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Indian Army has set-up a 20-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The hospital will be run in collaboration with civil administration of Baramulla district.&nbsp;

"To help the people in Kashmir valley, a 20 bedded hospital has been established in the Baramulla district. The people in Kashmir will get good medical facilities here," Dr Paul M Varghese, Colonel Medical team told ANI.

Varghese said that there are five beds for the severe COVID cases and the remaining 15 are assigned for mild to moderate COVID infection.

"The hospitals have oxygen concentrator facility for patients with severe and moderate infection," Municipal Councilor of Baramulla Abid Salaam said.

The administrator of COVID-19 in Baramulla district Zeeshan Khan said that the Indian Army has converted a school into a COVID hospital. Indian Army has also launched several health awareness programs in the Baramulla district to create awareness on COVID-19.&nbsp;

As per official data, there are 46,535 active cases of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army has set-up a 20-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The hospital will be run in collaboration with civil administration of Baramulla district.

Indian Army has set-up a 20-bedded High Dependency Unit (HDU) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla. The hospital will be run in collaboration with civil administration of Baramulla district. "To help the people in Kashmir valley, a 20 bedded hospital has been established in the Baramulla district. The people in Kashmir will get good medical facilities here," Dr Paul M Varghese, Colonel Medical team told ANI. Varghese said that there are five beds for the severe COVID cases and the remaining 15 are assigned for mild to moderate COVID infection. "The hospitals have oxygen concentrator facility for patients with severe and moderate infection," Municipal Councilor of Baramulla Abid Salaam said. The administrator of COVID-19 in Baramulla district Zeeshan Khan said that the Indian Army has converted a school into a COVID hospital. Indian Army has also launched several health awareness programs in the Baramulla district to create awareness on COVID-19. As per official data, there are 46,535 active cases of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army sets up 20-bed Covid hospital in Baramulla

After seeing more than 400,000&nbsp;new cases of the virus for four consecutive days, India saw a slight dip in the numbers.&nbsp;

Within the past 24 hours, 3,66,161 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded across the country, while the death toll also decreased to 3,754. The number of active cases has reached 37,45,237 across the nation.

According to the data of the Union Health Ministry, the number of recoveries stood at 3,53,818. Since the start of pandemic India has recorded 2,26,62,575 cases of the virus out of which 1,86,71,22 have been discharged. The total number of people who have succumbed to the virus are 2,46,116.

The vaccination drive has also crossed the mark of 17 crores as 6,89,652 people were vaccinated in the past 24 hours. The total number of vaccinated people are 17,01,76,603.

(With inputs from agencies)

After seeing more than 400,000 new cases of the virus for four consecutive days, India saw a slight dip in the numbers. Within the past 24 hours, 3,66,161 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded across the country, while the death toll also decreased to 3,754.

After seeing more than 400,000 new cases of the virus for four consecutive days, India saw a slight dip in the numbers. Within the past 24 hours, 3,66,161 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded across the country, while the death toll also decreased to 3,754. The number of active cases has reached 37,45,237 across the nation. According to the data of the Union Health Ministry, the number of recoveries stood at 3,53,818. Since the start of pandemic India has recorded 2,26,62,575 cases of the virus out of which 1,86,71,22 have been discharged. The total number of people who have succumbed to the virus are 2,46,116. The vaccination drive has also crossed the mark of 17 crores as 6,89,652 people were vaccinated in the past 24 hours. The total number of vaccinated people are 17,01,76,603. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 3,66,161 new cases, 3,754 deaths in 24 hours

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">At a time when thousands of Covid patients in India are gasping for oxygen, a&nbsp;Kashmiri innovator has made a prototype of an oxygen concentrator.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Muhammad Ismail Mir from north Kashmir's Bandipora has been working on this for months and finally he says the prototype is ready. He is now waiting for an expert opinion and value addition to his innovation.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">''I made this oxygen concentrator as there is immense demand for it due to Covid. We need to pre-plan to deal with Covid and our preparations are not upto the mark. So I thought that when it's imported from China, it takes a lot of time and if some company starts making it here, I have made a prototype,"&nbsp;said Muhammad Ismail Mir, Innovator.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Mir says that his prototype is a cheaper version of what is available&nbsp;in the market. He says if given the&nbsp;go-ahead, it would be affordable and people who find concentrators in the&nbsp;market expensive would be able to buy it. It might cost around 15,000 Rupees.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">''I have made a similar prototype with same technology but this one is going to be very cheap so that it can be used in hospitals and homes also,'' said&nbsp;Muhammad Ismail Mir, the innovator.&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Mir is a high school dropout. He left studies after his class 12 and since then he has been making new innovations. During the pandemic he has made a disinfectant tunnel, he also made a touchless sanitising machine and later went on to make a ventilator. </div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px #313131; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Although he says that the government has not helped him as much as he deserved. But his friends have decided to set up a lab worth 5 lack Rupees at his house.</div>

At a time when thousands of Covid patients in India are gasping for oxygen, a Kashmiri innovator has made a prototype of an oxygen concentrator. Muhammad Ismail Mir from north Kashmir's Bandipora has been working on this for months and finally he says the prototype is ready.

At a time when thousands of Covid patients in India are gasping for oxygen, a Kashmiri innovator has made a prototype of an oxygen concentrator. Muhammad Ismail Mir from north Kashmir's Bandipora has been working on this for months and finally he says the prototype is ready. He is now waiting for an expert opinion and value addition to his innovation. ''I made this oxygen concentrator as there is immense demand for it due to Covid. We need to pre-plan to deal with Covid and our preparations are not upto the mark. So I thought that when it's imported from China, it takes a lot of time and if some company starts making it here, I have made a prototype," said Muhammad Ismail Mir, Innovator. Mir says that his prototype is a cheaper version of what is available in the market. He says if given the go-ahead, it would be affordable and people who find concentrators in the market expensive would be able to buy it. It might cost around 15,000 Rupees. ''I have made a similar prototype with same technology but this one is going to be very cheap so that it can be used in hospitals and homes also,'' said Muhammad Ismail Mir, the innovator. Mir is a high school dropout. He left studies after his class 12 and since then he has been making new innovations. During the pandemic he has made a disinfectant tunnel, he also made a touchless sanitising machine and later went on to make a ventilator. Although he says that the government has not helped him as much as he deserved. But his friends have decided to set up a lab worth 5 lack Rupees at his house.

Kashmiri innovator makes oxygen concentrator prototype

This may sound alarmist. But a third wave is coming in India. The principal scientific advisor to the prime minister&nbsp;says it's inevitable. But the exact time of its arrival cannot be predicted.

What we do know is that this wave could go beyond cities. Travel to towns and villages. It could also cross age groups, putting children at the same risk as adults.

We need to mask up and prepare. We also need to introspect. Draw the right lessons from the past. Fix the lapses not the narrative.&nbsp;

When india was on the path to normalcy, we saw the lowest new cases in eight months. The lowest death count in almost a year. Vaccinations had begun. Hospitalisations had fallen. It appeared as if the worst was behind us, that it was time to open up.

But the virus was evolving and mutating. The warnings were there.&nbsp;In February, reports say several experts voiced fears of an impending second wave, of a 'Covid tsunami'. The message didn't reach the top brass.

Then in March, a forum of scientific advisers set up by the Government of India issued warnings that a new and more contagious variant was spreading. But no significant containment measures were taken.

Instead, it was declared that we were in the 'end game' of the pandemic and should trust the science behind vaccines. The real task of preparing for this wave was lost in the din.

The result was this:&nbsp;On March 15th, India reported 24,000 new cases. This figure increased to 53,000 on March 30th.

100,000 by April 4th. Nearly 200,000 by April 14th.&nbsp;

And despite this colossal spike in cases. Two mass public events went as per plan. Five states and union territories went to polls.&nbsp;

Pretty much every political leader, from union ministers to opposition leaders, from chief ministers to the prime minister, all of them drew thousands of people at their rallies.

The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was attended by more than 4.8 million devotees. There were no masks or social distancing. Both these events, the dip and the ballot, ended up being super-spreaders. The figures tell you the story.&nbsp;

Between April 10th and 14th, nearly 2,000 devotees tested positive at the Kumbh. When the congregation began. Daily cases in Uttarakhand stood at 500.

By the time it was finally called off on April 17th. The daily cases had grown to 2,700 plus.

In Madhya Pradesh, 99 per cent of the Kumbh returnees tested positive. And atleast 22 couldn't be traced.

The elections had a similar outcome. In West Bengal, each phase of election saw a spike in daily cases.

They went from 812 on March 27th. To 16,403 by April 27th.

In Tamil Nadu, the daily cases went from 474 on March 1st to nearly 8,500 on April 16th.

In Kerala, the cases went from 2,500 on April 2nd&nbsp;to 10,000 on April 16th.

And in Assam, they went from 92 on April 6th to over 1600 on April 21st.

It was said at the time that election rallies didn't contribute to the spike in cases. We have a lot to say.

On March 1st, the growth rate of daily number of new cases in non-election states was 6.09 per cent. In states witnessing elections, it was 6.13 per cent.

By 15th April, this figure had come down to 3.01% in non-election states and risen to 7.99% in states that were holding rallies.

Yes, this is partly due to the unpredictability of the virus. But it is equal parts complacency and politics.

It didn't have to be this way. This situation could have been avoided.&nbsp;

The heart-breaking scenes outside hospitals, the desperate run for oxygen. The SOS calls for medical aid, the waiting list for last rites. The sight of burning pyres, of overwhelmed burial grounds.

All of this could have been contained.

India was always the perfect place for a virus like this to run wild.&nbsp;We are a vast country, We have 1.3 billion people, high rates of diseases and an under-developed health infrastructure.

India's healthcare spending, in both public and private sector, has been 3.6 per cent of the GDP for the past six years.

This is among the lowest in both the developed and the developing world. The&nbsp;US spends 16.9 per cent of its GDP on healthcare.

Germany spends 11.2 per cent, Brazil 9.2 per cent, South Africa spends 8.1 per cent while Russia and Thailand spend 5.3 and 3.79 per cent respectively.

India is called the land of engineers and doctors. But we have fewer than 10 doctors per 10,000 people. In some states the figure is less than five.

It's true that this cannot be changed overnight. But we had several months to make arrangements to fix the shortcomings.

One year ago, When the first wave had just arrived, the empowered group of officers set by the centre for an effective pandemic response, had red-flagged oxygen shortage in the months to come.

The group said we needed to produce more. Or cut down supply to industries. But very few warning bells rang.

Then in November 2020. A parliamentary standing committee on health had flagged the same concerns. That there was an inadequate supply of oxygen. Yet, it was only on April 22nd this year.

That the supply of oxygen to industries was prohibited. By this time. The demand for medical oxygen had reached about 60 per cent of the total daily oxygen production.

Today, the oxygen shortage is proving to be deadly.

The only saving grace has been India's diplomatic record. India provided the world with vaccines.&nbsp;Now the world is returning the favour. Several countries have pledged critical aid to New Delhi.

India has been getting planeloads of oxygen, ventilators, testing kits, masks, anti-viral drugs.

But are the people getting it? This is the second issue we've got to address.

We are also facing logistical nightmare. We are getting oxygen from abroad, yet struggling to transport it within the country.

Last month, a lot of foreign consignments had to sit at airport hangars for several hours as hospitals across india gasped for breath.

Why?

Because until now we didn't really have a mechanism in place to distribute these supplies. The work began only on April 26th. And it was on the 2nd of May, after one long week, that the health ministry issued a 'Standard Operating Procedure'.

SOP guidelines! For the distribution of foreign aid. Do you know how many Indians died in these seven days?&nbsp;

And even with these guidelines in place, the distribution remains complex. It keep getting delayed.

Because it has to go through unnecessary bureaucracy, time-consuming protocols and paperwork.

Right now for many, vaccination has become the last hope.

But where are the vaccines? India, the world's largest vaccine producer, is running short of vaccines.

Critics say it's because we shared vaccines with the world.

We provided 60 million doses to 70 countries. But we must remember that Vaccine Maitri is the reason we are seeing the kind of global support that we are.

Vaccine Maitri is not india's problem right now.

Government negligence, unclear messaging, corporate profiteering, opaque contracting, differential pricing, patchy record-keeping and inequities in the global pharma market.

These are India's problems.

Who should take the blame for these problems? We're told that health is a state subject. That the primary responsibility for healthcare lies on state governments.

But disaster is a federal subject!

The second wave is the biggest disaster that we've ever faced. The centre cannot escape the blame. If credit is taken for every positive outcome, blame too should be shouldered.

It's another matter that a blame game won't save lives. But we need to rethink how we organise our politics.

Elections cannot be given more priority than economic, security and health policy. We cannot have a system, where the centre and the state don't even see eye to eye. We are suffering due to bureaucracy and protocols. We're also suffering due to&nbsp;lack of political coordination.

So we've put together some challenges. The centre and states must address immediately. And preferably together!

One...

Proper estimation and communication of vaccine procurement...

Long queues outside vaccine centres are not helping anyone. They're only making things worse.

Two...

A crisis management team.

We don't have one. We need a team of public health and management experts. A task force that can be replicated at state and district levels. How long will we depend on social media for supplies?

Challenge number three

Breaking the transmission chain. We need regional, local and phased lockdowns. A complete ban on any religious and political gathering.

Four...

Black-marketing and hoarding of medicines. We need stricter punishment for both of them. Or perhaps a state-level committee. The govt of odisha has formed one. Other states can do the same.

The fifth challenge

Precaution...

We need to mask up. And keep it on.

The sixth and last challenge...

End the city-centric approach!

We don't even know what's happening in rural India. A large part of the suffering in small towns is going unchronicled. We've all been overwhelmed by this pandemic. We have to be more cautious than we've been.

As a community, as a society and as a government. We've got be to be more tough. It can't be business as usual. We need to take lessons from our past. India has always been a country with a strong sense of community. And it reflects in today's digital world. We have come together as a community on social media.

Individuals across political ideologies, religious belief, class barriers are rallying their network and resources to help those in need

Only if this sense of community could reflect in our political system.

This may sound alarmist. But a third wave is coming in India. The principal scientific advisor to the prime minister says it's inevitable. But the exact time of its arrival cannot be predicted.

This may sound alarmist. But a third wave is coming in India. The principal scientific advisor to the prime minister says it's inevitable. But the exact time of its arrival cannot be predicted. What we do know is that this wave could go beyond cities. Travel to towns and villages. It could also cross age groups, putting children at the same risk as adults. We need to mask up and prepare. We also need to introspect. Draw the right lessons from the past. Fix the lapses not the narrative. When india was on the path to normalcy, we saw the lowest new cases in eight months. The lowest death count in almost a year. Vaccinations had begun. Hospitalisations had fallen. It appeared as if the worst was behind us, that it was time to open up. But the virus was evolving and mutating. The warnings were there. In February, reports say several experts voiced fears of an impending second wave, of a 'Covid tsunami'. The message didn't reach the top brass. Then in March, a forum of scientific advisers set up by the Government of India issued warnings that a new and more contagious variant was spreading. But no significant containment measures were taken. Instead, it was declared that we were in the 'end game' of the pandemic and should trust the science behind vaccines. The real task of preparing for this wave was lost in the din. The result was this: On March 15th, India reported 24,000 new cases. This figure increased to 53,000 on March 30th. 100,000 by April 4th. Nearly 200,000 by April 14th. And despite this colossal spike in cases. Two mass public events went as per plan. Five states and union territories went to polls. Pretty much every political leader, from union ministers to opposition leaders, from chief ministers to the prime minister, all of them drew thousands of people at their rallies. The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was attended by more than 4.8 million devotees. There were no masks or social distancing. Both these events, the dip and the ballot, ended up being super-spreaders. The figures tell you the story. Between April 10th and 14th, nearly 2,000 devotees tested positive at the Kumbh. When the congregation began. Daily cases in Uttarakhand stood at 500. By the time it was finally called off on April 17th. The daily cases had grown to 2,700 plus. In Madhya Pradesh, 99 per cent of the Kumbh returnees tested positive. And atleast 22 couldn't be traced. The elections had a similar outcome. In West Bengal, each phase of election saw a spike in daily cases. They went from 812 on March 27th. To 16,403 by April 27th. In Tamil Nadu, the daily cases went from 474 on March 1st to nearly 8,500 on April 16th. In Kerala, the cases went from 2,500 on April 2nd to 10,000 on April 16th. And in Assam, they went from 92 on April 6th to over 1600 on April 21st. It was said at the time that election rallies didn't contribute to the spike in cases. We have a lot to say. On March 1st, the growth rate of daily number of new cases in non-election states was 6.09 per cent. In states witnessing elections, it was 6.13 per cent. By 15th April, this figure had come down to 3.01% in non-election states and risen to 7.99% in states that were holding rallies. Yes, this is partly due to the unpredictability of the virus. But it is equal parts complacency and politics. It didn't have to be this way. This situation could have been avoided. The heart-breaking scenes outside hospitals, the desperate run for oxygen. The SOS calls for medical aid, the waiting list for last rites. The sight of burning pyres, of overwhelmed burial grounds. All of this could have been contained. India was always the perfect place for a virus like this to run wild. We are a vast country, We have 1.3 billion people, high rates of diseases and an under-developed health infrastructure. India's healthcare spending, in both public and private sector, has been 3.6 per cent of the GDP for the past six years. This is among the lowest in both the developed and the developing world. The US spends 16.9 per cent of its GDP on healthcare. Germany spends 11.2 per cent, Brazil 9.2 per cent, South Africa spends 8.1 per cent while Russia and Thailand spend 5.3 and 3.79 per cent respectively. India is called the land of engineers and doctors. But we have fewer than 10 doctors per 10,000 people. In some states the figure is less than five. It's true that this cannot be changed overnight. But we had several months to make arrangements to fix the shortcomings. One year ago, When the first wave had just arrived, the empowered group of officers set by the centre for an effective pandemic response, had red-flagged oxygen shortage in the months to come. The group said we needed to produce more. Or cut down supply to industries. But very few warning bells rang. Then in November 2020. A parliamentary standing committee on health had flagged the same concerns. That there was an inadequate supply of oxygen. Yet, it was only on April 22nd this year. That the supply of oxygen to industries was prohibited. By this time. The demand for medical oxygen had reached about 60 per cent of the total daily oxygen production. Today, the oxygen shortage is proving to be deadly. The only saving grace has been India's diplomatic record. India provided the world with vaccines. Now the world is returning the favour. Several countries have pledged critical aid to New Delhi. India has been getting planeloads of oxygen, ventilators, testing kits, masks, anti-viral drugs. But are the people getting it? This is the second issue we've got to address. We are also facing logistical nightmare. We are getting oxygen from abroad, yet struggling to transport it within the country. Last month, a lot of foreign consignments had to sit at airport hangars for several hours as hospitals across india gasped for breath. Why? Because until now we didn't really have a mechanism in place to distribute these supplies. The work began only on April 26th. And it was on the 2nd of May, after one long week, that the health ministry issued a 'Standard Operating Procedure'. SOP guidelines! For the distribution of foreign aid. Do you know how many Indians died in these seven days? And even with these guidelines in place, the distribution remains complex. It keep getting delayed. Because it has to go through unnecessary bureaucracy, time-consuming protocols and paperwork. Right now for many, vaccination has become the last hope. But where are the vaccines? India, the world's largest vaccine producer, is running short of vaccines. Critics say it's because we shared vaccines with the world. We provided 60 million doses to 70 countries. But we must remember that Vaccine Maitri is the reason we are seeing the kind of global support that we are. Vaccine Maitri is not india's problem right now. Government negligence, unclear messaging, corporate profiteering, opaque contracting, differential pricing, patchy record-keeping and inequities in the global pharma market. These are India's problems. Who should take the blame for these problems? We're told that health is a state subject. That the primary responsibility for healthcare lies on state governments. But disaster is a federal subject! The second wave is the biggest disaster that we've ever faced. The centre cannot escape the blame. If credit is taken for every positive outcome, blame too should be shouldered. It's another matter that a blame game won't save lives. But we need to rethink how we organise our politics. Elections cannot be given more priority than economic, security and health policy. We cannot have a system, where the centre and the state don't even see eye to eye. We are suffering due to bureaucracy and protocols. We're also suffering due to lack of political coordination. So we've put together some challenges. The centre and states must address immediately. And preferably together! One... Proper estimation and communication of vaccine procurement... Long queues outside vaccine centres are not helping anyone. They're only making things worse. Two... A crisis management team. We don't have one. We need a team of public health and management experts. A task force that can be replicated at state and district levels. How long will we depend on social media for supplies? Challenge number three Breaking the transmission chain. We need regional, local and phased lockdowns. A complete ban on any religious and political gathering. Four... Black-marketing and hoarding of medicines. We need stricter punishment for both of them. Or perhaps a state-level committee. The govt of odisha has formed one. Other states can do the same. The fifth challenge Precaution... We need to mask up. And keep it on. The sixth and last challenge... End the city-centric approach! We don't even know what's happening in rural India. A large part of the suffering in small towns is going unchronicled. We've all been overwhelmed by this pandemic. We have to be more cautious than we've been. As a community, as a society and as a government. We've got be to be more tough. It can't be business as usual. We need to take lessons from our past. India has always been a country with a strong sense of community. And it reflects in today's digital world. We have come together as a community on social media. Individuals across political ideologies, religious belief, class barriers are rallying their network and resources to help those in need Only if this sense of community could reflect in our political system.

Third Covid wave is inevitable, says principal scientific adviser to Indian PM

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Patel said, "Covid will only be defeated when all countries have defeated it. Therefore it is imperative that we all collaborate".

Canadian envoy Nadir Patel speaks on COVID assistance to India

India continues to battle its deadly second wave of Coronavirus pandemic and for the first time in 4 days the country reported less than 400,000 daily cases. WION tells you more on India's COVID-19 crisis.

India reported less than 400,000 COVID-19 cases after 4 days

Israel on Sunday night airlifted the third consignment of medical equipment to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-366161-new-cases-3754-deaths-in-24-hours-383994">India</a> including 1,300 oxygen concentrators and 400 respirators.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/india-to-receive-360-million-sputnik-jabs-by-march-2022-383908/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Israel has sent 60 tonnes of medical supplies, three oxygen generators, 1,710 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-42-countries-pitch-in-india-to-receive-100000-oxygen-cylinders-and-more-383792">oxygen</a> concentrators and 420 ventilators to India so far.&nbsp;

The medical had aid arrived in three different consignments on May 4, May 7 and May 9 via&nbsp;Indian Air Force(IAF) aircraft and a commercial flight.

Ambassador of Israel to India, Dr. Ron Malka said, “The state of Israel is happy to stand solidly side by side with India as a true friend and a strategic partner in this hour of need. In the last few days, we have successfully airlifted three different consignments of life-saving medical supplies to India."

"It includes 60 tonnes of advanced medical equipment and several oxygen concentrators. More consignments carrying further medical aid will arrive for the people of India in the coming days. The friendship between both countries is strong and collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis will only make it stronger,” the Israel ambassador added.

A task force was set up to gather support for Israel’s aid to India with several private entities, Israeli companies, NGOs and Israeli citizens coming together to contribute towards this aid.&nbsp;

During the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, India had mobilized to assist the country with the delivery of masks, gloves and raw materials for medications to Israel, and had also helped arrange the repatriation of Israeli citizens.

Israel on Sunday night airlifted the third consignment of medical equipment to India including 1,300 oxygen concentrators and 400 respirators. Watch: Israel has sent 60 tonnes of medical supplies, three oxygen generators, 1,710 oxygen concentrators and 420 ventilators to India so far.

Israel on Sunday night airlifted the third consignment of medical equipment to India including 1,300 oxygen concentrators and 400 respirators. Watch: Israel has sent 60 tonnes of medical supplies, three oxygen generators, 1,710 oxygen concentrators and 420 ventilators to India so far. The medical had aid arrived in three different consignments on May 4, May 7 and May 9 via Indian Air Force(IAF) aircraft and a commercial flight. Ambassador of Israel to India, Dr. Ron Malka said, “The state of Israel is happy to stand solidly side by side with India as a true friend and a strategic partner in this hour of need. In the last few days, we have successfully airlifted three different consignments of life-saving medical supplies to India." "It includes 60 tonnes of advanced medical equipment and several oxygen concentrators. More consignments carrying further medical aid will arrive for the people of India in the coming days. The friendship between both countries is strong and collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis will only make it stronger,” the Israel ambassador added. A task force was set up to gather support for Israel’s aid to India with several private entities, Israeli companies, NGOs and Israeli citizens coming together to contribute towards this aid. During the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, India had mobilized to assist the country with the delivery of masks, gloves and raw materials for medications to Israel, and had also helped arrange the repatriation of Israeli citizens.

Israel airlifts third consignment of oxygen concentrators, respirators to India

Warning signs include pain and redness around the eyes or nose, with fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.

Black Fungus on rise in India

An Australian court in Sydney on Monday dismissed the legal challenge filed by a 73-year old citizen stranded in Bengaluru against the federal government's controversial decision to temporarily ban the return of its citizens from COVID-19 stricken India. 
 
In its first hearing, Justice Thomas Thawley, who presided over the case, said the law was drafted with an appreciation that biosecurity emergencies might take a wide variety of forms and the precise nature of future threats could not be known. 
 
"It is tolerably clear that the chief medical officer thought further relief would come to Australia's quarantine endeavour by preventing further entry, even for those travelling indirectly through transit hubs,"&nbsp;the judge said. 
The application was filed by lawyers acting for Gary Newman last week, seeking to overturn an emergency declaration made by Health Minister Greg Hunt last month under the Biosecurity Act. 
 
Newman, who is stranded in Bengaluru since March last year, has said that the ban was "unconstitutional". 
The declaration had taken into effect last Monday making it punishable with a maximum USD 66,000 fine, five years' jail term, or both, for those who tried to return back to Australia and have been in India in the past 14 days. 
 
The temporary suspension was aimed to reduce the public health risk posed due to massive COVID-19 cases in India, the government said. The decision was widely criticised in the country, including by the Australian Indian diaspora. 
 
Last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced lifting the ban on repatriation flights as of May 15th. 
According to media reports, the case was split into two parts with the court dealing first argument on if the government was acting outside the powers conferred on it by the Biosecurity Act. 
 
More arguments on if the ban was out of the Commonwealth Constitution, including if it acted as an impermissible fetter on implied freedom of citizens to enter Australia, were taken off to be dealt with at a later date if needed. 
 
The case may now proceed to hearing Newman's third and fourth arguments, which contend respectively that the travel ban was a disproportionate response in the circumstances and that it was unconstitutional. 
After recording over four lakh fresh cases for four consecutive days, India witnessed a single-day rise of 3,66,161 COVID-19 cases on Monday, which pushed its tally to 2,26,62,575, according to the health ministry. 
The death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 2,46,116 with 3,754 more people succumbing to it, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. 
 
In Australia, the total number of cases stand at 29,931 while the deaths due to the disease are 910, according to Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

An Australian court in Sydney on Monday dismissed the legal challenge filed by a 73-year old citizen stranded in Bengaluru against the federal government's controversial decision to temporarily ban the return of its citizens from COVID-19 stricken India.

An Australian court in Sydney on Monday dismissed the legal challenge filed by a 73-year old citizen stranded in Bengaluru against the federal government's controversial decision to temporarily ban the return of its citizens from COVID-19 stricken India. In its first hearing, Justice Thomas Thawley, who presided over the case, said the law was drafted with an appreciation that biosecurity emergencies might take a wide variety of forms and the precise nature of future threats could not be known. "It is tolerably clear that the chief medical officer thought further relief would come to Australia's quarantine endeavour by preventing further entry, even for those travelling indirectly through transit hubs," the judge said. The application was filed by lawyers acting for Gary Newman last week, seeking to overturn an emergency declaration made by Health Minister Greg Hunt last month under the Biosecurity Act. Newman, who is stranded in Bengaluru since March last year, has said that the ban was "unconstitutional". The declaration had taken into effect last Monday making it punishable with a maximum USD 66,000 fine, five years' jail term, or both, for those who tried to return back to Australia and have been in India in the past 14 days. The temporary suspension was aimed to reduce the public health risk posed due to massive COVID-19 cases in India, the government said. The decision was widely criticised in the country, including by the Australian Indian diaspora. Last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced lifting the ban on repatriation flights as of May 15th. According to media reports, the case was split into two parts with the court dealing first argument on if the government was acting outside the powers conferred on it by the Biosecurity Act. More arguments on if the ban was out of the Commonwealth Constitution, including if it acted as an impermissible fetter on implied freedom of citizens to enter Australia, were taken off to be dealt with at a later date if needed. The case may now proceed to hearing Newman's third and fourth arguments, which contend respectively that the travel ban was a disproportionate response in the circumstances and that it was unconstitutional. After recording over four lakh fresh cases for four consecutive days, India witnessed a single-day rise of 3,66,161 COVID-19 cases on Monday, which pushed its tally to 2,26,62,575, according to the health ministry. The death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 2,46,116 with 3,754 more people succumbing to it, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. In Australia, the total number of cases stand at 29,931 while the deaths due to the disease are 910, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Australian court dismisses petition challenging ban on citizens from Covid-stricken India

Vaccination centres in Mumbai did not administer Covaxin for the second consecutive day on Monday because of lack of stock, leaving citizens fuming as many of them are due for their second dose of the vaccine against COVID-19.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), through its Twitter handle, released a list of 105 vaccination centres that would be functional on Monday, but informed that these would be administering only the Covishield vaccine.

Watch |&nbsp;

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On Sunday also, the BMC had not administered Covaxin to the beneficiaries due to the unavailability of the vaccine.

Several citizens expressed anger and frustration at the state of affairs as many of them are due for their second dose since they had taken the first jab over 42 days back.

As per the government guidelines, the recommended gap between two doses of Covaxin is four-six weeks and for Covishield the suggested interval is four-eight weeks.

Local resident Rupesh Lingayat took to Twitter to express his frustration.

"My father took 1st dose of Covaxin, now it is impossible to get second dose of Covaxin and its been 43 days since took 1st dose. He is 63. Please help," he tweeted.

Another resident Param Sampat also tweeted that his sister had got a booking on Saturday for 3-5 pm slot, but when she reached at 2.45 pm, authorities told her they were out of stock gave her a token for Monday.

"Today when she reached at 8, she was denied a vaccine. This is absolutely irresponsible," he tweeted.

The BMC's executive health officer, Mangala Gomare, did not respond to calls or text messages on the lack of Covaxin doses in the city.

According to a BMC report, a total of 1,76,505 people have been administered Covaxin doses in the city, including 1,20,167 who have received the first dose and 56,338 who have got the second dose as well.

Till Sunday evening, 27,00,431 people were vaccinated in Mumbai against COVID-19. These included 20,52,963 beneficiaries who have taken the first dose and 6,47,468 people who have received their second dose, the report said.

Currently, there are 175 active vaccination centres in Mumbai, included 81 run by the BMC, 20 by the state government and 74 private facilities.&nbsp;

Vaccination centres in Mumbai did not administer Covaxin for the second consecutive day on Monday because of lack of stock, leaving citizens fuming as many of them are due for their second dose of the vaccine against COVID-19.

Vaccination centres in Mumbai did not administer Covaxin for the second consecutive day on Monday because of lack of stock, leaving citizens fuming as many of them are due for their second dose of the vaccine against COVID-19. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), through its Twitter handle, released a list of 105 vaccination centres that would be functional on Monday, but informed that these would be administering only the Covishield vaccine. Watch | On Sunday also, the BMC had not administered Covaxin to the beneficiaries due to the unavailability of the vaccine. Several citizens expressed anger and frustration at the state of affairs as many of them are due for their second dose since they had taken the first jab over 42 days back. As per the government guidelines, the recommended gap between two doses of Covaxin is four-six weeks and for Covishield the suggested interval is four-eight weeks. Local resident Rupesh Lingayat took to Twitter to express his frustration. "My father took 1st dose of Covaxin, now it is impossible to get second dose of Covaxin and its been 43 days since took 1st dose. He is 63. Please help," he tweeted. Another resident Param Sampat also tweeted that his sister had got a booking on Saturday for 3-5 pm slot, but when she reached at 2.45 pm, authorities told her they were out of stock gave her a token for Monday. "Today when she reached at 8, she was denied a vaccine. This is absolutely irresponsible," he tweeted. The BMC's executive health officer, Mangala Gomare, did not respond to calls or text messages on the lack of Covaxin doses in the city. According to a BMC report, a total of 1,76,505 people have been administered Covaxin doses in the city, including 1,20,167 who have received the first dose and 56,338 who have got the second dose as well. Till Sunday evening, 27,00,431 people were vaccinated in Mumbai against COVID-19. These included 20,52,963 beneficiaries who have taken the first dose and 6,47,468 people who have received their second dose, the report said. Currently, there are 175 active vaccination centres in Mumbai, included 81 run by the BMC, 20 by the state government and 74 private facilities.

Covid in India: Covaxin doses unavailable for 2nd day in Mumbai; citizens fume

Newly sworn-in Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the aim of his government is to make the state one of the top five in India in the next five years.

"We will start working from tomorrow to achieve this objective," Sarma told reporters here after taking oath.

The NEDA convenor said the prime focus of the second BJP government in Assam will be to control the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfil all poll promises and make the state free from the annual flood havoc.

"The COVID-19 situation in Assam is alarming. Our daily cases have crossed the 5,000-mark. In our cabinet meeting tomorrow, we will discuss it from all perspectives, and take measures," Sarma said.

Unless the pandemic is controlled in Assam, cases will not go down in other northeastern states, he said.

Sarma also appealed to the insurgent groups, especially the ULFA(I), to lay down arms and be a part of the mainstream to establish peace in the state.

"I request Paresh Barua to come to the discussion table and resolve issues. Kidnappings and killings complicate problems, not solve them. I hope we will be able to make the underground insurgents return to the mainstream in the next five years," the CM said.

Asked about the contentious National Register of Citizens (NRC), the chief minister said his government wants reverification of 20 per cent names in the border districts of Assam, and 10 per cent in other areas.

"If very negligible error is found, then we can proceed with the existing NRC. But, if there are huge anomalies, I hope the court will take note and do the needful with a new perspective," he said without elaborating.

On BJP's assurance of bringing in law against 'love jihad', Sarma said: "Every promise was meant for implementation. We will do everything possible to fulfil them."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Newly sworn-in Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the aim of his government is to make the state one of the top five in India in the next five years.

Newly sworn-in Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the aim of his government is to make the state one of the top five in India in the next five years. "We will start working from tomorrow to achieve this objective," Sarma told reporters here after taking oath. The NEDA convenor said the prime focus of the second BJP government in Assam will be to control the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfil all poll promises and make the state free from the annual flood havoc. "The COVID-19 situation in Assam is alarming. Our daily cases have crossed the 5,000-mark. In our cabinet meeting tomorrow, we will discuss it from all perspectives, and take measures," Sarma said. Unless the pandemic is controlled in Assam, cases will not go down in other northeastern states, he said. Sarma also appealed to the insurgent groups, especially the ULFA(I), to lay down arms and be a part of the mainstream to establish peace in the state. "I request Paresh Barua to come to the discussion table and resolve issues. Kidnappings and killings complicate problems, not solve them. I hope we will be able to make the underground insurgents return to the mainstream in the next five years," the CM said. Asked about the contentious National Register of Citizens (NRC), the chief minister said his government wants reverification of 20 per cent names in the border districts of Assam, and 10 per cent in other areas. "If very negligible error is found, then we can proceed with the existing NRC. But, if there are huge anomalies, I hope the court will take note and do the needful with a new perspective," he said without elaborating. On BJP's assurance of bringing in law against 'love jihad', Sarma said: "Every promise was meant for implementation. We will do everything possible to fulfil them."

Aim to make Assam one among top five Indian states, says new Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

India appreciated the gift of 200 oxygen cylinders and 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand as well as the donation by the Indian community of another 100 oxygen cylinders and 60 oxygen concentrators, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Saturday.

"A valued maritime partner in our extended neighborhood. Appreciate the gift of 200 oxygen cylinders and 10 oxygen concentrators from our ASEAN partner Thailand. Also, value donation by the Indian community in of another 100 oxygen cylinders and 60 oxygen concentrators," Bagchi said.

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A valued maritime partner in our extended neighbourhood. Appreciate gift of 200 oxygen cylinders &amp; 10 oxygen concentrators from our ASEAN partner Thailand. Also value donation by Indian community in 🇹🇭 of another 100 oxygen cylinders &amp; 60 oxygen concentrators. <a href="https://t.co/CdRMzBwq7D">pic.twitter.com/CdRMzBwq7D</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1390897619652595718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this month Arindam Bagchi welcomed the gift of 15 oxygen concentrators from the ASEAN partner and friend Thailand. He thanked the Indian community who have donated another 15 oxygen concentrators.

Several countries have come forward to help India as the country fights the second wave of Covid-19.

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India has received medical help and assistance from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, in the form of oxygen concentrators, ventilators, raw materials for vaccines, PPE kits. 318 oxygen concentrators were received from the US on Tuesday.

Canada offered 10 million USD to Indian Red Cross to facilitate essential goods and medical equipment to India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-ontario-province-to-send-3000-ventilators-to-india-amid-covid-crisis-382606">Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis</a>

India reported 4,01,078 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the union health ministry. With this, the country has recorded over 4 lakh daily cases for the third consecutive day.

The cumulative number of cases in the country has now gone up to 2,18,92,676.&nbsp;

India appreciated the gift of 200 oxygen cylinders and 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand as well as the donation by the Indian community of another 100 oxygen cylinders and 60 oxygen concentrators, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Saturday.

India appreciated the gift of 200 oxygen cylinders and 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand as well as the donation by the Indian community of another 100 oxygen cylinders and 60 oxygen concentrators, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Saturday. "A valued maritime partner in our extended neighborhood. Appreciate the gift of 200 oxygen cylinders and 10 oxygen concentrators from our ASEAN partner Thailand. Also, value donation by the Indian community in of another 100 oxygen cylinders and 60 oxygen concentrators," Bagchi said. 🇮🇳🇹🇭 A valued maritime partner in our extended neighbourhood. Appreciate gift of 200 oxygen cylinders & 10 oxygen concentrators from our ASEAN partner Thailand. Also value donation by Indian community in 🇹🇭 of another 100 oxygen cylinders & 60 oxygen concentrators. pic.twitter.com/CdRMzBwq7D — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 8, 2021 × Earlier this month Arindam Bagchi welcomed the gift of 15 oxygen concentrators from the ASEAN partner and friend Thailand. He thanked the Indian community who have donated another 15 oxygen concentrators. Several countries have come forward to help India as the country fights the second wave of Covid-19. India has received medical help and assistance from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, in the form of oxygen concentrators, ventilators, raw materials for vaccines, PPE kits. 318 oxygen concentrators were received from the US on Tuesday. Canada offered 10 million USD to Indian Red Cross to facilitate essential goods and medical equipment to India. Also read | Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis India reported 4,01,078 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the union health ministry. With this, the country has recorded over 4 lakh daily cases for the third consecutive day. The cumulative number of cases in the country has now gone up to 2,18,92,676.

India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the national capital, New Delhi, by another week.

The lockdown will now stay in place till May 17. In addition to all existing restrictions, the Delhi government has also decided to suspend metro services during this period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-403738-covid-19-cases-4092-deaths-in-a-day-383796" hreflang="en">India records 4,03,738 COVID-19 cases, 4,092 deaths in a day&nbsp;</a>

Thanking the locals for their support, he reported that the national capital has seen a decrease in the number of daily infections, and the positivity rate has decreased to 23 per cent from 35 per cent. However, he also urged people to keep following the restrictions and warned that this is not the time to give up one’s guard.

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दिल्ली में कोरोना की स्थिति पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रेस वार्ता | LIVE <a href="https://t.co/wERioNDs0M">https://t.co/wERioNDs0M</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1391279392978915330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Delhi has been in a city-wide lockdown since April 20, as the city faced an alarming increase in coronavirus infections and an oxygen crisis. Talking about the same, Kejriwal also added that the oxygen supply has increased and improved significantly in the past few days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-step-up-measures-for-well-being-protection-of-children-during-covid-19-second-wave-sc-judge-383754" hreflang="en">Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge</a>

He also urged locals to get vaccinated as soon as possible, although he also added that there is a lack of adequate vaccine stock.

In addition to Delhi, the state of Uttar Pradesh has also announced an extension of a state-wide lockdown till May 17. The decision comes a day after the state recorded 26,847 new infections and 298 deaths.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.&nbsp;The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the national capital, New Delhi, by another week. The lockdown will now stay in place till May 17.

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has decided to extend the ongoing lockdown in the national capital, New Delhi, by another week. The lockdown will now stay in place till May 17. In addition to all existing restrictions, the Delhi government has also decided to suspend metro services during this period. Also read | India records 4,03,738 COVID-19 cases, 4,092 deaths in a day Thanking the locals for their support, he reported that the national capital has seen a decrease in the number of daily infections, and the positivity rate has decreased to 23 per cent from 35 per cent. However, he also urged people to keep following the restrictions and warned that this is not the time to give up one’s guard. दिल्ली में कोरोना की स्थिति पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रेस वार्ता | LIVE https://t.co/wERioNDs0M — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 9, 2021 × Delhi has been in a city-wide lockdown since April 20, as the city faced an alarming increase in coronavirus infections and an oxygen crisis. Talking about the same, Kejriwal also added that the oxygen supply has increased and improved significantly in the past few days. Also read | Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge He also urged locals to get vaccinated as soon as possible, although he also added that there is a lack of adequate vaccine stock. In addition to Delhi, the state of Uttar Pradesh has also announced an extension of a state-wide lockdown till May 17. The decision comes a day after the state recorded 26,847 new infections and 298 deaths. Meanwhile, India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Delhi, UP extend lockdown till May 17; Metro to stay suspended in capital

Continuing their buying spree for the second straight month, mutual funds invested Rs 5,526 crore in stocks in April with fund managers sensing opportunities after some consolidation in the market. &nbsp;

Investment by mutual funds (MFs) in equities will continue in coming months seeing the increase in user growths as multiple fintech players are entering into this space, Kaushlendra Singh Sengar, founder and CEO at INVEST19, said.&nbsp;

Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, is also of the view that this bullish stance to continue as valuations moderate somewhat post FY21 earnings and the consolidation provides investors with an opportunity to accumulate equities. &nbsp;

Another factor driving this stance is the softening of bond yields from March onwards, forcing investors to flock to equities in search of higher returns, he added.&nbsp;

According to Sebi data, MFs put in a net amount of Rs 5,526 crore in equities in the month of April, much higher than a net sum of Rs 4,773 crore invested in March.&nbsp;

This was the first such fund infusion by MFs in 10 months.&nbsp;

Prior to the inflows, mutual funds had been withdrawing money from equities since June 2020, data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) showed.&nbsp;

"We have witnessed 15.8 per cent monthly investment growth by mutual funds into equities last month as volatile stock market pushed investors to invest via equity mutual funds to reduce risk," Sengar said.&nbsp;

Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, said mutual fund flows are generally a reflection of investor flows in the respective mutual fund schemes. &nbsp;

Domestic investors had been taking out money from equity mutual fund schemes since July 2020 and March 2021 was the first month when the trend changed. &nbsp;

In addition, spike in SIP flows was witnessed in March rising to Rs 9,182 crore from Rs 7,528 crore in the preceding month. Hence, the positive flow by mutual funds in equities was witnessed in March, he said.&nbsp;

Though the data is not yet out, but this trend of net inflow in equity mutual fund schemes seems to have continued in April 2021 too, leading to positive flows by mutual fund, he added.&nbsp;

"The month of April witnessed a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases that lead to some minor corrections in the markets, however, this was followed by quick recoveries as well. Mutual funds used this fall in the market to buy new stocks resulting in increased inflow in the equities even in the month of April 2021," Gautam Kalia, Head, Investment Solutions, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said.&nbsp;

Furthermore, there have been positive flows in mutual funds schemes in March and April that provided fund managers with additional liquidity to manage, he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Continuing their buying spree for the second straight month, mutual funds invested Rs 5,526 crore in stocks in April with fund managers sensing opportunities after some consolidation in the market.

Continuing their buying spree for the second straight month, mutual funds invested Rs 5,526 crore in stocks in April with fund managers sensing opportunities after some consolidation in the market. Investment by mutual funds (MFs) in equities will continue in coming months seeing the increase in user growths as multiple fintech players are entering into this space, Kaushlendra Singh Sengar, founder and CEO at INVEST19, said. Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, is also of the view that this bullish stance to continue as valuations moderate somewhat post FY21 earnings and the consolidation provides investors with an opportunity to accumulate equities. Another factor driving this stance is the softening of bond yields from March onwards, forcing investors to flock to equities in search of higher returns, he added. According to Sebi data, MFs put in a net amount of Rs 5,526 crore in equities in the month of April, much higher than a net sum of Rs 4,773 crore invested in March. This was the first such fund infusion by MFs in 10 months. Prior to the inflows, mutual funds had been withdrawing money from equities since June 2020, data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) showed. "We have witnessed 15.8 per cent monthly investment growth by mutual funds into equities last month as volatile stock market pushed investors to invest via equity mutual funds to reduce risk," Sengar said. Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, said mutual fund flows are generally a reflection of investor flows in the respective mutual fund schemes. Domestic investors had been taking out money from equity mutual fund schemes since July 2020 and March 2021 was the first month when the trend changed. In addition, spike in SIP flows was witnessed in March rising to Rs 9,182 crore from Rs 7,528 crore in the preceding month. Hence, the positive flow by mutual funds in equities was witnessed in March, he said. Though the data is not yet out, but this trend of net inflow in equity mutual fund schemes seems to have continued in April 2021 too, leading to positive flows by mutual fund, he added. "The month of April witnessed a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases that lead to some minor corrections in the markets, however, this was followed by quick recoveries as well. Mutual funds used this fall in the market to buy new stocks resulting in increased inflow in the equities even in the month of April 2021," Gautam Kalia, Head, Investment Solutions, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said. Furthermore, there have been positive flows in mutual funds schemes in March and April that provided fund managers with additional liquidity to manage, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

MFs' buying spree continues; Rs 5,526 cr infused in equities in April 

The local police of Himachal Pradesh caught two fake e-passes issued in the names of former US President Donald Trump and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan.

"HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform," Himachal Pradesh Police tweeted. "Shimla Police is registering an FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action."

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HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform. Shimla Police is registering a FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action.<a href="https://twitter.com/CMOHimachal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOHimachal</a>
— Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/himachalpolice/status/1390587975566651393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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E-passes have been made compulsory for people wanting to enter the state of Himachal Pradesh to contain the spread of coronavirus.

These fake e-passes — HP-2563825 and HP-2563287 — had the same phone number and Aadhar Card number, a police spokesperson reported.

An FIR has now been registered at the Shimla East police station on behalf of Department of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh. The department has alleged that misinformation about the issuance of e-passes was being spread around through social media and news channels, the spokesperson said.

The local police of Himachal Pradesh caught two fake e-passes issued in the names of former US President Donald Trump and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan. "HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr.

The local police of Himachal Pradesh caught two fake e-passes issued in the names of former US President Donald Trump and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan. "HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform," Himachal Pradesh Police tweeted. "Shimla Police is registering an FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action." HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform. Shimla Police is registering a FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action.@CMOHimachal — Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) May 7, 2021 × E-passes have been made compulsory for people wanting to enter the state of Himachal Pradesh to contain the spread of coronavirus. These fake e-passes — HP-2563825 and HP-2563287 — had the same phone number and Aadhar Card number, a police spokesperson reported. An FIR has now been registered at the Shimla East police station on behalf of Department of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh. The department has alleged that misinformation about the issuance of e-passes was being spread around through social media and news channels, the spokesperson said.

Fake e-passes issued in names of Amitabh Bachchan, Donald Trump

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. &nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,36,648, comprising 16.76 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 82.15 per cent.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,83,17,404 with 3,86,444 patients recovering in a day, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,22,75,471 samples have been tested up to May 8 with 18,65,428 samples being tested on Saturday. &nbsp;

The 4,092 new fatalities include 864 from Maharashtra, 482 from Karnataka, 332 from Delhi, 297 from Uttar Pradesh, 241 from Tamil Nadu, 223 from Chhattisgarh, 171 from Punjab, 160 from Rajasthan, 155 from Haryana, 141 from Jharkhand, 127 from West Bengal, 119 from Gujarat and 118 from Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

A total of 2,42,362 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 75,277 from Maharashtra, 19,071 from Delhi, 18,286 from Karnataka, 15,412 from Tamil Nadu, 15,170 from Uttar Pradesh, 12,203 from West Bengal, 10,381 from Chhattisgarh and 10,315 from Punjab.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,36,648, comprising 16.76 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 82.15 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,83,17,404 with 3,86,444 patients recovering in a day, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,22,75,471 samples have been tested up to May 8 with 18,65,428 samples being tested on Saturday. The 4,092 new fatalities include 864 from Maharashtra, 482 from Karnataka, 332 from Delhi, 297 from Uttar Pradesh, 241 from Tamil Nadu, 223 from Chhattisgarh, 171 from Punjab, 160 from Rajasthan, 155 from Haryana, 141 from Jharkhand, 127 from West Bengal, 119 from Gujarat and 118 from Uttarakhand. A total of 2,42,362 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 75,277 from Maharashtra, 19,071 from Delhi, 18,286 from Karnataka, 15,412 from Tamil Nadu, 15,170 from Uttar Pradesh, 12,203 from West Bengal, 10,381 from Chhattisgarh and 10,315 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 4,03,738 COVID-19 cases, 4,092 deaths in a day 

Even as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic, it has received a pledge of support from 42 countries, of which assistance from 21 countries has already arrived.

India is keen on in two areas: oxygen and essential medicines. In oxygen, it is liquid oxygen and equipment that can generate oxygen, and in essential medicines, it is Remdesivir.&nbsp;

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/360-million-indians-to-get-sputnik-v-jabs-by-march-2022-383781" hreflang="en">360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022&nbsp;</a>

Currently, in the country, the production of medical oxygen supply has increased from 5,700 MT to 9,480 MT but it needs to be supplemented. From international assistance, India has got 20,000 oxygen cylinders, 11,000 oxygen concentrators, 30 oxygen tankers and 75 oxygen generator plants. Out of the 30 oxygen tankers, nine have reached the country.

MEA can assist to get global players to set up 50,000MT plants. A total of 1,172 oxygen tankers are being put in place, 102,400 oxygen cylinders are being procured, 100,000 oxygen concentrators are being procured. Many tankers have also come as part of deals between private companies.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-crisis-international-assistance-delivered-at-aiims-safdarjung-lady-harding-itbp-drdo-383784" hreflang="en">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

When it comes to Remdesivir, the aim is to produce 10 million in the country or around 300,000 per day. American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences on Saturday sent 150,000 vials of Remdesivir and another 150,000 vials will be coming.

India will also receive 400,000 doses from Eygpt-based, Eva Pharma. India has also got quotations from Bangladesh, Germany, Uzbekistan, and UAE. All in all, India will get 1.6 million vials of Remdesivir from these sources.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-appreciates-gift-of-200-oxygen-cylinders-10-oxygen-concentrators-by-thailand-mea-383760" hreflang="en">India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA</a>

The focus is also on tocilizumab, with Switzerland-based Roche increasing its supply by 60 times. India is getting 11,000 vials, and 21,000 more vials are expected of tocilizumab — usually given in the initial stages of covid. India is getting favipiravir from Russia and RoActemra from other sources.&nbsp;

India's missions and posts are coordinating efforts of procuring as well as making sure that the assistance by foreign countries reaches the country as it battles the covid pandemic.

As the second wave hit the country, the ministry of external affairs' COVID cell was reactivated. The covid&nbsp;cell formed last year, has around 15-20 IFS officers — mostly young officers — and is headed by Dammu Ravi who is the Additional Secretary coordinating all issues under it. Naveen Srivastava and Vinay Kumar are the other two&nbsp;MEA officials, who are part of the entire coordination effort against covid. While Naveen represents MEA at the empowered panels on coordinating against covid, Vinay deals with the vaccine efforts like Vaccine Maitri and others.

While a lot of support has come in from across the globe, many leaders have recalled how India had reached out to the world community when they needed medicines and other essentials.

"When we were in a bind at the very beginning, India helped us,"&nbsp;US President Joe Biden recently said. In 2020, India had sent HCQ to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-american-physicians-sending-5000-oxygen-concentrators-to-india-383606">US</a> when it was battling the covid pandemic.

In addition to the US, UK's Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne, in a message for India said, "As India has helped others, so now must we help India".&nbsp;

However, even as international assistance helps to bridge the short-term capacity constraints, New Delhi aims to ramp up capacity.

Even as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic, it has received a pledge of support from 42 countries, of which assistance from 21 countries has already arrived.

Even as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic, it has received a pledge of support from 42 countries, of which assistance from 21 countries has already arrived. India is keen on in two areas: oxygen and essential medicines. In oxygen, it is liquid oxygen and equipment that can generate oxygen, and in essential medicines, it is Remdesivir. ALso read | 360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022 Currently, in the country, the production of medical oxygen supply has increased from 5,700 MT to 9,480 MT but it needs to be supplemented. From international assistance, India has got 20,000 oxygen cylinders, 11,000 oxygen concentrators, 30 oxygen tankers and 75 oxygen generator plants. Out of the 30 oxygen tankers, nine have reached the country. MEA can assist to get global players to set up 50,000MT plants. A total of 1,172 oxygen tankers are being put in place, 102,400 oxygen cylinders are being procured, 100,000 oxygen concentrators are being procured. Many tankers have also come as part of deals between private companies. ALso read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO When it comes to Remdesivir, the aim is to produce 10 million in the country or around 300,000 per day. American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences on Saturday sent 150,000 vials of Remdesivir and another 150,000 vials will be coming. India will also receive 400,000 doses from Eygpt-based, Eva Pharma. India has also got quotations from Bangladesh, Germany, Uzbekistan, and UAE. All in all, India will get 1.6 million vials of Remdesivir from these sources. Also read | India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA The focus is also on tocilizumab, with Switzerland-based Roche increasing its supply by 60 times. India is getting 11,000 vials, and 21,000 more vials are expected of tocilizumab — usually given in the initial stages of covid. India is getting favipiravir from Russia and RoActemra from other sources. India's missions and posts are coordinating efforts of procuring as well as making sure that the assistance by foreign countries reaches the country as it battles the covid pandemic. As the second wave hit the country, the ministry of external affairs' COVID cell was reactivated. The covid cell formed last year, has around 15-20 IFS officers — mostly young officers — and is headed by Dammu Ravi who is the Additional Secretary coordinating all issues under it. Naveen Srivastava and Vinay Kumar are the other two MEA officials, who are part of the entire coordination effort against covid. While Naveen represents MEA at the empowered panels on coordinating against covid, Vinay deals with the vaccine efforts like Vaccine Maitri and others. While a lot of support has come in from across the globe, many leaders have recalled how India had reached out to the world community when they needed medicines and other essentials. "When we were in a bind at the very beginning, India helped us," US President Joe Biden recently said. In 2020, India had sent HCQ to the US when it was battling the covid pandemic. In addition to the US, UK's Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne, in a message for India said, "As India has helped others, so now must we help India". However, even as international assistance helps to bridge the short-term capacity constraints, New Delhi aims to ramp up capacity.

As 42 countries pitch in, India to receive 100,000 oxygen cylinders, and more

As international assistance pours into India, authorities have been able&nbsp;to deliver it to various end-users — hospitals spread across the country.

The top recipient of the assistance have been AIIMS&nbsp;(which is spread across the country), Safdarjung Delhi, Lady Harding, RML Hospital in Delhi, ITBP and DRDO.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/360-million-indians-to-get-sputnik-v-jabs-by-march-2022-383781" hreflang="en">360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022&nbsp;</a>

The ministry of external affairs' covid cell is working 24*7 and contacting Indian missions and a mechanism (SOP) has been set up to smoothen the early delivery of assistance.&nbsp;

So far, 11,000 items of over 3,000 tonnes have been dispatched all over the country with the Indian Air force and Indian navy playing an important part in transporting material.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/300-bed-covid-isolation-centre-comes-up-in-hyderabads-calvary-temple-383757" hreflang="en">300-bed COVID isolation centre comes up in Hyderabad's Calvary Temple</a>

The first flight of assistance came on April 27 from the UK. Nearly 80 oxygen concentrators from the UK went to DRDO Patna, 100 to DRDO Delhi and DRDO Ahmedabad each, 120 to Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi with RML and Safdarjung getting 50 ventilators each. UK's assistance of oxygen concentrators has been sent to states such as Goa, Bihar, UP, Jharkhand.

Australia had sent 43 Oxygen concentrators which have been delivered to West Bengal while 1,056 ventilators sent by the country have been delivered to Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bihar. Two&nbsp;liquid oxygen containers that arrived from Bahrain have been given to DRDO.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-appreciates-gift-of-200-oxygen-cylinders-10-oxygen-concentrators-by-thailand-mea-383760" hreflang="en">India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA</a>

France had sent 200 syringe pumps, 500 machine filters, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 28 ventilators — all of which have been delivered to Lady Hardinge Medical College. Germany had sent 120 ventilators of which 40 were given to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, 45 to RML in Delhi, and 35 to AIIMS, Jhajjar.&nbsp;

Assistance from Ireland went to AIIMS in Patna, Rai Barelli, Chandigarh, Rishikesh, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Delhi,&nbsp;Jhajjar, and several northeastern states.

One oxygen generation plant and 20 ventilators sent by Italy went to ITBP hospital, Noida. The plant that was installed within 48 hours was "switched on" by the Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo de Luca himself. The plant will supply oxygen to more than 100 beds at a time to the COVID-19 patients admitted at the center.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-steps-up-assures-supply-of-medical-oxygen-to-india-383743" hreflang="en">Saudi Arabia steps up, assures supply of medical Oxygen to India</a>

Romania had sent 80 oxygen concentrators, of which 40 went to AIIMS Jhajhhar and Lady Harding each, and of the 75 oxygen cylinders, 40 went to Safdarjung and 35 to Lady Harding. In addition to this, Lady Harding received 150-bed side monitors, 75 ventilators and 20 oxygen concentrators from Russia.&nbsp;

Nearly 200 oxygen concentrators sent by Mauritius went to AIIMS Mangakagiri (20), AIIMS Nagpur (60), AIIMS Raipur (50) and JIPMER Puducherry (70).

New Zealand sent 72 oxygen concentrators, all of which went to army Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.&nbsp;

US supplies went across the country: Remdesivir was sent to Assam, Goa, MP, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS Kalyani, AIIMS Bhopal. Rapid detection kits were delivered&nbsp;to Delhi and Punjab.&nbsp;One oxygen generation plant was sent to ESIC Faridabad and&nbsp;oxygen concentrators were sent to Punjab, Kerala, Maharashtra.

Nearly 256 oxygen cylinders sent by Singapore were distributed to AIIMS Ranchi, Raipur, Patna, Lady Harding, with each getting 64 cylinders. Thailand had sent 30 Oxygen concentrators, with 15 going to Safdarjung, Delhi, 15 to CGHS, Delhi.&nbsp;

Taiwan's assistance of oxygen concentrators (150) went to Mizoram (15), Punjab (50), Haryana (35), National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi (50), and 500 oxygen cylinders were sent&nbsp;to Mizoram (15), Himachal Pradesh (185) and Uttrakhand (300).

UAE's mega assistance went across the length and breadth of the country, such as the 1,707,600 masks were distributed to AIIMS Kalyani, Manglagiri, Rai Barelli, Jodhpur, Patna, Deogarh, Rishikesh, Delhi; 157 ventilators to DRDO Dehradun; ventilators to various AIIMS, DRDO, ITBP.

The West Asian country, with which New Delhi's partnership has grown in the past few years also sent 72,000 goggles, of which Safdarjung, Jodhpur&nbsp;and Lady Harding received 11,000 each, and RML and AIIMS Rishikesh received 10,000 each and&nbsp;Jhajjar received 20,000 each.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs' covid cell's chief Dammu Ravi has assured that the international assistance sent to India by various countries is being distributed to various locations in real-time to bring immediate relief as the covid crisis wreaks the country.&nbsp;

"Not even one consignment has remained at the airport or the seaport. They have been directly loaded at the airport to distribution location in real-time, it goes and gets distributed and given to that location for the right use, immediate use" Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary of MEA's COVID Cell explained.&nbsp;"Most of the consignments have reached the destination. some may be in transit, for a logistical reason and every consignment is tracked and ensured that it is properly used in those locations"

Nearly 10,000 doses of Remdesivir that were given by Bangladesh will be given to North-Eastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). They were formally handed over at the Petrapole border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh on May 05.

Belgium had also sent 9,000 vials of Remdesivir which have been delivered to the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, UP, Rajasthan. 20,000 doses of Favipiravir sent by Russia were&nbsp;sent to Lady Harding, Safdarjung, RLM, and AIIMS (Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Rai Barely, Delhi, Jhajjar).

So far, 4468 oxygen concentrators, 13 oxygen plants, 3417 oxygen cylinders, 3921 ventilators, and 300,000 Remdesivir have been dispatched or delivered (as of May 05).

According to the government&nbsp;data, 235 items were dispatched on April 28, 456 items from April 28, 355 items and 200,000 strips of medicines on April 29, 3595 items on April 30, 30 items on&nbsp;May 01, 2926 items and 130,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 02, 225 items on May 03, 1233 items and 160,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 04, 1782 items on May 05.&nbsp;

The distribution of allocation that has been made is shared by foreign governments, both by Indian envoys abroad and MEA in Delhi, so that they are fully aware of how their donation is used by India. Ravi highlighted that "we are deeply appreciative of the generous offer coming from abroad, both by foreign governments, individuals, private entities, NGOs who have expressed solidarity and support with India" and "internationally recognition of the fact, that this crisis is not that of India alone, and it is a global crisis requiring collective actions and collective strategies"&nbsp;

This international assistance is coordinated with a cell at the health ministry, in which MEA plays an important role since all the goods come via them. The group meets every morning at around 9:30 am to coordinate the entire process. It comprises two senior officials from MEA, two joint secretaries from the health ministry, chief commissioner of customs, economic advisor from the ministry of civil aviation, a technical advisor from the directorate general of health services, secretary-general of Indian red cross, and a representative from HLL Lifecare Limited which is an Indian government-owned healthcare manufacturing company. The cell was set up on April 26 and on April 28, the process of delineation started.

India is receiving assistance from countries, NRI bodies, and the international private sector with the Indian red cross society being the single consignee for all the consignments coming from abroad. HLL is a customs clearing agent and the transported, which is assisted by the national disaster response force. The assistance is allocated on basis of accessibility and immediate use of resources to hospitals and states are given on basis of current active cases. In fact, a priority list of state and union territory is prepared.

As international assistance pours into India, authorities have been able to deliver it to various end-users — hospitals spread across the country. The top recipient of the assistance have been AIIMS (which is spread across the country), Safdarjung Delhi, Lady Harding, RML Hospital in Delhi, ITBP and DRDO.

As international assistance pours into India, authorities have been able to deliver it to various end-users — hospitals spread across the country. The top recipient of the assistance have been AIIMS (which is spread across the country), Safdarjung Delhi, Lady Harding, RML Hospital in Delhi, ITBP and DRDO. Also read | 360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022 The ministry of external affairs' covid cell is working 24*7 and contacting Indian missions and a mechanism (SOP) has been set up to smoothen the early delivery of assistance. So far, 11,000 items of over 3,000 tonnes have been dispatched all over the country with the Indian Air force and Indian navy playing an important part in transporting material. Also read | 300-bed COVID isolation centre comes up in Hyderabad's Calvary Temple The first flight of assistance came on April 27 from the UK. Nearly 80 oxygen concentrators from the UK went to DRDO Patna, 100 to DRDO Delhi and DRDO Ahmedabad each, 120 to Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi with RML and Safdarjung getting 50 ventilators each. UK's assistance of oxygen concentrators has been sent to states such as Goa, Bihar, UP, Jharkhand. Australia had sent 43 Oxygen concentrators which have been delivered to West Bengal while 1,056 ventilators sent by the country have been delivered to Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bihar. Two liquid oxygen containers that arrived from Bahrain have been given to DRDO. Also read | India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA France had sent 200 syringe pumps, 500 machine filters, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 28 ventilators — all of which have been delivered to Lady Hardinge Medical College. Germany had sent 120 ventilators of which 40 were given to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, 45 to RML in Delhi, and 35 to AIIMS, Jhajjar. Assistance from Ireland went to AIIMS in Patna, Rai Barelli, Chandigarh, Rishikesh, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Delhi, Jhajjar, and several northeastern states. One oxygen generation plant and 20 ventilators sent by Italy went to ITBP hospital, Noida. The plant that was installed within 48 hours was "switched on" by the Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo de Luca himself. The plant will supply oxygen to more than 100 beds at a time to the COVID-19 patients admitted at the center. Also read | Saudi Arabia steps up, assures supply of medical Oxygen to India Romania had sent 80 oxygen concentrators, of which 40 went to AIIMS Jhajhhar and Lady Harding each, and of the 75 oxygen cylinders, 40 went to Safdarjung and 35 to Lady Harding. In addition to this, Lady Harding received 150-bed side monitors, 75 ventilators and 20 oxygen concentrators from Russia. Nearly 200 oxygen concentrators sent by Mauritius went to AIIMS Mangakagiri (20), AIIMS Nagpur (60), AIIMS Raipur (50) and JIPMER Puducherry (70). New Zealand sent 72 oxygen concentrators, all of which went to army Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. US supplies went across the country: Remdesivir was sent to Assam, Goa, MP, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS Kalyani, AIIMS Bhopal. Rapid detection kits were delivered to Delhi and Punjab. One oxygen generation plant was sent to ESIC Faridabad and oxygen concentrators were sent to Punjab, Kerala, Maharashtra. Nearly 256 oxygen cylinders sent by Singapore were distributed to AIIMS Ranchi, Raipur, Patna, Lady Harding, with each getting 64 cylinders. Thailand had sent 30 Oxygen concentrators, with 15 going to Safdarjung, Delhi, 15 to CGHS, Delhi. Taiwan's assistance of oxygen concentrators (150) went to Mizoram (15), Punjab (50), Haryana (35), National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi (50), and 500 oxygen cylinders were sent to Mizoram (15), Himachal Pradesh (185) and Uttrakhand (300). UAE's mega assistance went across the length and breadth of the country, such as the 1,707,600 masks were distributed to AIIMS Kalyani, Manglagiri, Rai Barelli, Jodhpur, Patna, Deogarh, Rishikesh, Delhi; 157 ventilators to DRDO Dehradun; ventilators to various AIIMS, DRDO, ITBP. The West Asian country, with which New Delhi's partnership has grown in the past few years also sent 72,000 goggles, of which Safdarjung, Jodhpur and Lady Harding received 11,000 each, and RML and AIIMS Rishikesh received 10,000 each and Jhajjar received 20,000 each. The Ministry of External Affairs' covid cell's chief Dammu Ravi has assured that the international assistance sent to India by various countries is being distributed to various locations in real-time to bring immediate relief as the covid crisis wreaks the country. "Not even one consignment has remained at the airport or the seaport. They have been directly loaded at the airport to distribution location in real-time, it goes and gets distributed and given to that location for the right use, immediate use" Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary of MEA's COVID Cell explained. "Most of the consignments have reached the destination. some may be in transit, for a logistical reason and every consignment is tracked and ensured that it is properly used in those locations" Nearly 10,000 doses of Remdesivir that were given by Bangladesh will be given to North-Eastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). They were formally handed over at the Petrapole border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh on May 05. Belgium had also sent 9,000 vials of Remdesivir which have been delivered to the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, UP, Rajasthan. 20,000 doses of Favipiravir sent by Russia were sent to Lady Harding, Safdarjung, RLM, and AIIMS (Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Rai Barely, Delhi, Jhajjar). So far, 4468 oxygen concentrators, 13 oxygen plants, 3417 oxygen cylinders, 3921 ventilators, and 300,000 Remdesivir have been dispatched or delivered (as of May 05). According to the government data, 235 items were dispatched on April 28, 456 items from April 28, 355 items and 200,000 strips of medicines on April 29, 3595 items on April 30, 30 items on May 01, 2926 items and 130,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 02, 225 items on May 03, 1233 items and 160,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 04, 1782 items on May 05. The distribution of allocation that has been made is shared by foreign governments, both by Indian envoys abroad and MEA in Delhi, so that they are fully aware of how their donation is used by India. Ravi highlighted that "we are deeply appreciative of the generous offer coming from abroad, both by foreign governments, individuals, private entities, NGOs who have expressed solidarity and support with India" and "internationally recognition of the fact, that this crisis is not that of India alone, and it is a global crisis requiring collective actions and collective strategies" This international assistance is coordinated with a cell at the health ministry, in which MEA plays an important role since all the goods come via them. The group meets every morning at around 9:30 am to coordinate the entire process. It comprises two senior officials from MEA, two joint secretaries from the health ministry, chief commissioner of customs, economic advisor from the ministry of civil aviation, a technical advisor from the directorate general of health services, secretary-general of Indian red cross, and a representative from HLL Lifecare Limited which is an Indian government-owned healthcare manufacturing company. The cell was set up on April 26 and on April 28, the process of delineation started. India is receiving assistance from countries, NRI bodies, and the international private sector with the Indian red cross society being the single consignee for all the consignments coming from abroad. HLL is a customs clearing agent and the transported, which is assisted by the national disaster response force. The assistance is allocated on basis of accessibility and immediate use of resources to hospitals and states are given on basis of current active cases. In fact, a priority list of state and union territory is prepared.

India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO

An estimated 360 million Indians will get Russian covid vaccine Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 as India will have approximately 361 million doses of vaccine, officials coordinating the entire vaccine measure in the country have said.&nbsp;

On May 1, India got the first consignment of 1.5 million doses of the vaccine, and second consignment will also reach soon. In total, India gets 18 million doses of Sputnik V, three million in May, five million in June and 10 million in July.

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is the Russian sovereign wealth fund that has funded the vaccine, has signed pacts with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses. The doses will not only be produced in India but also, exported to third country. Between June 2021 to March 2022, around 238 million doses will be produced in the country. India also expected to get 11 million doses in form of fill and finish.&nbsp;

Sputnik V vaccine is the third Covid vaccine after Covishield and Covaxin that Indian regulatory authorities have given approval to. More than 60 countries have given approval to Sputnik V and as of May 5, more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine. Interestingly, a combination of vaccines like Sputnik and AstraZeneca for use is being talked about.&nbsp;

With the announcement of Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine Sputnik Light, the volume of the vaccines, which is a variant of Sputnik V is expected to increase. Sputnik Light will also be produced in India."It will be produced in exactly the same countries where Sputnik V will be produced. So, it's India, Korea, and China," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment Fund (RDIF) told reporters last week in a virtual presser.&nbsp;

And it is just not that Sputnik V in the focus, India is looking at Moderna and the Quad Vaccine initiative under which vaccines will be produced in the country. When it comes to constraints for raw material for vaccines from the US, the issue has been resolved with Washington making an announcement on it days ago.&nbsp;

But perhaps the biggest breakthrough has been the US extending support to the proposal for waiver of intellectual property rights on Covid vaccines. Being termed as something that will make a 'huge difference' on the ground, it will help in the production of Covid vaccines at a huge scale as removes legal impediments. For example, India's Serum Institute can make vaccines under the licence by AstraZeneca, and these vaccines can’t be exported to some geographic areas. The matter was raised by PM Modi with US President during their talks on April 26. According to officials, the Indian PM had told President Biden that it is an opportunity to make a difference.&nbsp;

An estimated 360 million Indians will get Russian covid vaccine Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 as India will have approximately 361 million doses of vaccine, officials coordinating the entire vaccine measure in the country have said.

An estimated 360 million Indians will get Russian covid vaccine Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 as India will have approximately 361 million doses of vaccine, officials coordinating the entire vaccine measure in the country have said. On May 1, India got the first consignment of 1.5 million doses of the vaccine, and second consignment will also reach soon. In total, India gets 18 million doses of Sputnik V, three million in May, five million in June and 10 million in July. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is the Russian sovereign wealth fund that has funded the vaccine, has signed pacts with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses. The doses will not only be produced in India but also, exported to third country. Between June 2021 to March 2022, around 238 million doses will be produced in the country. India also expected to get 11 million doses in form of fill and finish. Sputnik V vaccine is the third Covid vaccine after Covishield and Covaxin that Indian regulatory authorities have given approval to. More than 60 countries have given approval to Sputnik V and as of May 5, more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine. Interestingly, a combination of vaccines like Sputnik and AstraZeneca for use is being talked about. With the announcement of Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine Sputnik Light, the volume of the vaccines, which is a variant of Sputnik V is expected to increase. Sputnik Light will also be produced in India."It will be produced in exactly the same countries where Sputnik V will be produced. So, it's India, Korea, and China," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment Fund (RDIF) told reporters last week in a virtual presser. And it is just not that Sputnik V in the focus, India is looking at Moderna and the Quad Vaccine initiative under which vaccines will be produced in the country. When it comes to constraints for raw material for vaccines from the US, the issue has been resolved with Washington making an announcement on it days ago. But perhaps the biggest breakthrough has been the US extending support to the proposal for waiver of intellectual property rights on Covid vaccines. Being termed as something that will make a 'huge difference' on the ground, it will help in the production of Covid vaccines at a huge scale as removes legal impediments. For example, India's Serum Institute can make vaccines under the licence by AstraZeneca, and these vaccines can’t be exported to some geographic areas. The matter was raised by PM Modi with US President during their talks on April 26. According to officials, the Indian PM had told President Biden that it is an opportunity to make a difference.

360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022 

India on Sunday condemned the "barbarous" terrorist attack on a school in Kabul and said the incident demonstrates the urgent need for dismantling terrorist sanctuaries and for a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India has always supported the education of Afghan youth and remains committed to the progress and development of Afghanistan.

At least three explosions took place near Sayed-ul-Shuhada High School in the west of Kabul on Saturday afternoon. Over 50 schoolgirls were killed in the attack. The attack started with a car bomb explosion and was followed by two rocket attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-school-blast-toll-rises-to-58-families-bury-victims-383821">Afghan school blast toll rises to 58, families bury victims</a>

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Sayed al-Shuhada Girls school in Kabul yesterday, which killed more than 50 innocent girl students during the holy month of Ramadan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the young girls who lost their lives in this barbarous attack," read the MEA statement.

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India strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Sayed al-Shuhada Girls school in Kabul yesterday, which killed more than 50 innocent girl students during the holy month of Ramadan. 
 
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Calling the bombings an attack on the future of Afghanistan, the ministry said: "The perpetrators clearly seek to destroy the painstaking and hard-won achievements that the Afghans have put in place over the last two decades.

"This incident demonstrates, once again, the urgent need for dismantling terrorist sanctuaries and the immediate need for a comprehensive nation-wide ceasefire to make the peace process meaningful and sustainable," it added.

India on Sunday condemned the "barbarous" terrorist attack on a school in Kabul and said the incident demonstrates the urgent need for dismantling terrorist sanctuaries and for a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.

India on Sunday condemned the "barbarous" terrorist attack on a school in Kabul and said the incident demonstrates the urgent need for dismantling terrorist sanctuaries and for a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India has always supported the education of Afghan youth and remains committed to the progress and development of Afghanistan. At least three explosions took place near Sayed-ul-Shuhada High School in the west of Kabul on Saturday afternoon. Over 50 schoolgirls were killed in the attack. The attack started with a car bomb explosion and was followed by two rocket attacks. Also read | Afghan school blast toll rises to 58, families bury victims "We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Sayed al-Shuhada Girls school in Kabul yesterday, which killed more than 50 innocent girl students during the holy month of Ramadan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the young girls who lost their lives in this barbarous attack," read the MEA statement. India strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Sayed al-Shuhada Girls school in Kabul yesterday, which killed more than 50 innocent girl students during the holy month of Ramadan. Press Release: https://t.co/KBzX4D4K3E — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 9, 2021 × Calling the bombings an attack on the future of Afghanistan, the ministry said: "The perpetrators clearly seek to destroy the painstaking and hard-won achievements that the Afghans have put in place over the last two decades. "This incident demonstrates, once again, the urgent need for dismantling terrorist sanctuaries and the immediate need for a comprehensive nation-wide ceasefire to make the peace process meaningful and sustainable," it added.

India condemns Kabul school blasts, calls for dismantling of terrorist sanctuaries

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted a thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity intermittent rain and gusty winds over parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana during the next two hours.&nbsp;

"Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity intermittent rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-50 km per hour would occur over and adjoining areas of isolated places of West Delhi, South West Delhi, Kaithal, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar (Haryana) Shikarpur, Pahasu, Bulandshahar, Etah, Jalesar, Sikandra Rao, Hathras, Iglas, Aligarh, Khair, Gabhana, Atrauli, Jattari, Khurja, Agra (U.P.) during next 2 hours," IMD tweeted.

Hail storm/ precipitation is likely over and nearby Noida during next 1 hour, the IMD said in another tweet.&nbsp;

The meteorological department also predicted no heatwave conditions are likely over any part of the country during the next 4-5 days. Earlier on Thursday, Delhi witnessed light spells of rain along with thunderstorm bringing some respite to the people from soaring temperatures.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted a thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity intermittent rain and gusty winds over parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana during the next two hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted a thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity intermittent rain and gusty winds over parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana during the next two hours. "Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity intermittent rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-50 km per hour would occur over and adjoining areas of isolated places of West Delhi, South West Delhi, Kaithal, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar (Haryana) Shikarpur, Pahasu, Bulandshahar, Etah, Jalesar, Sikandra Rao, Hathras, Iglas, Aligarh, Khair, Gabhana, Atrauli, Jattari, Khurja, Agra (U.P.) during next 2 hours," IMD tweeted. Hail storm/ precipitation is likely over and nearby Noida during next 1 hour, the IMD said in another tweet. The meteorological department also predicted no heatwave conditions are likely over any part of the country during the next 4-5 days. Earlier on Thursday, Delhi witnessed light spells of rain along with thunderstorm bringing some respite to the people from soaring temperatures.

IMD predicts thunderstorm, light rain over parts of Delhi, UP, Haryana today

Emirates airline said on Sunday it will fly medical supplies from Dubai to nine cities in India free of charge from this week to help battle a devastating upsurge in the coronavirus.

International aid has poured in for India, where record infection rates have overwhelmed hospitals, depleting medicines, oxygen tanks and other supplies.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways also airlifted 300 tonnes of aid free of charge from Doha to India.

Emirates will provide free spare capacity to transport supplies from charities based in Dubai, divisional senior vice president Nabil Sultan told reporters, saying the mechanism could later be extended to bring aid from other parts.

"We are absolutely committed to helping India," he said.

The supplies will be organised through Dubai's International Humanitarian City, a hub used by many non-governmental organisations to transport aid globally. Supplies would be flown for free until further notice, Sultan said.

The first flight under the new "airbridge" is scheduled to depart for New Delhi on May 13 carrying 12.6 tonnes of multi-purpose tents from the World Health Organization (WHO).

India reported 4,092 new deaths from the virus on Sunday, bringing the total to 242,362. Infections in the last 24 hours rose to 403,738, a near-record, increasing the total since the pandemic started to 22.3 million.

Emirates operates 95 weekly flights to nine Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Trivandrum. Those flights offer about 5,000 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity.

Emirates airline said on Sunday it will fly medical supplies from Dubai to nine cities in India free of charge from this week to help battle a devastating upsurge in the coronavirus.

Emirates airline said on Sunday it will fly medical supplies from Dubai to nine cities in India free of charge from this week to help battle a devastating upsurge in the coronavirus. International aid has poured in for India, where record infection rates have overwhelmed hospitals, depleting medicines, oxygen tanks and other supplies. Earlier this month, Qatar Airways also airlifted 300 tonnes of aid free of charge from Doha to India. Emirates will provide free spare capacity to transport supplies from charities based in Dubai, divisional senior vice president Nabil Sultan told reporters, saying the mechanism could later be extended to bring aid from other parts. "We are absolutely committed to helping India," he said. The supplies will be organised through Dubai's International Humanitarian City, a hub used by many non-governmental organisations to transport aid globally. Supplies would be flown for free until further notice, Sultan said. The first flight under the new "airbridge" is scheduled to depart for New Delhi on May 13 carrying 12.6 tonnes of multi-purpose tents from the World Health Organization (WHO). India reported 4,092 new deaths from the virus on Sunday, bringing the total to 242,362. Infections in the last 24 hours rose to 403,738, a near-record, increasing the total since the pandemic started to 22.3 million. Emirates operates 95 weekly flights to nine Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Trivandrum. Those flights offer about 5,000 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity.

Emirates to fly medical aid to India for free

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country.&nbsp;

Global Schools Foundation (GSF) reached out to Sewa International, a huge network of social initiatives across India, to tap their deep local resources and get these oxygen concentrators to the small towns and villages deep inside the country. &nbsp;

These concentrators are in addition to the first shipment of 200 oxygen cylinders sent on an urgent basis as part of a larger consignment on board the Indian Navy warship Airavat. &nbsp;

"We are saving lives in India by sending life-saving equipment, such as Oxygen concentrators and cylinders. They can be used within hospitals or at venues of social organisations or community centres," said Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSF. &nbsp;

"It is our duty to ensure we reach this benefit to the remotest corner of India and GSF would do whatever it can to assist in Covid-relief measures," he said on Saturday.&nbsp;

India has been dealing with shortages of Oxygen tanks as the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country hard. &nbsp;

India on Sunday reported 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

GSF runs 23 international schools under its aegis. &nbsp;

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country.

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country. Global Schools Foundation (GSF) reached out to Sewa International, a huge network of social initiatives across India, to tap their deep local resources and get these oxygen concentrators to the small towns and villages deep inside the country. These concentrators are in addition to the first shipment of 200 oxygen cylinders sent on an urgent basis as part of a larger consignment on board the Indian Navy warship Airavat. "We are saving lives in India by sending life-saving equipment, such as Oxygen concentrators and cylinders. They can be used within hospitals or at venues of social organisations or community centres," said Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSF. "It is our duty to ensure we reach this benefit to the remotest corner of India and GSF would do whatever it can to assist in Covid-relief measures," he said on Saturday. India has been dealing with shortages of Oxygen tanks as the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country hard. India on Sunday reported 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths. GSF runs 23 international schools under its aegis.

Singapore-based education foundation sends over 500 oxygen concentrators to India  

Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.&nbsp;

Khan is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 9.&nbsp;

"The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially Jammu and Kashmir issue, to ensure peace and stability in the region," according to the joint statement.&nbsp;

The Crown Prince welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India.&nbsp;

The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.&nbsp;

India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. &nbsp;

During Khan's Saudi visit, the two sides also reviewed all facets of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to further strengthen the relationship in diverse fields.&nbsp;

They signed an agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC). An MoU on combating illicit traffic in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals was also signed.&nbsp;

They also inked a framework MoU between Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistan for financing projects in energy, hydropower generation, Infrastructure, transport communication and water resource development.&nbsp;

Cooperation agreements in the field of combating crimes and on the transfer of convicted prisoners were also signed.&nbsp;

The two leaders also stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Muslim countries to confront extremism and violence, reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security.&nbsp;

They called for joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue. Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue. Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Khan is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 9. "The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially Jammu and Kashmir issue, to ensure peace and stability in the region," according to the joint statement. The Crown Prince welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India. The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors. India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. During Khan's Saudi visit, the two sides also reviewed all facets of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to further strengthen the relationship in diverse fields. They signed an agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC). An MoU on combating illicit traffic in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals was also signed. They also inked a framework MoU between Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistan for financing projects in energy, hydropower generation, Infrastructure, transport communication and water resource development. Cooperation agreements in the field of combating crimes and on the transfer of convicted prisoners were also signed. The two leaders also stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Muslim countries to confront extremism and violence, reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They called for joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia calls for dialogue between India, Pak to resolve issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 160th birth anniversary. &nbsp;

Tagore was born on May 7 but his birthday is celebrated in West Bengal, where he was born and is revered, according to the traditional Bengali calendar, and this year, it falls on Sunday. &nbsp;

"On Tagore Jayanti, I bow to the great Gurudev Tagore. May his exemplary ideals keep giving us strength and inspiration to build the India he dreamt of," he said, paying tributes to the man of many talents. &nbsp;

Tagore was a playwright, philosopher, composer and poet. He had won the Nobel prize for literature. &nbsp;

The prime minister also paid tributes to freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale and celebrated warrior king Maharana Pratap, both of whom were born on this day. &nbsp;

Gokhale's life was devoted to serving the nation, and it will always inspire the countrymen, the prime minister said. &nbsp;

Paying tributes to Maharana Pratap, Modi said he brought glory to India with his valour, boundless courage and battle skills. His sacrifice and devotion to the motherland will always be memorable, he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 160th birth anniversary. Tagore was born on May 7 but his birthday is celebrated in West Bengal, where he was born and is revered, according to the traditional Bengali calendar, and this year, it falls on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 160th birth anniversary. Tagore was born on May 7 but his birthday is celebrated in West Bengal, where he was born and is revered, according to the traditional Bengali calendar, and this year, it falls on Sunday. "On Tagore Jayanti, I bow to the great Gurudev Tagore. May his exemplary ideals keep giving us strength and inspiration to build the India he dreamt of," he said, paying tributes to the man of many talents. Tagore was a playwright, philosopher, composer and poet. He had won the Nobel prize for literature. The prime minister also paid tributes to freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale and celebrated warrior king Maharana Pratap, both of whom were born on this day. Gokhale's life was devoted to serving the nation, and it will always inspire the countrymen, the prime minister said. Paying tributes to Maharana Pratap, Modi said he brought glory to India with his valour, boundless courage and battle skills. His sacrifice and devotion to the motherland will always be memorable, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi pays tributes to Tagore, Gokhale, Maharana Pratap on their birth anniversaries 

The first batch of 83 women military soldiers from the Corps of Military Police Centre and School was inducted into the Indian Army at the Dronacharya Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Saturday.

As per a statement, an attestation parade was held as a low-key event while observing all COVID protocols.

The Commandant of the CMP Centre and School, while reviewing the parade, complimented the newly attested soldiers for their impeccable drill and congratulated them on their successful completion of the intense 61 weeks of training.

The training included aspects related to Basic Military training, Provost training to include all forms of policing duties and management of prisoners of war, ceremonial duties and skill development to include driving and maintenance of all vehicles and signal communications.

The Commandant also expressed his confidence that the training imparted to them and the standards achieved would hold them in good stead and help them prove to be a force multiplier at their new units, located across varied terrain and operational conditions in the country.&nbsp;

The first batch of 83 women military soldiers from the Corps of Military Police Centre and School was inducted into the Indian Army at the Dronacharya Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The first batch of 83 women military soldiers from the Corps of Military Police Centre and School was inducted into the Indian Army at the Dronacharya Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Saturday. As per a statement, an attestation parade was held as a low-key event while observing all COVID protocols. The Commandant of the CMP Centre and School, while reviewing the parade, complimented the newly attested soldiers for their impeccable drill and congratulated them on their successful completion of the intense 61 weeks of training. The training included aspects related to Basic Military training, Provost training to include all forms of policing duties and management of prisoners of war, ceremonial duties and skill development to include driving and maintenance of all vehicles and signal communications. The Commandant also expressed his confidence that the training imparted to them and the standards achieved would hold them in good stead and help them prove to be a force multiplier at their new units, located across varied terrain and operational conditions in the country.

First batch of 83 women soldiers inducted into Indian Army

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