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Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to take place on Thursday at isolated places in West Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry due to western disturbances caused by severe cyclonic storm Tauktae. 
 
Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind with a speed reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Gangetic West Bengal, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Goa, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. 
 
National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) further forecast squally wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely to prevail over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea. 
 
"Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas." 
 
IMD`s forecast comes after it announced that the remnant of the extremely severe cyclonic storm "Tauktae" has weakened further into a well-marked low-pressure over east Rajasthan and adjoining west Madhya Pradesh, and it is very likely to move further northeastwards to Uttar Pradesh during the next 24 hours. 
 
Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) is very likely at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Friday. 
 
Lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) is also predicted at isolated places over Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala and Mahe and Lakshadweep on Friday. 
 
Similar weather conditions are expected at isolated places over Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Vidarbha, Assam and Meghalaya, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Friday. 
 
The weather department has also warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Assam and Meghalaya. 
 
Squally wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) is likely to prevail over Southwest Arabian Sea, Southwest and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal, and along and off Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coasts; East-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea. 
 
Similar weather conditions are predicted in these areas for May 22, 23 and 24. Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is also likely to prevail over Southwest Arabian Sea in the coming days. The wind speech from 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely over Southwest and adjoining West central Bay of Bengal, and along and off Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph likely over East central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to take place on Thursday at isolated places in West Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry due to western disturbances caused by severe cyclonic storm Tauktae.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to take place on Thursday at isolated places in West Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry due to western disturbances caused by severe cyclonic storm Tauktae. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind with a speed reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Gangetic West Bengal, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Goa, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) further forecast squally wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely to prevail over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea. "Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas." IMD`s forecast comes after it announced that the remnant of the extremely severe cyclonic storm "Tauktae" has weakened further into a well-marked low-pressure over east Rajasthan and adjoining west Madhya Pradesh, and it is very likely to move further northeastwards to Uttar Pradesh during the next 24 hours. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) is very likely at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Friday. Lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) is also predicted at isolated places over Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala and Mahe and Lakshadweep on Friday. Similar weather conditions are expected at isolated places over Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Vidarbha, Assam and Meghalaya, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Friday. The weather department has also warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Assam and Meghalaya. Squally wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) is likely to prevail over Southwest Arabian Sea, Southwest and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal, and along and off Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coasts; East-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea. Similar weather conditions are predicted in these areas for May 22, 23 and 24. Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is also likely to prevail over Southwest Arabian Sea in the coming days. The wind speech from 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely over Southwest and adjoining West central Bay of Bengal, and along and off Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph likely over East central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea.

Tauktae effect: Heavy rainfall likely in UP, Uttarakhand other states

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to take appropriate action and submit Action Taken Report (ATR) over black fungus deaths and infections in India.&nbsp; 
 
<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> 
 
Passing a direction to the Ministry, the NHRC stated the concerned authority shall take appropriate action as deemed fit in the case and the action was taken over the issue shall be informed to the complainant within eight weeks.&nbsp;

Seeking an urgent intervention of the NHRC, Supreme Court lawyer and social activist, Radhakanta Tripathy, filed a petition stating therein even if more than 3,000 people across India including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Odisha have been suffering from Mucormycosis popularly known as a black fungus.

"Neither the Government of India nor any State Government is serious over the serious issue," Tripathy alleged.&nbsp;

Due to lack of medical care, treatment facilities, guidelines, inaction, and negligence by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the State Governments, a new disease named Mucormycosis or black fungus has been causing deaths, Tripathy alleged.

"While COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to plague the battered country`s health infrastructure, the new fear of Mucormycosis or black fungus is causing more worries in Maharashtra where more than 55 deaths have been caused with more than two thousand affected," the Supreme Court lawyer said. Several states including Odisha, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have started reporting deaths and infection, Tripathy stated.&nbsp;

The plea of Tripathy cited media reports stated over the past few days, Jaipur has seen more than thirty patients with black fungus infection. Many of them have lost their sight, he pointed out.&nbsp;

Tripathy requested the NHRC to act on an urgent basis directly to the Centre and all the States as the disease relates to COVID-19 infection to formulate policies and issue guidelines as to how to handle the crises and preparedness for the medical facilities and treatment availabilities.&nbsp;

The NHRC in its order stated "This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within eight weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter."

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to take appropriate action and submit Action Taken Report (ATR) over black fungus deaths and infections in India.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to take appropriate action and submit Action Taken Report (ATR) over black fungus deaths and infections in India. Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment Passing a direction to the Ministry, the NHRC stated the concerned authority shall take appropriate action as deemed fit in the case and the action was taken over the issue shall be informed to the complainant within eight weeks. Seeking an urgent intervention of the NHRC, Supreme Court lawyer and social activist, Radhakanta Tripathy, filed a petition stating therein even if more than 3,000 people across India including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Odisha have been suffering from Mucormycosis popularly known as a black fungus. "Neither the Government of India nor any State Government is serious over the serious issue," Tripathy alleged. Due to lack of medical care, treatment facilities, guidelines, inaction, and negligence by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the State Governments, a new disease named Mucormycosis or black fungus has been causing deaths, Tripathy alleged. "While COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to plague the battered country`s health infrastructure, the new fear of Mucormycosis or black fungus is causing more worries in Maharashtra where more than 55 deaths have been caused with more than two thousand affected," the Supreme Court lawyer said. Several states including Odisha, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have started reporting deaths and infection, Tripathy stated. The plea of Tripathy cited media reports stated over the past few days, Jaipur has seen more than thirty patients with black fungus infection. Many of them have lost their sight, he pointed out. Tripathy requested the NHRC to act on an urgent basis directly to the Centre and all the States as the disease relates to COVID-19 infection to formulate policies and issue guidelines as to how to handle the crises and preparedness for the medical facilities and treatment availabilities. The NHRC in its order stated "This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within eight weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter."

NHRC asks Health Ministry to act immediately over black fungus deaths

Tuesday was the deadliest day for India, with the Wuhan virus claiming more than 4,500 lives.

It was the highest daily death toll for any country anywhere in the world in the pandemic. India's total death toll since last year has climbed to over 2,80,000.

The death toll has gone up while new infections have dipped, however, the fatalities have been rising.

In the last 24 hours, India added over 267,000 new COVID-19 cases even though the numbers have been falling since Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-wont-treat-covid-patients-with-plasma-385909">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-wont-treat-covid-patients-with-plasma-385909/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The active cases fell by more than 100,000 again and over 300,000 people recovered on Tuesday with close to 22 million people having recovered overall.

The new infections may have dropped but the virus is still spreading with 22 states in India reporting a high positivity rate of 15 per cent indicating 15 out of 100 people have been testing positive.

Therefore, lockdowns won't go away in a hurry in the country. Many countries have been opening up. Last week America revoked the mask mandate and the European Union(EU) has reopened its borders to the world. The bloc wants to allow fully vaccinated travellers.

The EU will only allow those who have taken vaccines approved by the European Union, namely Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp;&nbsp;Johnson and AstraZeneca.

However, if an individual has taken a Chinese or Russian vaccine that person won't be allowed into the block. Europe is still making up its mind about Russia's Sputnik V shot but it may have a reason to avoid the Chinese vaccines.

The UAE and Bahrain have widely used the Sinopharm vaccine. They are already gearing up to administer a third dose - a booster shot to a small group of people since people failed to develop any antibodies even after they took both of their shots.

Both countries today made a simultaneous announcement. Those who got the Chinese vaccine at least six months back can register themselves for a booster shot.

Tuesday was the deadliest day for India, with the Wuhan virus claiming more than 4,500 lives. It was the highest daily death toll for any country anywhere in the world in the pandemic.

Tuesday was the deadliest day for India, with the Wuhan virus claiming more than 4,500 lives. It was the highest daily death toll for any country anywhere in the world in the pandemic. India's total death toll since last year has climbed to over 2,80,000. The death toll has gone up while new infections have dipped, however, the fatalities have been rising. In the last 24 hours, India added over 267,000 new COVID-19 cases even though the numbers have been falling since Monday. Watch | The active cases fell by more than 100,000 again and over 300,000 people recovered on Tuesday with close to 22 million people having recovered overall. The new infections may have dropped but the virus is still spreading with 22 states in India reporting a high positivity rate of 15 per cent indicating 15 out of 100 people have been testing positive. Therefore, lockdowns won't go away in a hurry in the country. Many countries have been opening up. Last week America revoked the mask mandate and the European Union(EU) has reopened its borders to the world. The bloc wants to allow fully vaccinated travellers. The EU will only allow those who have taken vaccines approved by the European Union, namely Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. However, if an individual has taken a Chinese or Russian vaccine that person won't be allowed into the block. Europe is still making up its mind about Russia's Sputnik V shot but it may have a reason to avoid the Chinese vaccines. The UAE and Bahrain have widely used the Sinopharm vaccine. They are already gearing up to administer a third dose - a booster shot to a small group of people since people failed to develop any antibodies even after they took both of their shots. Both countries today made a simultaneous announcement. Those who got the Chinese vaccine at least six months back can register themselves for a booster shot.

Virus still spreading with 22 states in India reporting high positivity rate

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday late evening foiled an infiltration bid in Jammu and Kashmir and arrested a Pakistani intruder in the Banglaid area of Samba district. 
 
BSF sources said the Pakistani national was apprehended in an injured condition while he was trying to sneak into the Indian side. 
 
"The intruder was challenged after which the troopers fired shots resulting in injury to the intruder. 
 
"He was treated at the BSF dispensary and later handed over to police," sources said. 
 
On May 5, another infiltration attempt was foiled in the same sector when alert troops of the BSF shot dead an intruder. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday late evening foiled an infiltration bid in Jammu and Kashmir and arrested a Pakistani intruder in the Banglaid area of Samba district.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday late evening foiled an infiltration bid in Jammu and Kashmir and arrested a Pakistani intruder in the Banglaid area of Samba district. BSF sources said the Pakistani national was apprehended in an injured condition while he was trying to sneak into the Indian side. "The intruder was challenged after which the troopers fired shots resulting in injury to the intruder. "He was treated at the BSF dispensary and later handed over to police," sources said. On May 5, another infiltration attempt was foiled in the same sector when alert troops of the BSF shot dead an intruder. (With inputs from agencies)

BSF foils infiltration bid in J&K, Pakistani intruder arrested

Courts in India have been feeding the world with sensational headlines and some of them sound straight out of Page 3.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-court-live-in-relationships-morally-unacceptable-385918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An Indian court recently called the rising death toll due to oxygen shortage a genocide. Another court went on to suggest that the country's Election Commission be booked for murder.

On Monday, a lower court slammed a state government for carelessness. It could have done so in parliamentary language. Instead, it chose to say that the state's medical infrastructure is ram bharose, meaning at the mercy of God.

Right now they are being cheered mostly because they are seen echoing the sentiment of Indians suffering from vaccine shortage and a devastating second wave of the Wuhan virus. All is&nbsp;not well in India and that is true. There is anger, rising frustration, even resentment with the authorities.

But is it a court's job to play to the gallery? It should be left to the political parties. The judiciary's job is to protect the law of the land, ensure separation of power, checks and balances and make sure that the executive and the legislature do not overstep their limits.

However, it is something Indian courts are now being accused of - overstepping their limits.

On May 12, an Indian court decided to play moral police. It denied protection to a couple in a live-in relationship.

The court said: "If such protection is granted, the entire social fabric of the society would get disturbed."

It went on to say that live-in relations are morally and socially not acceptable.

Is it a court's job to decide what is morally or socially acceptable? No, it is not.

What a court is supposed to do is decide what is legally acceptable and legally speaking, Indians have the right to life. It is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian constitution and it's the job of the court to protect this right.

Under no circumstance can it refuse to do this job even if it goes against the morals of a judge. Criminality and morality are two different things.&nbsp;

Indians have the right to privacy, our relationships are private matters. These are spaces that judges cannot enter.

While refusing to protect a live-in couple, the court said: "As a matter of fact, the petitioners in the garb of filing the present petition are seeking seal of approval on their live-in relationship which is morally and socially not acceptable."

Live-in relationships have been upheld by the Supreme Court of India as early as 2006. India's apex court had said that a woman is "free to marry anyone she likes or live with anyone she likes".

In India, the decision of the apex court is binding on all lower courts.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court judgement in 2010 said: "The acceptance of premarital sex and live-in relationships is viewed by some as an attack on the centrality of marriage. While there can be no doubt that in India, marriage is an important social institution, we must also keep our minds open to the fact that there are certain individuals or groups who do not hold the same view."

It is the reason they say the law is blind and it's because the law is not supposed to be biased. Indian courts must move beyond lecturing people on morals.

They must move beyond normalising sexual offence by asking a victim to tie rakhi to the accused.&nbsp;

Courts cannot question the genuineness of rape allegations just because the survivor chose to drink with the accused. Courts cannot grant divorces because a woman does not believe in traditional markers like sindoor because such judicial overreach is not welcome.

Courts in India have been feeding the world with sensational headlines and some of them sound straight out of Page 3. Watch: An Indian court recently called the rising death toll due to oxygen shortage a genocide.

Courts in India have been feeding the world with sensational headlines and some of them sound straight out of Page 3. Watch: An Indian court recently called the rising death toll due to oxygen shortage a genocide. Another court went on to suggest that the country's Election Commission be booked for murder. On Monday, a lower court slammed a state government for carelessness. It could have done so in parliamentary language. Instead, it chose to say that the state's medical infrastructure is ram bharose, meaning at the mercy of God. Right now they are being cheered mostly because they are seen echoing the sentiment of Indians suffering from vaccine shortage and a devastating second wave of the Wuhan virus. All is not well in India and that is true. There is anger, rising frustration, even resentment with the authorities. But is it a court's job to play to the gallery? It should be left to the political parties. The judiciary's job is to protect the law of the land, ensure separation of power, checks and balances and make sure that the executive and the legislature do not overstep their limits. However, it is something Indian courts are now being accused of - overstepping their limits. On May 12, an Indian court decided to play moral police. It denied protection to a couple in a live-in relationship. The court said: "If such protection is granted, the entire social fabric of the society would get disturbed." It went on to say that live-in relations are morally and socially not acceptable. Is it a court's job to decide what is morally or socially acceptable? No, it is not. What a court is supposed to do is decide what is legally acceptable and legally speaking, Indians have the right to life. It is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian constitution and it's the job of the court to protect this right. Under no circumstance can it refuse to do this job even if it goes against the morals of a judge. Criminality and morality are two different things. Indians have the right to privacy, our relationships are private matters. These are spaces that judges cannot enter. While refusing to protect a live-in couple, the court said: "As a matter of fact, the petitioners in the garb of filing the present petition are seeking seal of approval on their live-in relationship which is morally and socially not acceptable." Live-in relationships have been upheld by the Supreme Court of India as early as 2006. India's apex court had said that a woman is "free to marry anyone she likes or live with anyone she likes". In India, the decision of the apex court is binding on all lower courts. The Supreme Court judgement in 2010 said: "The acceptance of premarital sex and live-in relationships is viewed by some as an attack on the centrality of marriage. While there can be no doubt that in India, marriage is an important social institution, we must also keep our minds open to the fact that there are certain individuals or groups who do not hold the same view." It is the reason they say the law is blind and it's because the law is not supposed to be biased. Indian courts must move beyond lecturing people on morals. They must move beyond normalising sexual offence by asking a victim to tie rakhi to the accused. Courts cannot question the genuineness of rape allegations just because the survivor chose to drink with the accused. Courts cannot grant divorces because a woman does not believe in traditional markers like sindoor because such judicial overreach is not welcome.

Courts in India are resorting to judicial overreach

Rajasthan has declared Mucormycosis as an epidemic with&nbsp;around a hundred&nbsp;black fungus patients in the state.

Assam has also reported its first case of black fungus in a COVID-19 patient in the city of Guwahati.

"We have got 48 patients of Mucormycosis admitted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Sixteen patients are waiting for hospitalisation. A group of ENT and eye surgeons are looking after the patients," Dr DS Rana, chairperson, Delhi&nbsp;Ganga Ram Hospital, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-black-fungus-or-mucormycosis-symptoms-and-treatment-384366">Mucormycosis</a> or black fungus is a rare fungal infection. It is caused by a group of moulds called micromycetes. These moulds live throughout the environment. It is often seen in the form of blackish moulds.&nbsp;

The black fungus affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs while it has been observed in recovered COVID-19 patients, it mostly affects immuno-compromised patients with diseases like diabetes, cancer and others.

According to the United States CDC, it is most common in diabetic patients. The symptoms include headaches to nasal congestion.

Patients typically have a stuffy and bleeding nose, swelling and pain in the eye, drooping of eyelids and often loss of vision.

If diagnosed late, it even has a mortality rate of around 50 per cent.

Prior to the pandemic, the infection was very rare but the sudden rise can be attributed to multiple factors including the use of steroids in COVID-19 patients. The black fungal infection may be being triggered by the use of steroids and exposure to wet surfaces also increases the chances of infection.

While the frequency of the fungal infection is on the rise during this second wave, one way to stall it by administering the right dose and duration of steroids.

When detected on time, it is often treated with an anti-fungal intravenous injection.

Rajasthan has declared Mucormycosis as an epidemic with around a hundred black fungus patients in the state. Assam has also reported its first case of black fungus in a COVID-19 patient in the city of Guwahati.

Rajasthan has declared Mucormycosis as an epidemic with around a hundred black fungus patients in the state. Assam has also reported its first case of black fungus in a COVID-19 patient in the city of Guwahati. "We have got 48 patients of Mucormycosis admitted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Sixteen patients are waiting for hospitalisation. A group of ENT and eye surgeons are looking after the patients," Dr DS Rana, chairperson, Delhi Ganga Ram Hospital, said. Mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare fungal infection. It is caused by a group of moulds called micromycetes. These moulds live throughout the environment. It is often seen in the form of blackish moulds. The black fungus affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs while it has been observed in recovered COVID-19 patients, it mostly affects immuno-compromised patients with diseases like diabetes, cancer and others. According to the United States CDC, it is most common in diabetic patients. The symptoms include headaches to nasal congestion. Patients typically have a stuffy and bleeding nose, swelling and pain in the eye, drooping of eyelids and often loss of vision. If diagnosed late, it even has a mortality rate of around 50 per cent. Prior to the pandemic, the infection was very rare but the sudden rise can be attributed to multiple factors including the use of steroids in COVID-19 patients. The black fungal infection may be being triggered by the use of steroids and exposure to wet surfaces also increases the chances of infection. While the frequency of the fungal infection is on the rise during this second wave, one way to stall it by administering the right dose and duration of steroids. When detected on time, it is often treated with an anti-fungal intravenous injection.

Rajasthan declares black fungus an epidemic

Bangladesh sent the second consignment of assistance to India&nbsp;earlier this week to help with the second wave of&nbsp;Covid pandemic.&nbsp;The consignment included two&nbsp;trucks&nbsp;containing 2,672 boxes of medicines and protective equipment.

The assistance was handed over by Bangladesh's Deputy High Commissioner Toufique Hasan in Kolkata to the Indian Red Cross Society.&nbsp;The consignment contains 18&nbsp;kinds of Covid-related supplies which include antibiotics, paracetamols, different kind of injections/vials, hand sanitisers, etc.

In the first week of May, Bangladesh sent India&nbsp;10,000 vials of remdesivir. They were handed over at the Indian border port of Petrapole by&nbsp;Deputy High Commissioner&nbsp;Hasan. The&nbsp;10,000&nbsp;injections were manufactured by Bangladesh's biggest pharma company BEXIMCO Pharmaceuticals and were sent after "instruction of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh", the Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a release had said.&nbsp;

The entire consignment of remdesivir&nbsp;has been direct to India's&nbsp; northeastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and institutes like the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).&nbsp;

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina recently wrote a letter to Indian PM Modi conveying her condolences in the backdrop of the Covid crisis in the country. She "expressed her sympathy for the Indian people and reiterated Bangladesh's support to stand by her closest neighboyr India during their critical time and expressed readiness to offer support in every possible way", Bangladesh foreign ministry said.

Amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India, 42 countries have pledged support to New Delhi. Assistance from 20 countries has already reached. The aid includes oxygen-producing equipments, ventilators, oxygen cylinders.

In India's neighbourhood, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Bhutan have reached out.&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;will be supplying 40 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to Assam via a&nbsp;new plant from Motanga Industrial Estate in eastern&nbsp;Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district.&nbsp;Mauritius had also sent 200 oxygen concentrators.

Bangladesh sent the second consignment of assistance to India earlier this week to help with the second wave of Covid pandemic. The consignment included two trucks containing 2,672 boxes of medicines and protective equipment.

Bangladesh sent the second consignment of assistance to India earlier this week to help with the second wave of Covid pandemic. The consignment included two trucks containing 2,672 boxes of medicines and protective equipment. The assistance was handed over by Bangladesh's Deputy High Commissioner Toufique Hasan in Kolkata to the Indian Red Cross Society. The consignment contains 18 kinds of Covid-related supplies which include antibiotics, paracetamols, different kind of injections/vials, hand sanitisers, etc. In the first week of May, Bangladesh sent India 10,000 vials of remdesivir. They were handed over at the Indian border port of Petrapole by Deputy High Commissioner Hasan. The 10,000 injections were manufactured by Bangladesh's biggest pharma company BEXIMCO Pharmaceuticals and were sent after "instruction of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh", the Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a release had said. The entire consignment of remdesivir has been direct to India's northeastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and institutes like the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina recently wrote a letter to Indian PM Modi conveying her condolences in the backdrop of the Covid crisis in the country. She "expressed her sympathy for the Indian people and reiterated Bangladesh's support to stand by her closest neighboyr India during their critical time and expressed readiness to offer support in every possible way", Bangladesh foreign ministry said. Amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India, 42 countries have pledged support to New Delhi. Assistance from 20 countries has already reached. The aid includes oxygen-producing equipments, ventilators, oxygen cylinders. In India's neighbourhood, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Bhutan have reached out. Bhutan will be supplying 40 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to Assam via a new plant from Motanga Industrial Estate in eastern Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district. Mauritius had also sent 200 oxygen concentrators.

Covid crisis: Bangladesh sends second consignment of aid to India

India has once again extended its support for an African seat at a reformed United Nations Security Council, highlighting it "understands and empathize with the aspirations" of the continent.

Speaking at the discussion on "peace and security in Africa" at the key United Nations body, India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said, "it is a matter of continuing regret for us that the voice of Africa is not given its proper due in..most pivotal (UN) Institution".

He extended his support for the common African Position as mentioned in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.&nbsp;

Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both call for at least two&nbsp;permanent and five&nbsp;to two&nbsp;non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table.

Pointing out how New Delhi reached out to Africa which is "too is being tested by the COVID-19 pandemic", he said India has supplied "medicines, vaccines and health-related equipment to 42 African countries".

He explained that India will "support peace and security, help address root causes of conflict and be a reliable partner in fighting the pandemic."

During his address, he mentioned the joint India-South Africa proposal at the World Trade Organization which calls for a waiver on Covid&nbsp;vaccines so that they can be mass-produced. The US recently announced that it will support the proposal, with more and more developed countries extended support for a discussion on it.

India, which shares traditional and historical ties with the continent has been involved in 189 projects in 41 African countries via its concessional loans.

It has given 43,000 education and training slots in the last five&nbsp;years and is involved in digital education and health programs with 17 African countries.&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar said, "India will respond to the priorities of Africa, as defined by Africans themselves. Our support is without conditionalities and in line with African expectations."

India has been involved in peacekeeping in the continent under the United Nations Umbrella. Indian Peacekeeping troops are present in South Sudan, Somalia, Abeyi, Western Sahara, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As part of "establishing capabilities and capacities", New Delhi has partnered in the establishment of defense institutions in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania with its training teams being deployed in Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania.

Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi, who led the meeting, after the EAM finished his remarks at the meet that saw other UNSC countries foreign ministers said, "Mr. Jaishankar, great pleasure to meet u on screen. We hope and&nbsp;we believe that in Africa's recovery (in a pandemic) ... India will play a greater role".

China is the President of UNSC for the current month as the chair holds sway on the agenda.&nbsp;

India has once again extended its support for an African seat at a reformed United Nations Security Council, highlighting it "understands and empathize with the aspirations" of the continent.

India has once again extended its support for an African seat at a reformed United Nations Security Council, highlighting it "understands and empathize with the aspirations" of the continent. Speaking at the discussion on "peace and security in Africa" at the key United Nations body, India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said, "it is a matter of continuing regret for us that the voice of Africa is not given its proper due in..most pivotal (UN) Institution". He extended his support for the common African Position as mentioned in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both call for at least two permanent and five to two non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. Pointing out how New Delhi reached out to Africa which is "too is being tested by the COVID-19 pandemic", he said India has supplied "medicines, vaccines and health-related equipment to 42 African countries". He explained that India will "support peace and security, help address root causes of conflict and be a reliable partner in fighting the pandemic." During his address, he mentioned the joint India-South Africa proposal at the World Trade Organization which calls for a waiver on Covid vaccines so that they can be mass-produced. The US recently announced that it will support the proposal, with more and more developed countries extended support for a discussion on it. India, which shares traditional and historical ties with the continent has been involved in 189 projects in 41 African countries via its concessional loans. It has given 43,000 education and training slots in the last five years and is involved in digital education and health programs with 17 African countries. EAM Jaishankar said, "India will respond to the priorities of Africa, as defined by Africans themselves. Our support is without conditionalities and in line with African expectations." India has been involved in peacekeeping in the continent under the United Nations Umbrella. Indian Peacekeeping troops are present in South Sudan, Somalia, Abeyi, Western Sahara, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As part of "establishing capabilities and capacities", New Delhi has partnered in the establishment of defense institutions in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania with its training teams being deployed in Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi, who led the meeting, after the EAM finished his remarks at the meet that saw other UNSC countries foreign ministers said, "Mr. Jaishankar, great pleasure to meet u on screen. We hope and we believe that in Africa's recovery (in a pandemic) ... India will play a greater role". China is the President of UNSC for the current month as the chair holds sway on the agenda.

India backs African seat at reformed UNSC; EAM Jaishankar says, we understand 'aspirations'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for "immediate relief activities" in Gujarat after conducting an aerial survey of areas hit by cyclone Tauktae in the state, an official release said.

He also announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those killed due to cyclone in all affected states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclonic-storm-tauktae-makes-landfall-in-gujarat-wrecks-mumbai-karnataka-coast-385695">Cyclonic storm Tauktae makes landfall in Gujarat; wrecks Mumbai, Karnataka coast</a>

Immediate financial assistance for the other affected states would be given after the respective state governments share an assessment of the damage with the Centre, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) release added.

The announcement was made after Modi held a review meeting here with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and top officials to assess the damage caused by the cyclone.

Gujarat will get additional assistance after an inter-ministerial team which will visit soon submits its assessment, the release said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-tauktae-127-missing-after-vessel-sinks-says-indian-navy-385819">Cyclone Tauktae: 127 missing after vessel sinks, says Indian Navy</a>

The prime minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, it said.

After arrival from Delhi at Bhavnagar airport, Modi, accompanied by Rupani, boarded a helicopter and conducted an aerial survey of affected areas in Gujarat and adjoining Union Territory of Diu to assess the damage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-tauktae-six-dead-as-powerful-storm-heads-for-india-385552">Cyclone Tauktae: Six dead as powerful storm heads for India</a>

The survey covered the Una taluka of Gir-Somnath district, Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar and Jafrabad taluka of Amreli district besides Diu, the PIB release said.

Later, he chaired a meeting at the Ahmedabad Airport "to review the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken in Gujarat and Diu", said the release.

Chief minister Rupani and state Chief Secretary Anil Mukim were also present at the meeting.

The cyclone, which made landfall between Diu and Una town of Gir-Somnath district on Monday night after barrelling along India's west coast, left a trail of devastation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-tauktae-no-loss-of-life-at-sea-5600-boats-back-to-safety-says-indian-coast-guard-385451">Cyclone Tauktae: No loss of life at sea, 5600 boats back to safety, says Indian Coast Guard</a>

Modi assured the people of Gujarat that the Centre would closely work with the state government and extend all possible assistance for restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure in the affected areas, the release said.

He also took stock of the coronavirus pandemic situation in the state and stressed the need to ensure that preventive measures are also taken, the release said.

The PM expressed complete solidarity with all those who suffered due to the cyclone in different parts of the country and expressed deep sorrow to the families who have lost their kin during the calamity, it added.

&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclonic-storm-tauktae-makes-landfall-in-gujarat-wrecks-mumbai-karnataka-coast-385695">Cyclonic storm Tauktae makes landfall in Gujarat; wrecks Mumbai, Karnataka coast</a>

The Centre is working closely with the affected state governments in the wake of the situation post the cyclone, the PM said.

We have to continue to focus on more scientific studies relating to disaster management, he said and called for stress on enhancing intra-state coordination as well as using modern communication techniques to ensure quicker evacuation from affected areas.

Immediate attention should be given to repairing damaged houses and properties, the release quoted the PM as saying.

According to the Gujarat government, 45 persons lost their lives in cyclone-related incidents in the state.

Tauktae triggered heavy rains from the Saurashtra coast to North Gujarat. Over 16,000 houses were damaged, more than 40,000 trees and over 70,000 electric poles uprooted, while 5,951 villages faced total power blackout, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for "immediate relief activities" in Gujarat after conducting an aerial survey of areas hit by cyclone Tauktae in the state, an official release said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for "immediate relief activities" in Gujarat after conducting an aerial survey of areas hit by cyclone Tauktae in the state, an official release said. He also announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those killed due to cyclone in all affected states. Also read | Cyclonic storm Tauktae makes landfall in Gujarat; wrecks Mumbai, Karnataka coast Immediate financial assistance for the other affected states would be given after the respective state governments share an assessment of the damage with the Centre, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) release added. The announcement was made after Modi held a review meeting here with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and top officials to assess the damage caused by the cyclone. Gujarat will get additional assistance after an inter-ministerial team which will visit soon submits its assessment, the release said. Also read | Cyclone Tauktae: 127 missing after vessel sinks, says Indian Navy The prime minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, it said. After arrival from Delhi at Bhavnagar airport, Modi, accompanied by Rupani, boarded a helicopter and conducted an aerial survey of affected areas in Gujarat and adjoining Union Territory of Diu to assess the damage. Also read | Cyclone Tauktae: Six dead as powerful storm heads for India The survey covered the Una taluka of Gir-Somnath district, Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar and Jafrabad taluka of Amreli district besides Diu, the PIB release said. Later, he chaired a meeting at the Ahmedabad Airport "to review the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken in Gujarat and Diu", said the release. Chief minister Rupani and state Chief Secretary Anil Mukim were also present at the meeting. The cyclone, which made landfall between Diu and Una town of Gir-Somnath district on Monday night after barrelling along India's west coast, left a trail of devastation. Also read | Cyclone Tauktae: No loss of life at sea, 5600 boats back to safety, says Indian Coast Guard Modi assured the people of Gujarat that the Centre would closely work with the state government and extend all possible assistance for restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure in the affected areas, the release said. He also took stock of the coronavirus pandemic situation in the state and stressed the need to ensure that preventive measures are also taken, the release said. The PM expressed complete solidarity with all those who suffered due to the cyclone in different parts of the country and expressed deep sorrow to the families who have lost their kin during the calamity, it added. Also read | Cyclonic storm Tauktae makes landfall in Gujarat; wrecks Mumbai, Karnataka coast The Centre is working closely with the affected state governments in the wake of the situation post the cyclone, the PM said. We have to continue to focus on more scientific studies relating to disaster management, he said and called for stress on enhancing intra-state coordination as well as using modern communication techniques to ensure quicker evacuation from affected areas. Immediate attention should be given to repairing damaged houses and properties, the release quoted the PM as saying. According to the Gujarat government, 45 persons lost their lives in cyclone-related incidents in the state. Tauktae triggered heavy rains from the Saurashtra coast to North Gujarat. Over 16,000 houses were damaged, more than 40,000 trees and over 70,000 electric poles uprooted, while 5,951 villages faced total power blackout, it said.

PM conducts aerial survey of cyclone-hit Guj, announces Rs 1,000 crore aid

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India&nbsp;Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread&nbsp;falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks.

Simon Wong said, "Prominent political office holders must have a responsibility not to propagate falsehoods".&nbsp;Adding, "In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods &amp; Manipulation Act (POFMA). It is meant to mitigate the spread of misinformation, so we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on some of the comments and assertions made by the honorable chief minister on this topic".

Delhi CM in the remarks he tweeted on Tuesday called on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant from the country which impacts children. The Singaporean High&nbsp;commissioner&nbsp;termed the remarks as&nbsp;"unfounded" and something that "caused a stir"

The matter was raised by Singapore's foreign ministry with the Indian High Commissioner to the country P Kumaran earlier today and both foreign ministers had tweeted about it. In the tweet, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the comments of Delhi CM "irresponsible" while Singapore's Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan hoped for "resolving the [Covid]&nbsp;situation in our respective countries"

Singapore's High Commissioner Simon Wong said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two&nbsp;countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening" and "we feel we should move on".

As the second wave of the cCvid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many supplies.&nbsp;"Delhi has been beneficiary of items which has come from Singapore" amid the Covid crisis" said Singapore's high commissioner Simon Wong, explaining, we "were taken aback by unfounded comments by Delhi CM".

Asked about mentioning of the variant first found in India, Wong said,&nbsp;"we refer [to a] virus by scientific terms" by following World Health Organisation recommendations.&nbsp;"It is not Chinese virus or Indian variant," he said, highlighting, "We focus on the scientific aspect" and "we don't have the bandwidth to focus" on other things.

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks.

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks. Simon Wong said, "Prominent political office holders must have a responsibility not to propagate falsehoods". Adding, "In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act (POFMA). It is meant to mitigate the spread of misinformation, so we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on some of the comments and assertions made by the honorable chief minister on this topic". Delhi CM in the remarks he tweeted on Tuesday called on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant from the country which impacts children. The Singaporean High commissioner termed the remarks as "unfounded" and something that "caused a stir" The matter was raised by Singapore's foreign ministry with the Indian High Commissioner to the country P Kumaran earlier today and both foreign ministers had tweeted about it. In the tweet, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the comments of Delhi CM "irresponsible" while Singapore's Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan hoped for "resolving the [Covid] situation in our respective countries" Singapore's High Commissioner Simon Wong said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening" and "we feel we should move on". As the second wave of the cCvid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many supplies. "Delhi has been beneficiary of items which has come from Singapore" amid the Covid crisis" said Singapore's high commissioner Simon Wong, explaining, we "were taken aback by unfounded comments by Delhi CM". Asked about mentioning of the variant first found in India, Wong said, "we refer [to a] virus by scientific terms" by following World Health Organisation recommendations. "It is not Chinese virus or Indian variant," he said, highlighting, "We focus on the scientific aspect" and "we don't have the bandwidth to focus" on other things.

'Political office holders have responsibility not to spread falsehoods', says Singapore's envoy over Delhi CM's tweets

The United Kingdom will review&nbsp;its "traffic light system" which includes countries listed on the Covid travel "red list" on&nbsp;June 28. Further&nbsp;reviews will also take place on July 31,&nbsp;October 1.

More than 40 countries have been listed on&nbsp;UK's travel red list, making it difficult for travellers from these countries&nbsp;to&nbsp;enter the western European country. The includes five&nbsp;countries from South Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Nepal. The red, amber and green list rules for COVID-19 is a system put in place by London&nbsp;to&nbsp;deal with international incoming passengers amid the pandemic. If a country is on the red list, then travellers have&nbsp;to&nbsp;undergo 10 days in quarantine and two&nbsp;Covid tests.

India was put on the red list in April as COVID-19 cases surged, which also&nbsp;led&nbsp;to&nbsp;the postponement of&nbsp;UK&nbsp;PM Boris Johnson's India visit for the second time in a row. He was&nbsp;the&nbsp;first to visit India in January. Indian PM Modi has also cancelled his visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;UK&nbsp;next month for the G7 meet due&nbsp;to&nbsp;the pandemic.

UK&nbsp;reviews&nbsp;its lists every three weeks. The "check point"&nbsp;review&nbsp;on 28 June, 2021 will take into account the domestic and international Covid situation and if current measures can be rolled back. The green watchlist and amber watchlist will be published on a three-weekly basis&nbsp;to&nbsp;provide an indication as&nbsp;to&nbsp;travellers from which countries can enter the country.

The United Kingdom will review its "traffic light system" which includes countries listed on the Covid travel "red list" on June 28. Further reviews will also take place on July 31, October 1.

The United Kingdom will review its "traffic light system" which includes countries listed on the Covid travel "red list" on June 28. Further reviews will also take place on July 31, October 1. More than 40 countries have been listed on UK's travel red list, making it difficult for travellers from these countries to enter the western European country. The includes five countries from South Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Nepal. The red, amber and green list rules for COVID-19 is a system put in place by London to deal with international incoming passengers amid the pandemic. If a country is on the red list, then travellers have to undergo 10 days in quarantine and two Covid tests. India was put on the red list in April as COVID-19 cases surged, which also led to the postponement of UK PM Boris Johnson's India visit for the second time in a row. He was the first to visit India in January. Indian PM Modi has also cancelled his visit to UK next month for the G7 meet due to the pandemic. UK reviews its lists every three weeks. The "check point" review on 28 June, 2021 will take into account the domestic and international Covid situation and if current measures can be rolled back. The green watchlist and amber watchlist will be published on a three-weekly basis to provide an indication as to travellers from which countries can enter the country.

UK to review its travel 'red list' in June which bars travel from countries including India

Aftermath of Cyclone Tauktae: In India, 22 people died in Mumbai after barge sank and 45 people died in Gujarat.

Cyclone Tauktae: 22 dead in Mumbai after barge sank

India's health ministry said on Wednesday that if an individual is infected after the first dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indian-army-establishes-covid-hospital-near-line-of-control-in-uri-385976">coronavirus</a> vaccine then the "second dose should be deferred by three months after clinical recovery from the virus."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-indian-hospital-remdesivir-may-be-dropped-386049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"An individual can donate blood after 14 days of either receiving vaccine or testing RT-PCR negative if suffering from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-highest-single-day-coronavirus-in-the-world-385958">COVID-19</a>," the ministry added.

India's&nbsp;health ministry officials recommended vaccination for lactating women while adding that there was no need for screening of vaccine recipients by rapid antigen test prior to vaccination.

The new recommendations by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) have been communicated to various states and Union Territories in India.

Meanwhile, the virus second wave continues with Kerala reporting 32,762 new coronavirus cases including 112 deaths in the last 24 hours. The death toll due to the virus in the state has now risen to 6,724 along with the 18,94,518, according to the state government.

India's national capital reported 3,846 new virus cases including 235 deaths on Wednesday amid the lockdown. The death toll due to the virus since last year has climbed to 22,346 in Delhi with 14,06,719 reported COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Karnataka deputy chief minister Ashwathnarayan said that 2 crore <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-civil-rights-leader-to-ask-biden-to-give-india-60-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-385928">vaccine </a>doses have been placed with the Serum Institute of India(SII) and 1 crore with Bharat Biotech.&nbsp;

"We are requesting them to scale up the supply," Karnataka deputy chief minister said, adding, "by August, we will have huge vaccine availability. Probably by end of December, we can expect the entire population to have at least a single dose."

Ashwathnarayan said that testing has also been ramped up with results coming in &nbsp;24 hours at most of the places instead of &nbsp;5-7 days earlier.

According to the government, a total of 5,86,29,000 doses will be provided free of cost from May 1 to June 15 with a total of 4,87,55,000 doses to be made available till end of June for direct procurement by states and Union Territories.

India's health ministry said on Wednesday that if an individual is infected after the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine then the "second dose should be deferred by three months after clinical recovery from the virus.

India's health ministry said on Wednesday that if an individual is infected after the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine then the "second dose should be deferred by three months after clinical recovery from the virus." Watch: "An individual can donate blood after 14 days of either receiving vaccine or testing RT-PCR negative if suffering from COVID-19," the ministry added. India's health ministry officials recommended vaccination for lactating women while adding that there was no need for screening of vaccine recipients by rapid antigen test prior to vaccination. The new recommendations by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) have been communicated to various states and Union Territories in India. Meanwhile, the virus second wave continues with Kerala reporting 32,762 new coronavirus cases including 112 deaths in the last 24 hours. The death toll due to the virus in the state has now risen to 6,724 along with the 18,94,518, according to the state government. India's national capital reported 3,846 new virus cases including 235 deaths on Wednesday amid the lockdown. The death toll due to the virus since last year has climbed to 22,346 in Delhi with 14,06,719 reported COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, Karnataka deputy chief minister Ashwathnarayan said that 2 crore vaccine doses have been placed with the Serum Institute of India(SII) and 1 crore with Bharat Biotech. "We are requesting them to scale up the supply," Karnataka deputy chief minister said, adding, "by August, we will have huge vaccine availability. Probably by end of December, we can expect the entire population to have at least a single dose." Ashwathnarayan said that testing has also been ramped up with results coming in 24 hours at most of the places instead of 5-7 days earlier. According to the government, a total of 5,86,29,000 doses will be provided free of cost from May 1 to June 15 with a total of 4,87,55,000 doses to be made available till end of June for direct procurement by states and Union Territories.

Second dose to be deferred by three months after recovery from virus: India health ministry

India has recorded highest one-day COVID deaths. More than 4,500 people lost their lives to COVID-19 in a single day.

India: 4,529 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours

Singapore is one of the nations most successful at curbing coronavirus has dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim of a new Singapore COVID strain that is affecting children.

Singapore Foreign Minister To Arvind Kejriwal: Stick to facts

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most.&nbsp;

In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Singapore rubbished reports, stating that the prevalent strain in recent cases was the B.1.617.2 variant that was first detected in India.

Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed through a tweet&nbsp;that "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy."

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Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1394884595745660930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar has condemned the statement and said that "irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships."

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However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. 
 
So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1394885678899482631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The new form of COVID-19 that has come to Singapore is being said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India it may come as a third wave," the Delhi Chief Minister had tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. Keeping the same in mind he urged the Central government to cancel air services with Singapore immediately.

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There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore.<a href="https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE">https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ">https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ</a>
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGinIndia/status/1394705073666543624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most.

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most. In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Singapore rubbished reports, stating that the prevalent strain in recent cases was the B.1.617.2 variant that was first detected in India. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed through a tweet that "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy. — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 19, 2021 × External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar has condemned the statement and said that "irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships." However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021 × "The new form of COVID-19 that has come to Singapore is being said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India it may come as a third wave," the Delhi Chief Minister had tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. Keeping the same in mind he urged the Central government to cancel air services with Singapore immediately. There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore.https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ — Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) May 18, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal ruffles diplomatic feathers with a tweet on COVID-19 'Singapore variant'

Remdesivir may soon to be dropped from COVID treatment in India. The Chairperson of one of the India's prominent hospital, Ganga Ram Hospital, has said that Remdesivir is being considered to be dropped from COVID-19 treatment.

Top Indian Hospital: Remdesivir may be dropped

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran.&nbsp;

The Singaporean foreign minister in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM that a "variant of COVID-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause the third wave of infections in India."

Expressing its "disappointment", the statement pointed out "that a prominent political figure had failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims."

Delhi CM had tweeted his remarks, calling on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant which he highlighted impacts children.

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सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है। 
 
केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील: 
1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों 
2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1394576958973911047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The ministry of external affairs has said that the Indian high commissioner had "clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy."

The foreign ministers of both countries had also tweeted about the issue, with the External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar terming the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible," which "can damage long-standing partnerships". He pointed out, "Delhi CM does not speak for India."

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However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. 
 
So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1394885678899482631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Singapore's Foreign minister also quote tweeted Delhi CM said, "Politicians should stick to facts! There is no “Singapore variant”. He later thanked Jaishankar for reassuring comments on Twitter saying, "let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe."

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Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. <a href="https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k">https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k</a>
— Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivianBala/status/1394890616111190016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Before the Singaporean foreign ministry, the health ministry had dismissed the comments of the Delhi CM. In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said, "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions..", explaining, "strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India."

As the second wave of the Covid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many things.

So far, India has govt 8264 Oxygen concentrators, 51000 Oximeters, &nbsp;64 ISO Cryogenic tanks, 1861 Medical Oxygen cylinders of 10 L capacity, &nbsp;8994 Medical oxygen cylinders of 40 L, 63 BiPAP/ Ventilators, and 6 Dialysis Machines.

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran.

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign minister in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM that a "variant of COVID-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause the third wave of infections in India." Expressing its "disappointment", the statement pointed out "that a prominent political figure had failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims." Delhi CM had tweeted his remarks, calling on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant which he highlighted impacts children. सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है। केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील: 1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों 2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 18, 2021 × The ministry of external affairs has said that the Indian high commissioner had "clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." The foreign ministers of both countries had also tweeted about the issue, with the External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar terming the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible," which "can damage long-standing partnerships". He pointed out, "Delhi CM does not speak for India." However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021 × Singapore's Foreign minister also quote tweeted Delhi CM said, "Politicians should stick to facts! There is no “Singapore variant”. He later thanked Jaishankar for reassuring comments on Twitter saying, "let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe." Thanks @DrSJaishankar let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k — Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) May 19, 2021 × Before the Singaporean foreign ministry, the health ministry had dismissed the comments of the Delhi CM. In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said, "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions..", explaining, "strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India." As the second wave of the Covid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many things. So far, India has govt 8264 Oxygen concentrators, 51000 Oximeters, 64 ISO Cryogenic tanks, 1861 Medical Oxygen cylinders of 10 L capacity, 8994 Medical oxygen cylinders of 40 L, 63 BiPAP/ Ventilators, and 6 Dialysis Machines.

Singapore 'regrets' Delhi CM's remarks over Covid variants; EAM says he doesn't speak for India

The second&nbsp;India-Nordic summit that was to take place in June in person has been postponed since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be travelling abroad amid the&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp;

The summit was to take place in Denmark and to include all five&nbsp;Nordic countries - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

"it is no secret that PM Modi is not travelling in June, so, therefore, the India-Nordic summit has been postponed," said the ambassador of Denmark&nbsp;Freddy Svane at a virtual meet hosted by the India Writes Network.&nbsp;The physical summit is expected to happen later and a "timespan" is being looked into.

The first India-Nordic summit took place in Sweden's capital Stockholm in April 2018 and is a unique format that brings together India along with all the countries in the Nordic region. A similar&nbsp;format meet has was aligned with the US in May 2016 when the then US President Barack Obama had held meetings with Nordic countries.

New Delhi has been increasing its engagement with the Nordics or the northern European countries,&nbsp;which are known for clean technology, renewables, and a high standard of living.

Since last year, Indian PM Modi has had virtual summits with three&nbsp;Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden, and Finland&nbsp;which is highest in any specific region of the world.

Earlier, Modi was to travel to the UK as well to participate in the G7 leaders meet in June. India's Ministry of External Affairs announced earlier this month that the visit stands cancelled "given the prevailing COVID-19 situation."&nbsp;

India was invited as a guest to participate at the G7 by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is the chair of the grouping. This is is the third&nbsp;time in a row that India is being invited for G7, first by the French in 2019, Americans in 2020&nbsp;and now the British this year.&nbsp;

The second India-Nordic summit that was to take place in June in person has been postponed since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be travelling abroad amid the pandemic.

The second India-Nordic summit that was to take place in June in person has been postponed since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be travelling abroad amid the pandemic. The summit was to take place in Denmark and to include all five Nordic countries - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. "it is no secret that PM Modi is not travelling in June, so, therefore, the India-Nordic summit has been postponed," said the ambassador of Denmark Freddy Svane at a virtual meet hosted by the India Writes Network. The physical summit is expected to happen later and a "timespan" is being looked into. The first India-Nordic summit took place in Sweden's capital Stockholm in April 2018 and is a unique format that brings together India along with all the countries in the Nordic region. A similar format meet has was aligned with the US in May 2016 when the then US President Barack Obama had held meetings with Nordic countries. New Delhi has been increasing its engagement with the Nordics or the northern European countries, which are known for clean technology, renewables, and a high standard of living. Since last year, Indian PM Modi has had virtual summits with three Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden, and Finland which is highest in any specific region of the world. Earlier, Modi was to travel to the UK as well to participate in the G7 leaders meet in June. India's Ministry of External Affairs announced earlier this month that the visit stands cancelled "given the prevailing COVID-19 situation." India was invited as a guest to participate at the G7 by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is the chair of the grouping. This is is the third time in a row that India is being invited for G7, first by the French in 2019, Americans in 2020 and now the British this year.

Amid COVID-19 worries, second India-Nordic summit postponed

Indian doctors successfully performed an eight-hour long procedure to replace the femur (thigh bone) of a 12-year old Bangladeshi boy&nbsp;who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a cancer that affects only the long bones. 
 
According to the doctors, the boy was discharged and is able to walk with support, barely five days after surgery.&nbsp;

Generally it is said that children diagnosed with this condition don’t survive longer than six months and the only option in the past&nbsp;used to be amputation.

However, with recent advances in treatment, chemotherapy is performed and the cancerous tumour can be shrunk, following which the limb is replaced with a prosthetic one.&nbsp;

While in the case of a kidney or liver transplant, the organ must be from a donor, in the case of bone transplants, doctors opt for a replacement that is made of a titanium-cobalt-chromium alloy.&nbsp; 
 
The team that treated the patient said he was able to walk with the support of a single crutch and could walk without support and climb stairs six weeks after discharge.&nbsp;

The orthopedic surgeon Dr R Sankar of Apollo Hospitals said that this procedure of limb salvage was a less traumatic experience for the young patient and enables limb functionality, as opposed to amputation.&nbsp;

“This child is going to grow and by the time he’s an adult, we would have to perform 2-3 surgeries to extend the limb and joint, as what we have done is an artificial joint replacement. We can say that with this artificial limb, he can have a good quality of life for nearly 20-25 years,” Dr Sankar told Zee Media when asked about the follow-up treatment.

On the non-Covid cases and emergency surgeries being done at their hospital, Dr Suneeta Reddy, managing director, Apollo Hospitals group, told WION that about 30 per cent of the cases across their hospitals were non-Covid cases, which were being handled in an area fully separated from the Covid-19 wards

With state-level lockdowns in place, road accident cases have reduced, whereas there is a spike in cases of elderly and children. sustaining fall, fracture injuries at home,&nbsp; she added.

Indian doctors successfully performed an eight-hour long procedure to replace the femur (thigh bone) of a 12-year old Bangladeshi boy who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a cancer that affects only the long bones.

Indian doctors successfully performed an eight-hour long procedure to replace the femur (thigh bone) of a 12-year old Bangladeshi boy who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a cancer that affects only the long bones. According to the doctors, the boy was discharged and is able to walk with support, barely five days after surgery. Generally it is said that children diagnosed with this condition don’t survive longer than six months and the only option in the past used to be amputation. However, with recent advances in treatment, chemotherapy is performed and the cancerous tumour can be shrunk, following which the limb is replaced with a prosthetic one. While in the case of a kidney or liver transplant, the organ must be from a donor, in the case of bone transplants, doctors opt for a replacement that is made of a titanium-cobalt-chromium alloy. The team that treated the patient said he was able to walk with the support of a single crutch and could walk without support and climb stairs six weeks after discharge. The orthopedic surgeon Dr R Sankar of Apollo Hospitals said that this procedure of limb salvage was a less traumatic experience for the young patient and enables limb functionality, as opposed to amputation. “This child is going to grow and by the time he’s an adult, we would have to perform 2-3 surgeries to extend the limb and joint, as what we have done is an artificial joint replacement. We can say that with this artificial limb, he can have a good quality of life for nearly 20-25 years,” Dr Sankar told Zee Media when asked about the follow-up treatment. On the non-Covid cases and emergency surgeries being done at their hospital, Dr Suneeta Reddy, managing director, Apollo Hospitals group, told WION that about 30 per cent of the cases across their hospitals were non-Covid cases, which were being handled in an area fully separated from the Covid-19 wards With state-level lockdowns in place, road accident cases have reduced, whereas there is a spike in cases of elderly and children. sustaining fall, fracture injuries at home, she added.

12-year-old cancer patient from Bangladesh walks after Indian doctors replace thigh bone

It was a day of grim milestones on Tuesday as India has reported its highest number of deaths in a day even as the total pandemic caseload crossed 25 million.

Watch:

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India's COVID-19 cases is the second highest in the world, however, new cases continue to fall.

In the last 24 hours, over 260,000 new coronavirus cases were reported and as many as 199 districts in India have been&nbsp;reporting a dip in cases but in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu new infections are steadily rising.

The active cases have been falling. It dropped by more than 150,000 on Monday. India now has more than 3.3 million active cases with more than 400,000 people discharged which is the highest that India has reported so far.

However, the fatalities have not been falling with more than 4,300 people dieing in the last 24 hours which is the highest that India has ever reported.

Meanwhile, India dropped plasma therapy from its treatment protocol. The decision was taken by India's national task force which consisted of&nbsp;officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Gravitas had reported about plasma therapy last week and how it doesn't work, including the overwhelming scientific evidence against it. In fact, health experts had written a letter to India's principal scientific adviser about it.

India's own study conducted eight months back had found no benefits of plasma therapy but India was still using it, doctors were prescribing it and people were running from pillar to post to procure plasma for loved ones.

As the world struggles with vaccine shortages, the United States has finally decided to share some vaccines from its large stockpile. The US has been hoarding vaccines, however, amid mounting global pressure, President Joe Biden has relented.

The US is set to share 80 million doses. The earlier commitment was 60 million shots of AstraZeneca which hasn't been approved in the US but Washington has locked up a stockpile of 60 million shots.

Now, they will release it. The US says it will also share another 20 million doses from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson but it's not clear where these vaccines will be sent.

It was a day of grim milestones on Tuesday as India has reported its highest number of deaths in a day even as the total pandemic caseload crossed 25 million. Watch: India's COVID-19 cases is the second highest in the world, however, new cases continue to fall.

It was a day of grim milestones on Tuesday as India has reported its highest number of deaths in a day even as the total pandemic caseload crossed 25 million. Watch: India's COVID-19 cases is the second highest in the world, however, new cases continue to fall. In the last 24 hours, over 260,000 new coronavirus cases were reported and as many as 199 districts in India have been reporting a dip in cases but in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu new infections are steadily rising. The active cases have been falling. It dropped by more than 150,000 on Monday. India now has more than 3.3 million active cases with more than 400,000 people discharged which is the highest that India has reported so far. However, the fatalities have not been falling with more than 4,300 people dieing in the last 24 hours which is the highest that India has ever reported. Meanwhile, India dropped plasma therapy from its treatment protocol. The decision was taken by India's national task force which consisted of officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Gravitas had reported about plasma therapy last week and how it doesn't work, including the overwhelming scientific evidence against it. In fact, health experts had written a letter to India's principal scientific adviser about it. India's own study conducted eight months back had found no benefits of plasma therapy but India was still using it, doctors were prescribing it and people were running from pillar to post to procure plasma for loved ones. As the world struggles with vaccine shortages, the United States has finally decided to share some vaccines from its large stockpile. The US has been hoarding vaccines, however, amid mounting global pressure, President Joe Biden has relented. The US is set to share 80 million doses. The earlier commitment was 60 million shots of AstraZeneca which hasn't been approved in the US but Washington has locked up a stockpile of 60 million shots. Now, they will release it. The US says it will also share another 20 million doses from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson but it's not clear where these vaccines will be sent.

COVID-19 fatalities rise; India drops plasma therapy

India registered a 13 per cent decrease in new COVID-19 cases in the past week but the number of fresh infections was still the highest around the world, the WHO has said.

The number of new cases and deaths continued to decrease with just over 4.8 million new cases and just under 86,000 new deaths reported globally in the past week, a 12 per cent and 5 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update Data received by the World Health Organization from national authorities as of May 16.

It said that the highest number of new cases were reported from India (2,387,663 new cases), a 13 per cent decrease over the previous week.

This was followed by Brazil (437,076 new cases; 3 per cent increase), the United States of America (235,638 new cases; 21 per cent decrease), Argentina (151,332 new cases; 8 per cent increase) and Colombia (115,834 new cases; 6 per cent increase).

The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from India (27,922 new deaths; 2.0 new deaths per 100 000; a 4 per cent increase), Nepal (1,224 new deaths; 4.2 new deaths per 100 000; a 266 per cent increase) and Indonesia (1,125 new deaths; 0.4 new deaths per 100,000; a 5 per cent decrease).

According to data received by the WHO from national authorities as of May 9, India had recorded the highest numbers of new cases at 2,738,957, a 5 per cent increase over the previous week.

As per the WHO estimates, cumulative cases in India currently stand at about 24.68 million and total deaths are at about 270,284.

The data added that the South-East Asia Region reported over 2.5 million new cases and over 30,000 new deaths, a 12 per cent decrease and a 7 per cent increase respectively compared to the previous week.

Case incidence decreased after nine consecutive weeks of increases, although the absolute number remains at its highest level since the beginning of the pandemic, it said, adding that death incidence continued to increase for a ninth consecutive week.

Globally, despite a declining trend over the past three weeks, the incidence of cases remains at some of the highest levels since the start of the pandemic.

All regions reported a decline in new cases this week apart from the Western Pacific Region, where the incidence of new cases was similar to the previous week.

The European Region reported the largest decline in new cases this week, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean.

These regions also reported the largest decline in new deaths over the past week.

South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions reported a similar number of new deaths as the previous week, it added.

India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4.

According to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday, India saw a record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 2,83,248, while 2,67,334 fresh infections were recorded, taking the total tally of cases to 2,54,96,330.

The active cases have further reduced 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.

India registered a 13 per cent decrease in new COVID-19 cases in the past week but the number of fresh infections was still the highest around the world, the WHO has said.

India registered a 13 per cent decrease in new COVID-19 cases in the past week but the number of fresh infections was still the highest around the world, the WHO has said. The number of new cases and deaths continued to decrease with just over 4.8 million new cases and just under 86,000 new deaths reported globally in the past week, a 12 per cent and 5 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update Data received by the World Health Organization from national authorities as of May 16. It said that the highest number of new cases were reported from India (2,387,663 new cases), a 13 per cent decrease over the previous week. This was followed by Brazil (437,076 new cases; 3 per cent increase), the United States of America (235,638 new cases; 21 per cent decrease), Argentina (151,332 new cases; 8 per cent increase) and Colombia (115,834 new cases; 6 per cent increase). The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from India (27,922 new deaths; 2.0 new deaths per 100 000; a 4 per cent increase), Nepal (1,224 new deaths; 4.2 new deaths per 100 000; a 266 per cent increase) and Indonesia (1,125 new deaths; 0.4 new deaths per 100,000; a 5 per cent decrease). According to data received by the WHO from national authorities as of May 9, India had recorded the highest numbers of new cases at 2,738,957, a 5 per cent increase over the previous week. As per the WHO estimates, cumulative cases in India currently stand at about 24.68 million and total deaths are at about 270,284. The data added that the South-East Asia Region reported over 2.5 million new cases and over 30,000 new deaths, a 12 per cent decrease and a 7 per cent increase respectively compared to the previous week. Case incidence decreased after nine consecutive weeks of increases, although the absolute number remains at its highest level since the beginning of the pandemic, it said, adding that death incidence continued to increase for a ninth consecutive week. Globally, despite a declining trend over the past three weeks, the incidence of cases remains at some of the highest levels since the start of the pandemic. All regions reported a decline in new cases this week apart from the Western Pacific Region, where the incidence of new cases was similar to the previous week. The European Region reported the largest decline in new cases this week, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean. These regions also reported the largest decline in new deaths over the past week. South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions reported a similar number of new deaths as the previous week, it added. India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4. According to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday, India saw a record 4,529 fatalities due to coronavirus in a single day, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 2,83,248, while 2,67,334 fresh infections were recorded, taking the total tally of cases to 2,54,96,330. The active cases have further reduced 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.

India logs 13 per cent fall in new COVID-19 cases in a week; still highest globally: WHO

The Indian Army has established a 20-bed COVID-19 hospital in the remotest area of the Uri sector in North Kashmir. The hospital has been specially made for the people living near the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

With the ever-increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government hospitals are overloaded with patients. And to take away the pressure from government-run hospitals, the army has come up with this hospital.

The hospital will have twenty beds all equipped with an oxygen facility. There are 5 ICU beds while two ventilators have also been put in place.&nbsp;

"It's a twenty bedded hospital with all beds having an oxygen facility, we have two ventilators and 5 ICU beds. We are in continuous touch with BMO at Uri. We will be getting patients that will be referred by the civil hospitals." said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector.&nbsp;

The facilities at this hospital will be thrown open to patients who are referred from the civil hospitals in the Uri sector. If the Uri hospital gets excess patients, they will be referred to this army hospital. Doctors and Paramedics from the army will be monitoring all the patients admitted to this hospital.&nbsp;

"Whenever the civil hospital gets overloaded, they can refer the patients from the civil hospitals to this facility," said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector.&nbsp;

The Indian army had earlier established a 200-bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area as well.

The Indian Army has established a 20-bed COVID-19 hospital in the remotest area of the Uri sector in North Kashmir. The hospital has been specially made for the people living near the Line of Control (LoC).

The Indian Army has established a 20-bed COVID-19 hospital in the remotest area of the Uri sector in North Kashmir. The hospital has been specially made for the people living near the Line of Control (LoC). With the ever-increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government hospitals are overloaded with patients. And to take away the pressure from government-run hospitals, the army has come up with this hospital. The hospital will have twenty beds all equipped with an oxygen facility. There are 5 ICU beds while two ventilators have also been put in place. "It's a twenty bedded hospital with all beds having an oxygen facility, we have two ventilators and 5 ICU beds. We are in continuous touch with BMO at Uri. We will be getting patients that will be referred by the civil hospitals." said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector. The facilities at this hospital will be thrown open to patients who are referred from the civil hospitals in the Uri sector. If the Uri hospital gets excess patients, they will be referred to this army hospital. Doctors and Paramedics from the army will be monitoring all the patients admitted to this hospital. "Whenever the civil hospital gets overloaded, they can refer the patients from the civil hospitals to this facility," said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector. The Indian army had earlier established a 200-bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area as well.

COVID-19: Indian Army establishes Covid hospital near Line of Control in Uri

Coronavirus infections in India have started declining. The daily&nbsp;COVID-19 cases has plunged by more than 100, 000– from over 400, 000 cases during end-April to less than 300, 000 cases today.

In the last 24 hours, India reported 263,533 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest in 28 days, according to Union Health Ministry data. 
 
This is the second time since April 21 that the daily cases dropped below 300,000.

The number of people who recuperated from the novel coronavirus has also surged to 21.5 million, thereby taking the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 85.60 per cent.

The active cases further reduced to 33,53,765 comprising 13.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 85.60 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million&nbsp;on May 4.&nbsp;

India becomes the world`s second nation, after the United States, to pass the grim milestone. The country`s total caseload is now at 25.23 million, while the death toll is at 278,719, according to health ministry data. 
 
According to the ICMR, 31,82,92,881 samples have been tested up to May 17 with 18,69,223 samples being tested on Monday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus infections in India have started declining. The daily COVID-19 cases has plunged by more than 100, 000– from over 400, 000 cases during end-April to less than 300, 000 cases today.

Coronavirus infections in India have started declining. The daily COVID-19 cases has plunged by more than 100, 000– from over 400, 000 cases during end-April to less than 300, 000 cases today. In the last 24 hours, India reported 263,533 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest in 28 days, according to Union Health Ministry data. This is the second time since April 21 that the daily cases dropped below 300,000. The number of people who recuperated from the novel coronavirus has also surged to 21.5 million, thereby taking the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 85.60 per cent. The active cases further reduced to 33,53,765 comprising 13.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 85.60 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. India crossed the grim milestone of 20 million on May 4. India becomes the world`s second nation, after the United States, to pass the grim milestone. The country`s total caseload is now at 25.23 million, while the death toll is at 278,719, according to health ministry data. According to the ICMR, 31,82,92,881 samples have been tested up to May 17 with 18,69,223 samples being tested on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 263,533 new cases, lowest in 28 days

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber&nbsp;Abualhayjaa&nbsp;has said that his government has been&nbsp;'working for the ceasefire from the first day'&nbsp;when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel.

According to him,&nbsp;over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions&nbsp;of&nbsp;Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking to WION&nbsp;Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Amb Adnan&nbsp;Abualhayjaa&nbsp;hoped that India won't make reference to Temple Mount, as it is&nbsp;'encouraging Israelis in the manner which may lead to religious war'.

Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism, is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.&nbsp;

He also condoled the death of Indian&nbsp;national Soumya Santhosh.

Santhosh,&nbsp;a caregiver,&nbsp;died in Israel's Ashkelon in a rocket strike&nbsp;and&nbsp;is survived by&nbsp;nine-year-old son and husband.

This is his first-ever interview amid the ongoing escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The fighting began&nbsp;after violence&nbsp;erupted&nbsp;in Jerusalem and possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan&nbsp;neighbourhood.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: What is the current situation when it comes to the ongoing conflict?&nbsp;Will&nbsp;you&nbsp;call it a full-scale war?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: The current situation in Palestine is mainly for&nbsp;two&nbsp;reasons. First is the occupation, as long as the occupation continues. Who is ignoring the Oslo Agreement, who is ignoring all the agreements with Palestinian authorities, who is killing, jailing every day in the West Bank, restricting the movement of Palestinian people via the 600 military checkpoints, is controlling 60% of the west bank, restricting the people's movement, controlling tax money of Palestinians, refusing elections in&nbsp;Jerusalem?

Secondly, there was the&nbsp;fourth election in Israel and&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;has failed to form a government. Netanyahu&nbsp;knows&nbsp;how to make problems, so he started&nbsp;telling&nbsp;the right-wing of the Israelis to go to Al Aqsa to restrict the worshippers from&nbsp;praying.

Before it became&nbsp;a&nbsp;military&nbsp;issue, it was the issue of Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah area where they want to displace 28 families living in their houses for 70 years. He wants to put obstacles in forming the government, so he has started with these problems because if other parties are able to form the government, Netanyahu, because of corruption, might go to jail.&nbsp;

Surely,&nbsp;it's a war, and a very bad war&nbsp;because the victims&nbsp;of this war&nbsp;are&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;mainly. We are on the eighgth day of the war and we have lost 218 people in the West Bank and Gaza, more than 5,600 people have been injured. In the West Bank,&nbsp;there are&nbsp;no weapons&nbsp;with Palestinian people, no rockets, nothing.&nbsp;250 of the wounded&nbsp;got injured&nbsp;due to&nbsp;the metal bombs. Israelis are&nbsp;committing war crimes on both sides, in Gaza and in the West Bank.&nbsp;Hope it will end soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How do you think the international community can support Palestine?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Israel is an exact copy of South Africa during the apartheid time. We live in an apartheid regime in Palestine.

There are&nbsp;two&nbsp;kinds of&nbsp;laws in Israel. There is a law for the Jewish people&nbsp;and&nbsp;there is a law for a Palestinians,&nbsp;who have&nbsp;Israeli nationality and there is another law, the military law for Palestinian people living in the occupied area, West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza&nbsp;Strip.

The international community could help a lot, first of all, they should boycott Israel, exactly as South Africa had&nbsp;been boycotted. Secondly, Americans should stop&nbsp;pressurising&nbsp;other countries to&nbsp;not&nbsp;take action against Israel. Many of the European countries&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;take action&nbsp;but don’t act due to&nbsp;American pressure. Hope&nbsp;there will be real pressure from the international community to follow the United Nations&nbsp;resolution. Israel is the only country&nbsp;in the world which is over the international community.&nbsp;Not just&nbsp;UN resolutions, they refuse everything. Hundreds of resolutions, from the security council to the general assembly of the UN. It is the only country that can refuse everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Will Palestinian authorities call for a ceasefire?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We&nbsp;were&nbsp;in the beginning&nbsp;and&nbsp;had talks with some Arab countries like Egypt. Because Egypt normally coordinates in these matters. With&nbsp;Qatar...&nbsp;we spoke with France, Britain. Our foreign minister was in Europe, he was working hard with the European Union for the ceasefire. From the first day, we started to work on the ceasefire. We called on the security council, to have a resolution for the ceasefire. But&nbsp;three&nbsp;times, Americans refused, including on Sunday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Then there is the issue of Hamas's rocket attacks, something that has been condemned globally...&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: First of all,&nbsp;let me present my condolences for that lady who passed away in Israel. We feel sorry that we have lost one Indian in this conflict. So,&nbsp;my condolences to the Indian people and her family.

Secondly, the rockets of Hamas are a reaction, not an action. The main thing is the occupation. I am&nbsp;ok&nbsp;with destroying all weapons&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel and Palestine not using weapons. When we signed the Oslo agreement, we signed it to live side by side in peace, security, coordinate in everything together as&nbsp;neighbours. Since that time, 1993, up to now, Israel is refusing everything, destroying everything. I think we will go to the question of&nbsp;two&nbsp;state solutions and they are destroying&nbsp;two&nbsp;state solutions. Rockets is a reaction, and hope,&nbsp;we won't see any aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank.&nbsp;

WION: Can President Mahmoud Abbas prevail over Hamas, and is Hamas trying to exploit political space?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: President Mahmoud Abbas&nbsp;is&nbsp;in connection with the leaders of Hamas&nbsp;and&nbsp;was working for the ceasefire from the first day. Any war&nbsp;inflicts damages on&nbsp;both sides.&nbsp;You need to control the Israelis and their crimes, otherwise, we will see another war. Without&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;this occupation,&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;for&nbsp;neighbours&nbsp;to live side by side, according to the international resolutions.&nbsp;Agreements have been signed with the Israelis,&nbsp;but&nbsp;there is no security in the area at all.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Is Hamas trying to use the political vacuum in Gaza, West Bank vis a vis the election schedule?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We are a democratic state,&nbsp;and have&nbsp;democratic institutions. If Hamas via elections, takes&nbsp;advantage and wins&nbsp;the election,&nbsp;we have no problem. Let Hamas control the country. They are the main party of the Palestinian&nbsp;people,&nbsp;they have a political department as the&nbsp;organisation. If they win the elections, we will welcome that and we will give them the authority. we have no&nbsp;problem,&nbsp;this is a democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's statement at the UNSC? New Delhi reiterated its&nbsp;'strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the&nbsp;two-state&nbsp;solution".&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: India is&nbsp;a&nbsp;very close friend&nbsp;of&nbsp;Palestine and I would like to thank Indian&nbsp;government for&nbsp;strongly supporting&nbsp;the cause of the Palestinian people.

Only one thing, there is something which I have seen in the statement, which is Al Masjid Al Aqsa/Temple Mount,&nbsp;which is a new expression. Al-Masjid Al Aqsa since the British was nominated to rule&nbsp;by&nbsp;Palestine.&nbsp;In&nbsp;1929,&nbsp;a mission had come from the United Nations after some conflict between the Palestinian Muslims and Jews at that time. They checked everything in Al Aqsa and said Al Aqsa is a Muslim place and Jewish people pray near the wall. It was like that without any problem. Secondly, Al&nbsp;Aqsa mosque&nbsp;is registered in UNESCO as a Muslim place.

So,&nbsp;hope this&nbsp;is not&nbsp;used again&nbsp;as&nbsp;encouraging Israelis in that matter will lead to religious war,&nbsp;which is not acceptable to anyone. India is supporting Palestine&nbsp;and&nbsp;we thank them very much, not only&nbsp;on the political&nbsp;level,&nbsp;but they also helped in many other things,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;building hospitals, schools, diplomatic institutions, women empowerment centers,&nbsp;so&nbsp;they help Palestine in many ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;What is&nbsp;current situation of the Covid crisis when it comes to the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Now,&nbsp;a little bit better. Last month, before it was very bad, still a little bit better but we don't have enough vaccines to say the truth. It's not bad, these days at least. It is much better than&nbsp;two&nbsp;months ago.&nbsp;

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel.

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel. According to him, over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions of Israel. Speaking to WION Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Amb Adnan Abualhayjaa hoped that India won't make reference to Temple Mount, as it is 'encouraging Israelis in the manner which may lead to religious war'. Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism, is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. He also condoled the death of Indian national Soumya Santhosh. Santhosh, a caregiver, died in Israel's Ashkelon in a rocket strike and is survived by nine-year-old son and husband. This is his first-ever interview amid the ongoing escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The fighting began after violence erupted in Jerusalem and possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood. WION: What is the current situation when it comes to the ongoing conflict? Will you call it a full-scale war? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: The current situation in Palestine is mainly for two reasons. First is the occupation, as long as the occupation continues. Who is ignoring the Oslo Agreement, who is ignoring all the agreements with Palestinian authorities, who is killing, jailing every day in the West Bank, restricting the movement of Palestinian people via the 600 military checkpoints, is controlling 60% of the west bank, restricting the people's movement, controlling tax money of Palestinians, refusing elections in Jerusalem? Secondly, there was the fourth election in Israel and Netanyahu has failed to form a government. Netanyahu knows how to make problems, so he started telling the right-wing of the Israelis to go to Al Aqsa to restrict the worshippers from praying. Before it became a military issue, it was the issue of Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah area where they want to displace 28 families living in their houses for 70 years. He wants to put obstacles in forming the government, so he has started with these problems because if other parties are able to form the government, Netanyahu, because of corruption, might go to jail. Surely, it's a war, and a very bad war because the victims of this war are civilians mainly. We are on the eighgth day of the war and we have lost 218 people in the West Bank and Gaza, more than 5,600 people have been injured. In the West Bank, there are no weapons with Palestinian people, no rockets, nothing. 250 of the wounded got injured due to the metal bombs. Israelis are committing war crimes on both sides, in Gaza and in the West Bank. Hope it will end soon. WION: How do you think the international community can support Palestine? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Israel is an exact copy of South Africa during the apartheid time. We live in an apartheid regime in Palestine. There are two kinds of laws in Israel. There is a law for the Jewish people and there is a law for a Palestinians, who have Israeli nationality and there is another law, the military law for Palestinian people living in the occupied area, West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. The international community could help a lot, first of all, they should boycott Israel, exactly as South Africa had been boycotted. Secondly, Americans should stop pressurising other countries to not take action against Israel. Many of the European countries want to take action but don’t act due to American pressure. Hope there will be real pressure from the international community to follow the United Nations resolution. Israel is the only country in the world which is over the international community. Not just UN resolutions, they refuse everything. Hundreds of resolutions, from the security council to the general assembly of the UN. It is the only country that can refuse everything. WION: Will Palestinian authorities call for a ceasefire? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We were in the beginning and had talks with some Arab countries like Egypt. Because Egypt normally coordinates in these matters. With Qatar... we spoke with France, Britain. Our foreign minister was in Europe, he was working hard with the European Union for the ceasefire. From the first day, we started to work on the ceasefire. We called on the security council, to have a resolution for the ceasefire. But three times, Americans refused, including on Sunday. WION: Then there is the issue of Hamas's rocket attacks, something that has been condemned globally... Adnan Mohammad Jaber: First of all, let me present my condolences for that lady who passed away in Israel. We feel sorry that we have lost one Indian in this conflict. So, my condolences to the Indian people and her family. Secondly, the rockets of Hamas are a reaction, not an action. The main thing is the occupation. I am ok with destroying all weapons and Israel and Palestine not using weapons. When we signed the Oslo agreement, we signed it to live side by side in peace, security, coordinate in everything together as neighbours. Since that time, 1993, up to now, Israel is refusing everything, destroying everything. I think we will go to the question of two state solutions and they are destroying two state solutions. Rockets is a reaction, and hope, we won't see any aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank. WION: Can President Mahmoud Abbas prevail over Hamas, and is Hamas trying to exploit political space? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: President Mahmoud Abbas is in connection with the leaders of Hamas and was working for the ceasefire from the first day. Any war inflicts damages on both sides. You need to control the Israelis and their crimes, otherwise, we will see another war. Without the end of this occupation, difficult for neighbours to live side by side, according to the international resolutions. Agreements have been signed with the Israelis, but there is no security in the area at all. WION: Is Hamas trying to use the political vacuum in Gaza, West Bank vis a vis the election schedule? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We are a democratic state, and have democratic institutions. If Hamas via elections, takes advantage and wins the election, we have no problem. Let Hamas control the country. They are the main party of the Palestinian people, they have a political department as the organisation. If they win the elections, we will welcome that and we will give them the authority. we have no problem, this is a democracy. WION: How do you see India's statement at the UNSC? New Delhi reiterated its 'strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two-state solution". Adnan Mohammad Jaber: India is a very close friend of Palestine and I would like to thank Indian government for strongly supporting the cause of the Palestinian people. Only one thing, there is something which I have seen in the statement, which is Al Masjid Al Aqsa/Temple Mount, which is a new expression. Al-Masjid Al Aqsa since the British was nominated to rule by Palestine. In 1929, a mission had come from the United Nations after some conflict between the Palestinian Muslims and Jews at that time. They checked everything in Al Aqsa and said Al Aqsa is a Muslim place and Jewish people pray near the wall. It was like that without any problem. Secondly, Al Aqsa mosque is registered in UNESCO as a Muslim place. So, hope this is not used again as encouraging Israelis in that matter will lead to religious war, which is not acceptable to anyone. India is supporting Palestine and we thank them very much, not only on the political level, but they also helped in many other things, such as building hospitals, schools, diplomatic institutions, women empowerment centers, so they help Palestine in many ways. WION: What is current situation of the Covid crisis when it comes to the Palestinian territories. Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Now, a little bit better. Last month, before it was very bad, still a little bit better but we don't have enough vaccines to say the truth. It's not bad, these days at least. It is much better than two months ago.

Working on ceasefire, says Palestine's envoy; Hopes India won't make reference to 'Temple Mount', condoles death of Indian national

The national drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), had cleared the formulation on May 1 for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid-19 patients.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releases DRDO's anti-Covid drug

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