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China on Thursday offered to provide the necessary support and assistance to India to deal with the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country.

Asked about the spike in the coronavirus cases in India by the official Chinese media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the COVID-19 "pandemic is a common enemy of all mankind that necessitates international solidarity and mutual assistance".

"China takes note of the recent grave situation in India with a temporary shortage of anti-epidemic medical supplies," he said.

"We stand ready to provide India with necessary support and assistance to get the epidemic under control," 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 143,915,000 people and over 3,060,500 deaths worldwide.

According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US alone has reported 31,862,987 cases and 569,404 deaths from the deadly virus.

The US has alleged that the COVID-19 may have emanated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) which is a P-4 bio lab, a charge strongly denied by China.

A team of WHO experts, which probed the origin of the coronavirus, concluded last month that all hypotheses included the allegation that COVID-19 could have emanated from a bio lab "remained open".

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, while receiving the report of the international experts' team which visited Wuhan, said on March 30 that "as far as the WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table".

China on Thursday offered to provide the necessary support and assistance to India to deal with the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country. Asked about the spike in the coronavirus cases in India by the official Chinese media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the COVID-19 "pandemic is a common enemy of all mankind that necessitates international solidarity and mutual assistance".

China on Thursday offered to provide the necessary support and assistance to India to deal with the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country. Asked about the spike in the coronavirus cases in India by the official Chinese media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the COVID-19 "pandemic is a common enemy of all mankind that necessitates international solidarity and mutual assistance". "China takes note of the recent grave situation in India with a temporary shortage of anti-epidemic medical supplies," he said. "We stand ready to provide India with necessary support and assistance to get the epidemic under control," 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 143,915,000 people and over 3,060,500 deaths worldwide. According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US alone has reported 31,862,987 cases and 569,404 deaths from the deadly virus. The US has alleged that the COVID-19 may have emanated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) which is a P-4 bio lab, a charge strongly denied by China. A team of WHO experts, which probed the origin of the coronavirus, concluded last month that all hypotheses included the allegation that COVID-19 could have emanated from a bio lab "remained open". World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, while receiving the report of the international experts' team which visited Wuhan, said on March 30 that "as far as the WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table".

China offers support, assistance to India to combat rising COVID-19 cases

The Biden administration has applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy.

At the Leaders Summit on Climate on Thursday, the two countries launched a new high-level US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership&nbsp;to create stronger bilateral cooperation on actions in the current decade to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

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The partnership will proceed along two main tracks,&nbsp;the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, co-chaired by Secretary of Energy Granholm, and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, co-chaired by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, a joint statement said.

''India, in partnership with the United States, to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power. Why is that important? Because if we can do that,&nbsp;which is where our finance component of this is so critical,&nbsp;if we do that, India is on track to hold the 1.5 degrees centigrade,''&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Describing the partnership as one of the core venues for the US-India collaboration, the joint statement said that its focus would be on driving urgent progress in this critical decade for climate action.

Both the United States and India have set ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy. In its new nationally determined contribution, the US has set an economy-wide target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030.

While India, as part of its climate mitigation efforts, has set a target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Through the partnership, the United States and India are firmly committed to working together in achieving their ambitious climate and clean energy targets and to strengthening bilateral collaboration across climate and clean energy, the statement said.

''India is formally stepping up its commitment to accelerate renewable energy deployment,''&nbsp;State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.

The joint statement said the partnership will aim to mobilise finance and speed clean energy deployment, demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies needed to decarbonise sectors including industry, transportation, power, and buildings, and build capacity to measure, manage, and adapt to the risks of climate-related impacts.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration has applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy.

The Biden administration has applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy. At the Leaders Summit on Climate on Thursday, the two countries launched a new high-level US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership to create stronger bilateral cooperation on actions in the current decade to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The partnership will proceed along two main tracks, the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, co-chaired by Secretary of Energy Granholm, and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, co-chaired by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, a joint statement said. ''India, in partnership with the United States, to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power. Why is that important? Because if we can do that, which is where our finance component of this is so critical, if we do that, India is on track to hold the 1.5 degrees centigrade,'' White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. Describing the partnership as one of the core venues for the US-India collaboration, the joint statement said that its focus would be on driving urgent progress in this critical decade for climate action. Both the United States and India have set ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy. In its new nationally determined contribution, the US has set an economy-wide target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030. While India, as part of its climate mitigation efforts, has set a target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Through the partnership, the United States and India are firmly committed to working together in achieving their ambitious climate and clean energy targets and to strengthening bilateral collaboration across climate and clean energy, the statement said. ''India is formally stepping up its commitment to accelerate renewable energy deployment,'' State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said. The joint statement said the partnership will aim to mobilise finance and speed clean energy deployment, demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies needed to decarbonise sectors including industry, transportation, power, and buildings, and build capacity to measure, manage, and adapt to the risks of climate-related impacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden administration applauds India for stepping up its climate change commitment

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday.

The move by Britain comes after it detected more than 100 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, Health Minister Matt Hancock said on Monday.

"We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the&nbsp;UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock had told parliament.

Heathrow Airport's refusal to allow extra flights from India was reported earlier by the BBC, with the airport adding that it turned down the requests from airlines because of concerns about queues at passport control.

The airport also told Reuters it did not want to exacerbate existing pressures at the border by allowing more passengers to fly in.

India now faces a coronavirus "storm" overwhelming its health system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address on Tuesday, with the world's second-most populous nation reporting 295,041 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the biggest daily rise reported in any country - stretching its hospitals to breaking point.

India's 2,023 deaths in one day were also its highest in the pandemic.

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday.

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday. The move by Britain comes after it detected more than 100 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, Health Minister Matt Hancock said on Monday. "We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock had told parliament. Heathrow Airport's refusal to allow extra flights from India was reported earlier by the BBC, with the airport adding that it turned down the requests from airlines because of concerns about queues at passport control. The airport also told Reuters it did not want to exacerbate existing pressures at the border by allowing more passengers to fly in. India now faces a coronavirus "storm" overwhelming its health system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address on Tuesday, with the world's second-most populous nation reporting 295,041 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the biggest daily rise reported in any country - stretching its hospitals to breaking point. India's 2,023 deaths in one day were also its highest in the pandemic.

Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India

A total of 3,14,835 fresh infections were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the toll increased to 1,84,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Breaking News: India records over 3.14 lakh new cases, 2,104 deaths in a day

India’s vaccines can fight off the double mutation, but the numbers are still rising. India set a double record on Tuesday with almost 300,000 new cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours.&nbsp;

There were 825,000 cases reported globally and 300,000 of them came from India, almost 36% of the global caseload. So, what's India's exit route here?&nbsp;

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Simple, vaccines. On May 1, India will begin vaccinating all adults, but are we ready for this phase? &nbsp;

State governments can buy Covishield at Rs 400 per dose, which is around five US dollars. Private hospitals will have to pay Rs 600 per dose, which is around eight US dollars.&nbsp;

Vaccine makers will divide their output in two parts, one half goes to the central govt and the second half will be sold to states and in the open market. So, hospitals and state govts can buy directly and distribute any way they like.&nbsp;

Either sell or give the shots for free. If you are 45 plus, you can still get vaccinated free of cost but only at government facilities. If you are in the 18 to 45 category, you will have to visit a private hospital. They will charge you more than Rs 600, which depends on where the government caps the price. And these are the prices for Covishield. Bharat Biotech and Sputnik are yet to announce their rates. Chances are they will be somewhere between Rs 700 and Rs 1,000 per dose. Somewhere in the 10 US dollar range.&nbsp;

India is also expanding capacity as the government has granted 610 million dollars to the two vaccine makers, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. Bharat Biotech is expanding output to 700 million doses per year, which means around 60 million shots of Covaxin per month.&nbsp;

Covaxin's biggest market is still India, but it is being studied around the world including in the US and Europe. &nbsp;

Serum Institute is producing 70 million doses of Covishield per week and with additional funds, they are hoping to produce 100 million doses by the end of May. And if everything goes to plan, Sputnik shipments should also start arriving by then.&nbsp;

Two doses of a vaccine, that's the accepted norm, but if you have recovered from the coronavirus, you may need only one shot. &nbsp;

According to a new study, recovered patients could do with a single shot to build immunity as the body remembers the virus and one shot may be enough to jolt that memory.&nbsp;

In February, Israel recommended a single shot for recovered patients and so far, their rollout has been flawless. &nbsp;

The hysteria about the vaccine side effects is cooling down as people have started realising that side effects are rare, but natural. &nbsp;

Johnson and Johnson jab has got a clean chit from the European Union. They have listed blood clots as a rare side effect. So, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks.&nbsp;

Most European countries have resumed use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Mexico's president took the jab on live television. Confidence in AstraZeneca is slowly building up, but in the United States, women are reporting an unusual side effect. They are complaining of heavier and off-cycle periods after getting the jab. Vaccines are known to disrupt menstrual cycles. So, your body will course-correct itself in time. &nbsp;

States are accusing each other of looting oxygen cylinders. In the national capital, three hospitals were down to just a few hours of oxygen and in the middle of this shortage, some states are hoarding. So, the central government has stepped in. It is planning to restructure oxygen allocation to states.&nbsp;

India has enough capacity for this crisis but there are too many bottlenecks. Like there may be oxygen, but not enough cryogenic tankers to transport it, and there is a limit to what these new oxygen trains can do.&nbsp;

Mistakes like in Nashik, where oxygen started leaking while oxygen tankers were filling up the local hospital's stock, should not happen as 22 patients died because they couldn't get oxygen. &nbsp;

India’s vaccines can fight off the double mutation, but the numbers are still rising. India set a double record on Tuesday with almost 300,000 new cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours.

India’s vaccines can fight off the double mutation, but the numbers are still rising. India set a double record on Tuesday with almost 300,000 new cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours. There were 825,000 cases reported globally and 300,000 of them came from India, almost 36% of the global caseload. So, what's India's exit route here? Simple, vaccines. On May 1, India will begin vaccinating all adults, but are we ready for this phase? State governments can buy Covishield at Rs 400 per dose, which is around five US dollars. Private hospitals will have to pay Rs 600 per dose, which is around eight US dollars. Vaccine makers will divide their output in two parts, one half goes to the central govt and the second half will be sold to states and in the open market. So, hospitals and state govts can buy directly and distribute any way they like. Either sell or give the shots for free. If you are 45 plus, you can still get vaccinated free of cost but only at government facilities. If you are in the 18 to 45 category, you will have to visit a private hospital. They will charge you more than Rs 600, which depends on where the government caps the price. And these are the prices for Covishield. Bharat Biotech and Sputnik are yet to announce their rates. Chances are they will be somewhere between Rs 700 and Rs 1,000 per dose. Somewhere in the 10 US dollar range. India is also expanding capacity as the government has granted 610 million dollars to the two vaccine makers, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. Bharat Biotech is expanding output to 700 million doses per year, which means around 60 million shots of Covaxin per month. Covaxin's biggest market is still India, but it is being studied around the world including in the US and Europe. Serum Institute is producing 70 million doses of Covishield per week and with additional funds, they are hoping to produce 100 million doses by the end of May. And if everything goes to plan, Sputnik shipments should also start arriving by then. Two doses of a vaccine, that's the accepted norm, but if you have recovered from the coronavirus, you may need only one shot. According to a new study, recovered patients could do with a single shot to build immunity as the body remembers the virus and one shot may be enough to jolt that memory. In February, Israel recommended a single shot for recovered patients and so far, their rollout has been flawless. The hysteria about the vaccine side effects is cooling down as people have started realising that side effects are rare, but natural. Johnson and Johnson jab has got a clean chit from the European Union. They have listed blood clots as a rare side effect. So, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. Most European countries have resumed use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Mexico's president took the jab on live television. Confidence in AstraZeneca is slowly building up, but in the United States, women are reporting an unusual side effect. They are complaining of heavier and off-cycle periods after getting the jab. Vaccines are known to disrupt menstrual cycles. So, your body will course-correct itself in time. States are accusing each other of looting oxygen cylinders. In the national capital, three hospitals were down to just a few hours of oxygen and in the middle of this shortage, some states are hoarding. So, the central government has stepped in. It is planning to restructure oxygen allocation to states. India has enough capacity for this crisis but there are too many bottlenecks. Like there may be oxygen, but not enough cryogenic tankers to transport it, and there is a limit to what these new oxygen trains can do. Mistakes like in Nashik, where oxygen started leaking while oxygen tankers were filling up the local hospital's stock, should not happen as 22 patients died because they couldn't get oxygen.

Vaccines only hope as India’s fight with Covid-19 gets intense  

Australia&nbsp;will reduce the number of its citizens able to return&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;and other red-zone countries to&nbsp;contain&nbsp;the&nbsp;risk&nbsp;of more virulent strains of COVID-19 spreading, the government said on Thursday as it announced changes in its vaccination programme.

The restrictions will result in a 30% reduction in direct&nbsp;flights&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;to Sydney and chartered&nbsp;flights&nbsp;that land in the Northern Territory.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking to reporters after a meeting of the National Cabinet, said that he would announce in the next 24 hours when the new restrictions would come into place.

"We're in the middle of a global pandemic that is raging. And&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has been successful throughout this pandemic ... to have very effective border arrangements," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. "There will continue to be the opportunity for those to return&nbsp;from&nbsp;places like&nbsp;India&nbsp;but in very controlled circumstances."

Australia&nbsp;currently allows about 5,800 citizens or permanent residents to enter its territory each week before quarantining for two weeks in hotels. It is not clear how many of these are typically&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;each week.

In a massive surge of new&nbsp;virus&nbsp;cases,&nbsp;India&nbsp;registered a record number of new daily infections for anywhere in the world on Thursday, eclipsing even the United States at the height of its pandemic last year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-new-daily-covid-cases-top-300000-highest-in-the-world-379187">India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world</a>

Australia&nbsp;will be adopting a model more like that of the United Kingdom, Morrison said, which bans arrivals if they have visited any countries on its red-zone list of some 40 countries in the past 10 days.

"While we're not adopting that list, it gives you somewhat of an idea of the type of approach we'll be seeking to put in place&nbsp;from&nbsp;those high&nbsp;risk&nbsp;countries," Morrison said.

Morrison's comments come as two&nbsp;Australian states urged staff and guests in COVID-19 quarantine hotels to get tested immediately and fully self-isolate, launching investigations into three suspected cases of travellers contracting the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;from&nbsp;other residents.

Australia&nbsp;closed its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents more than a year ago to&nbsp;contain&nbsp;the pandemic, and travellers arriving&nbsp;from&nbsp;overseas are required to undergo a two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense.

While the country has fared much better than many other developed nations during the pandemic, with just over 29,500 cases and 910 deaths, its vaccination rollout programme has hit major roadblocks.

The government is battling with a shortage of vaccines, after delays to imports and is now unlikely to finish vaccinating its population before the end of 2021 while domestic ramp-up of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been sluggish.

Australia&nbsp;will now prioritise Pfizer vaccines for those under 50 with underlying health issues, in residential aged care and remote communities, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said, leaving older people to take the AstraZeneca vaccine or to wait.

"With a few exceptions, Pfizer is now restricted to those under 50," he said.

"We recommend AstraZeneca. The&nbsp;risk&nbsp;benefit for over 50 is vastly in favour of being vaccinated. But people always have a choice and more Pfizer will be available later in the year."

Australia will reduce the number of its citizens able to return from India and other red-zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of COVID-19 spreading, the government said on Thursday as it announced changes in its vaccination programme.

Australia will reduce the number of its citizens able to return from India and other red-zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of COVID-19 spreading, the government said on Thursday as it announced changes in its vaccination programme. The restrictions will result in a 30% reduction in direct flights from India to Sydney and chartered flights that land in the Northern Territory. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking to reporters after a meeting of the National Cabinet, said that he would announce in the next 24 hours when the new restrictions would come into place. "We're in the middle of a global pandemic that is raging. And Australia has been successful throughout this pandemic ... to have very effective border arrangements," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. "There will continue to be the opportunity for those to return from places like India but in very controlled circumstances." Australia currently allows about 5,800 citizens or permanent residents to enter its territory each week before quarantining for two weeks in hotels. It is not clear how many of these are typically from India each week. In a massive surge of new virus cases, India registered a record number of new daily infections for anywhere in the world on Thursday, eclipsing even the United States at the height of its pandemic last year. Also Read | India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world Australia will be adopting a model more like that of the United Kingdom, Morrison said, which bans arrivals if they have visited any countries on its red-zone list of some 40 countries in the past 10 days. "While we're not adopting that list, it gives you somewhat of an idea of the type of approach we'll be seeking to put in place from those high risk countries," Morrison said. Morrison's comments come as two Australian states urged staff and guests in COVID-19 quarantine hotels to get tested immediately and fully self-isolate, launching investigations into three suspected cases of travellers contracting the virus from other residents. Australia closed its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents more than a year ago to contain the pandemic, and travellers arriving from overseas are required to undergo a two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense. While the country has fared much better than many other developed nations during the pandemic, with just over 29,500 cases and 910 deaths, its vaccination rollout programme has hit major roadblocks. The government is battling with a shortage of vaccines, after delays to imports and is now unlikely to finish vaccinating its population before the end of 2021 while domestic ramp-up of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been sluggish. Australia will now prioritise Pfizer vaccines for those under 50 with underlying health issues, in residential aged care and remote communities, Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said, leaving older people to take the AstraZeneca vaccine or to wait. "With a few exceptions, Pfizer is now restricted to those under 50," he said. "We recommend AstraZeneca. The risk benefit for over 50 is vastly in favour of being vaccinated. But people always have a choice and more Pfizer will be available later in the year."

Australia to cut flights from India to contain virus risk

The Indian Council of Medical research has found that Bharat biotech COVAXIN is capable of neutralizing the double mutations reported in India.

ICMR says Covaxin effective in neutralising double mutant variant

The 13 kilo litre liquid oxygen tank had been in use only for the last 21 days before a malfunction in one of its valves led to the leak.

Oxygen tank leak in Nashik hospital kills 24

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace.&nbsp;

"For humanity to combat climate change, concrete action is needed. We need such action at a high speed, at a large scale, and with a global scope," Modi said as he addressed the virtual climate summit.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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He said that India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 shows the nation's "commitment".&nbsp;

"Despite our developmental challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and biodiversity," Modi said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit</a>

He also said New Delhi has encouraged global initiatives on this issue, including International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.

Modi asked other countries to "create templates of sustainable development in India," adding that this can also help other developing nations to get affordable access to green finance and clean technology.&nbsp;

"That is why President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," Modi said, adding that it will help in investment, demonstrating green technologies, among others.&nbsp;

Modi also said, "India's per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average."

"It is because of our lifestyle still rooted in sustainable traditional practices," the Indian PM said, underscoring the importance of lifestyle change in battling climate change.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace. "For humanity to combat climate change, concrete action is needed. We need such action at a high speed, at a large scale, and with a global scope," Modi said as he addressed the virtual climate summit. Watch | "Humanity is battling a global pandemic right now and this event is a timely reminder that grave threat of #ClimateChange hasn't disappeared. It is a lived reality for millions around the world," says Indian PM @narendramodi at #LeadersClimateSummit pic.twitter.com/ncsrwS6h4L — WION (@WIONews) April 22, 2021 × He said that India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 shows the nation's "commitment". "Despite our developmental challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and biodiversity," Modi said. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit He also said New Delhi has encouraged global initiatives on this issue, including International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure. Modi asked other countries to "create templates of sustainable development in India," adding that this can also help other developing nations to get affordable access to green finance and clean technology. "That is why President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," Modi said, adding that it will help in investment, demonstrating green technologies, among others. Modi also said, "India's per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average." "It is because of our lifestyle still rooted in sustainable traditional practices," the Indian PM said, underscoring the importance of lifestyle change in battling climate change.

Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis

Chairing a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked top officials to work rapidly on increasing its production, boosting the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities.

PM also said that states must act against any hoarding of oxygen and directed officials to ensure that the oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner and called for fixing responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction.

In the meeting that also discussed ways and means to boost oxygen availability amid demands from many states for an increase in its supply, Modi was told that the supply of life-saving gas to states has been steadily increasing.

Against the present demand from 20 states of 6,785 MT/day of liquid medical oxygen, the Centre has from April 21 allocated 6,822 MT/day to these states, a statement said.

It was noted that in the last few days, the availability of liquid medical oxygen has been increased by about 3,300 MT/day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of supply of oxygen for non-essential industries.

Modi said states should come down heavily on hoarding and stressed the need to ensure faster transportation of oxygen.

The statement said railways is being used for rapid and non-stop long-distance transport of tankers. The first rake has reached from Mumbai to Vizag to transport 105 MT of liquid medical oxygen. Similarly, empty oxygen tankers are also being air-lifted to oxygen suppliers to reduce one-way journey time in oxygen supply.

The prime minister was informed that an elaborate exercise is being done in coordination with states to find their oxygen demand and ensure adequate supply accordingly, the statement said.

Top officials representing various ministries informed Modi that they are working together with the states to operationalize the sanctioned PSA oxygen plants as soon as possible.

"PM directed the officials to ensure that oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner. He spoke about the need to fix responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction. He also asked ministries to explore various innovative ways to increase production &amp; supply of oxygen," it said.

Various measures are being undertaken to rapidly increase the availability of cryogenic tankers through conversion of nitrogen and argon tankers, import and airlifting of tankers as well as manufacturing them, it added.

Representatives from the medical community also spoke about the need for judicious use of oxygen and how an audit in some states has decreased oxygen demand without affecting the condition of patients.

The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Home Secretary, Health Secretary and officials from the Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry, Ministry of Road Transport, Pharmaceuticals and NITI Aayog.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked top officials to work rapidly on increasing its production, boosting the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked top officials to work rapidly on increasing its production, boosting the speed of distribution and using innovative ways to provide oxygen support to health facilities. PM also said that states must act against any hoarding of oxygen and directed officials to ensure that the oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner and called for fixing responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction. In the meeting that also discussed ways and means to boost oxygen availability amid demands from many states for an increase in its supply, Modi was told that the supply of life-saving gas to states has been steadily increasing. Against the present demand from 20 states of 6,785 MT/day of liquid medical oxygen, the Centre has from April 21 allocated 6,822 MT/day to these states, a statement said. It was noted that in the last few days, the availability of liquid medical oxygen has been increased by about 3,300 MT/day with contributions from private and public steel plants, industries, oxygen manufacturers as well as through prohibition of supply of oxygen for non-essential industries. Modi said states should come down heavily on hoarding and stressed the need to ensure faster transportation of oxygen. The statement said railways is being used for rapid and non-stop long-distance transport of tankers. The first rake has reached from Mumbai to Vizag to transport 105 MT of liquid medical oxygen. Similarly, empty oxygen tankers are also being air-lifted to oxygen suppliers to reduce one-way journey time in oxygen supply. The prime minister was informed that an elaborate exercise is being done in coordination with states to find their oxygen demand and ensure adequate supply accordingly, the statement said. Top officials representing various ministries informed Modi that they are working together with the states to operationalize the sanctioned PSA oxygen plants as soon as possible. "PM directed the officials to ensure that oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner. He spoke about the need to fix responsibility with the local administration in cases of obstruction. He also asked ministries to explore various innovative ways to increase production & supply of oxygen," it said. Various measures are being undertaken to rapidly increase the availability of cryogenic tankers through conversion of nitrogen and argon tankers, import and airlifting of tankers as well as manufacturing them, it added. Representatives from the medical community also spoke about the need for judicious use of oxygen and how an audit in some states has decreased oxygen demand without affecting the condition of patients. The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Home Secretary, Health Secretary and officials from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Road Transport, Pharmaceuticals and NITI Aayog.

COVID-19: Indian PM chairs high-level meet on oxygen supply, availability

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965.

At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country.

The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities.

Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry.

In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-heathrow-airport-turns-down-airline-requests-for-extra-flights-from-india-379144">Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India</a>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours.

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965. At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country. The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities. Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry. In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent. Also Read | Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19. (With inputs from agencies)

India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world

A US&nbsp;commission&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed&nbsp;on&nbsp;a blacklist for&nbsp;religious&nbsp;freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further.

In addition to India, the&nbsp;commission&nbsp;called&nbsp;on&nbsp;the State Department to add Russia, Syria and Vietnam to the blacklist.

The&nbsp;commission, which offers recommendations but does not set US policy, said in its annual report that "religious&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;conditions in India continued their negative trajectory."

The&nbsp;commission&nbsp;recommended that the State Department designate India as a "country of particular concern," a blacklist that includes China, Saudi Arabia and&nbsp;Pakistan.

Other nations already&nbsp;on&nbsp;the State Department's blacklist -- which paves the way for sanctions if they do not improve their records,&nbsp;are Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

The recommendation&nbsp;on&nbsp;India drew a dissent from one commissioner, Johnnie Moore, an appointee of former President Donald Trump.

Moore in a statement said India was "at a crossroads" but noted that it was the world's largest democracy with constitutional guarantees of&nbsp;religious&nbsp;freedom.

"Of all the countries in the world, India should not be a 'country of particular concern,'" he said.

"It is diversity personified and its&nbsp;religious&nbsp;life has been its greatest historic blessing."

&nbsp;

A US commission on Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed on a blacklist for religious freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further.

A US commission on Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed on a blacklist for religious freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further. In addition to India, the commission called on the State Department to add Russia, Syria and Vietnam to the blacklist. The commission, which offers recommendations but does not set US policy, said in its annual report that "religious freedom conditions in India continued their negative trajectory." The commission recommended that the State Department designate India as a "country of particular concern," a blacklist that includes China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Other nations already on the State Department's blacklist -- which paves the way for sanctions if they do not improve their records, are Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The recommendation on India drew a dissent from one commissioner, Johnnie Moore, an appointee of former President Donald Trump. Moore in a statement said India was "at a crossroads" but noted that it was the world's largest democracy with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. "Of all the countries in the world, India should not be a 'country of particular concern,'" he said. "It is diversity personified and its religious life has been its greatest historic blessing."

US commission alleges religious freedom in India deteriorating

France will impose a 10-day quarantine for travellers arriving from India in the coming days to prevent the spread of a worrying Covid-19 variant that is hammering Indian hospitals, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Wednesday.

The move comes a few days after Paris announced a ban on all flights from Brazil to stave off the P1 coronavirus variant, and required quarantines for passengers on flights from Argentina, Chile and South Africa.

"For certain countries where the health situation is very serious and worrisome in particular, we will again tighten the screws," Attal said after a cabinet meeting on the pandemic response.

"India will be added to this list," he said, with details of the travel restrictions to be unveiled in the coming days.

India has been in the grips of a second wave of infections blamed on lax government rules and a new "double mutant" virus variant, adding almost 3.5 million new cases this month alone.

Britain has also added India to its "red list" of strict travel restrictions, Hong Kong and New Zealand have banned India flights outright, and the United States advises against travelling to the country, even for those fully vaccinated.

France will impose a 10-day quarantine for travellers arriving from India in the coming days to prevent the spread of a worrying Covid-19 variant that is hammering Indian hospitals, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Wednesday.

France will impose a 10-day quarantine for travellers arriving from India in the coming days to prevent the spread of a worrying Covid-19 variant that is hammering Indian hospitals, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Wednesday. The move comes a few days after Paris announced a ban on all flights from Brazil to stave off the P1 coronavirus variant, and required quarantines for passengers on flights from Argentina, Chile and South Africa. "For certain countries where the health situation is very serious and worrisome in particular, we will again tighten the screws," Attal said after a cabinet meeting on the pandemic response. "India will be added to this list," he said, with details of the travel restrictions to be unveiled in the coming days. India has been in the grips of a second wave of infections blamed on lax government rules and a new "double mutant" virus variant, adding almost 3.5 million new cases this month alone. Britain has also added India to its "red list" of strict travel restrictions, Hong Kong and New Zealand have banned India flights outright, and the United States advises against travelling to the country, even for those fully vaccinated.

France to impose 10-day quarantine for travellers from India

Security threats are not limited to land and sea borders. Now, the biggest threats loom on the digital world. India has no data security law and a big hacking attack just took place.

If you order pizza from Domino's, your credit card details could have been leaked. Reportedly, one million credit card details and a lot of other data has&nbsp;been leaked in India. The hackers are trying to sell all of this on the dark web.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-dominos-india-hack-credit-card-data-of-1-million-customers-stolen-378890/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The hack was discovered by an Israeli cybercrime specialist who shared the specifics on Sunday. A hacker allegedly stole 13 terabytes of data from Domino's earlier this month. The database includes details of 18 crore (180 million) orders, customer names, phone numbers, email IDs, addresses and payment details including details of at least 10 lakh (1 million)&nbsp;credit cards. The hacker also accessed the internal records of Domino's employees.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/hacktivism-adding-to-woes-of-cybersecurity-at-alarming-rate-373454" hreflang="en">'Hacktivism' adding to woes of cybersecurity at alarming rate</a>

Reports say details of 250 employees have been leaked. The hacked data is now up for sale on the dark web - the internet space that remains hidden from the masses and can't be accessed with a simple Google search.

Why was the data stolen?

Reportedly, the hacker wants to sell it. A price has been quoted $550,000, over 4 crore (40 million) rupees . Jubilant Foodworks, the company that operates Domino's Pizza in India has a network of more than 1,000 restaurants in over 200 Indian cities.

It also operates Domino's Pizza in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is unclear if customers from these South Asian countries were affected or not. Jubilant Foodworks says it suffered an "information security incident" and financial data of customers wasn't compromised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/mark-zuckerbergs-private-phone-number-goes-online-in-facebook-hack-375395" hreflang="en">Mark Zuckerberg’s private phone number goes online in Facebook hack</a>

Indians have been victims of several large scale data breaches in the recent past. Last month, data of digital wallet company Mobikwik was hacked and private information of nearly 100 million users was exposed. In December last year, Indigo Airlines said its servers had been hacked and that some of the company's internal documents may be leaked.

Last month, the government told the parliament that cyber attacks during the pandemic had risen by almost 300 per cent. As India goes digital and the pandemic accelerates this transition, India's parliament is yet to pass a data security law. Until that happens, we’re all at risk.

Security threats are not limited to land and sea borders. Now, the biggest threats loom on the digital world. India has no data security law and a big hacking attack just took place.

Security threats are not limited to land and sea borders. Now, the biggest threats loom on the digital world. India has no data security law and a big hacking attack just took place. If you order pizza from Domino's, your credit card details could have been leaked. Reportedly, one million credit card details and a lot of other data has been leaked in India. The hackers are trying to sell all of this on the dark web. The hack was discovered by an Israeli cybercrime specialist who shared the specifics on Sunday. A hacker allegedly stole 13 terabytes of data from Domino's earlier this month. The database includes details of 18 crore (180 million) orders, customer names, phone numbers, email IDs, addresses and payment details including details of at least 10 lakh (1 million) credit cards. The hacker also accessed the internal records of Domino's employees. Also read: 'Hacktivism' adding to woes of cybersecurity at alarming rate Reports say details of 250 employees have been leaked. The hacked data is now up for sale on the dark web - the internet space that remains hidden from the masses and can't be accessed with a simple Google search. Why was the data stolen? Reportedly, the hacker wants to sell it. A price has been quoted $550,000, over 4 crore (40 million) rupees . Jubilant Foodworks, the company that operates Domino's Pizza in India has a network of more than 1,000 restaurants in over 200 Indian cities. It also operates Domino's Pizza in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is unclear if customers from these South Asian countries were affected or not. Jubilant Foodworks says it suffered an "information security incident" and financial data of customers wasn't compromised. Also read: Mark Zuckerberg’s private phone number goes online in Facebook hack Indians have been victims of several large scale data breaches in the recent past. Last month, data of digital wallet company Mobikwik was hacked and private information of nearly 100 million users was exposed. In December last year, Indigo Airlines said its servers had been hacked and that some of the company's internal documents may be leaked. Last month, the government told the parliament that cyber attacks during the pandemic had risen by almost 300 per cent. As India goes digital and the pandemic accelerates this transition, India's parliament is yet to pass a data security law. Until that happens, we’re all at risk.

Domino's Pizza hack in India: What details were stolen and what happens next

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations. 
 
"The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified. 
 
The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter. 
 
With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines. 
 
The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic. 
 
Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi. 
 
The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi. 
 
On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis. 
 
A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister. 
 
The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required. 
 
Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required. 
 
He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. 
 
There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer. 
 
The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations. "The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified. The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter. With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines. The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic. Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi. The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi. On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis. A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister. The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required. Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required. He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer. The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

India plans to import oxygen containers, press IAF into service

The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening. 
 
According to the Union Health Ministry, the cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 13,22,40,352 till 8 pm&nbsp;on Wednesday, as per the provisional report. 
 
"These include 92,19,080 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 58,51,361 HCWs who have taken the second dose. 1,16,28,882 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have taken the first dose and 59,32,541 FLWs have been administered the second dose. 4,43,89,584 persons aged between 45 years to 60 years old have administered first dose and second dose administered to 16,28,837 persons between 45 years old to 60 years. 
 
First dose of vaccine was also administered to 4,78,44,204 beneficiaries above 60 years and 57,45,863 people above 60 years the administered second dose. 
 
"Total 21,21,042 vaccine doses were given till 8 p.m. today, the 96th day of nationwide Covid vaccination. Out of which 14,35,858 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 6,85,184 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight," the Health Ministry said.

The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening.

The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening. According to the Union Health Ministry, the cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 13,22,40,352 till 8 pm on Wednesday, as per the provisional report. "These include 92,19,080 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 58,51,361 HCWs who have taken the second dose. 1,16,28,882 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have taken the first dose and 59,32,541 FLWs have been administered the second dose. 4,43,89,584 persons aged between 45 years to 60 years old have administered first dose and second dose administered to 16,28,837 persons between 45 years old to 60 years. First dose of vaccine was also administered to 4,78,44,204 beneficiaries above 60 years and 57,45,863 people above 60 years the administered second dose. "Total 21,21,042 vaccine doses were given till 8 p.m. today, the 96th day of nationwide Covid vaccination. Out of which 14,35,858 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 6,85,184 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight," the Health Ministry said.

Cumulative vaccination in India crosses 130 million mark

There was a slight dip in the daily caseload of coronavirus but daily deaths set a new record as 1,761 people died on Monday. It was the highest 24-hour spike since last year. All the talk is about mutations as India has not just reported double mutations, but a triple mutation.&nbsp;

It is highly contagious. The mutations are most certainly driving India's second wave but India's prime minister is confident that the country can pull through. The PM has ruled out any lockdown. He said India is better prepared to face the second wave compared to last year. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-vaccines-work-against-double-mutants-378888/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many countries have decided to halt travel from India. The first advisory came from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. Americans have been asked to avoid all travel to India. Even vaccinated citizens have been asked to delay their plans after the US, Britain put India on the red list.&nbsp;

From April 23, people who have visited India, will not be allowed to enter the UK. The only exemption is for British citizens. So essentially, the UK has banned travel to and from India. Hong Kong and New Zealand have done the same. It is not India's caseload that is scaring countries but the mutations. Will the vaccines work against mutants? Will the efficacy come down? These are some of the big worries.&nbsp;

The vaccines will continue to work, but their efficacy rates could fall as the double mutation in India could make it harder for vaccines to create antibodies but this is not an excuse to not take one.&nbsp;

Even against the mutants, vaccines will offer you some level of protection. Both Covishield and Covaxin were impressive in fighting off variants, but they are untested against the double mutation. The same for Sputnik V. The Russian vaccine maker says it is equally effective against the original virus and the variants. &nbsp;

The only empirical evidence we have is for Pfizer. Israel has studied Pfizer's effect on the double mutation. The jab is at least partially effective. So, the double mutation does not make vaccines completely useless, but they won't be as efficient.&nbsp;

Vaccines teach our body to recognise spike proteins and this is the outer coating on the virus. But when the virus mutates, the spike protein changes and that makes it difficult for your body to identify the virus. Difficult but not impossible, which is why vaccines are less effective, not useless.&nbsp;

We can overcome this by updating our vaccines. This might sound challenging but it's actually pretty common. Flu vaccines for example are updated every season. The idea is to stay one step ahead of the virus but simply updating the vaccine is not enough. It must be transported and administered. This is where India's biggest challenge lies. From May 1, Indians aged 18 plus will be eligible for jabs. That's an additional 500 million people. Do we have enough shots for all of these people?&nbsp;

The answer is no. India needs at least 10 million doses per day and India is producing less than half that number. Vaccine makers are struggling to expand capacity and now they have a new worry, lack of raw materials. India sources a large part of its vaccine raw materials from the US but the White House has curbed these exports. It wants to retain these raw materials for their own use and America's vaccine nationalism is hurting India's rollout. The second problem is this vaccine wastage.&nbsp;

Until April 11, 100 million doses were rolled out and out of these, 4.4 million were wasted. Around 2 million people could have been vaccinated by these wasted doses.&nbsp;

This indicates a lack of planning. Doses have to be tallied with local population. Doctors must oversee the inoculation process to avoid wastage. But what about the government?&nbsp;

It must strike a delicate balance between vaccination and treatment. Both the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are set to receive funds from the government. Reports say Rs 4,500 crore have been sanctioned. This should help expand capacity ahead of phase 3 and if the Sputnik jabs arrive before May, India could avoid a disastrous scenario. Simultaneously, the government will have to prop up the medical infrastructure. &nbsp;

The oxygen expresses have already started running. Oxygen plants have been set up at 100 hospitals and cylinder filling plants can now work 24x7. Oxygen is number one on India's wishlist and it looks like even the stock market honchos have realised this. Looking at the surging demand for oxygen, they rushed to scoop up shares of Bombay Oxygen, the company's shares soared 133% but guess what? Bombay Oxygen doesn't even produce oxygen. It works in the finance industry. &nbsp;

But really, will the government response be enough?&nbsp;

There was a slight dip in the daily caseload of coronavirus but daily deaths set a new record as 1,761 people died on Monday. It was the highest 24-hour spike since last year.

There was a slight dip in the daily caseload of coronavirus but daily deaths set a new record as 1,761 people died on Monday. It was the highest 24-hour spike since last year. All the talk is about mutations as India has not just reported double mutations, but a triple mutation. It is highly contagious. The mutations are most certainly driving India's second wave but India's prime minister is confident that the country can pull through. The PM has ruled out any lockdown. He said India is better prepared to face the second wave compared to last year. Many countries have decided to halt travel from India. The first advisory came from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. Americans have been asked to avoid all travel to India. Even vaccinated citizens have been asked to delay their plans after the US, Britain put India on the red list. From April 23, people who have visited India, will not be allowed to enter the UK. The only exemption is for British citizens. So essentially, the UK has banned travel to and from India. Hong Kong and New Zealand have done the same. It is not India's caseload that is scaring countries but the mutations. Will the vaccines work against mutants? Will the efficacy come down? These are some of the big worries. The vaccines will continue to work, but their efficacy rates could fall as the double mutation in India could make it harder for vaccines to create antibodies but this is not an excuse to not take one. Even against the mutants, vaccines will offer you some level of protection. Both Covishield and Covaxin were impressive in fighting off variants, but they are untested against the double mutation. The same for Sputnik V. The Russian vaccine maker says it is equally effective against the original virus and the variants. The only empirical evidence we have is for Pfizer. Israel has studied Pfizer's effect on the double mutation. The jab is at least partially effective. So, the double mutation does not make vaccines completely useless, but they won't be as efficient. Vaccines teach our body to recognise spike proteins and this is the outer coating on the virus. But when the virus mutates, the spike protein changes and that makes it difficult for your body to identify the virus. Difficult but not impossible, which is why vaccines are less effective, not useless. We can overcome this by updating our vaccines. This might sound challenging but it's actually pretty common. Flu vaccines for example are updated every season. The idea is to stay one step ahead of the virus but simply updating the vaccine is not enough. It must be transported and administered. This is where India's biggest challenge lies. From May 1, Indians aged 18 plus will be eligible for jabs. That's an additional 500 million people. Do we have enough shots for all of these people? The answer is no. India needs at least 10 million doses per day and India is producing less than half that number. Vaccine makers are struggling to expand capacity and now they have a new worry, lack of raw materials. India sources a large part of its vaccine raw materials from the US but the White House has curbed these exports. It wants to retain these raw materials for their own use and America's vaccine nationalism is hurting India's rollout. The second problem is this vaccine wastage. Until April 11, 100 million doses were rolled out and out of these, 4.4 million were wasted. Around 2 million people could have been vaccinated by these wasted doses. This indicates a lack of planning. Doses have to be tallied with local population. Doctors must oversee the inoculation process to avoid wastage. But what about the government? It must strike a delicate balance between vaccination and treatment. Both the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are set to receive funds from the government. Reports say Rs 4,500 crore have been sanctioned. This should help expand capacity ahead of phase 3 and if the Sputnik jabs arrive before May, India could avoid a disastrous scenario. Simultaneously, the government will have to prop up the medical infrastructure. The oxygen expresses have already started running. Oxygen plants have been set up at 100 hospitals and cylinder filling plants can now work 24x7. Oxygen is number one on India's wishlist and it looks like even the stock market honchos have realised this. Looking at the surging demand for oxygen, they rushed to scoop up shares of Bombay Oxygen, the company's shares soared 133% but guess what? Bombay Oxygen doesn't even produce oxygen. It works in the finance industry. But really, will the government response be enough?

Mutations continue to drive India's Covid second wave  

For six days, India has reported over 200 new Covid infections daily. But New Delhi is unable to take its eyes off the border with China. China is using the pandemic in India to keep the border stand-off intact, and to accept the status quo. Essentially, China is walking away from disengagement.

No movement and no pullback has taken place at the border and after a promising start, talks between the countries have stalled. China seems unwilling to discuss disengagement any further. In February this year, both India and China had agreed to disengage at Pangong Tso - the long and narrow lake in Ladakh which was one of the flash points in the standoff. Disengagement was completed in 10 days after both militaries moved back to their respective sides.

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A four kilometre long buffer zone was created, and patrols to the Line of Actual Control were suspended temporarily.

What about the other flash points?

India and China agreed to keep talking about other flash points in February. But now China refuses to disengage further. Hot Springs, Gogra Post and Depsang Plains are the other flash points. Reports say China had earlier agreed to pull back troops from here. But not anymore.

According to one report, China still has platoon level strength with vehicles in at least two areas - Hot Springs and the Gogra Post. A platoon is a military unit that is usually made up of two or more squads of troops. Reports say China has at least&nbsp;60 soldiers in the Gogra-Hot Springs area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-pla-has-deployed-advanced-rocket-launchers-in-western-theatre-command-report-378848" hreflang="en">China's PLA has deployed advanced rocket launchers in western theatre command: Report</a>

So far, India and China have held 11 rounds of military level talks. The last one happened on April 9.&nbsp;It is believed that during that round, China behaved as if it is no longer interested in discussing the border dispute.

Reports say the Chinese told the Indian side that they should "be happy with what has been achieved".

What triggered this shift? &nbsp;

Firstly, China reportedly wanted both sides to first de-escalate, then disengage. China wanted a pullback of additional troops first, removal of the back-up, and then disengagement at the frontline. India refused because this situation would have worked in China's favour. It can move its troops much faster than India, for it has better infrastructure on the Chinese side.

If both sides pull back additional troops&nbsp;and there's another conflict, Chinese support will reach much faster than Indian support, weakening India’s border defences. One analyst believes that tensions can escalate, for the lack of progress in talks, the arrival of summer, and the US drive to strengthen ties with China’s neighbours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-china-partnership-under-considerable-strain-due-to-2020-lac-incident-says-indian-envoy-to-china-378863" hreflang="en">Indo-China partnership under 'considerable strain' due to 2020 LAC incident, says Indian envoy to China</a>

China could already be escalating border deployments. Reports say that China has deployed a long range rocket launcher as "a deterrent to India". An advanced system, it is deployed 17,000 feet above sea level in Xinjiang, which shares a border with India. China has not only deployed a rocket launcher close to the border, it's also conducting drills.

India is still looking for a diplomatic solution but it may not be easy. The last round of talks ended without a joint statement. Since September last year, India and China have been releasing joint statements to play up the prospect of disengagement. This time, they did not. Instead, New Delhi did some straight talking.

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about the standoff and said that China brought enormous force to the border without provocations. He added that India must "have a return to peace and tranquillity on border, and there are no two ways about it".

For six days, India has reported over 200 new Covid infections daily. But New Delhi is unable to take its eyes off the border with China. China is using the pandemic in India to keep the border stand-off intact, and to accept the status quo.

For six days, India has reported over 200 new Covid infections daily. But New Delhi is unable to take its eyes off the border with China. China is using the pandemic in India to keep the border stand-off intact, and to accept the status quo. Essentially, China is walking away from disengagement. No movement and no pullback has taken place at the border and after a promising start, talks between the countries have stalled. China seems unwilling to discuss disengagement any further. In February this year, both India and China had agreed to disengage at Pangong Tso - the long and narrow lake in Ladakh which was one of the flash points in the standoff. Disengagement was completed in 10 days after both militaries moved back to their respective sides. A four kilometre long buffer zone was created, and patrols to the Line of Actual Control were suspended temporarily. What about the other flash points? India and China agreed to keep talking about other flash points in February. But now China refuses to disengage further. Hot Springs, Gogra Post and Depsang Plains are the other flash points. Reports say China had earlier agreed to pull back troops from here. But not anymore. According to one report, China still has platoon level strength with vehicles in at least two areas - Hot Springs and the Gogra Post. A platoon is a military unit that is usually made up of two or more squads of troops. Reports say China has at least 60 soldiers in the Gogra-Hot Springs area. Also read: China's PLA has deployed advanced rocket launchers in western theatre command: Report So far, India and China have held 11 rounds of military level talks. The last one happened on April 9. It is believed that during that round, China behaved as if it is no longer interested in discussing the border dispute. Reports say the Chinese told the Indian side that they should "be happy with what has been achieved". What triggered this shift? Firstly, China reportedly wanted both sides to first de-escalate, then disengage. China wanted a pullback of additional troops first, removal of the back-up, and then disengagement at the frontline. India refused because this situation would have worked in China's favour. It can move its troops much faster than India, for it has better infrastructure on the Chinese side. If both sides pull back additional troops and there's another conflict, Chinese support will reach much faster than Indian support, weakening India’s border defences. One analyst believes that tensions can escalate, for the lack of progress in talks, the arrival of summer, and the US drive to strengthen ties with China’s neighbours. Also read: Indo-China partnership under 'considerable strain' due to 2020 LAC incident, says Indian envoy to China China could already be escalating border deployments. Reports say that China has deployed a long range rocket launcher as "a deterrent to India". An advanced system, it is deployed 17,000 feet above sea level in Xinjiang, which shares a border with India. China has not only deployed a rocket launcher close to the border, it's also conducting drills. India is still looking for a diplomatic solution but it may not be easy. The last round of talks ended without a joint statement. Since September last year, India and China have been releasing joint statements to play up the prospect of disengagement. This time, they did not. Instead, New Delhi did some straight talking. On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about the standoff and said that China brought enormous force to the border without provocations. He added that India must "have a return to peace and tranquillity on border, and there are no two ways about it".

How China is using India's pandemic crisis to keep border standoff alive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Ram Navami on Wednesday and asked people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines, saying the message of Lord Ram to all of us is that they should follow the appropriate behaviour.&nbsp;

"May Lord Shri Ram's boundless compassion always remain on the countrymen," he tweeted.

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आज रामनवमी है और मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्रीराम का हम सभी को यही संदेश है कि मर्यादाओं का पालन करें। 
 
कोरोना के इस संकट काल में, कोरोना से बचने के जो भी उपाय हैं, कृपया करके उनका पालन कीजिए। 
 
'दवाई भी, कड़ाई भी' के मंत्र को याद रखिए।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1384689101794734082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ram. Modi asked people to follow all the protocols in place to avoid getting the infection and keep the mantra of "dawai bhi, kadai bhi" (have medicine and follow guidelines) in mind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Ram Navami on Wednesday and asked people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines, saying the message of Lord Ram to all of us is that they should follow the appropriate behaviour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Ram Navami on Wednesday and asked people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines, saying the message of Lord Ram to all of us is that they should follow the appropriate behaviour. "May Lord Shri Ram's boundless compassion always remain on the countrymen," he tweeted. आज रामनवमी है और मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्रीराम का हम सभी को यही संदेश है कि मर्यादाओं का पालन करें। कोरोना के इस संकट काल में, कोरोना से बचने के जो भी उपाय हैं, कृपया करके उनका पालन कीजिए। 'दवाई भी, कड़ाई भी' के मंत्र को याद रखिए। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2021 × The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ram. Modi asked people to follow all the protocols in place to avoid getting the infection and keep the mantra of "dawai bhi, kadai bhi" (have medicine and follow guidelines) in mind.

PM Modi wishes people on Ram Navami, asks to follow Covid-19 guidelines

A series of high-level virtual meetings are planned over the&nbsp;next two weeks&nbsp;as surging COVID-19&nbsp;cases have made it difficult for physical engagement between leaders. Coming Monday will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson interact&nbsp;as the latter's visit to India got deferred due to rising COVID-19&nbsp;cases in India.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, when the formal announcement of the visit being deferred was announced, UK PM Boris said,"&nbsp;The relationship between the UK and India is of huge importance and I'll be talking to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Modi on Monday, we'll be trying to do as much as we can virtually."

During the talks, both sides are set to agree on a Roadmap 2030 for future relations that aim&nbsp;to increase ties in every sector from trade to investment and technological collaboration.&nbsp;In the month of March, UK published its Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign policy with a key focus on India as London focuses on its "tilt" to Indo Pacific.

This is the second time PM Boris's India visit was deferred. He was the chief guest for Republic Day as well in January but could not come due to rising cases in his country at that time.

May 8&nbsp;will see the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting, as PM Modi's scheduled visit to Portugal's&nbsp;Porto for the same was cancelled due to coronavirus&nbsp;crisis. For the first time, India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in the EU+27 format will be held virtually. According to a release by the Ministry of external affairs the meet "reflects the shared ambition of both sides to further deepen the strategic partnership.”

PM Modi will also take part in US President Joe Biden's virtual climate summit that will take place on Thursday and Friday. PM will be speaking at the&nbsp;Leaders’ Session 1 that will take place tomorrow from 5.30 to 7.30 pm IST.&nbsp;

MEA in a release said,"The Leaders will exchange views on climate change, enhancing climate actions, mobilising finance towards climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-based solutions, climate security as well as technological innovations for clean energy."

The Indian PM is among 40 world leaders who have been invited to the virtual climate summit. From South Asia, along with Indian PM, Bhutanese and Bangladeshi PMs have been also invited.&nbsp;The summit is a part of a series of global meetings focusing on climate issues, being held in the run-up to COP26 that will take place in UK in November 2021.

Virtual diplomacy amid COVID-19&nbsp;has gained currency. Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;has held talks and bilateral summits from over 10 countries in the last one year, including&nbsp;Australia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh and&nbsp; large number of European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark. A number of big&nbsp;summits, like G20, BRICS, SCO and even Quad have taken place virtually with India's participation.

A series of high-level virtual meetings are planned over the next two weeks as surging COVID-19 cases have made it difficult for physical engagement between leaders.

A series of high-level virtual meetings are planned over the next two weeks as surging COVID-19 cases have made it difficult for physical engagement between leaders. Coming Monday will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson interact as the latter's visit to India got deferred due to rising COVID-19 cases in India. Earlier this week, when the formal announcement of the visit being deferred was announced, UK PM Boris said," The relationship between the UK and India is of huge importance and I'll be talking to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Modi on Monday, we'll be trying to do as much as we can virtually." During the talks, both sides are set to agree on a Roadmap 2030 for future relations that aim to increase ties in every sector from trade to investment and technological collaboration. In the month of March, UK published its Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign policy with a key focus on India as London focuses on its "tilt" to Indo Pacific. This is the second time PM Boris's India visit was deferred. He was the chief guest for Republic Day as well in January but could not come due to rising cases in his country at that time. May 8 will see the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting, as PM Modi's scheduled visit to Portugal's Porto for the same was cancelled due to coronavirus crisis. For the first time, India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in the EU+27 format will be held virtually. According to a release by the Ministry of external affairs the meet "reflects the shared ambition of both sides to further deepen the strategic partnership.” PM Modi will also take part in US President Joe Biden's virtual climate summit that will take place on Thursday and Friday. PM will be speaking at the Leaders’ Session 1 that will take place tomorrow from 5.30 to 7.30 pm IST. MEA in a release said,"The Leaders will exchange views on climate change, enhancing climate actions, mobilising finance towards climate mitigation and adaptation, nature-based solutions, climate security as well as technological innovations for clean energy." The Indian PM is among 40 world leaders who have been invited to the virtual climate summit. From South Asia, along with Indian PM, Bhutanese and Bangladeshi PMs have been also invited. The summit is a part of a series of global meetings focusing on climate issues, being held in the run-up to COP26 that will take place in UK in November 2021. Virtual diplomacy amid COVID-19 has gained currency. Indian Prime Minister has held talks and bilateral summits from over 10 countries in the last one year, including Australia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh and large number of European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark. A number of big summits, like G20, BRICS, SCO and even Quad have taken place virtually with India's participation.

Virtual diplomacy in focus for India as COVID-19 impacts physical engagements

The Indian government on Wednesday said 0.03 per cent of people tested positive for coronavirus after taking the second dose of Covishield, while 0.04 per cent contracted the virus after receiving the second jab of Covaxin.&nbsp;

Covishield and Covaxin were the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines </a>that New Delhi approved to begin its nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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While Covishield is AstraZeneca-Oxford University' vaccine prepared by Serum Institute of India, Covaxin has been prepared by India's ICMR and Bharat Biotech.&nbsp;

ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava in a press conference said 0.04 per cent of 17,37,178 individuals, contracted the deadly virus after receiving the second dose of Covaxin.

He added that 0.03 per cent of 1,57,32,754 people who received the second dose of Covishield tested positive.&nbsp;

Over 21,000 people contracted coronavirus after taking the first jab of either Covishield or Covaxin, while 5,500 got infected after taking the second dose.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-fixes-covishield-vaccine-prices-rs-400-for-govt-hospitals-rs-600-for-private-378966">Serum Institute fixes Covishield vaccine prices: Rs 400 for govt hospitals, Rs 600 for private</a>

The official said that so far 100 million people have taken the first jab of Covishield, and 17,145 or 2 per 10,000 people contracted the virus.&nbsp;

As many as 9.3 million people took the first jab of Covaxin and out of that 4,208 (0.04 per cent) contracted Covid-19, the ICMR director-general said.&nbsp;

"This is a very small number and not at all worrisome. Secondly, the highly transmissible second wave also contribute minuscule to the percentage so this could have been even zero per cent," Bhargava said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Indian government on Wednesday said 0.03 per cent of people tested positive for coronavirus after taking the second dose of Covishield, while 0.04 per cent contracted the virus after receiving the second jab of Covaxin.

The Indian government on Wednesday said 0.03 per cent of people tested positive for coronavirus after taking the second dose of Covishield, while 0.04 per cent contracted the virus after receiving the second jab of Covaxin. Covishield and Covaxin were the first coronavirus vaccines that New Delhi approved to begin its nationwide vaccination drive. Watch | While Covishield is AstraZeneca-Oxford University' vaccine prepared by Serum Institute of India, Covaxin has been prepared by India's ICMR and Bharat Biotech. ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava in a press conference said 0.04 per cent of 17,37,178 individuals, contracted the deadly virus after receiving the second dose of Covaxin. He added that 0.03 per cent of 1,57,32,754 people who received the second dose of Covishield tested positive. Over 21,000 people contracted coronavirus after taking the first jab of either Covishield or Covaxin, while 5,500 got infected after taking the second dose. Also read | Serum Institute fixes Covishield vaccine prices: Rs 400 for govt hospitals, Rs 600 for private The official said that so far 100 million people have taken the first jab of Covishield, and 17,145 or 2 per 10,000 people contracted the virus. As many as 9.3 million people took the first jab of Covaxin and out of that 4,208 (0.04 per cent) contracted Covid-19, the ICMR director-general said. "This is a very small number and not at all worrisome. Secondly, the highly transmissible second wave also contribute minuscule to the percentage so this could have been even zero per cent," Bhargava said.

0.03% contracted Covid-19 after receiving second jab of Covishield; 0.04% post Covaxin

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person&nbsp;G7&nbsp;foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
 
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,"the meeting of&nbsp;G7&nbsp;Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the world’s biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change."

A key focus of the meet will be&nbsp;the COVID-19 crisis&nbsp;as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate change will be the other big focus area, given the UK will also&nbsp;host&nbsp;the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.

G7&nbsp;is a grouping of seven&nbsp;industrialised countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US &amp; UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meet to take place in over two&nbsp;years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from June 11-13. India has been regularly invited for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit since 2019, first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meet last year, under the former&nbsp;US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to the&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
The former&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. The group became&nbsp;G7&nbsp;after&nbsp;"disinviting" Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,"the meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the world’s biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change." A key focus of the meet will be the COVID-19 crisis as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate change will be the other big focus area, given the UK will also host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year. G7 is a grouping of seven industrialised countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical G7 meet to take place in over two years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from June 11-13. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019, first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the former US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to the pandemic. The former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. The group became G7 after "disinviting" Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

UK invites India for G7 FMs meet in London in May

Bharat BioTech on Wednesday claimed that its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>Covaxin has an efficacy of 78 per cent against mild, moderate and severe cases of Covid-19, according to the Phase 3 interim analysis results.&nbsp;

It highlighted that the second interim data of the Phase 3 study showed that the hospitalisation rate due to novel coronavirus reduced by 100 per cent after taking the Covaxin shot.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The recent spike in Covid-19 infections led to 127 symptomatic cases being recorded after taking the vaccine's shot, leading to an efficacy of 78 per cent against mid, moderate and severe cases, the pharma company said in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that the vaccine has an efficacy of 70 per cent in asymptomatic infection.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covaxin-is-effective-against-multiple-variants-of-coronavirus-indian-medical-body-378960">Covaxin is effective against multiple variants of coronavirus: Indian medical body</a>

"Efficacy against SARS-Cov-2 has been established. Covaxin has demonstrated an excellent safety record in human clinical trials and in usage under emergency use. Covaxin is now a global innovator vaccine derived from R&amp;D in India," Bharat BioTech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Ella also said that the protocols for manufacturing, testing and release of inactivated vaccines meet the requirements of WHO, Indian, and other regulatory authorities.&nbsp;

"These protocols have delivered consistent results over a 15-year period with more than 300 million doses supplied globally, with excellent safety and performance record," the MD said.&nbsp;

The pharma company said final analysis results will be available in June and the final report will then be sent to a peer-reviewed publication.&nbsp;

Covaxin has been jointly prepared by Bharat BioTech and ICMR.&nbsp;

Balram Bhargava, Director General of ICMR and Secretary of Department of Health Research said that Covaxin "works well against" most variants of coronavirus. &nbsp;

 
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Bharat BioTech on Wednesday claimed that its coronavirus vaccine Covaxin has an efficacy of 78 per cent against mild, moderate and severe cases of Covid-19, according to the Phase 3 interim analysis results.

Bharat BioTech on Wednesday claimed that its coronavirus vaccine Covaxin has an efficacy of 78 per cent against mild, moderate and severe cases of Covid-19, according to the Phase 3 interim analysis results. It highlighted that the second interim data of the Phase 3 study showed that the hospitalisation rate due to novel coronavirus reduced by 100 per cent after taking the Covaxin shot. Watch | The recent spike in Covid-19 infections led to 127 symptomatic cases being recorded after taking the vaccine's shot, leading to an efficacy of 78 per cent against mid, moderate and severe cases, the pharma company said in a statement. It added that the vaccine has an efficacy of 70 per cent in asymptomatic infection. Also read | Covaxin is effective against multiple variants of coronavirus: Indian medical body "Efficacy against SARS-Cov-2 has been established. Covaxin has demonstrated an excellent safety record in human clinical trials and in usage under emergency use. Covaxin is now a global innovator vaccine derived from R&D in India," Bharat BioTech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Ella also said that the protocols for manufacturing, testing and release of inactivated vaccines meet the requirements of WHO, Indian, and other regulatory authorities. "These protocols have delivered consistent results over a 15-year period with more than 300 million doses supplied globally, with excellent safety and performance record," the MD said. The pharma company said final analysis results will be available in June and the final report will then be sent to a peer-reviewed publication. Covaxin has been jointly prepared by Bharat BioTech and ICMR. Balram Bhargava, Director General of ICMR and Secretary of Department of Health Research said that Covaxin "works well against" most variants of coronavirus.

Covaxin has an efficacy of 78% against severe Covid-19 cases: Bharat BioTech

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit&nbsp;India&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;during his country's extended holiday starting in late April&nbsp;amid&nbsp;a sharp rise in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Japan's government is considering a state of emergency for Tokyo and several other prefectures, while&nbsp;Indian data showed on Wednesday there had been 295,041 new infections nationwide overnight and 2,023 deaths,&nbsp;India's highest in the pandemic.

Asked about media reports that Suga's&nbsp;trip&nbsp;to the two countries has been cancelled, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: "In order to take all possible coronavirus countermeasures, it has been decided Prime Minister Suga won't take any overseas&nbsp;trips during the Golden Week."

Japan&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;are members of a group known as the Quad, which also includes the United States and Australia.

Quad leaders last month pledged to work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to cooperate on maritime, cyber and economic security, issues vital to the four democracies in the face of challenges from China.

Suga's&nbsp;India&nbsp;trip&nbsp;would have enabled him to hold his first in-person summit meeting with&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Suga has already held face-to-face talks with two other leaders from the Quad - US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit India and the Philippines during his country's extended holiday starting in late April amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit India and the Philippines during his country's extended holiday starting in late April amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday. Japan's government is considering a state of emergency for Tokyo and several other prefectures, while Indian data showed on Wednesday there had been 295,041 new infections nationwide overnight and 2,023 deaths, India's highest in the pandemic. Asked about media reports that Suga's trip to the two countries has been cancelled, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: "In order to take all possible coronavirus countermeasures, it has been decided Prime Minister Suga won't take any overseas trips during the Golden Week." Japan and India are members of a group known as the Quad, which also includes the United States and Australia. Quad leaders last month pledged to work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to cooperate on maritime, cyber and economic security, issues vital to the four democracies in the face of challenges from China. Suga's India trip would have enabled him to hold his first in-person summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Suga has already held face-to-face talks with two other leaders from the Quad - US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Japan PM cancels trip to India, Philippines amid rising COVID-19 cases

At least 22&nbsp;people lost their lives after leakage was reported from an oxygen tanker at a Nashik hospital.&nbsp;

The incident took place at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Earlier, a leakage was reported from an oxygen tanker while refilling, prompting the hospital and local administration officials to take measures to contain the leak.

"Due to the valves leakage of the tanker in Nashik, there was massive oxygen leakage. There must definitely have been an impact on the hospital but I'm yet to gather more information. We'll issue a press note after gathering more information," said Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra. Officials are present at the spot, operation to contain the leak is underway. Details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/zsxnJscmBp">pic.twitter.com/zsxnJscmBp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1384776784818757633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The officials were present at the spot and an operation to contain the leak is underway.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 22 people lost their lives after leakage was reported from an oxygen tanker at a Nashik hospital. The incident took place at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

At least 22 people lost their lives after leakage was reported from an oxygen tanker at a Nashik hospital. The incident took place at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Earlier, a leakage was reported from an oxygen tanker while refilling, prompting the hospital and local administration officials to take measures to contain the leak. "Due to the valves leakage of the tanker in Nashik, there was massive oxygen leakage. There must definitely have been an impact on the hospital but I'm yet to gather more information. We'll issue a press note after gathering more information," said Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope. #WATCH | An Oxygen tanker leaked while tankers were being filled at Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra. Officials are present at the spot, operation to contain the leak is underway. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/zsxnJscmBp — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2021 × The officials were present at the spot and an operation to contain the leak is underway. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 22 killed in Maharashtra's Nashik as oxygen tanker leaks at hospital, probe ordered

India has been elected to&nbsp;three&nbsp;key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal&nbsp;Justice&nbsp;(CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food&nbsp;Programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group.&nbsp;

The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP.&nbsp;

UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries.

Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.&nbsp;

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme.

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme. CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group. The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP. UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries. Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

India elected to 3 key bodies of UN's economic, social council 

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Covaxin has an efficacy of 78% against severe Covid-19 cases: Bharat BioTech