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Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on&nbsp;India&nbsp;after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi.

"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&nbsp;or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock told parliament.

"UK&nbsp;and Irish residents and British citizens who've been in India in the past 10 days before their arrival will need to complete hotel quarantine for 10 days from the time of arrival."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-pm-boris-johnson-cancels-visit-to-india-over-covid-surge-for-the-second-time-378586" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson cancels delayed visit to India over rising COVID cases</a>

The move was taken as a precaution while the variant first identified in India was assessed. Asked whether vaccines being rolled out in Britain worked against the variant, Hancock said he could not give that assurance but was looking to establish an answer as soon as possible.

"The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and/or in terms of reducing hospitalisation and death," he said.

"It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa, and is the core reason why we took the decision today."

Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant&nbsp;Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).

In the event, the UK and Indian governments earlier Monday called off Johnson's visit, which was set for next week after already being postponed in January.

It would have been Johnson's first major foreign visit since he took office in 2019.

"In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to&nbsp;India&nbsp;next week," the two governments said in a joint statement.

They said that Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would instead speak later this month "to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and&nbsp;India.&nbsp;

"They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year."

Cricket impact

Monday's announcement could also have a knock-on effect upon England's upcoming home international cricket schedule.

Several leading England and New Zealand cricketers currently taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League tournament are expected to fly in for the two-match Test series that starts at London's Lord's ground on June 2.

Indian players could be affected too, with Virat Kohli's men set to face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton later that month.&nbsp;

But the Rose Bowl ground at Southampton, the headquarters of county side Hampshire, boasts an on-site hotel and it was one of the venues, along with Manchester's Old Trafford, that has a similar set-up, which pioneered international cricket's return from coronavirus-enforced suspension last year.

A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, said: "The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK."

The&nbsp;India&nbsp;women's team is also due to arrive for a multi-format series against England starting on June 16.&nbsp;

Johnson's office had last week announced the visit would be shortened. It was originally organised to span three days and set to begin on April 26.

It had initially been heralded as an opportunity for Britain to refocus its international trade policy in the wake of Brexit as it pursues a so-called "global Britain" strategy.

But spiking coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Britain earlier this year led to its delay.&nbsp;

Now, surging infections in&nbsp;India,&nbsp;where officials have recorded five consecutive days of more than 200,000 cases, have led to its cancellation altogether.

A total of 103 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Britain, Hancock said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on India after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi.

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on India after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi. "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 told parliament. "UK and Irish residents and British citizens who've been in India in the past 10 days before their arrival will need to complete hotel quarantine for 10 days from the time of arrival." Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson cancels delayed visit to India over rising COVID cases The move was taken as a precaution while the variant first identified in India was assessed. Asked whether vaccines being rolled out in Britain worked against the variant, Hancock said he could not give that assurance but was looking to establish an answer as soon as possible. "The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and/or in terms of reducing hospitalisation and death," he said. "It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa, and is the core reason why we took the decision today." Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI). In the event, the UK and Indian governments earlier Monday called off Johnson's visit, which was set for next week after already being postponed in January. It would have been Johnson's first major foreign visit since he took office in 2019. "In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," the two governments said in a joint statement. They said that Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would instead speak later this month "to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India. "They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year." Cricket impact Monday's announcement could also have a knock-on effect upon England's upcoming home international cricket schedule. Several leading England and New Zealand cricketers currently taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League tournament are expected to fly in for the two-match Test series that starts at London's Lord's ground on June 2. Indian players could be affected too, with Virat Kohli's men set to face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton later that month. But the Rose Bowl ground at Southampton, the headquarters of county side Hampshire, boasts an on-site hotel and it was one of the venues, along with Manchester's Old Trafford, that has a similar set-up, which pioneered international cricket's return from coronavirus-enforced suspension last year. A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, said: "The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK." The India women's team is also due to arrive for a multi-format series against England starting on June 16. Johnson's office had last week announced the visit would be shortened. It was originally organised to span three days and set to begin on April 26. It had initially been heralded as an opportunity for Britain to refocus its international trade policy in the wake of Brexit as it pursues a so-called "global Britain" strategy. But spiking coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Britain earlier this year led to its delay. Now, surging infections in India, where officials have recorded five consecutive days of more than 200,000 cases, have led to its cancellation altogether. A total of 103 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Britain, Hancock said. (With inputs from agencies)

UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' after Boris Johnson cancels tour

Top&nbsp;officials have said 90-95 per cent&nbsp;of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines.&nbsp;Field formation has&nbsp;been&nbsp;given priority during the entire campaign. Approximately 50 to 55 per cent&nbsp;of the forces have been vaccinated with the second&nbsp;dose.&nbsp;Field formation was given priority during the vaccination drive.

An official aware of the developments said, "no let-up was done when the country was easing up, the mandatory quarantine period was being followed".

According to data shared by the defence ministry&nbsp;in the Indian Parliament in the month of March, 33,003 positive cases were detected in the Army, 8,159 in the Air Force, and 3,604 cases reported in the Navy. The Army reported the death of 81 personnel, the Air Force reported 36 deaths and the Navy reported two&nbsp;deaths due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, as cases surged in the country amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior-most Army officers in every state have been asked to interact with civil counterparts to deal with the situation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today chaired a meeting through video conference to review the COVID-19 situation. The meet was attended by all the Service Chiefs, CDS, all Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS.&nbsp;

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed COVID-19 facilities in Delhi with 250 beds, which will be increased to 500. The organisation has been working on a&nbsp;war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

India began its vaccination drive in January and in the first phase frontline workers were prioritised.

Top officials have said 90-95 per cent of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines. Field formation has been given priority during the entire campaign.

Top officials have said 90-95 per cent of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines. Field formation has been given priority during the entire campaign. Approximately 50 to 55 per cent of the forces have been vaccinated with the second dose. Field formation was given priority during the vaccination drive. An official aware of the developments said, "no let-up was done when the country was easing up, the mandatory quarantine period was being followed". According to data shared by the defence ministry in the Indian Parliament in the month of March, 33,003 positive cases were detected in the Army, 8,159 in the Air Force, and 3,604 cases reported in the Navy. The Army reported the death of 81 personnel, the Air Force reported 36 deaths and the Navy reported two deaths due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, as cases surged in the country amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior-most Army officers in every state have been asked to interact with civil counterparts to deal with the situation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today chaired a meeting through video conference to review the COVID-19 situation. The meet was attended by all the Service Chiefs, CDS, all Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed COVID-19 facilities in Delhi with 250 beds, which will be increased to 500. The organisation has been working on a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. India began its vaccination drive in January and in the first phase frontline workers were prioritised.

Vaccination drive: 90-95% Indian Army inoculated with first dose, say officials

Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah and former queen Komal Shah have tested positive for the coronavirus on their return from India after participating in the religious event Maha Kumbh at Haridwar, according to a media report on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old former king and 70-year-old former queen recently returned from India, where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;

Their samples for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test were confirmed positive for the Covid-19 infection, The Himalayan Times reported.&nbsp;

According to the report, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome the former king and queen during their arrival back home.&nbsp;

The authorities have also initiated a contact tracing to test anyone, who came in contact with the royal couple.&nbsp;

Shah was crowned as the king of Nepal in 2001 after his elder brother Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and his family were killed in a massacre at the Royal Palace.&nbsp;

An investigation blamed Birendra's son Dipendra, who was among the dead, for the massacre.&nbsp;

Shah stepped down in 2008, after a popular revolt forced him to abdicate, and the centuries-old monarchy was abolished, turning the country into a republic by the Constituent Assembly.&nbsp;

He became deeply unpopular when he seized direct control of the nation in 2005, claiming mainstream parties had failed to tackle the deadly Maoist insurgency.&nbsp;

He has kept a low-profile and has occasionally made public appearances.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week appealed to the sadhus to observe the remaining duration of the Kumbh only in a symbolic manner in view of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Maha Kumbh formally began in Haridwar on April 1 with several restrictions imposed on devotees coming to attend the event amid rising cases of Covid-19 in various states including Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

A negative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test report not older than 72 hours before arrival was made mandatory for devotees gathering for the event.&nbsp;

It was for the first time in the history of the grand religious congregation held on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar once in 12 years that its duration was curtailed to just one month due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

In normal circumstances, the Maha Kumbh is held for nearly four months. Its last edition was held in Haridwar from January 14 to April 28 in 2010. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah and former queen Komal Shah have tested positive for the coronavirus on their return from India after participating in the religious event Maha Kumbh at Haridwar, according to a media report on Tuesday.

Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah and former queen Komal Shah have tested positive for the coronavirus on their return from India after participating in the religious event Maha Kumbh at Haridwar, according to a media report on Tuesday. The 73-year-old former king and 70-year-old former queen recently returned from India, where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees, according to the Health Ministry. Their samples for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test were confirmed positive for the Covid-19 infection, The Himalayan Times reported. According to the report, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome the former king and queen during their arrival back home. The authorities have also initiated a contact tracing to test anyone, who came in contact with the royal couple. Shah was crowned as the king of Nepal in 2001 after his elder brother Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and his family were killed in a massacre at the Royal Palace. An investigation blamed Birendra's son Dipendra, who was among the dead, for the massacre. Shah stepped down in 2008, after a popular revolt forced him to abdicate, and the centuries-old monarchy was abolished, turning the country into a republic by the Constituent Assembly. He became deeply unpopular when he seized direct control of the nation in 2005, claiming mainstream parties had failed to tackle the deadly Maoist insurgency. He has kept a low-profile and has occasionally made public appearances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week appealed to the sadhus to observe the remaining duration of the Kumbh only in a symbolic manner in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The Maha Kumbh formally began in Haridwar on April 1 with several restrictions imposed on devotees coming to attend the event amid rising cases of Covid-19 in various states including Uttarakhand. A negative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test report not older than 72 hours before arrival was made mandatory for devotees gathering for the event. It was for the first time in the history of the grand religious congregation held on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar once in 12 years that its duration was curtailed to just one month due to the pandemic. In normal circumstances, the Maha Kumbh is held for nearly four months. Its last edition was held in Haridwar from January 14 to April 28 in 2010. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's ex-king Gyanendra, queen Komal test COVID-19 positive after attending Kumbh mela in India  

New Delhi, April 20 (IANSlife) After a tough 2020, most businesses saw a revival, some movement and an upswing in the first quarter of 2021. To gain an insight into how the beauty business has fared over the past six months, IANSlife caught up with Mrunmay Mehta, Head, Beauty and Luxury Beauty at Amazon India.
 
As most cities begin curfews and lockdowns once again, will there be a slump or rise in demand of beauty products? What are the beauty trends we can try at home and which grooming tools are a must have. To get more details., read on: 
Q: What has the sale of beauty products on Amazon Beauty been like in the last 6 months? Which products have seen the highest demand? 
A: We have observed that customers are looking for ways to stay engaged at home through self-pampering, spending time on grooming and experimenting with makeup. The eye category has seen maximum acceleration followed by lips category. The premium beauty business is recovering at a faster pace and continues to accelerate online. The perfume category is also witnessing an increase in demand among customers. These categories will continue to accelerate online, given increased customer adoption of online as a buying channel in the new normal we live in. In the last six months, we have witnessed a surge in demand for beauty products such as eye-make up, matte and transfer proof lipsticks, skincare, and beauty tools and accessories on our platform. 
Q: Bollywood and beauty -- what`s the impact and why isn`t Amazon Beauty part of the trajectory? 
Á: Customers today are inspired by not just Bollywood but in fact a lot more by so many digital platforms, influencers, and social media. Fashion and beauty trends have been influenced by films for the longest time. Even today, this is largely evident in customers across markets including tier-2 and tier-3 cities. In early 2020, we collaborated with Filmfare as the title sponsor of the 65th edition of Filmfare Awards to bring alive the connection between entertainment, fashion, and beauty. Besides, we also created a storefront to leverage the make-up looks of the characters from the `Bandish Bandits` web series on Prime Video. 
At Amazon, we also have a large affiliates program, where influencers can host their page on Amazon and direct traffic to it through their channels. Lastly, Amazon overall has multiple channels of customer engagement and acquisition across customer touchpoints such as FoundIt and Fashion Influencer Program, from which we continue to see a rapid increase in our customer base for beauty as well. 
Q: What are the biggest beauty trends for 2021? 
A: As the world lives with the pandemic, customers are looking to stay engaged at home through self-pampering, spending time on grooming and experimenting with make-up. The make-up and premium beauty business had taken a momentary pause in March 2020 but has slowly recovered to its pre-Covid performance with the advent of video conference calls. Highlighting some broad trends, we`re witnessing on Amazon Beauty over the past six months: 
* Revival of Makeup: With eyes becoming the new lips, within make-up, the eye category has seen maximum acceleration. Brands have quickly aligned themselves to innovate in the lips category by moving from gloss and shine lipsticks to promoting matte (transfer-proof and smudge-proof) lipsticks, tinted lip balms and tint this season, only to stay in line with the new norms-- they can be worn with face masks. 
* See the Rainbow: There is an emergence of joyful colours, be it on the lips, eyes, or the cheek. While minimalism as a trend continues, products will be used to add a dash of colour on the eyes (yellow, blue, pink etc.) 
* Natural Effortless Glam: A naturally glamorous and glowing face has made a comeback. Customers are now doubling down on highlighters and bronzers that offer a glowing face coupled with dramatic lashes and blushed cheeks. 
* Clean Beauty: Today, customers are mindful about product ingredients and formulations. With people spending more time and research on their beauty routines, there has been a distinct rise in the adoption of natural, organic, and plant-based skincare and haircare as well as natural makeup products. 
* Salon at Home: With customers facing limitations in visiting salons, the focus on professional skincare and haircare products has multiplied. We are seeing a surge in demand for professional brands on Amazon Beauty which were only popular with salons earlier. 
Q: How has Amazon Beauty integrated technology on its platform, how has the customers approach been towards using it? 
A: Amazon Beauty has rolled out a feature called `Virtual Try On (VTO)`, which allows customers to try on colour cosmetics virtually. Customers can either use a photograph stored in their phones or one of pre-loaded model faces or even live camera (android only at present) to use this feature. The visual nature of this feature allows the user to test colour cosmetics and see how it will look on their skin virtually, bridging the gap between the offline and online buying experience and making shopping effortless on Amazon Beauty. Lakhs of customers have tried VTO and we see a higher purchase intent from customers who interact with it. 
Q: Skincare being the new make-up, what are the highest selling products currently? 
A: During the pandemic, we have observed the epicentre of beauty shift from make-up to skincare. With the limited choice of stepping out and the consequent rise of work from home culture, people began to pay attention to their cleansing, toning, and moisturising (CTM) regimen more religiously, leading to a double-digit spike on our platform especially within product range of night creams, sunscreen, face oils and face serums. Customer`s consumption habits slowly drifted towards products that offer several benefits and uses. They also opted for double duty make-up products like lip tint, which can be used both on lips and cheeks as blush or tinted sunscreens and moisturises for both SPF protection and light coverage. Beauty tools and accessories too saw a double-digit spike as the demand for products such as makeup tools, facial massager, gua sha stone and jade roller surged. 
Q: 5 must have beauty products available on Amazon Beauty 
A: Amazon Beauty offers India`s widest selection of beauty products and brands, ranging from luxury beauty to everyday essentials, attracting new customers every day. We house 30,000 plus brands and 12 lakh plus products for customers to choose from across categories such as skincare, haircare, make-up, fragrance, natural remedies, men`s grooming, among others. Here are 5 must-have beauty essentials for everyday use available on Amazon Beauty: 
*Light weight moisturisers 
*Mattifying sunscreens 
*Transfer proof lipsticks 
*Long lasting perfumes 
(IANSlife Features can be contacted at IANSlife@ians.in) 
--IANS 
tb/

New Delhi, April 20 (IANSlife) After a tough 2020, most businesses saw a revival, some movement and an upswing in the first quarter of 2021. To gain an insight into how the beauty business has fared over the past six months, IANSlife caught up with Mrunmay Mehta, Head, Beauty and Luxury Beauty at Amazon India.

New Delhi, April 20 (IANSlife) After a tough 2020, most businesses saw a revival, some movement and an upswing in the first quarter of 2021. To gain an insight into how the beauty business has fared over the past six months, IANSlife caught up with Mrunmay Mehta, Head, Beauty and Luxury Beauty at Amazon India. As most cities begin curfews and lockdowns once again, will there be a slump or rise in demand of beauty products? What are the beauty trends we can try at home and which grooming tools are a must have. To get more details., read on: Q: What has the sale of beauty products on Amazon Beauty been like in the last 6 months? Which products have seen the highest demand? A: We have observed that customers are looking for ways to stay engaged at home through self-pampering, spending time on grooming and experimenting with makeup. The eye category has seen maximum acceleration followed by lips category. The premium beauty business is recovering at a faster pace and continues to accelerate online. The perfume category is also witnessing an increase in demand among customers. These categories will continue to accelerate online, given increased customer adoption of online as a buying channel in the new normal we live in. In the last six months, we have witnessed a surge in demand for beauty products such as eye-make up, matte and transfer proof lipsticks, skincare, and beauty tools and accessories on our platform. Q: Bollywood and beauty -- what`s the impact and why isn`t Amazon Beauty part of the trajectory? Á: Customers today are inspired by not just Bollywood but in fact a lot more by so many digital platforms, influencers, and social media. Fashion and beauty trends have been influenced by films for the longest time. Even today, this is largely evident in customers across markets including tier-2 and tier-3 cities. In early 2020, we collaborated with Filmfare as the title sponsor of the 65th edition of Filmfare Awards to bring alive the connection between entertainment, fashion, and beauty. Besides, we also created a storefront to leverage the make-up looks of the characters from the `Bandish Bandits` web series on Prime Video. At Amazon, we also have a large affiliates program, where influencers can host their page on Amazon and direct traffic to it through their channels. Lastly, Amazon overall has multiple channels of customer engagement and acquisition across customer touchpoints such as FoundIt and Fashion Influencer Program, from which we continue to see a rapid increase in our customer base for beauty as well. Q: What are the biggest beauty trends for 2021? A: As the world lives with the pandemic, customers are looking to stay engaged at home through self-pampering, spending time on grooming and experimenting with make-up. The make-up and premium beauty business had taken a momentary pause in March 2020 but has slowly recovered to its pre-Covid performance with the advent of video conference calls. Highlighting some broad trends, we`re witnessing on Amazon Beauty over the past six months: * Revival of Makeup: With eyes becoming the new lips, within make-up, the eye category has seen maximum acceleration. Brands have quickly aligned themselves to innovate in the lips category by moving from gloss and shine lipsticks to promoting matte (transfer-proof and smudge-proof) lipsticks, tinted lip balms and tint this season, only to stay in line with the new norms-- they can be worn with face masks. * See the Rainbow: There is an emergence of joyful colours, be it on the lips, eyes, or the cheek. While minimalism as a trend continues, products will be used to add a dash of colour on the eyes (yellow, blue, pink etc.) * Natural Effortless Glam: A naturally glamorous and glowing face has made a comeback. Customers are now doubling down on highlighters and bronzers that offer a glowing face coupled with dramatic lashes and blushed cheeks. * Clean Beauty: Today, customers are mindful about product ingredients and formulations. With people spending more time and research on their beauty routines, there has been a distinct rise in the adoption of natural, organic, and plant-based skincare and haircare as well as natural makeup products. * Salon at Home: With customers facing limitations in visiting salons, the focus on professional skincare and haircare products has multiplied. We are seeing a surge in demand for professional brands on Amazon Beauty which were only popular with salons earlier. Q: How has Amazon Beauty integrated technology on its platform, how has the customers approach been towards using it? A: Amazon Beauty has rolled out a feature called `Virtual Try On (VTO)`, which allows customers to try on colour cosmetics virtually. Customers can either use a photograph stored in their phones or one of pre-loaded model faces or even live camera (android only at present) to use this feature. The visual nature of this feature allows the user to test colour cosmetics and see how it will look on their skin virtually, bridging the gap between the offline and online buying experience and making shopping effortless on Amazon Beauty. Lakhs of customers have tried VTO and we see a higher purchase intent from customers who interact with it. Q: Skincare being the new make-up, what are the highest selling products currently? A: During the pandemic, we have observed the epicentre of beauty shift from make-up to skincare. With the limited choice of stepping out and the consequent rise of work from home culture, people began to pay attention to their cleansing, toning, and moisturising (CTM) regimen more religiously, leading to a double-digit spike on our platform especially within product range of night creams, sunscreen, face oils and face serums. Customer`s consumption habits slowly drifted towards products that offer several benefits and uses. They also opted for double duty make-up products like lip tint, which can be used both on lips and cheeks as blush or tinted sunscreens and moisturises for both SPF protection and light coverage. Beauty tools and accessories too saw a double-digit spike as the demand for products such as makeup tools, facial massager, gua sha stone and jade roller surged. Q: 5 must have beauty products available on Amazon Beauty A: Amazon Beauty offers India`s widest selection of beauty products and brands, ranging from luxury beauty to everyday essentials, attracting new customers every day. We house 30,000 plus brands and 12 lakh plus products for customers to choose from across categories such as skincare, haircare, make-up, fragrance, natural remedies, men`s grooming, among others. Here are 5 must-have beauty essentials for everyday use available on Amazon Beauty: *Light weight moisturisers *Mattifying sunscreens *Transfer proof lipsticks *Long lasting perfumes (IANSlife Features can be contacted at IANSlife@ians.in) --IANS tb/

Beauty, grooming and self-pampering during lockdown

Amid a steep spike in COVID-19 cases leading to increased demand for medicines to treat coronavirus, top health experts in the government on Monday said anti-viral drug remdesivir is "not a magic bullet" and does not reduce mortality.

Addressing the media, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said remdesivir should only be given to patients hospitalised with moderate illness, who had a fall in oxygen saturation and have infiltrates on chest X-rays or CT-scan.

"Remdesivir is not a magic bullet and this is not a drug that reduces mortality. We may use it as we don't have a very good antiviral drug. It has a limited role and we should be very careful in its usage," he said.

"In major studies, remdesivir was shown to be useful only in those hospitalised patients with falling oxygen saturation and having infiltrates on chest X-ray or CT-scan. It is of no use if given early in mild and asymptomatic patients and also if administered too late," Dr Guleria said.

NITI Aayog member (Health) V K Paul said that remdesivir is not to be used in home settings and not to be procured from chemist shops.

Data from studies so far have shown that remdesivir does not have any effect in reducing the mortality in COVID-19, he said in support of Dr Guleria's remark.

"The health ministry in its 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19' has recommended the use of remdesivir on COVID-19 patients in a moderate stage of the illness. The drug has been included as an 'investigational therapy' and recommended only for restricted emergency," Paul said.

Guleria also said studies have shown that plasma therapy has a limited role in COVID-19 treatment and is of not much use.

About the drug tocilizumab, he said the drug is required in less than 2 per cent of COVID-19 patients because it is only for cytokine storm.

"It is to be given in the later stage of illness among those who have very high inflammatory markers and whose condition is worsening despite steroids, remdesivir and anti-coagulants."

"A majority of patients who have a mild COVID-19 or are asymptomatic will improve with just symptomatic treatment," Guleria asserted, adding the one drug that did show any benefit was steroids, but when to administer it is very important.

"Recovery trial showed that steroid has a harmful effect if given in an early stage of the disease before there is a fall in oxygen saturation."

As for antiviral drug favipiravir, Guleria said the data for its utility in treating COVID-19 is not very strong.

It has no effect on mortality and there is not much evidence to show that it is useful.

It is not recommended for use in the National Clinical Management Protocol for COVID-19, he said.

"So, it is important to understand that by giving treatment when it is not required you may be doing more harm. I appeal to everyone to please follow protocols and give treatment in a rational manner," Guleria said.

Over new research findings that COVID-19 spreads through air and not through droplets, Paul said he has also gone through studies which say that air-borne transmission is more prevalent than surface transmission.

"It is a dynamic situation for new learning," he said.

About precautions to be followed in the backdrop of the emerging information, he said masks play an important role in preventing COVID-19 spread and emphasised the need for good cross ventilation indoors, besides maintaining a physical distance.

Amid a steep spike in COVID-19 cases leading to increased demand for medicines to treat coronavirus, top health experts in the government on Monday said anti-viral drug remdesivir is "not a magic bullet" and does not reduce mortality.

Amid a steep spike in COVID-19 cases leading to increased demand for medicines to treat coronavirus, top health experts in the government on Monday said anti-viral drug remdesivir is "not a magic bullet" and does not reduce mortality. Addressing the media, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said remdesivir should only be given to patients hospitalised with moderate illness, who had a fall in oxygen saturation and have infiltrates on chest X-rays or CT-scan. "Remdesivir is not a magic bullet and this is not a drug that reduces mortality. We may use it as we don't have a very good antiviral drug. It has a limited role and we should be very careful in its usage," he said. "In major studies, remdesivir was shown to be useful only in those hospitalised patients with falling oxygen saturation and having infiltrates on chest X-ray or CT-scan. It is of no use if given early in mild and asymptomatic patients and also if administered too late," Dr Guleria said. NITI Aayog member (Health) V K Paul said that remdesivir is not to be used in home settings and not to be procured from chemist shops. Data from studies so far have shown that remdesivir does not have any effect in reducing the mortality in COVID-19, he said in support of Dr Guleria's remark. "The health ministry in its 'Clinical Management Protocols for COVID-19' has recommended the use of remdesivir on COVID-19 patients in a moderate stage of the illness. The drug has been included as an 'investigational therapy' and recommended only for restricted emergency," Paul said. Guleria also said studies have shown that plasma therapy has a limited role in COVID-19 treatment and is of not much use. About the drug tocilizumab, he said the drug is required in less than 2 per cent of COVID-19 patients because it is only for cytokine storm. "It is to be given in the later stage of illness among those who have very high inflammatory markers and whose condition is worsening despite steroids, remdesivir and anti-coagulants." "A majority of patients who have a mild COVID-19 or are asymptomatic will improve with just symptomatic treatment," Guleria asserted, adding the one drug that did show any benefit was steroids, but when to administer it is very important. "Recovery trial showed that steroid has a harmful effect if given in an early stage of the disease before there is a fall in oxygen saturation." As for antiviral drug favipiravir, Guleria said the data for its utility in treating COVID-19 is not very strong. It has no effect on mortality and there is not much evidence to show that it is useful. It is not recommended for use in the National Clinical Management Protocol for COVID-19, he said. "So, it is important to understand that by giving treatment when it is not required you may be doing more harm. I appeal to everyone to please follow protocols and give treatment in a rational manner," Guleria said. Over new research findings that COVID-19 spreads through air and not through droplets, Paul said he has also gone through studies which say that air-borne transmission is more prevalent than surface transmission. "It is a dynamic situation for new learning," he said. About precautions to be followed in the backdrop of the emerging information, he said masks play an important role in preventing COVID-19 spread and emphasised the need for good cross ventilation indoors, besides maintaining a physical distance.

Remdesivir not magic bullet, does not reduce mortality against COVID-19, say health experts

The government in the Indian capital Delhi has announced a six-day lockdown, starting at 10 PM Monday (April 19) night until 5&nbsp;AM Monday (April 26) morning to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Delhi on Sunday recorded the biggest jump in its daily COVID-19 tally with 25,462 fresh cases as well as 161 deaths,&nbsp;while the positivity rate shot up to 29.74 per cent. This means&nbsp;almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive. 
 
Last week, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced Delhi would remain shut this weekend to “break the chain of transmission”. 
 
Auditoriums, restaurants, malls, gyms and spas would be shut down and movie theatres would be allowed with a third of their capacity on weekdays, Kejriwal had said, announcing other restrictions.

In the past 10 days, as Delhi cases maintained a sharp upward trajectory, cabinet ministers, including the CM himself, visited Covid facilities and hospitals to take stock of the situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government in the Indian capital Delhi has announced a six-day lockdown, starting at 10 PM Monday (April 19) night until 5 AM Monday (April 26) morning to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The government in the Indian capital Delhi has announced a six-day lockdown, starting at 10 PM Monday (April 19) night until 5 AM Monday (April 26) morning to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Delhi on Sunday recorded the biggest jump in its daily COVID-19 tally with 25,462 fresh cases as well as 161 deaths, while the positivity rate shot up to 29.74 per cent. This means almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive. Last week, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced Delhi would remain shut this weekend to “break the chain of transmission”. Auditoriums, restaurants, malls, gyms and spas would be shut down and movie theatres would be allowed with a third of their capacity on weekdays, Kejriwal had said, announcing other restrictions. In the past 10 days, as Delhi cases maintained a sharp upward trajectory, cabinet ministers, including the CM himself, visited Covid facilities and hospitals to take stock of the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Delhi CM announces total lockdown for six days

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He mety his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral economic co-opeartion and other issues of mutual and regional interest.

"Delighted to meet FM @ABZayed. Look forward to our discussions," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Delighted to meet FM <a href="https://twitter.com/ABZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABZayed</a>. Look forward to our discussions. <a href="https://t.co/VdHlKryhzO">pic.twitter.com/VdHlKryhzO</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1383831359500611588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jaishankar's visit coincides with the ongoing trip of his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi to UAE. There have been media reports that UAE was holding back channel talks to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Jaishankar had earlier visited UAE on November 25 and 26 amid coronavirus pandemic. He had met Al Nahyan at that time as well.

Jaishankar's current visit to Abu Dhabi comes days after the Emirati ambassador to the US Yousef al-Otaiba said that the UAE played a role in bringing down the tension between India and Pakistan and getting their bilateral ties back to a "healthy functional relationship".

"They might not sort of become best friends but at least we want to get it to a level where it's functional, where it's operational, where they are speaking to each other," al-Otaiba said during a virtual discussion with Stanford University's Hoover Institution on Wednesday.

Qureshi is in the UAE on a three-day visit during which he will hold discussions with the country's leadership on all areas of bilateral cooperation including collaboration in trade and investment.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He mety his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral economic co-opeartion and other issues of mutual and regional interest.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He mety his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral economic co-opeartion and other issues of mutual and regional interest. "Delighted to meet FM @ABZayed. Look forward to our discussions," Jaishankar tweeted. Delighted to meet FM @ABZayed. Look forward to our discussions. pic.twitter.com/VdHlKryhzO — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2021 × Jaishankar's visit coincides with the ongoing trip of his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi to UAE. There have been media reports that UAE was holding back channel talks to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar had earlier visited UAE on November 25 and 26 amid coronavirus pandemic. He had met Al Nahyan at that time as well. Jaishankar's current visit to Abu Dhabi comes days after the Emirati ambassador to the US Yousef al-Otaiba said that the UAE played a role in bringing down the tension between India and Pakistan and getting their bilateral ties back to a "healthy functional relationship". "They might not sort of become best friends but at least we want to get it to a level where it's functional, where it's operational, where they are speaking to each other," al-Otaiba said during a virtual discussion with Stanford University's Hoover Institution on Wednesday. Qureshi is in the UAE on a three-day visit during which he will hold discussions with the country's leadership on all areas of bilateral cooperation including collaboration in trade and investment. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar arrives in Abu Dhabi

Hong Kong will suspend flights from&nbsp;India, Pakistan and the Philippines from April 20 for two weeks after the N501Y mutant COVID-19 strain was detected in the Asian financial hub for the first time, authorities said in a statement late on Sunday.

The three countries would be classified as "extremely high risk" after there had been multiple imported cases carrying the strain into Hong Kong in the past 14 days, the government said.

The city reported 30 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, 29 of which were imported, marking the highest daily toll since March 15. Hong Kong has recorded over 11,600 cases in total and 209 deaths.

Hong Kong authorities have been urging residents to get vaccinated for coronavirus with only around 9 per cent of Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents vaccinated so far.

The government last week widened the city's vaccine scheme to include those aged between 16 to 29 years old for the first time, as they aim to boost lacklustre demand for inoculations amongst residents.

Airlines impacted by Hong Kong's ban on travellers from&nbsp;India, Pakistan and the Philippines include carriers such as Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Vistara and Cebu Pacific.

Hong Kong will suspend flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines from April 20 for two weeks after the N501Y mutant COVID-19 strain was detected in the Asian financial hub for the first time, authorities said in a statement late on Sunday.

Hong Kong will suspend flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines from April 20 for two weeks after the N501Y mutant COVID-19 strain was detected in the Asian financial hub for the first time, authorities said in a statement late on Sunday. The three countries would be classified as "extremely high risk" after there had been multiple imported cases carrying the strain into Hong Kong in the past 14 days, the government said. The city reported 30 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, 29 of which were imported, marking the highest daily toll since March 15. Hong Kong has recorded over 11,600 cases in total and 209 deaths. Hong Kong authorities have been urging residents to get vaccinated for coronavirus with only around 9 per cent of Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents vaccinated so far. The government last week widened the city's vaccine scheme to include those aged between 16 to 29 years old for the first time, as they aim to boost lacklustre demand for inoculations amongst residents. Airlines impacted by Hong Kong's ban on travellers from India, Pakistan and the Philippines include carriers such as Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Vistara and Cebu Pacific.

COVID-19: Hong Kong bans flights from India, Pakistan and Philippines for 2 weeks

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. 
 
The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'. All offices except those connected with essential services shall remain closed. 
 
Shops connected to grocery, fruit, dairy products, etc. shall remain open till 5 pm. Vegetable vendors have been allowed to sell their stuff by 7 pm. Petrol pumps shall remain open till 8 pm, as per the new guidelines. 
 
Public transport shall remain open in the state and factories and manufacturing units shall also remain operational. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs. 
 
According to the guidelines, the bazaars, malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls and all religious places shall remain closed. All the educational institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes, etc. have also been suspended. 
 
"All commercial offices and markets shall remain closed except the essential services. Commuters from bus stops, metro stations and airports shall have to show tickets to commute, those coming to Rajasthan from other states shall have to show their RT-PCR reports collected within 72 hours of travel. 
 
"Pregnant women will be allowed to travel to hospital. Those going to take Covid shots will be permitted and the PDS shops will also run all through the week. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding parties while 20 for a funeral. Telecom, Internet services, postal services, cable services, etc. will remain open" said the guidelines.

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'.

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'. All offices except those connected with essential services shall remain closed. Shops connected to grocery, fruit, dairy products, etc. shall remain open till 5 pm. Vegetable vendors have been allowed to sell their stuff by 7 pm. Petrol pumps shall remain open till 8 pm, as per the new guidelines. Public transport shall remain open in the state and factories and manufacturing units shall also remain operational. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs. According to the guidelines, the bazaars, malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls and all religious places shall remain closed. All the educational institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes, etc. have also been suspended. "All commercial offices and markets shall remain closed except the essential services. Commuters from bus stops, metro stations and airports shall have to show tickets to commute, those coming to Rajasthan from other states shall have to show their RT-PCR reports collected within 72 hours of travel. "Pregnant women will be allowed to travel to hospital. Those going to take Covid shots will be permitted and the PDS shops will also run all through the week. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding parties while 20 for a funeral. Telecom, Internet services, postal services, cable services, etc. will remain open" said the guidelines.

COVID-19 in India: Rajasthan state imposes strict 15-day lockdown from today

India registered 2,73,810 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 1,619 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the&nbsp;pandemic began, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

The fresh addition took the total tally to 1,50,61,919 while the death toll soared to 1,78,769.

As many as 2,73,810 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours.

The active number of cases in the country stands at 19,29,329.

In the last 24 hours, 1,44,178 people recovered from the disease. With this, the total recoveries reached 1,29,53,821.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 13,56,133 samples were tested on Monday. And, as many as 26,78,94,549 samples have been tested across the country till April 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

India registered 2,73,810 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 1,619 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the pandemic began, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

India registered 2,73,810 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 1,619 fatalities in the past 24 hours, the highest single-day spike in terms of cases and deaths since the pandemic began, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The fresh addition took the total tally to 1,50,61,919 while the death toll soared to 1,78,769. As many as 2,73,810 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours. The active number of cases in the country stands at 19,29,329. In the last 24 hours, 1,44,178 people recovered from the disease. With this, the total recoveries reached 1,29,53,821. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 13,56,133 samples were tested on Monday. And, as many as 26,78,94,549 samples have been tested across the country till April 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: India reports record 2,73,810 cases, highest ever deaths in a day

India has decided to expand its mega vaccination drive. Anyone over the age of 18 will be eligible to get the vaccine from May 01. India began its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16.

WION Fineprint: India opens COVID-19 vaccination for people over the age of 18

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

"Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official.

The news of Manmohan Singh's illness came just a day after he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the pandemic situation in the country.

He had urged Prime Minister Modi to "resist the temptation to look at the absolute number of vaccinations and focus on the percentage of the population vaccinated."

In the letter, Manmohan Singh had also listed out suggestions for consideration "in a spirit of constructive cooperation", that included publicising firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and allowing states more flexibility to plan vaccination rollouts.

Coronavirus situation in India continues to deteriorate. The country has again reported highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. In last 24 hours, over 273,000 fresh infections and 1619 death have been recorded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19. "Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official. The news of Manmohan Singh's illness came just a day after he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the pandemic situation in the country. He had urged Prime Minister Modi to "resist the temptation to look at the absolute number of vaccinations and focus on the percentage of the population vaccinated." In the letter, Manmohan Singh had also listed out suggestions for consideration "in a spirit of constructive cooperation", that included publicising firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and allowing states more flexibility to plan vaccination rollouts. Coronavirus situation in India continues to deteriorate. The country has again reported highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. In last 24 hours, over 273,000 fresh infections and 1619 death have been recorded. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19

Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, The Chief Minister of Delhi, while addressing a press conference has announced a 6-day lockdown in the state as the national capital has recorded over 25000 cases of Covid-19 on Sunday. India PM chairs high-level meeting.

India PM chairs high-level meeting over COVID, Delhi CM says, "No option left but lockdown"

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019.

Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain. Infections in India are currently surging as the country endures a second wave of the virus.

"In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," a joint statement from the British and Indian governments said.

"Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India."

Relations with India are seen as a key component of both Britain's post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate trade with countries outside the European Union, and a diplomatic push to gain more influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June.

Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant&nbsp;Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).

The variant&nbsp;officially named B.1.617&nbsp;is believed to be almost certainly playing a part in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India and a major spike in infection rates.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019. Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain. Infections in India are currently surging as the country endures a second wave of the virus. "In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," a joint statement from the British and Indian governments said. "Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India." Relations with India are seen as a key component of both Britain's post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate trade with countries outside the European Union, and a diplomatic push to gain more influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June. Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI). The variant officially named B.1.617 is believed to be almost certainly playing a part in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India and a major spike in infection rates. (With input from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson cancels visit to India over COVID surge, for the second time

Researchers at KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have developed a palm-sized device that they say can detect COVID-19 infection in a matter of seconds. The device takes into consideration parameters such as Zeta potential, blood pressure, body temperature, Oxygen saturation and blood count. No pricks or invasions are needed.

A person needs to only place his hand in a plastic glove and results flash on the connected computer within seconds. This is a much quicker process than the RT-PCR test which takes 6 hours to give results.

The technology behind the device is based on measurement of a very small quantity of electricity which the human body generates. In a normal person, it ranges between 23 and 25 milliVolt (mV). As per the findings of the researchers, those infected with COVID show 5-15 mV reading.

The sensors can also detect low blood oxygen saturation and low count of White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC) and platelets other than blood pressure and fever.

Research team said that the idea struck them during their study on cancer patients.

“We verified the results of our device with the RT-PCR results of hundreds of patients coming into the Stanley and Omandurar Hospitals in Chennai. There was a 100% match with the RT-PCR results and a nearly 98% match when compared to the standard blood count test,” said Dhejasvee Rajagopal and Arun Inbaraj, research associates at KJ Research Foundation.

"We are a unit that is recognised by the Department of Science and technology, Government of India,” said Dr Jegadeesan, Founder and Chief Surgeon of the Hospital.

The device cost around Rs 10,000 for its development but researchers say that they are confident that their manufacturing partner will produce it for much less. The team has filed for a patent of the device and has also published a research paper on its working.

Researchers at KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have developed a palm-sized device that they say can detect COVID-19 infection in a matter of seconds.

Researchers at KJ Hospital Research and Postgraduate Center in Chennai have developed a palm-sized device that they say can detect COVID-19 infection in a matter of seconds. The device takes into consideration parameters such as Zeta potential, blood pressure, body temperature, Oxygen saturation and blood count. No pricks or invasions are needed. A person needs to only place his hand in a plastic glove and results flash on the connected computer within seconds. This is a much quicker process than the RT-PCR test which takes 6 hours to give results. The technology behind the device is based on measurement of a very small quantity of electricity which the human body generates. In a normal person, it ranges between 23 and 25 milliVolt (mV). As per the findings of the researchers, those infected with COVID show 5-15 mV reading. The sensors can also detect low blood oxygen saturation and low count of White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC) and platelets other than blood pressure and fever. Research team said that the idea struck them during their study on cancer patients. “We verified the results of our device with the RT-PCR results of hundreds of patients coming into the Stanley and Omandurar Hospitals in Chennai. There was a 100% match with the RT-PCR results and a nearly 98% match when compared to the standard blood count test,” said Dhejasvee Rajagopal and Arun Inbaraj, research associates at KJ Research Foundation. "We are a unit that is recognised by the Department of Science and technology, Government of India,” said Dr Jegadeesan, Founder and Chief Surgeon of the Hospital. The device cost around Rs 10,000 for its development but researchers say that they are confident that their manufacturing partner will produce it for much less. The team has filed for a patent of the device and has also published a research paper on its working.

This palm-sized device can detect COVID in seconds, claim researchers

India has continued to record alarming number of COVID-19 cases everyday. Country has reported 273,810 cases and 1,619 deaths in last 24 hours. India's COVID-19 cases surpassed 15 Million mark.

India continues to record alarming number of COVID-19 cases

India is witnessing record surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths since the pandemic began. Why is there such a sudden spike? What is different this time? Watch video to know more.

How is India’s second wave different from the first?

The Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Arvind Kejriwal while addressing a press conference has announced a 6-day lockdown in the state as the national capital has recorded over 25000 cases of Covid-19 on Sunday. 'The health infrastructure might collapse', Mr. Kejriwal added to make citizens understand the gravity of the situation. Delhi on Sunday recorded over 25000 cases which was the highest ever registered even in the first phase of Covid-19 last year. The administration has been briefed to beef up deputation of local police and to only allow personnel under essential services.

Delhi Chief Minister announces 6-day lockdown in NCT

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Ten winners from the fields of television, films and games, selected by a jury including AR Rahman, Anupam Kher and Mira Nair, are to receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance at the BAFTA Breakthrough India Initiative, besides full voting BAFTA membership and access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities, in the UK and internationally.
 
Artistes from across the country had applied for the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) initiative. 
Owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the jury met virtually to decide the winners. The jury also included filmmaker-writer Shonali Bose, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, former BAFTA Breakthrough and Games Producer Charu Desodt , BAFTA Chair and TV Producer Krishnendu Majumdar, VP, Content, Netflix India Monika Shergill. 
Rahman said that he was honoured to be part of this panel. 
"BAFTA is a platform where artistes from around the world, including the best from India, are represented and celebrated, and it`s my honour to be a part of its Breakthrough India jury. There are many creatives in India who are looking to bring their art to the world, to showcase India`s vibrant and diverse culture, but unfortunately, they face traps both mental and external. The opportunity to discuss these blocks, to engage on issues of creativity, to make the right connections, to network and grow, would greatly benefit the plethora of talent we have in our country," he said. 
He added: "Through Breakthrough, we offer artistes our knowledge and connectivity, as well as opportunities that`ll hopefully nurture their craft and help them leave their mark on the world. India is home to incredible artistes and I`m proud of us. It`s time we make our names known, it`s time we all shine." 
"India has one of the most fascinating creative industries and is home to so many talented film, games and television practitioners. The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative will facilitate meaningful collaborations between creative communities globally and that is the one of most exciting, extraordinary parts of the initiative. We are so excited to be supporting the next generation of talent in India and look forward to working with them and offering unique career development, networking and promotion on a global stage," Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive at BAFTA, whose initiative is supported by Netflix. 
--IANS 
anj/vnc/dpb

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Ten winners from the fields of television, films and games, selected by a jury including AR Rahman, Anupam Kher and Mira Nair, are to receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance at the BAFTA Breakthrough India Initiative, besides full voting BAFTA membership and access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities, in the UK and internationally.

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Ten winners from the fields of television, films and games, selected by a jury including AR Rahman, Anupam Kher and Mira Nair, are to receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance at the BAFTA Breakthrough India Initiative, besides full voting BAFTA membership and access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities, in the UK and internationally. Artistes from across the country had applied for the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) initiative. Owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the jury met virtually to decide the winners. The jury also included filmmaker-writer Shonali Bose, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, former BAFTA Breakthrough and Games Producer Charu Desodt , BAFTA Chair and TV Producer Krishnendu Majumdar, VP, Content, Netflix India Monika Shergill. Rahman said that he was honoured to be part of this panel. "BAFTA is a platform where artistes from around the world, including the best from India, are represented and celebrated, and it`s my honour to be a part of its Breakthrough India jury. There are many creatives in India who are looking to bring their art to the world, to showcase India`s vibrant and diverse culture, but unfortunately, they face traps both mental and external. The opportunity to discuss these blocks, to engage on issues of creativity, to make the right connections, to network and grow, would greatly benefit the plethora of talent we have in our country," he said. He added: "Through Breakthrough, we offer artistes our knowledge and connectivity, as well as opportunities that`ll hopefully nurture their craft and help them leave their mark on the world. India is home to incredible artistes and I`m proud of us. It`s time we make our names known, it`s time we all shine." "India has one of the most fascinating creative industries and is home to so many talented film, games and television practitioners. The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative will facilitate meaningful collaborations between creative communities globally and that is the one of most exciting, extraordinary parts of the initiative. We are so excited to be supporting the next generation of talent in India and look forward to working with them and offering unique career development, networking and promotion on a global stage," Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive at BAFTA, whose initiative is supported by Netflix. --IANS anj/vnc/dpb

Rahman, Mira Nair, Anupam Kher in BAFTA Breakthrough India jury

India's capital in lockdown: Here's what's allowed, what's not

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data.&nbsp;

Silver imports during the last fiscal, however, dipped by 71 per cent to about USD 791 million. Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 28.23 billion (about Rs 2 lakh crore) in 2019-20, the data showed.&nbsp;

Despite growth in gold imports, the country's trade deficit narrowed to USD 98.56 billion during 2020-21 as against USD 161.3 billion in 2019-20.&nbsp;

Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Colin Shah said that increasing domestic demand is pushing up imports of gold. &nbsp;

The demand for gold would further increase on account of forthcoming auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and marriage season which could increase the CAD.&nbsp;

The CAD is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. India's current account swung to a deficit for the first time in the current fiscal, with the gap coming at USD 1.7 billion or 0.2 per cent of the GDP in the December quarter.&nbsp;

India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of jewellery industry. Gems and jewellery exports declined by 27.5 per cent to USD 26 billion in April-March 2020-21.&nbsp;

In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually.&nbsp;

The government in the Budget reduced the import duty on the yellow metal from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent (7.5 per cent customs duty plus 2.5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess).&nbsp;

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data.

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data. Silver imports during the last fiscal, however, dipped by 71 per cent to about USD 791 million. Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 28.23 billion (about Rs 2 lakh crore) in 2019-20, the data showed. Despite growth in gold imports, the country's trade deficit narrowed to USD 98.56 billion during 2020-21 as against USD 161.3 billion in 2019-20. Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Colin Shah said that increasing domestic demand is pushing up imports of gold. The demand for gold would further increase on account of forthcoming auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and marriage season which could increase the CAD. The CAD is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. India's current account swung to a deficit for the first time in the current fiscal, with the gap coming at USD 1.7 billion or 0.2 per cent of the GDP in the December quarter. India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of jewellery industry. Gems and jewellery exports declined by 27.5 per cent to USD 26 billion in April-March 2020-21. In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually. The government in the Budget reduced the import duty on the yellow metal from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent (7.5 per cent customs duty plus 2.5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess).

Gold imports rise by 22.58% to $34.6 bn in 2020-21 

Delhi residents, who have visited the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar or are planning to do so, will have to undergo compulsory 14-day home quarantine on their return and upload their details on an official website, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said in an order.&nbsp;

The ongoing Kumbh Mela has been at the centre of controversy amid fears that it could be a superspreader event with lakhs of devotees attending the event as the second wave of the coronavirus surges uncontrollably.&nbsp;

The order issued on Saturday said those, who visited Kumbh from 4 April onwards or those who plan to do so till end of the religious congregation at Haridwar on April 30, will have to upload their personal details, ID proof and dates of departure and arrival back to Delhi at the website www.Delhi.Gov.In.&nbsp;

"All residents of Delhi, who have visited or are going to visit Kumbh 2021 at Haridwar, shall be required to compulsory home quarantine themselves for 14 days on arrival to Delhi," said the order issued by Vijay Dev, Chief Secretary and chairperson on executive committee of DDMA.&nbsp;

If a person returning from Haridwar Kumbh fails to upload his particulars on the Delhi government portal, he will be sent to institutional quarantine centre for 14 days by district magistrates concerned, the order said.&nbsp;

Violators of the DDMA order will be liable to be proceeded against under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and other legal provisions, it added. &nbsp;

A total of 1,701 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area from April 10 to 14 confirming fears that one of the world's largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

A majority of the 48.51 lakh people, who took part in the last two royal baths (shahi snan) held on the occasion of Somwati Amavasya on April 12 and Mesh Sankranti on April 14, were seen openly violating Covid-19 norms like wearing of face masks and social distancing.&nbsp;

Delhi residents, who have visited the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar or are planning to do so, will have to undergo compulsory 14-day home quarantine on their return and upload their details on an official website, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said in an order.

Delhi residents, who have visited the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar or are planning to do so, will have to undergo compulsory 14-day home quarantine on their return and upload their details on an official website, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said in an order. The ongoing Kumbh Mela has been at the centre of controversy amid fears that it could be a superspreader event with lakhs of devotees attending the event as the second wave of the coronavirus surges uncontrollably. The order issued on Saturday said those, who visited Kumbh from 4 April onwards or those who plan to do so till end of the religious congregation at Haridwar on April 30, will have to upload their personal details, ID proof and dates of departure and arrival back to Delhi at the website www.Delhi.Gov.In. "All residents of Delhi, who have visited or are going to visit Kumbh 2021 at Haridwar, shall be required to compulsory home quarantine themselves for 14 days on arrival to Delhi," said the order issued by Vijay Dev, Chief Secretary and chairperson on executive committee of DDMA. If a person returning from Haridwar Kumbh fails to upload his particulars on the Delhi government portal, he will be sent to institutional quarantine centre for 14 days by district magistrates concerned, the order said. Violators of the DDMA order will be liable to be proceeded against under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and other legal provisions, it added. A total of 1,701 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela area from April 10 to 14 confirming fears that one of the world's largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. A majority of the 48.51 lakh people, who took part in the last two royal baths (shahi snan) held on the occasion of Somwati Amavasya on April 12 and Mesh Sankranti on April 14, were seen openly violating Covid-19 norms like wearing of face masks and social distancing.

Mandatory 14-day quarantine for Delhi residents returning from Kumbh Mela 

A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.&nbsp;

The death toll increased to 1,77,150 with a record 1,501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase for the 39th day in a row, the active cases stand at 18,01,316, comprising 12.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has dropped to 86.62 per cent, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,28,09,643, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.20 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

India's Covid-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.&nbsp;

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 26,65,38,416 samples have been tested up to April 17 with 15,66,394 samples being tested on Saturday. &nbsp;

The 1,501 new fatalities include 419 from Maharashtra, 167 from Delhi, 158 from Chhattisgarh, 120 from Uttar Pradesh, 97 from Gujarat, 80 from Karnataka, 66 from Madhya Pradesh, 62 from Punjab and 39 from Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;

These fresh fatalities also include 37 each from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, 34 each from Bihar and West Bengal, 32 from Haryana, 30 from Jharkhand, 27 from Kerala, 15 each from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and 12 from Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The ministry said a total of 1,77,150 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 59,970 from Maharashtra, 13,270 from Karnataka, 13,071 from Tamil Nadu, 11,960 from Delhi, 10,540 from West Bengal, 9,703 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,834 from Punjab and 7,388 from Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

A record single-day rise of 2,61,500 coronavirus infections has taken India's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,47,88,109, while active cases have surpassed the 18-lakh mark, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll increased to 1,77,150 with a record 1,501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase for the 39th day in a row, the active cases stand at 18,01,316, comprising 12.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has dropped to 86.62 per cent, the ministry said. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,28,09,643, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.20 per cent, the data stated. India's Covid-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 26,65,38,416 samples have been tested up to April 17 with 15,66,394 samples being tested on Saturday. The 1,501 new fatalities include 419 from Maharashtra, 167 from Delhi, 158 from Chhattisgarh, 120 from Uttar Pradesh, 97 from Gujarat, 80 from Karnataka, 66 from Madhya Pradesh, 62 from Punjab and 39 from Tamil Nadu. These fresh fatalities also include 37 each from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, 34 each from Bihar and West Bengal, 32 from Haryana, 30 from Jharkhand, 27 from Kerala, 15 each from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and 12 from Himachal Pradesh. The ministry said a total of 1,77,150 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 59,970 from Maharashtra, 13,270 from Karnataka, 13,071 from Tamil Nadu, 11,960 from Delhi, 10,540 from West Bengal, 9,703 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,834 from Punjab and 7,388 from Andhra Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Covid-19: India records highest single-day rise of 2,61,500 cases, 1,501 deaths  

As many as 68,631 fresh COVID-19 cases and 503 deaths were reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the highest in the state so far since the pandemic broke out last year.With this, the total number of active cases in the state now stands at 6,70,388, the state health department informed.&nbsp;

So far, as many as 31,06,828 recoveries and 60,473 deaths have been reported. Out of the total fresh cases, 8,479 were reported from Mumbai. 53 lives were claimed by the virus in the city in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

There are 87,698 active cases in Mumbai while the death toll stands at 12,347. Nagpur reported 7,107 new COVID-19 cases, 3987 recoveries, and 85 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

India too reported its highest-ever single-day spike of COVID-19 cases with 2,61,500 fresh cases and 1,501 COVID-related deaths.With this, the total number of cases has gone up to 1,47,88,109. The active number of cases in the country stands at 18,01,316.

As many as 68,631 fresh COVID-19 cases and 503 deaths were reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the highest in the state so far since the pandemic broke out last year.

As many as 68,631 fresh COVID-19 cases and 503 deaths were reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the highest in the state so far since the pandemic broke out last year.With this, the total number of active cases in the state now stands at 6,70,388, the state health department informed. So far, as many as 31,06,828 recoveries and 60,473 deaths have been reported. Out of the total fresh cases, 8,479 were reported from Mumbai. 53 lives were claimed by the virus in the city in the last 24 hours. There are 87,698 active cases in Mumbai while the death toll stands at 12,347. Nagpur reported 7,107 new COVID-19 cases, 3987 recoveries, and 85 deaths in the last 24 hours. India too reported its highest-ever single-day spike of COVID-19 cases with 2,61,500 fresh cases and 1,501 COVID-related deaths.With this, the total number of cases has gone up to 1,47,88,109. The active number of cases in the country stands at 18,01,316.

Maharashtra records biggest single day jump of 68,631 new COVID-19 cases

The buzzword these days is ‘clean energy green energy’ but if the world’s population is not stabilised can clean energy or green energy alone be effective?

Mission Sustainability: Population v/s Planet: The importance of clean energy

As the daily COVID-19 cases surged to a staggering record-high level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the availability and supply of ventilators, oxygen and medicines to fight this pandemic.

India: PM Modi holds review meet on COVID-19

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Covid-19: India records highest single-day rise of 2,61,500 cases, 1,501 deaths