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People offered namaz at their home on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr in the national capital on Friday as masjids remained closed due to the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also offered namaz at his home and wished everyone health and well-being on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He said that precaution, prevention and prayer will get us rid of this&nbsp;

The government and society are working together to ensure the good health and well-being of the people.

"Keeping in view social distancing due to Corona pandemic, today I offered Namaz at my residence on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and prayed for prosperity, harmony, unity, health and well-being of the country," he tweeted.

Jama Masjid will remain shut to avoid crowding and devotees are not allowed to offer Nawaz here in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic Meanwhile, security forces were deployed outside the Jama Masjid in the national capital.

Speaking to ANI Rohit Meena, ADCP-I Central said that this year also we have deployed forces near Jama Masjid and have urged people to offer namaz and celebrate this festival at home.

"People have agreed to our appeal of Eid ul-Fitr celebration at their houses this year," he said.

Amid rising cases of Covid-19, the Delhi government has imposed a lockdown in the national capital till May 17. Muslims, across the world, usually offer Eid prayers in congregation at various mosques and large grounds.&nbsp;

But since the beginning of the Covid pandemic last year, gatherings have been stopped by various religious heads and Muslim bodies. The auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr falls after a month of fasting, praying, and engaging in humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged during the holy month of Ramzan.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, people wake up early in the morning, chant salat ul-fajr (daily prayers), take a bath, wear new clothes, and put ittar (perfume). It is a custom to eat a hearty breakfast before people perform the special congregational prayers on a special day.

People offered namaz at their home on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr in the national capital on Friday as masjids remained closed due to the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

People offered namaz at their home on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr in the national capital on Friday as masjids remained closed due to the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also offered namaz at his home and wished everyone health and well-being on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He said that precaution, prevention and prayer will get us rid of this The government and society are working together to ensure the good health and well-being of the people. "Keeping in view social distancing due to Corona pandemic, today I offered Namaz at my residence on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and prayed for prosperity, harmony, unity, health and well-being of the country," he tweeted. Jama Masjid will remain shut to avoid crowding and devotees are not allowed to offer Nawaz here in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic Meanwhile, security forces were deployed outside the Jama Masjid in the national capital. Speaking to ANI Rohit Meena, ADCP-I Central said that this year also we have deployed forces near Jama Masjid and have urged people to offer namaz and celebrate this festival at home. "People have agreed to our appeal of Eid ul-Fitr celebration at their houses this year," he said. Amid rising cases of Covid-19, the Delhi government has imposed a lockdown in the national capital till May 17. Muslims, across the world, usually offer Eid prayers in congregation at various mosques and large grounds. But since the beginning of the Covid pandemic last year, gatherings have been stopped by various religious heads and Muslim bodies. The auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr falls after a month of fasting, praying, and engaging in humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged during the holy month of Ramzan. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, people wake up early in the morning, chant salat ul-fajr (daily prayers), take a bath, wear new clothes, and put ittar (perfume). It is a custom to eat a hearty breakfast before people perform the special congregational prayers on a special day.

People celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, offer namaz at home amid COVID-19 lockdown

India's overall tally has now crossed 24 million and there are signs of a peak but the chain hasn't been broken as the country has reported more than 300,000 new infections in a day.

However, some major hotspots have been reporting a decline with new infections falling in Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh but cases are rising quickly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-surge-2-billion-vaccine-doses-for-india-by-december-385117/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's total caseload continues to be high and active cases are still at 3.7 million. There was a minor decline of around 5,600 and recoveries have crossed 20 million.

Fatalities still remain high. In the last 24 hours, 4,000 people have died. The exit route is vaccines and the government is moving aggressively on this front now.

It has built a roadmap for vaccine procurement and India hopes to have more than two billion doses. A total of eight manufacturers could supply them. The Serum Institute could supply two vaccines - Covishield and Novavax.

There is also Covaxin, Sputnik, Bio-e, Zydus Cadila and a Pfizer-like shot from Gennova. A nasal vaccine from Bharat Biotech is also being created by the same company that is making Covaxin.

India could have more than two billion doses by the end of this year clubbed together which is the projection. The government expects the new supplies to start arriving by August.

It's a good plan if things go as projected, India could inoculate its entire adult population by December.

India's overall tally has now crossed 24 million and there are signs of a peak but the chain hasn't been broken as the country has reported more than 300,000 new infections in a day.

India's overall tally has now crossed 24 million and there are signs of a peak but the chain hasn't been broken as the country has reported more than 300,000 new infections in a day. However, some major hotspots have been reporting a decline with new infections falling in Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh but cases are rising quickly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Watch: India's total caseload continues to be high and active cases are still at 3.7 million. There was a minor decline of around 5,600 and recoveries have crossed 20 million. Fatalities still remain high. In the last 24 hours, 4,000 people have died. The exit route is vaccines and the government is moving aggressively on this front now. It has built a roadmap for vaccine procurement and India hopes to have more than two billion doses. A total of eight manufacturers could supply them. The Serum Institute could supply two vaccines - Covishield and Novavax. There is also Covaxin, Sputnik, Bio-e, Zydus Cadila and a Pfizer-like shot from Gennova. A nasal vaccine from Bharat Biotech is also being created by the same company that is making Covaxin. India could have more than two billion doses by the end of this year clubbed together which is the projection. The government expects the new supplies to start arriving by August. It's a good plan if things go as projected, India could inoculate its entire adult population by December.

India's COVID-19 tally crosses 24 million; hotspots report decline in cases

After a dip on the first two days of this week, new infections are back up again.

For three weeks now, India has been reporting over 300,000 new infections daily. In the last 24 hours, more than 360,000 people have tested positive and active cases have been growing again.

India has more than 3.7 million active cases.

However, the growth in recoveries remains steady, with close to 20 million people having recovered.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-rules-for-vaccination-in-india-384853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

There is however no respite in the number of fatalities. India's death&nbsp;toll has exceeded 3,000 a day for over two weeks. In the last 24 hours, more than 4,100 people have died and the impact of this deadly surge is showing on India's economy.&nbsp;

A think tank says India's unemployment shot up to eight per cent in April. It was at 6.5 per cent in March, with almost 7.4 million jobs lost during the surge in cases.

In January, more than 400 million citizens were employed in India, but that number is now down to around 390 million with&nbsp;almost 34 million citizens actively looking for a job.

As far as vaccination is concerned, the shortage persists. A new advisory has been issued, which says if you have recovered from COVID-19, you will have to wait for six months to get your shot as studies show that 80 per cent of those infected will remain protected for seven months as they have antibodies.

If a person has taken one dose of Covishield, that person will have to wait for 12 to 16 weeks for the second shot. It is the second time in three months that the dosage interval for Covishield has been widened.

First, the gap was 28 days which is four weeks. Then it was increased to six to eight weeks. Now it is 12 to 16 weeks.

Spain is the only other country that allows its citizens to wait up to 16 weeks for the second dose. The United Kingdom and the European Medicines Agency advice 4-12 weeks.

The World Health Organization recommends 8-12 weeks.

However, there is no change in the dosage interval on Covaxin, with the second jab allowed after 28 days. There is a recommendation for pregnant women too. The government panel says they should be able to choose their vaccine.&nbsp;

Reports say these changes are rooted in science but it's also a fact that India is short of vaccines and longer intervals between doses will allow us to cover more people with one shot. &nbsp;

After a dip on the first two days of this week, new infections are back up again. For three weeks now, India has been reporting over 300,000 new infections daily.

After a dip on the first two days of this week, new infections are back up again. For three weeks now, India has been reporting over 300,000 new infections daily. In the last 24 hours, more than 360,000 people have tested positive and active cases have been growing again. India has more than 3.7 million active cases. However, the growth in recoveries remains steady, with close to 20 million people having recovered. Watch: There is however no respite in the number of fatalities. India's death toll has exceeded 3,000 a day for over two weeks. In the last 24 hours, more than 4,100 people have died and the impact of this deadly surge is showing on India's economy. A think tank says India's unemployment shot up to eight per cent in April. It was at 6.5 per cent in March, with almost 7.4 million jobs lost during the surge in cases. In January, more than 400 million citizens were employed in India, but that number is now down to around 390 million with almost 34 million citizens actively looking for a job. As far as vaccination is concerned, the shortage persists. A new advisory has been issued, which says if you have recovered from COVID-19, you will have to wait for six months to get your shot as studies show that 80 per cent of those infected will remain protected for seven months as they have antibodies. If a person has taken one dose of Covishield, that person will have to wait for 12 to 16 weeks for the second shot. It is the second time in three months that the dosage interval for Covishield has been widened. First, the gap was 28 days which is four weeks. Then it was increased to six to eight weeks. Now it is 12 to 16 weeks. Spain is the only other country that allows its citizens to wait up to 16 weeks for the second dose. The United Kingdom and the European Medicines Agency advice 4-12 weeks. The World Health Organization recommends 8-12 weeks. However, there is no change in the dosage interval on Covaxin, with the second jab allowed after 28 days. There is a recommendation for pregnant women too. The government panel says they should be able to choose their vaccine. Reports say these changes are rooted in science but it's also a fact that India is short of vaccines and longer intervals between doses will allow us to cover more people with one shot.

India's COVID-19 cases rise again as fatalities increase

Dramatically ramping up COVID-19 vaccination drive is key to ending the crisis in India and extending the gap between two doses of Covishield is a "reasonable approach," White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told ANI in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

"When you are in a very difficult situation, the way you are in India, you have to try and figure out ways to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as you can, so I believe that it is a reasonable approach to do," Fauci said.

On Thursday, the Government of India announced that the gap between the first and second doses of the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine has been increased to 12-16 weeks,&nbsp;from the existing 6-8 weeks.

This is for the second time in three months that Covishield dosage intervals have been widened and this move has once again garnered criticism, as a cover-up for not having enough vaccines for the people in India.

However, Dr Fauci said that this "extended interval" is beneficial even from the efficacy standpoint.

"The fact that you delay it that long, it is very unlikely that it would have a negative effect on the efficacy of the vaccine. I would not refer to it as a cover up when you don`t have enough vaccines," Fauci told ANI.

India is most likely to roll out Russia`s Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus to be administered to citizens starting next week. With this, India will now have three vaccines to boost its mega vaccination drive which was recently opened for those above 18 years.

When asked about the efficacy of the Sputnik V Vaccine, "I`ve heard about the Sputnik, is that, it seems to be quite efficacious, at a high level of close to 90 per cent or so," Fauci responded.

Last year, when the US was battling with the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Department of Defense docked two naval warships--USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort--on the coasts of New York and Los Angeles to step up the efforts in combating the virus.

Dr. Fauci, one of COVID`s most trusted names, suggests that India should step up the role of the armed forces in combating COVID-19.

"You can use the military sometimes to get things done quickly that you otherwise in the private sector would not be able to, for example, I know that there`s a shortage of hospital beds right now that people who need to be in a hospital or not getting into a hospital because of the shortage of the beds, you can get the military to put up field hospitals, the same way they would during time of war, that could serve as a substitute for the classic hospital." Fauci told ANI.

While replying to a query on resuming travel to India amid the pandemic, Fauci said, "It really is going to depend on the level of infection right now. India has a very very high level of infection. And that would mean that it would be very very difficult to resume travel there right now."

As more people around the world become vaccinated and the summer travel season is approaching, countries around the world are scrambling to get digital health certification programs or Vaccine passports in place.

However, Fauci says that US borders will not have the vaccine passport mandate.

"Several of the airlines may say you`re not going to be able to fly on our flight, unless you have a verification that you`ve been vaccinated, in essence- a vaccine passport, but again to repeat that at least in the United State-that is not going to be mandated from a federal standpoint."

India is currently experiencing a devastating surge of COVID-19 with record-breaking cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

The country`s health care system is teetering on the edge of collapse as hospitals are overcrowded and much-needed medical supplies are in low supply.

Dramatically ramping up COVID-19 vaccination drive is key to ending the crisis in India and extending the gap between two doses of Covishield is a "reasonable approach," White House chief medical adviser Dr.

Dramatically ramping up COVID-19 vaccination drive is key to ending the crisis in India and extending the gap between two doses of Covishield is a "reasonable approach," White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told ANI in an exclusive interview on Thursday. "When you are in a very difficult situation, the way you are in India, you have to try and figure out ways to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as you can, so I believe that it is a reasonable approach to do," Fauci said. On Thursday, the Government of India announced that the gap between the first and second doses of the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine has been increased to 12-16 weeks, from the existing 6-8 weeks. This is for the second time in three months that Covishield dosage intervals have been widened and this move has once again garnered criticism, as a cover-up for not having enough vaccines for the people in India. However, Dr Fauci said that this "extended interval" is beneficial even from the efficacy standpoint. "The fact that you delay it that long, it is very unlikely that it would have a negative effect on the efficacy of the vaccine. I would not refer to it as a cover up when you don`t have enough vaccines," Fauci told ANI. India is most likely to roll out Russia`s Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus to be administered to citizens starting next week. With this, India will now have three vaccines to boost its mega vaccination drive which was recently opened for those above 18 years. When asked about the efficacy of the Sputnik V Vaccine, "I`ve heard about the Sputnik, is that, it seems to be quite efficacious, at a high level of close to 90 per cent or so," Fauci responded. Last year, when the US was battling with the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Department of Defense docked two naval warships--USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort--on the coasts of New York and Los Angeles to step up the efforts in combating the virus. Dr. Fauci, one of COVID`s most trusted names, suggests that India should step up the role of the armed forces in combating COVID-19. "You can use the military sometimes to get things done quickly that you otherwise in the private sector would not be able to, for example, I know that there`s a shortage of hospital beds right now that people who need to be in a hospital or not getting into a hospital because of the shortage of the beds, you can get the military to put up field hospitals, the same way they would during time of war, that could serve as a substitute for the classic hospital." Fauci told ANI. While replying to a query on resuming travel to India amid the pandemic, Fauci said, "It really is going to depend on the level of infection right now. India has a very very high level of infection. And that would mean that it would be very very difficult to resume travel there right now." As more people around the world become vaccinated and the summer travel season is approaching, countries around the world are scrambling to get digital health certification programs or Vaccine passports in place. However, Fauci says that US borders will not have the vaccine passport mandate. "Several of the airlines may say you`re not going to be able to fly on our flight, unless you have a verification that you`ve been vaccinated, in essence- a vaccine passport, but again to repeat that at least in the United State-that is not going to be mandated from a federal standpoint." India is currently experiencing a devastating surge of COVID-19 with record-breaking cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The country`s health care system is teetering on the edge of collapse as hospitals are overcrowded and much-needed medical supplies are in low supply.

Extended gap between two doses of Covishield reasonable approach, says Anthony Fauci

Britain's government is anxious about the spread of the COVID-19 variant first detected in India and rules nothing out to tackle a sharp rise in cases of it, Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said on Thursday.

Johnson&nbsp;has laid out what he describes as a "cautious but irreversible" route out of lockdown for England, with the next step planned for next week. He has warned that new mutants, such as the B.1.617.2 variant, pose a risk to that plan.

Government agency Public Health England (PHE) said the total number of confirmed cases of the variant had more than doubled in the past week to 1,313 across the United Kingdom.

Officials fear the variant, one of three first found in India, is at least as transmissible as the so-called Kent variant identified in southeast England last year, which fuelled Britain's second wave of infections.

"We are anxious about it - it has been spreading,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said, adding that there would be meetings later on Thursday to discuss what to do. "We're ruling nothing out," he added.

There has been door-to-door testing in response to a surge in cases of the variant in north-west England, while extra vaccination facilities are being opened to boost uptake.

"Cases of this variant are rising in the community and we are continuously monitoring its spread," said Susan Hopkins, COVID-19 Strategic Response Director at PHE.

"We need to act collectively and responsibly to ensure that variants do not impact on the progress we have all made to drive down levels of COVID-19 and the increased freedom that brings."

After England's initial coronavirus lockdown,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;sought a regional approach to restrictions, which ultimately failed, and two further national lockdowns followed.

He wants a nationwide approach to the easing of restrictions this time, and reiterated that he hoped restrictions would end across the whole nation in June, despite the local surges in variant cases.

"At the moment I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we'll be able to go ahead on Monday and June 21 everywhere," he added, referring to further steps to ease lockdown.

Britain's government is anxious about the spread of the COVID-19 variant first detected in India and rules nothing out to tackle a sharp rise in cases of it, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday.

Britain's government is anxious about the spread of the COVID-19 variant first detected in India and rules nothing out to tackle a sharp rise in cases of it, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday. Johnson has laid out what he describes as a "cautious but irreversible" route out of lockdown for England, with the next step planned for next week. He has warned that new mutants, such as the B.1.617.2 variant, pose a risk to that plan. Government agency Public Health England (PHE) said the total number of confirmed cases of the variant had more than doubled in the past week to 1,313 across the United Kingdom. Officials fear the variant, one of three first found in India, is at least as transmissible as the so-called Kent variant identified in southeast England last year, which fuelled Britain's second wave of infections. "We are anxious about it - it has been spreading," Johnson said, adding that there would be meetings later on Thursday to discuss what to do. "We're ruling nothing out," he added. There has been door-to-door testing in response to a surge in cases of the variant in north-west England, while extra vaccination facilities are being opened to boost uptake. "Cases of this variant are rising in the community and we are continuously monitoring its spread," said Susan Hopkins, COVID-19 Strategic Response Director at PHE. "We need to act collectively and responsibly to ensure that variants do not impact on the progress we have all made to drive down levels of COVID-19 and the increased freedom that brings." After England's initial coronavirus lockdown, Johnson sought a regional approach to restrictions, which ultimately failed, and two further national lockdowns followed. He wants a nationwide approach to the easing of restrictions this time, and reiterated that he hoped restrictions would end across the whole nation in June, despite the local surges in variant cases. "At the moment I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we'll be able to go ahead on Monday and June 21 everywhere," he added, referring to further steps to ease lockdown.

Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India

The overall rate of unemployment in March 2021 was 6.5 per cent while the urban unemployment in India is now nearing 12 per cent, the highest in more than 10 months.

India: Economy in shambles; Shortage of vaccines | 7.5 Million people lost their jobs in April

As the demand for vaccines in the nation takes a radical surge, the Central Govt has decided to procure at least 2 Billion doses by the end of this year. NITI Aayog's member VK Paul in a press conference says 'In the five months between August and December, over 2 billion doses of vaccine will be made in India for Indians. There should be no doubt that vaccine will be available for all as we move forward'

Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine to be available in India by next week

The Govt of India is planning to ramp up its massive vaccination program to the age group between 2-18 year olds. The leading vaccine producer firm Bharat Biotech get nod from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to perform 2 & 3 trials of Covaxin. The trials will take place in 525 subjects at various sites.

COVID-19 vaccine for 2-18 year olds soon?

India to get 2 Billion jabs by December

With over 31,000 daily COVID-19 cases in the state and nearly 7,000 cases in Chennai city, the Tamil Nadu government has imposed restrictions in addition to the ongoing lockdown from May 10 to 24.

The decision to tighten the lockdown measures has been taken after consent from representatives of all major political parties, in an all-party meeting held on Thursday. As of Friday evening, the government bulletin had reported 195,000 active cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-young-scientists-at-isros-vssc-develop-ventilators-oxygen-concentrators-385016" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators</a>

All new curbs will come into place from 4 am on May 15 (Saturday) and will remain in place till May 24.&nbsp;

As per the new restrictions, the working hours of standalone grocery shops, supermarkets, meat shops, etc. will be from 6 am to 10 am. These shops must operate without air-conditioning and must permit only 50 per cent footfall. However, e-commerce services such as Dunzo and others will be allowed to deliver supplies from 6 am to10 am. Whereas, other E-commerce firms would be permitted to deliver goods between 2 pm and 6 pm.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-tauktae-to-hit-southern-india-heavy-rains-predicted-in-3-states-384979" hreflang="en">Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states</a>

While fuel stations, ATMs and&nbsp;medical shops will be open, all other stores including footpath vendors selling vegetables, flowers have been asked to go under lockdown. Tea shops too would remain closed too.&nbsp;

E-pass has been made mandatory for domestic and even inter-district travellers (who are going for essentials such as weddings, funerals, caregiving for elderly etc.) and is to be availed on eregister.tnega.org. The E-pass would be required from 6 am of May&nbsp;17.

The existing night curfew from 10 pm to 4 am and the Sunday total lockdown will continue to be in effect.&nbsp;

With over 31,000 daily COVID-19 cases in the state and nearly 7,000 cases in Chennai city, the Tamil Nadu government has imposed restrictions in addition to the ongoing lockdown from May 10 to 24.

With over 31,000 daily COVID-19 cases in the state and nearly 7,000 cases in Chennai city, the Tamil Nadu government has imposed restrictions in addition to the ongoing lockdown from May 10 to 24. The decision to tighten the lockdown measures has been taken after consent from representatives of all major political parties, in an all-party meeting held on Thursday. As of Friday evening, the government bulletin had reported 195,000 active cases. Also read | Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators All new curbs will come into place from 4 am on May 15 (Saturday) and will remain in place till May 24. As per the new restrictions, the working hours of standalone grocery shops, supermarkets, meat shops, etc. will be from 6 am to 10 am. These shops must operate without air-conditioning and must permit only 50 per cent footfall. However, e-commerce services such as Dunzo and others will be allowed to deliver supplies from 6 am to10 am. Whereas, other E-commerce firms would be permitted to deliver goods between 2 pm and 6 pm. Also read | Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states While fuel stations, ATMs and medical shops will be open, all other stores including footpath vendors selling vegetables, flowers have been asked to go under lockdown. Tea shops too would remain closed too. E-pass has been made mandatory for domestic and even inter-district travellers (who are going for essentials such as weddings, funerals, caregiving for elderly etc.) and is to be availed on eregister.tnega.org. The E-pass would be required from 6 am of May 17. The existing night curfew from 10 pm to 4 am and the Sunday total lockdown will continue to be in effect.

Tamil Nadu: Lockdown tightened further, night and weekend curfew to remain in place

Indian authorities launched a probe Friday into the deaths of at least&nbsp;18&nbsp;elephants, as a leading conservationist raised doubts that the animals were killed by&nbsp;lightning.

The dead herd was found in the hilly Kandali Proposed Reserve Forest in the northeastern&nbsp;India&nbsp;state of Assam on Thursday.

Forest officials and a local lawmaker, Jitu Goswami, told AFP they believed the&nbsp;elephants&nbsp;died after&nbsp;lightning&nbsp;struck the forest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-tauktae-to-hit-southern-india-heavy-rains-predicted-in-3-states-384979" hreflang="en">Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states</a>

But prominent conservationist Soumyadeep Datta, from environmental activist group Nature's Beckon, said that was unlikely based on social media images.

"Poisoning could be behind the&nbsp;death&nbsp;of the&nbsp;elephants," Datta told AFP. "We have to wait for the autopsy report, which the forest department will do soon."

A team of vets and officials headed to the site on Friday together with Parimal Shuklabaidya, Assam's forests and environment minister.

India&nbsp;is home to nearly 30,000&nbsp;elephants, around 60 per cent of the wild Asian elephant population.&nbsp;

In recent years there have been rising incidents of&nbsp;elephants&nbsp;killed by locals, and vice-versa,&nbsp;as humans encroach further into the forest area

Indian authorities launched a probe Friday into the deaths of at least 18 elephants, as a leading conservationist raised doubts that the animals were killed by lightning.

Indian authorities launched a probe Friday into the deaths of at least 18 elephants, as a leading conservationist raised doubts that the animals were killed by lightning. The dead herd was found in the hilly Kandali Proposed Reserve Forest in the northeastern India state of Assam on Thursday. Forest officials and a local lawmaker, Jitu Goswami, told AFP they believed the elephants died after lightning struck the forest. Also read | Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states But prominent conservationist Soumyadeep Datta, from environmental activist group Nature's Beckon, said that was unlikely based on social media images. "Poisoning could be behind the death of the elephants," Datta told AFP. "We have to wait for the autopsy report, which the forest department will do soon." A team of vets and officials headed to the site on Friday together with Parimal Shuklabaidya, Assam's forests and environment minister. India is home to nearly 30,000 elephants, around 60 per cent of the wild Asian elephant population. In recent years there have been rising incidents of elephants killed by locals, and vice-versa, as humans encroach further into the forest area

India probes death of 18 elephants 'hit by lightning'

As India grapple with a shortage of Coronavirus vaccines, the Centre government on Thursday said that over two billion doses will be made available in the country in five months between August and December, enough to vaccinate the entire population.

India plans to procure 2 billion vaccine shots by December

Penpa Tsering will be the next President of the Tibetan govt in Exile (or Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration) based out of Dharamshala.&nbsp;

In his first comments after election victory to any media outlet, Penpa, speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said he will "fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino Tibet conflict".

He also spoke on the Chinese claim on the next Dalai Lama.

Tibetans had voted in two rounds of voting, the first one in January and the second in April. The voting took place in India&nbsp;and across the world where Tibetan refugees are present. Penpa has been the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and also served as the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America.

Sidhant Sibal: Your first reaction to your victory?

Penpa Tsering: I fully respect the mandate of the public and as I have committed many times, I shall try to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict and looking after the welfare of the Tibetan people.

Sidhant Sibal: Your reaction to the Chinese claim on the succession of Dalai Lama?

Penpa Tsering: For that, I think the Chinese leadership will have to learn Buddhism to decide who should succeed His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Otherwise, they should respect the decision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people since it is a purely religious matter

Sidhant Sibal: How will you deal with the COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

Penpa Tsering: Overall we have to work under the guidelines provided by the central govt of India, and the respective state govt where Tibetan settlements (are present). But for the Tibetan population, the effort I would be making would be to try to inoculate as many Tibetans as possible and try to provide medical equipments and aids where we have a larger number of cases.

Penpa Tsering will be the next President of the Tibetan govt in Exile (or Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration) based out of Dharamshala. In his first comments after election victory to any media outlet, Penpa, speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said he will "fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino Tibet conflict".

Penpa Tsering will be the next President of the Tibetan govt in Exile (or Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration) based out of Dharamshala. In his first comments after election victory to any media outlet, Penpa, speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said he will "fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino Tibet conflict". He also spoke on the Chinese claim on the next Dalai Lama. Tibetans had voted in two rounds of voting, the first one in January and the second in April. The voting took place in India and across the world where Tibetan refugees are present. Penpa has been the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and also served as the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America. Sidhant Sibal: Your first reaction to your victory? Penpa Tsering: I fully respect the mandate of the public and as I have committed many times, I shall try to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict and looking after the welfare of the Tibetan people. Sidhant Sibal: Your reaction to the Chinese claim on the succession of Dalai Lama? Penpa Tsering: For that, I think the Chinese leadership will have to learn Buddhism to decide who should succeed His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Otherwise, they should respect the decision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people since it is a purely religious matter Sidhant Sibal: How will you deal with the COVID-19 crisis? Penpa Tsering: Overall we have to work under the guidelines provided by the central govt of India, and the respective state govt where Tibetan settlements (are present). But for the Tibetan population, the effort I would be making would be to try to inoculate as many Tibetans as possible and try to provide medical equipments and aids where we have a larger number of cases.

Penpa Tsering to be next President of Tibetan government in exile; asks China to learn Buddhism

Pan-India lockdown, local government restrictions and the new normal of work from home (WFH) have not deterred India’s best brains working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The first and second waves of the pandemic&nbsp;have affected the schedule of the core space-related activities at ISRO. However, even while working from home, ISRO's scientists have been immensely contributing to the country's COVID-19 fight by developing crucial medical equipment such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators and more.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sputnik-v-in-india-vaccine-to-cost-rs-995-per-shot-made-in-india-may-be-cheaper-384959" hreflang="en">Sputnik V in India: Vaccine to cost ₹ 995 per shot, made in India may be cheaper</a>

Dr&nbsp;S Somanath, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, described the in-house medical technologies that are ready for industry adoption, free of cost.&nbsp;

Under the series 'Prana', three variants of ventilators that are fitted with displays and controls, have been developed by the ISRO teams from VSSC, based on modifications to existing designs and also based on their own unique, patented designs. The first one is similar to the AMBU-bags (artificial manual breathing unit), but this homegrown variant can deliver a good amount of volume and pressure, thanks to its unique design and proper actuation system.&nbsp;

A high-end ventilator, with pneumatic regulation (operated by air under pressure) has also been developed by this team and this offering is said to cost nearly Indian rupees 100,000, which is just about half or one-third the price of similar industry offerings.&nbsp;

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extended-gap-between-two-doses-of-covishield-reasonable-approach-says-anthony-fauci-384926" hreflang="en">Extended gap between two doses of Covishield reasonable approach, says Anthony Fauci</a>

The most unique of them all is a ventilator that does not require power or an electric motor, drive. Using compressed air and certain other technological features, it can facilitate the inhale-exhale cycle.

"All of this medical equipment have been designed and developed to WHO standards, our quality and testing teams worked with doctors for evaluating the devices. The electronics, controls, software, circuits, ventilators and oxygen concentrators are all developed in-house by our young scientists, but we will be giving it free to the industry for mass manufacture. This technology will be handed over to technically competent industries and many have approached us already, so it is expected to be ready in a week’s time." Dr Somanath told WION.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tamil-superstar-rajinikanth-gets-covid-jab-daughter-shares-photo-on-twitter-384795" hreflang="en">Tamil superstar Rajinikanth gets Covid jab, daughter shares photo on Twitter</a>

As India's lead centre for building rockets and related technology, VSSC has the distinction of having engineers from across domains. It was this wide-ranging engineering expertise, coupled with immense knowledge of design, materials, mechanics and software that made these indigenous developments possible within a short span.&nbsp;

In designing and developing the oxygen concentrator,&nbsp;'Shwaas', ISRO took some valuable lessons from the country's upcoming human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, for which they were developing carbon dioxide removal systems.

Despite the technology of oxygen concentrators being well-known and established, a vast majority of the oxygen concentrators being used in India are imported ones. Hence, ISRO focused on engineering with a unique technology that absorbs nitrogen (the largest constituent gas) from the air using molecular absorption.

Simply put, the air is pumped through a chemical column, which absorbs the nitrogen and provides oxygen of around 95 per cent&nbsp;purity. This equipment can function non-stop for up to a year, following which the chemical used in the absorption process (which is available in the market) will have to be replaced.&nbsp;

With the capability to provide 10 litres of oxygen per minute, it can simultaneously provide support for two regular patients or one critical patient. The prototype of this variant is already in operation at the VSSC hospital and it is expected to cost no more than INR 50,000.

"These medical equipment are not under our area of work, it requires a deep understanding of human physiology, breathing process etc. Such devices aiding respiration must be able to sense,&nbsp;sync with unique breathing patterns and assist doctors in saving lives. So, our young engineers, most of whom are in their 20s and 30s studied the theory and explored the processes to make this happen. It was a collaborative effort between several teams largely working from home and partly from labs, under the guidance of seniors and technicians. Ours is highly inspired work culture, it's not just about building rockets, we are ready to take on any challenge with our enthusiasm and ideas,"&nbsp;Dr S. Somanath says with pride.&nbsp;

The Indian government-run space agency has also been providing liquid oxygen to state governments in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, from their manufacturing facilities or from existing stock. It is important to note that liquid oxygen, known as (Lox) in aerospace parlance, is a crucial resource for any modern space agency, as it is used as an oxidizer in cryogenic engines that power large rockets.

ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, which is responsible for the production of cryogenic fuels has been supplying liquid oxygen to the state governments in Tamil Nadu and adjoining Kerala.&nbsp;

"IPRC has supplied over 150 tons of Lox to Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments since April 24 and continues to do so. Our daily production capacity was 2.5 tons, but we have progressively scaled up to 11 tons per day by working round-the-clock with more staff. Around 20 tons of Lox stored at our spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh has also been provided to the state government," Dr K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO told WION.&nbsp;

ISRO has also provided the large capacity fuel tanks at their facilities to be repurposed and used as stores of liquid oxygen in various states. These tanks serve as a hub for mass storage of liquid oxygen, following which they can be distributed to the healthcare facilities in the region.&nbsp;

Pan-India lockdown, local government restrictions and the new normal of work from home (WFH) have not deterred India’s best brains working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Pan-India lockdown, local government restrictions and the new normal of work from home (WFH) have not deterred India’s best brains working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The first and second waves of the pandemic have affected the schedule of the core space-related activities at ISRO. However, even while working from home, ISRO's scientists have been immensely contributing to the country's COVID-19 fight by developing crucial medical equipment such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators and more. Also read | Sputnik V in India: Vaccine to cost ₹ 995 per shot, made in India may be cheaper Dr S Somanath, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, described the in-house medical technologies that are ready for industry adoption, free of cost. Under the series 'Prana', three variants of ventilators that are fitted with displays and controls, have been developed by the ISRO teams from VSSC, based on modifications to existing designs and also based on their own unique, patented designs. The first one is similar to the AMBU-bags (artificial manual breathing unit), but this homegrown variant can deliver a good amount of volume and pressure, thanks to its unique design and proper actuation system. A high-end ventilator, with pneumatic regulation (operated by air under pressure) has also been developed by this team and this offering is said to cost nearly Indian rupees 100,000, which is just about half or one-third the price of similar industry offerings. ALso read | Extended gap between two doses of Covishield reasonable approach, says Anthony Fauci The most unique of them all is a ventilator that does not require power or an electric motor, drive. Using compressed air and certain other technological features, it can facilitate the inhale-exhale cycle. "All of this medical equipment have been designed and developed to WHO standards, our quality and testing teams worked with doctors for evaluating the devices. The electronics, controls, software, circuits, ventilators and oxygen concentrators are all developed in-house by our young scientists, but we will be giving it free to the industry for mass manufacture. This technology will be handed over to technically competent industries and many have approached us already, so it is expected to be ready in a week’s time." Dr Somanath told WION. Also read | Tamil superstar Rajinikanth gets Covid jab, daughter shares photo on Twitter As India's lead centre for building rockets and related technology, VSSC has the distinction of having engineers from across domains. It was this wide-ranging engineering expertise, coupled with immense knowledge of design, materials, mechanics and software that made these indigenous developments possible within a short span. In designing and developing the oxygen concentrator, 'Shwaas', ISRO took some valuable lessons from the country's upcoming human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, for which they were developing carbon dioxide removal systems. Despite the technology of oxygen concentrators being well-known and established, a vast majority of the oxygen concentrators being used in India are imported ones. Hence, ISRO focused on engineering with a unique technology that absorbs nitrogen (the largest constituent gas) from the air using molecular absorption. Simply put, the air is pumped through a chemical column, which absorbs the nitrogen and provides oxygen of around 95 per cent purity. This equipment can function non-stop for up to a year, following which the chemical used in the absorption process (which is available in the market) will have to be replaced. With the capability to provide 10 litres of oxygen per minute, it can simultaneously provide support for two regular patients or one critical patient. The prototype of this variant is already in operation at the VSSC hospital and it is expected to cost no more than INR 50,000. "These medical equipment are not under our area of work, it requires a deep understanding of human physiology, breathing process etc. Such devices aiding respiration must be able to sense, sync with unique breathing patterns and assist doctors in saving lives. So, our young engineers, most of whom are in their 20s and 30s studied the theory and explored the processes to make this happen. It was a collaborative effort between several teams largely working from home and partly from labs, under the guidance of seniors and technicians. Ours is highly inspired work culture, it's not just about building rockets, we are ready to take on any challenge with our enthusiasm and ideas," Dr S. Somanath says with pride. The Indian government-run space agency has also been providing liquid oxygen to state governments in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, from their manufacturing facilities or from existing stock. It is important to note that liquid oxygen, known as (Lox) in aerospace parlance, is a crucial resource for any modern space agency, as it is used as an oxidizer in cryogenic engines that power large rockets. ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, which is responsible for the production of cryogenic fuels has been supplying liquid oxygen to the state governments in Tamil Nadu and adjoining Kerala. "IPRC has supplied over 150 tons of Lox to Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments since April 24 and continues to do so. Our daily production capacity was 2.5 tons, but we have progressively scaled up to 11 tons per day by working round-the-clock with more staff. Around 20 tons of Lox stored at our spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh has also been provided to the state government," Dr K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO told WION. ISRO has also provided the large capacity fuel tanks at their facilities to be repurposed and used as stores of liquid oxygen in various states. These tanks serve as a hub for mass storage of liquid oxygen, following which they can be distributed to the healthcare facilities in the region.

Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators

A well-marked low-pressure area that was located near Lakshadweep early on Friday concentrated into a depression during the morning hours. This cyclonic disturbance will gradually intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday (May 16).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Red' alert for Kerala today and for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

Parts of South India will be on the receiving end of extremely heavy rainfall caused by the soon-to-be Cyclone Tauktae over the next 2-3 days. Accordingly, heavy rain and flood alerts have been issued across multiple districts in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

"#CycloneTauktae UPDATE- 53 #NDRF teams committed, 24 teams pre-deployment, 29 teams standby-ready for 5 states Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra," tweeted Director-General of NDRF Satya Pradhan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneTauktae?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneTauktae</a> UPDATE 
14/5/2021- <a href="https://twitter.com/NDRFHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDRFHQ</a> 
 
🔸53 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDRF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NDRF</a> teams committed 
🔸24 teams pre-deployment 
🔸29 teams standby-ready 
🔸For 5 states 
🔸Kerala,Ktka,TN, 
🔸Guj,Maharashtra <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BhallaAjay26?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhallaAjay26</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBTvpm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBTvpm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBBengaluru?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBBengaluru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBAhmedabad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBAhmedabad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBMumbai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBMumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/1ZBvE9YVIS">pic.twitter.com/1ZBvE9YVIS</a>
— ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) <a href="https://twitter.com/satyaprad1/status/1393071973442355202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked authorities and people to follow the guidelines issued by the state disaster management authority.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Red Alert! 
 
14 May - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta 
 
15 May - Malappuram, Kozhikkode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod 
 
Follow guidelines issued by <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaSDMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeralaSDMA</a>. <a href="https://t.co/fZ560UWogx">pic.twitter.com/fZ560UWogx</a>
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi/status/1392822646325190661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

A well-marked low-pressure area that was located near Lakshadweep early on Friday concentrated into a depression during the morning hours. This cyclonic disturbance will gradually intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday (May 16).

A well-marked low-pressure area that was located near Lakshadweep early on Friday concentrated into a depression during the morning hours. This cyclonic disturbance will gradually intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday (May 16). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Red' alert for Kerala today and for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Parts of South India will be on the receiving end of extremely heavy rainfall caused by the soon-to-be Cyclone Tauktae over the next 2-3 days. Accordingly, heavy rain and flood alerts have been issued across multiple districts in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. "#CycloneTauktae UPDATE- 53 #NDRF teams committed, 24 teams pre-deployment, 29 teams standby-ready for 5 states Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra," tweeted Director-General of NDRF Satya Pradhan. #CycloneTauktae UPDATE 14/5/2021- @NDRFHQ 🔸53 #NDRF teams committed 🔸24 teams pre-deployment 🔸29 teams standby-ready 🔸For 5 states 🔸Kerala,Ktka,TN, 🔸Guj,Maharashtra @PMOIndia @HMOIndia @PIBHomeAffairs @BhallaAjay26 @ANI @PIBTvpm @PIBBengaluru @PIBAhmedabad @PIBMumbai pic.twitter.com/1ZBvE9YVIS — ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) May 14, 2021 × In a tweet, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked authorities and people to follow the guidelines issued by the state disaster management authority. Red Alert! 14 May - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta 15 May - Malappuram, Kozhikkode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod Follow guidelines issued by @KeralaSDMA. pic.twitter.com/fZ560UWogx — Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) May 13, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states

The first dose of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, which has an efficiency of 91.6 per cent, was administered today in India.

The first consignment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in India on May 1, and received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, on May 13, 2021. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/risk-for-erectile-dysfunction-six-fold-higher-in-men-with-covid-19-384317">Also read: Risk for erectile dysfunction six-fold higher in men with COVID-19</a>

Further consignments of imported doses are expected over the coming months, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said in a statement. Subsequently, the supply of the Sputnik V vaccine will start from Indian manufacturing partners.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-ripped-apart-by-the-covid-19-pandemic-289245#united-states-289230">Pictures: Countries ripped apart by the COVID-19 pandemic</a> 
 
The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at an MRP of ₹ 948 + 5% GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins.

The company is working closely with its six manufacturing partners in India to fulfil regulatory requirements to ensure smooth and timely supply.

Dr Reddy`s will work closely with stakeholders in the Government and private sector in India to ensure the widest possible reach of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the national inoculation effort. This is a reaffirmation of the Company`s commitment to exploring every avenue in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

G.V. Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "With the rising cases in India, vaccination is the most effective tool in our battle against Covid-19. Contributing to the vaccination drive in India is our biggest priority right now to help Indians be healthy and safe."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The first dose of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, which has an efficiency of 91.6 per cent, was administered today in India. The first consignment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in India on May 1, and received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, on May 13, 2021.

The first dose of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, which has an efficiency of 91.6 per cent, was administered today in India. The first consignment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in India on May 1, and received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, on May 13, 2021. Also read: Risk for erectile dysfunction six-fold higher in men with COVID-19 Further consignments of imported doses are expected over the coming months, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said in a statement. Subsequently, the supply of the Sputnik V vaccine will start from Indian manufacturing partners. Pictures: Countries ripped apart by the COVID-19 pandemic The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at an MRP of ₹ 948 + 5% GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins. The company is working closely with its six manufacturing partners in India to fulfil regulatory requirements to ensure smooth and timely supply. Dr Reddy`s will work closely with stakeholders in the Government and private sector in India to ensure the widest possible reach of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the national inoculation effort. This is a reaffirmation of the Company`s commitment to exploring every avenue in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in India. G.V. Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "With the rising cases in India, vaccination is the most effective tool in our battle against Covid-19. Contributing to the vaccination drive in India is our biggest priority right now to help Indians be healthy and safe." (With inputs from agencies)

Sputnik V in India: Vaccine to cost ₹ 995 per shot, made in India may be cheaper

India on Thursday reported 3,62,727 new Covid cases and 4,120 fatalities, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. 
 
On Wednesday, India recorded 4,205 fresh Covid deaths, while on Friday last, the country had recorded its highest ever cases of 4,14,188. 
 
In the past 21 days, India`s daily Covid tally has plateaued over the 300,000-mark and over 3,000 casualties for a fortnight. 
 
India`s total tally of COVID-19 cases now stands at 23.7 million with 37 mn active cases and 2,58,317 deaths so far. 
 
According to the Health Ministry, a total of 3,52,181 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, with 19.7 mn being cured of Covid to date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 177 mn people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 18 million who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 309 mn samples have been tested up to May 12 for Covid-19. Of these 18 mn samples were tested on Wednesday.

India on Thursday reported 3,62,727 new Covid cases and 4,120 fatalities, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. On Wednesday, India recorded 4,205 fresh Covid deaths, while on Friday last, the country had recorded its highest ever cases of 4,14,188.

India on Thursday reported 3,62,727 new Covid cases and 4,120 fatalities, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. On Wednesday, India recorded 4,205 fresh Covid deaths, while on Friday last, the country had recorded its highest ever cases of 4,14,188. In the past 21 days, India`s daily Covid tally has plateaued over the 300,000-mark and over 3,000 casualties for a fortnight. India`s total tally of COVID-19 cases now stands at 23.7 million with 37 mn active cases and 2,58,317 deaths so far. According to the Health Ministry, a total of 3,52,181 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, with 19.7 mn being cured of Covid to date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 177 mn people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 18 million who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 309 mn samples have been tested up to May 12 for Covid-19. Of these 18 mn samples were tested on Wednesday.

COVID-19: India clocks more than 362,000 fresh Covid cases, 4,120 deaths

India on Thursday registered 3,62,727 new coronavirus cases, taking the infection tally to 2,37,03,665 since the pandemic broke out in January last year.

India records over 3.62 lakh cases, 4,120 deaths in a day

India has reported a record rise in Wuhan virus deaths.

The new infections have not been falling below the 300,000 mark.&nbsp;

In the last 24 hours, over 340,000 people tested positive, however, the decline in active cases gives some hope.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-to-begin-covaxin-vaccine-trials-for-kids-384628/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It dropped again today, by over 11,000 with close to 20 million people having&nbsp;recovered from the virus so far.

However, India's death count hasn't dropped with more than 4,200 people dying in the last 24 hours which is the highest ever tally that India has reported in a day.

The total deaths since last year has now touched more than 250,000 but these figures may not tell the full picture because the pandemic has reached India's smaller towns and villages and it is still largely unchronicled.

Meanwhile, the double mutant that has been driving India's surge has been found in 49 countries which is now a variant of "global concern".&nbsp;

Researchers at the Cambridge Business School have developed a tracker. They believe India's second wave has peaked with 18 states, showing signs of decline.

It includes major hotpots namely Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Researchers at Cambridge expect the graph to show a fall by May 23&nbsp;but cases could surge in smaller states like Assam, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

They have been reporting a rise in infections. India could soon have a vaccine for children. The government has approved a new trial for Covaxin. It's a&nbsp;Made in India vaccine. It will now be tested on children between two to 18 years of age.

Reports say 525 participants will be enrolled across multiple locations in India for the first phase of trial. After that, the trial will be opened up to a much larger group.

The regulators need to move quickly because the virus is not slowing down.

India has reported a record rise in Wuhan virus deaths. The new infections have not been falling below the 300,000 mark. In the last 24 hours, over 340,000 people tested positive, however, the decline in active cases gives some hope.

India has reported a record rise in Wuhan virus deaths. The new infections have not been falling below the 300,000 mark. In the last 24 hours, over 340,000 people tested positive, however, the decline in active cases gives some hope. Watch: It dropped again today, by over 11,000 with close to 20 million people having recovered from the virus so far. However, India's death count hasn't dropped with more than 4,200 people dying in the last 24 hours which is the highest ever tally that India has reported in a day. The total deaths since last year has now touched more than 250,000 but these figures may not tell the full picture because the pandemic has reached India's smaller towns and villages and it is still largely unchronicled. Meanwhile, the double mutant that has been driving India's surge has been found in 49 countries which is now a variant of "global concern". Researchers at the Cambridge Business School have developed a tracker. They believe India's second wave has peaked with 18 states, showing signs of decline. It includes major hotpots namely Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Researchers at Cambridge expect the graph to show a fall by May 23 but cases could surge in smaller states like Assam, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They have been reporting a rise in infections. India could soon have a vaccine for children. The government has approved a new trial for Covaxin. It's a Made in India vaccine. It will now be tested on children between two to 18 years of age. Reports say 525 participants will be enrolled across multiple locations in India for the first phase of trial. After that, the trial will be opened up to a much larger group. The regulators need to move quickly because the virus is not slowing down.

Second wave in India: Death toll rises as active cases dip

Food prices, which account for nearly half of the Ministry of Statistics` inflation basket, rose 2.02% compared with 4.87% in the previous month.

Indian inflation eases, but COVID-19 curbs risk stoking prices

A year into the Covid pandemic, there are still no treatments that can knock out the virus.

For now, doctors have been re-purposing old drugs and steroids and for most patients it works but, since last year, one method of treatment has got way more attention than it deserves - plasma therapy.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-does-plasma-therapy-really-work-384633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When the pandemic began convalescent plasma therapy or simply plasma therapy was like a silver bullet.

Plasma therapy is basically using blood plasma from recovered patients and infusing it into newly infected patients.&nbsp;

It is believed that plasma helps to transfer antibodies from recovered patients to new patients. It is supposed to boost the immune response of a new patient.

Conceptually it sounds like a promising idea.

However, there is growing evidence that it doesn't work and yet, it is being widely prescribed in India.

In fact, there is a frenzy around it. Families are running from pillar to post for plasma of recovered patients for their loved ones and social media is filled with appeals for help.&nbsp;

Techies are building tools to connect patients with donors and everyone is being urged to donate plasma but experts are concerned.&nbsp;

18 clinicians, public health professionals and scientists have written a letter addressed to Professor K Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to the government of India.

The experts say India should stop using plasma therapy since "current research evidence unanimously indicates that there is no benefit offered by convalescent plasma".&nbsp;

The research is part of the letter. In the United Kingdom, a trial was conducted with more than 11,000 patients. They were given plasma therapy and it made no difference.

Another trial was conducted in Argentina. It was a randomised trial with half of the patients given blood plasma and others got a placebo. Again, it made no difference.

India has conducted its own studies. It was backed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The studies involved 39 public and private hospitals.

The study found whether it was patient mortality or disease progression, blood plasma made no difference and despite all these findings doctors are widely prescribing blood plasma across hospitals.

They are doing it perhaps because they are desperate and want they want to try every treatment which is available but can this trial and error method be dangerous?

Professor Vivekananda Jha, who is one of the experts who signed the letter, says that unchecked use of plasma could lead to more problems. It could potentially give birth to newer variants of the virus and they could be more infectious.&nbsp;

Last year the Infectious Diseases Society of America had said plasma should only be used in a clinical trial and not on hospitalised patients.

In January this year, Britain halted a study on plasma because there was no strong evidence of benefit so there is mounting evidence that blood plasma doesn't help.&nbsp;

However, not only do doctors prescribe it, authorities have been running campaigns to encourage plasma donations.&nbsp;

ICMR's guidelines for doctors in India has clearly put down a list of what doctors can do for infected patients including which medicines can be prescribed, when should a patient be hospitalised and when should Remdesivir be administered. &nbsp;

The guidelines still recommend the use of blood plasma and that's what doctors follow. Even at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) has blood plasma as part of the treatment protocol for patients who have been sick for three to seven days and who show mild to moderate symptoms and are likely to be hospitalised.

However, not everyone can be given blood plasma. It is for patients whose condition is expected to deteriorate.&nbsp;

They are given plasma therapy within seven days of the onset of symptoms, not after that but there are no official numbers just how many patients in India fit this category.

Anecdotal evidence suggests such patients make up around 10 per cent of India's caseload.

So in conclusion, the bulk of the patients do not need blood plasma and even if they get it, it may not help on the contrary blood plasma can lead to serious problems.&nbsp;

It can give birth to new and infectious variants but doctors continue to prescribe it forcing distressed families to go on a hunt for a cure that doesn't work.

Governments, civil society groups and now even courts are looking for ways to collect more plasma. The Delhi High Court had a suggestion to make to the Delhi government. The judges said they should "chase recovered celebrities" and ask them to donate plasma and encourage them to issue a statement asking others to donate.

Experts say the medicines and steroids currently in use along with supplemental oxygen are good enough and in the long run vaccines are the only exit strategy.

A year into the Covid pandemic, there are still no treatments that can knock out the virus. For now, doctors have been re-purposing old drugs and steroids and for most patients it works but, since last year, one method of treatment has got way more attention than it deserves - plasma therapy.

A year into the Covid pandemic, there are still no treatments that can knock out the virus. For now, doctors have been re-purposing old drugs and steroids and for most patients it works but, since last year, one method of treatment has got way more attention than it deserves - plasma therapy. Watch: When the pandemic began convalescent plasma therapy or simply plasma therapy was like a silver bullet. Plasma therapy is basically using blood plasma from recovered patients and infusing it into newly infected patients. It is believed that plasma helps to transfer antibodies from recovered patients to new patients. It is supposed to boost the immune response of a new patient. Conceptually it sounds like a promising idea. However, there is growing evidence that it doesn't work and yet, it is being widely prescribed in India. In fact, there is a frenzy around it. Families are running from pillar to post for plasma of recovered patients for their loved ones and social media is filled with appeals for help. Techies are building tools to connect patients with donors and everyone is being urged to donate plasma but experts are concerned. 18 clinicians, public health professionals and scientists have written a letter addressed to Professor K Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to the government of India. The experts say India should stop using plasma therapy since "current research evidence unanimously indicates that there is no benefit offered by convalescent plasma". The research is part of the letter. In the United Kingdom, a trial was conducted with more than 11,000 patients. They were given plasma therapy and it made no difference. Another trial was conducted in Argentina. It was a randomised trial with half of the patients given blood plasma and others got a placebo. Again, it made no difference. India has conducted its own studies. It was backed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The studies involved 39 public and private hospitals. The study found whether it was patient mortality or disease progression, blood plasma made no difference and despite all these findings doctors are widely prescribing blood plasma across hospitals. They are doing it perhaps because they are desperate and want they want to try every treatment which is available but can this trial and error method be dangerous? Professor Vivekananda Jha, who is one of the experts who signed the letter, says that unchecked use of plasma could lead to more problems. It could potentially give birth to newer variants of the virus and they could be more infectious. Last year the Infectious Diseases Society of America had said plasma should only be used in a clinical trial and not on hospitalised patients. In January this year, Britain halted a study on plasma because there was no strong evidence of benefit so there is mounting evidence that blood plasma doesn't help. However, not only do doctors prescribe it, authorities have been running campaigns to encourage plasma donations. ICMR's guidelines for doctors in India has clearly put down a list of what doctors can do for infected patients including which medicines can be prescribed, when should a patient be hospitalised and when should Remdesivir be administered. The guidelines still recommend the use of blood plasma and that's what doctors follow. Even at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) has blood plasma as part of the treatment protocol for patients who have been sick for three to seven days and who show mild to moderate symptoms and are likely to be hospitalised. However, not everyone can be given blood plasma. It is for patients whose condition is expected to deteriorate. They are given plasma therapy within seven days of the onset of symptoms, not after that but there are no official numbers just how many patients in India fit this category. Anecdotal evidence suggests such patients make up around 10 per cent of India's caseload. So in conclusion, the bulk of the patients do not need blood plasma and even if they get it, it may not help on the contrary blood plasma can lead to serious problems. It can give birth to new and infectious variants but doctors continue to prescribe it forcing distressed families to go on a hunt for a cure that doesn't work. Governments, civil society groups and now even courts are looking for ways to collect more plasma. The Delhi High Court had a suggestion to make to the Delhi government. The judges said they should "chase recovered celebrities" and ask them to donate plasma and encourage them to issue a statement asking others to donate. Experts say the medicines and steroids currently in use along with supplemental oxygen are good enough and in the long run vaccines are the only exit strategy.

Does blood plasma work on virus patients? experts disagree

An aircraft carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 oxygen cylinders from Finland, and 10 oxygen cylinders from Greece, arrived in Delhi on early Thursday morning.

External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi termed this COVID assistance from European countries as a "hallmark of India-EU relations.

"Spirit of solidarity, and cooperation - a hallmark of India-EU relations. Aircraft arrives, carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 O2 cylinders from Finland, and 10 O2 cylinders from Greece. Value the continuing support from our EU partners," EAM spokesperson tweeted.

Last week, Germany had sent an oxygen generating plant as part of COVID-19 assistance to India. The member states of the EU are delivering medical aid following India`s request for support as the country has witnessed a record surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic.

India reported 3,62,727 new COVID-19 cases, and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry`s data on Thursday.

The aid is being provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission. Several countries like Romania, Italy, Germany, France, and Belgium have already sent in the supplies.

An aircraft carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 oxygen cylinders from Finland, and 10 oxygen cylinders from Greece, arrived in Delhi on early Thursday morning.

An aircraft carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 oxygen cylinders from Finland, and 10 oxygen cylinders from Greece, arrived in Delhi on early Thursday morning. External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi termed this COVID assistance from European countries as a "hallmark of India-EU relations. "Spirit of solidarity, and cooperation - a hallmark of India-EU relations. Aircraft arrives, carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 O2 cylinders from Finland, and 10 O2 cylinders from Greece. Value the continuing support from our EU partners," EAM spokesperson tweeted. Last week, Germany had sent an oxygen generating plant as part of COVID-19 assistance to India. The member states of the EU are delivering medical aid following India`s request for support as the country has witnessed a record surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. India reported 3,62,727 new COVID-19 cases, and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry`s data on Thursday. The aid is being provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission. Several countries like Romania, Italy, Germany, France, and Belgium have already sent in the supplies.

COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to recover from the economic havoc brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going in for deficit financing, according to a UN expert. 
 
"A crisis often presents an opportunity" and making the right investments can have a multiplier effect in steering the economies to recovery, while also making a monumental difference in people's lives," Hamid Rashid, the head of the UN Development Research Branch, said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview to said. 
 
"We may feel a little despondent right now in terms of what is happening in India, but there`s a silver lining in our view as well," he said, citing the possibilities for public sector investment in vital areas and the signs of progress in containing the pandemic. 
 
Developing countries like India do not have the option of financing a stimulus programme like the US has done but they can make substantial public sector investments to stimulate the economy, he said. 
 
The government should prioritise two sectors, digital and health, for investments, he said. 
 
"This is also an opportunity for governments, and for the public sector, to increase investment in health infrastructure, increase investment in digital infrastructure, and that will create jobs and that will create demand for more goods and services, and that will restart the economic engine," he said. 
 
"Right now you see the oxygen shortages as a huge constraint for India, in terms of saving lives. So, this is an opportunity for creating the right environment so the businesses can invest more in building health capacities," he said. 
 
There is also a need to bridge the digital divide, he said. 
 
India and other similarly placed countries do not have the option of raising taxes to meet the investment requirements and they may have to resort to deficit financing, which he said is not a bad idea if the investments are properly made. 
 
"Deficit financing is basically borrowing from the future," he said. 
 
"I believe deficit financing institution like this is not only necessary so it`s a must," he said. "You have to take the risk and when businesses can`t take risks when the private sector or hospitals cannot take risks, the only entity that can take risk is the government." 
 
"So public sector spending is that we have seen in crisis after crisis. Public investment is what brings countries out of crises," he said. 
 
With deficit spending, "one has to be very careful about targeting the right sector, targeting the right investment", he said. "Otherwise it can create a huge debt burden, going forward, public debt would balloon". 
 
China had used investments to stage its recovery, he said while contrasting the Western and Chinese models. 
 
There is the Western model of fighting the crisis through "a demand-side support, giving money to the households or you can create more jobs through investment", he said. 
 
"China chose the path of increasing investment during the pandemic, and so it created lots of jobs, and now the demand is picking up and China`s recovery is on the way" and it would have a growth rate of 8.2 per cent this year, he said. 
 
Rashid`s branch makes the economic forecasts that are the basis for policy suggestions and he is the lead author of the UN`s flagship economic report, World Economic Situation and Prospects. 
 
The mid-year report released on Tuesday, forecast that India`s economy would grow by 7.5 per cent this year and rebound to 10.3 per cent next year. 
 
When the report was being prepared, Rashid said, "We were just seeing the tip of the second wave. And of course, if I do revise the numbers right now, I would probably be a little bit, even less optimistic than 7.5 per cent when there are significant downside risks." 
 
"But, having said that, we still believe there`s huge room for a recovery in India because we are starting from a very low base," he added. 
 
The UN estimated that India`s economy shrank last year by 6.8 per cent. 
 
"Last year, there was a significant contraction of the economy. So this is basically recovering the lost ground, so there`ll be quite a bit of lost ground recovered, and that would give the growth, assuming that pandemic comes under control within a month or so," he said. 
 
If the Covid-19 surge "continues for several months or a full quarter, then this would be a very difficult target (and) we`ll probably see a significant downgrade when we update our number for the end of the year", he added. 
 
"But so far, we remain optimistic that 7.5 per cent growth rate is still possible for India," he said. 
 
While infections are coming down significantly in Delhi and Mumbai and other major cities, there`s still concern about the pandemic spreading to rural areas, he said. 
 
"We have to make sure that we are able to contain the spread of the virus and things don`t get any worse than it already is. So, our best hope is that probably the worst is behind us, in terms of the spread of the pandemic in India, and there are some containment measures that are effective," he added. 
 
Asked about the most important requirement for India`s economy to recover from the havoc of the pandemic, Rashid responded, "It`s vaccination, vaccination, vaccination." 
 
It would restore consumer confidence and business confidence that are very critical to a recovery, he said. 
 
"When you see news reports every day and they shatter our confidence, businesses will not be willing to invest if they don`t see any light at the end of the tunnel and consumers will not be spending, if they feel that there are bad days ahead," he said. 
 
"So, this is about managing expectation and right now, the best way to manage expectations of the future of the economy is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated as quickly as possible," he added. 
 
While vaccinating a population of 1.4 billion would take time, he said that other steps can be intensified to control the Covid-19 outbreak as had been done last year. 
 
"Your experience with the first wave was quite positive and quite successful. I think the combination of vaccination and social distancing and other measures would work, may not do the magic, but would still be able to contain the spread further."

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to recover from the economic havoc brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going in for deficit financing, according to a UN expert.

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to recover from the economic havoc brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going in for deficit financing, according to a UN expert. "A crisis often presents an opportunity" and making the right investments can have a multiplier effect in steering the economies to recovery, while also making a monumental difference in people's lives," Hamid Rashid, the head of the UN Development Research Branch, said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview to said. "We may feel a little despondent right now in terms of what is happening in India, but there`s a silver lining in our view as well," he said, citing the possibilities for public sector investment in vital areas and the signs of progress in containing the pandemic. Developing countries like India do not have the option of financing a stimulus programme like the US has done but they can make substantial public sector investments to stimulate the economy, he said. The government should prioritise two sectors, digital and health, for investments, he said. "This is also an opportunity for governments, and for the public sector, to increase investment in health infrastructure, increase investment in digital infrastructure, and that will create jobs and that will create demand for more goods and services, and that will restart the economic engine," he said. "Right now you see the oxygen shortages as a huge constraint for India, in terms of saving lives. So, this is an opportunity for creating the right environment so the businesses can invest more in building health capacities," he said. There is also a need to bridge the digital divide, he said. India and other similarly placed countries do not have the option of raising taxes to meet the investment requirements and they may have to resort to deficit financing, which he said is not a bad idea if the investments are properly made. "Deficit financing is basically borrowing from the future," he said. "I believe deficit financing institution like this is not only necessary so it`s a must," he said. "You have to take the risk and when businesses can`t take risks when the private sector or hospitals cannot take risks, the only entity that can take risk is the government." "So public sector spending is that we have seen in crisis after crisis. Public investment is what brings countries out of crises," he said. With deficit spending, "one has to be very careful about targeting the right sector, targeting the right investment", he said. "Otherwise it can create a huge debt burden, going forward, public debt would balloon". China had used investments to stage its recovery, he said while contrasting the Western and Chinese models. There is the Western model of fighting the crisis through "a demand-side support, giving money to the households or you can create more jobs through investment", he said. "China chose the path of increasing investment during the pandemic, and so it created lots of jobs, and now the demand is picking up and China`s recovery is on the way" and it would have a growth rate of 8.2 per cent this year, he said. Rashid`s branch makes the economic forecasts that are the basis for policy suggestions and he is the lead author of the UN`s flagship economic report, World Economic Situation and Prospects. The mid-year report released on Tuesday, forecast that India`s economy would grow by 7.5 per cent this year and rebound to 10.3 per cent next year. When the report was being prepared, Rashid said, "We were just seeing the tip of the second wave. And of course, if I do revise the numbers right now, I would probably be a little bit, even less optimistic than 7.5 per cent when there are significant downside risks." "But, having said that, we still believe there`s huge room for a recovery in India because we are starting from a very low base," he added. The UN estimated that India`s economy shrank last year by 6.8 per cent. "Last year, there was a significant contraction of the economy. So this is basically recovering the lost ground, so there`ll be quite a bit of lost ground recovered, and that would give the growth, assuming that pandemic comes under control within a month or so," he said. If the Covid-19 surge "continues for several months or a full quarter, then this would be a very difficult target (and) we`ll probably see a significant downgrade when we update our number for the end of the year", he added. "But so far, we remain optimistic that 7.5 per cent growth rate is still possible for India," he said. While infections are coming down significantly in Delhi and Mumbai and other major cities, there`s still concern about the pandemic spreading to rural areas, he said. "We have to make sure that we are able to contain the spread of the virus and things don`t get any worse than it already is. So, our best hope is that probably the worst is behind us, in terms of the spread of the pandemic in India, and there are some containment measures that are effective," he added. Asked about the most important requirement for India`s economy to recover from the havoc of the pandemic, Rashid responded, "It`s vaccination, vaccination, vaccination." It would restore consumer confidence and business confidence that are very critical to a recovery, he said. "When you see news reports every day and they shatter our confidence, businesses will not be willing to invest if they don`t see any light at the end of the tunnel and consumers will not be spending, if they feel that there are bad days ahead," he said. "So, this is about managing expectation and right now, the best way to manage expectations of the future of the economy is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated as quickly as possible," he added. While vaccinating a population of 1.4 billion would take time, he said that other steps can be intensified to control the Covid-19 outbreak as had been done last year. "Your experience with the first wave was quite positive and quite successful. I think the combination of vaccination and social distancing and other measures would work, may not do the magic, but would still be able to contain the spread further."

India will have to invest heavily in infrastructure for economy to recover: UN expert

Two men were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly duping people on the pretext of supplying oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients in the national capital, police said.

In the first case, Dheeraj Kumar Jangid (22) was arrested from his native place in Rajasthan fo duping people on the pretext of providing them oxygen cylinders.

To make easy money, he took advantage of the scarcity of oxygen cylinders in Delhi and planned to cheat those in need, they said.

With his arrest, two mobile phones were seized from his possession, police said.

The probe was initiated after a woman approached the police with her complaint on March 28 at Govindpuri police station and said that her mother was suffering from COVID-19. As her condition deteriorated, there was a need for oxygen cylinders.

According to the complainant, she came across an advertisement on social media for sale and delivery of oxygen cylinders. When she contacted the given number, she was asked by the accused to transfer Rs 13,000 in advance for two oxygen cylinders. After she made the payment, the delivery was not made in time, and when she called him repeatedly, she was blocked and her money was not refunded.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said that based on electronic surveillance and analysis of Call Detail Records of the suspected persons, the police team obtained details of the account where the money was being transferred.

Later, the account holder was identified as Dheeraj Jangid, a resident of Sikar, Rajasthan. The team raided his native place and subsequently arrested him, he said.

The bank account of the accused was frozen, he added.

In the second case, a man identified as Manish Seth (52), a resident of Rohini, who works at a medicare company in Gurgaon was arrested by a team of Dwarka South police station after one of his victims approached the police with a complaint on May 8.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Santosh Kumar Meena said that on the basis of technical surveillance of the accused, a raid was conducted at sector-9, Rohini and he was arrested.

The used SIM and mobile number containing the chats and payments proof were seized, he said.&nbsp;

Two men were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly duping people on the pretext of supplying oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients in the national capital, police said.

Two men were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly duping people on the pretext of supplying oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients in the national capital, police said. In the first case, Dheeraj Kumar Jangid (22) was arrested from his native place in Rajasthan fo duping people on the pretext of providing them oxygen cylinders. To make easy money, he took advantage of the scarcity of oxygen cylinders in Delhi and planned to cheat those in need, they said. With his arrest, two mobile phones were seized from his possession, police said. The probe was initiated after a woman approached the police with her complaint on March 28 at Govindpuri police station and said that her mother was suffering from COVID-19. As her condition deteriorated, there was a need for oxygen cylinders. According to the complainant, she came across an advertisement on social media for sale and delivery of oxygen cylinders. When she contacted the given number, she was asked by the accused to transfer Rs 13,000 in advance for two oxygen cylinders. After she made the payment, the delivery was not made in time, and when she called him repeatedly, she was blocked and her money was not refunded. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said that based on electronic surveillance and analysis of Call Detail Records of the suspected persons, the police team obtained details of the account where the money was being transferred. Later, the account holder was identified as Dheeraj Jangid, a resident of Sikar, Rajasthan. The team raided his native place and subsequently arrested him, he said. The bank account of the accused was frozen, he added. In the second case, a man identified as Manish Seth (52), a resident of Rohini, who works at a medicare company in Gurgaon was arrested by a team of Dwarka South police station after one of his victims approached the police with a complaint on May 8. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Santosh Kumar Meena said that on the basis of technical surveillance of the accused, a raid was conducted at sector-9, Rohini and he was arrested. The used SIM and mobile number containing the chats and payments proof were seized, he said.

India: Two held in separate cases for duping people on pretext of supplying Oxygen cylinders

Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay expressed his gratitude for Sikh Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which provided food material to Afghan refugees in New Delhi after a call from the ambassador. The NGO, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust sent first tranche of relief material that included Wheat, Sugar, oil and other food materials. This will be helpful to 4000 Afghan refuge families in the city amid the Covid pandemic.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Mamundzay said that he was "grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.".&nbsp;

The envoy even posted a tweet in this regard

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Afghan refugees living in New Delhi are among one of the worst affected groups in India due to recent covid surge. Life was already a struggle for many of the 20,000 Afghans &amp; pandemic has made their survival even more precarious. We have taken a number of initiatives aiming 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/j0wGL9Wdmp">pic.twitter.com/j0wGL9Wdmp</a>
— Farid Mamundzay फरीद मामुन्दजई فرید ماموندزی (@FMamundzay) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMamundzay/status/1389119774303522823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The envoy also paid homage to India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra.

Kalra passed away due to Covid.&nbsp;

Afghan ambassador said CG Kalra was a "patriot, a very noble diplomat" who represented "India with great passion."

Here is the interaction between Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and WION's Sidhant Sibbal

WION: Your reaction to the outreach by Indian Sikh NGO for the Afghan refugees by providing them relief amid the Covid crisis?

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: Afghan Refugees have received support from Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust in Amritsar. It came at a time when this community was suffering from the crisis as a result of the pandemic. They required food, medical and relief assistance. Dr Oberoi (Managing Trustee of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust), came forward fulfilling our request. He said he would help us with the required food supply, required medical and humanitarian assistance. The relief provided to the refugees on a day before Eid brought joy to them. They will receive the support will be there for 3 months. We are grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.&nbsp;

WION: What is the situation in Afghanistan when it comes to Covid?

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We are seeing a surge in covid cases across the country in major cities like Jalalabad, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif but it is by no comparison what we have in India, thankfully. We hope that we would learn from the first surge in Afghanistan and we would be able to manage the crisis to the limit possible. So far there have been many cases that have recovered in recent days. [There have been] a number of deaths across the country and we are looking at all possible options to see if we can minimize the infection rate and deal with this deadly variant.&nbsp;

WION: India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away due to Covid. The Afghan foreign ministry issued a statement paying tributes to him.

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: CG Kalra was a patriot, a very noble diplomat who served with great dignity in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the province of Balkh. He represented India with great passion. He helped deepen the ties between our countries. He would be dearly missed, we lost a great friend but since Covid knows no border, no caste, no religion. This has a negative impact on everybody and sadly we lost a beautiful soul.

Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay expressed his gratitude for Sikh Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which provided food material to Afghan refugees in New Delhi after a call from the ambassador.

Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay expressed his gratitude for Sikh Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which provided food material to Afghan refugees in New Delhi after a call from the ambassador. The NGO, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust sent first tranche of relief material that included Wheat, Sugar, oil and other food materials. This will be helpful to 4000 Afghan refuge families in the city amid the Covid pandemic. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Mamundzay said that he was "grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.". The envoy even posted a tweet in this regard Afghan refugees living in New Delhi are among one of the worst affected groups in India due to recent covid surge. Life was already a struggle for many of the 20,000 Afghans & pandemic has made their survival even more precarious. We have taken a number of initiatives aiming 1/2 pic.twitter.com/j0wGL9Wdmp — Farid Mamundzay फरीद मामुन्दजई فرید ماموندزی (@FMamundzay) May 3, 2021 × The envoy also paid homage to India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra. Kalra passed away due to Covid. Afghan ambassador said CG Kalra was a "patriot, a very noble diplomat" who represented "India with great passion." Here is the interaction between Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and WION's Sidhant Sibbal WION: Your reaction to the outreach by Indian Sikh NGO for the Afghan refugees by providing them relief amid the Covid crisis? Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: Afghan Refugees have received support from Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust in Amritsar. It came at a time when this community was suffering from the crisis as a result of the pandemic. They required food, medical and relief assistance. Dr Oberoi (Managing Trustee of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust), came forward fulfilling our request. He said he would help us with the required food supply, required medical and humanitarian assistance. The relief provided to the refugees on a day before Eid brought joy to them. They will receive the support will be there for 3 months. We are grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere. WION: What is the situation in Afghanistan when it comes to Covid? Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We are seeing a surge in covid cases across the country in major cities like Jalalabad, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif but it is by no comparison what we have in India, thankfully. We hope that we would learn from the first surge in Afghanistan and we would be able to manage the crisis to the limit possible. So far there have been many cases that have recovered in recent days. [There have been] a number of deaths across the country and we are looking at all possible options to see if we can minimize the infection rate and deal with this deadly variant. WION: India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away due to Covid. The Afghan foreign ministry issued a statement paying tributes to him. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: CG Kalra was a patriot, a very noble diplomat who served with great dignity in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the province of Balkh. He represented India with great passion. He helped deepen the ties between our countries. He would be dearly missed, we lost a great friend but since Covid knows no border, no caste, no religion. This has a negative impact on everybody and sadly we lost a beautiful soul.

Afghanistan envoy to India thanks Sikh NGO for providing relief to Afghan refugees

Maharashtra government has made it compulsory for air passengers arriving in Mumbai's domestic airport to have a compulsory negative<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-more-ventilators-oxygen-cylinders-arrive-in-india-from-europe-384685"> RT-PCR</a> test report issued maximum 48 hours before the time of passengers entry.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-indian-government-under-pressure-to-impose-a-national-lockdown-383620/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The passengers who arrive from any part of the country will not be allowed to board the aircraft without a negative RT-PCR test, the state government said.

The directive has been sent to all domestic airlines operating in the country including GoAir, Indigo, Vistara, Spicejet, Air India among others.

The state has been hit hard with the coronavirus second wave as the state government declared that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-maharashtra-state-to-extend-lockdown-by-15-days-beyond-apr-30-381083">lockdown</a>-like restrictions which were imposed on April 5 to continue till June 1 to break the chain of the virus.

Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte asserted that additional restrictions include mandatory negative RT-PCR test report for any person entering the state by any mode of transport.

According to the order, all restrictions enforced as per earlier orders for people arriving from places of "sensitive origin" will be applicable to anyone arriving from any part of the country into the state.

Cargo carriers are not allowed to have more than two people, also if the carriers originate from outside the state, they will be allowed inside with a negative RT-PCR report issued 48 hours before the time of entry and it will be valid for seven days.&nbsp;

Maharashtra government has made it compulsory for air passengers arriving in Mumbai's domestic airport to have a compulsory negative RT-PCR test report issued maximum 48 hours before the time of passengers entry.

Maharashtra government has made it compulsory for air passengers arriving in Mumbai's domestic airport to have a compulsory negative RT-PCR test report issued maximum 48 hours before the time of passengers entry. Watch: The passengers who arrive from any part of the country will not be allowed to board the aircraft without a negative RT-PCR test, the state government said. The directive has been sent to all domestic airlines operating in the country including GoAir, Indigo, Vistara, Spicejet, Air India among others. The state has been hit hard with the coronavirus second wave as the state government declared that lockdown-like restrictions which were imposed on April 5 to continue till June 1 to break the chain of the virus. Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte asserted that additional restrictions include mandatory negative RT-PCR test report for any person entering the state by any mode of transport. According to the order, all restrictions enforced as per earlier orders for people arriving from places of "sensitive origin" will be applicable to anyone arriving from any part of the country into the state. Cargo carriers are not allowed to have more than two people, also if the carriers originate from outside the state, they will be allowed inside with a negative RT-PCR report issued 48 hours before the time of entry and it will be valid for seven days.

Maharashtra government makes negative RT-PCR tests mandatory for domestic air passengers

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