Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has written to Indian PM Modi over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-coronavirus-cases-much-higher-than-being-reported-study-finds-292472">COVID-19</a> crisis in which he has raised the issue of US sanctions impacting relief measures in the country. The letter was sent to PM Modi via diplomatic channels on March 29.

The letter said, “During the pandemic, the US government instead of focusing on policies of global cooperation in health and prevention, has increased unilateral coercive measures, has rejected the requests from the international community to lift or ease the illegal sanctions that prevent Venezuela from accessing medicines, medical equipment and food.”

President Maduro has written similar letters to other heads of governments. Venezuela has tested the maximum number of people at 2,03,108 till date. According to the government, 58 per cent of patients with COVID-19 have recovered in the country.

Last March, the US government had announced sanctions against Venezuelan officials including President Nicolás Maduro.

In early March, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrote to PM Modi seeking joint fight against COVID-19 crisis and also raised the issue of US sanctions impacting country's attempt to deal with the situation. Iran is one of the worst impacted countries in the world due to coronavirus.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has written to Indian PM Modi over COVID-19 crisis in which he has raised the issue of US sanctions impacting relief measures in the country.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has written to Indian PM Modi over COVID-19 crisis in which he has raised the issue of US sanctions impacting relief measures in the country. The letter was sent to PM Modi via diplomatic channels on March 29. The letter said, “During the pandemic, the US government instead of focusing on policies of global cooperation in health and prevention, has increased unilateral coercive measures, has rejected the requests from the international community to lift or ease the illegal sanctions that prevent Venezuela from accessing medicines, medical equipment and food.” President Maduro has written similar letters to other heads of governments. Venezuela has tested the maximum number of people at 2,03,108 till date. According to the government, 58 per cent of patients with COVID-19 have recovered in the country. Last March, the US government had announced sanctions against Venezuelan officials including President Nicolás Maduro. In early March, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrote to PM Modi seeking joint fight against COVID-19 crisis and also raised the issue of US sanctions impacting country's attempt to deal with the situation. Iran is one of the worst impacted countries in the world due to coronavirus.

Venezuela President Maduro writes to PM Modi over COVID-19 crisis; raises US sanctions issue

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances. &nbsp;WION learnt that the body may provide special consideration or expedited processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis.

USCIS takes care of issues like visas, citizenship, work visas etc and is expected to provide special support for individuals who may be affected by circumstances beyond their control.

India last week had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was conveyed from the US state department to the US Department of Homeland Security, under which USCIS comes.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals, employers which they facing due to the ongoing COVID crisis in the US. The body is currently analyzing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges and will consider the public’s recommendations.&nbsp;

The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday.&nbsp;

During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources.

If the employer terminates the contract of an H-1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H-1B status. But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H-1B visa holders.

With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H-1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown.

It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H-1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been having a high-level mutual engagement ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 regarding steps to counter the crisis arising out of the situation. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had also spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on April 6.

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances.

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances. WION learnt that the body may provide special consideration or expedited processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis. USCIS takes care of issues like visas, citizenship, work visas etc and is expected to provide special support for individuals who may be affected by circumstances beyond their control. India last week had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was conveyed from the US state department to the US Department of Homeland Security, under which USCIS comes. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals, employers which they facing due to the ongoing COVID crisis in the US. The body is currently analyzing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges and will consider the public’s recommendations. The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday. During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources. If the employer terminates the contract of an H-1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H-1B status. But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H-1B visa holders. With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H-1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown. It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H-1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been having a high-level mutual engagement ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 regarding steps to counter the crisis arising out of the situation. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had also spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on April 6.

COVID-19 crisis visa extension issue: US to extend stay depending on ground situation 

India has registered strong protests with Islamabad after Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats on Sunday.

The incident took place off the coast of Gujarat at the international maritime border and during the attack one Indian fisherman was injured.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs in a note verbale condemned the "deplorable and unprofessional act" by the PMSA vessel, calling it a contravention of international laws. New Delhi in the note verbale asked Pakistan to desist from such acts.

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is a uniform service branch within the Pakistan Navy and looks after the country's maritime interests. The vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats--Omkar and Mahasagar.

Earlier in the day, India had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-demarches-pakistan-over-killing-of-civilians-in-ceasefire-violations-292312">demarched </a>Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna.

Even as the world is coordinating a global response on COVID-19 crisis, Pakistan has been increasingly belligerent and has tried to increase tension in the region. The increased ceasefire violation has been a continues affair in last few months and week.

India has registered strong protests with Islamabad after Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats on Sunday. The incident took place off the coast of Gujarat at the international maritime border and during the attack one Indian fisherman was injured.

India has registered strong protests with Islamabad after Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats on Sunday. The incident took place off the coast of Gujarat at the international maritime border and during the attack one Indian fisherman was injured. The ministry of external affairs in a note verbale condemned the "deplorable and unprofessional act" by the PMSA vessel, calling it a contravention of international laws. New Delhi in the note verbale asked Pakistan to desist from such acts. Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is a uniform service branch within the Pakistan Navy and looks after the country's maritime interests. The vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats--Omkar and Mahasagar. Earlier in the day, India had demarched Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child. India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna. Even as the world is coordinating a global response on COVID-19 crisis, Pakistan has been increasingly belligerent and has tried to increase tension in the region. The increased ceasefire violation has been a continues affair in last few months and week.

India slams Pakistan after its vessels attack Indian fishing boats

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."

Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna.

India also called Pakistan to "adhere" to the 2003 ceasefire Understanding.

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child. India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately." Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna. India also called Pakistan to "adhere" to the 2003 ceasefire Understanding.

India demarches Pakistan over killing of civilians in ceasefire violations

The President of United Nations Security&nbsp;Council (UNSC)&nbsp;and the ambassador of the&nbsp;Dominican Republic,&nbsp;José Singer told WION that an&nbsp;urgent global response is needed&nbsp;to tackle the&nbsp;global coronavirus crisis. He added that the UNSC&nbsp;has an important role to play. The Dominican Republic is the chair of the council for the current month and decides the agenda of the top United Nations body.&nbsp;

Speaking from New York, Ambassador Singer said, "COVID-19 is racing its way around the world. There’s growing concern about the unprecedented magnitude of its outbreak globally and its impact on international peace and&nbsp;security."&nbsp;

"We need an urgent, coordinated, united and global response.&nbsp;No country can fight this alone&nbsp;and we must practice solidarity and kindness,&nbsp;now&nbsp;more than ever", he further said.

The UNSC met for the first time last week to discuss the crisis via video conference under the Presidentship of the Dominican Republic. On April 2, nine countries had requested the UNSC to meet urgently in the face of growing coronavirus escalation.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-conversation-with-unsc-president-jose-singer-292066/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Asked about the role of UNSC in dealing with the crisis, Ambassador Singer said,"With a pandemic that is strangling the world's economy and putting an enormous strain on&nbsp;health resources, international cooperation is paramount. And the Security Council has an important role to play".

Hinting at more meetings of&nbsp;the body, he claimed that&nbsp;Thursday's&nbsp;meeting "was&nbsp;our first step on our discussions around COVID-19 and it will keep on discussing it, including through thematic issues and country-specific discussion" and "one&nbsp;thing is sure, SC members understand the seriousness of this issue, precisely when people&nbsp;living in conflict context are deeply vulnerable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Thursday's meeting saw United Nations Secretary-General&nbsp;Antonio Guterres&nbsp;briefing the Council about the impact of COVID-19. The UNSG said that this is the "fight of a generation" while highlighting&nbsp;eight&nbsp;risks emerging out of the crisis. These include&nbsp;the "threat of terrorism" which "remains alive" and&nbsp;"weaknesses and lack of preparedness" exposed by the pandemic which may "provide a window onto how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold".

The President of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the ambassador of the Dominican Republic, José Singer told WION that an urgent global response is needed to tackle the global coronavirus crisis.

The President of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the ambassador of the Dominican Republic, José Singer told WION that an urgent global response is needed to tackle the global coronavirus crisis. He added that the UNSC has an important role to play. The Dominican Republic is the chair of the council for the current month and decides the agenda of the top United Nations body. Speaking from New York, Ambassador Singer said, "COVID-19 is racing its way around the world. There’s growing concern about the unprecedented magnitude of its outbreak globally and its impact on international peace and security." "We need an urgent, coordinated, united and global response. No country can fight this alone and we must practice solidarity and kindness, now more than ever", he further said. The UNSC met for the first time last week to discuss the crisis via video conference under the Presidentship of the Dominican Republic. On April 2, nine countries had requested the UNSC to meet urgently in the face of growing coronavirus escalation. Asked about the role of UNSC in dealing with the crisis, Ambassador Singer said,"With a pandemic that is strangling the world's economy and putting an enormous strain on health resources, international cooperation is paramount. And the Security Council has an important role to play". Hinting at more meetings of the body, he claimed that Thursday's meeting "was our first step on our discussions around COVID-19 and it will keep on discussing it, including through thematic issues and country-specific discussion" and "one thing is sure, SC members understand the seriousness of this issue, precisely when people living in conflict context are deeply vulnerable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic." Thursday's meeting saw United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefing the Council about the impact of COVID-19. The UNSG said that this is the "fight of a generation" while highlighting eight risks emerging out of the crisis. These include the "threat of terrorism" which "remains alive" and "weaknesses and lack of preparedness" exposed by the pandemic which may "provide a window onto how a bio-terrorist attack might unfold".

Exclusive: 'UNSC has an important role to play' during COVID-19 crisis, president José Singer tells WION

The United States State Department is reportedly taking into account the request placed by Indian government to extend the H1B visas of Indians in the US. The request has been forwarded to the US Department of Homeland Security.

This comes in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic which has gripped the United States, with the highest daily death toll reported in any country so far.

India had requested the US government to extend the validity of H1B and other visas for Indians stranded&nbsp;in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;The concern was initiated by&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan sharing in conversation with US&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E&nbsp;Biegun on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-death-toll-could-jump-to-200000-if-restrictions-are-eased-too-quickly-291903" hreflang="en">US death toll could jump to 200,000 if restrictions are eased too quickly</a>

Sources&nbsp;told WION that&nbsp;India is "closely monitoring the developments."

During the talks between both the parties, ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring availability of&nbsp;essential medicines, diagnostic &amp; medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information" were discussed; sources told WION.

With the fears of US economy heading for a big slump increasing, H1B&nbsp;holders could not only lose their jobs, they&nbsp;also won't be entitled to any unemployment benefits.&nbsp;If the employer terminates the contract of an H1B holder employee, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1B status.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-hits-100000-us-to-overtake-italy-291883" hreflang="en">Coronavirus global death toll hits 100,000 - US to overtake Italy</a>

Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. Due to lockdown, the renewal of visas has been&nbsp;delayed. And with US economy contracting everyday, many&nbsp;people may be retrenched. Indians constitute the maximum percentage of H1B visa holders in the US.&nbsp;

US and India have been engaging continuously since the pandemic broke. PM Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 and Minister of External Affairs&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo April 6.

The United States State Department is reportedly taking into account the request placed by Indian government to extend the H1B visas of Indians in the US. The request has been forwarded to the US Department of Homeland Security.

The United States State Department is reportedly taking into account the request placed by Indian government to extend the H1B visas of Indians in the US. The request has been forwarded to the US Department of Homeland Security. This comes in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic which has gripped the United States, with the highest daily death toll reported in any country so far. India had requested the US government to extend the validity of H1B and other visas for Indians stranded in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic. The concern was initiated by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan sharing in conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E Biegun on Wednesday. Also read: US death toll could jump to 200,000 if restrictions are eased too quickly Sources told WION that India is "closely monitoring the developments." During the talks between both the parties, ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring availability of essential medicines, diagnostic & medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information" were discussed; sources told WION. With the fears of US economy heading for a big slump increasing, H1B holders could not only lose their jobs, they also won't be entitled to any unemployment benefits. If the employer terminates the contract of an H1B holder employee, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1B status. Also read: Coronavirus global death toll hits 100,000 - US to overtake Italy Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. Due to lockdown, the renewal of visas has been delayed. And with US economy contracting everyday, many people may be retrenched. Indians constitute the maximum percentage of H1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been engaging continuously since the pandemic broke. PM Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 and Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo April 6.

United States is looking into extension of H1B visas for Indians amid COVID-19 pandemic

India has cleared the first list of 13 countries who will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with neighbourhood getting priority. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-community-transmission-of-coronavirus-in-the-country-yet-india-health-ministry-291803">Also Read:&nbsp;No community transmission of coronavirus in the country yet, says health ministry</a>

Overall India will be giving hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 countries. India has given approval for export of 14 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine.

The 13 countries which India will be giving HCQ, termed as game-changer drug by India are - US, two from Europe - Spain and Germany, two from South America - Dominican Republic and Brazil, one from West Asia, Bahrain and five from the neighbourhood - Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bangladesh

Speaking at the daily press briefing of the Indian government, Dammu Ravi, MEA's nodal person for COVID-19 said, "HCQ is in high demand globally. Lot of request for HCQ already there, several countries have made the request, taking in the view domestic requirements, domestic stock availability.. the decision was taken by a group of the minister to release surplus medicine for export purposes. The first list of countries have been approved and products have started to leave, working on second list and then the third list."

India is providing humanitarian aid like Pharma (HCQ &amp; paracetamol) to SAARC &amp; Indian Ocean countries like Mauritius &amp; SeychellesIn.

Additionally, India is also providing humanitarian aid to countries in Africa and Latin America. Outside these regions, New Delhi is currently processing requests for medicines (HCQ/Paracetamol) from countries based on availability and would be supplying them on a commercial basis.

Asked about the criteria India is following for countries, Dammu Revi said, "Request for countries existed for HCQ, we analysed the request. Sometimes demand can be very high, we need to rationalise. This drug is under high demand and all countries impacted by COVID-19 are asking for it. So it was discussed internally and in consultation with pharma dept, health and various others in the empowered committee."

"It is first come, first basis, but the neighbourhood is very important, countries very vulnerable. So we went through the process of making the assessment, who would need first..it is an ongoing process. Doing it in a balanced and rationalizing demand of various countries," Revi added.

While HCQ remains on the banned list of export products, India is giving the drug only on licence both for export and aid. India needs one crore HCQ tablets, and currently has 3.28 crore tablets and 1-2 crore tablets can be produced. Indian authorities have allowed the use of HCQ for frontline workers only and under the prescription of a medical physician.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi has been personally approached by world leaders for HCQ. On Friday PM Modi spoke to Japan PM Abe and Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli. Three world leaders, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair M. Bolsonaro and Israeli's PM Benjamin Netanyahu have personally thanked Indian PM and people of India on twitter.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India has cleared the first list of 13 countries who will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with neighbourhood getting priority. Also Read: No community transmission of coronavirus in the country yet, says health ministry Overall India will be giving hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 countries.

India has cleared the first list of 13 countries who will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with neighbourhood getting priority. Also Read: No community transmission of coronavirus in the country yet, says health ministry Overall India will be giving hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to 25 countries. India has given approval for export of 14 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. The 13 countries which India will be giving HCQ, termed as game-changer drug by India are - US, two from Europe - Spain and Germany, two from South America - Dominican Republic and Brazil, one from West Asia, Bahrain and five from the neighbourhood - Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bangladesh Speaking at the daily press briefing of the Indian government, Dammu Ravi, MEA's nodal person for COVID-19 said, "HCQ is in high demand globally. Lot of request for HCQ already there, several countries have made the request, taking in the view domestic requirements, domestic stock availability.. the decision was taken by a group of the minister to release surplus medicine for export purposes. The first list of countries have been approved and products have started to leave, working on second list and then the third list." India is providing humanitarian aid like Pharma (HCQ & paracetamol) to SAARC & Indian Ocean countries like Mauritius & SeychellesIn. Additionally, India is also providing humanitarian aid to countries in Africa and Latin America. Outside these regions, New Delhi is currently processing requests for medicines (HCQ/Paracetamol) from countries based on availability and would be supplying them on a commercial basis. Asked about the criteria India is following for countries, Dammu Revi said, "Request for countries existed for HCQ, we analysed the request. Sometimes demand can be very high, we need to rationalise. This drug is under high demand and all countries impacted by COVID-19 are asking for it. So it was discussed internally and in consultation with pharma dept, health and various others in the empowered committee." "It is first come, first basis, but the neighbourhood is very important, countries very vulnerable. So we went through the process of making the assessment, who would need first..it is an ongoing process. Doing it in a balanced and rationalizing demand of various countries," Revi added. While HCQ remains on the banned list of export products, India is giving the drug only on licence both for export and aid. India needs one crore HCQ tablets, and currently has 3.28 crore tablets and 1-2 crore tablets can be produced. Indian authorities have allowed the use of HCQ for frontline workers only and under the prescription of a medical physician. Indian PM Modi has been personally approached by world leaders for HCQ. On Friday PM Modi spoke to Japan PM Abe and Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli. Three world leaders, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair M. Bolsonaro and Israeli's PM Benjamin Netanyahu have personally thanked Indian PM and people of India on twitter.

COVID-19: India clears first list of 13 countries for HCQ as neigbhourhood get priority

After months of delay, The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday via video conference to discuss the COVID crisis but the meet resulted in no concrete outcomes.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655">Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</a>

The only thing UNSC could agree was on press elements post the meet. The statement said, UNSC "expressed their support for all efforts of the Secretary-General concerning the potential impact of COVID pandemic to conflict-affected countries" &nbsp;and "recalled the need for unity and solidarity with all those affected."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-doctors-succumb-to-covid-19-as-italy-death-toll-crosses-over-17600-291601">Also Read: Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600</a>

No support was seen for SG Antonio Guterres global call for a ceasefire and no word came on any resolution being adopted or a joint solution to the crisis also.

The meet saw China saying no one should be made a scapegoat while calling for global solidarity. This comes even as the country come under increased criticism for hiding information on the coronavirus, whose first case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Chinese envoy to UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said, "To overcome this global challenge, solidarity, cooperation, mutual support and assistance is what we need, while beggar-thy-neighbour or scapegoating will lead us nowhere. Any acts of stigmatization and politicization must be rejected."&nbsp;

The US called for an analysis of the origins and timely sharing of health data, a point that China surely will note given how it has been keen to say while the first case might be from the country but origins might be different.&nbsp;

Ambassador Kelly Craft, Permanent Representative of US to UN said, "The United States reiterates today the need for complete transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information within the international community."

Adding, "The most effective way to contain this pandemic is through accurate, science-based data collection and analysis of the origins, characteristics, and spread of the virus. We cannot stress enough how important these methods are."

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called on "everybody to lift all non-UN multilateral or unilateral coercive measures and sanctions against developing countries", a remark for Washington for its sanctions against Iran and Venezuela. Iran, which is the hardest hit by COVID, has been writing to global capitals for removal of US Sanctions as it is impacting its measures to contain the pandemic.

United Nation Secretary-General briefed the council regarding the current situation saying that "this is the fight of a generation -- and the 'raison d’être of the United Nations itself."

He highlighted 8 risks emerging out of the crisis, which includes, the "threat of terrorism" which "remains alive" and "Terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is turned towards the pandemic."

Guterres highlighted the "weaknesses and lack of preparedness" exposed by the pandemic which may "provide a window onto how a bioterrorist attack might unfold – and may increase its risks" and fears that "Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe."

Other things he highlighted as the impact of COVID, include erosion of public trust, stalling of conflict resolution efforts, increase in racism etc

The financial situation of the United Nations was also talked by UNSG who called it "perilous" and the body has "only enough cash to fund peacekeeping operations through the end of June and limited capacity to pay troop- and police-contributing countries."&nbsp;

This may impact India given that it is the largest contributor to the troop for UN peacekeeping.

After months of delay, The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday via video conference to discuss the COVID crisis but the meet resulted in no concrete outcomes.

After months of delay, The United Nations Security Council met on Thursday via video conference to discuss the COVID crisis but the meet resulted in no concrete outcomes. Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide The only thing UNSC could agree was on press elements post the meet. The statement said, UNSC "expressed their support for all efforts of the Secretary-General concerning the potential impact of COVID pandemic to conflict-affected countries" and "recalled the need for unity and solidarity with all those affected." Also Read: Over 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 as Italy death toll crosses over 17,600 No support was seen for SG Antonio Guterres global call for a ceasefire and no word came on any resolution being adopted or a joint solution to the crisis also. The meet saw China saying no one should be made a scapegoat while calling for global solidarity. This comes even as the country come under increased criticism for hiding information on the coronavirus, whose first case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Chinese envoy to UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said, "To overcome this global challenge, solidarity, cooperation, mutual support and assistance is what we need, while beggar-thy-neighbour or scapegoating will lead us nowhere. Any acts of stigmatization and politicization must be rejected." The US called for an analysis of the origins and timely sharing of health data, a point that China surely will note given how it has been keen to say while the first case might be from the country but origins might be different. Ambassador Kelly Craft, Permanent Representative of US to UN said, "The United States reiterates today the need for complete transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information within the international community." Adding, "The most effective way to contain this pandemic is through accurate, science-based data collection and analysis of the origins, characteristics, and spread of the virus. We cannot stress enough how important these methods are." Meanwhile, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called on "everybody to lift all non-UN multilateral or unilateral coercive measures and sanctions against developing countries", a remark for Washington for its sanctions against Iran and Venezuela. Iran, which is the hardest hit by COVID, has been writing to global capitals for removal of US Sanctions as it is impacting its measures to contain the pandemic. United Nation Secretary-General briefed the council regarding the current situation saying that "this is the fight of a generation -- and the 'raison d’être of the United Nations itself." He highlighted 8 risks emerging out of the crisis, which includes, the "threat of terrorism" which "remains alive" and "Terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is turned towards the pandemic." Guterres highlighted the "weaknesses and lack of preparedness" exposed by the pandemic which may "provide a window onto how a bioterrorist attack might unfold – and may increase its risks" and fears that "Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe." Other things he highlighted as the impact of COVID, include erosion of public trust, stalling of conflict resolution efforts, increase in racism etc The financial situation of the United Nations was also talked by UNSG who called it "perilous" and the body has "only enough cash to fund peacekeeping operations through the end of June and limited capacity to pay troop- and police-contributing countries." This may impact India given that it is the largest contributor to the troop for UN peacekeeping.

UNSC COVID meet ends with no concrete outcomes

India has requested the US government to extend the validity of H1-B and other visas for Indians stranded in the country due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-spain-witnesses-lowest-death-toll-in-17-days-with-605-new-fatalities-291795">COVID-19 </a>pandemic.&nbsp;

With fears of the US economy heading for a big slump, H1-B holders could not only lose their job but won't be entitled to any unemployment benefits also.

The matter was taken by foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan sharing with US deputy secretary of state Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday. &nbsp;Sources have told WION that India is "closely monitoring related developments."

During the talks between FS and US deputy secretary of state, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information", say sources.

If the employer terminates the contract of an H1-B holder employee, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1-B status. However, there has been no order as such from the US government asking employers to terminate the services of H1-B visa holders.

With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with H1-B visa might be impacted.&nbsp;

Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. Also due to lockdown renewal is delayed and with US economy contracting people may be retrenched. Indians constitute the maximum percentage of H1-B visa holders in the US.&nbsp;

US and India have been engaging in high-level engagement since the COVID-19 pandemic broke. PM Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 and EAM Jaishankar had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo April 6.

India has requested the US government to extend the validity of H1-B and other visas for Indians stranded in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic. With fears of the US economy heading for a big slump, H1-B holders could not only lose their job but won't be entitled to any unemployment benefits also.

India has requested the US government to extend the validity of H1-B and other visas for Indians stranded in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic. With fears of the US economy heading for a big slump, H1-B holders could not only lose their job but won't be entitled to any unemployment benefits also. The matter was taken by foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan sharing with US deputy secretary of state Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday. Sources have told WION that India is "closely monitoring related developments." During the talks between FS and US deputy secretary of state, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information", say sources. If the employer terminates the contract of an H1-B holder employee, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1-B status. However, there has been no order as such from the US government asking employers to terminate the services of H1-B visa holders. With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with H1-B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. Also due to lockdown renewal is delayed and with US economy contracting people may be retrenched. Indians constitute the maximum percentage of H1-B visa holders in the US. US and India have been engaging in high-level engagement since the COVID-19 pandemic broke. PM Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 and EAM Jaishankar had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo April 6.

India requests US to extend H1-B visas for stranded Indians amid COVID-19 crisis

The Indian government has given&nbsp;a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order placed by Spain. The order was placed two months ago.

The drug has been hailed as a gamechanger in fighting COVID-19.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with his Spanish counterpart Arancha González. A tweet on the talks by EAM said, "We agreed that effective COVID response requires global cooperation" and 'India has responded positively to the urgent pharmaceutical requirement of Spain."

While official notification in this direction is yet to be issued by the Indian government, India had recently announced that it will give licenced HCQ to countries which are worst impacted by COVID-19. The focus will also be on the neighbourhood and fulfilling prior contractual obligations for there is enough supply.

Spain has around 1,50,000 cases of COVID-19 with around 14,000 deaths and is one of the worst impacted countries not only Europe but around the world.

India has got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine--from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation.

Sources said, "Both sides discussed ways to further enhance their cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information."

US has also ordered HCQ from India. The matter was discussed between PM Modi and US President during their talks on April 4. 
&nbsp;

The Indian government has given a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order placed by Spain. The order was placed two months ago. The drug has been hailed as a gamechanger in fighting COVID-19.

The Indian government has given a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order placed by Spain. The order was placed two months ago. The drug has been hailed as a gamechanger in fighting COVID-19. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with his Spanish counterpart Arancha González. A tweet on the talks by EAM said, "We agreed that effective COVID response requires global cooperation" and 'India has responded positively to the urgent pharmaceutical requirement of Spain." While official notification in this direction is yet to be issued by the Indian government, India had recently announced that it will give licenced HCQ to countries which are worst impacted by COVID-19. The focus will also be on the neighbourhood and fulfilling prior contractual obligations for there is enough supply. Spain has around 1,50,000 cases of COVID-19 with around 14,000 deaths and is one of the worst impacted countries not only Europe but around the world. India has got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine--from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation. Sources said, "Both sides discussed ways to further enhance their cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information." US has also ordered HCQ from India. The matter was discussed between PM Modi and US President during their talks on April 4.

India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain

India has slammed China for raking Kashmir, this time in New York on the website of its permanent mission.

The development came after China in its statement said it "immediately" responded and processed the letter by Pakistan on March 10 on Kashmir and it remains "high on the agenda of the council". '

While China's statement on its mission at UN was in Indian media reports, the country as the President of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the month of March showed no "response" or urgency to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-new-york-reports-new-one-day-record-death-toll-as-governor-cuomo-says-hospitalizations-have-fallen-291631">COVID-19</a> meet.

It nonetheless was keen on giving clarification and show support for Pakistan on the issue.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We reject the reference to Jammu and Kashmir in a statement made by the spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations."

"China is well aware of India’s consistent position on this issue. The Union Territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir has been, is and shall continue to be an integral part of India. Issues related to J&amp;K are internal matter to India,"&nbsp; it added.

Asking China to "refrain from commenting on matters that are internal affairs of India and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity", India said China should "recognise and condemn the scourge of cross-border terrorism that affect the lives of the people of India, including in J&amp;K." from Pakistan.

China was given the letter to raise Kashmir at UNSC by the foreign minister of Pakistan SM Qureshi, hoping China as the chair of last month will raise the matter, both being close to each other. The Chinese envoy to UN Zhang Jun had even circulated the letter of Pakistan as an official document of the council, though no meeting happened.

It happened even as there was growing criticism against UNSC which failed to convene a meeting under Bejing's leadership on COVID-19.

UNSC member country sources told WION that China was not keen to discuss the matter as it feared more information might be asked from it.

The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China and since then globally it has come under pressure for not giving initial information that could have prevented pandemic from spreading and killing thousands across the world.

India has slammed China for raking Kashmir, this time in New York on the website of its permanent mission. The development came after China in its statement said it "immediately" responded and processed the letter by Pakistan on March 10 on Kashmir and it remains "high on the agenda of the council".

India has slammed China for raking Kashmir, this time in New York on the website of its permanent mission. The development came after China in its statement said it "immediately" responded and processed the letter by Pakistan on March 10 on Kashmir and it remains "high on the agenda of the council". ' While China's statement on its mission at UN was in Indian media reports, the country as the President of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the month of March showed no "response" or urgency to COVID-19 meet. It nonetheless was keen on giving clarification and show support for Pakistan on the issue. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We reject the reference to Jammu and Kashmir in a statement made by the spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations." "China is well aware of India’s consistent position on this issue. The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has been, is and shall continue to be an integral part of India. Issues related to J&K are internal matter to India," it added. Asking China to "refrain from commenting on matters that are internal affairs of India and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity", India said China should "recognise and condemn the scourge of cross-border terrorism that affect the lives of the people of India, including in J&K." from Pakistan. China was given the letter to raise Kashmir at UNSC by the foreign minister of Pakistan SM Qureshi, hoping China as the chair of last month will raise the matter, both being close to each other. The Chinese envoy to UN Zhang Jun had even circulated the letter of Pakistan as an official document of the council, though no meeting happened. It happened even as there was growing criticism against UNSC which failed to convene a meeting under Bejing's leadership on COVID-19. UNSC member country sources told WION that China was not keen to discuss the matter as it feared more information might be asked from it. The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China and since then globally it has come under pressure for not giving initial information that could have prevented pandemic from spreading and killing thousands across the world.

China sees urgency on Kashmir over COVID-19 at UNSC; gets slammed by India

After months of delay, The United Nations security council will meet today via video conference 3 pm New York time or 12.30 am IST on Friday to discuss the COVID Crisis.

On the table will be two drafts, the French draft which has been discussed among the Permanent five members of UNSC and a Tunisian draft resolution put in place by elected members.

On April 2, under the new President of UNSC--the Dominican Republic for April, 9 elected members of the top UN body had requested for the meet. These members are Belgium, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.

&nbsp;UN Secretary-General António Guterres will also join the meet via video conference and talk about his appeal for a global ceasefire, the COVID's impact on the UN including peacekeeping operations and humanitarian responses.&nbsp;

UNSG had in March issued an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire and had described the COVID pandemic as “the greatest test the world has faced since the formation of the United Nations”.

The meet could not happen last month under the presidency of China since the country was not very enthusiastic about the meet. UNSC sources told WION, that China believes that it can lead to the politicization of matter.&nbsp;

COVID's first case was reported in Wuhan China and since then it has spread across the world killing thousands of people and infecting lakhs. Bejing has been accused of hiding information and initial goof-ups that led to situation worsening.

After months of delay, The United Nations security council will meet today via video conference 3 pm New York time or 12.30 am IST on Friday to discuss the COVID Crisis.

After months of delay, The United Nations security council will meet today via video conference 3 pm New York time or 12.30 am IST on Friday to discuss the COVID Crisis. On the table will be two drafts, the French draft which has been discussed among the Permanent five members of UNSC and a Tunisian draft resolution put in place by elected members. On April 2, under the new President of UNSC--the Dominican Republic for April, 9 elected members of the top UN body had requested for the meet. These members are Belgium, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will also join the meet via video conference and talk about his appeal for a global ceasefire, the COVID's impact on the UN including peacekeeping operations and humanitarian responses. UNSG had in March issued an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire and had described the COVID pandemic as “the greatest test the world has faced since the formation of the United Nations”. The meet could not happen last month under the presidency of China since the country was not very enthusiastic about the meet. UNSC sources told WION, that China believes that it can lead to the politicization of matter. COVID's first case was reported in Wuhan China and since then it has spread across the world killing thousands of people and infecting lakhs. Bejing has been accused of hiding information and initial goof-ups that led to situation worsening.

UNSC to meet today on COVID-19; French, Tunisian drafts on the table

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