand for the vaccine dropped they decide to share.

Nine developed countries decided to donate vaccine doses.&nbsp;Once again, a cold war is underway for the Wuhan virus vaccine and history seems to be repeating itself.

The desperation for a vaccine is driving countries to try everything and the United States is leading the world in "vaccine nationalism". In March, the Trump administration met with representatives from Curevac - a German biotech company which is developing a vaccine.

The desperation for a vaccine is driving countries to try everything and the United States is leading the world in "vaccine nationalism". In March, the Trump administration met with representatives from Curevac - a German biotech company which is developing a vaccine. Reports say the US government wanted exclusive rights for the vaccine. Germany heard about it and promptly issued a statement. The German government said that “Germany is not for sale.” On June 15, Germany invested nearly $340 million in Curevac for a 23 per cent stake in the company. However, it didn’t stop America’s hunt for a vaccine. The US government has invested $500 million in Moderna’s vaccine project. Moderna is an American company but, America wanted its hands on more vaccines. In April, French company Sanofi announced that the US had the right to place the largest pre-order for its vaccine because America is partially funding Sanofi’s research but after pressure from the French government the company shifted its stand. A vaccine is the ultimate weapon to defeat the Wuhan virus whoever has it will call the shots. Any country that gets to the vaccine first can reserve it for its population, control its production and decide how much of it can be exported, to whom and for how much. A vaccine brings tremendous power into the hands of one country. It this has happened earlier. The world has seen the result of vaccine nationalism. It happened in 2009 during the early stages of the H1N1 pandemic. Wealthy countries entered into pre-purchase agreements with several companies. Rich countries locked the H1NI1 vaccine for themselves and only the developed world had first access. The United States alone negotiated and bought the right to buy six lakh doses and only when the pandemic was about to end when the demand for the vaccine dropped they decide to share. Nine developed countries decided to donate vaccine doses. Once again, a cold war is underway for the Wuhan virus vaccine and history seems to be repeating itself.

US leads in 'vaccine nationalism' as coronavirus engulfs the world

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Zee News Rajasthan

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