India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators.&nbsp;

India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds.&nbsp;

"The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating," Fauci told the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 response.&nbsp;

Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Chairing the hearing, Senator Patty Murray said that the surge of COVID-19 that is devastating India is a painful reminder really that the US can't end the pandemic here until it ends it everywhere.&nbsp;

"I'm glad the Biden administration is leading that global fight by rejoining the World Health Organization and funding global vaccine efforts and committing to donate 60 million AstraZeneca vaccines to other countries by July 4," she said.&nbsp;

"India's outbreak underscores the need for a robust public health infrastructure in the US to respond appropriately to this pandemic and future outbreaks, as well," Senator Murray said as she asked Fauci what can the US learn from India's outbreak.&nbsp;

"One of the important things is don't ever underestimate the situation," Fauci said as he referred to India's incorrect assumption and premature opening up.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators.

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators. India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds. "The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating," Fauci told the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 response. Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden. Chairing the hearing, Senator Patty Murray said that the surge of COVID-19 that is devastating India is a painful reminder really that the US can't end the pandemic here until it ends it everywhere. "I'm glad the Biden administration is leading that global fight by rejoining the World Health Organization and funding global vaccine efforts and committing to donate 60 million AstraZeneca vaccines to other countries by July 4," she said. "India's outbreak underscores the need for a robust public health infrastructure in the US to respond appropriately to this pandemic and future outbreaks, as well," Senator Murray said as she asked Fauci what can the US learn from India's outbreak. "One of the important things is don't ever underestimate the situation," Fauci said as he referred to India's incorrect assumption and premature opening up. (With inputs from agencies)

India opened up prematurely, Dr Fauci on COVID-19 crisis 

The Indian government has been forced to issue a clarification that the recently approved 5G trials are not linked in any way to the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, after rumours linking the two gained mileage in certain areas.&nbsp;

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said there is no link between 5G technology and the spread of Covid, as it urged the public not to be misguided by baseless and false messages being circulated on social media platforms.

Several misleading messages are being circulated on various social media platforms, claiming that the second wave of coronavirus has been caused by the testing of the 5G mobile towers.

“...these messages are false and not correct...the general public is hereby informed that there is no link between 5G technology and spread of COVID-19 and they are urged not to be misguided by the false information and rumours spread in this matter. The claims linking the 5G technology with the COVID-19 pandemic are false and have no scientific basis,” DoT said in a statement.

The testing of the 5G network has not yet started anywhere in India, therefore the claim that 5G trials or networks are causing coronavirus in India is “baseless”, it said.

“Mobile towers emit non-ionising Radio frequencies having very minuscule power and are incapable of causing any kind of damage to living cells including human beings."

“DoT has prescribed norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (i.e. Base Station Emissions) which are 10 times more stringent than the safe limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by WHO (World Health Organization),” it said.

Outlining the initiatives already taken, the DoT said it has a well-structured process so that operators strictly adhere to these prescribed norms.

“However, any citizen having any apprehension about any mobile tower emitting radio waves beyond the safe limit prescribed by the department, a request for EMF measurements/testing can be made on Tarang Sanchar portal at https://tarangsanchar.gov.in/emfportal,” the department said.

Earlier on May 8, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), an industry association representing India’s private telecom services providers such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, had put out a clarification on the same issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has been forced to issue a clarification that the recently approved 5G trials are not linked in any way to the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, after rumours linking the two gained mileage in certain areas.

The Indian government has been forced to issue a clarification that the recently approved 5G trials are not linked in any way to the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, after rumours linking the two gained mileage in certain areas. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said there is no link between 5G technology and the spread of Covid, as it urged the public not to be misguided by baseless and false messages being circulated on social media platforms. Several misleading messages are being circulated on various social media platforms, claiming that the second wave of coronavirus has been caused by the testing of the 5G mobile towers. “...these messages are false and not correct...the general public is hereby informed that there is no link between 5G technology and spread of COVID-19 and they are urged not to be misguided by the false information and rumours spread in this matter. The claims linking the 5G technology with the COVID-19 pandemic are false and have no scientific basis,” DoT said in a statement. The testing of the 5G network has not yet started anywhere in India, therefore the claim that 5G trials or networks are causing coronavirus in India is “baseless”, it said. “Mobile towers emit non-ionising Radio frequencies having very minuscule power and are incapable of causing any kind of damage to living cells including human beings." “DoT has prescribed norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (i.e. Base Station Emissions) which are 10 times more stringent than the safe limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by WHO (World Health Organization),” it said. Outlining the initiatives already taken, the DoT said it has a well-structured process so that operators strictly adhere to these prescribed norms. “However, any citizen having any apprehension about any mobile tower emitting radio waves beyond the safe limit prescribed by the department, a request for EMF measurements/testing can be made on Tarang Sanchar portal at https://tarangsanchar.gov.in/emfportal,” the department said. Earlier on May 8, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), an industry association representing India’s private telecom services providers such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, had put out a clarification on the same issue. (With inputs from agencies)

No link between 5G and COVID-19 as its testing not yet started, says Indian government

As per the official sources, the trial for the vaccine will take place in 525 subjects at different sites, including AIIMS, Patna, AIIMS, Delhi, and Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur.

Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN gets nod for phase 2/3 trials on 2-18 years old

An Indian Air Force plane carrying 200 oxygen concentrators, arrived from the United Kingdom in Chhattisgarh's Raipur on Tuesday night as part of COVID-19 assistance to India.

"IAF C-130 landed with 200 oxygen concentrators which are gifts from the Government of the United Kingdom," said Raipur Airport director Rakesh Ranjan Sahay.

Similarly, medical aid from Netherlands and Switzerland arrived at Delhi airport today.

A flight carrying medical equipment including 200 oxygen concentrators from South Korea has also arrived at Delhi airport today. The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi said that cooperation with the Republic of Korea has continued and appreciated the support from the country.

The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients. Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases.

The member states of the European Union 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.

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.&nbsp;

An Indian Air Force plane carrying 200 oxygen concentrators, arrived from the United Kingdom in Chhattisgarh's Raipur on Tuesday night as part of COVID-19 assistance to India.

An Indian Air Force plane carrying 200 oxygen concentrators, arrived from the United Kingdom in Chhattisgarh's Raipur on Tuesday night as part of COVID-19 assistance to India. "IAF C-130 landed with 200 oxygen concentrators which are gifts from the Government of the United Kingdom," said Raipur Airport director Rakesh Ranjan Sahay. Similarly, medical aid from Netherlands and Switzerland arrived at Delhi airport today. A flight carrying medical equipment including 200 oxygen concentrators from South Korea has also arrived at Delhi airport today. The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi said that cooperation with the Republic of Korea has continued and appreciated the support from the country. The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients. Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases. The member states of the European Union 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. 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: India received 200 oxygen concentrators as foreign aid from UK

A 43-year-old man has been charged with shooting dead his 19-year-old nephew and attempted murder of his wife. 
 
Gamdur Singh Brar, who shot dead his nephew Harmanjot Singh Bhattal and seriously injured his wife Satvir Kaur Brar in Edmonton at the weekend, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. 
 
The victim Harmanjot Singh Bhattal came to Canada in December 2018 on a study visa from Bhattal village of Barnala district in Punjab. The only son of his parents, Bhattal was studying at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and was staying with his maternal aunt. 
 
The accused reportedly had a fight with his wife. He consequently opened fire at the vehicle in which his wife was travelling with Bhattal. After injuring Bhattal and Satvir, Gamdur fled from the spot. 
 
The incident took place in Sherwood Park area of Edmonton just after 6.30 a.m. on Friday. 
 
Soon after, officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reached. Bhattal succumbed to gunshot wounds before paramedics could reach the spot. The woman was rushed to hospital where she remains critical. The accused wanted to kill her, but his 19-year-old nephew became the victim. 
 
The police had later arrested the accused and was presented before the court where he was denied bail. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on June 12. 
 
Meanwhile, a 'gofundme'&nbsp;campaign has been launched to raise money to send the body of Bhattal to India.

A 43-year-old man has been charged with shooting dead his 19-year-old nephew and attempted murder of his wife. Gamdur Singh Brar, who shot dead his nephew Harmanjot Singh Bhattal and seriously injured his wife Satvir Kaur Brar in Edmonton at the weekend, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.

A 43-year-old man has been charged with shooting dead his 19-year-old nephew and attempted murder of his wife. Gamdur Singh Brar, who shot dead his nephew Harmanjot Singh Bhattal and seriously injured his wife Satvir Kaur Brar in Edmonton at the weekend, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. The victim Harmanjot Singh Bhattal came to Canada in December 2018 on a study visa from Bhattal village of Barnala district in Punjab. The only son of his parents, Bhattal was studying at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and was staying with his maternal aunt. The accused reportedly had a fight with his wife. He consequently opened fire at the vehicle in which his wife was travelling with Bhattal. After injuring Bhattal and Satvir, Gamdur fled from the spot. The incident took place in Sherwood Park area of Edmonton just after 6.30 a.m. on Friday. Soon after, officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reached. Bhattal succumbed to gunshot wounds before paramedics could reach the spot. The woman was rushed to hospital where she remains critical. The accused wanted to kill her, but his 19-year-old nephew became the victim. The police had later arrested the accused and was presented before the court where he was denied bail. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on June 12. Meanwhile, a 'gofundme' campaign has been launched to raise money to send the body of Bhattal to India.

19-year-old student from Punjab's Barnala shot dead by uncle in Canada

New Delhi, May 12: Chinas desperate attempts to bring about a patch-up between the two warring factions of the Nepal Communist Party have come a cropper, plunging the Himalayan country into a political crisis at a time when the deadly Covid-19 pandemic has also peaked in the country.
 
After the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government on Monday, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called the country`s political parties to form a new government by Thursday. She has asked Oli to be the caretaker prime minister till then.
 
According to sources, during the past couple of weeks, Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, had lobbied with senior Nepalese MPs to gather support for Oli to ensure his victory in the vote of confidence on the floor of Parliament.
 
China wants someone loyal to Beijing as PM and it was concerned over the weakening communist influence in South Asia with the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) splitting into two factions - one led by prime minister Oli, and the second by former prime minister Prachanda, who is also the executive chairman of the party.
 
Chinese ambassador Hou Yanqi`s efforts to settle the differences between Oli and Prachanda proved futile and last week, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) ï¿½ a key faction led by Pushpakamal Dahal `Prachanda` withdrew support to the government. Consequently, Oli lost the vote of confidence in Parliament on Monday.
 
Many analysts believe that Oli is down but he still has a chance to regain power.
 
Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has initiated the process to form a new government under Article 76 (2) of the constitution and in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House of Representatives, the President shall appoint as prime minister a member of the House of Representatives who can command majority with the support of two or more parties, according to the Nepalese constitution.
 
If the opposition parties fail to form a new government, the President, as per the constitution, has to invoke Article 76 (3), which says ` in cases where the prime minister cannot be appointed under Clause (2)... or the prime minister so appointed fails to secure a vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of appointment, the President shall appoint as prime minister the parliamentary party leader of the party which has the highest number of members in the House of Representatives.`
 
Advantage Oli?
 
In the current equation, Oli`s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxistï¿½Leninist) popularly known as CPN-UML, with 121 representatives, is the party with the largest number of members in the House but the Madhav Nepal-led faction of CPN-UML with 32 lawmakers abstained from the voting process. The Nepal-Khanal faction for the last few days had been saying that its lawmakers would resign.
 
However, they did not. And instead, on Monday morning, they decided to remain absent. A UML Standing Committee member close to Oli said the party has no plans to initiate action against the Nepal-Khanal faction lawmakers as that could make it easier for the opposition parties to form a new government. In fact now Oli is trying to `pacify` them.
 
There are currently 271 MPs in the parliament and for any faction would need 136 votes to form the government. Nepal`s political situation is such that no single party now can form a government without the support of at least one other party.
 
`Given the voting pattern, it looks like things are moving the way Oli wants them to move. Now the onus to form a new government and unseat him lies with the opposition parties, but they cannot do so because of their own differences,` says Sharad Singh Bhandari of NCP.
 
According to observers, if the opposition parties fail to form a government under Article 76 (2) and if Oli gets re-appointed as per Article 76 (3), he needs to win the vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of the appointment and failure to do so would lead to House dissolution and fresh elections and China is preparing for that too.
 
China`s Covid card
 
Meanwhile, Nepal`s Covid-19 tally crossed the 400,000 mark and reached 403,794 on Monday with the addition of 9,127 fresh cases and PM Oli has asked for help.
 
 `I have appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives. Our urgent goal is to stop preventable deaths,` Oli said.
 
China has said that it will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against Covid-19. `We believe the Nepalese people will defeat the virus at an early date,` Chinese ambassador in Nepal, Hou Yanqi said in a tweet. `The first batch of oxygen cylinders and ventilators donated by the Chinese government will arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow! We wish friendly Nepali people an early victory over the pandemic! China will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against #COVID19,` she added.
 
(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
 
--indianarrative/

New Delhi, May 12: Chinas desperate attempts to bring about a patch-up between the two warring factions of the Nepal Communist Party have come a cropper, plunging the Himalayan country into a political crisis at a time when the deadly Covid-19 pandemic has also peaked in the country.

New Delhi, May 12: Chinas desperate attempts to bring about a patch-up between the two warring factions of the Nepal Communist Party have come a cropper, plunging the Himalayan country into a political crisis at a time when the deadly Covid-19 pandemic has also peaked in the country. After the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government on Monday, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called the country`s political parties to form a new government by Thursday. She has asked Oli to be the caretaker prime minister till then. According to sources, during the past couple of weeks, Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, had lobbied with senior Nepalese MPs to gather support for Oli to ensure his victory in the vote of confidence on the floor of Parliament. China wants someone loyal to Beijing as PM and it was concerned over the weakening communist influence in South Asia with the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) splitting into two factions - one led by prime minister Oli, and the second by former prime minister Prachanda, who is also the executive chairman of the party. Chinese ambassador Hou Yanqi`s efforts to settle the differences between Oli and Prachanda proved futile and last week, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) ï¿½ a key faction led by Pushpakamal Dahal `Prachanda` withdrew support to the government. Consequently, Oli lost the vote of confidence in Parliament on Monday. Many analysts believe that Oli is down but he still has a chance to regain power. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has initiated the process to form a new government under Article 76 (2) of the constitution and in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House of Representatives, the President shall appoint as prime minister a member of the House of Representatives who can command majority with the support of two or more parties, according to the Nepalese constitution. If the opposition parties fail to form a new government, the President, as per the constitution, has to invoke Article 76 (3), which says ` in cases where the prime minister cannot be appointed under Clause (2)... or the prime minister so appointed fails to secure a vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of appointment, the President shall appoint as prime minister the parliamentary party leader of the party which has the highest number of members in the House of Representatives.` Advantage Oli? In the current equation, Oli`s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxistï¿½Leninist) popularly known as CPN-UML, with 121 representatives, is the party with the largest number of members in the House but the Madhav Nepal-led faction of CPN-UML with 32 lawmakers abstained from the voting process. The Nepal-Khanal faction for the last few days had been saying that its lawmakers would resign. However, they did not. And instead, on Monday morning, they decided to remain absent. A UML Standing Committee member close to Oli said the party has no plans to initiate action against the Nepal-Khanal faction lawmakers as that could make it easier for the opposition parties to form a new government. In fact now Oli is trying to `pacify` them. There are currently 271 MPs in the parliament and for any faction would need 136 votes to form the government. Nepal`s political situation is such that no single party now can form a government without the support of at least one other party. `Given the voting pattern, it looks like things are moving the way Oli wants them to move. Now the onus to form a new government and unseat him lies with the opposition parties, but they cannot do so because of their own differences,` says Sharad Singh Bhandari of NCP. According to observers, if the opposition parties fail to form a government under Article 76 (2) and if Oli gets re-appointed as per Article 76 (3), he needs to win the vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of the appointment and failure to do so would lead to House dissolution and fresh elections and China is preparing for that too. China`s Covid card Meanwhile, Nepal`s Covid-19 tally crossed the 400,000 mark and reached 403,794 on Monday with the addition of 9,127 fresh cases and PM Oli has asked for help. `I have appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives. Our urgent goal is to stop preventable deaths,` Oli said. China has said that it will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against Covid-19. `We believe the Nepalese people will defeat the virus at an early date,` Chinese ambassador in Nepal, Hou Yanqi said in a tweet. `The first batch of oxygen cylinders and ventilators donated by the Chinese government will arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow! We wish friendly Nepali people an early victory over the pandemic! China will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against #COVID19,` she added. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/

Nepal plunges into political crisis as China''s gambit flops

An Indian national who was working as a caregiver has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel.

According to the family members of 31-year old Soumya Santhosh, the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, over a video call in the evening.

"My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus we came to know about the incident," Santhosh's brother Saji said.

Soumya Santosh, who hailed from Kerala's Idukki district, worked as a caregiver attending to an elderly woman at a house in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon.

Ashkelon, which borders the Gaza Strip, has come under massive fire from the Palestinian terrorists.

Soumya was reportedly living in Israel for the past seven years. She has a nine-year-old son whom she had left with her husband in Kerala. Her 80-year-old elderly charge is said to have survived the direct hit on the house and is hospitalised in a serious condition, local media reports said.

Soumya is the daughter of former Kanjikuzhy panchayat member Satish and Savithri. Her last visit to Kerala was in 2017. The deadly rocket attack directly struck the house of the elderly woman.

Channel 12 reported that the rocket shelter was at least a minute's run away from the woman's home and the pair could not manage to reach it in time.

The home lacked a fortified room of its own.

Some media reports said that a technical glitch with an Iron Dome battery (an all-weather air defence system that intercepts and destroys short-range rockets) during the massive rocket barrage towards the Israeli coastal city prevented some rockets from being intercepted and may have been responsible for the casualties and deaths.

Ashkelon's Mayor Tomer Glam said that some 25 per cent of the residents do not have access to a protected area when rockets are fired at the city. It is impossible when normal life becomes a state of emergency within minutes, Glam told Army Radio.

There are houses from the 1960s where there is no basic protection. It is time for treasury officials and decision-makers to understand what is happening here in the city, he stressed.

Israel's ambassador to India Ron Malka on Tuesday took to Twitter to condole the Indian woman's death.

"On behalf of the state of Israel, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of Soumya Santosh, murdered by Hamas indiscriminate terror attack on innocent lives. Our hearts are crying with her 9-years-old son that lost his mother in this cruel terrorist attack," he said. 
 
"I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss &amp; extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss &amp; we are here for them."

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I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss &amp; extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss &amp; we are here for them. <a href="https://t.co/btmoewYMSS">pic.twitter.com/btmoewYMSS</a>
— Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRonMalka/status/1392358596227203073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Newly-elected MLA and Nationalist Congress Kerala leader Mani C Kappan condemned the incident.

In a Facebook post, Kappan, who is representing Pala seat in the Kerala Assembly, said thousands of Keralites working in Israel were living in fear. He also sought the intervention of the central and state governments.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian national who was working as a caregiver has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel. According to the family members of 31-year old Soumya Santhosh, the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, over a video call in the evening.

An Indian national who was working as a caregiver has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel. According to the family members of 31-year old Soumya Santhosh, the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, over a video call in the evening. "My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus we came to know about the incident," Santhosh's brother Saji said. Soumya Santosh, who hailed from Kerala's Idukki district, worked as a caregiver attending to an elderly woman at a house in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon. Ashkelon, which borders the Gaza Strip, has come under massive fire from the Palestinian terrorists. Soumya was reportedly living in Israel for the past seven years. She has a nine-year-old son whom she had left with her husband in Kerala. Her 80-year-old elderly charge is said to have survived the direct hit on the house and is hospitalised in a serious condition, local media reports said. Soumya is the daughter of former Kanjikuzhy panchayat member Satish and Savithri. Her last visit to Kerala was in 2017. The deadly rocket attack directly struck the house of the elderly woman. Channel 12 reported that the rocket shelter was at least a minute's run away from the woman's home and the pair could not manage to reach it in time. The home lacked a fortified room of its own. Some media reports said that a technical glitch with an Iron Dome battery (an all-weather air defence system that intercepts and destroys short-range rockets) during the massive rocket barrage towards the Israeli coastal city prevented some rockets from being intercepted and may have been responsible for the casualties and deaths. Ashkelon's Mayor Tomer Glam said that some 25 per cent of the residents do not have access to a protected area when rockets are fired at the city. It is impossible when normal life becomes a state of emergency within minutes, Glam told Army Radio. There are houses from the 1960s where there is no basic protection. It is time for treasury officials and decision-makers to understand what is happening here in the city, he stressed. Israel's ambassador to India Ron Malka on Tuesday took to Twitter to condole the Indian woman's death. "On behalf of the state of Israel, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of Soumya Santosh, murdered by Hamas indiscriminate terror attack on innocent lives. Our hearts are crying with her 9-years-old son that lost his mother in this cruel terrorist attack," he said. "I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & we are here for them." I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & we are here for them. pic.twitter.com/btmoewYMSS — Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) May 12, 2021 × Newly-elected MLA and Nationalist Congress Kerala leader Mani C Kappan condemned the incident. In a Facebook post, Kappan, who is representing Pala seat in the Kerala Assembly, said thousands of Keralites working in Israel were living in fear. He also sought the intervention of the central and state governments. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband

The issue of release of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts has again come to the fore. Shortly after the regime change, an&nbsp;ally of now-ruling DMK has demanded the long-pending release of the seven convicts.

Vaiko, general secretary of MDMK has written a letter in this regard to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. MDMK is allied to Stalin's DMK.

“Despite not having committed the crime, Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan are languishing as death-row convicts. Similarly, Nalini, Ravichandran, Robert Payas, Jeyakumar have lost their fruitful youth years languishing in jail and suffering mental agony” says Vaiko in his letter.&nbsp;

Vaiko has written to Stalin saying that the Supreme Court Chief Justice had left the decision about their release to the state government&nbsp;over two-and-a-half years ago.&nbsp;

“Despite the apex Court having urged the Governor to facilitate their release, the Governor has treated it like consigning the matter to the dustbin. There is no need to ask the Central Government regarding this issue, but people are being misled saying that the Central Government has denied permission for their release” reads the statement.&nbsp;

Vaiko referred to how the DMK has been vocal about releasing the seven convicts for a long time and urged MK Stalin to pass an order to release the seven convicts and fulfill the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The release of the convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case has been an issue that Tamil Nadu’s political parties have been dilly-dallying over for many years.

Leaders from across parties have regularly&nbsp;expressed hope for the release of the convicts, but nothing has materialized yet. In 2020, when Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting Chennai, Tamil celebrities on Twitter trended hashtags pertaining to the release of the Rajiv Case convict Perarivalan.

The issue of release of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts has again come to the fore. Shortly after the regime change, an ally of now-ruling DMK has demanded the long-pending release of the seven convicts.

The issue of release of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts has again come to the fore. Shortly after the regime change, an ally of now-ruling DMK has demanded the long-pending release of the seven convicts. Vaiko, general secretary of MDMK has written a letter in this regard to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. MDMK is allied to Stalin's DMK. “Despite not having committed the crime, Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan are languishing as death-row convicts. Similarly, Nalini, Ravichandran, Robert Payas, Jeyakumar have lost their fruitful youth years languishing in jail and suffering mental agony” says Vaiko in his letter. Vaiko has written to Stalin saying that the Supreme Court Chief Justice had left the decision about their release to the state government over two-and-a-half years ago. “Despite the apex Court having urged the Governor to facilitate their release, the Governor has treated it like consigning the matter to the dustbin. There is no need to ask the Central Government regarding this issue, but people are being misled saying that the Central Government has denied permission for their release” reads the statement. Vaiko referred to how the DMK has been vocal about releasing the seven convicts for a long time and urged MK Stalin to pass an order to release the seven convicts and fulfill the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu. The release of the convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case has been an issue that Tamil Nadu’s political parties have been dilly-dallying over for many years. Leaders from across parties have regularly expressed hope for the release of the convicts, but nothing has materialized yet. In 2020, when Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting Chennai, Tamil celebrities on Twitter trended hashtags pertaining to the release of the Rajiv Case convict Perarivalan.

DMK ally urges CM Stalin to release Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday.

It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death.

"Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family.
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Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment.

"Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted.

Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif.

A sincere, hard working &amp; reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment &amp; dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said.

Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family.

"He will be remembered fondly and missed by one &amp; all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death. "Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted. Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2021 × Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. "Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted. Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A sincere, hard working & reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment & dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said. Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family. "He will be remembered fondly and missed by one & all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif dies after testing positive for Covid

While the whole country faces the worst of the pandemic and the numbers of Covid positive patients run in thousands, There are some people who are ready to risk their own lives to save others.&nbsp;

Manzoor Ahmad, 48, is an Asthma patient who has been on Oxygen for the last 3 years. He drives a small truck to deliver Oxygen cylinders to Covid positive patients in need. This pandemic has not stopped him from doing his job. He says that he knows the feeling of not getting enough Oxygen and the need for these cylinders.&nbsp;

"For the sake of Humanity, if I am able to deliver the Oxygen to anyone, and save his life or he feels any relief, it's a great feeling for me. I myself am an Asthma patient, and I know how much this Oxygen means to patients at a time when their saturation is low. This is my bit of what I want to do for people," says Manzoor Ahmad, the Covid warrior.

Manzoor carries Oxygen cylinders with him in his truck 24/7. He is prone to infection as his lungs are already weak. But not only does he deliver these Oxygen cylinders to patients' homes but also gets them refilled at the Oxygen facility. He says he also has a family to feed and can't give up so early in life.

“I can't sit at home, Due to ongoing pandemic, I work and earn for my family. They are dependent on me. My medicines are expensive, around 6-7 thousand rupees per month. The family also has expenses so I have to come out. But I want people to not lose hope. They should stay strong.” said Manzoor Ahmad

Manzoor is an example of courage, who has not given up on helping others. It’s people like him who are keeping the humanity alive.

While the whole country faces the worst of the pandemic and the numbers of Covid positive patients run in thousands, There are some people who are ready to risk their own lives to save others.

While the whole country faces the worst of the pandemic and the numbers of Covid positive patients run in thousands, There are some people who are ready to risk their own lives to save others. Manzoor Ahmad, 48, is an Asthma patient who has been on Oxygen for the last 3 years. He drives a small truck to deliver Oxygen cylinders to Covid positive patients in need. This pandemic has not stopped him from doing his job. He says that he knows the feeling of not getting enough Oxygen and the need for these cylinders. "For the sake of Humanity, if I am able to deliver the Oxygen to anyone, and save his life or he feels any relief, it's a great feeling for me. I myself am an Asthma patient, and I know how much this Oxygen means to patients at a time when their saturation is low. This is my bit of what I want to do for people," says Manzoor Ahmad, the Covid warrior. Manzoor carries Oxygen cylinders with him in his truck 24/7. He is prone to infection as his lungs are already weak. But not only does he deliver these Oxygen cylinders to patients' homes but also gets them refilled at the Oxygen facility. He says he also has a family to feed and can't give up so early in life. “I can't sit at home, Due to ongoing pandemic, I work and earn for my family. They are dependent on me. My medicines are expensive, around 6-7 thousand rupees per month. The family also has expenses so I have to come out. But I want people to not lose hope. They should stay strong.” said Manzoor Ahmad Manzoor is an example of courage, who has not given up on helping others. It’s people like him who are keeping the humanity alive.

India Covid warriors: Asthmatic driver, himself on oxygen support, supplies O2 cylinders to Covid patients

India's second wave continues to kill even after a month as new daily infections remain well over 300,000.

India's total pandemic caseload has crossed 22 million and in the last 24 hours, India reported more than 360,000 new cases, a dip from the previous day&nbsp;when daily infections had crossed the 400,000-mark. But it's hardly any relief.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-less-than-3-of-indians-have-been-fully-vaccinated-384173/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amid the second wave, testing has also gone down. On Sunday, India conducted 1.47 million&nbsp;tests, which is the lowest this month. The daily average earlier was 1.7 million tests, so the dip in cases could be a result of fewer tests.

India now has more than 3.7 million active cases and&nbsp;more than 18 million people have&nbsp;recovered. Daily deaths have crossed the 4,000-mark.&nbsp;

 
India's total fatalities are now close to 250,000 and as for vaccination, the progress is slow.

Ten days ago, India had opened its vaccination drive to all adults. But so far, not even three per cent of the population has&nbsp;been fully vaccinated, with less than 10 per cent getting the first shot.

India has a huge population to cover, with more than 1.3 billion people, which is why India must move faster. The problem is, India does not have enough vaccines.

In April, India was administering 3.5 million shots per day which was the peak. Last week, the daily average dropped to 1.9 million shots.

In short, between April 6 and May 6, daily inoculations in India dropped by 38 per cent.

Over the weekend, the central government said states will get more than five million doses in the next three days but with these numbers, India is barely scratching the surface.

India's second wave continues to kill even after a month as new daily infections remain well over 300,000. India's total pandemic caseload has crossed 22 million and in the last 24 hours, India reported more than 360,000 new cases, a dip from the previous day when daily infections had crossed the 400,000-mark.

India's second wave continues to kill even after a month as new daily infections remain well over 300,000. India's total pandemic caseload has crossed 22 million and in the last 24 hours, India reported more than 360,000 new cases, a dip from the previous day when daily infections had crossed the 400,000-mark. But it's hardly any relief. Watch: Amid the second wave, testing has also gone down. On Sunday, India conducted 1.47 million tests, which is the lowest this month. The daily average earlier was 1.7 million tests, so the dip in cases could be a result of fewer tests. India now has more than 3.7 million active cases and more than 18 million people have recovered. Daily deaths have crossed the 4,000-mark. India's total fatalities are now close to 250,000 and as for vaccination, the progress is slow. Ten days ago, India had opened its vaccination drive to all adults. But so far, not even three per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated, with less than 10 per cent getting the first shot. India has a huge population to cover, with more than 1.3 billion people, which is why India must move faster. The problem is, India does not have enough vaccines. In April, India was administering 3.5 million shots per day which was the peak. Last week, the daily average dropped to 1.9 million shots. In short, between April 6 and May 6, daily inoculations in India dropped by 38 per cent. Over the weekend, the central government said states will get more than five million doses in the next three days but with these numbers, India is barely scratching the surface.

India's average daily vaccination dips amid COVID-19 second wave

Mucormycosis, commonly called black fungus, is a serious and rare fungal infection affecting those suffering from coronavirus in India.

The black fungus that invades the brain is being increasingly seen in vulnerable patients in India as the health system continues to struggle amid the pandemic.

This infection caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes. These are ubiquitous in the environment and can often be seen on rotting food. Despite being common in the environment, it doesn’t cause infection in humans as our immune cells can easily fight such pathogens.&nbsp; 
 
Gravitas: What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis?

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Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection found in some Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay.&nbsp;

How does the infection start and progress?

The Central government in an advisory said the fungal infection mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens.

The evidence-based advisory for screening, diagnosis and management of the disease was released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Union health ministry.

“Mucormycosis, if uncared for, may turn fatal. Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air,” it said.

How is it diagnosed?

Warning symptoms include pain and redness around the eyes and nose, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits and altered mental status, the advisory stated.&nbsp;

In COVID-19 patients with diabetes and immuno-suppressed individuals, one must suspect mucormycosis if there is sinusitis, one-side facial pain or numbness, blackish discolouration over the bridge of the nose or palate, toothache, blurred or double vision with pain, skin lesion, thrombosis, chest pain and worsening respiratory symptoms, it said.

Major risk factors for this disease include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression by steroids, prolonged ICU stay, malignancy and voriconazole therapy, the ICMR-health ministry advisory stated. &nbsp;

How is it prevented and treated?

To prevent the disease, blood glucose level should be monitored post-COVID discharge and also in diabetic patients; steroids should be used judiciously incorrect timing, dose and duration; clean sterile water should be used in humidifiers during oxygen therapy, and antibiotics and antifungal medicines should be used correctly, it said.&nbsp;

The disease can be managed by controlling diabetes, discontinuing immunomodulating drugs, reducing steroids and extensive surgical debridement- to remove all necrotic materials, according to the advisory.&nbsp;

Medical treatment includes installing peripherally inserted central catheter, maintaining adequate systemic hydration, infusion of normal saline intravenously before Amphotericin B infusion and anti-fungal therapy for at least six weeks besides monitoring the patient clinically with radio imaging for response and to detect disease progression, it said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mucormycosis, commonly called black fungus, is a serious and rare fungal infection affecting those suffering from coronavirus in India. The black fungus that invades the brain is being increasingly seen in vulnerable patients in India as the health system continues to struggle amid the pandemic.

Mucormycosis, commonly called black fungus, is a serious and rare fungal infection affecting those suffering from coronavirus in India. The black fungus that invades the brain is being increasingly seen in vulnerable patients in India as the health system continues to struggle amid the pandemic. This infection caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes. These are ubiquitous in the environment and can often be seen on rotting food. Despite being common in the environment, it doesn’t cause infection in humans as our immune cells can easily fight such pathogens. Gravitas: What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis? Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection found in some Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. How does the infection start and progress? The Central government in an advisory said the fungal infection mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens. The evidence-based advisory for screening, diagnosis and management of the disease was released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Union health ministry. “Mucormycosis, if uncared for, may turn fatal. Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air,” it said. How is it diagnosed? Warning symptoms include pain and redness around the eyes and nose, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits and altered mental status, the advisory stated. In COVID-19 patients with diabetes and immuno-suppressed individuals, one must suspect mucormycosis if there is sinusitis, one-side facial pain or numbness, blackish discolouration over the bridge of the nose or palate, toothache, blurred or double vision with pain, skin lesion, thrombosis, chest pain and worsening respiratory symptoms, it said. Major risk factors for this disease include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression by steroids, prolonged ICU stay, malignancy and voriconazole therapy, the ICMR-health ministry advisory stated. How is it prevented and treated? To prevent the disease, blood glucose level should be monitored post-COVID discharge and also in diabetic patients; steroids should be used judiciously incorrect timing, dose and duration; clean sterile water should be used in humidifiers during oxygen therapy, and antibiotics and antifungal medicines should be used correctly, it said. The disease can be managed by controlling diabetes, discontinuing immunomodulating drugs, reducing steroids and extensive surgical debridement- to remove all necrotic materials, according to the advisory. Medical treatment includes installing peripherally inserted central catheter, maintaining adequate systemic hydration, infusion of normal saline intravenously before Amphotericin B infusion and anti-fungal therapy for at least six weeks besides monitoring the patient clinically with radio imaging for response and to detect disease progression, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the G7 Summit in Cornwall in the UK next month, the government said today.

"While appreciating the invitation to the Prime Minister by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to attend the G7 Summit as a special invitee, given the prevailing COVID-19 situation, it has been decided that the Prime Minister will not attend the G7 Summit in person,” MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said today.

The G7 comprises of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and UK. The Indian PM was a special invitee at the summit which is due to take place from June 11 to 13.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-lists-covid-strain-first-detected-in-india-as-variant-of-concern-384201">India</a> has been hit hard with the second wave of coronavirus pandemic with the total tally of COVID-19 infections surging to 2,29,92,517 
since the pandemic began.

India has received oxygen concentrators&nbsp;and other medical equipment from several countries including UK, US, Israel as the country grapples&nbsp;with the unprecedented second wave.

Canada on Tuesday said the first consignment of medical aid to India arrived a few days ago with another flight set to get additional supplies in the next couple of days.

"We sent 350 ventilators, 25000 vials of Remdesivir &amp; 1450 oxygen concentrators via Unicef. The outpouring of support and&nbsp;solidarity with people of India in Canada has been special," High Commissioner of Canada to India, Nadir Patel said.

The Canadian government has started off with $10 million donations to Indian Red Cross, Nadir Patel added.

India recorded 3.29 lakh cases in the last 24 including 3,876 fatalities. India's coronavirus tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, however, on May 4 this year it crossed the 2 crore mark amid the raging second wave.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the G7 Summit in Cornwall in the UK next month, the government said today. "While appreciating the invitation to the Prime Minister by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to attend the G7 Summit as a special invitee, given the prevailing COVID-19 situation, it has been decided that the Prime Minister will not attend the G7 Summit in person,” MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the G7 Summit in Cornwall in the UK next month, the government said today. "While appreciating the invitation to the Prime Minister by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to attend the G7 Summit as a special invitee, given the prevailing COVID-19 situation, it has been decided that the Prime Minister will not attend the G7 Summit in person,” MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said today. The G7 comprises of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and UK. The Indian PM was a special invitee at the summit which is due to take place from June 11 to 13. India has been hit hard with the second wave of coronavirus pandemic with the total tally of COVID-19 infections surging to 2,29,92,517 since the pandemic began. India has received oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment from several countries including UK, US, Israel as the country grapples with the unprecedented second wave. Canada on Tuesday said the first consignment of medical aid to India arrived a few days ago with another flight set to get additional supplies in the next couple of days. "We sent 350 ventilators, 25000 vials of Remdesivir & 1450 oxygen concentrators via Unicef. The outpouring of support and solidarity with people of India in Canada has been special," High Commissioner of Canada to India, Nadir Patel said. The Canadian government has started off with $10 million donations to Indian Red Cross, Nadir Patel added. India recorded 3.29 lakh cases in the last 24 including 3,876 fatalities. India's coronavirus tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, however, on May 4 this year it crossed the 2 crore mark amid the raging second wave.

PM Modi not to attend G7 meeting in UK due to Covid crisis

The B.1.617 variant contains mutations from two separate virus variants, namely E484Q and L452R. The double mutant strain was found in samples of saliva collected from Maharashtra, Punjab, and Delhi.

'Double mutant strain in India resistant to antibodies', says WHO Chief scientist

A new Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) signed between India and the UK recently is an "unprecedented" reciprocal agreement that will overcome the barriers around mobility and migration of the past, British Home Secretary Priti Patel has said.

The senior Indian-origin Cabinet minister, who signed the partnership's memorandum of understanding (MoU) with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London last week, said the plan to have 3,000 young students and professionals a year access new work experience benefits in either country under the new pact will be up and running “within months”.

She highlighted that the move, which includes a new “bespoke” plan for 18 to 30-year-olds to apply for a 24-month stay in either country puts youth mobility at the heart of the bilateral relationship.

"This is a very significant unprecedented scheme that will provide additional benefits to both countries. It is highly symbolic," Patel told PTI in an interview on Monday.

"It shows how our two countries have really developed and advanced our relationship, in a purposeful and transformative way; which to be very candid, we did not have previously. Putting mobility at the heart of this relationship is a real change, a real pivot. We have spent too much time in the past speaking about mobility barriers,” she said.

Under the MMP, both sides have agreed to work towards an April 2022 timeline to bring in new systems in place, with work already underway with the High Commission in London and the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

"We have worked at pace for this and we are in the process of finalising the timetable around this. We are not hanging around. We are literally now just putting dates on this," the minister said.

Dubbed as a first-of-its-kind agreement between the two countries, both governments agreed enhanced mobility provisions for young professional Indian and British citizens and swifter and more efficient returns of illegal migrants by accelerating timescales for removals, by committing appropriate resources to facilitate returns.

"We also signed an agreement linked to illegal migration, which is a huge benefit for India as well because obviously there are certain individuals that come in that India wants returned," said Patel, in reference to extradition cases.

The new youth mobility route adds to previous announcements under Britain's post-Brexit points-based immigration system, which the minister said was already “benefitting Indians hugely” as the new rules came in force from earlier this year with the UK no longer bound by European Union laws.

“The whole purpose of the points-based system was to do away with the discrimination that India were at a the disadvantage under previous systems. I have squared that circle in less than 12 months. In less than two years since becoming Home Secretary, I have really moved the needle on creating a new bespoke and reciprocal route for young professionals from the UK and in India to really become part of that professional experience and exchange,” said Patel.

She credited the leadership of the two Prime Ministers – Boris Johnson and Narendra Modi – as well as her counterpart, Home Minister Amit Shah, for driving the mobility agenda forward.

"Through the leadership of the Prime Minister of the UK and Prime Minister of India we have been able to have a Home Secretary and a Home Minister in India in Amit Bhai, driving this agenda forward. It is big, it is significant and it's a landmark agreement that will provide new opportunities to thousands of young people in the UK and in India seeking to live, work and really benefit from each other's cultures but also professional opportunities that both our countries have to offer,” said the Gujarati-origin minister.

"It's significant because over decades Britain has been enriched with the diaspora community and the links we have with India but at the same time, the Migration and Mobility Partnership builds upon the new benefits of the points-based immigration system will give to India through the exchanges of skilled migration,” she added.&nbsp;

A new Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) signed between India and the UK recently is an "unprecedented" reciprocal agreement that will overcome the barriers around mobility and migration of the past, British Home Secretary Priti Patel has said.

A new Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) signed between India and the UK recently is an "unprecedented" reciprocal agreement that will overcome the barriers around mobility and migration of the past, British Home Secretary Priti Patel has said. The senior Indian-origin Cabinet minister, who signed the partnership's memorandum of understanding (MoU) with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London last week, said the plan to have 3,000 young students and professionals a year access new work experience benefits in either country under the new pact will be up and running “within months”. She highlighted that the move, which includes a new “bespoke” plan for 18 to 30-year-olds to apply for a 24-month stay in either country puts youth mobility at the heart of the bilateral relationship. "This is a very significant unprecedented scheme that will provide additional benefits to both countries. It is highly symbolic," Patel told PTI in an interview on Monday. "It shows how our two countries have really developed and advanced our relationship, in a purposeful and transformative way; which to be very candid, we did not have previously. Putting mobility at the heart of this relationship is a real change, a real pivot. We have spent too much time in the past speaking about mobility barriers,” she said. Under the MMP, both sides have agreed to work towards an April 2022 timeline to bring in new systems in place, with work already underway with the High Commission in London and the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. "We have worked at pace for this and we are in the process of finalising the timetable around this. We are not hanging around. We are literally now just putting dates on this," the minister said. Dubbed as a first-of-its-kind agreement between the two countries, both governments agreed enhanced mobility provisions for young professional Indian and British citizens and swifter and more efficient returns of illegal migrants by accelerating timescales for removals, by committing appropriate resources to facilitate returns. "We also signed an agreement linked to illegal migration, which is a huge benefit for India as well because obviously there are certain individuals that come in that India wants returned," said Patel, in reference to extradition cases. The new youth mobility route adds to previous announcements under Britain's post-Brexit points-based immigration system, which the minister said was already “benefitting Indians hugely” as the new rules came in force from earlier this year with the UK no longer bound by European Union laws. “The whole purpose of the points-based system was to do away with the discrimination that India were at a the disadvantage under previous systems. I have squared that circle in less than 12 months. In less than two years since becoming Home Secretary, I have really moved the needle on creating a new bespoke and reciprocal route for young professionals from the UK and in India to really become part of that professional experience and exchange,” said Patel. She credited the leadership of the two Prime Ministers – Boris Johnson and Narendra Modi – as well as her counterpart, Home Minister Amit Shah, for driving the mobility agenda forward. "Through the leadership of the Prime Minister of the UK and Prime Minister of India we have been able to have a Home Secretary and a Home Minister in India in Amit Bhai, driving this agenda forward. It is big, it is significant and it's a landmark agreement that will provide new opportunities to thousands of young people in the UK and in India seeking to live, work and really benefit from each other's cultures but also professional opportunities that both our countries have to offer,” said the Gujarati-origin minister. "It's significant because over decades Britain has been enriched with the diaspora community and the links we have with India but at the same time, the Migration and Mobility Partnership builds upon the new benefits of the points-based immigration system will give to India through the exchanges of skilled migration,” she added.

Unprecedented India-UK mobility pact overcomes past barriers: Priti Patel

Amid the current coronavirus crisis across the country, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has said universities must take care of the on-ground situation before deciding on holding online examinations. 
 
According to the UGC, before conducting online examinations, the Covid-19 guidelines set by the state and Central governments should be strictly adhered to. The safety of students and teachers must be given primary importance during the pandemic. 
 
The statutory body has urged universities across the country to keep their campus premises safe from the pandemic. The UGC has said universities should encourage students and other staff to get vaccinated. 
 
UGC Chairman D.P. Singh has written a letter to universities across the country over tackling Covid-19. The letter said universities should remain united in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
In the letter addressed to all vice-chancellors of universities and principals of colleges, the UGC Chairman has said to overcome the Covid-19 crisis, higher education institutions should remain in touch with students, teachers, education staff, officials and their family members. There is a need to work collectively for the physical, mental health and safety of all people, he added. 
 
Meanwhile, the Delhi University Teachers` Association (DUTA) has written a letter to Singh. "We request the UGC to review its decision for the terminal semester year students. We request that the deadline be extended for MPhil, PhD submissions similar to that during the previous year," DUTA said. 
 
According to DUTA, "The families of the teachers who have died in Delhi University (DU) should be granted jobs on compassionate grounds. Also, the overall situation related to the death of teachers in DU has been apprised to the UGC." 
 
DUTA President Rajib Ray has said pension and gratuity should also be given immediately to retired teachers. Additional funds should also be arranged for teachers and staff working on contract during the pandemic, he added.

Amid the current coronavirus crisis across the country, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has said universities must take care of the on-ground situation before deciding on holding online examinations.

Amid the current coronavirus crisis across the country, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has said universities must take care of the on-ground situation before deciding on holding online examinations. According to the UGC, before conducting online examinations, the Covid-19 guidelines set by the state and Central governments should be strictly adhered to. The safety of students and teachers must be given primary importance during the pandemic. The statutory body has urged universities across the country to keep their campus premises safe from the pandemic. The UGC has said universities should encourage students and other staff to get vaccinated. UGC Chairman D.P. Singh has written a letter to universities across the country over tackling Covid-19. The letter said universities should remain united in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. In the letter addressed to all vice-chancellors of universities and principals of colleges, the UGC Chairman has said to overcome the Covid-19 crisis, higher education institutions should remain in touch with students, teachers, education staff, officials and their family members. There is a need to work collectively for the physical, mental health and safety of all people, he added. Meanwhile, the Delhi University Teachers` Association (DUTA) has written a letter to Singh. "We request the UGC to review its decision for the terminal semester year students. We request that the deadline be extended for MPhil, PhD submissions similar to that during the previous year," DUTA said. According to DUTA, "The families of the teachers who have died in Delhi University (DU) should be granted jobs on compassionate grounds. Also, the overall situation related to the death of teachers in DU has been apprised to the UGC." DUTA President Rajib Ray has said pension and gratuity should also be given immediately to retired teachers. Additional funds should also be arranged for teachers and staff working on contract during the pandemic, he added.

Varsities must ensure safety before holding online exams: UGC

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday informed that cumulatively 9200 oxygen concentrators, 5243 oxygen cylinders and 19 oxygen generation plants have been dispatched across States and UTs for COVID management.

"The Government of India is receiving international donations and aid of COVID-19 relief medical supplies and equipment since April 27, 2021, from different countries/organisations to augment its efforts in fighting the unprecedented surge in COVID in the country", informed an official release.

Various ministries/departments of the Government of India have seamlessly collaborated through a streamlined and systematic mechanism under the "Whole of Government" approach, for expeditiously delivering the incoming global aid to States and UTs.

Worldwide help is being viably apportioned and expeditiously conveyed by the Government of India to Tertiary Care Institutions across States and UTs for COVID management.

"Cumulatively, 9200 Oxygen Concentrators; 5243 Oxygen Cylinders; 19 Oxygen Generation Plants; 5913 ventilators/Bi-PAP; 3.44L Remdesivir vials delivered/ dispatched through road and air, from April 27, 2021, to May 10, 2021", informed the official release.

Major consignments received on May 10, 2021, from UAE, Israel, USA, Netherland include Ventilators/BiPAP/CPAP (610); Oxygen Concentrators (300) and Favipiravir - 12600 strips (each strip contains 40 tablets).

The process of effective immediate allocation and streamlined delivery to the recipient states/UTs and institutions is being comprehensively monitoring on a regular basis by the Union Health Ministry.

A dedicated Coordination Cell has been created in the Union Health Ministry to coordinate the receipt and allocation of foreign COVID relief material as grants, aid and donations. This Cell started functioning on April 26, 2021.

A Standard Operating Procedure has been framed and implemented by the Health Ministry since May 2, 2021.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday informed that cumulatively 9200 oxygen concentrators, 5243 oxygen cylinders and 19 oxygen generation plants have been dispatched across States and UTs for COVID management.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday informed that cumulatively 9200 oxygen concentrators, 5243 oxygen cylinders and 19 oxygen generation plants have been dispatched across States and UTs for COVID management. "The Government of India is receiving international donations and aid of COVID-19 relief medical supplies and equipment since April 27, 2021, from different countries/organisations to augment its efforts in fighting the unprecedented surge in COVID in the country", informed an official release. Various ministries/departments of the Government of India have seamlessly collaborated through a streamlined and systematic mechanism under the "Whole of Government" approach, for expeditiously delivering the incoming global aid to States and UTs. Worldwide help is being viably apportioned and expeditiously conveyed by the Government of India to Tertiary Care Institutions across States and UTs for COVID management. "Cumulatively, 9200 Oxygen Concentrators; 5243 Oxygen Cylinders; 19 Oxygen Generation Plants; 5913 ventilators/Bi-PAP; 3.44L Remdesivir vials delivered/ dispatched through road and air, from April 27, 2021, to May 10, 2021", informed the official release. Major consignments received on May 10, 2021, from UAE, Israel, USA, Netherland include Ventilators/BiPAP/CPAP (610); Oxygen Concentrators (300) and Favipiravir - 12600 strips (each strip contains 40 tablets). The process of effective immediate allocation and streamlined delivery to the recipient states/UTs and institutions is being comprehensively monitoring on a regular basis by the Union Health Ministry. A dedicated Coordination Cell has been created in the Union Health Ministry to coordinate the receipt and allocation of foreign COVID relief material as grants, aid and donations. This Cell started functioning on April 26, 2021. A Standard Operating Procedure has been framed and implemented by the Health Ministry since May 2, 2021.

Covid Relief Aid: 9,200 oxygen concentrators,19 oxygen generation plants dispatched to states, UTs

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices.

It has also asked for setting up 24X7 functional toll-free helplines and fixing the prices of Covid treatment resources.

The Commission, appreciating and taking a note of the ground realities and challenges, as also reported in the media, related to the management of the second wave of Covid -19, has recommended to the Centre and States, through its 2.0 Covid Advisory, that they need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black-marketing essential medicines, oxygen cylinders and critical care devices. It has also asked them to ramp up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources.

The Commission has sought action taken report within four weeks on the recommendations contained in its Advisory 2.0, already sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories by the Secretary-General, NHRC on 4th May 2021.

Some of the other important recommendations in the 2.0 Advisory are:

Any COVID-19 patient who approaches any public health facility should receive the treatment free of cost;

Functional and effective Help-Desks should be set up in all public and private hospitals for a preliminary check-up;

There should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for Covid-19 and timely reports;

Management of crematoriums and burial grounds should be improved, using electric crematorium and App-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders;

The protection of Rights of COVID warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased Covid patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all Covid protocols;

Practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities during lockdowns.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices.

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices. It has also asked for setting up 24X7 functional toll-free helplines and fixing the prices of Covid treatment resources. The Commission, appreciating and taking a note of the ground realities and challenges, as also reported in the media, related to the management of the second wave of Covid -19, has recommended to the Centre and States, through its 2.0 Covid Advisory, that they need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black-marketing essential medicines, oxygen cylinders and critical care devices. It has also asked them to ramp up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources. The Commission has sought action taken report within four weeks on the recommendations contained in its Advisory 2.0, already sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories by the Secretary-General, NHRC on 4th May 2021. Some of the other important recommendations in the 2.0 Advisory are: Any COVID-19 patient who approaches any public health facility should receive the treatment free of cost; Functional and effective Help-Desks should be set up in all public and private hospitals for a preliminary check-up; There should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for Covid-19 and timely reports; Management of crematoriums and burial grounds should be improved, using electric crematorium and App-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders; The protection of Rights of COVID warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased Covid patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all Covid protocols; Practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities during lockdowns.

Centre, States should expeditious implement second wave of  Covid-19 Advisory: NHRC

The Health Ministry has urged states to ensure all beneficiaries who have taken the first dose of COVID-19 are prioritised for the second dose.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Dr R S Sharma, Member, National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19 reviewed the status of vaccination with health secretaries and National Health Mission MDs of states and UTs through a video conference today.

"States to ensure all beneficiaries who have taken the first dose are prioritised for the second doses," Bhushan said.

He stressed the urgent need to address a large number of beneficiaries waiting for the second dose.

A Health Ministry release said states can reserve at least 70 per cent of the vaccines supplied to them from the Government of India channel (free of cost) for second dose vaccination and the remaining 30 per cent for the first dose.

"This however is indicative. States have the liberty to enhance this to as much as 100 per cent. State-wise numbers on CoWIN have been shared with states for their planning purposes," the release said.

It said that the states were asked to undertake an awareness campaign for reinforcing the importance of complete vaccination with two doses of the vaccine.

Presenting details of states who have ensured high coverage of priority groups (like aged 45+, frontline workers and healthcare workers) and the others, the Health Secretary urged states to ensure that priority groups are vaccinated.

The release said states have been informed in a transparent manner in advance about the COVID vaccines being provided to them from Government of India channel.

"The visibility for the forthcoming fortnight is conveyed to them in advance to enable better and more effective planning by them. The next allocation for May 15-31 will be conveyed to them on May 14. It was pointed out that states can utilize the information regarding dose allocation for next 15 days to plan their vaccination sessions," the release said.

States were also urged to minimise vaccine wastage.

"While the overall levels have considerably reduced, Union Health Secretary pointed that there were many states which still needed to substantially reduce the wastage," the release said.

It was suggested to states to retrain and reorient vaccinators to ensure judicious usage of the vaccines.

"All wastage more than the national average hereafter is to be adjusted from the subsequent allocations to that state/UT," the release said.

It was also pointed out that certain states are able to report a negative wastage because the well-trained health workers can extract maximum doses per vial than what is otherwise generally earmarked.

States were also briefed about procurement from the 'Other than Government of India' (OGoI) channel which has been opened in the Liberalised Phase-III Strategy of Vaccination.

In view of the payments pending from states to the private vaccine manufacturers, the states were advised to constitute a dedicated team of two or three senior officers to coordinate with vaccine manufacturers daily and secure supplies promptly. "This team is to also coordinate with private hospitals to facilitate their procurement thereby maintaining the momentum of the overall vaccination exercise in the state," the release said.

The release said CoWIN platform is also being modified to better reflect the changing needs of the vaccination exercise.

Sharma, who is also Chairman of Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management to combat COVID-19, said that CoWIN will shortly provide the flexibility and feature for reserving slots for second dose.

CoWIN will be customised to the extent possible and will also open APIs. The need for IEC campaign for informing people that they should use only one mobile number for both doses for its reflection in their certificate was stressed, the release said.

Sharma reiterated the critical importance of verity and authenticity of data. He also urged states to avoid use of restrictive criteria to uphold the mantra of CoWIN providing vaccination to anyone, anywhere and at anytime.

The Health Ministry has urged states to ensure all beneficiaries who have taken the first dose of COVID-19 are prioritised for the second dose. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Dr R S Sharma, Member, National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19 reviewed the status of vaccination with health secretaries and National Health Mission MDs of states and UTs through a video conference today.

The Health Ministry has urged states to ensure all beneficiaries who have taken the first dose of COVID-19 are prioritised for the second dose. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Dr R S Sharma, Member, National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19 reviewed the status of vaccination with health secretaries and National Health Mission MDs of states and UTs through a video conference today. "States to ensure all beneficiaries who have taken the first dose are prioritised for the second doses," Bhushan said. He stressed the urgent need to address a large number of beneficiaries waiting for the second dose. A Health Ministry release said states can reserve at least 70 per cent of the vaccines supplied to them from the Government of India channel (free of cost) for second dose vaccination and the remaining 30 per cent for the first dose. "This however is indicative. States have the liberty to enhance this to as much as 100 per cent. State-wise numbers on CoWIN have been shared with states for their planning purposes," the release said. It said that the states were asked to undertake an awareness campaign for reinforcing the importance of complete vaccination with two doses of the vaccine. Presenting details of states who have ensured high coverage of priority groups (like aged 45+, frontline workers and healthcare workers) and the others, the Health Secretary urged states to ensure that priority groups are vaccinated. The release said states have been informed in a transparent manner in advance about the COVID vaccines being provided to them from Government of India channel. "The visibility for the forthcoming fortnight is conveyed to them in advance to enable better and more effective planning by them. The next allocation for May 15-31 will be conveyed to them on May 14. It was pointed out that states can utilize the information regarding dose allocation for next 15 days to plan their vaccination sessions," the release said. States were also urged to minimise vaccine wastage. "While the overall levels have considerably reduced, Union Health Secretary pointed that there were many states which still needed to substantially reduce the wastage," the release said. It was suggested to states to retrain and reorient vaccinators to ensure judicious usage of the vaccines. "All wastage more than the national average hereafter is to be adjusted from the subsequent allocations to that state/UT," the release said. It was also pointed out that certain states are able to report a negative wastage because the well-trained health workers can extract maximum doses per vial than what is otherwise generally earmarked. States were also briefed about procurement from the 'Other than Government of India' (OGoI) channel which has been opened in the Liberalised Phase-III Strategy of Vaccination. In view of the payments pending from states to the private vaccine manufacturers, the states were advised to constitute a dedicated team of two or three senior officers to coordinate with vaccine manufacturers daily and secure supplies promptly. "This team is to also coordinate with private hospitals to facilitate their procurement thereby maintaining the momentum of the overall vaccination exercise in the state," the release said. The release said CoWIN platform is also being modified to better reflect the changing needs of the vaccination exercise. Sharma, who is also Chairman of Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management to combat COVID-19, said that CoWIN will shortly provide the flexibility and feature for reserving slots for second dose. CoWIN will be customised to the extent possible and will also open APIs. The need for IEC campaign for informing people that they should use only one mobile number for both doses for its reflection in their certificate was stressed, the release said. Sharma reiterated the critical importance of verity and authenticity of data. He also urged states to avoid use of restrictive criteria to uphold the mantra of CoWIN providing vaccination to anyone, anywhere and at anytime.

Health Ministry calls upon states to prioritize second dose of COVID-19

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Uttar Pradesh state government has initiated house-to-house active case finding of COVID-19 in rural areas to contain the transmission.

Teams have been testing people with symptoms for rapid isolation, disease management and contact tracing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The UP government started the campaign on May 5 with teams moving across 97,941 villages in 75 districts in India’s most populous state with a population of 230 million.

Each monitoring team has two members&nbsp;who visit homes in villages and remote hamlets to test everyone with symptoms of COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) kits with those who test positive quickly isolated and given a medicine kit with advice on disease management.

The contacts of those who test positive are quarantined and tested using an RT-PCR at home by a rapid response team, the state government informed.

Two mobile vans have been allocated to each block within a district in the state to test people with symptoms, even as routine sample collection and testing continues in community health centres.

The World Health Organization(WHO) which supported the Uttar Pradesh government in training and micro-planning for the activity, now has field officers on the ground to monitor and share real-time feedback with the government for immediate corrective action to be taken to ensure quality output

On the first day, WHO field officers monitored over 2,000 teams and visited at least 10,000 households, the world health body also supports the Uttar Pradesh government on the compilation of the final reports.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Uttar Pradesh state government has initiated house-to-house active case finding of COVID-19 in rural areas to contain the transmission.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Uttar Pradesh state government has initiated house-to-house active case finding of COVID-19 in rural areas to contain the transmission. Teams have been testing people with symptoms for rapid isolation, disease management and contact tracing. The UP government started the campaign on May 5 with teams moving across 97,941 villages in 75 districts in India’s most populous state with a population of 230 million. Each monitoring team has two members who visit homes in villages and remote hamlets to test everyone with symptoms of COVID-19 using Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) kits with those who test positive quickly isolated and given a medicine kit with advice on disease management. The contacts of those who test positive are quarantined and tested using an RT-PCR at home by a rapid response team, the state government informed. Two mobile vans have been allocated to each block within a district in the state to test people with symptoms, even as routine sample collection and testing continues in community health centres. The World Health Organization(WHO) which supported the Uttar Pradesh government in training and micro-planning for the activity, now has field officers on the ground to monitor and share real-time feedback with the government for immediate corrective action to be taken to ensure quality output On the first day, WHO field officers monitored over 2,000 teams and visited at least 10,000 households, the world health body also supports the Uttar Pradesh government on the compilation of the final reports.

Uttar Pradesh government initiates team for house-to-house active case finding of COVID-19 in rural areas

Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the COVID-19 crisis in India, which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic.&nbsp;

Twitter CEO Jack Patrick Dorsey on Monday tweeted that the amount has been donated to three non-governmental organisations, Care, Aid India and Sewa International USA.&nbsp;

While CARE has been given USD 10 million, Aid India and Sewa International USA have received USD 2.5 million each.&nbsp;

"Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, non-profit service organisation. This grant will support the procurement of lifesaving equipment such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines as part of Sewa International's 'Help India Defeat COVID-19' campaign’,” the San Francisco-based company said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Equipment will be distributed to government hospitals and COVID-19 care centers and hospitals," it said.&nbsp;

Reacting to the announcement, Sewa International's vice president for Marketing and Fund Development Sandeep Khadkekar thanked Dorsey for his generous donation, saying it is gratifying that Sewa's work has been recognised.&nbsp;

"We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation, and we believe in serving all, following the sacred Hindu benediction, 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' -- 'May all be happy'," Khadkekar said.&nbsp;

With this, Houston-headquartered Sewa USA has so far raised USD 17.5 million towards its India COVID-19 relief efforts.&nbsp;

CARE is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty.&nbsp;

Twitter said the grant of USD 10 million will support CARE's urgent action to help address the deadly second wave of COVID-19 infections devastating India.&nbsp;

"Funds will be used to supplement government efforts by setting up temporary COVID-19 care centers; providing oxygen, PPE kits and other critically needed emergency supplies for frontline health workers; and addressing vaccine hesitancy and helping ensure that people get vaccinated, particularly in remote, marginalised communities in India," it said.&nbsp;

Association for India's Development (AID) is a volunteer movement promoting sustainable, equitable and just development.&nbsp;

AID partners with grassroots organisations in India on interconnected areas of education, health, agriculture, livelihoods, environment, and human rights, Twitter said.&nbsp;

"This grant will help under-resourced communities identify COVID symptoms, prevent spread, access care and treatment, benefit from medical equipment including oxygen, oximeters, thermometers, protective gear and vaccination, survive lockdowns, regain livelihoods and will strengthen hospitals and NGOs that serve rural and low-income communities," Twitter added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the COVID-19 crisis in India, which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic.

Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the COVID-19 crisis in India, which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic. Twitter CEO Jack Patrick Dorsey on Monday tweeted that the amount has been donated to three non-governmental organisations, Care, Aid India and Sewa International USA. While CARE has been given USD 10 million, Aid India and Sewa International USA have received USD 2.5 million each. "Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, non-profit service organisation. This grant will support the procurement of lifesaving equipment such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines as part of Sewa International's 'Help India Defeat COVID-19' campaign’,” the San Francisco-based company said in a statement. "Equipment will be distributed to government hospitals and COVID-19 care centers and hospitals," it said. Reacting to the announcement, Sewa International's vice president for Marketing and Fund Development Sandeep Khadkekar thanked Dorsey for his generous donation, saying it is gratifying that Sewa's work has been recognised. "We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation, and we believe in serving all, following the sacred Hindu benediction, 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' -- 'May all be happy'," Khadkekar said. With this, Houston-headquartered Sewa USA has so far raised USD 17.5 million towards its India COVID-19 relief efforts. CARE is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. Twitter said the grant of USD 10 million will support CARE's urgent action to help address the deadly second wave of COVID-19 infections devastating India. "Funds will be used to supplement government efforts by setting up temporary COVID-19 care centers; providing oxygen, PPE kits and other critically needed emergency supplies for frontline health workers; and addressing vaccine hesitancy and helping ensure that people get vaccinated, particularly in remote, marginalised communities in India," it said. Association for India's Development (AID) is a volunteer movement promoting sustainable, equitable and just development. AID partners with grassroots organisations in India on interconnected areas of education, health, agriculture, livelihoods, environment, and human rights, Twitter said. "This grant will help under-resourced communities identify COVID symptoms, prevent spread, access care and treatment, benefit from medical equipment including oxygen, oximeters, thermometers, protective gear and vaccination, survive lockdowns, regain livelihoods and will strengthen hospitals and NGOs that serve rural and low-income communities," Twitter added. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter donates USD 15 million for COVID-19 relief in India 

Gavi, or Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, has said the current Covid crisis in India has had a "knock-on effect"&nbsp;on vaccine needs to the other parts of the world and expressed an understanding that it is "clear that Indian vaccine production" will be "committed to protecting its own citizens."

Gavi is co-leading the COVAX facility that is providing Covid vaccines to several countries. So far, COVAX has shipped over 59 million vaccines to 122 participants.

A Gavi spokesperson told WION's Sidhant Sibal that India would receive "between 190 and 250 million fully subsidised doses" of Covid vaccine as approved by the COVAX board. The Gavi brings together developed and developing countries, World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, vaccine manufacturers, and donor country governments.&nbsp;

WION: How many vaccines COVAX will be giving to India?&nbsp;

GAVI spokesperson: In December 2020, the COVAX Board agreed that India would receive approximately 20 per cent&nbsp;of the total doses available to AMC-eligible countries through the COVAX Facility – estimated at between 190 and 250 million fully subsidised doses – subject to vaccine prices and available funds. The country is also to receive 20 per cent&nbsp;of the total funding available to AMC-eligible countries for urgent technical assistance and cold chain equipment, or USD&nbsp;30 million. Much of India's supply as it faces the latest coronavirus&nbsp;crisis is from the Serum Institute of India, which has received COVAX funding to increase production capacity. Some of the SII doses that India has received have been funded through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (Gavi COVAX AMC).

WION: How has the crisis in India impacted its contribution to COVAX facilities? Can you tell us any number as to how many AstraZeneca vaccines were to be given to COVAX?

GAVI spokesperson: COVAX has secured access to over two billion doses of vaccines, however, because so much of our second-quarter supply was set to come from India there is no doubt that the current situation in India is having a knock-on effect in other parts of the world that desperately need vaccines. As we continue to broaden our portfolio, for example with the recent announcement with Moderna and Novavax, and others to follow in the coming days, we add to the likelihood that we will be able to catch up this quarter’s delays and meet our goal of delivering 2 billion doses in 2021. Our global supply forecast provides an up-to-date overview of the supply of safe and effective vaccines to the COVAX facility so that economies participating in COVAX have as much clarity as possible on when we expect the doses we have secured to start arriving. Our first priority is to help those countries that have received the first delivery receive enough doses to be able to administer a second shot. We know that there are doses available, and we urge those countries that have surpluses to share them with COVAX so we can protect the most vulnerable everywhere in the world. The move by Sweden to donate doses to COVAX, following other similar announcements by France, Sweden and New Zealand, will help us urgently meet our short-term supply needs. At this moment, if we are to avoid prolonging the crisis and allow further mutations to emerge, we absolutely need every spare dose to be given over to equitable access.

 
WION: By when do you expect India to start giving its share of supplies at the level pledged before the current crisis in the country?

GAVI spokesperson: As India confronts a truly dreadful wave of the pandemic, it is clear that Indian vaccine production – for the next month at least – will be committed to protecting its own citizens. We offer the government of India our full support in their efforts to bring the virus under control and stand ready to help in any way we can. In the meantime, we will continue to maintain an active dialogue with the government, as well as make progress towards our goal of diversifying both our portfolio of vaccines, as well as sources of vaccines.

Gavi, or Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, has said the current Covid crisis in India has had a "knock-on effect" on vaccine needs to the other parts of the world and expressed an understanding that it is "clear that Indian vaccine production" will be "committed to protecting its own citizens.

Gavi, or Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, has said the current Covid crisis in India has had a "knock-on effect" on vaccine needs to the other parts of the world and expressed an understanding that it is "clear that Indian vaccine production" will be "committed to protecting its own citizens." Gavi is co-leading the COVAX facility that is providing Covid vaccines to several countries. So far, COVAX has shipped over 59 million vaccines to 122 participants. A Gavi spokesperson told WION's Sidhant Sibal that India would receive "between 190 and 250 million fully subsidised doses" of Covid vaccine as approved by the COVAX board. The Gavi brings together developed and developing countries, World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, vaccine manufacturers, and donor country governments. WION: How many vaccines COVAX will be giving to India? GAVI spokesperson: In December 2020, the COVAX Board agreed that India would receive approximately 20 per cent of the total doses available to AMC-eligible countries through the COVAX Facility – estimated at between 190 and 250 million fully subsidised doses – subject to vaccine prices and available funds. The country is also to receive 20 per cent of the total funding available to AMC-eligible countries for urgent technical assistance and cold chain equipment, or USD 30 million. Much of India's supply as it faces the latest coronavirus crisis is from the Serum Institute of India, which has received COVAX funding to increase production capacity. Some of the SII doses that India has received have been funded through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (Gavi COVAX AMC). WION: How has the crisis in India impacted its contribution to COVAX facilities? Can you tell us any number as to how many AstraZeneca vaccines were to be given to COVAX? GAVI spokesperson: COVAX has secured access to over two billion doses of vaccines, however, because so much of our second-quarter supply was set to come from India there is no doubt that the current situation in India is having a knock-on effect in other parts of the world that desperately need vaccines. As we continue to broaden our portfolio, for example with the recent announcement with Moderna and Novavax, and others to follow in the coming days, we add to the likelihood that we will be able to catch up this quarter’s delays and meet our goal of delivering 2 billion doses in 2021. Our global supply forecast provides an up-to-date overview of the supply of safe and effective vaccines to the COVAX facility so that economies participating in COVAX have as much clarity as possible on when we expect the doses we have secured to start arriving. Our first priority is to help those countries that have received the first delivery receive enough doses to be able to administer a second shot. We know that there are doses available, and we urge those countries that have surpluses to share them with COVAX so we can protect the most vulnerable everywhere in the world. The move by Sweden to donate doses to COVAX, following other similar announcements by France, Sweden and New Zealand, will help us urgently meet our short-term supply needs. At this moment, if we are to avoid prolonging the crisis and allow further mutations to emerge, we absolutely need every spare dose to be given over to equitable access. WION: By when do you expect India to start giving its share of supplies at the level pledged before the current crisis in the country? GAVI spokesperson: As India confronts a truly dreadful wave of the pandemic, it is clear that Indian vaccine production – for the next month at least – will be committed to protecting its own citizens. We offer the government of India our full support in their efforts to bring the virus under control and stand ready to help in any way we can. In the meantime, we will continue to maintain an active dialogue with the government, as well as make progress towards our goal of diversifying both our portfolio of vaccines, as well as sources of vaccines.

India Covid crisis had 'knock-on effect' on global vaccine need, says Gavi

As India's government scrambles for supplies of oxygen and other emergency aid to control the raging coronavirus outbreak, donors around the world have come to the rescue including a Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.

On Monday, volunteers from the country's Hindu community gathered at the Jebel Ali Port, here at the northern end of Dubai, to haul hundreds of cylinders of liquid oxygen and massive containers of compressed oxygen onto a ship, where it will head to crisis-wracked India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

The organisers, Indian owners of a Dubai helium factory, shifted production to oxygen when the latest surge in virus cases hit India.

As calls for help back home grew, the factory enlisted the help of the main Hindu temple based in the UAE's capital of Abu Dhabi, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, to send oxygen supplies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge">Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge</a>

COVID-19 patients are suffocating in India's capital, New Delhi, and other cities because of the shortage.

Hindu spiritual leaders, dressed in saffron robes, came to bless the oxygen before sending it out, showering rose petals on the shipment and marking the cylinders with traditional orange dye.

The UAE's economy is powered by millions of foreign workers from Southeast Asia. Indian citizens make up nearly 30 per cent of the population.&nbsp;

As India's government scrambles for supplies of oxygen and other emergency aid to control the raging coronavirus outbreak, donors around the world have come to the rescue including a Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.

As India's government scrambles for supplies of oxygen and other emergency aid to control the raging coronavirus outbreak, donors around the world have come to the rescue including a Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates. On Monday, volunteers from the country's Hindu community gathered at the Jebel Ali Port, here at the northern end of Dubai, to haul hundreds of cylinders of liquid oxygen and massive containers of compressed oxygen onto a ship, where it will head to crisis-wracked India. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO The organisers, Indian owners of a Dubai helium factory, shifted production to oxygen when the latest surge in virus cases hit India. As calls for help back home grew, the factory enlisted the help of the main Hindu temple based in the UAE's capital of Abu Dhabi, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, to send oxygen supplies. Also read | Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge COVID-19 patients are suffocating in India's capital, New Delhi, and other cities because of the shortage. Hindu spiritual leaders, dressed in saffron robes, came to bless the oxygen before sending it out, showering rose petals on the shipment and marking the cylinders with traditional orange dye. The UAE's economy is powered by millions of foreign workers from Southeast Asia. Indian citizens make up nearly 30 per cent of the population.

Hindu community, temple in UAE help ship oxygen containers to Covid-hit India

The Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to provide oxygen to India's northeast, specifically by procuring eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants.

The development comes even as India faces a devastating surge of Covid impacting many through the length and breadth of the country. The oxygen generation plants will be installed in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. Together, these oxygen plants can support 1,300 beds.&nbsp;

Japanese envoy to India, Satoshi Suzuki, said, "Japan stands with India, our friend, and partner, in her efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic in this critical time".

"India’s northeast occupies a special place for Japan-India relations and I sincerely hope that the oxygen generation plants will help those people in need in the northeastern region of India.”&nbsp;

As of now, installation sites are being prepared so that oxygen production can start as soon as possible. Meanwhile, any excess oxygen will be distributed to health facilities near the installation plant. Amid the Covid crisis, India's focus has been to get oxygen or oxygen production and carrying units like generators and tankers. Over the weekend, Japan has gifted 100 oxygen concentrators to India and has told New Delhi that it is ready to provide additional items worth $50 million to deal with Covid crisis. &nbsp;

Resident Representative of UNDP India Shoko Noda said, “I would like to thank the people of Japan for this critical support that will allow UNDP to ensure uninterrupted flow of oxygen in hospitals and health centers in the region, especially those in hard-to-reach areas." &nbsp;

It is important to remember that Japan's support to India's northeast is not new and the country is developing mega infrastructure and connectivity projects in the region, which could in future connect to neighboring countries like Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Both sides also meet regularly under the Act East Forum that is co-chaired by Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and the Japanese envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1600 crore in India's northeast and is supporting projects in several states in the north east. &nbsp;

For example, in Guwahati, it is helping in sewerage projects and in Sikkim, in road development. Japan is also supporting the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, whose foundation laying ceremony took place earlier this year. The bridge is going to be the longest river bridge in India and will cut short travel time across the Brahmaputra River from more than 8 hours to less than 30 minutes. &nbsp;

The Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to provide oxygen to India's northeast, specifically by procuring eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants.

The Japanese government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to provide oxygen to India's northeast, specifically by procuring eight Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants. The development comes even as India faces a devastating surge of Covid impacting many through the length and breadth of the country. The oxygen generation plants will be installed in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. Together, these oxygen plants can support 1,300 beds. Japanese envoy to India, Satoshi Suzuki, said, "Japan stands with India, our friend, and partner, in her efforts to fight against COVID-19 pandemic in this critical time". "India’s northeast occupies a special place for Japan-India relations and I sincerely hope that the oxygen generation plants will help those people in need in the northeastern region of India.” As of now, installation sites are being prepared so that oxygen production can start as soon as possible. Meanwhile, any excess oxygen will be distributed to health facilities near the installation plant. Amid the Covid crisis, India's focus has been to get oxygen or oxygen production and carrying units like generators and tankers. Over the weekend, Japan has gifted 100 oxygen concentrators to India and has told New Delhi that it is ready to provide additional items worth $50 million to deal with Covid crisis. Resident Representative of UNDP India Shoko Noda said, “I would like to thank the people of Japan for this critical support that will allow UNDP to ensure uninterrupted flow of oxygen in hospitals and health centers in the region, especially those in hard-to-reach areas." It is important to remember that Japan's support to India's northeast is not new and the country is developing mega infrastructure and connectivity projects in the region, which could in future connect to neighboring countries like Bangladesh. Both sides also meet regularly under the Act East Forum that is co-chaired by Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and the Japanese envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1600 crore in India's northeast and is supporting projects in several states in the north east. For example, in Guwahati, it is helping in sewerage projects and in Sikkim, in road development. Japan is also supporting the construction of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, whose foundation laying ceremony took place earlier this year. The bridge is going to be the longest river bridge in India and will cut short travel time across the Brahmaputra River from more than 8 hours to less than 30 minutes.

India Covid crisis: Japan, UNDP reach out to northeast states with oxygen 

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle.&nbsp;

At around 4 am IST, security forces got a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house at village Sheikhpora, Vailoo area of Kokernag, after which a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, 19RR and CRPF.&nbsp;

Security forces gave an opportunity to the terrorists to surrender, however they fired on security forces after which the firing from both sides started.&nbsp;

"Bodies of the killed terrorists were retrieved from the site of encounter and they have been identified as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah resident of Batamaloo Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil resident of Khandaypora Kulgam. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and part of the groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and security establishments,"&nbsp;police in a press release said.&nbsp;

Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by security forces. The ammunition included one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and other incriminating material.&nbsp;

Kashmir Zone IG Vijay Kumar lauded the role of security forces for conducting operation without any collateral damage.&nbsp;

“I congratulate police &amp; security forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage. I also appeal&nbsp;the parents of the misguided youth to help police to bring their wards back into mainstream.” Kumar said.

The police however said that the rites of the killed terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members of local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites. 
&nbsp;

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle.

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle. At around 4 am IST, security forces got a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house at village Sheikhpora, Vailoo area of Kokernag, after which a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, 19RR and CRPF. Security forces gave an opportunity to the terrorists to surrender, however they fired on security forces after which the firing from both sides started. "Bodies of the killed terrorists were retrieved from the site of encounter and they have been identified as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah resident of Batamaloo Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil resident of Khandaypora Kulgam. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and part of the groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and security establishments," police in a press release said. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by security forces. The ammunition included one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and other incriminating material. Kashmir Zone IG Vijay Kumar lauded the role of security forces for conducting operation without any collateral damage. “I congratulate police & security forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage. I also appeal the parents of the misguided youth to help police to bring their wards back into mainstream.” Kumar said. The police however said that the rites of the killed terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members of local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites.

Three terrorists killed in encounter in Kashmir

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.6 million doses will be supplied to them in the next three days.&nbsp;

Thakur's remarks came in response to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to use Rs 350 billion allocated in the Union Budget to ensure free vaccine for all citizens instead of the current system of multiple pricing for various users.&nbsp;

Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. &nbsp;

Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals.&nbsp;

Both anti-COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. &nbsp;

Calling for free inoculation, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge in his letter said the Parliament had allocated Rs 350,000 million in the Union budget to ensure free vaccines for all. &nbsp;

He also urged the prime minister to immediately convene an all-party meeting to collectively forge a holistic blueprint to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;

Dispelling claims of vaccine shortage in states, Thakur said 7.2 million doses are still available with states and union territories. &nbsp;

On further supply of vaccines, he said that "0.15 million doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production." &nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted various measures taken by the government to increase supply of medicine and liquid medical oxygen, add more beds and distribute foreign aid to various states to fight the pandemic. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.6 million doses will be supplied to them in the next three days. Thakur's remarks came in response to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to use Rs 350 billion allocated in the Union Budget to ensure free vaccine for all citizens instead of the current system of multiple pricing for various users. Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals. Both anti-COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. Calling for free inoculation, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge in his letter said the Parliament had allocated Rs 350,000 million in the Union budget to ensure free vaccines for all. He also urged the prime minister to immediately convene an all-party meeting to collectively forge a holistic blueprint to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Dispelling claims of vaccine shortage in states, Thakur said 7.2 million doses are still available with states and union territories. On further supply of vaccines, he said that "0.15 million doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production." In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted various measures taken by the government to increase supply of medicine and liquid medical oxygen, add more beds and distribute foreign aid to various states to fight the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

175.6 million free vaccine doses provided to states: MoS Anurag Thakur 

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