Fairfax may tap IDBI bank’s excess capital to help fund ₹52,878 crore buyout

Florida crash: Learjet debris tore through roof of home, landed in kitchen, more found at a man's workplace

US midterms: Did Trump lose young voters, women and minorities? Here's how Americans voted

‘Dialled wrong number in season of dharna, go protest’: CJI’s quip on plea seeking rotation of SC-ST reserved seats

Who is Abdul El-Sayed’s wife Sarah Jukaku and what is her Indian connection?

Florida shooting: Two dead, including suspect, after gunfire at Citibank's Tampa-area complex

First handshake? Radio signal with all hallmarks of alien technology detected in China

Trump's 'best guy' Pete Hegseth on the chopping block? Why Republicans are now turning against him after midterms disaster

Ueno Bank crisis: Why are millions protesting as Paraguay’s president faces impeachment?

‘Iran handed Trump political defeat after strategic ones,’ says security chief Mohsen Rezaei

Ashwin shares reasons for Bhuvneshwar's struggle in NZ T20Is, says his 'chapter is maybe closed'

US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan race, becomes first Muslim American to be elected to US Senate

Watch: Ilhan Omar breaks into a dance after securing fifth-term victory amid long-running Trump feud

Dirty war ahead? Trump has options of renewed strikes on Iran or letting it rot, but officials are divided after US midterms rout

US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature

US midterms: What went wrong for Trump? | Gravitas

‘You can call me Senator’: From Texas To Maine, watch Democrats celebrate historic 2026 midterm wins

'I am more Indian than Arab': Abdul El-Sayed on his Indian-origin wife

Saudi Arabia rolls over $3 billion financing to Pakistan as $10 billion US backstop fades

Keran Heritage Centre to give new impetus to border tourism in North Kashmir

NASA invites people to fly their names to Saturn's moon, Titan, aboard Dragonfly

"That run-out by Rohit changed the momentum": Gill reflects on India's 5-wicket win in 1st ODI vs NZ

Chandigarh couple at centre of fresh US sanctions over helping Iran evade oil sanctions

Kashmir Valley likely to receive fresh spell of snowfall today; dry weather forecast till November 9

Mahadev app co-founder Ravi Uppal arrested in Dubai days after kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar’s extradition

'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026

Doomsday warning? Why governments are warning people to stockpile emergency supplies for 72 hours

Ramayana: Part 1 movie review: Yash’s powerhouse performance and jaw-dropping VFX fuel Nitesh Tiwari's epic

Nithya Raman wins LA mayoral race, becomes city's first Asian-American mayor

After Microsoft, Google expands voluntary exit programme to employees in 5 countries amid AI spending

Israel's Ra'am party backs Gadi Eisenkot to lead next government after meeting with Herzog

Indian Army marks Battle of Shalateng Day with veterans’ rally, educational outreach at Sharifabad

US Midterms: After Senate, House win, can Democrats force Trump to stop Iran war? Answer may surprise you

From Texas to South Carolina: How Democrats stormed Republican strongholds to redraw America's political map in US midterms 2026

Days ahead of May 1&nbsp;when vaccination against COVID-19 is meant to be open for all adults aged between 18 and 44 in India, the Tamil Nadu Government said it has issued orders to procure 15 million (1.5 crore) vaccinations via the Tamil Nadu medical Services Corporation. So&nbsp;far, about 5.551&nbsp;million (55.51 lakh) persons in the above-45 age group have taken the jabs, the government stated.&nbsp;

Via a statement, the State Government assured the people regarding free vaccines being made available to those in the eligible age group, as was promised by Chief Minister K Palaniswami late last year.&nbsp;

Regarding the rising demand for drug remdesivir, Dr. TS&nbsp;Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said that there was an unnecessary panic and artificial demand for the drug. “Remdesivir is not a life-saving drug. Not recommended as mandatory drug for COVID-19 treatment by WHO. Not all patients who are sick need remdesivir, it is not going to prevent mortality, at the most it will only prevent the duration of your stay” he said.&nbsp;

He also added that the state government had procured enough drugs via the TNMSC and that those who needed the drugs must provide their personal, medical details, test positivity and clinical details at the TNMSC counter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, amid rising cases in Chennai city, the Chennai Corporation Commissioner has sanctioned permissions for hotels and private hospitals to start private Covid Care centres, by just intimating the civic body.&nbsp; As on Tuesday, there are 0.108&nbsp;million (1.08 lakh) active cases in Tamil Nadu, of which 35,000 are in Chennai.&nbsp;

Days ahead of May 1 when vaccination against COVID-19 is meant to be open for all adults aged between 18 and 44 in India, the Tamil Nadu Government said it has issued orders to procure 15 million (1.

Days ahead of May 1 when vaccination against COVID-19 is meant to be open for all adults aged between 18 and 44 in India, the Tamil Nadu Government said it has issued orders to procure 15 million (1.5 crore) vaccinations via the Tamil Nadu medical Services Corporation. So far, about 5.551 million (55.51 lakh) persons in the above-45 age group have taken the jabs, the government stated. Via a statement, the State Government assured the people regarding free vaccines being made available to those in the eligible age group, as was promised by Chief Minister K Palaniswami late last year. Regarding the rising demand for drug remdesivir, Dr. TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said that there was an unnecessary panic and artificial demand for the drug. “Remdesivir is not a life-saving drug. Not recommended as mandatory drug for COVID-19 treatment by WHO. Not all patients who are sick need remdesivir, it is not going to prevent mortality, at the most it will only prevent the duration of your stay” he said. He also added that the state government had procured enough drugs via the TNMSC and that those who needed the drugs must provide their personal, medical details, test positivity and clinical details at the TNMSC counter. Meanwhile, amid rising cases in Chennai city, the Chennai Corporation Commissioner has sanctioned permissions for hotels and private hospitals to start private Covid Care centres, by just intimating the civic body. As on Tuesday, there are 0.108 million (1.08 lakh) active cases in Tamil Nadu, of which 35,000 are in Chennai.

COVID-19: Over 5 million people vaccinated in Tamil Nadu so far, says govt

President Joe Biden said that the United States is sending a whole series of help that India needs in its battle against COVID-19, reiterating that New Delhi had done the same when his country was in need last year.

World leaders reaffirms commitment to helping India

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying.&nbsp;

"India's economy is expected to grow 11 per cent in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which ends on March 31, 2022, amid a strong vaccine drive. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases may put this recovery at risk," said the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021.&nbsp;

Continued economic recovery boosted by increased public investment, vaccine rollout and a surge in domestic demand will trigger this strong rebound, ADB said.&nbsp;

The predictions are based on assumption that there is extensive vaccine deployment across the country and the second wave of coronavirus is contained.&nbsp;

According to ADB's flagship publication Asian Development Outlook, "the second wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, especially if vaccine rollout faulters or fails to contain it."&nbsp;

Another risk is the further tightening of global financial conditions, which would apply pressure on India's market interest rates and therefore affect economic normalisation, the report added.&nbsp;

Going further, ADB forecasts India's economic growth to moderate to seven per cent in FY2022, on account of disappearance of base effect.&nbsp;

The economy is expected to have contracted by eight per cent in FY2020, in line with the government's second advance estimate, it said.&nbsp;

ADB Country Director for India Takeo Konishi said India's economy faced its worst contraction in FY2020 due to the COVID-19 shock.&nbsp;

"With large government stimulus and the ongoing vaccination drive, we expect economic activity will continue its recovery that started from the third quarter of FY2020 and rebound strongly in the current fiscal year with an uptick in domestic demand, especially in urban services," said Konishi.&nbsp;

The government's boost to public investment through its infrastructure push, incentives for manufacturing, and continued support to boost rural incomes will support India's accelerated recovery, Konishi said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying.

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying. "India's economy is expected to grow 11 per cent in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which ends on March 31, 2022, amid a strong vaccine drive. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases may put this recovery at risk," said the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021. Continued economic recovery boosted by increased public investment, vaccine rollout and a surge in domestic demand will trigger this strong rebound, ADB said. The predictions are based on assumption that there is extensive vaccine deployment across the country and the second wave of coronavirus is contained. According to ADB's flagship publication Asian Development Outlook, "the second wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, especially if vaccine rollout faulters or fails to contain it." Another risk is the further tightening of global financial conditions, which would apply pressure on India's market interest rates and therefore affect economic normalisation, the report added. Going further, ADB forecasts India's economic growth to moderate to seven per cent in FY2022, on account of disappearance of base effect. The economy is expected to have contracted by eight per cent in FY2020, in line with the government's second advance estimate, it said. ADB Country Director for India Takeo Konishi said India's economy faced its worst contraction in FY2020 due to the COVID-19 shock. "With large government stimulus and the ongoing vaccination drive, we expect economic activity will continue its recovery that started from the third quarter of FY2020 and rebound strongly in the current fiscal year with an uptick in domestic demand, especially in urban services," said Konishi. The government's boost to public investment through its infrastructure push, incentives for manufacturing, and continued support to boost rural incomes will support India's accelerated recovery, Konishi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's GDP to grow at 11pc this fiscal; second wave of Covid a worry: ADB  

Three more countries--Russia, South Korea, and Canada announced assistance to India to deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> crisis as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Russian President Putin called Indian PM Modi and assured full support for India to deal with the Covid crisis. Russian foreign ministry in a statement said that the country will deliver a "large batch of medical aid" to India which includes oxygen concentrators, lung ventilators, and other necessary medical supplies and drugs in next coming days. It said, "The Russian leadership has made a decision in the spirit of friendship and especially privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and with the goal of combating a surge in the coronavirus incidence."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-batch-of-vital-medical-supplies-from-uk-arrives-in-india-380763/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last year, Russia's main defence export body Rosoboronexport made a donation for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev had said, "In 2020, Rosoboronexport was one the first to react to the worsening of the situation, related to the spread of COVID-19 in India, and decided to make a donation to the Fund of the Prime Minister of India to support Indian citizens and assist them in emergency situations."

South Korean govt continues consultations with India on delivery of "urgent medical supplies" to deal with the pandemic, its mission in a statement saying, "Korean government will continue to closely cooperate with India, our Special Strategic Partner, in its fight against COVID-19."

Earlier in the day, Canada announced that it will be providing $10 million as "humanitarian assistance" that will be used to procure essential supplies like medicines, PPEs, oxygen cylinders for clinics and ambulances. The fund will be provided to Canadian Red Cross which will provide support to the Indian Red Cross.

A show of solidarity for India that has been seen across the world was seen in Canada as well with Canadian PM, foreign minister, envoy tweeting.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, "Right now, the people of India are facing a tragic situation. We stand ready to donate extra medical supplies, too."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Right now, the people of India are facing a tragic situation. To help with everything from ambulance services to buying personal protective equipment, we’re contributing $10 million to <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianRedCross?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianRedCross</a> through <a href="https://twitter.com/redcrosscanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RedCrossCanada</a>. We stand ready to donate extra medical supplies, too. <a href="https://t.co/YUuJTGSIoG">https://t.co/YUuJTGSIoG</a>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1387195247738953731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The foreign minister Marc Garneau, pointing out his talks with India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar regarding the Covid crisis and tweeted, "We are ready to assist."

Envoy Nadir Patel also extended his country's support.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canada</a> stands in solidarity with our friend &amp; partner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> and offer our support as we work together to win the fight against the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a>-19 pandemic <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadainIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadainIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/96PwRi8q7H">https://t.co/96PwRi8q7H</a>
— Nadir Patel (@nadirypatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadirypatel/status/1387040919505932291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, Singapore sent 256 oxygen cylinders, continuing its support for New Delhi. The oxygen cylinders were brought to India on two air force planes of Singapore. The entire mission was flagged off by Singapore's Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Maliki Osman in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran. Speaking at the ceremony, Osman said, "we see here today is a testament to the excellent relations between Singapore and India. This is made possible because of the existing close relationship between our two peoples, our governments, and our countries."

Supplies were brought from Hong Kong as well, with a private airline Spice Jet airlifting 1000 oxygen concentrators and bringing them to Delhi. This is the second big consignment of Oxygen concentrators being ordered from Hong Kong by the same company.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking in the British Parliament also expressed support for India. He said, "thoughts of members across the House are with the people of India. We're supporting India with vital medical equipment and we will continue to work closely with the Indian authorities to turn in what further help they may need".

In fact, Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne in a message for India said, "As India has helped others, so now must we help India", adding, "we will win this battle".

The UK has announced that it will send 600 pieces which include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to India. The first batch reached India on Tuesday morning and all in all nine airline container loads of supplies will be reaching the country this week. This includes 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators.

 
&nbsp;

Three more countries--Russia, South Korea, and Canada announced assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 crisis as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore.

Three more countries--Russia, South Korea, and Canada announced assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 crisis as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore. On Wednesday, Russian President Putin called Indian PM Modi and assured full support for India to deal with the Covid crisis. Russian foreign ministry in a statement said that the country will deliver a "large batch of medical aid" to India which includes oxygen concentrators, lung ventilators, and other necessary medical supplies and drugs in next coming days. It said, "The Russian leadership has made a decision in the spirit of friendship and especially privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and with the goal of combating a surge in the coronavirus incidence." Watch | Last year, Russia's main defence export body Rosoboronexport made a donation for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev had said, "In 2020, Rosoboronexport was one the first to react to the worsening of the situation, related to the spread of COVID-19 in India, and decided to make a donation to the Fund of the Prime Minister of India to support Indian citizens and assist them in emergency situations." South Korean govt continues consultations with India on delivery of "urgent medical supplies" to deal with the pandemic, its mission in a statement saying, "Korean government will continue to closely cooperate with India, our Special Strategic Partner, in its fight against COVID-19." Earlier in the day, Canada announced that it will be providing $10 million as "humanitarian assistance" that will be used to procure essential supplies like medicines, PPEs, oxygen cylinders for clinics and ambulances. The fund will be provided to Canadian Red Cross which will provide support to the Indian Red Cross. A show of solidarity for India that has been seen across the world was seen in Canada as well with Canadian PM, foreign minister, envoy tweeting. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, "Right now, the people of India are facing a tragic situation. We stand ready to donate extra medical supplies, too." Right now, the people of India are facing a tragic situation. To help with everything from ambulance services to buying personal protective equipment, we’re contributing $10 million to @IndianRedCross through @RedCrossCanada. We stand ready to donate extra medical supplies, too. https://t.co/YUuJTGSIoG — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 28, 2021 × The foreign minister Marc Garneau, pointing out his talks with India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar regarding the Covid crisis and tweeted, "We are ready to assist." Envoy Nadir Patel also extended his country's support. #Canada stands in solidarity with our friend & partner #India and offer our support as we work together to win the fight against the #COVID-19 pandemic @CanadainIndia https://t.co/96PwRi8q7H — Nadir Patel (@nadirypatel) April 27, 2021 × Meanwhile, Singapore sent 256 oxygen cylinders, continuing its support for New Delhi. The oxygen cylinders were brought to India on two air force planes of Singapore. The entire mission was flagged off by Singapore's Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Maliki Osman in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran. Speaking at the ceremony, Osman said, "we see here today is a testament to the excellent relations between Singapore and India. This is made possible because of the existing close relationship between our two peoples, our governments, and our countries." Supplies were brought from Hong Kong as well, with a private airline Spice Jet airlifting 1000 oxygen concentrators and bringing them to Delhi. This is the second big consignment of Oxygen concentrators being ordered from Hong Kong by the same company. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking in the British Parliament also expressed support for India. He said, "thoughts of members across the House are with the people of India. We're supporting India with vital medical equipment and we will continue to work closely with the Indian authorities to turn in what further help they may need". In fact, Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne in a message for India said, "As India has helped others, so now must we help India", adding, "we will win this battle". The UK has announced that it will send 600 pieces which include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to India. The first batch reached India on Tuesday morning and all in all nine airline container loads of supplies will be reaching the country this week. This includes 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators.

India's Covid crisis: Russia, South Korea, Canada announce assistance; Prince Charles, UK extend solidarity

As India battles the Covid pandemic, Taiwan will&nbsp;send&nbsp;oxygen generators to the country this week. Taipei will make formal announcements ahead of departure.

In a tweeted statement, Kolas Yotaka, Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson, said, "First shipment of oxygen generators from Taiwan to India is leaving this week. We are all in this together."

India is keen to procure essentials related to oxygen, like generators, concentrators, and others as many hospitals in the country are facing scarcity amid mounting Covid cases.&nbsp;Taiwan has been lauded for the way it dealt with Covid cases in its territory.&nbsp;

Spontaneous support has been seen in Taiwan for India, with the president, vice president, foreign ministry&nbsp;and others tweeting, in a show of solidarity.

President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted, "On behalf of all Taiwanese people, I would like to express my serious concern over the rapid spread of COVID-19 in India. Taiwan stands with India in this difficult time, &amp; we are ready to provide help."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On behalf of all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwanese?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwanese</a> people, I would like to express my serious concern over the rapid spread of COVID-19 in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. Taiwan stands with India in this difficult time, &amp; we are ready to provide help.
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iingwen/status/1386938260362915842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Vice President Lai Ching-te said, "I wish to express my heartfelt solidarity with the Indian people. The global COVID crisis is far from over but we will get through it together."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I wish to express my heartfelt solidarity with the Indian people. The global COVID crisis is far from over but we will get through it together.
— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChingteLai/status/1386150711671459841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Taiwan's foreign ministry said, "The government &amp; people of Taiwan are seriously concerned about the COVID19 situation in India." The ministry is monitoring the developments &amp; holding discussions to send "requisite" support to India.&nbsp;

Taiwan Member of Parliament's Wang Ting-yu said,"As India battles the worst Covid surge in the world, Taiwan should be doing more to support our Indian friends".

Since last year, increased people-to-people engagement has been seen between Taiwan and India.

Strong support was seen in India for Taiwan on its national day. This comes even as China has been aggressive with both. From the Line of Actual Control (LAC) crisis with India starting April 2020 to trying to violate the airspace of Taiwan, Beijing's aggressive posture has been a cause of concern in the region.&nbsp;

As India battles the Covid pandemic, Taiwan will send oxygen generators to the country this week. Taipei will make formal announcements ahead of departure. In a tweeted statement, Kolas Yotaka, Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson, said, "First shipment of oxygen generators from Taiwan to India is leaving this week.

As India battles the Covid pandemic, Taiwan will send oxygen generators to the country this week. Taipei will make formal announcements ahead of departure. In a tweeted statement, Kolas Yotaka, Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson, said, "First shipment of oxygen generators from Taiwan to India is leaving this week. We are all in this together." India is keen to procure essentials related to oxygen, like generators, concentrators, and others as many hospitals in the country are facing scarcity amid mounting Covid cases. Taiwan has been lauded for the way it dealt with Covid cases in its territory. Spontaneous support has been seen in Taiwan for India, with the president, vice president, foreign ministry and others tweeting, in a show of solidarity. President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted, "On behalf of all Taiwanese people, I would like to express my serious concern over the rapid spread of COVID-19 in India. Taiwan stands with India in this difficult time, & we are ready to provide help." On behalf of all #Taiwanese people, I would like to express my serious concern over the rapid spread of COVID-19 in #India. Taiwan stands with India in this difficult time, & we are ready to provide help. — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) April 27, 2021 × Vice President Lai Ching-te said, "I wish to express my heartfelt solidarity with the Indian people. The global COVID crisis is far from over but we will get through it together." I wish to express my heartfelt solidarity with the Indian people. The global COVID crisis is far from over but we will get through it together. — 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) April 25, 2021 × Taiwan's foreign ministry said, "The government & people of Taiwan are seriously concerned about the COVID19 situation in India." The ministry is monitoring the developments & holding discussions to send "requisite" support to India. Taiwan Member of Parliament's Wang Ting-yu said,"As India battles the worst Covid surge in the world, Taiwan should be doing more to support our Indian friends". Since last year, increased people-to-people engagement has been seen between Taiwan and India. Strong support was seen in India for Taiwan on its national day. This comes even as China has been aggressive with both. From the Line of Actual Control (LAC) crisis with India starting April 2020 to trying to violate the airspace of Taiwan, Beijing's aggressive posture has been a cause of concern in the region.

Covid crisis: Taiwan to send oxygen generators to India

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman virtually inaugurated India's first 3-D Printed house and is situated within IIT Madras, said the Institute.

Constructed by Tvasta Manufacturing solutions, this 600 sq. ft, single-story home has a functional space comprising of a single bedroom, hall, and kitchen —&nbsp;all of which have been designed and developed by the firm's indigenous 3-D printing technology.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-1000-oxygen-concentrators-airlifted-from-hong-kong-to-delhi-381109" hreflang="en">COVID-19: 1,000 oxygen concentrators airlifted from Hong Kong to Delhi&nbsp;</a>

The concrete 3D printing technology is a 'Ready-to-Implement Methodology'&nbsp;with no lead time on manufacturing, and is touted to offer advantages including reduction in overall construction cost and time, brings down the carbon footprint, higher productivity of labor, and utilisation of eco-friendly materials.&nbsp;

Tvasta's 'Concrete 3D Printing' is an automated manufacturing method, where their 3-D printer accepts a computerised three-dimensional design file and fabricates a 3D structure in a layer-by-layer manner by extruding a custom-made variant of concrete.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-over-5-million-people-vaccinated-so-far-says-government-381045" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu: Over 5 million people vaccinated so far, says government</a>

In 2018, WION had reported on this technology when it was in its nascent stage and the firm had demonstrated its capability of printing a standing 3-D structure.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wwz56z67sBk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Addressing the inauguration via virtual mode, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs said, "India definitely needs such solutions which do not require much time. This technology enables building a 3D printed house in 5 days. With the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal of 'Housing for All by 2022', we have a huge challenge before us. A huge challenge of meeting that deadline and making sure that people who need houses get it at an affordable price. The Government incentives for that are available."

She expressed hope that with such technology able to deliver a home In five days, the goal of building 100 million homes by 2022, would not be a big challenge, when compared to conventional construction.&nbsp;

Tvasta’s primarily aims to cater to the various infrastructure needs in the Indian subcontinent, with the focus on providing construction-related 3D Printing services for government schemes that aim to alleviate problems of housing, sanitation, disaster-time rehabilitation, among others.&nbsp;

On the work done by Tvasta, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, said, "This technology is the first to be beneficiary-led in the construction industry. The machine for constructing this house can be rented, like borewells rented by farmers. It provides for large-scale, high quality and also, price assurance for the customers."

The firm’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Adithya VS, believes that their technology and efforts can ensure personalisation of homes for the users and make affordable, quality housing a reality for all Indians.&nbsp;

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman virtually inaugurated India's first 3-D Printed house and is situated within IIT Madras, said the Institute. Constructed by Tvasta Manufacturing solutions, this 600 sq.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman virtually inaugurated India's first 3-D Printed house and is situated within IIT Madras, said the Institute. Constructed by Tvasta Manufacturing solutions, this 600 sq. ft, single-story home has a functional space comprising of a single bedroom, hall, and kitchen — all of which have been designed and developed by the firm's indigenous 3-D printing technology. Also read | COVID-19: 1,000 oxygen concentrators airlifted from Hong Kong to Delhi The concrete 3D printing technology is a 'Ready-to-Implement Methodology' with no lead time on manufacturing, and is touted to offer advantages including reduction in overall construction cost and time, brings down the carbon footprint, higher productivity of labor, and utilisation of eco-friendly materials. Tvasta's 'Concrete 3D Printing' is an automated manufacturing method, where their 3-D printer accepts a computerised three-dimensional design file and fabricates a 3D structure in a layer-by-layer manner by extruding a custom-made variant of concrete. Also read | Tamil Nadu: Over 5 million people vaccinated so far, says government In 2018, WION had reported on this technology when it was in its nascent stage and the firm had demonstrated its capability of printing a standing 3-D structure. × Addressing the inauguration via virtual mode, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs said, "India definitely needs such solutions which do not require much time. This technology enables building a 3D printed house in 5 days. With the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal of 'Housing for All by 2022', we have a huge challenge before us. A huge challenge of meeting that deadline and making sure that people who need houses get it at an affordable price. The Government incentives for that are available." She expressed hope that with such technology able to deliver a home In five days, the goal of building 100 million homes by 2022, would not be a big challenge, when compared to conventional construction. Tvasta’s primarily aims to cater to the various infrastructure needs in the Indian subcontinent, with the focus on providing construction-related 3D Printing services for government schemes that aim to alleviate problems of housing, sanitation, disaster-time rehabilitation, among others. On the work done by Tvasta, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, said, "This technology is the first to be beneficiary-led in the construction industry. The machine for constructing this house can be rented, like borewells rented by farmers. It provides for large-scale, high quality and also, price assurance for the customers." The firm’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Adithya VS, believes that their technology and efforts can ensure personalisation of homes for the users and make affordable, quality housing a reality for all Indians.

IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom

A study has found that people who have been vaccinated with Covaxin have protection against the double mutant (B.1.617) variant first found in India.

Covaxin can fight against double mutant variant found in India: study

Amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases in India, the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) said it will reduce the price of the Covishield vaccine by INR 100.

The price of the vaccine has been reduced from 400 rupees to 300 per dose for all Indian states, said an announcement by Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/science/people-with-o-blood-group-more-vulnerable-to-covid-19-csir-381106">People with 'O' blood group more vulnerable to COVID-19: CSIR</a>

"As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from Rs.400 to Rs.300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives," he tweeted.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a>, I hereby reduce the price to the states from Rs.400 to Rs.300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives.
- Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1387379373452390409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, the company had announced a price of INR 400 for all state governments and INR 600 per dose for private hospitals. The company is one of the biggest producers of coronavirus vaccines in the world right now.<o:p></o:p>

This announcement has come after it was reported that the central government had asked SII to reduce the price of the coronavirus vaccine, while some states also accused Poonawalla of profiteering from a pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases in India, the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) said it will reduce the price of the Covishield vaccine by INR 100. The price of the vaccine has been reduced from 400 rupees to 300 per dose for all Indian states, said an announcement by Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases in India, the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) said it will reduce the price of the Covishield vaccine by INR 100. The price of the vaccine has been reduced from 400 rupees to 300 per dose for all Indian states, said an announcement by Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday. Also read | People with 'O' blood group more vulnerable to COVID-19: CSIR "As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from Rs.400 to Rs.300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives," he tweeted. As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from Rs.400 to Rs.300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives. - Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) April 28, 2021 × Earlier, the company had announced a price of INR 400 for all state governments and INR 600 per dose for private hospitals. The company is one of the biggest producers of coronavirus vaccines in the world right now. This announcement has come after it was reported that the central government had asked SII to reduce the price of the coronavirus vaccine, while some states also accused Poonawalla of profiteering from a pandemic.

After row, Serum Institute cuts price of its Covid vaccine to 300 rupees for states as 'philanthropic gesture'

As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India

The lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday.

He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-over-5-million-people-vaccinated-so-far-says-government-381045" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu: Over 5 million people vaccinated so far, says government</a>

"It (the lockdown) will be extended by 15 days," Tope said.

In view of the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on April 4 announced a weekend lockdown and restrictions on the movement of people in the night during the weekdays till April 30.

The government had also clamped other restrictions like the closure of private offices, theatres, and salons to curb the unprecedented surge in the cases.

Currently, the weekend lockdown is in force from 8 pm on Fridays and lasts till 7 am on Mondays.

The state government later directed groceries, vegetable shops, and dairies to remain open only for four hours, between 7 am and 11 am and banned home delivery after 8 pm till May 1.

The lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday. He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension.

The lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday. He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension. Also read | Tamil Nadu: Over 5 million people vaccinated so far, says government "It (the lockdown) will be extended by 15 days," Tope said. In view of the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on April 4 announced a weekend lockdown and restrictions on the movement of people in the night during the weekdays till April 30. The government had also clamped other restrictions like the closure of private offices, theatres, and salons to curb the unprecedented surge in the cases. Currently, the weekend lockdown is in force from 8 pm on Fridays and lasts till 7 am on Mondays. The state government later directed groceries, vegetable shops, and dairies to remain open only for four hours, between 7 am and 11 am and banned home delivery after 8 pm till May 1.

COVID-19: India's Maharashtra state to extend lockdown by 15 days beyond Apr 30

Budget carrier SpiceJet's dedicated freighter arm SpiceXpress on Wednesday said it has airlifted 1,000 oxygen concentrators from Hong Kong to Delhi amid a nationwide shortage of medical oxygen in the country.&nbsp;

Ordered by SpiceHealth for emergency use and distribution across India, the oxygen concentrators will reach Delhi via Kolkata, SpiceJet said in a release.&nbsp;

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air.&nbsp;

This is the second big consignment of oxygen concentrators ordered and delivered to SpiceHealth with more than 2,000 such concentrators getting transported in the last two weeks, SpiceJet said.&nbsp;

The company is looking at bringing about 20,000 oxygen concentrators in the coming days from across the globe, SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh said.&nbsp;

SpiceHealth has been working actively with state governments and hospitals across the country to address the issue of acute shortage of oxygen, the company said.&nbsp;

"Considering the current situation across the country, our focus is to airlift as many oxygen concentrators, BiPAPs, and other medical devices as possible to cater to the increasing demand. SpiceJet and SpiceHealth are collaborating actively to contribute in our country's dedicated efforts to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," Singh said.&nbsp;

With a network spanning 63 domestic and 50 international destinations and a fleet of 19 cargo planes, SpiceXpress is capable of flying over 600 tonnes of cargo daily to domestic and international destinations. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Budget carrier SpiceJet's dedicated freighter arm SpiceXpress on Wednesday said it has airlifted 1,000 oxygen concentrators from Hong Kong to Delhi amid a nationwide shortage of medical oxygen in the country.

Budget carrier SpiceJet's dedicated freighter arm SpiceXpress on Wednesday said it has airlifted 1,000 oxygen concentrators from Hong Kong to Delhi amid a nationwide shortage of medical oxygen in the country. Ordered by SpiceHealth for emergency use and distribution across India, the oxygen concentrators will reach Delhi via Kolkata, SpiceJet said in a release. An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air. This is the second big consignment of oxygen concentrators ordered and delivered to SpiceHealth with more than 2,000 such concentrators getting transported in the last two weeks, SpiceJet said. The company is looking at bringing about 20,000 oxygen concentrators in the coming days from across the globe, SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh said. SpiceHealth has been working actively with state governments and hospitals across the country to address the issue of acute shortage of oxygen, the company said. "Considering the current situation across the country, our focus is to airlift as many oxygen concentrators, BiPAPs, and other medical devices as possible to cater to the increasing demand. SpiceJet and SpiceHealth are collaborating actively to contribute in our country's dedicated efforts to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," Singh said. With a network spanning 63 domestic and 50 international destinations and a fleet of 19 cargo planes, SpiceXpress is capable of flying over 600 tonnes of cargo daily to domestic and international destinations. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 1,000 oxygen concentrators airlifted from Hong Kong to Delhi 

Australia on Tuesday announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India, as the South Asian nation grapples with a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to "clearly present" risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians -- including high-profile cricketers -- stranded.

It follows similar moves by countries including Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Britain to halt or restrict flights in response to the spiralling Covid crisis.

Morrison also said Australia would send medical aid, including oxygen tanks, ventilators and personal protective equipment, to India as its health system strains under the growing caseload.

The nation of 1.3 billion people recorded 352,991 new infections and 2,812 deaths on Monday -- its highest levels since the pandemic began.

Morrison said India was enduring a "terrible humanitarian crisis" that was also hitting Australian families with ties to the country.

"The scenes that we're seeing from India are truly heartbreaking," he said.

The flight ban comes a day after authorities lifted stay-at-home orders for two million people in Perth, in Australia's west, where a snap lockdown was imposed after a man who returned from his wedding in India&nbsp;infected others in quarantine.

The virus then spread to others in the community, prompting&nbsp;calls from some state leaders for Canberra to toughen its approach to travel from the subcontinent.

Morrison stressed that the suspension was not a permanent measure, saying repatriation flights would resume with the "most vulnerable" given priority.

"We don't think the answer is to forsake those Australians in India and just shut them off, as some seem to suggest," he said, adding there would be no special treatment for cricketers currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 
 
Australia had already limited the number of flights from India in an effort to control the spread of coronavirus, which has largely been contained Down Under. 
 
Earlier this month, neighbouring New Zealand imposed a temporary block on all travellers from India, shutting out returning Kiwis for the first time since the pandemic emerged. 
 
Australia closed its international borders to most non-citizens in March 2020 and those allowed to travel must spend 14 days in quarantine hotels on their return. 
 
The country of 25 million has recorded fewer than 30,000 cases since the pandemic began and 910 deaths, with no major outbreaks since last year and most parts of the country enjoying few restrictions.

Australia on Tuesday announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India, as the South Asian nation grapples with a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

Australia on Tuesday announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India, as the South Asian nation grapples with a massive surge in coronavirus infections. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to "clearly present" risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians -- including high-profile cricketers -- stranded. It follows similar moves by countries including Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Britain to halt or restrict flights in response to the spiralling Covid crisis. Morrison also said Australia would send medical aid, including oxygen tanks, ventilators and personal protective equipment, to India as its health system strains under the growing caseload. The nation of 1.3 billion people recorded 352,991 new infections and 2,812 deaths on Monday -- its highest levels since the pandemic began. Morrison said India was enduring a "terrible humanitarian crisis" that was also hitting Australian families with ties to the country. "The scenes that we're seeing from India are truly heartbreaking," he said. The flight ban comes a day after authorities lifted stay-at-home orders for two million people in Perth, in Australia's west, where a snap lockdown was imposed after a man who returned from his wedding in India infected others in quarantine. The virus then spread to others in the community, prompting calls from some state leaders for Canberra to toughen its approach to travel from the subcontinent. Morrison stressed that the suspension was not a permanent measure, saying repatriation flights would resume with the "most vulnerable" given priority. "We don't think the answer is to forsake those Australians in India and just shut them off, as some seem to suggest," he said, adding there would be no special treatment for cricketers currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Australia had already limited the number of flights from India in an effort to control the spread of coronavirus, which has largely been contained Down Under. Earlier this month, neighbouring New Zealand imposed a temporary block on all travellers from India, shutting out returning Kiwis for the first time since the pandemic emerged. Australia closed its international borders to most non-citizens in March 2020 and those allowed to travel must spend 14 days in quarantine hotels on their return. The country of 25 million has recorded fewer than 30,000 cases since the pandemic began and 910 deaths, with no major outbreaks since last year and most parts of the country enjoying few restrictions.

Australia suspends direct passenger flights from India amid COVID-19 outbreak

India's second wave is not slowing down as the country in the last 24 hours has recorded more than 332,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>cases.&nbsp;

Yesterday, India set a world record in daily infections and today it has broken its own record.

India's total caseload has surpassed 16 million and of these 2.4 million are active cases.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-second-wave-regulators-approve-promising-drug-379602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

More than 83 per cent of people in India have recovered from the virus.

Since last year, over 186,00 people have died, which is 1.15 per cent of the total cases.

The second wave has brought with it a crisis on every front.

Hospitals are taking to social media to complain about oxygen shortages and there's a crunch of beds and medicines too.

As many as 12 countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from India.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-patients-dead-in-fire-at-covid-hospital-in-maharashtras-palghar-379375">13 patients dead in fire at Covid hospital in Maharashtra's Palghar</a>

These measures include tough quarantine measures and even a ban on flights.

The UK, US, Canada, France, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are the 12 countries that have put restrictions.&nbsp;

However, there are some positive developments too. Let's take a look.&nbsp;

India has now administered more than 130 million doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines </a>with over 109 million people getting one dose and more than 17 million being fully vaccinated.

India will open up its vaccination programme on May 1 and that should dramatically scale up the numbers.

Indian regulators today gave a restricted emergency use approval to a new drug called Virafin, made by India's Cadila Healthcare.

Virafin is actually a hepatitis C drug, but trials show its effectiveness in treating the Wuhan virus too.

Reports say about 91 per cent of the patients treated with this drug tested negative within seven days.

It also reduced the need for oxygen support.

Meanwhile, a hospital in Rome has begun treating patients in a radically new way.

They are using monoclonal antibodies for treatment.

Usually, when we fall sick, our antibodies attack the virus and prevent it from spreading, and the vaccine does the same.&nbsp;

Now, monoclonal antibodies are substitute antibodies, basically, lab-produced molecules that can enhance or mimic an immune system's response.

This therapy has been rolled out in several countries, but it has not been used widely.

The Castelli Hospital in Rome believes that monoclonal antibodies can stop infected patients from becoming sicker.

&nbsp;

India's second wave is not slowing down as the country in the last 24 hours has recorded more than 332,000 coronavirus cases. Yesterday, India set a world record in daily infections and today it has broken its own record.

India's second wave is not slowing down as the country in the last 24 hours has recorded more than 332,000 coronavirus cases. Yesterday, India set a world record in daily infections and today it has broken its own record. India's total caseload has surpassed 16 million and of these 2.4 million are active cases. Watch | More than 83 per cent of people in India have recovered from the virus. Since last year, over 186,00 people have died, which is 1.15 per cent of the total cases. The second wave has brought with it a crisis on every front. Hospitals are taking to social media to complain about oxygen shortages and there's a crunch of beds and medicines too. As many as 12 countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from India. Also read | 13 patients dead in fire at Covid hospital in Maharashtra's Palghar These measures include tough quarantine measures and even a ban on flights. The UK, US, Canada, France, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are the 12 countries that have put restrictions. However, there are some positive developments too. Let's take a look. India has now administered more than 130 million doses of vaccines with over 109 million people getting one dose and more than 17 million being fully vaccinated. India will open up its vaccination programme on May 1 and that should dramatically scale up the numbers. Indian regulators today gave a restricted emergency use approval to a new drug called Virafin, made by India's Cadila Healthcare. Virafin is actually a hepatitis C drug, but trials show its effectiveness in treating the Wuhan virus too. Reports say about 91 per cent of the patients treated with this drug tested negative within seven days. It also reduced the need for oxygen support. Meanwhile, a hospital in Rome has begun treating patients in a radically new way. They are using monoclonal antibodies for treatment. Usually, when we fall sick, our antibodies attack the virus and prevent it from spreading, and the vaccine does the same. Now, monoclonal antibodies are substitute antibodies, basically, lab-produced molecules that can enhance or mimic an immune system's response. This therapy has been rolled out in several countries, but it has not been used widely. The Castelli Hospital in Rome believes that monoclonal antibodies can stop infected patients from becoming sicker.

As India is troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope

We see advertisements everywhere, from movie theatres to YouTube videos. Advertisements are extremely powerful as they leave a lasting impression on us. Due to this, it is important that ads say all the right things. However, sometimes they do not.

A UNICEF study has found that Indian advertisements reinforce gender bias and stereotypes.

Advertisements make cameos on our television sets as they are very rarely longer than a few seconds. However, those few seconds are enough to plant an idea in one’s brain and spur change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-ads-reinforce-gender-stereotypes-379605">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-ads-reinforce-gender-stereotypes-379605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the consequences can be serious if the idea of the advertisement is flawed. A UNICEF study has found that India is facing this exact problem as it set to find out the representation of women in advertisements.

As per the raw data accumulated by UNICEF, 49.6 per cent of characters in ads are women but they make up nearly 60 per cent of the screen time and 56 per cent of speaking time.

However, the problem is that women appear in Indian ads mostly to sell domestic and beauty products only. So, these numbers are a sign of deep-seated stereotypes as women, apparently, still belong in kitchen as per these advertisements.

These stereotypical advertisements are being consumed by the Indian youth, which is extending these stereotypes across generations.

Indian ads focus more on looks than messaging and once again it is a different yardstick for women. They are nine times more likely to be presented as 'stunning or attractive' and six times more likely to be shown in revealing clothes. Women are four times more likely to be depicted as partially nude and five times more likely to be sexually objectified.

The bottom line is that while men are brand ambassadors, women are treated as brand commodities.

Advertisers do not realise the impact of their actions. Sexual objectification has real consequences in society as young girls may grow up to hate their bodies. This can lead to a cycle of body shaming and depression.

A majority of Indian ads depict women as dependants and show men taking the big calls while women make the household decisions. As per the data, 11 per cent of women in Indian ads are married, compared to 8.8 per cent for men. The women are twice as likely to be shown shopping and cleaning.

Such regressive trends extend to skin colour as well. Two-thirds of all female characters were of light or medium skin tone. This reaffirms the stereotype that light skin is desirable, which sends women back in the cycle of insecurity and depression.

Indian ad makers are in a position of power but they need to be reminded of it because their content shapes minds across the country. Corporate social responsibility isn't just about planting trees and pep talks; it is about responsible advertising and putting out the right message.

Philosopher Marshall McLuhan called advertisements the cave art of the 20th century. While we are a hundred years wiser today, we seem to be still stuck with the same old cave art.

We see advertisements everywhere, from movie theatres to YouTube videos. Advertisements are extremely powerful as they leave a lasting impression on us. Due to this, it is important that ads say all the right things.

We see advertisements everywhere, from movie theatres to YouTube videos. Advertisements are extremely powerful as they leave a lasting impression on us. Due to this, it is important that ads say all the right things. However, sometimes they do not. A UNICEF study has found that Indian advertisements reinforce gender bias and stereotypes. Advertisements make cameos on our television sets as they are very rarely longer than a few seconds. However, those few seconds are enough to plant an idea in one’s brain and spur change. Watch | However, the consequences can be serious if the idea of the advertisement is flawed. A UNICEF study has found that India is facing this exact problem as it set to find out the representation of women in advertisements. As per the raw data accumulated by UNICEF, 49.6 per cent of characters in ads are women but they make up nearly 60 per cent of the screen time and 56 per cent of speaking time. However, the problem is that women appear in Indian ads mostly to sell domestic and beauty products only. So, these numbers are a sign of deep-seated stereotypes as women, apparently, still belong in kitchen as per these advertisements. These stereotypical advertisements are being consumed by the Indian youth, which is extending these stereotypes across generations. Indian ads focus more on looks than messaging and once again it is a different yardstick for women. They are nine times more likely to be presented as 'stunning or attractive' and six times more likely to be shown in revealing clothes. Women are four times more likely to be depicted as partially nude and five times more likely to be sexually objectified. The bottom line is that while men are brand ambassadors, women are treated as brand commodities. Advertisers do not realise the impact of their actions. Sexual objectification has real consequences in society as young girls may grow up to hate their bodies. This can lead to a cycle of body shaming and depression. A majority of Indian ads depict women as dependants and show men taking the big calls while women make the household decisions. As per the data, 11 per cent of women in Indian ads are married, compared to 8.8 per cent for men. The women are twice as likely to be shown shopping and cleaning. Such regressive trends extend to skin colour as well. Two-thirds of all female characters were of light or medium skin tone. This reaffirms the stereotype that light skin is desirable, which sends women back in the cycle of insecurity and depression. Indian ad makers are in a position of power but they need to be reminded of it because their content shapes minds across the country. Corporate social responsibility isn't just about planting trees and pep talks; it is about responsible advertising and putting out the right message. Philosopher Marshall McLuhan called advertisements the cave art of the 20th century. While we are a hundred years wiser today, we seem to be still stuck with the same old cave art.

Indian advertisements promoting gender stereotypes instead of products: UNICEF

The biggest headline in India is oxygen shortage and it's serious as patients are being turned away from hospitals.

The government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes and this stock is now being diverted to hospitals.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-angela-merkel-says-europe-allowed-india-to-become-a-pharma-hub-379603/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Usually, India's healthcare facilities consume just 15 per cent of the country's oxygen supply, but during this second wave, oxygen supply to healthcare facilities has gone up to nearly 90 per cent.

Reports say 7,500 metric tonnes of oxygen is being diverted for medical use.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel sees this surge as an opportunity to kick an ally down.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-troubled-with-fresh-covid-wave-a-drug-and-therapy-bring-hope-379586">As India troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope</a>

Merkel was discussing the future of Europe today and she said Europe had not treated its pharma industry well.

Then, she pivoted to India, saying she's worried about how India's second wave will impact the delivery of "pharmaceutical products" to Germany.

Then she took a dig at India's status as a leading exporter of medical goods.

She said Europe had allowed India to become "such a large pharmaceutical producer".

"India has become a major pharmaceutical producer and we expect to honour its promises and if it can't, we will have to rethink," Merkel said.&nbsp;

The German chancellor said "Europe will have to rethink," but here's something Europe should think about first.

In 2018, India exported 229 million dollars worth of pharmaceuticals to Germany.

When Europe became the global hotspot in the pandemic last year, it was India that shared life-saving medicines and supplies.

And now when India is fighting a crushing surge, the German chancellor wants New Delhi to think of Berlin first.

It is a perfect example of Western entitlement.

But, it's not just foreign partners who are letting India down, domestic politics is hurting the fight against the virus.

Today, the Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>held a meeting with chief ministers of 11 states.

The discussions were supposed to happen behind closed doors, but one leader broke protocol.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal decided to share his discussions with the prime minister with the press.

Kejriwal's statement was beamed by the media.

When Modi was made aware of this, he interrupted Kejriwal to object.

Politics is debilitating in the best of times and in a pandemic, it can be deadly.

The second wave is taking lives and India is going to need all the help it can get.&nbsp;

And there have been some offers of help.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has sent this message through his ambassador in New Delhi.

"I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support," Macron said.

China's foreign ministry issued a statement today, saying: "The virus is a common enemy" and "China is willing to provide the necessary support and help".

The spokesperson didn't go into the specifics of China's offer and the Indian government hasn't issued any response.

They should think twice before accepting this offer.

Last year China offered supplies and the world was left complaining about faulty test kits and equipment.

We can't afford mistakes this time.

The biggest headline in India is oxygen shortage and it's serious as patients are being turned away from hospitals. The government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes and this stock is now being diverted to hospitals.

The biggest headline in India is oxygen shortage and it's serious as patients are being turned away from hospitals. The government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes and this stock is now being diverted to hospitals. Watch | Usually, India's healthcare facilities consume just 15 per cent of the country's oxygen supply, but during this second wave, oxygen supply to healthcare facilities has gone up to nearly 90 per cent. Reports say 7,500 metric tonnes of oxygen is being diverted for medical use. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel sees this surge as an opportunity to kick an ally down. Also read | As India troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope Merkel was discussing the future of Europe today and she said Europe had not treated its pharma industry well. Then, she pivoted to India, saying she's worried about how India's second wave will impact the delivery of "pharmaceutical products" to Germany. Then she took a dig at India's status as a leading exporter of medical goods. She said Europe had allowed India to become "such a large pharmaceutical producer". "India has become a major pharmaceutical producer and we expect to honour its promises and if it can't, we will have to rethink," Merkel said. The German chancellor said "Europe will have to rethink," but here's something Europe should think about first. In 2018, India exported 229 million dollars worth of pharmaceuticals to Germany. When Europe became the global hotspot in the pandemic last year, it was India that shared life-saving medicines and supplies. And now when India is fighting a crushing surge, the German chancellor wants New Delhi to think of Berlin first. It is a perfect example of Western entitlement. But, it's not just foreign partners who are letting India down, domestic politics is hurting the fight against the virus. Today, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with chief ministers of 11 states. The discussions were supposed to happen behind closed doors, but one leader broke protocol. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal decided to share his discussions with the prime minister with the press. Kejriwal's statement was beamed by the media. When Modi was made aware of this, he interrupted Kejriwal to object. Politics is debilitating in the best of times and in a pandemic, it can be deadly. The second wave is taking lives and India is going to need all the help it can get. And there have been some offers of help. French President Emmanuel Macron has sent this message through his ambassador in New Delhi. "I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support," Macron said. China's foreign ministry issued a statement today, saying: "The virus is a common enemy" and "China is willing to provide the necessary support and help". The spokesperson didn't go into the specifics of China's offer and the Indian government hasn't issued any response. They should think twice before accepting this offer. Last year China offered supplies and the world was left complaining about faulty test kits and equipment. We can't afford mistakes this time.

Some partners disappoint, others show solidarity when India gasps for oxygen

India has registered 352,000&nbsp;new coronavirus cases and more than 2,800 deaths in 24 hours. There is a critical shortage of oxygen and hospital beds. There is a long waiting list for last rites. And never-ending SOS calls. The crisis has overwhelmed India's health infrastructure. The centre and&nbsp;states are struggling.

Over 17 million cases. 195,000 deaths and counting. The COVID-19 situation in India remains grim. It's a devastating reminder of what the virus can do if left unchecked.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-19-overwhelms-indias-health-infrastructure-380632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of cases and deaths in india right now. We know that the situation is complex and requires different responses in different parts of the country," World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said.

On Monday, India reported 352,000 new cases. This is the highest single-day spike for the fifth consecutive day.

The tally of total active cases has now reached 2.8 million. 2,812 deaths have also been registered in the last 24 hours.

Till date, over 14 million people have recovered from the virus. 141 million doses of vaccine have been administered. but there's still work to do.

"Coronavirus is testing our patience. It is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery. Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly address Mann Ki Baat.

The crisis has overwhelmed the health infrastructure. The situation is particularly alarming in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala.

These six regions contributed to 64 per cent of the new cases in April.

In New Delhi, there's a desperate rush for oxygen as supplies run out. Families are ferrying their kin from hospital to hospital in search of a treatment.

"I don't know what the government is doing. If we can do it, why are the government not doing it?" said Gurpreet Singh, from&nbsp; a Sikh temple in East Delhi.

The story is same in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. Hospitals are running out of beds, patients are lining up outside hospitals. They are waiting to be admitted, carrying their own limited supply of oxygen.

"We brought the oxygen on our own. The treatment has started but we don't know what time our number will come to get inside the hospital. There is a huge line of patients waiting," said a person who was accompanying a friend to hospital.

In Mumbai, the financial capital of India, oxygen refilling plants are running dry due to short supply. those in need are returning disappointed and&nbsp;empty-handed. India is gasping for Oxygen. The toll is rising.

In New Delhi, makeshift crematoriums are being set up. They're still not enough to cope with the influx of victims. There's now a waiting list for last rites. It extends from several hours to two days.

The Indian Railways has become the nation's lifeline. 'Oxygen express trains' are running across the country.

In some places, train coaches have been turned into isolation wards. The centre and&nbsp;states are struggling. But in the near-absence of repositories for available supplies,&nbsp;social media platforms have become virtual command centres, ground zero for distress calls.

On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, ordinary Indians are going out of their way to help each other. Influencers are amplifying SOS calls.

"Twitter, specifically, if you pick any, if you pick 100 posts from my feed, at least 95 of them will be about people looking for resources or people sharing resources. And these resources include icu beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, contacts of people that could provide them and things like that," said Umang Galaiya, a 25-year-old employee in a start-up firm.

Their solidarity and promptness is moving. It is also a proof of a monumental failure. The failure of a system to provide basic healthcare facilities when pandemic strikes.

India has registered 352,000 new coronavirus cases and more than 2,800 deaths in 24 hours. There is a critical shortage of oxygen and hospital beds. There is a long waiting list for last rites.

India has registered 352,000 new coronavirus cases and more than 2,800 deaths in 24 hours. There is a critical shortage of oxygen and hospital beds. There is a long waiting list for last rites. And never-ending SOS calls. The crisis has overwhelmed India's health infrastructure. The centre and states are struggling. Over 17 million cases. 195,000 deaths and counting. The COVID-19 situation in India remains grim. It's a devastating reminder of what the virus can do if left unchecked. "We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of cases and deaths in india right now. We know that the situation is complex and requires different responses in different parts of the country," World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said. On Monday, India reported 352,000 new cases. This is the highest single-day spike for the fifth consecutive day. The tally of total active cases has now reached 2.8 million. 2,812 deaths have also been registered in the last 24 hours. Till date, over 14 million people have recovered from the virus. 141 million doses of vaccine have been administered. but there's still work to do. "Coronavirus is testing our patience. It is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery. Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly address Mann Ki Baat. The crisis has overwhelmed the health infrastructure. The situation is particularly alarming in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala. These six regions contributed to 64 per cent of the new cases in April. In New Delhi, there's a desperate rush for oxygen as supplies run out. Families are ferrying their kin from hospital to hospital in search of a treatment. "I don't know what the government is doing. If we can do it, why are the government not doing it?" said Gurpreet Singh, from a Sikh temple in East Delhi. The story is same in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. Hospitals are running out of beds, patients are lining up outside hospitals. They are waiting to be admitted, carrying their own limited supply of oxygen. "We brought the oxygen on our own. The treatment has started but we don't know what time our number will come to get inside the hospital. There is a huge line of patients waiting," said a person who was accompanying a friend to hospital. In Mumbai, the financial capital of India, oxygen refilling plants are running dry due to short supply. those in need are returning disappointed and empty-handed. India is gasping for Oxygen. The toll is rising. In New Delhi, makeshift crematoriums are being set up. They're still not enough to cope with the influx of victims. There's now a waiting list for last rites. It extends from several hours to two days. The Indian Railways has become the nation's lifeline. 'Oxygen express trains' are running across the country. In some places, train coaches have been turned into isolation wards. The centre and states are struggling. But in the near-absence of repositories for available supplies, social media platforms have become virtual command centres, ground zero for distress calls. On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, ordinary Indians are going out of their way to help each other. Influencers are amplifying SOS calls. "Twitter, specifically, if you pick any, if you pick 100 posts from my feed, at least 95 of them will be about people looking for resources or people sharing resources. And these resources include icu beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, contacts of people that could provide them and things like that," said Umang Galaiya, a 25-year-old employee in a start-up firm. Their solidarity and promptness is moving. It is also a proof of a monumental failure. The failure of a system to provide basic healthcare facilities when pandemic strikes.

Covid pandemic tests India's health infrastructure

Covid situation in India is horrific with shortages, death and panic. In Such times, global support counts for a lot. India demonstrated this last year. Hospitals in the West were swamped. They had no PPE kits, no masks and no medicines. It was India that came to their rescue.

This year, we are seeing a role reversal. India's caseload is steadily rising. But on the other side of the world, things are improving.

Europe and America are emerging from the pandemic. So naturally, you would expect them to repay the favour. Instead, we got snarky remarks and delays.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-asked-to-mask-up-at-home-380631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US was the most curious case. Washington kept talking about the importance of US-India ties. At the same time, they were withholding critical raw materials. This action had consequences. Without raw materials from the US, Indian vaccine makers could not expand output. But the State Department saw things differently. They came up with the most bizarre defence when asked about the embargo.

The State Department believes getting Americans vaccinated is a global priority.

The US may be a superpower, but its people are not a superspecies. So there is no reason why Americans deserve the jab more than people in Asia or Africa or Latin America. But that's exactly what the US was doing until this weekend: hoarding vaccines, blocking raw materials, and telling the world it's in their best interest. Criticism followed, America changed track.

Countries like America play to the gallery. And in the last few days, the world's attention has turned to India. Every major newspaper was carrying the story.

People started talking about America's embargo. And its selfishness. So the tone changed. Suddenly, Joe Biden remembered how india had helped his country last year.

This is what the president tweeted on Monday:&nbsp;"Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. <a href="https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y">https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

America has finally relented. It is poised to send ventilators, PPE kits and vaccine raw materials to India. But it shouldn't have been this hard.

Since Biden imposed the embargo, India has added 6 million new infections and nearly 40,000 deaths. The fact is, when India needed the US, it vanished.&nbsp;Now that the world is watching, it is eager to help. Hardly the actions of an ally, let alone a friend.

So what's the lesson here? Was India wrong in depending on other countries? Has the spirit of globalisation failed the test of tragedy?

The biggest takeaway is this. There is no substitute for self-reliance. Even the champions of globalisation are dabbling in vaccine nationalism. They are shutting borders and stocking vaccines.

But India did the exact opposite. It gifted millions of doses to neighbours, took on the mission of vaccinating Africa and Europe. In hindsight, critics may question the wisdom. But hindsight is a dangerous place to dwell.

India can be proud of its vaccine diplomacy.&nbsp;The rest of the world is responding in kind. At the same time, the lesson is clear. India must build its own arsenal. Because when the next tragedy strikes, things won't be any different.&nbsp;The US And Europe will still put their citizens first.Many Indian firms are supplying raw materials for Pfizer and Moderna. New Delhi could have leveraged this. It chose not to. This is the language America understands. The language of power and arm-twisting.

And quite frankly, we shouldn't be surprised. The US has repeatedly failed, when India has sought help. And this wasn't a handout. India was buying raw materials for a vaccine. American companies were being paid.

Look at some instances in history.

In the 1990s, Americans refused to share the cryogenic technology for space missions. So India got down to building its own. It wasn't easy work. There were multiple setbacks on the way. But in 2017, India's home-grown cryogenic engine was tested successfully.

Here is another instance. This is from 1999, during the Kargil war.

Pakistani troops had taken up strategic positions. So India requested GPS data from the region.&nbsp;GPS could have been a gamechanger in Kargil.

But we'll never know, because the US government denied India's request. Two decades later, India has its own GPS. It's called the Navic system. Experts say Navic is even more accurate than GPS in the Indian sub-continent.

India has thrived in adversities. Some of our finest moments have come amid hardships. The Wuhan virus pandemic should be no different. A post-pandemic India must target self-reliance in public health.

Covid situation in India is horrific with shortages, death and panic. In Such times, global support counts for a lot. India demonstrated this last year. Hospitals in the West were swamped.

Covid situation in India is horrific with shortages, death and panic. In Such times, global support counts for a lot. India demonstrated this last year. Hospitals in the West were swamped. They had no PPE kits, no masks and no medicines. It was India that came to their rescue. This year, we are seeing a role reversal. India's caseload is steadily rising. But on the other side of the world, things are improving. Europe and America are emerging from the pandemic. So naturally, you would expect them to repay the favour. Instead, we got snarky remarks and delays. The US was the most curious case. Washington kept talking about the importance of US-India ties. At the same time, they were withholding critical raw materials. This action had consequences. Without raw materials from the US, Indian vaccine makers could not expand output. But the State Department saw things differently. They came up with the most bizarre defence when asked about the embargo. The State Department believes getting Americans vaccinated is a global priority. The US may be a superpower, but its people are not a superspecies. So there is no reason why Americans deserve the jab more than people in Asia or Africa or Latin America. But that's exactly what the US was doing until this weekend: hoarding vaccines, blocking raw materials, and telling the world it's in their best interest. Criticism followed, America changed track. Countries like America play to the gallery. And in the last few days, the world's attention has turned to India. Every major newspaper was carrying the story. People started talking about America's embargo. And its selfishness. So the tone changed. Suddenly, Joe Biden remembered how india had helped his country last year. This is what the president tweeted on Monday: "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need." Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y — President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021 × America has finally relented. It is poised to send ventilators, PPE kits and vaccine raw materials to India. But it shouldn't have been this hard. Since Biden imposed the embargo, India has added 6 million new infections and nearly 40,000 deaths. The fact is, when India needed the US, it vanished. Now that the world is watching, it is eager to help. Hardly the actions of an ally, let alone a friend. So what's the lesson here? Was India wrong in depending on other countries? Has the spirit of globalisation failed the test of tragedy? The biggest takeaway is this. There is no substitute for self-reliance. Even the champions of globalisation are dabbling in vaccine nationalism. They are shutting borders and stocking vaccines. But India did the exact opposite. It gifted millions of doses to neighbours, took on the mission of vaccinating Africa and Europe. In hindsight, critics may question the wisdom. But hindsight is a dangerous place to dwell. India can be proud of its vaccine diplomacy. The rest of the world is responding in kind. At the same time, the lesson is clear. India must build its own arsenal. Because when the next tragedy strikes, things won't be any different. The US And Europe will still put their citizens first.Many Indian firms are supplying raw materials for Pfizer and Moderna. New Delhi could have leveraged this. It chose not to. This is the language America understands. The language of power and arm-twisting. And quite frankly, we shouldn't be surprised. The US has repeatedly failed, when India has sought help. And this wasn't a handout. India was buying raw materials for a vaccine. American companies were being paid. Look at some instances in history. In the 1990s, Americans refused to share the cryogenic technology for space missions. So India got down to building its own. It wasn't easy work. There were multiple setbacks on the way. But in 2017, India's home-grown cryogenic engine was tested successfully. Here is another instance. This is from 1999, during the Kargil war. Pakistani troops had taken up strategic positions. So India requested GPS data from the region. GPS could have been a gamechanger in Kargil. But we'll never know, because the US government denied India's request. Two decades later, India has its own GPS. It's called the Navic system. Experts say Navic is even more accurate than GPS in the Indian sub-continent. India has thrived in adversities. Some of our finest moments have come amid hardships. The Wuhan virus pandemic should be no different. A post-pandemic India must target self-reliance in public health.

After pandemic, India should aim for self-reliance in public health

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day India's&nbsp;total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,76,36,307, while the national recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 28,82,204 comprising 16.34 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,45,56,209 while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.12 per cent, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28,&nbsp;70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on&nbsp;November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of 1.50 crore on April 19. According to the ICMR, 28,09,79,877 samples have been tested up to April 26 with 16,58,700 samples being tested on Monday.

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,76,36,307, while the national recovery rate has further dropped to 82.

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,76,36,307, while the national recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 28,82,204 comprising 16.34 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,45,56,209 while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.12 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of 1.50 crore on April 19. According to the ICMR, 28,09,79,877 samples have been tested up to April 26 with 16,58,700 samples being tested on Monday.

India reports 323,144 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

China's state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders' efforts to procure the much-needed&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;concentrators and other medical supplies from&nbsp;China&nbsp;despite Beijing offering "support and assistance" to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases.

In a letter to the sales agents on Monday, the Sichuan Chuanhang Logistics Co. Ltd, the company which is part of the Sichuan Airlines said the airline has suspended its cargo flights on six routes, including Xian to Delhi, amid hectic efforts by private traders from both sides to procure&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;concentrators from&nbsp;China.

<iframe allow="conversion-measurement 'src'" data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>In the letter seen by PTI, the company said in the face of sudden changes in the epidemic situation (in India), in order to reduce the number of imported cases, it is decided to suspend the flights for the next 15 days.

Indian route has always been the core strategic route for Sichuan Airlines. This suspension has also caused great losses to our company. We are very sorry for the unchanged situation, the letter said and sought the "understanding of its sales agents, it said. The letter also said the company will review the situation after 15 days.

The suspension of cargo flights came as a surprise to agents and freight forwarders who are frantically trying to procure the&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;concentrators from&nbsp;China.

There are also complaints of Chinese manufacturers jacking up the prices by 35 to 40 per cent. The freight charges have been increased to over 20 per cent, Siddharth Sinha of Sino Global Logistics, a Shanghai-based freight forwarding company.

He told PTI here that the Sichuan Airlines decision to cancel flights has caused severe disruption to attempts by private traders in both the countries to secure quick supplies of the Oxygen concentrators to rush to India in view of the dire situation.

Now it becomes very challenging to rush the supplies as they have to be rerouted through Singapore and other countries through different airlines, which delays the much-needed supplies, he said.

The suspension of the flights owing to the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;situation in India is surprising as there is no crew change in India and the same crew flies the aircraft back, he said.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

The Chinese cargo flights besides the shipping services have been operational throughout the pandemic rushing supplies of lucrative mobile phone equipment as well as a lot of other Chinese exports to India.

Sinha also said the Chinese suppliers also resorted to inhuman practice of heavy jacking up of prices to cash in on the pandemic emergency.

The suspension of flights also came as a surprise to the Indian officials here as it came in the backdrop of official statements offering support and assistance to India.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian told a media briefing on April 23 that China is in communication with India to provide necessary support and assistance. China expresses sincere sympathies to India over the deteriorating situation in the country recently," he said.

The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the&nbsp;coronavirus.&nbsp;China is ready to provide support and help according to India's need, and is in communication with the Indian side on this, he said.

We believe that the Indian people will defeat the virus at an early date, he said.

India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,73,13,163 while active cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark. The death toll increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

China's state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders' efforts to procure the much-needed oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies from China despite Beijing offering "support and assistance" to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases.

China's state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders' efforts to procure the much-needed oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies from China despite Beijing offering "support and assistance" to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases. In a letter to the sales agents on Monday, the Sichuan Chuanhang Logistics Co. Ltd, the company which is part of the Sichuan Airlines said the airline has suspended its cargo flights on six routes, including Xian to Delhi, amid hectic efforts by private traders from both sides to procure oxygen concentrators from China. In the letter seen by PTI, the company said in the face of sudden changes in the epidemic situation (in India), in order to reduce the number of imported cases, it is decided to suspend the flights for the next 15 days. Indian route has always been the core strategic route for Sichuan Airlines. This suspension has also caused great losses to our company. We are very sorry for the unchanged situation, the letter said and sought the "understanding of its sales agents, it said. The letter also said the company will review the situation after 15 days. The suspension of cargo flights came as a surprise to agents and freight forwarders who are frantically trying to procure the oxygen concentrators from China. There are also complaints of Chinese manufacturers jacking up the prices by 35 to 40 per cent. The freight charges have been increased to over 20 per cent, Siddharth Sinha of Sino Global Logistics, a Shanghai-based freight forwarding company. He told PTI here that the Sichuan Airlines decision to cancel flights has caused severe disruption to attempts by private traders in both the countries to secure quick supplies of the Oxygen concentrators to rush to India in view of the dire situation. Now it becomes very challenging to rush the supplies as they have to be rerouted through Singapore and other countries through different airlines, which delays the much-needed supplies, he said. The suspension of the flights owing to the coronavirus situation in India is surprising as there is no crew change in India and the same crew flies the aircraft back, he said. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. The Chinese cargo flights besides the shipping services have been operational throughout the pandemic rushing supplies of lucrative mobile phone equipment as well as a lot of other Chinese exports to India. Sinha also said the Chinese suppliers also resorted to inhuman practice of heavy jacking up of prices to cash in on the pandemic emergency. The suspension of flights also came as a surprise to the Indian officials here as it came in the backdrop of official statements offering support and assistance to India. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian told a media briefing on April 23 that China is in communication with India to provide necessary support and assistance. China expresses sincere sympathies to India over the deteriorating situation in the country recently," he said. The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the coronavirus. China is ready to provide support and help according to India's need, and is in communication with the Indian side on this, he said. We believe that the Indian people will defeat the virus at an early date, he said. India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,73,13,163 while active cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark. The death toll increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

China's airline suspends cargo flights bringing medical supplies to India

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In reference to India's devastating second wave of the pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the process is kept under constant review, while the country sends an assistance package made up of 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators to India to meet the supply shortages over the course of the week. &nbsp;

The first tranche of 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in New Delhi early on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"We committed in February to sending excess doses from the UK's supply to the COVAX procurement pool and to countries in need, once they are available," the UK PM's spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"Right now, we are moving through the UK prioritisation list for our domestic rollout and don't have surplus doses, but we keep this under constant review. We recognise that no one is safe until we're all safe in this pandemic which is why the UK has contributed GBP 548 million to COVAX and sent vital medical supplies to India," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The COVAX facility refers to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access global initiative aimed at equitable access to vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;

The latest update from Downing Street comes as it emerged that the US is to export around 60 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with India expected to be among the biggest recipients of the consignment after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for the coronavirus in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday. The death toll mounted to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities.&nbsp;

Several efforts are on within the Indian diaspora in the UK to fundraise for essential supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and coordinate distribution of across India's struggling hospitals through a series of emergency appeals, including by charities such as the British Asian Trust and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday.

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday. In reference to India's devastating second wave of the pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the process is kept under constant review, while the country sends an assistance package made up of 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators to India to meet the supply shortages over the course of the week. The first tranche of 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in New Delhi early on Tuesday. "We committed in February to sending excess doses from the UK's supply to the COVAX procurement pool and to countries in need, once they are available," the UK PM's spokesperson said. "Right now, we are moving through the UK prioritisation list for our domestic rollout and don't have surplus doses, but we keep this under constant review. We recognise that no one is safe until we're all safe in this pandemic which is why the UK has contributed GBP 548 million to COVAX and sent vital medical supplies to India," the spokesperson said. The COVAX facility refers to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access global initiative aimed at equitable access to vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The latest update from Downing Street comes as it emerged that the US is to export around 60 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with India expected to be among the biggest recipients of the consignment after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With 3,23,144 people testing positive for the coronavirus in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday. The death toll mounted to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities. Several efforts are on within the Indian diaspora in the UK to fundraise for essential supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and coordinate distribution of across India's struggling hospitals through a series of emergency appeals, including by charities such as the British Asian Trust and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). (With inputs from agencies)

No surplus vaccine doses to send to India right now, says UK 

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said Air India is going to airlift 10,636 oxygen concentrators from several countries in the next week.

"Air India is airlifting 10,636 oxygen concentrators manufactured by Philips. 636 (concentrators) already flown in from the US. Consignments flying in every day. Will be completed within this week," Puri said on Twitter.

India is struggling with the second wave of coronavirus infection and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Twenty people died at Delhi''s Jaipur Golden Hospital last Saturday amid a shortage of medical oxygen.

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India''s total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,76,36,307, while the national recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said Air India is going to airlift 10,636 oxygen concentrators from several countries in the next week. "Air India is airlifting 10,636 oxygen concentrators manufactured by Philips.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said Air India is going to airlift 10,636 oxygen concentrators from several countries in the next week. "Air India is airlifting 10,636 oxygen concentrators manufactured by Philips. 636 (concentrators) already flown in from the US. Consignments flying in every day. Will be completed within this week," Puri said on Twitter. India is struggling with the second wave of coronavirus infection and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Twenty people died at Delhi''s Jaipur Golden Hospital last Saturday amid a shortage of medical oxygen. With 3,23,144 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India''s total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,76,36,307, while the national recovery rate has further dropped to 82.54 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll increased to 1,97,894 with 2,771 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Air India airlifting over 10,000 oxygen concentrators from several countries: Puri

Australia was the latest country on Tuesday to announce support for India even as it battles the Covid pandemic, reporting over 3,00,000 cases in the last days. The initial package announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators. &nbsp;

Addressing a presser after the National Security Committee meeting, PM Scott said, "we recognise that this has been a very significant outbreak in India....scenes we are seeing from India, they are truly heartbreaking. We share so much in common as peoples, as democratic nations, and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences and our support to the nation of India and the people of India and the Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Modi." &nbsp;

Other than ventilators, Australia will supply personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 face shields. The Australian Government has also agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables. The supplies are expected to start from next week. &nbsp;

In another significant development, Australia has also announced to pause direct passenger flights between both countries till May 15. The third-country entry points into Australia from India via Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) have also been blocked. Whenever the flights resume in the future, the passenger will have to carry a negative PCR test and a negative rapid antigen prior to boarding. &nbsp;

The Australian PM said, "We are standing with those Australians in India and recognise the very serious difficulties that they face", lauding Australian High commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell for the "great work he and all his consular team are doing in India right now". &nbsp;

19,400 Australians have returned from India since March of last year and as of now 9,000 Australians are registered in India, 650 of whom are registered as vulnerable. &nbsp;

Asked about any prioritisation for Australian cricketers, who are currently playing in the IPL in India, PM Scott said, "they’ve travelled there privately under those arrangements. This wasn't part of an Australian tour, and they're there under their own resources and they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements."&nbsp;

Australia was the latest country on Tuesday to announce support for India even as it battles the Covid pandemic, reporting over 3,00,000 cases in the last days. The initial package announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators.

Australia was the latest country on Tuesday to announce support for India even as it battles the Covid pandemic, reporting over 3,00,000 cases in the last days. The initial package announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators. Addressing a presser after the National Security Committee meeting, PM Scott said, "we recognise that this has been a very significant outbreak in India....scenes we are seeing from India, they are truly heartbreaking. We share so much in common as peoples, as democratic nations, and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences and our support to the nation of India and the people of India and the Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Modi." Other than ventilators, Australia will supply personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 face shields. The Australian Government has also agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables. The supplies are expected to start from next week. In another significant development, Australia has also announced to pause direct passenger flights between both countries till May 15. The third-country entry points into Australia from India via Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) have also been blocked. Whenever the flights resume in the future, the passenger will have to carry a negative PCR test and a negative rapid antigen prior to boarding. The Australian PM said, "We are standing with those Australians in India and recognise the very serious difficulties that they face", lauding Australian High commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell for the "great work he and all his consular team are doing in India right now". 19,400 Australians have returned from India since March of last year and as of now 9,000 Australians are registered in India, 650 of whom are registered as vulnerable. Asked about any prioritisation for Australian cricketers, who are currently playing in the IPL in India, PM Scott said, "they’ve travelled there privately under those arrangements. This wasn't part of an Australian tour, and they're there under their own resources and they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements."

India's Covid surge: Australia announces support, calls crisis heartbreaking

President Joe Biden spoke to India`s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, pledging US assistance after growing pressure on Washington to help. Post the high-level call between the two leaders a senior administration official told reporters that the US is ready with a range of support and is prepared to immediately start deploying it.

The US will dispatch a "Strike Team" comprising of public health experts to India, the official added. "US CDC is working with USAID that will urgently deploy a strike team to India which will improve public health experts to work in close collaboration with our embassy with India`s health ministries and experts and with India`s Epidemic Intelligence Service staff," the official added.

The Strike Team will work hand in hand with Indian experts in areas including laboratory services, surveillance and epidemiology and bioinformatics for sequencing and modelling of the disease, infection prevention and control the rollout and risk communications. The Strike Team will also include CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officers and laboratory leads, leadership and service officers who will work directly with US officials.

As requested by the government of India, United States will provide raw materials for the production of AstraZeneca`s Covishield vaccine at the Serum Institute of India."What we are doing is that we are diverting our own order of our own supplies to the Serum Institute for their manufacturing, because of the scope of the current situation in India. This was the most effective and rapid step we could take at this stage to provide support at scale," the official affirmed.

Another set of resources that India has specifically requested to the United States listing as a priority is Oxygen. The Department of Defense and the US Agency for International Development are pursuing options to provide oxygen generation systems and working on the oxygen supply chain.

"We do have the Department of State working to finalise options for contracting oxygen including cylinder. We also have the Department of Defense working on oxygen generation systems including larger scale as well as smaller-scale units," informed the official.

"We also are exploring options to provide oxygen concentrations and ventilators and we`re in technical discussions with India to ensure that the equipment we supply will connect the devices in India, and we`re also going to be providing training associated with all of these requests as needed," the official briefed reporters.Another category of assistance that the US will provide to India are therapeutics, personal protective equipment and tests.

"The United States is identified US commercial suppliers of Remdesivir that are immediately available to help relieve the suffering of COVID-19 patients in India, and we`ve identified rapid diagnostic testing supplies as well as personal protective equipment that will be available to be transferred to India immediately," the official added.

As announced by the White House earlier today, the US will begin sharing up to 60 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses with the world after the federal safety review. Doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be sent to countries "as they become available" and "in stages," according to another US official.

President Joe Biden spoke to India`s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, pledging US assistance after growing pressure on Washington to help. Post the high-level call between the two leaders a senior administration official told reporters that the US is ready with a range of support and is prepared to immediately start deploying it.

President Joe Biden spoke to India`s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, pledging US assistance after growing pressure on Washington to help. Post the high-level call between the two leaders a senior administration official told reporters that the US is ready with a range of support and is prepared to immediately start deploying it. The US will dispatch a "Strike Team" comprising of public health experts to India, the official added. "US CDC is working with USAID that will urgently deploy a strike team to India which will improve public health experts to work in close collaboration with our embassy with India`s health ministries and experts and with India`s Epidemic Intelligence Service staff," the official added. The Strike Team will work hand in hand with Indian experts in areas including laboratory services, surveillance and epidemiology and bioinformatics for sequencing and modelling of the disease, infection prevention and control the rollout and risk communications. The Strike Team will also include CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officers and laboratory leads, leadership and service officers who will work directly with US officials. As requested by the government of India, United States will provide raw materials for the production of AstraZeneca`s Covishield vaccine at the Serum Institute of India."What we are doing is that we are diverting our own order of our own supplies to the Serum Institute for their manufacturing, because of the scope of the current situation in India. This was the most effective and rapid step we could take at this stage to provide support at scale," the official affirmed. Another set of resources that India has specifically requested to the United States listing as a priority is Oxygen. The Department of Defense and the US Agency for International Development are pursuing options to provide oxygen generation systems and working on the oxygen supply chain. "We do have the Department of State working to finalise options for contracting oxygen including cylinder. We also have the Department of Defense working on oxygen generation systems including larger scale as well as smaller-scale units," informed the official. "We also are exploring options to provide oxygen concentrations and ventilators and we`re in technical discussions with India to ensure that the equipment we supply will connect the devices in India, and we`re also going to be providing training associated with all of these requests as needed," the official briefed reporters.Another category of assistance that the US will provide to India are therapeutics, personal protective equipment and tests. "The United States is identified US commercial suppliers of Remdesivir that are immediately available to help relieve the suffering of COVID-19 patients in India, and we`ve identified rapid diagnostic testing supplies as well as personal protective equipment that will be available to be transferred to India immediately," the official added. As announced by the White House earlier today, the US will begin sharing up to 60 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses with the world after the federal safety review. Doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be sent to countries "as they become available" and "in stages," according to another US official.

Washington to send 'Strike Team', Covid vaccine raw material and oxygen to India: US officials

The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain&nbsp;to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said.

Foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted photos of the equipment being unloaded from a German Lufthansa aircraft in New Delhi, calling it "international cooperation at work".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from 🇬🇧 including 100 ventilators &amp; 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning. <a href="https://t.co/MBZFwSn4cH">pic.twitter.com/MBZFwSn4cH</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1386859579816828931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Britain, one of several countries to announce sending help as India's health care system buckles under a huge surge in coronavirus cases, is despatching more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment.

In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent this week, according to the British High Commission in New Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said.

The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said. Foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted photos of the equipment being unloaded from a German Lufthansa aircraft in New Delhi, calling it "international cooperation at work". International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from 🇬🇧 including 100 ventilators & 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning. pic.twitter.com/MBZFwSn4cH — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 27, 2021 × Britain, one of several countries to announce sending help as India's health care system buckles under a huge surge in coronavirus cases, is despatching more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment. In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent this week, according to the British High Commission in New Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

First shipment of UK coronavirus medical aid arrives in India

India has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures probably run higher.

Gilead to help India boost Remdesivir production

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will deliver the Sputnik V vaccine to India as it battles the second wave of coronavirus, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday. Dmitriev, in an interview with CNN on Monday, said that the first doses will arrive in India on May 1.

He also stated that India would be one of the key producers of Sputnik V.Meanwhile, Indian doctors are looking forward to getting access to Russia's Sputnik V vaccine soon, Senior Director of the centre for Chest and Respiratory Diseases at New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr Sandeep Nayar told TASS Newsagency on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'">Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'</a>

"The Sputnik vaccine has a very good study and very good backup, so I'm hoping that we have that vaccine too as early as possible," Tass reported, quoting Senior Director of the Center for Chest and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr. SandeepNayar.At present, India is using two coronavirus vaccines, Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, and Covaxinmade by India's Bharat Biotech for vaccinating its citizens.

Sputnik V, the world's first registered coronavirus vaccine, has been approved for emergency use in 60 countries across the globe. According to an interim analysis from the trial published in The Lancet, the vaccine has 91.6 per cent efficacy.&nbsp;

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will deliver the Sputnik V vaccine to India as it battles the second wave of coronavirus, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will deliver the Sputnik V vaccine to India as it battles the second wave of coronavirus, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday. Dmitriev, in an interview with CNN on Monday, said that the first doses will arrive in India on May 1. He also stated that India would be one of the key producers of Sputnik V.Meanwhile, Indian doctors are looking forward to getting access to Russia's Sputnik V vaccine soon, Senior Director of the centre for Chest and Respiratory Diseases at New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr Sandeep Nayar told TASS Newsagency on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political' "The Sputnik vaccine has a very good study and very good backup, so I'm hoping that we have that vaccine too as early as possible," Tass reported, quoting Senior Director of the Center for Chest and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr. SandeepNayar.At present, India is using two coronavirus vaccines, Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, and Covaxinmade by India's Bharat Biotech for vaccinating its citizens. Sputnik V, the world's first registered coronavirus vaccine, has been approved for emergency use in 60 countries across the globe. According to an interim analysis from the trial published in The Lancet, the vaccine has 91.6 per cent efficacy.

India to get first doses of Sputnik V vaccine by May 1: RDIF CEO

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

COVID-19: Over 5 million people vaccinated in Tamil Nadu so far, says govt

World leaders reaffirms commitment to helping India

India's GDP to grow at 11pc this fiscal; second wave of Covid a worry: ADB

India's Covid crisis: Russia, South Korea, Canada announce assistance; Prince Charles, UK extend solidarity

Covid crisis: Taiwan to send oxygen generators to India

IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom

Covaxin can fight against double mutant variant found in India: study

After row, Serum Institute cuts price of its Covid vaccine to 300 rupees for states as 'philanthropic gesture'

As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India

COVID-19: India's Maharashtra state to extend lockdown by 15 days beyond Apr 30

COVID-19: 1,000 oxygen concentrators airlifted from Hong Kong to Delhi

Australia suspends direct passenger flights from India amid COVID-19 outbreak

As India is troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope

As India is troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope

Indian advertisements promoting gender stereotypes instead of products: UNICEF

Some partners disappoint, others show solidarity when India gasps for oxygen

Covid pandemic tests India's health infrastructure

After pandemic, India should aim for self-reliance in public health

India reports 323,144 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

China's airline suspends cargo flights bringing medical supplies to India

No surplus vaccine doses to send to India right now, says UK

Air India airlifting over 10,000 oxygen concentrators from several countries: Puri

India's Covid surge: Australia announces support, calls crisis heartbreaking

Washington to send 'Strike Team', Covid vaccine raw material and oxygen to India: US officials