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In a bid to reduce the burden on the testing laboratories in the country, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued new guidelines for COVID-19 testing. ICMR has advised to remove the requirement of testing for people travelling from one state to another.

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The Supreme Court of India has struck down the Maratha quota in excess of the 50% of ceiling limit as unconstitutional.&nbsp;

The court unanimously held that there were no exceptional circumstances justifying the grant of reservation to Marathas in excess of 50% ceiling limit as a Socially and Economically Backward Class.

A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan allowed no breach of 50 per cent ceiling to give more reservation, as it refused to consider reviewing the Indra Sawhney verdict of 1992. 
 
"Exceeding ceiling limit of 50 per cent laid down by Indra Sawhney is violative of Articles 14 and 15," said the top court. The top court said the people from the Maratha community cannot be declared as educationally and socially backwards. 
 
The unanimous judgment was delivered by a bench also comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, S Abdul Nazeer, Hemant Gupta and S Ravindra Bhat. 
 
The top court made it clear that there were no extraordinary circumstances to grant reservation to the Maratha community over and above the 50 per cent ceiling. 
 
The top court struck down the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018 which extends reservation to the Maratha community in public education and employment. 
 
The top court emphasized that exceeding the 50 per cent limit in without exceptional circumstances violates Article 14, and it held that the 2018 act as amended in 2019 exceeds the limit without any exceptional circumstances. 
 
The top court held that SEBC Act, which extends reservation to the Maratha community in public education and employment is unconstitutional. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India has struck down the Maratha quota in excess of the 50% of ceiling limit as unconstitutional. The court unanimously held that there were no exceptional circumstances justifying the grant of reservation to Marathas in excess of 50% ceiling limit as a Socially and Economically Backward Class.

The Supreme Court of India has struck down the Maratha quota in excess of the 50% of ceiling limit as unconstitutional. The court unanimously held that there were no exceptional circumstances justifying the grant of reservation to Marathas in excess of 50% ceiling limit as a Socially and Economically Backward Class. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan allowed no breach of 50 per cent ceiling to give more reservation, as it refused to consider reviewing the Indra Sawhney verdict of 1992. "Exceeding ceiling limit of 50 per cent laid down by Indra Sawhney is violative of Articles 14 and 15," said the top court. The top court said the people from the Maratha community cannot be declared as educationally and socially backwards. The unanimous judgment was delivered by a bench also comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, S Abdul Nazeer, Hemant Gupta and S Ravindra Bhat. The top court made it clear that there were no extraordinary circumstances to grant reservation to the Maratha community over and above the 50 per cent ceiling. The top court struck down the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018 which extends reservation to the Maratha community in public education and employment. The top court emphasized that exceeding the 50 per cent limit in without exceptional circumstances violates Article 14, and it held that the 2018 act as amended in 2019 exceeds the limit without any exceptional circumstances. The top court held that SEBC Act, which extends reservation to the Maratha community in public education and employment is unconstitutional. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Supreme Court strikes down Maratha quota, no review on 50% cap on reservation

Eight Asiatic lions at Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park have tested positive for COVIS-19. This is the first case of lions or any other animals testing positive in an Indian zoo.

In a first in India, 8 Asiatic lions test positive for COVID-19 in Hyderabad zoo

India has become the second country in the world to pass the grim milestone of 20 million infections after the United States.

It took more than 10 months for India to add the first 10 million cases and just four months to add the second 10 million - more than double the pace of infection, which is fast spreading.

In the last 24 hours, India has added another 350,000 cases, slightly less than Monday. However, it is hardly a figure that gives any relief.

India's active cases now represent 17 per cent of the total caseload with more than three million people currently positive and over 16 million patients who have recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-wuhan-virus-variant-found-in-india-382820">Watch |</a>

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The death toll is still mounting, with close to 3,500 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;But the bad news doesn't end there. There are reports of a new mutation called the "N440K variant" or the AP variant, a reference to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh where it was first detected.

Everything about the AP variant is alarming as reports say the variant has already moved beyond Andhra Pradesh. It has been found in 20 to 30 per cent of the samples in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

The strain is said to be at least 15 times more virulent than the earlier ones, which means it spreads even faster. It has a shorter incubation period and the infection spreads much more rapidly within the human body.

More studies are needed to confirm these findings but, it is a worrying development, not just for India, but for the rest of the world because there's no telling which form and shape the virus takes next and vaccines are the only way to control it - not borders and flight bans.

India has become the second country in the world to pass the grim milestone of 20 million infections after the United States. It took more than 10 months for India to add the first 10 million cases and just four months to add the second 10 million - more than double the pace of infection, which is fast spreading.

India has become the second country in the world to pass the grim milestone of 20 million infections after the United States. It took more than 10 months for India to add the first 10 million cases and just four months to add the second 10 million - more than double the pace of infection, which is fast spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has added another 350,000 cases, slightly less than Monday. However, it is hardly a figure that gives any relief. India's active cases now represent 17 per cent of the total caseload with more than three million people currently positive and over 16 million patients who have recovered. Watch | The death toll is still mounting, with close to 3,500 deaths in the last 24 hours. But the bad news doesn't end there. There are reports of a new mutation called the "N440K variant" or the AP variant, a reference to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh where it was first detected. Everything about the AP variant is alarming as reports say the variant has already moved beyond Andhra Pradesh. It has been found in 20 to 30 per cent of the samples in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The strain is said to be at least 15 times more virulent than the earlier ones, which means it spreads even faster. It has a shorter incubation period and the infection spreads much more rapidly within the human body. More studies are needed to confirm these findings but, it is a worrying development, not just for India, but for the rest of the world because there's no telling which form and shape the virus takes next and vaccines are the only way to control it - not borders and flight bans.

India's Andhra Pradesh COVID-19 variant: N440K is 15 times more virulent

Several families in the US find themselves separated from their loved ones more than 13,000 kms away across two continents as the Biden administration’s ban on travellers from India in view of the unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country has come into effect.

In some cases, the main earning member of the family has been left stranded in India, with no way to rejoin their spouses and kids in the US while in some other instances, mothers have been separated from their young children as one of the unintended consequences of the travel ban announced by President Joe Biden last week.

The proclamation signed by Biden on April 30 came into effect on May 4.

Certain categories of students, academics, journalists and individuals have been exempted from the ban, according to the US State Department.

The travel ban is for an indefinite period given the major outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Some of these people say that they are now stuck in India for an indefinite period as the American consulates have also been shut down. “My husband who has been on H-1B since 2008 had to travel to India on April 17 to be with his dying father and to perform last rites. Since then, the US embassy in India has been closed. Although he has an approved H-1B visa, he needs visa stamping on his passport and also to attend an in-person interview at the US mission in Delhi,” Neha Mahajan, co-founder of Skilled Immigrants in America, said.

“I am here with our two daughters who miss their dad during this extremely hard time for the family in the middle of this pandemic,” she said.

Nashville-based Payal Raj said that she has no idea when and how will she get back from India to be with her nine-year-old child. “The bans are specifically targeted towards non-immigrants and their families and looking at the history of other country’s bans, this could go on for months or even a year.

“There are thousands of people stuck with heart-breaking stories of coming here to attend to dying parents and then getting stuck due to the bans and not able to go back to their kids and spouses,” Raj told PTI from India.

Abhinav Amresh finds himself stranded in Mumbai away from his kids because the US Consulate in Mumbai has been shut down as a result of which he cannot get his H-1B visa stamped.

The next available appointment that he is now getting is for September. Unless his visa is stamped, he cannot return to the US. “The kids have never been away from their father for so long and the passing of their beloved grandmother and even their dad being away is already putting them under a lot of stress. My wife and I are primary caregivers for the kids and share all household responsibilities. Also, I am the main driver at home to bring groceries, take kids to their doctor (they have a visit and vaccination due) and all regular things,” Amresh said.

The whole situation is becoming very stressful, he said. “My only question to the authorities is - despite the exceptions in the travel ban, there are many people like me with young US citizen kids who had to travel on family emergencies but do not have a valid visa stamping. How can they come back to the US and unite with their family? This is a humanitarian crisis and child rights issue and if travel ban means visa ban then why not say so,” he said.

Utkarsha Hazarnis, who has been in the US since 2013 and now stranded in India as his visa cannot be stamped due to the closure of the US consulate, urged the Biden administration to take active steps for those who have jobs in the US and are currently stuck in India.

“Active measures and alternatives should be worked on to help such cases,” he said.

He had travelled to India to see his ailing father in Mumbai.

Another Indian-American, who requested anonymity, said that she has no clue when the consulates would open. “We have no clue when this proclamation will end. We are not able to meet our families due to the fear of getting stuck over there in India. Of course, nobody is stopping us now, but we bought a house here. Our kids are studying here for five years… This is not an easy situation for us to handle,” she said.

Hemanth Modadugu was supposed to travel to India for H-1B stamping and get married in May 2020. However, he had to cancel. He left the US for India in April. “I left Seattle on April 24. I reached Doha and within the next 10 minutes, I received an email that all visa appointments are cancelled. I cannot return to the US without stamping. So, I continued my journey to India. Even if I had a hint of appointment cancellation while in the US, I would have tried to cancel my trip,” he said.

“Now, on top of visa appointment cancellation, we received the news of a travel ban. Why leave H-1B visa holders or those who came to India for stamping from exemptions?” Hemanth asked.

The new travel restrictions have been imposed for an indefinite period and will require another presidential proclamation to end it. India is struggling with an unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past week.

According to Indian health ministry data on Wednesday, a record 3,780 fresh COVID-19 fatalities were registered in a single day in India, taking the death toll to 2,26,188, while 3,82,315 new coronavirus infections were recorded.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 2,06,65,148.&nbsp;

Several families in the US find themselves separated from their loved ones more than 13,000 kms away across two continents as the Biden administration’s ban on travellers from India in view of the unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country has come into effect.

Several families in the US find themselves separated from their loved ones more than 13,000 kms away across two continents as the Biden administration’s ban on travellers from India in view of the unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country has come into effect. In some cases, the main earning member of the family has been left stranded in India, with no way to rejoin their spouses and kids in the US while in some other instances, mothers have been separated from their young children as one of the unintended consequences of the travel ban announced by President Joe Biden last week. The proclamation signed by Biden on April 30 came into effect on May 4. Certain categories of students, academics, journalists and individuals have been exempted from the ban, according to the US State Department. The travel ban is for an indefinite period given the major outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Some of these people say that they are now stuck in India for an indefinite period as the American consulates have also been shut down. “My husband who has been on H-1B since 2008 had to travel to India on April 17 to be with his dying father and to perform last rites. Since then, the US embassy in India has been closed. Although he has an approved H-1B visa, he needs visa stamping on his passport and also to attend an in-person interview at the US mission in Delhi,” Neha Mahajan, co-founder of Skilled Immigrants in America, said. “I am here with our two daughters who miss their dad during this extremely hard time for the family in the middle of this pandemic,” she said. Nashville-based Payal Raj said that she has no idea when and how will she get back from India to be with her nine-year-old child. “The bans are specifically targeted towards non-immigrants and their families and looking at the history of other country’s bans, this could go on for months or even a year. “There are thousands of people stuck with heart-breaking stories of coming here to attend to dying parents and then getting stuck due to the bans and not able to go back to their kids and spouses,” Raj told PTI from India. Abhinav Amresh finds himself stranded in Mumbai away from his kids because the US Consulate in Mumbai has been shut down as a result of which he cannot get his H-1B visa stamped. The next available appointment that he is now getting is for September. Unless his visa is stamped, he cannot return to the US. “The kids have never been away from their father for so long and the passing of their beloved grandmother and even their dad being away is already putting them under a lot of stress. My wife and I are primary caregivers for the kids and share all household responsibilities. Also, I am the main driver at home to bring groceries, take kids to their doctor (they have a visit and vaccination due) and all regular things,” Amresh said. The whole situation is becoming very stressful, he said. “My only question to the authorities is - despite the exceptions in the travel ban, there are many people like me with young US citizen kids who had to travel on family emergencies but do not have a valid visa stamping. How can they come back to the US and unite with their family? This is a humanitarian crisis and child rights issue and if travel ban means visa ban then why not say so,” he said. Utkarsha Hazarnis, who has been in the US since 2013 and now stranded in India as his visa cannot be stamped due to the closure of the US consulate, urged the Biden administration to take active steps for those who have jobs in the US and are currently stuck in India. “Active measures and alternatives should be worked on to help such cases,” he said. He had travelled to India to see his ailing father in Mumbai. Another Indian-American, who requested anonymity, said that she has no clue when the consulates would open. “We have no clue when this proclamation will end. We are not able to meet our families due to the fear of getting stuck over there in India. Of course, nobody is stopping us now, but we bought a house here. Our kids are studying here for five years… This is not an easy situation for us to handle,” she said. Hemanth Modadugu was supposed to travel to India for H-1B stamping and get married in May 2020. However, he had to cancel. He left the US for India in April. “I left Seattle on April 24. I reached Doha and within the next 10 minutes, I received an email that all visa appointments are cancelled. I cannot return to the US without stamping. So, I continued my journey to India. Even if I had a hint of appointment cancellation while in the US, I would have tried to cancel my trip,” he said. “Now, on top of visa appointment cancellation, we received the news of a travel ban. Why leave H-1B visa holders or those who came to India for stamping from exemptions?” Hemanth asked. The new travel restrictions have been imposed for an indefinite period and will require another presidential proclamation to end it. India is struggling with an unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past week. According to Indian health ministry data on Wednesday, a record 3,780 fresh COVID-19 fatalities were registered in a single day in India, taking the death toll to 2,26,188, while 3,82,315 new coronavirus infections were recorded. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 2,06,65,148.

Many Indian-American families separated due to US ban on travellers from India

The virus has been behaving differently and spreading faster. Earlier, the virus spread through droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing but now&nbsp;you can get infected just by speaking to a carrier.

So more people are getting infected and their condition is worsening faster. It gives doctors less time to respond.

There's a&nbsp;South African variant, UK variant, Brazilian variant and the double mutant.

While the extent of their spread remains unclear, experts believe all these variants are in wide circulation in India and they are making the job of India's frontline workers harder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-deadly-second-wave-mutants-are-exacerbating-the-pandemic-crisis-382819">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-deadly-second-wave-mutants-are-exacerbating-the-pandemic-crisis-382819/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These mutations spread far more quickly than before, going by one estimate they can spread from one patient to the next - 20 to 50 per cent more easily. As a result, more people are getting infected. Earlier, a patient could easily isolate at home without putting other family members at risk. Now, entire families are getting infected.

Dr Dodul Mandal, a senior oncologist in Delhi, recently recovered after contracting the virus. Mandal's family was infected as well. Dr Mandal believes the behaviour of the virus has changed.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that patients suffering from a moderate or serious illness suffer from high and persistent fever. Some are developing blood clots, increasing&nbsp;the risk of death.

Beyond a persistent cough and loss of smell and taste, patients are now also complaining of headaches, conjunctivitis, rashes and diarrhoea.

Until last year, experts believed India saw a much milder strain of the virus but the newer variants are beating the immune response of the human body.

Even those who tested positive before and recovered are getting infected again.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted an investigation recently and found that reinfection is rare, but a real possibility. Out of 1,300 individuals which the ICMR assessed, 4.5 per cent were reinfected.

&nbsp;Experts believe these variants infect the cells of the body far more quickly. Patients now need oxygen in less than a week, with cases becoming severe in a matter of a few days, leading to more serious patients, increased hospitalisations and even deaths.

Hospitals are now adopting different protocols instead of sticking to a fixed formula to treat different patients.

2021 was supposed to be the beginning of the end of the pandemic but the virus is fighting back with mutations. And for healthcare workers in India, the task to defeat the virus just got tougher.

The virus has been behaving differently and spreading faster. Earlier, the virus spread through droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing but now you can get infected just by speaking to a carrier.

The virus has been behaving differently and spreading faster. Earlier, the virus spread through droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing but now you can get infected just by speaking to a carrier. So more people are getting infected and their condition is worsening faster. It gives doctors less time to respond. There's a South African variant, UK variant, Brazilian variant and the double mutant. While the extent of their spread remains unclear, experts believe all these variants are in wide circulation in India and they are making the job of India's frontline workers harder. Watch | These mutations spread far more quickly than before, going by one estimate they can spread from one patient to the next - 20 to 50 per cent more easily. As a result, more people are getting infected. Earlier, a patient could easily isolate at home without putting other family members at risk. Now, entire families are getting infected. Dr Dodul Mandal, a senior oncologist in Delhi, recently recovered after contracting the virus. Mandal's family was infected as well. Dr Mandal believes the behaviour of the virus has changed. Anecdotal evidence suggests that patients suffering from a moderate or serious illness suffer from high and persistent fever. Some are developing blood clots, increasing the risk of death. Beyond a persistent cough and loss of smell and taste, patients are now also complaining of headaches, conjunctivitis, rashes and diarrhoea. Until last year, experts believed India saw a much milder strain of the virus but the newer variants are beating the immune response of the human body. Even those who tested positive before and recovered are getting infected again. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted an investigation recently and found that reinfection is rare, but a real possibility. Out of 1,300 individuals which the ICMR assessed, 4.5 per cent were reinfected. Experts believe these variants infect the cells of the body far more quickly. Patients now need oxygen in less than a week, with cases becoming severe in a matter of a few days, leading to more serious patients, increased hospitalisations and even deaths. Hospitals are now adopting different protocols instead of sticking to a fixed formula to treat different patients. 2021 was supposed to be the beginning of the end of the pandemic but the virus is fighting back with mutations. And for healthcare workers in India, the task to defeat the virus just got tougher.

Why coronavirus variants are proving to be fatal for patients in India

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India.

Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.&nbsp;

"I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," Morrison said.

Australia had temporarily banned its citizens from entering if they have been in India within two weeks of their arrival. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that there are about 9,000 Australians living in India who want to come home.

The decision has&nbsp;been widely criticised, with some describing it as "immoral and un-Australian" and others questioning the legality of banning citizens from coming home.

Among those trapped are some of Australia's most high profile sporting stars, cricketers playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

Commentator and former Test cricket star Michael Slater were among those who pilloried Morrison's decision, saying it was a "disgrace".

"Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this," he tweeted. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home."

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If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect
— Michael Slater (@mj_slats) <a href="https://twitter.com/mj_slats/status/1389147322425110541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Morrison said the idea he had blood on his hands was "absurd".&nbsp;

"The buck stops here when it comes to these decisions, and I'm going to make decisions that I believe are going to protect Australia from a third wave," he said.

"I'm working to bring them home safely," he added, indicating that repatriation flights could begin soon after May 15.

The decision came into force on Monday and was denounced by rights groups and some of Morrison's most prominent allies including Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt who said it "stinks of racism".

Australia has largely avoided the worst of the pandemic through some of the strictest border controls in the world.&nbsp;

There is a blanket ban on travel to-and-from the country unless an exemption is secured.

Non-residents are mostly banned from entering and anyone who does come into the country must carry out a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.

But that system has come under increasing strain as the virus has jumped from quarantine facilities and caused a series of outbreaks in the largely unvaccinated community.&nbsp;

The conservative prime minister faces re-election in the next 12 months and had hoped Australia's relatively successful handling of the pandemic would propel him to victory.

But the India travel ban and a glacial vaccine rollout have prompted criticism.

Australia has administered 2.2 million vaccine doses out of a population of 25 million people, who each need two doses to be fully immunised.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India. Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India. Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them. "I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," Morrison said. Australia had temporarily banned its citizens from entering if they have been in India within two weeks of their arrival. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that there are about 9,000 Australians living in India who want to come home. The decision has been widely criticised, with some describing it as "immoral and un-Australian" and others questioning the legality of banning citizens from coming home. Among those trapped are some of Australia's most high profile sporting stars, cricketers playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League. Commentator and former Test cricket star Michael Slater were among those who pilloried Morrison's decision, saying it was a "disgrace". "Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this," he tweeted. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home." If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect — Michael Slater (@mj_slats) May 3, 2021 × Morrison said the idea he had blood on his hands was "absurd". "The buck stops here when it comes to these decisions, and I'm going to make decisions that I believe are going to protect Australia from a third wave," he said. "I'm working to bring them home safely," he added, indicating that repatriation flights could begin soon after May 15. The decision came into force on Monday and was denounced by rights groups and some of Morrison's most prominent allies including Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt who said it "stinks of racism". Australia has largely avoided the worst of the pandemic through some of the strictest border controls in the world. There is a blanket ban on travel to-and-from the country unless an exemption is secured. Non-residents are mostly banned from entering and anyone who does come into the country must carry out a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. But that system has come under increasing strain as the virus has jumped from quarantine facilities and caused a series of outbreaks in the largely unvaccinated community. The conservative prime minister faces re-election in the next 12 months and had hoped Australia's relatively successful handling of the pandemic would propel him to victory. But the India travel ban and a glacial vaccine rollout have prompted criticism. Australia has administered 2.2 million vaccine doses out of a population of 25 million people, who each need two doses to be fully immunised. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Morrison retreats from threat to jail Australians escaping Covid-wracked India

An Indian Air Force C17 Globemaster transport aircraft carrying 35 tonnes of aid including 450 oxygen cylinders, each with a capacity of 46.6 litres, landed in Chennai&nbsp;airport on Tuesday morning.

The cylinders were donated by the British Oxygen Company (BOC) and were consigned to the Indian Red Cross Society in Chennai.&nbsp;

After the cargo was unloaded, the first C-17 took off by around 7:45 am. Chennai Airport authorities said that they had facilitated the smooth movement of the IAF aircraft.&nbsp; 
 
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The IAF aircraft&nbsp;had gone from Jamnagar Airbase on Sunday to Brize Norton in the UK to lift critical life support equipment. The aircraft flew non-stop for 11.5 hours to reach the UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
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The massive four-engine, T-tailed aircraft landed at the city’s International airport at 5:15 am, following which Chennai Customs facilitated a speedy cargo clearance within half an hour. Another load of 450 cylinders is expected to arrive in the city via another IAF C-17 transport aircraft in the afternoon.&nbsp; 
 
“Showcasing the potential of Indo-British partnership to fight the pandemic. An IAF aircraft carrying 450 oxygen cylinders arrives in Chennai (India). Grateful to the UK for the support,” tweeted Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India’s External Affairs Ministry.&nbsp;

The 5,000 cylinder aid provided by the British Oxygen Company comes at a time when India is ramping up efforts in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic second wave that is raging across the country.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s capital city witnessed an all-time high of 6,150 covid cases on Monday, whereas Tamil Nadu saw 20,952 cases. Active cases in the state are at 123,000.

Global help and support have been pouring in over the last few weeks in the form of PPE kits, raw material for vaccine production and ventilators, among others.&nbsp;

An Indian Air Force C17 Globemaster transport aircraft carrying 35 tonnes of aid including 450 oxygen cylinders, each with a capacity of 46.6 litres, landed in Chennai airport on Tuesday morning.

An Indian Air Force C17 Globemaster transport aircraft carrying 35 tonnes of aid including 450 oxygen cylinders, each with a capacity of 46.6 litres, landed in Chennai airport on Tuesday morning. The cylinders were donated by the British Oxygen Company (BOC) and were consigned to the Indian Red Cross Society in Chennai. After the cargo was unloaded, the first C-17 took off by around 7:45 am. Chennai Airport authorities said that they had facilitated the smooth movement of the IAF aircraft. The IAF aircraft had gone from Jamnagar Airbase on Sunday to Brize Norton in the UK to lift critical life support equipment. The aircraft flew non-stop for 11.5 hours to reach the UK. The massive four-engine, T-tailed aircraft landed at the city’s International airport at 5:15 am, following which Chennai Customs facilitated a speedy cargo clearance within half an hour. Another load of 450 cylinders is expected to arrive in the city via another IAF C-17 transport aircraft in the afternoon. “Showcasing the potential of Indo-British partnership to fight the pandemic. An IAF aircraft carrying 450 oxygen cylinders arrives in Chennai (India). Grateful to the UK for the support,” tweeted Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India’s External Affairs Ministry. The 5,000 cylinder aid provided by the British Oxygen Company comes at a time when India is ramping up efforts in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic second wave that is raging across the country. Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s capital city witnessed an all-time high of 6,150 covid cases on Monday, whereas Tamil Nadu saw 20,952 cases. Active cases in the state are at 123,000. Global help and support have been pouring in over the last few weeks in the form of PPE kits, raw material for vaccine production and ventilators, among others.

Indian Air Force flies 450 oxygen cylinders from UK to Chennai, 450 more to arrive 

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared. At the centre of it were a couple of embassies in New Delhi. The row started with a video on Twitter.

The video showed oxygen cylinders being delivered to the Philippine embassy. The men delivering the cylinders belong to the Youth Congress. For those unfamiliar, they are the youth wing of Congress, India's principal opposition party.

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The matter should have ended there. But what's philanthropy without social media posts? And what's politics without a bit of chest-thumping?

Opposition leaders soon started sharing this video. Former union minister Jairam Ramesh went one step ahead. He asked whether India's foreign ministry was sleeping?

The matter could have ended there as well. But what's politics without one-upping your rival?

The reply came right from the top.

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was the one who responded. He said there were no Wuhan virus cases at the Philippine embassy.

Jaishankar called this an unsolicited supply. Then the story shifted to the New Zealand High Commission.

They posted a tweet which was later deleted. It was an appeal for oxygen cylinders.

The Youth Congress jumped in again. And another video followed. This time they were at the Kiwi mission delivering Oxygen.

Now it's highly unusual for a diplomatic mission to reach out to the opposition. Especially in the middle of a crisis. It sends a wrong message politically. New Zealand was quick to recognise this. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that her diplomats chose the wrong route.

New Zealand should have been more mindful of the protocols. It was some employee's moment of desperation on Twitter.

But there is no denying that our leaders should have been more mature. Jairam Ramesh continued with his jibes on Twitter.

And this time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson set the record straight.

"The chief of protocol and heads of divisions are in continuous touch with all high commissions and embassies and MEA is responding to their medical demands, especially those related to Covid. This includes facilitating their hospital treatment. Given the pandemic situation, all are urged not to hoard essential supplies, including oxygen."

Couple of things to note here. Most importantly, this entire controversy was needless and avoidable.

We don't know the exact situation at the New Zealand High Commission. So we won't speculate on that.

But the fact is, such back and forth helps no one. This is not the time for sabre-rattling on social media.

Could the Youth Congress not have coordinated this with the MEA? Yes they could have. Could seasoned politicians not have dragged this row on Twitter? Of course they could have.

But in politics it's all about playing to the gallery. It's not about helping but being seen helping.&nbsp;

We have seen leaders flag off relief trucks in the past.

Imagine that, people are eagerly waiting for aid. But the trucks are held off so that the leader can flag them off.

This isn't the first time politics has let down India.

And it won't be the last time. But unprecedented crises call for unprecedented measures.

So maybe our leaders can hold off on playing politics. Because once the dust settles, there will be plenty of time for that.

Circling back to the embassies, why are they appealing for oxygen? The foreign minister says the Philippine embassy has zero cases. So the cylinders were a precaution.

They weren't actively looking for them. But considering how pressed we are for oxygen, precaution is in effect hoarding. This applies for all embassies.&nbsp;

We realise how vulnerable the diplomats feel. They are thousands of miles away in a foreign land. That too in the middle of a deadly pandemic. But there are patients who need oxygen right now.

So hoarding is simply not acceptable. And this was the MEA's message to embassies and high commissions.

Do not hoard essentials, including oxygen.

As for the politicians. These diplomats are our guests. Helping them is our collective responsibility. India has offered vaccines to all foreign diplomats. A few of them have already gotten the jabs.

But the season of politics is perennial. Crisis or not they continue to squabble.

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared.

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared. At the centre of it were a couple of embassies in New Delhi. The row started with a video on Twitter. The video showed oxygen cylinders being delivered to the Philippine embassy. The men delivering the cylinders belong to the Youth Congress. For those unfamiliar, they are the youth wing of Congress, India's principal opposition party. × The matter should have ended there. But what's philanthropy without social media posts? And what's politics without a bit of chest-thumping? Opposition leaders soon started sharing this video. Former union minister Jairam Ramesh went one step ahead. He asked whether India's foreign ministry was sleeping? The matter could have ended there as well. But what's politics without one-upping your rival? The reply came right from the top. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was the one who responded. He said there were no Wuhan virus cases at the Philippine embassy. Jaishankar called this an unsolicited supply. Then the story shifted to the New Zealand High Commission. They posted a tweet which was later deleted. It was an appeal for oxygen cylinders. The Youth Congress jumped in again. And another video followed. This time they were at the Kiwi mission delivering Oxygen. Now it's highly unusual for a diplomatic mission to reach out to the opposition. Especially in the middle of a crisis. It sends a wrong message politically. New Zealand was quick to recognise this. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that her diplomats chose the wrong route. New Zealand should have been more mindful of the protocols. It was some employee's moment of desperation on Twitter. But there is no denying that our leaders should have been more mature. Jairam Ramesh continued with his jibes on Twitter. And this time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson set the record straight. "The chief of protocol and heads of divisions are in continuous touch with all high commissions and embassies and MEA is responding to their medical demands, especially those related to Covid. This includes facilitating their hospital treatment. Given the pandemic situation, all are urged not to hoard essential supplies, including oxygen." Couple of things to note here. Most importantly, this entire controversy was needless and avoidable. We don't know the exact situation at the New Zealand High Commission. So we won't speculate on that. But the fact is, such back and forth helps no one. This is not the time for sabre-rattling on social media. Could the Youth Congress not have coordinated this with the MEA? Yes they could have. Could seasoned politicians not have dragged this row on Twitter? Of course they could have. But in politics it's all about playing to the gallery. It's not about helping but being seen helping. We have seen leaders flag off relief trucks in the past. Imagine that, people are eagerly waiting for aid. But the trucks are held off so that the leader can flag them off. This isn't the first time politics has let down India. And it won't be the last time. But unprecedented crises call for unprecedented measures. So maybe our leaders can hold off on playing politics. Because once the dust settles, there will be plenty of time for that. Circling back to the embassies, why are they appealing for oxygen? The foreign minister says the Philippine embassy has zero cases. So the cylinders were a precaution. They weren't actively looking for them. But considering how pressed we are for oxygen, precaution is in effect hoarding. This applies for all embassies. We realise how vulnerable the diplomats feel. They are thousands of miles away in a foreign land. That too in the middle of a deadly pandemic. But there are patients who need oxygen right now. So hoarding is simply not acceptable. And this was the MEA's message to embassies and high commissions. Do not hoard essentials, including oxygen. As for the politicians. These diplomats are our guests. Helping them is our collective responsibility. India has offered vaccines to all foreign diplomats. A few of them have already gotten the jabs. But the season of politics is perennial. Crisis or not they continue to squabble.

Amid India's Covid crisis, season of politics remains perennial

According to a mathematical model of a team of scientists advising the government, India's COVID-19 cases may peak between May 3-5. This comes as the Coronavirus is spreading faster than expected in the country.

Experts say India's COVID-19 infections may peak between May 3-5

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse.

Is a peak in sight? What do the numbers say? Is a national lockdown inevitable?

The numbers are not getting any better. The deadly second wave gripped the country in April.

That's last month. In one month, nearly seven million people were infected. More than 48,000 have died.

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&nbsp;

And the virus is still spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has again reported more than 300,000 new cases. On Saturday, over 400,000 people had tested positive. That's the highest ever.

For 12 straight days now, India has been adding more than 300,000&nbsp; cases everyday. This takes india's total caseload close to 20 million now. India now has more than 3.4 million active cases. They now represent over 17 per cent of the caseload. 10 states and union territories account for more than 73 per cent of the new cases.

More than 16 million people have recovered. Over 300,000 people tested negative in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate remains steady at over 80 percent.

But the number of causalities is alarmingly high. More than 3,400 people died in the last 24 hours.

Is this the worst case scenario? Scientists say it could be.

New infections could peak this week. A team of scientists that is advising the government has come up with a mathematical model to make predictions. They're trying to answer the question that is on everyone's mind.

When will this surge end?

They believe the curve will touch its peak this week, between the third and the fifth of May.&nbsp;

On what basis do they say this? The fall in positivity rate.

What is that?

It's basically the percentage of all Wuhan virus tests that came back positive. So if 100 people test and 30 of them are positive, then the positivity rate is 30 per cent.

Right now, India's positivity rate is 21.19 per cent. On Sunday, it was 21.25 per cent. So there's a very very slight dip.

The difference is barely 0.06&nbsp;per cent.

Does it even dent the surge?

Last year, the WHO had recommended that positivity levels must remain at five per cent or less for at least 14 days for governments to unlock and for people to resume their lives.

India's positivity rate is well over 20 per cent. So we have a long way to go before we can say that the pandemic is under control. In fact, the road ahead doesn't look easy.

Pharma companies say there will be a drug shortage. That's because the cases have exploded, and the supply is limited. At least two reports say that the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients or API have shot up.

These are basically raw materials used to make medicines.

The price of these raw materials have gone up by 30 to 200 per cent.

What explains this? Two things.

One, the rising demand has led to hoarding.

And two, supply disruptions from China.

Remember, India still imports 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical raw materials from China.

Last week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines suspended 11 cargo flights to India. Their cargo included raw materials for pharma companies. China insists there's no disruption in exports to India.

But this airline is yet to announce a schedule for its India flights. And that means India is staring at a drug shortage.

What about vaccines?

They're still locked up in patents.

Last week, we told you how countries like the US and the UK were blocking India's bid to get patent waivers. Today, we can tell you they still haven't changed their minds. The United States remains non-committal on a waiver. Today, the govt was asked about it.

It said America is still discussing all options with its partners. There was no mention of the waiver.

"We are working with our global partners to explore pragmatic and effective steps to surge production and equitable distribution of vaccines," a United States Trade Representative official told VOA.

While this battle continues, India's immediate concern is to control the caseload and break the chain of infection.

Is another lockdown the only option?

India's leading industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) president Uday Kotak endorsed another lockdown today.

"The CII calls for maximal measures at the national level including curtailing economic activity to reduce suffering," he said

Already at least 11 states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions.

But there's no word on a national lockdown.

It's a tough decision to make aftet all. Lives and livelihoods, both must be protected.

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse. Is a peak in sight?

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse. Is a peak in sight? What do the numbers say? Is a national lockdown inevitable? The numbers are not getting any better. The deadly second wave gripped the country in April. That's last month. In one month, nearly seven million people were infected. More than 48,000 have died. × And the virus is still spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has again reported more than 300,000 new cases. On Saturday, over 400,000 people had tested positive. That's the highest ever. For 12 straight days now, India has been adding more than 300,000 cases everyday. This takes india's total caseload close to 20 million now. India now has more than 3.4 million active cases. They now represent over 17 per cent of the caseload. 10 states and union territories account for more than 73 per cent of the new cases. More than 16 million people have recovered. Over 300,000 people tested negative in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate remains steady at over 80 percent. But the number of causalities is alarmingly high. More than 3,400 people died in the last 24 hours. Is this the worst case scenario? Scientists say it could be. New infections could peak this week. A team of scientists that is advising the government has come up with a mathematical model to make predictions. They're trying to answer the question that is on everyone's mind. When will this surge end? They believe the curve will touch its peak this week, between the third and the fifth of May. On what basis do they say this? The fall in positivity rate. What is that? It's basically the percentage of all Wuhan virus tests that came back positive. So if 100 people test and 30 of them are positive, then the positivity rate is 30 per cent. Right now, India's positivity rate is 21.19 per cent. On Sunday, it was 21.25 per cent. So there's a very very slight dip. The difference is barely 0.06 per cent. Does it even dent the surge? Last year, the WHO had recommended that positivity levels must remain at five per cent or less for at least 14 days for governments to unlock and for people to resume their lives. India's positivity rate is well over 20 per cent. So we have a long way to go before we can say that the pandemic is under control. In fact, the road ahead doesn't look easy. Pharma companies say there will be a drug shortage. That's because the cases have exploded, and the supply is limited. At least two reports say that the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients or API have shot up. These are basically raw materials used to make medicines. The price of these raw materials have gone up by 30 to 200 per cent. What explains this? Two things. One, the rising demand has led to hoarding. And two, supply disruptions from China. Remember, India still imports 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical raw materials from China. Last week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines suspended 11 cargo flights to India. Their cargo included raw materials for pharma companies. China insists there's no disruption in exports to India. But this airline is yet to announce a schedule for its India flights. And that means India is staring at a drug shortage. What about vaccines? They're still locked up in patents. Last week, we told you how countries like the US and the UK were blocking India's bid to get patent waivers. Today, we can tell you they still haven't changed their minds. The United States remains non-committal on a waiver. Today, the govt was asked about it. It said America is still discussing all options with its partners. There was no mention of the waiver. "We are working with our global partners to explore pragmatic and effective steps to surge production and equitable distribution of vaccines," a United States Trade Representative official told VOA. While this battle continues, India's immediate concern is to control the caseload and break the chain of infection. Is another lockdown the only option? India's leading industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) president Uday Kotak endorsed another lockdown today. "The CII calls for maximal measures at the national level including curtailing economic activity to reduce suffering," he said Already at least 11 states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions. But there's no word on a national lockdown. It's a tough decision to make aftet all. Lives and livelihoods, both must be protected.

India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection

There are a string of stories attached to the&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic but they have been highlighted by the fourth pillar of society, that is, media.

Journalists have been the invisible front-line workers of this pandemic. While viewers have&nbsp;stayed home,&nbsp;reporters ventured out to report the latest developments about the novel coronavirus.

Whether it was the first wave of the pandemic or the second, the news is always on the top of&nbsp;the agenda.&nbsp;Every day of the last year, WION's&nbsp;team came&nbsp;to work, risking&nbsp;themselves and their families to tell the stories that need to be shared.

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&nbsp;

However, there are some people who&nbsp;want rosier pictures and positive spins.&nbsp;Whatsapp forwards ask to&nbsp;quarantine the media because they spread negativity. But the media did not create the pandemic, it&nbsp;only reports it.

There is a direct link between the content you consume and your mental space.&nbsp;

There are people who say that relentless reporting on the second wave - is spreading negativity.

More than 3,000 Indians are dying every day from the coronavirus.&nbsp;It reinforces the seriousness of the&nbsp;pandemic.

The media regularly answers a series of most frequently asked questions. However, there are people who take it too far and&nbsp;spread fear, panic, and misinformation.

The media can play a positive role by checking facts and busting myths by avoiding&nbsp;a half-baked approach.

Knowledge is power and can act as the&nbsp;biggest weapon to combat COVID-19.

The more viewers know about the pandemic,&nbsp;the better equipped they are&nbsp;to face it.

Today the matter reached the apex court of India, that is the Supreme Court.

Is the pandemic coverage too negative?

The Supreme Court of India said that the&nbsp;free flow of information must continue.&nbsp;It slammed the clampdown on social media posts and accounts asking for help and said that it would&nbsp;amount to contempt of court.

The second instance was on reporting discussions inside court rooms.

A few days back,&nbsp;the Madras High Court came down heavily on the Election Commission.

The court said the EC should be booked for murder for its negligence.

The EC went to the Supreme Court and said the media should be prevented from covering this bit of news.

The top court flatly rejected this. It said such reportage was in public interest...

It gives the media&nbsp;no joy to tell viewers these stories of suffering. But the reality is that India is suffering.

If the pandemic coverage is genuinely affecting the mental space of viewers they can&nbsp;switch off the television or avoid reading news.&nbsp;But remember, this is not the same as ignorance. The media cannot&nbsp;pretend the pandemic doesn't exist.

So WION&nbsp;&nbsp;will keep beaming these images of long lines outside hospitals, signboards&nbsp;that say 'no oxygen', and people walking around without masks. These are supposed to be a constant reminder of how serious our problem is. A&nbsp;constant reminder to the governments that they&nbsp;need to act urgently.

When millions of your countrymen are suffering, is positivity even possible?

The news reflects the ground situation, and the ground situation right now is completely negative.

There are a string of stories attached to the coronavirus pandemic but they have been highlighted by the fourth pillar of society, that is, media. Journalists have been the invisible front-line workers of this pandemic.

There are a string of stories attached to the coronavirus pandemic but they have been highlighted by the fourth pillar of society, that is, media. Journalists have been the invisible front-line workers of this pandemic. While viewers have stayed home, reporters ventured out to report the latest developments about the novel coronavirus. Whether it was the first wave of the pandemic or the second, the news is always on the top of the agenda. Every day of the last year, WION's team came to work, risking themselves and their families to tell the stories that need to be shared. × However, there are some people who want rosier pictures and positive spins. Whatsapp forwards ask to quarantine the media because they spread negativity. But the media did not create the pandemic, it only reports it. There is a direct link between the content you consume and your mental space. There are people who say that relentless reporting on the second wave - is spreading negativity. More than 3,000 Indians are dying every day from the coronavirus. It reinforces the seriousness of the pandemic. The media regularly answers a series of most frequently asked questions. However, there are people who take it too far and spread fear, panic, and misinformation. The media can play a positive role by checking facts and busting myths by avoiding a half-baked approach. Knowledge is power and can act as the biggest weapon to combat COVID-19. The more viewers know about the pandemic, the better equipped they are to face it. Today the matter reached the apex court of India, that is the Supreme Court. Is the pandemic coverage too negative? The Supreme Court of India said that the free flow of information must continue. It slammed the clampdown on social media posts and accounts asking for help and said that it would amount to contempt of court. The second instance was on reporting discussions inside court rooms. A few days back, the Madras High Court came down heavily on the Election Commission. The court said the EC should be booked for murder for its negligence. The EC went to the Supreme Court and said the media should be prevented from covering this bit of news. The top court flatly rejected this. It said such reportage was in public interest... It gives the media no joy to tell viewers these stories of suffering. But the reality is that India is suffering. If the pandemic coverage is genuinely affecting the mental space of viewers they can switch off the television or avoid reading news. But remember, this is not the same as ignorance. The media cannot pretend the pandemic doesn't exist. So WION will keep beaming these images of long lines outside hospitals, signboards that say 'no oxygen', and people walking around without masks. These are supposed to be a constant reminder of how serious our problem is. A constant reminder to the governments that they need to act urgently. When millions of your countrymen are suffering, is positivity even possible? The news reflects the ground situation, and the ground situation right now is completely negative.

Is relentless coverage on coronavirus pandemic spreading gloominess?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership;&nbsp;an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

Under the partnership,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty&nbsp;Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said, the aim is to "seize them and unlock the true potential" of trade and "to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains."

The summit happened at a time when External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is in London to take part in the G7 foreign ministers' meet. Earlier today he signed the&nbsp;MoU on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.

The pact will allow 3,000 young Indian professionals the opportunity to work in the UK for a two-year period without being subject to labour market test while India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-14-billion-trade-deal-with-india-382740" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India</a>

During the talks&nbsp;that started at 5 pm IST, both leaders also discussed the extradition of economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. In response to a WION question,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty said, "Yes they discussed the issue of the economic offender, PM said that economic offenders should be sent back to India for trial", elaborating, "PM Johnson said that he faced certain legal hurdles because of the nature of the criminal justice system in the UK but he was aware of it and they will do whatever possible to make that these people are extradited at the earliest".

Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have been given a go-ahead on extradition by the British government, but in case of Mallya, some formalities are&nbsp;still left. In the case of Nirav Modi, it is possible that he&nbsp;could further appeal in his case.&nbsp;

The summit saw&nbsp;both the leaders discuss&nbsp;a range of issues like the Indo-pacific, climate change. They agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains. The Indian PM Modi also thanked the British PM for the medical assistance sent by the UK in the backdrop of the Covid crisis that brought unimaginable devastation to the country. The UK was the first country to send assistance to India last week even as more support is expected to come.

Earlier today, the UK prime minister announced one billion pounds of India-UK trade deals, of which £240 million investment is by the Serum Institute of India into the country. The biggest vaccine manufacturer of the world will produce vaccines in the UK and also establish a new sales office in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership; an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership; an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030. Under the partnership, Sandeep Chakravorty Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said, the aim is to "seize them and unlock the true potential" of trade and "to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains." The summit happened at a time when External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is in London to take part in the G7 foreign ministers' meet. Earlier today he signed the MoU on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. The pact will allow 3,000 young Indian professionals the opportunity to work in the UK for a two-year period without being subject to labour market test while India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the country. Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India During the talks that started at 5 pm IST, both leaders also discussed the extradition of economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. In response to a WION question, Sandeep Chakravorty said, "Yes they discussed the issue of the economic offender, PM said that economic offenders should be sent back to India for trial", elaborating, "PM Johnson said that he faced certain legal hurdles because of the nature of the criminal justice system in the UK but he was aware of it and they will do whatever possible to make that these people are extradited at the earliest". Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have been given a go-ahead on extradition by the British government, but in case of Mallya, some formalities are still left. In the case of Nirav Modi, it is possible that he could further appeal in his case. The summit saw both the leaders discuss a range of issues like the Indo-pacific, climate change. They agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains. The Indian PM Modi also thanked the British PM for the medical assistance sent by the UK in the backdrop of the Covid crisis that brought unimaginable devastation to the country. The UK was the first country to send assistance to India last week even as more support is expected to come. Earlier today, the UK prime minister announced one billion pounds of India-UK trade deals, of which £240 million investment is by the Serum Institute of India into the country. The biggest vaccine manufacturer of the world will produce vaccines in the UK and also establish a new sales office in the country.

India-UK summit: Modi-Boris launch trade partnership; discuss extradition of Mallya, Nirav Modi

Two militants have been killed in North Kashmir’s Sopore area in a gunfight between militants and security forces.

A Foreign militant who was involved in killing of two councillors and a cop is among the two militants killed.

The gunfight had started this evening after security forces received input about the presence of militants in Nathipora area of Sopore in north Kashmir's.&nbsp;

“In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of LeT outfit were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. One of the killed terrorist has been identified as Hamas alias Asrar alias Saria a foreign terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT and was active since March 2018 in North Kashmir. However, the identification of other killed terrorist is being ascertained.” said IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

Authorities have suspended the internet services in the Sopore police district to maintain the law and order situation.

&nbsp;“He is the first foreign terrorist killed this year by security forces in the Kashmir region,” says IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar.

Arms and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifle, and 01 Insas rifle &amp; other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter.&nbsp;

Two militants have been killed in North Kashmir’s Sopore area in a gunfight between militants and security forces. A Foreign militant who was involved in killing of two councillors and a cop is among the two militants killed.

Two militants have been killed in North Kashmir’s Sopore area in a gunfight between militants and security forces. A Foreign militant who was involved in killing of two councillors and a cop is among the two militants killed. The gunfight had started this evening after security forces received input about the presence of militants in Nathipora area of Sopore in north Kashmir's. “In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of LeT outfit were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. One of the killed terrorist has been identified as Hamas alias Asrar alias Saria a foreign terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT and was active since March 2018 in North Kashmir. However, the identification of other killed terrorist is being ascertained.” said IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar. Authorities have suspended the internet services in the Sopore police district to maintain the law and order situation. “He is the first foreign terrorist killed this year by security forces in the Kashmir region,” says IG Police, Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar. Arms and ammunition including 01 AK-47 rifle, and 01 Insas rifle & other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two militants killed in Sopore encounter

India will allow mobile carriers to carry out 5G trials with equipment makers including Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung`s network unit, the government said on Tuesday, but did not name China`s Huawei among the participants. 
 
Major carriers Reliance Industries` Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will conduct the trials along with state-run MTNL in urban, rural and semi-urban areas, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement. 
 
The statement did not mention Huawei and smaller Chinese rival ZTE among the participating network equipment suppliers. 
 
Huawei declined to comment, while ZTE and the Indian ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the list of companies involved. 
 
While India has not named the Chinese players as taking part in the six-month trials, which aim to test 5G gear and technology in different environments, it has not banned them from supplying 5G equipment to carriers. 
 
Two government officials told Reuters in March, though, that New Delhi will likely block mobile carriers from using telecom equipment made by Huawei, under procurement rules due to come into force in June. 
 
India is the world`s second-biggest market by number of phone users. Authorities are wary of awarding new technology business to Chinese companies because of security concerns, government sources have previously said, and a desire to help local telecoms equipment manufacturers. 
 
The government`s telecoms department said in March that, after June 15, carriers can only buy certain types of equipment from state-approved "trusted sources" and said New Delhi could also create a "no procurement" list of banned suppliers. 
 
Huawei and ZTE are likely to be on this embargoed list, Reuters reported in March.

India will allow mobile carriers to carry out 5G trials with equipment makers including Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung`s network unit, the government said on Tuesday, but did not name China`s Huawei among the participants.

India will allow mobile carriers to carry out 5G trials with equipment makers including Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung`s network unit, the government said on Tuesday, but did not name China`s Huawei among the participants. Major carriers Reliance Industries` Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will conduct the trials along with state-run MTNL in urban, rural and semi-urban areas, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement. The statement did not mention Huawei and smaller Chinese rival ZTE among the participating network equipment suppliers. Huawei declined to comment, while ZTE and the Indian ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the list of companies involved. While India has not named the Chinese players as taking part in the six-month trials, which aim to test 5G gear and technology in different environments, it has not banned them from supplying 5G equipment to carriers. Two government officials told Reuters in March, though, that New Delhi will likely block mobile carriers from using telecom equipment made by Huawei, under procurement rules due to come into force in June. India is the world`s second-biggest market by number of phone users. Authorities are wary of awarding new technology business to Chinese companies because of security concerns, government sources have previously said, and a desire to help local telecoms equipment manufacturers. The government`s telecoms department said in March that, after June 15, carriers can only buy certain types of equipment from state-approved "trusted sources" and said New Delhi could also create a "no procurement" list of banned suppliers. Huawei and ZTE are likely to be on this embargoed list, Reuters reported in March.

India to allow 5G trials; Chinese suppliers like Huawei not on the list

The B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus, also known as the double mutant, is fast replacing the N440K variant in south India, scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) said on Tuesday.

Former CCMB director Rakesh Mishra said the double mutant is now a dominant variant in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and now Telangana.

After an exhaustive analysis of 5,000 variants earlier this year, the CCMB had found that N440K is spreading a lot more in the southern states compared to the other variants. But B.1.617 is fast replacing N440K, including in Kerala, Divya Tej Sowpati, a scientist with the CCMB, said.

"Lineages with #N440K are NOT the dominant ones in the second wave of #Covid19inIndia. While N440K was indeed a mutation of concern in South India during and after the first wave, current data shows that it is essentially replaced by new VoCs such as #B1617 and #B117. "In KL, though not much data is available on GISAID, we can see that B.1.1.7 is increasing at present, whereas N440K is present in &lt;20% of the genomes."

"Also, it is important to remember that just because a variant behaves a certain way in cell cultures (with no competition, and in controlled settings), it does not mean it will behave the same way in humans, or in a complicated pandemic scenario," Sowpati tweeted.

The B.1.617 variant harbours 15 lineage defining mutations. B.1.617, initially termed as the double mutant, has three new spike protein mutations. Two mutations -- E484Q and L452R -- are in the area important for antibody-based neutralisation.

The third mutation, P681R, allows the virus to enter cells a little better. "When comparing the data from MH, in MH we can see that the increase in B.1.617 is seen in Feb rather than Mar 2021, and again we observe a reduction in proportion of lineages with N440K," Sowpati tweeted.

At a webinar last month, Sujeet Singh, the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control, said in Maharashtra, the B.1.617 variant was found in proportions of over 50 per cent in many cities, while the UK variant was found in 28 per cent samples in the second week of March.

The B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus, also known as the double mutant, is fast replacing the N440K variant in south India, scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) said on Tuesday.

The B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus, also known as the double mutant, is fast replacing the N440K variant in south India, scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) said on Tuesday. Former CCMB director Rakesh Mishra said the double mutant is now a dominant variant in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and now Telangana. After an exhaustive analysis of 5,000 variants earlier this year, the CCMB had found that N440K is spreading a lot more in the southern states compared to the other variants. But B.1.617 is fast replacing N440K, including in Kerala, Divya Tej Sowpati, a scientist with the CCMB, said. "Lineages with #N440K are NOT the dominant ones in the second wave of #Covid19inIndia. While N440K was indeed a mutation of concern in South India during and after the first wave, current data shows that it is essentially replaced by new VoCs such as #B1617 and #B117. "In KL, though not much data is available on GISAID, we can see that B.1.1.7 is increasing at present, whereas N440K is present in <20% of the genomes." "Also, it is important to remember that just because a variant behaves a certain way in cell cultures (with no competition, and in controlled settings), it does not mean it will behave the same way in humans, or in a complicated pandemic scenario," Sowpati tweeted. The B.1.617 variant harbours 15 lineage defining mutations. B.1.617, initially termed as the double mutant, has three new spike protein mutations. Two mutations -- E484Q and L452R -- are in the area important for antibody-based neutralisation. The third mutation, P681R, allows the virus to enter cells a little better. "When comparing the data from MH, in MH we can see that the increase in B.1.617 is seen in Feb rather than Mar 2021, and again we observe a reduction in proportion of lineages with N440K," Sowpati tweeted. At a webinar last month, Sujeet Singh, the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control, said in Maharashtra, the B.1.617 variant was found in proportions of over 50 per cent in many cities, while the UK variant was found in 28 per cent samples in the second week of March.

Double mutant Covid strain now highly prevalent in south India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his four-day UK visit with a one-on-one meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for support in the fight against COVID-19. &nbsp;

Ahead of the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' summit that begins on Tuesday, they also held discussions over issues concerning the Indo-Pacific region, climate change, UN Security Council and Myanmar, according to a tweet by Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The focus of his discussions with Blinken was the American support during India's Covid challenge, especially the supply of oxygen and the drug, Remdesivir.&nbsp;

"Good to meet in person my old friend Secretary Blinken. Detailed discussion on the global Covid challenge, focusing on expanded vaccine production capacity and reliable supply chains," Jaishankar said in the Twitter statement.&nbsp;

"Expressed appreciation for the strong US support to India at this difficult time, especially oxygen and Remdesivir," the minister said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement issued in Washington that the two leaders reviewed recent efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including US assistance to India, and expressed appreciation for each country's support throughout the pandemic. &nbsp;

Jaishankar and Blinken discussed "addressing the COVID-19 challenge and deepening the US-India comprehensive global strategic partnership,” Price said. During the meeting, Blinken reaffirmed India's important role when it comes to the climate crisis and as a leading partner in the Indo-Pacific, he said. &nbsp;

"They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council and as a G7 guest country," Price said, adding that the two leaders looked forward to continue the US-India cooperation on the full range of bilateral and global issues. &nbsp;

Earlier, Jaishankar described it as a very good meeting.&nbsp;

"Among the many subjects we discussed was first and foremost the strong support we are getting from the United States on dealing with the COVID situation. We are very, very appreciative of that," he told reporters in a joint appearance with Blinken in London. &nbsp;

"We also discussed how our collaboration could help globally in expanding vaccination capabilities," he said after their bilateral meeting. &nbsp;

In his brief remarks, Blinken recognised the contribution of India when the United States was facing the COVID-19 crisis. &nbsp;

"We remember so well when India came to our assistance in the early days of Covid in a very important and powerful way," Blinken said. &nbsp;

"We are joined in this fight together and determined to do everything we can to help," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his four-day UK visit with a one-on-one meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for support in the fight against COVID-19.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his four-day UK visit with a one-on-one meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for support in the fight against COVID-19. Ahead of the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' summit that begins on Tuesday, they also held discussions over issues concerning the Indo-Pacific region, climate change, UN Security Council and Myanmar, according to a tweet by Jaishankar. The focus of his discussions with Blinken was the American support during India's Covid challenge, especially the supply of oxygen and the drug, Remdesivir. "Good to meet in person my old friend Secretary Blinken. Detailed discussion on the global Covid challenge, focusing on expanded vaccine production capacity and reliable supply chains," Jaishankar said in the Twitter statement. "Expressed appreciation for the strong US support to India at this difficult time, especially oxygen and Remdesivir," the minister said. Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement issued in Washington that the two leaders reviewed recent efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including US assistance to India, and expressed appreciation for each country's support throughout the pandemic. Jaishankar and Blinken discussed "addressing the COVID-19 challenge and deepening the US-India comprehensive global strategic partnership,” Price said. During the meeting, Blinken reaffirmed India's important role when it comes to the climate crisis and as a leading partner in the Indo-Pacific, he said. "They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council and as a G7 guest country," Price said, adding that the two leaders looked forward to continue the US-India cooperation on the full range of bilateral and global issues. Earlier, Jaishankar described it as a very good meeting. "Among the many subjects we discussed was first and foremost the strong support we are getting from the United States on dealing with the COVID situation. We are very, very appreciative of that," he told reporters in a joint appearance with Blinken in London. "We also discussed how our collaboration could help globally in expanding vaccination capabilities," he said after their bilateral meeting. In his brief remarks, Blinken recognised the contribution of India when the United States was facing the COVID-19 crisis. "We remember so well when India came to our assistance in the early days of Covid in a very important and powerful way," Blinken said. "We are joined in this fight together and determined to do everything we can to help," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar meets Blinken, thanks him for support in fight against Covid  

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation.

Taking to his Twitter handle this morning, PM Modi said, "Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator &amp; a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policymaking. Condolences to his family &amp; admirers."&nbsp;

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Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator and a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policy making. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
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Born in September 1927, Jagmohan was a former Indian civil servant, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Goa, as well as the 5th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jagmohan served two terms as governor in Kashmir – from 1984 to 89, and then from January to May 1990.

When the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister in 1998, Jagmohan served in his cabinet in a variety of portfolios, including communications, urban development and tourism. During the 1990s, Jagmohan had served as nominated MP in the Rajya Sabha in 1990–96 and won a hat-trick of Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi (1996, 1998 and 1999).

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation. Taking to his Twitter handle this morning, PM Modi said, "Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator & a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policymaking. Condolences to his family & admirers." Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator and a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policy making. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2021 × Born in September 1927, Jagmohan was a former Indian civil servant, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Goa, as well as the 5th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Jagmohan served two terms as governor in Kashmir – from 1984 to 89, and then from January to May 1990. When the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister in 1998, Jagmohan served in his cabinet in a variety of portfolios, including communications, urban development and tourism. During the 1990s, Jagmohan had served as nominated MP in the Rajya Sabha in 1990–96 and won a hat-trick of Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi (1996, 1998 and 1999). (With inputs from agencies)

Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Jagmohan passes away in Delhi

Pfizer is in discussions with the Indian government seeking an expedited approval pathway for its COVID-19 vaccine, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Bourla said on Monday.

Pfizer in talks with Indian govt over expedited approval of COVID-19 vaccine

Pfizer said on Monday it told the Indian government that there was no concern over the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine, as India insists on small local trials for foreign shots despite a record surge in infections and shortage of doses.

The government in mid-April made it easier for foreign vaccines approved in the West and Japan to sell in India, though companies would still have to initiate a local clinical trial within 30 days of receiving emergency use authorization. Previously, companies were required to do the trial before approval.

Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson and Moderna have been invited to sell their vaccines to India but none have applied to do so yet.

Pfizer, however, said it is holding fresh talks with the government after having withdrawn its initial application in February over the earlier local trial rule.

"Pfizer's application for emergency use authorization was supported with data that shows an overall efficacy rate of 95% with no safety concerns," a company spokeswoman told Reuters when asked if it had sought an exception even to the current trial rule in its discussions with the government.

She added that the safety and efficacy data had been backed by regulatory authorities in the United States, Britain, Japan and the World Health Organization - agencies that India endorses.

Pfizer, which produces the vaccine with German partner BioNTech SE, reiterated that it would supply doses only through government contracts.

Asked about the vaccine's ultra-low temperature storage requirements, minus 70 degrees Celsius, Pfizer said the company could deliver the shot to vaccination centres using its specially designed, temperature-controlled thermal shippers.

It said doses could be stored in ultra-low-temperature freezers for up to six months, in the shippers for up to 30 days by refilling them with dry ice every five days, or in common refrigeration and freezer units for five days.

Pfizer said on Monday it told the Indian government that there was no concern over the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine, as India insists on small local trials for foreign shots despite a record surge in infections and shortage of doses.

Pfizer said on Monday it told the Indian government that there was no concern over the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine, as India insists on small local trials for foreign shots despite a record surge in infections and shortage of doses. The government in mid-April made it easier for foreign vaccines approved in the West and Japan to sell in India, though companies would still have to initiate a local clinical trial within 30 days of receiving emergency use authorization. Previously, companies were required to do the trial before approval. Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna have been invited to sell their vaccines to India but none have applied to do so yet. Pfizer, however, said it is holding fresh talks with the government after having withdrawn its initial application in February over the earlier local trial rule. "Pfizer's application for emergency use authorization was supported with data that shows an overall efficacy rate of 95% with no safety concerns," a company spokeswoman told Reuters when asked if it had sought an exception even to the current trial rule in its discussions with the government. She added that the safety and efficacy data had been backed by regulatory authorities in the United States, Britain, Japan and the World Health Organization - agencies that India endorses. Pfizer, which produces the vaccine with German partner BioNTech SE, reiterated that it would supply doses only through government contracts. Asked about the vaccine's ultra-low temperature storage requirements, minus 70 degrees Celsius, Pfizer said the company could deliver the shot to vaccination centres using its specially designed, temperature-controlled thermal shippers. It said doses could be stored in ultra-low-temperature freezers for up to six months, in the shippers for up to 30 days by refilling them with dry ice every five days, or in common refrigeration and freezer units for five days.

Told India no safety concerns with Covid vaccine, says Pfizer

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America's top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals.&nbsp;

"It is quite obvious to everyone that the situation in India is extremely serious," Dr Fauci, who is considered one of the world's top infectious disease specialists, said in an interview.&nbsp;

"When you have so many people getting infected, the lack of the capability to take adequate care of everyone; when you have shortages of hospital beds and oxygen and shortages of supplies, that really becomes a very desperate situation. Which is the reason why we feel it's important for the rest of the world to help out, to the extent they can," Dr Fauci said.&nbsp;

Keeping a close tab on developments in India, given that US President Joe Biden has geared up the administration to help India, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said there are certain things that India can do immediately, mid-term and long-term basis.&nbsp;

"First of all right now, they should start getting as many people vaccinated as they possibly can, with both the vaccines that they develop themselves in India as well as supplies of vaccines that they may be able to procure from other suppliers, be that the United States, be that Russia, whatever country is willing whenever companies are willing to supply vaccine," Dr Fauci said.&nbsp;

However, getting someone 'vaccinated now' does not solve today's problem, he noted, adding that it helps prevent a problem several weeks from now. &nbsp;

"But the solution immediately right now is, and I know India is already doing it, so I'm not telling you something that you are not already doing. A few days ago, I recommended and I believe at least parts of India are doing it, that you shut down the country in lockdown," he said. &nbsp;

"Because other countries, including for example what China did last year, what Australia did when they had an outbreak, what New Zealand did, what other countries did is to completely lock down for a relatively limited period of time. You don't have to lock down for six months. You can lock down for a few weeks. Because when you walk down, it is well known, with the experience of other countries that locking down, definitely interferes with the dynamics of the viral outbreak and you could interfere with the continuity and the transmission of infection," Dr Fauci said. &nbsp;

He also recommended taking the help of the armed forces to immediately build makeshift field hospitals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America's top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals.

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America's top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals. "It is quite obvious to everyone that the situation in India is extremely serious," Dr Fauci, who is considered one of the world's top infectious disease specialists, said in an interview. "When you have so many people getting infected, the lack of the capability to take adequate care of everyone; when you have shortages of hospital beds and oxygen and shortages of supplies, that really becomes a very desperate situation. Which is the reason why we feel it's important for the rest of the world to help out, to the extent they can," Dr Fauci said. Keeping a close tab on developments in India, given that US President Joe Biden has geared up the administration to help India, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said there are certain things that India can do immediately, mid-term and long-term basis. "First of all right now, they should start getting as many people vaccinated as they possibly can, with both the vaccines that they develop themselves in India as well as supplies of vaccines that they may be able to procure from other suppliers, be that the United States, be that Russia, whatever country is willing whenever companies are willing to supply vaccine," Dr Fauci said. However, getting someone 'vaccinated now' does not solve today's problem, he noted, adding that it helps prevent a problem several weeks from now. "But the solution immediately right now is, and I know India is already doing it, so I'm not telling you something that you are not already doing. A few days ago, I recommended and I believe at least parts of India are doing it, that you shut down the country in lockdown," he said. "Because other countries, including for example what China did last year, what Australia did when they had an outbreak, what New Zealand did, what other countries did is to completely lock down for a relatively limited period of time. You don't have to lock down for six months. You can lock down for a few weeks. Because when you walk down, it is well known, with the experience of other countries that locking down, definitely interferes with the dynamics of the viral outbreak and you could interfere with the continuity and the transmission of infection," Dr Fauci said. He also recommended taking the help of the armed forces to immediately build makeshift field hospitals. (With inputs from agencies)

Fauci's advice to India: Clamp nationwide lockdown, start massive vaccination

India and the UK enjoy long standing friendly ties and share a Strategic Partnership underpinned by mutual commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, strong complementarities and growing convergences.

Indian investment to create over 6500 jobs in UK

US Air Force flights that were scheduled to leave for India with essential life-saving supplies have been delayed till Wednesday due to maintenance issues, the Pentagon said on Monday.&nbsp;

"We just received word from USTRANSCOM that the flights for India are delayed until at least Wednesday due to maintenance issues", a Pentagon spokesperson said. &nbsp;

So far, only two US Air Force flights have landed in India.&nbsp;

Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster were scheduled to leave for India on Monday to deliver critical supplies amid a surge in coronavirus cases there. &nbsp;

Officials, however, did not say how this would impact the emergency aid supplies to India, in particular life-saving oxygen cylinders and concentrators.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters that the US will continue to fly its planes with healthcare supplies for India, which has faced one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world.&nbsp;

Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster are continuing to deliver critical healthcare supplies to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19, the Pentagon said. &nbsp;

"We continue to assist the government and the people of India as they continue to struggle with their Covid outbreak," Kirby said. &nbsp;

US Transportation Command and its components continue to demonstrate their capability to provide immediate assistance to a partner nation, he said.&nbsp;

The United States will continue to assess the situation, he said. &nbsp;

"We'll stay in touch with our counterparts in India, should there be a need for additional help. The (defence) secretary was very clear in speaking to his counterpart in India that we'll continue to do whatever we can to help," Kirby said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar said the tragic crisis in India is a reminder that "we can only beat COVID-19 if we beat it everywhere". &nbsp;

The United States, she said, "is stepping up and providing relief and aid to our ally in this time of tremendous and heart-breaking need".&nbsp;

Congressman Alan Lowenthal said the Biden Administration has taken early positive steps but the scale of the tragedy in India is simply unbearable. &nbsp;

"We must do more to facilitate access to vaccines. We have a duty to save lives and to reduce the risk of terrifying new variants," he said.&nbsp;

"The Covid crisis in India is heartbreaking and could have huge implications for the rest of the world. The fight against this pandemic is a global one and we must do our part to help combat this surge and save lives," Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton said in a tweet. &nbsp;

"India is in crisis. President Biden's decision to send supplies and vaccine doses to India is a necessary one. But we must also eliminate vaccine patents and work to expand vaccine production and availability globally. We must work to save lives everywhere," Congresswoman Cori Bush tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US Air Force flights that were scheduled to leave for India with essential life-saving supplies have been delayed till Wednesday due to maintenance issues, the Pentagon said on Monday.

US Air Force flights that were scheduled to leave for India with essential life-saving supplies have been delayed till Wednesday due to maintenance issues, the Pentagon said on Monday. "We just received word from USTRANSCOM that the flights for India are delayed until at least Wednesday due to maintenance issues", a Pentagon spokesperson said. So far, only two US Air Force flights have landed in India. Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster were scheduled to leave for India on Monday to deliver critical supplies amid a surge in coronavirus cases there. Officials, however, did not say how this would impact the emergency aid supplies to India, in particular life-saving oxygen cylinders and concentrators. Earlier in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters that the US will continue to fly its planes with healthcare supplies for India, which has faced one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world. Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster are continuing to deliver critical healthcare supplies to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19, the Pentagon said. "We continue to assist the government and the people of India as they continue to struggle with their Covid outbreak," Kirby said. US Transportation Command and its components continue to demonstrate their capability to provide immediate assistance to a partner nation, he said. The United States will continue to assess the situation, he said. "We'll stay in touch with our counterparts in India, should there be a need for additional help. The (defence) secretary was very clear in speaking to his counterpart in India that we'll continue to do whatever we can to help," Kirby said. Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar said the tragic crisis in India is a reminder that "we can only beat COVID-19 if we beat it everywhere". The United States, she said, "is stepping up and providing relief and aid to our ally in this time of tremendous and heart-breaking need". Congressman Alan Lowenthal said the Biden Administration has taken early positive steps but the scale of the tragedy in India is simply unbearable. "We must do more to facilitate access to vaccines. We have a duty to save lives and to reduce the risk of terrifying new variants," he said. "The Covid crisis in India is heartbreaking and could have huge implications for the rest of the world. The fight against this pandemic is a global one and we must do our part to help combat this surge and save lives," Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton said in a tweet. "India is in crisis. President Biden's decision to send supplies and vaccine doses to India is a necessary one. But we must also eliminate vaccine patents and work to expand vaccine production and availability globally. We must work to save lives everywhere," Congresswoman Cori Bush tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid: US flights with medical supplies for India delayed till Wednesday  

A group of US lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to quickly release the country’s supply of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to India and other countries where the pandemic is wreaking havoc. The Democrats stressed on the importance of time in a joint letter addressed to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.

In the letter, the four signatories mentioned how&nbsp;without assistance, new mutations that may evade vaccines could sprout up in India and then spill over to other countries in the world, including the United States.

The signatories are Carolyn Maloney, chairperson of the House Oversight Committee; James Clyburn, chair of the House subcommittee on COVID-19; Raja Krishnamoorthi, Indian American chair of the House subcommittee on economic policy; and Stephen Lynch, chair of the House subcommittee on national security.

In addition to urging an expedited response to India’s crisis, the lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to not waive intellectual property rights on vaccines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-covid-crisis-us-to-redirect-20-million-doses-of-astrazeneca-vaccines-send-raw-material-to-manufacture-500000-doses-381387" hreflang="en">India Covid crisis: US to redirect 20 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, send raw material to manufacture 500,000 doses</a>

India and South Africa had led the proposal in favour of temporarily waiving IPR on vaccines at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure all countries have access to vaccines.

Biden administration has approved sending supplies and vaccines to India, but there have been delays in shipping while the country awaits the approval of country’s food and drug regulator to send AstraZeneca vaccines to India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-to-export-up-to-60-million-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-doses-380640" hreflang="en">US to export up to 60 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses</a>

On April 26, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had said that the AZ doses will need quality clearance from the FDA before being shipped out to India and other countries. “This is being done in the context of the FDA’s ongoing review of all doses made at the plant where these AstraZeneca doses were produced”, she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of US lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to quickly release the country’s supply of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to India and other countries where the pandemic is wreaking havoc.

A group of US lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to quickly release the country’s supply of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to India and other countries where the pandemic is wreaking havoc. The Democrats stressed on the importance of time in a joint letter addressed to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. In the letter, the four signatories mentioned how without assistance, new mutations that may evade vaccines could sprout up in India and then spill over to other countries in the world, including the United States. The signatories are Carolyn Maloney, chairperson of the House Oversight Committee; James Clyburn, chair of the House subcommittee on COVID-19; Raja Krishnamoorthi, Indian American chair of the House subcommittee on economic policy; and Stephen Lynch, chair of the House subcommittee on national security. In addition to urging an expedited response to India’s crisis, the lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to not waive intellectual property rights on vaccines. Also read: India Covid crisis: US to redirect 20 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, send raw material to manufacture 500,000 doses India and South Africa had led the proposal in favour of temporarily waiving IPR on vaccines at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure all countries have access to vaccines. Biden administration has approved sending supplies and vaccines to India, but there have been delays in shipping while the country awaits the approval of country’s food and drug regulator to send AstraZeneca vaccines to India. Also read: US to export up to 60 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses On April 26, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had said that the AZ doses will need quality clearance from the FDA before being shipped out to India and other countries. “This is being done in the context of the FDA’s ongoing review of all doses made at the plant where these AstraZeneca doses were produced”, she said. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers urge Biden to prioritise sending AstraZeneca vaccines to India

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive.&nbsp;

However, as of now, none of them is in serious condition and all are on road to recovery. Fortunately, all these lions are now normal and eating their food.

In an exclusive interview with WION, CCMB director Dr Rakesh Mishra disclosed the following facts:

How did it happen?

"It seems to have transmitted from humans ( zookeepers ) through meat that's provided to these lions."

What do these results ( COVID-19 positive ) among animals indicate?

"The mammals are as vulnerable as humans. It seems to be the first such instance in India but elsewhere in New York, Spain and other places, there are cases wherein animals ( mammals ) are found Covid-19 positive."

What was the covid-19 variant found in these lions?

"It is not the new one but the earlier "A2A" variant."

Any guidelines issued to Zoos across the country after this particular development?

"We have already given our findings to concerned Central authorities and have advised to close Zoos for visitors all across the country, test all the employees and also the care with which the food is to be checked and given to the animals. Also, we are giving SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures ) for all the Zoos across the country in this regard."

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive. However, as of now, none of them is in serious condition and all are on road to recovery. Fortunately, all these lions are now normal and eating their food. In an exclusive interview with WION, CCMB director Dr Rakesh Mishra disclosed the following facts: How did it happen? "It seems to have transmitted from humans ( zookeepers ) through meat that's provided to these lions." What do these results ( COVID-19 positive ) among animals indicate? "The mammals are as vulnerable as humans. It seems to be the first such instance in India but elsewhere in New York, Spain and other places, there are cases wherein animals ( mammals ) are found Covid-19 positive." What was the covid-19 variant found in these lions? "It is not the new one but the earlier "A2A" variant." Any guidelines issued to Zoos across the country after this particular development? "We have already given our findings to concerned Central authorities and have advised to close Zoos for visitors all across the country, test all the employees and also the care with which the food is to be checked and given to the animals. Also, we are giving SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures ) for all the Zoos across the country in this regard."

COVID-19: Eight Asiatic lions test positive in Hyderabad zoo, a first in India

Preparing for a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which is expected to hit kids, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra government are gearing up by setting up Pediatric Covid Care Wards in the city and elsewhere, officials said here on Tuesday. 
 
Taking an early initiative, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray last week directed all district collectors and municipal commissioners in the state to be ready for the Covid third onslaught which may also hit children in a big way. 
 
Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray who is Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District has held discussions with BMC Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal and other top officials in this regard. 
 
Among other things, he suggested to the BMC to create separate Pediatric Covid Care Wards anticipating the next wave and the demographics it may target. 
 
"Since last year, our jumbo covid care centres also have units of Covid +ve dialysis and maternity care as well. As the virus mutates and targets different age groups, our response to it must actively mutate as well," said Aditya Thackeray. 
 
As per the latest health data of the Public Health Department, nearly two-thirds of the state`s infections reported now are in age groups below 50, with the highest new cases reported in the 31-40 age (22.09 per cent), 41-50 years (18.15 per cent), 21-30 age (17.51 per cent). 
 
Children in the 0-10 years account for 3.04 percent, and older children-and teens in the 10-20 years are more than double at 6.80 percent, of the state`s new cases, giving rise to huge concerns as the situation is vastly different from the 2020 first Covid-19 hit. 
 
The Pediatric Covid Care Ward is slated to come up at the NESCO Jumbo Covid Care Centre in Goregaon east suburb of Mumbai - and 700 beds are expected to be added. 
 
This would include 300 for a dedicated Pediatric Covid Care Ward comprising Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a capacity of 25 beds each to cater to the infants who maybe hit. 
 
Apart from that, the BMC is planning to build four oxygen plants and maintain of adequate stock of medicines like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab injections, masks, PPE kits, etc. 
 
"In the 2020 first wave, mostly the adult and senior citizens were affected. In the current second wave (from February 2021) young men/women and children are also getting affected. We have to be alert for the third wave Also we have to account for the fact that the vaccination drive has not yet been opened for the under-18 age groups," a senior BMC official expressed his concerns, requesting anonymity. 
 
Besides, wide-ranging consultations shall be held with the Covid-19 Task Force, medical experts and other stakeholders, on the strategies that need to be adopted for the third wave, likely to slam the state around July, as warned by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently.

Preparing for a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which is expected to hit kids, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra government are gearing up by setting up Pediatric Covid Care Wards in the city and elsewhere, officials said here on Tuesday.

Preparing for a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which is expected to hit kids, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra government are gearing up by setting up Pediatric Covid Care Wards in the city and elsewhere, officials said here on Tuesday. Taking an early initiative, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray last week directed all district collectors and municipal commissioners in the state to be ready for the Covid third onslaught which may also hit children in a big way. Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray who is Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District has held discussions with BMC Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal and other top officials in this regard. Among other things, he suggested to the BMC to create separate Pediatric Covid Care Wards anticipating the next wave and the demographics it may target. "Since last year, our jumbo covid care centres also have units of Covid +ve dialysis and maternity care as well. As the virus mutates and targets different age groups, our response to it must actively mutate as well," said Aditya Thackeray. As per the latest health data of the Public Health Department, nearly two-thirds of the state`s infections reported now are in age groups below 50, with the highest new cases reported in the 31-40 age (22.09 per cent), 41-50 years (18.15 per cent), 21-30 age (17.51 per cent). Children in the 0-10 years account for 3.04 percent, and older children-and teens in the 10-20 years are more than double at 6.80 percent, of the state`s new cases, giving rise to huge concerns as the situation is vastly different from the 2020 first Covid-19 hit. The Pediatric Covid Care Ward is slated to come up at the NESCO Jumbo Covid Care Centre in Goregaon east suburb of Mumbai - and 700 beds are expected to be added. This would include 300 for a dedicated Pediatric Covid Care Ward comprising Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a capacity of 25 beds each to cater to the infants who maybe hit. Apart from that, the BMC is planning to build four oxygen plants and maintain of adequate stock of medicines like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab injections, masks, PPE kits, etc. "In the 2020 first wave, mostly the adult and senior citizens were affected. In the current second wave (from February 2021) young men/women and children are also getting affected. We have to be alert for the third wave Also we have to account for the fact that the vaccination drive has not yet been opened for the under-18 age groups," a senior BMC official expressed his concerns, requesting anonymity. Besides, wide-ranging consultations shall be held with the Covid-19 Task Force, medical experts and other stakeholders, on the strategies that need to be adopted for the third wave, likely to slam the state around July, as warned by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently.

Covid in India: 3rd wave may hit kids, Mumbai prepares pediatric wards

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