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India reported 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases and 4,209 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday. 
 
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as many as 3,57,295 people recovered from the COVID-19 disease across the country in the last 24 hours, which is more than the fresh cases reported."The cumulative caseload in India now stands at 2,60,31,991. There are 30,27,925 active COVID cases in the country," the Ministry said. 
 
As many as 2,91,331 people have succumbed to the COVID-19 infection in India, while the recovery tally has mounted to 2,27,12,735. 
 
India witnessed a rise in the daily COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours as 3,874 deaths were recorded on Thursday. 
 
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 32,44,17,870 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 20. 
 
As many as 20,61,683 samples were tested on Thursday, the highest so far in a single day since the pandemic began. 
 
According to MoHFW, as many as 19,18,79,503 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since the commencement of the vaccination drive on January 16.

India reported 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases and 4,209 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as many as 3,57,295 people recovered from the COVID-19 disease across the country in the last 24 hours, which is more than the fresh cases reported.

India reported 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases and 4,209 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as many as 3,57,295 people recovered from the COVID-19 disease across the country in the last 24 hours, which is more than the fresh cases reported."The cumulative caseload in India now stands at 2,60,31,991. There are 30,27,925 active COVID cases in the country," the Ministry said. As many as 2,91,331 people have succumbed to the COVID-19 infection in India, while the recovery tally has mounted to 2,27,12,735. India witnessed a rise in the daily COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours as 3,874 deaths were recorded on Thursday. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 32,44,17,870 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 20. As many as 20,61,683 samples were tested on Thursday, the highest so far in a single day since the pandemic began. According to MoHFW, as many as 19,18,79,503 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since the commencement of the vaccination drive on January 16.

India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths

Israel will give compensation to Soumya Santhosh at par with Israeli nationals killed in terror attacks.

Soumya, an Indian national was killed in a Hamas rocket attack in Israel's Ashkelon.

The caregiver is survived by a nine-year-old son and her husband. Rony Yedidia Clein, Israel's Charge d'affaires at a virtual presser said, "Israeli people see her sacrifice as making her into honorary citizen.." and they "see her one of their own because of what happened to her."

Soumya along with two&nbsp;Thai nationals were&nbsp;killed in Hamas rocket attacks. She will get the full benefit from Israel's national insurance institute which&nbsp;by law gives it to all Israelis who are killed in terror acts.

Bodies of the&nbsp;nationals were brought to India and Thailand by the Israeli government and their family will receive the benefits.

In a gesture seen as a break from protocol, Israel's Charge d'affaires in Delhi was present at the airport when Soumya's mortal remains arrived in the country. Later Israel's Consul General to South India, Jonathan Zadka visited her family in Kerala to pay homage.&nbsp;

Asked about India's reaction, diplomat Rony explained "we have had conversations" with Indian counterparts and had "understanding" with them, adding Indian public has "expressed a great amount of support and we are very very happy with that".

India had spoken at both United Nations Security Council and United Nations General Assembly on the situation&nbsp;something that is being described as a "good statement" by the Israeli diplomat.

In the statement, India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti had condemned the Hamas rocket attacks&nbsp;while urging both sides to urge restraint. On social media, many Indians expressed their support for Israel.&nbsp;

Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire which came into effect at 4.30 am IST on Friday.

The 11-day conflict saw the death of more than 200 Palestinians, mainly in Gaza, and 12 Israeli nationals.

The conflict broke out after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood in the city.&nbsp;

Israel will give compensation to Soumya Santhosh at par with Israeli nationals killed in terror attacks. Soumya, an Indian national was killed in a Hamas rocket attack in Israel's Ashkelon.

Israel will give compensation to Soumya Santhosh at par with Israeli nationals killed in terror attacks. Soumya, an Indian national was killed in a Hamas rocket attack in Israel's Ashkelon. The caregiver is survived by a nine-year-old son and her husband. Rony Yedidia Clein, Israel's Charge d'affaires at a virtual presser said, "Israeli people see her sacrifice as making her into honorary citizen.." and they "see her one of their own because of what happened to her." Soumya along with two Thai nationals were killed in Hamas rocket attacks. She will get the full benefit from Israel's national insurance institute which by law gives it to all Israelis who are killed in terror acts. Bodies of the nationals were brought to India and Thailand by the Israeli government and their family will receive the benefits. In a gesture seen as a break from protocol, Israel's Charge d'affaires in Delhi was present at the airport when Soumya's mortal remains arrived in the country. Later Israel's Consul General to South India, Jonathan Zadka visited her family in Kerala to pay homage. Asked about India's reaction, diplomat Rony explained "we have had conversations" with Indian counterparts and had "understanding" with them, adding Indian public has "expressed a great amount of support and we are very very happy with that". India had spoken at both United Nations Security Council and United Nations General Assembly on the situation something that is being described as a "good statement" by the Israeli diplomat. In the statement, India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti had condemned the Hamas rocket attacks while urging both sides to urge restraint. On social media, many Indians expressed their support for Israel. Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire which came into effect at 4.30 am IST on Friday. The 11-day conflict saw the death of more than 200 Palestinians, mainly in Gaza, and 12 Israeli nationals. The conflict broke out after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood in the city.

Soumya Santhosh's family to receive compensation from Israel, at par with its nationals killed in terror attacks

(Eds: adding details of cases in states)
   	New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) The daily rise in coronavirus cases in India remained below 3 lakh for the fifth consecutive day with 2.59 lakh new cases recorded in a single day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.
	 With a total of 2,59,551 fresh cases, India&apos;s total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,60,31,991. 
	 The death toll climbed to 2,91,331 with 4,209 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.     
	 The active cases further reduced to 30,27,925 comprising 11.63 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate improved to 87.25 per cent.
	 The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,27,12,735, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.12 per cent, the data stated.     
	 India&apos;s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past  60 lakh on September 28,  70 lakh on  October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on  November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4.  	According to the ICMR, 32,44,17,870  samples have been tested up to May 20 with 20,61,683  samples being tested on Thursday. 
	The 4,209 new fatalities include 984 from Maharashtra, 548 from Karnataka, 397 from Tamil Nadu, 236 from Uttar Pradesh,   233 from Delhi, 191 from Punjab, 162 from West Bengal, 159 from Uttarakhand, 129 from Haryana, 128 from Kerala, 127 from Rajasthan, 114 from Andhra Pradesh and 113 from Chhattisgarh., 
	A total of 2,91,331 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 85,355 from Maharashtra, 23,854 from Karnataka, 22,579 from Delhi, 19,131 from Tamil Nadu, 18,588  from Uttar Pradesh, 13,895 from West Bengal, 12,716 from Punjab and 12,295 from Chhattisgarh.
	The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.
	"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.  

(Eds: adding details of cases in states) New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) The daily rise in coronavirus cases in India remained below 3 lakh for the fifth consecutive day with 2.

(Eds: adding details of cases in states) New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) The daily rise in coronavirus cases in India remained below 3 lakh for the fifth consecutive day with 2.59 lakh new cases recorded in a single day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. With a total of 2,59,551 fresh cases, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,60,31,991. The death toll climbed to 2,91,331 with 4,209 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further reduced to 30,27,925 comprising 11.63 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate improved to 87.25 per cent. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,27,12,735, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.12 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4. According to the ICMR, 32,44,17,870 samples have been tested up to May 20 with 20,61,683 samples being tested on Thursday. The 4,209 new fatalities include 984 from Maharashtra, 548 from Karnataka, 397 from Tamil Nadu, 236 from Uttar Pradesh, 233 from Delhi, 191 from Punjab, 162 from West Bengal, 159 from Uttarakhand, 129 from Haryana, 128 from Kerala, 127 from Rajasthan, 114 from Andhra Pradesh and 113 from Chhattisgarh., A total of 2,91,331 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 85,355 from Maharashtra, 23,854 from Karnataka, 22,579 from Delhi, 19,131 from Tamil Nadu, 18,588 from Uttar Pradesh, 13,895 from West Bengal, 12,716 from Punjab and 12,295 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

VIRUS-LD CASES

Maharashtra witnessed yet another deadly clash between Naxalites and security forces. Latest reports say that 13 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter.

The incident&nbsp;took place in the forest area of Etapalli in Gadchiroli district where an encounter is underway between the C-60 unit of Maharashtra Police and Naxals.

The C-60 unit commandos of Maharashtra Police cracked down upon the Naxals in a camp near a village. Some weapons, substantial literature and other materials of daily need from the place have been recovered.&nbsp;

According to Sandip Patil, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Gadchiroli, the operation was a huge success for Maharashtra Police and there is a possibility that more Naxals were wiped out in the encounter.

A total of 473 Left Wing Extremists, also called Naxals, have been killed by security forces in the country since 2018.

During the same period, 161 security force personnel laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in September 2020 said the LWE or Naxal violence had reduced considerably in the country with the menace being prevalent in just 46 districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra witnessed yet another deadly clash between Naxalites and security forces. Latest reports say that 13 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. The incident took place in the forest area of Etapalli in Gadchiroli district where an encounter is underway between the C-60 unit of Maharashtra Police and Naxals.

Maharashtra witnessed yet another deadly clash between Naxalites and security forces. Latest reports say that 13 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. The incident took place in the forest area of Etapalli in Gadchiroli district where an encounter is underway between the C-60 unit of Maharashtra Police and Naxals. The C-60 unit commandos of Maharashtra Police cracked down upon the Naxals in a camp near a village. Some weapons, substantial literature and other materials of daily need from the place have been recovered. According to Sandip Patil, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Gadchiroli, the operation was a huge success for Maharashtra Police and there is a possibility that more Naxals were wiped out in the encounter. A total of 473 Left Wing Extremists, also called Naxals, have been killed by security forces in the country since 2018. During the same period, 161 security force personnel laid down their lives in the line of duty. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in September 2020 said the LWE or Naxal violence had reduced considerably in the country with the menace being prevalent in just 46 districts. (With inputs from agencies)

13 left-wing extremists killed in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, encounter underway

Amid the rising Coronavirus cases in the Indian Union Territory Jammu & Kashmir and rising demand for oxygen and hospitals, the Indian army left no stone unturned to assist the local administration. WION brings you a report.

Indian army sets up 2 COVID-19 hospitals, restarts defunct oxygen plant in J&K

Black Fungus is a rare but serious fungal infection and it is being detected relatively frequently in COVID-19 patients across India.

Black Fungus infections on the rise in India

Indian Covid vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella expressed confidence over meeting commitments that have been made to Government of India. The company aims to produce 1 billion Covid vaccines (Covaxin) doses from facilities located in Hyderabad, Bengaluru&nbsp;and Ankleshwar.

Ella co-founded the company along with Dr Krishna M Ella and the company's&nbsp;Covid vaccine along with Covishield and Sputnik are the only 3 vaccines allowed to be administered&nbsp;in India.

Speaking exclusively to Wion's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ella highlighted the supply chain issues and the Ministry of External Affairs reaching "out to us to take this forward to help ease the supply chain in these areas which are specific to vaccine manufacturers." The company needs chemicals for testing and most of these chemicals come from either Europe or the US.

She assured that "Coovaxin was proved to be neutralizing" the double mutant variant found in India and other variants from South Africa, UK, and Brazil. She pointing out that the vaccine has an "edge" in dealing with Covid variant since it is an "inactivated whole-cell vaccine". Asked about clinical trials for the 2-18 age group, she said, "It is getting started in the month of June" and if all goes well, Bharat Biotech hoped to complete the trial in 3 months timeline.

Wion: According to a recent government announcement, 2 billion vaccines will be manufactured in India by the end of December. Out of this 550 million be Covaxin. Where does the production capacity stand? And how do you plan to meet the growing demand in India, by boosting capacity? 
&nbsp; 
Suchitra Ella: We have conveyed our commitments to the govt of India. We have done it in a phased manner because of the reason that we have 3 different facilities in 3 different states or cities of India.&nbsp;

In Hyderbad, we have a volume of about 200 -250 million does per annum. In the city of Bangalore, Karnataka another facility has been deployed which will be able to produce to the tune of 500 million doses and the 3rd one that got included yesterday in our release was the plant which we already operating in Ankleshwar, Gujarat where we also expect to manufacture to the tune of 200 million doses of Covaxin per annum.&nbsp;

So we are looking at close to a billion doses of Covaxin that could be churned out from 3 different plants physically located in 3 different states of India. India's population is known to everyone, and even going by govt's indication and the requirement for the COVID-19, we stand at least 2 billion-plus in order to get the country vaccinated. I would for sure believe that we at Bharat Biotech will be able to fulfill the commitments that have been given to govt of India already and also as much as possible, to ramp up more volumes. Since its 2 doses of vaccine, everything is double, so there is the challenge.

Wion: Vaccine production is a very complicated and sensitive issue. Give us a sense of supply chain challenges.

Suchitra Ella: The supply chain for us mostly comes in terms of a lot of consumables that are needed for testing. Vaccines involve a tremendous amount of quality testing which is done in-house, which is done out of animal labs, product labs, institutes in Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, so we consume a lot of chemicals for testing protocols which have to be used day-in and day-out for every batch of the vaccine.&nbsp;

Most of these chemicals come from either Europe or the US, and it will be good to have supplies of these. They are not ingredients but testing chemicals. We also need some equipment in terms of bioprocess areas. They are smaller equipments that go into processing where the bulk of the material is processed.&nbsp;

These again are ordered from companies like the US and Europe. These are the main ingredients used on day to day basis. The equipment, more than 60 to 70% of our equipment which is already been procured and has been installed, they also come from western countries where we have internationally validated vendors.&nbsp;

We already have the equipment not just for Covaxin but also for other vaccines. Certainly, it would help, if the supply chain is eased out. Volumes have gone up, what we normally manufacture on an annual basis, say 200 or 300 million doses of say a polio vaccine, today we looking at a billion doses for the same year of Covaxin. Pressure comes because of the high volume of pandemic vaccines that need to be manufactured in a shorter time frame.

Wion: How much of your supply chain is dependent on external sources? Have you taken this up with the Indian govt and if yes what kind of support you have got from them?

Suchitra Ella: It is very well appraised to the concerned department who almost talk to us frequently and aware of many of the areas of the inputs that have to go into vaccine production. Ministry of health, Ministry of Pharma is aware of it.&nbsp;

We have explained to them that these are some of the areas where things can be eased up. Ministries have been extremely proactive and like to say this very clearly that almost all the ministries we have been like dept of science and tech. The MEA being the bridge between us and other economies of the world, these countries are all friends of India and I'm sure they will understand that India is not just seeking for the sake of manufacturing or supplying vaccine for its own population but also we all know, India is 60 per cent supplier of vaccines to the world at large. So it goes to show India has a very large role to play and the MEA has reached out to us to take this forward to help ease the supply chain in these areas which are specific to vaccine manufacturers.

Wion: if you have to expand capacity, how important is it to ensure external flows and smooth supply chains?

Suchitra Ella: We have made our calculations as to how we have factored in for the first 6 months of the year, for the second 6 months of the year, so certainly in order to reach that one billion doses or volume required by us, the input should come in a regulated, frequent and consistent interval. The quantity of these supplies has to be met in a very consistent manner in order to reach this kind of capacity we are talking about. I am hopeful, this will get done and countries of the world will certainly be talking to India and amongst themselves to ensure a free movement of all these inputs that go into vaccine production.

Wion: Sales of vaccines abroad have been done as commercial commitments and to establish our brand globally. &nbsp;How important are these sales to encourage the global supply chains to keep you supplies?

Suchitra Ella: So we are very much aware of our commitments that we have to keep in mind, serving the country, the children of our country and for sure during the pandemic, we know the requirement of the country.&nbsp;

In addition to that, we also cater to many countries of the world. We have supplied to 125 countries around the world. We also supply to Gavi, Unicef who procure directly from us as manufacturers, very high volumes of vaccines that get distributed to poorer nations of the world.&nbsp;

We also have countries, middle and high-income countries, that have the buying power to place procurement with manufacturers for their countries' requirements of the vaccine. The tremendous role and responsibility Indian manufacturers have to play in being able to get this volume but also to the rest of the world in the right and effective time frame, that is very important right now. We are all racing against time. We normally have 12 months to supply. This is not like that, it's a race against time. Humanity needs it, the world needs us, and it's time for all of us to get together in the best possible manner to save lives.

Wion: Lot of talk about patent transfer. Are you okay with sharing the patent of the vaccine with other companies?

Suchitra Ella: Our vaccine has one of the most difficult process technology vaccines which is developed on an inactivated zero cell platform. It's a classical vaccine process that we deploy...in 3 or 4 vaccines that we already manufacture. This is a very stringent process, it is not about giving the patent or the tech transfer.&nbsp; 
This is about having the infrastructure to manufacture such a vaccine. We have one of the most stringent biosafety levels which is the BSL 3 facility in which we make sure organism should not escape to the environment.&nbsp;

It is the negative pressure environment of the facility that has to be deployed in order to make such vaccines such as the Covaxin. It is very important to keep that in mind, that the quality of the product is important and the safety of the environment where this material will be deployed is very important. People who work in these facilities are also human beings and their lives should be extremely protected and safeguarded by the manufacturer.&nbsp;

So this is a tough process to be deployed or given away to anybody out there unless that particular organization has demonstrated or has a very long record of manufacturing viral vaccine under the guidelines that are required and followed the world over.

Wion: Clinical trial for children. How soon can we expect the results? can it be given Emergency Use Authorization or EUA like in the case of the adults?

Suchitra Ella: Clinical trials are a very time-consuming process, though we have timelines for it...standards, timelines, goals etc are conducted as per the special experts' committee and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) who gives us the authorization to conduct these trials.&nbsp;

Children's trial has been permitted for Covaxin by the Drug Controller General of India and we hope to start it very soon. It is getting started in the month of June.&nbsp;

Since Covaxin has been studied extensively for 8-9 months, and even some parts of the study are still happening in an adult population where we have deployed 27000 volunteers. We have extensive data on safety and immunogenicity and on efficacy. This has been very well established in adults.&nbsp;

In order to ensure children can also receive the vaccine, the drug controller and the national regulatory authorities of the country will permit us and we will take up this clinical study and will take us 2-3 months.&nbsp; 
If all goes well in the pandemic situation we are in, we hope to complete the trial in a 3-month timeline. So the vaccine will be the same. It is the study that is important so that safety aspect is important in the subject who be children this time. That is very important.

We are normally very well acquainted with the pediatric vaccine trial because most of our vaccines cater to the pediatric segment of the world. We are very well acquainted with trials of this nature. But this time around since Covaxin has come in a reverse manner to children, we will certainly able to do this study for safety in children, especially the age group required. So we will be able to demonstrate that study data, and hopeful and positive that Covaxin can be administrated to children once the data is accepted and approved by DCGI.&nbsp;

Wion: Any timeline when it can be given for it?

Suchitra Ella: Sidhant it's very difficult to give a set timeline. We are in a pandemic and to get volunteers to hospitals, trials are not conducted within 4 walls, on laptops or systems. It is a physical trial in a hospital or medical college and conducted by medical practitioners.&nbsp;

It is a site where volunteers have to physically go and a lot of protocols have to be followed. In spite of all this, we are hoping since we already have a lot of data in Covaxin in adult studies we hope...children are children and there is none of us can go and talk to a parent.&nbsp;

As a company, I cannot go to a parent and convenience them to allow the participation of their children in a trial. It is something they have to do by themselves in a voluntary mode. The hospital will create awareness and will educate the parent and the parent have to be willing.&nbsp;

The parent has to give consent, children have to understand the process. It is a medical process and biological process and need to bear in mind it is very sensitive and at the same time, we do it all the time. We have conducted studies involving more than 500,000 infants and children for many of our pediatric vaccines in about 20 countries of the world. We understand the regulation very well and we only hope we will be able to take it forward especially at a time pandemic. Sensitivities involving children, we have to get all aspects put together well and get it done in best possible time frame.

Wion: Recently, government came out with guidelines for the vaccination gap. Covishield has a gap broadened, where it wasn't the case with Covaxin. Why and how is it different?

Suchitra Ella: Most of the guidelines are by the Ministry of Health and DCGI who permit the doses and the administration and scheduling of vaccines. It comes based on the study, also based on prior experience of getting such vaccines done. With Covid vaccine, technical data, research, and academic research going back and forth is almost changing by the day, if not by the hour.&nbsp;

We have studied our vaccine, within 28 days apart, govt has also gone ahead and said we could extend it to 45 days. It's a zero-day and the second dose is within 45 days. The second dose is always a booster dose.&nbsp;

So in order to ensure booster dose is effective in most of people, a little bit of tweaking of the timeline is not going to be a huge problem, because in many vaccine dosages are done between 0 to 30 and 3rd dose is done within 180 days as well, there is a booster dose which comes after a year. These kinds of things are done for many vaccines. In a Covid situation, our is a whole unit vaccine and the entire inactivated vaccine is deployed and its not spike protein. We have a more uniform way of getting antibodies formed at a level that we have indicated.&nbsp;

If there is information oR data coming from WHO or other agencies from around the world who have a lot of studies and work, then it is upon regulator to advise what should be protocol or dosage for the country.&nbsp;

As a manufacturer, our responsibility ends with dispatching vaccines to govt hospital, govt depots or private hospitals at this point of time. Administration of vaccines and distribution happens at the hospital and the govt intuition. The regulation comes from the ministry itself, this is a multi-pronged collective approach, collective data, collective approach, and best of the practices and information sharing coming from rest of the world is also kept in mind when such decisions are made for certain populations of the world.

Wion: Covaxin and its ability to handle Covid variant...

Suchitra Ella: Our vaccine Covaxin has been studied from the very first strain we received last year in the month of may when initial work started. Covaxin was also tested in variants that emerged in countries like South Africa, Brazil, UK. Covaxin was proved to be neutralizing all these variants including the double mutant, which has been observed in India. All this data has been published in peer-reviewed, international medical journals to show that Covaxin has effectively neutralized (the virus) being an inactivated whole-cell vaccine probably gave it an edge to overcome all the different strains, changes that are happening, the mutation that is happening. As of now, it is working well on all of them and it has been proven clinically and studied, subjected to peer review, internationally.

Wion: How do u feel as a women entrepreneur?

Suchitra Ella: Personally, for me, entrepreneurship is not about gender. Entrepreneurship is not gender-based, it's the mindset with which you come. It is the vision, you have to look at the challenge and turn it into an opportunity or try and see if there is a way to finding a solution for it, which is what we as a company from the days our inception is to innovate. Continuously Develop technology, intellectual property to bring solutions to public health.

We collectively, as an organization have a huge team of more than 2000 people on the Hyderabad campus. We have facilities in Bangalore and Ankleshwar, all put together we are a multi-centric company with multi facilities across the state. Through the pandemic, we have been collectively working in bringing Covaxin which is very important for us as an innovative company because we believe that such innovation can also be brought from India. That was the passion, vision. We worked in mission mode and confidently say, not any employee has gone for vacation. It has been physically and emotionally challenging and we have stood together. I am proud and happy to be where we are for Covaxin.

Indian Covid vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella expressed confidence over meeting commitments that have been made to Government of India.

Indian Covid vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella expressed confidence over meeting commitments that have been made to Government of India. The company aims to produce 1 billion Covid vaccines (Covaxin) doses from facilities located in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ankleshwar. Ella co-founded the company along with Dr Krishna M Ella and the company's Covid vaccine along with Covishield and Sputnik are the only 3 vaccines allowed to be administered in India. Speaking exclusively to Wion's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ella highlighted the supply chain issues and the Ministry of External Affairs reaching "out to us to take this forward to help ease the supply chain in these areas which are specific to vaccine manufacturers." The company needs chemicals for testing and most of these chemicals come from either Europe or the US. She assured that "Coovaxin was proved to be neutralizing" the double mutant variant found in India and other variants from South Africa, UK, and Brazil. She pointing out that the vaccine has an "edge" in dealing with Covid variant since it is an "inactivated whole-cell vaccine". Asked about clinical trials for the 2-18 age group, she said, "It is getting started in the month of June" and if all goes well, Bharat Biotech hoped to complete the trial in 3 months timeline. Wion: According to a recent government announcement, 2 billion vaccines will be manufactured in India by the end of December. Out of this 550 million be Covaxin. Where does the production capacity stand? And how do you plan to meet the growing demand in India, by boosting capacity? Suchitra Ella: We have conveyed our commitments to the govt of India. We have done it in a phased manner because of the reason that we have 3 different facilities in 3 different states or cities of India. In Hyderbad, we have a volume of about 200 -250 million does per annum. In the city of Bangalore, Karnataka another facility has been deployed which will be able to produce to the tune of 500 million doses and the 3rd one that got included yesterday in our release was the plant which we already operating in Ankleshwar, Gujarat where we also expect to manufacture to the tune of 200 million doses of Covaxin per annum. So we are looking at close to a billion doses of Covaxin that could be churned out from 3 different plants physically located in 3 different states of India. India's population is known to everyone, and even going by govt's indication and the requirement for the COVID-19, we stand at least 2 billion-plus in order to get the country vaccinated. I would for sure believe that we at Bharat Biotech will be able to fulfill the commitments that have been given to govt of India already and also as much as possible, to ramp up more volumes. Since its 2 doses of vaccine, everything is double, so there is the challenge. Wion: Vaccine production is a very complicated and sensitive issue. Give us a sense of supply chain challenges. Suchitra Ella: The supply chain for us mostly comes in terms of a lot of consumables that are needed for testing. Vaccines involve a tremendous amount of quality testing which is done in-house, which is done out of animal labs, product labs, institutes in Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, so we consume a lot of chemicals for testing protocols which have to be used day-in and day-out for every batch of the vaccine. Most of these chemicals come from either Europe or the US, and it will be good to have supplies of these. They are not ingredients but testing chemicals. We also need some equipment in terms of bioprocess areas. They are smaller equipments that go into processing where the bulk of the material is processed. These again are ordered from companies like the US and Europe. These are the main ingredients used on day to day basis. The equipment, more than 60 to 70% of our equipment which is already been procured and has been installed, they also come from western countries where we have internationally validated vendors. We already have the equipment not just for Covaxin but also for other vaccines. Certainly, it would help, if the supply chain is eased out. Volumes have gone up, what we normally manufacture on an annual basis, say 200 or 300 million doses of say a polio vaccine, today we looking at a billion doses for the same year of Covaxin. Pressure comes because of the high volume of pandemic vaccines that need to be manufactured in a shorter time frame. Wion: How much of your supply chain is dependent on external sources? Have you taken this up with the Indian govt and if yes what kind of support you have got from them? Suchitra Ella: It is very well appraised to the concerned department who almost talk to us frequently and aware of many of the areas of the inputs that have to go into vaccine production. Ministry of health, Ministry of Pharma is aware of it. We have explained to them that these are some of the areas where things can be eased up. Ministries have been extremely proactive and like to say this very clearly that almost all the ministries we have been like dept of science and tech. The MEA being the bridge between us and other economies of the world, these countries are all friends of India and I'm sure they will understand that India is not just seeking for the sake of manufacturing or supplying vaccine for its own population but also we all know, India is 60 per cent supplier of vaccines to the world at large. So it goes to show India has a very large role to play and the MEA has reached out to us to take this forward to help ease the supply chain in these areas which are specific to vaccine manufacturers. Wion: if you have to expand capacity, how important is it to ensure external flows and smooth supply chains? Suchitra Ella: We have made our calculations as to how we have factored in for the first 6 months of the year, for the second 6 months of the year, so certainly in order to reach that one billion doses or volume required by us, the input should come in a regulated, frequent and consistent interval. The quantity of these supplies has to be met in a very consistent manner in order to reach this kind of capacity we are talking about. I am hopeful, this will get done and countries of the world will certainly be talking to India and amongst themselves to ensure a free movement of all these inputs that go into vaccine production. Wion: Sales of vaccines abroad have been done as commercial commitments and to establish our brand globally. How important are these sales to encourage the global supply chains to keep you supplies? Suchitra Ella: So we are very much aware of our commitments that we have to keep in mind, serving the country, the children of our country and for sure during the pandemic, we know the requirement of the country. In addition to that, we also cater to many countries of the world. We have supplied to 125 countries around the world. We also supply to Gavi, Unicef who procure directly from us as manufacturers, very high volumes of vaccines that get distributed to poorer nations of the world. We also have countries, middle and high-income countries, that have the buying power to place procurement with manufacturers for their countries' requirements of the vaccine. The tremendous role and responsibility Indian manufacturers have to play in being able to get this volume but also to the rest of the world in the right and effective time frame, that is very important right now. We are all racing against time. We normally have 12 months to supply. This is not like that, it's a race against time. Humanity needs it, the world needs us, and it's time for all of us to get together in the best possible manner to save lives. Wion: Lot of talk about patent transfer. Are you okay with sharing the patent of the vaccine with other companies? Suchitra Ella: Our vaccine has one of the most difficult process technology vaccines which is developed on an inactivated zero cell platform. It's a classical vaccine process that we deploy...in 3 or 4 vaccines that we already manufacture. This is a very stringent process, it is not about giving the patent or the tech transfer. This is about having the infrastructure to manufacture such a vaccine. We have one of the most stringent biosafety levels which is the BSL 3 facility in which we make sure organism should not escape to the environment. It is the negative pressure environment of the facility that has to be deployed in order to make such vaccines such as the Covaxin. It is very important to keep that in mind, that the quality of the product is important and the safety of the environment where this material will be deployed is very important. People who work in these facilities are also human beings and their lives should be extremely protected and safeguarded by the manufacturer. So this is a tough process to be deployed or given away to anybody out there unless that particular organization has demonstrated or has a very long record of manufacturing viral vaccine under the guidelines that are required and followed the world over. Wion: Clinical trial for children. How soon can we expect the results? can it be given Emergency Use Authorization or EUA like in the case of the adults? Suchitra Ella: Clinical trials are a very time-consuming process, though we have timelines for it...standards, timelines, goals etc are conducted as per the special experts' committee and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) who gives us the authorization to conduct these trials. Children's trial has been permitted for Covaxin by the Drug Controller General of India and we hope to start it very soon. It is getting started in the month of June. Since Covaxin has been studied extensively for 8-9 months, and even some parts of the study are still happening in an adult population where we have deployed 27000 volunteers. We have extensive data on safety and immunogenicity and on efficacy. This has been very well established in adults. In order to ensure children can also receive the vaccine, the drug controller and the national regulatory authorities of the country will permit us and we will take up this clinical study and will take us 2-3 months. If all goes well in the pandemic situation we are in, we hope to complete the trial in a 3-month timeline. So the vaccine will be the same. It is the study that is important so that safety aspect is important in the subject who be children this time. That is very important. We are normally very well acquainted with the pediatric vaccine trial because most of our vaccines cater to the pediatric segment of the world. We are very well acquainted with trials of this nature. But this time around since Covaxin has come in a reverse manner to children, we will certainly able to do this study for safety in children, especially the age group required. So we will be able to demonstrate that study data, and hopeful and positive that Covaxin can be administrated to children once the data is accepted and approved by DCGI. Wion: Any timeline when it can be given for it? Suchitra Ella: Sidhant it's very difficult to give a set timeline. We are in a pandemic and to get volunteers to hospitals, trials are not conducted within 4 walls, on laptops or systems. It is a physical trial in a hospital or medical college and conducted by medical practitioners. It is a site where volunteers have to physically go and a lot of protocols have to be followed. In spite of all this, we are hoping since we already have a lot of data in Covaxin in adult studies we hope...children are children and there is none of us can go and talk to a parent. As a company, I cannot go to a parent and convenience them to allow the participation of their children in a trial. It is something they have to do by themselves in a voluntary mode. The hospital will create awareness and will educate the parent and the parent have to be willing. The parent has to give consent, children have to understand the process. It is a medical process and biological process and need to bear in mind it is very sensitive and at the same time, we do it all the time. We have conducted studies involving more than 500,000 infants and children for many of our pediatric vaccines in about 20 countries of the world. We understand the regulation very well and we only hope we will be able to take it forward especially at a time pandemic. Sensitivities involving children, we have to get all aspects put together well and get it done in best possible time frame. Wion: Recently, government came out with guidelines for the vaccination gap. Covishield has a gap broadened, where it wasn't the case with Covaxin. Why and how is it different? Suchitra Ella: Most of the guidelines are by the Ministry of Health and DCGI who permit the doses and the administration and scheduling of vaccines. It comes based on the study, also based on prior experience of getting such vaccines done. With Covid vaccine, technical data, research, and academic research going back and forth is almost changing by the day, if not by the hour. We have studied our vaccine, within 28 days apart, govt has also gone ahead and said we could extend it to 45 days. It's a zero-day and the second dose is within 45 days. The second dose is always a booster dose. So in order to ensure booster dose is effective in most of people, a little bit of tweaking of the timeline is not going to be a huge problem, because in many vaccine dosages are done between 0 to 30 and 3rd dose is done within 180 days as well, there is a booster dose which comes after a year. These kinds of things are done for many vaccines. In a Covid situation, our is a whole unit vaccine and the entire inactivated vaccine is deployed and its not spike protein. We have a more uniform way of getting antibodies formed at a level that we have indicated. If there is information oR data coming from WHO or other agencies from around the world who have a lot of studies and work, then it is upon regulator to advise what should be protocol or dosage for the country. As a manufacturer, our responsibility ends with dispatching vaccines to govt hospital, govt depots or private hospitals at this point of time. Administration of vaccines and distribution happens at the hospital and the govt intuition. The regulation comes from the ministry itself, this is a multi-pronged collective approach, collective data, collective approach, and best of the practices and information sharing coming from rest of the world is also kept in mind when such decisions are made for certain populations of the world. Wion: Covaxin and its ability to handle Covid variant... Suchitra Ella: Our vaccine Covaxin has been studied from the very first strain we received last year in the month of may when initial work started. Covaxin was also tested in variants that emerged in countries like South Africa, Brazil, UK. Covaxin was proved to be neutralizing all these variants including the double mutant, which has been observed in India. All this data has been published in peer-reviewed, international medical journals to show that Covaxin has effectively neutralized (the virus) being an inactivated whole-cell vaccine probably gave it an edge to overcome all the different strains, changes that are happening, the mutation that is happening. As of now, it is working well on all of them and it has been proven clinically and studied, subjected to peer review, internationally. Wion: How do u feel as a women entrepreneur? Suchitra Ella: Personally, for me, entrepreneurship is not about gender. Entrepreneurship is not gender-based, it's the mindset with which you come. It is the vision, you have to look at the challenge and turn it into an opportunity or try and see if there is a way to finding a solution for it, which is what we as a company from the days our inception is to innovate. Continuously Develop technology, intellectual property to bring solutions to public health. We collectively, as an organization have a huge team of more than 2000 people on the Hyderabad campus. We have facilities in Bangalore and Ankleshwar, all put together we are a multi-centric company with multi facilities across the state. Through the pandemic, we have been collectively working in bringing Covaxin which is very important for us as an innovative company because we believe that such innovation can also be brought from India. That was the passion, vision. We worked in mission mode and confidently say, not any employee has gone for vacation. It has been physically and emotionally challenging and we have stood together. I am proud and happy to be where we are for Covaxin.

Exclusive: Bharat Biotech's Joint MD Suchitra Ella confident on Covid vaccine production commitments

A senior fighter pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary of the Indian Air Force died on Friday after a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet crashed near Moga in Punjab in the wee hours. 
 
The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when the accident happened, IAF officials said.

"There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of the IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the Indian Air Forces said on Twitter.

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There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1395568810480992257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is the third crash of a MiG-21 aircraft in 2021. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior fighter pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary of the Indian Air Force died on Friday after a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet crashed near Moga in Punjab in the wee hours.

A senior fighter pilot Squadron Leader Abhinav Choudhary of the Indian Air Force died on Friday after a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet crashed near Moga in Punjab in the wee hours. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when the accident happened, IAF officials said. "There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of the IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the Indian Air Forces said on Twitter. There was an aircraft accident last night involving a Bison aircraft of IAF in the western sector. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Abhinav Choudhary, sustained fatal injuries. IAF condoles the tragic loss and stands firmly with the bereaved family. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 21, 2021 × This is the third crash of a MiG-21 aircraft in 2021. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

Fighter pilot dies in MiG 21 crash in Punjab's Moga

Kashmir's music industry was in shambles for the last three decades. There were no music albums or songs released for years until the young brigade took it on themselves to revive this industry. The pace is slow but these young artists are making every effort to put life back into this industry.&nbsp;

Hashim Rather, 23 is one of the youngest singer, songwriter and composer in Kashmir valley.

A self-taught musician has had no formal training but that did not stop him from pursuing music. He has performed in hundreds of events across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He is mostly admired by young people and that's why in every college or university event, Hashim is always seen performing.&nbsp;

''I think music has been dying slowly here but I guess a lot of local artists who came forward are trying to revive it. All I know is that music is something that expresses what I am going through, what's in my heart and it's a venting mechanism for me. I do music for myself, I never knew people would like it but they did. A lot of people say that it heals them and that gave me encouragement to pursue music,&nbsp;'' said musician&nbsp;Hashim Rather, Musician.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmiri musician" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fb9c89b-ec04-487a-ae1d-ef05d29011dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/43_0.jpg" />

Hashim has recently launched a Kashmiri song called 'Baalyaro' which has gained a lot of popularity across the valley on the social network. He says there are many challenges for artists. From finding a platform to being socially accepted in a conservative society.&nbsp;

''Social media is the only platform here. I am able to interact with people from across the country. We didn't have many opportunities and now we have social media where people can see your work. We live in a society where we are not free to follow our passion, there are social standards, we have to fit in and if someone tries to live a different path, he is going to be questioned and that's why people doubt it. When you talk about your ambition,all they will say is that it has no future, and I think this kills many dreams. And that's the main reason people give up easily," Hashim asserted.&nbsp;

While the music industry was gasping for its survival, even some traditional musical instruments were at the verge of extinction. Rabab, A Kashmiri musical instrument was completely forgotten till a new brigade of musicians picked it up and brought it back to life.

Adnan Manzoor started playing Rabab when he was just 15 years old. His fascination with this instrument increased after he learnt guitar. At 21, he is the youngest Rabab player in the valley and not to forget the most famous too. His music videos have millions of views and he has become an inspiration for many youngsters to pick up the art.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmiri musician" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="250f91b7-5700-455f-8c16-054d88dca9d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/33.jpg" />

''I agree that there was no music scene in Kashmir while I was growing up, but that's how I got inspired. I wanted to recreate the tradition and also want young people to take this up to save this art. As an artist, every Kashmiri has to struggle more as there are no platforms for them. but there is social media and I started using social media, my one cover had more than 3 million views. I get mails, messages from people who want to learn rabab. '' said Adnan Manzoor, Musician.&nbsp;

While the industry is surviving because of these young artists, not many female voices have chosen music as their career.&nbsp;

Mehmeet Syed is among very few female musicians in the Kashmir Valley. She started her musical journey when there were no women singers around. The challenge for her was not only to make a mark in the music industry but also to break the cultural barrier of accepting women in this industry.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kasmiri musician" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1250c749-ee52-4fb2-b3d4-cdeb8ba991a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/53.jpg" />

''I loved singing, It was my passion, I used to sing in my school. Everyone wanted me to sing during my school days. I would say I was a privileged one as I had family support. I was kind of the first one at that point in time. I was like a teenager, Considering my age and family background. There used to be criticism but thankfully my family supported me and they used to be around me as a shield and I didn't have to answer anyone. That's very true, I remember when I started there were many girls who were with my during the teenage years but they kind of vanished and disappeared from the scene, i believe it could be because of the culture. Girls think singing is like breaking the glass ceiling and I think it could be Kashmiri culture. I do get a lot of messages from girls nowadays and I try to help as much as I can.,'' said singer Mehmeet Syed.&nbsp;

Kashmir’s music industry has seen the worst in the last three decades but with these new budding artists, there is hope for its revival.&nbsp;

Kashmir's music industry was in shambles for the last three decades. There were no music albums or songs released for years until the young brigade took it on themselves to revive this industry.

Kashmir's music industry was in shambles for the last three decades. There were no music albums or songs released for years until the young brigade took it on themselves to revive this industry. The pace is slow but these young artists are making every effort to put life back into this industry. Hashim Rather, 23 is one of the youngest singer, songwriter and composer in Kashmir valley. A self-taught musician has had no formal training but that did not stop him from pursuing music. He has performed in hundreds of events across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He is mostly admired by young people and that's why in every college or university event, Hashim is always seen performing. ''I think music has been dying slowly here but I guess a lot of local artists who came forward are trying to revive it. All I know is that music is something that expresses what I am going through, what's in my heart and it's a venting mechanism for me. I do music for myself, I never knew people would like it but they did. A lot of people say that it heals them and that gave me encouragement to pursue music, '' said musician Hashim Rather, Musician. Hashim has recently launched a Kashmiri song called 'Baalyaro' which has gained a lot of popularity across the valley on the social network. He says there are many challenges for artists. From finding a platform to being socially accepted in a conservative society. ''Social media is the only platform here. I am able to interact with people from across the country. We didn't have many opportunities and now we have social media where people can see your work. We live in a society where we are not free to follow our passion, there are social standards, we have to fit in and if someone tries to live a different path, he is going to be questioned and that's why people doubt it. When you talk about your ambition,all they will say is that it has no future, and I think this kills many dreams. And that's the main reason people give up easily," Hashim asserted. While the music industry was gasping for its survival, even some traditional musical instruments were at the verge of extinction. Rabab, A Kashmiri musical instrument was completely forgotten till a new brigade of musicians picked it up and brought it back to life. Adnan Manzoor started playing Rabab when he was just 15 years old. His fascination with this instrument increased after he learnt guitar. At 21, he is the youngest Rabab player in the valley and not to forget the most famous too. His music videos have millions of views and he has become an inspiration for many youngsters to pick up the art. ''I agree that there was no music scene in Kashmir while I was growing up, but that's how I got inspired. I wanted to recreate the tradition and also want young people to take this up to save this art. As an artist, every Kashmiri has to struggle more as there are no platforms for them. but there is social media and I started using social media, my one cover had more than 3 million views. I get mails, messages from people who want to learn rabab. '' said Adnan Manzoor, Musician. While the industry is surviving because of these young artists, not many female voices have chosen music as their career. Mehmeet Syed is among very few female musicians in the Kashmir Valley. She started her musical journey when there were no women singers around. The challenge for her was not only to make a mark in the music industry but also to break the cultural barrier of accepting women in this industry. ''I loved singing, It was my passion, I used to sing in my school. Everyone wanted me to sing during my school days. I would say I was a privileged one as I had family support. I was kind of the first one at that point in time. I was like a teenager, Considering my age and family background. There used to be criticism but thankfully my family supported me and they used to be around me as a shield and I didn't have to answer anyone. That's very true, I remember when I started there were many girls who were with my during the teenage years but they kind of vanished and disappeared from the scene, i believe it could be because of the culture. Girls think singing is like breaking the glass ceiling and I think it could be Kashmiri culture. I do get a lot of messages from girls nowadays and I try to help as much as I can.,'' said singer Mehmeet Syed. Kashmir’s music industry has seen the worst in the last three decades but with these new budding artists, there is hope for its revival.

Young artists reviving Kashmir music industry

Suchitra Ella, joint managing director of Bharat Biotech has expressed confidence on meeting commitments that have been "made to govt of India", with the company aiming to produce 1 billion COVID vaccine COVAXIN doses involving facilities in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Ankleshwar. Ella co-founded the company along with Dr Krishna M Ella and its COVID vaccine along with Covishield and sputnik are the only 3 vaccines allowed in India.

Bharat Biotech's Suchitra Ella confident on vaccine production commitments

India has reported less than 300,000 COVID cases for the fifth straight day. The country reported more than 259,000 cases in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus Update: India records less than 300,000 cases for 5th straight day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday choked with emotion while thanking doctors, frontline workers during a video conference with them.&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 has taken away many of our loved ones from us. I pay my respects to all those people, and express my condolences to their families," he said.

"As a servant of Kashi, I thank everyone in Varanasi, especially the doctors, nurses, technicians, ward boys and ambulance drivers who have done commendable work," PM said.

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"कोरोना वायरस ने हमारे कई अपनों को हमसे छीना है। मैं उन सभी लोगों को अपनी श्रद्धांजलि देता हूं, उनके परिजनों के प्रति सांत्वना व्यक्त करता हूं।" 
 
कोरोना के कारण जान गंवाने वालों को श्रद्धांजलि देते हुए प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी भावुक हो गए। <a href="https://t.co/UqTp8JzAAy">pic.twitter.com/UqTp8JzAAy</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1395641484964102145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While interacting with doctors, paramedical staff, and other frontline health workers of his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi said, "Varanasi has set a great example by the way it has equipped Pandit Rajan Mishra COVID hospital and increased the number of oxygen beds and ICU beds in the city, in such a short period."

PM Modi also unveiled a new slogan 'Jahan Bimar, Wahin Upchar' and appreciated the micro-containment zone implemented by the city.

"With the concept of 'Jahan Bimar, Wahan Upchar', the practice of making containment zones to distributing door-to-door medicines in your city &amp; villages is commendable," he said.

"Vaccination has protected our frontline workers, who could serve the people. In the coming days, we will be extending vaccine protection to everyone," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday choked with emotion while thanking doctors, frontline workers during a video conference with them. "The COVID-19 has taken away many of our loved ones from us.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday choked with emotion while thanking doctors, frontline workers during a video conference with them. "The COVID-19 has taken away many of our loved ones from us. I pay my respects to all those people, and express my condolences to their families," he said. "As a servant of Kashi, I thank everyone in Varanasi, especially the doctors, nurses, technicians, ward boys and ambulance drivers who have done commendable work," PM said. "कोरोना वायरस ने हमारे कई अपनों को हमसे छीना है। मैं उन सभी लोगों को अपनी श्रद्धांजलि देता हूं, उनके परिजनों के प्रति सांत्वना व्यक्त करता हूं।" कोरोना के कारण जान गंवाने वालों को श्रद्धांजलि देते हुए प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी भावुक हो गए। pic.twitter.com/UqTp8JzAAy — BJP (@BJP4India) May 21, 2021 × While interacting with doctors, paramedical staff, and other frontline health workers of his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi said, "Varanasi has set a great example by the way it has equipped Pandit Rajan Mishra COVID hospital and increased the number of oxygen beds and ICU beds in the city, in such a short period." PM Modi also unveiled a new slogan 'Jahan Bimar, Wahin Upchar' and appreciated the micro-containment zone implemented by the city. "With the concept of 'Jahan Bimar, Wahan Upchar', the practice of making containment zones to distributing door-to-door medicines in your city & villages is commendable," he said. "Vaccination has protected our frontline workers, who could serve the people. In the coming days, we will be extending vaccine protection to everyone," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Virus snatched many loved ones': PM Modi gets emotional

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's&nbsp;population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural &amp; tribal areas. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-black-fungus-or-mucormycosis-symptoms-and-treatment-384366">Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment</a> 
 
According to the study conducted in 25 Indian cities, out of 50% who wear the mask:- 
 
32% of the people do not cover the nose | 10% have it on the chin |&nbsp;1% wear a mask on the neck and only 7% wear it correctly&nbsp;covering the nose, mouth, chin and with a clip-on nose.

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Half of India isn't wearing a mask! 
 
Around 50% Indians do not wear a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mask?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mask</a> today, only 7% wear it correctly 
 
- <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> quotes a study conducted in 25 cities <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/f85gvG1noQ">pic.twitter.com/f85gvG1noQ</a>
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB/status/1395340696546996228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During the media briefing, health ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal informed that eight states in the country have more than 100,000&nbsp;active cases, 9 states have between 50,000-100,000&nbsp;active cases and 19 states have less than 50,000 active cases.

"Some states like Karnataka and West Bengal that are showing positivity of over 25 per cent which remain a concern," said Luv Agarwal. 
 
Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in the last three weeks, the health ministry official said.

India has been jolted by the second wave of coronavirus which has crippled its healthcare system.

Till Thursday, India's total of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 after reporting 2,76,110 new cases in the last 24 hours while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data update.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural & tribal areas.

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural & tribal areas. Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment According to the study conducted in 25 Indian cities, out of 50% who wear the mask:- 32% of the people do not cover the nose | 10% have it on the chin | 1% wear a mask on the neck and only 7% wear it correctly covering the nose, mouth, chin and with a clip-on nose. #IndiaFightsCorona Half of India isn't wearing a mask! Around 50% Indians do not wear a #Mask today, only 7% wear it correctly - @MoHFW_INDIA quotes a study conducted in 25 cities #Unite2FightCorona #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/f85gvG1noQ — #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) May 20, 2021 × During the media briefing, health ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal informed that eight states in the country have more than 100,000 active cases, 9 states have between 50,000-100,000 active cases and 19 states have less than 50,000 active cases. "Some states like Karnataka and West Bengal that are showing positivity of over 25 per cent which remain a concern," said Luv Agarwal. Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in the last three weeks, the health ministry official said. India has been jolted by the second wave of coronavirus which has crippled its healthcare system. Till Thursday, India's total of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 after reporting 2,76,110 new cases in the last 24 hours while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data update. (With inputs from agencies)

50% of Indians don't wear a mask, only 7% wear it correctly: Ministry of Health

On May 19, the Indian government gave a final warning to WhatsApp.

Reports say India's ministry for Information technology has sent a letter to the company, which says that WhatsApp must withdraw the new policy.

“In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the letter reads.

The company has been given seven days to respond else the Indian government says it will "consider various options available to it" under the Indian law. Earlier this month, WhatsApp relaxed its May 15 deadline to accept the new terms. Before that, the company also said that those who don't accept will lose functionality. Now, WhatsApp has tweaked its FAQs. It has given more time for users to accept the new rules.

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The latest version says: “No one will have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of WhatsApp on May 15 because of this update".

Around the world, there has been a massive pushback against WhatsApp's new privacy policy. At least 11 countries have asked Facebook, the company that owns WhatsApp to stop the data sharing policy. These countries are Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Brazil, United States, South Africa, Argentina, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/delhi-hc-issues-notice-on-facebook-whatsapp-pleas-challenging-order-on-new-privacy-policy-383212" hreflang="en">Delhi HC issues notice on Facebook, WhatsApp pleas challenging order on new privacy policy</a>

The bone of contention is the relationship between Facebook and WhatsApp and the kind of data the parent company can take from the application. The new policy dictates the rules on how users will interact with businesses on WhatsApp. WhatsApp maintains that all personal conversations will remain private. But in an earlier post on its website, WhatsApp had shared details about the kind of data it can share with Facebook.

This includes your name, phone number, information about your phone - the make and model and the company that made the phone, your IP address and any payments and financial transactions you made over WhatsApp. These rules don't apply in Europe because these countries have specific laws against this kind of data sharing.

Increasingly, data sharing is becoming worrying for governments around the world. In the US, critics of Facebook are calling it a monopoly. Lawmakers argue that the company is too powerful and should be broken up. India is conducting an investigation of its own. Earlier this year, the Competition Commission of India launched a probe into WhatsApp.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/whatsapp-delays-enforcing-new-privacy-terms-after-germany-halts-data-sharing-384614" hreflang="en">WhatsApp delays enforcing new privacy terms after Germany halts data sharing</a>

Referring specifically to the privacy policy, the Indian competition watchdog said WhatsApp's "take it or leave it policy" merits a detailed investigation. WhatsApp challenged this in the Delhi High Court but the judge refused to quash the probe.

This means WhatsApp and Facebook will face challenging times ahead and the privacy policy is just the beginning of the scrutiny.

On May 19, the Indian government gave a final warning to WhatsApp. Reports say India's ministry for Information technology has sent a letter to the company, which says that WhatsApp must withdraw the new policy.

On May 19, the Indian government gave a final warning to WhatsApp. Reports say India's ministry for Information technology has sent a letter to the company, which says that WhatsApp must withdraw the new policy. “In fulfilment of its sovereign responsibility to protect the rights and interests of Indian citizens, the government of India will consider various options available to it under laws in India,” the letter reads. The company has been given seven days to respond else the Indian government says it will "consider various options available to it" under the Indian law. Earlier this month, WhatsApp relaxed its May 15 deadline to accept the new terms. Before that, the company also said that those who don't accept will lose functionality. Now, WhatsApp has tweaked its FAQs. It has given more time for users to accept the new rules. The latest version says: “No one will have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of WhatsApp on May 15 because of this update". Around the world, there has been a massive pushback against WhatsApp's new privacy policy. At least 11 countries have asked Facebook, the company that owns WhatsApp to stop the data sharing policy. These countries are Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Brazil, United States, South Africa, Argentina, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Also read: Delhi HC issues notice on Facebook, WhatsApp pleas challenging order on new privacy policy The bone of contention is the relationship between Facebook and WhatsApp and the kind of data the parent company can take from the application. The new policy dictates the rules on how users will interact with businesses on WhatsApp. WhatsApp maintains that all personal conversations will remain private. But in an earlier post on its website, WhatsApp had shared details about the kind of data it can share with Facebook. This includes your name, phone number, information about your phone - the make and model and the company that made the phone, your IP address and any payments and financial transactions you made over WhatsApp. These rules don't apply in Europe because these countries have specific laws against this kind of data sharing. Increasingly, data sharing is becoming worrying for governments around the world. In the US, critics of Facebook are calling it a monopoly. Lawmakers argue that the company is too powerful and should be broken up. India is conducting an investigation of its own. Earlier this year, the Competition Commission of India launched a probe into WhatsApp. Also read: WhatsApp delays enforcing new privacy terms after Germany halts data sharing Referring specifically to the privacy policy, the Indian competition watchdog said WhatsApp's "take it or leave it policy" merits a detailed investigation. WhatsApp challenged this in the Delhi High Court but the judge refused to quash the probe. This means WhatsApp and Facebook will face challenging times ahead and the privacy policy is just the beginning of the scrutiny.

India takes on WhatsApp with fresh warning against new data policy

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19, the Diving School of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conceptualised and designed an Oxygen Recycling System (ORS) to alleviate the existing Oxygen shortages.

According to an official statement, the ORS has been designed by Lieutenant Commander Mayank Sharma of the Diving School. The system's design has been patented, and an application to this effect has been filed by the Indian Navy on May 13.

The Driving School has expertise in this area as the basic concept is used in some of the diving sets used by the school. Earlier, a similar idea on a miniaturised lab model was demonstrated to the Prime Minister during the Combined Commanders Conference at Kevadia on March 6.

According to a press release, the ORS is designed to extend the life of the existing medical oxygen cylinders two to four times, using the fact that only a small percentage of oxygen inhaled by a patient is actually absorbed by the lungs, the rest being exhaled into the atmosphere along with carbon dioxide produced by the body.

The first fully operational prototype of the ORS was produced on April 22 and underwent a series of in-house trials and design improvements at the Southern Naval Command, with third-party observers from ISO-certified firms.

Thereafter, on the directives of NITI Aayog, the system underwent detailed analysis and assessment by a team of specialists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) at Thiruvananthapuram. The team of specialists at SCTIMST found the concept and design of the Oxygen Recycling System feasible, and also suggested a few additional modifications.

The overall cost of the ORS prototype has been capped at Rs. 10,000 against an envisaged saving of Rs 3,000 per day due to the recycling of O2. Besides substantially enhancing the existing oxygen capacity in the country, the ORS can also be used to extend the life of oxygen cylinders used by mountaineers/ soldiers at High Altitude, for HADR operations and onboard naval ships and submarines.

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19, the Diving School of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conceptualised and designed an Oxygen Recycling System (ORS) to alleviate the existing Oxygen shortages.

Amidst the second wave of COVID-19, the Diving School of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy has conceptualised and designed an Oxygen Recycling System (ORS) to alleviate the existing Oxygen shortages. According to an official statement, the ORS has been designed by Lieutenant Commander Mayank Sharma of the Diving School. The system's design has been patented, and an application to this effect has been filed by the Indian Navy on May 13. The Driving School has expertise in this area as the basic concept is used in some of the diving sets used by the school. Earlier, a similar idea on a miniaturised lab model was demonstrated to the Prime Minister during the Combined Commanders Conference at Kevadia on March 6. According to a press release, the ORS is designed to extend the life of the existing medical oxygen cylinders two to four times, using the fact that only a small percentage of oxygen inhaled by a patient is actually absorbed by the lungs, the rest being exhaled into the atmosphere along with carbon dioxide produced by the body. The first fully operational prototype of the ORS was produced on April 22 and underwent a series of in-house trials and design improvements at the Southern Naval Command, with third-party observers from ISO-certified firms. Thereafter, on the directives of NITI Aayog, the system underwent detailed analysis and assessment by a team of specialists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) at Thiruvananthapuram. The team of specialists at SCTIMST found the concept and design of the Oxygen Recycling System feasible, and also suggested a few additional modifications. The overall cost of the ORS prototype has been capped at Rs. 10,000 against an envisaged saving of Rs 3,000 per day due to the recycling of O2. Besides substantially enhancing the existing oxygen capacity in the country, the ORS can also be used to extend the life of oxygen cylinders used by mountaineers/ soldiers at High Altitude, for HADR operations and onboard naval ships and submarines.

Indian Navy designs Oxygen Recycling System to mitigate current oxygen crisis

India has recoded less than 300,000 COVID cases for the forth straight day. Now India reported 276,070 cases in the last 24 hours. PM Modi meets field officials from districts and states.

PM Modi: Strategy to deal with COVID must be dynamic

With a low-pressure area off Andamans expected to intensify into Cyclone ‘Yaas’ after the weekend, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) has already swung into action.

Coast Guard assets on sea, air and land are relaying alert messages in English and Indian languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels across the length of India’s East Coast - from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal.&nbsp;

Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, life buoys and lifejackets are standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. Medical teams and&nbsp;ambulances have also been kept standby for swift mobilisation.

Besides closely monitoring the weather system, alerting vessels at sea, the ICG is also alerting anchored vessels to adopt adequate safety measures.

“Navtex warnings are being issued regularly and International safety Net (ISN) has been activated to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Port authorities, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities and fishermen associations have been informed about the likelihood of cyclone formation and a close liaison and coordination for safety of boats, vessels and fixed platforms is being maintained” said the statement from the ICG.&nbsp;

Despite the fishing ban being in-force across India’s east coast, the ICG ’s aircraft and ships are broadcasting information asking fishermen to return to shore.&nbsp;&nbsp;ICG has also requested respective State/ UT governments to sensitize fishers and carry out accounting of fishing boats present in harbour and maintan a close liaison.

As per IMD forecast, a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around May 22. It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic storm in next 72 hours.

It is predicted to move North-westwards and reach Odisha - West Bengal coasts around 26 May 21 evening. The system will be named 'Yaas' once it develops into a&nbsp;cyclone.&nbsp;Cyclones that form in India’s East Coast have an impact across states and Union territories such as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.&nbsp;

Over the last one week, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, that was struck by a very severe cyclone ‘Tauktae’. The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, South Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall.&nbsp;

With a low-pressure area off Andamans expected to intensify into Cyclone ‘Yaas’ after the weekend, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) has already swung into action. Coast Guard assets on sea, air and land are relaying alert messages in English and Indian languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels across the length of India’s East Coast - from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal.

With a low-pressure area off Andamans expected to intensify into Cyclone ‘Yaas’ after the weekend, the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) has already swung into action. Coast Guard assets on sea, air and land are relaying alert messages in English and Indian languages to alert merchant vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels across the length of India’s East Coast - from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal. Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, life buoys and lifejackets are standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. Medical teams and ambulances have also been kept standby for swift mobilisation. Besides closely monitoring the weather system, alerting vessels at sea, the ICG is also alerting anchored vessels to adopt adequate safety measures. “Navtex warnings are being issued regularly and International safety Net (ISN) has been activated to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Port authorities, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities and fishermen associations have been informed about the likelihood of cyclone formation and a close liaison and coordination for safety of boats, vessels and fixed platforms is being maintained” said the statement from the ICG. Despite the fishing ban being in-force across India’s east coast, the ICG ’s aircraft and ships are broadcasting information asking fishermen to return to shore. ICG has also requested respective State/ UT governments to sensitize fishers and carry out accounting of fishing boats present in harbour and maintan a close liaison. As per IMD forecast, a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around May 22. It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic storm in next 72 hours. It is predicted to move North-westwards and reach Odisha - West Bengal coasts around 26 May 21 evening. The system will be named 'Yaas' once it develops into a cyclone. Cyclones that form in India’s East Coast have an impact across states and Union territories such as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Over the last one week, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, that was struck by a very severe cyclone ‘Tauktae’. The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, South Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall.

Indian Coast Guard teams on stand-by, fishermen, sailors alerted for Cyclone ‘Yaas’ on East Coast

A coffee shop at the Kaman Aman Setu, has been established by Indian Army. This coffee shop will be hosting people from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and also people from all across the country.

Kashmir: Coffee shop opened by Indian Army at Kaman Aman Setu

Pune's Mylab Discovery Solutions on Thursday launched India`s first-ever self-testing kit for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, which has received the approval of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

"This test is for self-use. If you test positive via this there`s no need for the RT-PCR test as per ICMR. Any adult can use this kit by reading our manual," Director of Mylab Discovery Solutions, Sujeet Jain told ANI.

"It takes 2 minutes to conduct the test and 15 minutes to get the result. It will be available by end of next week in more than 7 lakh pharmacies and our online pharmacy partners across India. Our target is to reach 90 per cent pin codes in India," informed Jain.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-new-game-changing-strip-test-for-coronavirus-ready-to-hit-market-335483">India's new 'game-changing' strip test for coronavirus ready to hit market</a>

The COVID testing kit can be used by any common person at home without the assistance of any lab or health official.

The kit named 'CoviSelf'&nbsp;delivers the result just in 15 minutes. The kit will cost Rs 250 in the market.

While speaking to ANI Sujit Jain, Director of My Lab Discovery Solutions said, "This kit is the result of hard work of six months and it ensures complete safety. Anybody having a basic knowledge can also get this test done at home."

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𝐈𝐂𝐌𝐑 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 (𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐬). For more details visit <a href="https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ">https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCOVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/membV3hPbX">pic.twitter.com/membV3hPbX</a>
— ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICMRDELHI/status/1395058817310748673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"As per ICMR guidelines, if anybody gets tested positive with this test, he/she does not need to do RT-PCR test again. This is the first-ever self-testing kit approved by ICMR in India,` he added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-several-other-nations-receive-faulty-coronavirus-test-kits-from-china-292974">India, several other nations receive faulty coronavirus test kits from China</a>

Yesterday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that only symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of COVID-19 positive patients are advised for home testing by Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT).

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-india-sees-slight-downward-trend-in-daily-covid-cases-386253/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Home testing by RAT is advised only in symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of laboratory-confirmed positive cases. Indiscriminate testing is not advised. Home testing should be conducted as per the procedure described by the manufacturer in the user manual," stated the ICMR advisory.

ICMR suggested users download the home testing mobile app on their smartphones and said the app is a comprehensive guide of the testing procedure.

Pune's Mylab Discovery Solutions on Thursday launched India`s first-ever self-testing kit for COVID-19, which has received the approval of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Pune's Mylab Discovery Solutions on Thursday launched India`s first-ever self-testing kit for COVID-19, which has received the approval of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). "This test is for self-use. If you test positive via this there`s no need for the RT-PCR test as per ICMR. Any adult can use this kit by reading our manual," Director of Mylab Discovery Solutions, Sujeet Jain told ANI. "It takes 2 minutes to conduct the test and 15 minutes to get the result. It will be available by end of next week in more than 7 lakh pharmacies and our online pharmacy partners across India. Our target is to reach 90 per cent pin codes in India," informed Jain. Also Read | India's new 'game-changing' strip test for coronavirus ready to hit market The COVID testing kit can be used by any common person at home without the assistance of any lab or health official. The kit named 'CoviSelf' delivers the result just in 15 minutes. The kit will cost Rs 250 in the market. While speaking to ANI Sujit Jain, Director of My Lab Discovery Solutions said, "This kit is the result of hard work of six months and it ensures complete safety. Anybody having a basic knowledge can also get this test done at home." 𝐈𝐂𝐌𝐑 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 (𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐬). For more details visit https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ @PMOIndia #ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19 #IndiaFightsCOVID19 pic.twitter.com/membV3hPbX — ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) May 19, 2021 × "As per ICMR guidelines, if anybody gets tested positive with this test, he/she does not need to do RT-PCR test again. This is the first-ever self-testing kit approved by ICMR in India,` he added. Also Read | India, several other nations receive faulty coronavirus test kits from China Yesterday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that only symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of COVID-19 positive patients are advised for home testing by Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT). "Home testing by RAT is advised only in symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of laboratory-confirmed positive cases. Indiscriminate testing is not advised. Home testing should be conducted as per the procedure described by the manufacturer in the user manual," stated the ICMR advisory. ICMR suggested users download the home testing mobile app on their smartphones and said the app is a comprehensive guide of the testing procedure.

Pune lab launches India's first-ever self-testing kit for COVID-19

The celebrated doctor and former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr KK Aggarwal, lost his battle to the deadly coronavirus recently.

Now, a few days after, his last video message to the masses has resurfaced on the internet in which Dr Aggarwal can be heard telling people, 'the show must go on'.

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Dr KK Agrawal In His last video : 'Show must go on' <a href="https://t.co/WKgUqr4udI">pic.twitter.com/WKgUqr4udI</a>
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The doctor helped people through the raging pandemic by releasing videos on common myths, symptoms, cures, precautions, and more through his social media accounts. He bore a special place in hearts of people as he was known for taking out time to listen to people’s problems and giving medical solutions.

His efforts were hugely appreciated when he continued advising people even when he got infected with the deadly virus during India’s second wave. However, he was declared dead at 11:30 pm on Monday "after a lengthy battle".

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"Ever since he became a doctor, Padma Shri Dr KK Aggarwal has dedicated his life to the welfare of the public and raising health awareness. Even during the pandemic, he made constant efforts to educate the masses and was able to reach out to over 100 million people through numerous videos and educational programs and saved countless lives," his family said in a statement on social media.

The video, which has recently resurfaced, shows Dr Aggarwal saying, “I'm having Covid pneumonia which is progressive. But even then remember Raj Kapoor's words -&nbsp;'picture abhi baaki hai... the show must go on."

The celebrated doctor and former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr KK Aggarwal, lost his battle to the deadly coronavirus recently. Now, a few days after, his last video message to the masses has resurfaced on the internet in which Dr Aggarwal can be heard telling people, 'the show must go on'.

The celebrated doctor and former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr KK Aggarwal, lost his battle to the deadly coronavirus recently. Now, a few days after, his last video message to the masses has resurfaced on the internet in which Dr Aggarwal can be heard telling people, 'the show must go on'. Dr KK Agrawal In His last video : 'Show must go on' pic.twitter.com/WKgUqr4udI — Hemant Rajaura (@hemantrajora_) May 18, 2021 × The doctor helped people through the raging pandemic by releasing videos on common myths, symptoms, cures, precautions, and more through his social media accounts. He bore a special place in hearts of people as he was known for taking out time to listen to people’s problems and giving medical solutions. His efforts were hugely appreciated when he continued advising people even when he got infected with the deadly virus during India’s second wave. However, he was declared dead at 11:30 pm on Monday "after a lengthy battle". × "Ever since he became a doctor, Padma Shri Dr KK Aggarwal has dedicated his life to the welfare of the public and raising health awareness. Even during the pandemic, he made constant efforts to educate the masses and was able to reach out to over 100 million people through numerous videos and educational programs and saved countless lives," his family said in a statement on social media. The video, which has recently resurfaced, shows Dr Aggarwal saying, “I'm having Covid pneumonia which is progressive. But even then remember Raj Kapoor's words - 'picture abhi baaki hai... the show must go on."

'Show must go on': Indian doctor who died of Covid says in his last video

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to provide free education at Navodaya Vidyalayas to children who lost either both parents or an earning parent to COVID-19.

"Amidst the devastation caused by the pandemic and the heart-wrenching tragedies being faced by affected families news of young children losing one or both parents to COVID-19 are the most poignant. These children are left with the trauma of loss and no support towards a stable education or future," the letter said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-step-up-measures-for-well-being-protection-of-children-during-covid-19-second-wave-sc-judge-383754">Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge</a>

"As you are aware, one of my husband Rajiv Gandhi`s most significant legacies is the network of Navodaya Vidyalayas. It was his dream to make high-quality modem education accessible and affordable to talented youth, predominantly from rural areas.

There are now, as you know, 661 such schools across the country," it further said."I am writing to request you to consider providing free education at the Navodaya Vidhyalayas to children who have lost either both parents or an earning parent on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pandemic-can-leave-long-term-effect-on-kids-mental-health-study-385473">Pandemic can leave long-term effect on kids' mental health: Study</a>

I feel that as a nation, we owe it to them to give them hope for a robust future after the unimaginable tragedy that has befallen them," the Congress leader concluded.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to provide free education at Navodaya Vidyalayas to children who lost either both parents or an earning parent to COVID-19.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to provide free education at Navodaya Vidyalayas to children who lost either both parents or an earning parent to COVID-19. "Amidst the devastation caused by the pandemic and the heart-wrenching tragedies being faced by affected families news of young children losing one or both parents to COVID-19 are the most poignant. These children are left with the trauma of loss and no support towards a stable education or future," the letter said. Also read | Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge "As you are aware, one of my husband Rajiv Gandhi`s most significant legacies is the network of Navodaya Vidyalayas. It was his dream to make high-quality modem education accessible and affordable to talented youth, predominantly from rural areas. There are now, as you know, 661 such schools across the country," it further said."I am writing to request you to consider providing free education at the Navodaya Vidhyalayas to children who have lost either both parents or an earning parent on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Pandemic can leave long-term effect on kids' mental health: Study I feel that as a nation, we owe it to them to give them hope for a robust future after the unimaginable tragedy that has befallen them," the Congress leader concluded.

Sonia Gandhi writes to PM, requests free education for children who lost parents to COVID-19

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods &amp; Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.&nbsp;

The country's health ministry has instructed the POFMA office to issue "General Correction Directions" to Facebook and Twitter. The notice is not directed at Delhi CM or Indian social media, but aims at safeguarding Singaporeans from false information.

Under this, the social media giants will be required to carry a "Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore" who use the app that "there is no new ‘Singapore’ variant of COVID-19. Neither is their evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids."

Correction Notice reveals the "fact of the case" by pointing out that "there is a false statement circulating online" which "implies that a new, previously unknown variant of COVID-19 originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore." &nbsp;

The notice clarifies that "the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India."

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his remarks on Twitter had called on India's government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the COVID-19 variant which he highlighted impacts children.

Wednesday saw a full-blown diplomatic row over the comments of Delhi CM, with the Singaporean foreign ministry raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign ministry in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM.

It was followed by an exchange on Twitter between India’s and Singapore's foreign minister. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar termed the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible" which "can damage long-standing partnerships" while Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the need to "focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another."

High commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong also held a press meet on the issue and said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing the Government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening".

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore. The country's health ministry has instructed the POFMA office to issue "General Correction Directions" to Facebook and Twitter. The notice is not directed at Delhi CM or Indian social media, but aims at safeguarding Singaporeans from false information. Under this, the social media giants will be required to carry a "Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore" who use the app that "there is no new ‘Singapore’ variant of COVID-19. Neither is their evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids." Correction Notice reveals the "fact of the case" by pointing out that "there is a false statement circulating online" which "implies that a new, previously unknown variant of COVID-19 originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore." The notice clarifies that "the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India." Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his remarks on Twitter had called on India's government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the COVID-19 variant which he highlighted impacts children. Wednesday saw a full-blown diplomatic row over the comments of Delhi CM, with the Singaporean foreign ministry raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign ministry in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM. It was followed by an exchange on Twitter between India’s and Singapore's foreign minister. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar termed the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible" which "can damage long-standing partnerships" while Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the need to "focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another." High commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong also held a press meet on the issue and said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing the Government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening".

Singapore invokes misinformation law after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s tweet on ‘new COVID-19 variant’

India's COVID-19 death toll on Wednesday climbed to 2,83,248 with a record 4,529 fresh fatalities, the highest toll in a single day for any country in the world since the pandemic began.

With a total of 2,67,334 fresh infections, India's total tally of cases climbed to 2,54,96,330,&nbsp;the Union Health Ministry said.

The active cases dipped to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent, the data showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,19,86,363 while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.11 per cent, the data stated.

India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4.

According to the ICMR, 32,03,01,177 samples have been tested up to May 18 with 20,08,296 samples being tested on Tuesday.

The 4,529 new fatalities include 1,291 from Maharashtra, 525 from Karnataka, 364 from Tamil Nadu, 265 from Delhi, 255 from Uttar Pradesh, 231 from Punjab, 153 from Chhattisgarh, 146 from Rajasthan, 145 from West Bengal, 124 from Haryana and 111 from Bihar.

A total of 2, 83,248 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 83,777 from Maharashtra, 22,838 from Karnataka, 22,111 from Delhi, 18,369 from Tamil Nadu, 18,072 from Uttar Pradesh, 13,576 from West Bengal, 12,317 from Punjab and 12,036 from Chhattisgarh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 death toll on Wednesday climbed to 2,83,248 with a record 4,529 fresh fatalities, the highest toll in a single day for any country in the world since the pandemic began.

India's COVID-19 death toll on Wednesday climbed to 2,83,248 with a record 4,529 fresh fatalities, the highest toll in a single day for any country in the world since the pandemic began. With a total of 2,67,334 fresh infections, India's total tally of cases climbed to 2,54,96,330, the Union Health Ministry said. The active cases dipped to 32,26,719 comprising 12.66 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 86.23 per cent, the data showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,19,86,363 while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.11 per cent, the data stated. India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4. According to the ICMR, 32,03,01,177 samples have been tested up to May 18 with 20,08,296 samples being tested on Tuesday. The 4,529 new fatalities include 1,291 from Maharashtra, 525 from Karnataka, 364 from Tamil Nadu, 265 from Delhi, 255 from Uttar Pradesh, 231 from Punjab, 153 from Chhattisgarh, 146 from Rajasthan, 145 from West Bengal, 124 from Haryana and 111 from Bihar. A total of 2, 83,248 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 83,777 from Maharashtra, 22,838 from Karnataka, 22,111 from Delhi, 18,369 from Tamil Nadu, 18,072 from Uttar Pradesh, 13,576 from West Bengal, 12,317 from Punjab and 12,036 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records highest single-day Covid deaths in the world

India has recoded less than 300,000 COVID cases for the forth straight day. Now India reported 276,070 cases in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus Update: India sees slight downward trend in daily COVID cases

Amid the increasing numbers of covid positive cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals across the valley have a huge demand for oxygen supply. And now the Indian army has come to the rescue of the state administration in fulfilling this ever-growing demand.

A defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar's Rangreth area has been restarted with the help of the Indian army. The oxygen plant has a capacity of filling 700 cylinders every day. This will take the pressure the state administration was facing in the last few weeks.

''This oxygen plant was defunct for the last 4 years, this used to refill around 700 cylinders in a day. Due to covid, we thought it's important to restart it. Chinar corp was approached by the civil administration and we brought the spare parts with the help of the air force from Mumbai. We got our engineers to work on this project and finished this project in a record time of 4 days. This facility has been thrown open today and will be refilling 700 cylinders a day.'' said Niladiri Roy, Lt Col, Indian Army.

As the plant was shut for the last 4 years, it had multiple problems in all subsystems like the Heavy Duty Air Compressor, the Chiller and even the Columnar Air Separator, which are vital parts of the plant. The army's engineers worked day and night to restore the plant.

''We were told to repair this plant in the least possible time. We got the material with the help of the air force. We are happy that we would be able to save the lives of people who require this oxygen. We are extremely proud that we worked day and night on the project to restore it. If we can save the life of anyone in the pandemic, it would be a lot to us.'' said Ravi Singh, Engineering Staff, Indian Army.

Indian Army has earlier set up a 200 bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area. One more hospital was established in the Uri Sector near the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Amid the increasing numbers of covid positive cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals across the valley have a huge demand for oxygen supply.

Amid the increasing numbers of covid positive cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals across the valley have a huge demand for oxygen supply. And now the Indian army has come to the rescue of the state administration in fulfilling this ever-growing demand. A defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar's Rangreth area has been restarted with the help of the Indian army. The oxygen plant has a capacity of filling 700 cylinders every day. This will take the pressure the state administration was facing in the last few weeks. ''This oxygen plant was defunct for the last 4 years, this used to refill around 700 cylinders in a day. Due to covid, we thought it's important to restart it. Chinar corp was approached by the civil administration and we brought the spare parts with the help of the air force from Mumbai. We got our engineers to work on this project and finished this project in a record time of 4 days. This facility has been thrown open today and will be refilling 700 cylinders a day.'' said Niladiri Roy, Lt Col, Indian Army. As the plant was shut for the last 4 years, it had multiple problems in all subsystems like the Heavy Duty Air Compressor, the Chiller and even the Columnar Air Separator, which are vital parts of the plant. The army's engineers worked day and night to restore the plant. ''We were told to repair this plant in the least possible time. We got the material with the help of the air force. We are happy that we would be able to save the lives of people who require this oxygen. We are extremely proud that we worked day and night on the project to restore it. If we can save the life of anyone in the pandemic, it would be a lot to us.'' said Ravi Singh, Engineering Staff, Indian Army. Indian Army has earlier set up a 200 bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area. One more hospital was established in the Uri Sector near the Line of Control.

COVID-19: Indian Army restores defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that mainly affects people who are on medication for other health problems that reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens

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