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India has recorded a massive surge of 168,912 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, India has once again taken its spot as the second-worst hit nation with 13,527,717 cases in total, according to the health ministry.

India also witnessed a grim record of fatalities due to covid-19 in a single day in 2021, which stood at 904. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 170,209. 
 
India has overtaken Brazil to become the second-most affected country globally by the coronavirus.

Maharashtra Sunday reported over 63,000 new coronavirus cases in its highest ever single-day surge along with 349 deaths. Delhi witnessed 10,732 cases, Mumbai 9,989, Pune 12,377 in the last 24 hours.

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,343,951), Kerala (1,160,204), Karnataka (1,055,040), Tamil Nadu (926,816), and Andhra Pradesh (921,906).

Meanwhile, &nbsp;The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 135.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.93 million, according to Johns Hopkins University. 
&nbsp; 
In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 135,855,351 and 2,934,981, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has recorded a massive surge of 168,912 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, India has once again taken its spot as the second-worst hit nation with 13,527,717 cases in total, according to the health ministry.

India has recorded a massive surge of 168,912 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, India has once again taken its spot as the second-worst hit nation with 13,527,717 cases in total, according to the health ministry. India also witnessed a grim record of fatalities due to covid-19 in a single day in 2021, which stood at 904. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 170,209. India has overtaken Brazil to become the second-most affected country globally by the coronavirus. Maharashtra Sunday reported over 63,000 new coronavirus cases in its highest ever single-day surge along with 349 deaths. Delhi witnessed 10,732 cases, Mumbai 9,989, Pune 12,377 in the last 24 hours. The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,343,951), Kerala (1,160,204), Karnataka (1,055,040), Tamil Nadu (926,816), and Andhra Pradesh (921,906). Meanwhile, The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 135.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.93 million, according to Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 135,855,351 and 2,934,981, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 170,000 new COVID-19 cases, overtakes Brazil as world's second worst-hit country

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday discussed setting up of oxygen generation plants, upgrading the number of beds and other medical facilities, besides availability of Remdesivir injections in a meeting held with members of the state COVID-19 task force.

He once again underlined the need to break the coronavirus transmission chain by imposing a lockdown and said a standard operating procedure (SoP) will be prepared after holding consultations.

Thackeray said he will once again request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Maharashtra.

He also called for expediting the vaccination process and completing vaccination of all health workers in the state, the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement.

The CM said asymptomatic people are spreading coronavirus among the rest.

"Unnecessarily negligent people are putting the lives of others to risk. There is a need to break the virus chain by imposing a lockdown. A standard operating procedure (SoP) will be prepared after consultations," he said.

Thackeray stressed that strict restrictions are needed for some time in the state.

Members of the task force demanded that additional oxygen be procured from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka that have good oxygen stock.

The meeting also discussed how to stop the "irrational use" of Remdesivir drug, which is in high demand for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The task force members observed that 95 per cent of the patients can get proper treatment in-home quarantine and that only serious patients should get hospital beds in the state, the statement said.

The members suggested that housing societies set up isolation rooms with oxygen concentrators temporarily.

Experts also suggested management of hospital beds by local bodies and that doctors take a call on admitting patients in hospitals after making patients take a six-minute walk test.

They also suggested proper management of oxygen and a heavy penalty for the people not wearing a face mask in public.

Experts also suggested that third-year MBBS and AYUSH doctors be asked to join the COVID duty.

Maharashtra Health Secretary Pradip Vyas said 4 lakh new cases were reported in the state between April 4 and April 10, while 1,982 patients died, it said.

Maharashtra's case positivity rate is 26 per cent at present, he said and attributed the higher positivity rate to increased testing.

On Saturday, the state conducted a total of 2.6 lakh tests including one lakh antigen tests.

Currently, 75 per cent of the total 20,250 ICU beds and 40 per cent of the 67,000 oxygen beds remained occupied in Maharashtra.

No beds are available for patients in 11 to 12 districts, the meeting was told.

In Nandurbar, a railway bogie has been converted into an isolation facility, Vyas informed.

An appropriate decision regarding imposing a lockdown in Maharashtra will be taken after April 14, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Sunday.

He was speaking to reporters after a virtual meeting of the COVID-19 task force chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to discuss measures, including the imposition of a lockdown in the state, to break the virus chain.

"Duration of the lockdown and how to handle its economic fallout was discussed during today's meeting. The task force is of the view that the prevailing coronavirus situation in the state is such that a lockdown is required," the minister said.

A tweet from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "In a meeting with the State Task Force, the chief minister discussed the availability of oxygen &amp; beds, use of Remdesivir, treatment protocols, increase in capacity of facilities, imposition of restrictions &amp; fines for violating COVID protocols."

Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh, state Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte and others took part in the meeting.

Thackeray is scheduled to hold consultations with the finance and other state departments on Monday and discussion will also take place in the cabinet meeting later this week.

Tope also said that setting up an oxygen generation plant in the state was also discussed during the task force meeting.

Thackeray had on Saturday indicated the imposition of a strict lockdown in the state given the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases.

He had held an all-party meeting held virtually to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state.

Last Sunday, the state government had announced a slew of restrictions, including a weekend lockdown, night curfew and prohibitory orders for the day time.

These restrictions will continue till April 30.

Meanwhile, thirty patients had to be shifted from a COVID care centre in Thane city to a nearby hospital as the stock of medical oxygen was getting exhausted, a civic official said on Sunday.

The move to shift the patients from Thane Municipal Corporation's Parking Plaza COVID care centre to Global Hospital on Saturday evening was taken to avoid inconvenience and disruption in treatment, he added.

In a release, the TMC said fresh oxygen supply to the centre was expected within a day, but, as a precautionary measure, new admissions have been stopped for the moment.

The TMC on Sunday appointed deputy municipal commissioner (Tax) Ashwini Waghmale as an officer in charge to coordinate the purchase, storage and distribution of medical oxygen gas and Remdesivir injections, a release by civic spokesperson Sandeep Malavali said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday discussed setting up of oxygen generation plants, upgrading the number of beds and other medical facilities, besides availability of Remdesivir injections in a meeting held with members of the state COVID-19 task force.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday discussed setting up of oxygen generation plants, upgrading the number of beds and other medical facilities, besides availability of Remdesivir injections in a meeting held with members of the state COVID-19 task force. He once again underlined the need to break the coronavirus transmission chain by imposing a lockdown and said a standard operating procedure (SoP) will be prepared after holding consultations. Thackeray said he will once again request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Maharashtra. He also called for expediting the vaccination process and completing vaccination of all health workers in the state, the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement. The CM said asymptomatic people are spreading coronavirus among the rest. "Unnecessarily negligent people are putting the lives of others to risk. There is a need to break the virus chain by imposing a lockdown. A standard operating procedure (SoP) will be prepared after consultations," he said. Thackeray stressed that strict restrictions are needed for some time in the state. Members of the task force demanded that additional oxygen be procured from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka that have good oxygen stock. The meeting also discussed how to stop the "irrational use" of Remdesivir drug, which is in high demand for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The task force members observed that 95 per cent of the patients can get proper treatment in-home quarantine and that only serious patients should get hospital beds in the state, the statement said. The members suggested that housing societies set up isolation rooms with oxygen concentrators temporarily. Experts also suggested management of hospital beds by local bodies and that doctors take a call on admitting patients in hospitals after making patients take a six-minute walk test. They also suggested proper management of oxygen and a heavy penalty for the people not wearing a face mask in public. Experts also suggested that third-year MBBS and AYUSH doctors be asked to join the COVID duty. Maharashtra Health Secretary Pradip Vyas said 4 lakh new cases were reported in the state between April 4 and April 10, while 1,982 patients died, it said. Maharashtra's case positivity rate is 26 per cent at present, he said and attributed the higher positivity rate to increased testing. On Saturday, the state conducted a total of 2.6 lakh tests including one lakh antigen tests. Currently, 75 per cent of the total 20,250 ICU beds and 40 per cent of the 67,000 oxygen beds remained occupied in Maharashtra. No beds are available for patients in 11 to 12 districts, the meeting was told. In Nandurbar, a railway bogie has been converted into an isolation facility, Vyas informed. An appropriate decision regarding imposing a lockdown in Maharashtra will be taken after April 14, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Sunday. He was speaking to reporters after a virtual meeting of the COVID-19 task force chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to discuss measures, including the imposition of a lockdown in the state, to break the virus chain. "Duration of the lockdown and how to handle its economic fallout was discussed during today's meeting. The task force is of the view that the prevailing coronavirus situation in the state is such that a lockdown is required," the minister said. A tweet from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, "In a meeting with the State Task Force, the chief minister discussed the availability of oxygen & beds, use of Remdesivir, treatment protocols, increase in capacity of facilities, imposition of restrictions & fines for violating COVID protocols." Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh, state Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte and others took part in the meeting. Thackeray is scheduled to hold consultations with the finance and other state departments on Monday and discussion will also take place in the cabinet meeting later this week. Tope also said that setting up an oxygen generation plant in the state was also discussed during the task force meeting. Thackeray had on Saturday indicated the imposition of a strict lockdown in the state given the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases. He had held an all-party meeting held virtually to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state. Last Sunday, the state government had announced a slew of restrictions, including a weekend lockdown, night curfew and prohibitory orders for the day time. These restrictions will continue till April 30. Meanwhile, thirty patients had to be shifted from a COVID care centre in Thane city to a nearby hospital as the stock of medical oxygen was getting exhausted, a civic official said on Sunday. The move to shift the patients from Thane Municipal Corporation's Parking Plaza COVID care centre to Global Hospital on Saturday evening was taken to avoid inconvenience and disruption in treatment, he added. In a release, the TMC said fresh oxygen supply to the centre was expected within a day, but, as a precautionary measure, new admissions have been stopped for the moment. The TMC on Sunday appointed deputy municipal commissioner (Tax) Ashwini Waghmale as an officer in charge to coordinate the purchase, storage and distribution of medical oxygen gas and Remdesivir injections, a release by civic spokesperson Sandeep Malavali said.

Full lockdown in Maharashtra looming? Uddhav meets task force, state says decision after April 14

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. It is the third vaccine Indian authorities have given approval to after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin&nbsp;and the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine.

The approval on Monday was given by&nbsp;Subject Expert Committee. The regulator Drug Controller General of India will have to give final nod for wider use of the doses on all citizens.

Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF is behind the Sputnik V vaccine. The vaccine will be produced in India under a pact between RDIF and Indian Pharma companies like Dr Reddy's, Virchow, Stelis Biopharma and Panacea Biotec. The pacts were already in place, given that India is the hub of global manufacturing of vaccines. Around 750 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine are expected to be produced in India.

Also Read | <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>

Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in New Delhi.

On a question about Sputnik V vaccine approval, he said,"I do not rule out that further cooperation in this area could encompass vaccine production in Russia. Specialists should discuss it and proceed on the basis of the maximum effectiveness of such cooperation."

Sputnik V is already registered in more than 59 countries. The efficacy of the two-shot vaccine is over 91.6%. According to RDIF.&nbsp;

Also Read | <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>

"The cost of one dose of the vaccine for international markets is less than $10 (Sputnik V is a two-dose vaccine)."&nbsp;

The vaccine can be stored at a temperature of +2 to +8 degrees Celsius. The vaccine is named after the first Soviet space satellite.

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. It is the third vaccine Indian authorities have given approval to after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine.

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. It is the third vaccine Indian authorities have given approval to after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine. The approval on Monday was given by Subject Expert Committee. The regulator Drug Controller General of India will have to give final nod for wider use of the doses on all citizens. Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF is behind the Sputnik V vaccine. The vaccine will be produced in India under a pact between RDIF and Indian Pharma companies like Dr Reddy's, Virchow, Stelis Biopharma and Panacea Biotec. The pacts were already in place, given that India is the hub of global manufacturing of vaccines. Around 750 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine are expected to be produced in India. Also Read | Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19 Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in New Delhi. On a question about Sputnik V vaccine approval, he said,"I do not rule out that further cooperation in this area could encompass vaccine production in Russia. Specialists should discuss it and proceed on the basis of the maximum effectiveness of such cooperation." Sputnik V is already registered in more than 59 countries. The efficacy of the two-shot vaccine is over 91.6%. According to RDIF. Also Read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly "The cost of one dose of the vaccine for international markets is less than $10 (Sputnik V is a two-dose vaccine)." The vaccine can be stored at a temperature of +2 to +8 degrees Celsius. The vaccine is named after the first Soviet space satellite.

Russia's Sputnik V COVID vaccine gets emergency nod from expert panel in India

At least 6 Indian states have complained of a scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines during a second wave of Coronavirus, that has forced some centres to turn away people.

India: COVID-19 vaccine shortages being reported by at least 6 states

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine has been cleared for emergency use in India amid a record spike in COVID-19 cases. An expert committee approved the restricted use of the Russian vaccine.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine cleared for emergency use in India

Indian government has&nbsp;launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'.

The app aims to make learning Sanskrit easy and entertaining by 'gamifying' it. It has been developed by Bengaluru-based company Gamapp sportswizz. The app is available on Google Play Store.

"Little guru is a beautiful symbol of what we proposed to do in teaching to people across the world. This app will help students, teachers, monks...to be able to get an app that will help them learn easier at their own pace, whatever time they want. It helps you do better," said Dinesh Patnaik, director general&nbsp;of ICCR.

"We realised something, we need something more modern, more up to date. Which works with technology, to bring this ancient language to the people...We decided to use modern-day tools like machine learning, AI, and gaming techniques. Gaming techniques help in bringing life to language," he said.

Sankrit is often called the 'language of the Gods' in Indian culture. ICCR has been providing Sanskrit books and other material to help people learn the language. ICCR comes under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It also deputes teachers, professors to universities and institutes.

Indian diaspora as well as foreigners have been requesting ICCR for assistance in Sanskrit learning. Many Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit. There has been great demand from some countries for assistance in learning the language.

Many Indian languages like Bengali, Tamil, Marathi use Sanskrit as a base.&nbsp;

A number of universities teaching Sanskrit across the world have been keen for an app that helps not only the current students but also other young scholars who wish to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

Indian government has launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'.

Indian government has launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'. The app aims to make learning Sanskrit easy and entertaining by 'gamifying' it. It has been developed by Bengaluru-based company Gamapp sportswizz. The app is available on Google Play Store. "Little guru is a beautiful symbol of what we proposed to do in teaching to people across the world. This app will help students, teachers, monks...to be able to get an app that will help them learn easier at their own pace, whatever time they want. It helps you do better," said Dinesh Patnaik, director general of ICCR. "We realised something, we need something more modern, more up to date. Which works with technology, to bring this ancient language to the people...We decided to use modern-day tools like machine learning, AI, and gaming techniques. Gaming techniques help in bringing life to language," he said. Sankrit is often called the 'language of the Gods' in Indian culture. ICCR has been providing Sanskrit books and other material to help people learn the language. ICCR comes under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It also deputes teachers, professors to universities and institutes. Indian diaspora as well as foreigners have been requesting ICCR for assistance in Sanskrit learning. Many Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit. There has been great demand from some countries for assistance in learning the language. Many Indian languages like Bengali, Tamil, Marathi use Sanskrit as a base. A number of universities teaching Sanskrit across the world have been keen for an app that helps not only the current students but also other young scholars who wish to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

Little Guru: India launches first of its kind app that teaches Sanskrit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the people of West Bengal have cleaned bowled TMC and hit so many fours and sixes that BJP has already scored a century of seats in the last four phases of the Assembly polls.&nbsp;

Addressing a public meeting in Bardhaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I am surprised from where she gets so much bitterness. Didi`s anger, bitterness, and frustration have been increasing. This is because people have cleaned the TMC in the last four phases. The people of Bengal have hit so many fours and sixes in these phases that BJP has already scored a century."

"Those who wanted to play 'khela' with you, people have now played `khela` with them. Didi has been cleaned bowled by the people of Nandigram and Bengal. The people of Bengal failed the plan of Didi.&nbsp;

She was preparing to hand over the captaincy of the party to Bhaipo (nephew), but the public caught her `khela` in time," said Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

Referring to the Congress and the Left regime in West Bengal, the Prime Minister said, "Didi`s entire team has been asked to go out of the field by the people of Bengal. She knows once Congress and Left went out of Bengal, they never came back. Didi once you go, will never come back again. TMC is going to lose."Polling for the first four phases has been concluded in West Bengal.&nbsp;

The fifth and sixth phases of the ongoing elections will take place on April 17 and April 22. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the people of West Bengal have cleaned bowled TMC and hit so many fours and sixes that BJP has already scored a century of seats in the last four phases of the Assembly polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the people of West Bengal have cleaned bowled TMC and hit so many fours and sixes that BJP has already scored a century of seats in the last four phases of the Assembly polls. Addressing a public meeting in Bardhaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I am surprised from where she gets so much bitterness. Didi`s anger, bitterness, and frustration have been increasing. This is because people have cleaned the TMC in the last four phases. The people of Bengal have hit so many fours and sixes in these phases that BJP has already scored a century." "Those who wanted to play 'khela' with you, people have now played `khela` with them. Didi has been cleaned bowled by the people of Nandigram and Bengal. The people of Bengal failed the plan of Didi. She was preparing to hand over the captaincy of the party to Bhaipo (nephew), but the public caught her `khela` in time," said Prime Minister Modi. Referring to the Congress and the Left regime in West Bengal, the Prime Minister said, "Didi`s entire team has been asked to go out of the field by the people of Bengal. She knows once Congress and Left went out of Bengal, they never came back. Didi once you go, will never come back again. TMC is going to lose."Polling for the first four phases has been concluded in West Bengal. The fifth and sixth phases of the ongoing elections will take place on April 17 and April 22. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

India polls: Didi clean-bowled, BJP has scored century in Bengal, says PM Modi

Paying "tributes" to India, Vietnam's ambassador the country&nbsp;Pham Sanh Chau recieved&nbsp;the first dose of Indian vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. The envoy got vaccinated at Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital.

Speaking to WION after getting the first jab, Chau said, "I took the decision to come to a government hospital to take my first jab of Covaxin vaccine. Why I decided to take Covaxin, because I believe that Covaxin is a very good vaccine and it will be safer."

He added, "I am here for more than two years, and it's time for me to pay tribute to this great country of India and its people. Also, acknowledge the contribution of Indian scientists to the noble cause of vaccinating the whole world".

The Vietnamese envoy joins other envoys in getting vaccinated. Earlier this month, Australian envoy&nbsp;Barry O’Farrell got vaccinated using Covisheild&nbsp;vaccine.

&nbsp;

In a tweet, the Australian envoy had said, "&nbsp;#FirstDose today of&nbsp;@AstraZeneca ’s #Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Flag of India @SerumInstIndia."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FirstDose?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FirstDose</a> today of <a href="https://twitter.com/AstraZeneca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstraZeneca</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covishield?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covishield</a> vaccine, manufactured by 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a>. Pleased to be a part of the world’s largest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccination program rolled out in India - 83,110,926 vaccinated since 16 January. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AstraZenaca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AstraZenaca</a> <a href="https://t.co/wdw3W6vX7d">pic.twitter.com/wdw3W6vX7d</a>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1379304487962087430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India had earlier this year invited all eligible foreign diplomats and their families based out of Delhi to be vaccinated.

The country began its domestic vaccination drive in January and since then 100 million people have been vaccinated.

New Delhi is also exporting vaccines globally as gift or commercially, and has sent doses to 85 countries so far.

Paying "tributes" to India, Vietnam's ambassador the country Pham Sanh Chau recieved the first dose of Indian vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.

Paying "tributes" to India, Vietnam's ambassador the country Pham Sanh Chau recieved the first dose of Indian vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. The envoy got vaccinated at Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. Speaking to WION after getting the first jab, Chau said, "I took the decision to come to a government hospital to take my first jab of Covaxin vaccine. Why I decided to take Covaxin, because I believe that Covaxin is a very good vaccine and it will be safer." He added, "I am here for more than two years, and it's time for me to pay tribute to this great country of India and its people. Also, acknowledge the contribution of Indian scientists to the noble cause of vaccinating the whole world". The Vietnamese envoy joins other envoys in getting vaccinated. Earlier this month, Australian envoy Barry O’Farrell got vaccinated using Covisheild vaccine. In a tweet, the Australian envoy had said, " #FirstDose today of @AstraZeneca ’s #Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Flag of India @SerumInstIndia." #FirstDose today of @AstraZeneca’s #Covishield vaccine, manufactured by 🇮🇳 @SerumInstIndia. Pleased to be a part of the world’s largest #COVID19 vaccination program rolled out in India - 83,110,926 vaccinated since 16 January. #LargestVaccineDrive #AstraZenaca pic.twitter.com/wdw3W6vX7d — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) April 6, 2021 × India had earlier this year invited all eligible foreign diplomats and their families based out of Delhi to be vaccinated. The country began its domestic vaccination drive in January and since then 100 million people have been vaccinated. New Delhi is also exporting vaccines globally as gift or commercially, and has sent doses to 85 countries so far.

Vietnamese envoy gets first dose of Indian COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin

India is currently witnessing a second wave of Novel Coronavirus with around more than 1 Lakh new cases daily. Amid such a surge, pilgrims all over India are coming to Haridwar's Kumbh Festival to perfom sacred bath which is another cause of concern as people are seen flouting Covid norms. Watch this latest report

India: Covid rules flouted during polls campaigning and Kumbh Festival

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) The docu-film "Searching For Sheela" will release digitally on April 22. The trailer of the film was premiered on Monday. The documentary is about Ma Anand Sheela, who was the aide of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, known as Osho.
 
She pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault in the 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack. The docu-drama also sheds light on her new life post serving time for her alleged crimes. 
"Searching For Sheela will give you a glimpse of my real self, my identity, my life and its evolution over the last 40 years. This film is about my journey of returning to my home in India, a journey I have longed for many years. It captures the rollercoaster of emotions I experienced on this journey very well. I am looking forward to sharing my story with the world," she says. 
Executive Producer Shakun Batra adds that the film is an observation and not an "investigative piece". 
"I have always been very intrigued by Sheela`s extraordinary life and through this documentary we`ve shadowed her as she traveled to India after almost 35 years. This is not an investigative piece, just an observation of a person who has had a questionable past and has always lived life on her own terms," says Batra. 
The filmmaker adds: "We trace her journey as she grapples with society`s expectations of an ex-convict and attempts to re-brand the public opinion of herself. `Searching for Sheela` is a documentary that tries to get a closer look at one of the most sensationalised personalities in India." 
"Searching For Sheela" will stream on Netflix. 
--IANS 
anj/vnc/pgh

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) The docu-film "Searching For Sheela" will release digitally on April 22. The trailer of the film was premiered on Monday. The documentary is about Ma Anand Sheela, who was the aide of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, known as Osho.

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) The docu-film "Searching For Sheela" will release digitally on April 22. The trailer of the film was premiered on Monday. The documentary is about Ma Anand Sheela, who was the aide of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, known as Osho. She pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault in the 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack. The docu-drama also sheds light on her new life post serving time for her alleged crimes. "Searching For Sheela will give you a glimpse of my real self, my identity, my life and its evolution over the last 40 years. This film is about my journey of returning to my home in India, a journey I have longed for many years. It captures the rollercoaster of emotions I experienced on this journey very well. I am looking forward to sharing my story with the world," she says. Executive Producer Shakun Batra adds that the film is an observation and not an "investigative piece". "I have always been very intrigued by Sheela`s extraordinary life and through this documentary we`ve shadowed her as she traveled to India after almost 35 years. This is not an investigative piece, just an observation of a person who has had a questionable past and has always lived life on her own terms," says Batra. The filmmaker adds: "We trace her journey as she grapples with society`s expectations of an ex-convict and attempts to re-brand the public opinion of herself. `Searching for Sheela` is a documentary that tries to get a closer look at one of the most sensationalised personalities in India." "Searching For Sheela" will stream on Netflix. --IANS anj/vnc/pgh

Ma Anand Sheela docu-film to premiere on April 22

India reported another record daily surge in coronavirus infections Monday to overtake Brazil as the second-worst hit country.

India overtakes Brazil as world's 2nd worst-Hit nation

Inside India's red corridor. Why do Maoists still pose a threat to the Indian state? How can India break the back of the Maoist movement?

India: Tackling the Maoist Challenge

   	Mumbai, Apr 11 (PTI) Producer Ekta Kapoor&apos;s streaming platform ALTBalaji on Sunday apologised and removed the poster of show "His Storyy" from its social media pages after filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria alleged it was copied from the artwork of his film "Loev".
  	Saria, who bagged the National Award for best direction last month for his feature "Knock Knock Knock", took to Twitter over the weekend and shared the poster of his acclaimed 2015 same-sex romantic-drama, which featured the film&apos;s two leads lying in an embrace.
	The poster of "His Storyy", shared by ALTBalaji on its social media pages, also showed the central characters in a strikingly similar position.
	Saria called out the streamer for "blatantly" copying his poster and wrote the culture of plagiarising an artwork "must end."
	In a statement posted on Twitter, ALTBalaji  said the resemblance between the two posters cannot be passed off as "mere coincidence." 
	"On the 9th of April, we released a poster of &apos;His Storyy&apos; and were made aware of the existence of Sudhanshu&apos;s &apos;Loev&apos; poster. The uncanny resemblance and similarity cannot be written off as a mere coincidence. 
	"It has been an oversight on part of our design team. For this we apologise," the statement read. 
	The statement came hours after filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane lashed out at the streamer for continuing to display the poster despite Saria&apos;s allegations. 
	Motwane, who helmed "Lootera" which was backed by Kapoor&apos;s Balaji Motion Pictures, said the production house has a history of plagiarism and shared a poster of Kangana Ranaut from "Judgmentall Hai Kya", which was alleged to have been lifted from the artwork of Hungarian artist, Flora Borsi.
	"Not only have you stolen somebody&apos;s hard work and passed it off as your own, you refuse to acknowledge your folly, or apologise, or pull the material down. Shame," Motwane wrote.
	ALTBalaji has now removed the said poster from its social media platforms. 
	The streamer said it respects the creativity of every designer and would "never intentionally lift their work nor disregard their talent." 
	"Thus, an apology to the artists involved in the making of this poster is warranted. We have deleted the poster from all our platforms and we humbly apologise to the artists involved in the creation of the beautiful poster of &apos;Loev&apos;," the statement added.
	"His Storyy" stars Satyadeep Mishra, Priyamani Raj and Mrinal Dutt.  

Mumbai, Apr 11 (PTI) Producer Ekta Kapoor's streaming platform ALTBalaji on Sunday apologised and removed the poster of show "His Storyy" from its social media pages after filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria alleged it was copied from the artwork of his film "Loev".

Mumbai, Apr 11 (PTI) Producer Ekta Kapoor's streaming platform ALTBalaji on Sunday apologised and removed the poster of show "His Storyy" from its social media pages after filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria alleged it was copied from the artwork of his film "Loev". Saria, who bagged the National Award for best direction last month for his feature "Knock Knock Knock", took to Twitter over the weekend and shared the poster of his acclaimed 2015 same-sex romantic-drama, which featured the film's two leads lying in an embrace. The poster of "His Storyy", shared by ALTBalaji on its social media pages, also showed the central characters in a strikingly similar position. Saria called out the streamer for "blatantly" copying his poster and wrote the culture of plagiarising an artwork "must end." In a statement posted on Twitter, ALTBalaji said the resemblance between the two posters cannot be passed off as "mere coincidence." "On the 9th of April, we released a poster of 'His Storyy' and were made aware of the existence of Sudhanshu's 'Loev' poster. The uncanny resemblance and similarity cannot be written off as a mere coincidence. "It has been an oversight on part of our design team. For this we apologise," the statement read. The statement came hours after filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane lashed out at the streamer for continuing to display the poster despite Saria's allegations. Motwane, who helmed "Lootera" which was backed by Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures, said the production house has a history of plagiarism and shared a poster of Kangana Ranaut from "Judgmentall Hai Kya", which was alleged to have been lifted from the artwork of Hungarian artist, Flora Borsi. "Not only have you stolen somebody's hard work and passed it off as your own, you refuse to acknowledge your folly, or apologise, or pull the material down. Shame," Motwane wrote. ALTBalaji has now removed the said poster from its social media platforms. The streamer said it respects the creativity of every designer and would "never intentionally lift their work nor disregard their talent." "Thus, an apology to the artists involved in the making of this poster is warranted. We have deleted the poster from all our platforms and we humbly apologise to the artists involved in the creation of the beautiful poster of 'Loev'," the statement added. "His Storyy" stars Satyadeep Mishra, Priyamani Raj and Mrinal Dutt.

KAPOOR-PLAGIARISM-APOLOGY

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges. &nbsp;

Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on ‘Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers' during the "Army Chiefs Conclave" hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) tweeted.&nbsp;

Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. &nbsp;

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event.&nbsp;

The Indian Army chief also called for providing appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the UN blue helmet missions, pointing out their emerging challenges. He said the UN peacekeeping missions should run on a participatory basis.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the country's ‘Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its 1971 independence.&nbsp;

Force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporree, force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in the Central African region Lieutenant General Sidki Daniel Traore and Bhutan army's deputy chief of operation Brigadier General Darji Rinchen, among others attended the conclave.&nbsp;

Senior diplomats, security strategists and police officers also attended the seminar.&nbsp;

During the event, the Indian Army chief interacted with the senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations.&nbsp;

Momen told the conclave that the nature of peacekeeping operations in recent periods transformed both in terms of scale and scope for what "peacekeeping missions today are more than truce supervising operation".&nbsp;

The changing situation further expanded the missions' responsibility taking into account "other dimensions of peace, such as establishing rule of law, protection of human rights, protection of women and children, support to political process, managing elections, reintegration and socio-economic development," he said.&nbsp;

The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4. An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday.&nbsp;

Military observers from the US, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore are also attending the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the procedures and enhance interoperability amongst neighbourhood countries to ensure robust peacekeeping operations in the region. The armies of all the participating nations shared their valuable experiences and refined their drills and procedures in peacekeeping operations.&nbsp;

The visit of Gen Naravane, who is here at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Aziz Ahmed, comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the neighbouring country and met the top leadership here to strengthen the strategic ties.&nbsp;

The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Mujibur Rahman. &nbsp;

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges.

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Sunday urged the United Nations to enhance the budget for its peacekeeping missions and emphasised the need to provide appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the blue helmet missions in view of the emerging challenges. Gen Naravane, who is here on a five-day official tour, delivered a keynote address on ‘Changing Nature of Global Conflicts: Role of UN Peacekeepers' during the "Army Chiefs Conclave" hosted by his Bangladeshi counterpart General Aziz Ahmed, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) tweeted. Gen Naravane laid emphasis on enhanced budget for UN peacekeeping activities, Bangladesh defence ministry's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) directorate quoted him as saying at the conclave. Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was the chief guest at the event. The Indian Army chief also called for providing appropriate logistics and improved technological support for the UN blue helmet missions, pointing out their emerging challenges. He said the UN peacekeeping missions should run on a participatory basis. The Bangladesh Army hosted the conclave coinciding with the celebrations of the birth centenary of the country's ‘Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of its 1971 independence. Force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporree, force commander of UN multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in the Central African region Lieutenant General Sidki Daniel Traore and Bhutan army's deputy chief of operation Brigadier General Darji Rinchen, among others attended the conclave. Senior diplomats, security strategists and police officers also attended the seminar. During the event, the Indian Army chief interacted with the senior officers of the participating nations and military observers from the other nations. Momen told the conclave that the nature of peacekeeping operations in recent periods transformed both in terms of scale and scope for what "peacekeeping missions today are more than truce supervising operation". The changing situation further expanded the missions' responsibility taking into account "other dimensions of peace, such as establishing rule of law, protection of human rights, protection of women and children, support to political process, managing elections, reintegration and socio-economic development," he said. The conclave was held as part of a multilateral UN-mandated counter-terrorism exercise, Shantir Ogroshena (Frontrunners of Peace) that commenced on April 4. An Indian Army contingent of 30 personnel are participating along with the Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army in the exercise that will conclude on Monday. Military observers from the US, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore are also attending the exercise. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the procedures and enhance interoperability amongst neighbourhood countries to ensure robust peacekeeping operations in the region. The armies of all the participating nations shared their valuable experiences and refined their drills and procedures in peacekeeping operations. The visit of Gen Naravane, who is here at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Gen Aziz Ahmed, comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the neighbouring country and met the top leadership here to strengthen the strategic ties. The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Mujibur Rahman.

Indian Army chief Gen Naravane calls for enhancing budget for UN peacekeepers 

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus.</a>

The mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fastest-to-administer-100-million-covid-vaccine-doses-376682" hreflang="en">India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses</a>

"From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said.

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आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… <a href="https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl">https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1381095427034861570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks &amp; motivate others &amp; if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-infections-hit-another-record-weekend-lockdown-in-maharashtra-376594" hreflang="en">India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra&nbsp;</a>

This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively.

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टीका उत्सव पर देशवासियों से आग्रह। <a href="https://t.co/GvGV3OCnP7">pic.twitter.com/GvGV3OCnP7</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1381104813740490759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours.

This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now.

A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus. The mass vaccination programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely. Also read | India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses "From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said. आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2021 × "I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks & motivate others & if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added. Also read | India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively. टीका उत्सव पर देशवासियों से आग्रह। pic.twitter.com/GvGV3OCnP7 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2021 × Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country. Watch | On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours. This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now. A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

PM Modi launches 'Teeka Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Saturday.

With this, India now has such pacts with 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the USA.

Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international passenger flights can be operated by their airlines into each other's territories under restrictive conditions.

"India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region and the 28th in total," the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Twitter.

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Attention travellers! 
 
India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region &amp; the 28th in total. All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future. Travel safe!
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1380762496684806144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future," it noted.

Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, special international passenger flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May last year and under bilateral air bubble arrangements since July.

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Saturday.

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Saturday. With this, India now has such pacts with 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the USA. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international passenger flights can be operated by their airlines into each other's territories under restrictive conditions. "India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region and the 28th in total," the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Twitter. Attention travellers! India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region & the 28th in total. All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future. Travel safe! — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) April 10, 2021 × "All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future," it noted. Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, special international passenger flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May last year and under bilateral air bubble arrangements since July.

India finalises air bubble pact with Sri Lanka

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has tested coronavirus positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, sources said on Saturday.

Bhagwat was admitted to the COVID-19 ward on Friday, hospital sources said.

He is stable and under observation, they added.

An RSS functionary also confirmed that Bhagwat has tested positive for the viral infection.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has tested coronavirus positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, sources said on Saturday.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has tested coronavirus positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, sources said on Saturday. Bhagwat was admitted to the COVID-19 ward on Friday, hospital sources said. He is stable and under observation, they added. An RSS functionary also confirmed that Bhagwat has tested positive for the viral infection.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat tests COVID-19 positive, hospitalised

 Washington [US], April 10 (ANI): Psychosocial stress, typically resulting from difficulty coping with challenging environments, may work synergistically to put women at significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, a new study suggested. The study led by researchers at Drexel University`s Dornsife School of Public Health was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.The study specifically suggested that the effects of job strain and social strain -- the negative aspect of social relationships -- on women is a powerful one-two punch.Together they are associated with a 21 per cent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Job strain occurs when a woman has inadequate power in the workplace to respond to the job`s demands and expectations.The study also found that high-stress life events, such as a spouse`s death, divorce/separation or physical or verbal abuse, as well as social strain, were each independently linked with a 12 per cent and 9 per cent higher risk of coronary heart disease, respectively.The Drexel study used data from a nationally representative sample of 80,825 postmenopausal women from the Women`s Health Initiative Observational Study, which tracked participants from 1991 to 2015, to find better methods of preventing cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis in women.In the current follow-up study, Drexel researchers evaluated the effect of psychosocial stress from job strain, stressful life events and social strain (through a survey), and associations among these forms of stress, on coronary heart disease.Nearly 5 per cent of the women developed coronary heart disease during the 14-year, seven-month study. Adjusting for age, time at a job, and socioeconomic characteristics, high-stress life events were associated with a 12 per cent increased coronary heart disease risk, and the high social strain was associated with a 9 per cent increased risk of coronary heart disease. Work strain was not independently associated with coronary heart disease.Coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, occurs with the heart`s arteries become narrow and cannot bring sufficient oxygenated blood to the heart. The latest work builds on earlier studies linking psychosocial stress to coronary heart disease by finding out how job strain and social strain work together to compound disease risk."The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted ongoing stresses for women in balancing paid work and social stressors. We know from other studies that work strain may play a role in developing CHD, but now we can better pinpoint the combined impact of stress at work and at home on these poor health outcomes," said senior author Yvonne Michael, ScD, SM, an associate professor in the Dornsife School of Public Health.Michael added, "My hope is that these findings are a call for better methods of monitoring stress in the workplace and remind us of the dual-burden working women face as a result of their unpaid work as caregivers at home."The study`s authors said that future studies should look at the effects of shift work on coronary heart disease and explore the effects of job demands according to gender."Our findings are a critical reminder to women, and those who care about them, that the threat of stress to human health should not go ignored," said lead author Conglong Wang, PhD, a recent Dornsife graduate who conducted the research while at Drexel."This is particularly pertinent during the stressors caused by a pandemic," Wang added. (ANI) 

Washington [US], April 10 (ANI): Psychosocial stress, typically resulting from difficulty coping with challenging environments, may work synergistically to put women at significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, a new study suggested.

Washington [US], April 10 (ANI): Psychosocial stress, typically resulting from difficulty coping with challenging environments, may work synergistically to put women at significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, a new study suggested. The study led by researchers at Drexel University`s Dornsife School of Public Health was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.The study specifically suggested that the effects of job strain and social strain -- the negative aspect of social relationships -- on women is a powerful one-two punch.Together they are associated with a 21 per cent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Job strain occurs when a woman has inadequate power in the workplace to respond to the job`s demands and expectations.The study also found that high-stress life events, such as a spouse`s death, divorce/separation or physical or verbal abuse, as well as social strain, were each independently linked with a 12 per cent and 9 per cent higher risk of coronary heart disease, respectively.The Drexel study used data from a nationally representative sample of 80,825 postmenopausal women from the Women`s Health Initiative Observational Study, which tracked participants from 1991 to 2015, to find better methods of preventing cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis in women.In the current follow-up study, Drexel researchers evaluated the effect of psychosocial stress from job strain, stressful life events and social strain (through a survey), and associations among these forms of stress, on coronary heart disease.Nearly 5 per cent of the women developed coronary heart disease during the 14-year, seven-month study. Adjusting for age, time at a job, and socioeconomic characteristics, high-stress life events were associated with a 12 per cent increased coronary heart disease risk, and the high social strain was associated with a 9 per cent increased risk of coronary heart disease. Work strain was not independently associated with coronary heart disease.Coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, occurs with the heart`s arteries become narrow and cannot bring sufficient oxygenated blood to the heart. The latest work builds on earlier studies linking psychosocial stress to coronary heart disease by finding out how job strain and social strain work together to compound disease risk."The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted ongoing stresses for women in balancing paid work and social stressors. We know from other studies that work strain may play a role in developing CHD, but now we can better pinpoint the combined impact of stress at work and at home on these poor health outcomes," said senior author Yvonne Michael, ScD, SM, an associate professor in the Dornsife School of Public Health.Michael added, "My hope is that these findings are a call for better methods of monitoring stress in the workplace and remind us of the dual-burden working women face as a result of their unpaid work as caregivers at home."The study`s authors said that future studies should look at the effects of shift work on coronary heart disease and explore the effects of job demands according to gender."Our findings are a critical reminder to women, and those who care about them, that the threat of stress to human health should not go ignored," said lead author Conglong Wang, PhD, a recent Dornsife graduate who conducted the research while at Drexel."This is particularly pertinent during the stressors caused by a pandemic," Wang added. (ANI)

Psychosocial stress put women at higher risk of coronary heart disease: Study

 New Delhi [India], April 10 (ANI): Amid the fierce and crucial poll battle in Bengal, poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been roped by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee for West Bengal assembly elections, has said that the anti-incumbency faced by Trinamool Congress has opened the doors for BJP and that there is "anger" against the ruling party in the state.In the leaked audio of clubhouse chat, Kishor, who had said nearly four months back that BJP will struggle to cross double figures in the state, admitted that BJP has workers on the ground and that people were coming in large numbers to rallies of the Prime Minister who has acquired a "cult" in the country. He said that the Matua community was predominantly voting for the BJP and that there had been "blatant misuse of minority politics" by non-BJP parties in the state."There is vote in the name of Modi. There is vote for being Hindu. Polarisation, Modi, Hindi speakers, these are factors. Modi is popular. There are over one crore Hindi speakers. There are 27 per cent Dalits, they are totally with BJP. When we do a survey and ask people whose government will be formed in Bengal, then it comes in our survey that the government is being formed by BJP," he said. Kishor said those who vote for BJP are voting for it and majority of Left voters also think that BJP is forming the government. "BJP has a lot of workers who could have been imported from the Left parties. If we leave one or two districts, there is no other district where BJP does not have a strong cadre," Kishor said.Kishor`s conversation was tweeted by Amit Malviya, national in-charge of BJP`s Information and Technology department and co-incharge of West Bengal.Kishor said there is no anti-incumbency against PM Modi. "10-15-20-25 per cent people see God in him. Whether it is right or wrong, that is a different debate. He has acquired a cult in the country. The Hindi speaking people are the core support base of BJP in Bengal. There is anti-incumbency against the state government, not the Centre. Modi is quite popular here. We are doing surveys. Modi and Mamata are equally popular in Bengal which is a very big thing," Kishor said. He also indicated that the people of Bengal were striving for a change. "People of Bengal have not seen the rule of BJP so far, they have not tasted it and they are wanting to do it. People are coming to rallies, there is popularity of Modi and mobilization. There is anger against Trinamool Congress. That is a factor. Polarisation is a factor. The anti-incumbency against Trinamool that has opened the doors for BJP, their ability to polarize and SC votes," he said. He said a major problem was that for 20 years "everything has been done to appease the minorities" and added that there had been a feeling that the government will be formed by a party that gets the support of Muslims. Noting that Congress, Trinamool Congress and the Left had been part of this ecosystem, Kishor said for the first time Hindus are feeling that "somebody is caring for them". "There is some element that BJP is exploiting and that is coming from blatant misuse of minority politics by some of these parties," he said.Kishor later tweeted that BJP is taking his chat more seriously than the words of their own leaders!"I am glad BJP is taking my chat more seriously than words of their own leaders! They should show courage & share the full chat instead of getting excited with selective use of parts of it. I have said this before & repeating again - BJP will not CROSS 100 in WB. Period," he said in a tweet.Malviya also tweeted about Kishor`s clubhouse chat. "In a public chat on Club House, Mamata Banerjee`s election strategist concedes that even in TMC`s internal surveys, BJP is winning. The vote is for Modi, polarisation is a reality, the SCs (27 per cent of WB`s population), Matuas are all voting for the BJP! BJP has cadre on the ground. Another candid admission by Mamata Banerjee`s election strategist - all that the Left, Congress and TMC ecosystem have done in the last 20 years is Muslim appeasement. Implication? It has resulted in resentment on the ground. The speakers had not realised that the chat was public!" Malviya said."Modi is hugely popular in Bengal and there is no doubt about it. There is a cult around him across the country. There is anti-incumbency against TMC, polarisation is a reality, SC votes is a factor plus BJP`s election machinery, says Mamata Banerjee`s strategist in an open chat. Is it open? That moment when Mamata Banerjee`s strategist realised that the Club House room was open and his admissions were being heard by the public at large and not just a handful of Lutyens journalist. Deafening silence followed... TMC`s election was just thrown away!" Malviya added. Kishor had in December last said BJP will struggle to cross double digits in Bengal and he would quit Twitter if results were different. "For all the hype AMPLIFIED by a section of supportive media, in reality, BJP will struggle to CROSS DOUBLE DIGITS in #WestBengal PS: Please save this tweet and if BJP does any better I must quit this space," he had said.Polling for fourth phase of West Bengal elections is being held on Saturday. (ANI) 

New Delhi [India], April 10 (ANI): Amid the fierce and crucial poll battle in Bengal, poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been roped by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee for West Bengal assembly elections, has said that the anti-incumbency faced by Trinamool Congress has opened the doors for BJP and that there is "anger" against the ruling party in the state.

New Delhi [India], April 10 (ANI): Amid the fierce and crucial poll battle in Bengal, poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been roped by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee for West Bengal assembly elections, has said that the anti-incumbency faced by Trinamool Congress has opened the doors for BJP and that there is "anger" against the ruling party in the state.In the leaked audio of clubhouse chat, Kishor, who had said nearly four months back that BJP will struggle to cross double figures in the state, admitted that BJP has workers on the ground and that people were coming in large numbers to rallies of the Prime Minister who has acquired a "cult" in the country. He said that the Matua community was predominantly voting for the BJP and that there had been "blatant misuse of minority politics" by non-BJP parties in the state."There is vote in the name of Modi. There is vote for being Hindu. Polarisation, Modi, Hindi speakers, these are factors. Modi is popular. There are over one crore Hindi speakers. There are 27 per cent Dalits, they are totally with BJP. When we do a survey and ask people whose government will be formed in Bengal, then it comes in our survey that the government is being formed by BJP," he said. Kishor said those who vote for BJP are voting for it and majority of Left voters also think that BJP is forming the government. "BJP has a lot of workers who could have been imported from the Left parties. If we leave one or two districts, there is no other district where BJP does not have a strong cadre," Kishor said.Kishor`s conversation was tweeted by Amit Malviya, national in-charge of BJP`s Information and Technology department and co-incharge of West Bengal.Kishor said there is no anti-incumbency against PM Modi. "10-15-20-25 per cent people see God in him. Whether it is right or wrong, that is a different debate. He has acquired a cult in the country. The Hindi speaking people are the core support base of BJP in Bengal. There is anti-incumbency against the state government, not the Centre. Modi is quite popular here. We are doing surveys. Modi and Mamata are equally popular in Bengal which is a very big thing," Kishor said. He also indicated that the people of Bengal were striving for a change. "People of Bengal have not seen the rule of BJP so far, they have not tasted it and they are wanting to do it. People are coming to rallies, there is popularity of Modi and mobilization. There is anger against Trinamool Congress. That is a factor. Polarisation is a factor. The anti-incumbency against Trinamool that has opened the doors for BJP, their ability to polarize and SC votes," he said. He said a major problem was that for 20 years "everything has been done to appease the minorities" and added that there had been a feeling that the government will be formed by a party that gets the support of Muslims. Noting that Congress, Trinamool Congress and the Left had been part of this ecosystem, Kishor said for the first time Hindus are feeling that "somebody is caring for them". "There is some element that BJP is exploiting and that is coming from blatant misuse of minority politics by some of these parties," he said.Kishor later tweeted that BJP is taking his chat more seriously than the words of their own leaders!"I am glad BJP is taking my chat more seriously than words of their own leaders! They should show courage & share the full chat instead of getting excited with selective use of parts of it. I have said this before & repeating again - BJP will not CROSS 100 in WB. Period," he said in a tweet.Malviya also tweeted about Kishor`s clubhouse chat. "In a public chat on Club House, Mamata Banerjee`s election strategist concedes that even in TMC`s internal surveys, BJP is winning. The vote is for Modi, polarisation is a reality, the SCs (27 per cent of WB`s population), Matuas are all voting for the BJP! BJP has cadre on the ground. Another candid admission by Mamata Banerjee`s election strategist - all that the Left, Congress and TMC ecosystem have done in the last 20 years is Muslim appeasement. Implication? It has resulted in resentment on the ground. The speakers had not realised that the chat was public!" Malviya said."Modi is hugely popular in Bengal and there is no doubt about it. There is a cult around him across the country. There is anti-incumbency against TMC, polarisation is a reality, SC votes is a factor plus BJP`s election machinery, says Mamata Banerjee`s strategist in an open chat. Is it open? That moment when Mamata Banerjee`s strategist realised that the Club House room was open and his admissions were being heard by the public at large and not just a handful of Lutyens journalist. Deafening silence followed... TMC`s election was just thrown away!" Malviya added. Kishor had in December last said BJP will struggle to cross double digits in Bengal and he would quit Twitter if results were different. "For all the hype AMPLIFIED by a section of supportive media, in reality, BJP will struggle to CROSS DOUBLE DIGITS in #WestBengal PS: Please save this tweet and if BJP does any better I must quit this space," he had said.Polling for fourth phase of West Bengal elections is being held on Saturday. (ANI)

Anti-incumbency against Trinamool has opened the doors for BJP in Bengal, says TMC''s election strategist Prashant Kishor in audio of leaked clubhouse chat

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis."&nbsp;

Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: &nbsp;How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.&nbsp;

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’.

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis." Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector. Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit? Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward? Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate. Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues? Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels. Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific? Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines? Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing. Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in? Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.

India a key player in Indo-Pacific: Netherlands envoy Marten van den Berg

India reported a record 145,384 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and the highest number of deaths in more than five months, as it grapples with an overwhelming second-wave of infections that has forced the state of Maharashtra to impose a weekend lockdown.&nbsp;

Deaths rose by 794 to a total of 168,436, health ministry data showed.&nbsp;

India’s overall case load has swelled to 13.21 million, the third-highest globally, behind the United States and Brazil. India has reported&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;number of cases in the world in the past week, breaching the 100,000 mark for the first time on Monday and four times after that.&nbsp;

The government blames the resurgence mainly on crowding and a reluctance to wear masks as businesses have nearly fully reopened since February, only to be partially shut again to control the current surge.&nbsp;

Maharashtra, the Indian state with the most cases, has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages, officials said. Its weekend lockdown will end on early Monday.&nbsp;

In India’s financial capital Mumbai, hundreds of poor migrant workers crammed onto trains this week to flee the city, potentially risking a wider outbreak in smaller towns and villages.&nbsp;

The railways department denied people were fleeing cities because of the surge, calling it a usual rush this time of year because of holidays and as workers move to harvest crops.&nbsp;

Many states, meanwhile, have complained of a shortage of vaccines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India reported a record 145,384 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and the highest number of deaths in more than five months, as it grapples with an overwhelming second-wave of infections that has forced the state of Maharashtra to impose a weekend lockdown.

India reported a record 145,384 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and the highest number of deaths in more than five months, as it grapples with an overwhelming second-wave of infections that has forced the state of Maharashtra to impose a weekend lockdown. Deaths rose by 794 to a total of 168,436, health ministry data showed. India’s overall case load has swelled to 13.21 million, the third-highest globally, behind the United States and Brazil. India has reported the most number of cases in the world in the past week, breaching the 100,000 mark for the first time on Monday and four times after that. The government blames the resurgence mainly on crowding and a reluctance to wear masks as businesses have nearly fully reopened since February, only to be partially shut again to control the current surge. Maharashtra, the Indian state with the most cases, has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages, officials said. Its weekend lockdown will end on early Monday. In India’s financial capital Mumbai, hundreds of poor migrant workers crammed onto trains this week to flee the city, potentially risking a wider outbreak in smaller towns and villages. The railways department denied people were fleeing cities because of the surge, calling it a usual rush this time of year because of holidays and as workers move to harvest crops. Many states, meanwhile, have complained of a shortage of vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra 

India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries.

The USS John Paul Jones "asserted navigational rights and freedoms," inside India's EEZ in line with international law by sailing about 130 nautical miles (241 km) west of India's Lakshadweep islands, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday.

But an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement that UN rules did not allow such passage without consent.

"The Government of India's stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state," the spokesman said.

India's military monitored the movement of the John Paul Jones as it transited from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the foreign ministry said.

The U.S. Navy has previously conducted so-called freedom of navigation sails through Indian waters without consent, with the last one in the fiscal year for 2019, according to an annual U.S. Defense Department report.

However, the former Chief of India's Naval Staff Arun Prakash questioned why the U.S. announced the operation in the waters of an apparent ally.

"For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoN missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicising it?" he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The navies of India and the United States carry out large scale exercises each year that now involve Japan and Australia. The four countries have formed an informal security grouping called the Quad to push back against China's expanding power.

India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries.

India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries. The USS John Paul Jones "asserted navigational rights and freedoms," inside India's EEZ in line with international law by sailing about 130 nautical miles (241 km) west of India's Lakshadweep islands, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday. But an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement that UN rules did not allow such passage without consent. "The Government of India's stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state," the spokesman said. India's military monitored the movement of the John Paul Jones as it transited from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the foreign ministry said. The U.S. Navy has previously conducted so-called freedom of navigation sails through Indian waters without consent, with the last one in the fiscal year for 2019, according to an annual U.S. Defense Department report. However, the former Chief of India's Naval Staff Arun Prakash questioned why the U.S. announced the operation in the waters of an apparent ally. "For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoN missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicising it?" he wrote on Twitter on Friday. The navies of India and the United States carry out large scale exercises each year that now involve Japan and Australia. The four countries have formed an informal security grouping called the Quad to push back against China's expanding power.

India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? 
&nbsp;

Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep

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India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law.

But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing.

This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture.

This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself.&nbsp;

The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter.

This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China.

On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted.

As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships.

Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this.

When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then.

Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit.

It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage.

New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India.

"We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement.

This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ.

Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home.

A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely.

What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance. US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law. But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing. This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture. This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself. The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter. This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China. On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted. As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships. Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this. When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then. Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit. It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage. New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India. "We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement. This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ. Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home. A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely. What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

US Navy manoeuvre near Lakshadweep was an unnecessary act

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources.

India ratified the law in 1995.

Here's what the UNCLOS says,

1. A country has full sovereignty in its territorial waters.&nbsp;This is within 12 nautical miles from the country's coast

2. UNCLOS says that a country has special rights in regard to the exploration of marine resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 
 
Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India?

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This zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles.

India follows this international convention. But it also has rules of its own. India says foreign vessels travelling through India's exclusive economic zone have to give prior notification. The same also applies to India's continental shelf. And prior permissions are required for military maneuvers or exercises.

However, there is no restriction on innocent passage. And this includes navies too.

The US naval fleet was at 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep. This is well within India's EEZ.

The US says it was exercising freedom of navigation, upholding the 'rights, freedoms, and the lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law'.

The US Navy is quoting the UNCLOS.

But question arises as to can any country quote a convention without even having signed it. The US had not ratified the UNCLOS. There are 160 member parties. But the US is missing.

Washington does not agree with certain clauses of the UNCLOS dealing with the minerals found on the seabed of the EEZ

So it comes down to one question is the US even in a position to lecture India on International Law?

What Washington has done is a clear violation of India's rules.

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources.

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources. India ratified the law in 1995. Here's what the UNCLOS says, 1. A country has full sovereignty in its territorial waters. This is within 12 nautical miles from the country's coast 2. UNCLOS says that a country has special rights in regard to the exploration of marine resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India? This zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles. India follows this international convention. But it also has rules of its own. India says foreign vessels travelling through India's exclusive economic zone have to give prior notification. The same also applies to India's continental shelf. And prior permissions are required for military maneuvers or exercises. However, there is no restriction on innocent passage. And this includes navies too. The US naval fleet was at 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep. This is well within India's EEZ. The US says it was exercising freedom of navigation, upholding the 'rights, freedoms, and the lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law'. The US Navy is quoting the UNCLOS. But question arises as to can any country quote a convention without even having signed it. The US had not ratified the UNCLOS. There are 160 member parties. But the US is missing. Washington does not agree with certain clauses of the UNCLOS dealing with the minerals found on the seabed of the EEZ So it comes down to one question is the US even in a position to lecture India on International Law? What Washington has done is a clear violation of India's rules.

Is US even in a position to lecture India on international law?

Johnson & Johnson is in talks with India’s government to begin a clinical trial of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

J&J's single-dose vaccine trial in India?

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days. This is a major feat as the US and China took 89 and 102 days respectively to reach the 100 million mark.

The development is sure to give a further boost to India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic even as a spike in number of infections has been seen in recent days.

A country of more than a billion people, India faces a big task as it vaccinates its population.

Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above (with comorbidities) have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The need for redoubled efforts in the fight against the pandemic was felt on Saturday as more than 100 thousand new coronavirus cases were reported across India. The death toll was up too.

As per the health ministry data, death toll rose by 794 to a total of 168,436.

Most cases have been detected in the western state of Maharashtra. The state has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages.

The weekend lockdown will end on Monday.

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days.

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days. This is a major feat as the US and China took 89 and 102 days respectively to reach the 100 million mark. The development is sure to give a further boost to India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic even as a spike in number of infections has been seen in recent days. A country of more than a billion people, India faces a big task as it vaccinates its population. Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above (with comorbidities) have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The need for redoubled efforts in the fight against the pandemic was felt on Saturday as more than 100 thousand new coronavirus cases were reported across India. The death toll was up too. As per the health ministry data, death toll rose by 794 to a total of 168,436. Most cases have been detected in the western state of Maharashtra. The state has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages. The weekend lockdown will end on Monday.

India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses

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US Navy manoeuvre near Lakshadweep was an unnecessary act