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Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases.

Remdesivir is approved in India for restricted emergency use to treat severe COVID-19 cases, but hospitals are facing supply shortages due to indiscriminate use and the drug is being sold at over 10 times its listed price in the black market.

The shortage has raised concerns about hoarding as people queue up outside clinics and hospitals to buy the drug and millions take to social media to secure supplies.

Also&nbsp;Read |&nbsp;<a href="India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen">India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen</a>

Earlier this month, India banned the export of the drug and the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to make it.

Seven Indian companies have licensed the drug from Gilead, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 million units per month. Gilead said on Monday all of them were scaling up their batch sizes and adding new manufacturing facilities and local contract manufacturers.

There are doubts about the drug's effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The World Health Organization in November issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, but India has continued to use it.

A senior Indian government health official said last week that remdesivir is only for those patients who need oxygen.

"I am appealing that the hype over this medicine should be decreased, and it should be used in a rational manner," Vinod Kumar Paul said.

On Monday, Russian pharmaceutical firm Pharmasyntez said it was ready to ship up to 1 million packs of remdesivir to India by the end-May once it received the Russian government's approval.

India has reported more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past six days. It has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures likely run higher.

Nations including Britain, Germany and the United States have pledged support, while the World Health Organization termed the situation as "beyond heartbreaking".

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases. Remdesivir is approved in India for restricted emergency use to treat severe COVID-19 cases, but hospitals are facing supply shortages due to indiscriminate use and the drug is being sold at over 10 times its listed price in the black market. The shortage has raised concerns about hoarding as people queue up outside clinics and hospitals to buy the drug and millions take to social media to secure supplies. Also Read | India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen Earlier this month, India banned the export of the drug and the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to make it. Seven Indian companies have licensed the drug from Gilead, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 million units per month. Gilead said on Monday all of them were scaling up their batch sizes and adding new manufacturing facilities and local contract manufacturers. There are doubts about the drug's effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The World Health Organization in November issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, but India has continued to use it. A senior Indian government health official said last week that remdesivir is only for those patients who need oxygen. "I am appealing that the hype over this medicine should be decreased, and it should be used in a rational manner," Vinod Kumar Paul said. On Monday, Russian pharmaceutical firm Pharmasyntez said it was ready to ship up to 1 million packs of remdesivir to India by the end-May once it received the Russian government's approval. India has reported more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past six days. It has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures likely run higher. Nations including Britain, Germany and the United States have pledged support, while the World Health Organization termed the situation as "beyond heartbreaking".

Gilead to help speed up Remdesivir availability in India

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are invited to the virtual Foreign Ministerial level meeting being hosted on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India, Maldives and Bhutan are conspicuously absent from the meeting.

Asked why India has not been invited to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that "China follows the spirit of openness and inclusiveness".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks ">China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks&nbsp;</a>

"This meeting is open to South Asian countries, including India. We welcome the participation of all countries," he said.

This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

"We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,? Wang said. 
About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus attack, Wang said, "China has expressed early on its willingness to provide India with support and help".

"We are promoting Chinese companies to meet India's procurement demands for oxygen concentrators and other anti-epidemic supplies. We are ready to work with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will finally defeat the virus, he said.

China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide.

About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements.

"We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development,? he said.

"This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development, he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation.

"The meeting will be held under the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Other interested countries are welcome to participate, he said.

On China's organising the meeting of the South Asian countries to combat COVID-19, Wang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been standing together, providing assistance to one another and contributing to regional response.

Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said.

"The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India.

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are invited to the virtual Foreign Ministerial level meeting being hosted on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India, Maldives and Bhutan are conspicuously absent from the meeting. Asked why India has not been invited to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that "China follows the spirit of openness and inclusiveness". Also read: China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks "This meeting is open to South Asian countries, including India. We welcome the participation of all countries," he said. This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said. "We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,? Wang said. About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus attack, Wang said, "China has expressed early on its willingness to provide India with support and help". "We are promoting Chinese companies to meet India's procurement demands for oxygen concentrators and other anti-epidemic supplies. We are ready to work with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will finally defeat the virus, he said. China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide. About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements. "We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development,? he said. "This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development, he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation. "The meeting will be held under the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Other interested countries are welcome to participate, he said. On China's organising the meeting of the South Asian countries to combat COVID-19, Wang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been standing together, providing assistance to one another and contributing to regional response. Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said. "The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China says its South Asian Foreign Ministers' meet on Covid-19 is 'open' to India

In a show of solidarity, CEOs of some 40 top American companies have come together to create a global task force to mobilise resources to help India fight the battle against COVID-19.

A collective initiative of the US-India Business Council of the US Chambers of Commerce, and the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum and Business Roundtable, the task force during its meeting here on Monday committed to get 20,000 oxygen concentrators to India in the next few weeks.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-microsofts-indian-american-ceos-pledge-support-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-380513" hreflang="en">Google, Microsoft's Indian-American CEOs pledge support in India's fight against COVID-19</a>

The new US public-private partnership to provide India critical medical supplies, vaccines, oxygen, and other life-saving assistance amid an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases is called the Global Task Force on Pandemic Response: Mobilising for India.

The first-of-its-kind country-specific global task force to address a public health crisis in another country was addressed by US Secretary of State Tony Blinken.

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Productive conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/USIBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USIBC</a> today on how the United States and India can leverage the expertise and capabilities of the U.S. private sector as we urgently work toward solutions for India's COVID-19 crisis.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1386814848139399169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The conversation showed how the United States and India can leverage the expertise and capabilities of the US private sector towards solutions for India's COVID-19 crisis, Blinken said in a tweet.

US&nbsp;Representative Ro Khanna, Democratic vice chair of the Congressional Caucus on&nbsp;India said&nbsp;that&nbsp;Indian-American billionaire and Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla and other&nbsp;Indian-American tech executives at Google, IBM and Microsoft are working closely with the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on&nbsp;India.

The group is trying to match&nbsp;Indian hospitals and other facilities with supplies of oxygen and other urgently needed medical equipment, and pushing the White House to do more for&nbsp;India, the world's largest democracy, as a surge in infections overwhelms hospitals.

On Twitter, Khosla offered to fund the bulk import of oxygen and other supplies to&nbsp;India. Khanna said Khosla has offered to underwrite the initiative.

Google said&nbsp;on Monday it was donating another $18 million in&nbsp;India&nbsp;for victims and medical supplies, and confirmed chief executive Sundar Pichai was personally donating $700,000 to UNICEF's&nbsp;India&nbsp;response.&nbsp;

Indian immigrants and their offspring, some with deep pockets, are a powerful political force in the United States, and dozens of&nbsp;Indian Americans have roles in the Biden administration. Demographers estimate there are close to 4 million people of&nbsp;Indian descent in the United States.

The United States has faced criticism in&nbsp;India&nbsp;where local vaccine makers struggled to buy raw materials from U.S. suppliers. Administration officials insist there is no export ban in place, although the US&nbsp;Defence Production Act allows the government to give preference to U.S. manufacturers.

The&nbsp;Indian-American caucus is meeting with the&nbsp;Indian ambassador this week to see what else can be done to speed distribution of unused AstraZeneca vaccines and other supplies to&nbsp;India, Khanna said.

It has been pushing the White House to do more, Khanna said.

"The administration's initial response has been very encouraging, but the hope is that they will continue by releasing the AstraZeneca vaccines," Khanna said.

The White House on Monday said it would share up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Plc's coronavirus vaccine with other countries as soon as the next few weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a show of solidarity, CEOs of some 40 top American companies have come together to create a global task force to mobilise resources to help India fight the battle against COVID-19.

In a show of solidarity, CEOs of some 40 top American companies have come together to create a global task force to mobilise resources to help India fight the battle against COVID-19. A collective initiative of the US-India Business Council of the US Chambers of Commerce, and the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum and Business Roundtable, the task force during its meeting here on Monday committed to get 20,000 oxygen concentrators to India in the next few weeks. Also read| Google, Microsoft's Indian-American CEOs pledge support in India's fight against COVID-19 The new US public-private partnership to provide India critical medical supplies, vaccines, oxygen, and other life-saving assistance amid an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases is called the Global Task Force on Pandemic Response: Mobilising for India. The first-of-its-kind country-specific global task force to address a public health crisis in another country was addressed by US Secretary of State Tony Blinken. Productive conversation with @USIBC today on how the United States and India can leverage the expertise and capabilities of the U.S. private sector as we urgently work toward solutions for India's COVID-19 crisis. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 26, 2021 × The conversation showed how the United States and India can leverage the expertise and capabilities of the US private sector towards solutions for India's COVID-19 crisis, Blinken said in a tweet. US Representative Ro Khanna, Democratic vice chair of the Congressional Caucus on India said that Indian-American billionaire and Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla and other Indian-American tech executives at Google, IBM and Microsoft are working closely with the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India. The group is trying to match Indian hospitals and other facilities with supplies of oxygen and other urgently needed medical equipment, and pushing the White House to do more for India, the world's largest democracy, as a surge in infections overwhelms hospitals. On Twitter, Khosla offered to fund the bulk import of oxygen and other supplies to India. Khanna said Khosla has offered to underwrite the initiative. Google said on Monday it was donating another $18 million in India for victims and medical supplies, and confirmed chief executive Sundar Pichai was personally donating $700,000 to UNICEF's India response. Indian immigrants and their offspring, some with deep pockets, are a powerful political force in the United States, and dozens of Indian Americans have roles in the Biden administration. Demographers estimate there are close to 4 million people of Indian descent in the United States. The United States has faced criticism in India where local vaccine makers struggled to buy raw materials from U.S. suppliers. Administration officials insist there is no export ban in place, although the US Defence Production Act allows the government to give preference to U.S. manufacturers. The Indian-American caucus is meeting with the Indian ambassador this week to see what else can be done to speed distribution of unused AstraZeneca vaccines and other supplies to India, Khanna said. It has been pushing the White House to do more, Khanna said. "The administration's initial response has been very encouraging, but the hope is that they will continue by releasing the AstraZeneca vaccines," Khanna said. The White House on Monday said it would share up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Plc's coronavirus vaccine with other countries as soon as the next few weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Americans in US Congress, tech organise COVID-19 aid to India

Underworld don Rajendra Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan has tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted to the New Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Services (AIIMS), Tihar jail authorities informed a sessions court here on Monday.

Rajan, 61, is lodged in the high-security Tihar prison in New Delhi since his arrest after deportation from Bali, Indonesia, in 2015.

All the criminal cases pending against him in Mumbai were transferred to the CBI and a special court was constituted to try them.

On Monday, an assistant jailor of the Tihar jail telephonically informed the sessions court here that they could not produce Rajan via video conference before the judge for hearing in a case as the gangster has tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted to the AIIMS.

Rajan is facing as many as 70 criminal cases of extortion and murder in Mumbai.

In 2018, Rajan was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2011 murder case of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey.

Last week, the special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted Rajan and his aide in connection with the murder of Hanif Kadawala, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case.

Underworld don Rajendra Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan has tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted to the New Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Services (AIIMS), Tihar jail authorities informed a sessions court here on Monday.

Underworld don Rajendra Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan has tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted to the New Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Services (AIIMS), Tihar jail authorities informed a sessions court here on Monday. Rajan, 61, is lodged in the high-security Tihar prison in New Delhi since his arrest after deportation from Bali, Indonesia, in 2015. All the criminal cases pending against him in Mumbai were transferred to the CBI and a special court was constituted to try them. On Monday, an assistant jailor of the Tihar jail telephonically informed the sessions court here that they could not produce Rajan via video conference before the judge for hearing in a case as the gangster has tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted to the AIIMS. Rajan is facing as many as 70 criminal cases of extortion and murder in Mumbai. In 2018, Rajan was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2011 murder case of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey. Last week, the special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted Rajan and his aide in connection with the murder of Hanif Kadawala, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case.

Jailed gangster Chhota Rajan tests positive for Covid, admitted to AIIMS

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2. The commission has also put a cap on the number of persons assisting the candidates at the counting halls. 
 
In view of the surge in Covid cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to existing broad guidelines dated August 21, 2020 and has directed, "No victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible". 
 
The EC also said, "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative will receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave">Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave</a> 
 
In addition to this, the commission has made an extensive arrangement for counting that will be conducted in 705 halls in Bengal with a maximum of seven tables in each of the hall to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related with management of Covid. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all at the counting venues. 
 
"During the last assembly elections counting was held in 385 halls. We have almost doubled the counting venues that have gone up to 705. In the majority of the counting halls there will be seven tables and in some where the space is large there may be 14 tables.

The blueprint is expected to be finalised by Tuesday after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," Aariz Aftab, state Chief Electoral Officer said. "There will be temperature check at the entry point in all the venues," he added. 
 
Meanwhile, the EC on Monday announced that voting at booth no 126 at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar will be held on April 29 with the last phase of the ongoing election. During the fourth phase of polls held in April 10, four persons were killed in firing by central forces near the polling booth at Sitalkuchi and the Commission had declared voting at that polling station to be void.

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2.

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2. The commission has also put a cap on the number of persons assisting the candidates at the counting halls. In view of the surge in Covid cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to existing broad guidelines dated August 21, 2020 and has directed, "No victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible". The EC also said, "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative will receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned". Also read: Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave In addition to this, the commission has made an extensive arrangement for counting that will be conducted in 705 halls in Bengal with a maximum of seven tables in each of the hall to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related with management of Covid. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all at the counting venues. "During the last assembly elections counting was held in 385 halls. We have almost doubled the counting venues that have gone up to 705. In the majority of the counting halls there will be seven tables and in some where the space is large there may be 14 tables. The blueprint is expected to be finalised by Tuesday after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," Aariz Aftab, state Chief Electoral Officer said. "There will be temperature check at the entry point in all the venues," he added. Meanwhile, the EC on Monday announced that voting at booth no 126 at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar will be held on April 29 with the last phase of the ongoing election. During the fourth phase of polls held in April 10, four persons were killed in firing by central forces near the polling booth at Sitalkuchi and the Commission had declared voting at that polling station to be void.

COVID-19: Indian election body bans all victory processions after poll results

India’s 323,144 new cases over the past 24 hours stood below a worldwide peak of 352,991 hit on Monday, while 2,771 deaths took the toll to 197,894.

Head of AIIMS medicine dept on COVID crisis

Karuna Shukla, a Congress leader and the niece of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, died of Covid-19 in the Ramakrishna Care hospital in Raipur. After testing positive for the virus, she was undergoing treatment at the hospital here. 
 
Shukla breathed her last late on Monday evening. 
 
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel tweeted, "My Karuna `Chachi` (referring to Karuna Shukla) is no more. Covid-19 took her life as well. I had a very close family relationship with her outside of politics and I continued to receive her blessings. God give her space in his abode and provide us with the courage to bear this irreparable loss." 
 
Karuna Shukla, who was currently the Chairman of the Social Welfare Board in Chhattisgarh, was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a long time. Karuna Shukla, who was with the BJP from 1982 to 2013, was upset with the party and had joined the Congress. In the 2018 state Assembly elections, she had contested Rajnandgaon constituency against former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh but lost to him.

Karuna Shukla, a Congress leader and the niece of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, died of Covid-19 in the Ramakrishna Care hospital in Raipur. After testing positive for the virus, she was undergoing treatment at the hospital here.

Karuna Shukla, a Congress leader and the niece of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, died of Covid-19 in the Ramakrishna Care hospital in Raipur. After testing positive for the virus, she was undergoing treatment at the hospital here. Shukla breathed her last late on Monday evening. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel tweeted, "My Karuna `Chachi` (referring to Karuna Shukla) is no more. Covid-19 took her life as well. I had a very close family relationship with her outside of politics and I continued to receive her blessings. God give her space in his abode and provide us with the courage to bear this irreparable loss." Karuna Shukla, who was currently the Chairman of the Social Welfare Board in Chhattisgarh, was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a long time. Karuna Shukla, who was with the BJP from 1982 to 2013, was upset with the party and had joined the Congress. In the 2018 state Assembly elections, she had contested Rajnandgaon constituency against former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh but lost to him.

Ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Karuna Shukla dies of Covid-19

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from Flag of United Kingdom including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning."

First batch of vital medical supplies from UK arrives in India

UK Navy's largest ship HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier leading the Carrier Strike Group will sail to India and the wider Indo-Pacific region next month. While on India visit, it will conduct joint exercises with Indian forces in the Indian Ocean which a release from the British High Commission in Delhi said will be about " expanding interoperability and enhancing capabilities to defend against shared threats and protect our democratic values."

The Strike Group comprises Type 45 destroyers HMS Defender and HMS Diamond, Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Kent and HMS Richmond, and tanker and storage ships Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring.

"The UK and India are natural defense partners, particularly in world-class research, development and training. The Carrier Strike Group’s collaboration with India will build the foundations for this relationship to flourish even further," said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

On a 28-week deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will travel over 26,000 nautical miles from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, from the Gulf of Aden to the Arabian Sea, and from the Indian Ocean to the Philippine Sea.&nbsp;

The development comes as part of London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The carrier will sail to Japan, South Korea, Singapore among the 40 countries it will visit and undertake 70 engagements.

The development comes even as both sides have been increasing high-level engagement. Last year, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had visited India, and later this year Indian PM Modi is expected to travel to the UK to take part in the G7 summit in Cornwall. Both countries have bi-annual exercises--Exercise Ajeya Warrior, for the army, Exercise Konkan for the navy, and Exercise Indra Dhanush for the Air Force. UK has the 5th largest defense budget, highest in Europe and second highest in NATO. The country is also the 2nd largest defense exporter in the world.

UK Navy's largest ship HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier leading the Carrier Strike Group will sail to India and the wider Indo-Pacific region next month. While on India visit, it will conduct joint exercises with Indian forces in the Indian Ocean which a release from the British High Commission in Delhi said will be about " expanding interoperability and enhancing capabilities to defend against shared threats and protect our democratic values.

UK Navy's largest ship HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier leading the Carrier Strike Group will sail to India and the wider Indo-Pacific region next month. While on India visit, it will conduct joint exercises with Indian forces in the Indian Ocean which a release from the British High Commission in Delhi said will be about " expanding interoperability and enhancing capabilities to defend against shared threats and protect our democratic values." The Strike Group comprises Type 45 destroyers HMS Defender and HMS Diamond, Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Kent and HMS Richmond, and tanker and storage ships Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring. "The UK and India are natural defense partners, particularly in world-class research, development and training. The Carrier Strike Group’s collaboration with India will build the foundations for this relationship to flourish even further," said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. On a 28-week deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will travel over 26,000 nautical miles from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, from the Gulf of Aden to the Arabian Sea, and from the Indian Ocean to the Philippine Sea. The development comes as part of London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The carrier will sail to Japan, South Korea, Singapore among the 40 countries it will visit and undertake 70 engagements. The development comes even as both sides have been increasing high-level engagement. Last year, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had visited India, and later this year Indian PM Modi is expected to travel to the UK to take part in the G7 summit in Cornwall. Both countries have bi-annual exercises--Exercise Ajeya Warrior, for the army, Exercise Konkan for the navy, and Exercise Indra Dhanush for the Air Force. UK has the 5th largest defense budget, highest in Europe and second highest in NATO. The country is also the 2nd largest defense exporter in the world.

UK's largest naval ship to sail to India next month

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. India has been reporting over 300,000 daily Covid cases in the last few days. Countries all over the world are rushing to help India.

After his conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying that the interaction was "fruitful".

"Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India," read the tweet.

"My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19," added PM Modi.

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My discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1386723540678807552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US on Sunday agreed to provide the specific raw material for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers to increase its production as Covid crisis wreaked havoc across the world and India.

US President Biden, after the development had tweeted, "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."

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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>
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The breakthrough on raw material for Covid vaccines manufacture in India came after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. Other than that, US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits and Oxygen generators. It will also deploy an expert team of health advisors from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID to help India.

A US readout of Doval-Sullivan talks said,"Building on the seven-decade health partnership between the United States and India—including battles against Smallpox, Polio, and HIV — they resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic together."

Top officials from the US tweeted in a massive show of support for India as it battled the Covid pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, were some of those who tweeted.

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday.

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. India has been reporting over 300,000 daily Covid cases in the last few days. Countries all over the world are rushing to help India. After his conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying that the interaction was "fruitful". "Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India," read the tweet. "My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19," added PM Modi. My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021 × The US on Sunday agreed to provide the specific raw material for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers to increase its production as Covid crisis wreaked havoc across the world and India. US President Biden, after the development had tweeted, "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 × The breakthrough on raw material for Covid vaccines manufacture in India came after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. Other than that, US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits and Oxygen generators. It will also deploy an expert team of health advisors from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID to help India. A US readout of Doval-Sullivan talks said,"Building on the seven-decade health partnership between the United States and India—including battles against Smallpox, Polio, and HIV — they resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic together." Top officials from the US tweeted in a massive show of support for India as it battled the Covid pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, were some of those who tweeted.

Joe Biden, Narendra Modi discuss Covid situation in India

As the COVID crisis creates havoc in India, Bhutan will be supplying 40 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to India. The oxygen will be exported using cryogenic tankers and will come from a new plant from Motanga Industrial Estate in Eastern Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district.&nbsp;

A release from the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "The provision of oxygen by Bhutan will augment India’s efforts to win the fight against COVID-19 and save precious lives" and "this is a practical manifestation of the uniquely close and friendly ties between India and Bhutan."

The plant has been set up by a Bhutanese company SD&nbsp;Cryogenics Gases Pvt Ltd and&nbsp;has a domestic investment of 51 per cent&nbsp;by Bhutan's Cryogenics&nbsp;Gases&nbsp;and FDI component of 49 per cent&nbsp;by&nbsp;Assam-based Indian company&nbsp;Meghalaya Oxygen Pvt Ltd.

Meanwhile, a strong show of support has been seen by the people of Bhutan for India amid the Covid crisis. Many Bhutanese took to Twitter showing solidarity with India.&nbsp;Dechen Namgyal, a Bhutanese medical student tweeted, "This is what Bhutan can do as a friend", Bhutan sending Oxygen to India.

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This is what Bhutan can do as a friend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/O86fuB5MvS">https://t.co/O86fuB5MvS</a>
— Dechen Namgyal (@DechenNamgyal6) <a href="https://twitter.com/DechenNamgyal6/status/1386928320021897224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Namgay, a multimedia journalist in Bhutan tweeted, "My thoughts &amp; prayers are with India, every day".

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Reading several Indian articles that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a> will be importing oxygen from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhutan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhutan</a> - trying to verify it on our side. It'd make many Bhutanese happy to know we can reciprocate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s goodwill towards us in some way, if true. 
 
My thoughts &amp; prayers are with India, everyday. 🙏🏻
— namgay (@namgayzam) <a href="https://twitter.com/namgayzam/status/1386529111665831937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tenzing Lamsang, Editor of The Bhutanese Newspaper recalling his student days in Delhi tweeted said,"I am so so sorry for what is happening to some of the warmest &amp; most generous people on earth."

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My entire education has been in India including 3 yrs of college in DU &amp; 2 years of work as a journalist in Delhi. 
 
I am so so sorry for what is happening to some of the warmest &amp; most generous people on earth. They don’t deserve this. 
 
My prayers that you all come through this.
— Tenzing Lamsang (@TenzingLamsang) <a href="https://twitter.com/TenzingLamsang/status/1386728466561654787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A board at a coffee shop in Bhutan had written, "can we just take a moment today and pray for India"

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🙏🙏🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ct98siJXak">pic.twitter.com/Ct98siJXak</a>
— CoffeeCat (@_CoffeeCat__) <a href="https://twitter.com/_CoffeeCat__/status/1386905986036736003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India has reported over 300,000&nbsp;Covid cases daily for the last few days. New Delhi, via its mission, has been trying to get oxygen&nbsp;and has got the first consignment from Saudi Arabia. The country so far has also been able to bring oxygen containers from Singapore, UAE, and Thailand.&nbsp;

As the COVID crisis creates havoc in India, Bhutan will be supplying 40 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to India. The oxygen will be exported using cryogenic tankers and will come from a new plant from Motanga Industrial Estate in Eastern Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district.

As the COVID crisis creates havoc in India, Bhutan will be supplying 40 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to India. The oxygen will be exported using cryogenic tankers and will come from a new plant from Motanga Industrial Estate in Eastern Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district. A release from the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "The provision of oxygen by Bhutan will augment India’s efforts to win the fight against COVID-19 and save precious lives" and "this is a practical manifestation of the uniquely close and friendly ties between India and Bhutan." The plant has been set up by a Bhutanese company SD Cryogenics Gases Pvt Ltd and has a domestic investment of 51 per cent by Bhutan's Cryogenics Gases and FDI component of 49 per cent by Assam-based Indian company Meghalaya Oxygen Pvt Ltd. Meanwhile, a strong show of support has been seen by the people of Bhutan for India amid the Covid crisis. Many Bhutanese took to Twitter showing solidarity with India. Dechen Namgyal, a Bhutanese medical student tweeted, "This is what Bhutan can do as a friend", Bhutan sending Oxygen to India. This is what Bhutan can do as a friend.#India https://t.co/O86fuB5MvS — Dechen Namgyal (@DechenNamgyal6) April 27, 2021 × Namgay, a multimedia journalist in Bhutan tweeted, "My thoughts & prayers are with India, every day". Reading several Indian articles that #Assam will be importing oxygen from #Bhutan - trying to verify it on our side. It'd make many Bhutanese happy to know we can reciprocate #India's goodwill towards us in some way, if true. My thoughts & prayers are with India, everyday. 🙏🏻 — namgay (@namgayzam) April 26, 2021 × Tenzing Lamsang, Editor of The Bhutanese Newspaper recalling his student days in Delhi tweeted said,"I am so so sorry for what is happening to some of the warmest & most generous people on earth." My entire education has been in India including 3 yrs of college in DU & 2 years of work as a journalist in Delhi. I am so so sorry for what is happening to some of the warmest & most generous people on earth. They don’t deserve this. My prayers that you all come through this. — Tenzing Lamsang (@TenzingLamsang) April 26, 2021 × A board at a coffee shop in Bhutan had written, "can we just take a moment today and pray for India" 🙏🙏🙏 #india pic.twitter.com/Ct98siJXak — CoffeeCat (@_CoffeeCat__) April 27, 2021 × India has reported over 300,000 Covid cases daily for the last few days. New Delhi, via its mission, has been trying to get oxygen and has got the first consignment from Saudi Arabia. The country so far has also been able to bring oxygen containers from Singapore, UAE, and Thailand.

India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan would be happy to talk out differences and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue if India was willing to revisit the unilateral decisions it took on August 5, 2019, regarding the status of Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.&nbsp;

Citing Anadolu Agency of Turkey, Dawn reported, "If India is willing to revisit some of the decisions that it took on August 5, 2019, Pakistan will be more than happy to engage, sit and talk and resolve all outstanding issues," said Qureshi during his two-day visit to&nbsp;Turkey.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a bold move to scrap the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir by modifying Article 370 of the&nbsp;Constitution.&nbsp;

Same&nbsp;day, the Rajya Sabha also passed the Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;Reorganisation&nbsp;Bill, that bifurcated the state into two Union Territories-Ladakh and Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;said that Pakistan had outstanding issues with India including Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, water and other minor issues and the only sensible way forward was the dialogue, reported&nbsp;Dawn.&nbsp;

"We&nbsp;cannot afford to go to war, you know, it will be mutually suicidal. And no sensible person will advocate a policy of that nature. So, we need to sit and we need to talk," he&nbsp;remarked.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;said that one recent development of recommitment to ceasefire was during the conversation between Directors General of Military Operations of both sides was a positive development, reported&nbsp;Dawn.&nbsp;

The Foreign Minister also referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's messages on Pakistan's national day and a goodwill message to Prime Minister Imran Khan who also responded positively to&nbsp;it.&nbsp;

Earlier both the countries announced a ceasefire at the LoC which was followed by Indus water talks, sporting visas&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Prime Ministers of both nations pushed for regional rapprochement and exchanged salutary&nbsp;messages.&nbsp;

Despite this, Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan decided not to meet and exchange greetings at a Dushanbe conference held&nbsp;earlier.&nbsp;Moreover, recently Pakistan Cabinet decided not to import sugar and cotton from India which would affect the ties between both&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;

Any improvement in the ties will depend upon the restoration of High Commissioners in each other's capitals, commitments from Pakistan with respect to cross-border terrorism, resuming LoC trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan would be happy to talk out differences and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue if India was willing to revisit the unilateral decisions it took on August 5, 2019, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan would be happy to talk out differences and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue if India was willing to revisit the unilateral decisions it took on August 5, 2019, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir. Citing Anadolu Agency of Turkey, Dawn reported, "If India is willing to revisit some of the decisions that it took on August 5, 2019, Pakistan will be more than happy to engage, sit and talk and resolve all outstanding issues," said Qureshi during his two-day visit to Turkey. On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a bold move to scrap the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir by modifying Article 370 of the Constitution. Same day, the Rajya Sabha also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, that bifurcated the state into two Union Territories-Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Pakistan had outstanding issues with India including Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, water and other minor issues and the only sensible way forward was the dialogue, reported Dawn. "We cannot afford to go to war, you know, it will be mutually suicidal. And no sensible person will advocate a policy of that nature. So, we need to sit and we need to talk," he remarked. He said that one recent development of recommitment to ceasefire was during the conversation between Directors General of Military Operations of both sides was a positive development, reported Dawn. The Foreign Minister also referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's messages on Pakistan's national day and a goodwill message to Prime Minister Imran Khan who also responded positively to it. Earlier both the countries announced a ceasefire at the LoC which was followed by Indus water talks, sporting visas etc. The Prime Ministers of both nations pushed for regional rapprochement and exchanged salutary messages. Despite this, Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan decided not to meet and exchange greetings at a Dushanbe conference held earlier. Moreover, recently Pakistan Cabinet decided not to import sugar and cotton from India which would affect the ties between both countries. Any improvement in the ties will depend upon the restoration of High Commissioners in each other's capitals, commitments from Pakistan with respect to cross-border terrorism, resuming LoC trade. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak FM Qureshi says willing to talk if India revisits its J&K decisions 

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. 
 
This successful launch brings OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites.

These will form part of OneWeb's 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and represents 60 per cent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021, the company said in a statement. 
 
"With this successful launch, we are rapidly building momentum, we are launching more satellites, demonstrating the network and announcing more distribution singings around the globe," said Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb. 
 
This was the third in a five-launch 'Five to 50' programme, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. 
 
OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022. 
 
OneWeb signed an MoU with the government of Kazakhstan this month as it continues to demonstrate the company's commercial viability and the confidence customers have in its services and offering.

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This successful launch brings OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites. These will form part of OneWeb's 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and represents 60 per cent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021, the company said in a statement. "With this successful launch, we are rapidly building momentum, we are launching more satellites, demonstrating the network and announcing more distribution singings around the globe," said Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb. This was the third in a five-launch 'Five to 50' programme, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022. OneWeb signed an MoU with the government of Kazakhstan this month as it continues to demonstrate the company's commercial viability and the confidence customers have in its services and offering.

Bharti-backed OneWeb takes in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in COVID-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday.

The assistance is to include badly needed oxygen ventilators, a source told AFP without providing further details. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-crisis-eu-uk-us-denmark-pitch-in-to-assist-india-380206">Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India&nbsp;</a> 
 
France joins other countries such as Germany, Britain and the United States in coming to the aid of India, which with a new coronavirus variant spreading through its 1.3 billion people, has become the world's top coronavirus hotspot in recent days, reporting 3,49,691 new cases on Sunday alone.

The EU as a whole is also preparing rapid assistance for India, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said earlier.

"Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support," von der Leyen said on Twitter.

"The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India's request for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism."

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Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. 
 
The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! <a href="https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3">https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1386292464277852162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The mechanism allows European Union countries to coordinate their aid in cases of emergency.

India recorded 2,767 deaths from Covid-19 on Sunday -- the highest since the start of the pandemic. In Delhi, there have been reports of overwhelmed hospitals.

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in COVID-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday.

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in COVID-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday. The assistance is to include badly needed oxygen ventilators, a source told AFP without providing further details. Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India France joins other countries such as Germany, Britain and the United States in coming to the aid of India, which with a new coronavirus variant spreading through its 1.3 billion people, has become the world's top coronavirus hotspot in recent days, reporting 3,49,691 new cases on Sunday alone. The EU as a whole is also preparing rapid assistance for India, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said earlier. "Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support," von der Leyen said on Twitter. "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India's request for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism." Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021 × The mechanism allows European Union countries to coordinate their aid in cases of emergency. India recorded 2,767 deaths from Covid-19 on Sunday -- the highest since the start of the pandemic. In Delhi, there have been reports of overwhelmed hospitals.

COVID-19: France to provide 'significant' oxygen support to India

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the country&nbsp;will immediately send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and protective gear to help India respond to a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

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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>
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National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said US&nbsp;officials were "working around the clock" to deploy available resources and supplies to help India manufacture the Covishield vaccine and tend to the millions of Indians who are sick and dying.

The United States will also send therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits and ventilators.

Washington was under mounting pressure to help India, the world's largest democracy, after Britain, France and Germany pledged aid over the weekend.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all citizens to be vaccinated and exercise caution, as the country set a global record for new COVID-19 infections in a single day.

The United States was also pursuing options to provide India with oxygen generation and related supplies, Horne said.

US&nbsp;Representative Ro Khanna, Democratic vice-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, welcomed the announcement but urged Biden to go further and give India the United States' unused COVID-19 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca Plc.

"Let's use the US&nbsp;military and get as much oxygen and AstraZeneca doses to India as fast as we can," he said.

The top US&nbsp;infectious disease official, Dr&nbsp; Anthony Fauci, told ABC News on Sunday such a move was "something that certainly is going to be actively considered."

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the Pentagon to provide all necessary support to Indian healthcare workers battling the worsening coronavirus situation in the country.

Horne said the United States would send a team of experts to work with India from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Agency for International Development.

In addition to the immediate aid, the US&nbsp;Development Finance Corporation will fund a substantial expansion of manufacturing capability for Indian vaccine maker Biological E Ltd, or BioE, enabling the company to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the country will immediately send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and protective gear to help India respond to a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the country will immediately send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and protective gear to help India respond to a massive surge in coronavirus infections. 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 × National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said US officials were "working around the clock" to deploy available resources and supplies to help India manufacture the Covishield vaccine and tend to the millions of Indians who are sick and dying. The United States will also send therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits and ventilators. Washington was under mounting pressure to help India, the world's largest democracy, after Britain, France and Germany pledged aid over the weekend. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all citizens to be vaccinated and exercise caution, as the country set a global record for new COVID-19 infections in a single day. The United States was also pursuing options to provide India with oxygen generation and related supplies, Horne said. US Representative Ro Khanna, Democratic vice-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, welcomed the announcement but urged Biden to go further and give India the United States' unused COVID-19 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca Plc. "Let's use the US military and get as much oxygen and AstraZeneca doses to India as fast as we can," he said. The top US infectious disease official, Dr Anthony Fauci, told ABC News on Sunday such a move was "something that certainly is going to be actively considered." US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the Pentagon to provide all necessary support to Indian healthcare workers battling the worsening coronavirus situation in the country. Horne said the United States would send a team of experts to work with India from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Agency for International Development. In addition to the immediate aid, the US Development Finance Corporation will fund a substantial expansion of manufacturing capability for Indian vaccine maker Biological E Ltd, or BioE, enabling the company to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden

As India battles a severe second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Sunday announced sending life-saving medical equipment including ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to the country.&nbsp;

The UK High Commission here said more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment will be sent to India to support the country in its fight against COVID-19.&nbsp;

It said ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices are due to leave the UK on Sunday and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Delhi early on Tuesday with further consignments reaching later this week.&nbsp;

"We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.&nbsp;

"Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus," he is quoted as saying by the high commission.&nbsp;

It said the assistance package, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks.&nbsp;

"It will be used by the government of India to provide vital medical treatment to those suffering from COVID-19 in India," it said.&nbsp;

The high commission said the support follows a request from India and Prime Minister Johnson's pledge for the UK to do all it can to help the country.&nbsp;

"In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week," the high commission said.&nbsp;

It said the equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable in India.&nbsp;

"The oxygen concentrators, for example, can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to patients, taking the strain off hospital oxygen systems and allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have run out," it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As India battles a severe second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Sunday announced sending life-saving medical equipment including ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to the country.

As India battles a severe second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Sunday announced sending life-saving medical equipment including ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to the country. The UK High Commission here said more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment will be sent to India to support the country in its fight against COVID-19. It said ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices are due to leave the UK on Sunday and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Delhi early on Tuesday with further consignments reaching later this week. "We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. "Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus," he is quoted as saying by the high commission. It said the assistance package, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks. "It will be used by the government of India to provide vital medical treatment to those suffering from COVID-19 in India," it said. The high commission said the support follows a request from India and Prime Minister Johnson's pledge for the UK to do all it can to help the country. "In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week," the high commission said. It said the equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable in India. "The oxygen concentrators, for example, can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to patients, taking the strain off hospital oxygen systems and allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have run out," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

UK sending medical devices like ventilators, oxygen concentrators to India 

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths.

The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

With 352,991 new cases, India's total caseload has crossed 17 million. Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123, according to health ministry data.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdates</a>: 
 
State-wise details of Total Confirmed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases (till 26 April, 2021, 8 AM) 
 
➡️States with 1-40000 confirmed cases 
➡️States with 40001-370000 confirmed cases 
➡️States with 370000+ confirmed cases 
➡️Total no. of confirmed cases so far <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/agrLwydakX">pic.twitter.com/agrLwydakX</a>
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB/status/1386546772105826307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 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>

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths. The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours.

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths. The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours. With 352,991 new cases, India's total caseload has crossed 17 million. Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123, according to health ministry data. #CoronaVirusUpdates: State-wise details of Total Confirmed #COVID19 cases (till 26 April, 2021, 8 AM) ➡️States with 1-40000 confirmed cases ➡️States with 40001-370000 confirmed cases ➡️States with 370000+ confirmed cases ➡️Total no. of confirmed cases so far #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/agrLwydakX — #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) April 26, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

352,991 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2,812 deaths in a new record high for India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media and wrote, "Had a fruitful conversation with POTUS Joe Biden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India."

PM Narendra Modi holds 'fruitful talks' with Joe Biden

A survey by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has suggested that the recurrence of coronavirus outbreak in March could have been due to lack of "meaningful antibodies" in seropositive people after a peak in September last year.

The CSIR conducted a sero-survey on 10,427 people comprising the staff members of its 40 laboratories, including contractual employees, and their family members from 17 states and two union territories.

In 10,427 people, the average seropositivity was 10.14 per cent.

The survey suggested that the neutralising antibodies declined significantly after five-six months, making people prone to reinfections.

The coronavirus cases in the country peaked in September 2020 and there was a nationwide decline of new cases starting in October, said Shantanu Sengupta, one of the lead authors of the paper.

"Our data shows that while anti-NC (nucleocapsid) antibodies provide long-lasting evidence of viral exposure or infection, about 20 per cent of seropositive individuals lack meaningful neutralisation activity after 5-6 months.

"Using more stringent measures (more than 30 per cent inhibition of surrogate receptor-spike protein binding), the loss of neutralisation maybe even higher.

We speculate that this may be related to the recurrence of outbreaks in March 2021 after the peak in September 2020," the paper said.

India is currently witnessing a massive surge in infections with logging a daily case count of over 3,00,000 on four consecutive days.

According to the paper, the aggregate sero-positivity of 10.

14 per cent in its multi-centre study suggests India had a large pool of recovered immune subjects by September 2020, especially amongst its high contact workers and people using public transport, leading to a decline in new infections.

"However, the duration of such immunity may not be sufficient to prevent future outbreaks, even in highly affected regions, the paper said.

States like Maharashtra have witnessed an explosion of cases since March.

"The present study, which recruited subjects from 24 cities in India, provides an important and timely snapshot of the spread of SARS CoV2 pandemic across India shortly before the peak of new cases.

It confirms that by September 2020, a large pool of recovered Indians with at least partial immunity existed, the paper said.

Between its study and the other national sero-survey at the same time, more than a hundred million Indians were likely to belong to this category, it estimated.

The study said the fraction of such recovered people was more than double amongst those performing high-contact jobs and using public transport.

Thus, in combination with a strong emphasis on masking and distancing, new cases started declining soon after this sero-survey which started in June.

(With inputs from agencies)

A survey by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has suggested that the recurrence of coronavirus outbreak in March could have been due to lack of "meaningful antibodies" in seropositive people after a peak in September last year.

A survey by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has suggested that the recurrence of coronavirus outbreak in March could have been due to lack of "meaningful antibodies" in seropositive people after a peak in September last year. The CSIR conducted a sero-survey on 10,427 people comprising the staff members of its 40 laboratories, including contractual employees, and their family members from 17 states and two union territories. In 10,427 people, the average seropositivity was 10.14 per cent. The survey suggested that the neutralising antibodies declined significantly after five-six months, making people prone to reinfections. The coronavirus cases in the country peaked in September 2020 and there was a nationwide decline of new cases starting in October, said Shantanu Sengupta, one of the lead authors of the paper. "Our data shows that while anti-NC (nucleocapsid) antibodies provide long-lasting evidence of viral exposure or infection, about 20 per cent of seropositive individuals lack meaningful neutralisation activity after 5-6 months. "Using more stringent measures (more than 30 per cent inhibition of surrogate receptor-spike protein binding), the loss of neutralisation maybe even higher. We speculate that this may be related to the recurrence of outbreaks in March 2021 after the peak in September 2020," the paper said. India is currently witnessing a massive surge in infections with logging a daily case count of over 3,00,000 on four consecutive days. According to the paper, the aggregate sero-positivity of 10. 14 per cent in its multi-centre study suggests India had a large pool of recovered immune subjects by September 2020, especially amongst its high contact workers and people using public transport, leading to a decline in new infections. "However, the duration of such immunity may not be sufficient to prevent future outbreaks, even in highly affected regions, the paper said. States like Maharashtra have witnessed an explosion of cases since March. "The present study, which recruited subjects from 24 cities in India, provides an important and timely snapshot of the spread of SARS CoV2 pandemic across India shortly before the peak of new cases. It confirms that by September 2020, a large pool of recovered Indians with at least partial immunity existed, the paper said. Between its study and the other national sero-survey at the same time, more than a hundred million Indians were likely to belong to this category, it estimated. The study said the fraction of such recovered people was more than double amongst those performing high-contact jobs and using public transport. Thus, in combination with a strong emphasis on masking and distancing, new cases started declining soon after this sero-survey which started in June. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 reinfection in India could be due to lack of 'meaningful antibodies': CSIR survey

Karnataka government on Monday announced restrictions that will come into effect from the night of April 27. The state government has termed this lockdown a 'close down'. The tech-hub of Bengaluru, Karnataka's capital will be affected due to the lockdown.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa addressed reporters after a three-hour-long cabinet meeting

<h2>Karnataka lockdown: What is allowed, what is not allowed</h2>

<ol>
	<li>Shops selling essential commodities will be allowed to remain open from 6 am to 10 am</li>
	<li>Agricultural sector, manufacturing sector, construction sector, medical and essential sectors will continue to operate.</li>
	<li>No permission has been granted to garments under the manufacturing sector, the intention being that there should not be any problem as about seven to eight lakh people in very close proximity to each other in the factories.</li>
	<li>Night curfew, currently in place between 9 pm to 6 am would continue</li>
	<li>Transport services would not ply during the closedown period, but there would be no restrictions on movement of goods and essential services</li>
	<li>Banking services will continue to be functional</li>
	<li>Take-aways at hotels, restaurants and liquor shops would be allowed.</li>
	<li>If the pandemic situation does not come under control within two weeks. The strict measures will continue.</li>
</ol>

Karnataka CM Yeddiyurappa said that cabinet consulted the expert committee and finalised the restrictions to be put to bring the Covid situation under control.

(With agency inputs)

Karnataka government on Monday announced restrictions that will come into effect from the night of April 27. The state government has termed this lockdown a 'close down'.

Karnataka government on Monday announced restrictions that will come into effect from the night of April 27. The state government has termed this lockdown a 'close down'. The tech-hub of Bengaluru, Karnataka's capital will be affected due to the lockdown. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa addressed reporters after a three-hour-long cabinet meeting Karnataka lockdown: What is allowed, what is not allowed Shops selling essential commodities will be allowed to remain open from 6 am to 10 am Agricultural sector, manufacturing sector, construction sector, medical and essential sectors will continue to operate. No permission has been granted to garments under the manufacturing sector, the intention being that there should not be any problem as about seven to eight lakh people in very close proximity to each other in the factories. Night curfew, currently in place between 9 pm to 6 am would continue Transport services would not ply during the closedown period, but there would be no restrictions on movement of goods and essential services Banking services will continue to be functional Take-aways at hotels, restaurants and liquor shops would be allowed. If the pandemic situation does not come under control within two weeks. The strict measures will continue. Karnataka CM Yeddiyurappa said that cabinet consulted the expert committee and finalised the restrictions to be put to bring the Covid situation under control. (With agency inputs)

Bengaluru Lockdown: What will be open, what will be closed

As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said if there is a COVID-positive person inside the house, he or she must wear the mask so as to prevent other family members from getting infected.&nbsp;

"Rather, I'll say that the time has come that we start wearing masks even otherwise inside our homes. We used to talk about wearing it outside homes, but the way, the infection has spread, it will be better if we wear mask inside our homes if we are sitting with someone," he said. &nbsp;

"But, definitely, if there is a COVID-19 positive person, that person must wear the mask and others inside the house also must wear a mask and the positive person should be kept in a different room," Paul underlined.&nbsp;

He added that people should also avoid stepping out of their home unnecessarily and not invite guests at home. &nbsp;

He also suggested if the house lacks such facilities for isolation, then people may go to isolation centres, known as corona care centres.&nbsp;

Getting admitted to a hospital is not the only option, Paul said. "Hospital beds are used for the needy people."&nbsp;

Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Paul said, "We cannot let the pace of COVID-19 vaccination decline or slacken in the face of the emerging situation. In fact, it should be escalated and with that intent the government of India brought a revised (vaccination) policy. We believe and are confident that will bring in more acceleration," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests.

As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests. Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said if there is a COVID-positive person inside the house, he or she must wear the mask so as to prevent other family members from getting infected. "Rather, I'll say that the time has come that we start wearing masks even otherwise inside our homes. We used to talk about wearing it outside homes, but the way, the infection has spread, it will be better if we wear mask inside our homes if we are sitting with someone," he said. "But, definitely, if there is a COVID-19 positive person, that person must wear the mask and others inside the house also must wear a mask and the positive person should be kept in a different room," Paul underlined. He added that people should also avoid stepping out of their home unnecessarily and not invite guests at home. He also suggested if the house lacks such facilities for isolation, then people may go to isolation centres, known as corona care centres. Getting admitted to a hospital is not the only option, Paul said. "Hospital beds are used for the needy people." Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Paul said, "We cannot let the pace of COVID-19 vaccination decline or slacken in the face of the emerging situation. In fact, it should be escalated and with that intent the government of India brought a revised (vaccination) policy. We believe and are confident that will bring in more acceleration," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Mask up even inside homes: Govt tells citizens amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Social media platform Twitter has pulled down at least 50 posts including tweets criticizing Indian government's handling of pandemic. Twitter has notified the impacted account holders of its action taken in response to legal request from Indian government.

Twitter taken down posts critical of Indian govt's COVID-19 handling

The central government on Monday asked the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to lower prices of their COVID-19 vaccines amid criticism from various states, who objected to profiteering during such a major crisis.&nbsp;

The issue of vaccine pricing was discussed at a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba.&nbsp;Now, the two companies are expected to come up with revised pricing for their vaccines.&nbsp;

The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has fixed the price of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, at Rs 600 per dose for state governments and at Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals.&nbsp;

The Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine maker in terms of volume, has announced a price of Rs 400 per dose for its COVID-19 vaccine, 'Covishield', for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals.&nbsp;

Both vaccines are available to the central government at a rate of Rs 150 per dose.&nbsp;

Many states have objected to different prices of the vaccines, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying this is not time for profiteering.&nbsp;

India has announced expansion of its COVID-19 vaccination drive by allowing its large 18-plus population to get inoculated from May 1. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The central government on Monday asked the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to lower prices of their COVID-19 vaccines amid criticism from various states, who objected to profiteering during such a major crisis.

The central government on Monday asked the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to lower prices of their COVID-19 vaccines amid criticism from various states, who objected to profiteering during such a major crisis. The issue of vaccine pricing was discussed at a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Now, the two companies are expected to come up with revised pricing for their vaccines. The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has fixed the price of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, at Rs 600 per dose for state governments and at Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine maker in terms of volume, has announced a price of Rs 400 per dose for its COVID-19 vaccine, 'Covishield', for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals. Both vaccines are available to the central government at a rate of Rs 150 per dose. Many states have objected to different prices of the vaccines, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying this is not time for profiteering. India has announced expansion of its COVID-19 vaccination drive by allowing its large 18-plus population to get inoculated from May 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Govt asks Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech to lower price of COVID-19 vaccines: Official sources  

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The talks come even as India battles the Covid crisis with over 3,00,000 cases being reported on a daily basis.&nbsp;

During the talks, Japan's Suga 'wished' for India’s early recovery from the "current spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders concurred that they would work in closer cooperation towards containing the pandemic", a read out from Japanese foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic. Remember, Japan has provided 50-billion-yen Covid emergency assistance, 30-billion-yen social protection assistance and 1-billion-yen grant assistance to India to deal with the pandemic. With Japanese grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided, with the procurement process still underway.&nbsp;

China, as expected was the other key focus, with Beijing being aggressive with Japan over Senkaku Islands and with India at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Japanese read out said Prime Minister Suga expressed 'serious concerns' about China’s 'continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law." Chinese coast guard law passed in January of this year allows Chinese forces to use lethal force against Foreign Ships.&nbsp;

During the talks, both sides also reviewed progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail that will ply the 'Bullet train', and aimed to "create resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains", the Indian readout said. Remember Japanese PM Suga was expected to visit India later this month, but could not do so because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The talks come even as India battles the Covid crisis with over 3,00,000 cases being reported on a daily basis. During the talks, Japan's Suga 'wished' for India’s early recovery from the "current spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders concurred that they would work in closer cooperation towards containing the pandemic", a read out from Japanese foreign ministry said. The Indian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic. Remember, Japan has provided 50-billion-yen Covid emergency assistance, 30-billion-yen social protection assistance and 1-billion-yen grant assistance to India to deal with the pandemic. With Japanese grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided, with the procurement process still underway. China, as expected was the other key focus, with Beijing being aggressive with Japan over Senkaku Islands and with India at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Japanese read out said Prime Minister Suga expressed 'serious concerns' about China’s 'continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law." Chinese coast guard law passed in January of this year allows Chinese forces to use lethal force against Foreign Ships. During the talks, both sides also reviewed progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail that will ply the 'Bullet train', and aimed to "create resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains", the Indian readout said. Remember Japanese PM Suga was expected to visit India later this month, but could not do so because of the pandemic.

China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks 

As India continues to grapple with an aggressive Covid second wave, the country once again recorded its highest single-day spike with over 3.52 lakh cases in the last 24 hours. The death toll increased to over 1.95 lakh with 2,812 new fatalities.

COVID-19: India records 3.52 lakh new cases, 2,812 deaths

Amid the coronavirus surge being witnessed in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that his government will provide free vaccines to everyone above the age of 18 years in the city.

"Delhi government has decided to provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age. Today we have approved the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines. We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people," CM Arvind Kejriwal said in an online briefing.

The government will make efforts to speed up vaccine purchase and vaccinations to the people, Arvind Kejriwal said.

"We are working on a plan to start large-scale vaccination as soon as possible," he said.

Kejriwal said COVID-19 vaccines should have one price and appealed to the Centre to bring down the price.

He also appealed to vaccine manufacturers to bring down prices, saying it was time to help humanity and not to earn profit.&nbsp;

"One manufacturer has said that he will provide vaccine to the states at Rs 400 and another has said he will do so at Rs 600. Both have said they will provide the vaccine to the Centre at the rate of Rs 150. I believe there should be one price of the vaccine."

He said that because of the pandemic, the Centre should if need be, cap the vaccine prices to bring the rate down.

Kejriwal also said that there were reports of COVID-19 infections and loss of life in the below 18 age group and emphasised finding out a proper vaccine for them.

Vaccines have emerged as a solution to the pandemic, the chief minister said and added that experts believed that England succeeded in stemming the wave and intensity of infections through large-scale vaccination.

If everyone is administered the vaccine then COVID-19 will be rendered an ordinary disease, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the coronavirus surge being witnessed in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that his government will provide free vaccines to everyone above the age of 18 years in the city.

Amid the coronavirus surge being witnessed in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that his government will provide free vaccines to everyone above the age of 18 years in the city. "Delhi government has decided to provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age. Today we have approved the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines. We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people," CM Arvind Kejriwal said in an online briefing. The government will make efforts to speed up vaccine purchase and vaccinations to the people, Arvind Kejriwal said. "We are working on a plan to start large-scale vaccination as soon as possible," he said. Kejriwal said COVID-19 vaccines should have one price and appealed to the Centre to bring down the price. He also appealed to vaccine manufacturers to bring down prices, saying it was time to help humanity and not to earn profit. "One manufacturer has said that he will provide vaccine to the states at Rs 400 and another has said he will do so at Rs 600. Both have said they will provide the vaccine to the Centre at the rate of Rs 150. I believe there should be one price of the vaccine." He said that because of the pandemic, the Centre should if need be, cap the vaccine prices to bring the rate down. Kejriwal also said that there were reports of COVID-19 infections and loss of life in the below 18 age group and emphasised finding out a proper vaccine for them. Vaccines have emerged as a solution to the pandemic, the chief minister said and added that experts believed that England succeeded in stemming the wave and intensity of infections through large-scale vaccination. If everyone is administered the vaccine then COVID-19 will be rendered an ordinary disease, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi government will provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all above 18 years: Arvind Kejriwal

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Indian Govt asks Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech to lower price of COVID-19 vaccines: Official sources