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India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6 per cent in new COVID-19 cases, leading to an alarming rise in the daily number of active cases in the country, which currently stand at 16,79,000, the Union Health Ministry informed on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry also informed that there is also a sharp growth of 10.2 per cent in the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus in the country.

"India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6% in new COVID cases, which is 1.3 times is spreading at a much faster rate than recoveries with consistently growing active cases," the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-shortage-of-oxygen-hospital-beds-as-city-records-24000-cases-in-24-hours-kejriwal-378235" hreflang="en">Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal</a>

In a meeting with the health ministers of 11 states and union territories, Dr Harsh Vardhan assured a fresh supply of the lifesaving machines to states that have been most severely affected by the pandemic - 1,121 ventilators to Maharashtra, 1,700 to Uttar Pradesh, 1,500 to Jharkhand, 1,600 to Gujarat, 152 to Madhya Pradesh and 230 to Chhattisgarh.

Maharashtra remains the worst affected states in the country, with 67,123 fresh cases, 56,783 discharges, and 419 deaths in the last 24 hours. There are currently 6,47,933 active cases in the state.

The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of 59,970 patients. The total new cases include 8,834 from Mumbai, 6,956 in Nagpur, and 10,963 in Pune.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-reviews-covid-19-surge-calls-for-utilising-all-private-public-facilities-to-ramp-up-vaccine-production-378300" hreflang="en">PM reviews COVID-19 surge, calls for utilising all private, public facilities to ramp up vaccine production</a>

Delhi recorded the biggest single-day spike of 24,375 new COVID-19 cases. The city also reported 15,414 discharges and 167 deaths. The cumulative caseload in the national capital reached 8,27,998 including 7,46,239 discharges, 69,799 active cases and 11,960 deaths.

As many as 17,489 new coronavirus cases, 5,565 discharges and 80 deaths were reported in Karnataka. The total cases now stands at 11,41,998, including 10,09,549 recoveries, 1,19,160 active cases and 13,270 deaths. Kerala reported 13,835 fresh cases, 3,654 recoveries and 27 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccination-coverage-nears-120-million-378139" hreflang="en">India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million</a>

The number of active cases is now at 80,019 and the death toll stands at 4,904. As many as 9,541 new cases were reported in Gujarat, along with 3,783 discharges and 97 deaths. The total positive cases now stands at 3,94,221, including 3,33,564 recoveries, 55,398 active cases and 5,267 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported 9,344 new cases, 5,263 discharges and 39 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total positive cases to 9,80,728. So far, 9,02,022 discharges, 13,071 deaths and 65,635 active cases have been reported.

Haryana reported 7,717 new cases, taking the total number of cases to 3,49,794, while Punjab reported 4,498 new cases, 2,615 discharges and 64 deaths. Out of these, 431 were reported from Chandigarh.

Uttarakhand reports 2,757 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,179 cases in Dehradun and 617 in Haridwar where lakhs gathered for the Kumbh Mela, taking the total number of cases to 1,21,403.

Jammu and Kashmir reported 1,145 new COVID-19 positive cases; 503 from Jammu division and 642 from the Kashmir division.

The total positive cases now stand at 1,45,166 including 10,910 active infections. A total of 1,32,205 recoveries and 2,051 deaths have been reported so far.&nbsp;

India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6 per cent in new COVID-19 cases, leading to an alarming rise in the daily number of active cases in the country, which currently stand at 16,79,000, the Union Health Ministry informed on Saturday.

India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6 per cent in new COVID-19 cases, leading to an alarming rise in the daily number of active cases in the country, which currently stand at 16,79,000, the Union Health Ministry informed on Saturday. In a statement, the ministry also informed that there is also a sharp growth of 10.2 per cent in the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus in the country. "India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6% in new COVID cases, which is 1.3 times is spreading at a much faster rate than recoveries with consistently growing active cases," the ministry said. Also read | Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal In a meeting with the health ministers of 11 states and union territories, Dr Harsh Vardhan assured a fresh supply of the lifesaving machines to states that have been most severely affected by the pandemic - 1,121 ventilators to Maharashtra, 1,700 to Uttar Pradesh, 1,500 to Jharkhand, 1,600 to Gujarat, 152 to Madhya Pradesh and 230 to Chhattisgarh. Maharashtra remains the worst affected states in the country, with 67,123 fresh cases, 56,783 discharges, and 419 deaths in the last 24 hours. There are currently 6,47,933 active cases in the state. The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of 59,970 patients. The total new cases include 8,834 from Mumbai, 6,956 in Nagpur, and 10,963 in Pune. Also read | PM reviews COVID-19 surge, calls for utilising all private, public facilities to ramp up vaccine production Delhi recorded the biggest single-day spike of 24,375 new COVID-19 cases. The city also reported 15,414 discharges and 167 deaths. The cumulative caseload in the national capital reached 8,27,998 including 7,46,239 discharges, 69,799 active cases and 11,960 deaths. As many as 17,489 new coronavirus cases, 5,565 discharges and 80 deaths were reported in Karnataka. The total cases now stands at 11,41,998, including 10,09,549 recoveries, 1,19,160 active cases and 13,270 deaths. Kerala reported 13,835 fresh cases, 3,654 recoveries and 27 deaths. Also read | India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million The number of active cases is now at 80,019 and the death toll stands at 4,904. As many as 9,541 new cases were reported in Gujarat, along with 3,783 discharges and 97 deaths. The total positive cases now stands at 3,94,221, including 3,33,564 recoveries, 55,398 active cases and 5,267 deaths. Tamil Nadu reported 9,344 new cases, 5,263 discharges and 39 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total positive cases to 9,80,728. So far, 9,02,022 discharges, 13,071 deaths and 65,635 active cases have been reported. Haryana reported 7,717 new cases, taking the total number of cases to 3,49,794, while Punjab reported 4,498 new cases, 2,615 discharges and 64 deaths. Out of these, 431 were reported from Chandigarh. Uttarakhand reports 2,757 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,179 cases in Dehradun and 617 in Haridwar where lakhs gathered for the Kumbh Mela, taking the total number of cases to 1,21,403. Jammu and Kashmir reported 1,145 new COVID-19 positive cases; 503 from Jammu division and 642 from the Kashmir division. The total positive cases now stand at 1,45,166 including 10,910 active infections. A total of 1,32,205 recoveries and 2,051 deaths have been reported so far.

India currently reporting sharpest growth rate of 7.6pc in new COVID-19 cases: Govt

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 and called for utilising the entire national capacity across private and public sectors to produce vaccines, amid concerns in various states about lack of these essentials.

Chairing a meeting to review the status of preparedness to handle the COVID-19 situation, Modi said local administrations needed to be proactive and sensitive to people's concerns.

These remarks assume significance in the backdrop of reports of COVID-19 patients and their families accusing the authorities in several states of apathy in providing treatment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-shortage-of-oxygen-hospital-beds-as-city-records-24000-cases-in-24-hours-kejriwal-378235" hreflang="en">Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal</a>

Modi said there is no substitute for 'testing, tracking and treatment', and that early testing and proper tracking remain key to reducing mortality.

"Together India had defeated COVID-19 last year and India can do it again, with the same principles but faster speed and coordination," he said.

Directing officials to ensure close coordination with states, he said all necessary measures must be taken to ramp up the availability of hospital beds for COVID patients and that additional supply of beds through temporary hospitals and isolation centres should be ensured.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccination-coverage-nears-120-million-378139" hreflang="en">India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million</a>

He also spoke about a need to utilise the full potential of India's pharmaceutical industry to meet the rising demand of various medicines and reviewed the status of the supply of Remdesivir and other medicines.

On the issue of vaccination, the prime minister directed all officials to make efforts to utilize the entire national capacity, in the public as well as the private sector, to ramp up vaccine production.

Later in a tweet, Modi said, "Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination."

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Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination. <a href="https://t.co/cxhTxLtxJa">https://t.co/cxhTxLtxJa</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1383456612027752455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-double-mutant-now-most-prevalent-variant-in-india-report-378140" hreflang="en">COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report</a>

The meeting came in the midst of a huge surge in COVID-19 cases across the country with reports pouring in from many states about the shortage of hospital facilities and essentials like oxygen supply.

The prime minister has been holding meetings with chief ministers and officials on a regular basis to discuss the situation and take measures to curb the pandemic.

A record single-day rise of 2,34,692 cases and 1,341 fatalities have pushed India's COVID-19 tally to 1,45,26,609 and the death toll due to the viral disease to 1,75,649, the health ministry said earlier on Saturday. The number of active coronavirus cases in the country has also surpassed the 16-lakh mark, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnesses-biggest-spike-with-234692-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-378110" hreflang="en">India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours</a>

Registering a steady increase for the 38th day in a row, the tally of active COVID-19 cases has climbed to 16,79,740 in the country, accounting for 11.56 per cent of its total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 87.23 per cent.

In the meeting, Modi was joined by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Union Home Secretary, Union Health Secretary and the Pharmaceutical Secretary, among others while Dr V K Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, was also present.

An official statement said Modi was briefed on actions taken to address the issue of the availability of Remdesivir.

"Through the efforts of the government, capacity and production augmentation for manufacturing of Remdesivir has been ramped up to provide around 74.10 lakh vials/month in May while the normal production output in January-February being just 27-29 lakh vials/month," it noted.

Supplies have also increased from 67,900 vials on 11th April going up to over 2,06,000 vials on 15th April 2021 which are being particularly focused on states with high caseload and high demand, it added. Modi took note of the ramped-up production capacity and directed that issues relating to real-time supply chain management to states.

The prime minister directed that the use of Remdesivir and other medicines must be in accordance with approved medical guidelines and that their misuse and black marketing must be strictly curbed.

On the issue of the supply of medical oxygen, Modi directed that the installation of approved medical oxygen plants should be sped up.

According to the statement, 162 PSA oxygen plants are being installed in 32 states and UTs from the PM CARES fund. Modi was informed that one lakh cylinders are being procured and will be supplied to states soon.

The statement said officials told Modi that they are in constant touch with 12 high burden states in assessing the current and future requirement of medical oxygen. A supply mapping plan for 12 high burden states till April 30 has also been undertaken.

Modi also said that the supply of oxygen required for the production of medicines and equipment necessary to handle the pandemic should also be ensured.

Reviewing the status of availability and supply of ventilators, Modi noted that a real-time monitoring system has been created, and directed that state government concerned should be sensitized to use the system pro-actively.

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 and called for utilising the entire national capacity across private and public sectors to produce vaccines, amid concerns in various states about lack of these essentials.

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 and called for utilising the entire national capacity across private and public sectors to produce vaccines, amid concerns in various states about lack of these essentials. Chairing a meeting to review the status of preparedness to handle the COVID-19 situation, Modi said local administrations needed to be proactive and sensitive to people's concerns. These remarks assume significance in the backdrop of reports of COVID-19 patients and their families accusing the authorities in several states of apathy in providing treatment. Also read | Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal Modi said there is no substitute for 'testing, tracking and treatment', and that early testing and proper tracking remain key to reducing mortality. "Together India had defeated COVID-19 last year and India can do it again, with the same principles but faster speed and coordination," he said. Directing officials to ensure close coordination with states, he said all necessary measures must be taken to ramp up the availability of hospital beds for COVID patients and that additional supply of beds through temporary hospitals and isolation centres should be ensured. Also read | India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million He also spoke about a need to utilise the full potential of India's pharmaceutical industry to meet the rising demand of various medicines and reviewed the status of the supply of Remdesivir and other medicines. On the issue of vaccination, the prime minister directed all officials to make efforts to utilize the entire national capacity, in the public as well as the private sector, to ramp up vaccine production. Later in a tweet, Modi said, "Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination." Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination. https://t.co/cxhTxLtxJa — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2021 × Also read | COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report The meeting came in the midst of a huge surge in COVID-19 cases across the country with reports pouring in from many states about the shortage of hospital facilities and essentials like oxygen supply. The prime minister has been holding meetings with chief ministers and officials on a regular basis to discuss the situation and take measures to curb the pandemic. A record single-day rise of 2,34,692 cases and 1,341 fatalities have pushed India's COVID-19 tally to 1,45,26,609 and the death toll due to the viral disease to 1,75,649, the health ministry said earlier on Saturday. The number of active coronavirus cases in the country has also surpassed the 16-lakh mark, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. Also read | India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours Registering a steady increase for the 38th day in a row, the tally of active COVID-19 cases has climbed to 16,79,740 in the country, accounting for 11.56 per cent of its total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 87.23 per cent. In the meeting, Modi was joined by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Union Home Secretary, Union Health Secretary and the Pharmaceutical Secretary, among others while Dr V K Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, was also present. An official statement said Modi was briefed on actions taken to address the issue of the availability of Remdesivir. "Through the efforts of the government, capacity and production augmentation for manufacturing of Remdesivir has been ramped up to provide around 74.10 lakh vials/month in May while the normal production output in January-February being just 27-29 lakh vials/month," it noted. Supplies have also increased from 67,900 vials on 11th April going up to over 2,06,000 vials on 15th April 2021 which are being particularly focused on states with high caseload and high demand, it added. Modi took note of the ramped-up production capacity and directed that issues relating to real-time supply chain management to states. The prime minister directed that the use of Remdesivir and other medicines must be in accordance with approved medical guidelines and that their misuse and black marketing must be strictly curbed. On the issue of the supply of medical oxygen, Modi directed that the installation of approved medical oxygen plants should be sped up. According to the statement, 162 PSA oxygen plants are being installed in 32 states and UTs from the PM CARES fund. Modi was informed that one lakh cylinders are being procured and will be supplied to states soon. The statement said officials told Modi that they are in constant touch with 12 high burden states in assessing the current and future requirement of medical oxygen. A supply mapping plan for 12 high burden states till April 30 has also been undertaken. Modi also said that the supply of oxygen required for the production of medicines and equipment necessary to handle the pandemic should also be ensured. Reviewing the status of availability and supply of ventilators, Modi noted that a real-time monitoring system has been created, and directed that state government concerned should be sensitized to use the system pro-actively.

PM reviews COVID-19 surge, calls for utilising all private, public facilities to ramp up vaccine production

India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data released on Saturday. 
 
This is the third consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh Covid cases. India recorded 2,00,739 and 2,17,353 cases on Thursday and Friday respectively. 
 
Meanwhile, as many as 1,341 people died of Covid in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s death toll to 1,75,649 so far. The daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 16,79,740. 
 
A total of 1,23,354 patients recovered in the same time span, taking the number of recoveries to 1,26,71,220, with a recovery rate of 87.23 per cent. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 14,95,397 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. 
 
So far, 26,49,72,022 samples have been tested in the country. 
 
According to the government data, a total of 30,04,544 people were also vaccinated in the same period, taking the total inoculation count to 11,99,37,641. 
 
Delhi and Maharashtra recorded their biggest single-day rise in coronavirus cases since early 2020. The national capital has registered on Friday night 19,486 new cases. 
 
The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,703,584), Kerala (1,197,301), Karnataka (1,109,650), Tamil Nadu (962,935), and Andhra Pradesh (942,135).

India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data released on Saturday.

India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data released on Saturday. This is the third consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh Covid cases. India recorded 2,00,739 and 2,17,353 cases on Thursday and Friday respectively. Meanwhile, as many as 1,341 people died of Covid in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s death toll to 1,75,649 so far. The daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 16,79,740. A total of 1,23,354 patients recovered in the same time span, taking the number of recoveries to 1,26,71,220, with a recovery rate of 87.23 per cent. The Health Ministry said that a total of 14,95,397 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. So far, 26,49,72,022 samples have been tested in the country. According to the government data, a total of 30,04,544 people were also vaccinated in the same period, taking the total inoculation count to 11,99,37,641. Delhi and Maharashtra recorded their biggest single-day rise in coronavirus cases since early 2020. The national capital has registered on Friday night 19,486 new cases. The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,703,584), Kerala (1,197,301), Karnataka (1,109,650), Tamil Nadu (962,935), and Andhra Pradesh (942,135).

India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours

The special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan have started a two-week military exercise in Bishkek with a focus on counter-terror drills. 
 
The exercise named, `Khanjar`, was inaugurated on Friday at the Special Forces Brigade of National Guards of Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek. 
 
It is the eight edition of the India-Kyrgyz Joint Special Forces Exercise. 
 
Initiated first in 2011, the two-week long exercise focuses on high-altitude, mountains and counter-extremism. 
 
Commander of Kyrgyz National Guards, Colonel Ergeshov Talantbek, in his opening remarks, commended high-altitude resilience of the two personnel and their camaraderie and interoperability. 
 
Recalling the India-Kyrgyz civilisational bonds, Ambassador Alok A. Dimri welcomed the Indian contingent for the Exercise and felicitated their role as a bridge in promoting shared mountain and nomadic-heritage of the two peoples. 
 
A ceremonial parade graced the occasion along with a display of equipment and weapons and a visit to the training arena and barracks. 
 
It envisaged conduct of joint military exercises, exchange of experience and information, and exchange of military observers and instructors besides others. 
 
In 2018, India and Kyrgyzstan signed four agreements, including one to boost defence cooperation and hold annual joint military exercises. 
 
The two countries had agreed to expeditiously consider signing an agreement on "combating international terrorism and other crimes". 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a visit in 2018 to emphasis the need to combat terrorism and extremism, a threat without borders.

The special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan have started a two-week military exercise in Bishkek with a focus on counter-terror drills. The exercise named, `Khanjar`, was inaugurated on Friday at the Special Forces Brigade of National Guards of Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek.

The special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan have started a two-week military exercise in Bishkek with a focus on counter-terror drills. The exercise named, `Khanjar`, was inaugurated on Friday at the Special Forces Brigade of National Guards of Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek. It is the eight edition of the India-Kyrgyz Joint Special Forces Exercise. Initiated first in 2011, the two-week long exercise focuses on high-altitude, mountains and counter-extremism. Commander of Kyrgyz National Guards, Colonel Ergeshov Talantbek, in his opening remarks, commended high-altitude resilience of the two personnel and their camaraderie and interoperability. Recalling the India-Kyrgyz civilisational bonds, Ambassador Alok A. Dimri welcomed the Indian contingent for the Exercise and felicitated their role as a bridge in promoting shared mountain and nomadic-heritage of the two peoples. A ceremonial parade graced the occasion along with a display of equipment and weapons and a visit to the training arena and barracks. It envisaged conduct of joint military exercises, exchange of experience and information, and exchange of military observers and instructors besides others. In 2018, India and Kyrgyzstan signed four agreements, including one to boost defence cooperation and hold annual joint military exercises. The two countries had agreed to expeditiously consider signing an agreement on "combating international terrorism and other crimes". Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a visit in 2018 to emphasis the need to combat terrorism and extremism, a threat without borders.

India, Kyrgyzstan special forces start two-week counter-terror drills

Among all the mutant Covid-19 variants in India, the double mutated virus, B.1.617, is becoming the most prevalent, according to genome sequencing data submitted by Indian scientists to a global database. 
 
The database has revealed that the double mutation virus, which has been found in several countries, was the most common in the samples sequenced in the 60 days prior to April 2 at 24 per cent. 
 
The B.1.617 variant, first detected in Maharashtra, contains mutations from two separate virus variants -- E484Q and L452R. 
 
As per the assessment by scientists from Scripps Research, the UK variant, B.1.1.7, with 13 per cent of the samples is the second most prevalent. 
 
As on April 15, out of 13,614 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) samples processed in labs, 1,189 samples have tested positive for variants of concern for SARS COV-2 in India. 
 
This includes 1,109 samples with the UK variants, 79 samples with South African variant and 1 sample with the Brazil variant. 
 
Recently, health experts said that the double mutant variant may be less dangerous than expected as the most vulnerable patients are having only mild illnesses. 
 
The experts emphasised that as per the current evidence, new variants are observed from few states. But, details about its epidemiology are yet to be known. 
 
India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally on Saturday to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data. 
 
This is the third consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh Covid cases. 
 
India recorded 2,00,739 and 2,17,353 cases on Thursday and Friday, respectively. 
 
Meanwhile, as many as 1,341 people died of Covid in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s death toll to 1,75,649 so far. 
 
The daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 16,79,740.

Among all the mutant Covid-19 variants in India, the double mutated virus, B.1.617, is becoming the most prevalent, according to genome sequencing data submitted by Indian scientists to a global database.

Among all the mutant Covid-19 variants in India, the double mutated virus, B.1.617, is becoming the most prevalent, according to genome sequencing data submitted by Indian scientists to a global database. The database has revealed that the double mutation virus, which has been found in several countries, was the most common in the samples sequenced in the 60 days prior to April 2 at 24 per cent. The B.1.617 variant, first detected in Maharashtra, contains mutations from two separate virus variants -- E484Q and L452R. As per the assessment by scientists from Scripps Research, the UK variant, B.1.1.7, with 13 per cent of the samples is the second most prevalent. As on April 15, out of 13,614 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) samples processed in labs, 1,189 samples have tested positive for variants of concern for SARS COV-2 in India. This includes 1,109 samples with the UK variants, 79 samples with South African variant and 1 sample with the Brazil variant. Recently, health experts said that the double mutant variant may be less dangerous than expected as the most vulnerable patients are having only mild illnesses. The experts emphasised that as per the current evidence, new variants are observed from few states. But, details about its epidemiology are yet to be known. India has reported 2,34,692 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike ever, pushing the country`s overall Covid tally on Saturday to 1,45,26,609, according to the Health Ministry data. This is the third consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh Covid cases. India recorded 2,00,739 and 2,17,353 cases on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Meanwhile, as many as 1,341 people died of Covid in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s death toll to 1,75,649 so far. The daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 16,79,740.

COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report

As India experiences a deadly surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, the national capital, New Delhi, recorded 24,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday evening.

During a press conference about the critical situation in the national capital, Kejriwal admitted that the city is facing a shortage of oxygen stock, hospital beds and the drug being used to help the Covid patients, called Remdesivir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnesses-biggest-spike-with-234692-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-378110" hreflang="en">India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours</a>

"Delhi is fast running out of beds, oxygen and the life-saving drug Remdesivir as Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours have reached 24,000. The situation is very serious and worrisome. The cases have gone up really fast," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal also admitted that while the situation seemed in control a few days ago, the sudden surge has made the situation spiralling out of control in the capital now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/double-mutant-now-most-prevalent-variant-in-india-report-378140" hreflang="en">Double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report</a>

"That is why we are facing shortages even though everything seemed under control until a few days ago. But the speed at which this virus is growing, no one knows what its peak will be," he said.

He has also assured that the state government is trying to put in all resources to help the locals with treatments, despite limitations of health infrastructures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccination-coverage-nears-120-million-378139" hreflang="en">India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million</a>

"The AAP government is trying its best to increase the number of beds. I hope that we will be able to add 6,000 more beds in the next two to four days, and all the new beds will have oxygen sets," he said.

The Delhi government has also announced strict actions against any hospital that denies a bed to Covid patients. "People have complained that they have been denied beds despite the availability of beds in the hospitals. The government will take tough action against such acts. All the district administrations have been directed to keep a close watch on the situation," Kejriwal announced.

As India experiences a deadly surge of coronavirus cases, the national capital, New Delhi, recorded 24,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday evening.

As India experiences a deadly surge of coronavirus cases, the national capital, New Delhi, recorded 24,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday evening. During a press conference about the critical situation in the national capital, Kejriwal admitted that the city is facing a shortage of oxygen stock, hospital beds and the drug being used to help the Covid patients, called Remdesivir. Also read | India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours "Delhi is fast running out of beds, oxygen and the life-saving drug Remdesivir as Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours have reached 24,000. The situation is very serious and worrisome. The cases have gone up really fast," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal also admitted that while the situation seemed in control a few days ago, the sudden surge has made the situation spiralling out of control in the capital now. Also read | Double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report "That is why we are facing shortages even though everything seemed under control until a few days ago. But the speed at which this virus is growing, no one knows what its peak will be," he said. He has also assured that the state government is trying to put in all resources to help the locals with treatments, despite limitations of health infrastructures. Also read | India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million "The AAP government is trying its best to increase the number of beds. I hope that we will be able to add 6,000 more beds in the next two to four days, and all the new beds will have oxygen sets," he said. The Delhi government has also announced strict actions against any hospital that denies a bed to Covid patients. "People have complained that they have been denied beds despite the availability of beds in the hospitals. The government will take tough action against such acts. All the district administrations have been directed to keep a close watch on the situation," Kejriwal announced.

Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal

India likes to see a transition in Afghanistan that is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled".&nbsp;

The question is: How will New Delhi enable that?

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-should-india-engage-with-the-taliban-378058/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The answer to this is: by engaging constructively.

The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib told us this morning he had a conversation with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/has-taliban-really-changed-378054">Has Taliban really changed?</a>

India's stakes are high and External Affair Minister S Jaishankar shared with us that India is running development projects in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

However, New Delhi's approach has met with criticism too.

In a conversation at Stanford University this week, former US National Security Adviser HR McMaster spoke about the fears of Pakistan.

He spoke about how Islamabad needs to maintain influence in Afghanistan because it fears a strategic encirclement by India.

Jaishankar said there is an attempt to create a misleading narrative around New Delhi's assistance to Afghanistan.

"Look at our record," Jaishankar said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India likes to see a transition in Afghanistan that is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". The question is: How will New Delhi enable that? Watch | The answer to this is: by engaging constructively.

India likes to see a transition in Afghanistan that is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". The question is: How will New Delhi enable that? Watch | The answer to this is: by engaging constructively. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib told us this morning he had a conversation with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Also read | Has Taliban really changed? India's stakes are high and External Affair Minister S Jaishankar shared with us that India is running development projects in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. However, New Delhi's approach has met with criticism too. In a conversation at Stanford University this week, former US National Security Adviser HR McMaster spoke about the fears of Pakistan. He spoke about how Islamabad needs to maintain influence in Afghanistan because it fears a strategic encirclement by India. Jaishankar said there is an attempt to create a misleading narrative around New Delhi's assistance to Afghanistan. "Look at our record," Jaishankar said.

Decoding India's role as Afghanistan set to begin a new chapter

India is the second most populous country in the world. Contributing nearly 17.5% global population. There are figures which say that India is already on the population stabilisation path but the population is still rising. How are we going to tackle this?

Mission Sustainability- Population vs Planet: 'India's population is already stabilising'

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country touched 12 crore on Saturday as part of the world`s largest inoculation drive with over 30 lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours, as per data by the Union Health Ministry. 
 
According to the Ministry, cumulatively, 11,99,37,641 vaccine doses have been administered through 17,37,539 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am&nbsp;on Saturday. 
 
These include 91,05,429 Health Care Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 56,70,818 HCWs who have taken the second dose. 
 
A total of 1,11,44,069 Front Line Workers (FLWs) have been administered first dose while 54,08,572 FLWs have received second dose. 
 
Of the total, 4,49,35,011 people of more than 60 years old have been given first dose and 34,88,257 have been injected second dose. A total of 3,92,23,975 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years have been given first dose and 9,61,510 have got the second dose. 
 
The Ministry stated that over 30 lakh vaccination doses were administered to the people in the last 24 hours. 
 
As of Day-91 of the vaccination drive (April 16), 30,04,544 vaccine doses were given. 
 
Out of which, 22,96,008 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 37,817 sessions for first dose and 7,08,536 beneficiaries received second dose of vaccine. 
 
Eight states account for 59.56 per cent of the total doses given so far in the country. 
 
Maharashtra with 1,18,86,859 doses of vaccine is in the first place across the country followed by Uttar Pradesh (1,05,38,702), Rajasthan (1,05,23,372), Gujarat (1,01,65,603), West Bengal (86,09,305), Madhya Pradesh (71,15,737), Karnataka (69,10,399) and Kerala (56,81,972). 
 
The inputs came when India`s daily infection tally have continued to rise with 2,34,692 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. 
 
Ten states, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, have reported 79.32 per cent of the new cases. 
 
Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 63,729. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 27,360, while Delhi reported 19,486 new cases.

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country touched 12 crore on Saturday as part of the world`s largest inoculation drive with over 30 lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours, as per data by the Union Health Ministry.

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country touched 12 crore on Saturday as part of the world`s largest inoculation drive with over 30 lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours, as per data by the Union Health Ministry. According to the Ministry, cumulatively, 11,99,37,641 vaccine doses have been administered through 17,37,539 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Saturday. These include 91,05,429 Health Care Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 56,70,818 HCWs who have taken the second dose. A total of 1,11,44,069 Front Line Workers (FLWs) have been administered first dose while 54,08,572 FLWs have received second dose. Of the total, 4,49,35,011 people of more than 60 years old have been given first dose and 34,88,257 have been injected second dose. A total of 3,92,23,975 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years have been given first dose and 9,61,510 have got the second dose. The Ministry stated that over 30 lakh vaccination doses were administered to the people in the last 24 hours. As of Day-91 of the vaccination drive (April 16), 30,04,544 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 22,96,008 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 37,817 sessions for first dose and 7,08,536 beneficiaries received second dose of vaccine. Eight states account for 59.56 per cent of the total doses given so far in the country. Maharashtra with 1,18,86,859 doses of vaccine is in the first place across the country followed by Uttar Pradesh (1,05,38,702), Rajasthan (1,05,23,372), Gujarat (1,01,65,603), West Bengal (86,09,305), Madhya Pradesh (71,15,737), Karnataka (69,10,399) and Kerala (56,81,972). The inputs came when India`s daily infection tally have continued to rise with 2,34,692 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. Ten states, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, have reported 79.32 per cent of the new cases. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 63,729. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 27,360, while Delhi reported 19,486 new cases.

India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million

Maharashtra will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections, used to treat COVID-19 patients, for the next two to three days, state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane said on Friday.

He said pharma companies manufacturing Remdesivir have stepped up production but it will take time for the new stock to reach the market.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Companies that produce Remdesivir injection have increased their production but it will take some time for the vials to hit the market. If we consider a 10-12 per cent shortage, Maharashtra will continue to face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir vials for the next two to three days."

Blaming companies for delay in supply of the much sough-after COVID-19 drug, the FDA minister said, "The heads of Remdesivir-making companies had 15 days back assured me to supply around 55,000 vials of the injection. However, till April 15 these companies could provide only 37,000 to 39,000 vials to the state."

"I held a video conference meeting with the CEOs and MDs of some of the companies that produce Remdesivir today again. These companies have now assured me that supply will be streamlined April 19 onwards,"&nbsp;he said.

He lauded the Centre's move to ban the export of Remdesivir.

"Ready stocks of Remdesivir (which were bound for shipments abroad) are available even in Maharashtra. Some of the company representatives met me with a proposal of allowing these stocks to be sold in Maharashtra,"&nbsp;Shingane said.

"Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also issued orders allowing export-bound stocks to be sold in the state (following the ban). I do not know how much such vials are available (with companies)," he said.

He also spoke about companies supplying the medicine to Maharashtra.

Shingane said, "Cipla Ltd and Hetero Labs Ltd have been good in their supplies to Maharashtra right from the beginning. Other companies such as Mylan and Zydus Cadilla Healthcare Ltd also supplied the medicine to some extent. However, supplies from other Remdesivir producers, including Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Jubilant Lifesciences and Sun Pharma, were as low as zero in the beginning."

Non-adherence of government and experts advise on judicious use of Remdesivir has caused the current shortage, the minister said.

"Government hospitals in the state did not face any shortage, while private hospitals ignored advise on careful use of Remdesivir,"&nbsp;said the FDA minister.&nbsp;

Maharashtra will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections, used to treat COVID-19 patients, for the next two to three days, state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane said on Friday.

Maharashtra will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections, used to treat COVID-19 patients, for the next two to three days, state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane said on Friday. He said pharma companies manufacturing Remdesivir have stepped up production but it will take time for the new stock to reach the market. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Companies that produce Remdesivir injection have increased their production but it will take some time for the vials to hit the market. If we consider a 10-12 per cent shortage, Maharashtra will continue to face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir vials for the next two to three days." Blaming companies for delay in supply of the much sough-after COVID-19 drug, the FDA minister said, "The heads of Remdesivir-making companies had 15 days back assured me to supply around 55,000 vials of the injection. However, till April 15 these companies could provide only 37,000 to 39,000 vials to the state." "I held a video conference meeting with the CEOs and MDs of some of the companies that produce Remdesivir today again. These companies have now assured me that supply will be streamlined April 19 onwards," he said. He lauded the Centre's move to ban the export of Remdesivir. "Ready stocks of Remdesivir (which were bound for shipments abroad) are available even in Maharashtra. Some of the company representatives met me with a proposal of allowing these stocks to be sold in Maharashtra," Shingane said. "Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also issued orders allowing export-bound stocks to be sold in the state (following the ban). I do not know how much such vials are available (with companies)," he said. He also spoke about companies supplying the medicine to Maharashtra. Shingane said, "Cipla Ltd and Hetero Labs Ltd have been good in their supplies to Maharashtra right from the beginning. Other companies such as Mylan and Zydus Cadilla Healthcare Ltd also supplied the medicine to some extent. However, supplies from other Remdesivir producers, including Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Jubilant Lifesciences and Sun Pharma, were as low as zero in the beginning." Non-adherence of government and experts advise on judicious use of Remdesivir has caused the current shortage, the minister said. "Government hospitals in the state did not face any shortage, while private hospitals ignored advise on careful use of Remdesivir," said the FDA minister.

Maharashtra to face shortage of Remdesivir for next 2 to 3 days: Minister 

Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday undertook a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country and called for ramping up its production.

With cases hitting a new peak in several parts of the country, the demand for medical oxygen has increased as it is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19-affected patients.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-second-wave-of-covid-19-is-affecting-more-children-377673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Prime Minister Modi took a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.

Inputs from ministries like health, steel, road transport, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) were also shared with the prime minister during the review, it said.

Prime Minister Modi stressed that it is important to ensure synergy across ministries and state governments, the PMO said.

He also took a detailed review of the current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high-burden states -- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The PMO said that an overview of district-level situation in these states was presented to the prime minister. 
He was informed that the Centre and states are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, it said.

The PMO said, accordingly, 4,880 MT , 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand of medical oxygen as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, respectively.

The prime minister was briefed about production capacity in the country to meet the rising demand, it said. 
He suggested increasing oxygen production as per capacity of each plant.

It was discussed that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in steel plants are being offered for medical use, the PMO said.

The prime minister also asked officials to ensure seamless and free movement of tankers carrying oxygen throughout the country.

The government has exempted all inter-state movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement, the PMO's statement said.

Prime Minister Modi was informed that states and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand.

Cylinder filling plants will also be permitted to work for 24 hours with necessary safeguards, the PMO said.

The government is allowing industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen after due purging, it said. 
Similarly, nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers.

During the review, officials also briefed the prime minister about the efforts being made to import medical grade oxygen, the PMO said.

India added a record 2,17,353 new coronavirus infections in a day taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,42,91,917, while active cases surpassed the 15-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday undertook a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country and called for ramping up its production.

Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday undertook a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country and called for ramping up its production. With cases hitting a new peak in several parts of the country, the demand for medical oxygen has increased as it is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19-affected patients. Watch | Prime Minister Modi took a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. Inputs from ministries like health, steel, road transport, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) were also shared with the prime minister during the review, it said. Prime Minister Modi stressed that it is important to ensure synergy across ministries and state governments, the PMO said. He also took a detailed review of the current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high-burden states -- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The PMO said that an overview of district-level situation in these states was presented to the prime minister. He was informed that the Centre and states are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, it said. The PMO said, accordingly, 4,880 MT , 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand of medical oxygen as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, respectively. The prime minister was briefed about production capacity in the country to meet the rising demand, it said. He suggested increasing oxygen production as per capacity of each plant. It was discussed that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in steel plants are being offered for medical use, the PMO said. The prime minister also asked officials to ensure seamless and free movement of tankers carrying oxygen throughout the country. The government has exempted all inter-state movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement, the PMO's statement said. Prime Minister Modi was informed that states and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand. Cylinder filling plants will also be permitted to work for 24 hours with necessary safeguards, the PMO said. The government is allowing industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen after due purging, it said. Similarly, nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers. During the review, officials also briefed the prime minister about the efforts being made to import medical grade oxygen, the PMO said. India added a record 2,17,353 new coronavirus infections in a day taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,42,91,917, while active cases surpassed the 15-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

PM Modi calls for increasing production of medical grade oxygen

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed off on the order to extradite Nirav Modi, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges related to the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, senior Indian diplomatic sources in the UK said on Friday.

Modi, 50, who remains behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, has 14 days to apply for permission to appeal against the Home Secretary's order in the High Court in London.

Back on February 25, the Westminster Magistrates' Court had concluded that the diamond merchant has a case to answer before the Indian courts, leaving the sign off on the order with the Cabinet minister.

He had allegedly perpetrated the fraud in the Punjab National Bank in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi.

After a two-year-long legal battle, District Judge Samuel Goozee had ruled that Modi only has a case to answer in the Indian courts but that there is no evidence to suggest he would not receive a fair trial in India.

He also dismissed the human rights concerns that Modi's medical needs would not be addressed as per several Indian government assurances.

"I am satisfied that there is evidence upon which NDM [Nirav Deepak Modi] could be convicted in relation [to] the conspiracy to defraud the PNB. A prima facie case is established," the judge noted.

A prima facie case to have been established on all counts of charges brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) money laundering, intimidation of witnesses and disappearance of evidence, he had said.

Under the UK Extradition Act 2003, the judge sent his findings to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. It is the UK Cabinet minister who is authorised to order extradition under the India-UK Extradition Treaty and has two months within which to make that decision.

The CBI had registered the case on January 31, 2018 against Modi, Choksi and others including then officials of Punjab National Bank on a complaint from the Bank on the allegations that the accused had hatched a criminal conspiracy amongst themselves to defraud the public sector bbank by fraudulently issuing Letters of Undertaking.

Letters of Undertaking are a guarantee that a bank gives to banks abroad where its client approaches for credit.

The figure swelled to Rs 13,000 crore when similar frauds by companies of his uncle Mehul Choksi, an alleged co-conspirator, came to light, officials said.

Investigation showed that the accused officials of the Punjab National Bank, in conspiracy with said owners of the firms and others, had fraudulently issued a large number of LoUs to overseas banks for obtaining Buyer's credit in favour of said three firms without any sanctioned limit or cash margin and without making entries in the core system of the bank.

The first charge sheet was filed on May 14, 2018 against 25 accused including Modi. The second charge sheet was filed on December 20, 2019 against 30 accused people including the 25 chargesheeted earlier in respect of 150 outstanding fraudulent LoUs which had resulted in the wrongful loss of nearly Rs 6,805 crore to PNB.

It was also alleged that Modi in conspiracy with other accused had siphoned off the funds obtained as buyer's credit through dummy companies established by him in Dubai and Hong Kong which were shown as an exporter of pearls to three Nirav Modi firms and importer of pearl-studded jewellery from his firms.

Modi had escaped from India on January 1, 2018, before the registration of the case in CBI. A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued by the trial court against him followed by a red corner notice in June 2018 by Interpol.

He was arrested by the UK Police in London in March 2019 and his repeated applications for bail, were rejected by the Westminster Magistrates' Court and High Court, London.

After the second charge sheet was filed, additional pieces of evidence were submitted to the Court in London for the total fraud amount of Rs. 6,805 crore (approx.). In addition, a second extradition request for the offences of intimidating the witnesses and destruction of evidence was also submitted to the UK government.

In extradition requests, CBI submitted voluminous oral and documentary evidence to substantiate the charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, criminal misconduct by public servants, destruction of evidence and criminal intimidation of evidence.

India is a designated Part 2 country by virtue of the Extradition Act 2003, which means it is the minister who has the authority to order a requested person's extradition after considering a number of further issues.

Under the provisions of the act, the Secretary of State had to consider the possible imposition of the death penalty, in which case extradition cannot be ordered; the rule of specialty, which prohibits a person being dealt with in the requesting state for matters other than those referenced in the extradition request; and whether or not the person was in the UK following extradition from another state, in which case that states permission must be obtained before extraditing to a third state.

If these factors do not prevent extradition, the minister had two months within which to sign off on Judge Goozee's February 25 order. The Home Secretary's order rarely goes against the court's conclusions, as she has to consider only these very narrow bars to extradition which did not apply in Nirav's case.

However, as witnessed in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya&nbsp;who remains on bail in the UK while a confidential&nbsp;matter, believed to relate to an asylum request, is resolved there is still some way to go before Nirav can be formally moved from Wandsworth Prison in London to Barrack 12 Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai and face trial in India.

The judge had informed Nirav Modi of his right to seek an appeal in the High Court and has up to 14 days to make that application after the Home Secretary makes her decision known. Any appeal, if granted, will be heard at the Administrative Division of the High Court in London.

It is also possible to appeal to the UK Supreme Court but this is only possible if the High Court certifies that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the Supreme Court gives leave for the appeal to be made.

Nirav's legal team did not immediately confirm if he intends to appeal against the order and he will remain behind bars at Wandsworth Prison on judicial remand until the next stage in the legal process.&nbsp;

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed off on the order to extradite Nirav Modi, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges related to the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, senior Indian diplomatic sources in the UK said on Friday.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed off on the order to extradite Nirav Modi, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges related to the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, senior Indian diplomatic sources in the UK said on Friday. Modi, 50, who remains behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, has 14 days to apply for permission to appeal against the Home Secretary's order in the High Court in London. Back on February 25, the Westminster Magistrates' Court had concluded that the diamond merchant has a case to answer before the Indian courts, leaving the sign off on the order with the Cabinet minister. He had allegedly perpetrated the fraud in the Punjab National Bank in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi. After a two-year-long legal battle, District Judge Samuel Goozee had ruled that Modi only has a case to answer in the Indian courts but that there is no evidence to suggest he would not receive a fair trial in India. He also dismissed the human rights concerns that Modi's medical needs would not be addressed as per several Indian government assurances. "I am satisfied that there is evidence upon which NDM [Nirav Deepak Modi] could be convicted in relation [to] the conspiracy to defraud the PNB. A prima facie case is established," the judge noted. A prima facie case to have been established on all counts of charges brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) money laundering, intimidation of witnesses and disappearance of evidence, he had said. Under the UK Extradition Act 2003, the judge sent his findings to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. It is the UK Cabinet minister who is authorised to order extradition under the India-UK Extradition Treaty and has two months within which to make that decision. The CBI had registered the case on January 31, 2018 against Modi, Choksi and others including then officials of Punjab National Bank on a complaint from the Bank on the allegations that the accused had hatched a criminal conspiracy amongst themselves to defraud the public sector bbank by fraudulently issuing Letters of Undertaking. Letters of Undertaking are a guarantee that a bank gives to banks abroad where its client approaches for credit. The figure swelled to Rs 13,000 crore when similar frauds by companies of his uncle Mehul Choksi, an alleged co-conspirator, came to light, officials said. Investigation showed that the accused officials of the Punjab National Bank, in conspiracy with said owners of the firms and others, had fraudulently issued a large number of LoUs to overseas banks for obtaining Buyer's credit in favour of said three firms without any sanctioned limit or cash margin and without making entries in the core system of the bank. The first charge sheet was filed on May 14, 2018 against 25 accused including Modi. The second charge sheet was filed on December 20, 2019 against 30 accused people including the 25 chargesheeted earlier in respect of 150 outstanding fraudulent LoUs which had resulted in the wrongful loss of nearly Rs 6,805 crore to PNB. It was also alleged that Modi in conspiracy with other accused had siphoned off the funds obtained as buyer's credit through dummy companies established by him in Dubai and Hong Kong which were shown as an exporter of pearls to three Nirav Modi firms and importer of pearl-studded jewellery from his firms. Modi had escaped from India on January 1, 2018, before the registration of the case in CBI. A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued by the trial court against him followed by a red corner notice in June 2018 by Interpol. He was arrested by the UK Police in London in March 2019 and his repeated applications for bail, were rejected by the Westminster Magistrates' Court and High Court, London. After the second charge sheet was filed, additional pieces of evidence were submitted to the Court in London for the total fraud amount of Rs. 6,805 crore (approx.). In addition, a second extradition request for the offences of intimidating the witnesses and destruction of evidence was also submitted to the UK government. In extradition requests, CBI submitted voluminous oral and documentary evidence to substantiate the charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, criminal misconduct by public servants, destruction of evidence and criminal intimidation of evidence. India is a designated Part 2 country by virtue of the Extradition Act 2003, which means it is the minister who has the authority to order a requested person's extradition after considering a number of further issues. Under the provisions of the act, the Secretary of State had to consider the possible imposition of the death penalty, in which case extradition cannot be ordered; the rule of specialty, which prohibits a person being dealt with in the requesting state for matters other than those referenced in the extradition request; and whether or not the person was in the UK following extradition from another state, in which case that states permission must be obtained before extraditing to a third state. If these factors do not prevent extradition, the minister had two months within which to sign off on Judge Goozee's February 25 order. The Home Secretary's order rarely goes against the court's conclusions, as she has to consider only these very narrow bars to extradition which did not apply in Nirav's case. However, as witnessed in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya who remains on bail in the UK while a confidential matter, believed to relate to an asylum request, is resolved there is still some way to go before Nirav can be formally moved from Wandsworth Prison in London to Barrack 12 Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai and face trial in India. The judge had informed Nirav Modi of his right to seek an appeal in the High Court and has up to 14 days to make that application after the Home Secretary makes her decision known. Any appeal, if granted, will be heard at the Administrative Division of the High Court in London. It is also possible to appeal to the UK Supreme Court but this is only possible if the High Court certifies that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the Supreme Court gives leave for the appeal to be made. Nirav's legal team did not immediately confirm if he intends to appeal against the order and he will remain behind bars at Wandsworth Prison on judicial remand until the next stage in the legal process.

UK home secretary approves fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's extradition to India 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided that the state government will set up a temporary 1,000-bed Covid hospital, possibly at the site where the Defence Expo was held last year. 
 
Addressing a virtual meeting of Team 11 on Friday, the Chief Minister asked officials to work out the modalities in this regard without further delay. 
 
Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is MP from Lucknow, has spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and requested him to provide space to defence authorities for setting up makeshift hospitals. 
 
Lucknow is witnessing a surge in Covid cases and the city`s medical infrastructure is inadequate to face the medical crisis. 
 
Diwakar Tripathi, the representative of Rajnath Singh, confirmed that the defence minister has requested the chief minister to provide banquet halls and open space in the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan or the BBD Academy to teams of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for raising the medical infrastructure on its own cost and provide beds and oxygen to patients. 
 
"Since the DRDO already has a chain of command and military hospitals in and around the city as well as the expert medical manpower, it can immediately intervene provided the district administration gives it space for setting up makeshift hospitals," he said. 
 
The chief minister has also announced that there will be a total closure in the state on Sunday so as to enable sanitization and fogging on a large scale. 
 
All shops and establishments will remain closed and public movement will be allowed only in emergency conditions. 
 
The chief minister directed all government and private labs to work at the optimum level. 
 
The OPD services in all hospitals and medical facilities have been stopped and patients can interact with doctors through telemedicine facilities. 
 
The Arogya Melas have also been suspended till May 15. 
 
The state government has also decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on those who move out without wearing masks.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided that the state government will set up a temporary 1,000-bed Covid hospital, possibly at the site where the Defence Expo was held last year.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has decided that the state government will set up a temporary 1,000-bed Covid hospital, possibly at the site where the Defence Expo was held last year. Addressing a virtual meeting of Team 11 on Friday, the Chief Minister asked officials to work out the modalities in this regard without further delay. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is MP from Lucknow, has spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and requested him to provide space to defence authorities for setting up makeshift hospitals. Lucknow is witnessing a surge in Covid cases and the city`s medical infrastructure is inadequate to face the medical crisis. Diwakar Tripathi, the representative of Rajnath Singh, confirmed that the defence minister has requested the chief minister to provide banquet halls and open space in the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan or the BBD Academy to teams of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for raising the medical infrastructure on its own cost and provide beds and oxygen to patients. "Since the DRDO already has a chain of command and military hospitals in and around the city as well as the expert medical manpower, it can immediately intervene provided the district administration gives it space for setting up makeshift hospitals," he said. The chief minister has also announced that there will be a total closure in the state on Sunday so as to enable sanitization and fogging on a large scale. All shops and establishments will remain closed and public movement will be allowed only in emergency conditions. The chief minister directed all government and private labs to work at the optimum level. The OPD services in all hospitals and medical facilities have been stopped and patients can interact with doctors through telemedicine facilities. The Arogya Melas have also been suspended till May 15. The state government has also decided to impose a fine of Rs 1,000 on those who move out without wearing masks.

Uttar Pradesh to set up 1,000-bed facility to cope with Covid rush

No state has asked the railways to stop any train service yet, Railway Board Chairman Suneet Sharma said on Friday, adding that wherever the states have raised concerns about containment zones, passengers have undergone random tests and checks at the destinations.

Addressing a press conference, Sharma said the railways has highlighted that all protocols are being followed by the states on the IRCTC's e-ticketing website, advising passengers if they need to undergo an RT-PCR test or carry COVID-negative certificates while travelling to certain areas.

"As of now, no state government has asked us to stop trains. However, whenever there are concerns, the state governments have discussed the issues with us and where there are containment zones, they are doing random tests and checks. The railways has all these details on the e-ticketing website and passengers are provided information on whether they have to undergo tests or carry a COVID-negative certificate on arrival," he said.

Sharma also said the railways is doing a thermal screening of the passengers and has also notified the fine amounts for not following COVID protocols.

He ruled out running Shramik Special trains and said trains will be run wherever there is demand and requirement.

Sharma also said the price of platform tickets has been increased at several stations to discourage crowding.

"We have 4,000 isolation coaches for COVID-19 at different locations across the country. We have received a demand from Nandurbar in Maharashtra for over 100 coaches and 20 isolation coaches have been provided," he said when asked about the converted coaches that can act as COVID care centres.

Sharma said the railways is keeping a close watch on all stations in Mumbai, Gujarat, Karnataka and wherever the demand is high, the zonal general managers have been authorised to operate more trains.

"I assure you that there is no dearth of services, the situation is quite normal, particularly in Mumbai, Surat and Bengaluru," he said.

The Indian Railways is currently running 1,490 mail and express trains and 5,397 suburban train services on an average per day.

"We are also running 28 clone trains of highly-patronised trains and 947 passenger trains," Sharma said, adding that 70 per cent of the train services have been restored.

"To clear the extra rush across the country, the railways is operating 140 additional trains," he said.

Sharma said the 140 special trains will make 483 trips in April and May.

Citing the figures of the additional trains operating in several states, he said the Central Railway is operating 85 such services which will complete 284 trips, the Western Railway is operating 28 trains for 152 trips, the Northern Railway is operating 15 special trains for 19 trips, the East Central Railway is operating two special trains for four trips, the North Eastern Railway is operating nine trains for 14 trips and the North Central Railway is operating one train for 10 trips.

Sharma also said trains for high-demand destinations such as Uttar Pradesh''s Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Manduadih, Prayagraj, Bihar''s Patna, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Barauni, Jharkhand''s Bokaro, Ranchi, Assam''s Guwahati and West Bengal''s Kolkata are also being operated.

The Railway Board chairman said the national transporter has operated 42 trains between Delhi and Mumbai from April 12 to 16.&nbsp;

No state has asked the railways to stop any train service yet, Railway Board Chairman Suneet Sharma said on Friday, adding that wherever the states have raised concerns about containment zones, passengers have undergone random tests and checks at the destinations.

No state has asked the railways to stop any train service yet, Railway Board Chairman Suneet Sharma said on Friday, adding that wherever the states have raised concerns about containment zones, passengers have undergone random tests and checks at the destinations. Addressing a press conference, Sharma said the railways has highlighted that all protocols are being followed by the states on the IRCTC's e-ticketing website, advising passengers if they need to undergo an RT-PCR test or carry COVID-negative certificates while travelling to certain areas. "As of now, no state government has asked us to stop trains. However, whenever there are concerns, the state governments have discussed the issues with us and where there are containment zones, they are doing random tests and checks. The railways has all these details on the e-ticketing website and passengers are provided information on whether they have to undergo tests or carry a COVID-negative certificate on arrival," he said. Sharma also said the railways is doing a thermal screening of the passengers and has also notified the fine amounts for not following COVID protocols. He ruled out running Shramik Special trains and said trains will be run wherever there is demand and requirement. Sharma also said the price of platform tickets has been increased at several stations to discourage crowding. "We have 4,000 isolation coaches for COVID-19 at different locations across the country. We have received a demand from Nandurbar in Maharashtra for over 100 coaches and 20 isolation coaches have been provided," he said when asked about the converted coaches that can act as COVID care centres. Sharma said the railways is keeping a close watch on all stations in Mumbai, Gujarat, Karnataka and wherever the demand is high, the zonal general managers have been authorised to operate more trains. "I assure you that there is no dearth of services, the situation is quite normal, particularly in Mumbai, Surat and Bengaluru," he said. The Indian Railways is currently running 1,490 mail and express trains and 5,397 suburban train services on an average per day. "We are also running 28 clone trains of highly-patronised trains and 947 passenger trains," Sharma said, adding that 70 per cent of the train services have been restored. "To clear the extra rush across the country, the railways is operating 140 additional trains," he said. Sharma said the 140 special trains will make 483 trips in April and May. Citing the figures of the additional trains operating in several states, he said the Central Railway is operating 85 such services which will complete 284 trips, the Western Railway is operating 28 trains for 152 trips, the Northern Railway is operating 15 special trains for 19 trips, the East Central Railway is operating two special trains for four trips, the North Eastern Railway is operating nine trains for 14 trips and the North Central Railway is operating one train for 10 trips. Sharma also said trains for high-demand destinations such as Uttar Pradesh''s Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Manduadih, Prayagraj, Bihar''s Patna, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Barauni, Jharkhand''s Bokaro, Ranchi, Assam''s Guwahati and West Bengal''s Kolkata are also being operated. The Railway Board chairman said the national transporter has operated 42 trains between Delhi and Mumbai from April 12 to 16.

COVID-19: No Indian state has asked to stop train services: Railway Board chairman

US President Joe Biden has named Radhika Fox and Meera Joshi, two Indian-American women already working in his administration, to be part of a 10 member team to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, the media reported. 
 
According to a White House announcement on Wednesday, Fox would become Assistant Administrator for Water, Environmental Protection Agency, while Joshi is being named as Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, reports The American Bazaar media outlet. 
 
Appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 20, Fox currently serves as the Acting Assistant Administer for Water. 
 
Prior to joining the EPA, Fox served as Chief Executive Officer for the US Water Alliance and had also directed the policy and government affairs agenda for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. 
 
Meanwhile, Joshi had previously served as the Chair and CEO of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. 
 
At the nation`s largest for-hire transportation regulator, she led the `Vision Zero` campaigns using data tools to keep high-risk drivers and unsafe vehicles off the road. 
 
She was also the Inspector General for New York City`s Department of Corrections.

US President Joe Biden has named Radhika Fox and Meera Joshi, two Indian-American women already working in his administration, to be part of a 10 member team to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, the media reported.

US President Joe Biden has named Radhika Fox and Meera Joshi, two Indian-American women already working in his administration, to be part of a 10 member team to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, the media reported. According to a White House announcement on Wednesday, Fox would become Assistant Administrator for Water, Environmental Protection Agency, while Joshi is being named as Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, reports The American Bazaar media outlet. Appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 20, Fox currently serves as the Acting Assistant Administer for Water. Prior to joining the EPA, Fox served as Chief Executive Officer for the US Water Alliance and had also directed the policy and government affairs agenda for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Meanwhile, Joshi had previously served as the Chair and CEO of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. At the nation`s largest for-hire transportation regulator, she led the `Vision Zero` campaigns using data tools to keep high-risk drivers and unsafe vehicles off the road. She was also the Inspector General for New York City`s Department of Corrections.

Biden names 2 Indian-Americans to key jobs

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday.

India has asked its state-run oil and gas companies to set up seven hydrogen pilot plants by the end of this financial year, India's oil secretary Tarun Kapoor also said at the Hydrogen Economy - New Delhi Dialogue event.

Governments and energy companies around the world are betting on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, though its future uses and costs remain uncertain.

Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the online conference the government planned to scale up use of hydrogen blended with compressed natural gas (H-CNG) as a transportation fuel.

"We are looking forward to introducing H-CNG as an intermittent technology in a big way for both automotive and domestic cooking applications," Pradhan said on Thursday.

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday.

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday. India has asked its state-run oil and gas companies to set up seven hydrogen pilot plants by the end of this financial year, India's oil secretary Tarun Kapoor also said at the Hydrogen Economy - New Delhi Dialogue event. Governments and energy companies around the world are betting on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, though its future uses and costs remain uncertain. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the online conference the government planned to scale up use of hydrogen blended with compressed natural gas (H-CNG) as a transportation fuel. "We are looking forward to introducing H-CNG as an intermittent technology in a big way for both automotive and domestic cooking applications," Pradhan said on Thursday.

India to spend USD 200 million in next 5-7 years to promote hydrogen use

The number of Corona cases in India wreaks havoc as the nation recorded over 2 lakh new cases and 1,185 deaths in last 24 hours. The Chief Minister of Delhi yesterday in order to curb the spread of Covid cases has imposed weekend curfew and orders to shut down gyms and spas until next order.

India Covid: 217,353 new cases and 1,185 deaths in last 24 hours

The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday.

A day after the single day case tally crossed the 2 lakh mark for the first time, the numbers have risen even higher. On Friday, India reported 2,17,353 new cases, 1,18,302 discharges and 1,185 deaths in the last 24 hours.

According to the Union health ministry, more than 26.02 lakh vaccine doses being administered. As many as 67,400 COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) were operational, marking a rise of an average of 22,400 operational vaccination centres (45,000 CVCs on average are functional on any given day). Workplace vaccinations have also enabled such a high turnout of beneficiaries, the ministry said.

As per Union Health Ministry data, the active case tally has now reached 15,69,743 even as the cumulative death toll rises to 1,74,308. At the same time, as of Friday morning, a total of 11,72,23,509 vaccine doses have been given.&nbsp;

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.&nbsp;

It went past &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on &nbsp;November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, &nbsp;26,34,76,625 tested for COVID-19 up to 15th April, including 14,73,210 samples that were tested yesterday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday. A day after the single day case tally crossed the 2 lakh mark for the first time, the numbers have risen even higher.

The total number of vaccinations across the country surpassed the 11.70 crore mark on Thursday. A day after the single day case tally crossed the 2 lakh mark for the first time, the numbers have risen even higher. On Friday, India reported 2,17,353 new cases, 1,18,302 discharges and 1,185 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Union health ministry, more than 26.02 lakh vaccine doses being administered. As many as 67,400 COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) were operational, marking a rise of an average of 22,400 operational vaccination centres (45,000 CVCs on average are functional on any given day). Workplace vaccinations have also enabled such a high turnout of beneficiaries, the ministry said. As per Union Health Ministry data, the active case tally has now reached 15,69,743 even as the cumulative death toll rises to 1,74,308. At the same time, as of Friday morning, a total of 11,72,23,509 vaccine doses have been given. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 26,34,76,625 tested for COVID-19 up to 15th April, including 14,73,210 samples that were tested yesterday. (With inputs from agencies)

India's record COVID-19 surge continues: Over 200,000 cases reported for the second day in a row

Former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Ranjit Sinha passed away at 4.30 am in Delhi today morning, news agency ANI reported.

Sinha was reportedly confirmed positive for coronavirus on Thursday night, the officials said.

Sinha, a 1974-batch officer of the Bihar cadre, had headed Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force, the Railway Protection Force and served at senior positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation in Patna and Delhi before he was appointed CBI chief in 2012.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Ranjit Sinha passed away at 4.30 am in Delhi today morning, news agency ANI reported. Sinha was reportedly confirmed positive for coronavirus on Thursday night, the officials said.

Former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Ranjit Sinha passed away at 4.30 am in Delhi today morning, news agency ANI reported. Sinha was reportedly confirmed positive for coronavirus on Thursday night, the officials said. Sinha, a 1974-batch officer of the Bihar cadre, had headed Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force, the Railway Protection Force and served at senior positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation in Patna and Delhi before he was appointed CBI chief in 2012. (With inputs from agencies)

Former CBI director Ranjit Sinha passes away in Delhi at 68

He drafted the Indian republic's most sacred book and called on millions to dream of equality and justice.

Dr BR Ambedkar pioneered good trouble in India. He was steadfast in his beliefs. His arguments were rooted in logic and his passion for justice inspired a generation of political leaders.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-lessons-in-2021-from-br-ambedkar-377637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Today marks 130 years of his birth. We celebrate it every year as Equality Day but beyond the symbolism, what is Ambedkar's legacy?

Ambedkar was a prolific writer. His philosophy and teachings are spread through hundreds of works but there are some trends that persisted throughout his life.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-babasaheb-ambedkar-on-his-130th-birth-anniversary-377409" hreflang="en">PM Modi pays tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary</a>

His childhood was shaped by the injustices of British India. It was a time when the caste system was the norm. The everyday discrimination turned him into a revolutionary. He was disgusted with the way the Dalits were treated in India.

The rebellious boy soon turned into a gifted student. He earned degrees from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He excelled in economics, sociology, history and philosophy.

It is important to talk about Ambedkar's educational prowess because this would come to define him — a man who believed in logic and rationality.

Most social reformers used religion to oppose discrimination, including Mahatma Gandhi who used the word 'Harijan' (children of God) to describe Dalits.

However, Ambedkar didn't bank on religion to fight casteism. For him, the system was flawed — religion or no religion —which is why he converted to Buddhism in 1956. His peers believed they could reform Hinduism from within, but he disagreed.

However, to be honest, India does not remember Ambedkar as a man of logic. He has forever been christened the Dalit icon — which he was and still continues to remain one.

Ambedkar has done more for India's Dalits than any other leader, but there is so much more to him.

"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved," he once remarked. Through this, we can also see him as a feminist icon.

He also said, "A great man is different from an eminent one -- in that he is ready to be the servant of the society", which is important for today's India.

Ambedkar was a civil servant par excellence. Today, the Indian civil service is mired in inefficiency and corruption and has gone from being a service to merely a job.

Maybe Ambedkar's words can spur a change. This is a man who had strong opinions on most issues, and unlike the so-called commentators of today, Ambedkar's opinions were based on logic.

His take on spirituality and intellect was clear: "Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence".

Today, they are more relevant than ever. Society has been divided into echo chambers. Everyone thinks they are right and no one wants to listen to each other. So, cultivating the mind is a good idea. The first step in that is listening to all voices.

So looking back at his life and times, we can describe Ambedkar as a common thread through most of his beliefs.

He was a man who fought for what was due, not just to Dalits but to women, the elderly and to the poor.

Unfortunately, today, Dalit leaders have appropriated him and reduced him to a picture on billboards.

Our message today is that Ambedkar was not just a Dalit leader but also a maker of modern India and a beacon of social justice.

The mettle of one's ideology is tested only by time. More than half a century after his death, Ambedkar and his beliefs are still relevant today and it is a testament to his intellect and to his sense of right and wrong.

He drafted the Indian republic's most sacred book and called on millions to dream of equality and justice. Dr BR Ambedkar pioneered good trouble in India. He was steadfast in his beliefs.

He drafted the Indian republic's most sacred book and called on millions to dream of equality and justice. Dr BR Ambedkar pioneered good trouble in India. He was steadfast in his beliefs. His arguments were rooted in logic and his passion for justice inspired a generation of political leaders. Today marks 130 years of his birth. We celebrate it every year as Equality Day but beyond the symbolism, what is Ambedkar's legacy? Ambedkar was a prolific writer. His philosophy and teachings are spread through hundreds of works but there are some trends that persisted throughout his life. Also read | PM Modi pays tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary His childhood was shaped by the injustices of British India. It was a time when the caste system was the norm. The everyday discrimination turned him into a revolutionary. He was disgusted with the way the Dalits were treated in India. The rebellious boy soon turned into a gifted student. He earned degrees from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He excelled in economics, sociology, history and philosophy. It is important to talk about Ambedkar's educational prowess because this would come to define him — a man who believed in logic and rationality. Most social reformers used religion to oppose discrimination, including Mahatma Gandhi who used the word 'Harijan' (children of God) to describe Dalits. However, Ambedkar didn't bank on religion to fight casteism. For him, the system was flawed — religion or no religion —which is why he converted to Buddhism in 1956. His peers believed they could reform Hinduism from within, but he disagreed. However, to be honest, India does not remember Ambedkar as a man of logic. He has forever been christened the Dalit icon — which he was and still continues to remain one. Ambedkar has done more for India's Dalits than any other leader, but there is so much more to him. "I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved," he once remarked. Through this, we can also see him as a feminist icon. He also said, "A great man is different from an eminent one -- in that he is ready to be the servant of the society", which is important for today's India. Ambedkar was a civil servant par excellence. Today, the Indian civil service is mired in inefficiency and corruption and has gone from being a service to merely a job. Maybe Ambedkar's words can spur a change. This is a man who had strong opinions on most issues, and unlike the so-called commentators of today, Ambedkar's opinions were based on logic. His take on spirituality and intellect was clear: "Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence". Today, they are more relevant than ever. Society has been divided into echo chambers. Everyone thinks they are right and no one wants to listen to each other. So, cultivating the mind is a good idea. The first step in that is listening to all voices. So looking back at his life and times, we can describe Ambedkar as a common thread through most of his beliefs. He was a man who fought for what was due, not just to Dalits but to women, the elderly and to the poor. Unfortunately, today, Dalit leaders have appropriated him and reduced him to a picture on billboards. Our message today is that Ambedkar was not just a Dalit leader but also a maker of modern India and a beacon of social justice. The mettle of one's ideology is tested only by time. More than half a century after his death, Ambedkar and his beliefs are still relevant today and it is a testament to his intellect and to his sense of right and wrong.

BR Ambedkar: A man more than just a Dalit icon

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>numbers are going from bad to worse as daily new cases have crossed the 180,000-mark.

There has been a talk of new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a>&nbsp;being introduced and there's a lot of confusion.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-evolving-vaccine-strategy-377625/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are several questions that are brewing in one's mind when it comes to India's vaccination drive.&nbsp;

We'll try to answer some of these doubts.

In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indian-cities-states-fighting-coronavirus-as-concerns-mount-377581">How Indian cities, states fighting coronavirus as concerns mount</a>

In India, four vaccines could see rapid approval: Johnson &amp; Johnson, Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute's Novavax and a nasal vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech.

Some foreign vaccines are also lined up, with the likes of Pfizer and Moderna.

But, most of these foreign companies have signed commercial contracts elsewhere and they must supply jabs to the US and European Union first.

<h2>Is India ready to roll out Pfizer and Moderna?</h2>

They are both mRNA vaccines, meaning they are stored in sub-zero temperatures.

But most facilities in India have a capacity between 2 and 8-degree Celsius.

This is enough for Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik, but not Moderna and Pfizer.

We don't have storage facilities so more vaccine approvals do not mean more doses.

Take for instance, Sputnik V.&nbsp;

Earlier, we were told India has the capacity to produce 850 million doses, but now that number has been revised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-evolving-vaccine-strategy-377625">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-evolving-vaccine-strategy-377625/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian officials are looking at just 50 million doses by the end of summer.

And this isn't just a problem in India. Globally, the vaccine arithmetic is all over the place.

As many as 14 vaccines have been approved around the world and their projected output is 21 billion doses.

Out of this, 11.2 billion have already been purchased, mostly by the global North.

Just 3.56 billion are available for the COVAX initiative, a global vaccine alliance.&nbsp;

The cost too has a massive range, from $2 to $44.&nbsp;

More than half the doses have been purchased by around 20 per cent of the population.

Doctors say you need just two shots, but some countries have purchased enough doses for three or four shots.

As a result, vaccine makers are now swamped with orders.

Their backlogs could run into months, possibly years.

AstraZeneca is the top dog as more than three billion doses of the vaccine have been ordered so far.

Novavax is second on the list with just over 1.4 billion orders.

It is followed by Pfizer, Moderna, Sputnik and J&amp;J.

But Johnson &amp; Johnson has hit a roadblock as its vaccine is causing serious blood clots.

So the US and EU have paused the rollout, putting more pressure on the remaining jabs.

Even in India, the pharmacy of the world, neither Serum Institute nor Bharat Biotech is producing at full capacity, because they don't think it is profitable enough.

The government was first buying Covishield at 2.8 dollars, and now that price tag has been driven down to 2 dollars.

So the producers don't want to invest, they feel they have been dealt a bad hand.

Pharma companies want the government to infuse funds, but there is no clarity on whether this request will be granted.

If any country can beat this shortage, it is India.

Every year, India produces 8.3 billion doses of vaccines for different diseases, not just the coronavirus.

But if the need arises, this capacity can be tweaked.

But, there is a trade-off.

More Covid-19 vaccines mean lesser polio, measles vaccines, something that could hurt the country in the long run.

So the most prudent option appears to be the government's help.

Public funds must be pumped into vaccine production.

Take a look at the global vaccine rollout, India has given more than 111 million shots, the US, 192 million.

In absolute numbers, this is impressive because India started its vaccination drive a month later than US.&nbsp;

But in a population of 1.3 billion, it's like a drop in the ocean.

<h2>The big takeaways</h2>

<ul>
	<li>The world simply doesn't have enough doses.</li>
	<li>The ones available have been scooped up by the rich states.</li>
	<li>Vaccine makers are booking profits but they are dealing with huge backlogs.</li>
	<li>And hysteria over side effects is trimming our already small basket of options.</li>
</ul>

So our one piece of advice is: Wear a mask, keep social distancing and remember that the best vaccine is the one you get first.

India's coronavirus numbers are going from bad to worse as daily new cases have crossed the 180,000-mark. There has been a talk of new vaccines being introduced and there's a lot of confusion.

India's coronavirus numbers are going from bad to worse as daily new cases have crossed the 180,000-mark. There has been a talk of new vaccines being introduced and there's a lot of confusion. There are several questions that are brewing in one's mind when it comes to India's vaccination drive. We'll try to answer some of these doubts. In pics | How Indian cities, states fighting coronavirus as concerns mount In India, four vaccines could see rapid approval: Johnson & Johnson, Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute's Novavax and a nasal vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. Some foreign vaccines are also lined up, with the likes of Pfizer and Moderna. But, most of these foreign companies have signed commercial contracts elsewhere and they must supply jabs to the US and European Union first. Is India ready to roll out Pfizer and Moderna? They are both mRNA vaccines, meaning they are stored in sub-zero temperatures. But most facilities in India have a capacity between 2 and 8-degree Celsius. This is enough for Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik, but not Moderna and Pfizer. We don't have storage facilities so more vaccine approvals do not mean more doses. Take for instance, Sputnik V. Earlier, we were told India has the capacity to produce 850 million doses, but now that number has been revised. Watch | Russian officials are looking at just 50 million doses by the end of summer. And this isn't just a problem in India. Globally, the vaccine arithmetic is all over the place. As many as 14 vaccines have been approved around the world and their projected output is 21 billion doses. Out of this, 11.2 billion have already been purchased, mostly by the global North. Just 3.56 billion are available for the COVAX initiative, a global vaccine alliance. The cost too has a massive range, from $2 to $44. More than half the doses have been purchased by around 20 per cent of the population. Doctors say you need just two shots, but some countries have purchased enough doses for three or four shots. As a result, vaccine makers are now swamped with orders. Their backlogs could run into months, possibly years. AstraZeneca is the top dog as more than three billion doses of the vaccine have been ordered so far. Novavax is second on the list with just over 1.4 billion orders. It is followed by Pfizer, Moderna, Sputnik and J&J. But Johnson & Johnson has hit a roadblock as its vaccine is causing serious blood clots. So the US and EU have paused the rollout, putting more pressure on the remaining jabs. Even in India, the pharmacy of the world, neither Serum Institute nor Bharat Biotech is producing at full capacity, because they don't think it is profitable enough. The government was first buying Covishield at 2.8 dollars, and now that price tag has been driven down to 2 dollars. So the producers don't want to invest, they feel they have been dealt a bad hand. Pharma companies want the government to infuse funds, but there is no clarity on whether this request will be granted. If any country can beat this shortage, it is India. Every year, India produces 8.3 billion doses of vaccines for different diseases, not just the coronavirus. But if the need arises, this capacity can be tweaked. But, there is a trade-off. More Covid-19 vaccines mean lesser polio, measles vaccines, something that could hurt the country in the long run. So the most prudent option appears to be the government's help. Public funds must be pumped into vaccine production. Take a look at the global vaccine rollout, India has given more than 111 million shots, the US, 192 million. In absolute numbers, this is impressive because India started its vaccination drive a month later than US. But in a population of 1.3 billion, it's like a drop in the ocean. The big takeaways The world simply doesn't have enough doses. The ones available have been scooped up by the rich states. Vaccine makers are booking profits but they are dealing with huge backlogs. And hysteria over side effects is trimming our already small basket of options. So our one piece of advice is: Wear a mask, keep social distancing and remember that the best vaccine is the one you get first.

As India intensifies fight against Covid-19, will vaccine shortage complicate things?

US President Joe Biden has announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11 this year, thus bringing to an end the country’s longest war, spanning across two decades.

“US troops, as well as forces deployed by our NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Allies and operational partners, will be out of Afghanistan before we mark the 20th anniversary of that heinous attack on September 11 (2001),” Biden said during a televised address to the nation from the White House Wednesday.

He said his administration would remain alert to the threat of terrorism.

“We’ll reorganise our counterterrorism capabilities and the substantial assets in the region to prevent re-emergence of terrorists, of the threat to our homeland from over the horizon. We’ll hold the Taliban accountable for its commitment not to allow any terrorists to threaten the United States or its allies from Afghan soil. The Afghan government has made that commitment to us as well. And we’ll focus our full attention on the threat we face today,” Biden said.

He said his team is refining national strategy to monitor and disrupt significant terrorist threats not only in Afghanistan, but anywhere they may arise — Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.

It’s time for American troops to come home, Biden said.

“The United States will begin our final withdrawal — begin it on May 1 of this year. We will not conduct a hasty rush to the exit. We’ll do it responsibly, deliberately, and safely. And we will do it in full coordination with our allies and partners, who now have more forces in Afghanistan than we do,” he said.

“The Taliban should know that if they attack us as we drawdown, we will defend ourselves and our partners with all the tools at our disposal,” he said.

Before making the announcement, Biden had spoken with former US presidents Barack Obama and George Bush.

“President Biden has made the right decision in completing the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan,” Obama said in a statement later.

Concerns for India

In the aftermath of the US and NATO withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, however, India will have a tremendous concern about the resurgence of the Taliban and its territory being used as a haven for terrorist, experts said.

“Regional countries, especially India, will have tremendous concerns about the US pullout from Afghanistan and the likelihood of a Taliban resurgence in the country, Lisa Curtis, who was Deputy Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for South and Central Asia from 2017-2021 under the previous Donald Trump administration told PTI.

When the Taliban controlled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, they welcomed militants and terrorists of all stripes to train, recruit, and fundraise from Afghanistan. Many of those militants, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, trained for operations in India, such as the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament, Curtis said.

An eminent foreign policy and national security expert with over 20 years of service in the US government, Curtis now is a senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) think-tank.

Indian officials also remember the close cooperation between the Taliban and militants who in December 1999 hijacked an Indian airliner. India may seek to use its role in regional efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, like the recent UN effort, to press its goal of ensuring Afghan territory cannot be used by anti-India militants, Curtis said.

India will worry about Taliban controlled territory being a haven for terrorists again, former Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, who is now Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank told PTI.

The real question now is whether after withdrawing its troops, the US will continue to help the Kabul government and will the Afghan people be able to keep the Taliban at bay, Haqqani said.

The Taliban have shown no interest in peace and the Doha process only reinforced their belief that the US eagerness to leave Afghanistan outweighed its concerns about that country’s future.

India and Pakistan do not have the luxury of distance that the U.S. has and will remain involved in Afghanistan. Pakistan is too deeply tied to the Taliban to stop supporting them now though it should be concerned about the adverse impact Taliban ideology would further have on Pakistan, Haqqani said in response to a question.

The Washington Post in a lead editorial asserted that the plans of Biden to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan will lead to disaster in the region.

“Mr Biden has chosen the easy way out of Afghanistan, but the consequences are likely to be ugly, The Washington Post said.

The New York Times said that stopping terrorism groups over the long term could be harder, an opinion also echoed by The Wall Street Journal.

The symbolic but arbitrary date shows the decision is driven less by facts on the ground than a political desire that is also a strategic gamble. History suggests US interests will suffer, The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial.

The president’s exit means he will have to take responsibility for what happens next. We hope it doesn’t betray the great sacrifices so many have made, the daily said.

The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020, to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America’s longest war.

Under the US-Taliban pact signed in Doha, the US agreed to withdraw all its soldiers from Afghanistan in 14 months.

Since the US-led invasion that ousted the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than USD 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan.

About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban insurgents and Afghan civilians.

US President Joe Biden has announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11 this year, thus bringing to an end the country’s longest war, spanning across two decades.

US President Joe Biden has announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11 this year, thus bringing to an end the country’s longest war, spanning across two decades. “US troops, as well as forces deployed by our NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Allies and operational partners, will be out of Afghanistan before we mark the 20th anniversary of that heinous attack on September 11 (2001),” Biden said during a televised address to the nation from the White House Wednesday. He said his administration would remain alert to the threat of terrorism. “We’ll reorganise our counterterrorism capabilities and the substantial assets in the region to prevent re-emergence of terrorists, of the threat to our homeland from over the horizon. We’ll hold the Taliban accountable for its commitment not to allow any terrorists to threaten the United States or its allies from Afghan soil. The Afghan government has made that commitment to us as well. And we’ll focus our full attention on the threat we face today,” Biden said. He said his team is refining national strategy to monitor and disrupt significant terrorist threats not only in Afghanistan, but anywhere they may arise — Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. It’s time for American troops to come home, Biden said. “The United States will begin our final withdrawal — begin it on May 1 of this year. We will not conduct a hasty rush to the exit. We’ll do it responsibly, deliberately, and safely. And we will do it in full coordination with our allies and partners, who now have more forces in Afghanistan than we do,” he said. “The Taliban should know that if they attack us as we drawdown, we will defend ourselves and our partners with all the tools at our disposal,” he said. Before making the announcement, Biden had spoken with former US presidents Barack Obama and George Bush. “President Biden has made the right decision in completing the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan,” Obama said in a statement later. Concerns for India In the aftermath of the US and NATO withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, however, India will have a tremendous concern about the resurgence of the Taliban and its territory being used as a haven for terrorist, experts said. “Regional countries, especially India, will have tremendous concerns about the US pullout from Afghanistan and the likelihood of a Taliban resurgence in the country, Lisa Curtis, who was Deputy Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for South and Central Asia from 2017-2021 under the previous Donald Trump administration told PTI. When the Taliban controlled Afghanistan in the late 1990s, they welcomed militants and terrorists of all stripes to train, recruit, and fundraise from Afghanistan. Many of those militants, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, trained for operations in India, such as the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament, Curtis said. An eminent foreign policy and national security expert with over 20 years of service in the US government, Curtis now is a senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) think-tank. Indian officials also remember the close cooperation between the Taliban and militants who in December 1999 hijacked an Indian airliner. India may seek to use its role in regional efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, like the recent UN effort, to press its goal of ensuring Afghan territory cannot be used by anti-India militants, Curtis said. India will worry about Taliban controlled territory being a haven for terrorists again, former Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, who is now Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank told PTI. The real question now is whether after withdrawing its troops, the US will continue to help the Kabul government and will the Afghan people be able to keep the Taliban at bay, Haqqani said. The Taliban have shown no interest in peace and the Doha process only reinforced their belief that the US eagerness to leave Afghanistan outweighed its concerns about that country’s future. India and Pakistan do not have the luxury of distance that the U.S. has and will remain involved in Afghanistan. Pakistan is too deeply tied to the Taliban to stop supporting them now though it should be concerned about the adverse impact Taliban ideology would further have on Pakistan, Haqqani said in response to a question. The Washington Post in a lead editorial asserted that the plans of Biden to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan will lead to disaster in the region. “Mr Biden has chosen the easy way out of Afghanistan, but the consequences are likely to be ugly, The Washington Post said. The New York Times said that stopping terrorism groups over the long term could be harder, an opinion also echoed by The Wall Street Journal. The symbolic but arbitrary date shows the decision is driven less by facts on the ground than a political desire that is also a strategic gamble. History suggests US interests will suffer, The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial. The president’s exit means he will have to take responsibility for what happens next. We hope it doesn’t betray the great sacrifices so many have made, the daily said. The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020, to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America’s longest war. Under the US-Taliban pact signed in Doha, the US agreed to withdraw all its soldiers from Afghanistan in 14 months. Since the US-led invasion that ousted the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than USD 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan. About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban insurgents and Afghan civilians.

Experts flag concerns for India as Biden announces the US, NATO troop pullout from Afghanistan

India recorded 2,00,739 new Covid-19 cases in the highest single-day spike ever since the pandemic began last year. With the fresh cases, the country's positive cases tally has mounted to 1,40,74,564, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday morning. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-ignore-these-new-oral-symptoms-of-covid-19-377054">Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19</a>

Meanwhile, a total of 1,038 people succumbed to the Covid-19 infection in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 1,73,123. The active Covid-19 caseload in India stands at 14,71,877, while 1,24,29,564 people have been cured so far. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-are-the-three-new-symptoms-of-covid-19-dont-take-them-lightly-375900">These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly</a> 
 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; India's Covid report

<ul>
	<li>​​​​​Total cases: 1,40,74,564</li>
	<li>Total recoveries: 1,24,29,564&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Active cases: 14,71,877</li>
	<li>Death toll: 1,73,123</li>
	<li>Total vaccination: 11,44,93,238</li>
</ul>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.&nbsp;

It went past &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on &nbsp;November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, &nbsp;26,20,03,415 samples have been tested up to April 14 with 13,84,549 samples being tested on Wednesday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded 2,00,739 new Covid-19 cases in the highest single-day spike ever since the pandemic began last year. With the fresh cases, the country's positive cases tally has mounted to 1,40,74,564, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday morning.

India recorded 2,00,739 new Covid-19 cases in the highest single-day spike ever since the pandemic began last year. With the fresh cases, the country's positive cases tally has mounted to 1,40,74,564, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday morning. Also Read | Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19 Meanwhile, a total of 1,038 people succumbed to the Covid-19 infection in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 1,73,123. The active Covid-19 caseload in India stands at 14,71,877, while 1,24,29,564 people have been cured so far. Also read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly India's Covid report Total cases: 1,40,74,564 Total recoveries: 1,24,29,564 Active cases: 14,71,877 Death toll: 1,73,123 Total vaccination: 11,44,93,238 India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 26,20,03,415 samples have been tested up to April 14 with 13,84,549 samples being tested on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

With over 2 lakh new Covid cases, India breaks pandemic record

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday.

Earlier, Downing Street had confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in India, Johnson has decided to shorten the length of his planned visit with the bulk of the programme now set to take place during the course of Monday, April 26.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-shortens-india-visit-due-to-covid-19-377692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The visit, previously postponed from a Republic Day tour in January, is the first major bilateral visit for Johnson outside Europe since the UK general election in December 2019 and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period at the end of December 2020.

"The visit of PM Johnson is expected to positively transform the partnership across the wide-spectrum of issues and areas relating to Defence and Security, the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), Trade and Investments, Health care, Climate Change and people-to-people connect," the High Commission of India in London said.

"India and UK are set to agree on a 'Roadmap 2030' for future relations. The 2030 vision is for revitalised and dynamic connect between people; re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration; enhanced defence and security cooperation and closer engagement on regional issues including the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The India-UK Partnership in Climate Action, clean energy and health care is geared for mutual benefit and a better world,"&nbsp;it adds.

As part of the UK's post-Brexit Global Britain engagement as a non-member of the European Union (EU), all eyes have been on a proposed Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with India which will pave the way for a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future.

The ETP was expected to take firm shape during Johnson's visit this month but it remains to be seen how that progresses given the scaled-back programme.

"India-UK successful collaboration in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts over the last year has emerged as the silver lining in the bilateral relationship. Building upon the success achieved in the joint development, manufacture and distribution of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the visit will provide an opportunity to further consolidate the India-UK joint partnership in addressing future pandemics through health infrastructure development, joint investment in research and development of vaccines, swifter exchanges of healthcare professionals and strengthening existing institutional links/partnerships in the health sector,"&nbsp;the Indian High Commission said.

The last bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to India took place in November 2016 when Theresa May met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks, a visit widely seen as unsuccessful largely from the point of view of Britain's perceived unwelcome visa stance towards Indian students and professionals at the time.

Johnson's visit, which has been repeatedly hit by COVID-19 pandemic constraints, is by contrast expected to deliver a "streamlined and liberalised regime" for the flow of people between the two countries.

Downing Street is yet to reveal a detailed itinerary of Johnson's truncated agenda but confirmed on Wednesday that it will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi and high-level ministerial as well as business talks.

"This programme will be focused on high level discussions with the Indian government and Indian business leaders. We'll set out more details in due course, but the visit will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi," Johnson's spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said.

The spokesperson said the Prime Minister took the decision to reduce the length of the visit to a shorter programme in New Delhi in light of the COVID situation in India and following discussions with the Indian government.

"As with all the Prime Minister's visits, his trip to India will prioritise the safety of those involved. All elements of the visit will be Covid secure,"&nbsp;the spokesperson said.

The visit comes in the wake of the UK's foreign policy vision for an Indo-Pacific tilt as part of its 'once-in-a-generation'&nbsp;Integrated Review released last month, with the India visit highlighted as a central plank of that strategy during its launch in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday. Earlier, Downing Street had confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in India, Johnson has decided to shorten the length of his planned visit with the bulk of the programme now set to take place during the course of Monday, April 26. Watch | The visit, previously postponed from a Republic Day tour in January, is the first major bilateral visit for Johnson outside Europe since the UK general election in December 2019 and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period at the end of December 2020. "The visit of PM Johnson is expected to positively transform the partnership across the wide-spectrum of issues and areas relating to Defence and Security, the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), Trade and Investments, Health care, Climate Change and people-to-people connect," the High Commission of India in London said. "India and UK are set to agree on a 'Roadmap 2030' for future relations. The 2030 vision is for revitalised and dynamic connect between people; re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration; enhanced defence and security cooperation and closer engagement on regional issues including the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The India-UK Partnership in Climate Action, clean energy and health care is geared for mutual benefit and a better world," it adds. As part of the UK's post-Brexit Global Britain engagement as a non-member of the European Union (EU), all eyes have been on a proposed Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with India which will pave the way for a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future. The ETP was expected to take firm shape during Johnson's visit this month but it remains to be seen how that progresses given the scaled-back programme. "India-UK successful collaboration in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts over the last year has emerged as the silver lining in the bilateral relationship. Building upon the success achieved in the joint development, manufacture and distribution of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the visit will provide an opportunity to further consolidate the India-UK joint partnership in addressing future pandemics through health infrastructure development, joint investment in research and development of vaccines, swifter exchanges of healthcare professionals and strengthening existing institutional links/partnerships in the health sector," the Indian High Commission said. The last bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to India took place in November 2016 when Theresa May met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks, a visit widely seen as unsuccessful largely from the point of view of Britain's perceived unwelcome visa stance towards Indian students and professionals at the time. Johnson's visit, which has been repeatedly hit by COVID-19 pandemic constraints, is by contrast expected to deliver a "streamlined and liberalised regime" for the flow of people between the two countries. Downing Street is yet to reveal a detailed itinerary of Johnson's truncated agenda but confirmed on Wednesday that it will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi and high-level ministerial as well as business talks. "This programme will be focused on high level discussions with the Indian government and Indian business leaders. We'll set out more details in due course, but the visit will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi," Johnson's spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said. The spokesperson said the Prime Minister took the decision to reduce the length of the visit to a shorter programme in New Delhi in light of the COVID situation in India and following discussions with the Indian government. "As with all the Prime Minister's visits, his trip to India will prioritise the safety of those involved. All elements of the visit will be Covid secure," the spokesperson said. The visit comes in the wake of the UK's foreign policy vision for an Indo-Pacific tilt as part of its 'once-in-a-generation' Integrated Review released last month, with the India visit highlighted as a central plank of that strategy during its launch in the House of Commons.

Boris Johnson's India visit to finalise 'Roadmap 2030' for India-UK ties 

Delhi recorded 16,699 fresh COVID-19 cases with a sharp rise in the positivity rate to over 20 per cent, and 112 fatalities on Thursday, according to data shared by the health department here.

While the number of positive cases was lower than on Wednesday, it was because of fewer tests conducted.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-your-guide-to-new-symptoms-377765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 16,699 new cases came out of 82,569 tests done on Wednesday, relatively less than the over 1.08 lakh examinations done on the previous day.

As per the latest bulletin, the positivity rate stands at 20.22 per cent, the highest till date in Delhi, while the death toll recorded so far is 11,652.

The national capital registered 17,282 new infections on Wednesday, its highest single-day spike till date. The number of cases has been on an upward spiral in the last few days.

The highest single-day spike in Delhi till the third wave of the pandemic -- 8,593 cases -- was reported on November 11 in 2020, while on November 18, the city had recorded 131 COVID-19 deaths, the highest single-day fatality count so far.

The positivity rate mid-November last year had stood above 15 per cent.

Battling the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Delhi has left financial capital Mumbai far behind in the daily tally of cases, becoming the worst-affected city in the country.

On Wednesday, the positivity rate was 15.92 per cent.

A total of 82,569 tests, 59,401 RT-PCR and 23,168 rapid antigen were conducted in the city on Tuesday, the latest health bulletin showed.

The number of cumulative cases on Thursday stood at 7,84,137. Over 7.18 lakh patients have recovered from the virus.

The number of active cases has increased to 54,309 from 50,736 a day before, as per the bulletin.

The number of people under home-isolation increased to 26,974 from 24,155 on Wednesday while the number of containment zones mounted to 8,661 from 7,598 a day before, the bulletin said.&nbsp; 
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Delhi recorded 16,699 fresh COVID-19 cases with a sharp rise in the positivity rate to over 20 per cent, and 112 fatalities on Thursday, according to data shared by the health department here.

Delhi recorded 16,699 fresh COVID-19 cases with a sharp rise in the positivity rate to over 20 per cent, and 112 fatalities on Thursday, according to data shared by the health department here. While the number of positive cases was lower than on Wednesday, it was because of fewer tests conducted. Watch | The 16,699 new cases came out of 82,569 tests done on Wednesday, relatively less than the over 1.08 lakh examinations done on the previous day. As per the latest bulletin, the positivity rate stands at 20.22 per cent, the highest till date in Delhi, while the death toll recorded so far is 11,652. The national capital registered 17,282 new infections on Wednesday, its highest single-day spike till date. The number of cases has been on an upward spiral in the last few days. The highest single-day spike in Delhi till the third wave of the pandemic -- 8,593 cases -- was reported on November 11 in 2020, while on November 18, the city had recorded 131 COVID-19 deaths, the highest single-day fatality count so far. The positivity rate mid-November last year had stood above 15 per cent. Battling the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Delhi has left financial capital Mumbai far behind in the daily tally of cases, becoming the worst-affected city in the country. On Wednesday, the positivity rate was 15.92 per cent. A total of 82,569 tests, 59,401 RT-PCR and 23,168 rapid antigen were conducted in the city on Tuesday, the latest health bulletin showed. The number of cumulative cases on Thursday stood at 7,84,137. Over 7.18 lakh patients have recovered from the virus. The number of active cases has increased to 54,309 from 50,736 a day before, as per the bulletin. The number of people under home-isolation increased to 26,974 from 24,155 on Wednesday while the number of containment zones mounted to 8,661 from 7,598 a day before, the bulletin said.

Delhi records 16,699 new COVID-19 cases, 112 deaths

In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat on Thursday apprehended a boat with eight Pakistan nationals and 30 kilos of heroin. 
 
According to the Coast Guard, the Pakistani boat was apprehended close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Indian waters. 
 
The Coast Guard said the operation was carried out in coordination with the ATS Gujarat. 
 
A Coast Guard official said that the boat which is still at the sea will be brought to the shore for a joint investigation by various security agencies of the country. And the boat will be thoroughly checked for any more hidden items.

In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat on Thursday apprehended a boat with eight Pakistan nationals and 30 kilos of heroin.

In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat on Thursday apprehended a boat with eight Pakistan nationals and 30 kilos of heroin. According to the Coast Guard, the Pakistani boat was apprehended close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Indian waters. The Coast Guard said the operation was carried out in coordination with the ATS Gujarat. A Coast Guard official said that the boat which is still at the sea will be brought to the shore for a joint investigation by various security agencies of the country. And the boat will be thoroughly checked for any more hidden items.

Indian Coast Guards nab 8 Pakistani men, recovers 30 kg heroin

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